Guyana Times Daily

From left: Malkie Wanitia Bagot, little Shamain Cort and Tabithia Latoya Bagot were killed Wednesday evening in an horrific road accident on the Corentyne Coast

thurday, june 12, 2014|

UK envoy warns against holdout on AML/CFT Bill

As the impasse between the Government and the Opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change, continues over the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, the United Kingdom has joined the list of bodies advocating the swift passage of the legislation.

Speaking at a reception hosted to honour Queen Elizabeth on Tuesday evening at his residence in Bel Air, British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre said the time for political games over the passage of the Bill is long gone and the Opposition parties should work with the Government to pass the legislation and ensure Guyana’s economic viability.

“The UK also calls on the

political parties, to adopt, without further delay, the revised AML/CFT Bill. The time for playing politics was over months ago,” Ayre said.

The British High Commissioner also noted that if Guyana were blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), it was more than likely that the “hard-won” gains would be adversely impacted, dealing a severe blow to Guyana’s economic standing. He noted, however, that the situation could be circumvented and Guyana was still in a position to steer clear of the blacklisting by FATF.

Total blacklisting still avoidable

“The likely blacklisting of your country by the Financial Action Task Force may reverse many of the hard-won gains. It was avoidable and might yet

still be avoided. But to do so needs immediate action to adopt and implement the numerous recommendations that FATF requires of us all, including carrying out investigations into complex financial crime,” Ayre noted.

However, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has said that the passage of the AML/CFT in the National Assembly alone will not suffice to undo the damage already done to the image of the country and the integrity of its financial system internationally.

“What is especially worrying, is that the mere passage of the legislation will no longer suffice to resolve this problem, the advisory is there already, the damage is already done,” Dr Singh said.

He highlighted that the advisory issued by CFATF will be received by regional

and international institutions which fall under the jurisdiction of the CFATF, including banks, private sector businesses, and other commercial entities that are linked to the financial sector.

The Minister said the Opposition political parties must end the blame game and take full responsibility for the quagmire they have put Guyana in by their sustained refusal to give parliamentary support to the amended legislation, which is still languishing at the level of a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly.

He said the David Granger-led Opposition understands fully the consequences which lie ahead for Guyana as long as it fails to enact the necessary legislation to become compliant with the recommendations put forward by CFATF.

Lone bandit carts off over $1.3M from Campbellville Post Office

One week after gunmen stormed the Soesdyke Post Office and escaped with an undisclosed sum of money, the Post Master and a staff member of the Campbellville Post Office were on Wednesday morning relieved of a bag containing $1.3 million by a lone gunman.

The brazen daylight robbery was committed around 08:27h by a man who posed as a customer, sources said. From all indications, the man staked out the location and knew that Old Age Pensions would have been paid on Wednesday.

Guyana Times understands that moments after the Post Master and staffer arrived at the location with the bag containing the money, the bandit held them at gunpoint. In addition to the bag of money, he stole an undisclosed sum of money that was in the post office at the time. He then ran out of the building, jumped on a waiting motorcycle, and sped off.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), Telesha Whyte told media operatives that the robbery has forced them to refer a number of Old Age Pensioners to other loca-

tions nearby to complete their transactions.

More vigilant

Whyte added that it is a norm for the Post Office to transport money under heavy guard, but, according to reports, the guards who escorted the Post Master and the staff carrying the money had already left the premises when the robbery occurred.

The PRO further stated that she was surprised by the robbery and the way it was executed, taking into consideration the location of the post office. She said that while the post office has its own security, residents should be more vigilant.

On Thursday last, gunmen carted off an undisclosed sum of cash from the Soesdyke Post Office after holding employees and customers at gunpoint.

It was reported that residents in the area heard a “loud banging” and later saw two men exiting the post office with their weapons drawn. The men then joined a heavily tinted blue car which was waiting for them outside and sped off in the direction of the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. No one has yet been arrested.

British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre

AML/CFT Bill still held hostage ... financial strangulation to intensify

By Svetlana MarShall

Talks between the government and the opposition on the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill broke down Wednesday night at a Select Committee meeting, less than two weeks before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meets in Paris.

In May, Guyana was referred to FATF by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) after the country failed to comply with the Action Plan which includes the passage of the AMLCFT Bill. The banking and commercial sectors had expressed the hope that the Government and the Opposition would have arrived at a consensus to prevent the country from being further blacklisted.

However, minutes after leaving the AMLCFT Parliamentary Special

Select Committee meeting, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge said it is unlikely that the issue will be resolved before the commencement of FATF Plenary Meeting on June 25.

Proposals

He explained that when the counter-proposals were placed in the spotlight, APNU in the absence of the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan, rejected three primary aspects of the proposals tabled at the level of the committee by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall.

“There is a disagreement over governance, the overall structure of governance of the FIU, the mechanism for the appointment of the members of the authority, whether that appointment should be undertaken by the Parliament or the President,” Greenidge explained to the Guyana Times.

Greenidge said the counter-proposals put by the Government vary from APNU’s proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009.

The Opposition is pushing for the establishment of an AMLCFT Authority by the National Assembly. This move seeks to remove the powers of the minister to appoint the director and the power of the president to dismiss the director, thereby

placing these powers in the hands of the authority.

Additionally, the coalition is seeking to replace the Attorney General with a Director and simultaneously extend the powers of a police officer or customs officer to seize and detain cash (G$10M or more) anywhere in Guyana.

Greenidge said despite the fact that the counterproposals were made by the Government to meet the demands of the Opposition, the Attorney General has fallen short in fulfilling the objective, since his proposals do not cater for the authority and the appointment of the director by the Parliament.

Due to the stumbling blocks encountered during Wednesday’s meeting, Greenidge said each of the parties has agreed to return to their principals to seek guidance. “Unless something happens between now and the FATF meeting in Paris I

don’t expect that we would be in a position to provide FATF with a bill.”

On the contrary, the Legal Affairs Minister said although 80% of the counter-proposals were in keeping with the Opposition’s proposed amendments, they were still rejected.

“I attempted as far as possible to have commonality between the proposals made by the opposition and my proposals. I attempted to marry the two as far as possible,” Minister Nandlall said.

According to him,the Opposition rejected sections of his proposals which sought to address the concerns of CFATF and has indirectly disregarded the standards set by the international financial institution.

“In their rejection, they said in very clear language they remain uninfluenced by anything that CFATF says and that FATF recommends,” he added.

He said the Opposition’s move to remove the powers of the minister and president is a “raw and naked usurpation of the role of the government as provided for in the constitution.” These fundamental differences may never be reconciled, the Legal Affairs Minister opined.

The challenges facing the select committee have outgrown its members, hence they have returned to their executives to chart a way forward. “Really it is beyond our scope and our powers in a committee.” (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected during the day with heavy rain showers in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected to prevail during the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celisus.

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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Ukraine: new Cold War?

While to most Guyanese it might appear that the crisis unfolding in the Ukraine is a matter for Europeans, since it is a face off between the US and the European Union on one hand, and Russia on the other, is it possible that we may be on the verge of another Cold War?

After all, only a week ago, the same players commemorated the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the landing by the former allies at Normandy that was coordinated with the Russians moving in from the East, to defeat Nazi Germany. And within five years, there was the Cold War between the two sides.

While that war might have been “cold” between the major players, it was anything but that for the various “proxies” that were forced by circumstances to take “sides”. Cuba is still being made to pay for her decision.

As for Guyana, while no choice was explicitly made, the fear by the US that the “wrong” one was possible, was enough for them to remove the democratically-elected PPP Government, install the PNC and have Guyana yet divided. So the possibility of a repeat should be of some concern to us.

However, there are some significant differences from that which prevailed at the end of WWII. First and foremost is the fact that the struggle between the two sides had an ideological basis. To put the matter crudely, the US represented “democracy and capitalism” (not necessarily in that order), while Russia, as the prime mover in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was the representative of the radical “communist” alternative in both governance and economics.

This is not an inconsiderable consideration. Right now Russia is firmly in the US “capitalist” camp and, in fact, with its huge number of oligarchs, is probably nearer to the classic robber-baron capitalism that Karl Marx criticised. Without the fear that Russia would influence other countries to become its allies because of ideology, the US has that much less to fear.

Another factor is that, shorn of its satellite states, of which the Ukraine is a paradigmatic case, Russia is not the Great Power that it might want to be. After WWII, the USSR had considered herself on par with the US militarily and economically, but cannot even pretend to that status now.

Even within the emerging new power grouping BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Russia is one of the weaker powers. It, therefore, does not really have the wherewithal to challenge the US, much less NATO, the US military alliance with Europe.

For the foregoing reasons, it is unlikely that one can speak of a new “Cold War” emerging that would pull in Third World countries such as Guyana. This is not to say, however, that the Ukraine crisis might not lead to a sustained strained relationship between Russia and the West .

The Ukraine is even more significant to Russia than Latin America and the Caribbean were to the US, when the latter promulgated its “Monroe Doctrine” to warn outsiders (Europeans) from interfering in our affairs. In addition to the economic and strategic interests that the US would have sought to protect, the Eastern and Southern parts of the Ukraine – such as Crimea which has seceded – are populated overwhelmingly by ethnic Russians.

These ties are very powerful to the rest of Russia and it is quite possible that if enough consideration of this factor is not manifested, for instance in the present “peace talks”, the present Russian leader Putin, would be forced to become more belligerent to salvage Russian pride.

While we do not believe that open warfare between Russia and the West is likely, the ongoing definition of the western insurgents as “terrorists” may ensure Ukraine becoming a hotspot that would distract the West from its economic recovery that is vital for the well-being of the rest of the world.

The IRO has not developed a position on alternative lifestyles

Dear Sir,

It was with great consternation that I read in the local media a statement attributed to Pastor Ronald McGarrell to the effect that “homosexuals and other persons with alternative sexual orientation should reside on an island by themselves”.

As a member of the IRO, I wish to categorically state that the IRO has not developed a position on the question of persons with alternative lifestyles, even though I know from many discussions that the majority of the members have extremely conservative views.

One must also bear in mind that if the statement attributed to Pastor McGarrell was indeed what he said, then he would be obviously speaking from the perspective of his faith community, even if he was so empowered. But one also needs to be cognisant of the fact that very few faith communities have a homogenous and uniform perspective on this and other issues.

Regarding the threat that Pastor McGarrell predicts, it is difficult for us to understand what he means. And what specifically does he mean by the ideal of a family? Whose ideal? Is there a universal standard of what an ideal family is?

From a Hindu point of view, while there is general acceptance of the traditional ideal family, as having at a minimum, a wife and a husband and children, there is nothing in Hinduism that warrants the demonisation of persons with alternative lifestyles, let alone invoking the wrath of God on anyone.

Hinduism recognises the complexity of human nature and, therefore, has more or less inbuilt mechanisms to accommodate a wide range of beliefs and behaviours even within the unit of a family. Its greatest singular strength is its respect for diversity.

Of course, Hinduism does have its perspective on family, but it is something more than just husband and wife and children. Vedic texts recognise the family as a value based entity. In this regard, the Atharva Veda describes a family as a sahridayam and samanasyam, a place where hearts and minds are united in a common purpose.

It is avidvesham, where there is no hatred. Members of the family are urged to love one another as a cow loves its calf, which is a common imagery of love in the family in Sanskrit literature. Children are urged to honour and respect parents. Gentleness, sweetness and harmony should characterise the relationship between husband and wife.

The same text specifically and explicitly urges that brother must not hate brother and sister, sister. Bound by a common vow, relationship, in the family should be civil and cultured. It is further stated that the food and drink should be common, and with Agni, the sacrificial fire, as its centre, the family should gather around like spokes around a hub.

Coming back to Pastor McGarrell’s statement, it seems that some men possess a mysterious ability to discern the will of God and

to decide on whom God’s wrath should fall. The world becomes a simplistic place of “us” against “them”. But we know wherever this sharp polarisation has been constructed between good and evil, between “God” and “the Devil”, it has been accompanied by judgment and punishment, bloodshed and suffering.

One of the ways of destroying the Devil is to destroy those whose behaviour is believed to be influenced by the Devil. Pastor McGarrell would have us believe that God has a plan for humanity, but if he does indeed believe that “heavenly intervention might be imminent”, then he might be best advised not to usurp God’s function and refrain from invoking divine fire and brimstone. Why not leave it to God?

What is also quite alarming is the view that “laws should be passed in universal principles to raise morals and ethics in society”. But it is public knowledge that wherever such laws have been passed at least one deadly consequence is seen, that is, morality Police becomes a necessity and society inevitably descends into depravity and barbarism, the evidence of which surrounds and overwhelms us almost on a daily basis.

It will also do well for Pastor McGarrell to spell out what he means by “universal principles”. I do realise that adherents of religions seek to universalise their particular perspective bound by time and place, and this is why there is the fear that it may all boil down

to this or that religious belief, which by definition cannot be universal.

On the other hand, if by “universal principles” Pastor McGarrell means values such as fortitude and forebearance, compassion and forgiveness, control of the mind and senses, truth, non-injury, humility, cleanliness and purity of mind and body, patience, honesty, charity, fearlessness, and an absence of envy and greed and the like, values which do not have to depend on “heavenly intervention”, God, or religion, then however desirable they may be, they cannot be legislated.

Then again, if a person, regardless of sexual orientation, shows any or a combination of these values, what more can we ask of any human being?

Finally, we are again and again assured that God loves unconditionally and offers us everlasting grace, through no merit of our own. But if we do not respond appropriately, then that same God will torture us forever in hell. This same theology emphatically affirms that of all the billions of people who have ever lived only a select number will make it to the land of sunshine.

Does God punish billions of people with infinite eternal torment for the things they did in the few years of their human life? Will God consign even a single human being to such a fiery eternal damnation merely on the basis of his/her sexual orientation?

Yours faithfully, Swami Aksharananda

Local fashion icon Sonia Noel with members of the Foundation for Creative Arts and the Guyana Sickle Cell Association after staging a “flash-mob” at Scotiabank’s Robb Street, Georgetown location to raise awareness about the disease (Carl Croker photo)

Focus should be on prevention and healthcareprimary

Dear Editor, I recently read a news article in which President Ramotar was quoted as saying no one should oppose a Specialty Hospital. I have heard similar sentiments expressed by the average Guyanese on the street and I feel compelled, as a public health professional, to share a different point of view.

More hospitals – even ‘specialty’ ones – will do absolutely nothing to halt the spread of diseases, especially ones like cancer and heart disease. If one is serious about halting the spread of cancer, reducing the amount of chemicals in the environment – via promoting natural/organic agricultural techniques and addressing air/ water pollution – these are the areas where more action needs to be taken.

In addition, Guyana already has a Cancer Institute which provides a wide range of services. The key to cancer survival, as in most diseases, is early detection. As such, increasing individual and community awareness, and encouraging and providing access to early testing are essential in the fight against cancer. These are services that are provided on a primary level, not via a Specialty Hospital.

As regards heart disease, again prevention is key. When one requires the services of a specialty hospital – meaning either after or immediately before suffering a heart attack – leaving aside cases of congenital defects which children are born with, one is already at a point at which one is sick.

A specialty hospital will do nothing to reduce the epidemic of heart disease in Guyana. What is needed is for individuals to really seriously examine their diets and activity patterns and make healthier life choices. Hospitals are not places that promote wellness; they treat illness.

I must repeat the point that I made exactly one year ago when I penned a letter on the appalling lack of basic drugs at the Linden Hospital. I am sickened to report that the Linden Mackenzie

We all have a right to be treated humanely

Dear Editor,

The Georgetown Hub of the Global Shapers Community would like to again express great concern over the current treatment of Guyana’s youth by organs of the state that are meant to serve and protect.

On May 17, we wrote a letter of concern to address the Alex Griffith case.

incidents occurring within our society. Such acts should not be meted out to the youth of our country, or any citizen for that matter, particularly at the hands of those responsible for upholding law and order.

Hospital, in the second largest town in Guyana, in the year 2014, is still lacking ORS along with other items like liquid Gravol.

Just a few weeks ago, a friend called to tell me that she and her 11-month-old granddaughter who had been vomiting were sent away from the same hospital to a private pharmacy to purchase these items. I also recently visited the Charity and Suddie Hospitals in Region Two, where numerous complaints were raised about the lack of supplies and medication.

When the health authorities cannot ensure that the hospitals we already have are provided with basic, essential supplies and that the people of Guyana are provided with quality primary and preventative healthcare –we have far bigger problems than a specialty hospital can address.

The neglect of primary health-care facilities in Guyana, as well as the lack of commitment to providing quality care, especially to Guyanese from the lower economic strata of society who are not able to pay out of pocket for private medical care, reveal a distressing disregard for the nation’s wellbeing.

There seems to be an attempt to use construction of a specialty hospital for partisan political purposes. We must call on those in charge, when they purport to care about our well-being, to ensure that when we take our babies to the existing hospitals and health centres in our communities, they are provided with the medicine necessary for their survival without having to go to private pharmacies.

Let us not see more pregnant women die needlessly in childbirth for lack of quality care. Let people who want contraceptives not be turned away from health centres because they don’t have any in stock for months at a time. Let us specialise in quality and preventative care first and foremost.

Sincerely,

Sherlina Nageer

Today, we write to register our concern over the allegations levelled against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over its treatment of the 19-year-old young man at the Sparendaam Police Station, and to raise our voices in a call for a concerted effort to reduce Police brutality and to ensure justice whenever such acts occur.

As young Guyanese within the Global Shapers Community, we express our disappointment and disdain at these horrific

This new incident joins the long list of human rights violations that have occurred and remain unsolved and largely unpunished – reminding us that justice delayed is too often justice denied.

We call on the relevant authorities, including the Home Affairs Ministry and the GPF, to provide answers and explanations for this apparent trend of resorting to violence and the frequency of these acts. This should be followed by a sustainable plan to ensure protection of the human rights and dignity of all our citizens – particularly the youth!

The Georgetown Hub is committed to working to improve the state of our society for all; we will be creating an action plan that includes engaging our disciplined services, associated ministries, various human rights organisations and persons of authority to assist in whatever way possible towards the improvement and development of these sectors to better serve our citizens.

The Global Shapers Community is a network of city based Hubs of exceptional young people, organised around three key pillars; interaction, insight and impact.

As one of the several multistakeholder communities within the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community is non-partisan, non-political and not-for-profit.

The Georgetown Hub

Shapers are concerned youths who represent a broad cross-section of our population.

We are guided by the community’s charter and our own local charter to advocate against acts that violate human rights and incite injustice within our land. We do hope and encourage all like-minded organisations and individuals to join us in ensuring that cases like these are abolished within our society and our disciplined service would better serve and respect the dignity of all without delay. We all have a right to be treated humanely; it is a priority and a fundamental element of a just society.

Yours sincerely, Georgetown Hub Global Shapers Community

Antigua elections unpredictable; edge to opposition

Dear Editor,

Antigua and Barbuda holds general elections on Thursday. It is the opposition Antigua Labour Party’s (ALP) election to lose, as there is an anti-incumbent United Progressive Party (UPP) wave around the twin island state.

Polls, Caruso, commissioned by the ruling UPP predict a landslide victory for the ruling party while polls, Wickham of Cadres and Prof Johnson, commissioned by the opposition ALP predict a landslide victory for the opposition.

The independent NACTA poll, not commissioned by any party, projects a competitive election that does not rule out a landslide victory for either party, but considers such an outcome unlikely. NACTA finds a swing in favor of the ALP, but the swing may not be sufficient to knock out several popular UPP candidates as the ALP polls are suggesting.

On the other hand, the UPP has strategically targeted several ALP incumbents and could very well knock off a few including former Prime Minister Lester Bird who is ‘neck and neck’ (according to NACTA) with his challenger Dr Errol Cort, a Guyanese Antiguan, who defeated Bird in 2004, but who was himself defeated in 2009.

ALP polls put Bird way ahead of Dr Cort, but Caruso poll puts Dr Cort way ahead. NACTA has the

contest too close to call. ALP is seeking to retire Prime Minister (PM) Baldwin Spencer and its polls put its candidate Londell Benjamin way ahead, whereas Caruso says Spencer will win by a huge majority. NACTA has Spencer slightly ahead. The fact that the PM is struggling in a traditional UPP seat is an indication of the mood swing against the incumbent.

In spite of what the other polls say, the election is unpredictable. The key determinant of the election is the voters’ list that disenfranchised almost 7,000 voters who were on the list in 2009. Among those who are removed from the list are many Guyanese, Jamaicans and other immigrants who generally vote ALP. This could hurt ALP’s chances at the election.

A substantial number of Guyanese complained they were taken off the list because they traveled out of the country within the last seven years. A new draconian law says if an immigrant traveled abroad within the last seven years, he or she forfeited the right to vote –such an anti-immigrant law does not even exist in xenophobic European societies.

The immigrants, according to NACTA’s findings, favor ALP 75 percent to 25 percent, while the nationals favor UPP 60 percent to 40 percent.

Another unknown in the election is the number of Antiguans living abroad

who are returning home to vote. Many of them are already on the island and more are expected in by Thursday. According to the trend picked up NACTA interviewers, they overwhelmingly favor UPP. Their vote could tilt the election in favor of UPP.

According to NACTA’s polls last January, the ALP would have walked away with the elections like an easy stroll in the park. Since then, the election has tightened. But the polls of Peter Wickham and Prof Johnson, commissioned by the ALP, have given a landslide victory to ALP by huge margins in each seat.

Wickham’s poll of this week gives ALP huge margins in several seats where NACTA finds close contests. Caruso Poll has given a landslide victory to the UPP with significant margins.

The independent NACTA Poll’s verdict is a closely contested election with both sides having about five seats each and the other seven up for grabs.

Wickham gives 14 to ALP with huge margins. Caruso gives a minimum 12 to UPP with some close margins. Cadres has undecided as high as 24 percent, whereas NACTA has undecided at less than four percent.

A lot of money is being spent on the campaign with the parties wooing (purchasing) voters with money and all sorts of gifts. There are rumours of voters being

offering EC$1000 and more to voters to surrender their voter card (called the weapon).

A lot of liquor and food are also flowing to supporters from the candidates. ALP had a massive motorcade on Sunday. UPP responded with an equally large, if not bigger motorcade, on Monday. ALP had the largest gathering of people on the island on Monday night for its concert and final rally to culminate the campaign. UPP’s concert and final rally on Tuesday night was also impressive.

Anti-incumbency favours ALP and it should win the election. But given the vagaries of politics on the island and the uncertainty around the voters’ list, the outcome is unpredictable. I won’t be surprised if UPP returns to office through its strategic deployment of unlimited resources and targeted creative initiatives. There is no doubt a swing towards ALP from UPP. But the unknown in the election is the voters’ list and how many overseas Antiguans are returning home to vote, and how many immigrants have been taken off the list.

If the number of overseas Antiguans voting is minimal, then Labour will win. If large numbers of overseas Antiguans have come down to vote, as rumoured, then UPP wins.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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

The Cancer Institute is located at the corner of East and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown, in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital

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Calcium

It is estimated 45 per cent of peak bone mass is attained during adolescence and so adequate calcium intake is important for the development of dense bone mass and the reduction of the lifetime risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Additionally, calcium needs during adolescence are greater than they are in either childhood or adulthood because of the increased demand for skeletal growth. Adequate calcium intake is essential also for development of strong and dense bones during the adolescent growth spurt.

Inadequate calcium intake during adolescence and young adulthood puts individuals at risk for developing osteoporosis later in life. In order to get the required 1200 milligrams of calcium, teens are encouraged to consume three to four servings of calcium-rich foods each day. Milk provides the greatest amount of calcium in the diets of adolescents, followed by cheese, ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Girls preoccupied with body shape might have a dilemma of including calcium-rich dairy foods, which they perceive as fattening. The fear of getting fat through the consumption of dairy foods appears to be premature and may therefore not be a critical deter-

minant of obesity since a recent study conducted in Canada found no difference in changes in per cent body fat over two years between girls eating varying amounts of calcium from food. Indeed, the type of

good fats (that is, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), lower the risk. The basic idea regarding the prevention of diseases associated with fat consumption is to substitute good fats for bad fats.

quantity of fat per se must be watched.

Empirical evidence indicates that bad fats, meaning saturated and trans fats, increase the risk for certain diseases while

varying degrees to which individuals respond to dietary fat intake. Calciumfortified foods including orange juice, breakfast bars, bread and cereals are excellent sources of calcium.

A study in the US showed that adolescents in the highest soft drink consumption category were found to consume less calcium and vitamin C than non-soft drink consumers. Therefore, excessive soft drink consumption by adolescents may displace the consumption of more nutrient-dense beverages, such as milk and juices. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified juices, and calcium-fortified cereals.

Iron

Steak iron is vital for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream. A deficiency of iron causes anaemia, which leads to fatigue, confusion, and weakness. With the onset of adolescence, the need for iron increases as direct consequence of rapid growth and the expansion of blood volume and muscle mass. As adolescents gain muscle mass, more iron is needed to help their new muscle cells obtain oxygen for energy. The onset of menstruation imposes additional iron needs for girls. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is 12-15 milligrams (mg) per day. Good sources of iron include beef, chicken, pork, legumes (including beans and peanuts), enriched or whole grains, and leafy green vegetables such as spinach.

Zinc

Zinc is important in adolescence because of its role in growth and sexual maturation. It is known that serum zinc levels decline in response to the rapid growth and hormonal changes that occur during adolescence. Serum zinc levels indicative of mild zinc deficiency (<10.71 x10-6 mol/L) have been found in 18 per cent to 33 per cent of female adolescents. The RDA for zinc for males and females ages nine to 13 is eight mg/day. For females ages 14-18, the RDA is nine mg/day. Zinc is naturally abundant in red meats, shellfish, and whole grains. Additionally, many breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc. Zinc and iron compete for absorption, so elevated intakes of one can reduce the absorption of the other. Adolescents who take iron supplements may be at increased risk of developing mild zinc deficiency if iron intake is over twice as high as that of zinc.

Folate

Folate plays an integral role in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Thus, adolescents have increased requirements for folate during puberty. Rich sources of dietary folate consumed by adolescents include ready-to-eat cereal, orange juice, bread, milk, and dried beans or

lentils. Adolescents who have formed the habit of skipping breakfast or do not include orange juice and ready-to-eat cereals in their meals may be at an increased risk of low folate consumption.

Eating and snacking patterns

Adolescents tend to eat differently than they did as children. Preoccupied with after-school activities and engagement in active social endeavours, adolescents are not always able to sit down for three meals a day. These apparent busy schedules may lead to meal skipping, snacking throughout the day, and more eating away from home. Many teens skip breakfast, for example, but this meal is particularly important for getting enough energy to make it through the day, and it may even lead to better academic performance. When teens skipping meals at home is prevalent, the likelihood of purchasing fast food from a restaurant, vending machine, or convenience store will be high. These foods tend to be high in fat and sugar and they provide little nutritional value. More importantly, eating too many fast foods can lead to weight gain which may predispose one to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Potential nutrition-related problems for adolescent children

Poor eating habits during the critical adolescent years may lead to both short and long term health consequences including obesity, osteoporosis, and sexual maturation delays. Adolescents are at risk of obesity, obesity-related chronic diseases, and eating disorders.

Obesity

All over the world, adolescent obesity is on the rise. In Australia, the prevalence of overweightness and obesity is reported to be on the increase among children and adolescents, suggesting a problem with energy imbalance. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Experts have linked this rise in obesity to lack of physical activity and an increase in the amount of fast food and “junk food” available to adolescents. Staying active and avoiding sugary drinks and fatty snack foods will promote a healthy weight for adolescents. (myvmc.com)

NGSA results to be announced today Dr Anthony in receipt of 2012 NOC Inquiry Report

The much-anticipated National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results will be revealed today by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, a statement from the Ministry said.

The announcement will be made during a press conference to be held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston, Georgetown, at 10:15h.

It will be aired live on the National Communications Network (NCN) Television and Radio, and will simultaneously be streamed on the Ministry’s website at www.education.gov.gy.

Over 15,500 students across Guyana wrote the NGSA examination on April 16 and 17. The examination covered the four main subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. English and Science were written on the first day while the other two subjects were done on the final day.

Each subject had two papers: Paper Two was the first paper written and consisted of essay-type questions while Paper One consisted of multiple choice questions. However, prior to this, the

students had to write the National Grades Two and Four Assessments, and the marks from all three assessments were added up to determine the overall performance of each student.

In 2013, some 16,811 students wrote the NGSA examination amid the Easter Holidays on March 25 and 26. Their overall performances were calculated by adding five per cent of each candidate’s Grade Two score in Mathematics and English, and 10 per cent of the Grade Four score in the same subjects, and this was then added to a further 85 per cent of each candidate’s score in those

subjects at the Grade Six Assessment.

Results from the 2013 NGSA examination gave the top performer with a total score of 548 marks and that person was Salma Majeed of ISA Islamic Academy.

The second position was copped by Christian Pile of Mae’s Under-12 with 547 marks, while Navindra Persaud of Mae’s Under-12 was given the third spot with 545 marks.

Students from the Mae’s Under-12 took away the fourth, fifth and sixth positions: Ashtmi Natasha Deo with 543 marks; Bradon Chanderban with 542 marks; and Zane Ramotar with 541 marks.

Justice Winston Moore, charged with conducting an inquiry into the August 2012 break-out of inmates who went on a rampage, and set buildings ablaze at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), on Tuesday presented the final report to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

Dr Anthony said the Ministry will be deliberating on the report before the findings are made public.

In September 2012, a five-man Commission was installed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the breakout and alleged arson by NOC inmates, at the national juvenile correctional facility at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast.

Reports were that the inmates had first set fire to the female dorm, and managed to keep public-spirited persons at bay.

There were reports too of students overpowering guards at the detention centre, breaking down doors and smashing windows in their frantic bid to flee the facility.

There had been several delays in the official handing over of the report al-

though findings and recommendations from the preliminary reports were being reported on in sections of the media.

The Minister had said earlier in the year that the Ministry had written Justice Moore on several occasions about the report, but to no avail.

Meanwhile, the Minister said as it relates to the most recent reports coming out of the NOC, the matter is being dealt with by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA).

According to Dr Anthony, at his Ministry’s level, the matter has been discussed

but it is being dealt with fully by the CCPA.

The most recent incident at the juvenile correctional facility saw the CCPA applying to the court to have four females removed from the NOC and placed in their care.

The teens had claimed that persons working at the facility sexually molested them and that they were all being mistreated.

However, prior to the report making the local media, the Minister had said that the matter was never reported to the Ministry or the NOC Administration, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony Justice Winston Moore

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Community failed Sisters Village teen – Schools Welfare Officer

Tamesha Latoya

Natasha Adams, the 14-year-old Sisters Village girl who was murdered last Thursday by her boyfriend, 23-year-old Kellon Sam, who subsequently committed suicide, reportedly sought help after receiving death threats.

This was revealed at her funeral on Monday at the St Clements Presbyterian Church at Sisters Village. Adams had called a friend complaining about the threats that she had received apparently from Sam over the phone. She had also gone to the office of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) the day she died, but did not find the counsellor for whom she was looking.

Hours later, she was found with a knife stuck in her neck in a plot of land behind her Sisters Village,

East Bank Berbice home. “By the time we got there, it was too late,” Schools Welfare Officer Roxanne La Rose told those who attended the funeral service. She disclosed that one of

Adams’ friends reported that the 14-year-old had received deaths threats. The friend said she did not know what to do, but reported to the Welfare Department that Adams

was in trouble.

Juanita Burrowes, the Director of United Brick Layers, a New Amsterdambased NGO, blamed the community in which Adams lived. The NGO Director said the community was not doing its job as watchdogs. Adams, was eulogised by her friend Loretta Drakes as a “smiling and talkative teen… always willing to carry out a task when called upon to do so”, was discovered moments after Sam was found hanging from a mango three at the back of his yard two houses away.

According to the dead girl’s mother, Maureen, in October of last year she became aware of the relationship between the two. However, villagers say that the two were together for more than one year.

Eyew tness

Part 2...

...PNC

Scott Fitzgerald once said: “There are no second acts in American lives”. Fitzgerald felt that people who’ve done things “their way” for a very long time...just wouldn’t change. Even if they want to show the world they’re different...their real selves will come “out” – sooner or later. So we come to a letter from two recent converts to the PNC camp – ex-AFCites Khemraj and Ramsaroop.

The two twerps swear there’s a PNC Part I and a PNC Part II. Yes, really. Even though they know these sequels are always variants of the same theme!!! If you’ve seen one “Nightmare on Elm Street”, you’ve seen them all – Freddy’s gonna get you in the end. There are no second acts. But not the PNC, according to the new PNC sycophants.

And what precisely demarcates PNC Part I from Part II? Well, the death of Burnham and the rise of Desmond Hoyte. The fact that Hoyte was the handmaiden of Burnham, from the very beginning – cuts no ice. The poor slob was just following orders!! But before we get to the record of Hoyte – who’s being beatified – we hope the dyspeptic duo cleared their confirmation that Burnham was a demon. No redeeming feature and all that. We wonder what their blue-eyed boy Granger will say about that!! I mean, you can’t just go around bashing your leader’s leader, can you?

So let’s look at PNC Part II. We heard about the heartrending kindness of Hoyte because his Government bought flowers from flower-boy Ramsaroop. But hey!!! Former President Jagdeo rebuilt all those roads in Buxton, which even the PNC hadn’t fixed in their 28 years. Doesn’t Jagdeo get cut some slack? Not by these two slackers! Then, of course, Hoyte lifted the ban on Dhall which is more effective than any possible apology!!!

But let’s examine the new leaf that Hoyte turned over, a bit closer. Remember his claims that the 1997 elections were rigged and the violent street protests that were unleashed by the PNC? Arson and shutdown of whole sections of Georgetown! Wasn’t Burnham, was it? Then after he bullied the PPP, chopped their term by two years and then segued into “Slow-fyaah-mo-fyaah???” Now let’s think carefully. Wasn’t Burnham, was it?

You never know. Maybe like Elvis, he’s alive and rose from Seven Ponds to create mayhem around Georgetown and the East Coast after 1997!

...on drugs financing

The head of GECOM, we’re told, is a very serious fella. Don’t mess around. Remember his no-nonsense ripostes when the last elections count dragged on a tad? Took no nonsense from APNU which marched up and down in front of his House. Wasn’t intimidated even though he had to abandon his sipping of that special bottle of Dom Romane Conti 1997.

But we do think he was a bit too direct when he called recently for a cap on campaign financing. Instead of talking about the usual – level playing field and all that – he cut to the chase and said he feared drug lords would take over the country, since they’d be able to buy out some politicians.

Now we don’t think he was talking about the PPP/C. With all those accusations of graft with assorted contractors that the Muckraker alleges every day of the week (and Sundays), they don’t need funding, do they? Then, it couldn’t be the PNC. They just sold some sod over at Sophia, which should take care of business. That leaves that AFC. With New York gone, one is reminded of their cocaine-in-pepper-sauce funder. We do think the GECOM head has a valid fear!!!

...on race

Seems David Granger told a New York gathering of East Indian-West Indian-Guyanese American-New Yorkers that Guyana is now a “post-racial” society. Henry Jeffrey disputes this. And we thought David Hinds was the “race man”!

Tamesha Adams Kellon Sam

Three dead, two seriously injured in drunken road rage crash

By Nafeeza yahya aNd ShiraN ramNauth

Two sisters and their four-year-old niece are now dead and two other persons were critically injured when an allegedly drunken driver slammed into them at Phillipi on the Corentyne Coast. The driver had initially hit down another man and was escaping from the scene when he hit the girls.

Those dead are: Shamain Cort, four; Tabithia Latoya Bagot,18, and her sister, Malkie Wanita Bagot, 15. Delroy Park, 28, and Matthew Mc Bean suffered serious injuries and were said to be critical. The driver has been identified as 19-year-old Nakesh Persaud of Number 51 Village. According to reports, he reportedly told the police that he thought it was donkeys he had hit at Kilmarnock and Phillipi. The vehicle he was driving was reportedly rented from a popular rental agency on the Corentyne.

Alcohol According to reports, around 18:30h the driver of the gold- coloured Spacio who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol hit the five people in three separate incidents, killing the three girls on the spot. It all started when he hit Park, 28, at Kilmarnock Village and sped away. However, in the process of driving away from the scene he slammed into the girls a few hundred metres away in the nearby village of Philippi ,flinging them several hundred yards in the air. The driver did not stop, instead, he accelerated, but was chased by public-spirited citizens. In his escape bid around four villages away at #35 Village he hit Matthew Mc Bean who was riding a bicycle at the time before losing

control and plunging into a nearby trench.

By this time the residents who were giving chase from Phillipi caught up with him, dragged him out his vehicle and gave him a sound thrashing. Residents also dragged the vehicle he was driving out of the trench and attempted to set it alight, but police arrived on the scene and intervened saving the driver and vehicle. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he received medical attention and placed in police custody. Incidentally ,four of the five victims were returning home after making purchases from nearby shops. Guyana Times was told that the Bagots had gone to the shop to get phone cards to call their mother who migrated to the United States only a few days ago. They decided to take along their niece and were returning from the shop a few houses away when the car veered off the road and slammed them from behind. The girls were rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Mc Bean was also returning from the shop after buying a phone card; he was also taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he is receiving medical attention and is said to be critical. He

Alleged cable thief shot at Coverden

A19-year-old is now nursing a gunshot wound to his chest after he was reportedly caught stealing Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) cables.

The injured teen has been identified as Alton Straker of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The incident occurred around 04:15h on Wednesday at the telephone company’s Coverden, EBD branch.

According to the Police in a statement, security guards stationed at the branch received reports that persons were stealing cables from the branch. The guards, who are attached to a private security firm, then confronted the two perpetrators.

While in the process of apprehending the men, the guards shot Straker in the region of his chest, his accomplice took advantage of the situation and made good his escape.

The injured teen was

rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, and was admitted.

An investigation has been launched by the Police into the matter.

Over the years, GT&T has incurred significant losses as a result of persons stealing its cables. Only in February last, two persons were arrested, charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for stealing a length of cable valued $20,500 on February 9, at Kingston, Georgetown. Mohamed Hamid, 20, and Marvin Daniels, 33, both pleaded not guilty to the offence and were each granted $30,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

In April last, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) had warned persons against buying stolen GT&T cables. The PUC had also urged residents to be more vigilant regarding the vandalism of cables.

were found scattered on the parapet. Pastor Bagot said the four-year-old was found on the shoulder of a nearby drain with her body covered in blood. Additionally, he said Malkie’s head appeared to have been crushed from the impact of slamming into a lamp post. With regard to Tabithia, she was found lying motionless with blood oozing from her ears and mouth.

was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Meanwhile, speaking with this newspaper, Pastor Ewart Bagot, a relative of the girls said that Malkie was a student of the Lower Corentyne Secondary School and was currently sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He said after hearing the impact, they rushed to the scene where they saw the girls lying some distance from each other, all appeared dead. Their shoes

Another relative related that the girls were on their way back home from a grocery store while he was sitting on the veranda when he heard a loud noise and screaming. “All I hear was ‘Bam’ so I bend over the veranda and I look and while I was looking the car just swerve and blam it hit them.” He said he then rushed out on to the road to see what had occurred. At the time he did not know that they were his relatives.

“Whilst waking to the bus shed I recognised the pants my sister was wearing and after I saw her lying in the middle of the road I run to see what happened, then I holler

‘where Toya and Shamain deh,” he recalled saying tearfully. When he looked he saw Tabithia lying on the side of the road with Shamain next to her.

Riding bicycle Park, who was the first to be hit, recalled that he was riding his bicycle and all of a sudden he felt an impact from behind. He said he was pushed off his bike and he hit his head. He recalled being picked up and taken to the hospital where he re-

ceived medical attention and was sent home. Close to 40 persons have died in road accidents for the year so far. According to police statistics, pedestrians have been the main road users affected at the end of March 2014. There have also been a number of motorists and pedal cyclists who have been killed. Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents and was the cause of 17 of the 26 fatal accidents recorded at the end of March this year.

One of the injured at the Port Mourant Hospital

Relatives trying to console the mother of Tabithia and Malkie Bagot

No one must be silent on child labour – Dr Gopaul

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul has reaffirmed Govt’s commitment to combat all forms of child labour as Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Day Against Child Labour.

The occasion is being held under the theme “Extend Social Protection: Combat Child Labour”!

The Minister, in a message in observance of the day, said everyone has a duty to report cases of child labour.

“We need to expose these atrocities. At the level of Government, we remain vigilant to guard against it and will continue to strive to improve the social protection that is necessary to prevent this scourge. The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that every child completes secondary education and move to even higher academic qualifications.”

According to the Minister, this year’s theme draws attention to the role of social protection in keeping children out of the child labour market.

“Social protection of our children is a human right and makes sound economic and social sense. It enables our children access to

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul

education, healthcare and nutrition and plays a critical role in the fight against child labour. Giving social protection to our children helps to prevent the scourge of child labour by reducing economic vulnerability of families, enabling children to go to school and protecting them from exploitation.

The Ministry of Labour reaffirms its commitment to combat all forms of child labour, thus ensuring our children are given the opportunity to live healthy, happy and productive lives,” Dr Gopaul said.

The Government has continued to put social pro-

grammes in place aimed at supporting families to meet basic needs. Among these are the School Feeding Programme, which provide a hot meal for children in many interior locations.

Support

The Government also provides each child in the public school system with a uniform voucher to aid in the provision of school materials, including text books. An additional grant of $10,000 per child will be given to ensure that parents acquire other necessities for their children to attend and remain in school. In addition, transportation for children, especially in remote areas, is being provided and parents, especially single parents, are being empowered with requisite skills to better meet the needs of their families, the Minister said.

“The Labour Ministry, through its Labour Officers, continuously sensitises students, parents, teachers, employees and employers on the negative impact of child labour. The Ministry also monitors and investigates reports of under-aged children who are engaged in any form of employment. In this context,

the Ministry wishes to express our appreciation for the support of the National Tripartite Committee, comprising employers, workers and labour movement representatives, employers and concerned citizens, who have been supportive of our efforts to tackle child labour. We also salute the support of the International Labour Organisation in this fight,” he said.

The Minister said childhood is a time to grow, and at this tender age, the bodies of children are developing and require proper nutrition and exercise to grow.

“This is necessary to become productive adults. We need to ensure that every child has a full childhood and not one burdened by adult activities, such as employment and taking care of the family. In spite of difficult circumstances, children must not be put to do labourious work. It is against the law and deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and can be harmful to their physical and mental development. It also affects their ability to attend school and education is critical to success and poverty reduction,” Dr Gopaul said.

Roadside vendor wounds Public Works Ministry staff

ACricket and football in one big mess

Cricket in Guyana deh in one big mess and football in Guyana deh in another big mess. That is because de people who runnin cricket and football doin sheer mess. That is two big mess to deal with. And dealin wid mess is always a messy job.

De cricket people mess up, but dem ain’t wanna give up. Rohee tell dem to give up. Dem tell back Rohee to give up. So now tings on a hold up. And de cricket people still desperately wanna hold on.

FEEFA tryin to clean up de football mess, but de W-HighC-B mekkin a bigger mess. That is because Imrun and Dave Camrun runnin every ting down. And Dave gotta slave in GT who in turn gotta slave in Demerara. And de High-C-C ain’t have a clue how to clean up de mess at de WICB. And while no body in Guyana gon be able to see cricket at de Providence Stadium, Dave slave gon be gettin a ticket to Barbados. Dave slave don’t mind that he got to clean shoes and serve drinks, then clean table and wash wares in Barbados.

Dave slave just wanna spite de Prezzi and de whole of Guyana wheh de cricket concern. Plus Dave slave got tings to carry out in he suitcase and tings to bring back in. CANOO got dogs now in de hairport, so if de dogs sniff out Dave slave, that gon be another mess.

Imrun and he pardna had come to Guyana and mek a mess when was de Gee-C-B selection. But now dem leff Dave slave in de mess. And Dave slave not even wipin de mess. Instead, he mekkin a even bigger mess because he himself is a total mess.

It was related to Guyana Times that four days prior to the incident, the vendor was given a “Notice of Violation”

Public Works Ministry employee was wounded last Friday when he attempted to evict a roadside meat vendor who was operating on a Government reserve at New Hope, East Coast Demerara.

with respect to the erection of the permanent structure on the reserve, the penalties which can be faced, and the necessary steps which should be taken to receive

approval for the erection of structures.

The vendor refused to comply with the notice which led to the Ministry demolishing the permanent shed he had built. In a show of defiance, he reportedly set up a stand and continued to sell at the location.

It was at this time that the workers approached the man and informed him that he had to move. In the process of removing the meat knives and cutters, the vendor pulled out a meat saw and attacked the staffers. One employee sustained a cut to his right arm.

The matter was reported to the Police who are in the process of pursuing charges. The Ministry is reiterating that the unauthorised erection of billboards and structures on the road reserves, property line to property line is an offence under the law. These structures are a traffic hazard to both motorists and pedestrians.

It is advising anyone who is desirous of erecting any structure within the road reserves that they must obtain written approval from the Chief Works Officer at the Public Works Ministry.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie. Even Bourda in a mess. Plus Gee-Pee-Hell and GT de garbage town got sheer mess who tryin to clean up de mess, causin a massive mess. Is only de House slave got nuff experience dealing wid nuff mess. After all, he dealin wid mess till he become a mess.

Community failed Sisters...

Sam’s father also said he was initially unaware of the relationship. Burrowes told those at the funeral service that they need to stop keeping secrets for young people. “Speak out. Stop encouraging youths to be involved in adult behaviour. You are responsible for her death. You saw, yet you said nothing. You needed to be the community watchdog. Stop discriminating and be vigilant. Another life should not be snuffed out in this way…”

La Rose noted that nothing should be taken for granted. “If someone calls, you need to respond quickly. You need to listen to your children. Listen to the cries around you. Education should be fore-

most… I, therefore, call on the Ministry of Education, United Brick Layers and all stakeholders to rise up and fight for our youths. God has permitted this tragedy so that many others can be saved.” She told the church which was filled to overflowing: “Our boys need to learn to walk away and live to face another day… Tamesha had her life, she wanted to walk away from the relationship, but he would not allow her.” Meanwhile, Sam was laid to rest on Tuesday. Reports are that Sam’s family wanted to have one funeral service for the deceased couple, but the Adams family were not in favour of the idea. From page 8

Green threatens to mount “intensive” campaign against Sooba

City Mayor Hamilton Green has threatened to take matters into his own hands to remove acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba if the legal process does not give him justice or the Government continues to refuse to terminate her contract.

Mayor Green made this comment at a press conference held at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, one day after the Council’s statutory meeting was adjourned due to what the Mayor called “disrespect” and “total arrogance” on Sooba’s part.

Green stated that the Council will not be taking lightly the manner in which the acting Town Clerk allegedly behaved on Monday leading to the adjournment of the statutory meeting.

The Mayor began his press conference by responding to the claims made recently by President Donald Ramotar that City Hall was a disaster. He explained that President Ramotar was

right, since it was the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which has caused City Hall to become a disaster by its decision to “foist Sooba on the Council”.

According to the Mayor, Sooba was imposed on them and if the Government does not remove her, he and his Councillors will act to oust her.

No surrender

Mayor Green noted that this will be done through an intensive political process.

“We are not going to surrender to her and the Government. We are going to allow first the legal process to take its course and if that fails, we will then mount a very intensive and, I believe, a successful political process so that the will, the majority of Georgetown have had demonstrated this Local Government Elections many years ago, can be done,” Green said.

Green, in further responding to the President’s comments, claimed that the Government was responsible for the situation existing at the Council as aside from appointing an incompetent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), it is also guilty of hampering several major activities which would have proved beneficial to the city.

“President Ramotar chided the Opposition for a culture of “Nos”, but in so far as Georgetown is concerned, it is the PPP Administration from the time it failed in Georgetown

which has practised the culture of “No”. When we proposed a Container Tax, they said no; we proposed a lottery, they said no, but they later stole the idea; we proposed a portion of Environmental Tax, they said no; we proposed a Waste Energy Tax, they said no; we asked for the Council to be given responsibility of the water hydrants in the city, they said no; the Council sought to be allowed to manage the affairs of the city, they said no; we asked for Local Government Elections and they have also said no,” Green lamented.

He also pointed out that the Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker has continued to interfere in the work of the Council and constantly backs Sooba, regardless of if she is in the wrong or the right.

It was in this light that he accused the PPP of using Sooba as a “Trojan Horse” at City Hall. He alleged that the ruling administration was using her to inflict organisational paralysis and to cause the Council to rot from inside, leaving the citizens to suffer.

Mediocrity

“She has affected the whole organisation with incompetence, disrespect and mediocrity. Many of our officers are not certain about their actions and commitment to the Council. This is affecting the system of the Council to provide vital municipal services to local communities. This is seen in the physical state

of our neighbourhoods. We are aware of this strategy of the Government. We are treading with this situation and as elected Councillors we will not surrender to the evils of the Government, we will overcome,” Green advocated.

The Mayor pointed out that he, as well as the Council has a major issue with the presence of the controversial Sean Hinds in the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) compound, since they believe it poses a threat to them.

Refuting allegations that the bodyguard was hired for the acting Town Clerk’s safety, Green had this to say “who would want to harm her? Who would want to harm that?”

He is calling on the citizens of the country, and more so those who are residing in Georgetown, to raise their voices on the issues currently facing the Council since they had the power to change the current situation.

Body found at Ogle identified as Montrose teen

The injured person who was found on Monday evening on the Ogle Access Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and subsequently died while receiving medical attention, was identified by relatives on Wednesday morning.

Dead is 17-year-old Bahker Azeez called “Andy”, of Lot 121 Third Street, Montrose, ECD. Speaking to Guyana Times, the young man’s sister Shivanie Singh related that her family received several calls on Tuesday evening from friends and relatives who had heard news reports that the teen had died from stabbing.

The woman at first said she did not believe, but after her younger brother did not come home the night before (Monday), she immediately contacted her mother and they went to the Georgetown Public Hospital to see if there was any truth in the claims made.

She noted that when they arrived at the hospital, they were not allowed to view the body since it was late, and so they went home, but returned on Wednesday morning, where their worst fears were confirmed.

According to the sister, the teen was last seen alive by his grandfather on Monday afternoon. She said the teen used to live with her and was recently laid off his job.

Singh noted that she last saw her brother on Sunday evening and after he did not return home on Monday, she assumed that he was sleeping over at a friend.

“He never sleep out without telling me and I didn’t take it for anything. Some of his friends ask for him yesterday [Tuesday] and I told

them he is not home and joked about him [being] missing, but I didn’t know this happen to him… it’s a shock to know that Andy don’t trouble nobody and this happen to him… I can’t believe it,” the woman cried.

Succumbed

She noted that the Police said that her brother was stabbed once in the region of his heart, and was rushed to the medical institution, where he was “fighting for his life” but did not make it.

The grieving sister said her family is waiting on the Police to investigate the matter and find out what had happened to her brother, noting that she does not think it was a robbery since the teen left his cellular phone home, and did not have any money on him, because he was not working.

Singh added that her brother was a quiet person and was never a trouble-maker.

Reports say on Monday evening, around 20:30h, Azeez was found in a semiconscious state lying next to his bicycle in the vicinity of the traffic light at Ogle.

This newspaper was made to understand that a boy had seen the teen and another man when the latter person pulled out a knife and stabbed Azeez before running away.

The man then collapsed and was picked up by a passerby who rushed him to the hospital, where he succumbed about an hour after while undergoing treatment.

The body of the 17-year-old is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination on Friday.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved US$880,000 for the execution of a medium-sized project entitled: “Enhancing Biodiversity Protection through Strengthened Monitoring, Enforcement and Uptake of Environmental Regulations in Guyana’s Gold Mining Sector”.

According to a release, this timely approval from the GEF coincides with the attendance of Natural Resources and

Environment Minister Robert Persaud at the Fifth Assembly of the Global Environmental Facility in Cancun, Mexico last May.

The Assembly meeting is held every three-four years and serves to review and evaluate general policies and the operational structure of the institution, inclusive of its 183 member countries.

The Minister took the opportunity at this forum to discuss the environmental challenges in Guyana within the context of sustainable

development and other international development goals.

His presence at the Assembly meeting was an opportunity for Guyana to reaffirm its role as a leader in environmental issues and its commitment towards the environment.

The project’s objective is to strengthen monitoring and implementation of biodiversity-friendly practices in Guyana’s gold mining sector so as to reduce biodiversity loss and maintain ecosystem func-

tionality. This will be achieved by strengthening EPA’s role in oversight of mining practices, enhancing inter-institutional cooperation, increasing satellite tracking of mining activities and building capacity of field officers in monitoring and enforcement and biodiversity issues.

The project will also integrate biodiversity in vocational training programmes for mining and provide user-friendly material and

seminars to enable miners to understand the regulatory framework in place and best practices to improve biodiversity conservation in the gold mining sector.

This three-year project will be implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and executed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with guidance from a multistakeholder Project Steering Committee.

Delegates at the Fifth GEF Assembly in Cancun, Mexico

City Mayor Hamilton Green

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

thursday, june 12, 2014

Tapakuma women farmers urged to diversify production

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud has called on representatives of the Tapakuma Women Agricultural Diversification Project (TWADP) to diversify crop production.

Persaud was at the time speaking at the launch of a training workshop held on Wednesday at the Mainstay Resort Conference Centre, Essequibo.

The Chairman commended the efforts of CARILED for its commitment in providing much needed training to the Tapakuma women’s group.

He said CARILED has displayed a strong partnership with the Region Two Administration and look forward for their continued support.

Persaud also announced that through CARILED, the Tapakuma women’s group

will soon be benefiting from a new tractor. He said the tractor will help in cassava cultivation, ensuring greater food security in the region.

Also speaking at the launch, Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh encouraged the women’s group to produce more, and joined the Regional Chairman in commending the efforts of CARILED for the interest shown in Region Two.

Singh said once the tractor is purchased, members from the group should act responsible in sustaining the projects.

The three-day workshop commenced on June 11 at the Mainstay Resort and will conclude on June 13. The workshop was held by the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research

Extension Institute and the Essequibo Technical Institute. The first-day of the workshop focused on agricultural training.

The workshop focussed on farm management, book keeping, farming techniques and also featured a discussion on good agricultural practices.

Tapakuma Toshoa Doreen Jacobis said she is happy for the help in her community. She said her community has a lot of potential, especially in the cassava industry. The Toshoa said the skills of women in her community are underutilised, and TWADP will address this problem.

CARILED National Country Coordinator Dhanraj Singh said the entity seeks to help farmers in managing their farms and to ensure economic growth at the community level.

Fish vendor to face trial for killing fisherman

Afish vendor is set to undergo trial for the murder of a city fisherman some seven years ago at the Meadow Bank Fishing Warf.

Quaison Jones called “Blondie” is indicted with the murder of 23-year-old Marlon Greene of Meadow Bank Squatting Area, Greater Georgetown. Jones is accused of murdering Greene, whom he knew, on January 17, 2007, at the Meadow Bank Warf.

The murder accused pleaded not guilty to the indictment when it was read to him before presiding Judge, Justice Navindra

Singh, at the High Court on Wednesday. A 12-member mixed jury panel was subsequently selected for the trial, which will commence today.

Senior State Counsel Judith Gildarie-Mursalin will be presenting the state’s case and has some seven witnesses to call during the trial. She will commence her case against the accused by delivering her opening address to the jury before calling any witnesses. Attorney George Thomas will be representing the accused during the trial.

According to reports, Jones and Greene knew each other and on the day in

question, the men got into a heated argument, which led to a scuffle. One of Greene’s relatives went to separate the men; however, the accused pushed him away and during this time, Greene fell to the ground.

Jones then pulled a knife from his waist, stood over Greene, and began stabbing him. One of Greene’s relatives witnessed the entire ordeal and the prosecution is expected to call her to testify against the accused.

It was further reported that Jones used to harass Greene and had even threatened to kill him a few days prior to the incident.

Decomposed man fished out of New Amsterdam canal

The partly decomposed body of a Guyana Sugar Cooperation (GuySuCo) worker was on Tuesday fished out of a canal at Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, about 06:30h.

Dead is Krisendat Madramootoo, 57, a sluice attendant of 115 Gangaram Settlement, Canje Berbice. According to reports, the deceased who was stationed at a sluice in Lochaber, went missing since Monday.

His family is alleging that his death was the result of foul play.

Krisendat’s wife, Kuppamah Madramootoo, 47, said she recalled that her late husband left home about 18:00h on Sunday night for work, with the expectation of returning home on Monday morning at 05:00h.

Kuppamah said after she did not see him come home, she became worried, but before she could have done anything, she received a phone call from an unknown person, asking her about his whereabouts.

“Them ask if me husband deh home, say dem want talk to he and me tell them no, he na come home

yet… then the guy tell me that them see me husband bag, but them na see he,” she tearfully recalled.

The woman recalled at that point that she became agitated and started to call out to neighbours.

She said her late husband never smoked or drank alcohol, was an excellent swimmer and had no known illness, and as such, was puzzled about his disappearance.

Krisendat’s only son Lakeram Madramootoo, 26, along with his uncle, subsequently made the gruesome discovery. He said he is almost certain that his late father was a victim of foul play.

He also expressed disappointment with GuySuCo.

“GuySuCo tell we they gon come eight in the morning on Monday and they never show up until four in the afternoon and without any fuel.” He disclosed that his late father has been employed with the Corporation since 1972.

Meanwhile, according to Police sources, based on investigations, the deceased never reached his place of employment.

A source close to the investigation disclosed that for a worker to reach the sluice in question, he had to be transported by boat from one side of the Canje River to the other.

However, upon questioning, the other two workers on duty the said night claimed that the dead man never showed up for duty.

The pants and shirt of the deceased, along with his food bag were found at the side of the river where he was supposed to be picked up by his colleagues. Two persons have been held as Police continue their investigations.

The dead man leaves to mourn his wife and son.

Car of Lima housewife burglarised

The car of a housewife from Lima Village was broken into while parked in front of the Regional Democratic Council building, Anna Regina on Tuesday.

According to Sharmila Singh, she brought her daughter to school, parked

her car at Anna Regina and left to make a purchase at a nearby store.

The woman said when she returned, she noticed the lock of her car door was picked and her bag missing.

The mother said she was shocked to discover her car was broken into.

The thief charted off a green bag containing her driver license, $10,000 in cash, a mobile phone valued $30,000 and her Identification Card.

The matter was reported to the Anna Regina Police Station.

Pomeroon farmer commits suicide

Clive Kanhai, 29, a farmer from Sirki, Upper Pomeroon River, is the latest victim of suicide after he ended his life due to domestic problems.

According to information received,

Kanhai ingested a quantity of poisonous substance last Wednesday. The popular handicraft designer was admitted to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital, where he succumbed.

Farmers at the capacity building workshop

Dead: Krisendat Madramootoo

Male jogger gangraped in Jamaica

People who flock Queen Hill in St Andrew to jog or walk in the mornings are now apprehensive following the brutal gang-rape of a male jogger in that community early Monday.

The man, the Jamaica Observer was told, is now suffering from serious injuries and mental trauma after the harrowing experience. A group of joggers reportedly found the victim naked, with his hands and feet bound, sitting on the sidewalk at the foot of the hill close to Perkins Boulevard.

“He was found by some females who were shocked and even more surprised to see that he was bleeding heavily from his rectum,” one man, who said he assisted in untying the victim, told the Observer.

The man reportedly parked his car at a nearby apartment complex and was about to jog when a white car drove up with two armed men who held him at gunpoint. The men, our source said, were also carrying knives.

The hoodlums proceed -

ed to tear off the jogger’s clothes and took turns at buggering him. “The man was so torn up and ashamed. He had to retrieve his torn clothes in order to get his car keys and someone lent him clothes so he could avoid further embarrassment,” a jogger said. The incident has driven fear into the people who exercise on that section of the hill daily. “Several persons have told me that they were in fear and are apprehensive to go back because of what happened. It was not a pretty sight,” the jogger said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Autopsies of teenage cousins disprove eyewitness accounts of Police killings

The autopsies of teenage cousins – Hakeem, 16, and Tevin Alexander, 15 – disprove some eyewitness accounts that the boys were kneeling when they were shot by Police. According to the autopsies, which were conducted by Hughvon des Vignes at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Tuesday, the boys were shot several times about the body. Some of the bullets exited and ricocheted from nearby objects and re-

entered the teens’ bodies.

The autopsy showed both boys were shot from in front, with one receiving a gunshot injury to the back. The report said bullets also pierced the upper thigh of one boy and went through the knee, in an upward direction, in the other boy. The pathologist also found that in one case the bullet jacket peeled off and was lodged in the chest of one victim, while the slug entered the chest area, which showed that the bullets were not fired from close range.

During the autopsy, Police took a man who identified the two dead boys as his attackers, who had pointed a gun at him and shot at him. The cousins, who were the 25th and 26th victims of Police killings so far this year, were also shot while facing their shooters and Tevin was shot more than his elder cousin, the autopsies concluded.

Brazil ‘ready’ for football World Cup, says Rousseff

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff says her country is ready, on and off the pitch, for the football World Cup which starts on Thursday. In a TV address, she said “the pessimists” had been defeated by the determination of the Brazilian people.

She rejected criticism of overspending, saying that the tournament would leave a lasting legacy of infrastructure. Brazil has seen a year of protests against bad governance and perceived excessive spending on the World Cup.

Metro strikes are also threatening to disrupt the opening game in Sao Paulo.

The head of the World Cup local organising committee, Ricardo Trade, told the BBC that while a strike would be “a nightmare”, the authorities were prepared

and “inside the stadium, it will be a show”.

He insisted that Brazil would deliver. Speaking less than 48 hours before the start of the tournament, President Rousseff said that visitors would not be taking away infrastructure projects “in their suitcases”, which would instead remain in the country as a benefit for everyone. She defended the US$11 billion expenditure on the tournament, calling it a “false dilemma” that World Cup spending somehow diminished investments in health and education. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Four Cubans found slain in apparent bid to flee country

Four people were found murdered on a farm just outside Havana after an apparent attempt to flee the country illegally turned deadly, Cuban authorities said on Wednesday.

Police have arrested six suspects, the Interior Ministry said in a news release read over state radio and television.

The four bodies were

found on Tuesday afternoon in Playa Baracoa, a beach town a few miles west of Havana in Artemisa province, the news release said.

“According to the preliminary investigative results... the crime is linked to a presumed plan to leave the country illegally with help from abroad,” the statement said.

It did not specify how the victims were killed but said more details would be forthcoming. Cubans routinely seek to flee their communist-ruled country illegally, often resorting to organised smuggling rings.

Most head for the United States and the large Cuban exile community in south Florida, though often they travel through Mexico. (Reuters)

Haiti to hold crucial elections on October 26

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly confirmed on Tuesday the holding of the first round of crucial legislative elections on October 26 of this year, following a series of talks that allowed political protagonists in the Caribbean country to reach an agreement.

The spokesman for Martelly, Lucien Jura, said the Haitian leader on Tuesday signed an executive order to confirm the date of the ballot, while efforts to complete the nine-member electoral council, are being finalized.

“The first round of the elections will take place on October 26, 2014, but the date for the runoff ballot will be fixed by election authorities,” Jura told journalists on Tuesday, during a news conference.

“The elections can no longer wait. President Martelly and the executive branch have made all the concessions possible to assure all sectors,” Jura explained.

Haitian voters will be called to elect 20 of the 30-member Senate and 112 members of the Lower

Chamber on October 26. However, elections for local government entities are scheduled for December 28, according to the presidential executive order.

Martelly held a meeting on Tuesday with the President of the Senate, Dieuseul Simon Desras, and the President of the Supreme Court and head of the judiciary, Anel Alexis Joseph, to discuss remaining detail about new changes that will be brought to the electoral panel tasked with organising the elections.

(Excerpt

The incident has driven fear into the people who exercise on that section of the hill daily

President Rousseff: “Below that green and yellow jersey you represent a powerful legacy of the Brazilian people”

Iraq city of Tikrit falls to ISIL fighters

The Iraqi city of Tikrit has been seized by fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, security sources have said, the second city to fall to the group in two days.

Sources told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that gunmen had set up checkpoints around Tikrit, which lies between the capital Baghdad and Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city which was captured by ISIL on Tuesday.

“All of Tikrit is in the hands of the militants,” a Police Colonel told the AFP news agency. A Police Brigadier General told AFP that fighters attacked from the north, west and south of the city, and that they were from ISIL.

city, which is the capital of Salaheddin province. Iraqi state television reported that special forces soldiers were fighting to regain control of the city. Sources claimed the Iraqi soldiers had cleared the city of ISIL, but these reports remain unverified.

Meanwhile, sources said the nearby city of Kirkuk, home to Iraq’s biggest oil refinery, was also being attacked by ISIL. Fighters had guaranteed the safety of Iraqi soldiers if they gave up their weapons.

The fighting comes after half a million people are reported to have fled Mosul since the city was taken over by ISIL on Tuesday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US looking forward to welcoming Modi to Washington

The United States has said it is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington, but refrained from making any announcement on a possible trip in September. “We look forward to welcoming the Prime Minister to Washington, nothing to announce on timing at this point,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters.

“I don’t have any more details. We said we look forward to welcoming him,” Harf reiterated when pressed further. Prime Minister Modi has accepted US President Barack Obama’s invitation for a meeting in late September and the dates are being finalised, according to official sources in New Delhi.

The invitation for the meeting came during the congratulatory call to Modi by President Obama after the Lok Sabha election results were out. “A date was offered by the US side for the meeting and both the countries are working on it,” official sources said.

It is understood that

UN “will

Washington has proposed September 30 as the date for the meeting but the Indian side is looking at clubbing the bilateral meeting with Modi’s visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly around September 26.

US Secretary of State John Kerry last month had conveyed to S Jaishankar, the Indian Ambassador to the United States, that America looks forward to welcoming Modi to the country.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal is scheduled to hold meetings in New Delhi over the next several days establishing the first high-level contact between the Obama Administration and the Modi Government after the new government assumed power on May 26.

Obama was among the first foreign leaders to call Modi and congratulate him on his “emphatic election victory”.

The President also wished that under Modi’s leadership India will contribute significantly at the

mediate

in China-Vietnam row”

The United Nations says it is willing to mediate in the territorial row between China and Vietnam. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric called for both sides to resolve the dispute peacefully and legally.

In the past week, Vietnam and China have both sent dossiers outlining their claims in the South China Sea to UN chief Ban Ki-moon. The latest phase of the row focuses on China’s decision to move an oil rig into the disputed Paracel Islands.

global stage. Both the leaders had discussed the IndiaUS Strategic Partnership and the prevailing global economic situation. (Press Trust of India)

Putin accuses Ukraine of sabotaging gas talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine on Wednesday of forcing gas talks into a “dead end” by rejecting the offer of a cut in duty to resolve a price dispute that threatens supplies not just to Ukraine but to the rest of Europe.

Talks ended with Kiev demanding contract changes to bring down the highest prices in Europe for Russian gas supplies, and Moscow suggesting its proposed cut of about onefifth to around US$385 per 1000 cubic metres was its final offer.

Further negotiations could take place by phone before Monday, when Moscow has threatened to halt supplies. The dispute is part of a broader standoff between Ukraine and its former Soviet master,

as Kiev’s new West-leaning leadership struggles to contain a pro-Russian separatist rebellion in its eastern provinces.

Arguments over how much Russia charges for its gas have rumbled on for years and led to supply cut-offs in 2006 and 2009. Putin, meeting his Government outside Moscow, said Russia had offered a discount of US$100 per 1000 cubic metres by removing an export duty. That would roughly bring it in line with the price paid by other European consumers.

“The reduction is too little for our Ukrainian partners; they want more, although it’s not clear on what basis,” he said. “If this is the case, then it seems that the issue is being driven into a dead end.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Both sides have repeatedly accused the other of aggressive behaviour and ramming. On Tuesday, China distributed in the UN a document outlining its historical claims in the region and accusing Vietnam of illegally disrupting its exploration in the area.

Vietnam hit back with its own dossier and called for Beijing to halt drilling off the Paracels and negotiate over the territory. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The South China Sea is host to overlapping territorial claims by a number of countries. Beijing claims almost the entire sea, based on a mid-20th Century map with a line apparently delineating Chinese territory, and vague historical claims going back more than 1000 years. Vietnam says it has controlled the Paracels for centuries.

A Police Major told the agency that the militants had freed about 300 inmates from a prison in the

ISIL launched a lightning campaign to seize areas in the north of Iraq

Flash mob raises awareness of sickle cell

The Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) and the Guyana Sickle Cell Association in collaboration with Scotia Bank Guyana on Wednesday staged a flash mob at the bank’s Robb Street branch to raise awareness of sickle cell.

Choreographer and coordinator of the event Jennifer Thomas said the aim was to highlight how the sickle cell disease attacks the body, and pointed out that participants in the flash mob did a reasonable job in showing this.

The presentation featured about 15 young performers, inclusive of models and persons suffering from sickle cell.

Thomas stated that though it was a challenge working with models and not dancers, the exercise still came off, noting that she cannot be more proud.

Guyana Sickle Cell Association Vice President, Nurse Grace Bond expressed her gratitude to the persons who have shown an interest in helping to fund treatment for persons living with sickle cell in Guyana.

Bond admitted that the association is not very wellknown and hopes that the current and upcoming activities that will be hosted

by SNFCA, in collaboration with Scotia Bank, will enhance its image.

Hopefully, more persons will come forward with financial support, to treat persons affected by the illness.

Bond also thanked Sonia Noel for coming onboard to raise awareness of the illness.

She stated that based on research, it is estimated that there are approximately 500 to 3000 persons with sickle cell in Guyana, the majority of whom are persons of African descent.

Fashion show

This event was meant to pave the way for an upcoming fashion show to be hosted by Noel at the Pegasus Hotel, in which all proceeds will go toward the Guyana Sickle Cell Association, to fund treatment for the disease. Noel, a patron of the Association, felt it would be a good idea to lend her name to an activity that serves an urgent purpose.

The fashion show will feature designers from across Guyana, displaying their work, and an auction of jewellery and clothing. The Guyana Sickle Cell Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered under the Friendly Societies Act of

Guyana. The association has played an integral part in the formation of the Caribbean Organisation of Sickle Cell Associations (COSCA), established in St Lucia in 1998. It played an active role in helping this organisation to achieve its goal of improving the health care of SCD patients in the Caribbean region. The association believes that through effective education, it can achieve their mission statement of “Breaking the Cycle.”

Sickle cell disease is a disorder that affects the red blood cells, which use a protein called hemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a child will not inherit the disease, unless both parents pass down a defective copy of the gene. Sickle cell disease prevents oxygen from reaching the spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, or other organs, causing a lot of damage.

Without oxygen, the cells that make up these organs will begin to die. For example, the spleen is often destroyed in these patients, resulting in some loss of immune function. As a result, these patients often experience frequent infections.

Region Two Administration pilloried for substandard work

Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership For National Unity (APNU)

Councillors have slammed the Region Two Administration for substandard work done on several roads.

Speaking at a special meeting held recently, the Councillors made known their reservations of the potholed roads.

AFC Councillor Naithram said two roads recently constructed in Charity and Anna Regina are in state of disrepair as he questioned Regional Engineer Parswattie Latchman on the works done.

APNU Councillor Wazeer Latiff also said on a recent visit to Queenstown, that he saw a road that was recently built was eroded. The Councillors called on the Department of Roads and Regional Engineer to launch a thorough investigation into

the deterioration. Meanwhile, Latchman, the Regional Engineer said he is aware of the defective work and a letter has been sent to the contractor. He said too that payment for the contractor has been delayed. Latchman noted that after a road is built, there is a three-month period for examination for defect, and only when approval is given, the contractor is paid.

He said continuous monitoring of works is done once the regional administration is executing road projects under their Capital Works Programme.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said he noticed small cracks on the road and when he inquired from the Public Works Engineer, he was told that assistance will be given to fix the problem.

No plans to shut down IDCE –

UG Vice Chancellor … but it must become viable

By ReuBen StoBy

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi has quelled fears that plans are afoot to shut down the Institute for Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).

Acting IDCE Deputy Director Francis Glasgow had recently expressed concern in one of the local newspapers that the Vice Chancellor had plans to discontinue the programme since it was not making a profit. Glasgow had even told Guyana Times that the IDCE was never about profit making but rather taking education to different regions and levels of people, including school dropouts, adults and working persons.

Asked if the Vice Chancellor had said openly that he wished to discontinue IDCE, Glasgow conceded that he had not but said the fear was that he would based upon what he has been saying, especially since the expenses of IDCE continue to surpass its income. Glasgow added that the Vice Chancellor has not attempted to give any recommendations as to how IDCE could better its finances.

However, Opadeyi, when contacted by this publication, refuted the statements made by Glasgow. “All that have been said in the newspaper is not true. There are no plans to close IDCE.” He did say, however, that there are plans to reorganise the institute “to improve its offering, management structure, and to bring about transparency”.

IDCE currently has about 20 fulltime staff and a number of part-time tutors across the country. According to Professor Opadeyi, while he agrees that the IDCE was never about profit making, spending $60 million with an income of just $30 million was just not sustainable and so the institute needs to become more viable while improving its offering.

“The Deputy Director himself said in the newspaper article that IDCE was about people improving themselves through their own resources,” Opadeyi pointed out in citing the current income and expenditure figures of the institute.

IDCE can survive on its own Glasgow believes that the IDCE can function on its own and should be given some amount of autonomy to make itself more costeffective. “It could still come under the University of Guyana, but it should be allowed to manage its day-today operations and income and expenditure.”

He said the IDCE could adapt itself to the open learning approach which is popular in India, parts of Africa, and Asia. Open learning gives students flexibility and choice over what, when, at what pace, where, and how they learn.

The mission of open learning is to restrict challenges to education, including access. Glasgow further said qualifications, years of experience, maturity and practical experience are criteria that could be used to enrol persons in the open learning programme. He said with open learning, educational programmes could be taken, wherever people are.

At the moment, the IDCE tailors courses to suit the needs of students and this could be done in open learning also.

Justifying IDCE In justifying IDCE’s role in education and why it should not be discontinued, Glasgow said the organisation has taken educational programmes all over the country since its inception in 1976 and has trained in excess of 30,000 persons. “Persons have used IDCE to improve their basic education and have gone on to higher learning even to eventually pursue degree programmes at the University of Guyana.”

The acting IDCE Deputy Director continued that he knows a number of lawyers who have taken advantage of IDCE law programmes introduced in 1980 by Professor Aubrey Bishop. “I can go on and on about the many successes of IDCE.” IDCE programmes have been offered in Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, parts of Essequibo including Moruca and Mabaruma, and according to Glasgow, graduates have even gone overseas and used their IDCE qualification to get employment or further their studies. Child Care and Care for the Elderly programmes, he added, have also come in handy for some persons residing overseas. “IDCE frequently gets requests from agencies in New York verifying that information.”

It was noted that IDCE even offered four pre-university programmes online, but there were challenges such as the need to have a platform to host the site and not many persons had access to the Internet in the far-flung areas.

Glasgow said he was not aware of any other programme that offers the opportunity to develop oneself academically like IDCE. “Critchlow Labour College offers some courses but they do not have the reach and flexibility as IDCE does.”

22 arrested for gambling in Berbice

Police at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice on Tuesday arrested 22 gamblers during a raid in the district.

The exercise was carried out under the supervision of Cadet Officer Jermaine Dufu and station Sergeant Kewis Gravesande. According to information received, the offenders were arrested at houses at Crabwood Creek, Kingston, Corriverton, Lein Path, Princetown and Queenstown.

During the raids, a quantity of playing cards and an undisclosed sum of money

were seized. The objective of the exercise was to maintain law and order in the upper Corentyne area. Following the successful raid, the Guyana Police Force has been praised for the work it has been doing in the area.

According to reports received, as a result of the frequent searches conducted, there has seen a drastic reduction of armed robberies and other crimes in the area.

The Police ranks reportedly assured residents that they will continue in this vain until the entire area is rid of criminal elements.

During the past few months, businessmen and women have felt more secure after they would have recognised the work of the ranks at the Springlands Police Station. The offenders are expected to be charged shortly. Attempts to contact the Cadet Officer proved futile.

Meanwhile, the ranks will also distribute hampers to victims of domestic violence in the area. This will be made possible through the numerous donations by the business community.

UG Vice Chancellor, Jacob Opadeyi

Members of the flash mob at Scotiabank on Wednesday

AFC Councillor Naithram APNU Councillor Wazeer Latiff

Friendship mom died by drowning – autopsy …

reputed husband to be charged

The reputed husband of the Friendship woman found dead with her head submerged in a halfempty bucket of water is expected to be charged with her murder after a post-mortem found that she died as a result of drowning due to compression injuries to the neck.

Krishna Siram, of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, will appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday for the murder of Shelly Persaud.

He reportedly confessed to drowning the mother of three in the bucket of water, while in a drunken state on Tuesday morning. Initially, the ECI Engineering and Construction Company employee claimed that he discovered his spouse with her head submerged in the bucket of water when he woke up to urinate.

However, after the alcohol would have left his system, the man, according to a Police source, told investigators that he held Persaud’s head in the five-gallon bucket of water which was on the back step.

He also told ranks that it was only after he had stuck the woman to the back of her neck and she lost consciousness was he able to get her head into the bucket of water, since she was stronger than him.

The post-mortem, performed on the woman’s body by Dr Nehaul Singh, substantiated Siram’s confession.

Persaud’s brother, Sean told Guyana Times that his

sister’s body has been handed over to the family for final funeral arrangements. He said the Police informed them that his brother-in-law would be attending court on Friday.

The dead woman’s father, Orin Morris, said that while justice is being served for his daughter’s death, there is nothing that can be done to bring her back. He added that his grandchildren will be the ones who will not know their mother when they grow older. “He killed her, now he going to jail… dem children gon be parentless,” Morris said.

It was reported that the eldest child of the couple told relatives that there was a heated argument between her parents during which her father reportedly told them to enjoy the night with their mother, since it would be her last night alive. The woman leaves to mourn her three children, father and three siblings.

Two arrested for gun and ammunition found at Vergenoegen

Two persons are in custody following the discovery of an unlicensed .32 Taurus Pistol, along with two magazines and two matching rounds, at a home on Stelling Road, Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo.

The discovery was made on Wednesday around 10:00h by Police ranks during a search in the area. Police Spokesman Ivelaw Whitaker, in a release, stated that the man and woman arrested will be charged shortly.

PCA Chairman still to receive medical certificate in tortured teen case

Police Complaints Authority

Chairman, retired Justice Cecil Kennard is yet to receive the medical certificate of 19-year-old Junior Thorrington, who accused a detective of burning his hands while in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Justice Kennard on Wednesday told Guyana Times via telephone that while he would have received the case file containing 34 statements and a number of exhibits, he is yet to receive the medical certificate which is critical for him to make his recommendations in the matter.

Kennard further added that once the medical certificate is presented to him, it will make the file complete but it can take days before he makes his recommendations which will have to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further perusal and recommendations.

Thorrington sustained second degree burns to his hands reportedly between May 25 and May 27, while

he was in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station.

The young man was reportedly taken into Police custody for loitering and was later accused of being a member of a gang that had committed a robbery.

According to information received, the teenager, who is not mentally sound, lives with his grandmother and would normally stroll about the community.

It was reported that after spending a few days in custody, he was subsequently released and it was then it was discovered that both of his hands were badly burnt during his interrogation, by the Police rank who allegedly put methylated spirits on the teen’s hands and set them on fire.

The rank involved reportedly offered the teen an undisclosed sum of money to settle the matter, but the offer was refused. Relatives of the tortured teen subsequently met with top ranks of the Guyana Police Force, who condemned the alleged act.

Antiguans vote for a new PM today

If the opinion polls are to be believed, Prime Minister (PM) Baldwin Spencer will be out of a job today.

His place would be taken by Gaston Browne, the leader of the main Opposition Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ALP), who is confident that the party, which was swept out of office in 2004, will make a comeback into Government with 13 seats, and possibly a clean sweep of all 17 seats at stake in the election.

But Prime Minister Spencer is equally confident that his ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) will come up trumps when

the 164 polling stations are closed and the ballots cast are counted.

“I am pretty confident that the United Progressive Party will win the elections on 12 June. I am satisfied that the people of Antigua and Barbuda have been able to weigh the situation extremely carefully and we are satisfied that they now see there is a clear choice between whether to return to the decadence and the corruption and the mismanagement prior to 2004, or whether they would want to move forward with United Progressive Party,” he told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“All we need to do is win enough seats to form the government, the extent of the margin is open but we can make the same

argument that the way things are going we may be able to end up with all 17 seats,” Spencer said. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer (left) and Opposition Leader Gaston Browne

The gun and ammunition found during the raid

Dead: Shelly Persaud

Tortured teen, Junior Thorrington

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

Keep your secrets tucked away. You can get through anything if you remain calm and in control. Once the dust has settled, you can put your plans in motion.

20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Consider all your options before making a decision. Someone will offer insightful advice, allowing you to find a solution to an urgent dilemma.

20-March 20)

You may be lacking the key facts of a situation that is developing around you. Refuse to let anyone influence you. Stay neutral until you know the whole truth.

21-April 19)

Let your imagination run free. Fantasise about your future, and you will discover a new and exciting avenue that will help to get you where you want to go.

(April 20-May 20)

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El Dorado renews Limacol CPL partnership

El Dorado Rum has renewed its sponsorship of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, for three more years, enabling fans of the hugely successful cricket tournament to enjoy the liquid gold of Guyana alongside scintillating T20 cricket.

In addition to being the Official Partner to the League, El Dorado has also signed up as Official Partner to the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel franchise teams.

El Dorado Rum was among the first partners when the CPL launched in 2013 to sell-out crowds, with over 250,000 spectators attending matches across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia

and Trinidad and Tobago.

Global stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan took part in the tournament,

dubbed the Biggest Party in Sport.

With just a month until the start of CPL 2014, anticipation and excitement is already reaching fever pitch. Following the Draft

in April, this year’s competition is set to be even bigger and better, with the Caribbean’s finest players set to be joined by cricketing superstars like Kevin Pietersen, Corey Anderson and Brad Hodge.

Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director, Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said, “The LimacolCPL is the Biggest Party in Sport, and you can’t have a party in the Caribbean without rum! We’re extremely happy to welcome back El Dorado Rum to the Caribbean Premier League, and we look forward to working together to put on an even bigger party in 2014.”

Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited, Mr. KomalSamaroo, said, “As a brand, El Dorado contin-

Disgruntled Kumar blasts WICB,

GCB – says removal of third Test “disgraceful”

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron and Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie have come in for severe criticism from Director of Sport Neil Kumar for their percieved role in the removal of the third Test match between West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana. Kumar, during an exclusive interview with this publication on Wednesday, blamed the duo for robbing Guyanese of seeing a son of the soil, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, live in action.

A visibly perturbed Kumar laid the blame squarely at the door of the WICB, calling the decision

to switch the Test match to Barbados as nothing but “disgraceful.”

According to Kumar, much work had been done to get the venue at Providence in a state of readiness for the June 26-30 game, while several other arrangements were also being fine-tuned.

“The Government of Guyana and the administration of the Providence Stadium put all systems in place and prepared the place. The hotel, Guyanese in the diaspora, they’ve been in communication with me, [and] they were prepared and willing to come here and here is where these dirty set of people- this clique- remove the Test match from Guyana when we’re so well pre-

pared,” the Parliamentarian asserted.

He added, “We want to see our Shivnarine Chanderpaul in flesh and blood play at the Providence Stadium and they removed it; it’s hurtful.”

Kumar also chastised Sanasie, as a sitting Director of the WICB for allowing the Test match to be moved from his home country.

“This is most vindictive and shameful by Anand Sanasie, who is said to be the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, he’s a director. I’ve enjoyed a good relationship with everybody, I tried, but for the WICB president and his people to remove this Test match is

disgraceful,” a disgruntled Kumar commented.

This is the second time in three years the WICB has pulled a Test from the Guyana National Stadium because of what they claimed to be political interference. In 2012, the third Test against Australia was moved to

Windsor Park in Dominica.

Also, Regional FirstClass games scheduled for Guyana that year were relocated to Dominica.

The West Indies Cricket Board and Guyana government have not been able to find a mutually agreeable resolution pertaining to the Cricket Administration Bill; hence the Test match was relocated.

ues to demonstrate to the world that the best rums come from the Caribbean and the same can be said of CPL in the world of sports. Together with the CPL team, we will once again showcase to the world the best that the Caribbean has to offer. We are extremely excited to be the Official Spirit of the Limacol CPL and we are looking forward to being part of the fun and excitement that this tournament brings.”

The tournament returns in July and August 2014 when Jamaica Tallawahs will defend their title against the Antigua Hawksbills,Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors,St. Lucia Zouks, and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

GCB postpones National T20 League

At a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the Guyana Cricket Board, it was unanimously agreed to postpone this highly touted National T20 Franchise League that was scheduled to commence this month prior to the New Zealand Test match. The GCB also regrets the fact that Guyana has again lost out on hosting international cricket at our world famous Providence stadium with the transfer of the NZ Test match to Barbados, but this decision was totally outside the control of the GCB. However, we do understand, respect and appreciate the position taken by our parent Board, the WICB and trust that we would be able to make full use of our Stadium in the near future for the hosting of International and Regional cricket.

The National T20 League would have seen at least 90 of our top local cricketers from around the country and about 20

Regional cricketers participate in a 8 team tournament over a 10 day period and discussions had already commenced with sponsors and very competitive teams identified. Everything has now been put on hold due to the very uncertain climate surrounding our cricket administration vis a vis the new Cricket Administration Bill recently passed in Parliament.

We thank those entities and individuals who submitted expressions of interest and promise that your correspondences would be placed on record and given priority when we are in a position to launch our league. We do apologize to the entire cricketing public at large but these are issues totally outside of our control. The GCB would advise the public via the media or its website on the future plans for this T20 League and our future plans for cricket administration in general.

Anand Sanasie

Dave Cameron

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Neil Kumar

Basketball facility in Ithaca commissioned by President Ramotar

President of the Republic

on Monday commissioned a new basketball court in Ithaca.

The event which was witnessed by a number of community members were urged to utilize the facility in order to hone their skill at the game of basketball.

Further, the court which was built as part of Ramotar’s Youth Initiative programme is expected to be further developed in order to have a longer life span.

“Sport teaches a life skill

because of its rules and it also promotes discipline, it makes an important contribution to development of human capital; it keeps individuals fit and helps with their education because it creates a healthier mind”, Ramotar told the gathering.

Meanwhile President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds, who expressed his gratitude to Ramotar, indicated that new court should allow the athletes to be affiliated to the Berbice Amateur Basketball

Association (BABA).

In addition, presidential advisor Odinga Lumumba noted that tournaments will be hitting the court soon in order for player development to occur.

Captain of the Ithaca Hardliners Basketball Club

Phillip Fernandes noted that the facility is a welcomed addition not just to the basketball fraternity in Berbice but also to the community itself and thanked the government for the kind gesture.

Leonard, spurs roll to 111-92 victory over heat

MIAMI (AP) -- Maybe in a video game.

Possibly in the pregame layup line.

But shoot this way in the NBA Finals, against the twotime defending champions?

‘’It’s not something you can plan for,’’ San Antonio reserve Manu Ginobili said.

‘’There was no magic plays. We just moved the ball and every shot went in.’’

Not quite every shot. But just about.

Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 29 points, and the Spurs made a finals-record 75.8 percent of their shots in the first half in a 111-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night that gave them a 2-1 lead.

The Spurs made 19 of

their first 21 shots and finished 25 of 33 in the first half, bettering the 75 percent shooting by Orlando against the Lakers in the 2009 finals.

‘’It’s a hit-or-miss league,’’ Miami’s Dwyane Wade said.

The Spurs didn’t do much missing.

‘’I don’t think we’ll ever shoot 76 percent in a half ever again,’’ Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

The Spurs led by as much as 25 and were only briefly challenged in their second lopsided victory in the series.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had 22 points for the Heat, who host Game 4 on Thursday.

Returning to the arena where they were oh-so-close to winning a fifth champi-

World Cup 2014… Neymar carries Brazil’s hopes on slim shoulders

On the other side of the road from my flat in Rio, there is a supermarket in which the checkout staff have been kitted out in yellow shirts, imitating those of the national team.

Nothing unusual there - this is normal practice in Brazil come World Cup time. But this supermarket has gone further. The back of the shirts have a number - 10 - and a name - Neymar Jr.

It is an illustration of the star player’s importance to his country’s campaign - and of the responsibilities being heaped on his slender shoulders.

In a few weeks those shirts might well be placed in a frame for safekeeping, or burned in disgust.

onship last year, the Spurs came out playing like they were trying to build a lead that was impossible to blow.

They shot 13 of 15 and led 41-25 lead after the first quarter, then hit their first six shots of the second in front of a stunned crowd in Miami to go ahead 55-30.

Leonard scored only 18 points in the first two games, looking frustrated while getting into foul trouble trying to defend James in Game 2. But he had his outside shot working early, making his first six shots and finishing 10 of 13 from the field.

‘’I just found a rhythm and my teammates found me the ball. I made shots,’’ Leonard said.

The last three NBA seasons ended in this building, the last two followed by Heat championship parades.

The Spurs nearly canceled the last one, building a fivepoint lead in the final halfminute of regulation of Game 6, a title seeming so certain that workers were already making preparations around the court.

But the Heat rallied to win in overtime and took Game 7, leaving the Spurs with a summer to think about the one that got away.

They’re in good shape to get another chance. (Yahoo)

For the past four and half years, Neymar has been the boy prince of the Brazilian game. Lead the team to World Cup victory and he becomes the new king. Disappoint, and many will relish the chance to knock him off his throne.

His father, who handles his business affairs, saw the dangers a year ago. Neymar was under contract with Santos until 2014 but moved to Barcelona a year ahead of schedule.

It was, his father said, important for the move to be done before the Confederations Cup. He did not want him exposed to the wrath of Brazilian terraces if he flopped in the tournament.

Neymar, of course, did not flop. He scored a cracking goal in the opening minutes of the first game against Japan, and never looked back.

The Confederations Cup, though, is one thing. The World Cup is on a different scale altogether.

And, at just 22, Neymar is cast in a vital role at a young age.

Perhaps with the optimism of youth, he made a strong declaration he is up to the challenge - not with words, but numbers.

He had always worn the number 11 shirt for his

country. Just over a year ago, for the friendly against England that reopened the Maracana, he grabbed number 10.

In doing so he was consciously putting himself in the tradition of Pele and Zico, telling himself and his team-mates he was the player who could be relied upon to tip the balance in the game.

Some, based on his debut season with Barcelona, doubt his capacity to do so, and Pele himself is concerned there is too much pressure on the youngster’s shoulders.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has little time for such thinking - and it is not difficult to see why.

When Neymar plays for Brazil, the collective context is totally different - and not just because he is the star rather than part of Lionel Messi’s supporting cast.

Scolari is a staunch defender of playing with a target man as his centre-forward. Barcelona, of course, do not use one.

The evidence seems to indicate Neymar is much happier operating behind that type of player.

A centre-forward such as Fred ties up the opposing centre-backs, creating space for Neymar to cut in on the diagonal. And Fred also has the back-to-goal ability to bring Neymar into the game with a neat return pass.

At his best, Neymar can be irresistible. He has that gift of the truly great sportsman, where things seem to happen at a different speed to those around him.

For his marker, everything can be a blur of movement, as he runs with pace, balance and two-footed skill.

But for Neymar it can be almost as if the action is in slow motion, and tiny opportunities to push the ball around a defender - or through his legs - appear to him in complete clarity.

There is, though, a fascinating case of failure in his short career.

Towards the end of 2009, already making his mark in the Brazilian first division,

he was the big-name star in the Brazil side at the World Under-17 Cup in Nigeria.

Expectations were high of a squad also including Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, but Brazil were one of only eight teams knocked out in the group phase.

Neymar did not have a happy time. Twice, with Brazil desperate for a goal, he was substituted after making little impression. It is possible that failing in that tournament left a scar. It is arguable it made him wary of international football, and more reluctant to leave his comfort zone at Santos.

Many, including former Brazil striker Ronaldo and ex-national coach Mano Menezes, feel his development stalled for a while as a consequence of staying too long in Brazil.

Was he ducking the challenge? Or did he need that extra time to ensure he was mentally ready?

The Brazil camp believes Neymar is now a more complete and mature player as a result of his experience at Barcelona.

But, as with all Europebased players, he is coming into the World Cup at the end of the season. In the Confederations Cup last year, he was in mid-season and thus in no danger of being short of gas.

ut Paulo Paixao, Brazil’s highly-rated physical preparation specialist, is in no doubt Brazil’s number 10 is in good condition.

“I’m confident he can be the player who is going to shine in the World Cup,” said Paixao.

In a controlled process, Neymar has bulked up a bit. The teenager who broke into the Santos first team five years ago weighed 60kg. The 2014 model is about 67kg.

“He’s got stronger physically,” says Paixao. It is the mental side, though, that could be most important, as Neymar attempts to play Hercules and carry his team to World Cup glory.

(BBC Sport)

Neymar

Miami Heat’s LeBron James (left) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard during Game Three of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena (AFP Photo)

of Guyana

President of Guyana Donald Ramotar hands over the court to the community of Ithaca

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West indies plummet to yet another embarrassing loss

...as debutant Craig stars in huge NZ win

Tim Southee and offspinner Mark Craig demolished West Indies for the second time in successive days at Sabina Park, Jamaica to record New Zealand’s second Test win in the Caribbean. Craig took four wickets in the final innings to finish with 8 for 188 in the Test, the best match haul by a New Zealand debutant.

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West Indies were left to reflect on another abject batting performance. Their second-innings total of 216 was inflated by an 82-run stand for the last wicket between Sulieman Benn and Shane Shillingford, who swung merrily to score the second fastest Test fifty in terms of balls recorded. It only delayed the inevitable defeat.

lethargic all through the Test, and two outstanding catches gave Craig two more wickets in the space of three balls. The wicketkeeper BJ Watling adjusted to the high bounce of an offbreak and caught the outside edge from Darren Bravo near his shoulder, and Latham dived quickly to his left at short leg to hold an inside edge from Marlon Samuels, who bagged his second two-ball duck of the Test. West Indies were 55 for 4.

played shots and edged a couple of his early deliveries.

And when he padded up to the legspinner Ish Sodhi, and the New Zealanders went up in prolonged appeal, umpire Rod Tucker gave him lbw. It was a marginal decision, because Chanderpaul had taken a long stride forward and the ball was turning big, but replays predicted it would have clipped the top of leg stump. A broken innings now lay shattered. It was left to the new West Indian captain, Ramdin, to avert a four-day defeat, but when he missed a slog sweep and was bowled by Sodhi not long before stumps, New Zealand took the 30-minute extension to knock over the tail. What seemed a certain fourday finish, however, began to seem unlikely as Shillingford and Benn frustrated the bowlers with free-spirited, no-pressure hitting.

One over remained in the day, and McCullum gave it to Kane Williamson. He needed four balls to have Benn caught behind; Watling capping a phenomenal match behind the stumps.

7111/622-7097.

After West Indies had been set 403 to win, Chris Gayle began the chase with two boundaries in the first over,from Trent Boult, becoming the eighth West Indian to pass 7000 Test runs. He then watched Tom Latham move lithely at short midwicket, diving forward to catch a low flick from Kieran Powell, giving Southee a wicket in his first over.

In his second, Southee pitched a delivery on a good length around off and angled the ball away from Gayle. It was a delivery he had beaten Gayle with umpteen times in the first innings before finally hitting the edge. He did not have to wait at all this time. Gayle prodded from his crease with poor footwork and edged a low catch to the wicketkeeper BJ Watling, leaving West Indies on 11 for 2.

West Indies’ slump took a break for tea and then resumed unabated. Brendon McCullum brought on Craig in the 12th over and the offspinner struck with his second ball, dismissing Kirk Edwards for the second time in the Test, caught at leg gully after the batsman pushed forward too early.

New Zealand’s fielding and catching had made West Indies’ efforts in the field look

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin began to form a partnership but there was a sense of futility to their efforts, given the magnitude of the task ahead. Unlike in the first innings, when Chanderpaul was solid all through his unbeaten 84, he

Before their batsmen failed for the second time in the Test, West Indies’ bowlers had produced a much-improved performance to slow New Zealand’s attempt to build on an overnight lead of 260. In the second over of the day, Jerome Taylor hit the back pads of nightwatchman Sodhi and Ross Taylor with consecutive deliveries. Both were dead lbw. Ramdin brought on his spinners from the 10th over of the day, and while Benn was economical, Shillingford took a while to find a good length. Once he began to toss it up fuller, he became more effective, and eventually spun one through McCullum’s defences. New Zealand were 55 for 5 at that point. (EspnCricinfo)

Roach 2 IS Sodhi lbw b Taylor 4 LRPL Taylor lbw b Taylor 0 BB McCullum* b Shillingford 17 JDS Neesham c sub (KC Brathwaite) b Shillingford 20 BJ Watling† not out 22 TG Southee c Bravo b Benn

ov), 3-14 (Sodhi, 14.3 ov), 4-14 (Taylor, 14.4 ov), 5-55 (McCullum, 29.3 ov), 6-118 (Neesham, 52.5 ov), 7-143 (Latham, 59.2 ov), 8-146 (Southee, 60.1 ov)

Bowling: JE Taylor 12-4-28-3, KAJ Roach 12-6-12-2, SJ Benn 17.5-3-47-1, S Shillingford 130-39-2, MN Samuels 6-1-22-0 West Indies 2nd innings (target: 403 runs)

WaNteD Driving

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was out padding up to Ish Sodhi (EspnCricinfo)

Six under-19 players named in Guyana Amazon Warriors squad

As an initiative geared toward the development of young Guyanese cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has named six Under-19 players to the 2014 squad.

They are exciting West Indies Under-19 opener Shimron Hetmeyer, West Demerara middle-order batsman Akshaya Persaud, talented Everest Cricket Club fast bowler Kevin Paul, West Indies Under-19 opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Demerara left-arm fast bowler Daniel Basdeo and Essequibo all-rounder Kemo Paul.

According to the team management, the six Under-19 players will be part of the preparatory camp, scheduled for July 1-8 and will also be involved in all training, sessions and other team activities during the Guyana

Guyanese Christopher Barnwell and Narsingh Deonarine will be among 12 all-rounders battling for the top prize of US$7,000, when the second annual single-wicket tournament is staged at the UWI SPEC Ground in St Augustine,Trinidad, on Saturday.

Described as a sevenhour cricket and music extravaganza, the players will line up in four groups of three in one-on-one matches with each player facing two overs. Fieldsmen and wicketkeepers will take part to make up the cricket regulations.

In group one, Lendl Simmons (T&T), Marlon Richards (T&T) and Devon Thomas (Antigua) will square off.

In group two, defending champion Dwayne Smith (Barbados), Narsingh Deonarine (Guyana) and a

Amazon Warriors camp and match practice scheduled for their home games only.

The Guyana franchise, bought by the NEW GPC/ Limacol, will play three of their nine preliminary games at home, on July 17 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel (19:30h), July 19 against St Lucia Zouks (16:00h) and July 20 against Jamaica Tallawahs (16:00h).

Prior to the three home games, the Warriors will play Antigua Hawksbills on July 11; Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 24; Barbados Tridents on July 27; Jamaica Tallawahs on August 2; Antigua Hawksbills on August 7; and St Lucia Zouks on August 10 in their final preliminary game.

The cricketing bonanza in the Caribbean will start on July 11 with international

coaches managing a team of superstars as well as future stars.

The debut season of the Limacol CPL T20 was a bonanza and attracted huge interest from the cricketing world.

The league is a replacement for the West Indies domestic T20 cup.

The tournament yet again is ready to attract people from all around the world, as players from all over the cricketing globe are joining the teams in the Caribbean for the newest T20 league.

It will be fun to see whether the Jamaica Tallawahs can successfully defend their title, or whether the CPL will have a new title-holder this year.

Yaw’s preparations for WJC on point, despite poor facilities

By TreisTon Joseph

Local sprint phenomenon Jason Yaw is hard at work in preparation to represent Guyana at the World Junior Championships scheduled for July in USA.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, coach of the 18year-old, Sham Johnny, related that Yaw’s training is on par despite the lack of a sufficient training venue.

“More or less, Jason has been going through the paces, his club mates have two weeks off but Jason has the World Junior Championships and right now we are at the beach (Sea Walls Band Stand).

“We were promised that the National Park would have been rolled but up to now it hasn’t and we have no other alternative,” Johnny told this publication.

However, Johnny believes that Yaw will be ready and assured the public that the tall lanky quarter-miler will represent Guyana well.

“We want to ensure the sponsors and public that this time around he does better, he can’t be going fast in the heats and not repeat in the final,” Johnny said referring to Yaw’s Carifta performance.

Johnny added: “It’s lack of mental in some form so we had a one on one with him, I think he lacks a bit of professionalism towards his races, but his experience should have counted so we have worked with him to understand the importance of it.

“But I think he is right on course and we have seen changes mentally and in the way he responds to training and how he trains,” Johnny stated.

Meanwhile, does Johnny think training on the beach will be enough for Yaw to really perform exceptionally at the world event?

“Adaptation… it’s important and he has to utilise what we have and when you adapt and train purposefully, you’ll

get the results,” Johnny noted. On the other hand, Johnny did point out what might cause Yaw to underperform, “The big question is competition; we want him to go to the Trinidad National seniors because he needs the competition and these small things count.

“We hope that we can get him there because he was out of competition since Hamptons International,” Johnny stated.

Yaw, who did not compete at the Inter- Guiana Games trials despite being at the required age for the competition and would have boosted Guyana’s team was withheld because he was not training.

“He had some problems that kept him from training and we talked it out and once you’re not training we don’t’ allow you to run that is why he didn’t run at IGG, you can have all the talent but you got to put in the work, talent alone won’t take you anywhere but is improving now,” Johnny stressed. Yaw, who won Carifta bronze in 2013 and represented Guyana at the World Youth Championships last year as well will look to mark his name at the World Junior Championships when the event start on July 22 in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

successful windball programme held in corentyne

UWI wild card, who has not yet been selected, will battle.

Kieron Pollard (T&T), who is one of the most popular T20 players in the world, will headline group three. Standing in Pollard’s way will be Kevon Cooper (T&T) and Michael Brown (Antigua).

Christopher Barnwell (Guyana) and the T&T duo of Rayad Emrit and Navin Stewart will play in group four.

The seeded players are Smith (one), Pollard (two), Simmons (three) and Barnwell (four). The top player in each group will advance to the semi-final stage.

Soca and chutney stars will entertain the spectators, who are allowed to walk with coolers. The admission fee is $60 and action bowls off from 16:00h.

Participating students from the various schools pose with the organisers

Sports Officer attached to the National Sports Commission, Allister Munroe, recently conducted a successful windball programme in the Central and Lower Corentyne area with competitive rivalry among the various schools at the Bush Lot ground.

In the Girls’ competition, defending champions McGowan batted first and scored 25-1, in a reduced over game (two overs)

due to the weather, with Lashana Punch scoring 14. Eversham, who had a two-year absence from the sport, replied with 23-2 with Zenani Promes making 10.

Former Region Six champions, Albion made 22-1 to coast to victory in reply to Rose Hall Town’s 21-0, with Christine Hoyte getting 10. In the other game on the distaff side, Kildonan defeated Auchlyne.

In the Boys’ category, Belvedere defeated Port Mourant. Port Mourant made 49-3 with Darren Brigadder scoring 29 not out. Belvedere won by making 55-4 with Gaurav Ramesh hitting 19 and Dorasammy Mahadeo 18 not out.

Below are the summarised scores from the other games. Albion defeated Rose Hall. Rose Hall 31-2 (Denesh Karpen 12, Jai

Tika 10, Lakeram Deelall 2-12) Albion 34-3 (Rohit Singh 10, Fahed Gafur 10). Auchlyne defeated Alness. Auchlyne 56-2 (Lindssay Pornoof 21, Haresh Lawrence 11) Alness 45-2 (Okemmie Leitch 11). Kildonan defeated Eversham. Kildonan 73-2 (Angelino Ramdial 29, Junior Mangru 10) Eversham 53-3 (Randy Peters 15).

Shimron Hetmeyer

Akshaya Persaud

Jason Yaw

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Kevin Paul Kemo Paul

Test match removed in arbitrary fashion, says Minister Anthony

– slams WICB for not taking proactive stand

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony is of the opinion that the removal of the third Test match between West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana was done in an arbitrary fashion by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The match, which was scheduled to have been played at the Guyana National Stadium from June 26 to 30 was pulled by the WICB because of the recent passage in parliament of the Cricket Administration Bill. The WICB claims that the Bill gives government too much control over the administration of the game in Guyana.

“Passing a Cricket Bill has nothing to do with hosting a Test match, when the WICB host any cricket match in Guyana, they come through their agent which is normally the GCB. We (the Government) have not done anything to the GCB to prevent them from hosting the match here,”

Minister Anthony said.

“The GCB on many occasions had the right to come and have their views heard. We had extensive consultations that went on, we had after those consultations we had a Select Committee in Parliament where the GCB came and made a presentation.

of the cricket ombudsman is made, the role of the Minister, the role of the Government comes to an end. There is nothing else the Minister or Government has to do,” the Minister outlined.

Rising Sun horse race meet set for June 29

No turning back

While the GCB unreservedly rejects this Bill in its present form, Dr Anthony indicated that the Bill has gone beyond the GCB.

He added: “The GCB acting on [a] directive from the WICB had in a long time applied to the stadium to host the game. We have said to them, the stadium is available for them to use, so there is nothing that prevents the game from being played here…logically or whatever, so in a very arbitrary manner a decision was taken that has nothing to do with the Government.”

“Parliamentarians in their own wisdom, having listened to all sides, decided what and what they will put in the Bill. That Bill was sent to the Parliament and it was passed, so we can’t open any discussions. We had four years of discussions and at this point we need to move on,” Dr Anthony stressed.

No Government interference

Minister Anthony further revealed that the Cricket Administration Bill does not indicate any possibility of the Government intruding into the game here.

He revealed that the only role the minister has as it relates to the operations of the GCB is to elect a cricket ombudsman. That appointment is done in consultation with the WICB, according to the Minister.

“Once the appointment

To this end, the Minister has not ruled out the intervention of CARICOM, but disclosed that the Government is prepared to take it step-by-step, since according to him, there are a number of options at their disposal.

Moreso, the Minister pointed out that if the WICB had taken a proactive stand, the present situation would have been different.

This is the second time in three years the WICB has pulled a Test match from the Guyana National Stadium because of what they claimed political interference. In 2012, the third Test against Australia was moved to Dominica’s Windsor Park.

Also, regional first -class games scheduled for Guyana that year were also relocated to Dominica.

The third Test will now be played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Boldon, Jackson to conduct sports management workshop

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in partnership with the Guyana Olympic Association has garnered the services of Olympic medallists Grace Jackson of Jamaica and Ato Bolton of Trinidad and Tobago to host a Sports Management workshop.

This workshop, which commences on June 18, will be held at the National Sports Resource Centre. This effort is aimed at fulfilling the purpose of the facility, which has already hosted several sport -related educational programmes. On this occasion, attention will be on Sports Management.

“Sport management is concerned with the business aspect of sports and recreation. Some examples of sport managers include the front- office system in professional sports, college sports managers, recreational sport managers, sports marketing, event management, facility management, sports economics, sport finance, and sports information,” a release from the Sport Ministry stated.

It added, “This profession is slowly increasing in popularity, yet is predicted to not be able to fill positions due to the explosion

in supply. Entry- level persons with a degree in sports management can expect an hourly wage due to the higher level of interest and fewer available jobs.”

During the year, the Sport Ministry will be facilitating other educational programmes in the area of cricket and other disciplines. These are intended to increase awareness and enhance the skills and knowledge of sportsmen and women.

Boldon and Jackson

Both Boldon and Jackson were phenomenal athletes during their heydays, and they have now settled down into working beyond the field for the development of

sports.

According to internet site, Wikipedia, Ato Jabari Boldon, born December 30, 1973, is a former athlete from Trinidad and Tobago and four-time Olympic medal winner. Only three other men in history- Usain Bolt, Frankie Fredericks and Carl Lewis- have won as many Olympic individual event sprint medals.

He is the current Trinidad and Tobago national record holder in the 50, 60 and 200 metres events with times of 5.64, 6.49 and 19.77 seconds respectively. He also held the 100m national record at 9.86, having run it four times, until Richard Thompson ran 9.85 on August 13, 2011. He also

The Rising Sun Turf Club will come alive on June 29, when the Club in collaboration with Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service presents a grand one- day horse race meet.

The activity has already attracted some of the country’s top thoroughbreds who will be competing for millions in cash and trophies from noon.

Eight highly anticipated races are carded for the day, with the feature event being the D1 and Lower fetching the highest first prize of one million dollars and will cover a distance of 1500m.

The main supporting race is for Three-year-old Guyana and West Indiesbred animals competing at 1400m for a top prize of $600,000.

The winner of the F1 and Lower event at a distance of 1400m is guaranteed $500,000, while the Two-

holds the Commonwealth Games record in the 100m.

After retiring from his track career, he was an Opposition Senator in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, representing the United National Congress from 2006-2007. He is now an ESPN and NBC Sports television broadcast analyst for track and field.

Wikipedia states that Grace Jackson (born June 14, 1961, in St. Ann, Jamaica) is a retired Jamaican athlete, who competed mainly in the 100 and 200 metres.

Jackson reached the 100 and 200m finals in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympic Games and the 200m final in Barcelona in 1992.

Her breakthrough performance was at the 1988 Summer Olympics, held in Seoul, South Korea. She won a silver medal over 200m behind Florence GriffithJoyner, beating then 200m World Champion Silke Moller, Heike Drechsler and team-mate Merlene Ottey.

She also won a bronze medal at the 1987 IAAF World Indoor Championships and a silver medal at the 1989 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

year-old Guyana and West Indian- bred cash prize is set at $300,000 at a distance of 600m.

Other races on the agenda are the G3 and Lower (1000m/$400,000 first prize), I1 and Lower (1000m/$250,000 first prize), J and Lower (1000m/$200,000 first prize) and H1 and Lower (1000m/$400,000 first prize). Horse owners are urged to register early as entries will be closed on June 23. Contacts for registration are C.Ramnauth on 337-5311, Fazil Habibulla on 657-7010, Inshan Bacchus on 629-9419 and Chandu Ramkissoon on 232-0633/624-9063.

According to information reaching this publication, all systems are in place for a highly competitive day of racing, featuring the leading horses, jockeys and stables.

Fitness express supports lifters ahead of caribbean championships

Popular Health and Fitness proponent Jamie McDonald of Fitness Express has once again stepped forward in support of the sport of powerlifting by throwing his company’s weight behind the duo of Paul Adams and Karel Mars in their quest to “medal” at the 2014 annual Caribbean Powerlifting Championships set for St Croix, US Virgin Islands, from July 7-14.

Adams, competing in the 74kg Men’s Open category,

will be seeking to capitalise on the absence of former 2012 World Masters, as well as 2013 Caribbean Open 74kg champion Winston Stoby by claiming the gold ahead of his team-mates Osmond Mack, Edwin Alma and Michael Jack.

Mars will renew his close battle with nemesis Adrian Browne of Trinidad and Tobago with former 93kg champion Ramon Burgos of Puerto Rico challenging in the heavier weight class.

Dr Frank Anthony

Ato Boldon Grace Jackson

Lifter Paul Adams (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Jamie McDonald of Fitness Express

Several close races are expected to define the day’s proceedings

El Dorado renews Limacol

Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited, Komal Samaroo (second right) and Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director of the Limacol CPL, display one of DDL’s products in the presence of Guyana Amazon Warriors players, Trevon Griffith (left) and Steven Jacobs