Guyana Times Daily

Ramotar nudges opposition on anti-money laundering bill

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2032 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Opposition walks out of AML meeting See story on page 14

Rose gets celebrity send off

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Granger says chief justice’s ruling “perilous”

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Police looking for duo in P2 Trevor Rose’s murder

Surinamese company P11 eyes investment in mining sector Qualfon, P12 UG sign affiliate pact

See story on page 7

…but flooded cemetery delays burial Trevor Rose’s mother Lillian Browne (with clasped hands) and other relatives could not contain their tears on Monday at his funeral service (Carl Croker photo)

Fishermen Dr Cummings tipped to found dead replace at koker Backer See story on page 3

See story on page 19

Govt to P13 set aside $3.2B for electricity for Region 10

Guyana, Islamic groups to host regional meeting P16

2 NEws

tuesday, february 4, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Granger says chief Police looking for duo in justice’s ruling Trevor Rose’s murder “perilous” S

O

Opposition Leader David Granger

pposition Leader David Granger has described the recent court ruling on the budget cuts case by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang as “perilous”, adding that it could prove unhealthy for the future of the National Assembly, regarding input on the budget.

The opposition leader told Guyana Times on Monday that the case needs to be taken further, as the current situation is very unsatisfactory. Granger said although the opposition has cut the budget, he was removed from the case.

He said the acting chief justice proceeded to give judgment on a matter, when in fact, one of his earlier judgments had not yet been determined by the Appeal Court. This meant that the information or point of view

that ought to be presented by the opposition leader was excluded. Granger said that was the first indication that something was very wrong.

“A strange situation will arise in the National Assembly, because the Speaker of the National Assembly is obliged to put certain questions to the National Assembly and I can’t imagine how the debate would proceed if those questions are not put,” he added.

Query

Providing an example, Granger said if the Speaker asks the National Assembly if it approves a certain financial measure and they say “we don’t approve, I can’t imagine that the court can tell us that that decision is invalid”.

Granger said that the

National Assembly is in a very difficult situation, but noted that at the end of the debate, the appropriation bill will have to be brought to the National Assembly for approval or disapproval.

“And if they say they don’t approve, how it could then go beyond that?” Granger questioned.

“I think that the judgment by Justice Ian Chang has created more problems than it has solved anything and we need to decide how we are going to go forward, because if the opposition is not satisfied with a particular measure that is brought, it has the option of disapproving those measures,” Granger asserted.

The opposition leader said it would be difficult to see how the government could have or pass an appropriation bill or act which is not approved by the National Assembly. He believes that the matter should be pursued at the highest level.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman has since warned that this decision is an interpretation that would have farreaching effects throughout the Commonwealth parliamentary systems and procedures. The response by politicians of the two major political parties has also evoked concerns by functionaries within the legal fraternity.

lain Guyanese designer Trevor “Chiney” Rose was laid to rest on Monday and while tributes were being read, investigators were busy hunting for two suspects believed to have been involved in the killing.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud in a telephone interview on Monday, told Guyana Times that based on information received, police have two suspects and are hoping that they will be arrested as soon as possible.

One person was previously detained, but was subsequently released by law enforcement officials.

Leads

He also told this newspaper that officers have reviewed CCTV footage from some of the cameras in the city and investigators were able to pick up some suspicious movements on the morning the young designer was killed. These are being treated as possible leads that can solve the murder. There are also other leads that the police are following.

Guyana Times understands that the suspects were very close associates to the now dead man. Rose was executed two Sundays ago when a lone gunman

heavily tinted, drove up alongside theirs and accosted the driver, taunting him about the way he was driving.

This taunt caused an argument, and subsequently, the driver of the other car exited his vehicle and opened fire. Rose reportedly received multiple gunshot injuries while Nieuinkirk and Towler were each shot once.

Post mortem

Trevor Rose

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 twoyear-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 the father of eight was heading into the Eccles Housing Scheme to drop off Towler and as they approached the traffic lights in the area, another motor car, which was

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. A post-mortem performed on the body of the designer proved that he was shot five times with a 9mm pistol.

Days after the shooting, an injured Nieunkirk recalled that it appeared as though Rose knew the gunman and had told him to reverse the car during the confrontation.

He is of the opinion that Rose was the main target.

Rose, Nieuinkirk and Towler were seen leaving Jerries on Waterloo Street, Georgetown before they were attacked.

There were reports that the vehicle was traced when it left the city.

IDB to hold annual meeting in Brazil

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will hold its annual meeting in Bahía, Brazil on March 27-30, bringing economic leaders from its 48 member countries to discuss the developmental needs of Latin America and the Caribbean and how the IDB may help the region address such challenges.

Representatives of other development agencies, commercial banks, companies and civil society organisations will also attend the gathering, which will take place in Costa de Sauípe, Bahia. The event will mark

the 55th annual meeting of the IDB’s board of governors, the bank’s top decision-making body. Most IDB governors are finance ministers or central bank presidents.

During the event, the IDB will release its annual macroeconomic assessment of the region’s outlook as well as hold discussions on the Latin America and the Caribbean’s new development frontiers, covering topics such as how to improve education and health services and how to boost investments in sustainable energy and energy efficiency.

Other sessions will fo-

cus on how to make small and medium-sized businesses more productive and export-ready, women entrepreneurship and impact investing.

Members of the news media may register for the event and learn about hotel availability at the annual meeting’s website.

The IDB is Latin America and the Caribbean’s leading source of multilateral financing and knowledge for development.

Its mission is to combat poverty and inequality, bringing about sustainable growth.

News

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tuesDay, february 4, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, February 4 from 08:30h-10:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, February 4 from 07:10h-08:40h

WEATHER TODAY Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected during the day, with light rain showers in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly between 2.22 metres and 2.5 metres respectively.

High Tide: 07:36h and 20:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.66 metres and 2.58 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:32h reaching a minimum height of 0.58 metre.

saturday, february 1, 2014

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Fishermen found dead at koker

By Bhisham Mohamed

T

he partially decomposed bodies of two fishermen were on Monday morning discovered under a bridge at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara. The men are believed to have drowned.

Sahadeo Bhagwandat, of Lot 8 Railway View, Meten-meerzorg, West Coast Demerara and Ramdeo Seejogie, of 188 West Meten-meerzorg went missing on Saturday after they left home with the intention of setting out two seines to catch fish.

Both of them were 46 years old.

The men were reportedly under the influence of alcohol and might have gotten entangled in the nets, as they were putting them into the water.

The two men were found together wrapped in the nets around 06:30h by one of their sons who had led a search party to the area.

Their bodies were decomposed beyond recognition, but relatives managed to identify them by their clothes and boots. Their bodies were taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home to await post-mortem examinations.

The bridge under which the men were found

worried when he did not return home, since whenever he catches fish, he would sell the fish and use the money to purchase alcohol. But, she started to get worried, after he had not returned home on Sunday morning.

Relatives formed a search party and the first place they looked was at his usual drinking spot, but they were told that he had left there since around 10:00h on Saturday.

early Monday morning.

He added that they left home around 06:30h and went to the location where his father was last seen. As they searched the area, they found a piece of seine and as they continued looking, they realised that there were bodies under a bridge.

“They were together and were wrapped up in the seines… they were swollen and it was difficult to iden-

Seines

At the house of Seejogie, his brother, Awad Kumar, said the now dead man left home on Friday but returned in the evening in a drunken state. He said his brother woke up early Saturday morning and left the house before he got up, but he was told that he left to go check his seines.

Kumar explained that after he did not return home on Saturday evening, they went in search of him on Sunday, but there were no signs of him and his friend. He said he even went as far as Zeelugt to look for them.

Kumar stated that he was at home on Monday morning when he got the news about the bodies that were found at the De Kinderen koker and he rushed to the scene.

He said it was impossible for him to recognise his brother.

There were visible signs that creatures had begun eating the bodies.

Just a stone’s throw away from Seejogie’s house is the home of Bhagwandat. In tears, his widow, Dianne, explained that her husband left home on Friday afternoon to set up his seine and he woke up early the following day to go check on them.

She said she was not too

Relatives of deceased fisherman Ramdeo Seejogie at his home on Monday

The grieving woman added that they went to the area where he would normally set his nets but there were no signs of him, although he had been seen earlier in the area.

After the futile search, on Monday morning, Mrs Bhagwandat went to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, reasoning that her husband might have been involved in an accident and might have been hospitalised.

While there, she searched and enquired, but officials at the hospital confirmed that he was not there.

In disappointment and frustration, she went back home and was updating her sister-in-law when she received a telephone call from her son, relating the horrific news.

Nandkumar Bhagwandat, the dead man’s son, explained that they searched for his father until late Sunday evening, but were unsuccessful so they decided to continue

tified them, but Bobby had a long boots and meh father had on a boots; that is how we know who is who.”

He said with the assistance of some people in the area, they pulled the bodies from under the bridge. He recalled that the last time he saw his father was on Friday afternoon.

“He promise to come by me on Saturday morning to

Dead fisherman, Sahadeo Bhagwandat

come do some work for me, but he never come,” the young man said.

He was also surprised when he learnt that his father went with Seejogie to catch fish, which he described as very unusual. Bhagwandat’s widow concurred, claiming that the men were never friends.

Distraught

“They would normally drink… but I don’t know since when they turn buddy friend… Only a week now, I see them talking to each other.” The distraught woman said her husband worked at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate for a number of years, but would also “catch he lil’ hustle” by catching fish.

At the koker, a De Kinderen resident, who gave his name as Ganesh told this newspaper that he saw the men on Saturday about 10:10h heading to the koker, adding they were very drunk.

They even took away his cigarettes when they passed him. He said the men had buckets which contained at least two bottles of alcohol.

Ganesh said at the time, the tide was high and the water was “pulling real hard”.

Bhagwandat is survived by his wife, four children, and five siblings, while Seejogie is survived by his nine siblings.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, february 4, 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

Housing development

T

he recent announcement by Housing Minister Irfaan Ali that some 6000 house lots will be distributed this year no doubt augurs well for many Guyanese who still, for years, have been yearning for a home of their own.

The announcement includes the availability of some turnkey homes and the development of new housing schemes, catering for citizens of all strata of society. It was pointed out that the acquisition of one of the homes is far cheaper than constructing one.

Apart from affordable housing, the housing boom has created jobs for thousands of skilled workers, most notably, during the construction of turnkey homes at Eccles, in 2013; some 400 persons from nearby communities were employed.

The Housing Ministry has also been trying to link the housing development to the tourism sector, creating a new, modern and international robust image of Guyana. Amid this positive outlook, there are issues that need to be addressed, and paramount among them is squatting.

This problem is being experienced in practically every developing country, and paints a negative image of the local authorities.

In fact, one of the many aims of housing drives, particularly in developing countries like Guyana, is to eliminate squatting.

Here in Guyana, the current administration can be credited for significantly reducing the problem from the local landscape during its tenure in office.

Some cases still exist, and these remain a concern for the authorities as squatting is usually characterised by appalling conditions hazardous to the health and general well-being of the squatters themselves, as they often have no electricity and running water.

This is coupled with the wanton disposal of garbage, providing an environment that is conducive to vermin infestation. In any good housing project, the long-term plan to eliminate squatting must be given due consideration.

Housing is a necessity, as everyone needs a place to live and kudos are in order for the current administration for being in tune with this dream of the masses, but more so for making affordable housing available to all – an unrealistic dream prior to the change of government in 1992.

If the prices for houses are too high and interest rates are exorbitant, people would automatically look for new means of shelter, which include living in communal homes, among other improvisations. This culture is inimical to real development, as it weakens other aspects of life.

Squatting settlements, shanty towns and ghettoes do not normally focus on education and gainful employment, and the thrust of the local housing drive is to address these issues to ensure a stable society, and progressive development of the country.

The pride in owning a home can be compared to the pride of comfort in life as it gives families a solid base to develop and advance in life. This level of empowerment often results in togetherness with some new homeowners getting into community watch programmes and sports and community recreation activities.

All of these come about because of the feeling of permanence and a deep sense of belonging, the foundation for safe and healthy communities. The cry now is that we must cooperate with the government in its housing programme as homeownership is a strong anchor for nation building.

Children feel more secure when coming to a home that is not owned by someone else. There is no worry that they will be suddenly forced to change schools and re-establish their lives at the decision of someone else. This speaks to a life of comfort and reassurance, reinforcing that “there is no place like home”.

Government’s housing policies appear to have taken all of these considerations on board and is now focused on forging the World Bank recommended public/private partnerships. These partnerships have been birthed through arrangements with the commercial banks to provide concessional financing for prices on building materials, including private housing developers.

These partnerships benefit mostly the poor, the disadvantaged and those Guyanese who may be in dire need of economic assistance. They target squatters and middle income families as well as those who are desirous of owning their own homes.

The truth is, over two decades, house lots have been distributed which have benefited thousands of Guyanese with the domino effect being felt in almost every other sector. One cannot under estimate the impact of this significant investment made by government which has also led to extreme cases of poverty being reduced by half.

The government housing programme is on point!

Folk dancers hold horse models as they prepare to take part in a traditional horse dance on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, at the Longtan Park in Beijing, January 31 (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon)

Vasant Panchami 2014 – the welcoming of spring – message from Viraat Sabhaa Guyana Dear Editor, Vasant Panchami, the Season of Spring, is being celebrated today with Hindus countrywide observing the occasion. Vasant Panchami occurs on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magha (February) from the time spring was celebrated.

The significance of this celebration is highlighted through the Vedas and other scriptural injunctions.

On this occasion, Mother Nature is worshipped. It is nature in every regard that provide for the existence and

sustenance of all God created beings.

The Hindus recognised that compassionate interventions of Mother Nature and thus regard her as the presiding deity representing the creatrix energy of the universe, namely, Brahmini or Mother Saraswati. Prayer and pooja is also done today to the presiding deities such as Apa, Dhruva, Soma, Dhara, Anil, Pawak, Pratiusha and Prabhas respectively.

For health, fortune, progress, life, fame, strength, resolution and prosperity on

this occasion, a small castor oil plant is installed, symbolic of the preservation of vegetation and crops. Hindus appease the Goddess for her blessings wherein transgression of Mother Earth will be reduced and at the same time, oppressive forces will be conquered.

It must be noted that the environmentalists today are making every effort to protect the rain forest so as to save the planet. This advice is in the form of prayers in the first book called the Rig-veda in a sacred mantra called Swasten where

fire, water, light, moon, star, wind, earth and dawn and other aspects of Mother Nature are recited and worshipped.

The Hindus were the first to establish environmental security and preservation and continue to do so as we celebrate the occasion of Vasant Panchami.

Devotees are kindly asked to assemble at various places of worship (mandirs) to ushering this festival.

Respectfully submitted, Pandit Rabindranath Persaud (Ravi)

Error linking Mark Da Costa to studies on ideological racism was not intentional Dear Editor, In my letter in Guyana Times on February 1, I inadvertently included Mark Da Costa among the aca-

demics who discussed ideological racism as a factor impacting on Guyana’s development.

The error linking him

or his studies to ideological racism was not intentional and not meant to impugn his character and is regretted. I thank the gentleman

for bringing it to my attention.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Kudos to our police officers Dear Editor, It was wise to conclude that the recent and frequent gun attacks in the city are linked to the easy access and availability of weapons.

Unfortunately, when the Firearms Amendment Bill was put forward by the government, the opposition parties made use of their one seat majority in the National Assembly to vote against the legislation.

Many people have since chastised the decision of the parties, further claiming that severe penalties could have been put in place for

gunrunners. Now criminals fearlessly continue to roam the city.

The bill was put forward

by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, and I strongly believe that the decision to go against the bill was in fact a form of vendetta on behalf of A Partnership for Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC).

A few months ago during the Linden protest, the opposition parties tried to accuse the minister of being responsible for the deaths during the ordeal. He was thoroughly vindicated by

the commission of inquiry and APNU and AFC have since not managed to overcome their failed attempt.

Moreover, it appears as though the opposition parties have no concern whatsoever for the people of Guyana, since they continuously oppose any proposition put forward by the minister of home affairs.

On another note, the nation will continue to rely on the good services of the Guyana Police Force to ensure the safety and protection of people’s lives and property.

We are all aware that quite a few of our officers have erred in the past, some of which have been quite successful in tarnishing the reputation of the entire unit.

However, we should not allow this to damper our spirits.

There are still many professional and efficient officers in the force and we must commend them for their dedication and commitment.

I urge the police to continue to do their best in their respective areas.

Sincerely, Antoine Isaacs

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tuesday, february 4, 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

Poor roads in Blankenburg Dear Editor, I am writing this article because it has come to my attention that the residents of the Bhoodhoo’s Housing Scheme at Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara are facing a very stressful and depressing situation with the poor roads in their neighbourhood.

The constant rainfall and truck driving are making the roads deteriorate, causing elderly people to fall and have unexpected incidents. The drainage is poor. And no one is doing anything about it to help the people.

The septic tanks are starting to smell and mosquitoes are being harboured

due to the heavy rainfall.

Something needs to be done as soon as possible. It is not fair that people bought fancy expensive houses, spending their last dollar, and they cannot live and enjoy the neighbourhood.

My neighbour has small children and they cannot even play in the yard due to the numerous potholes and flooding. The roads need serious fixing up. Please help this situation.

Thank you, Residents of Bhoodhoo’s Housing Scheme Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara

A road in Bhoodhoo’s Housing Scheme, Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara

Protest, not beating rights Dear Editor, I write to salute and applaud the people of Number 51 Village on the Corentyne for finally standing up for their rights to launch a protest against the eyepass they have been suffering for the last umpteen years – robbed of their earnings and fruits of labour, crimes committed by the people who should have been protecting them.

Victims of other areas should emulate the protesters of Number 51 Village to get quick results. The people on the Corentyne and elsewhere have been abused for too long by criminal elements, including from bad police officers, and the government has not responded effectively to their concerns. Quick action is contemplated now.

Since the people cannot depend on the police to protect them, then the government should consider granting the people firearms to defend themselves from the criminals operating as police officers and bandits in general.

Also, the government should encourage the people to establish community policing groups and arm a few of the members and even put some of them on the payroll.

Several commentators, like David Hinds, in other sections of the press, and race baiters analysed the government response to the protest in racial terms and contrasts it with the violent protests in Linden and elsewhere. That is not an appropriate comparison.

Firstly, race had nothing to do with the protest. People were victims of a spate of robberies, some allegedly committed by criminal elements in the police force. They marched peacefully to bring their plight to the attention of the government. They did not go on a destructive mode like what took place in Linden or Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara or Agricola.

People have a right to peaceful protest but not to rob other people. Protest is a legitimate way to gain attention of the authority. At Number 51 Village, people blocked roads peacefully to protest and to gain the attention of the au-

thorities.

Unlike in other places, they did not dig up roads and rob or molest or beat people on account of their ethnicity.

They did not behave like criminals. They did not shoot anyone. They were not organised by politicians seeking sympathy support.

The organisers did not plan to shoot anyone and to lay blame on the government for the shooting. They did not plan and organise any shooting with the intention of blaming it on the police. They have evidence that certain police were in robberies and or were in cahoots with civilian robbers.

I would like to note that the robberies on the Corentyne are reminiscent of those that took place during the 1980s, when the government pay rolled criminals in the night to go out and kickdown peoples’ doors and rob them – the victims were primarily Indians.

Many victims swore some of the kick down the door bandits were policemen whose faces they recognised from their home invasion and at the police stations in uniforms. When the victims accused the police of carrying out the robberies, they were locked up instead of the police being jailed.

I recall at one meeting in one of the Canal Polder villages on the West Bank of Demerara, people recognised one kick down the door bandit, who at one time did the bidding and thuggery for Forbes Burnham. They identified him as a kick down door bandit who also terrorised sugar workers and the political opposition.

They hollered, “Look the de bandit dey.” “Whe he dey,” someone in the crowd asked.

“Look he dey dey,” said one victim. “Bring the rope,” said another.

That bandit now sits in Parliament.

The Number 51 Village protesters just want respect.

They want the government to show them they care. They face legal and economic disparities compared with people in urban areas. Whenever they complained against cer-

tain police, they faced retribution.

They had enough and they protested to have their grievance addressed. In Linden, protesters used violence and arson and people were shot.

In Agricola, protesters used violence and sexual transgressions. In Buxton, protesters used violence and also robbed people based on their ethnicity.

In fact, every time there are protests in the greater Georgetown area, people get robbed, beaten and sexually molested. Is it an accident that all of the victims are of the same ethnicity?

I should note that unlike during the dictatorship, the government did not ban or intimidate the protesters. I can attest that I took part in protests in Guyana as a young high school student at Corentyne High School (1976, 1977) and later during the 1980s after being university educated.

During the dictatorship, protests were not allowed and protesters faced risk of bodily harm from thugs organised by the dictators. During the 1976 and 1977 student protests, we were flogged by bands of police and riot squad in military gear as though we were rioters and terrorists – when all we did was marched peacefully calling on the government to respect our right to form associations in our school and not to victimise our teachers.

For this we were punished and beaten by the police. A couple of my colleagues were also locked up for exercising their right and faced trials.

The police also came looking for me as a ring leader of the protests and I escaped.

My mother was wrongly informed that I was arrested and she sent my kin to Albion police station to arrange bail.

In other protests during the 1980s, people were harassed and intimidated and even tear gassed. Even Linden protesters were tear gassed and shot at by police and the riot squad sent in by Burnham during a bauxite workers strike.

And I remember when we picketed the Caribbean

Community (Caricom) mission in 1991, our march was disrupted by police on instruction from the political directorate. Ditto so many other protest marches I partook in organised by the opposition to the dictatorship.

So there can be no comparisons with protests of Number 51 Village with those elsewhere or from another time as this government grants unfettered freedom of protest and speech.

People have a right to protest not to beat, shoot, rape and rob.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The parliamentary ‘ball’ is now in the court of the Speaker of the House Dear Editor, Permit me to state the following in relation to the acting Chief Justice (CJ) Ian Chang’s ruling on the country’s budgetary cuts by the parliamentary opposition.

January 29 was indeed a historic day for Guyana and the Guyanese people when Chang made the ruling that the National Assembly has no right to cut the national budget estimates of our country. The Guyanese people certainly welcomed the CJ’s ruling. In fact, all the indigenous toshaos I contacted rejoiced when they heard the news.

The people of Guyana and their democratically elected government under the leadership of President Donald Ramotar, therefore, scored a major victory against the power-hungry parliamentary opposition – People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) who in their unpatriotic agenda had cut the 2012 and 2013 national budgets presented to the Guyanese people by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

Totally ashamed of its defeat in the High Court, the parliamentary opposition still claims that it intends to cut the upcoming 2014 National Budget despite the ruling by the acting CJ. This would certainly be contempt for the High Court and a demonstration of lawless-

ness which are definitely not qualities for national leadership. The people of Guyana must seriously take note of this.

The parliamentary ‘ball’ is now in the court of the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, who must ensure that the National Assembly upholds the Constitution of our country, which could have far-reaching effects.

So, Mr Speaker, please let the National Assembly uphold the Constitution of Guyana at all times.

But it seems as though the parliamentary opposition intends to be on another time-wasting spree as a result of its ignorance of the separation of powers regarding the executive, legislature and judiciary. In this regard, it intends to legally challenge the acting Chief Justice’s ruling. It shall fail again!

The problem with the parliamentary opposition is it thinking that it is the government. No, it is not. It is the opposition which wants to run the government and the country through the back door, which is not different from the electoral malpractices prior to 1992.

But the good book states that anyone who enters or tries to enter the house through the back door is a thief. Now is the time to start watching them.

Yours sincerely Peter Persaud

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Foundation

Children and technology: The right balance “We want children to feel confident, excited, and eager to play, explore and learn as they interact with technology.”

B

elow is an interview with Chip Donohue, PhD, dean of Distance Learning and Continuing Education at the Erikson Institute and director of the Technology in Early Childhood (TEC) Centre, featured on the abcmouse website, on using technology as a tool for early learning:

Why do you think it’s important for parents to be thinking about the role of technology in the lives of young children?

Chip Donohue: Smartphones and tablet computers are devices adults use every day, and as a result, they’re part of the lives of young children. That means that young children are going to be using those devices for the same things that adults use them for: communication, accessing information, entertainment, and education. That’s inevitable, so we think that parents ought to be aware of how the use of technology can influence young children.

Are there benefits to using technology for education for young children?

Chip Donohue: There certainly can be, as long as technology is part of a thoughtful and balanced diet of social interaction, physical activity, creative play, outdoor time, and opportunities for active exploration. All of those things are important experiences for children who are in the process of developing their minds and bodies. And technology can be especially beneficial when it is used to enhance those real-world experiences.

How can parents enhance real-world experiences through technology?

Chip Donohue: The role of the adult is to help children make connections between the technology experience and real-life experiences. For example, if a child is counting objects using the computer, parents can reinforce this by counting socks, carrots, or other items children see around them every day.

Or when a child has a question about something in their environment, technology can be used to find information or pictures related to that question. There should be a

seamless connection between the virtual and real worlds.

And when children are using technology, we like to see it used in a manner that we call joint engagement.

What is joint engagement?

Chip Donohue: It’s very important for children to interact with adults and form meaningful relationships, so we encourage parents to be active participants in their child’s learning by talking with the child while the child is using technology in order to help make connections to the real world. We want parents not to walk away when the child seems to be engaged with the device, but to use that as an opportunity for interaction and communication. When the parent and child are interacting with the technology and with each other, that’s joint engagement.

Actually, it’s a pretty simple idea. We want parents to be doing the same thing with technology that they are already doing with books and stories — share the experience with the child, and talk about it so that children can relate that experience to other experiences in their lives and to the things they see in the world around them.

What should parents look

for when choosing technology for their children?

Chip Donohue: Parents should trust their instincts and their own knowledge of their children. What does the child like to do? What are their interests? What are their abilities? How do they like to learn? What are their talents and things that they’re really good at?

What are their needs as a learner? The parents should base technology choices and learning choices on that solid foundation, then watch what happens. We want children to feel confident, excited, and eager to play, explore, and learn as they interact with technology. Children should be active participants in building their own knowledge and not just passive recipients.

Sometimes we get the message that a website or an app or a TV show can be either educational or entertaining. I think great children’s media is both.

Do you have any other tips for parents on what to look for, as their child is interacting with technology?

Chip Donohue: Sometimes I talk to teachers about leaning in and leaning back. When a child is really engaged, they lean

in towards the device, because they are eager to interact. When a child is a passive recipient of information, they tend to lean back. We all have moments of passive viewing in our media diets, so it’s not that that’s inherently horrible. But when I think about technology that parents are choosing for children for learning and education, I want it to be a leaning in experience.

What about very young children, under the age of two?

Chip Donohue: Even very young children are growing up with technology tools around them, and they will pick them up and investigate what they can do with them just as they do with everything else that’s in their environment. But the younger the child, the more caution I have about whether technology is appropriate. First, we make the decision if it’s the right thing to do, and then we want to be very thoughtful and intentional about how we use it. And it’s especially important with very young children that if the child does have access to technology, that technology is not replacing or interfering with the development of personal relationships with parents and caregivers.

What you really want to see is that technology provides opportunities for shared experiences and conversations between child and adult, and, again, that the adult is helping make connections between the real world and what the child sees and hears on the device.

How about once the child is in preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten? What should parents be expecting, and what should they be talking to their child’s teacher about with respect to use of technology?

Chip Donohue: This is another case where technology can strengthen a relationship, because it’s definitely a topic that parents and teachers should be talking about.

Parents can ask how technology is used in the classroom and how technology could be used at home to support what the child is learning in the classroom. They can also talk about what they observe when the child is using technology at home for learning — what seems to engage the child, and what the child is learning. Teachers and schools can also use this as an opportunity to educate parents about technology and perhaps share with them some of the information we have been collecting here at the TEC Centre. So the technology can be both a conversation piece and a tool for communication. It’s a great opportunity for parents and teachers to learn and work together.

What would you most like parents to understand about technology, learning, and children?

Chip Donohue: I think technology can be an amazing enhancement and can offer unique opportunities for learning for young children that perhaps aren’t easily reproduced in the real world.

And it can enhance a child’s real-world experience in remarkable ways. We do need to keep in mind the fact that children feel empowered when they have an active role in their learning and are not just passive recipients of information. And we ought to recognise that right now we are all –adults and children alike – members of a learning community when it comes to using technology.

If we can connect the interest that parents naturally have in doing what is best for their children to the new opportunities for learning that technology offers at home and in classrooms, this could be a very exciting digital age.

Thank you very much, Mr Donohue, for sharing your expertise with us.

Chip Donohue: It’s been my pleasure.

News

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Lindeners charged to diversify economy F

inance minister, Dr Ashni Singh has charged Lindeners to look at possible investment opportunities outside of the traditional bauxite industry, to diversify the economy of the town.

He was at the time speaking at the recent inauguration of the new board of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) Inc. “...Linden is a town that owes its existence to one of Guyana’s large, dominant, traditional businesses, that is to say, the bauxite industry. For many years, particularly those during which the fortunes of the bauxite industry were much brighter... Lindeners made an outstanding contribution to the well-being and fortune of our country as a whole. But I believe that it goes without saying that any economy that is dependent on a single sector, whether it is the village economy, a town or even a country, any economy

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

that is dependent on a single sector is almost by definition a vulnerable economy,” Dr Singh said.

He added: “... we are told, in fact as children by our grandmothers, that we musn’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Much as we apply that old proverb, to our own lives, the manage-

ment of a town, or a country can’t be so dramatically different that this old wisdom would not be applicable, and so even though bauxite would have served us well, the fact of the matter is, we would be creating for ourselves an inherent vulnerability if we build a long-term strategy dependent on a single industry,” he stated.

Dr Singh further related that it is based on this reason; the government is convinced that just as the country must not be dependent on a single industry, so must Linden and Region 10.

Diversity

“Just as at the national level, we have committed ourselves as a government to ensuring that our country is not dependent on those three traditional sectors only (sugar, rice, bauxite) much the same manner we have committed ourselves in ensuring that no town, Linden included, must be dependent

Rose gets celebrity send off … but flooded cemetery delays burial

Rose’s casket being removed from the church by close relatives

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verywhere you looked, there were little flashes of his legacy. Someone wore a Trevor Rose designed dress; others chose the kind of high heels that looked as if he was the designer with them in mind.

His grieving relatives also sported some very fashionable pieces. So when they said farewell to Trevor Ryan Rose on Monday, they effectively ensured that his name lived on. And though a flooded Le Repentir Cemetery forced the postponement of his burial, his family and friends ensured that he got the kind of send off, fitting of one who has made his mark.

Rose, 32, of Lot 232 East Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, who was a local clothing designer and sport enthusiast, was gunned down two Sundays ago.

Reflecting on her father’s life, Rose’s eldest daughter Shanise Rose told a packed audience at the Olivet Seventh-day-Adventist Church that her dad was a loving man, noting that he was one of her role models.

The child said she could have counted on Rose for

guidance, regardless of the topic.

Family members gathered in honour of the deceased, remembered Rose as a loving father and a fashion designer. The traumatised family members could not bear the sight of the open casket which had to be closed while Pastor Elton Lindie and Fitzroy Sealey carried out their sermon.

Pastor Lindie, a cousin of the deceased, gave his personal views and experiences of Rose’s life, while also recalling that the father of eight was responsible for the launch of one of the first local basketball teams in Guyana.

Hurt

Asked for their comments, relatives said the loss is hurtful, but not more as the manner he departed.

One man eulogised Rose as a person with a kind spirit, noting that he did not deserve such a death. Family members also believed that his murder was not a mistake and called for justice to prevail.

At one point, reporters asked Rose’s mother Lillian Browne how she felt about

Rose’s killer or killers still being at large, and she responded saying, “There’s nothing nobody can do to bring him back”.

The funeral service was punctuated with a range of tributes and musical selections, one of which was performed by Rose’s two daughters. One member of the family said she came all the way from Trinidad and Tobago to be reunited with Rose after she migrated and got married, just days before her departure.

Burial delayed

Meanwhile, relatives were forced to postpone the interment of the fashion designer due to the flooded cemetery. Soon after the final hymn was sung, it was announced that the burial would not be taking place immediately, but rather one day after the service, due to the weather and lack of support systems.

Only recently, a number of burials was pushed back after the funeral services, including that of veteran broadcaster Terry Holder, due to the flooded Le Repentir Cemetery.

Managed by the Mayor

on a single economy. We believe that given the fact that bauxite is a commodity traded on the international market, given the fact that we are exposed to the unpredictability of the world market, the long-term strategy for a viable and prosperous Linden must be a strategy that places Linden in a position where it is only dependent only on bauxite.”

He said that while bauxite continues to be an important natural resource for national development, it is important to make this traditional industry as competitive as possible, while creating alternative approaches and opportunities for growth at the same time.

Nevertheless, the finance minister said that it is important that Linden continue to be a producer of bauxite, and as such, the industry should not be abandoned.

He noted that government had worked very hard to ensure that the bauxite indus-

try stays alive.

“And then subsequently to attract international investment to bauxite with the result now that at least two major international investors are in Guyana managing its operations... we are in fact working to promote bauxite and other mining development in other areas,” Dr Singh further noted.

Other minerals such as manganese and gold, the finance minister stated, are currently being sought after by foreign investors.

Even as bauxite industries around the world are being closed due to global economic difficulties, he noted that it is to the credit of Lindeners and the rest of Guyana that the industry is still progressing here.

“The fact of the matter is that if these operations were not profitable and viable, they would not have continued... bauxite remains an

and City Council, the cemetery is a haven for thieves, who find security in the huge bushes and an assortment of waste. Rose was killed

while he was in a taxi within the vicinity of the traffic lights at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Two other persons; a female acquaintance

Credit

important contributor to our economy and we will continue as a government to work hard to ensure it remains attractive to investors.”

Dr Singh said that as a country “we must strive to attract as much investment so that more jobs can be created. If you think about the unique expertise that resides in Linden, particularly in mine operations, mechanical engineering, heavy equipment operation, specialised operations, particularly in the case of chemical laboratory work, the fact of the matter is, the more quickly these investments are realised, the more quickly jobs will be created.”

The finance minister related that government will remain focused on facilitating and attracting diversified investments, not only for the benefit of Linden and the rest of Region 10, but also the rest of the country.

of Rose, Latoya Towler, the mother of Rose’s two-yearold son and the driver of the car Troy Nieuinkirk, were also shot during the ordeal.

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Man charged for policeman’s death J

ust a few weeks after a love triangle ended with the death of Police Constable Quincy Wright, Steve Richard Bacchus appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday on a charge of murder and two other charges.

He was not required to plead to the indictment which alleged that on January 24 at Guyhoc Park, he killed Police Constable Quincy Wright.

The accused was not required to plea to the other charges which alleged that on January 23 at Sophia, he discharged a loaded firearm at Mortimer Maynard with the intention of killing him.

The second charge al-

leged that he stole from Maynard one .38 Taurus Revolver and six live .38 rounds, collectively valued $106,000.

The 22-year-old man stood calmly as the charges were read to him. At one point, he told the court that he was represented by Attorney “Britton”.

However, Britton was not present in court.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry then instructed him to ensure his attorney is present at his next court date.

Wright, 28, of Zes Kindren, Mahaicony, was killed on January 24 at the home of his girlfriend.

According to reports, on the

tragic night, the police officer was at the home of his lover Alicia Adams when Bacchus arrived and attempted to make contact with her via telephone.

After she did not answer, he peeped into the house and saw the police constable and the woman in a compromising position on a sofa.

Bacchus confronted the couple and inquired what was happening and a heated argument ensued. During the argument, the woman made efforts to stop the argument, but her efforts were futile.

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, took out a gun from his waist and discharged a round, hitting the constable to his chest.

The bleeding constable was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police investigations had revealed that the firearm used to murder constable Wright was the one that was stolen from a security guard the night prior to the incident.

A manhunt was launched for Bacchus but he submitted to ranks at the Sparendaam Police Station on January 31.

October session of Berbice assizes closes

T

he October sessions of the Berbice Criminal Assizes officially closed on Monday.

At the ceremonial closing of the session, 37 prisoners are said to be awaiting trial at the New Amsterdam Prison.

Presenting the

Goal Delivering, Assistant Superintendent of Prison Evelyn Crandon told Justice Dianne Insanally that in the New Amsterdam Prison, all male prisoners listed are requesting early trials.

There are 33 inmates listed for murder, while one

each for escape from lawful custody, sexual penetration, possession of firearm without licence and unlawful and malicious wounding.

Crandon told the court that six inmates are requesting to plea. They are Omar Bacchus, Narvin Sugrim,

Jason Mc Kenzie and Rakash Janack, each of whom faces a murder indictment, while Mahendra Doodnauth has been committed to stand trial for escaping from lawful custody, and David Andrews faces a possession of firearm without licence indictment.

Woman threatens to sue KFC after falling into open manhole

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young woman is threatening to take legal action against the local Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise after she fell into what she described as “a manhole of mess”, with her two-year-old daughter around 14:00h on Monday.

The young woman who was identified as Alecia Thomas, along with her daughter, was at the Georgetown Public Hospital seeking treatment at the time of the interview. Her mother, Tabitha Thomas told Guyana Times during a telephone interview that

she was walking with her daughter and granddaughter when they reportedly fell into the manhole. “We were walking in front of KFC and she didn’t see where she was going too properly, and she and the baby fell into the hole, I am not sure if it’s a pot hole or a septic tank, but

they fell in there.”

She added that they then approached the employees of KFC asking for some water to try to clean the baby.

Their efforts were met with disgust and the said employees turned them away.

She claimed that one of the employees started using foul language, asking “Yuh blind? You ain’t see where you going?”

The mother went on to explain that they were subsequently offered assistance by some public-spirited citizens who also aided in getting her daughter and granddaughter to the hospital.

She added that although her daughter and granddaughter did not suffer any physical injuries, they were not sure whether they had ingested some of the waste.

Guyana Times was told that earlier in the day, employees of KFC had removed the cover from the hole and left it unattended. It is understood that the employees were conducing maintenance work after the sewer overflowed oil and grease.

There is no word whether the fast food outlet has a grease trap as the law stipulates.

A number of persons had gathered at the scene of the incident complaining about the current state of the area, which they say would overflow too often.

Eyew tness Odious comparisons...

...on police reaction he usual suspects crept out of their caves after the Berbice flare-up of tempers to compare the police reaction there with the one in Linden back in July 2012. They claimed the police were “soft” in Berbice ...even “pandering” ...but the opposite in Linden. Now we hold no brief for the police. As the institution responsible for “keeping order” in society, it doesn’t matter which country you’re in – they tend to have fascist tendencies.

Did you see them in action against University of London students in jolly old, civilised England?

But back to the odious comparisons. We’ve dealt with the one from David Hinds that directly proposed the “difference” in treatment was because of race.

But others tried to finesse the same charge. There’s the column in the Stabroek News by Iana Seales who sententiously claimed “No one is sitting around waiting to draw comparisons” then nastily referred to the “support base” of the government and the opposition – and did just that. Her position was backed by Alysia Trotz in her “Diaspora” column. Everyone knows the code that’s being used. Why not call a spade a spade?

They want to spout their race-tinged rhetoric and have it too: they invoke racial motives in their targets while trying to claim they’re “above” the racial stereotypes. But were the police reacting to the same or even similar circumstances in both Berbice and Linden as Seales proclaimed? The most salient difference – which none of the race-based commentators noted – was that in Linden the protesters were organised by opposition activists. These included the local MPs who had recourse to the political process to deal with political disagreements.

The protest in Berbice, on the other hand, was totally a spontaneous reaction of the people to the pressures from the existent crime wave, in which they believed the police were actually complicit. As was revealed during the Commission of Inquiry on the Linden protests, legislators and other opposition figures – such as Desmond Trotman and the injudicious Solomon – were actively encouraging the residents to break the law. They were there when people started pelting bottles at police after the latter had spent hours pleading with the people to get off the bridge.

As far as reaction from “on high” was not Supt Hincken immediately removed from the Linden area? But this will not stop those who have “race” on their brains – and intend to use it to precipitate conflict in the society.

T

...on Parliamentary replacement Debra Backer will soon be announcing that she’s no longer in a position to carry out her parliamentary duties for the PNC/APNU, because of health reasons.

She’s done great service to her party and the nation.

And the Eyewitness wishes her a full recovery. But APNU’s leader David Granger will be doing her legacy of service a great disservice if he does not replace her with Aubrey Norton.

Her latest remit was to shadow foreign service.

Before that she was the security expert, before Granger yanked her for his confidante Winston Felix. Now the talk is that Granger will bring in another “yes man” from the non-PNC part of APNU. Norton is seen as too much of a loose cannon. But more to the point, the middle-class mandarins in APNU don’t like his “streets” approach.

That element is supposed to “know their place” – and that place are the streets in which they must just create mayhem in service of the arty. But we’d like to see the Foreign Service” expert Granger brings in. Your Eyewitness’ taking bets it won’t be Norton. He doesn’t always put his shirt in his pants. ...Committee vs Assembly Seems that few people know that it’s not the National Assembly that scrutinises the budget – but the “Committee of Supply” into which it is converted – just before the blessed event. Remember this when you read the acting chief justice’s decision.

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tuesday, february 4, 2014

News

Ramotar nudges opposition on anti-money laundering bill – says only criminals stand to benefit from non-passage

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resident Donald Ramotar is questioning whose interest the combined opposition is representing, since neither the country’s economy nor its people stand to benefit from the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, which is currently languishing before a parliamentary select committee.

The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) recently ranked Guyana as one of the most delinquent countries that are most likely to be selected for review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) later this month.

As it stands, the country has already been blacklisted

by CFATF since November last year, and the effects of that label have begun to penetrate the local financial sector. Should the country be subjected to a review by FATF, it would be seen internationally as a terrorist state and one that is in support of money laundering. As such, transactions with financial institutions overseas will be suspiciously examined, and they will become more timeconsuming and expensive.

“Who will benefit if this bill is not passed? Definitively not the Guyanese people… in the first instance, it will affect the cost for people in our country doing business with banks abroad… it will also give our country a very bad name and send a message to investors that can negatively impact investments coming to our country,” the head of state lamented during a programme titled “The Conversation” aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Monday.

He emphasised that not only will the banking and

insurance sectors be affected, but there will be dire impacts on investments which contribute significantly to job creation. Further, even ordinary Guyanese citizens who conduct money transfer transactions with relatives overseas will not be spared the consequences of international blacklisting.

The president said the only people that stand to derive benefits from the nonpassage of this important piece of legislation are those perpetrating money laundering and other financial crimes. As such, the parliamentary opposition needs to decide whose interest it is representing. The intention of the amendments to the AML/CFT Bill is simply to bring Guyana’s financial crimes legislation in line with those of other jurisdictions, addressing loopholes in the existing act.

The bill was tabled in the National Assembly since March 2013 at which time the opposition asked for it to be sent to a select committee for further deliberations and to make amendments where necessary. This was done; however, at the select committee, the opposition employed a number of delaying tactics to stymie the work of that committee. As a result, Guyana missed consecutive deadlines in May, August and November in 2013.

No amendments proposed Missing the latter led to CFATF issuing a public statement calling on member states which fall under its jurisdiction to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from the risks that Guyana poses as a money laundering and terrorist state. The president reminded that even though the opposition rejected the bill when it came up for the third reading in early November last

President Donald Ramotar

year, it is yet to state what its contentions are and propose amendments accordingly.

The defeated bill was retabled in December and was again sent to a select committee, on request by the opposition. The president said that his government was very optimistic after the opposition echoed a call for the bill to be re-tabled. However, the same old delaying tactics are being played out in this new select committee. The opposition refused to allow the media, as well as relevant stakeholders to observe the meetings of that committee.

This, President Ramotar said, is cause for great concern about the real intentions of the opposition. Further, the opposition insisted that persons, who made submissions to the committee, reappear before it. Reference was made to a recent APNU statement in which the party stated that it will not support the bill. He said given the opposition parties’ one-seat majority in the Parliament, should they follow through with this intention, then the country will be blacklisted internationally.

With regards to the opposition’s call for the president to assent to certain bills in exchange for its support for

the AML/CFT Amendment Bill, the head of state stated that at present there are no bills before him. The ones that he refused to assent to on the basis of unconstitutionality were returned to the Parliament with an appropriate explanation.

He informed that there is a constitutional procedure that must be followed for the bills to be returned to him.

He said that thus far, there has been no legitimate force in Guyana that opposes the amendments to the AML/CFT Bill. The largest arm of organised labour, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG); the Private Sector Commission (PSC); farmers through the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA); and ordinary Guyanese citizens have all come out in support of the bill because they recognise the damaging effects of its non-passage.

President Ramotar said the stance that the opposition parties have taken will essentially protect criminals and money launderers.

“They have intelligent people on their side, and they must know the consequences of the non-passage of this bill…

I hope that the opposition will go on the side of the legitimate forces of Guyana… I still hope that they recognise that they have absolutely nothing to gain by not passing this Bill,” the president stated.

He reminded that international blacklisting will affect all Guyanese, regardless of whether they support the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic or any of the opposition Party.

The bill in its current form before the House has already been approved by the CFATF, as it meets all of the requirements and incorporates the recommendations that were made by the watchdog body.

Feel Licks is de new boss man second man

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e good book talk bout de blind leadin de blind.

And de good book seh when that happen, both de leader and de follower does fall into a hole. Well, Guyana got plenty blind people leadin other blind people. But it ain’t got enough hole fuh all a dem. That is why nuff a dem still deh round and still leadin other blind people. Is only a matter of time before dem find a hole, or a hole find dem.

De boss man fuh any company and de boss man second man does have to see eye to eye most of de time, if not all de time. But it got some boss man who can’t even control dem second man. That is when de blindness does tek over.

A cricket boss man second man tell a reporter that he got video and minutes fuh a AGM available fuh de public to see. But when de reporter call de cricket boss man, he seh de opposite. That was a good sign that de second man not listenin to de boss man. It even look like de second man wanna be de boss man.

Now another boss man second man gone on record and talk bout how some media house does publish nuff dead people photo. Well, that is how he give he self away. Is he own boss man does give he dem same photo to publish in de same mud paper wheh he wukkin.

But although he disagree he fraid to tell de boss man, or he gon lose he wuk. So he write it in de boss man paper and blame other media house. That is whah yuh call bare face and rubbin yuh kaka pun another man behind.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Now Green Jah is another boss man who can’t control he second man. A man near de Con Place in Sophia seh he hear Green Bridge tell that to Green Jah face de other day. That is why Feel Licks is de new boss man second man, although Green Bridge ain’t know yet!

Agricola woman died from multiple injuries – autopsy … son’s girlfriend to be charged

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olice have moved one step closer in instituting criminal charges against a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank for the murder of Donna Taylor, who was found in the backyard at her Agricola home on Friday evening.

According to Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, the police have since sought the advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack on the matter.

Guyana Times understands that the investigators have presented a case that can see the possible prosecution of the GDF rank, who is still maintaining her innocence. Persaud did not reveal the findings

of the investigations, noting that investigations are continuing.

The DPP is expected to make her recommendations shortly and once it is in favour of the police, “Abby”, the suspect can make her first court appearance today, taking into consideration that the 72-hour detention period would have expired.

However, a post-mortem perform on the body of Taylor, proved that she died as a result of shock and hemorrhage due to multiple injuries she sustained to her head, throat and other parts of the body.

The post-mortem examination was performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary by pa-

thologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.

The woman’s husband Bertram Taylor said while more attention is being placed on the way his wife was murdered and whether or not the suspect will be charged, no one is lending moral support to him and his family members who are still traumatised by the entire ordeal.

Uncaring

He said that since the murder of his wife, no one in authority has visited his home or even attempted to speak to his son, who is suffering tremendously in various ways. “First his mother was killed and now his girlfriend is about to be charged for the murder of

his mother.”

Guyana Times tried to speak to the young man on several occasions, but he refused, saying he did not want to speak.

Nevertheless, Taylor, a former military personnel, said that as someone who has served his country for a number of years, people in high offices, including the president and the opposition leader, did not have the decency to contacted him and offer their sympathies.

“You see them visiting the homes of persons when their families are killed…. I served the GDF for seven years in the Training Corp.… I served the National Service for 18 months… I am attached with the police… but no one came to me… I am no ordinary man or is it be-

Dead: Donna Taylor

cause I live in Agricola?”

In addition, he stated that his wife was murdered in the most bizarre way and at least, the authorities should make a difference and solve the murder.

The frustrated man is also calling for some

form of protection, reiterating that from information gathered, one person committed the gruesome act and his life and that of family members could be under threat.

Donna Taylor, 55, was found dead in a pool of blood in a clump of bushes with her hands bound and throat slit a short distance away from her Lot 1617 Public Road, Agricola home on Friday evening.

A friend, Samantha Sabat jumped through her bedroom window to save her life and ended up being a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, nursing a broken arm and other injuries about the body.

She was subsequently released and is in protective custody since she is the main witness to the incident.

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Construction of Citizens Bank Surinamese company Berbice branch well underway eyes investment in

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erbice is expected to have its first Citizens Bank branch by July as conglomerate Banks BIH Limited seeks to invest more in the Ancient Country.

Speaking at the 19th annual shareholders meeting for Berbice on Sunday in New Amsterdam, Banks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reece noted that the New Amsterdam Citizen Bank project was birthed from requests by Berbicians.

The New Amsterdam branch would be a replica of the Georgetown headquarters.

“Both buildings started to be constructed at the same time, I think that Berbice is about 30 per cent faster than the one in the city. The one in the city is bigger…”

Speaking about the 5000 square foot project at Main and Kent streets, New Amsterdam, which started in October, Reece boasted that the July deadline could be met since all of the required materials for construction have already been shipped to Guyana.

mining sector

Construction of the new Citizens Bank branch in New Amsterdam is well underway

“The contractor that is building that branch is from New Amsterdam; Home Designs…. The efficiency of his work and the quality of his work met the standards that Banks DIH requires so he was awarded the contract.”

The new branch will provide job opportunities for Berbicians as there will be an opening for eight tellers and service representatives.

“So you will have enough persons working in the bank to meet the requirements.

We will also have two ATMs at the same time operating at the bank. For those young ones who want to work in the banking industry, I think this is a good time to send in your applications,” he said, adding that “The emphasis will be on qualifications….

I hope that by July when I come back to open the bank

and I look inside, I will only see Berbicians working inside.”

Reece said during the last financial year, Citizens Bank increased its revenue from $2.8 billion to $3 billion with an after tax profit of $1 billion. The assets of the bank increased by $3 billion to reach $41 billion; however, deposits reduced by $2 billon during the last financial year.

Surinamese envoy calls on Brigadier-General Phillips

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Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier-General Mark Phillips and Ambassador Kurban-Baboe share a light moment after she signed the visitor’s book at the CoS office

u r i n a m e Ambassador to Guyana, Nisa Kurban-Baboe, recently paid a courtesy call on Chief-of-Staff (CoS), Brigadier-General Mark Phillips at Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna.

The two officials discussed possible opportunities for cooperation, including visits and training exercises between the two defence forces.

Additionally, they have examined the possibility of restarting the military games and other sporting activities between the Guyana Defence Force and the Suriname Armed Forces.

Brigadier-General

Mark Phillips and Colonel George Lewis will be attending the installation and promotion ceremony of Colonel Ronni Benschop to commander and brigadier-general today.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

E

xecutives of earthmoving company LUNA NV have met with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud to discuss opportunities within the gold mining and bauxite sectors.

According to the ministry in a release, during the discussion, the company which is based in Paramaribo, Suriname, expressed an interest to establish an operation in Guyana, to provide supplies and services to both the bauxite and gold mining sectors.

The company also pointed out that new technologies suitable for Guyana’s conditions will be made available, particularly in the area of mining, rehabilitation and road building.

Minister Persaud welcomed the interest from the Surinamese company to invest in Guyana’s gold and bauxite mining sectors, and highlighted that the sector is open to new technologies and innovation to enhance current practices.

The company also met with a number of local businesses to share expertise and build partnerships.

12 News

tuesday, february 4, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Non-passage of anti-money laundering bill will hurt Guyana – Berbice chambers

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erbice Chambers of Commerce and D e v e l o p m e n t Association (BCCDA) President Mark Roonarine has joined calls from various sections of society for the passage of the anti-money laundering bill, to safeguard the country, more particularly the business community from undue international scrutiny.

Speaking at the organisation’s 81st anniversary luncheon on Sunday, Roopnarine said the threat of full blacklisting is ever present in the minds of Guyanese, particularly the business community, because of its many implications, especially to the remittance service provider.

“Money transfer agencies are beginning to feel the effects and so too will the ordinary Guyanese. The BCCDA therefore, wants to reinforce its original position that the necessary bills be amended and passed into legislation with the necessary urgency it demands,” Roopnarine urged.

Appeal

The BCCDA president appealed to all stakeholders, including the diplomatic community to intervene, to help Guyana meet the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) February deadline.

“We call on all the diplomatic communities to continue to lend their support for the speedy resolution to this national concern, while we call for support, we are confident that this matter will be given the utmost attention and urgency by all parties concerned, in the best interest of all Guyanese,” he said at the occasion attended by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles.

He said with the opening of the door by Canada and other countries to Guyanese to study and work, Guyanese abroad have been able to support their family here financially.

“I am sure that if considered as a measurement to the GDP of Guyana, remittances will fall in the top five, the livelihood of many Guyanese have been made possible because those who have migrated have been able to send back finances,” he said.

He pointed out that Canada is ranked among the top five countries from which remittances come to Guyana

Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association President Mark Roonarine and reiterated the importance and urgency of the passage of the money laundering.

“The non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill will not only destroy and hurt the image of the country, but also the private sector and the people of Guyana, so it’s imperative that it is passed,” he emphasised.

Recently, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Tracey described the non-passage of the anti-money laundering bill as unfortunate, noting that if Guyana gets blacklisted by the international community, it would have serious implications on the country.

Tracey pointed out that all banks are sensitive to money laundering issues and have systems in place to combat any possible occurrence.

“All banks have strict money laundering systems in place, including us. We right now have someone implementing special software from Vyserve and these gentlemen will be looking at that software to see and deliver all our AML’s procedures and processes.”

The GBTI CEO said a regulatory component will be implemented through the new software system, which will help staff to ascertain the way in which anti-money laundering processes are carried out, including the efficiency in detecting suspicious transactions and other incidences of money laundering.

He noted that if Guyana becomes fully blacklisted, it would have a far-reaching impact, including the loss of corresponding banking relationships, and a longer time

to facilitate international money transfer.

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Credit Risk Manager Peter Harper said though the nonpassage of the critical bill is probably a political issue, it does more harm than good for the country.

And on that note, he said many are ignorant of the implications of the non-passage of the bill.

“I take this as a broad issue that surrounds the legislation which is not fully recognised. I think one should understand the intentions of all political entities involved.

"It is important that people realise that the financial markets and general perceptions outside Guyana… the perception on the country’s risk, and it’s very risky.”

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had said that based on the opposition’s behaviour in the special select committee working on the anti-money laundering bill; it appears as though Guyana will be unable to meet its February deadline.

Nandlall made the comment in an interview with Guyana Times following the AML/CFT Bill committee meeting last Thursday.

Deadline

Last week, Opposition Leader David Granger said he is confident that the deliberations of the committee will be completed before the February 13 deadline set by CFATF. However, during a recent meeting with the Private Sector Commission, the opposition leader had reportedly indicated to the commission that he will not be supporting the legislation.

The CFATF has recently placed Guyana as one of the countries most likely to be selected by the French-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the International Cooperation Review Group’s (ICRG) review next month.

On the CFATF website, Guyana is ranked as one of the most delinquent country.

Guyana has already been blacklisted by CFATF and blacklisting by FATF would mean that the country will be viewed internationally as a terrorist state, supporting money laundering. Every transaction from Guyana at overseas banks will be rigorously scrutinised.

Qualfon, UG sign affiliate pact ... to facilitate training, exchange programmes

University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi and Qualfon’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Marrow sign the agreement in the presence of other officials from both institutions

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ualfon, a leading global business process outsourcing (BPO) and call centre last week signed an affiliation agreement with the University of Guyana (UG).

The affiliate agreement outlines the intention to provide educational opportunities that will support students at both Qualfon and the university, a release from the Mexican-based firm said.

“Qualfon is partnering with the University of Guyana so we can offer accredited college courses to our employees and especially to our supervisors,” Qualfon’s Chief Mission Officer Roberto Sanchez Mejorada said.

Education

“We are a company that engineers our business around the things that matter most to our employees – like family, health, community, spirituality, and of course – education.”

Qualfon said most of its contact centre agents are young Guyanese men and women working to build a career so they can become self-sufficient and support their families.

“Qualfon is taking strategic steps to open the doors to a college education and to help ensure our employees have the opportunities they want and deserve,” said Qualfon’s Corporate University Manager Alejandro Perez, who is leading the higher educational programmes.

Qualfon University

Coordinator Debra Gibbs said the agreement is a dream come true for Qualfon.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for our employees and supervisors to get ahead and succeed in life, and our partnership with the University of Guyana lays a strong foundation for that initiative.”

The affiliate agreement specifically refers to “exchange programmes beneficial to the respective educational institutions” that will “promote the development of joint studies, research, and training activities, and other educational programmes of mutual interest”.

Specific programme details surrounding these educational opportunities are still in development, but Qualfon executives said they aim to offer online classes, career training programmes, and professional development mentoring through the collaboration agreement with the university.

In September 2013, Qualfon broke ground on a multi-building contact centre campus in East Bank Demerara area of Georgetown, and the construction plans include an educational facility where employees will receive job training and could potentially attend college courses taught by professors from the University of Guyana.

The signed agreement solidifies the intent of the two parties to “engage in a university and community effort to provide for the education of staff and students”.

The agreement was

signed during Qualfon’s annual company summit, held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi and Qualfon’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Marrow, signed the contract, shook hands, and made formal statements in front of the more than 60 Qualfon employees that attended the event.

The occasion was witnessed by two other UG personnel, namely, Distance and Continued Learning Director Barbara ThomasHolder and Department of Sociology head Dionne Frank.

Agreement

“This agreement means Qualfon is working together with Guyana’s most respected higher education organisation to turn our company's mission of ‘making people’s lives better’ into real action.

"We are forging a new partnership that will greatly benefit Qualfon employees and the students of the university. We are so thankful that the university is willing and excited to enter into this partnership,” said Marrow.

“Everyone has the right to higher education, and with the help of Qualfon, we are working to fill gaps in educational opportunities,” said Dr Opadeyi at the signing ceremony.

“Our agreement with Qualfon will advance the quality of life for the Guyanese. This is a moment that we have been looking forward to, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Caribbean Court of Justice to hold first sitting in Guyana

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he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will be holding its first sitting in Guyana to hear three cases. It will also be holding a special sitting to mark the retirement of Justice Desiree Bernard from the court.

According to a notice issued by the CCJ, the sitting will be held on February 17 from 10:00h at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

On this day, the court will consider applications/ appeals or hear submissions in the cases involving Paul Lashley and John Campayne versus Detective Corporal 17995 Winston Singh; Feizal Mohamed Amin (trading under Amin Lumber Enterprise) versus Guyana Oil Company Limited; and Daniel Ramlagan by Ramkumarie Ramlagan versus Narine Singh by Saiojine Singh.

The case, Ramlagan versus Singh was filed in 2010 at the CCJ by Attorney Roopnarine Satram. The was first heard before former President Michael Justice de la Bastide along with justices Adrian Saunders, Jacb Witt, David Hayton and Winston Anderson. The parties to this action were originally Narine Singh as plaintiff and Daniel Ramlagan as defendant and their dispute is over the ownership of two acres of land.

The CCJ was established in August 2005 and is based in Trinidad and Tobago (TT).

For the first time last year, the court took its proceedings to two other member countries. Sittings were held in Jamaica and Barbados in March 2013 to facilitate hearings of the famous Shanique Myrie case.

In February 2001, leaders from Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and

Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago signed an agreement for the establishment of the CCJ. Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines later signed the agreement in February 2003, bringing the number of signatories to 12.

Former TT Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide was sworn-in as the court’s first president on August 18, 2004; however, the court was not inaugurated until August

the following year.

Currently, the CCJ President is Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron while other judges on the panel are justices Rolston Nelson, Adrian Saunders, Desiree Bernard, Jacb Witt, David Hayton and Winston Anderson.

However, Justice Bernard, the lone Guyanese judge on the panel, will be retiring after serving the court since its establishment.

news

13

TUESday, february 4, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt to set aside $3.2B for ACIC expanding to electricity for Region 10 improve facilities

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Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

rime Minister Samuel Hinds on Monday confirmed that there will be no increase in electricity tariffs for Linden, Region 10.

In fact, the government has set aside $2.900 billion in the 2014 national budget to subsidise the cost of electricity in Linden, while neighbouring Kwakwani Utilities Inc will receive $300 million, a total of $3.2 billion in subsidies, once there is no objection from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the National Assembly.

Prime Minister Hinds said the provision of the subsidy for Region 10’s Electrification Programme is in keeping with the August 21, 2012 agreement signed between the government and the Region 10 Democratic Council.

In that agreement, the parties agreed that electricity tariffs within Linden will remain frozen until the completion of the work of the Linden Technical Committee, which was birthed out of the agreement as well.

The technical committee is expected to review

the existing provision and consumption of electricity in Linden, including the history, the costs, the tariff structure, and subsidies. In keeping with the Terms of Reference (ToRs), the committee is also expected to conduct a study on the region’s economic circumstances and its ability to facilitate an increase in electricity costs, as well as consider the advantages and disadvantages of integrating Linden into the national grid.

ity in the mining town. He had said the increase would have been gradually implemented, but the proposed tariff hike was rejected by the people of Linden and by extension, Region 10.

Through the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI), customers on the Mackenzie shore would have received their first 50 kilowatts per hour (kWh) at $5 per kWh, the current rate, but further consumption would have seen them paying $50 per kWh, while businesses would have paid $65.

Standstill On the Wismar shore, However, the work of the committee is at a stand- under the Linden Utility Co-op Society still for want of a chair- Services person. Since the original Limited (LUSCSL), customchairman, Narvon Persaud ers would have experienced resigned, the parties have similar increases. Their failed to agree on another current rates stand at $7 chairperson. The govern- per kWh for residential cusment had identified an indi- tomers and $15 per kWh for vidual to fill the post, whom commercial consumers.

The announcement had the region had rejected.

“Concerning the agree- resulted in a series of proments which settled the un- tests. The events escalatrest in Linden, they froze ed on July 18, 2012 when electricity tariffs to where the police and protesters they were. The agreements clashed at the Mackenzie/ stated that there would be Wismar Bridge, resulting no consideration of any in- in the shooting to death of creases until after the var- three Lindeners.

After more than a month ious committee reports would have been received, of unrest, the government studied, and discussed. and the region signed the This position could not be August agreement putting more comfortable for the an end to the looting, inregional chairman and for cidents of arson, and the APNU,” the prime minister blockade of major roads.

Though upholding the posited.

In response to allega- agreement, the prime mintions that the government ister remains disappointed has abandoned the agree- with the region’s position. ment, Hinds said, “The “Our disappointment starts agreement has certainly not from the rejection, as well as the manner of rejection, been barren.”

In March 2012, the prime of the agreement between minister had announced us in budget talks of 2012, that there would have been to begin a staged normalisaan increase in electrici- tion of electricity provision ty tariffs in Linden from in Linden, looking at mergJuly 1, 2012, stating that ing the Linden area into the government was unable to national grid over, say, a further subsidise electric- five-year period.”

Expansion works on the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) has commenced

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he Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) has commenced a fourphase multimillion-dollar upgrading/expansion of its facilities, to better serve the needs of the public.

According to a release, the complex, which is also the centre of Sunni Islam in Guyana, is the venue of more than 80 per cent of the national Muslim programmes in Guyana and headquarters of several organisations and institutions, both local and overseas.

Phases

The first phase will see the construction of a canopy on the western section of the masjid, just off the main entrance to the complex, to enhance the beautiful architecture of the mosque.

This project will also allow the area to be used as an extension of the masjid when the capacity of the mosque is exhausted and persons have to pray, or be seated, outside of the masjid.

A wheelchair ramp will be constructed to allow persons utilising wheelchairs, to gain easy access to the masjid.

The second phase will see the construction of a new annex for females praying at the complex. This facility will be fully air-conditioned, with a large television monitor to allow the sisters to see

the imam/khateeb at juma prayers and other activities held in the masjid.

The 80 per cent glass facility will also allow the annex to be used as part of the lecture hall for programmes. Sisters in the annex will be able to view any programme in the lecture hall, through the oneway glass or on the television monitor.

The third phase will see the complete upgrade of the famous Akbar Hussain Lecture Hall, where all lectures and other large programmes are held.

Most local and international scholars visiting Guyana have spoken from the podium of this facility and it has been blessed with the presence of some of the greatest Sunni scholars ever to visit this country, including recently, Maulana, Dr Hisham Kabbani and Maulana, Dr Waffee Mohammed.

The upgrading of this hall will also allow it to be used as a classroom facility for the Markaz Al Ihsan Guyana branch.

The final phase of the project will see the expansion of the building currently being used as the sisters’ annex, to an indoor facility capable of hosting weddings, receptions and other private functions.

It will be able to accommodate 300 persons seated at tables and will be equipped with

all modern amenities.

The first and second phases of the work are currently underway and the entire four phases are expected to last eight months, depending on funding, which will come from donations and fundraising activities. In this respect, the first fundraising activity will be held on February 21 and 22 at the complex.

Persons interested in contributing to the projects are asked to contact the ACIC by email: muslimjournal@yahoo. com or anna_catherina_islamic_complex@hotmail.com.

“You can also contact us on telephone numbers 269-0210, 276-0029, 641-5948, 628-4179, 276-0232 and 625-6833 or visit our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/annacatherina.sunnatuljameet.9,” the centre said.

“Donations can also be made directly to our GBTI bank account number 006457469018 in the name of Anna Catherina Sunnatul Jamaat.”

Expansion projects

“Persons are free to visit the complex for firsthand views of the expansion projects and can request via the above methods, detailed estimates of the projects. The projects are expected to cost the complex over $9 million,” the release said.

The ACIC is one of the few such institutions in Guyana which produces and circulates its financial statement publicly each year.

In addition, its facilities have always been open to both Muslims and non-Muslims and it shares a good relationship with all Islamic organisations in Guyana as well as all other religious groups.

The programmes and activities at this complex are second to none in Guyana. It is one of the few institutions to be equipped with floodlights for the playing of outdoor games at night.

Businessman pledges $100M to construct private hospital

A

prominent Guyanese businessman who requested anonymity has pledged some $100 million for the construction of a hospital catering for kidney dialysis and treatment of patient.

The announcement was made by Doobay Medical Centre President, Dr Budhemdra Doobay on Sunday, at a charitable event.

The multimillion-dollar hospital is expected to be completed within 18-24 months. The three-storey complex is expected to house a medical school offering courses for laboratory and pharmacy technicians, nursing and phlebotomy.

Patients suffering from severe kidney problems will benefit from enhanced dialysis and treatment, free of cost.

A nurse tends to a patient receiving dialysis treatment under the watchful eyes of Dr Euan Carlisle

Professor, Dr Euan Carlisle of Mc Master University, Canada disclosed that through a collaborative effort with the Health Ministry and the

Doobay Medical Centre, the hospital may be able to offer kidney transplant surgery in Guyana.

“Every two months, a kidney specialist from

the Mc Master University, Canada comes here to ensure the dialysis patients are doing well. We go around and see all the patients and see that the dialysis is high

quality.”

Professor Carlisle noted the good relationship between the centre and the university, and expressed hope that it will grow from strength to strength.

He further noted that the dialysis centre in Guyana has grown and is continuing to grow since its establishment two years ago. The centre located at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, sees about 40 people on a daily basis, providing free treatment.

“I feel that they are getting good dialysis and most of them say they are feeling very, very well and the dialysis is going very well for them,” Dr Carlisle said, but noted: “We would like to see more patents being planned for dialysis… first of all, we would like to try to prevent patients reaching the point

of dialysis.”

This, he explained, can only be possible with the patients following the doctors' instructions of eating healthily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising and taking their medications on time.

Dr Doobay said plans are in the pipeline for screening to be done at the centre, which can help in the recognition of similar problems so that the patients will become aware of what problems they are likely to develop, and as a result, the doctors and nurses can administer treatment in ample time.

The Doobay Medical Centre was established in 2011 and has since developed into a reputable entity for dialysis treatment. The medical centre is sustained by donations and fundraisers.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, February 4, 2014

News

Opposition walks out “Outsider” leads in Costa of AML/CFT meeting Rican presidential vote

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pposition parliamentarians Monday evening reportedly walked out of the special select committee meeting fine-tuning the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill owing to government’s insistence that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) attend the meetings as an observer.

The PSC had submitted a letter to the sub-committee last month requesting to observe the meetings, as stakeholders. However, on Monday evening, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh moved the motion to have the PSC attend the meetings, but the opposition, after objecting strenuously to the PSC being allowed to attend all meetings of the committee, walked out in an attempt to avoid voting on the matter. Carl Greenidge, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) point man on finance, would not comment on the matter when contacted Monday night.

In an invited comment, Minister Singh stated that government’s position was clear in that the private sector of Guyana has a legitimate interest in the timely passage of the legislation, given the grave consequences that would devolve on Guyana’s economy should Parliament fail to enact the amendments.

Blatant delay tactics

“This is a most unfortunate development, and reflects yet another attempt by the opposition to frustrate the timely passage of this bill,” said the minister.

“Their refusal to allow the PSC to observe the committee’s proceedings reflects the

In a surprise turnaround, Luis Guillermo Solis gained the lead in Costa Rica’s presidential election

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

APNU point man on finance Carl Greenidge

fact that they are unwilling to be unmasked and have revealed to the world at large the blatant delay tactics they have been attempting in frustrating the work of the committee. ” The minister further noted that government members of the committee emphasised that they would have absolutely no objection to the PSC attending and observing the proceedings of the committee.

“In contrast, the opposition clearly and persistently objected to the PSC being permitted to attend and observe all of the meetings of the committee,” explained Minister Singh. “They attempted to evade and contort the matter and, eventually, when the chairperson of the committee attempted to put to the committee the specific matter of whether the PSC should be permitted to attend all meetings of the committee in an observer capacity, the opposition walked out.”

On November 6 last year, the combined opposition voted down the motion for the reading of the PSC petition on the anti-money laundering (amendment) bill prior

to its debate in the National Assembly.

The petition represented 17 private sector groups, which sought to urge members of Parliament to recognise the damage incurred to the private sector, local economy, and the citizens of Guyana if the legislature failed to enact the bill. The business community has already begun to feel the consequences of Guyana being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

While the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will discuss the case of Guyana at its plenary meeting in Paris scheduled for February 12-14, CFATF itself is expected to review Guyana’s position at its next meeting in May. According to FATF, jurisdictions that have not made sufficient progress in addressing deficiencies or have not committed to an action plan developed with the FATF to address AML/CFT will be penalised. If Guyana does not comply, it will join countries such as Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen on the FATF blacklist.

W

ith more than 80 per cent of the votes counted in Costa Rica’s presidential election, Luis Guillermo Solis of the left-leaning Citizens’ Action Party has a one-percentage-point lead.

Solis, 55, edged ahead of the governing National Liberation Party’s Johnny Araya, 56, who had led in opinion polls and early vote returns.

If Solis wins in the

April 6 run-off, it would be another victory for centre-left parties in Latin America.

He ran on an anti-corruption ticket.

With 82 per cent of the votes counted, Solis was ahead with 30.9 per cent, followed by Araya on 29.6 per cent and Jose Maria Villalta of the left-wing Frente Amplio (Broad Front) with 17.2 per cent.

As none of the candidates has won the 40 per

cent of the vote needed for an outright victory, the poll is expected to go into a runoff between the top two candidates.

While his first-round lead is very slim, analysts say Solis would be likely to pick up the votes of Villalta’s supporters in the second round.

They say Araya’s support was eroded by a series of corruption scandals involving his predecessor in office, Laura Chinchilla, and the governing National Liberation Party.

Araya had promised to reduce poverty and to maintain a stable economy.

“We represent the safe road, the responsible road, to maintain political, economic and social stability in Costa Rica,” he told supporters as the counting was under way.

But as he lost his early lead, he admitted his party had not done enough to distance itself from recent scandals. (Excerpt from BBC News)

El Salvador votes in shadow of gang violence

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olls have closed in El Salvador in a presidential election that could decide whether the country wants to keep the leftist party in power or return to conservative rule.

None of the three leading candidates was likely to receive a big enough majority in Sunday’s elections, setting in motion a run-off between the top two candidates in March.

But with more than 50 per cent of votes counted, current Vice President Salvador Sanchez Ceren has 49 per cent, while Norman Quijano of the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) is trailing

with about 39 per cent.

Al Jazeera’s Andy Gallacher, reporting from San Salvador, said rival political parties made lastminute efforts to court voters.

Supporters of two candidates also briefly scuffled in the capital.

Voters have been concerned about a weak economy and the growing number of deaths caused by street gangs.

The small but densely populated Central American country of six million has been struggling to control rampant gang violence and is still burdened by the legacy of its bitter 1979-1992

civil war.

Our correspondent said there is no easy solution to the gang violence as it is “entrenched” in Salvadoran society.

“Some people would even say they are a parallel power to whichever government is in power at that moment,” he said.

Amid tight security, about 4.9 million voters were called to choose a successor to President Mauricio Funes of the leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). While there are five candidates, two are far ahead in pre-election surveys. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Jamaica adopting zero-tolerance No Cabinet reshuffle – Jamaican PM approach to human trafficking A

J

amaica police say they have rescued 41 people from human trafficking and warned that the authorities were adopting a zero-tolerance approach to the matter.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) noted that 27 of the victims were rescued within the last two years.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Carl Williams, said seven cases are now before the courts, while there are 28 cases under investigation, four of which involve transnational investigations.

Williams, addressing a four-day TIP training seminar which ended on Sunday, credited the achievements to the collaborative efforts of the JCF’s various units, and the “vibrant partnership” with agencies, both locally and overseas.

He said the gains made have resulted in Jamaica being upgraded from the United States State Department’s Tier Two Watch list to Tier Two. Williams said the TIP Unit, which was set up in 2005, had adopted a zerotolerance approach to the scourge of human trafficking, which he describes as

modern-day slavery.

He said human trafficking was valued at some US$32 billion annually and is regarded by the United Nations as one of the fastest growing transnational organised criminal activities in the world.

The seminar was the second such forum organised by the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP).

It brought together several persons from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), clerks of court, crown counsels, resident magistrates, judges, and members of the police force. (CMC)

Cabinet reshuffle is not immediately on the cards, Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has indicated to the Jamaica Observer.

“When ministers are performing very well, then I will not interfere. What I want is for the work to be done. My Cabinet is given that charge. I believe in joined-up government, that each area, if there is a challenge and the other areas can move in to help, we work together to resolve it,” the prime minister said in an interview, the full report of which will be published in Wednesday’s edition of the newspaper.

Asked whether she was contemplating a Cabinet

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

reshuffle at the start of the new year, Simpson Miller said a swift ‘no’. She acknowledged that crime and violence was plaguing the country, but stressed that crime-fighting was not a job for the national security minister (Peter Bunting) alone.

“Not one of us can be comfortable. Nobody can be happy. We have to get it right. But I think it has to do with more than just the minister. We have to mobilise the communities,” she insisted.

Simpson Miller was especially struck by a recent violent attack on a minister of religion, noting that in rural Jamaica, where she grew up, pastors were loved and respected. “… We have to get back to the basics, the values and attitudes, the love and respect for each other, how we can unite as a people. You know, if we do not unite as a people, we’re not going to get it right in Jamaica,” she said. (Excerpt from Jamaican Observer)

15 Around the world tuesday, February 4, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Corruption across EU Africa’s Sahel belt region “breathtaking” – EU faces desperate food crisis Commission

EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom: “Price of not acting is too high”

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he extent of corruption in Europe is “breathtaking” and it costs the European Union economy at least 120 billion euros (£99 billion) annually, the European Commission says.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem has presented a full report on the problem.

She said the true cost of corruption was “probably much higher” than 120 billion.

Three-quarters of Europeans surveyed for the commission’s study said that corruption was widespread, and more than half said the level had increased.

“The extent of the problem in Europe is breathtaking, although Sweden

is among the countries with the least problems,” Malmstroem wrote in Sweden’s Goeteborgs-Posten daily.

The cost to the EU economy is equivalent to the bloc’s annual budget.

For the report, the commission studied corruption in all 28 EU member states.

The commission says it is the first time it has done such a survey.

National governments, rather than EU institutions, are chiefly responsible for fighting corruption in the EU. But Malmstroem said national governments and the European parliament had asked the commission to carry out the EU-wide study.

The commission drafts EU laws and enforces compliance with EU treaties.

In the United Kingdom, only five people out of 1115 – less than one per cent – said they had been expected to pay a bribe. It was “the best result in all Europe”, the report said.

But 64 per cent of British respondents said they believed corruption to be widespread in the UK, while the EU average was 74 per cent on that question.

In some countries, there was a relatively high number reporting personal experience of bribery. In Croatia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, between six per cent and 29 per cent of respondents said they had been asked for a bribe, or had been expected to pay one, in the past 12 months.

There were also high levels of bribery in Poland (15 per cent); Slovakia (14 per cent); and Hungary (13 per cent), where the most prevalent instances were in healthcare.

Malmstroem said corruption was eroding trust in democracy and draining resources from the legal economy. (Excerpt from BBC News)

U.S. could default on debt by month-end

U

nited States Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has warned the U.S. may default on its debt by the end of the month if Congress does not raise its borrowing limit.

Lew said he could rely on emergency measures to pay U.S. debts after the limit is reinstated on February 7.

But he anticipated the treasury’s reserves would quickly be exhausted as it issues annual income tax refunds.

Congress suspended the debt limit in October as part of a deal to reopen the federal government after a shut-

down.

The US$16.7 trillion cap will be reinstated on Friday.

“Without borrowing authority, at some point, very soon, it would not be possible to meet all of the obligations of the federal government,” Lew said at the Bipartisan Policy Centre in Washington on Monday.

The treasury secretary said the U.S. treasury department could resort to accounting mechanisms to avoid breaching the limit until the end of February.

But soon after, the U.S. will only be able to pay its debt and other obligations with

cash on hand.

And in the spring, Lew noted, the U.S. issues tax refunds to Americans who overpaid income taxes last year, straining its cash reserves.

While Republicans have, in the past, demanded budget cuts in return for agreeing to an increase in the borrowing limit, the party’s leaders have signalled reluctance to do so this time around.

In any case, the White House has said it will not negotiate budget policy in exchange for raising the debt limit. (Excerpt from BBC News)

An estimated 2.5 million in the Sahel belt need urgent humanitarian assistance just to survive, the OCHA says

T

he United Nations has appealed for more than US$2 billion to care for 20 million “food insecure” people across Africa’s Sahel belt, an impoverished area that includes Sudan and Central African Republic.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says conflicts in these countries and elsewhere meant the situation for many was still

desperate.

The belt is a semi-arid area stretching from the Atlantic east to the Red Sea. Donors gave just over 60 per cent of the US$1.7 billion the UN requested for Sahel in 2013.

Countries in the Sahel region – south of the Sahara desert – facing food crises include Mauritania, The Gambia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Cameroon, the

I

Baghdad government overran Falluja and parts of the nearby city of Ramadi in the western province of Anbar on January 1.

The Defence Ministry statement said most of the 57 militants had been killed in the outskirts of Ramadi, but gave few details.

Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki has held back from an all-out assault on Falluja to give time for a negotiated way out of the standoff, but mediation efforts appear to have failed.

Troops intensified shelling of Falluja late on

Sunday, and security officials said a ground assault would follow soon.

“The assault has to take place on Falluja, sooner or later,” said a top security official directly involved in dealing with the stand-off.

“The time for talking ran out.”

The official said the army was tightening its siege of the city and would continue shelling it for at least three days to weaken militant positions and drive remaining residents out. “We will not enter as long as there are civilians inside.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

from BBC News)

Ukrainian president, back at work, warns “radicals”

U

krainian President Viktor Yanukovych returned to work on Monday after four days of sick leave, issuing a warning about rising “radicalism” after more than two months of unrest on the streets but giving no word on a new prime minister.

Yanukovych, caught in a tug of war between Russia and the West, is seeking a way out of a sometimes violent confrontation with protesters who have occupied city streets and public buildings following his decision in

November to spurn a trade deal with the European Union and accept financial aid from Moscow.

As he returned to work, looking in fair health, a day before a new session of the parliament, the political opposition took heart from fresh expressions of support from Western governments and pressed for more concessions to end protests.

However, the European Union, whose foreign policy chief is due in Kiev today, played down suggestions it was working with the United States on a

large-scale aid package aimed at nursing the economy through a political transition.

The president’s first urgent task, after an absence that some saw as a tactical gambit to gain time, will be to name a new prime minister to succeed Mykola Azarov, who stepped down on January 28 under pressure from the protest movement.

Russia has suspended its financial support until it sees how a new government will handle relations with Moscow. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Suicide bomber strikes southern Beirut

Iraqi forces kill 57 Islamist militants in Sunni province raqi troops and allied tribesmen killed 57 Islamist militants in Anbar province on Monday, the Defence Ministry said, in advance of a possible assault on the Sunni Muslim rebel-held city of Falluja.

There was no independent verification of the toll among the militants, said to be members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a jihadi group also fighting in the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

ISIL militants and other Sunni groups angered by the Shi’ite Muslim-led

UN said.

“The situation for countless communities across the region... is still desperate,” the OCHA factsheet says.

It outlines five key points about “one of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable regions”: The number of people who do not know where their next meal will come from has almost doubled in the past year; food and nutrition are at the heart of the crisis, but there are many other factors at play; a new approach is needed to break this cycle of hunger and vulnerability; humanitarian groups are collaborating with governments and development agencies; and aid groups are confident they can make a huge difference.

UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel Robert Piper told the Reuters news agency that the region now faces “make or break time”. (Excerpt

The blast happened in Choueifat, a mixed Druze-Shia area southeast of the capital [AFP]

A

suicide bomber has detonated an explosive belt inside a minibus south of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, killing one and injuring two other people, medical and government officials have said.

“A man wearing an explosive belt boarded a public minibus in Choueifat and blew himself up,” Interior Minister Marwan Charbel told Lebanon’s Mayadeen television channel on Monday.

The Monday blast is the

fifth to hit Lebanon this year, and comes after at least four people were killed on Saturday in a suicide bombing in the eastern town of Hermel.

Footage from the scene broadcast on television showed the mangled remains of a vehicle surrounded by shards of glass and other objects in the middle of the road.

Red Cross communications director Ayad Monzer confirmed the attacker was killed in the latest blast, and two others were wounded.

“The bomber was killed, and two others were injured.

A man, who is in critical condition, and a woman with moderate injuries,” he told AFP news agency.

Choueifat lies south of Beirut, not far from the suburbs of the city, which have been targeted in multiple bomb attacks in past months.

It is home to a mixed DruzeShia population.

Previous blasts have largely targeted areas sympathetic to Lebanon’s powerful Shia group Hezbollah, which has dispatched fighters to battle alongside the Syrian regime against a Sunni-dominated uprising.

Armed groups believed to be linked to those fighting in Syria have claimed responsibility for most of the attacks, saying they will continue for as long as Hezbollah fights in Syria. But while the attacks have apparently targeted Hezbollah, the victims have been civilians. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

tuesday, February 4, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Main suspect in Port Mourant slaying denies involvement

By Andrew Carmichael and Shiran Ramnauth

A

utopsies were on Monday conducted on the bodies of the two men who were gunned down at the Port Mourant Backdam last week, as one of the prime suspects denied any involvement.

The post-mortems were performed by government pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan at the Port Mourant Hospital.

Khrishnaraj “Krish” Jagdeo, 47, of Free Yard, Port Mourant, Corentyne and Seafield Layne, 48, of Number One Village, Corentyne were killed around 15:30h last Thursday by three men allegedly armed with shotguns. Three other persons were wounded and have been listed in serious condition.

According to reports, four labourers were on their way home in a small engine-propelled boat after working in the rice lands when they happened upon the killing of Jagdeo, who was reportedly shot several times about the body until he died.

Gunshot injuries

A police source told Guyana Times that according to the autopsies, both Jagdeo and Layne died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries.

The source added that police still suspect that reprisal may have been the motive for the killing of Jagdeo and the labourers happened to be in the vicinity when it occurred. The

Dead: Khrishnaraj Jagdeo

Dead: Seafield Layne

source also confirmed that based on information received, they are now looking for three suspects.

Jagdeo will be laid to rest today at the Rose Hall Cemetery, while funeral arrangements for Layne are still to be confirmed.

Layne leaves to mourn his wife and five children, while Jagdeo lived alone and had no relatives in the country.

on a farm situated in the residential part of his village. The farm, he said, is located three house lots from where the rest of his immediate family lives.

According to him, villagers and other family members can verify his brother’s whereabouts at the time of the incident.

Police sources say the man they are seeking had a motive for the killings.

They are working on a theory that members of the family sought revenge for a vigilante killing.

According to the man’s brother, police officers have visited his mother’s home on several occasions seeking his brother.

“The police come and say that they want him dead or alive because he kill the people at Port Mourant. They have no evidence,” he added, noting that if the family wanted to take revenge, they would have done it sooner.

According to the man, who is now worried for the safety of his brother, only one of the men who was shot at Port Mourant was allegedly involved in the

Hospitalised

Those injured and still hospitalised are: Clement Griffith, 48, of Ankerville, Port Mourant, who sustained gunshot injuries to his left ear, arms and right shoulder; David Harpaul, 36, of Rose Hall Town; and Zamil Ibrahim, 26, of Free Yard, Port Mourant.

As police continue their investigations, one of the prime suspects reportedly has a solid alibi. Police are seeking to question a man who lives at Manchester Village, Corentyne in relation to the January 30 incident.

However, the man’s brother told this publication that his brother was

previous incident back.

Jagdeo was charged with the killing, but the charge against him and five others was discharged by Magistrate Rabindranath Singh on October 9.

The prime suspect’s brother is calling on the police to conduct a proper investigation. He is also accusing them of misconduct. “They come and they ransack me mother house.

They cut off the phone line an tell she that she getting too much contact,” he alleged.

He said he spoke to his mother by telephone on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, when she attempted to use the phone, the line was dead.

It was later discovered that the line was severed. He claims that the police visited on Saturday morning and made the comments.

Perpetrators

He has expressed his regret over the incident and says he is hoping that the police are able to find the perpetrators, mentioning the good relationship which now exists between one of those who were accused of the vigilante killing and his family.

Sources close to the police revealed that one of the Port Mourant survivors identified a man from Manchester Village as one of the individuals who did the shooting.

Meanwhile, B Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph, in an invited comment, denied the police’s involvement in the cutting of the telephone line.

Yassin continues testimony in NICIL vs RII case T he court battle between the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and Royal Investments Inc (RII) continued on Monday with Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) Chief Executive Tony Yassin on the stand.

When the matter resumed before Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire at the High Court, Yassin continued his testimony, stating that during the privatisation of GSL, several agencies were part of the transaction; however, after the sale was completed, he learnt that some of those said agencies were nonexistent while others were defunct.

Yassin first took the stand last week, some four years after, NICIL’s

Tony Yassin

Executive Director and head of the Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington, who was on the stand for some two years.

Last year, during his testimony, Brassington had disclosed that when he had sold the company, he was

aware that there were some agencies listed under GSL; however, he noted that at the time of the privatisation, they no longer existed.

When questioned by Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo, about the names of those agencies, he responded saying that he cannot recall.

Meanwhile, during last week’s hearing, Yassin spoke in detail about the acquisition of the company during which he noted that some of the assets that he believed were part of the transaction were later sold

by Brassington.

Senior Counsel Luckhoo, in association with SC Rex Mc Kay, is representing RII while NICIL is being represented by Attorney Rafiq Turhan Khan. The case will continue on March 24.

Under the terms of the privatisation agreement, the balance owed by RII, which acquired 70 per cent of GSL’s shares in the sale, was due by September 2002.

However, the company failed to make this payment.

In a subsequent agreement between the plaintiff and the defendant on October 5, 2000, the parties decided that the latter would pay interest on the said sum at the U.S. prime rate prevailing at the time of payment, commencing one year after September 30, 2000.

In June 2004, the government holding company initiated legal action against RII for the recovery of the US$2 million plus interest.

The trial started in late 2010, and had almost a year’s break in court.

Guyana, Islamic groups to host regional meeting

ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in association with the Islamic Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) and the Islamic Organisation for Latin America and the Caribbean (OIPALC) will host the ninth OIPALC conference on February 9 in Georgetown, Guyana.

OIPALC was formed about 15 years ago to promote awareness of the needs of Muslims in South America and the Caribbean. ISESCO has sponsored many of OIPALC programmes since ISESCO deals with the cultural and educational aspects of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Guyana, with about 12 per cent of its population Muslim, is a member of the OIC. Neighbouring Suriname which has a Muslim population of about 15 per cent is also a member of the OIC.

Attendance

The conference will be attended by some important figures from the Middle East and the region. ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri will visit Guyana to attend the meeting, as well as the under secretary in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Kuwait, Dr Adel Al-Falah. In addition, officials from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund are expected in Guyana for the event.

Dr Abdulaziz Altwaijri, a social justice advocate, is one of the founders of the East-West dialogue. He has written about and contributed to the fields of human rights, democracy, modernity, economic and social justice.

The visit and the meeting are part of ISESCO’s sustained effort to assist Muslim communities and minorities beyond the

Under secretary in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Kuwait, Dr Adel Al-Falah

member states in preserving their cultural identity and fully integrating into their society and most effectively contributing to its development.

In a press release on his upcoming visit to Guyana, Dr Altwaijri said the meeting in Guyana is very important because of the rapidly changing world.

There are wholesale violation of international laws, abuses of all aspects of human rights, attendant socio-economic problems and unrelenting waves of hate, discrimination and extremism.

Scope

"The scope and scale of these changes and problems are is such that the only solution is to promote dialogue among cultures and spread the values of understanding, coexistence and mutual respect between peoples and nations,” said Dr Altwaijri.

President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps and leaders of local Islamic organisations will also attend the conference.

ISESCO, which is headquartered in Rabat, Morocco, was founded by the OIC in 1979, with the objective of promoting and consolidating cooperation with member nations in the fields of education, science and culture.

ISESCO also aims to promote and consolidate understanding and contribue to the achievement of world peace.

Guyana is considering ISESCO membership, which could lead to some tangible cooperation with the University of Guyana and other areas of education and the arts. ISESCO is also willing to consider a membership fee waiver or reduction for Guyana.

Neighbouring Suriname is also a member of the OIC, ISESCO and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

news

17

tuesday, february 4, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana observes interfaith day with prayer service A s Guyana joined the rest of the world in observance of the United Nations (UN) designated World Interfaith Harmony Week, President Donald Ramotar on Saturday called for a redoubling of efforts to foster greater understanding and appreciation among the different religions in Guyana.

World Interfaith Harmony Week was officially launched on Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The ceremony opened with prayers and messages from the Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Baha’i, Rastafarian, indigenous and Seventh Day Adventist bodies, and the United Apostolic Mystical Council.

The president, who delivered the keynote address, boasted of the beauty and uniqueness of Guyana’s multiethnic, multicultural society, and the commendable level of tolerance that exists among the various faiths.

Four years ago, World Interfaith Harmony Week became an annual event that is observed during the first week of February, as the UN General Assembly’s way of urging countries to encourage activities aimed at fostering greater dialogue among people of different faiths.

The need to intensify such dialogue was underscored by the desire to promote a culture of genuine peace in a world, driven in many places, by religious and sectarian divides, since tolerance and mutual understanding are general aspirations shared by faiths.

The president said that his government fully supports the goal of increased dialogue among faiths, and subscribed to the view that dialogue is the best means of resolving conflicts especially those exacerbated by ethnic and religious con-

President Donald Ramotar flanked by UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa and Mayor Hamilton Green with members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO)

flicts.

“We have all witnessed the awful tragedies that have resulted by religious and cultural conflicts in many parts of our world. These conflicts have spawned untold loss of lives, and unremitting suffering,” the head of state said.

Unlike many other countries in the world, the various religious bodies in Guyana co-exist in harmony. The president explained that while interfaith dialogue had to be initiated in other countries in an attempt to ease religious conflicts, Guyana took this step of its own accord.

E

ing social afflictions such as domestic violence, to which far too many lives have been lost. “Within our families, there is need for support; within our relationships, there is need for love and… we must demonstrate empathy, tolerance and above all, a deep compassion for each other’s lot in life… we should talk to each other with respect, treat each other with kindness, and show un-

plant. This project has the possibility of stimulating huge economic activities by reducing energy costs, while saving an estimated $9 billion in subsidies per year.

Freedom of religion

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Khadija Musa read to the audience, the message of UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-Moon.

tal, demographic and political. These transitions bring both hope and uncertainty.

Our job is to ensure that hope wins, and our task will be made easier if the followers of all faiths collaborate in common cause. Let us never forget that what divides us is minuscule compared with what unites us.

Working together, we can achieve all our goals for peace, prosperity, and physical and spiritual well-be-

Interfaith dialogue

“For this reason, interfaith relations in Guyana take place characterised by the absence of hostility, animosity, and bitterness. The fact that the leaders of our various faiths have come together to foster greater understanding is something to commend and celebrate and encourage. It enriches all of our lives and helps to foster greater unity among all our peoples. It is also the best example that we, as a nation, can hope for when addressing challenges that we faced,” President Ramotar posited.

Reference was made to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, which

Teen charged with murder of Pegasus taxi driver

ighteen-year-old Lorenzo Forde was arraigned on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the murder of Rubrindranauth Jeebo, a driver attached to Pegasus Taxi Service.

Forde, of Charlestown, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between December 27 and 28, 2013, in Georgetown, he killed the taxi driver.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that Jeebo had left home to go to work, but the following day, December 28, his body was discovered in a clump of bushes in Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt. The court heard that the man’s body bore several marks of violence.

The prosecutor added

is currently before the National Assembly and whose non-passage is seen as one of the challenges that the country currently faces.

The president said that terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering have and continue to inflict untold suffering on people, and reminded that failure to pass this important law will attract sanctions that will hurt the economy and

that after the man’s death, his stolen phone was in use and the police traced the calls made to the accused.

The young man confessed to killing Jeebo while one of his relatives was present, Grant said.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded the accused to prison until February 19.

Forde had appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman last Friday charged with two counts of robbery under arms. On that occasion, it was alleged that on December 26 and December 30, he robbed two persons of their motor cars and other valuables.

He pleaded not guilty to those offences and was remanded by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill; Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixeira; People’s Progressive Party parliamentarian, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; and Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran at the launch of World Interfaith Harmony Week

the people.

“The fact that our religious leaders can come together to advance the goal of interfaith dialogue should serve as a good example to our Parliament to put our people’s interest before narrow political agendas. The religious harmony that we have fostered must be held up as a beacon for building greater mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace across our land,” President Ramotar stated.

He also called on the different faiths to play a greater role in eliminat-

derstanding to those with whom we have differences…one thing is very clear, the violence and crimes must end, it is a moral imperative to work to stop this, it has been a source of much distress and suffering for too many families in Guyana,” the president urged.

He also called on faithbased organisations and the public at large to support projects that can help to bring down the cost of living and expand the country’s revenue base; projects such as the Amaila Falls hydropower

In his message, the secretary general pointed out that each religion harbours a strident minority, prepared to assert fundamentalist doctrines through bigotry and extreme violence. This, he said, is an affront to the heritage and teachings of all major religions. Further, these acts contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right of all to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

“We live in times of turmoil and transformation – economic, environmen-

ing,” the UN secretary general said.

A symposium was held after the launching ceremony engaging mostly young people from different faiths.

A harmony walk was held today from the Cenotaph to the Promenade Garden, followed by the first ever interfaith concert at the National Cultural Centre in the evening.

Members of the InterReligious Organisation (IRO) will also be going out to various schools as well as the University of Guyana to hold discourses on religious harmony.

Death threats lands man in prison for three months

A

man was on Monday sentenced to three months in prison after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond charged with using threatening language against his reputed wife.

Mark Singh allegedly made use of threatening language to Sageeta Persaud on February 1 at 150 Regent Street, Georgetown. When the matter was initially called by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry,

the defendant had entered a plea of guilty with explanation.

In his explanation, the accused told the court that he was under the influence of alcohol and did not recall saying any of the things mentioned in the charge. He added that he was previously before the courts charged with a similar matter against the virtual complainant (VC).

Singh pleaded with the magistrate for leniency, saying that when he drinks, he acts out of character. After hearing the explanation, the mag-

istrate entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the defendant.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant told the court that the couple had been together for some years now and the accused would frequently threaten the VC. He added that around 18:00h on the day in question, Persaud went into her room to pack some clothes, and, on her way out, became embroiled in a confrontation with the accused who threatened to chop her neck off. He added that the woman be-

came fearful for her life, since that was not the first time her reputed husband had threatened to take her life.

Magistrate SewnarineBeharry then transferred the matter to Court 10 before Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond for trial. When the matter was called in that court, Singh chose to change his plea to guilty again, asking the magistrate for some amount of leniency.

Magistrate ChandanEdmond subsequently sentenced the accused to spend three months in prison.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, february 4, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) You need to use caution when choosing whom you want to work with.

You can get the most accomplished if you are organised and keep your personal and professional situation simple and functional.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Make a point of visiting people who you miss or don’t get to see often.

Spending time with good friends can lead to better days ahead. Participation in something will prove beneficial.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Don’t take a financial risk. Joint ventures aren’t likely to turn out as planned. Generosity can lead to debt. Be careful what you wish for and how you spend your money.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22) Travel or spend time with someone who can offer you knowledge, understanding and solutions. An exotic destination will inspire you to try something new. Participation will lead to an opportunity.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) You can enjoy life without going overboard.

Stick to moderation, and you will make a better impression. Avoid being coerced to do something that won’t benefit you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Size up your personal situation and make the necessary adjustments to improve your position. Honesty in important relationships should be questioned. Make choices based on your needs, not what someone else wants.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t meddle or take on something you cannot handle. Problems with friends or relatives will hinder your relationship with someone special. Put your priorities in order.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Infatuation and romantic encounters based on chemistry will turn out to be unfulfilling.

Evaluate any personal or business partnership in the offing for its long-term potential.

Disagreements will result in delays. Keep your distance to make it easier to assess a situation. Meddling will lead to gossip that will tarnish your reputation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Get involved, be a participant and show off a little. The people you meet along the way will add something special to whatever you are trying to accomplish.

Monday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Consider your domestic situation and make adjustments to counter any trouble you foresee. You can make financial gains if you invest in your skills or something that will offer greater stability.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Don’t question others when you should be perfecting your own approach. Focus on getting things done to gain respect and the support needed to reach your goals.

YELLOW PAGES

tuesday, february 4, 2014

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news 19

Dr Karen Cummings

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

T

he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has disclosed that it is looking to replace Member of Parliament (MP) Debra Backer, who is expected to retire from Parliament as a result of illness before the commencement of the 2014 national budget debate.

According to Opposition Leader David Granger, the coalition is looking for a replacement for the deputy speaker and frontbencher.

He was at the time speaking during an interview with this newspaper. While Granger did not directly state that Backer will be resigning, he noted that the MP is expected to make an announcement soon, after which the party will take appropriate actions. However, he noted that the party is taking precautionary measures in the event of her resignation.

Backer took ill late last year and was hospitalised for several weeks at a local hospital. She was then taken overseas for further treatment. There have been reports of medical doctor Karen Cummings, being one of the several persons under consideration to replace Backer. When asked by this

$5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

Other criteria

In addition, Granger added that qualifications and age are some of the other factors the coalition is looking at. With this in mind, it should be noted that Dr Cummings is in her (40s) and apart from being a medical professional, she has also substantial experience in the field of politics.

There was talk of former

Always supportive

“I was not openly supportive, but I supported the party. I had gotten a scholarship to do a degree, I benefited from free nursery to tertiary education. I benefited under the PNC,” she said.

She believes that APNU has a lot to offer Guyana, more particularly in the area of development and opportunities for the young.

“It is a party that has a breakthrough idea. I would belong to any party that has a vision to promote good governance, create jobs, keep citizens safe, and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for young people, among others. APNU is that party.”

She continued, “I am a devout Christian, a Seventhday Adventist, I would not endorse anything that contradicts with my religious beliefs, it is my civic duty; I want to be a part of decisionmaking at the highest level.”

Dr Cummings had stressed that she will remain supportive of APNU, although she would not be at the forefront of the party’s campaign.

Probe launched at Guyana’s Boa Vista consulate

F

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newspaper to confirm this, Granger maintained that the coalition is looking at several persons.

“We are receiving advice and looking at several persons that were recommended and will select someone who will advance the interest of A Partnership for National Unity,” he stated.

Questioned about whether the party is looking to specifically replace Backer with a female, the opposition leader pointed out that there is a certain approach to the process, adding that though gender is one of the main factors being looked at, there are other criteria.

“We are looking for people from different geographical areas, we don’t want everybody coming from urban areas,” he said. Dr Cummings is from the East Coast Demerara village of Victoria.

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) MP Aubrey Norton taking the position; however, from comments made by the APNU leader, it is clear that the party is looking to have a gender balance in the National Assembly.

“The APNU, and certainly the PNCR, which is a part of the APNU, would like to see balanced and in fact, the PNCR component of APNU was pretty balanced in the National Assembly,” he stated.

Dr Cummings was a new face on the APNU list of candidates during the 2011 election campaign. In an interview with this publication at the time, Dr Cummings had said that her move to support APNU is not a new one.

She stated then that while she has not been open about her political affiliations, she has always supported the People’s National Congress (PNC).

oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has ordered a full investigation into the Guyana diplomatic mission in Brazil.

During a media briefing on Monday, the minister stated that she had received a letter which indicated that there were a few issues at the mission and these are to be checked. “Some (issues) needed straightforward answers which I did not get,

so I ordered a full investigation,” the minister stated. Asked whether the allegations included misuse of consular property, the minister declined to comment.

“At the end of it, I think we would be able to say whether it includes all of those, but it certainly did include some wrongdoing,” said the minister. That consulate is headed by Leila King, the widow of Guyanese businessman David King.

The foreign affairs minister indicated that changes would be coming soon at the Boa Vista Honorary Consulate after the conclusion of the probe.

“We will take the necessary action as soon as the report is submitted to me,” she said. She assured that the administrative problems have not affected relations between Guyana and Brazil.

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tuesday, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

PCB oppose ‘Big Number of sports could be cut T Three’ proposals Commonwealth Games….

After a meeting of its board of governors, the PCB said: “The model proposed by BCCI, ECB and CA was neither in line with the principle of equity nor in the interest of game of cricket”

T

he PCB has strongly opposed the move to revamp the global game and called it “neither in line with principle of equity nor in the interest of game of cricket”.

The announcement came after a meeting of its governing board, presided by PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, who had been present at the ICC meeting in Dubai last week to discuss the radical proposals which will give the Big Three countries a larger portion of ICC revenues and more of a say in the game’s administration.

“The Board Members deliberated and expressed serious concerns on the model proposed by BCCI, ECB and CA which was neither in

line with principle of equity nor in the interest of game of cricket,” a PCB press release said. “The Board has reiterated the position that Chairman PCB request audience with the Patron of PCB, H.E the Prime Minister to apprise him on this matter of immense significance and of national interest which will have wide reaching impact on future of cricket in Pakistan.”

Ashraf said last week that he wanted all decisions to be taken through consensus, and didn’t want the proposals to be approved hastily. “The Board appreciated and supported the stance taken by Chairman PCB at the last ICC Board meeting at Dubai. The Board

authorised Chairman PCB Mr. Zaka Ashraf and COO Mr. Subhan Ahmad to engage with other Board members to align the common position and take other requisite remedial measures in the interest of cricket in Pakistan.”

After the Dubai meeting, the ICC had said its Executive Board “unanimously supported” a set of the principles which were more or less along the lines of the original proposal, though there were some concessions granted to the members outside the Big Three.

The proposals had not been voted on in that meeting, but could be at the next ICC meeting in Singapore on February 8. (Cricinfo)

Kirsten “not considering” England role

G

ary Kirsten, the former South Africa coach, has distanced himself from becoming the next England team director.

Kirsten, 46, is considered the outstanding candidate to replace Andy Flower and is third favourite in the betting. But he told ESPNcricinfo that although he is yet to be approached about the role, he would not consider the position at this stage.

“I’ve not been approached about the England job,” he said. “And I’m not considering it at this stage.”

Kirsten also told reporters in India that his circumstances have not changed since stepping down as coach of South Africa last July.

Despite leading South Africa to No. 1 in the world Test rankings, Kirsten cited the amount of time spent away from home as the reason for quitting and said the same explanation prevents an interest in returning to international cricket.

“I suppose it is flattering that people are thinking about me,” Kirsten said.

Gary Kirsten

“As far as I am concerned, my sentiments have not changed.”

Kirsten was speaking ahead of the IPL auction as he prepares to assemble a team for the Delhi Daredevils where he was appointed head coach in September.

The job involves no more than ten weeks away from his home in Cape Town and his three young children, a far cry from the months spent abroad in international cricket.

His new role is thought to be worth more than

US$500,000 (£306,000) for a little more than two months work. It has been reported that the ECB would need to double that figure to land Kirsten, who is also contracted for 50 days a year as batting consultant for South Africa.

Kirsten was India coach from 2008-2011 but was able to enjoy very little time at home and did not consider moving his family to India.

England could be a more attractive location to relocate to and if his family were to base themselves in the UK, the job of England team director could yet be of interest to Kirsten.

The caveat “at this stage” may yet turn out to be significant and, with England’s next Test series not starting until June, there is no great urgency to come to a decision.

Ashley Giles, the England one-day coach, is the odds-on favourite for the job. Other candidates include Mick Newell, the Nottinghamshire coach, and former Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody, who expressed an interest in the position. (Cricinfo)

he Commonwealth Games could be cut from 17 to 10 sports to keep the event alive beyond 2018, a leading Games official has told the BBC. Glasgow will stage the 2014 event and the Gold Coast in 2018, but no bidders have yet come forward as 2022 hosts.

Mike Hooper, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, says reducing the number of sports could encourage interest.

“We recognise the tough economic times but we have flexibility,” he said.

“If someone wanted to predicate a bid on a theme of ‘bring it back to basics’, then they could do so.

“Clearly the cost structures associated with putting on a 10 sports Games versus a 17 sports Games is vastly different and that has

Mike Hooper

always been the case.”

Ten sports is the minimum allowed by the Commonwealth Games Federation, with 17 the maximum.

Bids to host the 2022 showpiece must be received

by March 2015 but official

notes of interest must be in by the end of March this year.

So far, no notes of interest have been received and that has led to several Nations and territories expressing concern about the future of the event.

Hooper, who will stand down from his position after the Games in Glasgow this year, said: “If you are asking me can I guarantee multiple bids for 2022, right now I can’t give you that guarantee.

“Obviously if there are no bids, the games will finish in 2018 but I don’t believe that will be the case.

Asked to clarify the current level of interest, he added: “There’s talk of Singapore, South Africa and the UK but we will wait and see.” (BBC Sport)

Olympic swimming legend in rehab after police called

F

ive-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe is being treated for depression after being found

by Australian police behaving oddly near a car in Sydney.

“The owner of the car basically called the police and the police came,” said the swimmer’s manager, James Erskine.

“They realised it was Ian Thorpe. They realised he was disoriented.”

Erskine said the 31-yearold swimming legend was taking anti-depressants and medication for a shoulder injury but was not under the influence of alcohol.

“He is in rehab for depression,” Erskine added in an interview with the Australian Associated Press.

“He hadn’t had a drink. He had zero alcohol in him.”

Police said no official complaint has been made and no further police action is anticipated.

Erskine’s admission that Thorpe is in rehab comes only days after the

Ian Thorpe

Australian’s management company denied reports he checked into a rehab facility while battling depression and alcohol abuse.

In his autobiography, published last year, Thorpe revealed he had been battling “crippling depression”.

In an interview with the BBC’s HARDtalk programme, he talked about having suicidal thoughts, drinking too much and hiding his despair from those closest to him.

Known to fans as

“Thorpedo”, he was a freestyle specialist and one of the greatest swimmers of his generation.

He won three gold and two silver medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, followed by two more golds at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

He also won 11 World Championships gold medals, including six in 2001.

After retiring in 2006, he attempted a comeback early in 2011 but failed to make the Australian team for the 2012 Olympics in London.

(BBC Sport)

Eranga and Herath ruled out with injury

S

ri Lanka bowlers Rangana Herath and Shaminda Eranga will miss the second Test against Bangladesh with injuries, team management has confirmed. Herath has suffered a recurrence of a knee injury, while Eranga has strained a quad muscle in the approach to the match. Both will return to Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Their places in the XI is most likely to be taken up by spinner Ajantha Mendis, who has played on one Test since June 2011, and fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep,

Rangana Herath

who impressed during his comeback Test last month.

Batsman Kusal Perera and allrounder Thisara Perera will replace the pair in the Test squad, but with the match starting before they arrive, neither will be available for selection. Kusal and Thisara are in the Twenty20 and ODI squads for the limited-overs leg of the tour.

Herath had also been named in the Twenty20 squad, but his availability is now in doubt. The team has not yet revealed the severity of the injuries. (Cricinfo)

tuesday, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Carter, Smith help Barbados past T&T J

onathan Carter scored his maiden century in 50 overs cricket to steer Barbados to a 28-run victory over host Trinidad and Tobago in the NAGICO SUPER50 Regional cricket tournament at the Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.

Carter shared in two important partnerships for Barbados in reaching 269 for eight off the reduced 45 overs.

It was Barbados’ highest score against Trinidad & Tobago in a limited overs tournament.

Led by left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn 4-23 and pacer Jason Holder 2-23, Barbados restricted Trinidad & Tobago to 241 runs with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Barbados won the toss and decided to bat in a match reduced to 45 overs because of early afternoon rain.

Carter joined opener Dwayne Smith after Kraigg Brathwaite (2) and Rashidi

Boucher (13) were removed to leave Barbados on 57-2.

Carter and Smith shared in a 103-run third-wicket partnership. Smith rushed to 83 off 72 balls which included 10 fours and three sixes before he was caught

by Darren Bravo at long-off from a fuller delivery from Rayad Emrit.

Carter also featured in another crucial partnership with Shane Dowrich (35) which yielded 91 runs for the fifth wicket.

Bravo skewed a chance to remove Carter on 82 in the 37th over and before reaching his milestone. Carter went on to play a brilliant innings of 109 runs from 111 balls which included nine fours and five sixes.

The Barbadians were already in full control and piled on the runs to finish on 269 for eight.

Emrit was the most successful bowler for Trinidad & Tobago with 4-50 and a wicket each for Ravi Rampaul, Dwayne Bravo,

(37) and Jason Mohammed (32). But the home team lost too many wickets for too little runs.

Benn and Holder were tight in the bowling received good support from all-rounder Smith who took 1-14 from

2.3 overs.

Barbados are on four points, one behind Zone B leaders Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) who infliected a 160-run defeat on the Leeward Islands on Saturday. (WICB Media Release)

SCOREBOARD

Sulieman Benn

Kevon Cooper and Imran Khan.

There were solid scores

from Denesh Ramdin, who was unbeaten on 48, Darren Bravo (40), Lendl Simmons

Barbados innings K Brathwaite b Dwayne Bravo 2 D Smith c Darren Bravo b Emrit 83 R Boucher LBW Khan 13 J Carter b Cooper 109 K Stoute b Emrit 0 S Dowrich c Mohammed b Emrit 35 C Brathwaite not out 11 A Nurse c Rampaul b Emrit 0 J Holder c Rampaul b Emrit 0 Total: (8 wickets; 45 overs) 269 Extras: (1 nb, 6 w, 5 lb) 12 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-57, 3-160, 4-160, 5-251, 6-259, 7268, 8-269.

Bowling: R Rampaul 9-065-0, Dwayne Bravo 8-131-1, K Cooper 9-0-56-1, L Simmons 6-0-39-0, I Khan 4-1-22-1, R Emrit 9-0-51-4.

Trinidad & Tobago innings A Barath c Boucher b Holder 10 E Lewis c Dowrich b Holder 13 Darren Bravo b Benn 40 L Simmons b Benn 37 Dwayne Bravo LBW Benn 17 J Mohammed c Boucher b Nurse 32 R Rampaul b Benn 3 D Ramdin not out 48 K Cooper b C Brathwaite 2 I Khan b Smith 7 R Emrit run out Smith 6 Total: (all out; 43.3 overs) 241 Extras: (3 nb 17 w, 6 lb) 27 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-25, 3-91, 4-113, 5-132, 6-144, 7-181, 8-184, 9-218, 10-.

Bowling: F Edwards 6-0-42-0, J Holder 8-1-29-3, C Brathwaite 7-0-35-1, K Stoute 4-0-29-0, S Benn 9-1-31-4, A Nurse 7-046-0, D Smith 2.3-0-14-1.

Chelsea beat title rivals Man City CSA-BCCI impasse likely C to end

helsea proved Manchester City are not invincible at Etihad Stadium as they inflicted their first home Premier League defeat of the season on a night the title race took another twist.

City have reeled off 11 home league wins out of 11 this season - and another over Jose Mourinho's side would have seen them leapfrog Arsenal and return to the top of the table.

Instead, Mourinho and Chelsea produced a counter-attacking masterclass perfectly designed to take advantage of City's natural attacking instincts, and Branislav Ivanovic's firsthalf goal gave them a thoroughly deserved win.

It was the first time City had failed to score in a home league match since November 2010 as the Premier League's most potent attack, with 68 goals, was kept out by the best defence - the visitors have conceded just 20.

This was no smashand-grab tactical raid by Mourinho either, as his side hit the woodwork three times through Samuel Eto'o, Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill. They could, and should, have won by a greater margin.

Chelsea, with Eden Hazard magnificent, now stand just two points behind leaders Arsenal and only adrift of City on goal difference, giving the sort of performance that suggests Mourinho's softly-softly approach to their title ambitions may simply be another piece of psychology to relieve pressure on his side.

This was a win that carried the Mourinho trademark of meticulous plan-

C

Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic celebrates scoring against Manchester City (Reuters)

ning and coaching brilliance that had Chelsea's supporters once again singing the name of "The Special One".

And it was a result that means another turn in the title race, which seemed in City's hands after a series of imperious victories that had seen them compared with the world's finest teams.

The hosts sorely missed the midfield stability normally provided by the injured Fernandinho and the threat offered by Sergio Aguero - but nothing must distract from a Chelsea win of such significance.

Mourinho's tactical approach had been the subject of much speculation - but any notion that he might 'park the bus' to stop City was soon dismissed.

City created the better early chances, with Yaya Toure just off target and David Silva failing to make a good connection with the midfielder's cross, scuffing an effort across the face of

goal from eight yards.

Chelsea, however, were set up to hit the hosts on the counter-attack with pace and movement, a ploy that reduced Manuel Pellegrini's side to the sort of anxiety rarely seen at the Etihad this season.

A sign of Chelsea's growing momentum and City's vulnerability came after 26 minutes with a fouron-one break that ended with Joe Hart saving well from Ramires after he was played in by the marauding Willian.

Chelsea's confidence was clear to see and they went ahead six minutes later, Ivanovic thundering in a left-foot strike from the edge of the area after home captain Vincent Kompany made a desperate block on Ramires.

And as City struggled to contain their opponents there was almost a second as Eto'o got onto the end of Hazard's cross only to strike the bar from an angle.

Toure had looked City's best hope and he was just wide with a shot from the area but Chelsea's response was to come even closer as Matic's rising drive from 25 yards struck the post.

Pellegrini made a switch as he sent on Stevan Jovetic for Alvaro Negredo, who looked short of full fitness, but his side were fortunate to survive another scare as Cahill once again hit the woodwork with a header.

City had struggled to get anywhere near Chelsea's goal but they finally managed to exert some pressure with 20 minutes left, keeper Petr Cech saving superbly from Silva's free-kick before the Spain star steered Aleksandar Kolarov's cross wide.

Mourinho was infuriated Matija Nastasic was given only a yellow card for pulling back Oscar as he threatened to race clear on the halfway line - but he was celebrating moments later. (BBC Sport)

ricket South Africa and BCCI have resumed discussions about a possible patch-up that may result in the former supporting the ICC revamp in exchange of the CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat being reintegrated into top administration.

If the discussions end positively, then it is possible that not only could CSA vote in favour of the proposed ICC overhaul but also that Lorgat resumes attending ICC meetings and CSA's dealings with their Indian counterpart.

More importantly, India and South Africa could be seen in action against each more frequently than over the last few years.

While a South Africa cricket insider claimed that the BCCI had made "an offer" to CSA, a BCCI administrator maintained they haven't "offered anything to anyone" for supporting the Big Three (the boards of India, England and Australia) proposal that is likely to be voted on during a special ICC Board meeting on Dubai over the weekend.

The BCCI insider, on the other hand, conceded that CSA and Lorgat are keen to patch up with the BCCI and have informally approached them. Since the decision on Lorgat is an "ICC resolution", the BCCI "cannot do anything", according to him. Though it couldn't be

ascertained independently whether ICC has passed a resolution against Lorgat, his role in former ICC head of legal David Becker's statements during the BCCI-CSA impasse is being probed by an independent ICC panel.

CSA's turnaround in their stance is significant since they were the first full member to oppose the Big Three proposal that would alter the dynamics of international cricket's governance. CSA, in a statement ahead of the January 28 ICC Board meeting, had appealed to the ICC president Alan Isaac to withdraw the proposal.

In the course of informal discussions, CSA and BCCI are believed to be discussing more bilateral series.

The CSA chief executive's appointment and the allegedly unilateral announcement of the itinerary for India's tour to South Africa led to the relations between the two boards reaching an all-time low. The BCCI agreed for a curtailed tour only after CSA withdrew Lorgat from all the ICC and BCCI-related matters.

This breakdown in relations between the BCCI and CSA was followed by the Big Three leaving CSA in the dark about the proposed revamp as well as the sideline meetings around the ICC Board meeting in Dubai last week. (Cricinfo)

22

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Monday, FEBRUARY 3, 2014

Guyana look to maintain winning momentum – play Windward Islands today

By Rajiv Bisnauth

B

uoyed by the comprehensive 114-run win in their opening game against Ireland, a confident Guyana will look to maintain their stranglehold over the defending champions Windward Islands when the two teams meet today in game six of the NAGICO Regional Super50 cricket tournament.

The day/night contest commences from 14:00h at the Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago and a win will definitely guarantee the Guyanese a place in the semi-finals, with one match to spare, against Jamaica on Saturday.

For Guyana, it will be an advantage of sorts as the Windward Islands are at the other end of the confidence spectrum after their 14run defeat against Jamaica in their opening game, and more so the injury to allrounder Darren Sammy.

Also, the ban on prolific offspinner Shane Shillingford could again prove too much for them to overcome.

Shillingford was the best bowler in last year’s tournament with 17 wickets from six matches and his absence has definitely created a big hole in the Windwards’ bowling department.

Sammy’s last minute pull-

out was also a big blow, but key to their chances of a win today are Keddy Lesporis, who scored an unbeaten century against Jamaica, opener Devon Smith, and the hard hitting Andre Fletcher, who both topped the tournament averages last year, scoring over 300 runs each.

However, it is unlikely that the Guyana team management would tinker with the playing XI for at least this game, unless they are forced to, due to injury concerns.

All eyes will again be on veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and Ramnaresh Sarwan, as they all keep on trying to prove themselves worthy of a West Indies ODI recall.

With 449 ODI’s between them, both Chanderpual and Sarwan played standout innings against Ireland as Guyana made 301 for three.

Chanderpaul made 79 off 113 balls and shared in a 129-run opening stand with Trevon Griffith (62) before Sarwan was the chief destroyer, finishing unbeaten on 89 from 62 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes.

Overall, it was a clinical effort from Barnwell's men who first impressed with the bat before the bowlers dismiss the visitors for 187.

Anamayah Memorial Basketball...

Paul Wintz

Fast bowlers Ronsford Beaton finished with 2 for 41 while Paul Wintz, who had his figures slightly spoiled

by Kevin O'Brien, still managed a respectable return of 3 for 30. Guyana earned a bonus point due to their wide margin of victory, and will no doubt look to main-

tain the winning momentum.

Meanwhile, ESPN Caribbean will continue to carry live, exclusive coverage of the tournament from January 30 until February 16. The matches held in Trinidad will air live from 13:50 hours

(Eastern Caribbean Time) on the ESPN Caribbean and ESPN 2 Caribbean television networks and on ESPN Play [www.espnplay.com] – ESPN’s multiscreen live and on-demand broadband service.

The competition is the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) premier limited overs event. Defending champions, Windward Islands, head Zone A along with Jamaica, Guyana and foreign guests, Ireland.

Zone B consists of last year’s beaten finalist, Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), as well as the hosts, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Leeward Islands.

Matches will be played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Shaw Park in Tobago as the teams vie for the coveted Clive Lloyd Trophy, named after the revered batsman and legendary West Indies skipper.

The top two teams will advance from each zone into the semi-finals. These will be held on February 12 and 13 with the finals slated for February 15.

ESPN Caribbean will also air ESPN Cricket Report during this knockout phase, hosted by Barry Wilkinson and analyst, West Indian legend Colin Croft.

They will cover pre-match

Davis Cup: Andy Murray beats Sam Querrey to seal GB win

Black Sharks G Get Pass RHT

F

yrish Black Sharks recorded their first win in the Anamayah Memorial Basketball Tournament when they overpowered Rose Hall Town (RHT) 40-25 in a low scoring game at the Area ‘H’ court.

After losing to the Jammers in the opening game of the tournament, the Black Sharks started the game with their focus on defense and restricted RHT to four points in the first quarter to take a six points lead.

Trying to get into their own game in the second quarter the visiting Black Sharks were held to an even second quarter to keep their six points lead at the half time whistle.

As the game proceeded they decided to go back the their first quarter strategy and once again made scoring difficult for RHT, allowing them to only score five

points in the third and six points in the fourth sessions while increasing their lead and hold on the game.

Rayel Franklyn scored a game high of 14 for the Black Sharks and received good support from Kesnen Williams with eleven points.

For RHT Osafo Profit scored 10 points and Kevin Deolall and Troy Paul contributed six each.

The competition continues on Wednesday when Rose Hall Town Jammers take on RHT at the Area ‘H’ court.

Meanwhile, on Sunday the competition continues when New Amsterdam Warriors take on Smithfield Rockers at the Vrymans Ervin Municipal Court in New Amsterdam.

The tournament is being organized by Vibert Garrett. At stake are cash incentives and trophies.

(13:30 hours ECT) and midinnings (17:30 hours ECT) analysis, as well as ESPN Cricket Final, a half-hour post-match recap (22:00 hours ECT) following each eliminator.

This tournament serves as a prelude to the Windies’ limited-overs home series against England prior to their title defense of the International Cricket Council’s World Twenty20 trophy, which will be broadcast exclusively by ESPN Caribbean in March 2014.

Guyana squad reads: Robin Bacchus, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Shivnarine Chanderpaul (vice-captain), Narsingh Deonarine, Christopher Barnwell (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble (w/k), Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz.

Windward Islands squad: Liam Sebastien (captain), Andre Fletcher (vice-captain), Johnson Charles (wicket-keeper), Tyron Theophille, Mervin Matthew, Craig Emmanuel, Garey Mathurin, Keddy Lesporis, Devon Smith, Dalton Polius, Delorn Johnson, Kenroy Peters, Romel Currency and Alston Bobb.

reat Britain are into the Davis Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1986 after Andy Murray secured the winning point against the USA. Murray beat Sam Querrey 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 6-3 to give Britain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five tie in San Diego.

It is the first time Britain have beaten the USA since 1935.

They will travel to Italy in April for the quarter-final, which will almost certainly be played on clay.

"This is a massive team effort," GB captain Leon Smith told BBC Sport.

"People don't see the work off the court. We should be proud of the team spirit and what the guys have achieved here.

"I was saying to the guys during the week that we've used 11 different players over the last few years - a true team effort. It's great to have this team spirit running through."

The victory was set up by a perfect opening day on Friday, when Murray beat Donald Young before James Ward upset Querrey over five sets.

Murray was rested from

Andy Murray

the doubles on Saturday, which saw Colin Fleming and Dom Inglot lose to the world number one Bryan brothers, but the Wimbledon champion completed the job over almost three hours against Querrey on Sunday.

"Sam came out playing extremely aggressive, he was very aggressive on my serve," said the Scot.

"I changed tactics at the beginning of the third set and I was able to dictate a lot of points after that."

Murray, 26, took a grip

on the match after the first two were shared in tiebreaks, and overcame a late scare when he had to recover from 15-40 down to serve out the match.

"You have a responsibility to your team-mates to play well," said Murray, "but I also have a lot of experience in the Davis Cup and the Slams, so you know how to deal with it relatively well."

Querrey, ranked 49th, put up a strong fight following his surprise loss to Ward,

twice coming back from a break down in the first set and edging the second.

But with the American crowd sensing an unexpected chance to get back in the tie, Murray slammed the door shut as he won the first four games of the third set and got the decisive break in game six of the fourth.

It was Murray's 17th successive Davis Cup singles win and secured an eighth win from nine matches for Smith, who took over the captaincy in 2010 when Britain were on the verge of relegation to the lowest Europe/Africa Zone Group III tier.

They now face the prospect of a quarter-final on 4-6 April against Italy.

The Italians, led by world number 15 Fabio Fognini and number 31 Andreas Seppi, beat Argentina 3-1 in Mar del Plata.

"This is the first time I've been involved in Davis Cup that we've had a chance of winning the competition," said Murray.

"It's good for me to play on the clay. Often going into the clay season I haven't played any matches on it for 11 months. It'll be a tough match." (BBC Sport)

tuesday, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

GCB to continue encampment of national vricketers T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be continuing the encampment for its cricketers in preparation for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-Day Cricket Competition which will bowl off on February 28.

The camp will consist of all the reserve players not selected for the 50over tournament currently underway in Trinidad and Tobago. When the players from this tournament return they will all rejoin the camp for a short period to facilitate practice matches.

The encampment programme will commence on February 5 at the GCB hostel in LBI, East Coast Demerara. The head coach

will be Julian Moore and he will be assisted by Reon King and Quasen Nedd.

The trainers will be Patrick

King and Carl Stephenson.

All players are reminded that further fitness tests will be conducted during the new encampment period hence players are expected to maintain minimum fitness levels.

The players to be encamped are: Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Sinclaire, RajendraChandrika, Anthony Adams, Ryan Ramdass, Keon Joseph, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Vishal Singh, Rajiv Ivan, Ricardo Adams, Totaram Bishun, Zaheer Mohamed,Ameer Khan, Shaquille Williams, Jonathan Foo, Ryan Fredricks, Andre Stoll, Ron Thompson.

is about growing the sport, so the main focus here is to grow the sport regardless of what, if you are a football fan, you’re a football fan,” Khan stated.

National striker Mills, who along with Bobb, will be a major part of the academy indicated what the proceedings will be like for the children attending.

“For me it’s about giving back to the game, what we did this morning is we really started with a developmental programme, we did some fundamentals, got the kids

familiar with the game… we did fun exercises, got everybody to know each other's names, did some drills, and we’re going to close it off with another fun exercise today.

“Next week we are going to go into it full, it’s educational and the kids are going to learn,” Mills told this publication.

The academy will run every Saturday from 14:00h in February and will be for children between the ages of eight to 15 at the GFC ground. (Treiston Joseph)

Sewnarine Chattergoon

23

Busta champion-of-champions cricket tourney bowls off on February 16

T

he 10th annual Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Busta, Champion-of-Champions cricket tournament for the top cricket clubs in Berbice will bowl off on February 16 at four venues in the Ancient County.

The tournament, hosted by the RHTY&SC and is sponsored by the Guyana Beverage Company under its Busta brand.

The tournament will involve Upper Corentyne, RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Albion, West Berbice, Young Warriors Universal DVD, Blairmont Community Centre, Port Mourant, Karibee Rice and Universal Solution Bermine.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster said that all arrangements are in place for a highly successful tournament.

Foster added that all teams have been informed that players’ discipline on

Hilbert Foster

and off the field must be of the highest standard and that the decision of the umpires must be respected.

He also called on the management of the Area ‘H’, Albion, Port Mourant and the Cumberland ground to get their respective venue in proper order.

Meanwhile, organisers are advising participating clubs that only players that were registered for the 2014 cricket season will be al-

lowed to play. In addition, organisers disclosed that each team can field one non-based Berbician.

The semifinals will be played on the February 22, while the date and the venue for the final will be announced later.

The winner of the tournament will receive $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will take home $50,000. The finals will also be broadcasted live on NCN Radio.

The fixture for the opening round will see RHT Gizmos and Gadgets come against Upper Corentyne at the Area ‘H’ ground, Albion Community Centre will host West Berbice, Young Warriors Universal DVD oppose Blairmont Community Centre at the Cumberland ground and Port Mourant Karibee Rice host Universal Solution Bermine.

All matches start at 09.30h and teams will be outfitted in Busta T/Shirts provided by the sponsors.

Little Jaguars Academy Jamaica defeat Ireland by 6 wickets kicks off

F

ootball enthusiast Faizul Khan said he is looking to develop the game of football, as his Little Jaguars Football Academy kicked off last Saturday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), ground.

The focus of the academy will be on youth development where Khan, who runs a coaching programme in London called 360 Sports Coaching, will be receiving assistance from national players such as Vurlon Mills and Treyon Bobb.

“For me, development

Floyd Mayweather tells fans to vote on Khan or Maidana for next fight

W

Floyd Mayweather

orld light-middleweight champion Floyd Mayweather has asked fans to decide whether his next fight should be against Amir

Khan or Marcos Maidana.

Briton Khan signed a deal in December that put him in line for a possible bout with the unbeaten Mayweather.

Khan, 27, has won 28 of his 31 fights, while 30-yearold Argentine Maidana has 35 victories from his 38 bouts.

Mayweather, 36, tweeted: “I’m going to let the fans vote. Tell me who I should fight next. Khan or Maidana?”

American Mayweather beat Saul Alvarez in September 2013 in the most recent of his 45 career fights.

Khan beat Maidana in Las Vegas in December 2010 on a unanimous points decision, with his last fight a dramatic points victory over Julio Diaz in Sheffield in April 2013. (BBC Sport)

The Jamaicans celebrate the fall of Kevin O'Brien

J

erome Taylor made his much anticipated return to the Jamaica team in emphatic fashion as Ireland were skittled out for 161 runs.

Ireland had a good but slow start the innings.

The opening partnership of William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien put on 54 runs for the first wicket.

Porterfield made 25 runs from 57 balls while Niall O'Brien hit 35 runs from 54 balls.

Alex Cusack also batted patiently, making 30 runs from 52 balls. No other batsman in the Ireland team went beyond 15 but for the top three batsmen.

Both Jerome Taylor (334) and Andre Russell (319) were Jamaica's best bowlers. Tamar Lambert chipped in with 2-27.

Horace Miller started Jamaica's pursuit of 162 for victory in positive fashion, getting to 18 from from 23 balls. However, he

didn't las long. It was instead, fellow opener, John

Campbell that anchored the Jamaican chase.

He struck six fours and two sixes in an entertaining knock of 71 from the 80 balls he faced. Together with Tamar Lambert, both batsmen added 101 runs together to set Jamaica on course for victory. Lambert made 27 runs from 49 balls.

Both batsmen fell late in the innings but Andre Russell finished off the game with a mighty six over long-on.

Jamaica won by 6 wickets, getting to 166/4 from 29 overs, winning with 21 overs to spare. (WICB)

SCOREBOARD Ireland innings (50 overs maximum) WTS Porterfield* c †Baugh b Bernard 25 NJ O'Brien lbw b Lambert 35 AR Cusack c McCarthy b Russell 30 GC Wilson† c Russell b Lambert 10 AD Poynter c †Baugh b Russell 0 KJ O'Brien c McCarthy b Richardson 8 SR Thompson c Bonner b Russell 15 MC Sorensen c Campbell b Taylor 12 AR McBrine b Taylor 7 TJ Murtagh lbw b Taylor 6 GH Dockrell not out 2 Extras: (lb 1, w 9, nb 1) 11 Total: (all out; 46.1 overs) 161 Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Porterfield, 14.6 ov), 2-78 (NJ O'Brien, 23.1 ov), 3-100 (Wilson, 29.2 ov), 4-109 (Poynter, 31.1 ov), 5-110 (Cusack, 31.3 ov), 6-123 (KJ O'Brien, 34.5 ov), 7-146 (Sorensen, 38.4 ov), 8-147 (Thompson, 39.2 ov), 9-156 (Murtagh, 44.1 ov), 10-161 (McBrine, 46.1 ov) Bowling: AP Richardson 8-032-1, JE Taylor 9.1-0-34-3, DE

Bernard 6-0-27-1, TL Lambert 10-0-27-2, NO Miller 5-021-0, AD Russell 8-0-19-3 Jamaica innings (target: 162 runs from 50 overs) H Miller lbw b Murtagh 18 JD Campbell b Sorensen 71 NE Bonner c †Wilson b Sorensen 22 TL Lambert c Thompson b McBrine 27 AD Russell not out 12 AM McCarthy not out 1 Extras: (lb 6, w 9 ) 15 Total: (4 wickets; 29 overs) 166 Did not bat: NO Miller, AP Richardson, DE Bernard*, JE Taylor, CS Baugh† Fall of wickets: 1-20 (H Miller, 4.4 ov), 2-52 (Bonner, 9.2 ov), 3-153 (Campbell, 27.4 ov), 4-153 (Lambert, 28.1 ov) Bowling: TJ Murtagh 6-0-261, SR Thompson 3-0-22-0, MC Sorensen 4-0-17-2, AR Cusack 2-0-14-0, GH Dockrell 6-0-35-0, AR McBrine 7-1-33-1, AD Poynter 1-0-13-0

tuesday, february 4, 2014

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22

Tom Moody

T

he Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that former Australia International, Tom Moody, has joined its ranks as director of cricket.

Moody has vast experience at the top level of the game, having represented Australia, Warwickshire, Western Australia and Worcestershire as a player -

before turning his attention to coaching, commentary and cricket administration.

Commenting on the appointment, Limacol CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O'Donohoe said, "We are delighted that Tom Moody has joined the team at Limacol CPL. As the tournament progresses, we will strive to maintain our status

as a first class cricket tournament, attracting the best players and coaches from around the world.

"Having played and coached at the highest level, Tom has the ideal qualifications to ensure that all aspects of Limacol CPL's cricket output are of the highest international standards."

Also commenting, Tom Moody said, "It's a real honour to be asked to take on the director of cricket role for the Limacol CPL. The tournament burst onto the scene last year and produced some outstanding action and entertainment. From a purely cricket perspective, Limacol CPL has set the bar high from

its inaugural year and I'm excited by the challenge of helping to continue to improve and deliver the highest possible standards for the fans, the players and everyone associated with the tournament."

Following his retirement from the game in 2001, Moody became president of the Australian Cricketers' Association and coach, then Director of Cricket at Worcestershire. In 2005, he was appointed as Sri Lanka's coach, guiding the team to the World Cup final in April 2007, before returning home to coach Western Australia.

He is currently coach for IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Osafo Profit gets pass a hostile Fyrish Black Sharks defense to score

GFF yet to begin goal project – FIFA concerned over pace of implementation

By Treiston Joseph

F

ed.

IFA’s position on the long overdue goal project has not shift-

So said FIFA Development Officer Howard McIntosh at a press conference on Monday held at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) headquarters in Campellville.

Guyana, which was among the first set of countries since 1998 to receive the gesture by FIFA to start the project, still has not turned a blade of grass to begin the foundation of their first, while some Caribbean countries are on their fourth according to McIntosh.

“Nothing has changed in terms of FIFA's commitment to the goal project, we are committed to see it happen…we are concerned at the pace, we’d love to see this moving along because our interest, as I indicated, earlier is that we do get the facilities up and running,” McIntosh stated.

Members of the head table at the press conference which included FIFA Development Officer Howard McIntosh (second left) and President of the GFF Christopher Matthias (second right)

He added: “The specific reason for my visit is to try and get a better handle on the time frame to ensure that things happen as quickly as possible.”

However, the new exec-

utive body of the GFF has been given land at Leonora by the Sport Ministry to begin the project, which will have to be leased if FIFA is to release the US$500,000 to begin the first phase, accord-

ing to president of the GFF Christopher Matthias.

“The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is an understanding on both parts of the government and the GFF with regard to build-

ing a technical centre at Leonora. The MOU needs to include the phasing and a costing to it.

“A draft of the MOU has been submitted, it needs to have that basically and for

the government to sign that MOU along with the GFF and to issue a lease, because as was told to the minister (Dr Frank Anthony), and I was reminded of that, FIFA would not release a cent unless there is an understanding that there is such a lease,” Matthias said.

McIntosh, who noted that the process was frustrating due to the accessibility of the funding for the project, highlighted that Guyana is not the only country FIFA is having the same issue with in the Caribbean.

“Part of my job is to work with the federation to ensure this happens and we have not done a good job in this part of the world, we just have not done a good job in terms of the management of these projects, unfortunately,” McIntosh stated.

Meanwhile McIntosh also visited New Amsterdam to view some of the facilities and hopes to visit other regions in the future in order to help develop the sport outside of the capital city.

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