Guyana Times Daily

Police have national security fears ...following

Neonatal Unit opens at West Dem Hospital Govt mulls legal challenge

Judge stays ruling on Sooba’s appointment

Bookbinder dies after collision with “fork lift”

Nandlall ramps up lawsuits against Kaieteur News

Construction worker dies in two-vehicle smash-up

Some of the victims of the fire contemplate their next move

The Permaloos’ house on fire

thursday, august 7, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

august 7, 2014|

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursday, August 7 from 14:00h-15:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursday, August 7 from 13:35h-14:55h

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected in the morning with heavy rain showers in the afternoon. Light rain showers can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly between 2.68 metres and 3.12 metres per second.

No-confidence motion not a “one-day affair” – Luncheon

While the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has decided to throw its support behind the proposed vote of no confidence by the Alliance For Change (AFC), the Government is expecting that the process would go through the normal course in the National Assembly.

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, who told reporters that the proposed noconfidence motion should not be seen as something to be done away with in a swift manner. The Cabinet Secretary said: “So you have a motion that is now supported by two parliamentary (Opposition) parties, our expectation would essentially be for the motion to be introduced for the Speaker to rule... it is not intended to be a one-day affair... one has to delve into the Constitution... the standing orders, it is matter of process essentially.”

After this is done, Luncheon advised, the requisite steps would be taken by the Executive to follow through on the motion. Luncheon said while an election date can be set before the debate on the noconfidence motion ensues in the national Assembly, it is a vague possibility. If the motion of no-

confidence is passed in the National Assembly, President Donald Ramotar would be constitutionally bound to dissolve the National Assembly. He would also be required to set a date for the holding of General Elections no more than three months after the motion would have made its way through the National Assembly.

Luncheon, however, told reporters that while this is so, the no-confidence motion is being seen as nothing more than another challenge faced by Governments around the world.

When questioned on whether Cabinet had held discussions about the noconfidence proceedings at its meeting on Tuesday, Dr Luncheon responded in the negative stating that the matter was only “noted”.

“Note was taken of the intention that had been reported in the media, what subsequently took place cannot be called a discussion, in my notetaking, it goes down as Cabinet noted” said Luncheon.

PPP/C ready

Nevertheless, Dr Luncheon said that the issue will be on the agenda for the next Cabinet meeting, which is scheduled for next Tuesday. When asked whether the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration was in a state of preparedness for General Elections, Dr Luncheon referred to previous statements made by President Ramotar and PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee.

Both individuals have previously said that the PPP/C is ready for the hosting of General or Local Government Elections. If the no-confidence motion is passed, General Elections is likely to be held in Guyana by January 2015.

The APNU has said it has initiated in house talks over the process leading up to the elections, which would include campaign-

ing.

The 26-seat Opposition coalition group has thrown its full support behind the motion of noconfidence to be tabled in the National Assembly by the AFC against the PPP/C Government. The APNU took the decision after its Members of Parliament who formed a Shadow Cabinet met on Tuesday afternoon to deliberate on the draft AFC motion at the Leader of the Opposition’s Office on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

APNU’s Co-Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, speaking with Guyana Times , confirmed that the decision was unanimous.

“Well, we didn’t see a full draft, but what we saw was a resolve clause… we did not see any “whereas” clauses and…That is what we are going to support when it comes to the House which we anticipate will be at a very early sitting in October,” Roopnaraine advised.

He said “it is very unlikely” that the motion could be debated before the National Assembly goes into recess on August 10 this year. Additionally, he said the party believes

that the decision to support the motion was the right step at the right time given the mood of the populace. He also explained that the APNU has piloted a menu of other actions to demonstrate its lack of confidence in the PPP/C Administration.

Threat of violence?

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo has said that the party’s proposed no-confidence motion, which will be tabled by Monday, is one of the “peaceful” mechanisms for removing a legitimate government as it avoids the use of violence.

Nagamootoo said the motion must not be seen as “an end game”, but rather as creating the platform for the people to give their leaders a new mandate, especially if the Government continues to act ultra vires the Constitution.

“It is intended to open doors and possibilities for the renewal of our political life and political culture. I think the no-confidence motion will have a good taste and good smell for the people,” he contended.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo

APNU’s Co-Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

The power of sport

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2014 tournament is not yet over, but still, it has pleasantly reminded us of the power and influence of sport, and in the Guyana and Caribbean context, cricket is uniting our oftentimes divided people. Thus far in the tournament, we have seen fans jumping in joy, waving flags of support, blaring horns, and engaging in light banter, among others, in a picnic, carnival-like atmosphere.

At home, the tournament had witnessed some of the biggest and most vocal crowds since the commencement last month. During the matches here, fans had their money’s worth, even for the ‘grudge’ match, where the Jamaica Tallawahs managed to overcome the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a game that went down to the wire.

But aside from this, much to the delight of enthusiastic fans, the Amazon Warriors ambushed the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel to tie the match, then melted them down in the super over, before moving on to conquer the St Lucia Zouks. The renewed life and excitement that the matches have generated, created an atmosphere of one akin to a utopia, leaving many asking why only three matches were played in Guyana, in many ways a cricket-hungry nation.

No doubt, the “Biggest Party in Sport” has infected Guyanese and Caribbean cricket fans, and probably created some, with its contagious spirit of unity in rivalry, love and togetherness, the celebration of Caribbean identity and its uniqueness, and ultimately a series of rocking parties, where there is no winner or loser, but a celebration of Caribbean cricketing talents.

At home, the positive mood that Limacol CPL has brought was welcoming, but most importantly refreshing, as it has provided an important relief from cheap, bitter and divisive politics and politicians, who often pursue narrow and selfish interests at all costs.

The citizenry at the beginning of the 10th Parliament had to contend with the vicious and vociferous even though outlandish move by the Opposition to gag Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. Millions of dollars were spent on a couple sittings to blabber about a non-issue.

Then the repeated cutting of the budget which still continues, along with the cries of persons being put on the breadline, followed by the voting down of funding for the Amaila Falls, the Specialty Hospital and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion projects.

And most recently, the non-support of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, resulting in the country being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), while remaining vulnerable of being blacklisted internationally by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

No one wants bad for their country as at the end of the day, Guyana is for Guyanese, and the spirit of Guyanese in unity, harmony and pride was on full display during the Limacol CPL matches here. It is unfortunate that this passionate love for their country is not fully embraced by the people they voted for to represent them in the House.

What this tells us is that the brinkmanship, divisiveness and bitterness that have thus far emanated from the 10th Parliament is not reflective of the view and will of the populace but some men stuck in the political morass of hopelessness entrusted with the duty to lead.

Evidently, from the fervour created by the Guyana matches, Guyanese see life beyond mundane politics, and want to see an end to the parliamentary impasse, as it is time the politics of nothingness must stop.

Limacol CPL is the most powerful reminder yet that sport is a great force for fostering unity, harmonious understanding, love, respect and tolerance, and transcends all racial, religious and political barriers and creed.

The matches in Guyana might have left many politicians with a situation to ponder – that perhaps sport can be used as an avenue to break the political deadlock that has dogged the 10th Parliament, which seems to have banished all forms of compromise.

PNC delayed Local Govt Elections in and out of office

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) strongly condemns attempts by the Stabroek News to deliberately spread misinformation and distortions about the facts surrounding the non-holding of the long overdue Local Government Elections.

The party has noted the newspaper’s page one comments and its attempts to besmirch the Party and Government by continuously printing comments and statements from the Opposition political parties and other entities which are closely aligned to the parliamentary combined Opposition political parties.

Stabroek News has been transformed into a political organ and, therefore, can no longer refer to itself as an independent daily newspaper. Its postures on critical issues pertaining to Local Government Elections has exposed its efforts at fulfilling the wishes of politicians opposed to the PPP/C and Government.

By utilising its front page, the Stabroek News is pursuing a hard-line political agenda against the Government by publishing statements and even making declarations about the need for Local Government Elections without sufficiently publishing the facts surrounding the delay in holding these elections.

The PPP/C is of the firm

belief that the Stabroek News is in serious breach of the journalistic ethics governing the industry by adopting an outright biased position thus placing the newspaper objectively on the side of the political Opposition.

It is for this reason that we believe that the classification of the newspaper as an “Opposition media” is justified as it continues to neglect and downplay the Government’s explanation as to why these elections have not been held and why they cannot be called with haste.

The Stabroek News has ignored the party’s mounting concerns about the state of preparedness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to hold elections in a fair and free manner without causing widespread disenfranchisement to thousands of Guyanese.

In light of these developments, the PPP/C found it necessary to formulate and publish for the benefit of readers a background brief on the holding of Local Government Elections in Guyana.

The PPP/C Government has always, and will continue to agitate for the holding of Local Government Elections. When Dr Jaganled PPP/C won the General and Regional Elections in 1992, President Jagan immediately set a target to

have Local Government Elections, which were due since 1968, held as soon as possible.

Local Government Elections were last held in 1994, the first time under the 1980 Constitution and were constitutionally due again in 1997, the same year in which National and Regional Elections were constitutionally due.

GECOM, based on our country’s legislation, was engaged in preparation for the holding of General and Regional Elections. Thus, Local Government Elections were re-scheduled to a later date.

The holding of General and Regional Election takes precedence over Local Government Election. Unfortunately, after the results of the National and Regional Elections were announced, the then PNC took to the streets and created mayhem.

Recall the number of stores which were looted, buildings destroyed by arsonists, the number of persons who were robbed, assaulted and raped by these so-called protesters, parading the streets of Georgetown under the direction of leaders of the PNC. These destabilising actions, all attributed to losers who misguided their supporters with propaganda of victory, resulted in the intervention of Caricom.

Consequently, the

Hermanston Accord was brokered, which among other things, required that constitutional reform be undertaken and completed before the next National and Regional Elections.

It must be noted that the Constitutional Term of Government was reduced from five to three years. It is of extreme importance that we do not lose sight of these facts and the relevance to the holding of Local Government Elections.

A forensic audit was undertaken by Caricom. The findings validated the results declared by GECOM. Simultaneously, Caricom’s “Good Officers” were engaging key political functionaries from the PPP/C, PNC and other political parties in Guyana.

The revised Constitution required that Local Government reform be undertaken before the holding of Local Government Elections. Thus, a bi-party Local Government Task Force was established in 2001, with two co-chairs, one from the PNC and the other from the PPP/C. This Task Force after labouring for nine years, finally in 2008, indicated to the President and Mr Robert Corbin, Leader of the PNC, that it had completed most of its mandate (not all), but cannot proceed any further due to lack of consensus on some issues.

From lava lamp-like mammatus clouds to tubular wave clouds to eye-catching roll clouds, the skies overhead rarely look like this. Lucky, a resident in Bergholz, Ohio was in the right place at the right time to snap this incredible shot of an Asperatus cloud formation (Yahoo! News)

The status of audits for Demerara Harbour Bridge

Dear Editor,

The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) has noted the comments made by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram in the Kaieteur News on August 6, under the headline, “Harbour Bridge fails to submit audited statements for four years”, and would like to offer the following response.

The Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) is the legal entity responsible for the auditing of the DHBC Financial Statements. In adhering to this legal re-

quirement, the DHBC had submitted its Financial Statements to the AOG office for the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The status of the Audit for these years is as follows: 2010 – Audit completed and AOG Audited Report issued; 2011 – Audit completed and AOG Audited Report to be issued; 2012 – to be audited (we are aware that the AOG had advertised for this audit to be contracted out); and 2013 – to be audited.

Finally, the DHBC also notes with disappointment, the failure of Kaieteur News reporter Kiana Willburg to seek a response from the DHBC or Ministry of Public Works before publishing the said article.

Yours truly,

Rawlston Adams General Manager

PNC delayed Local...

The PPP/C Government, once again, conscious of the need to hold Local Government Elections, sought the assistance of the Attorney General’s Chambers and tabled the following Bills in Parliament in 2009: the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill; Local Government Commission Bill; Local Government (Amendment) Bill; the Fiscal Transfer Bill; and the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill.

All these Bills were referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee. The first Bill completed by the Committee was the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill. This Bill was assented to by the President in September 2009 and paved the way for GECOM to commence preparation for the holding of Local Government Elections.

It must be noted that since 1997, this was the closest Guyana was to, once again, holding Local Government Elections. The PNC/R and other Opposition MPs on this Committee were very selective in their attendance at the Select Committee resulting in only PPP/C MPs being in attendance most of the time.

The Select Committee has completed an additional two Bills in approximately one year, as was stated earlier with little or no attendance from the Opposition MPs. If these parties were serious on having the reform process completed then they should have made adequate use of the opportunities provided at the level of the Select Committee and in the Parliament.

In January 2008, GECOM commenced a new

House to House Registration exercise in preparation of an updated National Register of Registrant Data base. This was as a result of the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the political parties in Parliament in the presence of the diplomatic community at the Office of the President.

This updated database was intended to be used as a base for the holding of Local Government Elections.

The PPP and the PPP/C Government stood ready to move the process forward so that the elections could be held in 2010, as proposed. This was a further testimony of their commitment to local democracy.

The Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill was assented to by his Excellency in September 2009 and paved the way for GECOM to move on with the holding of the Local Government Elections.

The Local Government and Regional Development Minister published an order declaring the number of seats on each Council (LAA) and the number of Proportional Representation (PR) and First Past the Poll Seats in each Council. GECOM commenced demarcation of Constituency boundaries.

With two Bills remaining at the Select Committee, the PNCR and AFC demanded that the Reform process be completed before the holding of Local Government Elections. The process was discontinued at the request of the then Leader of the Opposition. The ninth Parliament ended and only one Bill was fully completed.

The four Bills were updated based on the work of

GECOM should prove readiness for Local Govt Elections

Dear Editor,

The governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has got to stop the ludicrous labelling of any citizen or organisation that calls for constitutionally mandated Local Government Elections (LGE) as being “on the side of the political opposition”. The only sides applicable are those of putting country and democracy first.

The very PPP/C has said that it wants LGE and is ready, but instead of setting a date for the elections, chooses to question the integrity of GECOM’s readiness and its Chairman.

My advice to GECOM would be to invite all political parties and civil society leaders to examine its operations and to hear and see firsthand why it believes it is ready for LGE and to also

answer any queries those invited stakeholders might have.

Moreover, those invited organisations should be required to pronounce publicly on their assessment afterwards. This would put an end to this matter once and for all.

Respectfully, Chontelle Sewett Blue CAPS

249 animals impounded

From page 4

the Select Committee and were re-tabled in the 10th Parliament in June-July 2012. Bills were referred to Select Committee, which had a majority of Opposition members and was chaired by Opposition member Basil Williams.

Constant manipulation, unwillingness to heed advice, listen and learn and lack of knowledge of the existing legal framework for Local Government by members of the Opposition resulted in some of the Bills being unacceptable, since some of the contents conflicted with existing Laws including the Constitution of Guyana. The Select Committee completed its work in July 2013 just before recess.

The PPP/C is concerned over the manner in which the Opposition is treating the nation’s business, one can only hope that we will not have a repeat of 1997, where GECOM will be forced to commence preparation for National and Regional Elections and so once again Local Government Elections will be delayed by the Opposition parties.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Minister has repeatedly explained why these elections must be held urgently. The majority of Guyanese residing in Local Authorities areas are expecting these elections as soon as possible. The PPP/C is ready for these polls.

The PNC while in Government delayed the elections for some 24 years, and out of Government has continued to play a significant role in delaying the holding of Local Government Elections post 1997.

Submitted by, PPP/C Freedom House

Dear Editor,

The Home Affairs Ministry wishes to report that a total of 249 animals were impounded during the month of July in pounds in A, B, C and D Police Divisions.

Nineteen cows, two goats and five sheep were impounded in A Division; three horses, 53 cows, 19 goats and 30 sheep were impounded in B Division, while 16 cows, 26 goats and

11 sheep were impounded in C Division; along with 14 cows, 39 goats and 12 sheep being impounded in D Division.

Four training sessions were conducted in relation to the Pounds Act, Cattle Stealing Act, Roads Act and the Municipal and District Council Act respectively.

Games sessions were also conducted in preparation for the Ministry’s

2014 Emancipation King Domino Competition that commenced on August 4 and concludes on August 8 at the Ministry’s location. The Ministry wishes to encourage cattle owners to contribute to the safety on our roads by ensuring that the cattle use safe grazing areas.

Sincerely, Ministry of Home Affairs

Some 102 cows were impounded last month, the Home Affairs Ministry reported

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

Page Foundation

Developmental assets: Preparing young people for success

The Developmental Assets

When you think about the word “assets,” what comes to mind?

For many people, their first thought is financial resources, the kind of “assets” the bank looks at when you apply for a loan. In context here, assets mean valuable resources of another kind.

The Developmental Assets are 40 research-based, positive qualities that influence young people’s development, helping them become caring, responsible, and productive adults. Based in youth development, resiliency, and prevention research, the Developmental Assets framework has proven to be effective and has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States and, increasingly, around the world. The framework has been adapted to be developmentally relevant from early childhood through adolescence.

Who needs them? Why are they important?

Over time, studies of more than four million young people consistently show that the more assets that young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviours and the more likely they are to thrive. Research shows that youth with the most assets are least likely to engage in four different patterns of high-risk behaviour, including problem alcohol use, violence, illicit drug use, and sexual activity. When they have higher levels of assets, they are more likely to do well in school, be civically engaged, and value diversity.

The positive power of assets is evident across all cultural and socioeconomic groups of youth in the United States as well as other parts of the world. Furthermore, levels of assets are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty, family structure, or other demographic difference. However, the average young person experiences fewer than half of

the 40 assets.

Get started with Developmental Assets

* There are many ways you can use the Developmental Assets framework to strengthen your relationships or work with children, youth, or families. Here are some resources to get you started.

* Use a survey based on the Developmental Assets to identify priorities and track progress in developing the internal strengths and external supports young people need to be successful in preparing for college, careers, and citizenship.

* Educate and motivate leaders in your school, organisation or community with a presentation or workshop that uses the Developmental Assets to highlight the power of youth development and the ways everyone can work together to help young people succeed.

The following information is based on surveys of almost 150,000 6th- to 12th-grade youth in 202 communities across the United States in calendar year 2003.

One analogy that is often used for the Developmental Assets is that they are like the building blocks of healthy youth development.

Just as you need quite a few blocks stacked up to build a solid tower, you need quite a few of the assets to “build” a healthy, sturdy, stable young person. To carry the analogy further, when adults intentionally help young people gain more of the assets, we call that “asset building.”

The Developmental Assets form the basis for all of ParentFurther.com, the only parenting site founded on assets. By building assets with and for your children, you can ensure that they will have the skills, tools, and experiences they need to grow into successful adults who make good decisions for themselves and positively influence those around them. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of gender, economic status, and race or ethnicity. (Searchinstitute.org and ParentFurther.com)

Strengthen your family’s bonds with these tips

BY DENISE WITMER

Happy families have strong family bonds. Parents, as the leaders of the family unit, have to be responsible for strengthening and protecting these bonds. It doesn’t happen naturally in our hectic dayto-day lives. You can create this firm foundation by committing to these 10 essential practices that will strengthen your family’s relationships.

Schedule in family time. When you have teens, you will need to take a look at everyone’s schedule. We try to get together with our weekly schedules every Sunday night here in the Witmer household. But when I schedule something big for all of us to do, like a day trip, I do it one month in advance and put it on the calendar that hangs on the refrigerator.

Eat meals together as

much as possible. Studies have shown that eating meals together helps with reinforce communication. If you are unable to get together as a family for dinner because of busy schedules, try breakfast. Do family responsibilities together. Make cleaning your home a responsibility of the whole family. Create a list of chores and have everyone sign up. Set a weekly time to either have the chores completed or do the chores. This gives your teen some flexibility for his/ her own schedule. Create a family mission statement. Place it in a predominant place in your home. Read it and talk about it often. Learn how to create a family mission statement. Have family meetings. These can be scheduled events or you can make them impromptu, where any member of the family can call a meeting if they feel the need. Start each of these meetings by reading your family mission statement.

Encourage support for each other. Share when something goes well at work. Ask your teen how his/her test went. Commiserate when your teen’s team loses a game. Celebrate good grades and reward good behaviour by doing something special together.

Take time out for yourself. Parenting is a huge responsibility that you are required to fulfil every day. The reality is that you will be a better parent when you take some time for just you. Volunteer together. Giving your time to make someone else’s life better is always a powerful learning experience. Learning important life lessons together will strengthen the relationship you have with your children. Become involved in your teen’s interests. You don’t have to be the coach, but you can help out with a fundraiser or by being in charge of snacks for the bus on away game night. Ask where you can help, it will show your teen you care about what he/ she is interested in. Join something with other families. Whether this is within your community or your church, being with other families will strengthen your own family bonds. (About.com)

Rodney CoI

Govt mulls legal challenge

Government is considering challenging the Speaker of the National Assembly’s ruling to not refer two Alliance For Change (AFC) Members of Parliament to the Privileges Committee on allegations of conflicts of interest.

Speaking at his weekly media briefing, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said: “We live in the age of contention, particularly at the level of the National Assembly.”

He added that while the Speaker’s decisions were not surprising, “authorities are guilty of exercising rights that were not given to them”. As a result, he said there is a possibility that these matters will be put up for judicial review. It was explained that some aspects of the cases gaining the attention of the House can be challenged, moving beyond constitutional review to judicial review.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said the Speaker not only erred in his ruling but usurped the function of the Privileges Committee. On Tuesday, Trotman rejected a request by the Government to have AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Executive Member Cathy Hughes committed to the Committee of Privileges over failure to de-

clare pecuniary interests in matters that had engaged the attention of the House. In his ruling, the Speaker said in addition to the lack of evidence, the complaints were lodged one year after the issues were debated in the National Assembly.

In defence of the Government, Legal Affairs Minister Nandlall on Wednesday referenced the Standing Orders which require Members of Parliament to disclose pecuniary interests in relation to matters occupying the attention of the House in an effort to avoid conflict of interest.

Although both Ramjattan and Hughes had publicly confessed, Minister Nandlall said they should have declared their pecuniary interests in the House when the matters were placed under consideration.

The AFC Leader had told the press that he was the Attorney-at-Law representing Fedders Lloyd, a bidder that lost out on a bid in relation to the construction of the Specialty Hospital. Additionally, it is no secret that the proprietor of the Guyana Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal had financed the AFC during the 2011 General and Regional Elections. It is a fact too that Hughes was the Public Relations Officer for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

Grave error

“They failed, neglected and omitted to do so [in the Assembly] and that is what I understand the gravamen of the complaint addressed,” the Attorney General said.

Minister Nandlall maintaining that the Speaker should have committed the duo to the Privileges Committee. He argued that it was in the Committee that the evidence would have been provided. “In my respectful view, the Honourable Speaker has pre-empted if not usurped

the function of the Privileges Committee when he rejected the said complaints on the ground of lack of evidence.”

Nandlall also rubbished the Speaker’s claim that the complaints were filed too late, noting that the Standing Orders create no limitation for the lodging of complaints of this type.

“The Honourable Speaker fell into grave error when he read and imposed into the Standing Orders such a requirement. In other words, he has unilaterally imposed a requirement for the bringing of these types of Motion, which is not provided for and contemplated by the Standing Orders.”

According to the Attorney General, Trotman made a similar error when he committed Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh to the Committee of Privileges. The Speaker had alluded to Article 218 (3b) in his ruling.

“Article 218 (3) is written in very clear and unambiguous language. It is, therefore, quite a quantum leap for the Speaker to interpret that the said Article contemplated before its utilisation, “an outbreak of war or the occurrence of some imaginary disaster”,” the Legal Minister further stated.

According to him, he is “flummoxed” by the manner in which the Speaker arrived at his ruling.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday revealed that over $188 million would be expended by the Government for the acquisition of textbooks and other reading materials to further equip the Education Ministry. The announcement was made during Dr Luncheon’s post-Cabinet media briefing. According to Dr

Luncheon, some $18.8 million would be used for the acquisition of interactive reading books. He pointed out that the remaining sums would be split between three different publishers for the acquisition of textbooks for both secondary and primary schools in Guyana. Moving on, Luncheon reported that the sum of $260.9 million was awarded by way of contract for the construction of an all-

weather road in Region Five ( Mahaica/Berbice). The Head of the Presidential Secretariat also related that an amount of $172,804,095 will be used for the construction three Aquastore Glasssteel tanks. This will allow increased capacity of the Bartica, Eccles and Sophia water treatment plants. Another $18.6 million was awarded for the construction of a Fire Station at La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara.

Police have national security fears ... following damning disclosures

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Chairman of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, Sir Richard Cheltenham on Wednesday adjourned proceedings to allow Crime Chief Leslie James adequate time to peruse evidence gathered by Police during their 1980 investigation into the death of world- renowned Historian, Dr Walter Rodney.

That scrutiny should also give the Senior Superintendent of Police some scope to comment on the various theses which surround Dr Rodney’s death. James had returned for the second time during this session, to continue his evidence-in-chief. His previous evidence on day one of the investigation was put off for him to make checks for seven missing police files, which the Commissioners thought would assist them in their investigation.

However, those files, as reported by James, could not be found.

Commissioners and lawyers representing various interests, sat for close to half an hour after James informed them that he could not answer some questions posed, because it would breach the oath he took while he was a member of the Police Special Branch.

James informed the Commission, while being led into further evidence by Commission’s Counsel Latchmi Rahamat, that some of the information he has “borders on national security issues”.

“I just thought the Commission should be reminded that several aspects of what was done at Special Branch are secret and I thought the Commission

by itself would be aware of such.”

James made the comments at the time when he was being pressed with questions on whether he thought that the Police back in June of 1980 had carried out a thorough investigation into Dr Rodney’s death.

By thorough, Rahamat said she meant that if he thought the Police had done all that was necessary and required to investigate Dr Rodney’s death. James told the Commission that he was not allowed adequate time to go through the documents of the investigation, but was able to glance through it during the 20-minute break at the inquiry on Wednesday. From that perusal, James had concluded that the Police were diligent in their work.

However, objections were made by both the Commissioners and the various Attorneys, who pointed out that James was not in a position to answer the questions in its entirety. In fact, Chairman of the Commission, Sir Richard Cheltenham, noted that the evidence before the Crime Chief was very important and needed to be trod upon carefully. Commissioner Jacqueline Samuels- Brown questioned if based on his perusal, he found that the Police had taken statements from individuals, if searches were carried out, and if materials were collected. He said he did come across such information.

She also directed his attention to some instances in the report where the Police had blundered, failing to effectively carry out their duties. The report also reflects the Police’s failure to mount a search for the man identified as Gregory Smith, who had been accused of killing Dr Rodney.

Lawyer representing the affairs of the People’s National Congress (PNC)

Basil Williams intervened, saying that the most suitable person to answer the questions on “efficient” Police investigation during the time would be the Crime Chief at that time, Cecil “Skip” Roberts. Chairman Cheltenham reminded James of the three theories which surrounded Rodney’s death at the time.

These are it may have been as a result of Rodney’s own negligence, it may have been a state- sponsored act of terrorism, or could have been organised by the WPA itself.

It was at this point that James indicated that he could not comment on the issue. Questions on the provision of the in-camera testimony were raised, and Commissioners will make a decision on the appropriate route to be taken.

Dr Rodney, who was considered a huge threat to the then Burnham PNC Government was killed on June 13, 1980 when a bomb exploded on his lap, while he sat in his brother’s car outside the Georgetown Camp Street Prison.

The PNC Government was said to have used Guyana Defence Force Sergeant William Gregory Smith to carry out the attack on the WPA leader.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman

Crime Chief Leslie James

Dr Walter Rodney

Cabinet to investigate awarding of GGMC contracts

The Government will be investigating the recent awarding of a contract by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to a contractor which has been a source of contention.

This is according to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon, when he was questioned by reporters on Wednesday at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, “there had been strenuous objections to the

award of a contract purported to have been made by the GGMC” or one of its board members.

He explained that the matter was brought to the attention of the Cabinet by one of the members and as such, Government will investigate the issue.

However, Dr Luncheon explained that the GGMC is considered to be an autonomous body and was not subject to procurement laws.

“They have not considered themselves subject to the Procurement Act;

therefore, the awards and contracts are not usually brought to the Cabinet,” the Head of the Presidential Secretariat explained.

He said as a result, the Government was not fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the contract and its subsequent contentions.

In December 2013, BK International won a legal battle against the GGMC over the award of a $385 million contract to CB&R Mining.

Acting Chief Justice Ian

Chang quashed the GGMC’s decision to award a $385 million contract to CB&R Mining for the construction of the Aremu Road, Region Seven.

The contract between GGMC and CB&R was terminated on the ground that the award was made in violation of the provisions of the Procurement Act 2003.

Justice Chang, in his ruling, said due to the statutory underpinnings of the awarding of the contract, the court had jurisdiction to enquire into the award.

“Channa bomb” lobbed at Sooba’s house

Unknown persons early Wednesday morning lobbed a Molotov Cocktail (channa bomb) at the premises of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba. Guyana Times understands that the individuals hurled what appeared to be a Molotov Cocktail at Sooba’s Duncan Street, Campbellville, Georgetown residence.

Contacted on the issue, Sooba stated that she was awakened around 01:00h when she heard a loud smashing sound and was alerted when security ranks at her residence began to scream ‘‘Fire! Fire!’’

Sooba noted that the bomb failed to explode and while no serious damage

was incurred, the building was scorched, several windows of her guard hut were broken and one of the pipes located at the side of the building caught fire.

Subsequently, the National Bomb Squad and the Police Force were called to the scene. They are currently conducting investigations into the incident and

are collecting statements from persons in the area. Sooba had filed several complaints that she had been receiving threatening phone calls and death threats. She has also publicly aired concern over the posture of some senior functionaries at City Hall, including the Mayor, who opposed her appointment as town clerk.

Suspect in Barakat murder still at large

Police have launched a manhunt for the min er suspected of dous ing his co-worker with gas oline before setting him on fire at a mining camp in Barakat Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Twenty-three-year-old Kester Anderson, a min er of Lot 2 Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, succumbed to first-degree burns on Tuesday while being treat ed at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Guyana Times was made to understand that Anderson was involved in an argument with another miner at a mining camp during which the suspect doused him with gasoline before setting him ablaze. The incident occurred around 01:00h on Monday morning at the camp owned by the Vulture Mining Establishment locat-

ed at Bartica, Region Seven.

Crime Chief Leslie James told this newspaper on Wednesday that the Police are looking for someone whom they suspect might have committed the heinous crime. He noted that investigations are also ongoing to find out the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The grieving mother of the young man, Quenella Griffin, told Guyana Times that they received news of the incident on Monday morning and her son was airlifted from Bartica later that afternoon. She disclosed that her son was conscious when he arrived at the hospital; however, by the time the family was al-

lowed to see him, he was unconscious and on a life support machine.

The irate relatives of Anderson are calling for justice and for the Police to thoroughly investigate the incident. “I want justice for my son. I send my son in there good and they send out back a body, this won’t go down just like that; I have to get justice for my son. I want the person who did this to be arrested and jailed,” the mother cried.

Speaking with this newspaper on Wednesday, Griffin said that they have not gotten any further information from the Police or the mining company. She said they were just told to go down to the Police station.

Driver slapped with 3 firearm-related charges

A39-year-old driver slapped with three firearm-related charges was on Wednesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Lloyd Johnson, of Wismar, Linden, was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of illegal possession of a gun and ammunition as well as discharging said firearm.

It is alleged that on November 25, 2013 at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Johnson had in his possession a .32 firearm without being the holder of firearm licence. On the

following day, at the same location, he had in his possession rounds of .32 ammunition and discharged a loaded firearm at Police Officer Wesley Eastmon (the virtual complainant). He was not required to plead to the charges laid against him.

Prosecutor Michael Grant related that the Police was investigating a robbery under arms in which the defendant was a suspect and went to his house on the day in question. During a conversation with the Police, the defendant pulled a firearm out of his pants waist and fired several shots towards the

officer. The Police returned fire, hitting the defendant, who was subsequently taken to the hospital. When he was released, he was placed on station bail pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. On August 5, the defendant went to enquire about the station bail and was arrested.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Denise Hotch, who, however, told the court that the defendant and others were sitting in his home when the Police confronted them with firearms. They became fearful and ran away. While running, the defendant was shot by Police and he was tak-

en to the hospital. Attorney Hotch said her client was indeed released on station bail, but the Police and he had an agreement to drop the charges, because the Police had shot him wrongfully.

After listening to both parties, Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry asked the Prosecutor if he had any objections to bail. Prosecutor Grant successfully opposed bail, based on the nature of the offence, the prevalence of the offence, and the violence used in its execution.

The matter will be called today at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts.

Eyew tness

Posturing...

...on elections

As your humble Eyewitness predicted, David Granger’s desperately seeking a sideshow to deflect from his exposure as a rigger and a power seeker with the best of them (PNC leaders). And if the sideshow suggests that he’s “tough”, then it’s a “two for one” blow: he’ll be hoping his wimpy image might also be erased. Hence his “Shadow Cabinet’s” announcement that they’re supporting the AFC’s “no-confidence” motion, that would precipitate “snap” elections.

But we’re gonna go out on a limb on this one and say boldly – there ain’t going to be no “snap” elections. Why?? Because David Granger fancies himself as a “General” and if he’s going to launch a battle – voluntarily – then he’ll do so only when he thinks he has the troops and materials to give him a fighting chance to win the battle. And “ready’s” not the word to describe the PNC – which is all APNU is – right now.

Elections in Guyana cost money – biiiig money. Has the sale of that land from the PNC’s plot at Sophia gone through the registry, so that money changed hands?? Then this would’ve been the fastest real estate transaction in Guyana’s history. But even with money, Granger would need the troops behind him. And bringing back those pissed-off contingents from the Rigged Congress of 2014 is going to take more than just the promise of elections. Those who were dumped on the sidelines would throw their bodies into the fray only if they knew there’s something for them at the end of the election’s rainbow. After the sandbagging of activists like Norton the last time, it’ll take more than a promise and a firm handshake to bring them aboard. But even with the announcement, Granger has signalled he’s not really serious.

What’s this nonsense about his Shadow Cabinet’s decision on the “no- confidence” motion has to be “discussed” with the “other members of the APNU coalition”? If Roopnaraine from the WPA – which is the largest partner with its five (aged) members – went along, who’s left to “persuade”?? As Donna Summers asked, “Who do you think you’re fooling”, Granger.

You folk out there shouldn’t be dazzled by all the BS that’s going to come your way. Like Nagamootoo blabbering that a “no-confidence-precipitated-snapelections” would avert “a violent removal of the Government”. Is he saying the AFC was stockpiling weapons??

We’ll say it again: ain’t no snap elections gonna happen. Just Granger jumping around like a fowl-cock trying to make us forget how he did the dirty to his own. Incest is most reprehensible.

...on dancing with the PPP

Ever since Rodney returned to Guyana, it was rumoured he’d worked out a secret arrangement with Jagan and the PPP to get rid of the illegal Burnhamite dictatorship. Rodney was a committed Pan Africanist and even more importantly, a committed Marxist. His Marxist world view undergirded his world view – and while he might’ve disagreed with Jagan and the PPP on day to day tactics – especially in dealing with the “epiphenomenon” of ethnicity, he had the same strategic vision for the “unity of the working class”.

Rodney’s focus in “African” areas and Jagan’s focus in “Indian” areas must be understood from this perspective. The PNC’s exploitation of the ethnic identity, imperative for its own selfish hold on power, had made it almost impossible for the PPP to get a hearing in “African” enclaves like Linden. And this was where Rodney could and did break the ice.

After Rodney’s murder, the WPA has always denied the agreement. Now we have the “smoking gun”, What say they now??

..on privileges

While acceding to the PNC’s request to send Minister Singh to the Committee of Privileges, Speaker Trotman denied the PPP’s even more justified request on Ramjattan and Hughes. Ahhh...the privileges one earns when you’ve placed your own “fox” to guard the hen house.

Neonatal Unit opens at West Dem Hospital

By Svetlana MarShall

The West Demerara Regional Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was commissioned on Wednesday by the Health Ministry in collaboration with Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK) organisation.

In Guyana, neonatal deaths account for approximately 50 per cent of the under-five mortality. However, with the establishment of NICUs – which provide specialised care for prematurely born babies (neonates) who are not fully developed and are unable to survive on their own without the assistance of monitoring equipment, incubators, and breathing apparatus, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said the figure can be reduced significantly. His comments were endorsed by GHTK President, Dr Narendra Singh. Dr Singh said since the formation of the Canada-based organisation, emphasis has

been placed on paediatric care.

Recognising that neonatal deaths account for a large percentage of underfive mortality in Guyana, GHTK has been working closely with the Health Ministry to build the health sector’s capacity to cater to the needs of neonates.

Dr Singh, who is the Chief of Paediatrics at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, said in addition to the operationalisation of NICUs, a Paediatric Residency Programme and a Neonatal Nurses Programme have been established. Already the Paediatric Residency Programme has produced two paediatricians and 10 others are being trained.

Meanwhile, 11 nurses have graduated from the Neonatal Nurses Programme with a batch of 17 set to graduate come November. “We are also training them to be trainers. So at some point in time they will assume ownership of the training programmes,” Dr Singh said. By 2017, GHTK is hoping to

have a well-developed neonatal network that could be handed over to the Health Ministry. On Friday, another NICU will be commissioned but this time at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two.

These goals will be achieved with the support of the Kissoon Family of Canada who are key financial supporters. Dhaman Kissoon represented his siblings and mother, who are all Canadabased Guyanese who have been offering financial support since 2000. In addition to GHTK, the Rotary Club, Three Rivers Foundation and an orphanage in India are beneficiaries.

GHTK has been making significant strides in the local health sector, as it seeks to reduce neonatal and infant mortality rates in Guyana by 50 per cent. Already, the organisation has assisted in a 50 per cent reduction in the neonatal death rate at the Georgetown Public Hospital – some 83 babies were saved.

The GHTK collaborated with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Institute of Health Science Education, the University of Guyana, the McMasters University and the Humber River Regional Hospital in Toronto to introduce a paediatric post-graduate residency programme in 2011.

In addition to the paediatric post-graduate residency programme, the GHTK and Georgetown Public Hospital in March 2012 reconstructed a 24-bed NICU.

The facility was brought up to standard with the installation of procure monitors, IV pumps, pump monitors and incubators procured from funds (Cdn$100,000) raised by the GHTK. Prior to the commissioning, the unit was in dire need of incubators, which support the breathing of premature infants while they are still hospitalised, so they have a better chance of survival.

With respect to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Guyana has already met the target of reducing the underfive mortality rate by twothirds by 2015. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the under-five mortality rate in Guyana has dropped from 120 per 1000 live births in 1991 to 17 per 1000 live births in 2008, resulting in early achievement of the MDG target. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

GT got not wukkin councillors fuh life

Aman tell de whole world in a song that he wanna be a billionaire. Well, those who can’t be billionaires does wanna be millionaires at least. And in life, yuh does always find some not wukkin millionaires here and there.

But Guyana got plenty of dem not wukkin millionaires. And dem don’t be ashamed. Most of dem proud of de not wukkin status. And dem even more proud of de millionaire status. On de other hand, it got plenty hard wukkin people who gon never become millionaires. But dem gon still wuk hard.

It got people who does wuk hard every day just to tek care of dem selves and dem family. But on de other hand it got nuff people who don’t turn up to wuk and still expect to get pay. A lotta public servants stay just like that. Instead of wukkin hard, dem hardly wukkin. And it hardly gotta day when dem ain’t want more pay.

Now dem councillors at S*ity Hall is another set of nut wukkin millionaires. Dem is people who don’t turn up to wuk and still wanna get full pay. But is not dem pay alone shoulda get cut. All of dem need to get cut from the payroll. But dem councillors wanna be councillors-fuhlife, and it look like dem wanna get pay fuh life.

De biggest laugh is that de Mayor-fuh-Life fightin fuh dem, but de Mayor-fuh-Life he self don’t do no wuk. If de Mayor-fuh-Life coulda wuk like how he can talk, then GT de garbage town woulda be a clean town. In fact, is time fuh de Sober woman cut more than just de Mayor-fuhLife gas money. Then right after that, cut de Mayor-fuhLife from GT altogether.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Now de other set of millionaires is dem MPs who gone and tek three months leave after wukkin fuh less than one month fuh de whole year so far. So if yuh try and can’t be a billionaire, just be a MP!

Cabinet clears way for Amerindian village councils to tender for contracts

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President on Wednesday announced that the councils of titled Amerindian villages will now have the opportunity to tender for contracts being awarded in their communities.

This decision was taken by the Cabinet in keeping with the Government’s thrust to promote development in the village economies of the hinterland. These contracts would generally include civil works that would be awarded in the respective villages.

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry would be tasked with overseeing and promoting the empowerment of these councils that would allow them to participate in the public procurement process; thereby enhancing the growth and the development of village economies.

The HPS explained that this is a further contribution to the improvement and sustainability of improvement in hinterland village economies.

The economies of hinterland communities, regionally and

nationally, have been, and continue to be strengthened by programmes being implemented by the Government in both the productive and service sectors.

“Sustainability was continuously addressed and the main focus for the administration has been the continued access to public funding by the residents of the hinterland communities to capital goods… and also payment for services rendered,” Dr Luncheon said. Amerindians have been particularly involved in the delivery of services such as food production (hot meals) and garment making (school uniforms) to the education system in hinterland communities.

Meanwhile, plans are ongoing for the hosting for this year’s National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting, which is scheduled for the latter half of September. This will be the eighth year that this forum is being held. It brings together hundreds of Amerindian leaders from almost all of the hinterland communities, providing them with the opportunity to interact and discuss their issues with the President, Government Ministers and heads of various agencies.

GHTK President, Dr Narendra Singh; Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; NICU Nursing Programme Director, Dr Leif Nelin and Dhaman Kissoon

NICU Nursing Programme Director, Dr Leif Nelin explaining the uses of the incubator and its supporting elements

Judge stays ruling on Sooba’s appointment

… pending determination of appeals

High Court Judge, Justice Brassington Reynolds on Wednesday set aside his ruling on the quo warranto filed against Carol Sooba’s appointment as acting Town Clerk.

According to the Judge, in order to deliver a fair ruling, he will stay his decision on the quo warranto filed by Mayor and City Council Public Relations Officer Royston King.

Justice Reynolds made the interim ruling in the interest of justice, stating that he will deliver his decision until the appeals filed

regarding this issue are determined.

There are two matters currently being heard at the Appeal Court. Justice Reynolds urged the parties involved to have those matters completed as soon as possible.

King had filed legal action on May 13; however, at the same time, both him and Sooba sought the Appeal Court to reverse the decision of the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, which allows Sooba to act as Town Clerk.

The quo warranto was granted in late May by Justice Diana Insanally and Sooba was then called upon to file causes, through her Attorney, as to why she should not be removed from the post.

Arguments were subsequently heard from the Attorneys representing both parties after which Wednesday’s date was set for a ruling. King was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes while Sooba was represented by Attorney Roysdale Forde.

The entire Carol Sooba/ Royston King saga began when Sooba was con-

firmed as Town Clerk by former Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud last December.

This decision raised much concern with the Mayor and other officials, who claimed that Sooba was unqualified for the position.

It was further purported that King was the next best person for the position, and as such, he filed a lawsuit challenging the Minister’s decision.

The acting Chief Justice subsequently ruled that Sooba can act in the position until a quo warranto was filed, which King subsequently did.

Caricom Canada project improving CSME information flow

As part of its ongoing efforts to advance the full implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), the Caricom Secretariat is undertaking a six-month project aimed at enhancing the distribution of information about the Single Market’s operations, regulatory systems and arrangements in Caricom member states.

Regional consulting firm Deloitte and Touche is implementing this project in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia as part of the Caricom Trade and Competitiveness Project (CTCP), facilitated with assistance from Canada.

The project, which got underway at the start of July, will see the consultants work closely with stakeholders of the three member

states to develop new channels of communication; build capacity at the national level to sustain those channels and information flows; and provide audio-visual material which clearly communicates the CSME’s benefits, rules and regulations to potential beneficiaries.

Training and tools will be targeted specifically to key stakeholders, including staff within the CSME line ministries as well as media workers, including those operating in the social media and new media space.

Crucially, there is also a curriculum development component, which will help teachers integrate information about CSME into their classroom activities.

The project was developed in response to an expressed need from Caricom Heads of Government for in-

creased and targeted awareness activities for the CSME.

Caricom nationals are entitled to a number of rights enshrined in the laws of participating member states, including the right to establish businesses; provide services; and move capital in accordance with specific provisions.

Additionally, Caricom skilled nationals have the right to travel, live and work in a participating member state of their choice. While there is a high-level of knowledge about the existence of these rights, Caricom nationals have not been accessing these benefits as anticipated. This project, the first of several across the Region, aims to stimulate greater accessing of the opportunities provided by the CSME.

LIAT sends condolences to Virgin Atlantic

LIAT, the Caribbean airline has sent a message of condolence to Virgin Atlantic over the death of one of its crew members in St Lucia on Sunday.

“It was with shock and

deep sadness that all of us at LIAT learnt of the death of Mr Quinton Garrathy,” Chief Executive Officer David Evans said in a message to Virgin Atlantic.

“As you deal with this

Bookbinder dies after collision with “fork-lift”

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

The immediate family of a senior bookbinder attached to the University of Guyana (UG) has been plunged into a state of grief after receiving the news of his demise on Wednesday morning following an accident at the corners of Lamaha and Delph Avenue, Campbellville.

The dead man, Latchman Sukdeo, 51, of Lot 63 Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown was killed after he allegedly collided with a “fork-lift” that was carrying steels plates, belonging to Crown Mining. The accident occurred about 08:30h.

Guyana Times was told that Sukdeo, who was employed at the University of Guyana for the past 35 years, was on his way to work when he met in the accident.

Information about the circumstances surrounding the accident remains sketchy, but from all reports, the man died while receiving medical attention at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital.

Speaking to Guyana Times, the wife of the deceased Monica Sukdeo said her husband left for work as normal on his motorcycle about 08:15h and after a few minutes, the family received news that he was involved in an accident.

She said from the information gathered, she was under the impression that he received minor injuries, but after reaching the scene, she realised that this was not so.

The grieving widow said after seeing the blood on the roadway, she knew something was terribly wrong.

She also explained that after the accident, the officials at the mining company telephoned the fire service rather than an ambulance.

Devastating news

Her husband, she added was lying in the corner of the road and was eventually whisked away to the hospital by members of the mining company. By the time she reached the hospital, she was greeted with the devastating news.

Eyewitnesses at the scene told media operatives that Sukdeo was riding and in the vicinity of the business place, he came into contact with the fork-lift which was fetching steel plates. The man’s neck reportedly came into contact with the plates; hence, he received a big gash to his neck.

Due to the gash, he lost a considerable amount of blood. Police are presently reviewing the surveillance cameras to get a clearer idea as to how the accident occurred.

This publication was; however, informed that be-

fore Police arrived at the scene, the fork-lift and the steel plates were removed, but the operator was reportedly taken into custody for interrogation.

Meanwhile, at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, several staff members of the University of Guyana were in tears as they comforted each other. Sukdeo’s immediate Supervisor, Donnette Washington reiterated that the university has lost a very valuable worker. She said only recently, the institution employed three persons to be trained under Sukdeo so that when he retires, someone will be there to do the work.

University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) President Bruce Haynes in tears said the university has lost a gem. He said as soon as they heard of the accident, they rushed to the hospital and were at the time still trying to get details of what really transpired.

Haynes said Sukdeo suffered a wound to the neck, but is claiming that if the injured man was taken to the hospital as soon as the accident occurred, he might have been alive.

“Good people are the ones you don’t finding living for long… loosing Fred is huge lost and it is a shock that we cannot come to grip with,” Haynes added. He was described as someone who gave advice when necessary and is known for his jovial personality. His colleague also said he was someone who can be called at the last minute to get things done. Sukdeo is survived by his wife and two children. (bhishamm@guyanatimesgy.com)

tragedy, please be assured that you are in our thoughts,” Evans added.

Garrathy was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the road after disembarking from a bus.

City Hall PRO Royston king

Acting Town Clerk

Carol Sooba

Dead: Latchman Sukdeo

thursday, august 7, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

Staff at Kaieteur National Park to get living quarters

The Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry has signed a $41 million contract to build a staff living quarters at Kaieteur Top, Kaieteur National Park.

According to a release, the Natural Resources and the Environmental Ministry through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the contract for the construction of the living quarters with Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Service and Block Making Company following a competitive bidding process.

This is the latest infrastructure project in developing the National Protected Areas System (NPAS), which is being implement-

ed through the Guyana Protected Areas Systems (GPAS) Project Phase II.

According to subject Minister Robert Persaud, the living quarters is part of an overall development rehabilitation programme that will support the newly-established Protected Areas Commission (PAC) in managing its monitoring activities within Kaieteur National Park.

It will house permanent staff such as park wardens and tour guides, who conduct daily monitoring of the park to ensure a safe and hospitable stay for tourists and researchers, said Minister Persaud. GPAS Project Phase II is a Government of GuyanaGovernment of Germany

Project, which is being funded by the German Development Bank (KfW).

It commenced in 2011, and is being implemented by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry through the EPA. The GFA Consulting Group has been engaged to provide support to the EPA, throughout the execution of the project.

Phase I of the GPAS Project which commenced in 2004, concluded in 2011.

The construction works for the living quarters has commenced, and is scheduled to be completed within six months. The EPA has engaged the Innovative Engineering Consultancy Service (IECS) to supervise the construction.

Scotiabank offering electronic bill payment for Hand in Hand

Customers of Hand in Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited who have an active account with Scotiabank in Guyana can now pay their fire insurance premiums electronically using Scotia Online and Scotia Mobile.

The bank in a release said this is the second insurance company to sign on to Scotiabank’s electronic bill payment service.

The other bill payment companies currently on board are GTM Insurance Company, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Digicel, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), the Guyana Water Inc (GWI),

E-Networks, School of The Nations and Westfield Prep School.

Scotia Online and Scotia Mobile are safe, convenient ways to pay bills using a computer or Internetenabled cellphone.

“Scotiabank account holders must first sign up for Scotia Online by visiting the bank’s website www.guyana.scotiabank.com, before signing up for Scotia Mobile.

Once the account holder signs up successfully for online banking, the next step is to go to www.scotiamobile. com on their mobile phone to sign up for Scotia Mobile using the same sign up information from Scotia Online. The customer then clicks on

“Register this device” to activate Scotia Mobile,” the bank said.

Other transactions that can be done via the two services are Mastercard bill payments, funds transfers between Scotiabank accounts and third party transfers to other Scotiabank account holders in Guyana, including businesses.

“Customers can also view their transaction history for all personal accounts, including balances for loans and deposits, as well as sign up to receive their bank statements electronically. The services are currently free to Scotiabank account holders,” the release concluded.

ASL offering helicopter rides at Guyana Festival

Visitors to the Guyana Festival are in for another first-time-ever experience! Air Services limited (ASL) will have their fleet of helicopters on site every day from 12:00h to

18:00h, offering 15 minute rides that give passengers a bird’s eye view of Georgetown and its environs.

The fare is $9000 per person with discounts for fami-

lies and school children. A helipad to the left of the main entrance has already been set up and checkin facilities identified. For advance bookings call 2221234.

BBCI donates trophies to Stanleytown Community Library

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has donated two trophies to the Stanleytown Community Library following a request from the institution for its awards ceremony on July 31.

The BBCI in a release said it was privileged to have the opportunity to make the donation and will continue to donate and sponsor other events that would benefit the school and the students.

The BBCI said it 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 sport.

The company has also supported national events and made donations to

charitable and non-charitable organisations in proximity of the bridge or in Regions Five and Six.

The company had also sponsored events in other regions, stretching as far as the hinterland.

BBCI Administrative Assistant Bibi F Alli handing over the two trophies to the Stanleytown Community Library on July 31

EPA Senior Environmental Officer Bibi Sharief (second from right) presenting the contracts to the Project Contractor Alvin Chowramootoo (first from right), and IEC S representative Deoraj Dalchand (centre) for supervision of the project. Also in picture, from left, are GFA Consulting Group Team Leader Benter Welle and Joel Breems of the Protected Areas Commission

House of Israel joins PNCR in paying tribute to Burnham

People’s National Congress Reform Leader David Granger on Wednesday paid tribute to the founder of the party, the late President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham at a Seven Ponds (Botanical Gardens) event attended by members of the House of Israel group.

The occasion was a commemoration service to mark the 29th Death Anniversary of Burnham who died in an operating theatre in the Georgetown Hospital back in 1985.

The religious group that was founded by David “Rabbi Washington” Hill has been accused of carrying out a range of atrocities for the former PNC Administration and was labelled as a “hit squad” by witnesses who testified at the ongoing Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Delivering remarks at the commemoration, Granger recalled Burnham’s challenges on becoming Premier of British Guiana 50 years ago in December 1964.

mented a programme of national unification by providing easier access to essential public services especially education, full employment, and social protection.

He pursued these goals by providing free education as a constitutional entitlement.

According to Granger, Burnham made a contract with this country 50 years ago, noting that the PNCR, the executors of that contract, has an obligation to continue his work to make Guyana ‘One Nation’.

“The PNCR has a duty to actualise its FounderLeader’s vision by fulfilling his mission to make Guyana ‘One Nation.’”

He added that Burnham started the process of national unification by eliminating the human vulnerabilities and by erasing the disparities and inequalities associated with demographic, economic, geographic and gender differences and discrimination. Burnham imple -

Meanwhile, during his testimony at the Walter Rodney CoI, Edward Rodney, the late historian’s brother, had said the Police had often turned a blind eye to the thuggish behaviour of members of the House of Israel, which was formed here in the early 1970s and allegedly used by the PNC Government to subdue opponents and break up their political meetings.

Edward Rodney told Commissioners that the House of Israel not only operated as a religious group but as a “hit squad”. Asked to elaborate, Edward Rodney recalled the murder of Father Bernard Darke who was knifed to death in 1979 on Brickdam.

He said the assail -

ants were proved to be members of the House of Israel. Leader of the

said that the House of Israel had expressed its loyalty to the PNC and its members by being allegedly involved in numerous violent acts against political opponents of the regime. Their actions included the violent breaking up of Opposition public meetings, attacking anti-government demonstrations and working as strike-breakers whenever Government workers went on strike for improved wages and better working conditions.

Edward Rodney, now a member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), said the House of Israel – located on Light Street, Alberttown – had emerged during a dark period of the country. He said it was a time when the PNC led by Burnham, was using the reins of power to trample on the poor and working class.

Commentators have

House of Israel, “Rabbi Washington” was among a few members who were charged with Darke’s death.

Former Leader of PNCR, Robert Corbin and other party executives and members at the commemoration service

Surrounded by members of the House of Israel, dressed in their uniforms, PNCR Leader David Granger lays a wreath at the base of President Burnham’s Mausoleum located at the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens

Nandlall ramps up lawsuits against Kaieteur News

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Wednesday filed two multimillion-dollar lawsuits against the Kaieteur News for publishing libellous content that attacked his character.

Nandlall is suing Publisher Glenn Lall and Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris for a total of $50 million after they published an article accusing the Minister of terrorising his staff and then a scandalous Editor’s Note.

The Minister is referring to the July 31 article published on the front page of the Kaieteur News captioned “Men in Anil Nandlall’s vehicle terrorise Kaieteur News staff”, which he called an untrue and malicious article.

The Kaieteur News article claims that a heavily tinted vehicle belonging to the Minister drove by its office on Saffon Street, Charlestown, twice and the occupants were taking photos of the building.

According to the article, this was particularly worrisome since it “brought back memories of two horrific attacks on Kaieteur News in the past – the firebombing of the printing press at Eccles in 2002 and the killing of five Kaieteur News pressmen in 2006”.

In the court document seen by the Guyana Times, the Minister said “The said headline and article conveyed the clear impression

that the Plaintiff (Nandlall) was engaged in unlawful and criminal acts and that, he is unfit to hold the offices of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and a Member of Parliament.”

According to Nandlall, the libellous article has caused him great public embarrassment and held him up to odium and ridicule as well as disparaged him as the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and a Member of Parliament, both nationally and internationally.

The Minister is asking the defendants for in excess of $10 million for the libel in the headline of the article and another $10 million for the content of the article. Finally, more than $10 million is being sought for aggravated and exemplary damages.

The second lawsuit was filed as a result of a “scandalous and libellous” Editor’s Note that was published under a statement Nandlall had released following the “terrorising” article. The statement was published by the newspaper in letter form on August 1 titled “Anil Nandlall responds to spy allegations”.

“Scandalous”

In the statement, Nandlall is accusing the owner of the newspaper of using it to carry out “a personal vengeful agenda”, which stemmed from an incident in 2007 involving his brother. According to Nandlall, sometime in July that year, it was discovered that a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) meter on the newpaper’s premises was deliberately bypassed and electricity was being consumed illegally.

The Minister said the

newspaper’s bill was backdated to over $7 million. Nandlall noted that at the time his brother held a senior position at GPL and he was approached by Lall. “Mr Glenn Lall attempted to compromise the integrity of my brother so as to avoid payment of the arrears. My brother rejected all his entreaties and chased him out of his office. He threatened my brother to use his newspaper to destroy him. Although I was wholly unconnected with this event, he called my law office and issued a similar threat to me,” he stated.

Following this, Nandlall recalled that Lall subsequently published an article, claiming that he was wanted by the Police for a vehicular accident. The AG explained that the article was fabricated since it was his wife who was involved in the accident; however, the newspaper went on to

launch a similar attack on his brother; hence they both sued Lall.

Nandlall noted that over the past year, Lall seems to have renewed his agenda with his Editor-inChief following suit.

“Cowardly”

“These are two gentlemen who earn their livelihood by slaughtering the character and reputation of others and when there is a slightest evidence of a reaction, they cowardly run for cover, using the innocent workers of Kaieteur News as their shield,” the Minister stated.

The Legal Affairs Minister went on to say in his writ that the Editor’s Note that followed his statement, which was published in letter form, “conveyed the clear impression that the Plaintiff was engaged in unlawful and criminal acts and that, he is unfit to hold the offices of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and a Member of Parliament”.

In the Editor’s Note, the Kaieteur News claimed it was Nandlall who approached Lall for a bribe on behalf of his brother, but Lall refused to pay any money. Additionally, with regard to the “accident story”, Lall was adamant that Nandlall was in the car in an unconscious state even if he was not driving.

For this suit, the Attorney General is ask-

Two miners feared drowned at Aranka

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

The relatives of two miners are optimistic that they are alive after reports surfaced that they might have drowned following an incident at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven on Tuesday afternoon.

Feared dead are Leon D’Aguiar, 20, of Mahaica Village, East Bank Demerara and Junior Williams, 19, formerly of 1275 Spurwing Place, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Lot 31 Broad Street, Georgetown.

Reports reaching Guyana Times suggested that the men were crossing a creek in Aranka Backdam when D’Aguiar reportedly slipped into the water and Williams attempted to rescue him, but was pulled overboard.

D’Aguiar, according to reports was not a good swimmer; hence, his friend went to save him. After the incident, several search parties were formed, but up to late Wednesday afternoon, there were no signs of the missing men.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Ivan Wade, a colleague of the men said the two men were instructed to collect a few pieces of spare parts from across the river using a boat in the area.

Initially, they were dropped over by the boatman, but on their way back, they decided to manoeuver themselves on the pieces of wood that were in the water. Due to the darkness, D’Aguiar slipped and went overboard.

Wade said after the incident, they blocked a portion of the creek so that the bodies cannot drift a far distance away from where they fell overboard. The two men reportedly worked

Leon D’Aguiar

with Wade’s brother, Floyd Wade for the past three weeks.

Wade said D’Aguiar worked with them before but was laid off due to indiscipline, but was recently rehired by his brother. After being rehired, he recommended Williams and

brought him to the worksite.

Vanessa (only name given) told this publication that she received the news of her son’s disappearance on Tuesday evening after the “boss man” for the camp contacted them. She said initially, they were told that a boat had capsized in the area and her son and another young man fell overboard.

During a subsequent conversation with the same “boss man”, she was told that her son and another man were crossing the creek when one of them fell overboard and the other went to save him.

“I don’t know what to believe… one time is one thing and other is a next,” she cried.

Standing in her yard, she said while the men are reported to have drowned, she is convinced that her son is alive. The mother said she will not release a photo of him until he is confirmed dead. The woman said she was informed that a search party was launched to look for her son, but she has not received a call to that effect.

An aunt of the teenager said they were not aware that Williams was going into the interior until he reached his destination.

“When he reach, then is when he called his mother and told her that he was in the interior and was ok,” she said.

The young man, she added celebrated his birthday ony on August 3 and he promised to return home soon. Attempts to make contact with D’Aguiar proved futile. Guyana Times understands that his mother lives in Antigua and Barbuda.

ing for some $20 million –$10 million is for libel contained in the Editor’s Note and another $10 million for aggravated or exemplary damages.

These lawsuits were filed on Wednesday by Attorney Sase Gunraj, who is representing Nandlall along with Attorneys Bernard De Santos, Euclin Gomes, Sase Gunraj, and Ganesh Hira.

This is the third lawsuit Nandlall has slapped the Kaieteur News with.

In March this year, he secured an injunction against the newspaper restraining it from publishing any further defamatory content against him as was allegedly done in two editions of its daily column “Dem Boys Seh”. He is also claiming more than $30 million for the public embarrassment caused by the two articles.

Plaisance minibus driver murder accused remanded

The man accused of stabbing to death a Plaisance minibus driver after he was reprimanded for urinating on his bus wheel was remanded to prison on Wednesday by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Orin Jerrick, 30, of Ann's Grove, East Coast Demerara, turned himself in to Police with his lawyer Pamela Dos Santos after several days on the run and was charged with murder.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge read by Magistrate Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts which stated that on July 31 at Georgetown, he stabbed Gavin Fifee, 31, to death, with a homemade weapon. Fifee succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Attorney Dos Santos claimed that her client was severely wounded and will be providing witnesses to prove his case. The Magistrate requested to see the injuries and the bandage on Jerrick’s hand was removed.

Jerrick’s next court hearing is scheduled for August 22.

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Publisher Glenn Lall

Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris

Indirect Israel-Hamas talks on Gaza start in Cairo

Israel and Hamas began indirect talks on a new border deal for the blockaded Gaza Strip as a ceasefire ending their month-long war entered its second day Wednesday.

Israel has said it wants the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm, or at least ensure it cannot re-arm, before considering the group’s demand that the territory’s borders be opened. Israel and Egypt imposed a closure after the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007.

The indirect talks are

being held in Cairo, with Egyptian mediators shuttling between the delegations. Disarming Hamas tops the list of Israeli demands presented in a meeting with Egyptian mediators late Tuesday, said an Egyptian security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. The Israeli delegation has since left for Israel but was to return to Cairo later Wednesday, the official added.

The Palestinian delega-

tion is composed of negotiators from all major factions, including Hamas and was to meet with Egyptian officials later Wednesday to be briefed on Israel’s demands, said Bassam Salhi, a Palestinian delegate.

“The most important thing to us is removing the blockade and start reconstructing Gaza,” he said. “There can be no deal without that.”

He said the cease-fire, set to expire at 08:00h on Friday (0500 GMT), would likely be extended if more time for talks is needed. (Excerpt from MSN)

Liberia shuts hospital where Spanish priest infected, Ebola toll hits 932

pended pilgrimage visas from West African countries, which could prevent those hoping to visit Mecca for the Haj in early October. (Excerpt from MSN)

Liberia shut a major hospital in the capital Monrovia on Wednesday after a Spanish priest and six other staff contracted Ebola, as the death toll from the worst outbreak of the disease hit 932 in West Africa.

The outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever has overwhelmed rudimentary healthcare systems and prompted the deployment of troops to quarantine the worst-hit areas in the remote border region of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 45 new deaths in the three days to August 4, and its experts began an emergency meeting in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss whether the outbreak con-

stitutes a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and to discuss new measures to contain the outbreak. International alarm at the spread of the disease increased when a US citizen died in Nigeria late last month after flying there from Liberia. The health minister said on Wednesday that a Nigerian nurse who had treated the deceased Patrick Sawyer had herself died of Ebola, and five other people were being treated in an isolation ward in Lagos, Africa’s largest city.

In Saudi Arabia, a man suspected of contracting Ebola during a recent business trip to Sierra Leone also died early on Wednesday in Jeddah, the Health Ministry said. Saudi Arabia has already sus-

King Frank-I calls for monument to honour victims of slavery

As the reparations movement gathers steam across the Caribbean, a member of the Commission in Antigua has issued a call for the erection of a monument or permanent memorial in honour of the victims of slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Rastafarian Elder King “Frank-I” Francis believes the time has come for such

an edifice, depicting “the depravation our African ancestors went through” and that such a monument should be placed in a strategic location for resident and visitors to view.

“We do have the King Court Memorial, we also have the Honourable Vere Cornwall Bird our National Hero statue, we also have now our living national hero’s statue established, but

we need to have something that will memorialise and keep in every memory the terrible onslaught that was chattel slavery in Antigua and Barbuda,” Francis said. Francis suggests a mural of some form to depict what our ancestors went thorough in the fight against slavery. Another option, he said, is a re-creation of the Cenotaph or War Memorial where individuals gather annually to remember those who fell in the two world wars.

The elder said the monument could be funded by Government and relevant stakeholders. There already exists a monument of slavery revolt leader King Court (Prince Klass), who led a rebellion against the slave owners in 1736.

Although this monument stands out on the Queen Elizabeth Highway, Francis said it is however in need of upgrade and lacks certain amenities.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Suriname intercepts 50 kilos of cocaine, largest shipment “so far this year”

Police have detained one man after “the largest catch” of cocaine was intercepted at the Johan Pengel International Airport. Police said that this is not the first time they have detained the un-named

man in relation to the illegal shipment of drugs.

Head of the Customs Department, Glenn Cruickshank has described the shipment “as the largest catch we have done this year”. The authorities said

the 50 kilogrammes of cocaine was hidden in a refrigerated container with ground cassava, destined for the Netherlands. It has a street value of two million Euros (One Euro =US$1.29 cents). (Caribbean360)

Former British Prime Minister and Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair, left, meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, Egypt on August 6. Blair and UN envoy on the Middle East peace process Robert Serry arrived in Cairo Wednesday to join efforts to consolidate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestinian groups

Girls look at a poster, distributed by UNICEF, bearing information on and illustrations of best practices that help prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease, in the city of Voinjama, in Lofa County

Rastafarian Elder King “Frank-I” Francis believes the time has come for such an edifice, depicting “the depravation our African ancestors went through” and that such a monument should be placed in a strategic location for resident and visitors to view

Panel warns of Caribbean dependence on PetroCaribe

David Goldwyn

With the Venezuelan economy worsening due to foreignexchange shortages, how much longer will Venezuela be able to subsidise cheap oil for its political allies throughout the Caribbean and Central America.

Last week, energy experts meeting in Washington, DC, discussed that very question.

“What happens to the 17 countries who are members of this programme if Caracas pulls back the generous credit subsidies it gives members to help them import its crude oil products?” asked Jason Marczak, Deputy Director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Centre.

“This is a not-so-distant possibility given Venezuela’s economic situation and slowing oil production, but it’s one Caracas would certainly like to avoid. This has all the makings of an energy crisis

brewing off our shores.”

On July 16, the think tank released a 24-page study “Uncertain Energy: The Caribbean’s Gamble With Venezuela”. To mark the occasion, it hosted a panel discussion featuring three experts: David Goldwyn, the study’s author and a former State Department Coordinator of International Energy Affairs; Jorge Piñón, who heads the Centre for International Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Texas (Austin), and Jed Bailey, Managing Partner at Boston-based Energy Narrative.

Benchmarks

“It’s almost 10 years since Venezuela announced the PetroCaribe programme,” Goldwyn said. “PetroCaribe sells oil and products at market benchmarks, but also provides financing for governments, giving them long terms and low down payments so the countries can take that oil and use the proceeds of those sales either to invest or save, or more likely, to use for budget support. It’s a credit financing programme at its core, and for Venezuela, it’s been an enormous political success”.

However, for PetroCaribe members themselves, the results have been “decidedly more mixed”, Goldwyn told his audience.

“Buying crude oil and products on cheap credit has given these countries an enormous debt burden, in some cases 10 to 20 per cent of their GDP,” he said.

Even more ominously, he said, “PetroCaribe has de-

layed the migration away from fuel oil and diesel for power generation to cleaner fuels. And the problem with using a high-cost fuel oil is that it makes the cost of electricity extremely high. The average throughout the Caribbean is 33 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the US average is a dime. That’s part of the reason why Caribbean economies are not competitive.”

Yet it is difficult for these countries to kick the habit.

“Whether they want to or not, PetroCaribe countries may not have a choice,” Goldwyn warned, noting that “It’s hard to justify selling oil literally for beans. The risk of a complete cutoff is actually quite low, but the impact on these economies could be catastrophic.”

Key players Interestingly, although The Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Nicaragua comprise only three of PetroCaribe’s 13 active member states, in 2012, they accounted for just over 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) of the 121,000 bpd that PetroCaribe exported.

The Dominican Republic and Jamaica both operate oil refineries that, without huge injections of capital from state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), would have closed long ago.

Piñón, a Cuban-born energy expert who has followed the scheme since its inception, said the challenge for PDVSA today is purely cash flow.

“PDVSA has converted itself into a politicised insti-

tution of the state, and that’s what makes the whole situation critical,” he said, noting that Venezuela’s state oil monopoly has not published financial reports for years.

“The Achilles’ heel of Venezuela today is cash flow. The crude oil basket price is below US$100 a barrel, and they’ve been stuck at 2.7 million barrels a day since 2005.”

At present, Venezuela exports 45,000 bpd of crude oil to PetroCaribe countries, and an additional 76,000 bpd of refined products like gasoline. Venezuela also exports 85,000 bpd of crude and 6000 bpd of refined products to Cuba through a separate Convenio Integral de Cooperación CubaVenezuela (CIC).

“PetroCaribe is an extremely generous programme in that it offers financing at better terms than the IMF or the World Bank,” conceded Goldwyn. “So it’s really hard for these countries to give that up. It’s a political problem for governments in power to volunteer a significant hole in their budgets without knowing how they’re going to fill that hole.”

It also obligates smaller Caribbean countries to back Venezuela politically, even when they otherwise might not have. In March, for example, the Organisation of American States (OAS) passed a declaration supporting the Maduro Government’s efforts to end Venezuela’s political stalemate; only the US, Canada and Panama dared to oppose the resolution. (Excerpt Caribbean News Now)

Teen succumbs after car accident

Ayoung porter succumbed to injuries he sustained after the car he was travelling in lost control and slammed into a utility pole at Timehri early Sunday morning.

Paul “Rat” Singh, 19, of Lot 12 Soesdyke, Public Road, East Bank Demerara reportedly suffered from several injures, including a fractured skull, broken ribs, a damaged spleen and damaged kidneys.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the accident occurred about 01:30h in the vicinity of the NARI Sub Office, Timehri. Moments prior to the accident, Singh and the driver of the car were reportedly seen drinking at a popular bar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA).

The driver, whose name was given as Manohar Hemraj, was reportedly performing stunts with his newly-purchased Turbo Starlet motorcar. According to reports, he fled the scene, but later turned himself over to the Police. An aunt of the dead man told Guyana Times that Hemraj and her nephew were good friends and would regularly go out.

She explained that on the morning of the accident, her nephew was out with some other friends and upon his return home; he heard a loud commotion at Hemraj’s home.

Upon enquiring, he realised that it was a family issue, but intervened and managed to calm them down. It was at this time, Hemraj allegedly told him “let us go for a drive”.

Conscious that his friend probably wanted to relax, Singh decided on the short drive. They reportedly went

Regionalism seen as key to achieving peace, prosperity

Italy’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Federica Mogherini on Tuesday told a forum at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile, that regionalism is a main tool for achieving peace and prosperity for the world’s citizens.

The Minister was greeted by ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, who welcomed her in the name of the regional United Nations commission and highlighted the existing ties between the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe.

“The European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean are natural allies that share history, culture and values, which allow them to position themselves together in light of current global challenges and accelerate both regions’ economic development in a sustainable way. There is a great deal of room for the two regions to perfect their cooperation,” Bárcena said.

The Executive Secretary of ECLAC emphasised that the EU is the region’s main collaborator, its biggest direct investor, and its second-largest trading partner. She contended that a deeper alliance between the two parties would help accelerate economic growth, further the structural change toward more knowledgeintensive sectors, reduce poverty, increase social inclusion, and protect the environment.

Redefining cooperation

In her presentation, Minister Mogherini indicated that several main challenges exist in the future, such as redefining a new cooperation strategy between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean based not only on shared values but also on the fight against climate change and the new post-2015 development agenda, which should include sustainable development, economic stability, and support for growth and free trade, clean and renewable energies, food security, social inclusion and gender equity.

“Europe and the Latin American region should have a shared agenda to work on all of these points,” the Italian Foreign Minister said. The Minister announced that under the current Italian presidency of the EU, pri-

ority will be given to finalising all the trade agreements that are being negotiated. In particular, it will support the revitalisation of negotiations on an accord between the EU and MERCOSUR, the strengthening of dialogue between the EU and Mexico, and the renewal of talks with Central America on security matters.

In addition, she indicated that Italy’s Government is committed to reinvigorating the agenda between the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in preparation for the next joint summit that will be held in June 2015 in Brussels, which she said was demonstrated by her current tour and the visits that she will make to several countries in the Region in the coming months.

“We cannot keep doing business as usual in today’s world. We must identify the factors for structural change that exist in the global context and build more consensus with all our partners so as to achieve legitimacy in public opinion and among social actors,” Mogherini concluded.

to the bar at Timehri where they drank a few beers. On their way back home, Hemraj reportedly decided that he did not enjoy himself to the maximum; hence, he turned around his motor car.

And as he was heading back to the airport, he attempted to overtake a vehicle, but decided against it after he realised that another was approaching in the opposite direction.

“As he gear down, like the car went into the mud which caused him to lose control and slammed into the pole,” the relative added. Persons in the area reportedly ran out after hearing the loud impact and saw the two men. The driver of the car escaped unhurt while the only visible injury that was seen on Singh’s body was a gash to the head.

He reportedly told persons that he was feeling okay. Nevertheless, he was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention. It was while there, Singh started to bleed through his mouth and nostrils. Up to this time, the relative claimed that no one was aware of the accident. The driver, after realising the Singh might have been terribly hurt, decided to contact his mother who in turn contacted Singh’s parents.

Pinky Jhaman, the grandmother of the dead teenager told Guyana Times that they received the news of the accident about 03:00h and immediately rushed to the hospital. Upon seeing the young man’s condition, a decision was taken to remove him from the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was waiting medical attention to a private hospital. Singh was reportedly slipping in an out of consciousness and took his last breath on Tuesday morning, the grieving grandmother related. She said that the family is in disarray with the sudden death of her grandson. She described him as a very hardworking young man.

Singh leaves to mourn his parents and two siblings. Police are continuing their investigations.

Italy’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Federica Mogherini

Dead: Paul Singh

Man commits suicide after accidentally torching neighbour's house

By Nafeeza yahya

A Bush Lot, Corentyne man on Wednesday took his own life after a fire he had started in his yard Tuesday evening spread to his neighbour’s property, destroying their two-flat home and leaving seven persons homeless with losses pegged in the millions for household items and other articles.

Fifty-four-year-old Indar

“Suresh” Prashad, of Bush Lot farm was discovered by his wife in the upper flat of their home around 09:00h on Wednesday hanging in his bedroom hours after it was alleged that he was responsible for the destruction of his neighbour’s house by fire. “I see he earlier and he went upstairs. After me notice he nah come down back, I call for he but he nah answer. Me go upstairs and see the door lock and me still calling for he, is when I start hollering, those boys come over and break the door and we find he hanging behind the bedroom door.”

The traumatised woman related that Prashad showed no signs of wanting to end his life. She explained that on Tuesday evening he lit a heap of dry tomato trees in their backyard and blown by the heavy winds, the lit debris ignited the Permaloo family’s home.

According to reports, on

Tuesday at approximately 21:30h, a fire completely destroyed the home belonging to Lalchand Permaloo leaving the family of seven contemplating their next move, as all their possessions went up in flames. At the time of the fire, the family was away at a wake at Alness Village, Corentyne. When they arrived on the scene, they were inconsolable as they could only watch helplessly as their home was reduced to ashes. Despite efforts by neighbours to put out the flames, the building was quickly engulfed. Lalchand Permaloo estimated his losses to be in the millions as the home was equipped with all the modern amenities and was recently refurbished. The family also had a grocery shop at the home, but,

luckily it was saved as it was situated in front of the house.

The Guyana Fire Service came in for heavy criticism as they arrived approximately one hour after the first call was made, even though they are located approximately 15 minutes away. When they arrived, the water lasted for approximately five minutes .They had to resort to getting water from the nearby canal a few hundred metres away. This sparked more criticism from those present as the building was already destroyed and the crowd felt there was no point in getting any water.

Meanwhile, the wife of Prashad described him as a peaceful and caring person. She said his death was a complete shock to her. The 53-year-old woman in tears said it had been only two of them, since their only child died a few years back.

Permaloo also described his neighbour as a kind person. He related that “Suresh” should have never taken his life, since his family would never blame him for anything. “We are friends, we are neighbours. He shouldn’t do this; nobody would never blame he: This fire happen and done. We can get things back, but we can’t get back life.”

Construction worker dies in two-vehicle collision

Atwo-vehicle collision at Lethem, Region Nine on Tuesday afternoon has left a construction worker dead and another person nursing minor injuries.

Dead is Roger King, 21, of Lot 290 Tabatinga Village, Upper Rupununi, Region Nine, while the injured has been identified as a 14-year-old girl, who is suspected to be the driver of the car involved in the accident.

Based on reports received, King had just left his girlfriend’s home and was heading to the home of another friend when the collision occurred at the intersection.

He was riding his motorcycle at the time and sustained injuries to the head and other areas of the body. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Lethem Hospital.

Debra King, the moth-

er of the dead man told Guyana Times during a telephone interview that she did not see her son when he left home since he left earlier to visit his girlfriend, who works at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The distraught woman claimed that she was at home when she received the news that her son was involved in an accident and was at the hospital.

She hurriedly left home for the medical institution where she saw her son lying on the bed with blood oozing from his mouth, nostrils and ears. He suffered injuries to the head and hands.

In tears, the mother added that she saw him breathing, but suddenly his “chest stop moving”. It was then she was advised that her son had died. With respect to the accident, King disclosed that she does not know much, but claimed that it was a 14-year-old

girl who was driving the car, but after the accident, the person in the passenger seat took the rap.

That person was taken into Police custody and is assisting with investigations. She hopes that the real culprit is prosecuted. She said after completing studies at St Ignatius Secondary School, Roger started to work with his father, who is a contractor.

“He works with his father in building and repairing bridges in the region, but he was a son that any mother would have loved to have by her side,” the woman cried. The grieving woman said that her son was soft spoken and did not get into trouble with anyone. He does not drink alcohol and is very obedient, his mother said. The young man leaves to mourn his parents and three siblings.

ECLAC plugs lift in minimum wages to reduce inequality

Gradual increases in the minimum wage help to reduce inequality and do not have significant adverse effects on aggregate employment, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which was taking part in a forum on the subject that began on Tuesday in Mexico City.

The meeting was jointly organised by ECLAC, the Federal District Government, the Federal District Economic and Social Council, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and will be held until Wednesday at the National Anthropology Museum. It will be attended by representatives of federal agencies, legislative chambers, political parties, academic institutions, employer organisations and trade unions.

In a message read out at the opening of this international forum on minimum wages, employment, inequality and economic growth, ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena highlighted the “enormous potential of minimum wage policy to improve the income of the most disadvantaged, promote equality and strengthen internal demand” as this contributes to economic development.

The head of Mexico City’s Government, Miguel Ángel Mancera, stated that the country “is suffering from a new wave of precarious em-

ployment” and that it was therefore vital to discuss increasing the minimum wage.

According to Mancera,”this dialogue is part of that path”, referring to the Executive’s proposal on this matter that will take some inspiration from the inputs to this forum and will be presented in a few weeks.

Mexico’s Undersecretary for Labour and Social Security, Rafael Avante, pointed out that the Federal Government has three objectives in this area: standardise the minimum wage throughout the country, detach it from legislative provisions, and positively improve the purchasing power of workers. Avante also advocated a debate on the minimum wage that goes beyond political stances.

Chancellor of UNAM,

José Narro, called for macroeconomic achievements to be balanced with the country’s microeconomic needs, and said that all sectors should be involved in achieving a situation that reduces inequality and poverty. The ECLAC Deputy Executive Secretary Antonio Prado, also spoke at the meeting to underline that the region’s minimum wage policies should be based on gradual increases that fit in with macroeconomic, productive and credit policies.

In terms of major social agreements, Antonio Prado mentioned ECLAC’s proposal for the region’s countries to conclude compacts for labour equality that include programmes aimed at narrowing gaps in productivity, labour income and employment quality. ECLAC studies on Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay show that improving minimum wages has reduced inequality without having a negative impact on employment. This has taken place in a context of growing employment and a surge in formal employment.

Mexico is the region’s only country where the minimum wage is lower (0.66 times) than the poverty threshold. This is in contrast with Costa Rica, where the minimum wage is three times higher than the poverty line (3.18 times, to be precise). According to available data, almost 14 per cent of Mexican workers earn even less than the minimum wage.

Firefighters arrived too late to save the house

Family and friends congregate at the home of Indar Prashad

Indar Prashad called Suresh

ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena

One of cricket’s most exciting batsmen, Kevin Pietersen has arrived for the Limacol CPL matches for St Lucia Zouks this weekend (Photo: CPLT20)

Kevin Pietersen arrives in Caribbean for Limacol CPL

– T20 superstar looking forward to challenging himself against the best cricketers in the Caribbean

One of cricket’s most exciting batsmen, Kevin Pietersen, arrived in St Kitts on Wednesday to prepare to make his Limacol Caribbean Premier League debut this weekend for the St Lucia Zouks.

Ahead of back-toback matches against the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Warner Park, Kevin Pietersen spoke about how much he enjoys playing cricket in the Caribbean and

the positive impact the CPL will have on the game by providing such a high profile stage for the region’s cricketers to perform on.

Kevin Pietersen said, “I love playing cricket in the Caribbean and am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and passion the crowd can generate within Warner Park. There aren’t many other grounds in the world that have a party stand with a swimming pool in it!”

Pietersen scored a hun-

Sunburst sponsors Narayan Ramdhani for Caribbean Badminton tourney

National junior and senior Badminton champion, Narayan Ramdhani, is the latest athlete to benefit from the largesse of Continental Group of Agencies through the popular local orange juice, Sunburst.

Ramdhani, who is gearing up for competition at the Caribbean Regional Championships in Jamaica from August 9-16, is aiming to continue his climb in the sport and has been boosted with the support of Sunburst in his quest.

At the company’s Industrial Site office, Office Manager Ravi Brijnandan handed over the cheque to Ramdhani in the presence of Company Secretary Percival Boyce (Jnr) and Sales and Marketing Manager, Khemraj Dhanraj.

Also carrying the tag as South American, Caribbean and Suriname International champion, Ramdhani will wear the Sunburst emblem and promote the product during the Caribbean championships

Boyce, in brief remarks at the presentation, said his company was delighted to be supporting local talent yet again.

“The Management of Continental Group of Companies with its Sunburst brand of orange juice and fruit- flavoured drinks is pleased to be associated with Guyana’s young champions in

sports on their way to international fame. We are pleased to lend our support to young Narayan Ramdhani in pursuit for further glory at the Caribbean championships; we wish him every success in bringing home gold for Guyana and Sunburst.”

The GBA expressed its delight at being able to realise the partnership with

Sunburst and the encouraging interest they have shown in the sport, which the association said it is hoping would be lasting in the continued development of the sport.

Under the Sunburst brand, Continental has been supporting on a consistent basis, football, motor-racing, table tennis and karate in Guyana.

dred at Warner Park in 2009 and went on to say how enjoyable it is to play cricket in St Kitts, “I have played here before and really enjoyed batting – it is a beautiful ground and a unique place to play. It is a tight ground, and that means lots of fours, sixes and wickets, which is what the fans want to see. CPL is about entertaining cricket and bringing the best players from across the Caribbean and combining them with some of the top overseas players to put

on a show that fans across the West Indies deserve. I cannot wait for this weekend.”

Kevin Pietersen will be playing for St. Lucia Zouks alongside captain Darren Sammy and one of the players of the tournament, Sohail Tanvir. St. Lucia Zouks play against Chris Gayle’s Jamaica Tallawahs at 12pm on Saturday 9th August and against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at 12pm on Sunday 10th August.

Fernandes maintains world ranking

Guyana’s most decorated squash player Nicolette Fernandes has remained unmoved in the latest world ranking issued by the World International Squash Players Association (WISPA).

In the August 2014 release, the 31-year-old Fernandes is ranked 19, maintaining the same ranking she received at the start of April. The site does not indicate Fernandes’ next competition, but the Guyanese must continue to be active in order to move further up the ranking.

Her rise up the leaderboard is a remarkable turnaround for Fernandes, who only at the start of 2009 was rated a lowly 249 after a recurring knee injury had keep her out of competition for a protracted period of time.

Since returning from injury, however, Guyana’s most decorated squash player has been on the rise, significantly moving up the ranking with each passing competition.

Such was her outstanding performance that at the end of 2009, Fernandes, who is based in England and is under the expert guidance of award-winning coach Carl Ince, had taken her ranking below 100, ending the year at 88.

Ever since then, it has been a steady climb up the ladder for the multiple

move further up the ranking before the end of 2014

National Sportswoman-ofthe-Year, consistently racking up points and making her way up the WISPA leaderboard.

In 2013, Fernandes played in 13 WSA World Tour/Series in seven countries, namely the United States of America, Malaysia, Ireland, England, China, Monaco and Hong Kong. So far in 2014, she has been involved in six competitions.

In August last year, Fernandes returned home to claim her fifth Caribbean senior title, taking less than 30 minutes to dispose of perrenial rival Karen Meakins of Barbados 11-6, 11-2, 11-5 in the final of the Caribbean Area Squash Association Senior Championships at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

Continental Group of Companies Office Manager Ravi Brijnandan (2nd left), hands over the cheque to Narayan Ramdhani in the presence of Company Secretary Percival Boyce (left) and Sales Manager Khemraj Dhanraj

Nicolette Fernandes will look to

Digicel Schools Football Final…

CWSS’ three-peat a major accomplishment

By Treiston Joseph

Not many times do we get to witness the feat known as the three-peat. Not many times do we get to witness two teams meeting in the final of a major tournament three years in a row. Yet this is what the Digicel Schools Football

can both finalists make their way to the final again to have another crack at each other? Only time will answer these questions.

But one must understand the magnitude of what CWSS was able to accomplish on Sunday evening, even if it’s on a smaller scale compared to major tournaments such as the

very nice to see the finals of a school tournament that features Upper Mazaruni (Waramadong) in the final for the third straight time I think the most amazing part is the amount of support both teams are receiving’’ Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted.

“I’m happy to be here because as a result of compe-

Tournament provided last Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, where Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) defeated Waramadong Secondary 2-nil.

It was just not a game between two talented young teams but it was the match that every person that ventured to the stadium came to see- a rivalry that culminated in a fashion that created a bit of history before our very eyes.

Can any other school accomplish such a feat again?

Can CWSS win a fourth straight title or better yet,

FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, NBA or NFL.

The draw of the game was so momentous that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett and Leader of the Opposition David Granger were among the many who made their way to the stadium to witness the action.

“I think we should commend Digicel for such an initiative, apart from instilling discipline in our young people; those at school, it [the tournament] also helps bring people together and this is

titions like this, we see the quality of football, the standard of play improving, so I must start by complimenting the teams themselves and I was very impressed by the quality of play and I must compliment Digicel, because the teams could not have been on this stage alone,” Granger told Guyana Times Sport.

With the tournament concluded and history already made, CEO of Digicel Guyana Gregory Dean spoke about plans for next year.

“After today we are going to sit down, review the tournament look at the things that worked well and things that didn’t work so well, but I think that it’s a bit too early to decide but it’s always

about improving and in the end the improvement of the game is what matters,” Dean told this publication.

The Digicel final has been a marvel and has brought rivalry, quality play and history into one game that has made the tournament one to look forward to each year, hopefully a trend that continues to grow.

Limacol cPL players looking to thrill...

Tim Nielsen said; “The standard of the cricket so far has been very high and great to watch, and the fielding in particular has really impressed me throughout the tournament. I have also been loving the atmosphere in the grounds – there is even a swimming pool here where the fans can watch cricket from – you just don’t get that in Australia.”

Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach, Roger Harper, feels that the competition has been extremely well received this year across the Caribbean and the beautiful Warner Park stadium will provide a perfect climax to the tournament.

Roger Harper said; “We are all looking forward to playing in St Kitts and want to use the two remaining group games to put in good

performances and prepare ourselves for next week. We haven’t really thought about where we are aiming to finish in the table – we are just concentrating on playing well and we will then see how things lie for the knock out stages.”

The Barbados Tridents and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel will meet once again in the tournament in a crucial game - if the Tridents lose, they will not be able to finish higher than third in the table.

Ahead of the clash, Tridents Head Coach Robin Singh said; “We will be working hard here in St Kitts to ensure we have the right momentum for the semi-finals next week. Over the past few weeks, I have seen some promising signs that we are progressing well

so I am anticipating some rewards.”

Tridents’ Captain, Kieron Pollard, is also liking what he is seeing from the team; “We have a good chemistry at the moment and here in St Kitts it is truly crunch time, so we have to deliver tomorrow and on Sunday. It will not be easy, but we have the heart and the drive to do well.”

Australian born Simon Helmot, Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, spoke about St Kitts.

“Warner Park is truly a fantastic ground and it adds another dimension to what the Caribbean is all about. I have coached in the IPL and in Australia and I must say the Caribbean is the best. It may be my first season coaching in the Limacol CPL, but I would come back in a heartbeat next season.”

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Denesh Ramdin (left), alongside Head Coach Roger Harper, at a press conference in St Kitts

CEO of Digicel Guyana, Gregory Dean presented the trophy and cheque to three-time champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) (Photo: Carl Croker)

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (right) with members of the Digicel team at the presentation ceremony for the Digicel Schools Football Tournament

CWSS did well to ensure an emphatic 2-nil win over Waramadong Secondary in the third final between the two teams

Commonwealth team underperformed

By Treiston Joseph

The Commonwealth Games is over and for the first time since 2004 Guyana has returned without a medal from the prestigious event.

In 2006, Guyana won gold in the women’s 400 metres through Aliann Pompey, while in 2010 Guyana won silver in the women’s 400 metres again through Aliann Pompey, a track star now retired and, for all the criticism that was directed at her, is now missed.

Athletes from seven disciplines- Athletics, Rifle Shooting, Cycling, Boxing, Swimming, Squash and Table Tennis- ventured to Glasgow, Scotland and all returned empty-handed.

While no pressure was on the team to perform, the performance of the team overall could be considered under-par.

Boxing made some strides; in 2006 and 2010 no boxer made it past the first round, this year Eon Bancroft reached the round of 16. The men’s table tennis team, after being in the top 10 over the last two Commonwealth Games, failed to move past the first round. The women’s table tennis players had their first shot, but were unsuccessful.

It is clear that talent alone is not all that is needed to move table tennis into the spotlight on the international scene.

Swimming should def-

initely regroup and probably sit out the next Commonwealth Games, unless the sport significantly improves in the next four years.

Squash has been a high point among Caribbean counterparts just like table tennis, but is in need of a boost to translate the abundance of talent to the international level.

Rifle shooting as well is in need of some tinkering to translate their talent from Caribbean talent to world talent.

Cycling did fairly well, especially some of the riders finishing in the top 10, but clearly Guyana will need to stop making excuses for what it does not accomplish.

Athletics was probably the most disappointing of the lot. While it was expected that the athletes would medal, it was definitely expected that at least one of

the sprinters would have made it to the final.

To have no Guyanese in the final, especially in the 100 metres, means that Guyana will have to look at their selection process for these games and stop counting “wholly and solely” on what the USA-based athletes run.

Guyana now has its own synthetic track and this should be the impetus for all athletes to come home to make the national team for international events.

Moreover, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) will have to look at forming teams and making public, the long- term and shortterm goals of various teams to allow expectations to be tailored, instead of just relying on respective associations to come up with quality athletes, since the current method is clearly not working.

Neymar: Barcelona forward returns to training after back injury

arcelona forward

BNeymar has trained for the first time since breaking a bone in his back during Brazil’s World Cup quarter-final against Colombia.

The 22-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the tournament after being kneed

by Juan Zuniga on 4 July.

“Neymar is back in training with the rest of the firstteam squad,” said a statement on Barcelona’s website.

“He will be given a thorough examination by the club’s medical services to evaluate his recovery.”

Barcelona begin their La

Liga campaign on 24 August against Elche. Neymar has previously said he was lucky not to be paralysed by Zuniga’s challenge.

The Colombia player did not face disciplinary action from Fifa as the incident was seen by referee Carlos Velasco Carballo.

The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) recommences its competitions on Saturday August 23, 2014. The First Division competition is at the championship stage with Ogle Sports Club and Lusignan Sports Club being the finalists.

The Second Division tournament is at the semi-final stage and the Board would like to wrap up this tournament and launch the Carib T20 competition scheduled to conclude under lights. Also fixtures for the ongoing Trophy Stall Under-19 tournament will be released shortly.

The ECCB Competitions Committee recently visited the grounds on the East Coast and several of them require preparations to restart the competitions. While assurances were given by the Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to have the grounds put in order for the date set for the recommencement of the competitions, the ECCB is calling on all clubs to ensure that this is done.

ICC will not appeal Anderson verdict Cricket resumes on the East Coast on August 23

It is important to have all the venues in full participation since the ECCB is looking forward to complete all the above competitions / tournaments and re- launch the ELIZABETH STYLES first division before the rainy weather steps in. Chairman of the Competitions Committee can be contacted on 2201636 or 6260223. (Press release)

The International Cricket Council will not appeal against the decision to clear England’s James Anderson over his fracas with India’s Ravindra Jadeja. An independent commissioner cleared Anderson of abusing and pushing Jadeja during the first Test at Trent Bridge.

ICC chief executive David Richardson reviewed the case following a written complaint from India, but has decided not to appeal against the verdict.

The fourth Test between the sides begins at Old Trafford on Thursday.

India are furious that Anderson, who has taken 16 wickets in the first three Tests, escaped punishment in Friday’s hearing over what they see as a serious incident in the corridors of Trent Bridge. Seamer Anderson, 32, could have been banned for four Tests

had he been found guilty of a level three misconduct charge, while all-rounder Jadeja, 25, was cleared on a lesser charge for his part in the incident.

Richardson was given until Sunday, 10 August to lodge an appeal, but decided not to after “carefully considering” the written decision of commissioner Gordon Lewis, who is based in Australia. “The ICC is satisfied with the manner in which the decisions have been reached,” Richardson said.

“It was a complicated and sensitive matter relating to charges brought against two players at different levels of the ICC Code of Conduct. There appears to have been vastly conflicting evidence on both sides, with a total of 13 witnesses who gave testimony.”

Despite the verdict, Anderson has been urged

by former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott to cut out his habit of sledging opposition players. “Jimmy should reflect on whether he wants to be remembered as one of the all-time great English seam bowlers or a foulmouthed abusive bowler,” Boycott wrote in the Daily Telegraph. Richardson also warned players about using offensive language towards opposition players. “International cricket is tough, competitive and uncompromising but we must reiterate that there is no place in the game for the use of offensive language that is personally insulting of one player by another,” he said.

“It is imperative that all captains, players and coaches as well as umpires and referees are reminded of and do not shirk their responsibility to one another and to the game.”

USA-based sprinter Adam Harris failed to reach the final of the 100m at the recent Commonwealth Games

Seamer Anderson (right) could have been banned for four Tests had he been found guilty of a level three misconduct charge, while all-rounder Jadeja (left) was cleared on a lesser charge for his part in the incident

Neymar was ruled out for the rest of the FIFA World Cup after being kneed by Juan Zuniga on July 4

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Younis century leads Pakistan recovery

– Pakistan 261 for 4 (Younis 133*, Shafiq 55*) v Sri Lanka

When Misbah-ulHaq chose to bat, the skies were overcast and the pitch had been under covers following overnight rain. The ball moved around for a while, and Pakistan lost their openers inside six overs. Then came in Younis Khan and fought his way through to lunch. By stumps, Younis was batting on 133, had equaled Mohammad Yousuf for 24 Test centuries, the second-most by a Pakistani, and had gone past the latter’s 7530 Test runs.

Younis and Azhar Ali started the resistance from 19 for 2. Younis then added 100 with his captain Misbah and piled on an unbroken 105 with Asad Shafiq. Rangana Herath persevered for 26 overs, and took out Azhar Ali and Misbah with rippers, but even he could not dislodge Younis, who just went better and better as the day progressed.

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There was swing as well as seam in the morning, and the hustling pace of Dhammika Prasad made the combination hard to tackle. He moved the ball in consistently and took the odd one away, leaving Azhar, in particular, groping. Before that, Ahmed Shehzad failed to cover enough for an inswinger, and chopped on his third ball on to the middle stump. His opening partner, Khurram Manzoor, kept falling over in his stance and was caught in front with another incoming delivery.

Azhar, aside from his struggles, also played some lovely cover drives for fours. Those boundaries were a fitting reply to the pressure Prasad created, but after the burst from the fast bowler, Pakistan had to contend with relentless examination from Herath. Finding turn and occasional bounce early in the match, Herath pitched one on middle stump, drew Azhar forward, and spun it past the outside edge to strike the top of off.

Younis took his time as usual, gradually playing himself in. He hung back when he could, and also used the sweep regularly to counter the spinners. The frequency of the stroke only increased after lunch, and Younis swept and reverseswept Dilruwan Perera off successive deliveries. It was Misbah’s turn to try a paddle off the very next ball, and Perera switched to round the wicket thereafter.

It only allowed Younis to bat even more positively against the offspinner; the batsman collected 48 off the 43 balls he faced from Perera. Just before drinks in the second session, Younis swept, lofted and

drove Perera for three consecutive fours. Younis also stepped out to hit Perera for six. Two balls later, he hit a reverse-sweep in the air, and Mahela Jayawardene, moving to his right from slip, got both hands to it but could not hold on. Younis was on 68.

He had already reviewed twice successfully, once on 20 after being given caught behind off Prasad, and on 59 after he was adjudged leg-before to Perera. On the first occasion, replays showed there was no bat involved, and on the second, the ball-tracker showed the delivery would have bounced just over the stumps.

Misbah had a review against him turned down when he was yet to get off the mark, with replays signaling umpire’s call on the point of impact off Angelo Mathews. Misbah took his first run off his 17th delivery, and his second scoring shot was a hook off Prasad off his 40th. He was happy to stay right back or lunge right forward and defend initially as Younis went about the scoring business. Sweeps and nudges brought him the odd run. Misbah battled till his 100th delivery proved to be a Herath stunner that pitched middle and leg and jagged past the push to take a nick through to the keeper.

Shafiq joined Younis and was quite eager to punish the bad deliveries. He was particularly severe on the cut and the pull and even

charged at Herath to hit him for a straight six. Pakistan rotated strike faster now and quickened up the scoring before the second new ball approached. Younis launched a series of powerful drives through the off side, the standout stroke being when he moved inside the line of a Herath ball to lift it over extra cover. With the surface having eased out considerably, the second new ball was much easier to handle than the first, and Pakistan closed the day having taken the last two sessions. (espncricinfo.com)

Younis Khan battled almost through the entire day

International and returning stars to boost Boyce/Jefford Classic

By Treiston Joseph

t is a little over a week

Ito go to the fifth edition of the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic set for August 16 and 17 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden.

The two-day event can be said to be Guyana’s best track and field meet since it not only offers clubs the opportunity to win money, but it also provides a high level of competition for athletes in Guyana, especially when some international stars grace the meet with their presence.

Looking at some of the stars set to flock to Guyana for the meet, Guyana’s own Brenessa Thompson, who

trains in the USA, will give the current crop of female sprinters the opportunity to test themselves against her.

However, what makes it interesting is the fact that the locals will have some degree of advantage competing on home soil, something Thompson might be unaccustomed to.

Another scenario to look at is one where Thompson will have to face Trinidad’s Kaylee Clark over the 200 metres.

Clark won Carifta gold this year by defeating Guyana’s own Kadecia Baird who took silver and, while Baird’s attendance at the meet is still not confirmed, to have both Clark and Thompson in the same

200 metres might just threaten the meet record held by Guyana’s Aliann Pompey.

Further, adding Alita Moore who trains in the USA to such an event, along with some of the locals, will only up the level of competition in that particular event which might just be the event of the day.

The likes of Trinidad’s Mark London and Tonya

ing top-notch performances on any given day.

Further, if the likes of Wayne Harlequin, Dennis Horatio and Trevor Scotland participate at the event, 800 metres will become even more interesting.

Meanwhile, it will be pleasing to the eyes to witness Olympian Winston George on local soil again, as the quarter-mile specialist is expected to be in

Nero will add to the middle- distance events that are also set to turn up the heat at the event. Nero is regarded as the Caribbean’s top female distance runner. She easily won the Wartsila 20K title here in Guyana in March and also ran in the 10,000m at the just concluded Commonwealth Games.

An 800- metre race among London, Guyana’s Kevin Bayley and Ornesto Thomas will definitely be an event to witness as all three men are capable of produc-

Guyana for the event.

George is arguably Guyana’s best product at the moment and to have him at Guyana’s best track and field meet will definitely be a moment to witness, since it has been a while since George has competed at home.

Overall, with the influx of international stars and the return of some of Guyana’s top athletes, the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic is shaping up to be one to savour.

Tiger Woods gets US PGA registration extension

Tiger Woods has until 10 minutes before Thursday’s teeoff time at the US PGA to declare himself fit to play following a back injury.

The American, 38, withdrew from last weekend’s WGCBridgestone Invitational after reinjuring his back. The four-time US PGA winner requested an extension to the deadline for registration, usually 17:00 on the eve of the tournament, and it was granted.

The 14-time major winner, whose caddie Joe LaCava has been pacing the Valhalla course in preparation, is due to play alongside fel-

LOC announces Under-19 venue changes

The West Indies Cricket Board announced on Wednesday that the local organising committee of the Regional Under-19 Tournament has changed the venues for three matches in the One-day competition currently taking place here.

First, the third round match between hosts Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago carded for Today, August 7 will now be played at Bourda Oval, the historic former international venue here.

Secondly, the fourth round match between T&T and Jamaica scheduled for Saturday, August 9, will now be played at the Demerara Cricket Club.

And finally, the seventh and final round match between Windward Islands and the Jamaicans set for Wednesday, August 13, will also be played at Bourda Oval.

Results of matches

3-Day Tournament

July 22 to 24

Jamaica beat Barbados by 6 wickets – Everest

Windwards beat Trinidad & Tobago by an innings and 21 runs – Enmore

Guyana drew with Leeward Islands – National Stadium

July 26 to 28

Trinidad & Tobago drew with Barbados – National Stadium

Leeward Islands beat Jamaica by 2 wickets – Demerara Cricket Club

Guyana beat Windward Islands by 4 wickets – Everest

July 30 to August 1

Barbados beat Leeward Islands by 8 wickets – Enmore

Guyana beat Trinidad & Tobago by an innings and 41 runs – Bourda Oval

Jamaica drew with Windward Islands – National Stadium

1-Day Tournament

August 4

Trinidad & Tobago beat ICC Americas by 164 runs – Demerara Cricket Club

Jamaica beat Barbados by 8 wickets – Bourda Oval

Guyana beat Leeward Islands by 76 runs – Enmore (Windward Islands bye)

August 5

Barbados beat Windward Islands by 2 wickets – Demerara Cricket Club

Guyana beat ICC Americas by 49 runs – Bourda Oval

Jamaica vs Leeward Islands, no result – Wales (Trinidad & Tobago bye)

August 7

Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Bourda Oval Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands – Enmore Jamaica vs ICC Americas – Everest (Barbados bye)

low American Phil Mickelson for the first two rounds. Woods had surgery in March, putting him out of action for three months, but had reported no problems with his back since returning in June - until last weekend. Two weeks ago, the world number 10 finished joint 69th at the Open, his worst showing in the event as a professional.

If Woods does not play, it would be the first time in his career he has missed three of the year’s four majors. It would also put his participation in September’s Ryder Cup in doubt.

Home side Alpha United dug deep but were not able to cancel out an early goal scored by Olimpia of Honduras when play got underway in Group 5 of the CONCACAF Champion’s League (CCL) at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Tuesday.

Alpha United came out looking a solid united but were unlucky to concede in the 17th minute when Alberth Elis found the back of the net for Olimpia

Strikers Kithson Bain and Gregory Richardson tried desperately to equalise but were unable to penetrate the tight defense of Olimpia who were keen on defending the slim lead in the second half.

Despite the loss, Alpha United would be happy it is just a 1-nil defeat and would look to quickly regroup for their clash with Portland Timbers of the USA on Tuesday August 19 at the National Stadium before engaging in return leg matches.

Trinidad’s Mark London leads the 800 metres heat at last year’s Boyce/Jefford Classic (Treiston Joseph photo)

Trinidad’s Tonya Nero easily won the Wartsila 20K title here in Guyana in March and also ran in the 10,000m at the just concluded Commonwealth Game (Photo: Paul E. Voisin)

Tiger Woods withdrew from last weekend’s WGCBridgestone Invitational after reinjuring his back

NSC cycling set for Saturday

Youngsters participating in the 38th annual Teach Them Young cycling camp will on Saturday get a chance to showcase their skills in a competitive environment when the National Sports Commission (NSC) stages its annual 11-race programme from 09:00h.

Every year, the NSC would sponsor two 11-race programmes to coincide with its Teach Them Young event, thereby affording young riders the opportunity to experience competitive racing at the country’s premier cycling track- the inner circuit of the National Park.

This year is no different and, according to National Coach and chief organiser of the camp, Hassan Mohamed, this will be the first of many races carded for the next few weekends.

“This is the first of two to be sponsored by the NSC, but we also have races every Saturday until the last weekend of August, so the riders are in for a busy pe-

riod. This is an opportunity for the young ones to showcase their talents and we expect to see some good riding from them,” Mohamed said. The youngsters will

Stag Beer/EDFA Senior League…

KK Warriors overcome Mocha Champs in thriller

Kuru Kururu Warriors pulled off a sensational win over the usually tough Mocha Champs when the battle for supremacy in the Stag Beer/East Bank Football Association division-one league continued on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield with two matches. The Warriors came from behind on two occasions to defeat a game Mocha Champs 3-2.

The opening game produced a comfortable 4-0 win for Soesdyke Falcons over Herstelling.

Mocha, yet to register a point in this the second and final round of the league, took the lead in the 5th minute through a Sherwin Fordyce goal as they signalled early intentions that they were going to take the fight to their opponents.

Mocha looked a well or-

ganised unit, whilst the Warriors took some time to get into their stride. The Soesdyke-Linden Highway based Warriors drew level in the 37th minute, after R. Haimnauth, who had looked very organised

playing left- side midfield, breached the Mocha defence.

The half- time whistle sounded without further changes to the scoreline. Both sides improved in defensive third but as the

New York Blasters for 20/20 games in Guyana

New York Blasterswinners of the first 20/20 New York Big Bash tournament this yearwill be playing a series of matches throughout Guyana this month.

The team’s trip to these shores has been made possible by cricket enthusiast Hafeez Ali of Rockaway Roti Shop and Taxi Service. Ali, who is well known for his passionate contribution to the sport, will also serve as manager of New York Blasters during the games.

compete in the BMX races, which will cater for different age groups, namely 6-9, 9-12, 12-14, Open and Boys and Girls.

The other races for the senior competitors will headlined by the gruelling 35-lap School Boys and Invitational, which was won last year by Albert Philander of the newly formed United Bikers Club. Philander won in a time of one hour, 35 minutes, 01 seconds (01h: 35m: 01s).

Some of the other category winners of 2013 were Alonzo Ambrose (Juvenile), Junior Niles (Veteran) and Keon Thomas (Mountain Bike).

Director of Sport Neil Kumar is expected to witness the day’s proceedings and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

In the opening game next Wednesday, the Blasters will travel to Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, to challenge the host, while the next day, the visitors will take on another opponent at the Rockaway Cricket ground at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara.

On August 15, Blasters will do battle in a day/night 20/20 game at Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park, against the home team in memory of the late Otis George, one of East Bank’s finest cricketers, who passed away recently.

From there, the Blasters will then move on to Chesney Sports Club ground, Corentyne, Berbice, where ardent fans of ex-Guyana batsman Sudesh Dhaniram will be waiting to welcome the opener, as they do battle with some former and current stars of the Ancient County. A soldout crowd is expected to witness Dhaniram revisit his glory days with some thrilling strokeplay on August 16.

The following day, New York Blasters will continue their tour of Guyana with a game against Canal Cricket

Club at the Canal Number One ground.

On August 20, the home ground of another former West Demerara and Guyana star, Rabindranauth Seeram, Cornealia Ida, will be the battlefield against a West Demerara select side that will comprise former and current stars. The tour will conclude with a game at Everest Cricket Ground in Georgetown on August 22, where another packed crowd is expected.

Speaking to this publication, Ali said he is looking forward to a successful tour, but more importantly wants to encourage Guyanese to come out in their numbers to witness the games and see both former and current players tussle it out in the middle. New York Blasters squad: Shameer Sadloo, Deryck McDonald, Robert Narine, Shivnan Ramjattan, Sudesh Dhaniram, Zaheer Saffie, Hafeez Ali, Everard Gonsalves, Parsaram Beepat, Hemender Ramdihal, Saud Hossein, Ameer Khan, Hemraj Chanderpaul, Sanjay Dhaniram and Moin Sadloo.

game matured, the fitness of players was now coming into focus. Mocha took back the lead in the 75th minute through an own goal that came off the boot of Warriors’ D. Roberts. Not content to allow Mocha an easy ride, the Warriors again equalised six minutes later when C. Johnson rocked the nets on the 81st minute. Now sens-

ing that they were the fitter of the two sides, the Warriors upped their offensive game, that pressure saw Mocha scoring against themselves in the 84th minute, Dwayne Layne being the culprit.

In the few remaining minutes, Kuru Kururu Warriors were able to defend their lead as Mocha’s efforts to at least take a

share of the points proved futile, the Warriors coming away with full points.

In the opening game, Soesdyke Falcons did not have any trouble in turning back the challenge of upstarts, Herstelling. Goals by Colin Holder (33), Roger Dey (60), Kisey Benson (70) and Ulato Sam in the 80th minute sealed the deal for the Falcons.

Top riders! The leading category riders from last year strike a pose

Flashback! Last year’s feature race winner Albert Philander receives his trophy from race organiser, Hassan Mohamed

Hafeez Ali

R Haimnauth of Kuru Kururu Warriors (left) battles with a Mocha player

Kuru Kururu Warriors goal- scorers R. Haimnauth (left) and C. Johnson

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) arrives in St Kitts this week and the players are going to continue to play the exciting and aggressive cricket that has been such a part of this year’s tournament.

Ahead of Thursday’s matches which see the Guyana Amazon Warriors take on Antigua Hawksbills at 16:00h and Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel play Barbados Tridents at 20:00h players and coaches from the four teams spoke of their commitment to playing cricket that is positive, aggressive and continues to delight the crowds.

Antigua Hawksbills Head Coach, Tim Nielsen, has been particularly impressed with the aggressive cricket that all teams have tried to play throughout the Limacol Caribbean Premier League and this had led to some excellent matches and a very lively atmosphere in the grounds.

Limacol CPL players looking to thrill the crowds in St Kitts

– players and coaches want the aggressive and exciting cricket to continue

Kevin Pietersen arrives in Caribbean for Limacol CPL

One of cricket’s most exciting batsmen, Kevin Pietersen, arrived in St Kitts on Wednesday to prepare to make his Limacol Caribbean Premier League debut this weekend for the St Lucia Zouks.

Ahead of back-toback matches against the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Warner Park, Kevin Pietersen spoke about how much he enjoys playing cricket in the Caribbean and the positive impact the CPL will have on the game by providing such a high profile stage for the region’s cricketers to perform on.

Kevin Pietersen (right), Matt Maynard and Tom Moody (Photo: CPLT20)

Antigua Hawksbills

Antigua Hawksbills’ Sheldon Cottrel will be hoping to capture some Guyana Amazon Warriors scalps when the two teams meet in St Kitts today