Guyana Times Daily

APNU launches election campaign P7

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1967 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, November 29, 2013

PRICE

Fire sweeps Comfort Sleep ...second fire in a month

See story on page 15

$60 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

DTL workers protest for pay hike, P7 better living conditions

Granger says D&I must be centrally manned

– relatives suspect arson

Ramotar backs review of gun laws

P9

P12

Workshop P12 puts spotlight on violence against women, girls Fire of unknown origin destroyed the Eccles Industrial Site factory of mattress manufacturing giant Comfort Sleep. Guyana Times photographer Treiston Joseph was on the spot to capture the towering blaze as it devoured the building while family members and staff wept

Floodwaters keep 15 schools closed

See story on page 14

Fire guts Sparendaam P15 house

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friDay, november 29, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

News

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, November 29 from14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, November 29 from 13:30h-15:00h.

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers are expected to prevail during the day and into the evening over coastal areas and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is expected to reach a maximum of 60.0mm.

Waves: Moderate, reaching about 1.5 to 2.0 metres in open waters Winds: North-easterly to easterly between 1.79 and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.50 metres.

Low Tide: 07:08h and 19:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.69 metre.

wednesday, november 27, 2013

LOTTERY NUMBERS D 01 02 03 15 17 25 12 FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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friday, november 29, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Political instability weakens corruption fight – govt tells OAS

T

he Guyana government has admitted to the Organisation of American States (OAS) anti-corruption body that it did not make progress in implementing many of the recommendations proposed last year.

However, it pinned some of the blame in not getting this done on the current political impasse that has stalled development here since the November 28, 2011 elections.

“Guyana has taken its obligations to the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption and the Follow-Up Mechanism for its Implementation (MESICIC) very seriously and, therefore, feels obligated to indicate to the committee that this period has not seen significant movement on the recommendations made in the Final Report on Guyana at the Third Round Review in March 25, 2012,” MESICIC wrote in its latest progress report.

From October 8 to 10, 2013, Guyana received, with its consent, a visit by MESICIC, as part of the review process carried out in accordance with the methodology adopted by consensus by its member states.

Threat to democracy

According to MESICIC, in contrast to what was Guyana’s cautiously optimistic progress report of December 2010 and the Third Round Report of March 2012 with regard to developments and efforts to comply with its treaty obligations under the IACAC, the country has to bring to MESICIC’s attention the tremendous difficulties and threats that Guyana has faced since the 2011 elections.

However, the body said while allegations of corruption have been a major platform of the opposition and media in this period, there has been little interest in such review processes such as the MESICIC and its recommendations, and, or, working towards genuine efforts to improve and strengthen the fight against corruption.

“Since then, Guyana has had to formally approach the OAS Permanent Council to brief it on August 22, 2012 with regard to July-August 2012 disturbances in Linden,

ers. This commission reported its findings on February 28.

According to MESICIC, the government has been forced to approach the High Court on several occasions in the last year for it to interpret, advise and rule on actions taken in the Parliament on the reduction of the 2012 budget, on the gagging of a Member of Parliament and the constitution and statutes.

Enormous challenges

Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

which split the country literally into two sections and the radical change in the political situation.” MESICIC said Guyana warned in its briefing of the threat to parliamentary democracy and called on the permanent council to monitor the unfolding events in the country.

According to the OAS body, on November 28, 2012, a year after the elections, the government again submitted a formal briefing to the OAS Secretariat, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Caricom Secretariat and the Caricom member states and their legislatures with regard to increasing threats to parliamentary democracy.

Largest bloc of votes

The body observed that the 2011 elections produced one party with the single largest bloc of votes, which assumed the presidency and the executive in accordance with the Guyana Constitution with 32 seats, one seat short to hold the majority in the legislature.

The two opposition parties, separately received 26 and seven seats respectively, and, therefore, together hold a majority of one seat in the National Assembly.

According to the OAS, in the November 28, 2012 briefing, the government described

how the Constitution, parliamentary standing orders, practices and norms are being undermined, violated, and overthrown.

It referred to the 2012 budget debate during which the two political parties voted to reduce the budget by $20 billion and, subsequently voted down a number of supplementary financial papers, motions, and bills.

In contrast, MESICIC said the opposition has brought bills that have violated the Constitution and attempted to amend the Constitution by a simple majority when it calls for a twothird majority.

“They have brought bills and passed bills that amend financial laws which if assented to by the president would be in conflict with the Constitution,” the progress report stated.

As a result of the JulyAugust 2012 disturbances, a Commission of Inquiry was established in September 2012, through a governmentopposition agreement, comprising three Caricom and two Guyanese commission-

During its recent visit here, MESICIC was told that the last 15 months have posed enormous challenges to the government being able to focus its energies and efforts to execute many of its programmes, to maintain political and economic stability, and to take action with regard to many of the recommendations of the Third Round Review.

Most recently, on March 14, the report stated that the two opposition parties defeated a bill brought by the government to bring Guyana into compliance with its treaty obligations with regard to the trafficking of weapons and their components.

In the 2007-2011 period, 140 bills were enacted, in the last year 12 have been enacted.

“The parliamentary committees which oversee government performance commenced functioning a year after the new parliament was established.

"The opposition parties control both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker and chair all the parliamentary committees except three, but, they hold the majority in all,” the report said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, november 29, 2013

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

A failed city G

eorgetown has become a disaster waiting to happen.

As part of a bold experiment to make former mangrove coast habitable, or more precisely, cultivable, the Dutch had cleared the Stabroek area to make it their administrative centre. The British merely built on that pioneering effort.

And therein lies the crux of the disaster unfolding once again in the now capital of our country.

Our coastland settlements in general, and Georgetown in particular, were always a venture that would depend on hydraulics – conveying the waters from tropical downpours out of land that was more than a metre below sea level.

The British, who extended Georgetown into what would be a moderately large township in any other country, harked to the lessons of the Dutch. The latter’s expertise in the area of reclaiming land from the ocean was unsurpassed and was not to be ignored. Canals and kokers were extended to all parts of the basically one square mile that comprises our “city” to drain the effluents from the drains and sewers.

Those intricately balanced drainage passages had a meticulously observed maintenance schedule to ensure they performed their function. Georgetown remained quite viable up to the departure of the British in 1966 and still deserved its sobriquet, “The Garden City”.

What has occurred since then has been well covered in so many novelistic and journalistic treatments – the gradual reversion of the outpost of civilisation into “the bush”. The phenomenon appears to be part of a wider syndrome of abandonment of the inherited systems in what had been presciently termed the “Third World” – implying “third rate”.

We see the same abandonment and neglect in so many other areas of national life – not necessarily restricted to the physical landscape. Manners, courtesy and civility, for instance, have also been largely jettisoned for a mocking insouciance at best and a loutish aggressiveness at worse.

Which brings us to the present Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that is supposed to be in charge of administrating the affairs of the city to ensure that services are provided and, in the specific idiosyncratic feature of their charge, that the city’s hydraulics are maintained.

In addition to the general ennui that characterise the wider post-independence era, politics, which suffuses every interaction in Guyana, has not surprisingly played a major role in the total abdication of the former institutions in running the affairs of the city.

This is not the first time that the city has become inundated after a shower in the last two decades. In fact, it would be surprising if the city did not flood given the pervasive neglect in collecting and disposing garbage promptly and properly; of not servicing the kokers, canals, and drains; of allowing the rampant discarding of Styrofoam containers into the said drains and canals. The topography of the city will always ensure that the flood of Wednesday becomes the norm unless the traditions inherited from the Dutch and British are maintained.

This becomes even more critical since Georgetown is rapidly developing upwards with ever larger and higher buildings that will house ever increasing numbers of persons that will contribute to the abuse, if the City Council cannot impose discipline over its operations.

One new feature of the latest flood was the congestion caused by the ever-increasing number of cars that enter the city. The announcement of the record time in which the latest licence plates were changed – implying another influx of another 10,000 vehicles – reinforces the strain that vehicular traffic places on the city's resources.

It is reported that the business community has at last woken up to the need to have the present Mayor and the City Council changed. The combined opposition, which had promised to join hands with government officials and rid the city of garbage, can perhaps redeem themselves by supporting the immediate formation of an Interim Management Council.

At the height of Wednesday’s flash flooding, brought on by record rainfall in a garbage- and weed-choked city, there was a feeble, futile attempt to clean the filthy, smelly Church Street canal. Hundreds of businesses and thousands of residents were forced to deal with the germ-infested floodwaters that threatened health and destroyed property. The fed-up business community is calling for the dissolution of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) (Treiston Joseph photo)

GFF was in debt to the tune of $30M Dear Editor, To the people that make up the football fraternity in any society, falls the active responsibility of making and shaping their respective footballing destinies. In Guyana, we are not absolved from this serious responsibility, but have in large part, abrogated it.

To take full ownership for our footballing destiny, we must take full ownership of the effort to better the future of football in our beloved country. We must do it ourselves, or else, in being helped to defeat all that is wrong in football, we would have lost not only the pride of self reliability and the satisfaction of having done it ourselves, but also, the confidence and ability with which to sustain it and our future.

We have to start by electing good leaders at every level of the football administrative structure. Actual leaders who understand that to lead is first to serve, and that the active contribution and development of every player, male or female, is actively sought, cultivated and valued – whether or not that person comes from the biggest city or the smallest hamlet.

We need leaders who recognise that talent, ability, and promise come irrespective of gender or economic bracket.

These new leaders of which I speak must know that their primary task is to provide these young men and women with the tools and confidence, and a fair infrastructural framework within which to develop their game, and get out of the way and watch God work wonders through them.

Right now we have usurpers, figureheads, and megalomaniacs who are totally out of touch with the realities on

the ground or are unaware of the true roles they were elected to function in. We need a purging and we need to start at the very top with the president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias.

The election of Matthias to the highest office in Guyana football was mired in controversy from the very beginning. The deception and sleight of hand manipulation of member associations’ executives assured a very undemocratic process leading to the election of the president of the GFF. The whole process degenerated into a joke that saw very competent and the most capable people left out of the GFF executive. All lies have a limited time span. It is the truth, which, when discovered, lives forever. The most disappointing thing is that we all know about the lies and deception and we do nothing but whisper to each other about it and do nothing to stop it.

We have to live as prudent men, and in so doing, we must adhere to Mahatma Gandhi’s advice that “non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as cooperation with good”.

However, the truth exists, and it is stark and it is dire, and it stares us in the face, mindless of our discomfort with it or our reluctance to confront it.

We must challenge ourselves with pertinent questions, and ask if we truly have our hearts in the right place to see football progress and grow exponentially.

More than most of us, Lawrence Griffith, a GFF functionary, needs to do some real soul searching because he is completely delusional, as evidenced by his writings in another local newspaper.

Griffith has made himself the

laughing stock of everyone in football circles, probably even Matthias.

If we really care about the positive development of football in Guyana, we will all collectively do something to stop Matthias from making a mockery of this sport that we love so much. Matthias took office purporting to bring “transparency and accountability” to the GFF. When Matthias took the GFF’s reins, contrary to Griffith’s observation, the GFF was in debt to the tune of $30 million. Now, that debt is doubled, contributed by Matthias re-furbishing and re-furnishing his office. How irresponsible is that?

I know that some of our readers will remember the beach football debacle that Matthias single-handedly managed to bring about earlier this year. If our esteemed readers remember well, Matthias assured us in the media that the GFF will not be fined. Instead, the GFF has been fined US$22,000.

Matthias sacked Assistant General Secretary of the GFF George Rutherford, then went to the media and made disparaging remarks about the man.

I have had dealings with both Matthias and Rutherford.

Matthias left the shores of Guyana on his way to Zurich, Switzerland to attend the FIFA Congress.

While intransit in New York, he was not allowed to board his flight to Europe because he did not possess a Schengen visa, which allows one to enter most countries in Europe. The president of the GFF did not know he needed a Schengen visa!

Nevertheless, Matthias stayed in New York for the duration of time that he was supposed to be in Zurich and flew home from New York and

pretended to have been at the FIFA Congress to the people working in the GFF office and even to the other executives of the GFF. This is an embarrassment to the office of the president of the GFF. It will come to pass that someday soon we will come to see Matthias’ presidency as our great calamity. It is leaders like these that sacrifice us on the altars of their own ineptitude, and offer us up to their gods of power – lust, ignorance, pettiness and egotism. Guyana can do much better, and we must.

I look at countries like Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, where scores of their players are being offered contracts to play professionally in Europe and North America.

American colleges and universities are offering scholarships to players from those countries to play and earn a sound education and consequently, improve their lives.

We have players right here in Guyana with the talent and ability to be afforded those same opportunities. The lives and futures of our players are of no less moment than the players from those countries, and should not be entrusted to the leadership of people of any less ability than the leaders those countries have.

We need actual leaders, men and women of conscience, that exist in our midst, even as we speak; men and women of unimpeachable integrity, who will not become delirious with the trappings of power, or become unhinged with the politics of exclusion; and leaders with a devotion not to luxury or opulence, but to service and a cause greater than themselves.

Respectfully submitted, Mark Xavier

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, november 29, 2013

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

Thank you, Guyana Times, for focusing on Philippines relief effort Dear Editor, I write to applaud Guyana Times for promoting relief assistance for the Philippines humanitarian disaster (Guyana Times, November 28) caused by Super typhoon Haiyan three weeks ago. Over 5000 people were killed and millions rendered homeless with massive destruction to homes and infrastructure.

As in Guyana, IndoGuyanese Americans in Queens, New York have responded generously to appeals to help the stricken nation with generous contributions to various charitable organisations. In Queens,

funds raised from a play and a concert to benefit Swami Aksharnanda’s Hindu school on the West Coast of Demerara were diverted to help the Philippines, a Catholic nation.

Pandit Ramdular and Ramesh Deochand-ji and others should be complimented for their heartfelt responses. These are genuine altruistic individuals who have deep love for humanity. The Hindu organisers and executives of mandirs had no qualms helping people of another faith who are in distress.

The same was done by Hindu Guyanese to aid peo-

ple of other faiths a decade ago in Guyana when the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown were flooded as well as to help Islamic victims in Pakistan.

When Guyana was inundated with flooding a decade ago, New Jersey based Guyanese Hindus (from Arya Samaj) and Queens and Bronx based IndoGuyanese responded generously donating hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars in cash and much more in materials to assist the victims.

Virtually all of the Guyanese mandirs in New York organised food and clothing drives sending hun-

dreds of barrels to schools and organisations in Guyana to distribute to victims of the flood. Indo-Guyanese are now repeating that effort, though on a smaller scale, for the Filipino victims.

Incidentally, similar fundraising drives were carried out for victims of natural disasters in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Africa in recent years with some Guyanese making the trip to India to volunteer in the relief effort.

With regard to the Philippines disaster, some Guyanese have contributed to relief funds at the Red Cross and at banks – ac-

Georgetown is under water Dear Editor, Georgetown is under water again. Again, the incompetence and negligence of those who administer the affairs of the city are laid bare for all to see.

Hamilton Green must now be over 80 years old.

He has been in charge of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for over 16 years. He travels the world and writes a bundle of irrelevance in the press, while the city decays.

He accepts no responsibility but blames the government. When anyone challenges his abuse of authority within the council, he launches a most vindictive and vicious campaign against them.

I recall what he did to Beulah Williams, a for-

mer town clerk and Carol Sooba, the current acting Town Clerk, is his latest victim. His wife had owed the council over $10 million in rates and taxes for the years that he is mayor. When she was sued for the taxes owed, he barefacedly alleges political discrimination. The vulgarity seems limitless.

When he and his party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), was in government for 28 years, they took Guyana from being the most prosperous country in the Caribbean, both economically and socially in 1966, to a state of bankruptcy, making us the poorest country in the hemisphere, second only to Haiti when they left office in 1992.

He held pivotal positions in government

throughout those years.

Now, he and his party are in charge of the city and the Parliament.

Unsurprisingly, there is chaos, dictatorship and destruction in both of these places. No longer must we allow them to shirk their responsibilities.

Green and his party, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) must take full responsibility for the flood waters, the destruction which result and the mismanagement which takes place in the city. I will be bold and ask a question that thousands of Guyanese want to ask but are shy to do so.

However, the situation is dire and someone must ask the question. Do we have to wait until Green dies in office? He has

been in public life before I was born, contributed little, but destroyed much.

It is indeed a sad day when man has to rely on death for rescue from his fellow man.

Yours sincerely, Sundar Nauth

counts established specifically for the Philippines.

New York Community Bancorp Inc and its subsidiaries are matching the donations it receives.

Many Guyanese Americans live among Filipinos and some are even married to Filipinos and consider it as a duty to pitch in to help the country of their neighbours or spouses donating materials, money and clothing. This writer visited the Philippines some years – which share several similarities with Guyana –

and I was shocked to see the devastation of the islands.

The islands nation needs our help.

Thank you, Guyana Times, for the appeal to aid the devastated nation.

India, the U.S., Britain, and France, among others, have already airlifted food, blankets and tents to the Philippines. I am pleased to see our nation chipping in with aid.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Foundation

Floodwater and your home – how to protect your family lution of a teaspoon [0.75 millilitres] of household bleach per one gallon of water).

Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of ¼ teaspoon (1.5 millilitres) of household bleach per one gallon of water. * Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens. * Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a Laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced. * Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

W

hen returning to your home after a flood, be aware that floodwater may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:

Inside and outside the home

* Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed. * Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area. * Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber

Disease and transmission

items, books, and most paper products). * Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, moulding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. * Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers. * After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Use water that has been boiled for one minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands). * Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (so-

Microbial agent

Infectious diseases

Diarrhoeal diseases * Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrhoeal disease. To protect yourself and your family: * Practise good hygiene (hand washing) after contact with flood waters. * Do not allow children to play in flood water areas. * Wash children’s hands frequently (always before meals). * Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected. (emergency.cdc.gov and wikipedia.org)

Sources of agent in water supply

TO BE CONTINUED

General symptoms

Amoebiasis (hand-to-mouth)

Protozoan (Entamoeba histolytica) (Cyst-like appearance)

Sewage, non-treated drinking water, flies in water supply

Abdominal discomfort, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhoea, bloating, fever

Giardiasis (faecal-oral) (hand-to-mouth)

Protozoan (Giardia lamblia) Most common intestinal parasite

Untreated water, poor disinfection, pipe breaks, leaks, groundwater contamination.

Diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and flatulence

Taeniasis

Tapeworms of the genus Taenia

Drinking water contaminated with eggs

Intestinal disturbances, neurologic manifestations, loss of weight, cysticercosis

Hymenolepiasis (Dwarf Tapeworm Infection)

Hymenolepis nana

Drinking water contaminated with eggs

Abdominal pain, severe weight loss, itching around the anus, nervous manifestation

Keeping your children healthy during cold and flu season (Continued from Thursday)

BY DR AKIKO HALL

And finally, to keep your family in tip-top shape this cold and flu season, make sure everyone is giving their bodies the resources they need to fuel their immune systems.

What this means is good food and good sleep.

Good food translates into some protein, some carbs, not too much fat or sugar, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Protein is needed to rebuild cells in our bodies; carbs are our major energy source.

Fruits and vegetables are key because that’s where we get many essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These naturally occurring chemicals help with many important functions in our bodies, including keeping our immune systems strong. Try to aim for at least five servings of fruits and/or vegetables a day. A multivitamin as a supplement is okay, but shouldn’t be seen as a replacement. Avoid mega doses of any vitamin.

As for sleep – although in some ways still a mystery to researchers – we do know that good sleep is important for immune function. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation leads to an impairment in immunity, including fewer white blood cells (our bodies’ main cellular defence against infection) as well as fewer antibodies (one of the weapons our white cells use to fight germs). Although every child is unique, in general toddlers/preschoolers need about 11-13 hours of sleep a night, young school-age children 1011 hours, “tweens” nine to 10 hours and teens eight to nine hours.

Treating a cold or flu

So, you wash until your hands are red, have gotten ev-

eryone their shots, have everyone eating their broccoli and in bed on time – and still someone in the family gets a cold. Despite our best efforts, we all will catch a virus at some point, children more often than adults. While adults typically get two to four colds a year, children average six to eight. Although you can’t take an antibiotic to make the cold go away, you can help manage symptoms and support the immune system in doing its job.

Headache, body aches and fever in older infants and children can be treated at home with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

Be sure to check on the proper dosing and how often the medicine can be given. Fever is a sign that the immune system is working hard. Although not necessarily dangerous, a fever can be uncomfortable for a child. If a fever greater than 100 degrees lasts longer than two to three days, however, it should be checked out by your doctor. And for ANY fever in a baby two months or less, you should always see your doctor.

Avoid combination cold medicines for children that might contain two, three or even four different medicines in addition to acetaminophen/ ibuprofen. Most of the extra medicines have unwanted side effects and aren’t very effective in children anyway. In a randomised controlled trial, cough medicine was no more effective than honey in treating coughs in children, but had significantly more side effects. (Note that you should never give honey to children younger than one year old.)

Other symptomatic relief can be found with nasal saline drops for infants and nasal spray or saline rinse for older children.

Other than that, stick with the tried-and-true advice we all received growing up: rest and drink plenty of fluids. When your child is sick, his energy reserves are all going to his immune system to battle that nasty virus. He’s going to be tired and should rest so that his body can preferentially spend what energy it has on healing. He may not feel like eating much with his body’s priorities so shifted; it’s okay to eat a little less for a day or two; just make sure he’s drinking enough to stay wellhydrated.

Keep your child home from school until the fever has subsided and he’s feeling better.

A mild cough and/or sniffles may persist for several days.

It’s okay to go back to school as long as he’s generally feeling back to his usual self. And, of course, he should still practice good germ-control techniques, just in case there are still a few transmissible viruses lingering in his oral or nasal secretions.

So that’s it: wash hands, get your shots, make good food and sleep a priority, and if someone does get sick, stay home to rest and get better.

With these practices, hopefully we can all stay as healthy as possible this cold and flu season. (pacificmedicalcenters.org)

news

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friday, november 29, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

APNU launches election campaign

A

head of the muchanticipated Local G o v e r n m e n t Elections scheduled for 2014, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has launched its elections campaign.

The campaign was officially launched by APNU Campaign Director Winston Felix on Thursday at the Leader of the Opposition Office, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. According to Felix, APNU will be focusing on the “renewal of real local democracy” in the country.

“APNU promises to protect democratic institutions.

For local democracy to flourish, people must be able to make decisions to manage

APNU Campaign Director Winston Felix

their neighbourhoods and municipalities without overbearing interference and intervention from central gov-

ernment,” Felix posited as he stressed on developing a tradition of real democracy.

According to APNU campaign director, local democracy is best nurtured by councillors who live in close proximity to the people they serve. But funding is essential for the sustenance of local government organs across the country, he said as he accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic of neglecting this area in particular.

With funds garnered, the APNU, he said, will promote the development of public infrastructure. “For towns and neighbourhood councils to enhance the quality of life of their residents, they must

have the ability to build and repair structures such as community markets, drainage canals, bridges and roadways and provide services such as the disposal of solid waste, street lighting and sporting activities and facilities for women, children, and the young.” It is essential for local organs to receive training to build their capacities to better respond to emergencies and protect residents from environmental hazards, he added.

Community focused

APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) had collaborated on the passage of the Municipal and District Councils Amendment Bill,

the Fiscal Transfers Bill and the Local Government Commission Amendment Bill which have been enacted. However, the Local Government Amendment Bill, which was also passed in the National Assembly, was rejected by President Donald Ramotar as unconstitutional.

Nevertheless, APNU said it will direct its energy towards electing democratic, adequatelyfunded and better equipped councils.

Questioned about the coalition’s strongholds in the upcoming election, Felix said “the whole of Guyana, the entire of Guyana. This is not a stronghold question, this is an issue-based ques-

tion, this is not about political parties winning and losing, it’s about communities throwing up their own leaders, helping to pursue those issues affecting their livelihood.”

According to the Local Government Ministry, Guyana could expect Local Government Elections by the third quarter of 2014.

Opposition Leader David Granger said the APNU was planning ahead, noting that it would not be caught off guard. “We want to stay ahead of the game,” he told reporters on Thursday. The party is in the process of mobilising possible candidates to represent the various districts.

DTL workers protest for pay hike, better living conditions

A long-serving employee of DTL, calling for a new bus DTL workers on Thursday protesting for the 10 per cent increase

D

emerara Timbers Limited (DTL) Singapore was forced to shut down its operations on Thursday after its workers protested for a 10 per cent pay increase and better living conditions.

From the crack of dawn on Thursday, more than 60 workers, approximately 90 per cent of the workforce, took to the streets to voice their concerns. According

to a reliable source, in 2012, DTL promised workers a five per cent increase of their wages and salaries, but to date, the company was still to make good on its promises. Now the workers are demanding the five per cent increase for 2012 and another five per cent for 2013.

Through their Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) representative, the work-

ers were informed that the DTL was willing to pay them within three months.

“They are lying, that’s what they told us last year and till now we waiting, so we are demanding our monies now,” one of the workers lamented.

In addition to the increase in pay, the workers complained bitterly about the shortage of electricity. Reports indicate that the electricity supply is

cut nightly at 23:00h until 04:00h the following day. “This is unaccept-

able,” another long-serving employee of the company said.

She explained that the

fluctuation in the electricity supply can damage equipment, pointing out that many of their electrical appliances were damaged in 2012 when the company moved to ration the power supply.

Additionally, they are calling for a new bus to transport them from Mabura to Linden and vice-versa, since the current bus is known for experiencing problems on every trip. The bus has been serving the community of Mabura since the 1990s.

After learning of the protest, the management of DTL has reportedly invited the GAWU representatives to a meeting today to discuss the way forward.

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friday, november 29, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana receives new South African high commissioner

Eyew tness

Repercussions...

E ...from Fogarty’s

South African High Commissioner to Guyana, Maureen Modiselle and President Donald Ramotar (GINA photo)

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resident Donald Ramotar was on Thursday presented with letters of credence by new non-resident South African High Commissioner to Guyana, Maureen Modiselle.

In accepting the letters of credence, the head of state said Guyana has shared a very close relationship with South Africa for many years. Guyana, he said, “played a leadership role in the solidarity movement with the antiapartheid and national liberation struggle in southern Africa.”

This happened during the 1970s and the 1980s. Modiselle, who is stationed in Jamaica, previously served in the same diplomatic post in Trinidad and Tobago. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in healthcare administration. Government in October said it officially established a new high commission in one of South Africa’s three capitals, Pretoria, following the appointment of Barbara Halley as the new chargé

d’affaires.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said Halley was appointed over a month ago and was in South Africa, assisting with the completion of the premises where the commission will be housed. President Ramotar approved the establishment of the high commission and supported the process to ensure that it became a reality.

Rodrigues-Birkett said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will soon move to make pertinent details known about the commission.

However, to date, no new information was presented to Parliament.

She underscored the importance of improving the relations between the countries, given their historical links and diplomatic friendship. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett confirmed that the establishment of the commission also forms part of the ministry’s efforts to fully implement all aspects of its five-year strategic plan.

ven if we haven’t visited New York City, we’ve seen that Christmas movie that’s been playing forever on television every year, this time of the year, haven’t we? The one about Santa Claus and Macy’s – the fabulous department store.

Heck, Macy’s practically invented the “department store” concept, with different “departments” stocking different items – operating almost independently – but in a single store.

And if you know about Macy’s, then you’re sure to know about Gimbell’s, its great rival from across the street. Well, Gimbell’s is long gone...and Macy’s not doing too hot. The world moves on...even in Guyana, it seems.

Here in our traditional downtown, we had our local answer to Macy’s and Gimbell’s: Booker’s Universal Building and Fogarty’s. These were the great rivals in the old days... And if you could only see them at Christmas time! It was a sight to behold. And “behold” was the operative term for thousands who trekked into Georgetown to gaze in wonder at the displays in the stores’ windows. Even if they couldn’t afford to shop inside.

But Booker’s became Guyana Stores and later we all know it became a dump. But that’s grist for another day. Today, we heard that the rival across the street – Fogarty’s has been sold to an outfit from Trinidad called American Stores. Well, the original Fogarty’s had been sold before to Laparkan, but they had the good sense – and sense of history – to keep its original name.

We understand the new owners will not, and will also be altering the entire edifice. They claim it’s not a “heritage site”.

So what’s a heritage site? Wasn’t it part of our heritage that from the 1950s, the two sugar giants Bookers and Demerara Sugar brought department stores to our colonial Guyana? And brightened up our benighted lives? With the present state of Georgetown, of course, people can’t even imagine a sparkling Georgetown. That’s what Hamilton Green and his City Council has brought us to.

We’d like to offer some gratuitous advice to the new owners of Fogarty’s: You’d do better if you don’t make it into a

bargain basement outfit. You won’t be able to beat the Chinese who’ll beat you 10 ways to Sunday on “cheap” and “shoddy”.

And they’re already taking over Regent Street. Booker’s has already gone to the dogs.

Make Fogarty’s into the department store it once was – every country needs a classy store. The clients will come – as they once did when Guyanese were earning less than a dollar a day.

It’ll be good business...but more than that Fogarty’s will at long last have its revenge over Booker’s.

...from CFATF

The leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have suddenly woken up to the threat that’s presented to the entire trading bloc, now that Guyana is being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

Their silence had reminded us of their behaviour during the bad old days of election rigging. In these days of seamless integration of the world’s financial system, there’s no question that some foreign banks might paint the entire bloc with the same brush.

Don’t forget several smaller islands are already on their radar as money laundering sites...Guyana is now the tip of the “icing”. What seems to have wonderfully focused their attention on the perfidy of the local opposition to precipitate the sanctions against Guyana (and the region) is the effect on the Caricom Secretariat that’s located in Guyana.

Now’s there’s going to be a higher level of scrutiny on funds entering and leaving Guyana...well, the Secretariat’s going to be down big time. Because big bucks pass through those bureaucratic hands.

Not that the ordinary folks get a whiff of it.

...from cars

The announcement that we’re now into the “PSS” series in vehicles was done with a bit of pride. We’ll see what happens when the city becomes one gigantic parking lot, and the garbage keeps rising.

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FRIday, november 29, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Granger says D&I must be OAS members taking action to combat corruption centrally manned

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Vehicles making their way through the floodwaters on Wednesday

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pposition Leader David Granger said with the threats of climate change, drainage and irrigation should be centrally controlled and coordinated in keeping with colonial traditions.

He made the point on Thursday while commenting on Wednesday’s flash flood, which devastated the city. Granger lashed out at the administration, contending that its response and coordinator tactics were poor.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, there was record rainfall over a six-hour period, from 02:00h to 08:00h Wednesday in Georgetown.

Rainfall measured 128.9 millimetres (mm) (5.1 inches), the highest recorded in the city since 1892, the Agriculture Ministry pointed out. Utilising the data, the Agriculture Ministry could have better informed the nation.

“The current systems, including the Doppler Radar System, seem to serve mainly the international airport, notifying aircraft of existing weather, rather than to forecast weather to warn the

population of impending difficulties.”

As a result, local councils were unable to respond effectively to the unanticipated flooding in Wakapao, Charity, Supenaam and St Deny’s in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The situation was the same in Wakenaam, Harlem and the Canals Polder in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); in Georgetown and Lusignan in Region Four, as well as villages in Region Six.

Better coordination

The opposition also bashed the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), positing that its reaction to the flood is simply unacceptable.

“The comment by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) that Wednesday’s flooding did not reach “alarming” levels was unbelievable. The [People’s Progressive Party/ Civic] PPP/C administration has been slow to provide immediate relief, especially in the form of drinking water and evacuation of the aged and disabled.”

In an effort to prevent another occurrence, he sug-

gested that the PPP/C administration establish a ministerial task force to combine the ministries of agriculture, natural resources and environment, health, housing and water, human services, and local government and public works to better coordinate a national response and avert a humanitarian catastrophe during the impending rainy season. Granger made it known that the APNU was willing to offer its expertise to guarantee the success of the task force.

Commercial activities in the city and other parts of the country were at a standstill on Wednesday during the downpour and hours after the rain stopped.

Notably, residential and commercial buildings in Alberttown, Albouystown, Lodge, Bourda, Kingston, Kitty, Charlestown and other neighbouring wards were inundated with water.

On Thursday, 43 schools remained closed after the Education Ministry had issued a notice that “school was out for Wednesday” owing to the flood.

he governments of the member states of the Organisation of American States (OAS) took 748 relevant actions to combat corruption in their countries between December 2010 and March 2013. This is according to the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption and the Follow-Up Mechanism for its Implementation (MESICIC) of the OAS. According to the Second Progress Report on Implementation of the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption, the states took actions related to public procurement; the declaration of assets; the prevention of conflicts of interest; the prevention and punishment of bribery and other acts of corruption and illicit enrichment; the protection of those who report such acts; international cooperation for the investigation thereof and extradition of offenders; and access to public information and mechanisms to encourage the participation of civil society in the fight against corruption.

Concrete recommendations

On the importance of the mechanism, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza highlighted that the MESICIC “ helps our countries to strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks to address corruption more effectively, to make concrete recommendations so that they can benefit from the provisions of the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption, to prevent, detect, punish, and eradicate this scourge through successful implementation”.

The report, based on information submitted by the coun-

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza

tries themselves, summarises the actions taken against corruption by states, both individually as well as following up on the recommendations issued by the MESICIC Committee of Experts in its rounds of analysis.

The measures consist of the issuance of laws and other legal norms; the processing of legislative initiatives; activities aimed at training, capacity building and international cooperation; and the implementation of technological systems and tools aimed at strengthening state instruments to fight corruption, in order to achieve greater effectiveness in its prevention, detection and punishment.

According to the results of the analysis, the states of the Americas focused primarily on strengthening their institutional and legal frameworks to combat corruption, with 52 per cent of the measures taken aimed at this goal.

In second place were training activities – 25 per cent of the actions taken.

The report also con-

tains country by country details of the actions taken by Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, the United States, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, The Dominican Republic, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

The Committee of Experts of MESICIC is composed of experts in the field of combating corruption appointed by each of the 31 states party to the mechanism.

The committee is the body that is responsible for the technical analysis of implementation of the provisions of the convention by the state parties, and is responsible for tracking the progress made by the state parties.

Mutual evaluation

To fulfil its task, the committee carries out a process of reciprocal or mutual evaluation between states, in successive “rounds” in which specific aspects of the convention are analysed.

The Second Progress Report includes tracking the recommendations of the first three rounds of analysis (first, second and third).

The fourth round, currently underway, includes new developments such as “on-site” visits to countries with their consent, the analysis of the supervisory bodies on issues related to corruption, and inclusion in the process of reviews of private sector organisations, professional associations, academics and researchers, in addition to the civil society participants that were already considered.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, november 29, 2013

News

Mentors to support Caribbean fisherfolk Mook Lall and de headitor put dem name pun de lash list

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Dr Patrick McConney from UWI CERMES facilitates a discussions with fishers and mentors to identify challenges facing fisherfolk, during the field trip to Laborie, St Lucia

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ore than 22 mentors and resource persons from 17 Caribbean countries participated in a Regional Training of Trainers Workshop for Mentors, held in St Lucia, from November 19 to 22.

This workshop was aimed at strengthening the capacities of the mentors to support the leadership of local, national and regional fisherfolk organisations to become better engaged in the regional and national processes for developing and implementing fisheries policies.

Glen Clarke from the Turks and Caicos Islands noted that the mentoring approach “brings a new perspective to an old problem”.

Many of the mentors have been working to support fisherfolk in their respective countries.

They noted that the emphasis on mentoring means a close relationship is developed whereby the mentor responds to needs, provides support and guidance, and facilitates learning and growth. This is extremely valuable and could enhance their work.

As part of the workshop, mentors visited the fishing village of Laborie on the west coast of St Lucia, and interacted with fisherfolk, from Laborie and other villages around St Lucia, who were members of local fisherfolk cooperatives and the St Lucian national fisherfolk cooperative.

St Lucian fisherfolk.

The mentors who have been trained will work with fisherfolk at the local and national levels in their countries to help them to build strong organisations and to engage with public sector agencies and other partners to address the issues facing the fisheries sector.

Supporting engagement of fisherfolk is especially Regional challenges Fisherfolk at the Laborie critical now, as there are a meeting identified some of number of international and the challenges affecting the regional policies being dedevelopment of their organ- veloped and implemented isations and livelihood, such that will impact the livelias inadequate participation hoods of fisherfolk. in their respective organisations, inadequate manageOngoing negotiations ment, safety at sea, unsusThe Caribbean Network tainable fishing practices, of Fisherfolk Organisations inadequate capacity to nego- (CNFO) is relaying fishertiate with other coastal and folk’s positions in ongoing nemarine users, lack of access gotiations the International on Securing to vessel insurance and pen- Guidelines sions for fisherfolk, and the Sustainable Small Scale invasive lionfish.

Fisheries, which are being Mentors noted that fish- coordinated by the United erfolk and their organ- Nations Food and Agriculture isations from around the Organisation (FAO).

At the regional level, they Caribbean were facing similar challenges and they were are seeking input into the imable to share experiences and plementation of the Caricom ideas, as well as learn from Common Fisheries Policy.

The workshop was convened under the more than one million euros European Union funded project “Enhancing food security from the fisheries sector in the Caribbean: Building the capacity of regional and national fisherfolk organisation networks to participate in fisheries governance and management”, which is targeting fisherfolk organisations in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos.

It is being implemented by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), working in partnership with the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies of the University of the West Indies (UWI CERMES); Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Associations (CNFO); Panos Caribbean; and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CFRM).

s a terrible ting when people don’t know whah other people tink bout dem. Is a even more terrible ting when people don’t know whah other people know bout dem.

De bright people does call that lack of self-awareness. In other words, dem not aware of whah other people tink and know bout dem. But de real name fuh that is stupiddy, paglee, and dotish.

Dem boys who seh dem is boys and does dress like boys don’t know that people know dem is not boys. But after all, ignorance is bliss. So dem struttin about de place wid dem head high up and dem tail higher up. And when tail up, bamzee does be expose. But dem boys like that kinda exposure, especially in this kinda weather.

Lalloo Lallbachand tail was up de other day when de Stabber pay he to tell people that Guyana name ain’t deh pun de blacklist. And when Lalloo tail up, Hanand head does be low. So wid head and tail together, Lalloo and Hanand don’t even need de right kinda weather fuh leather.

Well, Mook Lall and de headitor know bout de blacklist, but dem hear bout another list in GT and dem tail gone up since then. Even wid bamzee expose and de place cold, dem determine to keep dem tail up. That is because de list dem hear bout is de lash list and dem put dem name down right away. Dem even fightin fuh see who gon be first to get de lashin.

It look like Mook Lall and de headitor fed up of de lashin from dem boys who seh dem is boys and from Freddie de Mankisser. Now dem want a fresh lash man and dem willin to pay plenty fuh plenty lashin. De Mook and de headitor even beggin a long time fuh some lashin from guvament people. But dem not gettin any guvament lashin, so dem tekkin it out by givin guvament a tongue lashin in de mud paper.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie!

But just wid de thought of de lashin, Glenn done turn a Hen and Adam seh call me Madam. And both of dem bawlin one time, “Lash me.”

NA Secondary wins climate change quiz T he New Amsterdam Secondary School emerged the winner of the just-concluded Climate Change-Low Carbon Development Strategy (CCLCDS) Secondary Schools’ Quiz.

They faced St Joseph's Secondary in the finals. The head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC) , Shyam Nokta, congratulated both teams in the finals and all the other schools that participated in the quiz for their role in spreading important information on climate change and Guyana’s LCDS programme to all Guyanese.

The CC-LCDS quiz involved 16 top secondary

schools drawn from all 10 regions of Guyana and was organised by the OCC in collaboration with the Education Ministry and the National Communications Network, with veteran broadcaster Dr Rovin Deodat as producer and quiz master.

All the secondary schools that participated in the quiz received prizes from the Office of Climate Change.

The champion and runner-up both received trophies and individual gift vouchers for each team member, as well as trips to places of interest in Guyana.

Nokta indicated that the OCC is planning to host the quiz annually.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, NOVEMBER 29, 2013

Guyanese participate in Commonwealth youth forum in Sri Lanka

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he ninth Commonwealth Youth Forum was hosted this year in Sri Lanka, November 10-14 concurrently with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Supported by the Sri Lankan government, Tiffany Daniels and Tricia Teekah of the Interim National Youth Council of Guyana (INYC) were able to join fellow Commonwealth youth leaders, representing Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Under the theme: “Inclusive DevelopmentStronger Together”, the first General Assembly at this forum provided a platform for these youths to debate, agree on, and set policies, programmes, and priorities pertaining to the challenges and opportunities young people face.

Recommendations

Over three days, and going well into the wee hours of the morning, the youth of the Commonwealth engaged in vibrant debates to decide on youth positions on key thematic areas: the post2015 development agenda; professionalisation of youth work; well-being and economic growth; education fit for purpose; sexual and reproductive health and rights; gender equality; generating quality youth employment; and reconciliation and social cohesion.

These decisions were publicised through a declaration presented to the heads of government by the newly-constituted Commonwealth Youth Council which called upon the heads and the council, as well as the Commonwealth to take some of their recommendations into consideration when developing policies and programming.

Notable among these recommendations was the call for inclusive and relevant ed-

ucation for all young people (specifically girls, persons with learning disabilities and the differently able).

Furthermore, high on the agenda was the importance of the professionalisation and accreditation of non-traditional and non-academic fields, with there being several calls for entrepreneurship and employability skills training which cut across several of these major thematic areas.

As a result, the governments were charged with ensuring that they put mechanisms in place to impart skills to youth which promote job creation rather than just prepare them for job seeking.

The youth leaders also made vital recommendations for the United Nations’ post2015 development agenda to provide platforms for inclusive youth participation in the formulation process, more specifically youth targets for each goal within the development agenda.

The Commonwealth was additionally charged with establishing a Commonwealth Post 2015 Monitoring and Evaluation Group to facilitate youth participation in planning and implementation.

Govt commitment

The Commonwealth Heads of Government confirmed their commitment to the well-laid points developed within a document entitled “Magampura Commitment to the Young People: Young People at the Centre of Sustainable and Inclusive Development,” which reaffirmed their responsibility of investing in young people by placing them at the centre of sustainable and inclusive development, and generating time and capital into harnessing their leadership and creativity.

They all pledged their support of national and Commonwealth youth councils in working towards this vision for youth, with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif pledging US$100,000 towards the newly-established Commonwealth Youth Council.

This youth council is a nine-member executive committee, which was elected during the forum to represent and voice the concerns of the 1.2 billion young people of the Commonwealth and to provide a framework for youth-led development initiatives across the Commonwealth.

The new executive committee members are: Chairperson – Ahmed Adamu (Nigeria); Vice Chairperson for Policy, Advocacy and Projects –

Sudharshana Lakshmi (India); Vice Chairperson for Partnerships and Resources – Sadham Zarjahan (Sri Lanka); Vice Chairperson – Inclusion and Engagement – Mohamed Husni (Sri Lanka); Regional Representative of Africa and Europe – Kiziah Philbert (Kenya); Regional Representative of Asia – Tharika Dileepani (Sri Lanka); Regional Representative of Caribbean and the Americas – Royden Beharry (Grenada); Regional Representative of the Pacific – Harry James (Solomon Islands); and Representative – Special Interest Groups – Wathsala Samarakoon (Sri Lanka).

The Guyanese delegates seized the opportunity at the forum to engage representatives from youth councils on structure, programmes and network, to strengthen

Tiffany Daniels and Tricia Teekah at the Sri Lankan forum

the Guyana Youth Council, which is only at its infancy stage.

The INYC of Guyana joins hands with the CYC to build stronger youth councils, increase youth participation and youth empowerment.

Moreover, the Guyana team will be working closely with the elected regional representative, Royden Beharry and the incoming Caribbean Regional Youth Council, that will be launched in December in St Lucia.

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FRIday, november 29, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Workshop puts Ramotar backs review of gun laws spotlight on violence against P women, girls

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nited Nations Women Representative for the Caribbean Christine Arab said the increased occurrence of violence against women and girls here must be dealt with urgently.

Arab was speaking during the opening ceremony of an HIV workshop organised by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in collaboration with UN Women; United Nations Development Fund (UNDP); and the Guyana government. The workshop was opened on Wednesday at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

UN Resident Coordinator Chisa Mikami said the workshop will push for the development of a more HIV-sensitive approach to CEDAW reporting, positing that major attention will be given to implementation and monitoring.

Strengthen capacity

Additionally, the capacity of women’s rights organisations and organisations of women living with and affected by HIV, are being strengthened to better serve the populace.

“It also seeks to strengthen capacity of governmental and non-governmental partners to engage issues of HIV more consistently in their work on promoting women’s rights and gender equality,” Mikami pointed out.

Human Services and Social Security Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Patrick Finlay was among officials present during the opening ceremony. Similar seminars were conducted in Jamaica and Brazil.

According to the CEDAW report “Turning the Tide”, women’s disempowerment is largely responsible for the speed at which HIV/AIDS has spread in countries across the

UN Resident Coordinator Chisa Mikami

world. Inequality is a major contributing factor. “Women are not increasingly represented among the vulnerable, infected and affected simply because they are women but because of the discrimination and inequality that distorts and impairs virtually every aspect of their lives.”

This scourge will only be addressed if it is dealt with holistically, taking into account the imbalances between men and women in the homes, in the education system and, in the cultural and economical realms.

Statistical reports indicate that as of 2000, approximately 21.8 million people have died of AIDS with nine million being women and 8.5 million, men.

Approximately 4.3 million children have also died from AIDS. Additionally, it was estimated that 36.1 million people in the world were living with HIV/AIDS as of 2000, with 16.4 million being women and a whopping 18.3 million being men. At the time, 1.4 million children were recorded as being infected with HIV/AIDS. Notably, in 1997, women represented 41 per cent of adults affected with the disease, but by 2000 the percentage had increased to 47 per cent. This is according to the UNAIDS 2001 Gender and AIDS Almanac fact sheet.

resident Donald Ramotar has thrown his support behind embattled Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee for a review of the legal ownership and use of firearms.

Commenting on the issue during a special interview at the Office of the President on Wednesday, the head of state said in his opinion renewal of gun licences should not be automatic.

“The ministry and the police should have a right to review these, and see that the guns are in the hands of responsible people,” President Ramotar stated, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report.

He described the recent spate of gun violence as “very worrying”, and noted that there was no one reason that could be cited for those incidents, but added that some issues needed to be addressed.

These include the ability of the Guyana Police Force to solve more crimes and the court system’s need for increased efficiency. In the latter case, shortcomings were highlighted recently when seemingly strong cases were dismissed despite overwhelming evidence and the remanding of prisoners.

“First offenders being in prison a long time before their cases come up… these things can have an impact on creating criminals instead of correcting people who have gone astray and could be corrected. We have to look at it in its totality; it is a concern and a very big concern for us,” he said.

Violent killings

The views expressed by the president were similar to those voiced by Minister Rohee recently at the opening of a two-day conference on interpersonal violence at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The minister indicated his dissatisfaction with the recent spate of violent killings, and said he was prepared to table amendments to the gun laws to keep them out of the hands of those who, for various reasons, were unsuitable to possess them legally.

Everyone wants a firearm but some have been using them illegally, the minister said, making reference to the businessman who killed his wife before turning the gun on himself over the weekend.

“People are behaving in this country as though this is

President Donald Ramotar

the United States where they have the right to bear arms, but you don’t! And I’m considering approaching the president to ask him, let us review these gun laws, irrespective of what the hell Granger might think, whether Granger supports us in Parliament or not,” he said.

Firearm trafficking

The minister pointed out that it should be debated whether persons have the right to carry firearms, and if not, what are the alternatives for them in terms of their security.

He noted that the police should step up their intelligence and aggressively go after those who sell, buy, lend and trade firearms. Rohee

said those with firearm licences should be reviewed, pointing out that he had requested for his ministry to be included in this process.

“Right now, we don’t have a say, but we are looking at that. The Home Affairs Ministry in conjunction with the Firearms Licence Approval Board should have a say on whether to renew or not to renew a firearm licence.

"It should not be something automatic like the visa in the United States… there should be no automaticity attached to this. We have to begin taking strong measures against this, because people with guns in their hands are taking strong measures and embarrassing this country,” Rohee said.

The minister also urged the conference to focus intensely on the fight and prevention of violence, noting that fighting violence is much broader than crime-fighting.

He challenged the conference participants to channel their attention during the two-day forum on prevention and protection against violence, stating that education is vital in tackling violence and should be encouraged at every forum.

Dutch crew in Guyana to begin filming for documentary

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he Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with Garage De Eenheid, a Surinamese tour company, are hosting a three-day Media Familiarisation Tour (FAM) with Trishul TBN Broadcasting Network, a Surinamese company.

According to a release by the GTA, the group of four from the broadcasting network will be participating in a series of tours during their stay in Guyana, including a tour of Berbice (New

Amsterdam); a city tour; a visit to Splashmins; and a trip to the Essequibo and surrounding areas.

A short documentary will then be created which will be aired on the said network to help promote Guyana’s tourism industry.

The visitors will experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, its many historical sites in Georgetown and the Essequibo Islands, the country’s flora and fauna, its exotic cuisine, and its pulsating nightlife.

Visitors

Garage De Eenhei, owned and operated by V Premnauth, has been collaborating with the Tourism Ministry to bring large numbers of visitors to the land of many waters.

The tour company was recently given a Tourism Special Mention Award – Largest Inbound Operator for 2013, as it brings in 500 visitors on average from Suriname/ Holland per month.

“Whether it’s the allure of the food, festivities, or simply the fascinating people, the relationship between the two

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh

South American neighbours continue to be further cemented as Guyana’s tourism product takes centre stage,” GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh said.

He noted that in partnership with the private sector, packages and programmes are being designed to increase this already impressive figure.

“We are looking to attract an additional 500 tourists on a monthly basis; to accomplish this, we will capitalise and tailor our packages surrounding very popular and renowned events,” Haralsingh explained.

He acknowledged too that the influx of visitors is as a result of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Dutch-speaking country.

The Tourism Ministry is also collaborating with small hotels in an effort to boost occupancy, and already these smaller establishments are operating at full capacity.

In addition, Haralsingh also announced that Guyana is currently working to establish a “healthy” crossborder tourism relationship, with particularly, Suriname and Brazil. He said this was being done at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) level, and will also promote multidestination tourism.

ACTO is an international organisation aimed at promoting sustainable development of the Amazon Basin.

Its member states are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, and Suriname.

The establishment of a tourism manual for Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil to promote the cross-border and multi-destination tourism is also underway.

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friday, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Hinds laments slow adoption of energy efficient measures

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he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) initiated the landmark Energy Efficiency Management Project to assist local companies, especially in the manufacturing and services sector, to make efficient use of energy applications and employ the most effective energy conservation methods.

The project, which is funded by an Inter-American Development Bank-MultiInvestment Fund (IDB/MIF) grant and the GSMA, has seen key workshops being conducted, aimed at sensitising companies to the best means of measuring and managing their energy consumption.

The third workshop was held on Thursday at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) targeting the financial community (chief executive officers, senior managers and other high-ranking operatives in decision-making positions) to sensitise them on their role in pushing the relatively new energy sustainability business model.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and GMSA Executive Member and Edward Beharry Group Senior Manager Raymond Ramroop opened the workshop, which was facilitated by energy management specialist Dr Carl Duncan, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

More action needed The prime minister said he was “disappointed by the limited take-up and progress” of the energy efficiency measures by companies that have participated in the project. He said their actions were not in accord with their laments about high electricity and energy costs.

The PM said, however, he was not disheartened as, “new things often take up to 10 times as much as we imagine in time and money before they would have become fully understood”.

In pointing out the disadvantages of not becoming energy efficient, he said, in recognition of Guyana’s “natural disadvantage in the cost of energy resources, we should have been putting much more effort into this programme of demonstration and training in energy audit, and then working to attain and maintain – steadily reducing unit consumption of electricity and energy at our workplaces, homes, and places of play.”

What must be recognised, the prime minister noted, is that competitive ventures that require high-electricity, highenergy activities must seek to overcome those.

Energy expenditures Ramroop explained that this will be the final workshop in Georgetown as the remaining two will be conducted in Essequibo and Berbice. He said the project was initiated because the GMSA recognised that gone are the days of cheap fossil fuel.

He said ultimately the goal is to save on overhead energy expenditures. “We are determined to apply the new concepts of energy management to achieve savings,” he said.

The GMSA’s Energy Efficiency Management Project is divided into three major components:

phase one – an energy efficiency rating project designed to establish a data baseline showing consumption, utilisation and cost pattern; and phase two – an energy audit and study which involved live in-plant measurements and monitoring of electrical assets.

The second phase was conducted by Dr Duncan.

Energy efficiency awareness Ramroop explained that phase two of the project will officially come to an end in December, and then the GMSA will begin to implement phase three, which involves outreaches to promote energy efficiency awareness in every kind of industry in Guyana utilising the broad data acquired during

the energy rating survey that was conducted mid-year and the energy audit and study.

After this is completed, the GMSA expects to become a repository of information and technical expertise and to be equipped with smart measuring instruments that will be placed at the disposal of the business community. During the workshop, Dr Duncan spoke to participants on some of the barriers to energy efficiency, including the need to enhance management and bank sector awareness; financing and investment; and the need for policies, legislation, and enforcement.

In his opening remarks, he pointed out some of the benefits of becoming energy effi-

cient, referencing the findings of global surveys conducted

by Johnson Control Energy Initiative, since 2006 in various types of industries.

The firm found that industries with publicly stated energy reduction goals implement 50 per cent more energy saving measures than organisations without goals and are 2.7 per cent more likely to increase investment with other organisations. The project ultimately aims to improve output and significantly reduce expenditure generated from lighting equipment and accessories, heating and cooling appliances, motorised drives, and electronic and other major energy-consuming assets.

Chief executive officers, senior managers and other highranking operatives of the financial community at the workshop

14

friday, november 29, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

News Guyana gears up to host GPL introduces e-billing service for customers third CSF conference T I

n a matter of days, Guyana will be hosting the third annual Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) Workshop, which will see regional and international scientists gathering to share information and discuss issues surrounding the development of science in the Caribbean using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The workshop will be held under the theme “Stimulating Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science and Engineering” at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. During the twoday forum, which will be held on December 2 and 3, students, teachers, lecturers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and government officials from Guyana, the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora will be in attendance.

The CSF, in collaboration with the local Education Ministry and the Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology and Innovation (CADSTI) are the organisers of the conference.

STEM promotion

According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, hosting such a forum will benefit Guyana in relating to challenges the country face in the use of STEM. The minister pointed out that students in the science area will benefit as they would get to meet and mingle with scientists and professionals. “This will be a

great experience especially for students who will get the opportunity to explore options and receive guidance along with motivation on career paths,” Manickchand said.

She also explained that this forum will help in Guyana’s drive to promote science education and use STEM for national development. “We are committed to honouring our obligation to providing an environment where teachers can explore and be creative, where children could feel the freedom to be creative and innovative themselves, but more than that, children could feel urged on and encouraged to think outside of the box,” Manickchand stressed.

Interactive forum On the first day of the conference, topics relating to students and teachers will be discussed, including CSF’s youth and educational programmes such as the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE) and the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge.

Presentations done by Guyanese students who participated in these programmes will be highlighted. Focus will also be placed on career opportunities in the STEM disciplines, via panel comprising members from the diaspora and the region. Dr Didacus Jules, the registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), will chair a session on “STEM teacher training”.

While another ses-

sion on the importance of “Entrepreneurship in the Region” will be chaired by Bowen Wells, former UK minister of parliament and a member of the CADSTICSF Honorary Governing Council. In addition, there will also be a poster session on research presentations from across the region.

Meanwhile, on the second day, Guyanese students will receive practical training during specially designed micro-science workshops, hosted by UNESCO. They will be given a chance to interact closely with both local and visiting academics during the “Stump the Professor” session.

Another session, “Guyana on the Move”, will highlight science and technology in Guyana, and this will be chaired jointly by Guyana-born Professor Maya Trotz of the University of South Florida and Dr Jeanese Badenock of the University of the West Indies, Barbados.

This third annual CSF workshop is expected to an interactive forum for fruitful exchange of information, ideas, and experiences related to science and technology for students, teachers, the scientific and business communities, and government representatives.

Those responsible for what is expected to be Guyana’s biggest science forum are United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); the Organisation of American States (OAS), CXC, the government of Canada, and the Education Ministry here.

he Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has been undertaking several initiatives to improve its customer service countrywide, with the latest being the electronic billing (ebilling) service, which allows customers to access their monthly bills electronically.

This initiative was triggered by the increase in the use of information technology and government’s effort to move steadfastly forward in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector by way of installing fibre-optic cables, drafting legislation, making Internet access more affordable, and the distribution of laptops through the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme.

According to GPL Information Technology and Commercial Service Director Renford Homer, the company recognises that it can leverage technology, and that has been the genesis for the e-billing service, which allows customers to receive an electronic monthly bill rather than the traditional hard copy bill that is normally dispatched by post.

During an interview at the company’s quarter-

ly retreat at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Homer said the initiative is not only beneficial to customers, but is a spin-off of what GPL is already doing to improve its services.

“One of the benefits is the reduction of time it takes for the bill to get to the customer… we generate those bills and then have them prepared to be sent off to the post offices; with the introduction of E-billing, once the customers are registered to GPL, as soon as the bill is generated it will be immediately dispatched to the customers electronically,” Homer pointed out.

Online registration

GPL customers can register by logging onto the company’s website on www. gplinc.com after which they are guided to where the registration is to be done, according to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA). Customers are required to provide their name, bill and account number, and once the system validates that information, they are accepted and as early as the next month, the bill will be sent to their email.

GPL has a customer base

of 174,000 spread across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven.

Homer noted that the company has several commercial offices spread across those regions, but as many people leave their homes and travel long distances to conduct business and to work, it would be time-consuming for customers to stand in long lines at those offices.

In 2000, GPL introduced several payment agents, starting with the post offices; then Bill Express which has an extensive network; commercial banks; and Neal and Massy and then went into an arrangement with Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s Mobile Money.

“The aim is to put the company’s presence out there as much as we can, and bring it as close to the customers as possible, and that allows for our customers to have that ease of knowing that they can easily get to places to pay their bills, and reduce the congestion of large numbers of persons who enter the commercial offices,” Homer added.

The company is constantly making efforts to improve its service with best practices.

Floodwaters keep 15 schools closed

F

ifteen schools in Georgetown will remain closed today as persistent rain, coupled with flash flooding, takes its toll.

The Education Ministry

said in a release that the decision was made after checks by ministry officials. These checks revealed that as a result of the very slow pace in the recession of the floodwaters, no sani-

tation work could have commenced in order to make the schools habitable.

All other schools in Georgetown have been cleared for reopening today by the Education Ministry.

Iran shakes up foundation controlled

by Ayatollah’s business empire

A

multi-billion dollar organisation controlled by Iran’s supreme leader shook up the management of its charity division, appointing as its new chief a man involved in the confiscation of thousands of properties from Iranian citizens.

Aref Norozi was named director general of the Barakat Foundation, Iran’s state news agency reported on Wednesday.

The foundation is a unit of a massive business empire controlled by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that is known as Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam.

The report by the Islamic Republic News Agency stated that Setad’s president, Mohammad Mokhber, had ordered the appointment of Norozi.

Norozi once headed Setad’s real-estate division and served on the boards of several Setad-linked companies.

Argentine threat over Falkland Islands oil operations Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sits next to a portrait of late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini while taking part in a television live programme in Tehran on the occasion of the Iranian New Year March 21, 2011

As a result of Norozi’s professional experience, the report said, “It is expected that the Barakat Foundation’s activities will be more extensive than before.”

Reuters this month published a three-part se-

ries entitled Assets of the Ayatollah detailing how Setad has become one of the most powerful institutions in Iran through the systematic seizure and sale of thousands of properties belonging to ordinary Iranians. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

rgentina has threatened oil businesses operating off the Falkland Islands with fines, confiscations and jail sentences for their executives.

Argentina’s embassy in London said new laws had been passed by the country’s congress to clamp down on exploration it claims is in breach of UN decisions.

The UK’s Foreign Office insisted the activities were legitimately controlled by the islands’ government.

The embassy said legislation “provides for prison sentences for the duration of up to 15 years; fines equivalent to the value of 1.5 million barrels of oil; the banning of individuals and companies from operating in Argentina; and the confiscation of equipment and any hydrocarbons that would have been illegally extracted”.

It said in a statement: “The Argentine government has protested against and rejected all of the United Kingdom’s attempts to promote and authorise such hy-

drocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in the area of the Argentine continental shelf.

“These attempts are manifestly contrary to Resolution 31/49 of the United Nations General Assembly, which requires the UK and Argentina to refrain from taking decisions that would imply introducing unilateral modifications into the situation of the Malvinas Islands while the sovereignty dispute between the two countries is still pending.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 News

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, november 29, 2013

Fire sweeps Comfort Sleep ...second blaze in a month , relatives suspect arson

By Bhisham Mohamed

W

ith Christmas less than a month away, hundreds of workers of Comfort Sleep will have a dark holiday after a fire suspected to be arson completely gutted their place of employment at Industrial Site, Eccles, East Bank Demerara on Thursday evening.

One day shy of a month since fire destroyed the establishment’s bond in the same compound which caused millions of dollars in losses, officials are again puzzled as to how the fire started. At the time of the fire, the security guard was in the hut and was unaware that smoke was billowing from the building until workers at a nearby establishment alerted him.

He scampered to safety, but after it was realised that two vehicles were in the compound, persons assisted him in pushing them out of the compound, since the keys were with a supervisor who had left. The rescuers reportedly broke the front windows in order to put the vehicles into gear so that they could have been saved.

The Comfort Sleep factory in flames on Thursday evening

At the scene, employees of the business wept helplessly as they watched their place of work go up in flames. Family members turned up in their numbers, but declined to speak with the media. The owner, Guyana Times understands, collapsed upon learning about the inferno, but this could not have been confirmed.

Warnings

One worker, Shinera, explained that they left the building sometime after 17:00h and double-checked all electrical outlets to make

Paul Krishna, a relative of the owner, speaking with the media

sure nothing was plugged in, a precaution they were warned to keep after the first fire. After checking the place twice, the workers left. She added that about 17:45h, her brother-in-law rushed home in tears and informed her that the place was on fire, so she immediately contacted her other colleagues and then went to the scene.

As tears trickled down her cheeks, she comforted another worker who was devastated, not only about the fire, but about being out of a job at this time of the year.

Paul Krishna, a relative of the owner, told media operatives that he arrived in the country a few days ago to transact business and on the day in question, he was in the company of the owner when they received the devastating news.

At first they thought it was a “prank”, since they thought that the person on the other end of the line was referring to the fire late last month. He said they laughed it off, but things got serious when other calls about the fire started to come in.

At that time, they were dumfounded. “It is impossible for two fires to occur at the same location in a space of a

month… totally impossible… we thought that the [first] fire was caused naturally, but I am certain that someone is behind this...”, Krishna added.

From all indications, the man might have the names

his truck when he saw heavy dark smoke coming from the back of the building and he initially thought that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was burning cane.

As he approached his place of employment, he realised that it was the Comfort Sleep factory on fire and immediately contacted 911. “I panicked and instead I called 911, I called 991 but eventually called the right number… the person on the other end told me that they will send a unit to check… they took a while, but like about 20 minutes, the fire engine come and start to work.”

As usual, he added, the fire tenders had to tap into water sources, since the water that they came with finished in a “flash”. He said by

rived on the scene, the factory was ‘far gone’ owing to the materials that were stored there.

All the materials were combustible and contributed to the fire spreading rapidly.

The chief fire officer added that as soon as the firefighters arrived on the scene, their first mission was to salvage nearby buildings. After hours of battling the flames, the fire was eventually under control, but the work has just started for the officials since they will have to determine the cause of the blaze. Attempts to speak with the shaken security guard proved futile.

First fire

On October 30, fire suspected to have been started by chemicals ravaged the Comfort Sleep and Payless

Workers comforting each other at the fire scene

of suspects, but he refused to reveal them, claiming that “time will tell”. He also noted that only recently, the owner returned from overseas and shipped in chemicals and other materials to restart the business.

An eyewitness, Andell Adams, who works at the business opposite Comfort Sleep told Guyana Times that he was about to park

the time the firemen tapped into the water source, the entire factory was engulfed in flames.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who arrived on the scene a few minutes later, explained that they received the report about 17:45h and fire tenders from West Ruimveldt Fire Station and Central Fire Station were dispatched. He said that by the time they ar-

Bond, causing millions of dollars in losses and leaving at least 35 workers jobless.

The security guard on duty that night claimed that he heard a loud explosion in the Payless Bond about 18:35h, followed by a huge flame.

Subsequently, the back of the building was engulfed in fire which spread to the Comfort Sleep Bond. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

Fire guts Sparendaam house

By Vahnu Manikchand

F

ive persons, including an infant, are now homeless as fire destroyed their two-apartment home at Lot 34 Railway Embankment, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. The fire reportedly commenced sometime around 19:15h on Thursday.

The house was a wooden single-storey structure on stilts. It was divided into two apartments with two set of stairs leading to each apartment. The fire completely destroyed the interior of the building, leaving the external walls standing.

When this publication arrived on the scene, villagers and neighbours had gathered on the Railway Embankment as firefighters from the

Campbellville Fire Station worked feverishly to douse the blaze, which they managed to do before the house was completely gutted. There were two fire trucks at the scene and after the fire was extinguished, one left, leaving the other behind to ensure that the blaze was completely put out.

Guyana Times understands that three siblings lived in the building, along with the wife and child of one of them. At the time of the fire, only the wife, Ronesha, and the one-year-old infant were at home.

The young woman was visibly shaken and could hardly speak when she was approached by this newspaper, but she did manage to recount what she could remember. According to Ronesha,

Firefighters ensuring the fire is completely doused

she was sleeping with her baby and was awakened by the scent of smoke.

“I can’t really remember

what happen ‘cause everything happen so fast. When I smell the smoke and look it was coming from the oth-

er room, so I just pick up me child and run out the house,” she stated. When asked what could have caused the fire,

the woman could not have answered.

Her mother-in-law, Rowena Glasgow, said she did not know what really transpired as she was in town when she received the news.

Speculation was rampant about the cause of the fire.

This newspaper was told that the Guyana Power and Light had recently disconnected the electricity to the house and the occupants were using candles.

The next-door neighbours, who own a grocery shop, are counting their blessings since their storage bond and a gas bottle cage are located next to the burnt house and were on the verge of catching fire. Investigators are probing the cause of the fire. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

16

friday, november 29, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Africa

Caribbean

Venezuela central bank denies Kenya launches new railway to reach South Sudan and Burundi transactions with Wall Street

V

enezuela’s central bank president denied on Thursday that the institution is carrying out any transactions with Wall Street banks, a day after a senior government source said it was evaluating a swap agreement involving its gold reserves.

Opposition leaders and local media have reported that Venezuela is seeking to boost availability of hard currency through transactions with Goldman Sachs and Bank of America.

“With respect to the institutions you’ve mentioned, the central bank... is not carrying out any operations with these institutions,” Central Bank President Eudomar Tovar said at a press conference in response to a question about the reports. “There are some considerations out there which have come out, but these are unofficial positions, if you will.” Asked again by a reporter, he said: “There has been no activity done by the central bank with Goldman

Sachs or any institution.”

Tovar’s comments did not appear explicitly to rule out the possibility that such a transaction was being negotiated or could be carried out in the future. He declined to elaborate. Talk of possible deals with foreign banks started when the opposition said last week that the Venezuelan government was negotiating a swap operation with Goldman Sachs involving 1.45 million ounces of gold worth around US$1.86 billion. (Reuters)

North America

K

enya has formally launched a new, Chinese-financed railway which should extend across East Africa to reach South Sudan, DR Congo and Burundi. The first section will link the Kenyan port of Mombasa to the capital, Nairobi, reducing the journey time from 15 hours to about four.

It is said to be the country’s biggest infrastructure project since independence 50 years ago. The cost of the

railway will be US$5.2 billion (£3.2 billion) – mostly funded

by China.

Some Kenyans have complained that the contract was given to the Chinese stateowned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) without going to tender.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed the deal in August in Beijing.

It is also hoped that the railway will reduce congestion in Mombasa, one of Africa’s

busiest ports. The current railway network dates back to the colonial era. After the Nairobi section is finished, with completion due in 2017, it will be extended through Uganda, with branch lines west to Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo, south through Rwanda to Burundi and north to South Sudan.

Passenger trains will travel at a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), while freight trains will have a maximum speed of 80 km/h. (BBC News)

Australia

Consumer sentiment rises in November Qantas seeks foreign ownership rule change on improved economic outlook

U

.S. consumer sentiment rose in November as wealthier Americans’ outlook on the economy improved, a survey released on Wednesday showed.

The Thomson Reuters/ University of Michigan’s final reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment measured 75.1 for November, up from a final reading of 73.2 in October and above the median forecast of 73.5 among

economists polled by Reuters.

“While rising stock prices and low interest rates will favour holiday sales of upperend consumers, lower income households were still more concerned about job gains,” survey director Richard Curtin said in a statement.

The preliminary November reading of the overall index was reported at 72.0 earlier this month. The survey’s barometer of current economic conditions fell to 88.0 in November

from 89.9 in October. The final figure was higher than the preliminary November reading of 87.2 but came in below a forecast of 89.0.

The survey’s gauge of consumer expectations rose to 66.8 from 62.5 in October, slightly above an expected 66.2. The one-year inflation expectation fell to 2.9 per cent from 3.1 per cent, while the survey’s five to 10-year inflation outlook stood at 2.9 per cent, unchanged from last month. (Reuters)

Europe

A

ustralian airline Qantas has backed a suggestion by Treasurer Joe Hockey that rules restricting foreign investment in the carrier should be changed. Current rules limit total foreign holding of Qantas to 49 per cent, with foreign airlines allowed to own just 35 per cent.

Qantas has claimed the rules have hurt its growth, not least because its arch-rival Virgin has benefited from

increased foreign investment.

Qantas has struggled recently amid rising competition and slowing demand. “What we have seen in Canberra is the politicians listening to our arguments, the politicians saying there is an unlevel playing field here,” said Alan Joyce, chief executive of Qantas.

Shares of Qantas rose as much as five per cent in early trading in Sydney as investors hoped a change in rules may help the company. The

ownership rules were incorporated in the Qantas Sale Act ahead of the airline’s privatisation in the 1990s.

However, since then the dynamics of the airline industry have changed significantly. Even though Qantas continues to dominate the Australian market, it has struggled in the international market. Its international division has been making a loss for some time, holding back its overall profitability. (BBC News)

Middle East

Dubai’s Damac delays pricing UK moves to cool property market of London IPO by four days

T

he UK is ending cheap bank funding for new mortgages in a bid to control the growing risk of a property bubble. House prices have increased by about seven per cent in a year, and by much more in London, raising concerns that borrowers may have trouble making repayments when interest rates start to rise from their record low levels.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said house price

increases were gaining momentum, and broadening out across the country, but that the risks were manageable.

It was important to act now to avoid more dramatic intervention later, and to allow the bank to keep supporting the broader recovery in the UK economy with its lowrate policy, he told reporters.

“Risks to financial stability may grow if there are further substantial and rapid increases in house prices and a fur-

Market statistics

ther build-up of household indebtedness,” he said.

Household mortgage debt stands at about 110 per cent of annual disposable income, below the 2008 peak of 128 per cent but well above the longer term average. The changes announced Thursday mean that from next year, UK banks will no longer be able to use the “Funding for Lending” programme to access cheap credit for mortgages and personal loans. (CNN)

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

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

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$335.82

$340.03

CAN

$194.34

$196.53

USD

$205.49

$207.93

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on November 28, 2013 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1245.00

$1245.00

Low/High

$1242.00

$1246.90

Change

+7.00

+0.57

USD GBP EUR

AM

PM

1241.75 760.46 913.12

1245.50 761.59 915.54

AM

PM

Nov 27

USD GBP EUR

1250.75 767.99 919.80

Last: 16097.33

Price Silver

Platinum

London Gold Fix

Nov 28

Indicators Crude Oil

1245.00 764.18 916.45 Changes: +24.53

US$ per barrel $111.31

USD per Ounce

$19.76 $1356.00

Change %

+0.39 Change %

+0.09 +5.00

D

ubai-based property firm Damac Real Estate has extended roadshows on a London IPO by four days because the verdict on Dubai’s bid to host World Expo 2020, due on Wednesday, may interfere with trading, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The company was scheduled to price a US$500 million IPO on Tuesday’s close in London within a range of

US$12.25 to US$13.25 per Global Depositary Receipt.

However, Dubai is currently bidding to host the World Expo trade event in 2020, and as the result will be announced on Wednesday, it was decided that the risk to the aftermarket was too large.

“This will give people time to factor in the expo result,” a source said.

Dubai is the frontrunner to host the World Expo in 2020, and if it wins the bid,

property prices are likely to rise in the emirate. However, because shares have risen in recent times in anticipation of a successful bid, if the event is awarded to another location, Dubai stocks are likely to fall.

In addition, Damac has reduced the deal size to US$400 million and fixed the final price at US$12.25, the bottom of the price range. As per the new schedule, the shares will begin trading the following week. (Arabianbusiness)

Investors' guide

What is alternative staffing?

A

s companies strive to find new and thoughtful ways to manage costs in their organisation alternative staffing is a concept that has taken hold with many companies over the last several years. Alternative staffing refers to hiring individuals on a part-time or as needed basis, typically under short term contract and for specific services as opposed to full-time personnel.

Benefits of alternative staffing

Alternative staffing has a number of benefits for both employers and increasingly for employees as well who enjoy the increased flexibility

and free time.

Benefits for employers More flexibility to adapt to changes in market conditions and labour requirements. The ability to adapt the labour pool to the immediate needs is a huge benefit if managed effectively.

Potential lower labour costs as companies don’t need to hire full time staff for every role. Consider small companies that need an accountant for five hours a week, hiring a full time accountant is costly and a waste of resources when a long term relationship can be arranged with a part time resource.

Labour laws can be stringent around tax filings, sever-

ance packages, and different benefits paid. These are largely avoided by utilising alternative staffing.

Benefits for employees More flexibility than traditional full time roles in choosing your work and managing your work schedule. This is a huge benefit for many individuals including parents and those that simply do not want to commit to a nine-to-five job.

Potentially higher income as individuals can contract their services to numerous companies and as part time staff often earns a higher pay rate than if they were working there full time. (Business Dictionary) TO BE CONTINUED

Business concept – Distribution channel

Open: 16073.37

High:16101.99

% Change: +0.15 Low: 16057.34

% YTD: 22.84

52Wk Hi: 15721.00

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

The path through which goods and services travel from the vendor to the consumer or payments for those products travel from the consumer to the vendor. A distribution channel can be as short as a direct transaction from the vendor to the consumer, or may include several interconnected intermediaries along the way such as wholesalers, distributers, agents and retailers.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, november 29, 2013

17

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Keep your emotions in check and your mind on what needs to be done.

You will have opportunities to meet potential partners if you mingle with people who share your concerns.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) A lack of communication isn’t always a bad thing. Take time to think about the way you feel and what you want to convey before you make a move that may limit future discussions.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Lend a helping hand, and you will end up receiving as much in return. A personal partnership will undergo emotional stress if you cannot agree on a financial matter.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Look at the way others live and the interests and differences between yourself and those in your community. Sharing your philosophy or way of doing things will encourage new friendships.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Listen to any complaints being made at home and show compassion for anyone going through a tough time.

Your attentiveness will help change the way someone thinks about and treats you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Personal investing and moneymaking ideas will lead to victory.

Suggestions you make will put you in the driver’s seat at meetings. Offer an unusual solution.

Peanuts ARIES (March 21-April 19)

SUDOKU

Set up investments that will give you a tax break. An emotional issue due to an unpredictable incident is likely to influence your living arrangements and your love life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Take care of personal business and discuss your plans with anyone who will be affected by the decisions you make. Expand your interests and your future prospects.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) Sensitive issues at home or at work will leave you questioning your next move. Don’t procrastinate when you should be dealing with issues swiftly.

Don’t let emotions intervene.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) A secret is likely to be divulged. Protect your reputation, assets and future prospects. Personal changes must be given great thought before you proceed. Love is in the stars.

Thursday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20)

SAGITTARIUS

Do your best to help others, but don’t meddle or you will end up in an awkward position. A physical activity will help you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on new interests.

Mingle with your peers and find out where you stand. Share your thoughts, but keep your personal preferences a secret. Don’t get angry when action is needed.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, november 29, 2013

Entertainment

M

any are probably looking at the weather and thinking that the Anuradha Paudwal show is in jeopardy but according to the weather forecast by the Guyana Meteorological office, there will be sunshine.

Come Sunday evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Anuradhaji will be performing before her fans for more than two hours. The Indian playback singer is expected to arrive in Guyana on Sunday morning and will make a few television appearances.

She will be travelling with her son, who is also a singer and from all indications, she

is hyped and ready to sing her way into the hearts of Guyanese. She will also be accompanied by her band comprising members from the Caribbean, India and other parts of the globe.

Apart from her performance, Sachin Sharma will also be featured; a young man who is known for his versatility and charm. Also steaming up the stage will be Roshini Boodhoo and her dance troupe, but the event will also be graced by the reigning Miss India Worldwide who is presently visiting Guyana.

All proceeds from the show will be used to construct a

Mandir in Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; a project that was organised by Pandit Hari Shankar Sharma.

Tickets have been going but as usual, Guyanese will wait until the last minute to buy their tickets.

The event is promoted by Beats Entertainment Inc and will see the playback singer being accompanied by one of her students, Sachin Sharma.

The event is titled “Shrandajali – a tribute to the legend”.

The evening will also see

performances by the Shakti String Orchestra and a live band from Mumbai, India and the songstress will be performing hits by Lata; Mohammed Rafi; Kishore Kumar; Jagjit and many more.

Tickets for the event cost $15,000 for VVIP; $5000 for VIP; $2000 for back seating and $1000 for standees.

The concert starts at 18:30h but gates will be opened by 15:00h. Lighting and sound will be provided by Crown Vibes international.

for Saturday

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his Saturday evening, the Monument Gardens, Camp and Church streets, Georgetown, will come alive when Apsara Dance Troupe hosts “An Evening of Dance”.

The event will see at least 20 dance items by reigning Miss India Worldwide, Nehal Bhogaita and members of the Apsara Dance Troupe. Miss Guyana Universe, Katherina Roshana is also

C

ome this Saturday, De Impeccable Banquet Hall, Brickdam, Georgetown, will be transformed into ‘Little Havana’, the Latin beat will permeate the setting, the culinary treats, the live stage performances, the cigars, and special drinks.

Don’t miss what promises to be the most fascinating international culinary event in Guyana this year. Save the date for this event where the organisers plan to educate your palates and entertain patrons in high style.

This culinary happening will be a gala

expected to grace the event with her presence.

Bhogaita was expected to arrive in Guyana early this morning and she will be making several television appearances during her stay. She will be performing at the Anuradha Paudwal show this Sunday.

Bogaita, who hails from the United Kingdom, is the first deaf contestant to win the title in pageant history.

The show will commence at 20:00h but gates will open at 18:30h. Stage front tickets cost $2500 and regular tickets are $1000 and are available at N&S Mattai, Water Street; Bhagwans, Water Street; Survival Supermarket, Sheriff Street; Nanda’s Boutique, Camp Street and the Feedshop, Kitty.

The event is sponsored by Fly Jamaica, Cellular Plus, Pegasus, and Rent-a-Tent.

celebration of all things Cuban with the eclectic and exotic cuisine… live music… fashion…. cooking demonstrations… world famous cocktails and much more, which will be a part of this event that will showcase the rich heritage and culture of Cuba.

A highly acclaimed visiting Cuban chef who will be arriving in Guyana for this special occasion, will prepare some of the finest Latin cuisine. To showcase the full diversity of the flavours from Cuba, Havana Night will give attendees a true and varied Cuban culinary and cultural

experience.

The aroma of the food alone will be an experience in and of itself. Though the focus will be on food, coffee, cigars, and drinks, the organisers will be bringing in some of the most talented artistes from Havana to perform at the event. This will be a one of a kind experience.

Accompanying this delectable cuisine shall be traditional Cuban drinks, including world-famous cocktails such as the Daiquiri, Mojito, Cuba Libre, Pina Colada, Cubanito, President, Saoco, Cuban Ginger, Havana Loco and Crema de Vie.

“A

nybody See Brenda” heads the list of nominations in the open full length category in this year’s Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s National Drama Festival. The play was written by Dr Paloma Mohamed; directed by the Theatre Guild Workshop Team and was acted by a group of young people from the Theatre Guild.

This theatrical presentation is a situational comedy in two acts and it centres around homophobic “Herbie”, played by Mark Luke-Edwards, who impersonates a gay man in order to be able to rent a room in the home for the quirky and very gay “Aubrey” played

by Clinton Duncan.

The situation is further complicated when “Jill”, played by Leslyn Lashley, the second boarder in Aubrey’s house begins to have feelings for Herbie and goes all out to “turn him back into a straight man”.

“Anybody See Brenda” was written 15 years ago

by Guyana Prize winning playwright, Mohamed.

Second to head the list is “Watch De Ride 2” directed by Ronald Hollingsworth and Sharon CadoganTaylor and in the third spot is “When Chocolate Melts”, directed by Neaz Subhan.

In the Open short play category, “Before her parting” directed by the Theatre Guild tops the list while “Farepicker” also directed by the Theatre Guild of Guyana came in second and

“Mommy”, a Queen of Arts Production was nominated for the third place award.

In the Debutante category, “Bamboo Alley” directed by Emeralds Drama Group is in line to received the award with “Mara’s Faith” by the Bethel Gospel Hall Youth Group (Jesus People) being nominated for the second place award while “Third Degree Graduate” directed by the Surmounting Thespians is next in line and “Unequal Yoke” by Praise Prophetic Arts Ministry is in fourth position.

In the Junior category, “A Twist of Faith” directed by Cast of A Twist of Faith leads followed by “All or Nothing” by Troopers Drama Group in second while “Creative Burial Ground”, directed by its cast came in third and “Deep Wounds” directed by its cast is in fourth.

“Planned to Perfection” directed by its cast is in the fifth spot.

The best production in the School’s category was “A Flower Without Petals” directed by Ascension Secondary School with “Massacura Man” by Berbice High School in second place followed by “Save the children” by Leonora Secondary School in third and “The Lost Hope” by West Demerara Secondary School in the fourth spot.

The awards will be announced on Saturday evening at the National Cultural Centre.

guyanatimesgy.com

Friday, november 29, 2013

19

Entertainment

Carib Soca Monarch 2014 to be launched on December 2

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ome this Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Destiny Entertainment intends to “bring the heat” as they host the 4th annual Auto Expo and Car and Bike Show, which will see a display of unique and pimped out cars, SUVs, bikes and minibuses.

This year it is expected to be bigger and better than previous years, as the promoters focused on increasing overseas participation.

There will also be judges from Guyana; Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Those who wish to participate in the auto expo are invited to pick up their

application forms and rule sheets from the organisers. Registration will be closed today. Registration cost $5000 for each category of vehicle and $3000 for bikes.

Booth spaces for commercial use are also available. This will be an exciting event for the entire family and gates open at 14:00h. The vehicles will be available for public viewing during the afternoon and the judging will be in the evening, according to specific categories. Over $3 million in trophies and prizes will be up for grabs.

However, after the judging, which is expected to illuminate the atmosphere with neon lit vehicles, the stage will come alive with featured Jamaican reggae/

dancehall artiste, Mad Cobra. There will also be other local performers to heat up the crowd.

Music, lighting and stage settings will be provided by Crown Vibes International.

Tickets cost $1000 in advance and more at gate. Tickets and registration forms can be uplifted from Dave’s Sports Bar, Grove, East Bank Demerara; Westsiderz Entertainment, Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara; Gizmos and Gadgets, Wellington Street, Georgetown; Clifton Auto Spares, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara; and Rainbow Graphics, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

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John Legend and Beres Hammond excited about Guyana concert!

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uyanese can look forward to an evening of rich, soulful music when John Legend performs live at the Guyana National Stadium on January 04, 2014 alongside Reggae icon Beres Hammond.

This was promised by the nine-time Grammy award winner himself during a live telephone interview on Hits and Jams 94.1 Boom FM on Saturday last.

“I just wanna take people to a great place, to let their minds expand, to let their minds wonder, put them in a romantic mood, make

them feel good… that’s what music is supposed to do,” John Stephens, better known by his stage name John Legend, told Hits and Jams Entertainment and McNeal Enterprise organisers.

Legend added that his performance will be sexy and soulful and promised that he will be entertaining the audience with his astounding piano playing skills. “It’s gonna be a beautiful night.

There’s gonna be some love music and everybody’s gonna come there ready to have a good time and they’re gonna

leave ready to have a good time too,” Legend pointed out laughingly.

“I know they got some pretty girls,” he chuckled.

After further questioning, the singer admitted that his current favourite song is ‘All of Me’ off his most recent album ‘Love in the Future’, but it often changes.

Legend explained that he has been privileged to write songs for artists like Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson and many other great artistes but would still love to work with Adele and Beyonce in the same capacity.

As far as Caribbean singers go, he noted that he is always open to collaborations with great Caribbean artistes, further making mention of his collaboration with Buju Banton on ‘Can’t be my Lover’ and his performance with Taurus Riley in Jamaica.

Speaking on the concert slated for Guyana, Legend said “I am so excited to come down there for the very first time. We are gonna have a great night, great show, you don’t wanna miss it… I’ll see you on January 4 Guyana, it’s gonna be beautiful!”

The artiste did not say goodbye before giving listeners a snippet of his favourite song, belting out one line “What would I do without your smart mouth?”

Meanwhile,

Caribbean music icon Beres Hammond expressed his excitement in coming to Guyana and the privilege he feels to perform with Legend. “What a wonderful line up. It’s an honour for me to share the stage with him,” Hammond said.

Informed of the predicament organisers are faced with in deciding who should bring the curtains down on the ‘Night of Love’ concert, having two amazing artistes perform, Beres said that since Legend is an international artiste, it is only right that he is given this respect, further stating that “His name is Legend you know” with a snicker.

“Looks to me like the both of us going on same time then. Anyone, it doesn’t matter. I personally have the highest respect for his music,” Beres added after being told that it will be the night when the legend meets the icon!

Asked how he has managed to keep the music alive for so many years, Hammond explained, “It winds down to family because when people make you feel loved, it makes you wanna do more, so everything bursts down to love and the love the Guyanese people give me, as an artiste, who can ask for more?”

On January 4, 2014, Beres said Guyanese can expect an extension of himself and while he is aware that he can never include all his songs in one performance, he is ready to “mix it up a

he 10th Carib Soca Monarch is here, setting the vibes and rhythms for Mashramani 2014. This year will not disappoint, with exciting music, thrilling performances and an explosion of fabulous lyrics, as every year, the contestants tries to out-perform each other.

The 2013 competition proved to be one of the best ever monarch competitions held and this year, the organisers will be aiming to surpass the success with the multi-talented, vibrant artistes that are in our midst.

The proposed dates are: Semi-finals to be held on February 8, 2014 in East Berbice and the finals on February 15, 2014 at the National Park, Georgetown.

On December 2 and 3, at the Sidewalk Cafe, Middle Street, Georgetown, ANSA McAL will host a two-day music workshop which will allow past participants of the Carib Soca Monarch, other musicians and generally anyone interested in developing their musical skills

the opportunity to further develop their talents and enhance music in Guyana.

The facilitator will be Trinidadian Songwriter and Producer, Klase Gonsalves, who is better known as ‘1st Klase’ and who has worked with the likes of Machel Montano.

The launch of the 2014 Carib Soca Monarch and the music workshop will be held on December 2 at 17:00h at the Sidewalk Café, Middle Street, Georgetown.

Spotlight for December 7 @ NCC

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he Classique Dance Company and friends will again host its end of the year production entitled “Spotlight” at the National Cultural Centre on December 7. The action starts at 20:00h sharp.

This production is the fifth of its kind and will see a number of local artistes performing for their fans.

There will be performances by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company star, Ryan Hoppie; Tenicia De Freitas; Jackie Hanover; Kwesi Edmondson; Reigning Miss Guyana World,

Ruqayyah Boyer; “The Reactors” – a dance group – who is expected to perform a Christmas dance piece and others who have shined throughout the year.

Patrons can expect the very best come December 7 with some high quality performances and are asked to be seated early in order not to miss anything.

Tickets for the event cost $2000 and $1500 and can be purchased at Classique Dance Company, Hadfield Street and the National Cultural Centre.

20

entertainment

YELLOW PAGES FriDay, november 29, 2013

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

EDUCATION SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English classes, personalized tutoring. Phone: 6124821 after 4pm, 274-0437 after 7pm.

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

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Classified Ads $5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

N

ineteen-year-old Raynauth Jeffrey, also called “Avinash” and “Obeah Man”, is the youngest of three children for his parents, Shanta Bhagwat and Richard Jeffrey. His other two siblings are Rocky and Rishi. Jeffrey is the reigning five-stage cycling champion, but also has other titles under his belt.

Jeffrey had an interesting childhood; one that saw him skipping school to train after he was encouraged to take up cycling as a career by a neighbour who still supports him to this day.

Starting off with a mountain bike, he rode from his home at Annandale, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Mahaica, ECD at the age of 14 and would do so very often. After grooving into the cycling habit, his neighbour gave him a racing bike (10-Speed) and encouraged him to participate in a race at the National Park.

All excited about riding, he journeyed to Georgetown, clad in a pair of short pants and a shirt and entered the race.

He placed third. By placing so well in the race, he was further motivated and felt the need to work harder in order to succeed.

He skipped school to train and eventually dropped out, which gave him more time to concentrate on his cycling.

He left Lusignan Primary and later started the Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) where he started his studies in becoming a machinist.

This did not work out since he was more in and out participating in cycle races.

Again, he dropped out. His persistent training led to him falling ill and being bedridden for three months. After

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he highly anticipated Hits and Jams All Black Concept party is now shifted to Tower Hotel Poolside due to inclement weather.

Last year, thousands flocked the Everest Cricket Club Ground to experience the All Black concept party and it rocked…this year, patrons will have another opportunity to experience where everything fades to black, but at a different venue.

The sixth edition of the event is set for next Saturday and all arrangements are already in place for the successful hosting of the event.

From all indications, this

recuperating, he recommenced training but could not reach the limits he wanted to reach – he could only go the farthest at 15 miles.

After some time, he was finally ready for the road, yet again. He started to participate in races, but this time, against the big guns. The first threestage race he participated in was a breakthrough. He took the lead as the group travelled from Berbice to Georgetown and that was when the members of Team Coco saw his potential and offered him a spot on the team.

The former Carton Wheeler and Continental Cycle Club cyclist, Jeffrey, accepted the offer and has since been creating some heatwaves on the road with his new team members.

The young cyclist has gotten the exposure and experience by riding here and abroad.

He has participated in various races in Colombia, Antigua, Anguilla, Suriname, Dominica and Curacao, and right here at home in Guyana.

He is also the reigning champion of the Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness race meet.

However, the maintenance of bicycles can be costly, but with the support of Team Coco and his good neighbour Mohan Thakur, he has been able to keep up. Now that the racing season has come to an end, he will be working to earn some extra money.

He hopes that being off the bike for a few months will not cause him to gain weight, which has happened before. In an interview with the talented young rider, Jeffrey explained that riding is getting tougher as the days go by. “Before in a race, we used to ride 25 miles an hour but now, with the big boys, we do sometime like 30-35 miles an hour”.

For those who want to take up cycling as a career, he advises them to stay focused and do not take cycling for granted. “It is a hard sport, out your mind to it and once it is there, you can live your dream”.

Jeffrey’s eyes are now set on the 2016 Olympics in Brazil as a potential rider to represent Guyana. He is confident that he will make it once the necessary support, is garnered. This teenager is unwed, but he is taken, ladies, and hopes to tie the knot two years from now.

event is indisputably the most attended and most anticipated concept party of all time. No stone will be left unturned in the quest to make this the most amazing ‘All Black’ party to ever be hosted, the organising committee said.

Patrons can look forward to great juggling by Guyana’s best disc jockeys and entertainers that are sure to set the perfect atmosphere for the most authentic concept party yet.

Year after year, thousands don black apparel and swarm venues to enjoy a party that can only be hosted by entertainment giant Hits and Jams. Tickets for the event cost $1000.

friday, november 29, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Bresnan pushes claim for Test place

FIFA World Cup 2014...

No plans to move tournament from Brazil T

Two workmen were killed as a crane fell and destroyed parts of Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians stadium

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IFA says it has no plans to move the 2014 World Cup away from Brazil despite the latest setback to preparations for next summer’s tournament.

Two workmen were killed as a crane fell and destroyed parts of Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians stadium.

Brazil are due to play the opening match of the World Cup in the 65,000 capacity venue in less than 200 days.

Senior sources within world football’s governing body continue to insist “there is no plan B” for the World Cup. Brazil has already admitted it is struggling to get

all 12 venues completed for the tournament.

Six were ready for last summer’s Confederations Cup but it is a race against time to finish the remaining six.

Wednesday’s accident is the third to have caused deaths in World Cup stadiums in Brazil, with two construction workers having previously been killed during the past two years.

An investigation into the cause of the accident in Sao Paulo was expected to begin on Thursday.

Arena Corinthians, which will stage five further World Cup games, including a semi-final, in addition to

the opening fixture, was due to be completed at the end of December to meet a FIFA deadline.

After the World Cup the stadium - also known as the Itaquerao - is expected to accommodate nearly 50,000 people. However, at FIFA’s request, 20,000 temporary seats are to be added ahead of the tournament.

Mexico stepped in to host the 1986 World Cup after Columbia said it could not do so in 1982, largely because of economic reasons.

A year later, Mexico was selected as the new host and held the tournament 16 years after doing so for the first time. (BBC Sport)

im Bresnan pushed his claim for a spot in the England team for the second Ashes Test against Australia with a strong showing in Brisbane.

The 28-year-old, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back, took 4-31 for England’s Performance Programme against Queensland Second XI. England one-day coach Ashley Giles said: “Bresnan will return to the Test squad after the [Brisbane] game.

“To have someone like him available would be a big bonus for England.”

The second Ashes Test begins in Adelaide on 5 December.

England trail 1-0 in the five-match series following a 381-run defeat in the first Test at the Gabba.

Bresnan stayed in Brisbane with the young guns to get overs under his belt as England’s senior players prepare for their two-day match against a similarly low-key opposition here in Alice Springs.

Bresnan took 4-31 as he looks to convince the selectors he is fully over the stress fracture of the back that has ruled him out of selection since the fourth Ashes Test in Durham last August.

Both Steven Finn and Boyd Rankin will play in Alice as they battle for the third seamer’s place with Bresnan and first Test incumbent Chris Tremlett.

Ben Stokes, Jonny

WI U-19s lose to Sagicor HPC

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AVE HILL, Barbados – The West Indies Under-19s were outplayed by their senior compatriots in the first warm-up match at 3Ws Oval on Thursday. The young Windies lost to the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre by 96 runs.

West Indies Under-19 were bowled out for 97 after they bowled out Sagicor HPC for 183 earlier in the day.

Batting first on a lively surface, several Sagicor HPC batsmen got starts but did not carry on. Shai Hope topscored with 35, while Dalton Polius played a lateorder cameo – with 27 not out off 15 balls.

West Indies Under-19’s bowling was led by the leftarm pacers Jerome Jones, who took 4-27 and Preston McSween, who ended with 3-34.

After the fine bowling effort the West Indies Under19s were letdown by their batsmen who folded in 32 overs. Fabien Allen topscored with 25 as only three

Jerome Jones

batsmen reached doublefigures. The innings was wrecked by the mediumpace bowling of Kyle Mayers and Raymon Reifer.

Mayers took 3-7 off five overs while left-armer Reifer snatched 3-19 of seven overs.

The second match will be played at the 3Ws Oval today. West Indies Under19s are using the games as preparation for their sevenmatch series in Bangladesh next month. (www.windiescricket.com)

Tim Bresnan

Bairstow and Gary Ballance have also been named in England’s team to take on a Chairman’s XI on Friday and Saturday as England audition for the place vacated by Jonathan Trott when he returned to the UK earlier in the week with a stress-related illness.

Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Kevin Pietersen will all be rested for England’s first ever senior fixture at Traeger Park, with Matt Prior expected to open with Michael Carberry.

Prior is looking to find some form with the bat having averaged only 15 since the start of the Ashes in England last summer.

Both Bresnan and Stokes could play in Adelaide, with Tremlett down on pace at the Gabba and the pitch in Adelaide expected to favour batsmen.

Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar too could come into the equation, with former Australia skipper Allan Border suggesting that the drop-in track may turn significantly later in the game.

The 28-year-old Bresnan has played 21 Tests for England, scoring 541 runs at an average of 30 and taking 67 wickets at a cost of 32.

Before his wickets the England XI had declared on their overnight 376-9, Middlesex’s Sam Robson having retired on 102 and Moeen Ali of Worcestershire adding 83.

They then dismissed the home side for 156, with Bresnan the pick of the bowlers, and left-arm spinner Danny Briggs taking 3-17.

In their second innings the tourists closed on 156-5, a lead of 376, with one day of the match remaining. (BBC Sport)

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friday, november 29, 2013

Chanderpaul hits 89 in warm-up game

DMW International Indoor Hockey Festival...

Hikers, GCC Tigers and GCC vets V record commanding wins T he Hikers signalled their intentions to retain the coveted Men’s title on the opening night of the Diamond Mineral Water (DMW) International Indoor Hockey Festival with a solid 8-4 victory over former champs Old Fort on Wednesday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Three-time title holders, the GCC Tigers, were also in top form as they cruised to an 8-2 victory over the Hikers ladies, while the GCC vets completed a successful night for the club with a 7-3 victory over Old Old Fort.

On an opening night that saw top local teams go headto-head, the powerful Hikers Men’s side, boasting the best record in the festival to date, did not disappoint their voluminous supporters.

While Old Fort’s Dwayne Allen was the first to find the back of the net just four minutes into the match, the Hikers’ Shane Samuels would draw his team even by completing a swift overlap up the right side with an accurate finish.

Despite some solid defence from Old Fort, led by a fine performance from left back Dwight Sullivan, the

eteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul took full advantage of his time in the middle, hitting 89 for West Indians in their threeday warm-up game against New Zealand XI at Lincoln.

After New Zealand XI declared at 227-8, West Indians responded with 2306 declared with Chanderpaul leading the way. Batting a

second time, New Zealand XI reached 103 without loss by the close.

For this match, the West Indies had to rely on some New Zealand players to make up the starting XI since the rest of the players are still in India. The game is the only warm-up ahead of the first Test on December 3 in Dunedin.

SCOREBOARD Ashley DeGroot

Phillip Fernandes

Ivor Thompson

Hikers took control of the match with better finishing through one field goal and double penalty corner goals from Jamarj Assanah, a second field goal from Samuels and singles each from Devin Munroe and Michael Harding. Old Fort’s Simon managed a second for his side in the first half, while his brother Ascofu Simon and Mark Fraser managed one each in the dying minutes leaving the Hikers 8-4 victors.

The GCC Tigers stormed to a 5-1 lead over the Hikers by the end of the first half of their duel. Overlapping left defender Ashley DeGroot produced top quality finishes in completing a first-

half hat-trick for the Tigers, while teammates Kerensa Fernandes and Gabriella Xavier put the game beyond reach of the Hikers.

Hikers right back, Marisha Rodrigues managed a lone penalty corner goal for her team in the first half and Macaela Harding added one more in the second to complete the Hikers tally of two, but GCC stormed through the second half with three more goals to leave the final score at 8-2.

Trisha Woodroffe, Ulrica Sutherland and Aliyah Gordon were the GCC scorers in the second-half.

National veterans champions GCC continued their fine form from the recent na-

tional indoor championships with a 7-3 beating of Old Old Fort. Guyana Hockey Board president Phillip Fernandes assumed his familiar position of top goal-scorer of the match with a helmet-trick (four goals) to his name, while teammate Damon Woodroffe added a hat-trick.

Old Fort’s former national midfielder Ivor Thompson pulled off a hat-trick for his side but failed to garner enough support to make an impact on the match.

The tournament, which also features 11 foreign teams from Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, will run until Sunday.

New Zealand XI 1st innings PG Fulton b Cottrell 1 HD Rutherford c †Walton b Tugaga 61 DG Brownlie lbw b Gabriel 6 TWM Latham c †Walton b Wells 27 BB McCullum* b Cottrell 22 DC de Boorder† b Wells 4 MD Craig c & b Johnston 24 TD Astle lbw b Gabriel 30 A Verma not out 31 JD Baker not out 7 Extras (lb-8, nb-6) 14 Total (8 wickets dec; 56.2 overs) 227 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Fulton, 1.1 ov), 2-32 (Brownlie, 4.4 ov), 3-85 (Rutherford, 15.3 ov), 4-112 (McCullum, 22.2 ov), 5-122 (de Boorder, 25.6 ov), 6-129 (Latham, 27.2 ov), 7-168 (Craig, 39.4 ov), 8-207 (Astle, 50.2 ov) Bowling: ST Gabriel 14.2-1-532 (4-nb), SS Cottrell 13-2-60-2, MJ Tugaga 8-1-23-1, SR Wells 6-2-21-2 (1-nb), TG Johnston 100-41-1 (1-nb), S Chanderpaul 1-0-1-0, JA Raval 4-0-20-0 West Indians 1st innings KA Edwards* c †de Boorder b Verma

3

JA Raval c Baker b Craig 39 AJ Redmond c Rutherford b Craig 67 CAK Walton† c McCullum b Craig 6 S Chanderpaul b Verma 89 SR Wells c †de Boorder b Craig 16 RR O’Donnell not out 6 SS Cottrell not out 0 Extras (b-2, lb-1, w-1) 4 Total (6 wickets dec; 58.5 overs) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Edwards, 4.3 ov), 2-85 (Raval, 19.3 ov), 3-97 (Walton, 23.5 ov), 4-156 (Redmond, 41.3 ov), 5-192 (Wells, 45.5 ov), 6-230 (Chanderpaul, 58.5 ov) Bowling: A Verma 8.5-1-26-2 (1-w), AW Mathieson 6-0-250, JD Baker 9-2-39-0, MD Craig 20-4-78-4, TD Astle 13-3-460, DG Brownlie 2-0-13-0 New Zealand XI 2nd innings PG Fulton not out HD Rutherford not out Extras (b-4, lb-3, nb-3) Total (no wicket; 19 overs) Bowling: ST Gabriel 5-028-0, SS Cottrell 7-0-44-0 (1-nb), MJ Tugaga 6-3-220, SR Wells 1-0-2-0 (2-nb)

32 61 10 103

Kwakwani DOI set for Sunday Williamson likely to play

T

he fifth Day of Interaction for 2013, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, will be held at Kwakwani on Sunday from 09:00 hours.

Hundreds of athletes and officials from the communities of Kwakwani, Ituni, Aroaima and Hururu will participate in various sports disciplines, including football, domino and cricket.

The day’s activities will commence with a grand opening ceremony, which will include a march pass of athletes displaying banners

Neil Kumar

depicting various aspects of sport activities and healthy lifestyle.

In attendance will be the Director of Sport Neil Kumar and other regional officials of Region 10.

Trophies will be presented to outstanding performers in the various events.

Sport gear and equipment will also be distributed to the communities to ensure the continuation and development of sport in the areas.

The day’s activities are expected to be alcohol free, therefore, the distribution and or sale of alcohol will not be permitted at the venue.

Two charged over English football claims

T

wo people have been charged over alleged match-fixing in English football, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

Singapore national Chann Sankaran, 33, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, 43, who has dual UK and Singapore nationality, are charged with conspiracy to defraud.

They were among six people held earlier this week, and a seventh person has now been arrested.

The BBC understands that none is linked to profes-

sional football clubs.

Sankaran and Ganeshan, who are alleged to be members of an illegal betting syndicate, are accused of committing the offences in “Manchester and elsewhere.”

The NCA said the four other people arrested earlier this week were bailed on Thursday pending further inquiries.

At least three footballers are reported to be among those held across the country, Sources have told the BBC one of the other suspects is former Premier

League player Delroy Facey, now a football agent.

Sankaran and Ganeshan are alleged to have conspired with each other and others “to defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon”.

The NCA said the maximum sentence for the offences was 10 years in prison.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller said there was “no place” for this sort of criminal activity in British sport, but the NCA’s action showed “robust” measures were in place to tackle it. (BBC Sport)

first Test

N

ew Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has been included in the Test squad for the home series against West Indies and is likely to play the first match in Dunedin beginning on December 3, pending a final fitness clearance.

Williamson had returned home mid-way through the tour of Bangladesh after breaking his thumb, and also missed the limitedovers series in Sri Lanka.

“Kane has been in the nets batting and bowling and getting his intensity levels up,” general manager national selection, Bruce Edgar, said. “We’re confident he should be right come Tuesday.”

The 13-man squad also included fast bowler Tim Southee, who had ankle surgery in July. Southee played the limited-overs games in Bangladesh, and took match figures of 6-79 in his most recent Plunket Shield match for Northern Districts.

Allrounder Corey Anderson was also in the squad despite suffering a rib injury in Sri Lanka.

Otago batsman Aaron Redmond also made a comeback as injury cover for Williamson. Redmond last played a Test in 2008, but has been in good form of late. “Aaron has made a good

Kane Williamson could be back in international action sooner than expected

start to the Plunket Shield to date, and on top of the 67 he scored yesterday for the New Zealand XI we felt he was the best top-order batting cover,” Edgar said.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey

Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Peter Fulton, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson. (Cricinfo)

friday, november 29, 2013

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ProAm boxing heads to Linden on Boxing Day H

istory will be created on Boxing Day (December 26) when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) takes its ProAm boxing card to the Mining Town of Linden for the first time.

In collaboration with Nations Promotions, the GBBC will stage the card, dubbed “Linden Showdown”, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Four professional and a similar number of amateur fights will comprise the card.

In the main encounter, a 12-rounder, Derick Richmond, who broke the jaw of local and CABOFE champion Edmond DeClou in his last trip to the ring, will take on James Walcott for the vacant Super Middlewight ti-

Shelly Gibson

tle of Guyana.

The bout is pitted as youth against experience, as Richmond has only ap-

peared in three fights with two victories and a draw.

Walcott, on the other hand, has chalked up 10 fights with three wins, six losses and a draw.

However, Walcott is vastly experienced, and is currently actively involved in coaching in the Albouystown area.

In the other professional bouts of the night, Cassius Matthews will take on Kishan Simon in a sixround Junior Welterweight contest, Kelsie George will battle with Romeo Norville in a four-round Super Middleweight fight and Shondell Parks and Shelly Gibson will look to settle the score once and for all in their four-round Heavyweight showdown.

This is the third fight between Parks and Gibson.

Parks won the first encounter in Linden, while Gibson won the second in Georgetown.

According to information emanating from the GBBC, the four amateur fights will feature boxers solely from Linden.

Admission to the venue is $1,000, while lucky patrons will be able to win attractive door prizes. Up for grabs will be a cellular phone, Ipad and two cash prizes valued $10,000 each.

The participating boxers will ink their contracts today at the GBBC’s office at 13:00 hours. Nations Promotions is headed by Carl Golding and Umutullah Golding.

Caribbean inter-club football put on hold

T

he current inclement weather has forced organisers of the Vizion Sound’s Caribbean interclub football tournament to put the event on hold until 2014.

The inaugural tournament was slated to feature local sides Buxton, Camptown and Alpha United, along with Boys Town FC of Jamaica this weekend.

However, the coordinator Wally Fraser announced on Thursday that heavy rainfall

Wally Fraser

over the last few days has put a damper on those plans.

Fraser said “it’s a disappointment for us”, as all plans had been in place for a successful weekend of football.

He reasoned however, that while the postponement is a setback, it can also serve as a blessing in disguise; as plans are already in train to expand the tournament come February next year.

Fraser, speaking at a press conference on

Thursday, highlighted that teams from Linden and Bartica have expressed an interest in being part of the activity and the band of organisers will work out the logistics in the coming weeks to see how they can be accomodated.

According to Fraser, the aim of the inter-club football tournament is to decide which is the top club team in the Caribbean. Vizion Sounds hopes to stage similar tournaments across the region.

23

Busta renews alliance with ECB cricket festival

Fizul Bacchus

Robert Selman

he Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) will stage its 50-over cricket festival on December 13-15, and on Thursday, the manufacturer of Busta soft drink, Guyana Beverage Company Inc., confirmed its sponsorship of the event for the ninth year in succession.

Eight area teams, namely Wakenaam, Leguan, East Bank Essequibo, Bartica, Pomeroon, North, South and Central Essequibo will battle for the top prizes at stake.

The final is set for the Imam Bacchus ground at Affiance on the Essequibo Coast.

Speaking at the launch at the company’s head office, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Public Relations Officer of the ECB, Nazeer Mohamed, lauded the Guyana Beverage Company Inc. for being the largest sponsor of cricket in Essequibo and said they do look forward to their contin-

ued support.

President of the ECB, Fizul Bacchus, thanked the company for its involvement, adding that the tournament has done well for the cricket in the county over the years.

Managing Director of the Guyana Beverage Company Inc., Robert Selman, commended the ECB for organising the competition over the past nine years and indicated that they will continue to support cricket in Essequibo. “We are proud to be associated with the game in the county; this tournament brings the Essequibo people together. We want to keep the youths off the streets and away from crime and that is one of the major reasons we invest in sports,” Selman stressed.

The champion team will take home a trophy and $100,000, while the runnerup will receive a trophy and $50,000.

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Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

Friday, november 29, 2013

TOP SCORES

CRICKET: NEW ZEALAND XI 227-8 DECLARED AND 103-0 VS WEST INDIANS 230-6 DECLARED

DMW International Indoor Hockey Festival...

Hikers, GCC Tigers and GCC vets record commanding wins See story on page

22

Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon sets off in pursuit, but is tackled by two Hikers players INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

ProAm boxing P23 heads to Linden on Boxing Day

Dwight Sullivan of Old Fort prepares to unleash

Colonel Heywood of Hikers

Narine added to West Indies Test squad

W

est Indies spinner Sunil Narine has been added to the Test squad for the tour of New Zealand in December.

Narine’s inclusion came after offspinner Shane Shillingford and part-time spinner Marlon Samuels were reported for suspect actions during West Indies’ recent tour of India.

Shillingford and Samuels, along with West Indies coach, Ottis Gibson, are headed to Perth for independent testing on their actions. Samuels’ faster ball and Shillingford’s doosra were the deliveries under scrutiny during the second Test in Mumbai in November.

Both players are available for selection for the first Test in Dunedin, which begins on December 3, subject

to the results of the tests on their actions. Samuels, Shillingford and Gibson are expected to join the West Indies squad in New Zealand over the weekend.

Narine has played five Tests for West Indies and taken 15 wickets at an average of 48. Two of those matches were against New Zealand, and Narine took 12 wickets in those games.

West Indies squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Denesh Ramdin (vc), Tino Best, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Powell, Marlon Samuels, Shane Shillingford and Chadwick Walton (Cricinfo)

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Sunil Narine has not been a regular in West Indies’ Test squad