Guyana Times Daily

President Ramotar among leaders at Havana confab P 9

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2025 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

PRICE

Corentyne stand-off!

$60 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Rohee orders shakeup at Number 51 police station

Ramsaran hands ouver seven new ambulances P7 to hospitals

See stories on pages 7&9

Manual being devised to tackle blackout in P10 Region 10

- residents clamour for guns during meeting Corentyne residents engaged the top brass of the Guyana Police Force in Berbice during a testy meeting on Monday following an upsurge in criminal activities in the Upper Corentyne (Nafeeza Yahya photo)

Ties were severed with Persaud as minister – Rohee See story on page 3

Man missing after falling into Mazaruni River See story on page 2

Taxi driver stabbed by passenger

P10

Victims of Lusignan P12 Massacre remembered

Citizens Bank to expand services P12 this year

2 news

tuesday, January 28, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

GuySuCo to compensate Ramotar concerned over special select committee’s sloth family of electrician

T

he Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) says plans are in motion to adequately compensate the family of Ulric Johnson who died while on duty at the company’s Skeldon production plant on Sunday.

This is according to Assistant Administrative Secretary Michael Khan.

Khan told Guyana Times that a team of investigators were on the ground currently conducting investigations into the incident. The findings will serve to alleviate the possibility of any future incident of similar nature.

Singh could not give an estimated time as to when the investigations will be finished or when the findings will be made public.

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased man has said that GuySuCo officials have contacted them, but they were not made aware of the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. When

Ulric Johnson

asked if the company has informed them of any compensation, his father noted that the company is yet to make any efforts or notify them of forthcoming compensation.

Twenty-three-yearold Johnson was conducting maintenance work on a company transformer on Saturday when he was struck by 3.5 megawatts

of electricity, which would have instantaneously killed him.

The mother of the dead man, who gave her name as Princess Johnson, said she received a phone call sometime after 10:00h informing her that her son was involved in an incident at work and was injured. She added that the caller also told her that he was at the Skeldon hospital and she should go there immediately. She related that by the time she had arrived at the hospital, her son had already passed away.

The man, who hails from Leeds Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had attended Skeldon High School and moved in to the Berbice branch of Government Technical Institute where he studied to be an electrician.

He leaves to mourn his fiancée Angelina Hussein, his parents, and three younger siblings.

Woman needs emergency heart surgery

A

36-year-old woman is appealing to the public for financial help for a heart surgery she desperately needs.

Jacques Blackman, of Lot 7 New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, was first diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease when she was just 13 years old.

The disease usually occurs after a person has suffered rheumatic fever, a condition which causes damage to the heart’s valves.

Twenty-three years later, she is still suffering from the condition which has caused one of the heart valves to leak.

Since diagnosed, she has been attending the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital for treatment and medication which is very costly. Speaking on behalf of the sick woman was her cousin, Vanessa Burkett.

Jacques Blackman is in urgent need of heart surgery

She said they were told that Blackman needs to be flown overseas to have the surgery done; however, since Dr Balwant Singh Hospital has been established here, a heart

surgeon can perform the necessary surgery at the institution.

According to Burkett, the medication helps relieve some of the pain, but whenever it is taken, she has to lie down immediately to rest. She stated that her cousin is unable to do anything for herself and is in constant need of assistance.

The family has no money for the surgery and is kindly asking the general public to make a donation towards the health and well-being of Jacques Blackman.

The emergency surgery to replace the damaged heart valve is expected to cost $3 million. Burkett told Guyana Times that the doctors will remove the damaged valve and replace it.

Anyone willing to make a donation can do so through an account at Republic Bank, number 25610681.

P

resident Donald Ramotar said he was upset with the sloth in the work of the special select committee in the National Assembly, in various matters of urgent public interest.

The president raised this concern during a recent press conference, stating that the government has not been getting the cooperation it needs from the opposition.

Ramotar said that the opposition parties seemed to be very reluctant or incapable of moving out of their “narrow political agendas”.

He used the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill as an example of the slothfulness being displayed by the opposition. According to him, these bills are beneficial to the country and will only help to build Guyana’s legislation and keep it in line with the region, thereby, ensuring there is no loopholes. “To me it is not a complicated thing, yet it was for six months in a select committee by the opposition that said they had concerns. Yet, they never raised a single concern in that period,” he added.

The head of state said he had hoped that in the new select committee that the opposition parties would have

President Donald Ramotar

worked assiduously to have the bill passed, but from his reports they are still using old delaying tactics to hinder progress. Ramotar noted that Members of Parliament who were sent to represent their parties at the special select committee cannot make decisions on their own and would have to consult with senior leaders of their parties before a decision is taken.

“When we send people to a select committee, they are empowered to make decisions there,” the president noted. The president said he

was in favour of having the press present at these meetings, but this decision will have to be made by the committee. However, he believes this will help to stop the ongoing blame game. He noted that some stakeholders have expressed interest, to him, to sitting in during these meeting and according to him, he will endorse a move in that direction. The president added that this will ensure that both government and the opposition are held accountable and the process is fast-tracked so that development can continue.

Overseas-based Guyanese donates wheelchairs to rehab centre

A

n overseas-based Guyanese on Monday donated several items to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

Sean Graham donated several wheelchairs, walking sticks, and crutches to the rehab centre for children who suffer from walking disorders. He told Guyana Times that he has been doing so for the past seven years he has been travelling back to his homeland.

The man stated that “the homeless children can elevate themselves and get a job, whereas it is hard

for the disabled ones to get a job or provide for themselves”. Over the past few months, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre has been the centre of attention for some organisations.

Just last week, the Guyana government commissioned a new school building at the centre. The building, named after Harold B Davis, one of

the members of the board, is equipped with materials for learning which meet international standards.

And in December, the Canadian high commissioner commissioned an access ramp at the school making it easier for the students to access classrooms on the upper flats, on their own.

Man missing after falling into Mazaruni River

A

search has commenced over the weekend with aim of rescuing or to recover a miner who fell into the Mazaruni River at an area called “Itakie Falls”.

The missing man has been identified as Ryan Brown, 34, of Bartica, Region Seven.

According to information received, the man went missing since Sunday.

Several searches have been conducted to find him but all were unsuccessful.

When Guyana Times contacted a police official on Monday, he said a party of policemen will travel to the area to investigate the matter. The source confirmed that up to late Monday af-

ternoon, there were no signs of Brown.

The Maritime Administration Department has also been involved in the search for the missing man. In a release, the agency said information received thus far, revealed that about 10:00h on Sunday last, Brown was attempting to secure a boat to a nearby rock when he slipped into the water and went under.

The boat was heading up river to Seamang with a consignment of cargo.

The Maritime Administration Department is investigating this incident and efforts are continuing to locate Brown, the release said

News

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tuesDay, January 28, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, January 28 from 14:30h to 16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, January 28 from 14:20h to 15:50h

WEATHER TODAY

WEATHER: Thundery showers are expected during the day with lighter showers in the evening over coastal regions and inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between24 degrees and 37 degrees Celsius.

Ties were severed with Persaud as minister – Rohee

Wind: East north-easterly between zero and 3.05 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:17h maximum heights of metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:08h minimum heights of metre respectively.

and 14:38h reaching 2.43 metres and 2.61 and 20:43h reaching 0.77 metre and 0.56

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

saturday, january 25, 2014

LOTTERY NUMBERS L 03 07 21 27 13 24 9 FREE TICKET

Monday, January 27, 2014

Daily Millions

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P

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee said his Cabinet colleague Ganga Persaud was basically fired as local government and regional development minister, with effect from January 31.

Rohee told a PPP/C news conference on Monday that while Persaud remains a member of the party’s central committee, the Donald Ramotar administration has severed ties with him as a minister of government.

“While his relation as a minister has been severed, his relation with the party remains intact, until he chooses otherwise,” Rohee told reporters at the Freedom House conference.

A number of allegations have surfaced surrounding the local government minister, but when questioned on this, Rohee told reporters: “You are treading on very sensitive grounds, you are threading on extremely sensitive grounds that could have

far-reaching implications.”

Rohee said generally that the administration is always concerned about ministers of government committing acts of indiscretion, impropriety, dishonesty and corruption, while executing their ministerial duties.

“That has been a long-established concern ever since we took office in 1992,” he emphasised. However, Rohee did not give any further details, but made it clear that the PPP/C stands by the decision.

“Whatever position the government took – Office of the President, in this particular case, took in relation to the matter, once we were involved in the consultative process, I have absolutely no difficulty with the decision of the president to sever the comrade’s relationship with the Cabinet,” said Rohee.

Persaud tendered his resignation last Thursday.

According to him, the decision was made for personal reasons. “My resignation as

Ganga Persaud

minister of local government and regional development is based on personal issues presently engaging my attention, as well as some additional responsibilities to which I am committed,” he said.

Persaud has pledged his continued support to the PPP/C government. “I wish to reiterate my full confidence in His Excellency, Mr Donald Ramotar’s ability to lead our country to greater heights and bring more opportunities for success to all Guyana,” he stated.

Persaud was among 19 ministers appointed as cabinet members by President Ramotar on December 5, 2011. Previously, he served as the permanent secretary of the Legal Affairs, Education and Local Government Ministries.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, January 28, 2014

Views 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

Hemispheric conclave T

oday is the beginning of the two-day summit by the leaders of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Havana, Cuba. President Donald Ramotar is in attendance, as are most of the other leaders of the English-speaking Caribbean. This is the third summit of this grouping that was formally launched in 2011 and which encompasses every country in the hemisphere, excepting the United States and Canada.

The latter circumstance is not accidental but a conscious decision by the organisers of the grouping to chart a course in the international arena without the overweening presence of the hegemonic power for the last 200 years – the U.S. The Monroe Doctrine, articulated by the eponymously named U.S. President James Monroe in 1823, was supposed to be the shield to protect the countries now in CELAC from European recolonisation, but was soon turned into a sword to control those countries economically and politically.

One can contrast CELAC with the Organisation of American States (OAS), which was formed in 1948 ostensibly with very similar goals: to strengthen the political, social and cultural integration of the region, improve its quality of life, stimulate its economic growth, and advance the well-being of all of its people. But from the beginning, the OAS was used by its sponsor the U.S. as a mechanism through which it could ward off the influence of its Cold War competitor, the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

As such, when that organisation was launched, the defining feature mandated that the members had to be “democratic”, defined as “the effective exercise of representative democracy”. Yet Cuba, which at the time was ruled by the dictator Batista, was a founding member. But in 1962, it was expelled because the U.S. used the clause to augment the economic embargo it had imposed on the island.

Cuba’s announcement that it would be guided by the “principles of Marxism” was deemed incompatible with “representative democracy” even though the Batista dictatorship had been overthrown to popular acclaim. 1962, was the same year, of course, that violent destabilisation actions were launched by the CIA in Guyana, because the U.S. claimed that the government of the PPP was also going down the communist path.

It is a sign of the changing times, however, that the CELAC summit in Havana coincides with the 50th anniversary of the mass breaking off of diplomatic and economic relations of countries in the region with Cuba. Another sign is that the OAS has not announced the date of the next “Summit of the Americas” that it usually sponsors. A third sign is that for the first time since Cuba’s expulsion, the secretary general of the OAS will be in Cuba as well as that of the United Nations.

All of these indicators point to a growing confidence of the members of CELAC, especially the core members Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. These countries now constitute a formidable economic presence on the world stage and with CELAC’s half a billion population, can leverage that presence to bargain more toughly with the U.S. and other aspiring hegemonic powers.

In the two days before today’s opening, the foreign ministers have been working feverishly to draft a communiqué that would be acceptable to all members. The focus will be generally on social issues that still confront the region even as it has made great progress in the last decade under populist governments that have shifted inexorably to the left.

This is in contrast to the focus of the U.S. on developing new trading linkages, notably the Trans Pacific Partnership, which includes some members of CELAC. Unlike such agreements, however, the specifics emanating from the communiqué will be totally voluntary in keeping with the commitment of CELAC to be a forum for dialogue and intergovernmental cooperation.

We wish the summit all success, since that success will redound inevitably to our benefit.

Robin Thicke and Chicago perform a medley of “Does Anyone Really Know what Time It is”, “Beginnings”, “Saturday in the Park”, and “Blurred Lines” at the 56th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, January 26 (Reuters/Mario Anzuoni) See story on page 19

The road to success should not be based on lies

Dear Editor, Two things I hate being called – a liar and a hypocrite. Please correct me if I’m wrong. But as a citizen of Guyana, I also have a say, after all, I did cast my vote at the 2011 general and regional elections. And as far as I’m concerned, I made the right choice.

I wasn’t fooled or misled in any way by power-hungry opposition members of Parliament. It looks as if the decisions are being made by uninformed persons for our beloved country. It’s an outrage to see opposition parties taking bread out of the nation’s mouth.

I’m sure I speak for everyone directly and indirectly affected by the cuts to the 2012 and 2013 national budgets. A one-seat majority is being misused. At one time, Moses Nagamootoo was the information minister. Every

nation needs to have proper information systems in place.

How else can we move forward in this universal effective means of information and technology? Clearly, the opposition didn’t think this through, as had they done this, the decisions they made would have differed during the 2011 campaign prior to the elections.

We were being told a bunch of stories with much effect at those rallies and gatherings and eventually, they all turned out to be lies.

How can the opposition fight for the youths of this nation? Without any thought they made a ruthless decision by snatching their jobs.

They are not fighting for the youths, they are fighting with them.

Keep in mind none of this is affecting the opposition parties. The said lead-

ers should be placed in our shoes, they have no idea what it’s like outside of their comfortable den – their bread is well buttered.

Based on the newspapers, conferences and all news in general, according to the opposition parties, the budget cuts are targeted to the “super salaried” workers. However, this was not the case – another lie being told on their part.

This is just the beginning of the opposition’s wrath. I refuse to wait around until the next general and regional elections for a better change.

This madness needs to be stopped now. So far, instead of creating jobs and better living, we’ve seen the damage the opposition can create.

If the 2012 and 2013 budget cuts cannot be undone and let sane and proper de-

cisions prevail by the parliamentarians, then we should call a snap election. What’s the point of electing a president of a specific party only to be told that because of a one-seat majority, our lives are being placed in jeopardy at the hands of opposition members?

The opposition parties are vindictive and heartless.

They will stop at nothing to cripple the government for power. People of Guyana how can we let these people govern our country and create more pain for our people? If they can’t understand simple management of monies allocated to various entities of Guyana, how can they manage other major decisions to be made for our country?

Sincerely, Name and address withheld by request

People need to honour their financial obligations Dear Editor, It was established not so long ago that approximately $3.6 billion in taxes is yet to be accounted for. As to how the responsible authorities allowed this situation to get this far is yet to be justified.

However, the respective tax defaulters have since been asked to settle their outstanding balances or face legal action against them.

The tax and superannuation systems established in every country are put in place to support a nation’s way of life. It is, therefore,

every citizen’s responsibility to ensure that all tax obligations are met and at their respective deadlines too; and those who fail to adhere to such terms should be dealt with accordingly.

Usually, it is a small percentage of people who deliberately and dishonestly break the laws governing tax compliance. They basically try their best to avoid paying their fair share and further try to claim refunds or other payments that they are not entitled to.

Tax defaulters make it

unfair for those who make it a priority to meet their financial obligations in order to ensure that the tax system in place works as efficiently as it should to maintain the country. Tax defaulters not only cheat the system, they cheat the entire nation and it is for this reason that I support the town clerk’s notion to deter, detect and deal with those who try to cheat the system.

I urge those persons who are indebted to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)

to do the right thing and settle their accounts.

Additionally, I strongly recommend that some form of payment plan be put in place in order to facilitate and monitor the current situation.

Our city must not be sacrificed at the altar of dishonesty and tardiness. We must all learn how to be decent citizens and honour the financial obligations that are bestowed upon us.

Sincerely, Desiree Bacchus

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, January 28, 2014

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

Bulkan, Palmer seem to Let us show some respect for be marketing themselves all religious people! from abroad

Dear Editor, Kindly permit me to respond to part three of Janette Bulkan and John Palmer’s series of reviewing the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) reports which were recently tabled in Parliament and published in another section of the press.

Bulkan and Palmer are currently reviewing GFC’s reports from 2005-2012.

But they are wrong since they need to firstly analyse the forestry sector from 1964-1992 and then move on to the period from 20052012.

This will ensure that credible reviewing is done.

But so far this is not being done, which means that Bulkan and Palmer’s current reviewing process of the GFC’s reports is seriously flawed and must be ignored by all.

The fact is that both Bulkan and Palmer are supporters of the People’s National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which illegally ruled Guyana from 1964-1992, which was a period of massive corruption and misery. This is why Bulkan and Palmer do not want to review this period.

And worst, the past PNC government never submitted reports to Parliament. So basically, Bulkan and Palmer’s public review of GFC’s reports is anti-government politics

in action, and more so a ‘socalled’ reviewing.

A simple assessment of their parts one, two and three review of the GFC’s reports tells me that they are simply grasping at straws, since they have not as yet put forward a single credible analytical review that warrants any consideration. Where did they receive their training from?

It appears that they want to make Parliament a banking institution since they are making an issue over the signature of the commissioner of forests.

What a shame! What do specimen signatures have to do with the submission of reports to Parliament?

Bulkan and Palmer, however, seem to be jobhunting and marketing themselves from abroad.

If so be it, they can provide free training on the presentation of annual reports and then apply to the government for a job, and their abilities will be determined.

I can recall Bulkan was a technical expert who wrongly advised Suriname to incorporate a portion of Guyana’s territory when that country was preparing its readiness plans to secure funding for its REDD+ Initiative from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF).

The GFC consistently condemned this major error by Suriname, which

resulted in the removal of the portion of Guyana’s territory from the maps of Suriname. Bulkan was subsequently removed from the technical advisory panel (TAP) established by the FCPF. Is this one of the reasons why Bulkan is always bitter with the GFC and its work of sustaining and managing Guyana’s forests?

But everything the ‘goodly doctor’ puts hands on always fades away, such as the National Forest Certification Standard, the Iwokrama’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard, the Waini Forest Management Plan and the Barama Company Limited (BCL) Partnership with the Akawini Community for sustainable forest harvesting.

So listening and being advised by the ‘goodly doctor’, the parliamentary opposition in the National Assembly will soon fade away as they have started to.

Bulkan and Palmer have parts four and five left of their series of critically reviewing the GFC’s reports submitted to Parliament. Their action so far in this regard can best be described as totally unpatriotic, anti-government, vindictive and unprofessional.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

Minibus, hire car drivers need a wake-up call

Dear Editor, It seems as though there is no pleasing those who operate and provide public transportation services.

The current situation reveals that minibus drivers on Route 31, West Bank to Georgetown, and hire car operators on the Patentia to Vreed-en-Hoop route are now demanding an increase in fares.

Personally, I believe that public transportation is about comfort and safety. I also believe that these operators are already making more than enough since many of them can be seen decked out with all sorts of embellishments for their vehicles.

With the operators soon to go on strike, the relevant authorities should use this opportunity to give them the ultimatum of either providing a proper service to passengers or to step down and allow for the big buses

to be re-implemented.

The reimplementation of big buses will surely provide proper service and will allow for good changes where the transportation system is concerned. The big buses will also be much more safe and comfortable and will require the establishment of proper bus stops, which will minimise the current problem of minibuses stopping abruptly and in the path of traffic, to collect and put off passengers.

Additionally, even though the acting tourism, industry and commerce minister advised the public to report those who are charging extra, the minibus operators are still expressing extreme arrogance. It is as though they are daring the authorities to act.

Personally, I believe that if a few of them are made examples of, the others will back down.

Moreover, we should all

explore the option of car or bus pooling or even arrange for a few contract drivers.

This strategy will certainly remove the hassle encountered when trying to get public transportation. It will also minimise all forms of bullying and discrimination made against passengers.

I urge the government to quickly address this situation and find the best means possible to ensure that proper transportation arrangements are put in place for our nation. I also encourage those companies who can afford it, to provide some form of transportation for their workforce.

At the end of the day, many of us rely heavily on public transportation and it is only fair that these services allow for comfort, safety and reliability.

Your truly, Kerwin Cumberbatch

Dear Editor, In another section of the press, Freddie Kissoon has bemoaned Guyanese Muslims (and Hindus) for not supporting a militant anti-People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) movement in Guyana aimed at toppling the legitimately elected government.

As Freddie rightly pointed out, the then leaders of the Christian establishment opposed the Dr Cheddi Jagan government during the 1950s and 1960s because of the socialist views he espoused. During the People’s National Congress (PNC) ethnic dictatorship, all the religious groups supported the anti-dictatorial movement because they were all persecuted.

Since 1992, Guyana has been a democracy and there are no violations of human rights. Thus, there is no need for religious groups to initiate or support anti-government protests like those of the 1980s when people were literally begging the lord for relief from their sufferings from the dictatorship.

In Guyana, parties enjoy political support largely based on ethnic, not religious affiliation. There is

no direct religious involvement in politics. However, this does not mean that certain people do not speak out when there are egregious violations of political decency.

Critiques are not made based on ethnic or religious affiliation but on righteous condemnation. There are no abuses of human rights under this government for one to condemn or ‘speak out’.

So Freddie is wrong to castigate Indians for being ‘silent’ against the PPP/C. Whose rights have been violated?

They spoke out against the PNC dictatorship because their rights were violated – their franchise and right to food, cultural diet, etc were taken away from them. Today, Guyanese enjoy full freedom and to vote for any party. No one silences them as under the dictatorship.

Has it dawned on Freddie that the reason Indians are not engaged in protest actions against the democratically elected government is because this is the only government that has not violated human rights in Guyana since 1953 and is the only government that allows unparalleled democratic freedoms.

Freddie is not objective

and fair in his commentary targeting Muslims. It is well known that sometimes, those who bemoan others for racism may themselves be ‘the racists’ – anti-Indian, for example.

Recall Freddie repeatedly said he is ashamed to be an Indian. These people fail to take the biased plank out of their own eyes before complaining about the mote in others. Freddie’s bias is manifested in his commentary picking on Muslims (and at times Hindus) without justification.

Freddie is married into a respected Muslim family. Is he not sensitive to this family about how he enjoys eating pork? Does he have no respect by writing about his odyssey ordering and or eating beef that is prohibited

by Hindus, considering he comes from a Hindu background?

What people do in their personal life and what they consume should not be in the public domain.

Freddie’s eating habits is none of our business. Let us show some respect for all religious people!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Anger management sessions needed Dear Editor, A man has been ordered to compensate his wife or face eight months in prison for slashing her car tires and damaging her laptop. When asked what triggered his behaviour, the man claimed that he was frustrated and very angry.

It is quite evident that men of this nature need guidance and counselling. In this particular case, the man managed to control his anger and not inflict any bodily harm to his wife, but instead to her property. However, there is no guarantee that

the outcome will be the same if there is a reoccurrence.

Experts believe that this particular kind of anger expressed by men is in fact some form of sickness.

Experts state that anger is a legitimate clinical problem and that it needs a reasonable treatment target.

An article in Times Magazine made reference to disordered anger which tends to be of greater intensity. It manifests itself in episodes of rage and tends to occur more frequently and lasts longer. The consequences included possibili-

ties of the victim wreaking havoc on other people’s lives and properties, interfering with relationships and jobs, and even leading to suicide and murder.

I strongly believe that with the numerous amounts of suicides and deaths all linked to abusive spouses and unstable relationships, there is great need to establish and implement anger management sessions in our society in order to curb this developing issue.

Respectfully, Ovid Francis

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

(Continued from Monday)

By K Walsh

By Bonnie Rubenstein

T

housands of children have taken one more step toward a significant rite of passage: they have transitioned from being primary school students to becoming full-fledged high schoolers. This transition for children is scary – the fear of anonymity, unfamiliar surroundings and higher expectations all play a central role in the anxiety leading up to the start of one’s high school career.

There are things, however, that parents can do to assist with this transition.

Listen

Parents should not discount their children’s fears by just telling them “it will be all right.” Change can be frightening.

Parents should reassure their children that they will not be alone in this process.

Children at this age need emotional security, support and a listening ear. Your child is anxious about this transition and wants to know that you are an ally.

Get involved

When students are involved with extracurricu-

lar activities, such as theatre, art club or sports, it helps promote belonging.

Encouraging involvement in organised school activities fosters teamwork and a sense of place, which ultimately leads to confidence.

And confidence comes with inclusion.

Help your child learn the ropes

Many schools have orientation programmes that allow time for incoming students to get oriented to the physical plant.

Schools, for example, usually allow students to come in and locate classrooms and get comfortable with their new surroundings.

For students who have their schedules, parents can suggest that they walk through the building as if they were coming and going from classes.

If students have to take a bus to school, parents should help them plan in advance. Students should know where to get on, and where to get off. This is especially important for students who have to take multiple buses to school.

Cons

Eliminate stress by focusing on details

The more attention that parents pay to small details, the easier things will be for a student on day one. For example, most schools give students their new schedules during orientation. Parents should look over their child’s schedule to ensure it appears to be correct. No matter how much little Billy tries to coerce his parents into believing he is supposed to have three gym classes, he shouldn’t. Scheduling mistakes do happen, and if there is a problem teachers are usually available a couple of weeks prior to the start of classes to get these issues resolved. Addressing any scheduling errors early can save your child from waiting in line and missing classes while his/her schedule is changed.

Prepare for the summer brain drain

Almost every student loses a little ground over the summer. However, if your child has done poorly in a subject, you should try to help him/her find a relat-

ed enrichment activity over the summer. This will increase your child’s self esteem and help prepare your student academically for the start of the school year.

Adjustments to curriculum take time

The higher academic standards of high school and increased competition will take some time and adjustment. Often students earn their lowest percentage in their first year, and then begin to figure things out.

Know when to seek help

After the first couple of weeks, if your child is having debilitating anxiety or is abnormally worried about school, parents must seek help and get an intervention.

Many students will exhibit uneasiness and a decrease in self-esteem, but adjustment problems lasting longer than a few weeks may require special help.

Parents know their children and know when they

are having drastic mood swings or acting uncharacteristically. If you notice a change in your child’s eating or sleeping habits, it’s time to talk with someone.

During this time, never forget to love your children unconditionally.

While they are crossing over into adulthood, understand that change is hard and their fears are real.

Students today are more stressed out than they have ever been. It’s a reflection of what is going on in our communities and our society. We have so many complex problems – including heightened economic pressures, changes in family structure, persistent violence, cyber-bullying, etc – but there are also more resources to deal with these problems than we had 20 years ago.

Parents, teachers, counsellors and school leaders need to work collaboratively to help promote a favourable school adjustment.

Nobody can do it alone. (Fox News)

Health risks associated with digital device usage Keeping the children busy during a long car ride is a cinch thanks to digital devices that will play apps, games, music, movies and TV shows.

But children often wear ear buds and headphones, and in doing so, risk irreversible eardrum damage if the volume is too loud. Further, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that computer screens emit low levels of x-ray radiation. While there is no evidence that this radiation results in health problems, the EPA also advises that you limit your child’s time with a computer or tablet in on their laps and in front of their faces. And because enjoying digital devices tends to be a sedentary pastime, children may be more susceptible to weight gain.

Exposure to child predators and inappropriate content Many parents set limits on Internet use, and employ security and privacy features to protect their children. However, children can still find their way into an online chat room with strangers or click on an enticing ad that links to inappropriate content. Monitoring your child’s online activities is timeconsuming, but imperative.

Once posted, always online Children don’t always understand that their online activities are permanent.

Worse, their poor judgment could lead to serious, and sometimes criminal, consequences. Before allowing children online, parents should discuss the cyber dangers of bullying, illegal downloading, and texting.

Digital devices may be a mindnumbing distraction While plenty of children use their digital devices to download books, most are likely using their electronics to text friends, play apps or watch videos. Some argue that this technology overload is actually disconnecting our children – from nature, play and people.

So, do the pros outweigh the cons? This is still a topic that we understand little about.

Surely technology opens up an amazing world of learning and productivity to today’s young students, but there are clearly dangers and legitimate concerns surrounding the use of these tools, and what constitutes too much use. It will probably be years before we start to really understand the impact of some of these drawbacks and potential issues.

In the meanwhile, these tools are here to stay for the near term, so we should monitor their use and educate students on how to use them wisely without overusing them. (Emerging

Ed Tech)

News

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tuesDay, January 28, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Ramsaran hands over seven Rohee orders shakeup at new ambulances to hospitals Number 51 police station

The new ambulances

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he Health Ministry on Monday handed over seven new ambulances worth $60 million to the various regional health bodies and the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Hospitals in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and 10 were the beneficiaries of the ambulances, which are expected to boost their response to accident and emergencies.

Region Four (Georgetown Public Hospital) received two ambulances while one ambulance each was pre-

boost the quality of training given to those who operate the ambulances, noting that the tangible resources are not enough if one does not know how to use the equipment, thus, the government, through the Health Ministry, will be providing adequate training.

“We are expecting drivers of a certain quality to be recruited, we want drivers, we don’t want pilots… we don’t need to fly low with the ambulance,” Minister Ramsaran said. He further explained that the act of an

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan receiving the keys to two of the ambulances

sented to the other regions.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran underscored the importance of ambulances in the provision of efficient and effective health care in the sector. “We have decided that we will be strengthening the ambulance services in several regions.”

The minister further explained that a few weeks ago, Kwakwani received an off-road ambulance which was a second-hand vehicle, which was repaired and reequipped to be ready for the rough terrain of Kwakwani, Region 10. He stated that these ambulances are only the first of many to come.

Training

Minister Ramsaran admitted that, according to statistics, most ambulances are likely to be involved in some sort of accident within the first three weeks of their initial operations.

Government has already signalled its intentions to

ambulance driver putting on the flashing lights of his vehicle does not give that driver the privilege to put another road user’s life at risk; or to endanger the life of the nurse or doctor on board as well as the patient. He stressed that the issue was not one of providing the resources but rather finding the people to manage and care for equipment.

The health minister recollected that a few years ago with the assistance of the Centre of Excellence, inclusive of major medical hospitals and universities from overseas, an emergency medicine training programme was started. It was one of the post-graduate programmes introduced by the government of Guyana in providing a better quality of health care to all Guyanese, Dr Ramsaran explained.

Medical students are enrolled in this programme, with clinical work being done at the Georgetown

Public Hospital. The programme is being piloted by Dr Boux with the assistance of his colleagues from the Centres of Excellence.

Minister within the Local Government Ministry Norman Whittaker received the ambulances on behalf of Region Two, noting that his ministry has responsibilities for the health sector within the hinterland of Guyana in addition to infrastructure movement and human resources.

Investment

Minister Whittaker stated that the recipients will benefit tremendously from the donation of the ambulances. “We see the handing over of a number of vehicles worth some $60 million as an investment that is intended to improve the extent and the quality of services that we deliver to the people in the regions.”

Meanwhile, the health minister pointed out that Guyana recorded 18 maternal deaths in 2013, compared with the 25 recorded in 2012. Dr Ramsaran opined that this is a step in the right direction as Guyana is moving towards the global goal of zero maternal deaths. The health minister said there is a mechanism in place whereby every maternal death report has to be submitted within 24 hours and “that has been happening... far back as 2008”.

Corentyne residents surround a regional official during a testy meeting Monday afternoon over the crime situation in the area

H

ome Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has instructed Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell to replace all ranks at the Number 51 Village Police Station, after Berbice residents on Sunday staged a major protest, alleging police are colluding with criminals.

Residents of Numbers 48 and 49 villages on the Corentyne are contending that the police have failed to respond to a hive of criminal activities and some ranks are even involved in the daily spate of robberies.

On Monday, Rohee told the press that he has advised Commissioner Brumell on the way forward. “I wanted a change, a total change of guard at the Number 51 police station.”

Questioned whether it would be wise to have police investigate fellow ranks considering the allegations, Rohee said although in some cases the need might arise for an independent investigation, the laws of Guyana has deemed the Guyana Police Force as the duly constituted body to investigate crime.

However, he admitted that calls for independent investigations have stemmed from the public’s distrust of the force.

He said the police must earnestly try to change this perception and partner with

members of the public to solve crimes. He emphasised that ranks do not know it all, as some may believe but need the help of citizens.

Community policing

The home affairs minister has also noted with great concern, moves to form vigilante groups within the Number 47, 48, 50 villages, rather than community policing groups. “Now this government, and particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs, does not encourage, the formation of vigilante groups, because vigilante groups have a certain connotation and we need to stay away from that because of the perception,” he explained.

Hundreds of residents of the villages blocked the public road to register their dissatisfaction. According to the residents, some ranks are the masterminds of criminal activities within the identi-

fied villages. Sunday’s demonstration escalated to the point where an explosive device was thrown at the police even as they attempted to maintain order.

The event, which sparked the near-riot, was the robbery of Lalman Ramdeen, 66, and wife Vimlawattie Ramdeen, 62, of cash, jewellery and phone cards at their Number 48 Village grocery shop. Police said four men armed with shotguns committed the act.

The police further stated that ranks of a mobile police anti-crime patrol in a white police motor car with flashing lights arrived at the scene following a report.

However, when the ranks arrived on the scene, they were accused of being accomplices in the crime.

It was then the villagers proceeded to block to the road in protest against the string of robberies that have rocked the two villages.

8 News

Tuesday, January 28, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Couple on firearm charge

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andacy Gerrad and Andrew Curtain were on Monday remanded after they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with possession of firearms and ammunition.

The duo pleaded not guilty

to the two charges which alleged that on January 25 at 315 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, they had in their possession one .23 pistol and 10 matching live rounds.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question, acting on a tip, ranks had searched the

Eccles residence of the accused where they found the gun and the ammunition in a jacket behind the bedroom door. He added that Curtain had made attempts to bribe the officers, but was turned down.

Defence counsel Latchmi Rahamat refuted this statement by the prosecutor, say-

ing that the couple were arrested while in the city and placed in the police patrol vehicle. She added that the officer then conducted searches and patrols in several communities with the defendants still in the vehicle. After some time had passed, they were taken to Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary where they were told they were being charged with the offence. In her application for bail, she noted that both of her clients have unblemished police records and good jobs.

Bail was refused for the defendants and they are to appear at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on January 29.

Berbice man alleges police brutality

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n Monday, a New Amsterdam man told a Berbice magistrate that he was beaten by police officers and denied access to medical attention after the rough treatment.

The 27-year-old man, who appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday, said he was arrested on Friday when in a supermarket and was taken under the Canje bridge where he received a trashing.

Leroy McKenzie made the allegation when he appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court to answer to two counts of resisting arrest.

Particulars of the charge revealed that on January 25 at Main Street, New Amsterdam, the defendant resisted policemen Eon Beaton, and thereafter Dwayne Braithwaithe, while they were exercising their duties.

One the same date, the defendant is alleged to have unlawfully and maliciously wounded Beaton.

Further, he allegedly damaged a one-pound packet of powdered milk valued $600, property of Mohammed Ali, proprietor of M Ali Supermarket.

The accused told the court that he is employed at the store and was making a purchase in the supermarket.

“Whilst doing so, they came into the supermarket and dragged me outside.

I asked them is what I do.

They did not tell me. Beaton dragged me into the vehicle, while Braithwaithe stamped me on my chest. They took me under the Canje Bridge where they beat me up,” he told the magistrate.

Showing the magistrate his swollen face, he said, “They lash me on my face, my ears, my mouth, I cannot eat.

I asked to be taken to the hospital, they said the patrol coming, and until now I am still waiting to go to the hospital.”

The magistrate questioned whether a statement from the proprietor of the supermarket was included in the case jacket, and Police Prosecutor Sergeant Godfrey Platter said, “No, your worship.”

The magistrate then ordered the defendant to be sent on self-bail on all the charges, before adjourning the case for preliminary hearing on February 11.

Eyew tness Crying wolf...

...in communications owadays, people don’t talk about telephones anymore. It’s all about “communication devices”.

The business of getting information from here to there is now big business. Very big business. In fact, it’s so big that even tiny pipsqueak Guyana can generate revenues that attract players competing in the big leagues. Heck!

Guyanese money produced a company that’s competing in the first world.

Back in the day, when the IMF decided government had to privatise “the commanding heights of the economy”, one of the first companies placed on the block was the telephone company. We all know how rundown it was. But it still had value...great value to anyone in the business. With half our population living in the U.S. and Canada, and panting to talk to their relatives “back home”, the international calls alone made the company a gold mine.

So the PNC government promptly gave away the gold mine for a song (and a heck of a lot of under-the-table handovers) to a newly-formed company calling itself ATN. The company was given a TWENTY-YEAR MONOPOLY. With (now hear this) – ATN having the right of first refusal to continue it.

Now you have to understand the state of the communications industry in 1990 when the sweetheart deal for GT&T was signed. While we were still using rotary phones, the Internet had just been born. In addition to the gold mine in overseas calls, there was the jackpot of the Internet up ahead.

ATN promptly parlayed its gold mine into a company that expanded into the Caribbean and the U.S. No question that they did work on the telephone service in Guyana – but let’s be honest. Most of the work was done AFTER competition arrived in the form of mobile telephones. And the new operators pushing this development had to go through GT&T. GT&T, therefore, made a bundle off the operators – even as it dug its heels in to prevent competition in the landline and cellular areas.

Now you’d think after TWENTY YEARS of monopoly profits, ATN – the parent of GT&T that grew fat off the hog – would be willing to allow the sector to be deregulated, no?

As it’s been in almost every country in the world. But no sir.

They want their pound of flesh. There was recent mention by a GT&T spokesman of paying $51 billion to the government (the government owned 20 per cent of the company – so it’s not like it was a gift) and investing $58 billion.

What was not mentioned was the over $1 TRILLION in profits and fees ATN received from GT&T. How much is enough?

N

...in Linden The Linden shutdown was a letdown. At least for local strongman – and wannabe warlord – Sharma Solomon. He’d been predicting a “total shutdown” to one and all. Not to mention a “massive” protest in front of the newly-rebuilt PPP/C Linden HQ. You’d have thought with all the support he was boasting about, he could’ve rebuilt the primary school at One Mile Wismar, even before the PPP/C could get the posts up for their HQ! Well, the school’s still not built. Solomon had to eat humble pie and accept help from the same government he was cussing down. And then barely a couple hundred “protesters” showed up for the protest. They were probably outnumbered by the police! So what happened? The PNC happened. That’s what. The notoriety from the 2012 protests went to Solomon’s head and he forgot it was Norton and the crew from Georgetown that had mobilised down there.

The “town men” pulled the plug on him. ...on torture The Stabber News says the PNC wants a “probe” into all the allegations of torture and shootings over the past 20 years. We think against the background of the Colwyn Harding allegations, the use of the word “probe” is very insensitive. Wankers!

news

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tuesDay, January 28, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

President Ramotar among leaders at Havana confab

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he second summit of leaders of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will officially get underway today in Havana, Cuba.

President Donald Ramotar, who arrived in Havana on Sunday, is leading Guyana’s delegation to the meeting of the 33 member states.

The summit is being held from January 28-29, under the theme, “Eradication of hunger, poverty and inequality in Latin America and Caribbean States”.

These are issues that are of profound concern to President Ramotar who has, on several occasions, lamented the fact that the Latin American and Caribbean region remains the most unequal in the world.

Significant

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who led the local delegation at a meeting of foreign ministers held on the eve of the summit on Monday, said that the meeting was very significant for Guyana.

She cited the declaration on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which comes at a time when 2014 is designated the year of SIDS. SIDS have peculiar issues to deal with such as the effects of climate change on their economies and the issue of the reduction of concessionary financing for

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Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the meeting of foreign ministers of CELAC, prior to the opening of the second summit

middle income countries based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. It is important to garner support from the wider Latin American region.

This declaration on SIDS highlights the challenges these states face with regards to how prone many are to the effects of climate change and natural disasters and the issue of financing.

Minister RodriguesBirkett added that the declaration demonstrates the support of CELAC to the efforts of SIDS countries and it recognises the peculiarities of these states, given

that one hurricane or flood can wipe out the GDP of a SIDS country.

This declaration, according to the minister, augurs well for an upcoming international meeting of SIDS, which will be held in Samoa later this year. Twentyeight declarations have thus far been approved for adoption at this second summit of CELAC. With regards to the group of 33 countries which make up CELAC, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett noted, “… for too long, we have been geographically close, but we have not been close politically and otherwise, and

the fact that you can have 33 members here including Cuba sitting down and being able to agree on so many things, is very significant”.

Also part of Guyana’s delegation is Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali and Ambassador Audrey Waddell, who is Guyana’s CELAC national coordinator, as well as ambassador to UNASUR. CELAC was created in December 2011 following the Declaration of Caracas in Venezuela, and represents about six hundred million people, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.

Still no sign of missing Stollie 1

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ne week after the cargo boat Stollie 1 allegedly went down, the vessel is yet to be located and persons still believe that there was foul play involved.

According to one of the managers of the boat, he met with the captain last weekend after which members went to Essequibo to verify information they received.

“We went to Anna Regina Police Station to identify some things to the police then we hear Charity station had some things and when we go, they didn’t really had any information because they hold up the goods for customs paper, and is after they find out that it come from the boat,” said one man.

Reports

He added that there are several reports coming out of Essequibo of goods being stashed away, as such, they have relayed this information to the police and investigations are being conducted.

The man disclosed that the matter is currently being

GPHC made strides in improving health care delivery in 2013 – CMO

thoroughly investigated by the Transport and Harbours Department. He noted that one week after the boat sank, they met with the captain, but he and his crew members are reportedly giving conflicting statements.

The man added that the captain cannot recall where the boat sank, but said that it was approximately 45 miles from the Waini River.

Search

The manager of the boat, along with the marine and harbour master will be going to areas this week to locate the sunken vessel. “We gone try to use whatever necessary he tell us to go look for it,” the manager stated.

The man further stated that he even went to the house of one of the fishermen who had allegedly rescued the crew members, and was told that he (the fisherman) has gone out to sea, but his boat was spotted on land.

Maritime Safety Director Stephen Thomas had told Guyana Times that the agen-

cy could not locate the boat because they were given a general area which was difficult to search, but he noted that they have several techniques which they are going to use.

He had also stated that some cargo was found washed ashore and so they are investigating to deter mine whether the goods found are from the vessel.

The trawler Stollie 1 reportedly sank on Saturday in the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between the entrances of the Pomeroon and Waini rivers.

Goods

It is reported that the boat contained an estimated $80 million worth of goods, of which about $11 million belonged to the owner, Trevor Stoll. Some goods reportedly from the cargo on the boat were recovered in two boats which fishermen used to rescue the captain and his three crew members.

Relatives of Stoll had related to this newspaper that

they remain suspicious because of the rumours they have been hearing.

Unconvincing

A cousin of the boat owner pointed out that the captain’s explanation is unconvincing since the goods that were reportedly “recovered” are dry goods and could not have been floating.

He noted that when they asked the captain for the GPS tracker number of the boat so they can locate the vessel, the captain said he left everything in the boat and cannot recall the GPS number.

However, police investigators told this publication that so far investigations have not revealed anything to suggest foul play in the incident.

Meanwhile, some 20 persons are reported to have had goods on the vessel to take to the interior and have also complained that they too are not getting any firm explanation or answers from anyone.

hief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud said while many gaps and administrative challenges still exist, 2013 was a good year for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), the CMO said that one of the major challenges that the administration of the country’s premier health institution is grappling with is bringing about a change in attitude.

He is hopeful that with continuous training and exposure to personnel from other institutions, including resident healthcare professionals from overseas universities and exchange programmes, positive changes in attitude and work ethics will be inculcated in the lo-

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud

Some shortcomings

He said that there have been some shortcomings in this regard even though terminations are performed at the facility, and as such, steps are being made to cor-

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud said 2013 was a productive year for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), despite hiccups

cal system.

Once this is achieved, he said, “We will have an institution that we can all be proud of and our citizens can all feel comfortable to go to and expect the best health services that Guyana can offer.”

Speaking about the restructuring of maternal services, he admitted that this is an area that is in need of serious reforms and informed that bold steps have been taken in this regard. A strict shift system has been put in place to ensure that medical staff, including doctors, are present in the labour and delivery room at all times.

The labour operating room in the obstetric unit has been re-established to facilitate persons who are in urgent need of caesarian sections.

With regards to the termination of pregnancy, the CMO explained that the laws of Guyana provide for every woman who is seeking to have a medical termination of pregnancy, to have access to pre and posttermination counselling.

rect this situation, so as to ensure that the hospital is in full compliance with the laws.

“We hope that we can strengthen that part of the law and ensure that we provide all the necessary things,” Dr Persaud said.

Residents and doctors have been trained and arrangements for clinic space have been made to conduct counselling sessions.

The hospital’s entry board is working with a specific group to develop counselling guidelines.

Work has also commenced on the restructuring of the cardiac care centre, this is being done in collaboration with Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) to establish the hybrid services to advance the cardiac treatment centre, which would also include a specialised area to offer intensive patient care.

Additionally, the GPHC has done a lot of work in terms of better organising staff and recruiting and retaining skilled professionals.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, January 28, 2014

News

Manual being devised to tackle blackout in Region 10 T Soloman is

he Technical Committee established by the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC), following an increase in a series of unscheduled electricity disruptions in Linden last year, is currently in the process of establishing an electricity disruption manual.

It is being compiled with the aim of creating public awareness, as part of enhancing the region’s disaster preparedness response.

An increase in technical problems encountered recently, as well as last June by the sole electricity provider Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) had resulted in the entire Linden community being plunged into darkness on numerous occasions for prolonged periods for as many as over 12 hours.

Initiatives

Recently, the committee, which is headed by Horace James, met and discussed various elements to be included in the manual.

Currently, members of the committee include BMGGI representatives and the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI) which is responsible for electricity supply at Mackenzie; the Linden Utility Services Co-op Society Limited (LUSCSL), which is responsible for the supply at Wismar; the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

The committee has so far been engaged in troubleshooting and strategic planning and is expected to meet again on Thursday.

Elements to be included in the manual, which were discussed at the last committee meeting, include improving electricity transmission, safety, disaster planning, among others.

Agencies and other persons to first be informed in the event of prolonged electricity disruption in the community were discussed, as well as how the information will be relayed to the public.

Strategies

Some of those strategies discussed include text blasting and the establishment and activation of an emergency hotline. As such, the two major telephone companies Digicel and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) are expected to be consulted.

The police, central business entities, hospitals and GWI were all identified as a few important agencies to be promptly informed in the event of an electricity disaster, and within a specific timeframe. Additionally, on the agenda to be established is a specific length of time that the community can be without electricity as well as the determining of the amount of load necessary for each area during peak and off peak hours. Eight hours was proposed as the maximum amount of time for the community to be without

the BMGGI, transformers are expected to be placed on standby in cases of emergencies. It was noted that since technicians would have to travel from Georgetown to Linden, this poses much difficulty. Portable generating sets were proposed to address this problem.

Disaster prevention

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

power.

The discussion also touched on informing residents in the event of load shedding, and the need for a scheduled system to be in place for water treatment plants (Wisroc, West Watooka and Amelia’s Ward).

Also discussed was the regulation of power shortage so that distribution will be evenly rotated.

The period for rotation is expected to be in accordance to the amount of electricity available at the said time.

Critical areas in the community established by the committee include the central business district, Amelia’s Ward, mines and residential areas.

The committee is also exploring the possibility of identifying available assistance, outside from the BMGGI, in case additional electrical power is needed during disruption. Within

Members of the committee established that disaster prevention, such as trees falling on utility poles, is expected to include the involvement of members of the community who are expected to report such cases. LUSCSL Manager Esme Yangapatty noted that currently systems are being put in place to curb power outages at Wismar, recently brought on by technical problems.

The GWI representatives related that a database with the number of persons in the community was established so as to facilitate small-scale water distribution during blackouts.

The structure of the disaster plan will include information on methodologies and budget. A draft of the manual is expected to be submitted to Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon within two weeks and each agency involved will be expected to submit information on communication strategies and other important disaster preparedness management issues. Other plans are also expected to be discussed when the committee meets again on Thursday.

a solo man S

hop people does pack up shelf and put lil tings in one place and big tings in another place. Is de same wid big man and lil bhai. Dem must never be in de same place. Old people seh every ting must got a place and every body must know dem place.

Soloman never learn that lesson in life. He ain’t look like he know he place. He tink he is a big man. Soloman also tink he is a tink man. He tink he can tink fuh de whole of Linden. That is a whole big town. Soloman musbe got a hole in he brains to tink that he can tink fuh de whole of a town.

Soloman had a plan. Soloman had a plan to shut down Linden. But de plan look like a solo man plan. Soloman alone know de plan. He ain’t tell a soul de plan. He ain’t tell de Harding Man de plan. And he ain’t tell De Yonge Man de plan. And dem is two big man. Not Soloman.

He only tell some of de press de plan. He tell de Kocheur de plan. After all, it got sheer kocheur down deh.

Soloman tell de Stabber de plan. After all, de Stabber lookin to stab de guvament right in de back wid a big knife made in de U.S.A. Whah end up happenin is that de prezzi shut down Soloman. De prezzi went about he business. That was enough to shut down de man who seh he gon shut down a whole town. Instead, is Soloman who get shut up.

He tink he had de balls to shut down de whole town. A doctor seh he had de balls, but not de brains.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Is just like de Yarde Man who plan to shut down de whole of GT de garbage town de other day. But Yarde Man end up nearly gettin run outta he own yard. Some body seh he get run outta GT de garbage town too. And it wasn’t de garbage that run he out!

Trio refused bail for armed robbery

Shot Sophia teen Taxi driver stabbed T in stable condition by passenger

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omario Weithers, 19, of C Field, Sophia, remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital in stable condition after he was shot to the abdomen by an armed bandit during a robbery close to his home on Sunday evening.

Hospital sources confirmed that he was taken to the medical facility on Sunday evening in a critical state and underwent an emergency surgery. The official noted that his condition is being closely monitored.

Police in a release stated that about 20:00h on Sunday evening, Weithers was walking, on his way home, at C Field, Sophia, when he was attacked by two men armed with a firearm.

One of the armed man shot him to the abdomen and took away his jewellery and cellphone before escaping on foot. However, Guyana Times understands that the teenager was in the company of two of his friends when

the act was committed.

Based on information received, Weithers was having a discussion with his two friends a short distance from his home when two men who were armed with handguns carried out the brazen attack.

One of the young men reportedly retaliated and a scuffle ensued between him and one of the bandits, during which the other armed robber opened fire, wounding Weithers in the process.

The gunmen managed to relieve the young men of their valuables and fled the scene.

After the robbery, Weithers went home and reportedly told his mother what had transpired, not realising that he was shot. While he was relating the story to his mother, the woman saw the blood dripping and realised that her son was shot.

He was taken to the hospital where he was admitted.

A

taxi driver was on Monday stabbed to the chest after he was attacked by a passenger who had requested to be dropped off at Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. The passenger also received injuries after the driver put up a fight. He was treated and discharged from the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

The taxi driver, Joel Mc Curdy, who works at Demico Car Park, Stabroek, Georgetown, was admitted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital while the suspect was treated at the Leonora Cottage Hospital and subsequently taken into police custody.

According to information received, the passenger went to the Demico Car Park and hired Mc Curdy to drop him off at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, but on their way

there, he requested to be taken into Tuschen to uplift a parcel from a relative.

Police in a release stated that while driving along the main road in the scheme, the passenger took out a knife and stabbed Mc Curdy to the chest but Mc Curdy did not back down. A scuffle then ensued between the two, resulting in the attacker also receiving stab wounds.

Public-spirited citizens, on learning of the attack, rushed to the scene and managed to arrest the suspect and hand him over to the police. He reportedly sustained stab wounds to the hand and abdomen.

Both men were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital but McCurdy was transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was admitted. The police are continuing their investigations.

hree young men on Monday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on two counts of armed robbery.

Darien Best, 19, of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown; Morris Gibson, 21, of West Bank Demerara; and Joel Demondonca, 20, were not required to plead to the charges. The first charge alleged that on January 24 at Robb Street, they robbed Mohanlall Narine of a quantity of cellular phones valued more than $8.19 million, property of Golyn and Sons.

On the second count, it is alleged that they also robbed Narine of one Samsung Galaxy S3 and two gold and diamond rings, valued a total of $630,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question, two of the defendants went into the store and enquired about cellular phones. While Narine was attending to the defendants, the number one accused, Best, took out a gun, pointed it to Lall’s face and

demanded that he fill a haversack with the phones. The men then made good their escape after boarding a waiting vehicle at King Street.

Grant added that acting on information received, ranks swooped down on a house in Eccles, East Bank Demerara where the defendants were found. He further noted that the haversack containing the articles was found in Best’s possession.

The prosecutor objected to bail citing the gravity of the offence; he also asked the court to note the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam, who appeared on behalf of Gibson, told the court that his client was never in possession of the gun nor did he have the haversack. He further argued that seriousness and prevalence are not principles known in law to be applied as an objection for bail.

The three defendants were remanded and are to return to court on January 29 at Providence Magistrate’s Court.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, January 28, 2014

Corentyne standoff!

– residents clamour for guns during meeting

By Nafeeza Yahya

N

umber 48 Village, Corentyne residents on Monday clamoured for guns to defend themselves against bandits – some of whom they alleged hide behind police uniforms.

Residents’ anger boiled over on Sunday following a robbery of a grocery shop and the police’s slow response.

Villagers swiftly moved to block the public road, while accusing several police ranks of carrying out the attack.

On Monday, regional officials along with B Division Commander Brian Joseph and other senior ranks in the region met with residents to listen to their concerns, so as to come up with possible solutions.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, in addressing the concerns of the residents, noted that it is clear they have lost confidence in the police, owing to the alleged rogue elements. He said, however, the police are needed for security and it would be unfair to label the entire force as bad.

He urged the residents to be calm and allow the investigations to be conducted. He further stressed the need for cooperation and expressed confidence in the commander to get to the bottom of the inci-

Women outnumbered men at the meeting on Monday

dent and to put those responsible before the courts.

Commander Joseph assured residents of his office’s support and called on them to understand that in order to fight crime, there needs to be a collaborative effort between the public and the police force.

Cautious

He noted that several community policing groups (CPGs) were established; however, many seem to have become dormant, as such, he pledged to revamp the CPGs in the area. He also urged the residents to be cautious as there may be people among them who have ulterior motives and may be looking to create more problems. The assistant superintendent promised residents that there will be some

changes, but said he will leave that to the police commissioner to address when he comes today for another meeting with the residents of the area.

Security

Also at the meeting was People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian Dharamkumar Seeraj, who spoke on the issue of security in the area and residents’ call for firearms to defend themselves. Seeraj stressed that owning a gun does not ensures security, as much more is required.

According to Seeraj, it calls for residents to be conscious of their environment, to notice strange individuals or actions and to work in collaboration with the police so that they can be informed and act be-

fore a crime is committed. He further noted that matters of security are the responsibility of the police, which is why the commander is present and the commissioner of police will be there today.

Residents told this publication that they are not pleased with the current situation and are pleading for justice. They are very upset that the ranks who they claim are responsible for the acts are still on duty.

They would like to see the ranks placed under close arrest or transferred until the investigation is concluded.

Further, they are calling for the granting of firearms licences so that they can defend themselves and the immediate removal of all ranks of the Number 51 Police Station.

Sunday evening protest stemmed from a series of robberies in the area, the latest being one committed on the “Lallman” shop on Sunday evening whereby millions in cash, jewellery and phone cards were carted off.

The residents are claiming the police committed the robberies and then appeared on the scene to conduct investigations. Another meeting is scheduled with Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell for today at 16:00h at the Number 51 Primary School.

Parents seek justice for dead son

M

ohamed Khadir and his wife, Sahidan, of Vilvooden village on the Essequibo Coast, are calling for justice for their 37-year-old son Mohamed Zamir who died in a car accident on the Marias Lodge Public Road five years ago.

The parents feel their son’s case was not given proper attention and are not satisfied.

The accident occurred around 02:30h on February 9, 2009 when a Land Cruiser, driven by a popular businessman, collided with a car.

In the accident, Mohamed Zamir and the driver of the car died. Zamir was admitted to the Suddie hospital, but subsequently transferred to a city hospital by relatives. He succumbed to his injuries three days later.

Explaining their frus-

Mohamed Khadir and his wife, Sahidan, are seeking justice for their son,Mohamed Zamir, who died in an accident five years ago

tration, both parents, in an interview, said an inquiry into the case was conducted at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, but the case was dismissed on September 20, 2013. Khadir, the deceased’s father, said firstly he was not informed when the case was called and he later learnt

that the jacket of the case was not found. The frustrated father said he explored many avenues for justice and all have proven futile.

He said his family cannot rest in peace. The father said it was one year after the accident when ranks from the police station came and took

a statement from his wife.

The father of three said he was never asked to give a statement, although he was prepared to do so.

Khadir said he is grieving for his son, and is calling for the case to be reopened. He added that he spent a substantial sum of money on his son before he died, noting the businessman gave the family $100,000 long after the burial of his son.

Both parents said the sudden death of their son has really hurt them and they cannot cope with it.

They said they cry for their son daily, as they shared sweet memories.

Khadir said he lost hope and has become weak. The deceased was the sole breadwinner for his family, and his death has left the family hopeless.

True followers of Islam preach peace, love – Islamic scholar

Shaikh Safraz Bacchus Al Azhari delivering his lecture at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex last Wednesday

G

uyanese-born, New York-based Muslim scholar, Shaikh Safraz Bacchus Al Azhari said Prophet Mohamed preached the message of love and peace and true followers of Islam should spread this message.

Al Azhari, who is one of Guyana’s leading Sunni Muslim scholars, made the point during his feature presentation at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) last Wednesday.

His dynamic lecture to a packed lecture hall, was a continuation of the countrywide programmes and activities being observed by Guyanese Muslims in observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2014 (Youmam Nabi) in honour of the birth anniversary of the beloved prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad.

The event was organised by the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (SADR), the ACIC, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and the Anjuman Hifazatul Islam (HIFAZ) Al Azhari was born at Patentia, West Bank Demerara, Guyana and obtained his Islamic education in Egypt. On his return to Guyana, he joined the CIOG and was attached to the organisation until his migration about a year ago to take up the important position of imam of Masjid Al Abdin, New York, U.S.A. While serving in Guyana, he was based on West Demerara and was a member of the ACIC. He has to his credit, dozens of CDs and booklets with his lectures. An orthodox Sunni scholar, Al Azhari remained in constant contact with the Guyanese Muslim community here.

Also making presentation at the programme was Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) President Al Haj Fazeel Ferouz; Anjuman Hifazatul Islam (HIFAZ) Vice President Shazim; ACIC resident Muslim scholar, Pakistani Maulana Mujahid Raza; Meten Meer Zorg (East) Masjid Imam Haleem Khan; CIOG Regional Vice President Gulzar Namdar; and U.S. embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP), Assistant Programme Director Brenden Krakowiak.

The programme also included qaseedas from Mohamed Shahid and Maulana Raza of the ACIC. Representatives of jamaats on West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo were high in attendance at the programme, all of whom listened about the noble character of the blessed Prophet Muhammad.

During his short visit back in Guyana, Azhari also participated in several other programmes and activities for the Eid observances.

The programmes for Rabi ul Awal commenced on January 2, with the annual “Welcome to Rabi-ul-Awal Programme” at the ACIC. Thereafter, each night until January 13, nightly programmes were held at the said venue. At these programmes, the life of the prophet of Islam was discussed as well as the importance of showing love and gratitude for this great human beings.

ACIC President General Hakeem Khan in his remarks, thanked the hard working members of the ACIC for the tremendous work done by them at the ACIC every year.

Orange Walk businessman Persaud denies allegations charged for noise nuisance of sexual misconduct

B

usinessman Desmond Singh on Monday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on a noise nuisance charge.

Singh, who resides at A1 Orange Walk, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with an explanation. He admitted that on

January 27 at Camp and Seawall roads, he played music loudly enough to cause a nuisance to officers at the Eve Leary Officers’ Mess Hall.

The remorseful man told the court that he was playing music from his car when police ranks on mobile patrol showed up.

They then arrested him, telling him he was going to be charged for noise nui-

sance. He added that he did not think his music was playing loudly enough to be a noise nuisance.

He then pleaded with the magistrate for leniency.

The man was placed on a bond to keep the peace and granted his pre-trial freedom on his own recognisance.

He was referred to Court Six where he was given a date for trial.

L

ocal Government Minister Ganga Persaud has denied media reports that he had resigned owing to allegations of sexual misconduct.

There have been a number of online news reports concerning the allegations, but Persaud in a release said he has noted with deep shock, “reports circulating particularly in the social media which tend to suggest and in some instances allege, expressly or by implication, that I had sex-

ual intercourse of some sort with a minor”.

“I wish to make it abundantly and unequivocally clear that I have had no sexual relations with any minor as is alleged or at all. Neither was such an allegation raised or discussed with me by His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar.”

Persaud, who demits office on January 31, said the allegations are seriously libellous and are causing him and his family se-

vere public humiliation, embarrassment and trauma.

“I hereby request that those circulating these false, malicious and libellous matters of and concerning me, cease forthwith. I have instructed my lawyers to proceed with litigation against every person, entity or company who continue to publish, or repeat the publication of these baseless, malicious and libellous allegations,” the statement concluded.

12 News

tuesday, january 28, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Victims of Lusignan Massacre remembered

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds cuts the ribbon to officially commission the arch in remembrance of the victims of the Lusignan Massacre

T

he sorrowful event of January 26, 2008 has forever altered the lives of residents of Lusignan, on the East Coast of Demerara. Those who were directly affected through the loss of a loved one, grapple in constant trepidation and pray daily that such a tragedy would never see the light of day, in any part of the country, again.

The pain was obvious and although six years have slowly passed by, the five families of the 11 slain victims have continued living their lives in silent grief.

Clarence Thomas, 48, and his two children Ron, 11, and Vanessa, 12; Mohandai Gurdat, 32, and her two sons Seegobin Heeralall, four, and Seegopaul, 10; Seecharan Rooplall, 56, his wife Dhanrajie Ramsingh, 52, and their granddaughter Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shalem Baksh, 52, were all savagely murdered in the wee hours of the morning

The arch in memory of the victims of the Lusignan Massacre

on January 26, when gunmen armed with shotguns and AK-47s stormed their homes. The now 11-year-old Roberto Thomas, who was dubbed the miracle baby, amazingly escaped death and is making preparations to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in April.

Arch

The victims had all lived in close proximity and because of this; residents have

erected a towering arch in their honour. Scores of residents gathered together in solemnity as tributes were paid at the “Evening of Remembrance”, organised by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) on Sunday afternoon. Family members, along with residents, gathered around as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds cut the ribbon to commission the monument.

Prime Minister Hinds, delivering the feature address, posited that the mas-

A section of the gathering at the event

sacre may have been carried out in retaliation by a gang from another East Coast village, whose members thought that they were being treated unfairly.

However, he pointed out that in spite of the underlying issues, the fact remains that innocent lives were snuffed out. “One can’t avoid that feeling because these were all innocent people,” he told the gathering, as he urged all to embrace peace and love.

Reduce animosity

“I think what we can do is that as we live day-byday, we should give some of our time and some of our effort in reducing animosity and antipathy against people. We could extend our hands, smile, and be understanding as much as we could so as to create the circumstances so that events such as Lusignan will not happen again.”

Rajkumar Heeralall, father of the two slain children Seegobin and Seegopaul

was almost brought to tears as master of ceremony Raymond Azeez read a letter that was written by the children to him, a few days before they were killed.

“We miss you very, very much” they wrote with the help of their mother Mohandai Gurdat. He was living in Trinidad at the time. And that was the last words he saw from them.

The country was thrown into a state of shock when news spread of the mass murder in the quiet village.

Residents were fast asleep when the group of gunmen carried out their murderous attack on the defenseless victims. The quiet village was transformed into a contentious arena as residents staged a number of protest actions, citing their grave disappointment in the country’s national security system following the attack.

The attack was said to be carried out by former soldier turned criminal, Rondell “Fine man” Rawlins and members of his gang.

Suspect in policeman's murder wanted

Citizens Bank to expand services this year

T

he construction of Citizens Bank’s state-of-the-art headquarters at Camp Street, Georgetown, is expected to gain momentum this year, Managing Director Eton Chester said.

Works on the foundation of the building commenced in 2013.

Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis, in the bank’s annual report, said in addition to its main office, the commercial bank will be expanding its branch and ATM networks. It is anticipated that these investments will “no doubt improve customer convenience” and simultaneously increase benefits for stakeholders.

“The launch of our e-banking service and visa international credit and debit cards respectively will be in addition to other value added services we intend to offer during fiscal 2014.”

Citizens Bank in 2013 recorded a profit after tax of $1 billion, an increase of $82.2 million when compared to 2012. Moving forward in 2014, Chester is convinced that Guyana’s economy will grow, thereby having a positive impact on commercial banks, and Citizens Bank will be of no exception.

“Intense competition among commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions, excess liquidity in the banking system and declining interest rates are expected to continue in fiscal 2014,” he added.

The financial year will also bring with it new challenges as well as new opportunities, but according to the managing director, Citizens Bank has already devised mechanisms to cope

Wanted man, Steve Richard Bacchus

Dead special constable, Quincy Wright

he Guyana Police Force on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Steve Richard Bacchus for questioning into the murder of Police Special Constable Quincy Wright, who was shot in Guyhoc Park on Friday evening.

It was alleged that the gun that the 22-year-old man used in the shooting belongs to one of the security guards who was attacked and robbed in North Sophia, one night prior to the incident.

Wright, 28, of Zes Kinderen, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, who was attached to the Mounted Branch of the Guyana Police Force, was killed during a confrontation at a woman’s house.

It was reported that on the fateful night, Wright was already at the woman’s house when the other man arrived and attempted to contact her via telephone.

After she did not answer, he decided to glance into the house and saw the police constable and the woman canoodling on a chair.

The suspect reportedly

confronted the couple and inquired what was happening and a heated argument ensued. During the argument, the woman pleaded with them to stop but she was ignored.

The argument led to a scuffle, but despite several attempts to part the men by the woman at the centre of the controversy, she failed.

As the men continued the tussle, the suspect Bacchus, whipped out a gun from his waist and discharged a round hitting the constable to his chest.

He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A man hunt has since been launched by the police for the suspect.

The police are encouraging anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Bacchus to contact the police on telephone numbers 2256411, 225-2227, 226-7065, 227-1149, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidence.

T

Citizens Bank in its annual report said it will be extending its branch and ATM networks

with the challenges.

Reflecting on 2013, Chester said net interest income stood at $2.2 billion at the end of the last financial year when compared to $1.9 billion in 2012. The bank’s ability to increase its loan portfolio and reduce the cost of deposits was among contributing factors to the growth in net interest income.

Interest income

“Interest income is the most significant contributor to the bank’s net operating income, accounting for 85.8 per cent compared 82.7 per cent in 2012,” the managing director explained.

Net loans and advances increased by $2.2 billion, moving from $21.5 billion to $23.7 billion in 2013. In 2013, a significant growth was recorded in the

household and manufacturing sectors which grew by 30 per cent and 23.5 per cent respectively. According to Reis, loans for housing grew by 12.6 per cent and the services sector grew by 7.3 per cent.

Other income declined from $409.1 million to $376 million. This nine per cent decrease was linked to a decline in foreign currency transactions. Earning from foreign currency transactions, the major contributor to other income, declined by 20.5 per cent from $243.5 million to $193.6 million due to a decline in volume traded and lower spreads on transaction.

Meanwhile, net operating income increased by $158.5 million or 6.7 per cent to $2.5 billion, compared to $2.4 billion recorded in 2012.

news

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tuesday, january 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Engine of crashed plane removed

The wrecked Trans Guyana Airways aircraft

M

ore than one week after a Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravan went down into the densely forested area at Olive Creek, the engine of the wrecked aircraft has been removed and is in possession of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

GCAA Director Zulficar Mohamed said the engine will be shipped to its manufacturer in Canada and it will be examined under the supervision of the Canadian authorities, on behalf of the GCAA. Upon completion of the inspection, a report on the findings of the Canadian authorities will be provided to the GCAA. This process, Mohamed said will take some time, making reference to the airplane crash in April, 2013, at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, which claimed the lives of two crew members on board.

Mohamed stated that from feedback received, the inspection has been completed.

In addition, he also noted

that the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was also extracted from the wreckage, but could not have been examined at the crash site; thus, it was transported to the Ogle International Airport.

There, it will be inspected to determine the reasons for it not being activated when the plane went down.

He said if investigators cannot do so, it will have to be sent to its manufacturer for further examination.

Removal

The GCAA director added that once the investigations on site are completed, the aircraft will be handed over to the operator/owner, who is responsible for its removal.

On January 18, the Cessna Caravan bearing registration number 8R-GHS crashed just after take off from Olive Creek, claiming the lives of Blake Slater, 25, and cargo loader Dwayne Jacobs, 28.

The aircraft was at the time on a shuttle operation between Olive Creek and Imbaimadai, transporting

fuel. The “Mayday” emergency call was broadcast around 10:56h on the day it went down; thus, an aerial search was immediately activated.

After 11 hours of searching, the wreckage was located on the following day in the Marikina Mountain

by GDF Special Force officers. They were then inserted at a location some 1.2 miles from the wreckage and trekked on foot to the crash site.

They were joined by another team and managed to find both Blake and Jacobs.

The bodies were recovered on Tuesday, January 21, and were flown to the city later that day.

Jacobs was laid to rest on Monday at the La Repentir Cemetery. The funeral service was attended by several top Trans Guyana Airways officials, including Captain Jerry Gouveia and Ogle International Airport Public Relations Consultant Kit Nascimento.

The body of Slater, a Canadian, had returned to Canada for his final rights to be read.

Surinamese ambassador visits education minister

From left: Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Surinamese Ambassador Nisha Kurban-Baboe with an embassy official following their meeting on Monday

S

urinamese Ambassador to Guyana, Nisha Kurban-Baboe on Monday discussed a number of issues during a courtesy call to Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

A range of topics dealing primarily with education

were addressed, with both countries signalling a desire for increased collaboration.

According to a release, Manickchand expressed the hope that the existing relationship between both countries would be further strengthened through fu-

ture endeavours.

Guyana continues to build a positive diplomatic relationship with neighbouring Suriname and looks forward to more bilateral cooperation, as both countries strengthen their diplomatic ties.

Police intensify investigations into designer’s death – as tributes pour in

A

s investigations continue into the murder of prominent Guyanese designer Trevor Rose and the shooting of two others, the police are still to make an arrest, but have intensified their probe into the incident.

This is according to Commander A Division George Vyphius in an invited comment on Monday.

He explained that the police are still to acquire statements from Latoya Towler and Troy Neiuinkirk who were injured in the incident.

He added that they remain hospitalised, but the investigators are hoping to gather any information that might be useful to the investigations.

Footage

Vyphius said ranks are scouring the area for any surveillance footage from private entities, and more so, they will depend on the CCTV footage, if any, from the camera installed at the traffic lights.

He remembered Rose as a well-respected young man, who started his career at Astro Arts some years ago.

He also remembered him working with Pulse Entertainment during var-

Lillian Browne, mother of slain designer Trevor Rose, flanked by his father and Rose’s eldest daughter

Noel stated that Rose’s death is a testimony which proves that anyone can be killed in their own backyard. She expressed condolences to his family, especially his eight children and ex-wife Michelle Cole, who is also a designer by profession.

Digicel Public Relations Officer Vidya Sanchara reminisced that Rose designed their first Mash costume called “FIRESTORM” but had other engagements with him from time to time.

She described him as very talented and creative.

Despite him not working for the company for a while, he had a cordial relationship with the staff. He was humble and always had a solution to every problem, she said. Sanchara said the designer will be missed, and on that note, expressed her condolences to his family.

Banks DIH Public Relations Officer Troy Peters said the beverage giant is saddened by the sudden death of Rose and recalled working with him, both as a designer and pro-

lone gunman opened fire on the car he was in while in the vicinity of the traffic lights at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Rose, 32, lived at Lot 232 East Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

During the shooting, Troy Nieuinkirk, 30, a taxi driver and the mother of Rose's two-year-old son, Latoya Towler, 29, were also injured. Towler was reportedly shot to the buttocks while Nieuinkirk sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm.

It was reported that Rose was heading into the Eccles Housing Scheme to drop off Towler and as the car approached the traffic lights in the area, another motor car which was heavily tinted drove up alongside the car he was in and accosted the driver, taunting him about the way he was driving.

This developed into an argument, and subsequently, the driver of the other car exited his vehicle and opened fire. Rose reportedly

Dead: Trevor Rose

ious promotions. The commander stated that the police will continue their investigations into the matter, but called on members of the public who might have information about the shooting to come forward.

Rose’s mother, Lillian Browne said she did not know her son had enemies.

She confirmed that her son might have had arguments with people, but he never held malice.

She explained that she was out of the country for some time and upon returning, she was made to understand that Rose was out of the country, but upon his return, she did not question him about the reason for his visit.

Local fashion icon Sonia Noel stated that it is a sad moment for those who interacted with the very talented designer.

The car in which Rose was travelling at the time of the shooting

moter.

He added that his death has put a dent in the hearts of those who knew him and worked with him. “It is sad to note that he has departed this world at a young age,” Peters said.

Rose was the designer of Banks DIH costume in 2011, which earned the company several prizes.

He was early Sunday morning executed when a

received multiple gunshot injuries while Nieuinkirk and Towler were shot once.

Nieuinkirk, during the ordeal, managed to drive off the scene and went straight to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but it was too late for doctors to resuscitate Rose. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility while the injured driver and woman were admitted.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, January 28, 2014

Regional

TT prime minister concerned Jamaica police probe origin of about ungodliness in country sex tape featuring schoolgirls

P

rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said the week of prayer now taking place in the country is a demonstration of Trinadad and Tobago’s (TT) belief in the supremacy of God and that knowledge fills her with profound joy. She was speaking at the launch of the National Week of Prayer organised by the National Diversity and Social Integration and the InterReligious Organisation Ministry.

The event was prompted by the shocking level of crime and lawlessness pervading the land. National Diversity Minister Rodger Samuel told the gathering of Baptists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other faiths that the preamble to the constitution states that TT believes in the supremacy of God. “Therefore, it is essential to turn back to God in

TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

times of trouble for supreme guidance,” he said.

Persad-Bissessar said the event was recognition of the value of prayer as an important component in the lives of citizens. “At a personal level, prayer has always been important to me. I urge every woman, man and child, to commit to daily prayers for this week, and beyond.

Pray in whatever way you know,” she said. “God, as our parent, knows us and accepts our prayers when we do it with love and sincerity. When you pray from your heart, God listens.”

The prime minister said TT is going through a difficult period caused by greed, lawlessness, a lack of respect for elders, the abuse of children and a focus on materialism. “These are symptoms of ungodliness,” she said. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

T

he origin of a video that is being circulated on mobile devices is now at the centre of an investigation by the police force.

The Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), which is a branch of the Jamaica Constabulary, said the pictures and video in circulation, depict schoolgirls engaging in sexual acts with each other.

It also shows the female students carrying out sexual acts with a man. The police report that the man depicted in the video makes the movies and then sells them.

According to Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, at least one high school in the

central parish of Clarendon has already responded to news of the probe by the police.

“They have gathered the school population, they have brought together the guidance counsellors and others who can help and in addition they have established a disciplinary committee that will be meeting next week.

This school is doing all it can, they are being extremely concerned.

“Additionally, the Ministry of Education’s region six which includes the parish of Clarendon will be sending personnel into the area on Monday and they will be remaining as long as necessary in order to assist the school authorities,” Thwaites said. (Caribbean360)

TT teen raped Foreign airlines suspend local during robbery currency ticket sales in Venezuela

A

Couva couple was forced to sit helplessly as armed men raped their 15-year-old daughter on Sunday. Police said around 16:30h, a 55-yearold service station operator was in his yard preparing for work when two gunmen held him up at gunpoint. He was ordered back into his house where his wife and daughter were asleep.

The family was robbed of TT$50,000 in cash and

the men bound the parents’ hands and feet before taking the teenager into another room where they raped her before fleeing the scene with the cash.

A manhunt has been launched for the suspects

by Superintendant Johnny Abraham and Inspector Terrence Williams. The teen was taken to the Couva District Health Centre where she was examined and discharged. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

O

n Friday, three more international airlines joined the list of foreign carriers that have suspended local currency ticket sales in Venezuela, saying that the government owes them billions of dollars in unpaid fares.

U.S. carriers American Airlines and United Airlines, along with Panama’s Copa Airlines, said they were halting ticket sales in Venezuela as a result of the

government’s failure to pay arrears that as of last month totalled US$2.6 billion, according to a statement issued on December 12, 2013 by the International Air Transport Association, an airline trade group.

Under Venezuela’s complicated foreign exchange rules, the government acts as intermediary in foreign currency sales of goods and services, including air fares.

Airlines that have al-

ready suspended operations include Air Canada, Tame (Ecuador) and TAP (Portugal).

As of Friday, no flights in or out of Venezuela had been cancelled by foreign carriers, but the airlines had halted ticket transactions in bolivars. Sales of tickets purchased with dollars are still reportedly being made.

Venezuela finds itself in a tightening shortage of for-

eign currency partly because of falling oil revenues. An increasing percentage of oil output now goes directly to China to repay cash advances that now exceed US$42 billion.

Free or discounted oil that Venezuela ships to Cuba and several other Caribbean nations under the PetroCaribe agreement generates less than market rate. (Excerpt from Caribbean News

Now)

Tragic weekend as St Vincent Four buildings burnt in Jamaica in 48 hours records four road deaths

The weekend deaths bring to five, the number of people who have died in road incidents so far this year

F

our people, including a national residing in Trinidad and Tobago, were killed in vehicular accidents here over the weekend, according to police.

While the authorities have not yet released the

names of any of the victims of the accidents, they said two others have been hospitalised.

The police said that a St Vincent and the Grenadines national, who had returned home for the Christmas hol-

idays, died when the vehicle in which she was travelling plunged over a hillside in Coulls Hill in western St Vincent on Saturday.

Less than 24 hours later, three people were killed when their vehicle crashed in Maroon Hill, a community in the interior of the island.

The weekend deaths bring to five, the number of people who have died in road incidents so far this year.

Kenson James, an 11-year-old student of New Adelphi died at the Diamonds Health Centre on January 7 after he was struck by a vehicle, police said. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

C

riminal activities that have engulfed sections of Bay Shore in the East Rural Street of Andrew, Harbour View, recently continue to make life miserable for residents following the torching of four buildings, including three houses between Thursday and Saturday of last week.

The latest incidents preceded on Sunday highlighted the underworld activities of gangsters in the area, among them the murder of citizens and burial of their bodies on the banks of the Hope River, an act that has been going on for several years, according to a former gangster close to the crimes.

Policemen kept a close watch on activities in Bay Shore, Harbour View on Sunday following a recent series of fires and reports of shooting in the area

Police confirmed that a feud between rival gang members in the area had resulted in four buildings along Everest Drive being burnt.

Residents also said gunmen had fired shots at each other, and had even shot at the police when the law enforcers attempted to intervene. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Peru-Chile border ruling due in The Hague

T

he United Nations’ highest court is due to rule on an acrimonious dispute between Peru and Chile over their maritime border.

At stake are 38,000 square kilometres (14,670 square miles) of ocean and extremely lucrative fishing grounds.

Peru asked the International Court of Justice in The Hague to rule

on the matter in 2008, saying there was no legally defined sea border.

It believes the border should extend in line with from the coast.

But Chile insists it is on a line horizontal to the earth’s axis, citing treaties agreed in 1952 and 1954 which it says settled the maritime border on that basis.

Peru’s fishing industry estimates that the disputed

Those with the most to lose are the Chilean fishermen who could be excluded from some of the world’s most lucrative waters

zone has an annual catch of 565 million Peruvian nuevo sol (US$200 million; £121 million), particularly of anchovies.

Correspondents say that with intense interest in the case in both countries, there is considerable national pride at stake too.

With patriotic fervour rising over the case, Peruvian politicians have urged their countrymen to

remain calm, while their Chilean counterparts have promised their fisherman financial help in the event of an ruling that affects them adversely.

The leaders of both countries have also promised to abide by the decision.

This is just the latest development in a history of disputes between the two, dating back to the 19th century. (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 Around the world tuesday, January 28, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Egypt's army backs Sisi as presidential Philippines launches offensive candidate against rebels E T gypt’s top military body has given its approval for army chief Field Marshal, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to run for the presidency, state media report.

Field Marshal Sisi led the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected leader, in July.

He is expected to accept the nomination from the Supreme Council for Armed Forces (SCAF) and resign from his military position within days.

Earlier, the interim president promoted him from general to field marshal.

Field Marshal Sisi is popular with much of the

Egyptian public and analysts say he would be expected to win the presidential election, to be held by late April.

On Saturday, tens of thousands of people joined a rally in Cairo to mark the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against President Hosni Mubarak and call on Field Marshal Sisi to stand.

The BBC’s Orla Guerin in Cairo says many Egyptians see him as being the strongman needed to pull their country out of its political crisis, but that others fear his election could mark a return to the authoritarianism the revolution sought to end.

Saturday also saw widespread anti-government

Field Marshal, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi

protests, with dozens of people killed in clashes and arrests reported in several cities. Field Marshal Sisi served as defence minister under Morsi, but spearheaded the military intervention

which removed him after mass street protests.

Earlier this month a new constitution, replacing one introduced under Morsi, was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

I’m fine, says France’s former first lady

W

ith the world’s eyes on her after a media frenzy over her former partner’s alleged affair, France’s former first lady, Valerie Trierweiler, said Monday she was doing fine and told people not to worry about her.

The former partner of French President Francois Hollande made her first public appearance two days after bidding farewell to the Elysee presidential palace, following global headlines about Hollande’s alleged affair with an actress.

Smiling and dressed in a

Valerie Trierweiler

salmon pink top, Trierweiler addressed reporters during a trip to Mumbai, India, where she is lending her

support to an anti-hunger charity.

“I feel good, I feel very happy to be here,” she told a news conference intended to highlight the work of the Action Against Hunger charity in India.

Trierweiler left Paris discreetly on Sunday. On arrival in Mumbai she was greeted by a media scrum, which followed her as she visited a hospital and met patients in a campaign against child malnutrition. The trip had been planned months ago.

During the news conference, Trierweiler described

the emotion she felt holding a young child.

“I will continue to fight against (child malnutrition).

This trip has been in the works for months. I would not have missed this engagement for anything,” she said.

Hollande meanwhile travelled to Turkey on Monday for a state visit. The trip is his first public appearance since declaring on Saturday that his relationship with Trierweiler was over. (Excerpt from CNN)

he Philippine military has launched a major offensive against a splinter rebel group, two days after negotiations with the country’s main Muslim rebel group to end a decades-long insurgency that has killed tens of thousands successfully ended.

Soldiers, backed by artillery, attacked guerrillas of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a remote village on the southern island of Mindanao on Monday, triggering fighting that sent hundreds of civilians fleeing, the military said.

Al Jazeera’s Jamela Alindogan, reporting from the capital, Manila, said that the fighting apparently erupted after the military tried to serve warrants of arrest against the BIFF, which is fighting for an independent Islamic state.

In 2008, the BIFF broke away from the

main rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that is now on the brink of signing a final peace deal with the Philippine government.

Since breaking away from the MILF, the BIFF has been accused of carrying out armed robberies and bombings in several cities in Mindanao.

On Sunday, the government and MILF negotiators sealed the final phase of talks in Malaysia that would pave the way for the laying down of arms by rebels in exchange for greater autonomy.

The BIFF, however, said that the deal is not inclusive and does not represent the needs of their people.

Under the peace deal, an existing five-province Muslim autonomous region is to be replaced by a more powerful, better-funded and potentially larger region to be called Bangsamoro. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Children killed playing with grenade

In this file photo, Pakistani children fly their kites near Islamabad. Six children playing in a field in rural Pakistan were killed Sunday when a hand grenade they mistook for a toy exploded, police said

Many die as Nigerian villages raided S S

uspected Islamist militants have attacked two villages in northeastern Nigeria, leaving 74 people dead, say police and witnesses.

Militants attacked Kawuri village in Borno state as a busy market was packing up on Sunday, setting off explosives and setting houses ablaze.

Witnesses said 52 people were killed in that attack, while 22 died in an attack on a church service in Waga Chakawa village, Adamawa state, on Sunday.

The attacks were blamed on Boko Haram.

The Islamist group – whose name means

A security offensive to combat Boko Haram’s insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria has been unable to put a stop to the violence

“Western education is forbidden” – is especially active in north-eastern Nigeria.

Borno and Adamawa are two of three north-eastern

states – along with Yobe – put under emergency rule last May, as the military attempts to combat the insurgency.

Gunmen planted explosive devices around Kawuri village prior to the attack, said a witness and security official.

They also killed civilians in their homes, dozens of which were set ablaze in the attack.

“No house was left standing,” Ari Kolomi, who fled from the village to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, some 70km (43 miles) away, told AP news agency.

“The gunmen were more than 50 (in number); they were using explosives and heavysounding guns.”

Kolomi said he did not yet know if his relatives had survived the attack. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Syria talks deadlocked over power transfer

S

yrian peace talks in Geneva have reached a deadlock after a session aimed at tackling contentious political issues, including the possibility of a transitional government.

The UN mediator for the Geneva 2 peace talks,

Lakhdar Brahimi, told a news conference on Monday afternoon that little progress had been made on any front, but discussions would continue on Tuesday.

“The humanitarian discussion has not produced much,” Brahimi said, not-

ing the Syrian government was still willing to move forward with the evacuation of women and children from Homs, but there was no plan on exactly how this should be done.

On allowing access to a convoy of food and medical supplies, he added, “there

is no decision [by the government] to let them in.”

Despite the slow progress, Brahimi said “there is still hope”, but maintained peace was unlikely to be achieved within days or even weeks. He urged both sides to “think about their people”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ix children playing in a field in rural Pakistan were killed Sunday when a hand grenade they mistook for a toy exploded, police said.

Hangu district police officer Ifitkhar Ahmed said the two girls and four boys were between ages seven and 12.

Another child was injured.

The incident occurred in Babar Mela, about three miles (five kilometres) southwest

of Hangu, a troubled district bordering Pakistan’s tribal areas. Hangu is rife with sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Earlier this month, a 14-year-old boy tackled a suicide bomber and died at the main gate of his school in Hangu, saving schoolmates gathered for their morning assembly. Two other people were injured when the bomber set off his device. (CNN)

Pope John Paul ll relic stolen

I

talian police are hunting for a stolen holy relic that contains the blood of Pope John Paul ll.

It appears to have been taken during the burglary of a small chapel that was a place of special significance to the late Pope.

The church of San Pietro della Ienca lies in an isolated spot in the mountains of central Abruzzo region.

Over the weekend, thieves broke some protective iron bars and forced their way in through a window.

They left the collection box, but took a crucifix and

the priceless relic, which contains a piece of gauze once soaked in the blood of the late Pope – one of only three such relics in the world.

Members of the local cultural association supporting the chapel are distraught.

“We are very displeased by the theft. We have no idea of who could have done it. The police are carrying out a search,” said Franca Corrieri, a member of the association, speaking to the BBC. The Pope used to escape the pressures of life in the Vatican by coming to the mountains. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16

tuesday, january 28, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Africa

Caribbean

Reunion Gold studies silico- Africans struggle to see oil, mineral revenues manganese plant in TT

T

he Reunion Gold corporation of Canada has retained Worley Parsons to “conduct a scoping-level study to assess the parameters relating to the possible development of a silico-manganese plant” to be located in TT. In addition, G Mining Services Ltd has been retained to combine the results of the Worley Parsons’ scoping study with the results of a July 2013 pre-feasibility study on the production of

manganese (Mn) concentrate from the Matthews Ridge Project located in northwest Guyana, South America.

Reunion Gold has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Energy Corporation of TT setting out the terms under which the parties will collaborate to evaluate the potential development by Reunion of a silico-manganese plant in TT. “In addition to its proximity

to Guyana, TT offers numerous benefits including competitive power costs, deep sea port facilities, dedicated areas for industrial projects and proximity to silico-manganese markets,” the company said in a release.

The company hopes to release the results of a preliminary economic assessment of the combined studies, including various output scenarios, by the end of the first quarter of this year. (Trinidad Guardian)

North America

A

major new survey of African countries which depend on mining or oil revenues shows that six in 10 people have difficulty in finding out how their governments spend the proceeds of the resources.

This is among the findings of a report published

by Afrobarometer, the survey network based in academic institutions around the continent which meas-

ures African public opinion.

The report was written by senior Afrobarometer staff in the Centre for Democratic Development in Ghana.

The survey – of 22 countries – shows that 62 per cent of their citizens say it is “very difficult” or “difficult” to establish how governments use revenues from taxes and fees.

Bottom of the list is Guinea, where 77 per cent of

survey respondents report difficulty, followed by Uganda (73 per cent), Tanzania (72 per cent), Sierra Leone (71 per cent) and Nigeria (69 per cent).

In only two countries do a majority of citizens say it is “very easy” or “easy” to determine where tax revenue is spent: Botswana, where the lowest number (43 per cent) reports difficulties, and South Africa (47 per cent). (allAfrica)

Asia

Japan reports record annual Wall Street falls as emerging market trade deficit concerns overshadow earnings

U

.S. stocks fell on Monday, extending last week’s steep selloff, as weaker-than-expected new home sales data and ongoing concerns about emerging markets weighed on investor sentiment.

The technology sector was the biggest loser with the Nasdaq falling nearly 1.5 per cent. The Dow industrial average, although in negative territory, was outperforming the broader market thanks to

Caterpillar Inc which reported better-than-expected results.

“Earnings gave investors hope but the reality of all the moving parts of emerging markets and weak home sales made them rethink how good results from a handful of companies really are,” said Kim Forrest, analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group Inc. Investors were also cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meet-

ing that begins on Tuesday.

Many market participants expect another selloff if the Fed decides to keep withdrawing its stimulus, further pressuring equities already roiled by a flight from emerging markets last week.

Big technology names weighed on the market.

Google shares were off 3.4 per cent at US$1085.26. Microsoft shares lost 2.2 per cent to US$36.01. (Reuters)

Europe

Turkey’s central bank calls emergency meeting over lira plunge

T

he Turkish central bank has called an emergency meeting of its monetary policy committee today, following a sharp fall in the lira against the euro and U.S. dollar. The bank said it would “discuss recent developments and take the necessary policy measures for price stability” at the meeting. It will set out its plans in a statement at 22:00 GMT today.

The move comes amid

market pressure for the bank to raise interest rates.

After the announcement, the lira firmed to 2.3420 against the dollar, compared with a record low of 2.39 earlier in the day. But it fell 0.5 per cent against the euro to 3.17740. Just last week, the central bank decided to hold rates steady at its rate-setting meeting. Analysts say the central bank is reluctant to raise rates for fear of slow-

ing economic growth ahead of local elections due in March.

The government has forecast that Turkish growth will pick up from an expected rate of 3.6 per cent in 2013 to four per cent for this year, sharply down from the eight per cent growth it achieved in both 2010 and 2011. Turkish markets have been hit by an investigation into public sector corruption involving the construction industry. (BBC News)

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

Fixed as at July 24, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$340.99

$345.25

CAN

$186.20

$188.35

USD

$205.98

$208.44

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on January 27, 2013 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1256.50

$1257.50

Low/High

$1250.30

$1266.70

Change

-12.50

-0.99

London Gold Fix

Jan 27 USD GBP EUR

Jan 24 USD GBP EUR

AM

PM

1270.00 767.14 927.82

1260.50 760.35 922.30

AM

PM

1259.25 757.40 920.44

1267.00 768.21 925.90

Indicators Crude Oil

Price Silver

Platinum

US$ per barrel

$107.88 USD per Ounce

$19.69 $1407.00

Change %

+0.28 Change %

-0.22 -20.00

J

apan has reported a record annual trade deficit after the weak yen pushed up the cost of energy imports. Its deficit rose to 11.5 trillion yen (US$112 billion; £68 billion) in 2013 – a 65 per cent jump from a year ago.

Japan has seen its energy imports rise in recent years after it shut all of its nuclear reactors in the aftermath of the

tsunami and earthquake in 2011. But it has to pay more for those imports after a series of aggressive policy moves weakened the yen sharply.

The Japanese currency fell more than 20 per cent against the U.S. dollar between January and December last year. The latest trade data showed that while Japan’s imports of Liquefied Natural

Gas rose 0.2 by volume in 2013 from the previous year – the value of those imports surged nearly 18 per cent.

This is the third year in a row that Japan – traditionally known for the strength of its exports – has reported an annual trade deficit. Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, has seen its growth stagnate over the past two decades. (BBC News)

Middle East

UAE’s Education Ministry launches tech hub with Etisalat

T

he UAE’s Education Ministry launched the country’s first stateof-the-art technology hub on Monday, in association with telecoms operator Etisalat and technology giant Microsoft.

The Etisalat Education Technology Centre will be used to focus on research and development and experimental educational tools. The hub has a number of large touch-

screens that work as both demonstration units and smart education tools. The centre is equipped with video conferencing capability, enabling up to 60 people to participate in a live session.

The centre was opened in the presence of Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami, UAE education minister, and Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat UAE.

“The UAE government’s vision is to provide the highest level of modern education that is up-to-date in curricula, technology and environment,” said Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami.

“We want to provide the best infrastructure, facilities and services for the education sector that is accompanied with best teaching methodologies and expertise. (Gulf Business)

Investors' guide

How do you find a new job?

W

hether you are looking for a job in a field you’re familiar with, or just looking to find a job, you can take a number of steps that will make the search easier. The first step is to identify the marketable skills you possess and make an evaluation of the job market that requires those skills.

Making a list of all your abilities, work experience and education will typically give you a picture of what types of jobs you might be able to find.

Once you have identified your strengths and weaknesses you can then begin the search, to find a new job.

Once you have determined your abilities and decided upon companies or trades that you would like to work for, you can then proceed to contact companies in the field looking

to hire. In addition, jobs can be found through the Internet and in newspaper ads.

Write a comprehensive CV

Having an impressive resume may not always get you a job, but it puts you one step ahead of other people without one. Doing the research to write a good resume can pay off when looking for a new job.

Your resume should also include a cover letter written to prospective employers, stating why you want the job and why you would be the best choice. To impress possible employers, you might want to print your resume and cover letter on quality paper.

Try and get into an employer’s shoes to determine what they are looking for and attempt to address those

needs. Once you have impressed a prospective employer through your resume, you will typically be invited to be interviewed.

Preparing for an interview

Interviewers often ask the same kinds of questions, such as “how do you think you would fit in at our company” or “where do you think you’ll be in three years”. It is wise to have answers for all of these types of questions and reviewing them before the interview.

Rehearsing before a group of friends might also be a good way to prepare for an interview. The point is to feel and display confidence at the interview and to make the interviewers find reasons to think you are the best person for the job. (Business Dictionary)

Business concept – Negotiation

Last: 15837.88

Changes: -41.23

% Change: -0.26

Open:15879.05

High:15942.77

Low: 15783.55

% YTD: -4.46

52Wk Hi:16174.51

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

General: Bargaining (give and take) process between two or more parties (each with its own aims, needs, and viewpoints) seeking to discover a common ground and reach an agreement to settle a matter of mutual concern or resolve a conflict.

Banking: Accepting or trading a negotiable instrument.

Contracting: Use of any method to award a contract other than sealed bidding.

news

17

tuesday, January 28, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

LIAT plane suffers mechanical fault A

New centre to reduce climate risks in Caribbean

R

egional airline LIAT on Monday cleared the air about a mechanical problem one of its planes developed, forcing it to be taken out of service.

The airline said the aircraft (Flight LI 775) had developed a “steering defect” shortly before 11:00h on Monday while taxing at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua.

As a result, the plane, a French-made ATR, which was due to travel to St Lucia and Trinidad, “was moved to the ramp where it’s being examined by the company’s maintenance staff and will undergo the necessary re-

pairs before being returned to service”.

The airline said that passengers on the affected aircraft were being accommodated on other LIAT services.

LIAT, whose principal shareholder governments

are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, recently obtained a multimillion-dollar loan from the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to re-fleet its aging fleet with the French-made ATRs.

Delano Seiveright takes ganja to the Jamaica Stock Exchange

A

bove ground, ganja remained a pariah for decades.

Underground, however, the weed has flourished, defying all legal constraints.

Luckily, it seems.

All of a sudden, ganja has burst forth from underground and has caught the unprecedented attention of the world.

In Jamaica, the most spectacular evidence of ganja’s rebirth, arguably, is the invitation to the ganja lobby, represented by the Ganja Law Reform Coalition (GLRC) to present at the highly regarded Investments and Capital Markets Conference 2014 staged by the Jamaica Stock Exchange last week.

And ganja is not yet decriminalised or legalised in Jamaica!

The list of speakers over the three days of the conference included Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Charles Ross, Allison Peart, Giorgio Valentini of the World Bank, Bert Van Selm of the International Monetary Fund, Lissant Mitchell, Adam Stewart, Michael Ranglin, Gary

Allen, Kelly Tomblin, Leo Williams, David Mullings, and Gregory White.

The man chosen to deliver the sermon on “Investment Opportunities from Legalising Marijuana” was Delano Seiveright, the young politico whose light flickered bright in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) constellation for a time.

The weekend before, Seiveright, Paul Burke, the People’s National Party (PNP) firebrand, and GLRC chairman Paul Chang had pulled together the disparate groups and individuals comprising the ganja lobby into a loose, if highly spirited coalition at a forum attended by potential investors from the United States and Canada.

They achieved the historic feat of launching Jamaica’s first Future Ganja Growers and Producers Association, at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies That forum set the stage for Seiveright’s presentation which was a compelling listen, chock-full of enticing information that the men in pinstripes and grey suits

and the women in power suits would have found difficult to ignore.

“The investment opportunities from legalising ganja are huge,” argued Seiveright.

“It is important to note that recent moves in the United States and elsewhere have created an industry where many players have never even touched the plant. In Colorado alone, the industry incorporates lawyers, architects, laboratory technicians, real estate developers, academia, accountants, doctors, nurses, tour operators, agronomists, security, clerical personnel and an amazing range of spin-offs,” he said.

Colorado is the first U.S. state to legalise ganja and some of the key players in the legalisation campaign were in prominent attendance at the historic forum.

A lengthening string of 20 other U.S. states are at varying levels of legalisation, many having noticed that Canada, their big neighbour to the north, had already legalised the weed for medicinal purposes. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica: Police said to be aiding some criminals in the east

A

stunning claim has been made by a former gang member in the eastern belt of the Jamaica capital, that men in the criminal underworld, often assisted by rogue policemen, have been killing people and burying their bodies in the vicinity of a sand mine.

The practice, according to the man, has been going on for “whole heap a years”, and is carried out by individuals who are based between the East Kingston community of Rockfort, and the adjoining Harbour View in East Rural St Andrew.

The young man, who has been keeping a low profile since the area became tense recently, told the Jamaica Observer that he knew most of what happens in the community.

Late last week, he accompanied a Sunday Observer team to a section of Harbour View called ‘Crusher’ and pointed to three spots in the remote community, through which the Hope River runs, where he said he was sure several bodies were buried.

“Is nearly 100 bodies buried in the river bed. Dem usually use the big tractor

dem, but sometimes when the tractors not there, dem use shovel,” the man said.

The Sunday Observer team saw several pieces of heavy-duty equipment on the way to the alleged burial sites, but had no evidence to suggest that those were at any time used in the activity described by the ex-gangster.

According to the informant, most of the criminal activities are carried out by members of the ‘Mad Ants Crew’, which has since changed its name to ‘Bay Shore’. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

new World Bank supported business hub, will support the growing number of clean energy and climate technology ventures in the Caribbean region.

The Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC), first of its kind in the region, will help reduce the significant threats posed by climate change through the creation of new green businesses.

Climate change can have a serious impact on the Caribbean. A recent World Bank study highlights how an estimated four degree Celsius increase in global temperatures would have disastrous consequences, including increased frequency and intensity of storms, coastal erosion, and decline of fresh water resources.

Additional research estimated that the cost for the Caribbean could be up to US$11 billion annually by 2025.

To address the economic impact of climate change in the region, the CCIC will help local companies – working in solar energy, energy efficiency, water management, resource efficiency and agribusiness – become successful ‘green’ ventures through financing, training, mentorship and other ser-

vices.

“The new CCIC will help turn climate challenges into economic opportunities,” World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean Sophie Sirtaine said. “Companies in the Caribbean have the skills and experience to innovate and find environmentally sound and profitable climate solutions the region needs.

The CCIC will work with them to make this happen.”

Other sources

Numerous domestic natural resources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass can be tapped to move the region away from fossil fuels.

By supporting local climate technology companies that make use of these natural resources, the CCIC is expected to cut 20,882 metric tonnes in green house gas emissions in the first six years of operation – which is equivalent to the exhaust emissions from 4500 passenger cars per year.

“We believe biodiesel could play an important role in the energy landscape of the Caribbean,” said Elliot Lincoln, founder of Themba Biofuels, based in Antigua.

“We aim to replace 10 per cent of imported diesel fuel

with biodiesel and create more than a hundred jobs. I look forward to the support of the CCIC as we scale our operations and develop new markets.”

The CCIC will have facilities in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as satellite hubs in other Caribbean islands.

The centre will be part of a global network of eight climate innovation centres located, among others, in Kenya, India, Vietnam and Ethiopia.

The CCIC will complement other ongoing World Bank and donor initiatives including the Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness in Jamaica and the Caribbean Growth Forum.

Supported by the World Bank Group and its global innovation programme infoDev, and by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, the CCIC was developed in close collaboration with regional public and private sector partners. It is hosted by the Scientific Research Council based in Kingston, Jamaica and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute in Trinidad and Tobago.

Suriname-IDB partnership expanded

T

he government and people of Suriname continued to build on their relations with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in 2013 to expand opportunities for all and catalyse lasting reforms in key sectors – the main objectives of the development plan.

With a lending total of US$175 million (US$125 million from ordinary capital and US$50 million from China co-financing funds), the partnership consolidated structural reforms in the energy and financial sectors, while commencing the modernisation of the revenue management system and the agriculture sector. An investment loan for US$30 million will finance capital works in energy.

Specifically, these interventions contribute in part to: strengthening supervision of the financial sector and promoting inter-bank and securities market development; and developing a clear and concise tax framework to cut compliance costs for the taxpayer and improve taxpayer services. They will also improve the delivery of agricultural services to benefit more than 10,000 farmers; enhancing the quality and reliability of the local electricity service in addition to expanding access to 24-hour electricity supply to some locations in the hinterland, while promoting renewable energy solutions, among others.

Surinamese Vice President Robert Ameerali

Suriname received US$5.4 million in grants and technical assistance in energy, social protection, and transport. IDB facilitated the implementation of early childhood development policies under the guidance of Surinamese First Lady Ingrid Bouterse as chairperson of the Early Childhood Development Steering Committee.

Private sector front

On the private sector front, IDB followed the lead of Vice President Robert Ameerali and the recently established Competitiveness Unit of Suriname to deepen dialogue with stakeholders through the Caribbean Growth Forum initiative and the National Competitiveness

Forum, financed by Compete Caribbean. The Competitiveness Forum was an opportunity to build an organic, local partnership among members from realms to move quickly toward private sector-led growth in Suriname. To this end, the Multilateral Investment Fund approved a US$1.0 million grant to deliver job skills training for the expanding youth population.

Knowledge generation and dissemination continued to be prominent features of the partnership in 2013.

The IDB facilitated the project management training of more than 100 public officials, executing agencies’ staff, and prospective project members for results, procurement, and financial management. The bank’s analytical efforts concentrated on understanding the role of productivity, strategies for enhancing the business climate, effects of commodity price shocks, and the informal sector.

While the bank supported the National Census activity and the household budget survey, it collaborated with authorities to gather data regarding enterprises, labour, innovation, productivity, the social sector, and more. The 2013 interventions were delivered within the context of the 2011– 2015 Country Strategy with Suriname, approved by the board of the IDB in November 2011.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, january 28, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Someone may try to undermine you today.

Be clear and direct when talking to superiors or colleagues. Don’t leave any room for misunderstandings.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Investment opportunities will be dubious and unlikely to yield results.

Be scrupulous about whom to trust with your hardearned cash. Don’t be easygoing about lending money to other people.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) It may be a challenge to relate to your partner right now. Listen carefully to his or her concerns, but avoid voicing your opinions. You can’t win today, so it’s best to keep to yourself.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22) You may see a return on past investments now.

You will cherish the company of children if you choose to engage with them intelligently. Selfimprovement projects will have a beneficial outcome.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) You will be most efficient if you can work from home today. Catch up on any housework or other chores you have been avoiding lately.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) You must take full advantage of any opportunity to travel. Keep your personal life to yourself for the time being.

Correspondence is unlikely to reach you on time today.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Investing in property will be your best bet. Make the effort to examine your options carefully. Consider joint ventures. Women in your life may present you with opportunities.

You will likely feel extravagant. Your lover may end up costing you today. Avoid lending money or possessions to female friends. Concentrate on your work.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Romantic opportunities can develop while travelling for business or attending a talk. You can complete contracts or formulate new agreements that will lead to prosperity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) You should make time to discuss the future with your partner. Short trips or outings will help to ease your communication. You may overreact to personal issues today.

Monday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) You can improve your financial situation through carefully considered investments or handling other people’s money. Secret goings-on may lead you down an undignified path.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Being evasive or avoidant will backfire on you today. Now is the time to come clean and hope for the best. If you are imprecise in your communication, you will be misinterpreted.

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French DJ duo Daft Punk, teenage Lorde take top Grammys

tuesday, January 28, 2014

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wo unconventional acts, French electronic music DJs Daft Punk and New Zealand teen Lorde, took home the top Grammy awards on Sunday in a night that rewarded robots and newcomers, and recognised marriage equality.

The music industry’s glamorous gathering saw also the two surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, come together for a rare joint performance coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the British group’s breakthrough on American television.

The quirky robotic duo, Daft Punk, scored the double win of album of the year for “Random Access Memories”, and record of the year with the summer dance hit “Get Lucky”, featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.

Rodgers praised the French DJ duo for creating their electronic music album using live music recorded on to analogue tape, calling it “a labour of love”.

“The fact that they decided to put this much effort into the music and bringing in musicians, they had this incredible vision and they believed they achieved something greater by doing that,” Rodgers said backstage.

Formed in the early 1990s by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo, Daft Punk were pioneers of the electronic dance music phenomenon that has recently swept the U.S. mainstream pop industry.

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr take their bow after performing at the 56th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on January 26

said Lorde, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O’Connor, known for a gothic aesthetic that goes against the sexy, scantily clad norm of young pop artists.

High drama at the altar

The Recording Academy also anointed Seattle-based rapper-producer newcomers Macklemore & Ryan Lewis with the Grammy for best new artist and three other awards in rap categories.

“Before there was any media, before there was any buzz about us, before there was a story, there was our fans and it spread organically through them,” said Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, as he accepted the best new artist award.

With their homage to marriage equality, the duo also presided over the big-

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Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z perform at the 56th annual Grammy Awards

It was impossible to know what the two masked musicians thought about their big win because they choose not to speak as part of their act.

Lorde, 17, won the Grammy for song of the year with her breakout hit “Royals”, sharing the award for songwriters with Joel Little. They triumphed over the writers behind Katy Perry’s “Roar” and Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven”, among others.

“Thank you to everyone who has let this song explode because it has been mental,”

gest dramatic moment of the night, the marriage ceremony for 33 couples in a cathedral-like setting, an initiative that Queen Latifah hoped would be emulated across the rap genre.

“I hope this is inspiration to all the rappers out there and hip hop artists out there that they can continue to tackle any subjects you want,” Queen Latifah, said backstage, before her power to marry in California expires at midnight.

The 56th Grammy Awards, the music industry’s top honours handed out

by the Recording Academy across 82 categories, also rewarded a crop of newcomers in several genres.

Kacey Musgraves, 25, won best country album with “Same Trailer Different Park”, while altrockers Imagine Dragons won best rock performance for “Radioactive”.

“This last year has kind of just blown up,” said Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, dusted in the red powder from the band’s high-octane performance with rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Beatles 50th anniversary

There was also 71-yearold McCartney, who teamed up with former members of grunge rock band Nirvana, including Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, to win best rock song for “Cut Me Some Slack”.

“It was magic for me playing with these guys,” said McCartney, adding “I found myself in the middle of a Nirvana reunion and I was very happy.”

With McCartney at the piano and Starr at his drums on Sunday night – in a surprise reunion – the two played a new song, “Queenie Eye”, a catchy tune that hearkened back to the Beatles’ trademark hits. It was only the fourth time they had performed together on stage since a 2002 concert to honour the late George Harrison. John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, and son Sean Lennon were in the crowd dancing along on Sunday.

Kicking off the three-anda-half-hour show, Beyoncé and her rapper husband Jay Z sang “Drunk in Love”, her first public performance since her self-titled album in December, a game-changer in the music industry for its stealth release.

The final performance

by Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, Grohl and Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham hit a sour note as CBS rolled the end credits over the music.

Nine Inch Nails lead Trent Reznor later sent out a tweet with the words “Music’s biggest night ... to be disrespected.” (Reuters)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, january 28, 2014

Quicks bundle Bangladesh out for 232 I

f Sri Lanka arrived in Bangladesh having freshly learned about the perils of negative cricket in Sharjah, their hosts illustrated there is also danger in aggression. Having been asked to bat, Bangladesh lost their top four to intense seam-bowling before lunch, and though they mustered a better middle session through a rapid Shakib Al Hasan riposte and a more measured Mushfiqur Rahim resistance, callousness marked the tail-end of their surrender for 232 as well.

Five of Bangladesh’s top eight had perished trying to take the bowlers on, when perhaps some circumspection was warranted on a Mirpur pitch that rewarded fast bowling more than usual. When Shakib and Mushfiqur had asked for a sporting surface before the game, they perhaps did not envision the frailty of their team’s batting in such conditions would be so markedly exposed. By stumps, the Sri Lanka openers had trod a more secure path to 60.

Shaminda Eranga provided more proof of his ample potential as he led the Sri Lanka attack in spirit and method, bruising Bangladesh with a brace of sharp, short balls. His returns of 4 for 49 were the best in the innings and indeed, a statistical best for himself. Suranga Lakmal found success in imitating Eranga’s preferred length in the innings, taking 3 for 66, while the spinners and Angelo Mathews provided able assistance, sharing three wickets between them.

Eranga had bowled balls moving both ways off the seam in the morning, but after his first bouncer leapt up to shoulder-height, he rarely let an over pass without aiming several at the body and the head. He should have had Tamim Iqbal for 6 in his fourth over, but Kaushal Silva at short-leg fumbled the take. He did not have to wait long, how-

Mushfiqur Rahim played Sri Lanka’s pace attack well before falling for 61

ever. Next over Eranga baited Tamim into a hook and, failing to control the ball which had reached him at above head height, Tamim sent it off the top-edge to fine leg.

His next victim did not fall to a short ball, but perhaps the shot Shamsur Rahman played, to end a bright but streaky debut innings of 33, was a knock-on effect of the short barrage.

Having ducked or weaved around several short ones in the over, Shamsur drove at one that was swinging away from him, and was caught by gully. At the other end, Angelo Mathews had nailed Marshall Ayub with an in-ducker, before Lakmal got Mominul Haque - also with a short ball - to have Bangladesh at 59 for 4.

Though they were on the ropes after the first session, Shakib thought his team would punch their way out of it. He dealt with the pace of the pitch and Sri Lanka’s short balls better than anyone, murdering three off them to the square-leg fence. His audacity almost cost him his wicket three times but Shakib did not see it as cause to temper his advance, nor did it encourage Sri Lanka to press for his wicket. They put men back on the square fence and waited for his mistake, and it came after he had

crossed 50. Rangana Herath - Sri Lanka’s most expensive bowler of the day - beat Shakib’s ambitious sweep with one that dipped and straightened.

Mushfiqur’s progress was steadier and more secure. He fended away the short stuff and met moving deliveries with a dead bat, but as the pace in the pitch rewarded stroke-making as well, he was quick to climb into balls he fancied - particularly wide of offstump.

Unsurprisingly, he also made the top score of 61, and was perhaps unlucky to be dismissed. Lakmal got one to move into him appreciably after tea, but the dual noise in the replay and Mushfiqur’s surprise upon seeing the umpire’s raised finger suggested he might have got an inside edge to the ball that struck him on the thigh.

The Sri Lanka spinners also found some assistance, but they were prevented from settling into a rhythm

by Bangladesh’s enterprising batting. Both Shakib and Sohag Gazi used their feet to Dilruwan Perera, and walloped him towards the sightscreen. Gazi’s 42 from 56 effectively epitomised the Bangladesh batting effort: promising and fun to watch, but of no great substance in the end.

Eranga was most pumped up when he had Nasir Hossain leaping with an arched back, as the batsman attempted to avoid another bouncer and the ball clipped glove on the way through. Eranga came back to end the innings with a deserved fourth wicket. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh 1st innings Tamim Iqbal c Lakmal b Eranga 6 Shamsur Rahman c Perera b Eranga 33 Marshall Ayub lbw b Mathews 1 Mominul Haque c Vithanage b Lakmal 8 Shakib Al Hasan lbw b Herath 55 Mushfiqur Rahim*† lbw b Lakmal 61 Nasir Hossain c †Chandimal b Eranga 4 Sohag Gazi c Eranga b Lakmal 42 Robiul Islam c Perera b Eranga 5 Rubel Hossain b Herath 2 Al-Amin Hossain not out 6 Extras: (lb 4, nb 5) 9 Total: (all out; 63.5 overs) 232 Fall of wickets 1-35 (Tamim Iqbal), 2-40 (Marshall Ayub), 3-40 (Shamsur Rahman), 4-59

(Mominul Haque), 5-145 (Shakib Al Hasan), 6-150 (Nasir Hossain), 7-203 (Mushfiqur Rahim), 8-219 (Sohag Gazi), 9-222 (Rubel Hossain), 10-232 (Robiul Islam) Bowling: RAS Lakmal 18.1-3-663, RMS Eranga 17.4-2-49-4, AD Mathews 6-3-18-1, MDK Perera 11-2-45 0, HMRKB Herath 11-1-50-2 Sri Lanka 1st innings FDM Karunaratne not out 28 JK Silva not out 30 Extras: (w 1, nb 1) 2 Total :(0 wickets; 19 overs) 60 To bat KC Sangakkara, DPMD Jayawardene, LD Chandimal†, AD Mathews*, KDK Vithanage, MDK Perera, RMS Eranga, HMRKB Herath, RAS Lakmal Bowling: Robiul Islam 4-1-120, Al-Amin Hossain 5-1-180, Rubel Hossain, 4-0-20-0, Sohag Gazi 5-2-8-0, Shakib Al Hasan 1-0-2-0

Lionel Messi: Forward is not for sale, says Barcelona president

B

arcelona forward Lionel Messi is not for sale and the club plans to discuss a new contract with the Argentine, says president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Four-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, 26, is reported to be a target for French side Paris St-Germain.

In an interview with radio station RAC1, posted on Barcelona’s website, Bartomeu said: “The club will sit down and negotiate a new contract.

“We will do what we have to, to ensure he’s the best-paid player.”

Messi scored 60 goals in 50 appearances last season but has struggled to match that goalscoring form in 2013-14.

He has scored 18 goals so far but

just eight of those have been in the league, although he has provided 36 assists in 20 appearances.

His last league goal came in September, before he was out for five weeks with a hamstring injury.

“He can do everything,” said Barca coach Gerardo Martino. “If he succeeds in other facets of his game, it doesn’t matter if he scores.

“Nothing surprises me with him. He controls the game well, passes the ball well, he is a good finisher, he can press and recover the ball.

“He sees passes that most people can only see whilst watching the game on TV or in the stands, not ones that you can normally see on the field.” (BBC

Sport)

Lionel Messi

Keith Myers heads Berbice basketball after elections

advisor to the executive committee.

In a brief statement after the elections the newly elected president said while clubs on the West Berbice were not represented on the executive, it is a start towards the resuscitation of basketball in Berbice.

None of the West Berbice club officials attended the elections and were therefore not eligible for election.

Berbice Basketball Association President Keith Myers

T

he Berbice Basketball Association (BBA) has moved one step toward being able to source assistance from the international body for the development of the sport in Berbice.

This follows the holding of elections for office bearers of the sub association. Keith Myers is the new President of BBA. Myers received tremendous support from clubs in both East and West Berbice at the elections, which were held at the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry's Smithfield Drop-in Centre in New Amsterdam on Sunday.

The first vice president is Amanda Henry of Rose Hall Town with former national distance runner Neil Rudder as the second vice president.

The third vice president is Robbert Esseboom while Petra Ford was voted as the secretary for the association.

The association’s treasurer is Ryan Alexander and the assistant secretary/treasurer is Pinky Author.

Eli Hazel is the public relations officer (PRO).

The association has named former Chief Labour Officer Norman Semple as

'Defunct'

Former president of the ‘defunct’ BBA under the old constitution Kirk Fraser did not attend the elections.

Fraser had been accused of running a one-man show forcing both corporate citizens and interested persons to distance themselves from the sport in Berbice.

Fraser had been responsible for the staging of the Mackeson tournament for teams in Berbice, for which the final is still to be played.

The semifinal of that competition was held in July last year and, for the past six months, players of Canje Nights and Smithfield Rockers have been forced to sit on the bench awaiting a call to contest the final.

Since then players were able to visit the court again in competitive basketball on January 19 when the Anamayah Memorial tournament commenced.

While there has been some amount of the sport being played in the county, none of the competitions were being sanctioned by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA).

However, Myers says this is expected to change with the installation of a duly constituted executive.

EBFA AGM set for February 16

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he Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) has been set for February 16 at the Grove Community Centre, East Bank Demerara.

The General Council of the EBFA, which held its first meeting on Sunday last, agreed to the date for the AGM, which will see elections being held for the positions of president, vicepresident, treasurer, assistant secretary/treasurer, organising secretary and public relations officer.

There will also be the pre-

sentation of the general secretary’s report, presentation of financial statements and an audited balance sheet for the past year and motions and amendments.

According to a release from the EBFA, nominations for office must reach the general secretary 14 days before the date of the AGM at which officers are to be elected.

Notice of any motion or resolution to be moved at the AGM must be submitted to the general secretary on or before the 14th day preceding the date of the AGM.

tuesday, january 28, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

Big Three offer redraft to ICC as lobbying intensifies

C

ricket's formallyunited ‘Big Three’ the Board of Control for Cricked in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) - will present the seven other Full Member nations with a set of re-drafted "resolutions" around their radical "position paper" at an ICC executive meeting in Dubai on Tuesday.

The resolutions - five in number - were being talked through the first official meeting of the Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee after its "working group" - made up of the heads of the BCCI,

Cricket Australia and the ECB - came up with the proposal in a 21-page document that called for a complete overhaul of the ICC's administration and its revenue distribution.

The first of the proposals to be watered down is expected to be the one pertaining to a two-tier format for Test cricket and the relegation of the bottom two ranked into the ICC Intercontinental Cup. The other proposal which could be reworked pertains to a newly formed Executive Committee (ExCo) and it's possible expansion from four to five, with a second nominee coming in from the "small seven," as opposed to only one according to the draft position paper.

As the ICC's Board met for its scheduled quarterly meeting in Dubai, the Big Three were known to be in discussions with six of the Seven in order to ensure their support should the proposal go to vote on Tuesday.

Fans turned up in large numbers to support Nepal, Hong Kong v Nepal, ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, quarter-final, Abu Dhabi, November 27, 2013 There could be some radical changes to international cricket if the ICC Board accepts the proposals © ICC One board chief said the

BCCI, ECB and Cricket Australia had been "surrounding people, taking them in, we'll give you this, we'll give you that."

Another said that BCCI led the majority of such discussions, their offers being enhanced with every meeting, "Individually they call every board and offer them something each time."

The only vocal objector to the proposal, Cricket South Africa, has been left out of these discussions and the benefits being offered to the rest of the boards.

The main negotiations took place on governance issues with FTP agreements - particularly those pertaining to tours by India being used as "bait". The resolutions, first expected to be presented in a list of 50-plus points, were later gathered together under five categories.

While in the past governance issues had dominated revenue matters, on Monday evening, one of the Big Three officials said there could be "further discussions rather than negotiations around revenue models" with an attempt to explain how they would work in real terms and the guarantees being offered.

The main boards involved in the talks are the three Asian boards the PCB, SLC and BCB who have been left mulling over their options due to various reasons. There has been public protest in Bangladesh, including a crowd gathering of close to 3000 in Dhaka on Saturday, over the possibility of their cricket board ceding Bangladesh's Test match status and calendar in the face of the proposals.

A senior

Bangladeshi cricket official said, "It is a big thing, (to us) this status. In 13 years Bangladesh have managed to win four Test matches. India and New Zealand did not win their first Test till 30 years.

So how come these people are now telling Bangladesh that you will need to fight out in the I-Cup to retain your Test status." Should the relegation issue be diluted from the resolutions, the Big Three may find the leverage they need with the BCB. With the PCB, the main

21

Sauber unveil design for new Formula 1 car with 'anteater' nose

Sauber have released photographs of their new Formula 1 car, which features the 'anteater' nose seen on a number of other 2014 machines

T

issue concerned their FTP arrangements particularly with the BCCI, in the light of a fluctuating political climate. SLC finds itself in a state of financial crisis, an application pending for an $8m loan from the ICC and the prospective carrot of a 2017 tour from the Indian team. Plus, officials are under pressure from former players and administrators who believe the rights they won at an ICC table, "the hard way" should not be surrendered for "shortterm gain."

Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga said accepting the proposal would take smaller countries back to the skewed international calendars of the 1980s. "From 1987 to 1990 in four years Sri Lanka played just seven Tests. After that, ICC's Future Tour Programme ensured that there were equal opportunities for all countries. The proposed system will take smaller nations like Sri Lanka to the situation in 1980s."

Zimbabwe Cricket, despite its financial debt to the tune of $18m and its player strike due to non-payment of dues, is expected to vote in favour of the proposals largely because of their good relations with the BCCI. In the last 10 years, India has played two Tests, nine ODIs and two T20s in Zimbabwe, compared to Australia's three, England's four and South Africa's three ODIs. Among the other Full Member nations, New Zealand Cricket had come out in support of the proposal while the West Indies Cricket Board only stated that they had taken a position "in the best interests of West Indies cricket" following two board meetings in the past ten days. (cricinfo)

he Swiss team hope to build on a positive end to 2013, when Nico Hulkenberg scored strong results.

Now at Force India, he has been replaced by fellow German Adrian Sutil but Mexican Esteban Gutierrez stays on.

Chief designer Eric Gandelin said Sauber focused on a flexible design due to 2014's major rule changes.

Formula 1 has introduced the biggest technical changes for a decade. The naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V8 engines that have been used since 2006 have been replaced by 1.6-litre V6 turbos with much more extensive use of 'hybrid' energy recovery systems.

There have also been significant revisions to the chassis rules.

Gandelin said: "The radical changes to the tech-

nical regulations for 2014 mean that it's even harder than usual to make predictions for the new season.

"We know what kind of package we've put together here and we are happy with what we have achieved, but it is difficult to foresee what shape our rivals are in.

"The path we have followed with the design of the Sauber C33-Ferrari allows us maximum flexibility, so that we can react quickly.

"It is also clear that reliability will be an important factor in the first few races in particular.

"So this is an area which we have given very high priority."

Sauber started last season poorly, but after a major change to the car at mid-season finished strongly, with a fifth place for Hulkenberg in Italy and a fourth in Korea.

Team principal Monisha

Kaltenborn said: "We have put a very challenging year behind us.

"The first half of 2013 in particular was difficult for us, but the second half saw us making significant strides. We learnt a great deal during this time and will be applying the lessons in the new season."

The car will run for the first time at this week's first pre-season test in Jerez in Spain, from 28-31 January.

Only Lotus are missing the Jerez test. They will instead run their car for the first time at the second test in Bahrain on 19-22 February.

The unusual nose designs are a consequence of teams trying to get as much airflow under the car as possible for the best aerodynamic performance while satisfying a requirement for a much lower nose. (BBC

Sport)

Graeme Swann: England spinner 'powerless' in Ashes series

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he spinner, 34, who quit cricket after the third Test, described the decision as the "most sobering" of his life.

"It was a horrible feeling to come to terms with," Swann told Radio 5 live.

Swann also gave his backing to captain Alastair Cook, saying not even legendary skipper Mike Brearley could have turned around a failing team.

England's sixth highest Test wicket-taker with 255, caused a major shock when he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket four days before the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.

Speaking on 5 live's Not Just Cricket, which airs at 21:00 GMT on Monday, Swann said his performances in the first three Tests - he took seven wickets at an average of 80 - caused him to bring forward a departure he had planned for the end of the tour.

As the effects of a second elbow operation in March 2013 took their toll on his bowling, the one-time match-winner, who made his Test debut against India in December 2008, felt he had

Graeme Swann

become a liability.

"Quite simply, I was awful," he said. "Whenever I bowled in the past, I could always get a lot of revolutions on the ball, dip and trouble most batsmen I bowled at.

"But from the outset of the tour, in the warm-up matches, I just couldn't do it.

After my second elbow operation, I've never really got the same revolutions I got before it, but it just [deteriorated] and I really felt powerless to tie people down.

"In Adelaide, I was getting hit for six by a rabbit who bats at number 11. It

gets to a point that you realise you are hindering the team. You are not helping them in any way.

"It's a horrible feeling to come to terms with because you are playing for your country, you love playing cricket for England and it's your life, but to actually come to that conclusion is possibly the most sobering decision I have ever had to make.

"It was horrendous."

The 5-0 whitewash in Australia was only the third in England's history and statistically their worst ever Ashes tour. (BBC Sport)

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guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, january 28, 2014

Butcher opposes ICC revamp plan – Lloyd, Gray, Speed demand withdrawal of plan

Basil Butcher

Clive Lloyd

Malcolm Gray

Malcolm Speed

Drubahadur

Dave Camoron

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Butcher made the comment on Monday in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport for his views on the proposal.

“What will it do for our cricket,” asked Butcher. “It will not succeed, because cricket is not only played in India, Australia and England, so why prevent others from playing something what they love and gain a livelihood from.”

“This proposal is designed to vest control of the game in the three boards of India, Australia and England,” Butcher disclosed.

“I am totally against it.

It is not in the best interest of the global game and I have real fears that it will only serve to strengthen the ‘big three’ countries whilst

the rest are left to suffer,” said 80-year-old Butcher.

“The game deserves far better than this,” he addded.

the 2012 Woolf Report into ICC governance, which recommended, among other things, an improvement in governance standards, the appointment of independent board directors and greater transparency.

It also questions the relevance of Test rankings and suggests the reinstatement of the Champions Trophy over the World Test Championship.

Also, almost every recommendation of the position paper gives a larger share of control over world cricket to the Australian, English and Indian cricket boards, both in the boardroom and on the field. It also gives them a larger share of revenues, in a ratio that is linked to the ICC’s revenue growth.

The proposal needs at least two-thirds (eight) votes out of the 10 full members of the ICC to be passed, and as things stand, consensus against the proposal is growing among the other full members. Pressure is also mounting from former

players and former ICC officials.

The South African Cricket Board, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Sri Lankan Cricket Board have already voiced their opposition to the proposal, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board, despite initially taking a stance in its favour, has backtracked since coming under tremendous pressure from the media and the cricket loving people.

As it has lagged behind in many other areas of cricket administration, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is yet to make its own position known. In addition, the boards of individual WICB member countries have been largely silent, including the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

T

he International Cricket Council (ICC) board will meet in Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss a proposal that may yield huge executive and financial powers to India, England and Australia, splitting the cricketing world.

Experts around the world have expressed fear that the controversial motion, if passed, would belittle the powers of the ICC. However, former West Indies batsman Basil Butcher fears that placing so much control in the hands of the ‘big three’ nations would lead to decisions being made that were not beneficial for cricket on the whole.

Withdrawal

Meanwhile, former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, former ICC President Malcolm Gray and former ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed have joined hands in demanding the withdrawal of the controversial proposal.

According to a Cricinfo report, the former top officials have signed a formal letter and sent it to the ICC and member nations requesting that the ‘big three’ proposal be immediately withdrawn.

All signatories agreed that the ICC needs to reexamine the conclusions of

Albion to become ‘second venue’...

Proposal

The proposal, drafted by a working group of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) Committee in which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) are key members, recommends wide-ranging changes in the ICC’s revenue distribution model, administrative structures and the Future Tours Programme (FTP).

from back page

Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic 2014…

IFBB Pro Jeff 'Classic' Beckham confirmed as guest poser

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Key officials of the Sport Ministry, GuySuCo, Cummings Electrical and the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six inspect one of the six bases for the lighting towers (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

He made reference to last year when the venue hosted the West Indies versus Bangladesh 50-over game as part of initial efforts to bring more high profile games to the ground, and the county by extension.

“We’re committed on the government’s side to keep constantly investing to make sure that this ground would reach at some point these international standards. So what you’re seeing here is a substantial commitment from the government,” he pointed out.

Minister Anthony also assured that the lighting towers would reach International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, as the same company that installed the floodlights at the Stadium – Mosco Lighting – will be doing the final

installation later this year.

Sport Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred King, who was also on the visit, pointed out that the project is being done in three phases.

Equipment

The design, procurement and supply of equipment by Mosco Lighting, which is almost 100 percent complete, the civil works, which is 95 percent complete, and the installation of the electrical components, which is five percent complete.

Cummings Electrical Managing Director Michael Cummings said electrical works will commence this week, while the transformers will arrive in Guyana by this weekend. He as-

sured that the facility should be completed by March 15 or before.

Dr Anthony also highlighted that a floodlight cricket match will be hosted to commission the facility in March.

Also present at Monday’s function were Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services Project Engineer Deoraj Dalchand, Albion Estate Manager Devendra Kumar and Region Six ViceChairman Bhupaul Jhagroo.

They all agree that the installation of floodlights at the facility is a step in the right direction, as not only sport, but areas such as entertainment and culture stand to benefit immensely.

Government has injected approximately $91 million into the project.

he Hugh Ross Classic (HRC) organising committee has announced that International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro athlete Jeff 'Classic' Beckham will be the guest poser at the fourth edition of the Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic set for March 29 at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

HRC Chairman, renowned Guyanese and international athlete, Hugh Ross, has said that the 32-year-old Beckham was a Musclemania Pro and the two would have competed together in the past.

“What we at the HRC are looking at is someone who is a phenomenal athlete and who we believe will do more than just appearing on stage, come the night of March 29. We are aiming to have Jeff here in Guyana a few days before the competition to interact with our athletes and to do some other things we will be tying up shortly,” Ross said.

Beckham stands at 6’1 in height and currently packs 280 pounds on a very aesthetic frame. He became an IFBB Pro after winning the overall title at the NPC’s NY Team Universe in 2012. Fans and followers of the sport will be in for a treat, according to Ross, since Beckham is excited to make his debut trip to these shores.

“I can assure all that Jeff Beckham will be here not only to wow the crowd, but he is also a very friendly

and a people person,” said Ross.

Interaction with local athletes who will be competing has been going well, according to coordinator Lee Baptiste.

“A number of forms would have been distributed to date and the response has been very encouraging.

We are scheduled to pay a visit to Berbice this Saturday; we’ve met athletes in the city already and the interaction would be ongoing. We are also on the pulse with regard to Linden,” Lee explained.

Other areas, including West Demerara, Baptiste disclosed, will be visited shortly as they seek to maximise participation at the event.

There would be three female categories of competition – Female Bodybuilding which will target athletes who are of a more muscular body type; Miss Figure which will be for athletes who are symmetrical and toned and the Miss Bikini contest will be for the softer and more feminine eye pleasing type of figure.

The male categories are Bantamweight – up to 65kgs (143lbs), Lightweight – up to 70kgs (144-154lbs), Welterweight – up to 75kgs (155-165lbs), Light Middleweight – up to 80kgs (166176lbs), Heavyweight (176 and over). The respective category winners will then compete in the overall when the winner will be crowned Mr HRC 2014.

tuesday, january 28, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

23

GFF makes final statement on Rockers wake suspension of UDFA executives up Nights

Anamayah Memorial Basketball...

Members of the head table, including part time Technical Director of the GFF Mark Rodrigues (second left) and President of the GFF Christopher Matthias (second right) during the media briefing (photo: Treiston Joseph)

By Treiston Joseph

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) clearly closed the matter of the suspension of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) members at a media briefing held on Monday after former President of the UDFA Sharma Solomon went public with his views on the suspensions.

President of the GFF Christopher Matthias went through a chronicled dialogue of the exchanges between the GFF and UDFA related that Solomon in Novemeber of 2013 was in agreement with not having not having two tournament finals on January one.

“On November 20th in a meeting with the executives

of the Upper Demerara Football Association and Banks DIH, the minutes of that meeting would reflect and I would read for you… Mr Solomon suggested at the scheduled date for the year end tournament must be structured in some way as to not affect the GFA (Georgetown Football Association) Banks Beer Cup tournament.

“Thus both finals will not be held on the same date,” Matthias told the media gathering that converged at the GFF’s headquarters in Campbellville, Georgetown.

Further, Matthias also clarified the legality of the congress after Solomon publicly questioned the legal terms on which the congress was held.

“I wish to assure the general public thatat the executive committee does not vote at the congress, the congress makes the necessary decisions, and being the supreme and legislative authority, and being vested with authority to suspend any members, the congress was legally authorized to do what it did on the 17th of January 2014,” Matthias stated.

Meanwhile, before the GFF boss closed the matter on the suspension noting its finality, Matthias revealed that people have been trying to foil the work of the federation and the development of football.

“Ever since this executive was elected, and even prior to it being elected, there have been many at-

tempts to frustrate the work of development embraced by this executive… continuous efforts are being made.

“We are aware of all the surreptitious, ‘Nicodemuslike’ meetings which take place at nights and even during the days even with members of the same executives who have been elected to serve for the development of this game,” Matthias noted.

Solomon has been suspended for eight years, while the other members of the UDFA executive have been suspended for five years for violating the directive of not hosting another final on January one, along with the GFA’s Banks Beer Knock Out Cup.

Jamal Felix after his performance on Sunday

S

mithfield Rockers took the boasting rights after waking up Canje Nights on the Smithfield Court when the Anamayah Memorial Basketball entered its second round on Sunday.

The Rockers won 57-40 after a poor showing in the first quarter of the game.

Both teams had been eyeing each other since July after reaching the final of the Mackeson final which is still to be played. The two teams had last met in that competition when the Nights were put to sleep.

In Sunday’s game the Nights led the first quarter 17-10 but only scored seven points in the second quarter to trail 24-26 at the half time mark.

The boys from Canje were

forced to keep their eyes open and watch Jamal Felix who scored a game high 29 points for the winning Smithfield Rockers. He received good support from national player Neil Wills with 15 points as the duo ensured that the home team secured a ten point lead at the end of the third quarter.

For Canje Nights, Edmar Semple scored 16 points and Steve Roopnarine 10 points.

The competition continues on Sunday at the Port Mourant GuySuCo Training Center Court when Rose Hall takes on Black Shark of Fyrish. The Black Sharks will be looking to rebound after having their jaws closed by the Jammers in the opening game of the competition.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Little Divas go down in first competitive game

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he Little Divas Football Club lost their first competitive match to the Monedderlust football team 5-1 in a friendly game played on Sunday at the Number Five ground, West Coast Berbice.

Playing without the guidance of the two assigned coaches, who were unavoidably absent due to other commitments, the Divas scored first when Tandica LaRose, wearing the number 10 jersey, dribbled a few West Berbician players and scored in the ninth minute with a class of a shot.

Monedderlust were coming in to their own with national Under-17 player Sasha Loo being a thorn in the Divas’ defense, which was marshalled by national Under-17 defender and club captain, Jennel Brown.

The hosts scored when Rebekah Nurse took a controversial penalty in the 35th minute. The penalty materialised when the ball was kicked on

the arm of a Divas player, who was stationed out of the box.

However, the referee, who is a member of the same club’s Under-18 male team blew the whistle and pointed to the spot much to the disgust to the spectators and the Divas’ reserve players, who protested vehemently. But the referee stuck to his decision.

The Little Divas, who were also without some key players who had school lessons to attend, went out with some hope at the start of the final half.

Meanwhile, Monnederrlust, who were playing very robust and aggressive football, had other ideas and in the 40th minute Tianna Blackman slotted in goal number two. Sasha Loo got into the act with a solo run and hit in goal number three in the 49th minute, and in the 53rd minute she scored again from the penalty mark. Devonna Frank sealed the issue with a solo run, scoring in the 65th minute.

The Little Divas players pose for a photo prior to the start of their game on Sunday

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

tuesday, january 28, 2014

TOP SCORES

TENNIS: (AUSTRALIAN OPEN) RAFAEL NADAL 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3 V ROGER FEDERER

Butcher opposes ICC revamp plan – Lloyd, Gray, Speed demand withdrawal

Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic 2014…

See story on page

22

See story on page

22

IFBB Pro Jeff ‘Classic’ Beckham confirmed as guest poser Basil Butcher

Clive Lloyd

Malcolm Speed

Jeff 'Classic' Beckham

Albion to become ‘second venue’ behind stadium, says Dr Anthony – Limacol CPL, international games being targeted Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (centre) makes a point at Monday’s breifing in the auditorium of the Albion Community Development Centre. Permanent Secretary Alfred King (third left) and other key stakeholders pay rapt attention (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

By Avenash Ramzan

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he Albion Community Development Centre cricket ground is enshrined in history as the venue where the first ever One Day International (ODI) to be played in the Caribbean was hosted.

On March 16, 1977, Clive Lloyd’s West Indies side defeated an Asif Iqbal-led Pakistan team

by four wickets to win that game, the first of six ODI games to be played at the venue. The last was on April 14, 1985, when West Indies thrashed New Zealand by 130 runs.

Almost three decades have passed since that last game, but there is a high possibility of a return of international matches to the Ancient County, given the fact that government is investing

heavily into the infrastructure of the venue.

On January 17 this year works to install floodlights at the facility began, the first step toward ensuring the venue becomes an alternate to the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, according to Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

Speaking at a press briefing

in the auditorium of the Albion Community Development Centre on Monday morning, Dr Anthony pointed out that the ultimate aim is to attract international matches, including Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games, in the not too distant future.

“When matches come, if this facility is developed to that [international] standard, then probably some of these matches can

actually be hosted here and I think with the kind of cricketing public you have in Berbice, it will be a welcomed development,” the minister explained.

Dr Anthony was quick to admit though that a lot more needs to be done to bring the facility up to the required standard. “It’s not a dream that cannot be fulfilled,” he emphasised.

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