Guyana Times Daily

I swear! Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell takes the oath in front of President Donald Ramotar during his swearing

Office of the President, Georgetown (Sandra Prince photo)

tuesday, october 8, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Times pressman dies in Agricola accident

Apressman attached to Guyana Times was on Sunday evening killed after his motorcycle collided with a car on the Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Stefon Charles Bascom, 23, of Lot 6 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital about 21:30h after he was rushed to the medical institution nursing severe head injuries.

According to information received, Bascom was due to work Sunday night but reportedly switched his night off with another colleague, claiming that he wanted to spend some time with his family. The young man was on his way to a Chinese restaurant to purchase food in Agricola when the accident occurred.

“The driver said he was coming out of Agricola and he looked and didn’t see anything coming and he just pull over and turn coming to town and he feel the im-

pact and when he look around he see the motorcycle on the ground,” Charles Bascom, the father of the deceased told Guyana Times Bascom explained that the last time he saw his son was on Sunday evening when he left home with the motorcycle, claiming that he was going into Agricola to purchase Chinese food.

“He said he was hungry so he collected some money from me and left,” the elder Bascom added.

However, on Monday morning, when he went to the young man’s home, he did not see the motorcycle or his son and enquired from his friend about his whereabouts.

After some time, he said he met one of his now dead son’s colleagues, who confirmed that Bascom was not at work.

Worried

The worried father was then advised to visit the West Ruimveldt Police Station to see if he was held by the police and in doing so, he saw his son’s mangled bike and thought that something was amiss.

Further enquiries revealed that his son was involved in an accident and died.

He was then instructed to visit the hospital mortuary to identify his son’s body. He added that his son’s death is a major blow to the family and he will always be remembered as a quiet and willing person.

A friend explained that he

saw Bascom on Sunday evening about 20:15h when he left for Agricola to purchase food on his motorcycle. The colleague said after some time elapsed and the young man did not return, he went to work. The man added that he went to the West Ruimveldt Police Station where he saw the motorbike.

“The front wheel was damaged… the handle was upside-down and the front ben up,” he related.

The driver of the motor car was taken into police custody and is assisting with investigations. Both the car and the motorcycle are lodged at the West Ruimveldt Police Station.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday. Bascom is survived by his parents and five other siblings.

The management and staff of Guyana Times have expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and Bascom’s colleagues.

Man shot trying to protect employer from bandits

Tyrone Williams, 35, is nursing a gunshot wound in the leg after he was shot Monday morning while trying to protect his employer from bandits in Kitty, Georgetown.

The robbery occurred sometime around 11:00h. Guyana Times understands that the employer, a woman, who owns Wizz Electronics at Lot 38 Alexander Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was about to enter her store when two men on a motorcycle confronted her.

The pillion rider, who was armed at the time, came off the bike and grabbed onto the woman’s bag. She resisted and fell on the ground. The businesswoman began screaming and Williams went to her rescue and was shot in the leg. He was then taken to a city hospital.

At the time of the incident, only the woman’s husband and the worker were in the store. When Guyana Times visited the scene, investigators were already there. They discovered two war heads and a spent shell outside of the building.

At the time when the robbery occurred, labourers were working on a building across the road and when they realised what was happening, they decided to go to the aid of the woman, but the gunman pointed the weapon in their direction, forcing them to retreat.

According to a neighbour, the woman pulled up

in front of the store and took sometime before she came out.

The neighbour, who requested anonymity, said that she was attending to a customer in her shop when she heard screams and upon looking out, she saw the businesswoman on the ground between two vehicles.

“Her bag was on the ground too and she was screaming, then the employee come out and go to pick up the bag, that is when he get shoot,” the neighbour said. She said after the man was shot, the gunman jumped onto the bike and rode away.

Another neighbour told this publication that he was in his shop when he heard about two gunshots and when he looked out on the road, he saw two men on a motorcycle riding away and into David Street.

He said the store employee soon after went to his shop to buy a phone card and was told that he was shot in the leg.

The shop owner expressed his dissatisfaction with the response from the police.

“After I heard the gunshots, I hurry and call the police. I was talking to them when the man them ride away and with all them police pon bikes all over the place, none of them was around or reach here in time to chase after the two boys,” he stated.

Machine operator fined for narcotics possession

On Monday, a man was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of possession of narcotics.

It was alleged that on October 3 at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, Kenneth Bovel had in his possession three grams of cannabis. Bovel initially pleaded not guilty to the charge but after Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-

Beharry told him that the charge carries a fine and community service, he subsequently changed it to guilty.

According to Prosecutor Mangru, facts were as charged. An unrepresented Bovel told the court that he resides at Lot 2 South Sophia and is a machine operator.

Bovel was fined $3000 along with six months community service at the Palms Geriatric Home every Monday.

Dead: Stefon Charles Bascom

The Kitty business place where the man was shot

Countrywide:

Jagdeo calls for new national conversation

Former President

Bharrat Jagdeo believes a new national conversation is needed in Guyana to tackle some of the pressing issues here.

Winds:

High

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2013

Speaking to Guyana Times recently, Jagdeo said the new national conversation should be centred on the progress and future of the country. He stated that the national conversation should differ from the “bitter” one which takes place in Parliament and that is reported by some national newspapers.

Nurture environment

He also stated that Guyana needs to nurture an environment that generates more entrepreneurs, since they are the job creators in society. “We need to create a lot of jobs for our young people so that they can have a future right here in Guyana,” the former president said. He noted too that the growth of entrepreneurship is being eroded because of what is happening in Parliament, stating that the opposition seems bent on destroying any initiative that could create a better environment for entrepreneurs and for the people of the country.

“I thought they would have used the opportunity to cooperate with the government, they could’ve still fought the politics, but on other issues rather than stymieing an environment

that is good for the country and all Guyanese.”

He also criticised the opposition for voting down certain vital projects making reference to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion, the Amaila Falls hydropower and the Speciality Hospital projects, which were all defunded during this year’s budget debates. “How could you be against these projects which are vital for our wealth creation at the national level and for improving the lives of people?” the former president asked. He said that Parliament now seems all about “ego” and “winning” and not about helping to improve the country.

He noted that the CJIA

ment.

Jagdeo debunked claims that the project was not feasible, stating that the contingent liability for the project was a guarantee, just in case the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) could not make its payments. The move not to approve this, he said, killed the project.

“We can’t keep shooting ourselves in the foot, this project should have been above politics, because we tried a long time from the 50s and the 60s since Tiger Falls and Burnham promised the hydro in 1978,” he explained.

Significant foreign exchange savings

expansion would have been a significant plus for Guyana’s tourism sector and created numerous job opportunities, while the Speciality Hospital would have also created jobs and promoted medical tourism.

Recently, addressing a forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Jagdeo described the Amaila Falls project as a lost opportunity that Guyana would regret if it does not materialise. He highlighted the economic benefits that would have been derived out of that major invest -

This project, once completed, will result in significant foreign exchange savings and a regular supply of inexpensive, reliable electricity for Guyanese. About $20 billion was budgeted for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) under which the Amaila Falls project was listed.

The sum of $19 billion was slashed under the LCDS. The opposition sliced the $1.2 billion budget for the construction of the Speciality Hospital to $0, while the CJIA project was chopped by $5.3 billion. (sabatinid@guyanatimesgy.com)

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Gandhi’s message

There is an upsurge of violence in society today, and of course this is not the case in Guyana alone. A similar situation exists in many other parts of the world where there seems to be a driving force that urges people to engage in violent acts.

It is very common these days to read about brutal killings, homicide, shootings, burnings, or even suicide in the daily newspapers. Whether it is gender-based violence, youth violence, violence against children or political violence, the fact remains that because of the level of violent acts we see being displayed in our communities, is enough reason to be concerned.

Violence in all its dimensions affects individuals, families, communities, and countries as a whole in a severe way, and the authorities must continue to find creative ways in dealing with this problem. Youth violence in particular poses a serious threat to society. Research has shown that it is a contributory factor to high levels of youth unemployment, poor or inadequate educational opportunities and social exclusion.

Violence also has tremendous lasting impacts on the lives of children. For example, violence affects children’s physical and mental health in many ways, both in the short term and in the long term. There is evidence to show that it impairs their ability to learn and to socialise, and hinders their transition into adulthood, which can have numerous consequences later on in life.

In many cases, violence, or what is considered abuse against children, is practised by someone known to the child, such as a parent, family member, caretaker, teacher, employer or authority figure or sometimes by other children. Only a small number of these incidents are ever reported and investigated, and few perpetrators are held accountable.

We know conclusively that violence against children is not inevitable, nor is it justifiable or tolerable. It is therefore necessary that every citizen does his/ her part to ensure that children grow up in a society that is free from violence.

While there is no universal panacea to dealing with the issue of violence in the society, there is certainly a need to teach our children and young people the need to resolve conflicts peacefully at an early stage in life. Similarly, programmes should target even adults who tend to have problems resolving their differences. We believe that ending violence starts with individual actions in homes, schools, workplaces and our communities as a whole.

On Tuesday last, the world observed International Day of Non-violence, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India’s independence movement, whose non-violence philosophy and tactics have been adopted by leaders and practitioners around the world.

The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly as an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”, and has been observed annually since 2007.

Gandhi, who opposed British imperial rule in India during the 20th century, took the religious principle of ahimsa (doing no harm) common to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism and turned it into a non-violent tool for mass action. He used this religious principle to fight, not only colonial rule, but social evils such as racial discrimination and other issues affecting his countrymen as well. He called it “Satyagraha” which means “truth force”.

As we give recognition to Gandhi’s message of peace, we take this opportunity to urge our countrymen, and even those outside of Guyana, to shun violence and stand up for peace and justice.

It is our hope that citizens everywhere will be inspired by the courage of people like Gandhi and Dr Martin Luther King, Jr in our quest to build a society that is peaceful, just and prosperous. Surely, Gandhi’s message of non-violence is still very much relevant and could provide some guidance in the way we live our lives.

Neither Granger nor Felix has anything to offer in support of the security sector

Dear Editor,

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is waging psychological warfare on the Guyanese people. They can’t beat the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration on the social or the economic front, so they are bashing the security sector for political reasons. Their cloven hooves have been exposed with respect to all the government of Guyana flagship projects. Their duplicity and their double standards stand bare for all to see.

As for the Alliance For Change (AFC), their credibility has been shattered beyond repair with their chairman’s fiasco of which there is more to come apart from the recent defections to the APNU. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Both the APNU and AFC are working overtime to create the impression that the PPP/C administration has failed. In effect, it is they who are failing. No one is buying their propaganda line, save, maybe a few of their supporters. And the APNU is going nowhere with their selective sniping at government’s developmental projects. Small wonder why Dr Henry Jeffrey in an article published in the Stabroek News on June 19, 2013 had this to say: “APNU has not been able

to transmit an acceptable vision of the future and its political antics have left many confused.”

And the Stabroek News, in an editorial published on June 12, stated: “Although now in the opposition, for two decades, the PNC failed to take the opportunity to rejuvenate itself in a move to secure ethical grounds with an acknowledgement, at least of its fraudulent past!”

Thus, having lost out on all fronts, the next best option for the opposition is to seek to create fear and tension in the society. This is manifested in their resort to criminal minds and “psy-ops” to create a sense of discomfort and insecurity in the country.

It is a well established fact that the opposition parties have links with criminal elements in our society. They have used these criminal elements in the past, and in more recent times, to create mayhem in our country. We know fully well that elements in the political opposition had very close contacts with the murderous gang under Rondell Rawlins, aka ‘Fine Man’.

Such close ties with criminal elements place the opposition on the side of the criminal enterprise and against those who are working to improve security and fighting crime in the country. This explains

their sustained and persistent attacks against the security sector and in particular the Home Affairs Ministry. All of these attacks are therefore politically motivated.

Their failure to succeed has forced them to plunge into their bag of dirty tricks. They have no other option politically. Thus these criminal connections and the support the opposition gives to the criminal elements are well established. It is the reservoir to which they must resort to create intimidation, violence and fear in our society.

What we saw taking place in our society recently is a manifestation of guided criminality. It is a criminality that is politically motivated with political objectives in mind.

The combination of the political mind with the criminal mind, compounded with support from rogue law enforcement elements, is a dangerous combination which must be rooted out and not allowed to fester and create fear and insecurity in our country.

This combination rears its ugly head whenever the country and its people are at peace and good order as the rule of the day.

In so far as the security sector is concerned, neither David Granger nor Winston Felix has told us

anything we don’t know nor have they recommended anything that we are not doing. They have nothing new to tell us. They are barren, they are sailing. All they do is to condemn, criticise, denigrate and personalise the issues. They have nothing positive or constructive to suggest. They simply rehash and regurgitate what is already taking place in the security sector. Between Granger and Felix, it is like the blind leading the blind.

The home affairs minister is not looking for stars from the opposition nor is he seeking after any stellar performance assessed by sections of the media. On the contrary, it is simply a matter of working hard to make people safe and secure. Felix can go look for stars; maybe he will find another one as he did, when he and his colleague Basil Williams hooked up.

The denials from the opposition camp in respect to responsibility for any breakdown in law and order have been too frequent and too strong not to attract suspicion. However, something is definitely “cooking” and we are on to it.

Yours sincerely, Clement

J Rohee Home Affairs Minister

Visitors attend the 42nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 5. Thousands of spectators gathered on Saturday at the city’s balloon park to watch more than 500 balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off in two stages during the so-called mass ascensions. The fiesta runs through October 13 (Reuters/Jose Luis Gonzalez)

You

send your

A Marriott in Guyana will improve Guyana’s global image

Dear Editor,

The top 10 largest hotel groups in the world are Intercontinental Hotel Group, Wyndham Hotel Group, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, Accor Group, Choice Hotels, Best Western, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Carlson and Global Hyatt (tourism-review.com).

Marriot is a global quality brand hotel at number three in the world, and such a property in Guyana will immediately give confidence to the soon to arrive global executives. For investments in the Republic of Guyana, global corporation teams will visit Guyana for their due diligence work, discussions and investigations, and one of the first items for their action will be their hotel accommodation reservation, which usually will set the tone for the arriving guests to Guyana.

On July 19, 2010, Guyana and Kuwait signed five bilateral agreements setting the stage for firmer ties during a short visit by Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohamed Al-Ahmed AlJaber Al-Sabah. The prime minister and a delegation of 66 arrived in Guyana as part of a tour of Latin America and the Caribbean that also took in Cuba, and were accorded an official red carpet welcome on the tarmac of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

However, during the visit, due to lack of adequate hotel accommodations, the visit lasted two hours instead of a possible two days.

That accommodation de-

ficiency should be corrected, if Guyana is to attract high quality investments and high quality executives who will need to visit Guyana for their discussions, examinations and agreements.

The current disagreement between the government, the opposition parties, hoteliers, investors and other interested persons should be facilitated in a forum with free, fair and frank deliberations, for the way forward for the Marriott’s opening in Guyana.

Among the items for discussions at such an open forum can be the following:

* Current and higher occupancy rates at hotels

* What is needed for hotel expansions

* Infrastructure needed for high level accommodation and facilities in Guyana

* Ogle International Airport with increased Caribbean Community (Caricom) and South and Central American visitors

* The Kuwaitis visit to Guyana – comments on lack of adequate accommodations

* Can Guyana attract more high, medium and low end visitors

* How will Marriott in Guyana change the dynamics in Guyana’s hotel accommodation, services and competitiveness

Official visiting delegations to Guyana are assigned hotel rooms by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in relation to the position rankings as is done at the United Nations (UN) and globally, and an

agreement can be secured that all the hotels in continue to receive government bookings.

The seven top hotels in Georgetown are the Pegasus, Princess Hotel and Casino, Cara Lodge, Roraima Duke Lodge, Herdmanston Lodge, Grand Coastal Inn, and New Tropicana Hotel – they all create employment and pay taxes, and are all providers of their best facilities, accommodation and services, but with all due respect, none of them is a global brand.

Trinidad and Tobago supported, encouraged and helped with financing for their very attractive Hilton and Hyatt Hotels.

Guyanese, the government and opposition parties can all agree that Guyana’s economic transformation is achievable with key infrastructural investments in roads, power, hotels, human development, and an attractive investment climate to enable Guyana’s riches in water, land and minerals to be employed in added value operations for jobs creation, quality of life, food security and well-being.

The vision of Guyana’s founding fathers for “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” with its six races working collectively, cooperatively and caringly to achieve economic, social and financial successes are all attainable.

Yours sincerely, Dr Shamir Andrew Ally

Our streets must be free from snatchers

Dear Editor, What is life if we have to be looking around and over our shoulders, for some petty culprit? Our streets must be free from snatchers of personal items. We have to, by all means, remove this kind of a threat from our society. India had a problem like this in Guwahati. However,

just last month, the crime branch of the city police went on an intense campaign and nabbed 16 youths, mostly teenagers, who were involved in a similar chain snatching racket.

The lesson here is that we must go in this direction. People work very hard for their little trinkets. Some of

these pieces of jewellery represent special tokens from the older generation and they have more than monetary value.

Our police officers must be more on the prowl, even as the thieves are lurking.

Yours truly, Simon Lewis

Please rethink the stray catching arrangements

Dear Editor, A cattle farmer from Port Mourant, Berbice was reportedly brutally attacked and beaten recently by eight stray catchers who forcefully impounded his animals, even while the man was legally taking care of them and crossing a road. Whether or not the details in this story are true, I do have questions about some bigger issues.

How many animals can a police station accommodate and for how long? Some animal owners are claiming that stray catchers are asking for money so that they will not target their animals. This is a matter for some serious investigations. Also, there is the rumour that receipts are not being written up when impounded animals are being collected by owners.

Now all of this is happening because we simplistically thought that impounding would have been the panacea. I tell you, we

have problems, and I foresee more and more, so long as we stick with stray catchers.

If we are going to tackle stray animals on our roadways, then we have to look at how some other places are doing it. In well developed societies, before a person can raise animals of a certain size and in a certain number, that person must be licensed, and this is dependent on his capability in terms of facilities.

Sometimes that person may have all of the amenities for animal husbandry and still he/she cannot be allowed to do so, because of geographical location. Animals must not be socially disruptive in terms of noise and smell. Guyana has to start thinking like this.

Then how about dealing with offenders’ in a more stringent manner – we have to go this route. Instead of having people going and rounding up animals, the law must isolate the owners

of these untended animals. They need to be punished and not the animals.

One thing I suggest is that after an offence is repeated, the owners can be fined substantially, or even a move towards relieving them of their stock can be implemented. The stock can be sold to butchers or they can be slaughtered and then have the meat go to an orphanage or senior’s home. This will rule out all the complications and will make stock owners get very serious.

Daily, on the East Coast highway, I go about 20 miles to and from Georgetown, and I have never seen a situation of no animals on the road. Currently, a number of horses are happily enjoying life about six miles east of Georgetown. We need to rethink our stray catching strategy.

Yours faithfully, Sherwin

Moseley

can

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

Teaching your children about fairness and wise choices

BY LORI

My first response when my children say “that’s not fair!” has frequently been – “Wow! You are so smart! You’ve already learned that and you’re only six! (or three or four or whatever age they were) You are right – that’s not fair.” That response usually surprised them as they were not expecting it.

In the beginning of our parenting years, we were always trying to tell our children what to do –“Be nice. Share. Don’t do that. Take turns,” etc. There is a time and a place for that – especially when your children are really young. But as they start getting older (actually – even when they are toddlers and preschoolers) they can start learning how to make wise decisions.

Along with many other decisions in life – learning how to make a wise decision about what will be fair (or how to be fair) in a given situation is something that many children are not taught “how” to do. They are just taught “what” to do.

Here’s the problem with that.

Ownership and wise choices

When children (or anyone) do not see that they have a problem (in this case – being unfair) – then they will not feel responsible to fix that problem.

So, as parents (or educators, childcare workers, etc), we rush in to take ownership of their problem for them and tell them what to do with “their” problem (that

they don’t think they have!).

Not very many people like to be told what to do when they don’t feel they have a problem. It will breed rebellion, resentment, frustration, anger, etc. And it won’t solve the problem.

Many children are also not being taught “how” to make a wise choice. We see the results of that when they head off to college –and in many other areas of adult life as well as our wonderful “teen years”.

So, what to do?

* The first step is to NOT take ownership of the children’s problem!

Hard to do? At first. But after awhile it gets easier! Show empathy that they have a problem (because you know there are always consequences – even if they are not aware of them).

“Oh man – bummer. That doesn’t sound like a fair situation at all. What are you going to do about it?”

* The second step is to ask more questions and listen more than you talk (that is, don’t lecture).

We all believe more in what we say than in what others say (there’s research out there somewhere that proves that). You have to get the children to start thinking, talking and working out just what is going on and how they can fix their problem.

* Third – if necessary – offer to give a suggestion (don’t just give a suggestion/solution).

If the child is having trouble

with really figuring out how to solve their problem – you can offer to give a suggestion – but don’t just offer the suggestion right off.

“So – you can’t think of how to fix your problem you have here with Danny? I do have some suggestions if you want to hear them.” If they don’t – then don’t offer them. Just keep encouraging them that you know they can find a solution – or asking them more questions to help them think through some of it, etc. If they do want to hear them – offer them one and then ask “What do you think about that? Do you think that would work? Is that something you can do?” etc. This keeps the ownership in their hands. They have to decide – to make a decision (hopefully a wise one) –about what to do with their problem.

* The fourth step is to allow them to make a decision (within healthy boundaries/choices)

Sometimes – if they are really having trouble solving their problem (or continuing to be fair, etc)

– then we do have to help a little more. But again – we strive to empower our children to make wise decisions – and to honestly, calmly and lovingly let them know that, with all decisions we make –there are consequences – good or bad (depending on the decision we made).

If they are not able to continue to play fair – then we have to present them with the consequences (or choices). “Johnny – I know you want to keep playing with Danny, so if you think you can continue to

play fair – great! If you are hav ing trouble with it still, then we’ll just get together with him again another day. Ok? The choice is yours. What do you want to do? Do you think you can play fairly today?”

Stages of owning their problem

There are more ways to make this all work, and yes, the children will fight you tooth and nail through it all. They will often go through these stages:

• Disrespect (whining, that’s not fair, etc)

• Playing the victim (I can’t, It’s not my fault, I’m not good at that, etc)

• Rejection (I hate you! You are the meanest mom I know! I’m never going to talk to you again!).

Just remember, this is normal, especially if children have always been told what to do – they will not like or know what to do with all the questions you are throwing at them.

They don’t want to have to think – because that would mean they have a problem and they have to fix it (plus it’s hard work!).

If the parent (teacher, childcare worker) can fix the problem then it must not really be their problem – it’s the parent’s problem.

Allow your children to go through these stages (trust me, it really does work!) and don’t get sucked into their emotions through it all. (Mothering Matters)

TO BE CONTINUED

Throwing it all away: when good children make bad choices

BY DEBBIE PINCUS

As a family therapist, over the years many parents have come to me and said, “My child has so much going for him, but he’s just throwing his life away. Why is he doing drugs? Why is he dropping out of school? Why is he making terrible choices with his life when he has so much potential?” I’ll never forget the mother who said in exasperation one day, “Sometimes I just want to superglue my daughter to the chair until she gets out of her teen years!”

The good news is that you have the power to influence your child’s decisions by taking control of yourself – and not your teen. One of the most painful and frustrating things for parents is watching their teens make bad choices and “throw it all away.” Some of these choices include running with the wrong crowd, blowing off homework, dropping out of school, drinking and doing drugs, and engaging in risky behaviour. What can you do if your adolescent is making bad choices? I know many parents who have lost sleep at night, wondering what their responsibilities were. They ask themselves, “Is it my responsibility to fix things? And if it is, exactly what am I supposed to do with a teen who refuses help?” When the pain of watching your child toss opportunities out the window becomes overwhelming, it’s natural to try harder to control them or throw your hands up in despair.

The difficult truth is, you don’t have control over your child’s choices – or the outcome of his or her life. You have a chance to guide him to a better place – that’s what you’re responsible for. The good news is that you have the power to influence your child’s decisions by taking control of yourself – and not your teen. As James Lehman says, “You can lead a horse to water, and while you can’t make him drink, you can make him mighty thirsty.”

How to draw clear boundaries The idea of drawing clear boundaries can be confusing. I think it’s really about saying, “I’m on your side, I’m on your team, we love you and we care about you. We don’t like the choices you’re making and this is how we are going to stop enabling you.” If you have very strong, clear boundaries that you maintain around what you will and won’t do for your child, that’s different than constantly trying to figure out how to control or change him. In your relationship, you’ll want to draw those lines and maintain them. You can say, “You can’t live here without following these rules. I’m not handing you money if I suspect you’re doing drugs.” Or “I’m not driving you to that party.” You’re clearly stating what you will do and what you won’t do. It’s the difference between taking charge of yourself versus trying to control your child’s actions. (Empowering Parents) TO BE CONTINUED

NEW GPC INC continuing tradition of excellence, says general manager

NEW GPC INC is continuing its tradition of excellence, says General Manager Ravie Ramcharitar, adding that the company underwent an audit from America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012.

Ramcharitar said the company can now boast of continued certification from this extremely stringent authority to manufacture and export to the U.S. He said NEW GPC had always exported its products to the U.S. and they are registered for sale in that country, noting that this is further reinforcement of the company’s standing as a world-class manufacturer in the pharmaceutical arena.

“NEW GPC is possibly the only company in this region to be certified by the U.S. FDA,” said the general manager. “The company is also licenced by the Guyana government’s Food and Drug Analyst Department.”

Ramcharitar stated that, on the heels of this achievement, the company plans to publish a series of articles that looks back at its privatization, the passage over the years featuring the major achievements, the people behind the company, and some of the exciting plans that are currently unfolding.

A successful privatization

The Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) started out as part of the Bookers Group of Companies, which apart from owning most of the sugar industry in colonial Guyana, also had wide commercial interests. Not without much truth, the

common name for the colony, “BG”, was said to be an acronym for “Bookers Guyana”.

In the 1920s, Bookers Drug Store was formed to manufacture medicines, which, up to then, had all been imported into then British Guiana. It expanded to encompass a wide range of over-the-counter drugs, such as Limacol and Ferrol, which earned wide brand recognition in the Caribbean.

After the parent company was nationalised in 1976 -- and renamed the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited -- it became the major supplier of pharmaceuticals to the government of Guyana and the health sector. But as with all the other commercial enterprises the government had nationalised, the company was run more on political rather than commercial lines. Like the others, it inevitably began to shrink and lose money.

Privatisation

As part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme imposed on Guyana under the People’s National Congress (PNC) in 1989, GPC was scheduled to be privatised in the second phase -- under the new People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) government as it happened. Unlike those conducted by the PNC in Phase One, the sale of GPC was advertised locally in 1999.

The PPP/C had moved very forcefully to make the privatisation process more transparent. “Of the six bids received, three were shortlisted for further evaluation. The other three

were eliminated due to the failure to respond and submit much of the required information. Overall, the one bidder who has been consistent and the most honest in the submission of all information was Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII),” according to the Privatisation Unit. QAII was headed by a local doctor, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop.

Privatised in parts

The sale was consummated in December 1999 when QAII paid $458 million for 60 percent of the shares of the company, which it renamed NEW GPC INC, and incorporated under the Companies Act 1991. In addition, onto the NEW GPC was foisted “loans” extended to the old GPC by the New York financier Warburg Group to the tune of some $200 million. The PNC government had used this “loan” facility to cover all sorts of secret deals made by their political directorate.

According to the IMF Report of 1997, the total

GPC asset base was valued at $706 million, but what is often overlooked is that, as the latest report by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) concedes, “GPC was privatised in parts”. The GPC property at 201 Camp Street, Georgetown, which housed Sijan Plaza, was sold to what became Citizens Bank for $247 million.

The GPC’s head office at Ruimveldt Public Road, Georgetown, which had manufacturing facilities

for Limacol, among other products, and most importantly a shipping wharf, were also stripped from the company and sold to the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) for $344 million. It was clear in retrospect that the new company had bought a “pig in a poke”.

It is ironic that when the government sold a further 30 percent of the company for $200 million to the NEW GPC, which exercised its first option clause, there were some complaints.

Based on how the assets were stripped, the NEW GPC should have received a refund. The remainder of the 10 percent shares is held by the government in trust for the employees. But unlike what some others have done with their privatised companies, the NEW GPC owners buckled down to create one of the most successful private companies in Guyana. It demonstrated that a well run private enterprise company can be successful here.

NEW GPC building at A1 Farm, East Bank Demerara

tuesday, october 8, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

No rogues in SWAT team – Brumell

– says task now is to reduce

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell on Monday allayed the fears of citizens that the soon-to-be-established Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit will not be another Black Clothes squad, a disbanded unit that degraded the image of the Guyana Police Force.

Brumell gave the assurance moments after taking the oath of office as the substantive police commissioner, more than a year after taking over from the late Henry Greene who was sank in a controversy.

Brumell explained that specially identified ranks of the Guyana Police Force are being recruited through a vigorous process. “I can assure you that my Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement Seelall Persaud is one of the persons taking them through the process. We want to ensure that we get the right type of persons.”

SWAT unit

The announcement of the SWAT unit was made last week by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who said then that such a unit was mooted since the beginning of the millennium when crimes became qualitatively different from what had prevailed when the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the GPF would have been formulated.

It is envisaged that with a SWAT unit, the force would

be more equipped to make specialised interventions, thereby ensuring law and order is maintained and prospective threats are neutralised.

Rohee had said too that the Home Affairs Ministry has engaged the services of The Emergence Group (TEG), a Washington-based consultancy firm, to obtain the requisite assistance in this initiative.

He further disclosed that the process will commence shortly with an organisational needs assessment to be done by experts from the consultancy firm. According to him, curriculum development and training, including mentoring, will also be undertaken by the consultancy firm.

Crime reduction

Meanwhile, with his confirmation as police commissioner, Brumell said he will be putting major emphasis on reducing the prevalence of crime in the country. “Today, I recommit to the citizens living within our borders that I, Leroy Brumell, will do all in my power with consultations with key stakeholders to serve and protect and to take back our streets and communities from criminals.”

Simultaneously, with internal and external support, Brumell has also committed to the much needed modernisation of the Guyana Police Force.

To achieve this objective, five priority areas have been identified. These include the upgrading of its operations,

crime

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

enhancing infrastructure, development of ranks and heightened partnership. On a lighter note, an emotional Brumell said he had always aspired to head the force ever since he took the oath to become a police officer some 36 years ago.

“I took the oath to serve and protect the citizens of this country almost 36 years ago with the ambition of one day becoming the commissioner of police for the Guyana Police Force. Today that dream is a reality,” Brumell said as he broke down in tears.

Though it has been a long hard road, Brumell said today he has no regrets. In his quest to raise the standards of the Guyana Police Force and offer greater security, he said he would require the support of all.

“To my many critics of the force, we can never please ev-

eryone, but I will use the criticisms in a constructive way to assist the force in becoming a better institution.”

Meanwhile, President Ramotar, in his congratulatory remarks, said it was always his intention to confirm Brumell as the police commissioner after Henry Greene had demitted office in 2012. As time elapsed, Brumell performed satisfactorily, Ramotar said, noting that the force has grown under his supervision.

Consultations

However, the president blamed Opposition Leader David Granger for delaying Brumell’s substantive appointment as commissioner.

“My resolve to confirm Mr Brumell was frustrated by delays in the hosting of meaningful consultations with the leader of the opposition.

That engagement took place on Thursday, October 3, at which time the opposition leader gave his no- objection.”

Ramotar said too that this period has seen the unfolding of the most comprehensive security sector reforms in Guyana, noting that he remains impressed with the force’s commitment towards fighting crime and violence in the country.

Additionally, collaboration with regional and bilateral stakeholders has growth at a decent pace under the oversight of the Central Intelligence Committee and the Guyana Defence Force. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)

Eyew tness

With best friends like...

...Harripaul

You know the ones we mean...with them, you don’t need enemies. They’ll do you in even faster than the ones who look daggers at you. Take this fella, Malcolm Harripaul who, before the last elections, more or less (more) declared that David Granger and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) were practically the “Second Coming”. Then he disappeared for a while after hurling some barbs at his hero and saviour. Sounded unrequited love, to us.

Anyhow he’s reappeared in the last month or so in the letters pages – which is where most of his type can be found. (What “type”? you asked? The type who have the plaster for every sore... But can’t be bothered to actually apply the plaster to see if it’ll work.)

This time around, Harripaul seems to want to only bash the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). But in what can only be described as “Freudian”, Harripaul’s missive does more damage to the People’s National Congress (PNC) than the PPP/C. These problems of the heart obviously go very deep.

Seeking to take pot shots at the PPP/C for its leftist ideology, Harripaul asks, “Could the PPP/C please state which communist country had opposition parties, free and fair elections, and a free press.” Well, maybe he should ask Granger, who was the most vociferous supporter of Forbes Burnham’s version of communism. None of the things Harripaul mentioned existed under Burnham.

Harripaul then asks, “Could the PPP/C say in which communist country the masses did not line up for food?” Well, certainly not Granger’s and Burnham’s Guyana. We even had a name for the phenomenon: Guy-lines.

Then the ex-soldier pleads, “Could the PPP/C please say why it never called on the communist countries to ensure free and fair elections in Guyana?” Well, excuuuuse me! Since it was the U.S. and not the “communist countries” that facilitated Granger’s and Burnham’s rigging of elections, why should the PPP/C have asked the “communist countries” to clean up the mess?

Who feeds the dog has to call off the dog, no? But Harripaul wasn’t finished insulting Granger and Burnham. Said he, “After the death of Burnham...his successor Desmond Hoyte said enough of the socialist nonsense and embarked upon the dismantling of Burnham’s ...socialism.”

Harripaul would know that his Guyana Defence Force (GDF) commander Granger was one of the staunchest socialists around – and Granger was put out to pasture, while the Guyana National Service (GNS) head honcho, Joe Singh was elevated to head of the disciplined forces.

Did Harripaul have to rub the humiliation in Granger’s face? Well, there’s no fury like an ex-soldier scorned.

...Khemraj

No, we don’t mean Khemraj Ramjattan. He’s not anyone’s best friend – excepting himself, of course. You got to hand it to the wanker – he really looks out for number one!! We’re talking about the Khemraj who walked out of Khemraj Ramjattan’s Alliance For Change (AFC) – Tarron Khemraj. And don’t ask us if they’re related...

A letter writer revealed that the exodus from the AFC’s New York group is not just an individual act of a few malcontents not having their egos stroked. They’re part of a group that’s going to form an alliance with the APNU – all three of them, since Harripaul said he’d never actually joined the AFC. (He just flirted? These fellas are so fickle.) The letter writer says they even have a name –”the Pro-Guyana Movement”.

The question has to be asked once again: “Who is APNU trying to fool?” Who buys the fig leaf of “alliances” with outfits having only one or two members like the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). From where we sit, it looks like a mosquito making love to an elephant. Poor fella’s working up a heck of a sweat, but the elephant doesn’t even notice.

...Mohan Lall

Suspenders Ram’s having his opinions published by his buddy Mohan Lall’s MuckrakerKN. Only problem it’s caused his deep dark secret to be revealed: his real name is “Lallbachan”.

First shipment of fertiliser arrives from Venezuela

The first shipment of fertiliser under the revised agreement between Guyana and Venezuela arrived here on Monday morning, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Farmers have over the years been faced with the challenge of high prices for fertiliser, a constraint which affected not only their trade, but the high price for agricultural commodities.

The ministry said much has been done thus far to remedy the situation, and in September, a revised agreement was inked between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela for Guyana to source fertiliser from the Spanish speaking country at an affordable rate.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy disclosed that the first shipment of 5000 tonnes fertiliser arrived Monday morning and is at the Friendship Wharf, East Bank Demerara. This move will significantly boost the agricultural sector, as it will address the cost of production for agricultural products, the ministry said in a statement.

“Government has invested much in agriculture, but we do have some constraints, one of which is how to deal with the issue of the high price of sourcing fertiliser and pesticides, not only in the direct use of these things to improve production and yields but also from the perspective of ensuring sustainable environmental practices,” Ramsammy

was quoted in the statement as saying.

This agreement paves the way for Guyana to receive 5000 tonnes in two phases. The second shipment is expected to arrive in March 2014.

Enhanced farming practices and better yields are some of the benefits to be derived from this venture as the two shipments per year, will significantly satisfy local demand.

“The work that we have done in this region from the FAO, IICA, CARDI and the University of the West Indies

and our ministry, have all recognised this, and we have made significant strides in diminishing these impacts,” the minister said.

At present, the high cost of fertiliser has been significantly impacting the affordability of food in the region, and as such, government has looked to have the situation remedied, hence, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Venezuela.

“The affordability of producing food, the affordability of procuring food, we have all been making some very special efforts… Guyana signed

an agreement with President Chávez and over the last weeks with President Maduro was the first step in this process.”

The Agriculture Ministry, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), will be working collaboratively to develop a programme whereby farmers can have access to the fertiliser at $5000 per bag as compared to the present price of $7000$10,000.

Small scale farmers will be the first to benefit from this venture.

Two arrested for assaulting Berbice school girls

Three schools girls were physically assaulted by two car wash workers and a female bar tender during an afternoon walk at Port Mourant on Saturday.

Zaleena Yahya, 20, a student of the RVC Private School, told this publication that she, along with a sister and two cousins, were returning home after a visit to a local ice cream shop when a young man started to call them names.

One member of the quartet said they were called “Dangles”.

Being the eldest, she went to enquire why they would say harsh things to them whenever they pass the wash bay and liquor restaurant at Port Mourant.

“They run inside then one came back to me and as I spoke to him, he pushed me and I pushed him back,” she said.

She said a scuffle broke out and a lady came out of the bar and held on to her. “She hold me hand an telling he to

cuff me,” Yahya said, noting that she received several blows. Her 16-year-old sister Zamila Yahya, who attends the Guyana Business School, was forced to intervene.

“I hold on to him to get him to loose her an he start to cuff me,” Zamila said.

A teenaged cousin of the girls, Nazeema Khan, of Lower Corentyne Secondary went to their assistance but as she got close, she was hit. Khan, said she called home for help and family members rushed over to ensure their safety.

The girls were later treated at the Port Mourant Hospital for injuries and sent away. The matter was reported to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost and a man and a woman were taken into custody to assist with the investigation.

Police are looking for a second male who they believe can help them in their investigations.

PPP/C takes aim at media regulation

The People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said it will be moving to establish an oversight body to govern media houses and its operations to do away with “gutter journal

ism” in Guyana.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday said the party has recognised the blackout of news and information on its activities by what he described as opposition-oriented media houses.

carried and things critical to or that is uncomplimentary of the government is given prominence,” Rohee added.

“The party has observed that in the case of Stabroek News… everything said by the opposition politician is

This is so even while some of the same media houses in particular attend every party press conference and receive press statements prepared by the party, Rohee said.

“In the case of Kaieteur News, the Guyanese people are fed a daily dose of misinformation and outright fabrication… government is proud of upholding its record of freedom of speech,” the general secretary said.

Rohee said it is the fer-

vent belief of the PPP/C that a special body should be implemented to represent media houses and to guard against public malpractices in the media.

The general secretary argued that at present, there is no association that media houses give account to.

He said the PPP/C will be meeting with the executive and exploring all avenues to have such a body.

When established, the new body will not infringe on freedom of the people’s information and freedom of the press, but will become a gatekeeper in the process.

Meanwhile, Rohee said his party is extremely confident about winning the next general and regional elections, brushing aside comments made by a leading opposition party parliamentarian that this is the PPP/ C’s last term in office.

Asked to respond to the comment made by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian Joseph Harmon, Rohee appeared momentarily stunned, but later recom-

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

posed himself and said that the silence displayed was his way of reacting to the comment.

“To know a party’s strength, you have to look at the amount of votes that it has received and also the number of seats in Parliament… we are extremely confident and we do not take the people’s support for granted,” Rohee said. On Sunday, the PPP/C celebrated 21 years in government.

The vessel that brought the fertiliser from Venezuela

-

CWA discusses revitalising coconut industry

Caribbean countries will be working to revitalise the coconut industry with the aim of creating opportunities for employment and expanding the income base from this product.

This was discussed during a workshop on Monday, which focused on the development of the industry at the week of activities to mark Caribbean Week of Agriculture, which began on Friday, October 4 and will last until October 11.

Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Executive Director Dr Arlington Chesney said the industry has not been flourishing as it should, mainly because scientist back then had sought to suggest that coconut oil had caused some health problems, which was later proven to be untrue.

Dr Chesney said there is a need for the Caribbean to chart a course forward for the industry, in an effort to make it become more vibrant as it once was.

The CARDI director believes that in order for the industry to expand and develop, the Caribbean must develop its own plan materials by certifying laboratories.

He said without this, the entire industry will be moving backward, instead of moving forward. This, he added, needs the concerted effort of all nations to come together and work out a plan that will see this industry being taken to new heights.

Agriculture Minister, Dr

GEA saving $$$ through solar power system

Ayear after the launch of Guyana’s first grid-connected solar photovoltaic net-metering system, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) said it has saved more than $1 million in electricity costs.

This, the GEA said, has contributed positively to the environment by avoiding the release of more than 9740 kilograms of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), while demonstrating that the Guyana Power and Light’s grid is stable enough and the metering mechanism is capable of facilitating a net-metering platform.

In a release, the GEA said Guyana usually receives abundant sunshine and has, for many years, been using solar photovoltaic panels for a number of applications, primarily in remote areas without access to a grid. “The Guyana Energy Agency, with support from GIZ, the German Society for International Cooperation, and funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation, installed an 8.46kW Grid Tie Solar Photovoltaic Demonstration Project in 2012 at a cost of $6.9 million.”

“The system was installed to promote the use of renewable energy in Guyana, gain understanding of grid tie technologies and demonstrate the use and application of solar photovoltaic grid-tie technology,” GEA Chief Executive Officer Dr

The energy supplied from the solar panels is about 20 per cent of the energy required by the building. During a regular business day, the grid-tie inverter senses the amount of energy coming from the solar panels, measures the amount of energy being consumed by the building, then takes the difference from the grid. On holidays and weekends, when the load of the building is less than the power supplied from the solar panels, most of the energy is supplied to the grid. The grid-tie inverter is also designed to quickly disconnect from the grid if the utility grid goes down.

Currently, the system is operating on a net-metering arrangement with GPL using the existing Itron meter. A module upgrade was sourced and installed,

allowing the existing meter to now read energy received from the grid, energy supplied to the grid, and net energy consumed by the building.

GEA is committed to its vision of ensuring Guyana’s energy security through access to reliable energy that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable.

Hence, the agency will continue to carry out research into all sources of energy, including those presently used in Guyana. These efforts are aimed at securing and encouraging more efficient utilisation of energy and sources of energy in the public’s interest.

The agency also seeks to develop and encourage the development and usage of sources of energy other than those currently in use.

Leslie Ramsammy, who was also very passionate about the revitalisation of the industry, told the delegates attending the workshop that while a plan is necessary to take the industry forward, steps should be taken to organise these plans in line with the rice and sugar industries.

Dr Ramsammy posited that in order for the industry to progress, special attention must be paid on developing proper infrastructure and plantation.

In January this year, the minister hosted a seminar aimed at having stakeholders devise a 2013 plan towards the revitalisation and development of the coconut industry.

This is an effort aimed at aggressively pushing the country’s agriculture diversification programme, of which the coconut industry is an important component.

Minister Ramsammy had said that after rice and sugar, the greatest acreage under cultivation is coconut, “but the ways we talk sometimes, very few people recognise that”.

He said, this year, in Guyana, just over 80,000 hectares will be committed to rice cultivation, 36,000 to sugar cultivation and 24,000 to coconut cultivation.

He also said that worldwide over 12 million hectares of land is under cultivation, with production level exceeding 65 million tonnes per year.

Guyana produces about 90,000 to 100,000 million nuts per year, approximately 70,000 tonnes.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Mahender Sharma said.

Solar panels installed at GEA headquarters

tuesday, october 8, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

BOSAI workers stage protest over pay dispute

By utamu Belle

Employees at bauxite mining company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) in Linden, Region 10 said they are dissatisfied with a recent proposal by management of the company for a 3.5 per cent increase across the board in wages and salaries, and as such staged a massive protest in front of the company’s north gate on Monday morning.

The employees contended that they received an increase every year based on the company’s budget, which they maintained was also agreed to by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). However, they noted that the budget was read in March and the increase in wages and salaries was expected to follow in April.

They further claimed that the increase was not paid in the month of April and the management of BMGGI did not consult with them to say why the money

was not paid at the said time.

During the protest, the crowd quickly began to build up as more employees from different departments including production, electrical, mills and maintenance continued to walk out of the company compound. Some stated that they will only accept an increase from 20 per cent upwards.

Soon afterwards, the employees became even more agitated after an address by GPSU Branch Chairman and Senior Vice Chairman of National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) Linnell Warden.

Assurances

Warden who had consultations with the management of BMGGI while the protest was ongoing sought to clarify issues affecting the employees. He assured the gathering that negotiations are still ongoing and that it has not stopped at the 3.5 per cent increase.

“The management has agreed to continue the negotiations. Systems would be put in place for negotiations to continue this week... and for two days a week as you requested,” he reassured them.

After an address by BMGGI Senior Personnel Officer Trudel Marks later on Monday, it was agreed that negotiations over the increase will continue on condition that the employees resumed duty.

“The management has decided to re-commence negotiations and we are going to meet and continue next week, until we come to an agreement, there is no agreement if protest is ongoing. We just can’t come here and say that we agree to something, negotiation is an ongoing process and we are doing just that. We ask for your understanding,” she explained.

The employees then agreed to resume work on Tuesday and also called for no victimisation of those who protested.

C RNER CCJ

Justice for all

By Shaniel hunter, norman manley law School

Marjorie Ilma Knox vs John Vere, Evelyn Dean et al [2012] CCJ 4 (AJ)

The Caribbean Court of Justice has made a strong statement that neither ‘poverty’ nor ‘foreignness’ can be used to hinder access to justice.

It overturned a decision of the Barbados Court of Appeal ordering Knox to pay, before her appeal could even be heard, the sum of Bdn$175,000 as security for costs (ie, the legal expenses that might be incurred by the respondent if Knox lost her appeal).

The Court of Appeal’s order had been made on the basis that Knox, who lived in Miami and had limited finances, would not be able to pay those expenses if her appeal was unsuccessful. In overturning this decision, the CCJ strongly emphasised that an order for security cannot automatically be made because a litigant is a foreigner or is of limited financial means.

Instead there must be a balancing exercise which takes into account (one) the ability of a litigant to pay the costs of the appeal if he is unsuccessful, (two) the special circumstances of the case and (three) whether it is just to make the order.

It is also important that the amount of security ordered to be paid must be reasonable. Therefore, the amount ordered must be based on the guidelines contained in the rules of court. The Knox decision demonstrates that the CCJ is committed to ensuring that persons from all walks of life are able to access the justice system.

The court will make sure that in principle the doors of the courthouse must remain open to all; whether you are rich, poor, foreign or local. This summary is intended to assist the Caribbean public in learning more about the work of the CCJ. It is not a formal document of the court.

The judgment of the court is the only authoritative document and may be found at http://www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org/ wpcontent/uploads/2013/01/2012-CCJ-4-AJ.pdf.

Employees protesting outside Bosai Linden complex in Region 10

Ramsammy urges Caribbean to think climate smart

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy has sounded a warning to Caribbean nations to consider “climate smart agriculture” if they want to sustain economic and social prosperity.

Dr Ramsammy made this call during the launch of the Climate Smart Agriculture Book on Monday.

“I hope that we at Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) will come out with a declaration loud and clear that climate change is real, it is affecting our countries, it has already impacted on our countries,” he said.

He said the CWA should be used as a platform to look at placing climate smart agri culture at the very heart of any people-centred develop mental agenda.

Major challenge

“In our countries and in a world where the pursuit of eq uity for our citizens remains a major challenge, it is our imperative to robustly promote a knowledge-based, cli mate-smart, multifunctional trans formative agricultural sector as one of the prudent approaches to achieve equity and better lives for our people,” he added.

has been a lukewarm approach to this initiative in many Caribbean nations.

"The launching of this publication of a New Climate Smart Agriculture by CTA [Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States/European Union] and CARDI [Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute] is timely and

bio-fuel production.

He noted that the task ahead may appear overwhelming, but the region must seriously and immediately deal with these challenges that are before everyone.

Integrated approach

Dr Ramsammy noted that Guyana was one of four countries to attain the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) goal of reducing hunger. He also reminded the gathering that the Jagdeo Initiative on agriculture remains relevant and could serve to take the Caribbean out of its current situation if the steps are implemented.

However, he admitted that there

tive,” he said. Further, the minister reminded the delegates that agriculture plays a significant role in the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Dr Ramsammy believes that the region’s agricultural development trajectory must proceed in ways that reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint, reduce vulnerability to climate change, help agriculture to create food security, and add to the energy stock through

He also added that the region must deal with the trade regimes that favour more powerful nations and must seek to convert instruments such as the Economic Partnership Agreement [EPA] between CARIFORUM and the European Union into genuine opportunities for modernisation and improvement of agriculture and trade.

Dr Ramsammy said in spite of the disappointments of the Copenhagen, Cancún, Durban, Rio+20 and Bali conferences on climate change, the Caribbean must follow its own interest in ensuring a climate-smart agriculture trajectory.

“Climate-smart agriculture can increase yield and production, can lead to expansion of agriculture and can play an important role in the reduction of carbon emission into the environment,” he stated.

The agriculture minister also shed some light on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), stating that it is an ambitious and lofty approach to development.

He said it was an effort to show that global warming and climate change can be reversed and even countries that played no role in the emergence of the calamity that face the world today can contribute to the solution without deferring development.

Repayment of WoW loans slow – GBTI

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited credit chief Shaleeza Shaw said the repayment process for the Women of Worth (WoW) micro-loan project is moving at a snail’s pace.

Shaw told Guyana Times recently that the bank has seen a slight increase in the number of persons wanting to access these loans.

The initiative, which is a partnership between GBTI and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, has seen a number of single mothers benefiting.

Shaw noted that the project is particularly special to GBTI, since it helps the bank in fulfilling its social responsibilities.

She believes that through this initiative the bank has also been able to give hope to many women and has placed them in a more financially stable position. Many of the women become full-fledged entrepreneurs.

The GBTI official explained that the project is unique in many ways and stated that it has the possibility of growing and helping many other single mothers.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster had said that her ministry will be looking into expanding the WoW project.

The vision for expansion will see the ministry seeking to embark on partnership ventures, with a view to helping recipients of the loans find markets for some of their products.

In excess of $16 million was pumped into the WoW micro loan programme in 2012, with

hundreds of persons benefiting.

During last year, loans were disbursed to single mothers to engage in business activities including clothing and garment manufacturing, poultry-rearing, agriculture, catering, bakery operations, cosmetology, retail clothing vending, packaging of spices for export, leather craft, and manufacturing of bottled and packaged juices.

The total number of loans granted to date is 977. There were some 61 new borrowers during the course of last year, added to the approximately 67 single parents who were granted second loans. There were two third-time borrowers and another received a fourth loan.

The WoW programme, launched in 2010, was designed to be an avenue of financial assistance for single mothers, with a mandate to help them improve their livelihood through small business ventures.

Loans range from $100,000 to $250,000 with a maximum repayment period of 24 months.

GBTI Head of Credit Shaleeza Shaw

President Ramotar visits Atlanta, Georgia

PDonald Ramotar recently went on a groundbreaking visit to Atlanta, Georgia, where he held discussions with local officials, civil rights leaders, and members of the Guyanese community.

In a release, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said, the president was given a tour of the former church and the gravesite of slain civil rights icon Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr where he met with King’s son, Martin Luther King III. King, along with leading historians, academic and civil rights figures, exchanged views with the president on the course of the international struggle for civil rights.

President Ramotar, who was accompanied by First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar,

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Bayney Karran, held wide-ranging discussions with members of the Guyanese community.

In a town-hall style meeting, which lasted over four hours, Ramotar addressed numerous issues ranging from developments in the social sector, energy and infrastructure to the security situation, city sanitation, air links and cooperation with opposition political parties.

He bemoaned the fact that a lack of cooperation from the political opposition was curtailing progress on development projects he deemed vital for Guyana’s transformation.

The president was applauded after declaring that, “We have not spent US$30 million to build a road to no-

where. I am determined that Guyana will produce hydroelectricity sooner rather than later.”

Minister RodriguesBirkett, who welcomed the gathering on behalf of the president, informed that the government will establish a consulate in Atlanta to attend to the needs of Guyanese nationals in that area.

Dr Vincent Adams of the Linden Fund moved a vote of thanks to President Ramotar for visiting the community.

The president and his delegation were welcomed by performances from the Guyana Queh Queh Company and the Radha Krishna Mandir dance troupe. The event was held at the Redan Party Rental and Cultural Centre in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Westford not in favour of creating position for parliamentary counsel

Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford said no consideration will be given to the opposition’s call for the appointment of a parliamentary counsel.

Westford said this appointment would not happen under her, pointing out that there is a need for an increase in staff to work along with the Parliament body.

This, she said can be done, but she maintained that there will be no effort to change the operations of the current parliamentary structure.

“If there is need for any increase in staff, I am prepared to do it, but not creating a new post for a legal counsel,” Westford said.

Scientific studies on climate change: New findings and initiatives

Within the last week, scientists presented the findings of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) prepared by Working Group I.

This report provides the most authoritative and updated information on the global status of climate change and builds upon the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).

The AR5 report which was prepared by a panel of the world’s leading climate scientists strongly asserted that “it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century”.

The evidence for this has grown due to more and better observations, an improved understanding of the climate system response and improved climate models.

Findings

The findings as presented in AR5 asserted that warming in the climate system is very clear at this stage. Each of the last three decades has been successively warmer than any preceding decade since 1850.

The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amount of snow and ice have diminished, the global mean sea level has risen and the concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have increased.

There is high confidence that the rate of sea level rise since the mid-19th century has been larger than the mean rate during the previous two millennia.

Over the period 1901-2010, global mean sea level rose by an average of 0.19 metres.

ing ocean acidification.

Many scientists agree that continued emissions of GHGs will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system.

Limiting climate change will require substantial and sustained reductions of GHGs.

The projections of climate change in the AR5 are based on a new set of four scenarios of future GHG concentrations and aerosols, spanning a wide range of possible futures.

Global surface temperature change for the end of the 21st century is projected to likely exceed 1.5 degree Celsius relative to 1850 to 1900 in all but the lowest scenario considered, and likely to exceed two degree Celsius for the two high scenarios.

Heat waves

Heat waves are very likely to occur more frequently and last longer. As the earth warms, wet regions may receive more rainfall, and dry regions receiving less.

These findings paint an even clearer picture of the potential catastrophic impacts of climate change in the future, especially for highly vulnerable countries like Guyana which are already suffering from the effects of climate change.

As discussed in previous articles, Guyana has taken on significant domestic actions to address climate change –the revolutionary Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is currently in the implementation stage.

Guyana has also conducted a number of technical studies and assessments to examine the local effects of climate change.

how climate change will affect them; programmes containing measures to facilitate adequate adaptation and mitigate climate change; and other key elements.

Stocktaking assessment

Guyana prepared its initial National Communication report in 2002 and the Second National Communication (SNC) in 2012, and is currently preparing its Third National Communication (TNC). At this stage of the project, a stocktaking assessment and a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) are being prepared to review work carried out under previous climate change enabling activities and to identify gaps and propose relevant activities to be undertaken within the framework of preparing the TNC.

On October 1, the Office of Climate Change (OCC), with support from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a national stakeholders’ workshop as part of the stocktaking assessment.

The findings of the TNC will help to provide concrete information that will help to guide climate initiatives in Guyana.

According to Adviser to the President and Head of the Office of Climate Change Shyam Nokta, “This Third National Communication process is happening at a time when climate change is being underscored as the most important global issue that we are facing today… climate change is like a runaway train and right now this train is only gaining momentum and even if it reduces speed, we are still heading for catastrophe.”

During a People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) press conference on Monday, the minister said that there is a chief parliamentary officer and a deputy officer attached to the attorney general's chambers and there is no need for any new position.

sition parties to have a new legal counsel working along with the Parliament chambers.

Most recently, there have been calls by the oppo-

The opposition parties have denounced the sending of bills and legal documents to the attorney general chambers for fine-tuning.

The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide have increased to levels unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years.

CO2 concentrations have increased by 40 per cent since pre-industrial times, primarily from fossil fuel emissions and secondarily from net land use change emissions.

The ocean has absorbed about 30 per cent of the emitted anthropogenic CO2, caus-

As part of Guyana’s obligations to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which Guyana signed onto in 1992, the country has been preparing National Communication reports which provide a general status of key aspects related to climate change in Guyana, including national GHG inventories; projections for future climate change in Guyana; vulnerability assessments for key sectors of the country to examine

Climate change studies and assessments have a crucial role today and informing the planning and decisions making process at all levels of society.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Climate Change, Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown on telephone number 223-5205, email info@lcds.gov.gy or website www.lcds.gov.gy.

Presidential Adviser and Head of the Office of Climate Change Shyam Nokta

resident

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar share a light moment with Martin Luther King III, son of the late Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford

Roshana begins reign as Miss Guyana Universe

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

Reigning Miss India/ Guyana Katherina Roshana was crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2013 before a packed to capacity Pegasus poolside just before midnight on Sunday.

The 23-year-old sponsored by the NEW GPC INC under its Limacol brand will be representing Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant slated for November 9 in Moscow, Russia.

Roshana, who is a graduate from a New York University and hopes to become a doctor in oriental medicine, will be competing with 89 other delegates for the coveted title with some optimism of bring home Guyana’s first Miss Universe crown.

Best Smile

She captivated the judges with her smile, and was awarded the Best Smile Prize. Coming in as first runner-up was 23-year-old Alicia Best, sponsored by AU Drilling Inc, while the second runner-up spot was awarded to Miss Rainbow Fashion, Ayana Whitehead. Rounding off the top four was Miss Nabi Construction, Carlea Chappell.

Chappell was also bestowed with the award of Miss Body Beautiful and Whitehead, Miss Congeniality.

The other contestants were were Kenwah Cho Quan Yi sponsored by the Muzik Club of Canada; Tiffanie Nieuenkirk, sponsored by Canadian Jason Schwars; Shyon Hoppie, sponsored by Shalinsky & Company and Carla Browne, sponsored by Red Earth Crystal Clear Waters.

The pageant got underway just after 20:00h with a spectacular dance by members of the Classique Dance Group titled “Rock You” by

Beyonce.

This was followed by the Introduction Segment where each of the eight delegates had to make their first impression.

During this segment, the delegates appeared in evening gowns that left the audience mesmerised.

Chappell wore a stunning navy blue knee-high shimmering evening gown while Cho Quan Yi wore a lime green gown.

Nieuenkirk enticed the audience with her long silver gown and Hoppie did not disappoint as she looked stunning in a black body fitted outfit.

Radiant

Looking radiant with a white and silver gown was Whitehead, who created a whirlwind as she stepped on stage to introduce herself.

Next was Browne, who sported a fawn coloured outfit followed by Roshana, who wore a black gown.

Bess also looked beautiful in a semi-coloured piece. They were all fluent in introducing themselves.

While the delegates changed for the Swimsuit Segment, the patrons were

entertained by a fashion display mounted by Sonia Noel.

All eyes were then focused on the area where the delegates would make their grand entrance as the Swimsuit Segment was expected to be glamorous and full of steam and energy.

The eight delegates all appeared on stage in two piece red and yellow swim suits, complemented with red chiffon wraps.

While on stage they individually remove the wraps, creating some excitement. In some instances, the audience erupted in laughter as the delegates parade on stage.

Bess undoubtedly was the best in the segment, displaying a high degree of confidence and elegance.

Immediately after this segment, Jamaican artiste Alaine entertained the audience for close to an hour as the ladies got ready for the Evening Gown Segment.

Charm

This segment was the highlight of the evening as the delegates showed off their charm, style, eloquence and tastes to the judges and audience.

Sweeping the judges and audience off their feet was Miss NABI Construction Ayana Whitehead, who sported a shimmering brown and gold outfit.

Another top contender in the Evening Gown Segment was Miss Shalinsky & Company Shyon Hoppie, who wore a silver and black gown.

Entertained

After this segment, the contestants were entertained by Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, who even had even British Ambassador Andrew Ayre getting on stage.

Primo then returned after a 45 minutes intermission to serenade the eight contestants and soon after, the final four delegates were announced.

The finalists were asked questions based on their platform.

Katherina Roshana’s platform was children living with autism.

The scores from all aspects of the pageant were tabulated and the final results were determined.

Just before the final results were announced, reigning Miss Guyana Universe 2012 Ruqayyah Boyer took her final walk, thanking the many people who have made her year as queen memorable.

The pageant was judged by a panel including Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford, Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle and international fashion icon Sonia Noel. (bhisham@ guyanatimesgy.com)

ICTs helping to forge successful future in agriculture

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the agriculture industry is a tool for changing the sector in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the launch of a two-day workshop entitled “Strengthening ICTs in Agricultural Value Chains – Towards increased integration in ICTs for growth and productivity”, Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Director Michael Hailu said the use of ICTs creates “huge opportunities for

farming communities and young people”.

He encouraged innovation by calling on the region “to use innovative technologies to engage young people to agriculture and to address the challenges in the sector.

This is an important element in strategy to safeguard the future of agriculture”. Hailu added that “iEESt is important for the young people to get involved and develop solutions”.

He recommitted the CTA to innovation in ICTs in the

Caribbean, and referred to developmental applications in the Caribbean for the scaling-up of ICTs capacity that will be shared with the African, Pacific and Caribbean (ACP) countries.

“It is important to demonstrate and develop applications and share them with the ACP for the way toward a food secured nation,” he declared.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy expressed gratitude to the CTA for its involvement in the development of ICTs in

the agricultural sector, “for the benefit of citizens of the Caribbean”.

The minister reiterated that ICTs are “key to bringing youth to agriculture”.

He said farmers are “utilising ICTs in their everyday activities ranging from weather forecasting, research, and comparing agriculture techniques”.

Caribbean Agriculture and Research Development Institute (CARDI) Executive Director, Dr Arlington Chesney said, “technology is very impor-

tant in the evolution of the sector”.

Dr Chesney said, “It is moving from one phase of being dependent on labour and land primarily to one that is dependent on information and technology.”

The workshop is part of the 12th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), which is being held in Guyana under the theme “Linking the Caribbean for Regional Food and Nutrition Security and Rural Development”.

The workshop aims to validate and examine the

regional study of ICTs in agricultural value chains.

A study was conducted in five countries: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago over the past year.

It is a collaborative initiative between CARDI and the CTA commissioned to improve the productivity and sustainability of regional agricultural value chains through improving stakeholder capacities in communication and information sharing.

Katherina Roshana waves to the audience moments after being crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2013

The eight delegates of the Miss Guyana Universe 2013 pageant

Miss Rainbow Fashion Ayana Whitehead

Arcos Dorados, the largest operator of McDonald’s restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean, has opened its newest location in TT at Gulf View, La Romaine. The restaurant, which opened Friday, includes all of the features that customers have come to appreciate, including Auto Mac, McDonald’s quick and convenient drive-through

service, a McCafé with separate counter, and a PlayPlace, a fun and safe play environment for children. The restaurant will host birthday services with hostesses and also offer Wi-Fi service for guests.

“When Arcos Dorados first came to TT we made a commitment to invest in this country and its people,” said Jameela Mohammed-Ali, Arcos Dorados market man-

ager for TT.

“As the 20th market of Arcos Dorados in Caribbean and Latin America, Trinidad is especially significant to the company and we have done our utmost to meet the wants and needs of our customers, provide opportunities for local business and employment, and be an all-around good neighbour,” she added. (Trinidad Guardian)

ACaribbean Africa Asia

South Africa's car workers end strike after pay deal

South African union representing car workers has agreed a new pay deal, ending a month-long strike that has crippled the industry. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa accepted a 10 per cent pay rise this year and eight per cent in the next two years.

The strike in the car components industry caused severe disruption, especially

North America

Alittle more than two weeks after it first went on sale for US$99, Apple’s colourful new iPhone 5c is already on the bargain racks.

First Best Buy rolled out a promotion on Thursday to offer the Apple iPhone 5C for US$50, and now RadioShack and Walmart have announced similar price cuts on the new device.

Europe

On Friday, Walmart –which was already selling the phone for US$79 – slashed its price to US$45 through the holiday season, while RadioShack plans to give customers US$50 gift cards to apply towards the iPhone 5C phone through November 2.

Best Buy’s deal only lasts through October 7. All promotions apply only if customers sign a two-year wireless

contract. The 5C, which costs $99 if purchased through Apple with a two-year contract (or US$549 without), is the cheaper version of the 5S phone.

Analysts speculated that the 5C would not do as well as the high-end 5S, which costs US$199 with a contract and features a fingerprint sensor, better camera and faster processor. (CNN)

Sberbank sets more aside to cover potential bad loans

Russia’s biggest lender, Sberbank, has doubled the amount of money it sets aside to cover potential bad loans, seeking to protect itself against any deterioration in borrowers’ ability to repay in a slowing economy.

However, the bank also said on Monday that the quality of its loan portfolio had so far not got any worse, with overdue loans accounting for 2.48 per cent of the total in September, compared with

2.54 per cent at the same time last year.

Russian banks have piled into high-margin consumer lending in recent years to offset a slowdown in corporate borrowing. But they have been required by regulators to set aside more money to cover their risks, potentially weakening their capital position, while a slowing economy has raised fears that customers will struggle to repay their debts.

“We have adapted our risk underwriting to accommodate for some of the quality deterioration in the incoming loan applications flow,” said Sberbank Senior Vice President Anton Karamzin.

“It is (about) paying a lot of attention to... credit risk, watching for problems earlier, fixing them earlier,” he said. “In retail particularly, (it is about) increasing the standard of requirements of the credit we’re prepared to underwrite.” (Reuters)

Aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus has announced its first deal with Japanese carrier Japan Airlines (JAL). It has won an order from JAL for 31 of its A350 planes, in a deal worth nearly US$9.5 billion (£5.9 billion) at list prices.

The A350 is designed to be more fuel-efficient and is a direct competitor to U.S. rival Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which has been hit by safety

Middle East

Nakheel World LLC, a subsidiary of Dubai World, today agreed to repay almost AED95 million (US$25.8 million) to a private developer which bought a piece of land from it in Dubai in 2008. The sum, to be paid to Dubai-based Al Falak International Limited, was reached in an out of court settlement after nearly two hours of deliberations between both sides at Dubai World Tribunal on Monday morning.

to exports. Last week BMW said it had stopped “all future plans” to expand in South Africa because of the industrial action.

Under the deal, pay at small-to-medium-sized car parts firms will only rise wages by nine per cent in the first year, followed by eight per cent in the subsequent two years.

“The strike was very hard

for us,” Irvin Jim, the general secretary of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), told reporters. The car components’ strike followed industrial action by workers at car manufacturers themselves, which hit production at BMW, Ford, Nissan and General Motors and cost an estimated US$2 billion (£1.24 billion) in lost output. (BBC News)

and technical issues in recent months. The deal is a blow for Boeing, which has dominated Japan’s aviation market.

“This is Airbus’ largest order for the A350 so far this year and is the largest ever order we have received from a Japanese airline,” said Fabrice Bregier, chief executive of Airbus.

“I must say that achieving this breakthrough order and entering a traditional com-

petitor market was one of my personal goals.” According to the deal, JAL also has an option to purchase an additional 25 planes.

In recent years, the aviation industry has been hurt by a slowdown in demand and high volatility in global fuel prices. That has seen many leading carriers turn to more fuel-efficient aircraft in an attempt to cut down costs and maintain profitability. (BBC News)

The case arose after Al Falak lodged a claim against Nakheel World in June 2011 after it paid AED89 million – 20 per cent of the purchase price – for a AED446,967,100 million (US$121.7 million) plot at Mina Rashid Port.

In papers filed with Dubai World Tribunal, Al Falak claimed that Nakheel World failed to hand over the draft of the sales and purchase agreement at the time of signing the reservation contract and

also neglected to hand over the plot on December 1, 2008. Before a special tribunal chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Sir John Chadwick, Nakheel World agreed to refund Al Falak AED89,422,228 million (US$24.3 million) as well as pay AED5,707,024 million (US$1.5 million) interest on a daily basis at a rate of 2.715 per cent per annum. All other claims totalling around AED66 million (US$17.9 million) were dismissed. (Arabianbusiness)

Maintaining solid corporate ethics in international business

In 2010, Taiwan-based Foxconn, the manufacturer of Apple’s iPhones and iPads, experienced a PR nightmare following a string of suicides at its Chinese plant. Eighteen employees committed suicide in a single year, decrying the factories as a “labour camp” with atrocious work conditions. These suicides not only tarnished Foxconn’s image, but Apple’s as well. When outsourcing to another country, make sure the wages are fair and the employees are well treated. Local subsidiaries have to be monitored carefully for abuses. Don’t violate ethics just for a few margin percentage points – this can come back and bite your company hard.

Working in a lawless land

Mining and oil companies often violate corporate ethics in an attempt to escape environmental groups and federal regulators, by establishing operations in countries where the laws are loose and the government can be easily bribed.

Texaco, now a subsidiary of Chevron, deserves a place on the wall of shame for its role in the environmental damages to Ecuador, when it allegedly dumped 18 billion gallons of toxic waste into unlined pits, rivers and streams, causing birth defects and deaths throughout the 1970s to 1992. Chevron was sued for US$16 billion in a landmark case brought forth by local residents. Texaco originally operated in Ecuador due to lenient environmental laws and an extremely corrupt government connected to the stateowned PetroEcuador, which was its joint venture partner. Meanwhile, PetroChina, the state-owned Chinese oil giant, made Chevron look like a small fry by partnering with Sudan’s corrupt government in 2007. In exchange for allowing PetroChina to drill in oilrich Sudan, 70 per cent of the income generated from the revenue sharing agreement was used to fund Sudan’s military, which was directly responsible for the genocide in Darfur. (Business Dictionary)

New school, stelling, walkway commissioned at Karawab

The hinterland education system got a shot in the arm, with the commissioning of a new primary school along with a stelling walkway at Karawab, Lower Pomeroon River, a community some 45 miles from Charity/Essequibo Coast.

The structures were built by the Region Two administration in collaboration with the Education Ministry.

The new school was constructed at a cost of $20.3 million in two phases, along with a concrete walkway and timber stelling costing some $5.3 million.

The school was constructed by Manboardram Sukhai of Walton Hall.

Speaking to a gathering of teachers, parents and residents of Karawab at the commissioning ceremony held over the weekend, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said the school is testimony of the government’s commitment in delivering quality education.

He said the new facility will provide students and

teachers a more conducive learning environment. Some 218 students will benefit from the new school.

The chairman said the school was built since students and teachers in Karwab were in need of more space to work.

He said after several complaints of inadequate space at the school, the Region Two administration responded promptly and the modern state-of-the-art two-storey concrete and wooden structure was constructed.

Work programme

Persaud said the school is the final one to be constructed, under the region’s work programme, in an effort to boost education in the various areas. He noted that all the schools in Region Two are in top shape and there have been no complaints.

The chairman said while the government, through the Education Ministry, is providing the basic facility for education, parents need to ensure that their children attend school regularly and

punctually.

“There is only so much we can do on a government level, parents have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that their children attend school, parents should be responsible,” Persaud said.

He reminded parents that the best gift a child can receive is a solid education.

The chairman called on the toshao of the village, Kenrick Lewis, to ensure that government facilities are cared for at all times and they are not misused.

Headmistress of the school, Eve Samuels thanked the Region Two administration for the new school, saying the old Uilily Primary School was overcrowded and was in existence for 32 years.

Regional Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud called on students and teachers to make full use of the new facility, and noted that it was the Education Ministry’s aim to provide quality education to each child in Guyana.

She said many teachers are also being trained to improve the education delivery.

Porter remanded on larceny charge

Aporter was on Monday remanded to prison after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer to the charge of larceny. Alexander Williams of Lot 296 Ramsingh Street, B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on October 4 at Sophia, he stole from the

person of Balram Shivraj one gold chain valued $500,000.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question, Shivraj was in the company of his friends at the Sophia Exhibition Centre and was wearing the chain mentioned in the charge. The defendant approached him, snatched the chain and made good his escape. An alarm was

Rotary Clubs of Georgetown enjoy day of sports

Investigation deepens into father-son death

Guyanese law enforcement officials have contacted their counterparts in Venezuela as investigations deepen into the fatal shooting of two men Thursday evening along the border, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said on Monday.

As investigations continue into the murders of Orlando Fitzpatrick, 52, and his son, 17-year-old Jesse Fitzpatrick, Persaud added that the only information the police have so far was what was reported by the relatives of the deceased.

He also suggested that based on reports received, the crime might not have been committed in Guyana but in Venezuela and is awaiting official word from Venezuelan authorities.

“No police went up to the location… according to information, it didn’t occur in Guyana and we will not go into another country’s

territory and do anything,” he said.

Persaud also stated that he did not have any information regarding the accusation made against the father-son duo, of Lot 160 Third Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, that they had robbed a group of Guyanese in June.

The bodies of the teenager and his father are still with Venezuelan authorities, but relatives are completing the necessary legal paperwork to have the bodies return to Guyana.

Futile

Fitzpatrick’s widow, Marlyn Allick stated that she last spoke with her husband on Thursday evening about 18:30h, when he called to inform her that he and their son were on their way home and would be in Georgetown by midnight.

She said after she did not hear from Fitzpatrick the following morning, she

attempted to call him, but the phone rang out. Shortly after, he received a call from her sister-in-law who informed her of the shooting.

The grieving woman was still puzzled as to why the bodies were not brought to Georgetown, but instead sent to Venezuela, noting that this was a bit suspicious. She said while information remains sketchy, she believes that the men were set up.

Guyana Times understands that the two men who were seen in the boat with the now dead pair are in the custody of Venezuelan authorities and are assisting with investigations.

The last time the woman saw her son was in June, the day after Father’s Day, but she recently saw her husband in August after he came out of the interior to undergo medical treatment.

raised and a police officer in plain clothes gave chase to Williams. He was apprehended and identified by the complainant.

Prosecutor Mangru objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. Chief Magistrate SewnarineBeharry refused bail and the matter stands adjourned to October 2.

Man on $100,000 bail for possession of narcotics

On Friday, a man was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges against him. It was alleged that on October 2 at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, 37-year-old Gavin Kirr of Lot 47 Norton Street,

Georgetown, had in his possession a half gram of cannabis and an improvised utensil used for smoking. He pleaded not guilty to both charges as they were read to him.

Attorney Paul Fung-AFat who represented the defendant told the court that his client is married with two children and is employed at Bhena’s

Footwear. He added that he has no priors and in his application for reasonable bail, stated that it was less than one gram of cannabis. There were no objections to bail and Chief Magistrate SewnarineBeharry granted it in the sum of $50,000 for each charge; a total of $100,000. The matter stands adjourned to October 16.

The Rotary Clubs of Georgetown on Sunday enjoyed a day of sports at the Demerara Cricket Club.

It was a day of relaxation for the Rotarians, family and friends, the clubs’ public relations officer Pradeep Samtani said. The Rotary Club of Georgetown emerged overall champions. Its cricket team was coached and captained by Rotarian Roger Harper, a former national and West Indies player (third right)

A schoolboy cuts the ribbon to officially commission the new school in the presence of Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud and Region Two Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud

SUDOKU

Let your ambition point you in the right direction. Take on tasks that no one else wants, and you will impress onlookers and get a vote of confidence when asking for favours.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Don’t let someone’s negativity stand between you and your accomplishments. Strive to be innovative and take on a challenge that allows you to use your versatility and imagination. You’re in a good cycle for romance.

Engage in events that open your mind to different cultures or give you greater insight into your friends, loved ones or children. Share with the people you care about and build a closer bond.

Problems at home can be expected. Stay on top of any changes being made or interference you face. Don’t get angry – if you offer solutions, you’ll remain in control.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Keep things out in the open, or you may face confusion or be manipulated into doing something you don’t like. Pay more attention to your personal possessions and assets. Be wary of those trying to use emotional blackmail to get their way.

(March 21-April 19)

Bargain hunting will pay off. Don’t overspend or make a donation you cannot afford. Romance is on the rise, but refrain from letting love cost you emotionally or financially.

(April 20-May 20)

A slow and methodical approach will be your ticket to success and greater freedom. Open up your home to visitors. Sharing your thoughts will help you get a better perspective regarding your next move.

(May 21June 20)

Emotional upset due to uncertainty or deception must be dealt with cautiously. Make changes and take part in activities that will take your mind off your troubles.

It’s a good day to travel for business or pleasure. Attending a conference or getting together with people you haven’t seen in some time will lead to interesting ideas and future plans.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Explore some of the dreams you have yet to fulfil. Open up discussions with people you have teamed up with in the past. A challenge could set you back.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Make alterations to the way you live. Your interest in different lifestyles and philosophies will help you choose an innovative and rewarding direction that promotes the use of your creativity.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Emotions and uncertainty will surface due to someone’s vague or misleading expectations. Protect your reputation and prepare to make a positive move.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Tourist villa apartments 1, 2 & 3 bedroom, long & short term, and car rental service. Phone: 227-2199, 227-2186

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 2255034

Electronics course - hands-on training, starting October 2, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 226-6551, 225-0391.

Learn to play the guitar, keyboard, drums, and train your voice at Foundation 7. Phone: 225-1151 or 6174200.

SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English Classes personalized Tutoring. Phone: 612-4821 (After 16:00h), 274-0437 (After 19:00h)

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

Mixed breed pups. Phone: 253-3114, 692-0126

One 320CL Excavator located at Mahdia; excellent working condition. Owner migrating, call 682-0365 or 614-1669

Gold Land, excellent investment. Priced to sell, call 682-0365, 614-1669

Wine vessel (jue) Shang dynasty, old Chinese painting, old Ming prints, Ming dynasty Chinese painting on bamboo, Qi Baishi orginal painting, rare bowls and pots, all Chinese antiques. Phone: 592623-7029

Pure bred American Akita puppies for sale $200,000. Phone: 639-8924, 2274674

Mercury in large quantities 99.9999% purity. Call: 679-1985, 219-4535, 6935004

1 Canon copier (Image Runner 6020) with finisher. Call 647-5150, 694-5738

Cheap earth. Delivery to spot, ECD and EBD. Phone: 627-9977

Clean garden earth & builders waste. Also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing & leveling done. Phone: 616-0617, 6633285.

Cellphone accessories and spares for all smart phones: Blackberry, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, iPhone, Sony Ericsson, LG at Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent Street, next door to the Multiplex Mall. Call 622-7740/696-4008

One music set with three power amps with a total of 5,500 watts, etc. for more information please call 682-3481. Price negotiable.

Mercury in large quantity, 99.9999% purity. Call: 219-4535/693-5004/6791985

Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationships and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointment only. Clinic hours: 11:00 - 17:00h. Tel: 592-6210552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail. com

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for all chronic genetic/none genetic diseases, including HIV, Cancer, diabetic, pregnancy, sexual (weakness), etc. Phone: 685- 3220.

Are you pouring on pounds? Then call Raul /Carol Wilson: 660-6818, 6415923, 216-3016, 216-3601 for your healthy eating package.

Stay healthy and flexible with yoga. Phone: 693-2233

YELLOW PAGES

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 2251540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

U.S. Green Card Lottery 2013. We are now accepting entries for the Annual Green Card Lottery sponsored by the U.S. Government. Enter now for a chance to become a permanent resident of the USA. Closing date November 2, 2013. Contact Balwant Persaud Immigration and Visa Services 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings and Light Sts.) Tel: 2251540, 655-3105, 622-8308

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

L AND FOR SALE

Parfaite Harmonie $1M and $1.2M phone: 675-7292

46 houselots in residential area between Charles & Peter Streets, Parika, EBE. Phone: 622-6971/6612289

Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress and anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase focus and memory, be healthier & happier, increase energy, vitality and longevity, enjoy more success in life, improve relationships and develop higher states of consciousness. A technique that works for everyone. For next introductory lecture on October 10, contact Ashoke (certified TM teacher) Phone: 233-6921, 609-3701. Email kashokejp_68 2yahoo.com askgeneration

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Retired Engineer aged 66 would like to know a single female over the age of 50. Phone: 604-7022

One business property, Lamaha Street. Phone: 669-3313, 231-4586, 695-4382. Properties for sale. Phone: 642-2116 2-storey concrete house 32’x 55’, 4 bedrooms, block 8 Mon Repos, ECD, $35 million. Phone: 642-2116

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Gas station land. Size: over one acre Phone Ms Liverpool on 625-7582, 681-9293.

Gas station. Phone: 625-7582, 6445128, 681-9293

Cellphone repairs, unlocking & spares of all smart phones: Blackberry, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, iPhone, Sony Ericsson, LG & any brand you own. Installation of BBM on Samsung and iPhone. Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent Street, next door to the Multiplex Mall. Call 622-7740/696-4008

Tattoo & body piercing by professional artist with best prices; visit Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent Street, next door to the Multiplex Mall. Call 622-7740/6964008

Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 6621247.

J Eastman & Associates Financial Services: Taxation, VAT Compliance, Accounting & Consultancy, and Cash Flow Projection. Address: 190 Church St, S/Cburg (East of Austin’s Book Store) Phone: 662-7467, 223-2105

Lethem – Rupununi Heritage Month event September 27-29. Visit: Iwokrama, Rock View Resort, Bonfim - Brazil, Moco Moco & Kumu Falls, St Ignatius - Lethem. Package $150,000. Phone: 662-3665

House plans starting at $9,000 Phone: 674-0725, 266-2154.

SPiRituALity

Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer. The most powerful spiritualist in the world. Are you suffering from the following problems? (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112.

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Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592690-1824. Email: anew-life@live.com

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10AM - 4PM. Tel: 592690-1824. Email:anew-life@live.com

Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592 621 0552. 12:00PM –6:00PM Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

3 bedroom bottom flat for rental situated on the ECD. Phone: 669-9384, available for viewing after September 27 after 4:00pm. No animals.

One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535

TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 6968230

Two-bedroom self contained apt. Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 669-1954 House at Lamaha Gardens, hot & cold water, A/C, etc. Call 219-4535 Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water etc. Call: 219-4535

One customs clerk with at least three subjects CXC including English Language, mathematics. Applicant must be computer literate. Please submit application before the October 11, 2013 to email: windsortechhomes@ gmail.com or call 669-6874 or 682-3481

One Honda Cappa (Yellow) ideal for taxi or private use. Leather seats and roof, alarm, reverse camera, DVD/TV/CD player, mag rims. Also Motorola Base Radio with Antennae. HC series; immaculate condition; give away price $1M. Call 647-2491.

One new Yamaha R1 Motorcycle 1000cc (candy red & black) recently registered 2013. Latest double exhaust, bug lights, immaculate condition. Give away price, call 647-2491

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg. Phone: 691-9984

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA SPACIO; TOYOTA VITZ (NEW SHAPE); TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

1 Bedford truck. Phone: 616:0617, 663-3285.

wANtED

One Bedford truck Phone: 6279977

Vacancy exists for two cashiers/ office clerks and two porters, cashiers/clerks must be literate, apply in person with written application to May’s Shopping Centre, 98 Regent Street, Georgetown. Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292

Berbice businessman gunned down, wife and father-in-law injured

BY BHiSHAM MoHAMEd

AHampshire, Corentyne

businessman was on Monday evening gunned down, while his wife was brutally chopped to the head and his father-in-law shot twice when three armed bandits raided their business place.

The incident occurred about 19:00h. Dead is Dave Deodat, 35, of Lot 72 Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice.

He was shot once to his neck and his fingers on his left hand were severed. His wife, Shaneeza, is clinging to her life at a private medical institution and her father, Rafeek “King” Kapoor is nursing two gunshot wounds to his shoulder.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Deodat was in his yard when three armed men confronted him and placed a gun to his neck, demanding cash and jewellery. The businessman reportedly resisted the bandits during which he was shot to his neck.

He was then dragged into his home, where the three men reportedly chopped off his fingers to get several gold and diamond rings. They shifted their attention to the businessman’s wife, and again demanded cash and jewellery. She also

put up some resistance and was chopped to her head.

The criminals then ransacked the upper flat of the house in their search for cash and jewellery. It is suspected that they carted off millions. The Deodats operate a trucking service and a shop. Guyana Times was told that the couple’s two children, ages 14 and eight, were hidden by their mother after she realised what was happening.

The businessman’s fatherin-law, who lives some distance away, rushed to the scene after he received information that his daughter and son-in-law were being robbed. Upon his arrival, the bandits were escaping and discharged two rounds in his direction, hitting him twice.

A relative, Kamla Ramoo said she heard gunshots and made contact with several police stations in close proximity, but was told that all the ranks were out on patrol.

The man’s body was removed some two hours after the shooting incident and taken to Ramoo’s Funeral Home to await a post-mortem. At least seven spent 9mm shells were recovered by investigators. No one was arrested as police continue their investigations. (bhisham@guyantimesgy.com)

Sparendaam man shot dead

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Michael Hamilton, 22, of Sparendaam Housing Scheme is the latest victim to be gunned down in a spate of recent killings.

Reports indicate that he was allegedly killed by a gang member two corners away from his Lot 128 Sparendaam Housing Scheme residence about 17:30h on Monday.

Pandemonium broke out at the Georgetown Public Hospital around 18:30h as word spread of his death. Amid loud wailing, his mother lashed out at ranks of the Sparendaam Police Station, claiming that countless reports were lodged against her son’s attackers, but they paid no heed.

At Hamilton’s residence, family and friends lined the street. His uncle Raphael Hamilton told the press that for months his mother’s house came under fire due to

a sexual affair his 20-yearold son had with the childmother of one of the gunmen. According to him, when the shooting started several months ago, his 20-yearold son was the main target; however, the attention shifted to his nephew, who was not long ago shot in the buttocks.

Michael Hamilton, after leaving his grandmother’s house, was allegedly attacked by a gang member. Hamilton’s uncle named the gang members, saying that they live in Better Hope and Plaisance.

Michael Hamilton was the second of four children. At the time of his death, he worked both as a carpenter and a mason. According to reports, the taxi driver, who transported Hamilton to the hospital following the shooting, was taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

Essequibo man killed after being run over by car

A58-year-old man was killed on Sunday when a car ran over his head while he was sleeping on the corner of the road. The dead man has been identified as Kumar Persaud of Spring Garden Village, Essequibo Coast. According to information reaching Guyana Times, the man was consuming alcohol Sunday evening and reportedly left the shop later in the night. He was seen lying on

the corner of the road.

The driver of motor car HB 7258 was proceeding south along the roadway when he felt something under his car. Upon investigation, the driver saw Persaud under his car.

Upon realising what transpired, the driver immediately contacted the police. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and is assisting with the investigations.

KEy CuttiNg

VACANCiES

Botha cited for suspect bowling action

Former South Africa spinner Johan Botha, who now plays for South Australia, has once again been cited for a doubtful bowling action and will undergo biomechanical analysis.

Botha is still eligible to play and bowl and will only be suspended from bowling if the official report proves that he has an illegal action.

Botha’s action was queried by the umpires following SA’s opening domestic limited overs match against Victoria at Bankstown Oval on October 4.

“Under CA’s Doubtful Bowling Action Procedure, a bowler must undergo testing after a single mention for a suspected illegal bowling action in an interstate season,” Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement.

“CA’s policy requires cited bowlers to undergo testing within 14 days of being notified,” the statement said.

The South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) said they would back Botha

through the process.

“We acknowledge that there is a process to be undertaken and the SACA will support Johan and work with him though this process,” Jamie Cox, the SACA director of cricket, said.

“Johan will continue to lead our team in this week’s Ryobi one-day cup fixtures and will complete the biomechanical analysis within the 14 day timeframe given by Cricket Australia,” said Cox.

Botha has had problems with his bowling action throughout his career. He was reported first soon after his debut Test in January 2006 and was subsequently banned from bowling by the ICC.

Another examination in August that year found his action to be illegal once again and he was cleared to bowl only in November.

In 2009, following an ODI against Australia in Port Elizabeth, Botha was reported once again and this time the ICC ruled that his action while bowling the doosra was

illegal and he was banned from bowling it.

His other deliveries, however, were found to be within permissible limits and since then Botha had no problems with his action, until now.

Cameron White, the Victoria batsman, faced Botha during the match in which he was cited, and said he did not think any doosras had been delivered during the spells he faced.

“That [the doosra] might have been one of his problem deliveries in the past,” White said. “But to be honest he didn’t bowl a doosra as such to me the other day when I was batting.”

Botha’s requirement to undergo testing has resulted partly from a change to CA’s dubious bowling action protocols.

Before this season a bowler had to be cited three times within the same season to be subjected to testing.

However a single report is now sufficient to call in the biomechanists, following several voices raised in support of more vigilance around throwing, particularly the development of the doosra.

“The question is being asked now about ‘do we develop the doosra bowlers or not’. That’s a question of integrity for Cricket Australia. I don’t think we do,” John Inverarity, the national selector, told an Australian Cricket Society lunch in Melbourne last year.

“I just think it’s a serious issue, and I think we’ve got to keep our integrity and teach our bowlers to bowl properly,” said Inverarity. (Cricinfo)

Pitches and heat a test for SA seamers – Donald

When Allan Donald was last in the UAE, Dubai did not have a single building in the top 50 skyscrapers in the world.

It also did not have a metro service, nor did it host international cricket. In 1996, Sharjah was where it all happened.

Donald was a member of the touring squad that played in the Pepsi Cup that year.

He was not included in the starting XI for any of the matches so it’s hardly a surprise he does not seem to remember much about the place.

Instead, it makes him think of somewhere else, where he played two Tests in 1997 and where he gained experience that will come in handy for South Africa’s bowlers on this tour.

“The pitches here remind me a lot of the wickets when we played in Pakistan,” he said. And there, he recalls, things were not easy for fast men. “As a quick bowler when times are tough, you have to very imaginative and you’ve

Dale Steyn

got to be gutsy, Most importantly, the ball has to reverse.”

For that reason, Donald, South Africa’s bowling coach, believes South Africa will rely on Dale Steyn even more than usual.

“There is no one better than him when there is an end open and when he steps up and changes gears. There is no-one better at running through a team than he is,” Donald said.

When Steyn last played for South Africa, he endured an injury-riddled time at

ECCCC/GT&T 35-Over Competition… Mohamed, Ramkellawan spur Enmore to crushing win

Former national Under-15 batsman Javed Mohamed and the in-form Bheemraj Ramkellawan stroked halfcenturies to lead Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) to a crushing nine-wicket victory over Mahaica Sports Club on Sunday when the inaugural ECCCC/GT&T 35-over cricket competition opened at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

After the match was reduced to 30 overs, Mahaica batted first and posted 1495 before ECCCC cruised to 153-1 for victory with as many as eight overs to spare.

Faced with an asking rate of five runs per over, openers Mohamed and Ramkellawan went about the business of overhauling the target in fine fashion, adding a majestic 130 for the first wicket in a mere 17 overs.

Both were severe on anything loose, taking every opportunity to advance the score during the chase.

The left-handed Mohamed ended on a brilliant 66 not out, inclusive of 10 fours, while skipper Ramkellawan scored 51, which comprised six boundaries.

The fifty was Ramkellawan’s third in a

row. He made 57 in a softball match against King’s Jewellery World recently and followed up with 64 in a losing cause against Banks DIH in a tapeball match, both at the Thirst Park ground.

Earlier, Mahaica SC posted what seemed like a challenging total, which was built around 44 from S. Mohan and 33 not out from S. Chamandath.

Bowling for ECCCC, offspinner Satesh Jainarine claimed 2-11 from six overs, while medium-pacer Deron Peters bagged 2-24, also from six overs.

By virtue of the win, the ECCCC lads have booked a place in the semi-finals, and they now await the winners of the other three games in

the opening round.

During the coming weekends, Fairfield will take on Duch Four, Cane Grove will tackle Helena and Perseverance will trade skills with Strathavon. The winners from these games will join the ECCCC in the semi-finals.

The competition, which is being organised by the ECCCC, is aimed at giving clubs from Enmore to Mahaica much needed competitive exposure.

The champion team will receive $30,000 and trophy, with the runner-up set to collect $20,000 and a trophy. Among the individual awards are trophies for the Man-of-the-Match in the final, most runs, most wickets and most catches.

NBA star Durant promises to thrill UK

Champions Trophy in June but has since recovered from five lingering issues.

Like many of the players who’ve had a break, Donald said the time off will have reinvigorated Steyn and made him even more determined.

“He is as fresh as I have seen him. He has dealt with his niggles. He is absolutely raring to go,” he said. “He is very eager and hungry to make a big impact on this series,” Donald said.

With conditions set to provide a challene to the seamers, Donald still believes the pace barrage, led by Steyn, can have an effect if they stick to a few basic principles. “The new ball will be massive,” he said.

“When we played in Pakistan, Bob Woolmer taught us that the best chance of getting wickets was upfront because the ball scuffs up a lot quicker so we had to make batsmen play a lot more in the first 20 overs,” he said. “We have to figure out how to put a dent in the top order.” (Cricinfo)

Basketball star Kevin Durant is promising to “put on a show” as Manchester prepares to host its first NBA pre-season match.

Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder meet the Philadelphia 76ers at Manchester Arena in today’s exhibition game.

Despite the contest being a friendly, 6ft 9in American Durant said the players were desperate to entertain.

“As players we’ve just to play our hardest and give the people a show,” the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.

“It’s going to be hard to convert them from football fans to basketball fans.

“But we’ve just got to go out there and be ourselves and hopefully they’ll enjoy it and more people start going to matches over here.

“We are excited to be travelling to different countries and play this game that we love. A lot of guys didn’t think we’d

Kevin Durant

be travelling all round the world for basketball, so it’s worth it.”

Having been part of the USA side which won their 14th Olympic basketball gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics, this is Durant’s second visit to the UK. The Oklahoma forward says he returns with fond memories of winning gold last year.

“It is great to come back here,” added Durant.

“Last summer was really cool just to be amongst so many great basketball fans and people who enjoy watching it.

“It was fun to be a part of the Olympics here and playing for your country, you can’t beat that. I have some great memories of the UK and things that will stick with me forever.”

Johan Botha

Javed Mohamed Bheemraj Ramkellawan

Supreme Court suggests new IPL probe panel

The Supreme Court has suggested the formation of a new threemember panel to inquire into the corruption allegations in IPL 2013, and said that N Srinivasan should continue to abstain from discharging his duties as BCCI president.

The hearing to decide on the composition of the inquiry panel is scheduled for today, but it was reported the court had recommended that former High Court judge Mukul Mudgal head it.

A bench of Justices AK Patnaik and JS Kehar also proposed the names of senior advocate and additional solicitor general N Nageshwar Rao and Assam Cricket Association member Nilay Dutta to be part of the panel.

The bench said that the panel would conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations and submit its report to the Supreme Court.

Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) secretary Aditya Verma, who had filed the petition against the BCCI and Srinivasan, said he would request that the Supreme Court monitor the working of the inquiry panel.

“We will be satisfied if this probe panel investigation is conducted directly under the supervision of the honourable Supreme Court,” he said.

The court also heard on Monday a plea from the

“Pretty

N Srinivasan

BCCI to allow Srinivasan to resume functioning as president because it said his absence was affecting cricket administration. The court said it would consider the request if Srinivasan stayed away from all matters concerning the IPL.

Srinivasan had been allowed to contest the BCCI elections on September 29 by the Supreme Court, but with a rider which said that if he won, he could not take charge as president as long as it was hearing the case related to him and the board.

That ruling came on a petition filed by the CAB seeking to restrain Srinivasan from running for re-election pending the verdict on a petition filed in July. A day after Srinivasan was re-

elected unopposed as BCCI president, the Supreme Court deferred its decision on the CAB petition until October 7.

The matter dates back to a plea that the CAB filed in June, raising charges of conflict of interest in the formation of the two-member inquiry panel set up to inquire allegations of corruption in the IPL.

A Bombay High Court ruling later termed the probe panel “illegal”.

The BCCI and the CAB filed petitions in the Supreme Court against this order, with the CAB contending that the Bombay High Court could have suggested a fresh mechanism to look into the corruption allegations. (Cricinfo)

Banks Sevens rugby competition starts Sunday

After a one-year hiatus, the Banks DIH Sevens Rugby Championships will bully off on Sunday at the National Park rugby field with several teams set to do battle in male and female action.

According to a press release from the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), the championship “comes at an opportune time, giving the national male and female Sevens teams a chance to further

hone their skills individually, playing for their respective clubs, and staking their claim for inclusion in the final squads.”

In the Men’s segment, eight teams, comprising Pepsi Hornets, Guyana Defence Force and Yamaha Caribs A and B teams, the University of Guyana Wolves and a national representative Under-19 team will do battle.

On the distaff side, they will be grouped into A and

B squads, along with participation from a representative Guyana Police Force Under-17 team. After the traditional march pass of the participating teams, senior officials of Banks DIH Limited and the Sport Ministry will address the players and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion of the competition. The GRFU also announced that a fundraising barbecue will be held on the same day.

Wilson brothers score double as Paradise Invaders beat NA United

Two goals each from Quacy and Alistair Wilson on Saturday night at the No. 5 village ground helped Paradise drub New Amsterdam United 4-2 in the feature game of the Starlight Generation Entertainment Berbice Cup Knockout Football tournament opener.

In the first match Rosignol United got a 2-1 win over Monedderslust A.

The tournament, organised by Starlight Entertainment and the Monedderslust FC, in collaboration with the Berbice Football Association, will see eight clubs battling for $400,000 in cash and trophies.

In the opener, Rosignol got their first goal in the 24th minute from Tyson Carmichael and went to the

first half with a 1-0 lead.

On resumption, the hosts Monedderslust were forced to response after a penalty some three minutes into the game that was taken by Jernel Watts.

With the inclusion of Kevin Layne Sr into the midfield in the latter part of the second half, the home side managed to gain possession but failed to convert. Christopher Clarkson would later score the decider.

The feature game of the evening saw a new-look Paradise Invaders invading New Amsterdam United to win 4-2.

The Invaders exploited the older NA United, forcing them in defence as they attacked the opposition’s goal relentlessly. Quacy Wilson first converted in the 36th minute to lead his team 1-0

into the first half.

On resumption, Wilson got a second chance and made it right in the 56th minute as his side took a 2-0 lead.

Former national youth forward Adrian Adams took control of his side and netted in the 67th minute to put the score at 2-1.

Wilson then took his chance at goal after his brother got his double in the 56th and 89th minutes to put his team in command.

Jamaal Butts contributed to the score sheet in the 72nd minute for New Amsterdam as the game panned out 4-2. The tournament will see another-double header this weekend when Machaicony All Stars face Frontline United and Monedderslust FC B meeting newcomers Pacesetters United at the same venue at 18:00h.

Boy” outboxes “the Bomber” as Mackeson Fight Night ends

The curtains came down on the inaugural Mackeson Fight Night on Saturday night at the New Amsterdam stelling road with the expected fireworks in an all-Guyana Defence Force (GDF) encounter between Eon ‘Pretty Boy’ Bancroft that triumphed over Ron ‘the Bomber’ Smith.

Fighting in the welterweight 69kg category, Bancroft started the fight by getting a few solid hooks in round one. In round two both fighters went after each other; however Smith started showing signs of becoming tired.

In the final round both fighters landed effective punches, much to the delight of the many fans in attendance. The decision was given to Bancroft by the judges.

Meanwhile, the night started with Jamal Moore of GDF beating Kevin Williams of Republican (Prisons) Boxing Gym (RBG). In their middleweight 75kg encounter Trevor King of GDF pre-

vailed over Marvin Ageday of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) gym to give him his first defeat af-

ter he had impressed spectators earlier in the tournament. King still had one more

hurdle to cross and that was against Kevin Rodney in the final of the middleweight category. The three-round

fight saw Rodney doing enough on the judges’ scorecard to emerge the victor.

The fight of the evening for some was the junior lightweight 64kg encounter between Bert Bancroft of GDF and Kelon King of FYF. Bancroft used his jabs effectively to dispose of his opposition.

A solid left hook which caught King in the face sent him to the canvas. The

knockout came one minute, two seconds into the second round.

Meanwhile, Steffon Gibson of the GDF stopped Clamant Gouvia of FYF. Gibson took an eight-count in round one and in round two he was floored twice, forcing the referee to stop the fight at two minutes, fifty seconds into the round.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Bert Braithwaite get one pass the guard of Kelon King during their blistering encounter Saturday night in New Amsterdam

What hit me? Kelon King after being knocked out by Bert Braithwaite in their junior lightweight encounter

Deciphering WICB’s selectors logic

The decisions a president of a country makes, even those he believes will help his citizens, are heavily scrutinised and criticised.

The same is the role of a cricket selector.

A sense of nostalgia has prevailed over West Indies cricket since the team won the Twenty20 Word Cup a year ago; players seem happy; a new president was elected; West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and West Indies Player’s Association (WIPA) has had its best relations in years and the recent Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) brought crowds back to cricket in the region in droves.

But on the field of play, the selectors’ decision policies across the respective formats remain puzzling and the recent Test squad selection to India further re-enforces this belief.

Change

Just before Champions Trophy Chairman of Selectors Clyde Butts announced a change in the West Indies leadership: “Our results in Tests and T20s have been showing consistent improvement and [Darren] Sammy deserves every kudos for the work he has done in leading and moulding the team in these formats.

"We remain confident in his leadership in these formats and will recommend that he continues as the captain for Test and T20 cricket. However, our ODI results have not been as strong and we believe that it is best that we freshen the leadership of the team in this format,”

Butts explained. Butts was correct, Windies’ performance in ODIs has been poor. Check their ODI series performances since the 2011 World Cup, even Bangladesh has toppled them.

Butts and his cohorts Courtney Browne and Robert Haynes deduced a change in captaincy could improve the ODI performance, but since the Champions Trophy, the same ODI problems continue.

World Cup T20 glory has exposed a worrying trend: that maybe T20 cricket is the zenith of some of West Indies best players’ abilities and the longer the format of cricket is the worse.

In such a case, changing the figurehead won’t change the problem. Rather, an entire mental and tactical reevaluation of how the team transitions between T20 and ODI’s needs to be done.

The batting is pretty much the main issue and in 2013 ODI clashes versus Australia, Champions Trophy, Celkon Mobile TriSeries and Pakistan – it was a great disappointment. Regularly in pressure situations the Windies batsmen got out playing manufactured T20 shots and this urgent attention.

Test team

West Indies are now fifth in the ICC test rankings after completing six test wins in a row for the first time since 1988.

However, four of those wins were against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and a somewhat below par New Zealand side at the time (a much improved current New Zealand team almost beat England at home).

Therefore those wins have to be taken with a pinch of

salt until the West Indies can challenge the big teams in Test cricket.

Reverting to the India squad, does the non-selection of Sunil Narine mean the selectors view him as an ODI/ T20 specialist? If so the selectors need to explain this.

Narine has not had the greatest start to his Test career, but he is a bowler whose talent means he should be backed across all three formats. He certainly has all the skills to be a success in Tests as he is in ODI/T20.

The Test team’s elephant in the room is Darren Sammy. In his 25 Tests as skipper, Sammy has clinched 50 wickets at 38.08 with an economy rate of 2.75 while tallying 864 runs at an average of 23.59. As a supposed Test all-rounder, it is an inadequate CV.

Twice in his tenure, Sammy, perhaps inadvertently, admitted his own limi-

tations as a bowler.

“I think the batsmen really underestimate me,” said Sammy, during a 2012 Test against Australia in Bridgetown. “They get through the quick men and see me and say ‘ah he’s not so quick.’

But what I rely on is accuracy: frustrate them, frustrate them, take the ball away from them, then get a little closer, just in that little channel to play or leave.

“That’s what I did today and what I’ve been doing throughout my career, just putting the ball on one spot.”

He shared similar sentiments, a year earlier, during another Test against India in Mumbai.

Opportunity

“My job in the team is to be the workhorse (and) bowl lots of overs,” said Sammy. “I guess the mistake batsmen make is they underestimate me and get relaxed when they face me. It presents an opportunity to slide one through and get a wicket.”

While Sammy sees the positives in his ability to catch opponents unaware and pinch a few prize wickets, it is hard to be enthusiastic about the disregard in which Test cricket’s top batsmen view the West Indies captain.

If the West Indies’ bowling attack is built around pure fast bowlers like Kemar Roach, Ravi Rampaul, Sheldon Cotterell, Jason Holder, Tino Best, Miguel Cummins, Shanon Gabriel, Delorn Johnson and Fidel Edward then it is natural to assume Sammy’s contribution to the team will not be missed.

Especially when spinners like Narine, Veerasammy Permaul and Shane Shillingford can easily fulfil the present captain’s holding role. His captaincy does not offer the tactical genius that justifies his place as skipper alone, as might have been the case with ex-England captain Mike Brearley, who according to Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg, had “a degree in people.”

Sammy should only be the limited overs versions captain.

Decline

Unlike much of the last dark 18 years of decline after losing to Australia in 1995 – the Caribbean team is full of talent in all facets currently. There is just need for the selectors to pick the right teams, lest they stunt West Indies’ potential revival.

Proposed West Indies Test, ODI & T20 XIs as follows:

TEST: Gayle (Captain), K Edwards, DM Bravo, Samuels, Chanderpaul, Simmons, Ramdin, Rampaul, Shillingford, Roach, Cotterell (Reserves) Powell, DW Bravo, Best, Holder, Narine, Walton Permaul

ODI: Gayle, Walton, DM Bravo, Samuels, Pollard, DW Bravo, Sammy (captain), Russell, Narine, Rampaul, Roach (Reserves) Simmons, Emrit, Cotterell, Nurse T20: Gayle, Walton, Simmons, Samuels, DW Bravo, Pollard, Russell, Sammy (captain), Narine, Rampaul, Roach (Reserves) DM Bravo, Cooper, Cotterell, Badree

BBCI donates cricket gear to Blairmont CC

The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has come to the aid of the Blairmont Cricket Club, approving the donation of several pieces of cricket equipment to assist in the club’s execution of its programme of activities.

The club’s president Shabeer Baksh wrote to the BBCI in May, requesting the entity’s help in the donation of critical pieces of cricketing gear.

After the BBCI approved the request, seven pairs of batting gloves, 12 cricket balls, 20 branded BBCI shirts, three Gray Nicholls bats and three pairs of batting pads were presented to the club last Friday.

The BBCI in a press statement noted that it was privileged to make another contribution to the development of cricket in Berbice.

“The company decided to come on board mainly due to the fact that cricketing standards in Berbice (East and West) have improved astronomically, thus resulting in high quality young

players who someday could represent Guyana and the West Indies,” the statement read.

The release added that the Blairmont Cricket Club has done outstanding work in the past and contin-

ue to create opportunities for youths, thereby keeping them away from a life of drugs, crimes and other illic-

it activities. “Blairmont Cricket Club had produced good cricketer in the past and Berbice

Bridge Company Inc is firmly of the view that they will continue to produce a number of outstanding player in the near future.”

The branded shirts will be used by the club’s Under-17 team, while the other pieces of equipment will be utilised during practice sessions and competitions.

“The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) not only plays the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the Retractor opening and under the High Span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities, and more importantly, plays an integral part in the development of education and sports; supports national events and make donations to charitable and non-charitable organisations in close proximity to the Bridge or in Regions Five and Six.

The company had also sponsored events in other counties, and as far as the hinterland,” the release stated.

Clyde Butts (centre), Courtney Browne (right) and Robert Haynes at a press conference recently

Administrative Assistant of the BBCI, Bibi Alli, poses with young members of the club after presenting them with the gear

Senior powerlifting championships set for next month

Unlike previous years when it was held for just a day, the National Senior Men’s and Women’s Open powerlifting championships will be staged over two days at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, next month.

Billed for November 1617, the event will see all divisions of female lifters, as well as the Men’s 59kg to 74kg categories doing battle on the first day. The final day will attract competition from the 83kg to 120+kg weight class lifters.

Special events, featuring push and pull competitions (bench press as well as deadlifts) for monetary and other prizes, health and fitness products on display, as well as a grand fundraising barbecue ahead of the 2014 Caribbean Championships, will form part of both days’ activities.

Leading lifters Gumendra Shewdas, Vijai Rahim and Randolph Morgan are expected to defend their top ranking against a plethora of up and coming athletes, while on the distaff side, Natoya Robinson and Chittra Ramlochan are expected to renew their rivalry, as well as challenge 2013 Caribbean champion,

Kimberly Mars- Loncke.

The two-day event will serve as a qualifier for the 2014 Caribbean Championships to be held

in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

According to a correspondence from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting

Federation, interested lifters are asked to contact PRO/Organising Secretary Denroy Livan, Vice President Gordon Spencer or president Peter Green for registration, which closes on November 1. Unregistered lifters will not be allowed to compete.

Lugg, bowlers give Windies U-19 easy six-wicket win

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Acollective bowling performance and dominant batting by Leroy Lugg gave West Indies Under-19 a smooth six-wicket win over Bangladesh Under-19 in the first limited overs game on Monday evening at the Guyana National Stadium. A target of 136 proved to be too meagre for West Indies’ strong batting lineup. Eventually, only six batsmen were required to achieve the target, with more than 15 overs to spare, led by Lugg’s innings. They finished on 138 for four in 34.4 overs.

Lugg, from Jamaica, took the total to 132 before he was dismissed for 69 which included eight fours and a six.

The hosts were given a reasonable start of 31 with Lugg and fellow opener Tagnarine Chanderpaul, but the Bangladeshis’ struck in the 9th over with the wicket of the left-handed Chanderpaul, leg before to Mehedi Hasan Miraj for 10.

Lugg and Jeremy Solozano then added 80 runs to control the chase, making the contest one-sided.

Solozano (27) was eventually stumped off Miraj, who finished with two wickets. Tarryck Gabriel was the other batsman to be dismissed for two.

Tristann Coleman was left unbeaten on 20 with Fabian Allen yet to score. Sadman Islam Anik and Nazmul Hasan Shanto were the other two bowlers with a wicket apiece.

Earlier, the West Indies

bowlers produced a clinical performance on a track which had variable bounce.

Medium-pacer Alzarri Joseph led the hosts’ attack to finish with 3 for 30, while fast bowler Marquino Mindley picked up 2 for 15.

The Bangladeshi batsmen, who made noteworthy contributions during the innings, were captain Miraj (29), Jashim Uddin (21), Mossadek Hossain Saikat (14), Anik (14) and Abu Saeed Sarker (13).

The failure to forge strong partnerships hurt the visitors badly and the fourth wicket stand of 32 between Saikat and Uddin and the sixth wicket stand of 24 between Mehedi Hasan Miraj and Abu Saeed Sarker were the only steady phases of the innings.

The West Indies opening pair of Marquino Mindley

and Ray Jordan got some movement and pace during their incisive first spell, as the Bangladeshis’ first three batsmen had that element of doubt to play their shots.

Openers Joyraj Emon and Sadman Islam Anik were off to a sedate start before the first blow to the Bangladeshis’ line-up came pretty early when Emon (3) was trapped lbw by Jordan (1-32) in the third over.

Mindley then got into the act with the wickets of Nazmul Hasan Shanto, without scoring, and Sadman Islam Anik, for 14, as the visiting team stuttered to 21-3 at the end of the 11th over.

Mossadek Hossain Saikat and Jashim Uddin tried desperately to rebuild the innings. However, spinners Ramaal Lewis (1-24) and Gudakesh Motie (1-15) removed both Saikat and Uddin for 14 and 21 respectively to put a further dent in the Bangladeshis’ innings.

Alzarri Joseph was then

brought into the attack and he immediately removed Miraj, Abu Saeed Sarker and Abu Haider Rony without scoring.

Rahuttul Ferdous Javed was bowled by Tarryck Gabriel for eight while

Nehad UzZaman was run out for seven.

The second game in the seven match series is scheduled for Wednesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda from 09:00h.

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh innings

Joyraj Emon lbw b Jordan 3

Sadman Islam Anik lbw b Mindley 14

Nazmul Hasan Shanto lbw

b Mindley 0

Mossadek Hossain Saikat c Allen

b Lewis 14

Jashim Uddin c Lugg b MotieKanahai 21

Mehedi Hasan Miraj b Joseph 29

Abu Saeed Sarker c Lugg b Joseph 13

Rahuttul Ferdous Javed b Gabriel 8

Abu Haider Rony b Joseph 0

Nehad UzZaman run out (MotieKanahai) 7 Zubair Hossain Likhon not out 3

Extras: (w14, lb8, nb2) 24

Total: (all out; 46 overs) 135

Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-10, 3-21, 4-53, 5-71, 6-95, 7-110, 8-114, 9-129, 10-135

Bowling: Mindley 8-2-15-2,

West Indies innings

L Lugg c Anik b Shanto 69 T Chanderpaul lbw b Miraj 10 J Solozano stp Uddin b Miraj 27 T Coleman not out 20 F Allen not out 2

Extras: (b3, nb1, w6) 10

Total: (for four wickets;34.4 overs) 138

Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-111, 3-132, 4-134

Bowling: Rony 2-0-11-0 (w2), Miraj 9-3-16-2 (w1), Sarker 1-0-5-0 (w2), Likhon 4-0-32-0, Saikat 4-1-17-0, Nehad 7-0-280 (w1), Javad 6-0-20-0 (nb1), Shanto 1-1-0-1, Anik 0.4-0-6-1

Vijai Rahim

Gumendra Shewdas

Randolph Morgan

Nehad UzZaman failed to make his ground

Leroy Lugg was solid in defense during his innings

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Sunday evening kicked off its Banks Beer 2013/2014 national Super League competition with two Georgetown teams prevailing over their Linden counterparts with identical scorelines at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden.

In the opening game, Riddim Squad gained a 2-0 win over Silver Shattas, while Guyana Defence Force earned a similar margin of victory against Milerock.

In the curtain raiser, Riddim Squad’s goals came from Sceyon Hope and Teon Jones. Hope netted his goal in the 66th minute, while Jones was on target four minutes later.

The feature game went in favour of the army men, with Sherwin Caesar and Delwin Fraser getting on the scoresheet. Caeser opened the scoring in the 77th minute, before Fraser double the score in the 90th minute.

The 16 teams in the competition are battling for close to seven million dollars in cash and trophies, while there are several individual awards up for grabs. The champion team will receive $3 million, runner-up, $2 million, third place $1 million, and fourth place, $500,000.

Additionally, there will be a daily gate prize

of $25,000 for a lucky fan, along with other special prizes.

The participating teams are Guyana Defence Force, Riddim Squad, Alpha United, Santos and BK International Western Tigers of Georgetown, Milerock, Winners Connection and Silver Shattas of Upper Demerara, Buxton United, BV/Triumph and Mahaica Determinators of East Demerara, Rosignol United and New Amsterdam United of Berbice, Den Amstel and Young Achievers of West Demerara and Grove Hi-Tech of East Bank Demerara.

Leroy Lugg collects the Man-of-the-Match trophy from Rawle Lewis

Mehedi Hasan Miraj had his middle stump uprooted by Mediumpacer Alzarri Joseph, not in photo (Rajiv Bisnauth photos)