Guyana Times Daily

APNU, AFC for “no confidence vote” talks today

– Granger says APNU wants to see draft motion

Amid stern warnings by the private sector bodies against possible snap elections, Leader of the Opposition David Granger says that the coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will

be meeting with the Alliance For Change (AFC) today to review the draft no-confidence motion the party plans to table against the Government.

“We have not seen the draft and that is one of the things to discuss when we meet tomorrow” (today), said the retired Brigadier during a telephone interview with Guyana Times.

Meanwhile, the AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan confirmed the meeting saying that the parties would be discussing the motion as part of the agenda of the meeting. Talks of a noconfidence motion against the Government was first floated by AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo last week. Following this, President Donald Ramotar challenged the Opposition to table such a motion, contending that his Government was ready to deal with the implications. However, pri-

vate sector bodies have different views on whether or not there should be a snap election and the implications of such a development.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday warned about the implications of political in-

stability that would ensue should there be a snap election. “It will be very unfortunate if such a motion is passed as it would signal political instability to our foreign investors, financiers, customers and suppliers. This will further increase the political risk premium, added to the cost of capital when overseas funding is sought by private entities and can negatively impact our economy,” the PSC said in a statement.

According to the PSC, for progress to be made in a dispensation where a minority Government and a majority Opposition exist, the political culture should consist of dialogue and compromise on issues of national interest and development.

However, the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) and The Blue Caps are of the opinion that early general elections might just be the solution to

the issues that are plaguing Guyana’s 10th Parliament and affecting some major developmental projects.

CAIC President Ramesh Dookhoo said that people are losing faith in the current Government structure, where there is a minority Government and a frequent

stalemate in Parliament. “People are losing faith, whatever needs to be done, has to be done,” stressed Dookhoo.

Dookhoo opined that

it would seem as though the country is “running on the spot” as he referred to the inability of the 10th Parliament to arrive at a compromise with respect to any major development project.

“If they absolutely can’t work together, let’s go back to elections,” said Dookhoo, adding that the Parliamentarians are “exerting energy on the wrong things”.

Founder of The Blue Caps and the former Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Clinton Urling, said that snap elections are definitely a possible solution to the woes of the 10th Parliament. “Snap elections seem to be a necessary conclusion right now… the economy will suffer more if we continue on this current trajectory… we need an election to sort out the issue… we need to settle this question once and for all,” Urling told Guyana Times. “If we go back and we get the same results, then our policymakers need to look at shared governance,” Urling said.

Caribbean Airlines pilots back on job … minor delays still evident

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) pilots are back on the job one day after they protested poor working conditions by staging a ‘sick-out’, grounding several of the airlines’ planes and stranding hundreds of passengers at the Piarco International Airport, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Although the operations have recommenced, there are still however several flights which have been affected. News coming out of Trinidad and Tobago revealed that all of its national planes are back in the skies after an agreement was struck with the pilots. The agreement was not made known but according to sources, there were about 15-20 concerns raised by the pilots.

Some of the concerns have been the absence of a revised compensation package for pilots for a number of years and hectic working hours, which add additional strain on crew members. As of late Tuesday evening, the pilots were assured that the concerns will be addressed after an intervention was made by several top officials of the Government and the airline. The source told Guyana Times that there were some delays with respect to departure, but it was merely due to the shut down on Tuesday.

He added that once the back log is cleared, all services will return to normal.

When checks were made with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday, the flights had some delays but operations were ongoing as per normal. Attempts to contact officials in Trinidad proved futile.

Hundreds of Guyanese passengers travelling to and from Georgetown were stranded at Piarco International Airport, Port of Spain, on Tuesday after a number of Caribbean Airlines Limited pilots staged a sick-out.

As a result, all flights scheduled to depart Port of Spain were severely affected. This setback would have affected both international and domestic flights.

In a release issued on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer of CAL, Michael DiLollo related, “We are naturally concerned firstly for the health and welfare of our pilot body since this is an unprecedented occurrence”.

He added that the unfortunate situation has disrupted their scheduled services at the beginning of the critical summer season, during which they count most on their operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers. Caribbean Airlines apologised to its loyal passengers for any and all inconvenience caused by the delays and gave the assurance that all will be done to correct the problem.

Opposition Leader David Granger

President Donald Ramotar

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Rodney CoI hears…

Trumped-up charges were hallmark of PNC Govt

By Tajeram mohaBir

Working People’s Alliance (WPA)

Executive Tacuma Ogunseye on Wednesday returned to the stand, informing the Commission that thuggery and “trump up” charges were allegedly the orders of the day during the Forbes Burnham-led regime.

Ogunseye, who returned for cross-examination after giving his evidence in chief last week Wednesday, told the international tribunal during cross examination by Attorney Basil Williams that Dr Walter Rodney’s brother, Donald Rodney became a victim of the latter, following the death of his brother. Donald was with Walter when a bomb-installed walkie-talkie reportedly given by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Gregory Smith on the instructions of then President Forbes Burnham, exploded in Walter’s lap while he was in his car outside the Camp Street Prison.

Unfair trial

Donald, who was not an active WPA member at the time, was charged by Detective Constable Leslie Stafford with possession of explosives. According to Ogunseye, the trial was unfair as apart from the evidence being “flimsy”, the judicial system was stacked with hand-picked PNC appointees, putting the ratio of professional judicial officers to those politically appointed at 25 per cent to 75 per cent. He told the Commission that some judicial officers had strong reservations against the Government’s overt control of the Judiciary, but did not have the backbone to stand up against the “tyrannical regime.”

The gesticulating WPA Executive also pointed out that on the day of Donald Rodney's trial, the courtroom was packed with PNC supporters with heightened

security, recalling that every attempt was made to keep out members of the public. All of this, he said happened even though Donald was never a threat to national security, but primarily because Burnham wanted to present and justify his version of events on how Dr Rodney died.

Ogunseye, who on occasions stopped the Attorneys cross-examining him from interrupting him while making his point, said notwithstanding the “flimsy” evidence, Donald who was tried in the Georgetown Magisterial District, was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison. He reportedly served a small portion of the sentence. Attorney Keith Scotland, who is representing the interest of Donald Rodney, said the matter was appealed in 1988 but was never heard.

Ogunseye told the Commission that he himself on numerous occasions was a victim of trumped-up charges, pointing out that at one time while speaking at a Georgetown meeting, a stone was hurled at him by a Police Officer and he lobbed it back in the direction it came from, striking a Policeman on the head.

The WPA Executive who related that he had slept in practically every lock up on

the East Coast of Demerara and Geogetown and was arrested about 20 times for his WPA activities, said for that “offence”, he was charged, convicted and fined for creating public terror.

Even to today, he said he has refused to pay the fine, noting that he had appealed the verdict but the appeal is yet to be heard.

Very vindictive man

He also said that Burnham was a very “vindictive” man, pointing out that at one occasion when he was in prison, a cousin visited him and when Burnham got hold of the information, he personally called his cousin who used to work at a Government agency. The next thing, he said happened was that the young man was fired.

When asked if Burnham was such a vindictive man, why he did not ensure that he paid the fine or spend time in jail, Ogunseye explained that while the then President had his ways, he was mindful of holding political prisoners, and the effect it would have had on the country’s already gloomy image at the time.

Ogunseye, a founding member of the Association for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ACRIA), an organisation that played an instrumental

role in the establishment of the WPA as a political party in 1979, said Burnham saw Dr Rodney as a “spoke in the wheel” in him maintaining his vice-grip on power, and sought to eliminate him.

He said Burnham most likely on seeing the threats posed by the WPA to the PNC, would have been faced with two situations: one to kill Dr Rodney and maintain power or two, ignore Dr Rodney and lose power.

Thirsty for power

Ogunseye, who had told the Commission in his evidence in chief that Burnham was thirsty for power, concluded that the President had “cracked” by the pressures brought on him by the WPA’s Civil Rebellion, and decided to end Dr Rodney with the hope of ending the WPA’s opposition to his rule.

Attorney representing the interest of the People National Congress (PNC) Basil Williams at this point interjected, saying that Ogunseye is speaking the mind of Burnham But Commission Chair Sir Richard Cheltenham corrected him, pointing out that the witness was giving his judgement, based on his experience as a political activist during the 19771980 period; contending that at the end of the day, the Commission will make a determination on the statements made.

An animated WPA Executive Tacuma Ogunseye on the stand

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

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Editorial

Youth violence

In the past week, of the total number of criminal activities reported, a significant percentage was committed by persons below the age of 30. “Twenty-two-yearold injures dentist in fight over payment”, “23-year-old labourer chops acquaintance”, “Essequibo residents being ‘tormented’ by a ‘biting teenager’”, “Salesman shot by man in his mid 20s”, and the list continues. The same can be said for crimes reported over a longer period, leaving us with the burning question, why do our youths seem so troubled?

Youth violence is no rare phenomenon. In fact, the numbers worldwide are just as shocking as we may find right at home. World Health Organisation statistics indicate that worldwide an average of 565 young people aged 10-29 die daily through interpersonal violence, among which males are at greater risk.

It isn’t that efforts are not being made to tackle this problem. Youth violence has unequivocally been an issue on which much attention has been placed, with policymakers the world over seeking solutions on how to curb this social ill. In the Caribbean, discussions on youth violence have been paramount on the agendas of Caricom forums, meetings of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and other highlevel assemblies. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, at the fourth meeting of the CBSI in 2013, explained that among the eight major challenges affecting the Caribbean, youth crime and violence top the list.

The acknowledgement of the prevalence of youth violence and its effect on society has yet to bridge the gap between its occurrence and its prevention. Studies have shown that one of the main causes of youth violence is its connection to alcohol use. This brings to mind the recent incident in which a 19-year-old, drunk at the wheel, claimed the lives of three persons and seriously injured two others while on a drunken joy ride along the Corentyne public road.

Other social factors such as poverty, dysfunctional families and the presence of gangs, guns and drugs are also popularly responsible. It is these social issues that must first be tackled. Policymakers must embark on dealing with issues of poverty, child development and social alienation to ensure that the concerns of and issues affecting young people are given enough attention.

If alcohol is the problem, measures such as increased prices and taxation on the sale of alcohol could help. Other limitations to the access of alcohol could be explored as well: In Brazil, the prohibition of alcohol sales after 23:00 helped prevent an estimated 273 murders over a two-year period. Moreover, we should look at stronger enforcement of the laws relating to the sale of alcohol to minors.

Our youth need healthy extracurricular activities to divert their attention from situations that incur violence. An increase of recreational, educational and employment opportunities, therefore, becomes a principal need so that our youth have more healthy options which can reduce their tendency to revert to violent pasttimes. Then our attention must turn to intervention measures such as guidance and counselling of youth who are likely to fall into violencerelated situations.

It is perhaps that our youth do not feel as though they are a priority that they set out to make their mark in areas that are not the best recommended for their future. A lack of opportunities can drive egos and passion into a rut that is only otherwise lifted by often ill-fated diversions.

Oftentimes, these alternatives are not deliberate, but are the only choices that are provided at a time when better alternatives would have been crucial, but did not exist. It is here where hope must be provided for those who otherwise feel lost. It is here where policymakers and other influential bodies must join in collaboration to help this problem.

It is important that those who can, try to make all efforts possible to ensure that our youth are provided with all the opportunities needed to lead healthy lives and to become productive citizens in a safe and secure environment.

Schools are not set up to accommodate errant children

Dear Editor,

Whoever the child, whatever the circumstances, whatever the behaviour – schools and teachers are “mandated” to put up with it. That’s the concept of some parents and they go about it with enthusiasm and inspiration.

This foolishness has so ingrained itself in the psyche of some individuals that sooner or later it was bound to spill over into the public domain. That is why a parent, could have penned a letter captioned “Children have feelings too”. Reading that letter, you get the expressed opinion of the parent of an errant teen who is determined to peddle the idea that tutors are “duty bound” to accommodate a child, irrespective of that student’s behaviour.

It was meant to convey the erroneous thought that the feelings of the child should be of paramount importance. Sure enough, the feelings of the child should be considered whenever disciplinary matters are addressed, but are the child’s feelings, thoughts, opinions, and excuses the only ones that matter? Well, if that’s the only way to deal with these cases then heaven help us, certainly we are in real trouble.

And that’s my point, once you have a situation where the feelings of the transgressor are germane to the issue or the only ones that count; we are in USA problem mode. This is the way it is done in the USA where there are a myriad of problems with no solutions

in sight. So, what about the feelings of the victim or the teacher – theirs do not count? Absolute trash! No wonder each day, the USA witnesses mass killings at various institutions of learning. It is a direct result of this foolishness where perpetrators' feelings are paramount.

Errant, out-of-place students always have a point, they are brimful of excuses many times over. Their lies and innuendos are astounding to say the least; they are so innovative in their approach that if you are not on the alert, you are caught flat footed and totally off guard. As I hinted at a staff meeting recently, if these students utilise those skills used at worming their way out of trouble into their schoolwork, then, we are definitely looking at the geniuses of tomorrow.

But this is not to be, what we find in Guyana today is a small yet irritating group of students who believe that society must put up with their nonsense. Well, they are ever so wrong, errant schoolchildren should be dealt with condignly so as to bring an end to this moral decline facing our schools and our nation on a whole.

The Linden situation where students could have mustered the courage to trounce a teacher is the watermark of indiscipline and this situation should never raise its ugly head again. No sensible excuse can be given for a student putting his/her hand on a teacher, period! That should never be

tolerated in our schools. So, this nonsensical idea that a teacher is deserved of a flogging because he yelled at a student or called him out of his name is most outrageous.

Guyana has been doing tremendously well on the academic front. Some would attribute this solely to the skill and brilliance of the students, but I strongly disagree, I solemnly believe that all success hinges on discipline. It has everything to do with it, that is, a strong sense of discipline, one’s conduct and general attitude to work. Some would argue that discipline is not learning, seeing it only from the standpoint of a punitive measure. But I would retort with the question how else can a student change the course of his downward spiral if some corrective measure is not put in place? And the answer comes back yes, correction is definitely needed. From the wearing of uniforms to one’s punctuality at school – all fits into the aspect of good sound learning.

Schools are institutions of learning and that only. It is not a repository of ill-mannered, out-of-place children. If we lose sight of this, then we are in for big trouble. We can ill afford such indiscipline at this juncture of our development.

Sincerely,

Neil Adams

Narine Chattergoon is not employed by the Home Affairs Ministry

Dear Editor, Reference is made to an article published in another section of the press on July 1 under the headline. “Senior Government official charged with indecent exposure”. The Ministry of Home Affairs wish-

es to inform the general public that the person in question, Mr Narine Chattergoon aka “Ken” who claimed as reported in the article to be a ‘big one with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ is no longer employed by the Ministry. Mr Chattergoon’s contract was ter-

minated with effect from August 1, 2013 and he does not have any other affiliation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Respectfully submitted, Home Affairs Ministry

After hiking for 12 hours out of a 19-hour trek, it was time to watch the sunrise at Dinosaur Ridge. When we first looked out, the mountains were completely covered by clouds, but within an hour the clouds dropped and this was what we saw. Some locals said that they’d never seen the mountains like this, even in their 40+ years of hiking there (National Geographic Traveller Photo Contest)

An open letter to the Guyana media

Dear Editor,

In a nation where far too many are not proactive enough and information seeking is still not a norm, people’s consciousness can best be impacted by messages that are relayed to them on a constant basis. And this is where the media – all media – can play a priceless role.

The normative view of the media argues, among other things, that the conduct of the media has to take into account public interests, to include a variety of information disseminated to the public that foster the avoidance of harm to individuals and the society (McQuil, 2005).

This social responsibility role is reinforced by the role of the media in a multi-sectoral process of information sharing about development agendas and planned actions, within the concept of development support communication.

And given that a multisectoral approach has been identified as the vehicle to addressing social issues like suicide, alcoholism, violence, abuse, relationship and intimacy issues in-

cluding teenage pregnancy – naturally, the media has a central role to play. For make no mistake about it, the human resource is the pivot of development and the actions of the media in ensuring the protection and safety of a nation’s human resources lead to a significant manifestation of social capital.

Against this background, The Caribbean Voice, through its social activism programme, ARISE, is appealing to all sections of the Guyana media, in all parts of the country, to publish or broadcast at least one public service advertisement or announcement (PSA) daily or at least weekly.

For print media, it does not have to be more than a quarter of a page and could even be less, especially if it is prominently displayed. For the broadcast media, it does not have to be more than 30 seconds and could even be 15 seconds.

Also, all media that have online presence can post a banner ad on their cover/index page. And, if needed, The Caribbean Voice is willing to provide

the graphics for the print media and online versions, and voiceovers for the radio ad as well as the videos for the TV ad, although we are certain that local advertising agencies would be more than willing to create such advertisements for free, as their contribution to the multi-sectoral campaign. Ads can focus not only on suicide but related issues such as alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, domestic abuse and other forms of violence and so on.

With this concerted focus nationally, sooner or later the various messages would seep into the consciousness of readers, listeners and viewers and impact their approach, even if in some small way, towards suicide and related issues. While by themselves, PSAs may not be a sufficient instrument for change, they certainly are a necessary component of the overall campaign to impact desired change.

Sincerely, Norkah Carter

Devv-Ramdas Daniel

Judy Deveaux

Annan Boodram

Crimes in Guyana

Dear Editor, My heart bleeds every time I read about an incident whereby one of my fellow Guyanese was robbed, shot, and stabbed – most times fatally by a bandit.

Today, I read about the death of 26-year-old Bharat Pitamber who was robbed and stabbed fatally for a mere $45,000. This is frightening but I have not heard any alarm bells ringing. It seems as if Guyanese have lost their capacity to care about the plight of others or the frequency with which crimes are committed have left us numb. However, it is important for all of us to remember that any one of us could be the next victim.

It would seem that robbery and killing have become the norm of everyday living in Guyana. Apart from the horrific attacks which lead to the loss of lives, many citizens suffer daily losses at the hands of criminals, whether at their homes, their businesses, their farms, their workplace or even while commuting to their vari-

ous destinations. I know of some friends who had to close down their businesses and who had to stop rearing poultry in their yards because they couldn’t cope anymore. These criminals destroy the livelihoods of people. In addition, the traumatic experience affects them psychologically for a long time.

The death of Bharat Pitamber has left a family in desolation and has left Guyana poorer because critical to a country’s development is its human resources which should be developed and not destroyed.

Ukraine situation demonstrates growing potential for conflict

Dear Editor, The situation in the Ukraine demonstrates that potential for conflict is growing in the world, old contradictions are growing ever more acute and new ones are being provoked. It is evident that international law is not working, the most basic norms of decency are not complied with and the principle of all-permissiveness is gaining the upper hand.

It is important to understand clearly that the events provoked in Ukraine are the concentrated outcome of the notorious deterrence policy. Its roots go deep into history and it is clear that unfortunately, this policy did not end with the end of the Cold War.

In Ukraine, Russian people and people of other nationalities, their language, history, culture and legal rights, guaranteed, by the way, by European conventions are under threat. What happened in Ukraine was the climax of the negative tendencies in international affairs that had been building up for years.

Despite efforts of Russia to convince President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko that the road to a secure, stable and inviolable peace cannot live through war, he resolved to resume military action.

Unfortunately, even after the ceasefire was declared, no substantive negotiations on the settlement of the situation ever began. Virtually, a disarmament ultimatum was given. However, even the ceasefire was not bad overall, though not enough to settle the situation on a long-term basis in a way that would be acceptable to all the people living in the country, including those in its southeast. A constitution was made public, but it was never discussed. Even within Ukrainian society, there is a discussion of whether it is good or bad, but nobody definitely ever discussed it with millions of people in the east.

Of course, everything that is going on in Ukraine is the internal affair of the Ukrainian state. It pains

to see people dying, especially civilians. The number of refugees to the Russian Federation is growing. Of course Russia will provide assistance to all those who need it.

Killing of journalists is unacceptable and alarming in Ukraine. What we are observing is a focused effort to liquidate all media representatives. This applies to both Russian and foreign journalists. Who could be afraid of fair reporting? Probably those who are committing the crimes. We strongly hope that the Ukrainian authorities act on their promises to carefully investigate the crimes.

Yours truly, Denis Kopyl Press Attaché Russian Embassy

End to pageant controversies in Guyana

Dear Editor,

A newspaper had carried an article stating that the Miss Guyana World Pageant 2014 was an epic failure. Frank Fyffe also just had his contribution published in another newspaper dated June 28 entitled, “The behaviour at the Miss Guyana World Pageant reflects what we live today”.

In all fairness to the Organising Committee of the event, perhaps a press briefing/forum might be an ideal avenue that should be

considered. This is very important because failing to address these hard pressed issues could see much reduced support to this event from all angles come 2015. Many might say that it is not important and we don’t owe anyone an explanation, but at the end of the day, it makes it much tougher to market Guyana to the globe from a tourism perspective.

A thought came to mind after reading all the reports and it could possibly end all pageant controversies in

Guyana; the serious pageants that is. Why not have both Miss Guyana Universe and Miss Guyana World Pageants for 2015 with delegates only of Afro Guyanese descent and in 2016, only Indo Guyanese Nationals and so forth. This way, I believe, Guyana will witness well behaved supporters and a balance of ethnicity to the Universe and World pageants.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

I urge all Guyanese to spare a thought for this young man and his family and to resolve to help in the fight against crime. I urge the Police to become more vigilant and the lawmakers to become more serious in dealing with these monsters who destroy the lives and livelihoods of others.

I hope and pray that those who robbed and murdered this young man will be apprehended and will be made to feel the full force of the law.

Yours sincerely, Bibi Ali

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko

IPage Foundation

Household Safety:

emergency medical treatment?

t is rare for children to become seriously ill with no warning. Based on your child’s symptoms, you should usually contact your child’s paediatrician for advice. Timely treatment of symptoms can prevent an illness from getting worse or turning into an emergency.

A true emergency is when you believe a severe injury or illness is threatening your child’s life or may cause permanent harm. In these cases, a child needs emergency medical treatment immediately. Discuss with your child’s paediatrician in advance what you should do in case of a true emergency.

Injuries

Many true emergencies involve sudden injuries. These injuries are often caused by the following:

* Motor vehicle-related injuries (car crashes, pedestrian injuries), or other sudden impacts such as from bicycle-related injuries or falls from heights

* Poisoning

* Burns or smoke inhalation

* Choking

* “Nonfatal drowning” (once referred to as “near drowning”)

* Firearms or other weapons

* Electric shocks

Illnesses

Other true emergencies can result from either medical illnesses or injuries. Often you can tell that these emergencies are happening if you observe that your child has any of the following symptoms:

* Acting strangely or becoming more withdrawn and less alert

* Increasing trouble with breathing

* Skin or lips that look blue or purple (or gray for darker-skinned children)

* A cut or bun that is large or deep

* Bleeding that does not stop

* Rhythmical jerking and loss of consciousness (a seizure)

* Unconsciousness

* Any change in level of consciousness, confusion, a bad headache, or vomiting several times after a head injury

* Very loose or knocked-out teeth, or other major mouth or facial injuries

* Increasing or severe persistent pain

* Decreasing responsiveness when you talk to your child

Call your child’s paediatrician or the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) at once if your child has swallowed a suspected poison or another person’s medication, even if your child has no signs or symptoms. You should not make your child vomit by any means, including giving him syrup of ipecac, making him gag, or giving him saltwater. If you have syrup of ipecac in your home, flush it down the toilet and throw away the container.

Always call for help if you are concerned that your child’s life may be in danger or your child is seriously hurt.

What to do in an emergency

* Stay calm

* If it is needed and you know how, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

* If you need immediate help, call 911. If you do not have 911 service in your area, call your local emergency ambulance service or county emergency medical service. Otherwise, call your child’s paediatrician’s office and state clearly that you have an emergency.

* If there is bleeding, apply continuous pressure to the site with a clean cloth.

* If your child is having a seizure, place her on a carpeted floor with her head turned to the side, and stay with her until help

arrives. After you arrive at the emergency department, make sure you tell the emergency staff the name of your child’s paediatrician, who can work closely with the emergency department and can provide them with additional information about your child. Bring any medication your child is taking and her immunization record with you to the hospital. Also bring any suspected poisons or other medications your child might have taken.

Important emergency phone numbers

Keep the following phone numbers handy by taping them on or near your phone:

* Your home phone and address

* Your cellphone

* A nearby relative’s or trusted neighbour’s or friend’s phone

* Your child’s paediatrician

* Emergency medical services (ambulance)

* Police

* Fire department

* Hospital Information for sitters

It is important that everyone who cares for your child, including child care providers and sitters, knows where to find emergency phone numbers. If you have 911 service in your area, make sure your older children and your sitter know to dial 911 in case of an emergency. Be certain that they know your home address and phone number, since an emergency operator will ask for this information. Always leave the phone address where you can be located, including your cellphone number. You should also make sure your sitter knows any medications your child takes and any allergies he may have. Those caring for your child (including you and your spouse) also should take a CPR class. Remember, for a medical emergency, always call 911 and/or child’s paediatrician. If your child is seriously ill or injured, it may be safer for your child to be transported by emergency medical services (an ambulance). (healthychildren.org)

Cribs, beds, and changing tables

* Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table or bed. If the phone rings while you have your baby on the changing table, bring the baby with you while you answer the call. If you must leave for a moment, put the baby in a playpen or crib.

* Use changing tables with two-inch guardrails.

* Always secure and use safety belts on changing tables, as well as on strollers, carriages, and highchairs. Be sure to strap a small child securely into the seat of a store shopping cart.

* Keep side rails up on cribs.

* Crib bumpers are not recommended, but if they are used remove bumpers from cribs once your baby starts to pull up and stand to prevent him or her from using the bumpers to try to climb out of the crib.

* Don’t put a child under age six on the top bunk of a bunk bed. Attach guardrails to the side of the top bunk.

* Remove tablecloths and keep cords or other dangling objects out of reach.

Outdoors

* Never allow a child to play on a trampoline, even with adult supervision.

* Be sure outdoor playground equipment is safe,

with no loose parts or rust.

* Make sure playground surfaces are soft enough to absorb the shock of falls. Good surface materials include sand and wood chips; avoid playgrounds with concrete and packed dirt.

* Make sure sidewalks and outdoor steps are clear of toys, objects, and anything blocking a clear path. Repair any cracks or missing pieces in walkways.

* If your child has started to ride a bike, make sure he or she wears a helmet and is wellversed in bicycle safety and signals. Head injuries are far too common in this age group, so enforce your helmet rule.

Be prepared If you’re expecting a baby or you already have a child, it’s a good idea to: Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich manoeuvre.

* Keep the following numbers near the phone (for yourself and caregivers):

* doctor’s number

* parents’ work and cell phone numbers

* neighbour’s or nearby relative’s number (if you need someone to watch other children in an emergency)

* Make a first-aid kit and keep emergency instructions inside.

* Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Maintaining a safe, childfriendly environment

To check your childproofing efforts, get down on your hands and knees in every room of your home to see things from a child’s perspective. Be aware of your child’s surroundings and what might be potentially dangerous.

Completely childproofing your home can be difficult. If you can’t childproof the entire house, you can shut the doors (and install doorknob covers) to any room a child shouldn’t enter to prevent wandering into places that haven’t been properly childproofed. For sliding doors, doorknob covers and childproof locks are also great for keeping little ones from leaving your home. Of course, how much or how little you childproof your home is up to you. Supervision is the very best way to help prevent children from getting injured. However, even the most vigilant parent can’t keep a child 100 per cent safe at all times.

Whether you have a baby, toddler, or school-age child, your home should be a haven where your little one can explore safely. After all, touching, holding, climbing, and exploring are the activities that develop your child’s body and mind.

(Kids Health)

No approval to land at JFK

… Dynamic Airways shuttles passengers to Connecticut

By Bhisham mohamed

After several days in operation, Dynamic Airways continues to land at International Airports in the United States of America (USA) other than John F Kennedy (JFK) International after not being granted full permission to use the facility.

In light of the recent development, a team from Dynamic Airways, including its Public Relations consultant, Bobby Vieira, is presently finalising all the necessary paperwork, which is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Once the paperwork is completed with the stipulated requirements, the airline will have a smooth landing at JFK by Monday, Managing Director of Dynamic Airways’ local ground operations company, Roraima Airways, Gerry Gouveia told a news briefing on Wednesday. He explained that he had received the document only earlier in the day.

The letter he received stated that Dynamic Airlines may not commence operations at JFK until business and emergency response matters are finalised with the JFK Prosperities and Commercial Development Unit and the JFK Aeronautical Services Unit respectively. One such matter to be finalised is the submission of security deposits and other requirements promulgated by the Manager.

Finalising arrangements

However, in light of the recent challenges, Captain Gouveia disclosed that the airline will continue to use the Bradley International Airport and passengers will be shuttled by luxury buses to Terminal Four of the JFK International. He explained that the Bradley International Airport is about a two-hour drive from JFK International, but they are committed to ensuring that their passengers are well taken care of.

Police ranks from C Division (East Coast Demerara) on Wednesday unearthed a cannabis plant measuring some six feet in a house at Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

The Guyana Times understands that two men were arrested following the discovery of the illegal plant.

One of the men admitted that he was cultivating the plant for business. He is reportedly a well-known per-

Gouveia said that all arrangements from Guyana’s end were tied up but there was some ‘slack’ at the other end. He explained that all the necessary documents were initially in place but after the sacking of the handling agent in the US, they had to reapply all over again. Presently, they are finalising arrangements with respect to the usage of a terminal and more importantly, a handling agent.

He conceded that the airline had rushed into operation and that might have led to the challenges that they are facing presently. He admitted that less haste might have been the appropriate recipe instead. “A little haste might have overcome the challenges.”

He added that when discussions started about Dynamic Airways entry into the Guyanese market, they had received positive feedback from the Dynamic Team in New York City that all was well, thus he was very much comfortable with an early launch and inaugural flight.

He also noted that before the airline would have received its licence to operate in Guyana, it had made a security deposit claiming that Dynamic Airways was making a transition from chartered to scheduled flights. All of that was done and the airline was launched.

son in the area who sells dried pieces of the illicit substance. He is expected to make a court appearance at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court before the end of the week.

The raid was conducted about 16:00h by several Police ranks as part of its continuous operations in the East Coast area to stamp out illegal activities. Of recent, the Police have been conducting successful eradication exercises in various areas.

Nevertheless, he said that at no point in time will Dynamic Airways leave its passengers stranded, boasting that the airline has six 767 aircraft and is capable of rescuing its passengers in any part of the world.

On this note, he made reference to a situation in Brazil, whereby one of the aircraft was chartered by a travel agent to transport 220 passengers to Brazil to witness a football game, but upon arrival, they realised the windscreen was cracked and immediately requested equipment in order to continue the journey. He said that it was because the company is well-equipped that it was able to remedy the issue. Meanwhile, another challenge being looked at is the time it takes to process passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Roraima Airways General Manager Debbie Gouveia explained that each passenger had to have his/ her passport put into the system as a mandatory requirement of the FAA. This delay at the check-in point, she noted, is expected to be corrected shortly. The other Dynamic Airways flight to New York is expected to depart CJIA today at 13:00h and is expected to arrive at the Bradley International Airport at 19:00h. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

thursDay, july 3, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Man found dead with wood in rear

Police in Linden are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a male vagrant whose body was discovered early Wednesday morning with a bottle and a piece of wood in his rectum.

The gruesome discovery was made by persons in the area who later informed Police ranks. The officers who responded found the body of 49-year-old Andrew “Mafia” Dey.

The body reportedly bore several marks of violence to the head and anus, and was discovered lying near to a

drain in the vicinity of the Linden-Kwakwani minibus park, located at Mackenzie, Linden. The man was reportedly last seen on Tuesday evening in the vicinity of the park where the Linden-Georgetown minibus park is also situated.

Persons in the community expressed shock over the nature of the homeless man's death who was known for roaming the streets of Linden with plastic bags on his feet. He was also known to frequent the Mackenzie Municipal Market area where he would do odd jobs for some stallholders.

This newspaper was informed that the man was deported from the United States of America some time ago and took to the streets.

Most of his family members reportedly still reside in the United States. Up to press time, a destitute man with whom Dey allegedly recently had a dispute was reportedly taken into custody and was assisting Police with the investigation. Persons who knew Dey said he was not known to be a troublemaker, despite being of unsound mind. The investigation continues.

No arrest yet for tailor’s murder

Police attached to the Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday revisited the scene where Bharrat Pitamber was robbed and stabbed to death on Tuesday evening, with the aim of finding a clue that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

The 26-year-old tailor of Block Y Grove, East Bank Demerara was stabbed during a robbery on Tuesday evening as she was riding along the Golden Grove, EBD access road. The perpetrators reportedly stabbed him several times and he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Sudama Pitamber, the father of the dead man told Guyana Times on Wednesday that he is not satisfied with the way the Police are handling the situation. The frustrated man explained that upon the discovery of his son, the Police found $40,000 in his possession and refused to hand over same to the family.

He explained that he was at the station for the entire day on Tuesday, was not allowed to speak with inves-

tigators and was given the royal run around.

However, Sudama is of the opinion that people in the area would have witnessed the stabbing of his son, but are fearful to come forward and inform the Police.

The father is urging those who saw his son’s murderer(s), to come forward and share the information with the Police.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body of the man on Friday.

Pitamber called “Vickey” and “Tailor” resided at Lot 1401 Section C, Block Y, Golden Grove. According

to information received, he was on his way home when he was reportedly attacked by several persons. The incident occurred around 19:30h; however, his body was discovered a while later.

This newspaper was told that the father of one had sold a bird earlier in the day for $45,000 and had the money on him while he was returning home.

The man was riding along the Grove New Scheme main road just after crossing the “Achieduck” when he was confronted by several persons at a dark spot.

The men proceeded to rob him, but he fought back, resulting in him sustaining cut wounds on his hands. His body also bore several stab wounds, including the fatal one to the heart.

It was reported that no one saw the ordeal and Pitamber was left at the corner of the road where he died. The now dead man was targeted two nights ago when he was on his way home using a different route.

The former tailor leaves to mourn his wife, six-month old child, parents and siblings.

Roraima Airways Managing Director Gerry Gouveia displaying a letter from the aviation authorities in the US

The plant found in the Haslington house

Dead: Bharrat Pitamber

Govt saving $2.8B

...for awarding ECD road contract to China Railway – rejects Opposition misinformation

The Government of Guyana says it is saving over $2 billion for awarding a road contract to China Railway First Group and flayed the Opposition for misinforming the nation on the project.

In a statement issued by the Finance Ministry, Government said it has noted the “blatant misinformation being peddled by the Opposition on the recent tender for the East Coast Demerara (ECD) highway project”. It said the facts will reveal that the Government at all times followed an open and transparent process aimed at protecting the national interest in this matter. The contract is valued US$46.994 million.

According to the Government, given that the ECD highway widening and improvement project is a candidate for financing by China Eximbank, in October 2013, Government invited expressions of interest from Chinese companies interested in participating in this project. Eight companies submitted expressions of interest. It said following a rigorous prequalification process conducted by technical officials, and in which financial and technical capacity among other factors were taken into consideration to determine eligibility to bid, six companies were prequalified. On February 12, 2014, these six prequalified companies were invited to submit bids for the project.

Government explained that the tender closed on May 13, 2014 and, on closing, four bids were received. The bids were opened in the customary public manner and the tendered prices

were reported extensively in the national media. It further stated that of the four bids received, China Railway First Group was the lowest at US$46.994 million. “It would be recalled that the latter company has already established a track record of road building in Guyana, being currently engaged on the construction of the road to the Amaila Falls hydropower project,” the statement read.

Technical team

Further, Government said a technical evaluation panel evaluated the bids received and recommended that the tender be awarded, not to the lowest or even to the second lowest bidder, but to the third lowest (or second highest) bidder, China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd who tendered US$60.418 million. China Harbour is engaged on the airport expansion project. The justification given by the evaluation panel, Government said for not awarding the contract to the lowest bidder was that the panel had reservations about the bidder’s ability to complete the works at the tendered price.

“The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) transmitted the recommendation of the evaluation committee to the Cabinet for its no-objection, whereupon the Cabinet withheld its no-objection. The Cabinet’s reservations were based on the fact that all of the invited bidders were prequalified and, therefore, judged to have both the financial and technical capacity to execute the works, the fact that the lowest bidder had an established and

Prisoner charged for smuggling cannabis into prison

Twenty-seven-year-old Ronald Armstrong of lot 41 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, made his second court appearance before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday after he was charged with being in possession of narcotics. Armstrong was given 50 months imprisonment.

The charge laid against the defendant alleged that on May 7, while in the reception department of the Georgetown prison, where he is presently serving a sentence for carnal knowledge, Armstrong was found with two large parcels containing 181 grams of cannabis and 32 packs of cigarettes upon

his return from the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. The discovery was made after the defendant was searched by Police ranks. Armstrong pleaded not guilty to the charge and was further remanded to prison. Ronald Armstrong

demonstrated track record of road building in Guyana, including in difficult terrain along with a resident road building equipment fleet, and the fact that the tendered price offered by the lowest bidder was some US$13.424 million(equivalent to G$2.8 billion) lower than the recommended bidder. The matter was, therefore, returned to NPTAB in view of the withholding of Cabinet’s noobjection, for reconsideration.”

Government said the same evaluation panel then reconsidered the matter and revised its recommendation in favour of the lowest bidder and that revised recommendation was resubmitted to the Cabinet and received its no-objection. “The contract was, therefore, awarded to the lowest prequalified bidder, China Railway First Group, a company with a track record of road building in Guyana and a suitable resident fleet of equipment.”

Concern

According to the statement, Cabinet’s principal concern was the absence of a basis for disregarding lower priced bids received from prequalified bidders. “Once bidders are prequalified, they are evaluated to be capable of performing the works, and price competitiveness becomes the principal criterion. In this instance, the fact of the matter is that the bidder with the

lowest price from amongst all the prequalified bidders also happens to be the one with the most demonstrable track record.” “The Cabinet, therefore, acted perfectly appropriately in withholding its no-objection in the first instance and, throughout the process, Government acted in strict conformity with the Procurement Act 2003.”

Government argues that instead of addressing the real issues, the Opposition has instead proceeded on its usual tirade of spurious and baseless accusations and reckless finger pointing. “The Chief Spokesperson for the Opposition on this matter, Mr Joe Harmon, has gone so far as to insinuate wrongdoing on the part of persons associated with Government. What Mr Harmon should publicly declare, instead, is whether he or any other MP from his party has ever travelled to any overseas destination and to Jamaica and China in particular, as a guest of or to meet with any of the companies that tendered on this project, and who met the costs associated with these trips.”

Government contended that this represented just the latest example of a Parliamentary Opposition willing to use its parliamentary position to advance special and vested interests.

“The people of Guyana are called on to express their outrage at this Opposition for being barefaced enough to challenge an attempt by the Cabinet to save the nation nearly $2.8 billion, and instead for trying to advance its own special interests by foisting on the nation a bill for an additional $2.8 billion. This incident also drives home clearly the importance of retaining the Cabinet no-objection to contract awards above a certain level. Had this Cabinet right of no-objection been denied, as is the Opposition’s wont, the nation would have been $2.8 billion poorer for the absence of Cabinet oversight,” the statement ended.

Man gets 52 weeks of community service for trafficking in narcotics

Ricardo Bailey, 28, of Lot 150 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday after he was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The charge alleges that on the day in question, Police were patrolling on Wellington Street when

they noticed the defendant acting in a suspicious manner. As they approached the defendant, they noticed that he quickly threw a plastic bag unto the ground.

They retrieved the bag and found it to be filled with cannabis which was later weighed and found to be 28 grams.

He was fined a sum of $3000 and ordered to serve a 52-week community service sentence.

Eyew tness

Of dry powder...

...and raw power

When Oliver Cromwell brutally destroyed Irish’s aspirations for freedom, he warned his troops about to cross a river: “trust in God...but keep your powder dry”. The import of the saying since was that while God may “dispose”... It’s always safe to depend on your own firepower. In his column this week, Henry Jeffrey didn’t bother to mention “God” but warned Guyanese to “keep their powder dry”.

Against whom? Why bother to even ask?? The PPP/C of course. If one is to go by Jeffrey’s scribblings, the PPP/C has really gone to the dogs since he was kicked out in 2008. After all, in the previous 16 years, as Jeffrey was shuttled from one Ministry to another in a vain attempt not to “knock him off”, everything was hunky-dory with the PPP/C – since he uttered not even a word of disapproval. But now the blows are coming fast and furious against them – so one can only conclude that things fell apart without Jeffrey’s wisdom. Anyhow, back to his call for vigilance against the reprobate PPP/C!! Jeffrey’s a mite concerned that with both the PPP/C and PNC talking about “inclusive” government, ordinary folks might be getting their hopes raised about some sort of “grand settlement” – maybe even a “grand coalition”!!!

But Jeffrey’s sceptical of all this talk of the PNC “building trust” and “apologising” for the past and all that jazz. All this is dismissed as “utopian”. So what is Jeffrey’s solution?? Let your Eyewitness quote him, lest he be accused of twisting the wanker’s words: “The people should lock the politicians in strong institutional arrangements and always be prepared to take direct action to force compliance.”

So in this two-step polka, he’ll establish rules the politicians must follow – and then we’ll “keep our powder dry” for “direct action” if necessary. Since Jeffrey was initially a card carrying member of the PNC, he’s probably reacting to Burnham’s boast that he didn’t care what Constitution the British gave him, once he got into power –he could do whatever he damned well pleased.

And so said, so done. Now Jeffrey suggests what might’ve been the old WPA’s retort to Burnham: a call to arms against a tyrannical Government. Thing is, Jeffrey never even squeaked about the “right to rebel” when he was toadying to Burnham – or not even when Hoyte was pushing “mo fyaah...slow fyaah”.

But now that he’s been tossed out on his ear – he’s suddenly a revolutionary. Maybe he’s even testing walkietalkies!!! What a wanker!!!

...and taking to the skies

It would appear that we Guyanese are “star crossed” when it comes to taking to the skies. With all of us having relatives in “foreign” and those invitations for weddings – or just an old family get together up in the States –Guyanese were salivating and chomping at the bit to enjoy those bargain basement fares to the US.

Until the apparent meltdown of one of the new entrants – Dynamic Airways – one that had initially seemed to be in the strongest position. After all, they owned their own aircraft – and hopefully would’ve been able to withstand the lowball introductory fares best. But now sadly we know that having the aircraft aren’t the only thing in flying the friendly skies. Seems it’s even more important to have your people on the ground.

Your Eyewitness feels that we need all the airlines we can attract. So he’ll advise Dynamic not to stonewall or prevaricate: take a deep breath, level with the public about where matters stand and regroup.

...and good sh*t

For those who like their ganja (which is now legal in Jamaica and several US States for “medicinal purposes”) the story of the fella caught with 67 grams of the stuff up his “bamsee” (his words) gives a whole new perspective to that old phrase: “That’s some gooooood sh*t!!!”

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

Manickchand to US Ambassador:

“You’ve crossed

Amid heckling and sometimes thunderous boos, Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand delivered a blistering attack on the United States Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt at a reception Wednesday night to commemorate that country’s 238th Independence Anniversary.

Observers described the Minister’s remarks as the most controversial ever delivered at any diplomatic occasion here and even the Ambassador remarked at the end “what a send-off”.

Manickchand, whose substantive portfolio is Minister of Education, told Hardt that he has “crossed the red line” regarding his criticism of the Government for the delays in the holding of Local Government Elections. Standing besides Hardt at the reception held at his Cummings Lodge residence, Manickchand said the Ambassador has “contributed to a tension-filled relationship with the Government of Guyana”. She stated that his recent “assault” on President Donald Ramotar and his Administration had “gone beyond the boundaries of professionalism and diplomacy”.

The Minister added, “For a professional for-

the red line”

by the US Ambassador during a Blue CAPS event earlier in the week. Ambassador Hardt had accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government of breaching the Constitution of Guyana, by failing to hold the long overdue Local Government Elections.

Disapproval

But even as Minister Manickchand attempt-

taken with Diplomatic Conventions…this situation I report is intolerable.”

According to her, Ambassador Hardt has been associated with a dedicated attack on President Ramotar and the Government on the holding of Local Government Elections. Though supported in “this ill-conceived venture”, the Acting Foreign Affairs Minister said, the

eign service officer with the appointment of an ambassador, to make such declarations, accusations, allegations and innuendoes about the executive President of Guyana, or any country for that matter is to our mind totally unacceptable.” (See other story on page 12)

Manickchand was alluding to remarks made

ed to pour cold water on the utterances of the US Ambassador, political leaders, executives within the Private Sector and members of Non-Governmental Organisations started to boo her. Amid the heckles, Manickchand said: “As one read his diatribes against our President… at the liberties he has

Government will not be intimidated by the US.

“His superficial grasp is revealed by his misinformation about the Bill, worse yet is his reluctance to have views about the hosting of Local Government Elections corroborated by other knowledgeable stakeholders, other than the Chairman of GECOM.

US’s Independence with Manickchand, the outgoing Ambassador said that was quite a sendoff. Nevertheless, he stated: “Everything we have done and continue to do is designed to advance a partnership with Guyana that is built on prosperity, security, safety, democracy and public health.” He challenged the Government or anyone else to identify areas in which he has fallen short in achieving those goals.

In his earlier Independence Day remarks, the Ambassador said it was critical for Guyana to move forward right now to “re-establish its long-neglected elected local government system.” He said the people of Guyana are crying out to be part of a tangible agenda that aid in them solving local prob-

Unions and other civil society organisations have also been calling out to Government for the hosting of these critical elections which were last held in 1994.

“The United States genuinely believes that such elections will be a transformative issue for Guyana. Local communities in Guyana are seeking the freedom, autonomy and ability to explore ways to develop and prosper.”

According to Ambassador Hardt, failure to hold Local Government Elections is a clear breach of the country’s Constitution and its laws, noting that they require Local Government Elections every three years. “Such a constitutional breach would inevitably erode Guyana’s international standing.” He opined

The Ambassador’s behaviour is totally unacceptable.”

Reflecting on the 1950s-1960s period, Minister Manickchand, much to the displeasure of the audience, said one would recall the US interference in Guyana, as she called on Guyanese to reflect on the consequences that befell the nation. “Those consequences questioned the Ambassador’s moral correctness on lecturing Guyana and for that matter, the rest of the world.”

She said the US Ambassador has “crossed the red line”, noting that behaviour such as his would not be tolerated within the boundaries of mutual respect, diplomatic relations and inter-Government collaboration.

Just after toasting the

lems. Since January 2013, the US Ambassador and his diplomatic colleagues have been championing the cause of the restoration of an effective, elected local government in Guyana. He stressed that the Private Sector Organisations,

that President Ramotar has an historic opportunity to advance Guyana’s political, social and economic development by being the President who restored Local Government Elections. (svetlanam@ guyantimesgy.com)

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand toasting with the outgoing US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt minutes after her scathing remarks

US Ambassador D Brent Hardt surrounded by the press after being accused of meddling in Guyana's domestic affairs

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand delivering her speech at the US Ambassador’s celebration of his country’s 238th Independence Anniversary

Burnham had shifted “terror” from PPP to WPA – Ogunseye

Working People Alliance (WPA)

Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye on Wednesday said the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government shifted its policy of harassment of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supporters to the WPA after the party had become a more formidable threat to the Forbes Burnham authoritarian regime.

Testifying before the Walter Rodney Commission (CoI) on Wednesday, Ogunseye told the Commission that prior to the party elevating from a pressure group founded in 1974 to a political party in 1979, there were frequent raids on Indian homes by PNC elements for guns and ammunition. He pointed out that the raids carried out by PNC elements were intended to intimidate and harass the Indians on the sugar cane belt, as the then PPP led by Dr Cheddi Jagan, was the main rival to Burnham. This and other severe human rights abuses he said led to the WPA emerging into a full-fledged political party and with that, an almost automatic transfer of terror from the PPP to the WPA.

Homes of WPA members and supporters, he said were invaded, searched at least two times per week by the Police Special Squad, which was also known as the Dead Squad. He recalled an incident where WPA members, most of whom were Indians, were attacked in similar fashion, beaten, made to wear PNC jerseys and put on parade while their vehicle was destroyed and a bridge allow-

ing their exit from the community was removed. The WPA Executive said in those days, the perpetrators were never charged but the victims were frequently arrested, subjected to interrogation and often placed on flimsy charges.

Professor of African Studies at Hamilton College, USA and WPA Executive Nigel Westmaas who testified on Monday also alluded

to the beating up of Indians by “PNC thugs.”

Physiological boost

Ogunseye pointed out that it was for this reason, the WPA which was habitually bombarded by PNC goons who were armed to the teeth, acquired some arms, not to overthrow the PNC-Burnham Government, but to provide a “physiological boost” to their comrades, who were cell leaders, as a form of protection.

None of these weapons, he said, was used as the WPA did not want a physical confrontation with the PNC which had the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana National Service, the Guyana People’s Militia, the Guyana Youth Student Movement and the House of Israel members on its side.

These forces, Ogunseye pointed out were capable of wiping out the WPA in “a twinkling of an eye”; hence, the party resisted the bait from Burnham to engage in a physical confrontation or to follow any plan to overthrow his Government.

Pressure

However, what the WPA was hoping for, he said was to levy enough pressure on Burnham through the Civil Rebellion, causing him to summon the Army in the streets, and the soldiers would disobey their instructions, thereby causing the collapse of the Government.

Former Police Constable Robert Gates had said that Dr Rodney was in frequent contact with the Army personnel, and the intention was to dissuade the officers from carrying out the instructions of the Government.

Under cross-examination by WPA Attorney Christopher Ram, Ogunseye said that former International Court of Justice Judge Mohammed Shahabuddeen, who was appointed Attorney General under the PNC regime, had said that anyone who opposed the PNC Government was an “enemy of the state”.

He told the tribunal that to the best of his knowledge, the PNC while in power never renounced the party paramountcy doctrine, but pointed out that when Burnham died, President Desmond Hoyte tried to massage it.

The proceedings ended about 40 minutes before the usual 14:00h closing time, as the Commissioners tried to board their flight on time in light of the unrest at Caribbean Airlines. The cross-examination of Ogunseye will resume on July 28 when the Commission meets again. That session will end on August 8 and will be followed by a short session on August 25 to 29. The life of the Commission has been extended until September 20.

Bright side to census

Satiricus was amazed. Amazed at all the handwringing about the just released census. It had started with the morning briefing of the reporters at his newspaper. The editors kept on and on about how the population wasn’t growing. And that it was even shrinking. Satiricus just didn’t get with all the doom and gloom, though.

Satiricus liked to keep things simple. Well, maybe HE was simple, he realised, but that was neither here nor there, he concluded. “I came from a big family, no? Ten brothers and sisters,” he blurted out to the fellas at the drinking place. They all nodded. “Well, as soon as the older brothers and sisters started to marry out, man...it was like heaven!! I got me own room...More food...better clothes. I didn’t complain!”

“Well, I never think about it like that!” confessed Hari. “Imagine if people didn’t leave! Man, we woulda been packed like sardines like in Bangladesh.”

“But what me na understaan,” said Cappo, “how come we gat the same number a people fram 30 year ago, but we building six thousand house every year??”

“Cappo right,” said Suresh, nodding. “Is who living in all dem new houses??”

“And some people still na gat house,” concluded Cappo.

“Budday, Sato gave the answer,” interjected Teacher Samad.

“I did?” Replied Satiricus, with his usual confused look on his face.

“Yep!” said Teacher Samad laconically. “Smaller families have less people, but each family still want their own house.”

“Well that make sense,” said Suresh. “But here is another benefit because people leaving and keeping the population small.”

“All right, we know you’re going to tell us...so go ahead,” sighed Teacher Samad resignedly.

“OK. Is not everybody leaving, right!” begun Suresh, and continued without pause. “How many politicians you know gone foreign.”

“Not many,” admitted Kuldeep, who’d been listening quietly to the gaff. He’d just returned from the gold bush.

“So the politicians are like Sato’s big family – still living in one old house!! It’s been survival of the fittest!!” said Suresh, leaning over the table. “The most vicious, nasty and meanest politicians survived.”

“Suresh, I think you got something there!!” said Hari, smiling. “You just explained the Jhaat and Naga Man!!!

“Lie abee drink to dat!!” Said Cappo. “De census na suh baad!”

Cotton Field Labourer jailed for sodomy

Jianti Lall, 32, of Cotton Field Village on the Essequibo Coast, was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for the offence of buggery.

The offence of buggery is contrary to Section 353 of Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01. The sentencing was handed down on June 30 by Justice Franklin Holder at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The jury was unanimous in its guilty verdict.

According to the Prosecutor, the Virtual Complainant

was aged 15 when the act was committed. The facts state that on October 12, 2012, behind the dam of Caricom Rice Mills, the accused asked the VC for a drop with his bicycle and then he threw him down twice and threatened to burst his mouth if he did not take his pants off. Lall also made the VC performed oral sex on him afterwards, court documents state.

The accused was unrepresented. When the sentence was read to him, he appeared stunned.

WPA Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye making a point on the stand on Wednesday

31 cases of Chikungunya virus confirmed

The number of confirmed cases of the Chikungunya virus in Guyana has now jumped from 19 to 31 as 12 more cases were confirmed on Tuesday.

According to Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, the cases were confirmed on Tuesday afternoon following the return of the samples which were sent for testing at the Caribbean Public Health Laboratory in Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the 150 samples which were sent to be tested for confirmation of the vector-borne disease, 12 has thus far returned positive results.

According to the Minister, Government’s Epidemiologist, Dr Morris Edwards is conducting an analysis of the results from the laboratory.

While the Minister has not disclosed from where the cases have originated, a senior Ministry official told this publication that of the additional 12 confirmed cases, one of the victims is from Georgetown.

However, the official stated that analysis is being presently undertaken to determine whether the individual would have contracted the disease from Berbice during a visit, or whether the virus has moved to Georgetown.

This new revelation means two of the confirmed cases are victims from Georgetown.

Following the discovery of the first Georgetown victim, who hails from the North Ruimveldt area, Dr Ramsaran had stated that the virus was restricted to the Berbice area and the victim was infected due to the fact that he had

worked in the affected areas in Berbice.

He had rebuffed claims that the vector borne disease had spread to the other regions.

Fogging exercises

It was in May that the first cases were discovered in a toddler and a woman from the Cumberland and Canje areas. The Health Ministry had commenced and will be continuing its fogging exercises in various areas across the country.

While the disease is debilitating to a person’s health, the possibility of it being fatal is low. The Minister explained that although a large number of persons were infected in the Caribbean, there were only a few deaths and those were restricted to the elderly and the young, and Guyana was no different.

He said the persons who have died may have had a preexisting medical condition or

their immune systems might not have been fully developed as is seen with minors.

Dr Ramsaran had also indicated that Guyana will soon begin local testing for the Chikungunya virus. He said the Government already has the necessary physical infrastructure in place. But it is lacking in respect to the professional capacity of the personnel to conduct the testing on these shores. He said the Government has since approached the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to provide training to personnel in that regard.

The Chikungunya virus is an arthropod-borne virus that is transmitted to humans by the virus-carrying Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Its symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever. The virus causes an illness with an acute febrile phase, lasting two to five days.

It can result in some longterm effects, primarily joint pain, and causes moderate to severe illness. Depending on an individual’s reaction after the incubation period, persons may experience pain even after seeking medical attention. This period can last from two to six days with symptoms lasting four to seven days after infection. Individuals experiencing any such symptoms are asked to visit the nearest health facility as soon as possible.

Citizens are encouraged to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Time for action; time to advance – Prime Minister Gaston Browne

This was the charge newly-elected Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, delivered on Tuesday evening to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), as he made his first address at a Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom.

Prime Minister Browne, who took over the reins of Chairmanship of Caricom on Tuesday, emphasised the regional focus of his young Administration, which was “fully” and “passionately” committed to regional integration as an important and vital instrument for “our development”.

Underscoring his commitment to regional integration, Prime Minister Browne pointed out that one of his early decisions since winning the election on June 12, was to abolish, with immediate effect, the work permit fees for Caricom nationals for the remainder of 2014. He added that his Government intended to hold a referendum, as soon as was practicable, on accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) appellate jurisdiction. The

Region, he reasoned, could not be “truly independent” if its final court of appeal was a court of its colonial masters.

“We have paused enough; it is time for action. We have retreated enough; it is time to advance.”

“We will not loiter on this matter; we will demonstrate confidence in our own…,” he told the Opening Ceremony of the 35th Conference of the Heads of Government at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa. Setting the stage for the discussions over the next three days, the Prime Minister called for “a coalition of the willing” to move the integration movement forward; the harmonisation and synchronisation

Find collective solutions to challenges – Caricom SG

Even as the present cohort of Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders returned to the place where political leaders in 1965 defined the integration ideal, Secretary General Irwin LaRocque on Tuesday stressed the urgency of finding solutions to the economic conditions that threatened to erode gains the Community has made.

Ambassador LaRocque made this appeal at the historic Dickenson Bay, in Antigua and Barbuda, the venue of the 35th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, urging political leaders of this day to find collective solutions to the serious challenges the Region faced.

The vulnerabilities of the small economies of Caricom and the lingering effects of the global economic and financial crisis have combined to impede the Region’s ability to compete internationally and have resulted in “stubbornly low” growth rates, Ambassador LaRocque told the opening ceremony of the four-day Conference.

Strengthening the call for

urgent collective action, the Secretary General said heavy debt burden and falling fiscal revenues leave Caricom Governments “with precious little room to manoeuvre” in the face of what he described as a “misleading criterion” of per capita income, applied by International Financial Institutions, to graduate Caricom countries from access to “much-needed” concessionary development financ-

ing.

“Never before in recent history, have so many of our Member States faced such challenges at the same time for such a protracted period,” he said, adding an important footnote that neither the economic and financial crises nor the causes of climate change, another major challenge, originated in the Region. Adding an element of hope in the face of those trials, however, he said that as formidable as the challenges were, the Community’s history clearly showed that it has never been daunted.

“It is now, in this period of acute economic stress faced by our Region, that the spirit of unity which brings us together in all forms of adversity is infusing our actions as we seek to build the Community’s resilience to withstand the shocks, whether they are economic, social or climatic,” Secretary General LaRocque stated.

He said that the Region was looking to consolidate and reposition the integration process in an ever-changing environment, as he welcomed new Prime Minister

of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, to the helm of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom.

“Our initial exchanges have demonstrated to me quite clearly your personal commitment to the advancement of integration which is in keeping with your country’s prominent historical role in the pursuit of Caribbean unity,” he told the new Chairman, and then stated his profound commendations to Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, for his stewardship over the past six months.

“Prime Minister, as Chairman, you guided us with dexterity and skill during your term and I express heartfelt gratitude to you on behalf of the Community,” he said.

The Secretary General offered special commendation to Marion Bethel of The Bahamas, recipient of the 11th Triennial Award for Women, and to Michele Henderson, the winner of the Caricom Song competition who performed a rousing rendition of her song “Celebrating Caricom”.

of national and regional tracks to development; and the establishment of a Commission to focus on the matter of youth unemployment in the Region, with a view to taking urgent action to tackle that challenge.

Shared space

“Our greatest task is to put our people to work,” he told his audience, and added that it was not an insurmountable task if it was managed courageously and wisely. He also sounded the call for a commitment to the removal of all barriers to free movement; and the strengthening of the Caricom Secretariat to advance the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

He shared his vision of the Community as a shared space offered to “all the people of all our countries”, a Community where there was acknowledgement that national efforts could be accelerated by regional initiatives, a Community that was transformed into an economic powerhouse built on production integration, joint ventures, joint ownership, and regional collaboration. “We must remove Caricom affairs from the scope of political conflict and promote a national consensus that envisions a united Caribbean,” Prime Minister Browne said.

Myles Munroe regrets missing Men’s Conference

ahamas-based

BMotivational Speaker, Dr Myles Munroe has expressed regret in not being able to attend last weekend’s National Men’s Conference here, organisers said in a release.

“I have never before cancelled a booked trip over the past 30 years,” Dr Munroe said in responding to developments last weekend which resulted in the cancellation of the National Men’s Rally scheduled for Sunday, June 29. The cancellation was as a result of miscommunication between the flight operations teams.

Dr Munroe expressed his disappointment and regret for not being able to make the trip to Guyana as planned. He remains committed to the engagement in Guyana in the interest of men’s growth and development and the impact that would have on families and the nation.

Chairman of the National Family Commission, Dr Kwame Gilbert, confirmed that planning continues for the intervention and a date

would be announced shortly. The National Family Commission is coordinating Dr Munroe’s visit with funding being provided by a broad-based coalition of supporters. Included in the coalition are religious groups, corporate entities and individuals, all of whom share the same concern for the men in Guyana.

Dr Gilbert also said, “I anticipate that, with the additional time available, our coalition will grow rapidly and the National Men’s Rally 2014 would be bigger than the almost 10,000 men who attended the 2010 rally. Given the crisis facing our families in Guyana, as demonstrated in an unprecedented spike in domestic and sexual violence, Dr Munroe’s intervention remains both timely and necessary.”

Organisers said they are confident that news of a new date for the National Men’s Rally and other activities with Dr Munroe would be met with great anticipation by men and women, from all walks of life in Guyana.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

thursday, july 3, 2014

PPP accuses US of domestic meddling ... as envoy chides govt for delay in local govt poll

By Jomo Paul

Outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt, on Monday launched a scathing attack on the government and the ruling People’s Progressive Party for the delay in holding local government elections, but the PPP reacted by calling the diplomat a “meddler” who it said has abandoned all diplomatic protocols in his criticisms.

Hardt says that the date for local government elections (LGE) could have already been given and there is

no reason why the elections have not been called, even after a parliamentary motion was passed to that effect.

Speaking at the closing of the Blue CAPS’ inaugural Building Communities through Leadership Training and Service (BCLTS) programme on Monday, Ambassador Hardt said that there is seemingly a “structural flaw” in the rule of democracy that re-

sults in the inability of the executive to name the date for the critical elections.

He said “the reality is that LGE should and could already have been called. There is no reason why not. Imagine if the green light had been given in January to begin preparations, we could be days away from LGE today... there is a fundamental structural flaw with a system in which elections that are constitutionally and legally required are perpetually delayed at the whim of the executive branch of government.”

Hardt told a gathering at Duke Lodge on Monday that there is an increasing variety of excuses being offered to Guyanese by the government for not calling the elections and more importantly “not abiding by the constitution”

He said that “by not even setting a date, the government keeps local government elections always off in the elusive distant horizon. This purposeful delay after 20 years without elections bears repeating,[is] contrary to the constitution and laws of Guyana.”

No confidence motion

He noted too that the recent notions from the Alliance For Change of the possibility of General Elections as a result of a no- confidence motion in the government should not be an excuse for the government to not name a date.

The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Clement Rohee was not spared from the Ambassador’s criticism, as

he lashed out at him, citing a recent PPP/C press conference during which Rohee had said that the mood was not right for elections when questioned by reporters with respect to why no date had not yet been set for local government elections, given the fast approaching August 1 parliamentary deadline for the polls.

Hardt said, “the constitution and the legislation does[sic] not say that elections should be held every three years, unless some members of the governing party feel that people are not in the mood for LGE. Elections are constitutionally and legislatively mandated. They are not dependent on a mood. In fact, in a democracy, the best way to assess the mood of a people is to hold an election.”

Failure to execute

The Ambassador also criticised President Donald Ramotar for failing to execute his constitutionally mandated responsibility and name the date for the elections which are a critical part of democracy. “The President has correctly cast himself as a defender of the constitution – which is certainly one of his responsibilities as President -- and has claimed that his opposition to certain National Assembly bills is based on his desire to abide by the constitution. But he cannot be an inconsistent defender of the constitution –ignoring the constitution’s very clear requirement to hold local government elections and, for that matter, to return bills to parliament

not more than 21 days after they are sent to him” said Ambassador Hardt.

The Ambassador contended that President Ramotar has a “tremendous opportunity to make a contribution to Guyana’s political development” and he can do so by assenting to the necessary bills and setting the date for the holding of local government elections.

“The President’s reason given for rejecting the LGE Bill in Parliament is essentially a reason he generated by not abiding by the constitutional requirement for responding to bills sent to parliament...Of course, had the President assented within the constitutionally required 21-day time limit, there would have been ample time to meet this schedule. So essentially he is saying I have delayed the bill long enough that the timeframe in the bill is no longer adequate” Ambassador Hardt explained.

Continued on page 13

Study finds 30% of Caribbean children obese and overweight

Astudy done in four Caribbean countries has found that 30 per cent of children aged 11 to 13 were overweight or obese, a senior official of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has said.

Dr Audrey Morris, the advisor on Food and Nutrition at PAHO, told a workshop to review and refine a draft policy document on nutritious and healthy foods in Barbadian schools.

The number of overweight and obese children in the Region has more than doubled over the last decade, due primarily to unhealthy diets and inadequate exercise.

Dr Morris said the consequences of overweight and obesity in children were serious, including breathing difficulties, hypertension, early signs of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and

psychological effects. She noted the easy access to fatty and salty foods in school canteens and revealed that up to 80 per cent of the children in the Caribbean study admitted to drinking a carbonated soda every day.

The countries in the study were not disclosed.

The PAHO official said in addition to drinking car-

bonated soda daily, children were allowed to easily opt out of physical education classes at school, especially when preparing for examinations. In addition, the children spent many hours watching television and playing computer games at home.

Dr Morris said countries such as the United States had placed limits on sugar, fat and sodium in all foods and beverages sold on school compounds. In addition, Brazil has mandated that 30 per cent of the input in school meals must come from local agriculture, and Panama has banned fried foods and sodas from school premises. She said what is needed in the Caribbean is a multi-faceted, multi-sectoral approach to reinforce the message of healthier eating and active living.

Senior Medical Health Officer here, Dr Kenneth

George, said that while Barbados was not included in the PAHO study, statistics show that the situation was very similar on the island. According to him, the most recent survey conducted in 2012 and involving 1600 secondary school students, revealed that 31.9 per cent of students aged 13 to 15 were overweight, and 14.4 per cent obese. “These are frightening statistics because there is a higher propensity for the obese child to become an obese adult, with all the associated chronic diseases.”

The standard Body Mass Index (BMI) for overweight is between 25 and 30 and for obesity between 30 and 40. Dr George said the School Meals Programme provided an excellent platform for introducing positive dietary habits and that physical education should be made compulsory at schools. (CMC)

ECLAC calls for renewed ties between the EU and

The European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean have the opportunity to find more complementarities to overcome old historic, social and trade-related asymmetries and advance towards a more balanced and equitable relationship, Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, said in Paris, France.

The senior United Nations official was one of the main speakers at the meeting “New EU development cooperation strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean,” organised by the EU-LAC Foundation and the Development Centre of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with the support of the European Union programme EUROsociAL.

At the meeting-which was inaugurated on June 30 by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, President of the EU-LAC Foundation, and Angel Gurría, Secretary General of the OECD, ministers from Latin American countries and European Union authorities gathered, along with specialists from international cooperation agencies.

Bárcena also spoke in the French capital at the 2014 International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean, organised by the OECD, which was attended by Michel Sapin, Finance and Public Accounts Minister of France; Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Danilo Astori, Uruguay’s Vice-president; and Rebeca Grynspan, Ibero-American Secretary General (SEGIB), among other officials.

Fostering new ties

Since the crisis that began in 2008, the problems that the Euro zone has had to face have led to stagnation in the relationship between the two regions, according to Bárcena. Nevertheless, the European Union continues to be the main collaborator, the main direct investor and the second-biggest trade partner of Latin America and the Caribbean, she indicated.

“For that reason, it is necessary to foster renewed ties between the governments, companies and social actors of both regions,” ECLAC’s Executive Secretary insisted. According to Bárcena, a deeper partnership between Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union would allow for accelerated economic growth in the Region, progress on the structural change towards more knowledge-intensive sectors, poverty reduction, and greater social inclusion and environmental protection.

In her presentations, Alicia Bárcena emphasised that despite recent progress, Latin America and

Caribbean

the Caribbean continues to be the region with the worst income distribution in the world, which is compounded by multiple gaps that reinforce each other, including gaps in human resource development, in insertion in the world of work and in access to social protection systems, as well as gaps related to territory, gender, ethnic group and generations, and in access to power.

Additionally, she referred to the existence of other types of inequality, such as functional inequality, which prevents workers from obtaining adequately the profits of productivity generated in the economy. Bárcena underscored the need to put the emphasis on productivity as a means to reducing inequality and poverty even further.

“The export model of Latin America and the Caribbean must be refurbished. Opening up is important, but it is not enough. What can governments do? Focus more on investment and have a deliberate industrial policy that also addresses the governance of natural resources,” Bárcena said.

Integration and inclusion

She also emphasised the importance of the integration of productive chains, which is at a very low level in Latin America and the Caribbean (19 per cent) compared with the European Union (66 per cent). “In sum, we have five main messages: productivity, redistribution, urbanisation, integration and sustainability. Economic growth and the reduction of monetary poverty are not enough, and a multidimensional approach is required,” said ECLAC’s top authority.

Alicia Bárcena added that Latin America and the Caribbean can grow with greater levels of inclusion, protection, participation, and social, economic and political equality; promotion and fulfilment of human rights; reduced exposure to the negative impact of external volatility; higher levels of productive investment; greater generation of decent, quality employment; and greater environment sustainability and resilience in the face of disasters.

ECLAC’s Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena

Outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt

Dr Audrey Morris

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

Food for the Poor donates to Blood Bank

Food For The Poor employees on Tuesday donated 16 units of blood to the Blood Bank at its 1999-2002 Blue Mountain Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown office.

The donation was the third made by the FFTP to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in its continuous drive to collect sufficient blood to meet the projected national needs.

thursday, july 3, 2014

PPP accuses US...

Anti-government

Meanwhile, the PPP for its part said Hardt has once again displayed his “proclivity for petty, partisan and unadulterated anti-government politicking as he draws the final curtain on his tenure as US Ambassador to Guyana”.

Referring to the Ambassador’s comments as undiplomatic, the PPP said Hardt’s remarks were most regrettable to say the least. “He unreservedly used the Blue Caps forum to stir up controversy and level political invective against the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party. In this way, he has exposed to the Guyanese public the hidden political agenda of the Blue Caps organisation by unfrocking it as a handmaiden set up to accomplish clear political objectives.”

The PPP said while Clinton Urling,the Founder of Blue Caps has been busy trying his level best to con-

from page 12

vince many that the group has no political agenda, “the US Ambassador has declared to the contrary and in fact, has laid bare what Urling was trying so hard to conceal. Urling is now saddled with the herculean task of repairing the damage which Hardt has inflicted on the fledgling Blue Caps outfit”.

Diplomacy

The PPP added that it is to be regretted that the outgoing US Ambassador rather than focusing on economic diplomacy and promoting Guyana as a country to which US business entities should invest, preferred to meddle in the internal political affairs of a sovereign country.

“Breaching all diplomatic protocols, Mr Hardt launches a barrage of anti-government farewell salvos towards the Office of the President and Freedom House, headquarters of the People’s

Progressive Party. He even goes so far as to evoke[sic] the revered name of Cheddi Jagan to suit his political posturing and gaffe in respect to democracy and elections in Guyana,” the PPP said. According to the Party, Hardt, in a most undiplomatic manner, lectures a duly elected President Donald Ramotar about what he should do and should not do, speaking presumptuously from the rank of Ambassador to Head of State.

“Even a Head of State of another sovereign state would be hard pressed to intrude in a fellow colleague’s domestic political agenda as Mr Hardt brazenly did, totally abandoning all pretences at conventional diplomatic practices. In this manner, it is indeed sad to observe how Mr. Hardt threw diplomatic protocol out of the window and downgraded himself to the level of an interloper in the domestic politics of Guyana.”

Coastal and marine resources of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

This year, 2014 is designated United Nations Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Let’s take a closer look at this topic by examining the vulnerability of the coastal and marine resources of SIDS.

Coastal resources include the coastal waters of a country and all natural resources found there – marine life, wildlife habitats, and adjacent shores. Marine resources, on the other hand, are the physical features and biological species and communities that are found in seas and oceans that are beneficial to man, eg fish, coral reefs and crabs, fungi, etc.

SIDS have small land area, but large coastal areas because they are islands surrounded by the sea. The coastal environment is, there-

sibility for a significant portion of the world's oceans, but have limited means to adequately manage their marine resources due to their small size.

It is a reality that many SIDS fishery resources are over-exploited, conflicts arise between competitive marine resource uses (eg fisheries and tourism), and coastal habitats are being degraded. In particular, mangroves and coral reefs are being destroyed, leading to loss of habitat for species and thus, loss of an important food supply and

fore, particularly important to SIDS, both for livelihoods and for the country’s revenue. It is typical to have conflict related to the demands for coastal space and its resources.

SIDS are heavily dependent on coastal and marine resources for their livelihood, including food security. They have the respon-

ecosystem-oriented approaches.

Conflict is often as a result of high and increasing population densities on the coast and by the development of economic sectors such as tourism. For both terrestrial and marine environments, difficulties in planning and implementing effective integrated approaches to resource management are reflected in over-exploitation of particular resources, pollution and degradation of land and water ecosystems, and acute conflicts between competing resource uses.

legal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and subsidies that contribute to fishing overcapacity continue to degrade marine resources, and undermine food security and sustainable development of SIDS

The sustainable development of SIDS, including the eradica-

tion of poverty, depends on the health and vitality of the marine and coastal environment, the sustainable management and conservation of marine and coastal resources, and the enabling of SIDS to enjoy a greater share of the benefits derived from those resources.

The 2014 international year of SIDS aims to highlight the challenges facing these countries and to galvanise global action to enable these countries to adequately plan for the impact of climate change on their already vulnerable coastal resources.

Sources: http://sustainabledevelopment. un.org

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/ natural-sciences/priority-areas/ sids/natural-resources/coastal-marine-resources/

http://www.fao.org/docrep/ meeting/x1011e.htm#P179_15242

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown; or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

source of income. Outstripping of sand and aggregate materials (used for construction and landfill) is further depleting resources.

Degradation of critical marine habitats and resources need to be prevented through the establishment of marine reserves and sound management of resources, possibly through community-based and

Sustainable management of marine resources would include the following: monitoring,

• control, surveillance,

• compliance and enforcement.

Destructive fishing practices; over-fishing; il-

A Food For The Poor staffer making her contribution

Antigua prepares for CCJ referendum

Antiguans and Barbudans will vote in a referendum to determine whether the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), should replace the Londonbased Privy Council as the country’s final court of appeal, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced.

Browne, who took over the chairmanship of Caricom on Tuesday, gave the commitment while delivering his maiden speech at the start of the 35th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

“We can never be truly independent in the region while our final appellate court is the court of our former colonial masters,” Browne told the gathering at Sandals Grande Antigua resort in Dickenson Bay.

The Chairman said while Government was happy for the role played by the Privy Council over the years, he

would move to hold “as soon as practicable” a referendum as mandated by the Constitution. (Antigua

Venezuela restores diplomatic ties with Panama

Venezuela has restored full diplomatic ties with Panama, President Nicolas Maduro said on Tuesday, months after he angrily broke off formal relations with the Central American country.

Diplomatic relations stopped on March 5 after Maduro used the anniversary of former President Hugo Chávez’s death to accuse Panama’s conservative Government of joining the United States in an “open conspiracy” against him.

Panama had said in May consular relations would be restored soon on Venezuela’s wishes but the socialist Maduro indicated this extended to full diplomatic cooperation.

“I send a greeting to the President of Panama. We have re-established diplomatic and political relations with Panama this very day,” Maduro said in a televised address.

“We are going to deepen economic, diplomatic, trade and energy relations. Applause and a hug to the

Panamanian people,” he said, wearing a tracksuit top in the yellow, blue and red colours of the Venezuelan flag.

Maduro’s Government survived weeks of protest marches from February that resulted in more than 40 deaths and which erupted from anger at insecurity, inflation and shortages of basic goods. Juan

Carlos Varela was sworn in as Panama’s President on Tuesday pledging to fight corruption and freeze prices of staple foods. (Reuters)

Cayman Islands confirm first chikungunya case; hundreds of

suspected cases reported in St Kitts-Nevis

As a regional outbreak persists, public health officials in the Cayman Islands have confirmed the first local case of imported chikungunya illness by a returning resident.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Kiran Kumar said the patient, who was treated and released from the Cayman Islands Hospital last week, is no longer infectious. He also confirmed that there is no evidence of local transmission of chikungunya in the Cayman Islands.

“Chikungunya is not directly transmitted from person to person, but a mosquito biting a person with chikungunya fever can spread the virus to another person. Hence persons, who develop symptoms within two weeks of having returned from countries with chikungunya cases, are considered imported,” Kumar explained.

“While we need to be alert, and take preventative measures, we need not be alarmed of one case. For Aedes mosquitoes to transmit chikungunya they must bite infected persons, who then become infectious and transmit the disease,” he emphasised.

“Hence, persons who develop chikungunya symptoms within two weeks of having returned from countries with chikungunya cases are advised to consult their physician and inform of their trav-

el history,” added Kumar.

Meanwhile, in St Kitts and Nevis, the number of suspected and/or confirmed chikungunya cases is in the hundreds, according to Chief Medical Officer Patrick Martin.

“We’re up to about 30 confirmed cases up to about a week ago, but there are more suspect cases, or cases that are clinically confirmed,” Martin said Monday, in giving an update on the situation in the federation. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

St Kitts-Nevis creates a Caribbean first with IMF payment TT company

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tuesday said that St Kitts and Nevis had repaid, ahead of schedule, US$17.1 million in obligations to the Washington-based financial institution.

The IMF said the payment made on June 24, is about one fourth of the US$73.1 million that St Kitts and Nevis borrowed from the IMF under its Stand-by Arrangement.

“This is the first time that a payment of this magnitude has been repaid early to the Fund by a Caribbean

nation,” the IMF said, adding that the twin-island federation borrowed less than the total amount approved under the three-year arrangement, equivalent to

US$84 million, as the authorities began to treat the arrangement as precautionary in March 2014, during the combined seventh and eighth review. (Caribbean360)

Caribbean coral reefs ‘could vanish in 20 years’

Healthy

Many of the Caribbean’s coral reefs could vanish in the next 20 years, according to a report published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Data from more than 35,000 surveys suggests that habitats have declined by more than 50 per cent since the 1970s. The report’s authors believe that over-

fishing and disease is mainly to blame.

They say the trend could continue if nothing is done, but with protection the reefs could bounce back. Carl Gustaf Lundin, Director of IUCN’s Global Marine and Polar Programme, said the findings were alarming.

“The reefs support a number of different countries and populations,” he said.

“Tourism is one of the biggest industries, and the health of the reef is essential to the well-being of many of the people living there. And of course they are immensely beautiful and wonderful places as well.”

The report, which was also authored by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, looked at data collected between 1970 and 2012 from 90 reef habitats and is the most comprehensive assessment of corals in this Region. The authors concluded that many reefs in the Caribbean were undergoing a dramatic transformation – changing from colourful realms, bursting with life, to barren habitats, covered in slimy algae.

They said the damage had been driven by the loss of some of the reefs’ key inhabitants. (Excerpt from BBC News)

12 year-old boy to be sentenced for gun attack at school

A12-year-old boy who pleaded no contest to opening fire in a New Mexico middle school gym and injuring two students is scheduled to be sentenced.

The boy is expected Wednesday to appear in court for the January 14 shooting at a Roswell mid-

dle school. As a juvenile, he faces possible detention until he’s 21 years old.

However, KRQE-TV reports the boy’s lawyers are asking that he be placed in treatment for two years and then released if doctors determine he’s no longer a danger.

A defence memo says the boy was chronically bullied, is socially and emotionally immature and regrets what he did.

The boy was charged with three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count of carrying a firearm on school premises. (Jamaica Observer)

Neal and Massy changes name

The Neal and Massy Group on Monday officially changed its name to Massy as part of a comprehensive rebranding exercise that unifies all subsidiary companies to create a strong, consistent corporate identity. The change means that the supermarket chain, Hi-Lo, will now be known as Massy Stores and the group’s vehicle distribu-

tion businesses will now be known as Massy Motors.

In a statement, the Port of Spain-based conglomerate said: “Redefining the corporate brand strengthens cohesion and clearly communicates the advantages of choosing to do business with the Group. Members of TT’s corporate community were introduced to the new brand at a function at NAPA on

Monday night during which the group’s CEO Gervase Warner explained the reasons for the rebranding and the meaning of its new logo. A corporate advertising campaign that demonstrates how Massy companies work together to simplify customers’ business transaction will run in the media in Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and St Lucia. (Trinidad Guardian)

Observer)

Prime Minister Gaston Browne speaks to the gathering at Sandals Grande Antigua resort in Dickenson Bay

coral reefs have declined by about 50 per cent in the past 40 years

Aedes aegypti mosquito

Cargo plane crashes in Kenyan capital

Acargo plane crashed into a commercial building in Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Wednesday shortly after taking off from the city’s main airport with four crew members on board, the Kenyan Airports Authority (KAA) said.

Television footage showed the tail and wings of a white plane ripped in half outside a two-storey building, which was left in ruins by the force of the impact. KAA said all the crew members were “feared to have perished,” while Kenyan media reported that they were dead.

“A Fokker 50 cargo plane with four people on board has this morning crashed at a commercial building in Utawala after taking off from JKIA,” KAA said on its Twitter feed.

The plane crashed into shops in Nairobi’s Embekasi neighbourhood near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where a terminal was gutted by a major fire last year. JKIA is East Africa’s busiest airport and acts as vital travel gateway to the region. (France24)

Berlin talks bring Russia and Ukraine closer to resuming ceasefire

The foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine agreed in Berlin on Wednesday to hold threeway talks involving proMoscow rebels by Saturday to pave the way for a new ceasefire, despite continued fighting that Kiev says has now killed 200 of its troops.

“It is a clear commitment to a multilateral ceasefire,” said German Foreign Minister FrankWalter Steinmeier after talks with Russia’s Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine’s Pavlo Klimkin and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. Russia and Ukraine continued to blame each other for the violence that marred the 10-day ceasefire, which Kiev declared

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Deauville, Northern France June 6

over on Monday before resuming its military offensive against separatists in the east, many of whom had

ignored the truce.

But Lavrov told a joint news conference alongside Klimkin and the two oth-

ers that they had agreed to work for a “stable, longterm truce”. “We propose to achieve this through a meeting soon of the Contact Group, which – we hope –will hold a meeting in coming days and agree on the conditions for truce that would satisfy all sides,” said the Russian Minister.

That group, representing Ukraine, Moscow and the rebels, with Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mediation, should meet “no later than July 5 with the goal of reaching an unconditional and mutually agreed sustainable ceasefire”, said a document agreed by all four ministers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India, US discuss ways to enhance strategic partnership

Senior US senator John McCain on Wednesday met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj here during which they discussed ways to enhance India-US strategic partnership as also the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ahead of his visit, the Republican Senator from Arizona had said, “We seek to take our strategic partnership with India to the next level, it is important for US leaders to reach out personally to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially in light of recent history.”

US senator John McCain with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi on Wednesday

Talking about the meeting between Swaraj and McCain, who will call on Modi on Thursday, the spokesperson in the External Affairs

Ministry said the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and how to take them forward.

And since McCain himself is a war veteran, he also talked about troops deployment in Afghanistan and situation in Iraq. Significantly, McCain is against US withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, maintaining that if Afghanistan goes Iraq’s way in the absence of US forces, it would leave India with a clear and present danger on its periphery and for this reason, he was deeply concerned about the consequences of the President’s plan to pull all of US troops out of the wartorn country by 2016.

Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy: Case against me ‘political’

Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has said the French justice system is being used for “political ends” after he was placed under formal investigation for influence peddling. In a TV interview, Sarkozy denied committing any unlawful act. He said the “grotesque” case against him had been intended to humiliate him and harm his reputation. It is alleged Sarkozy sought insider information from a judge

about an inquiry into illegal campaign funding.

Sarkozy was detained on Tuesday for questioning – the first time a former French head of state has been held in Police custody. The BBC’s Hugh Schofield in Paris says Sarkozy’s clear accusation is that left-wing elements in the judiciary are trying to bring him down and prevent his return to politics.

Opponents of the former President

East Jerusalem clashes follow teen’s murder

Dozens of people have been injured in the largest clashes in occupied East Jerusalem in years, as Palestinian residents of the city fought with Police after the mutilated body of a boy was found dumped in a forest outside the city.

The body may belong to Mohammed Abu Khdair, a 17-year-old resident of the Shuafat neighbourhood who was abducted on Wednesday morning.

Police say they are investigating whether the murder was a revenge attack, carried out after three kidnapped Israeli settlers were found dead earlier this week.

A Police spokesman said Abu Khdair was reported missing early on Wednesday. Witnesses said that he was abducted around 03:45h and thrown into a car by two or

three men as he was walking to the mosque.

“I heard screaming outside: ‘Mohammed has been kidnapped,’” said Abu Moussa Abu Khdair, a cousin who was in the mosque at the time. “When I ran outside he was gone, and the youth [outside the mosque] said he was taken in a car.”

By nightfall, though, the body was still unidentified.

Relatives said his father spent most of the day in a police station. The body was too badly burned to recognise, so forensic experts took DNA samples from the father to compare.

Clashes dragged on throughout the day, despite the summer heat and the Ramadan holiday. The heaviest fighting was outside the Abu Khdair family home, and the mosque where he was abducted. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ghana hosts crisis talks as Ebola toll rises

Health ministers from 11 African countries are meeting in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, to plan “drastic action” against the worst Ebola outbreak in history as dozens of new cases continue to emerge.

There have been 759 confirmed or suspected cases of the haemorrhagic fever in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the World Health Organisation says, with 467 people known to have died as of Wednesday.

The new death toll represented a rise of 129 – or 38 per cent – since the UN agency’s last update given just a week ago.

“This makes the ongoing Ebola outbreak the largest in terms of the number of cases and deaths as well

as geographical spread,” WHO said in a statement announcing a two-day conference in Accra.

The UN reassured West African nations on Wednesday that the world’s deadliest-ever Ebola epidemic could be stopped in its tracks, telling the region’s health ministers: “We can handle this.”

“This is not a unique situation – we have faced it many times – so I’m quite confident that we can handle this,” Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director General for Health Security at the WHO, said.

“This is, however, the most complicated Ebola outbreak ever because it is spreading so fast in both urban and rural areas.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Eleven North Korea defectors arrested by China, face deportation-activist

Chinese authorities have arrested 11 North Koreans who had fled their country and will likely deport them back to the North where they could face severe punishment, a human rights activist said on Wednesday.

help these people as the leader of a great nation,” Kim told Reuters. Xi visits South Korea on Thursday for talks with President Park Geunhye focusing on the North’s nuclear programme and promoting the two countries’ commercial ties.

say his counter-attack is typical of the man and a bid to deflect attention away from the allegations, our correspondent adds.

The interview, which was recorded for TF1 television and Europe 1 radio, was broadcast on Wednesday evening. In it Sarkozy said: “The situation is sufficiently serious to tell the French people where we stand on the political exploitation of part of the legal system today. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The 11 were arrested in China’s Jilin Province that borders North Korea on June 19, said the activist, who has worked as a Christian missionary helping North Korean defectors in China. He asked to be identified only by his surname Kim in order not to jeopardise his work with defectors in China.

“We hope that (Chinese President) Xi Jinping will

The United Nations has said China is required under international law not to return defectors to North Korea, where they could face persecution, torture and possibly death.

China says North Korean defectors are refugees who flee their country for economic reasons. North Korea calls them criminals and those who try to bring them to South Korea kidnappers.

(Excerpt

The plane crashed into shops in Nairobi’s Embekasi neighbourhood near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

thursday, July 3, 2014

Phillipi fatal accident driver slapped with three additional charges

Eighteen-year-old

Nakesh Persaud was slapped with three additional charges as he made his second court appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

The teen of Number 51 Village was charged with failure to render assistance to an injured person, failure to stop at the scene of an accident and dangerous driving when he appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh.

The particulars of the charge read that on June 11 on the Kilmarnock Public Road, Persaud drove motor car PPP 5842 in a manner dangerous to the public resulting in injuries to Delroy Parks, failure to stop at a scene of an accident and failure to render assistance to an injured person. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was represented by Attorney Rodwell Jagmohan who appealed for bail, a move which was objected to by Police Prosecutor Phillip Sheriff. Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison and is expected to

make another court appearance on June 14.

On June 11, Persaud reportedly under the influence of alcohol drove motor car PPP 5482 hitting five persons in three separate accidents, killing three persons on the spot. The first incident occurred on the Kilmarnock Public Road where he hit 28 year old Delroy Parks and sped away, However while driving away from the scene he fatally struck Tabithia Lotoya Bagot ;Malkia Wanita Bagot 16 and Shamain Cort 3 on the Phillipi Public Road stop,

Even at that stage Persaud continued driving when he hit Matthew McBean, 18, on the Number 35 Public road when he lost control of the vehicle and plunged into a nearby trench. McBean suffered serious injuries and was hospitalsed for several days.

The Market Vendor first appeared at the Springlands Magistrate on June 13, where he was slapped with 10 charges; these include: three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, a charge he was not required to plead to. He however, pleaded not guilty to three counts of failure to render assistance, three counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident and driving under the influence of alcohol.

At the Whim Magistrates Court, family members of the victims including mother of the two sisters Latoya and Malkia and grandmother of 3-year-old Shamain Cort Angela Bagot showed up in their numbers to know the fate of the accused and the progress of the case.

Iraqi PM offers amnesty to rebel Sunni tribes

Iraq’s Prime Minister has offered a general amnesty to Sunni tribes fighting the central government, in an attempt to undercut support for an insurgency that threatens the country’s unity.

Nouri al-Maliki made the surprise call in his weekly televised address on Wednesday, urging fighters to “return to their senses”.

“We are not excluding anybody, even those who committed misdeeds, apart from those who killed or shed blood,” he said.

It was not immediately clear how many people might be eligible, but the move appeared to be a bid to split the alliance of religious fighters, Baath party loyalists, and anti-government tribes.

Maliki also gave warning on the threat posed by the Islamic State, saying that “no one in Iraq or any neighbouring country will be safe from these plans”.

He said the group’s call for re-establishing a “caliphate” meant all the states in the region were a target

and “inside the red circle”.

Maliki’s comments came a day after a chaotic opening to the new Parliament, despite international leaders urging Iraq’s fractious politicians to unite to help combat the rebels.

Iraq’s Parliament reconvened on Tuesday before descending into chaos as politicians traded heckles and threats.

Sunni and Kurdish MPs stayed away from voting, meaning a Speaker could not be elected as constitutionally required. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

History created as new Caricom song is launched

History was created for the Caribbean Community with the debut of the Caricom song titled “Celebrating Caricom”. The occasion was the opening ceremony of the 35th meeting of the Caribbean Community Conference of Heads of Government.

Caricom Heads, Diplomats and Delegates converged at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resorts and Spa for the ceremony which was addressed by Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Outgoing Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines; and Incoming Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government, Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The Triennial Award for Women 2014 was also presented to Marion Bethel of The Bahamas during the ceremony.

However, the evening could not have come to a close before talented songwriter, vocalist and flautist Michele Henderson of Dominica put on a rousing performance of “Celebrating Caricom”. The performance was supported by dancers from the National Dance Theatre of Antigua and Barbuda, while Henderson’s vocals were accompanied by a high-quality regionally produced sound track that was prepared specifically for the event. The song has been recorded on CD and copies will be given to Caricom Heads.

Following her performance, which had everyone singing and dancing in their seats, Henderson was presented with a cash prize of US$10,000 and a plaque by Secretary General LaRocque. Beaming with pride, Henderson was all

smiles as she accepted the award. She said she had always wanted to make a significant contribution to regional integration as well as to the history of the Community and this opportunity had given her the medium to do exactly that.

The song, which will be used at ceremonial and Community events, was written and produced by Henderson in collaboration with her husband, Roland Delsol Jr, as well as her band and other music colleagues in Dominica.

The Caricom Song Competition was launched in April 2013 as part of the Community’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The goal was to facilitate the involvement of Caricom countries in choosing a regionally and internationally recognised song that promoted unity and inspired Caricom identity and pride. A regional panel of judges comprising independent experts in music was nominated by Member

States and the Caricom Secretariat to choose the Caricom Song. The competition was conducted in three rounds, where 63 entries were condensed to the final three, of which “Celebrating Caricom” was chosen as the winner. The second-place entry titled “My Caricom” came from Jamaican Adiel Thomas and the thirdplace song was titled “One Caricom” by Carmella Lawrence from St Kitts and Nevis. In moving the vote of thanks at the closing of the ceremony, Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to Caricom, Clarence Henry expressed delight that “the Caribbean Community finally has an anthem”. He also seemed very excited about the song selected and remarked that he felt like getting out of his seat to dance during Henderson’s performance. The 35th meeting of the Caribbean Community Conference of Heads of Government will conclude on Friday.

OAS convenes meeting of foreign ministers on debt restructuring

The Permanent Council of the Organisation of the American States (OAS) will convene a Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs today.

The meeting will be held at the headquarters of the OAS in Washington, DC, to discuss “Sovereign Debt

Restructuring: The Case of Argentina and its Systemic Consequences”.

Upon presenting the request of his country for the Meeting on Monday, the Alternate Representative of Argentina to the OAS, Minister Julio César Ayala, said “the issue that affects my country today is urgent and of common interest to all the States of the Americas”. Minister Ayala explained

that, since 2003, “Argentina has been implementing a series of measures aimed at normalising the international financial relationships” affected by the 2001 default. That process, added Ayala, “continues to this day”.

The Argentine diplomat said that after paying off its debt to major institutions and banks, in 2005 and 2010, Argentina reached agreements with 92.4 per cent of its remaining creditors. But he explained that such was not the case with “one group, known around the world as vulture funds”, and added that these funds, also known as hedge funds in English, bought bonds in default “for the purpose of speculating, waiting for the country to improve its eco-

nomic condition to sue it and obtain a 100 per cent payment of the face value of the bonds plus interest thus obtaining in the short term of six years, a fabulous rate of return close to 1600 per cent”.

“These bondholders obtained, nevertheless, a favourable judgment that was unsuccessfully appealed by Argentina. This judgment obliges the country to pay US$1.5 billion,” Ayala said, and added “to make things

worse, if we pay the vulture funds, and the rest of the bondholders demand the same treatment, it would cost my country US$120 billion and would eradicate a decade of efforts to restructure Argentina’s external debt.”

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, expressed his solidarity with Argentina, “as I have expressed to Foreign Minister Timerman several times in recent days over the situation in which this unusual decision has put his country.” “This is an urgent issue,” said the Secretary General, and added “therefore, it is important to make a statement on it soon.” At the end of his address, the OAS leader told the Council he

would extend “a special invitation” to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,” and all international observer organisations of the OAS to attend the meeting.

During the special meeting of the Council on Monday, the representatives of Argentina, St Kitts and Nevis, Brazil, Panama, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Uruguay, Dominica, Grenada, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Colombia, Guyana, United States, Saint Lucia, and Canada took the floor.

Winner of the Caricom Song Competition, Michele Henderson accepts her award from Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Nakesh Persaud

Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza

15 graduate from Open Doors Centre

The Open Doors Centre conducted its seventh graduation ceremony on Tuesday with 15 young men and women completing courses in various trades and work programmes at the Love and Faith World Outreach Ministries Church.

The Open Doors Centre, founded in May 2001, is the only institution in Guyana that offers vocational training for persons with disabilities. With this in mind, the management and staff of this organisation, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, seeks to uphold the mission and vision of the Centre so as to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. The mission of the organisation is to be committed to offering education and vocational training to persons with disabilities in scientific, technical and commercial fields with the view of providing employment and income opportunities to integrate or reintegrate them into the society.

Some of the programmes

offered by the organisation to the differently abled individuals are Information Technology, Garment Construction, Craft, Electrical Installation, and Carpentry and Joinery.

The Manager of the Open Doors Centre, Arthur Lewis stated that persons with disabilities face enormous chal-

lenges on a day-to-day basis in society. They are often perceived as helpless, unemployable, dependent and objects of social welfare. They find it extremely difficult to access public and private transportation and institutions, and are woefully under qualified because the education system that exists in

Guyana does not fully cater to the various needs of the disabled. He mentioned that the few who are able to acquire an education are often denied decent job opportunities.

Lewis said that the Open Doors Centre is hoping to turn around the current thinking of persons in Guyana, and show society that these young men and women have a lot to offer, as the organisation aims to ensure the achievement, retention and advancement in suitable employment of these individuals and to raise public awareness about the rights and the capacities of persons with disabilities, to improve their life conditions from a social point of view.

Speaking to Guyana Times, some of the young men and women expressed their happiness in being able to perform tasks they would not have been able to do on their own. They also expressed their gratitude to the institution for allowing this opportunity.

Political leadership vital to integration venture – Prime Minister Gonsalves

Outgoing Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Ralph Gonsalves Tuesday evening underlined the vital nature of political leadership in the quest for integration, as well as the necessity to “love and care for CARICOM”.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister’s statements were contained in a speech titled “CARICOM’s possibilities, limitations and unevenness of outcomes” that he delivered during the Opening Ceremony of the Thirty-Fifth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Antigua and Barbuda. His was one of three addresses delivered as the Conference got under way at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa. Incoming Chair of the Community, newly-elected Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon Gaston Browne, and Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, also addressed the Opening Ceremony.

In his address, Prime Minister Gonsalves rallied the Community to shed its doubts, and to dig deep into the recesses of “our Caribbean civiliza-

tion” to find “what was good and sensible in us as we go forward”. In spite of what he characterized as “the design limitations of CARICOM”, he pointed to the achievements that the Region had recorded under its four pillars: functional cooperation, economic integration including trade, the coordination of foreign policy; and the combining of regional security initiatives.”

But he cautioned that there was still much work to be done.

“In this venture, political leadership is vital; our doubts must no longer detain us; and we must ever more love and care for CARICOM for without it, despite its many false starts and disappointments, our people would be diminished in their quest to enhance, in their own interest, their capacity to address, most optimally, the internal and exogenous challenges which beset them. In all these reflections, we must never forget CARICOM’s accomplishments which constitute a part of the permanent landscape of our Region’s political economy,” Prime Minister Gonsalves said.

The absence of a “dramatic forwardmovement” in affairs of the Community

ought not to invite “unwarranted criticism or a paralysing cynicism”, he cautioned. Neither, he added, must the Community fall prey to a “smug satisfaction about consolidation and progress in the face of foot-dragging in some critical issues and an unacceptable implementation deficit on items upon which we have solemnly agreed”. Giving account of his stewardship, Prime Minister Gonsalves said that consolidation and progress were evident on several `integration’ fronts, including in freedom of movement of persons. He also listed among the achievements over the past six months, progress on the continued utilization by the regional private sector of the right of establishment to facilitate enhanced regional investment, job and wealth creation; the improved coordination of the regional security apparatuses and those between them and other friendly nations who have vested interests in the Region and hemisphere in fighting crime; the continued coordination of foreign policy; and advancement in areas of functional cooperation.

Pesticide Board hosts safe storage workshop for Region Two farmers – distributes

storage cupboards

Scores of cash crop farmers on the Essequibo Coast attended a special workshop on Wednesday hosted by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PCTCB), in collaboration with the Agriculture and Health Ministries, on proper storage of toxic chemicals, including pesticides.

The workshop is part of a series being hosted throughout the country against the backdrop of Guyana having, per capita, the fourth highest rate of suicide in the world, many of them caused by pesticide ingestion. With direct responsibility for monitoring pesticides, the PCTCB has been leading sensitisation campaigns countrywide to raise awareness and ensure compliance with its recommended safety standards.

Speaking to farmers in the boardroom of the State House at Anna Regina, PCTCB Senior Inspector, Suresh Amichand, said they needed to follow specified recommendations in storing chemicals and toxic substances. He said the workshop was part of a pilot project of the Agriculture Ministry, the Health Ministry and the Pesticide Board to raise farmers’ awareness on the appropriate ways of storing chemicals. He stressed that the workshop’s primary objective was reducing unauthorised persons’ access to toxic chemicals.

Earlier this year, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy had underscored the importance of proper storage and sale of chemicals. He alluded to the fact that easy access to poisonous pesticides is one of the contributing factors to suicide.

“We as a country must understand that pesticide kills, regardless of its usage. We must understand

that improper use of chemicals is a cause for concern and while much has been done over the years to raise awareness and reduce the number of deaths, there is still room for improvement,” he said.

Inspector Amichand noted that the present awareness campaign was launched in Black Bush Polder, and workshops are being conducted in various regions and farmers are being provided with storage cabinets.

“Our workshop focuses on disseminating valid information concerning storage of chemicals to farmers, we are giving cabinets so that farmers can practise safe storage, this they can share with their colleagues also,” Amichand said.

Minister Ramsammy had called on all users to comply with all safety rules and regulations.

Farmers were educated via Powerpoint and video presentations. Topics included pesticide storage, safe and secure areas, containers that can be used for storage, and safety tips for storage facilities. Newsletters, measuring cups, and pamphlets were distributed also.

Similar workshops will be held in Regions Three, Four, Six and 10. Farmers were given the opportunity to interact with each other and asked pertinent questions in relation to the safe storage of chemicals and toxic substances. Ramesh Sooknarine was the first of 10 lucky farmers to be given a storage cabinet.

Presently, Guyana is one of very few countries which have bodies regulating the importation, sale, use, and storage of toxic chemicals.

The country has been tightening rules which govern the trade of pesticides, and has made it a criminal act for a minor to be sold a pesticide.

PCTCB Senior Inspector Suresh Amichand hands over a storage cabinet to farmer Ramesh Sooknarine

The graduates of the Open Doors Centre courses

A graduate receives a token

SUDOKU

Sharing your vision will bring a positive outcome. Those who were initially reluctant to join your team will be won over by your latest findings and presentation.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Health problems will arise if you don’t handle stress and physical activity with care. Lack of sleep and poor eating choices will have a negative effect on your mind, body and productivity.

Talk to someone you trust. A different point of view will provide the key to a troubling situation. Once you see things through someone else’s eyes, your confusion will diminish.

Now is a good time to investigate job opportunities. An online posting or employment agency will show you how to improve your resume by enhancing your credentials.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Learn to be more accepting. Face the facts that circumstances will change whether you want them to or not. Roll with the punches and show a professional attitude, no matter what happens.

(March 21-April 19)

Identify the areas in your life that you need to improve in order to make your dreams come true. Once you share your ideas, you will have no trouble finding a suitable means to execute your plans.

(April 20-May 20)

You can form a closer bond with someone special by including romance in your conversation. Plan an intimate event or activity. Love is in the air.

(May 21June 20)

Someone will try to discredit you. If you have reservations about what’s happening around you, follow up on your suspicions, but be discreet to prevent others from meddling in your affairs.

Very few can keep up with you. Your energy level is high, and whatever you pursue will be a breeze. Focus on things that will bring improvements to different areas of your life.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Someone may be trying to conceal the truth. If you believe everything you hear, you are likely to end up in a compromising or embarrassing situation.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Your powers of persuasion will help you make a positive impact and benefit a cause that you feel passionate about. Don’t hesitate to speak up and take control if necessary.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

There may be a lot of tension in the air. Be smart and stay out of the line of fire until things settle down. Conflict will lead to a no-win situation.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Limacol, the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), is making it easier for fans to acquire Guyana Amazon Warriors merchandise ahead of the second staging of the League, starting next Friday.

The Main Street branch of Courts (Guyana) Inc, an official sponsor of the exciting Limacol CPL, will be the venue for this Friday’s programme which will commence at 11:30h and conclude at 14:00h.

Media and Marketing Officer of the Limacol CPL, Andrew McKend, speaking to this publication on Wednesday, encouraged members of the public to come out and be part of the activity.

“People have been calling from all over the world about team merchandise, teeshirts, cups, bats and balls and that kind of stuff…what we’ve decided in collaboration with Courts, we’re going to have a day out at Courts where we’re going to have these merchandise displayed,” McKend said.

He added, “We’re going to have some cricketers who are going to be on standby to autograph those things that members of the public would buy. It’s going to be a day of fun, a day when you can get some good bargains.”

Lavasti Bhooplall, the Marketing Associate of NEW GPC Inc, the producers of Limacol, said that for Friday only, Guyana Amazon Warriors’ merchandise will be available to members of the public at “a special price.”

There will also be Limacol CPL giveaways on the day, Bhooplall added. The promotion is geared towards getting fans involved in the game ahead of the start of the ‘Biggest Party in Sport.’

The Limacol CPL will bowl off on July 11 in Grenada and conclude with the grand final on August 16 in St Kitts.

Guyana Amazon Warriors merchandise on sale on Friday Digicel Schools Football Tournament…

Guyana routed in opening game of CBC Championships

Guyana were given a rude welcome to the British Virgin Islands at the Men’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) championships at the MultiPurpose Sports Complex on Tortola Tuesday night, as the hosts crushed them 9963 in their opening game.

The game was a contest until the second half, when the BVI turned up the heat and went on an 18-6 run that effectively put the game to bed.

Guyana’s tame resist-

ance was led by Gordon Klaiber with 17 points and captain Rawle Marshall who finished with 12 points and five assists. Andrew Ifill and Akeem Kanhai had eight points each.

The BVI were inspired by Halstead “JR” Chiverton, who went on a 15- point, first quarter rampage, including hitting five of eight attempts from down town and some dynamic defending to see the home side ahead 3022 in the first period.

Also for the BVI, Rasheed Cann finished with16 and 9

assists, Norville Carey 12 points, Steve Parillon 13 with 8 rebounds and Dione Blyden 11 points, including a solo display of two and three- point shooting at the end, which had the crowd whipped into a frenzy and up on their feet cheering and waving flags.

Guyana were scheduled to play the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) at 16:00h on Wednesday. The USVI began their campaign on Tuesday with a 66 -53 defeat of Barbados.

Cuthbert Victor had a game- high 19 points, while Phillip Jones added 11, and both Aaron Brown and Craig Williams scored 10, with Williams adding 9 assists. David Gill led Barbados with 10 points; Akeem Marsh scored 10 with 6 rebounds and Andre Lockhart 10 points with 3 assists. The CBC Men’s Championship got underway with the much fancied Bahamas routing the well supported St Vincent and the Grenadines, 84-53.

Butts blasts in six as NA ‘Multi’ crush Winifred Gaskin

Ahelmet-trick in the second half of play by striker

Jameaul Butts, helped New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) to an impressive 13-0 win over Winifride Gaskin

Secondary, when firstround action in the Digicel National Schools Football Tournament continued in Berbice on Tuesday.

Butts, who scored two

goals in the first half, was almost scoring at will when the players returned for the final session at the Skeldon Community Centre.

Trevette Grimond opened up the scoring in the 10th minute and Renaldo Cassiana netted two minutes later. If that was not enough despair for Winifride Gaskin, they scored an own goal in the next minute and remained

the only one they would score.

The score was 6-o at half-time with Butts scoring twice and Cassiana scoring his second goal seconds before the half-time whistle.

When the players returned to the newly converted football arena, Butts scored in the 58th, 59th, 65th and 69th minutes while Grimond scored

in the 68th and Godfrey Coward in the 67th.

In other results from Region Six, Berbice Educational Institute lost to New Amsterdam Technical Institute 1-2 while Tutorial Academy got past Central Corentyne 1-0.

Berbice High Inflicted a 3-0 drubbing on Skeldon

Secondary and Orealla used their home advantage to whip Lower Corentyne secondary 5-0. Siparuta Mission bowed out to Canje Secondary 4-2.

The Region Six leg of the tournament continues today with new comers Upper Corentyne Industrial Centre coming up against

Vryman’s Erven Secondary at the Scottsburg Ground in Corriverton in the final first- round match. Second round games will commence today.

Nineteen schools in Region Six are participating in the nationwide tournament.

Gordon Klaiber top scored for Guyana with 17 points

The winning New Amsterdam Multilateral School players pose for Guyana Times Sport

New Amsterdam Multilateral School (white tops) on the attack against Winifride Gaskin Secondary

Who holds the balance of power in world football?

Brazil’s World Cup has been played in the style that so many hoped for once football’s showpiece was awarded to the country regarded as the home of the game’s free spirits.

The last three weeks have provided a consistent narrative of fast, attacking football and excitement - exactly as the game’s rulers would have imagined it when they handed the tournament to Brazil.

Even the line-up for the last eight has a balance that brings pleasure to the purists, as four teams from the Americas are complimented by a quartet from Europeall of them group winners.

The destiny of this World Cup will be decided in the iconic surroundings of the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday week but all quarter-finalists have the opportunity to show where the balance of power lies between the two continents.

The seven World Cups held here in the Americas have failed to produce a European winner. On the flip side, Brazil are the only nation from the Americas to achieve a win on European soil - when they triumphed 5-2 in the final against hosts Sweden 56 years ago.

So for Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, France’s Didier Deschamps, Germany’s Joachim Low and the Belgian Marc Wilmots there is the dual opportunity to make history for their countries and exert European domination.

For the likes of Luiz Felipe Scolari, attempting to win his second World Cup with Brazil, and Argentina’s Alejandro Sabella in particular, there is the chance to send Europe home emptyhanded once more. At this stage Europe has often dominated. When Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay reached the last eight in South Africa four years ago, it was the first time representation from the Americas had been so strong since the Mexico World Cup in 1970.

So a similar number here represents a continued resurgence and an advance on the dark days of 1990 and 1994 when only one nation from the Americas reached the last eight - although Brazil did what mattered in the United States and claimed

the trophy against Italy on penalties.

It was an era when the great Diego Maradona was critically on the wane for Argentina, even though they advanced to lose a desperately dull final to West Germany at Italia 90 - the South Americans showing they could still usually get one team in at the World Cup’s sharp end.

The figures started to stack up a little more attractively with two teams from the Americas at this stage in 1998, 2002 and 2006 - and now we have the face-off here in Brazil.

So do these figures represent a lasting shift in the balance of power back towards the Americas, or are there just geographical forces at work?

Germany coach Low be-

lieves tournaments held in South America hold a special appeal for those born there. As he prepared for an all-European quarter-final against France, he said: “The South and Central AmericansArgentina, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica - have certainly shown that on their continent they want to show their class. They want to show the entire world ‘this is where we’re playing, this is our continent and we will do whatever is necessary to satisfy our fans and our countries’.”

The continued influx of South American players into Europe since those struggles in the early 90s has bred familiarity with the style and demands, producing more rounded players and perhaps helping in the World Cup environment. The three super-

stars of the tournament so far - Brazil’s Neymar, Lionel Messi of Argentina and the emerging Colombian James Rodriguez - ply their trades at Barcelona and Monaco respectively.

South America football writer Tim Vickery also believes the continent benefited from a change in the qualification process.

“There can be no doubt that the so-called lesser nations in South America have made dramatic strides since the introduction of the marathon World Cup qualification format in 1996,” he said. “Regular competitive games and guaranteed income has allowed them to appoint good coaches and build proper sides.”

The South, Central and North Americans have also bought into the fast-flowing, high-tempo styles that have been a feature of this World Cup. The African sides such as Nigeria and Algeria have shown the way too. It would be wrong to suggest defence has become a forgotten art but the most successful teams have embraced the mood of swift, counter-attacking intent.

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic, whose team created such a fine impression before going out to Germany in extra time in the last 16, believes the demands of the European leagues have also given the Americas an opportunity to make their mark here.

He believes this particularly applied to the dramat-

ic decline in holders Spain, who were expected by many to fly the flag for Europe once more as they attempted to break through the South American barrier and retain the trophy. “There was a lack of ambition,” he said. “They won absolutely everything in the last decade and I think they were not willing to fight any more.”

One element that has always been regarded as having a significant influence is the heat of the Americas, in particular the fierce temperature of two tournaments held in Mexico.

Former England winger Chris Waddle said: “Of course there is an advantage for players who have been brought up in hot climates, but I think with modern sports science and preparation techniques it is not as much of a factor as it was. “I played in Mexico in 1986 and that was really hard. It was played at altitude and the temperatures were up about 35 to 40 degrees.

“In some ways we were the guinea pigs back then and now, in the modern era, you’ve got dieticians, sports scientists and all manner of people who give you advice on how to get the most out of your body. I think it is a more level playing field for European teams coming to places like Brazil now.”

And on that level playing field in Brazil, a wonderful World Cup has delivered a straight fight for supremacy between Europe and the Americas. (BBC Sport)

lucrative “Wheat up” race billed for monday

B

Top cyclists from the across the country will light up the Seawall Bandstand Circuit on Monday when the 11th annual Caricom Day “Wheat Up” race sponsored by the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) is staged by the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC).

The 12-race programme will pedal off at 09:00h with the riders set to benefit from increased prize monies due to a rise in the sponsorship by the flour company. NAMILCO has injected $500,000 into the day’s programme, a significant increase from last year’s $400,000 investment.

In receiving the sponsorship, President of the RBC, Brian Allen, said it is companies such as NAMILCO that keep sports alive in Guyana by injecting funds into the various disciplines. He lauded the company for staying the course with the RBC and for constantly seeking ways of improving the race, while also hiking the sponsorship package each passing year.

The race was held on the East Bank Public Road in its formative years before being switched to the Seawall Bandstand a few years ago.

This move, according to Finance Controller of the company Fitzroy McLeod, was geared at creating a family atmosphere, something they were able to achieve thus far.

At last year’s race, the Seawall Bandstand was packed with cycling enthusiasts, members of the cycling fra -

Finance Controller of NAMILCO, Fitzroy McLeod (second right), hands over the winner’s trophy to Vice-president of the RBC, Royston Wright. Sharing the moment are (from left): Assistant Managing Director of NAMILCO, Autamaram Lakeram, President of the RBC, Brian Allen, and NAMILCO’s Consultant, Affeeze Khan

ternity as well as curious onlookers who gathered to catch a glimpse of competitive racing in a unique environment.

According to McLeod, NAMILCO will continue to work with the RBC to ensure the programme remains a success, noting that the company’s injection of increased

funds is indicative of this.

Assistant Managing Director, Autamaram Lakeram, said NAMILCO has always been an avid supporter of cycling ever since the club approached them over a decade ago. Lakeram committed the entity’s continued support in the form

of sponsorship, adding that NAMILCO has seen some level of progress ever since the programme commenced in 2004.

While the day’s activities will cater for all categories of riders, the feature event, which will be open to all cyclists, will be for 30-laps around the Seawall Bandstand circuit.

The winner of the main event will receive $30,000 and trophy as well as a oneyear supply of Wheat Up, compliments of NAMILCO. The top six finishers will receive cash prizes and trophies, while there will be 15 prime prizes on offer.

Last year’s winner was RBC’s Alanzo Greaves, who is currently campaigning in the United States of America and may not be here to defend the title.

However, Greaves’s fellow Commonwealth Games team-mates Geron Williams, who was last weekend crowned national road race champion, Marlon “Fishy” Williams and Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey are expected to participate.

Other races carded for the day include the 12-14/Juveniles (three laps), Juniors/ Category Four (five laps), Categories One to Three (five laps), Veterans Under-50 (five laps), Veterans Over-50 (five laps), Win and Out Open (eight laps), Points race (12 laps), Mountain Bikes Open (five laps), BMX 6-9 (two laps), BMX 10-14 (two laps) and Females (five laps). The top three finishers in these races will be rewarded with cash and trophies.

A wonderful World Cup in Brazil has delivered a straight fight for supremacy between Europe and the Americas.

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Guyana’s CBC performance a result of poor decision making

By:TreisTon Joseph

Thirty-six and 20 were the numbers Guyana were beaten by in their two games so far in the ongoing Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships being held in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

What could have caused such an atrocious showing by a team touted to win the championships due to the presence of the NBA’s first Guyanese born player Rawle Marshall, at least according to President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds?

Truth be told, it wasn’t from the lack of effort from the Guyanese men; they hustled, they argued and they played to the best of their abilities, and they lost. All in all, what more can you ask of your team?

However, quite frankly the process leading up to the selection of the 15-man squad was nothing but a total failure by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF). Out of 25 players, the team was broken down to 18 players a week prior to the start of the championships and only up

to the day of travel was the team reduced by three.

Now FIBA rules state that only 12 players can be active for a game, however, the coach has up to 20 minutes before game time to submit his list of active players to the scorers. Maybe the rules were taken for granted and the GABF probably thought that the team was talented enough to withstand any foe in spite of any combination of players they put on the floor. What bad judgment by the federation.

Meanwhile, if a coach never sees his definitive 12 and never coaches the 12 players that are seen as the best combination to win, then simply how can they win? It is not rocket science, the team would obviously lack major chemistry and the players would never get a chance to bond or to understand their roles on the team since the actual combination of players were never known to begin with.

To top that, the coach (Mark Agard) probably has no clue what his rotations should be or the amount of minutes he will play the starters or his bench that will be chosen at game time due to never being given a chance to coach the actual

12 players.

A championship team is built on a core group of players understanding their roles on a team, along with the execution of a system put in place. This was never the case as the only surety for this national team was that all the overseas-based players were seemingly going to be in the BVI whether they played or not.

It is definitely disheartening that Guyana has suffered such a fate at the championships and one can only wonder why the team was never broken down to 12 before they departed in order to have a much better opportunity to work out the kinks of the team and have the players understand their roles and gel as a group. As a result of not doing such, Guyana is now facing elimination from the tournament. They play Barbados later today and would have to win to give them any chance to make it to the semifinal round. Even if they win, they would have to hope that the BVI loses to both Barbados and US Virgin Islands- results which are highly unlikely. However, one must say good luck to the boys!

Digicel Schools Football Tournament…

Ascension goalkeeper saves the day

– Leonora trounce Endeavour 16-0

By TreisTon Joseph

While one might think goalkeepers are meant only for preventing the opposition from scoring, Ascension Community High custodian Akeem Hinds showed that goalkeepers can also get on to the score sheets as he helped his school to a 2-1 win over Cummings Lodge Secondary School at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue on Wednesday.

Cummings Lodge started the game well, displaying clean passes against a somewhat lackadaisical defence of Ascension as Hinds was kept busy with the gloves; diving to save a whistling shot from Zeemario Johnny of Cummings Lodge.

However, Cumming Lodge would break the defence of Ascension with an attack down the right side of the field as Desales Joseph blasted a shot across Hinds that caressed the left bottom of the net in the 27th minute.

The teams continued to exchange possession with Cummings Lodge looking the most dangerous when the first half ended.

On resumption of the second half, Ascension played better on offense and were able to draw a penalty. Hinds would step forward and, like his many saves in the game, made his mark with an equalising penalty kick in the 47th minute.

As both teams fought

to break the deadlock, Ascension were awarded a free kick just outside of the box in the dying moments of the game. With the free kick hitting the wall and bouncing into the pathway of an Ascension player, Cummings Lodge made the crucial mistake of fouling in the box again.

Hinds once again stepped forward to easily stroke in the penalty and win the game for his team.

Meanwhile, Ann’s Grove Secondary trounced Buxton Youth Development 4-0 with Dcamie Griffith, Derrel Pellew, Nikosie Denny and Daniel Pellew scoring in the 5th, 10th, 26th and 48th minutes respectively.

At Camp Ayanganna, Morgan Institute defeated St. John’s College 4-0 as Dwayne Murray scored a hat-trick in the 29th, 39th and 47th minutes while Sherwin Haynes scored in the 32nd minute.

At Number Eight Village, Ash Educational Institute blanked Number Eight Secondary 4-0 with Emmanuel Peters scoring in the 47th minute and Keron Arthur in the 82nd minute. The other two goals were own goals scored in the 45th and 53rd minutes.

Meanwhile, the Digicel tournament continues to be a tournament of goals and the game between Leonora Secondary and Endeavour Secondary had no shortage of goals as Leonora won 16-0. Gavin Graham scored five goals- in the 3rd, 38th, 42th, 66th and 67th minutes - while Ryan Jack netted in the 24th, Lindie Scott the 28th and Daniel Clarke 60th.

Jamal Ferreira (7th and 51st), Rawle Martin (11th and 20th), Marlon Atwell (15th and 47th) and Scottie Leitch (23rd and 58th) all took part in the goal fest.

Part of the action between Ascension (white) and Cummings Lodge. (Carl Crocker photo)

Two executive bodies heading Trojan Cycle Club

The Trojan Cycle Club (TCC) of New Amsterdam now has two executive bodies, according to documents produced to Guyana Times Sport.

In a letter dated April 28, 2014 and sent to a company in Georgetown seeking $800,000 as sponsorship to purchase club uniforms, Gerald Young is said to be the President with Trevor Butts as the Vice President. The letter lists six executive members, including Oneika Ramsuchit as Treasurer and Lloyd Williams as Assistant Secretary/ Committee Member.

In March of this year Williams had tendered his resignation as Secretary of the TCC.

Another letter dated June 6, 2014, says that the six-person executive, with Young as President, met with members and a no-confidence motion against Ramsuchit was filed. “We therefore have decided to terminate your services as Treasurer and revoke your membership with the club with immediate effect,” the letter, which was written to Ramsuchit, said in part.

The letter stated that Ramsuchit should hand

over all monies and other documents to the six-member executive.

However, Ramsuchit said she is the legal Treasurer of the club and the current executive is illegal. She said she has delinked herself from the group which claims to be the executive of the TCC.

Meanwhile, Williams said the meeting where the no-confidence motion was reportedly passed never took place. There were reports that the meeting took place at Williams’s home, however, he is adamant that he did not attend the meeting and it could not have taken place at his home.

The club found itself in a spot in March 2014 when both the then President Steve Ramsuchit and Williams tendered their resignations. Ramsuchit resigned from the club, while Williams resigned from the executive.

A letter dated June 2, 2014 and addressed to Secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Cheryl Matthews, said the club, which was founded in 2013, faced an urgent need to fill the two vacancies created by the resignations of Ramsuchit and Williams.

The letter stated that an emergency meeting was held on May 30, 2014 and several persons were elected to serve on the executive. These included Hilton Morris as President; Cosmata Lindie as Secretary and Anita Crawford as Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer. The letter also stated Dwayne Ferdinand as the First Vice President and Oneika Ramsuchit as Treasurer.

Six committee members are also listed in the letter.

Meanwhile, Ramsuchit said that according to the constitution of TCC, only financial members can serve on the executive and old members had until March 31, 2014 to get themselves in order. At that date there were 23 financial members in the TCC, club records indicate.

Some of the names of the executive that appeared on the sponsorship letter dated April 28 were not listed as financial members as of March 31.

Meanwhile, the GCF is soon to address the issue of two executive bodies for the TCC.

Tucber Park took first innings points from Young Warriors to end as clear winners of Zone ‘B’ (New Amsterdam/Canje) with 20 points and advanced to the quarter finals of the 2014 Tenelec Inc Under-15 Club Cricket Competition in Berbice.

Berbice Under-15 batsman Steve Deonarine and Garfield Benjamin hit undefeated half centuries in an unbroken second- wicket partnership of 145 to see Tucber Park take first innings honours.

Batting first, Young Warriors made 142 thanks mainly to a hard-hitting innings of 73 not out from Berbice Under-15 all-rounder Junior Williams. In reply, Tucber Park found themselves on 28 for 1 before Deonarine and Benjamin came together.

Both batsmen finished on 50 not out.

Meanwhile, in Zone ‘C’ (Lower Corentyne), Albion Community Centre ad-

vanced to the quarter-finals after taking first innings points from Port Mourant to end up with 21 points and runners-up to Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes.

Port Mourant, gaining valuable points from the draw, ended with 15 points to become the second runners-up of that zone and have also advanced.

Batting first, Albion Community Centre scored 133 with Kelvin Umroa making 37 and Renaldo

Achievers win Trophy Stall volleyball competition

Achievers of West Demerara defeated Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) of Berbice to capture the first-place trophy when the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) held its fourth annual Trophy Stallsponsored volleyball competition at the PMTC on the Corentyne.

The competition attracted six male and two female teams, namely PMTC, Port Mourant Jaguars, Rollers of New Amsterdam, Achievers of West Demerara, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), BVA Under-19 and a BVA Select Female team and GDF Females.

The action commenced minutes after noon due to the late arrival of the teams and was played in hot sunshine on a round-robin basis, after which the four top teams played in a knockout segment to determine the first, second and third- place winners.

The females played two matches which were won by GDF 25-8, 25-10. In the male knockout stage, Achievers defeated Rollers 30-23, while PMTC swept aside BVA Under-19, 25-15.

The final between PMTC and Achievers was competed in semi-darkness due to the inadequate floodlights, as the game started at 18:43h and the final point was scored at 19:15h. PMTC raced to a sizeable 15-4 lead after both teams decided to play ‘first to 30 points being crowned winner.’

When the teams exchanged sides PMTC found points hard to come by and the determined and more focused Achievers, after initially appealing about the bad light and wanting to forfeit the match, battled to even the scores at 21-21, after being encouraged by the officials to play on in the spirit of volleyball.

Achievers then pulled ahead 23-21 and PMTC seemed to fall apart, executing a series of erratic spikes and serves into the net, thereby allowing Achievers to race to a 29-23 lead.

Rowe 34. For Port Mourant, Ezekiel Kempedoo took 4 for 22, Cheddi Budhu 3 for 33 and Brandon Mangal 3 for 20.

Port Mourant responded with only 74, with Kelvin Umroa taking 3 for 13, Karran Arjpaul 3 for 25 and Renaldo Rowe 2 for 1.

Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes, Number 72 Cut and Load, Blairmont Community Centre and Bush Lot New Generation had earlier advanced.

Wendell Austin and Deven Samaroo were the main architects of the Achievers’ victory.

Scores in the preliminary stages were: PMTC defeated GDF 30-28; PMTC defeated Achievers 36-34; Rollers defeated PM Jags 37-35; PMTC defeated PM Jags 30-16; Rollers defeated BVA U-19 30-20; Achievers defeated BVA U-19 30-14; Rollers defeated GDF 30-25; Achievers defeated Rollers 30-23; BVA U-19 defeated GDF 34-32 and Achievers defeated PM Jags 30-15.

At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the final, the Competition Director, Godwyn Allicock, expressed thanks to Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall for his sponsorship and unwavering support in the promotion and development of volleyball in Guyana. He congratulated the winners and thanked all teams for participating.

PMTC, after a time-out, managed to crawl their way at 28-29, but by then it was just a matter of a forced error and Achievers scored the point needed to seal victory, winning 30-28.

Cleveland Peters,

The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will be hosting time trials this weekend at the National Aquatic Centre for those swimmers who have an interest in making the national squad for the Goodwill Games in August.

President of GASA, Ivan Persaud, noted that the association is hoping to have more participation from communities outside of Georgetown.

An influx of swimmers is expected from Linden and West Demerara, while approximately 20 swimmers

Prizes were presented to the following: Female Category- Leanna Miller for being adjudged the MVP, Best Setter and Best Spiker; Corletta McNaughton (Best server) and Melissa Marks (Best Defence).

from Moruca, North West District, are expected to arrive in Georgetown later today for the meet that begins on Friday.

In the Male Category, Cleveland Peters was adjudged MVP, Best Spiker and Blocker, Jason Seelochan (Best Setter), Ian Bagot (Best Server) and Wendell Austin (Best Libero).

President of the BVA, Gregory Rambarran, chided the teams for their lack of punctuality, but conceded that at the end of the day volleyball was the winner. He praised the winners for remaining focused despite the lighting conditions and said they displayed the true spirit of the game, pointing out that volleyball fosters friendships apart from competition. Rambarran also urged all the teams to continue practising for upcoming competitions.

President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, Captain John Flores, who witnessed all of the matches and also assisted in officiating, reiterated what was said by the BVA President and praised the sponsor, organisers and players on a successful competition.

The next BVA activity is scheduled for July 11 and will be a competition for Under-16 students.

Persaud also revealed to Guyana Times Sport that GASA is hoping to get confirmation from swimmers in Bartica on their participation in the trials. Meanwhile, International swimming coach Rick Powers, who is deemed as the most travelled swimming coach, is also expected to be in Guyana next week in the hope of “drawing new blood in coaching” to help develop the sport, according to Persaud in a telephone interview with Guyana Times Sport. (Treiston Joseph)

Garfield Benjamin Steve Deonarine

GVF President, Captain John Flores, presents the first- place trophy to Achievers captain

Ivan Persaud

Limacol introduces Cool Fan award for CPL

By Avenash Ramzan

“Get in the game” is the message the Limacol brand is sending to cricket fans ahead of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches set to bowl off on July 11 in Grenada.

Limacol is encouraging patrons to get “extreme and outrageous” in their apparel, depicting the Limacol brand or any of the two teams playing on any given day.

Lavasti Bhooplall, the Marketing Associate of NEW GPC Inc, the producers of Limacol, said during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday that the aim of the Limacol Cool Fan award is to get fans intricately involved in the whole excitement that is associated with the Limacol CPL.

“We will have our local management team at the ground and they will be looking for the fan with the most extreme and outrageous outfit or costume that portrays one of the two teams playing or the Limacol brand,” she pointed out.

The fan adjudged to have best

portrayed what the panel is looking for will be US$100 richer and will also have his/her claim to fame by being displayed on the massive screens that will be erected around the various venues.

Andrew McKend, the Media and Marketing Officer of Limacol CPL, highlighted that the promotion will not just take place in Guyana, but all the venues ear-

marked to host matches during the July 11 to August 16 tournament.

“At every venue that a match is being played Limacol will make available one hundred US dollars for the Limacol Cool Fan, so we will have at the end of the tournament 30 Limacol Cool Fans,” McKend said.

When action bowls off, the Chris Gayle-led Jamaica Tallawahs will put their title on the line against last year’s runner-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

GOA President not pleased with quality of athletes for C/wealth

–

local associations defend athletes

By TreisTon Joseph

President of the Guyana Olympic Committee (GOA)

K. A. Juman-Yassin opt-

ed to call a spade a spade when he was questioned recently on the 37-member team named on June 23 to represent Guyana at the Commonwealth Games which begin on July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland.

According to the GOA boss, Guyana is not likely to medal at the games since the athletes, according to their performance, are below the standard required to stand a chance of a podium finish.

“If we look at swimming, swimming didn’t have to qualify but if you look at the records of the last games with some of the persons that finish poorly and you look at our swimmers then swimming really isn’t doing anything.

“Our boxers once they get good draws then they might be able to move up… Nicolette (Fernandes) is rated 22 in the world and she is a world class player but

if she comes against someone before her like a world number two then it would be tough for her,” Yassin highlighted to Guyana Times Sport.

According to the GOA President, the team selected is based on the recommendation of the associations [and] “one has to look at the records and compare to what our athletes are doing. We need to be realistic and look at the performances of the athletes,” Yassin said.

Meanwhile Guyana

Times Sport sought a reaction to Yassin’s comments from some of the associations sending athletes to the games.

President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe agreed that the competition was at a much higher level but was optimistic that his team would do well at the Commonwealth Games.

“His [Yassin’s opinion] would be based on the competition they will face, anybody would be skeptical

because of the type of competition at hand but what I can say is that we will be very competitive and we are hopeful with the men.

“It’s not easy to say who can be medal prospects but I know we will be competitive. Our men were in the top ten of the last championship and hopefully we can get in the top eight but some of the best players in the world are at the tournament,” Munroe stated.

President of the Athletics Association of Guyana

(AAG) Aubrey Hutson expressed faith in his team and shared what he believed his sprinters could produce.

“I have a lot of expectations for Adam (Harris) in the 100 metres. He has been running well this year and what I like the most is that he has been showing that effort and not waiting for things to happen.

“I have always said if we are going to it big we will do it with the 400 metres and our selection of (Winston) George and Stephan (James)

Games

shows our confidence in both of them and I expect both of them to do well at the games,” Hutson noted.

President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud said Guyana will be sending the best it has but noted that the aim of his swimmers is not to medal but to better their times.

“We are hoping for the best because they are the best we have, what we would hope is that they can better their times.

“Mr. Yassin has an opinion but we have been striving to do our best and to put national teams out there, we have a national team training three times a week now. What has happened in the past is that two three days before a meet we would rush for a national team to train but now we have them in training months before and we hope that this new adventure would pay dividends in coming years,” Persaud noted.

The Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to August 3.

Ivan Persaud Aubrey Hutson

KA Juman Yassin Godfrey Munroe

Limacol is urging fans to be “extreme and outrageous” in their apparel for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League

Lavasti Bhooplall