Guyana Times Daily

GECOM insiders apply for chief elections officer post

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1930 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

PRICE

Guyana blacklisted in draft CFATF report – Nandlall – money transfer agencies fear backlash

See stories on pages 13 & 17

$60 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Defaulting taxpayers make their first court P8 appearance Father of P10 eight killed in Onderneeming crash P11 Public consultation on Dakoura Creek plan for next week

– Govt completes committee’s work without opposition There may be dire consequences if Guyana fails to pass the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly by the November 18 deadline

Chronicle regrets buying printing press from Glenn Lall See story on page 9

Manickchand commissions new wing at Fort P12 Wellington Secondary School

Guyanese P12 youth ambassadors off to U.S. exchange programme 19 complete tour guiding P19 course

2 News

wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Budget cuts case

Nandlall wants court to “Let’s make our toshaos dismiss Granger’s appeal mark,” council head urges

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ttorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has asked the court to dismiss the appeal filed

by Opposition Leader David Granger, as it was misconceived and wholly flawed. He added that the case was out of the High Court’s jurisdiction.

On June 19, a decision was taken by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang to remove the opposition leader, as well as Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, as respondents from the ongoing 2012 budget cuts case, on the basis that as members of parliament, the Constitution provides them with immunity.

Granger has since sought to waive his immunity and appealed the decision.

The appeal was heard on Tuesday and the AG argued whether a right of appeal lies against an order which dis-

defendant has a right to be sued. It means that if the plaintiff does not sue the defendant, somehow the defendant may sue the plaintiff for not suing the defendant.

That is how we see it. That is a fundamental legal question that has to be answered,” the attorney general stated.

Unfair ruling – attorney

Opposition Leader David Granger

misses a defendant from a proceeding and if it does, to which court does the right lie, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

“I am confident that an appeal doesn’t lie in this circumstance. If an appeal lies against an order which dismisses the defendant from a case, it means that every

Attorney Basil Williams, who is representing Granger, argued that Justice Chang’s decision to exclude Granger from the budget cuts case was unfair to the opposition, and that Granger was not dismissed, but struck out of the case.

The ongoing budget cut case is related to the 2012 national budget, which was slashed by the parliamentary opposition, causing the government to take legal action on the basis that the opposition has no power to cut the

budget, but to either approve or reject.

Justice Chang, in a preliminary ruling on the case, said the National Assembly cannot cut the budget and the finance minister has the authority to allocate monies as needed. But the opposition again in 2013 slashed more than $30 billion from the estimates, prompting a return to the court for a final ruling.

The AG has expressed confidence in winning the appeal, and hopes for a speedy completion so that the case can move ahead.

The appeal is being tried in the High Court before Justices James BovellDrakes and Rishi Persaud.

Attorneys Joseph Harmon and Deborah Backer also represent the complainant, while AG Nandlall, Safraz Hussein and Ariana McLean are representing the government.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai addressing the gathering at the opening of the seventh National Toshaos Council meeting on Monday at the GICC

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ational Toshaos Council Chairman Derrick John on Monday implored village leaders to remain committed to serving their people and working towards a better quality of life.

Delivering brief remarks during the opening ceremony of the conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), he told leaders, “we have to create a legacy, we have to make our mark for the progress of our communities that others can follow us and remember us when we are gone.”

He noted that as members of the NTC, toshaos have a critical role to play in promoting and protecting the mandate of the council.

“I say this, because many of us are being sidetracked by various organisations and may, at times, instead of promoting the NTC, we degrade it and condemn the work and that is not good as a people… when you do that, you are condemning your own work,” said John.

The chairman said if members can work collaboratively to progress the lives of their people, the indigenous people of the country will move to greater heights. He said at this year’s NTC meeting, he hopes village leaders will be able to deliberate and build partnerships and share experiences with each other.

Investment

He recognised the great investment made in hinterland communities over the past two decades, noting that village economies have been boosted.

“We, as leaders, we have a great role in continuing that progress, so as we deliberate with the president and other stakeholders, I hope we so can do it in a meaningful way,” he said.

He was aware that it was a great challenge for some young leaders who, like him-

National Toshaos Council Chairman Derrick John

self, did not have much experience, thus he encouraged them that with the “spirit to serve your people, we have to do it with dignity and honour.”

John highlighted that there were still various challenges in villages that need to be addressed in communities, noting that the major challenges are the adaptation to climate change, employment for youths, and reducing poverty in communities.

“I think that if we can live up to the theme of this year’s meeting, “Culture of Good Governance for Sustained Village Economies”, we can fight these challenges,” he underscored.

Work for people’s benefit

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai debunked claims by some nongovernmental organisations that the Amerindian Act is inadequate.

Sukhai disclosed that “the authority to deal with affairs of Amerindians was for the first time placed solidly in the hands of the village council, leaving no room for unelected groups to exhort influence or push local leaders to make decisions ...”

She urged Amerindian leaders also to put aside their political allegiances and work for the benefit of the people. “Let us as leaders work to stop these dangerous campaigns being waged to stymie overall progress.”

News

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, October 23 from 05:00h to 06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, October 23 from 06:50h to 08:20h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected during the day with heavy rain showers in the evening over coastal and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 2.22 and 2.5 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:39h and 18:49h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.54 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:13h and 12:24h reaching minimum heights of 0.59 metres and 0.78 metres respectively.

saturday, october 19, 2013

LOTTERY NUMBERS O 19 08 11 15 02 25 03 FREE TICKET TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013

Daily Millions

19 10 12 13 22 LUCKY 3

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Draw De Line 05

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

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wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Companies flouting new minimum wage rule – Labour Ministry threatens court action

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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abour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul said his ministry was preparing charges against a large security firm, having found that it was in breach of the new minimum wage order.

Dr Gopaul told this newspaper during an exclusive interview on Tuesday that his ministry believed that wages owed to workers at that particular firm could run into millions of dollars.

He said the firm had not been paying staff according to the previous minimum wage order, much less the new one.

While the minister did not disclose the name of the security firm, he noted that strict measures will be taken against the owners. He also disclosed that the firm has, for a number of years, been awarded several government contracts.

“We believe that the company has violated not only the minimum wage now, but the previous order and we cannot tolerate that, if it means taking the toughest action against the company we will do so,” the minister asserted.

Dr Gopaul also stated that it was found that some private sector companies had not implemented the new minimum wage order.

However, after inspectors working with the ministry would have discovered that, the businesses were instructed to comply with the order or face prosecution.

Many of these said companies are now complying and have started paying salaries retroactive to July 1, the date the national minimum wage order came into effect.

Inspection

He said, “I want to say clearly that we have given enough time, and we will charge and prosecute persons once they fail to implement. We will continue doing inspection works in and around Georgetown in particular and move into the other communities.”

Regions Six and Nine will also be targeted, particularly as the ministry has been getting reports that employers there are not paying overtime, which is mandatory in the new order.

The ministry will ensure strict compliance in this re-

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul

gard and plans to carry out several other exercises, to ensure that employees are given what they deserve by their employers, Dr Gopaul said.

In January, government established a ministerial team to fine-tune the necessary procedures that would facilitate the establishment of a national minimum wage. This effort was led by the labour minister.

This initiative was strongly supported at the level of the tripartite committee, which consisted of government officials, representatives from the various labour organisations and the private sector. The new

minimum wages agreed to are: $35,000 monthly, $8000 weekly, and $200 hourly.

This new national minimum wage affects all business sectors in Guyana, replacing the existing one that covered only specific sectors.

Government had said that the new national minimum wage is an improvement that will bind employers across the board to subscribe to a standard amount to be earned by any employee.

It could also put an end to underpayment and reduce workers’ exploitation by employers. (samuelsukhnan-

dan@guyanatimesgy.com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2013

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

Editorial

The anti-money laundering bill

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he recent call by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for support of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill echoes the concerns raised by all stakeholders, including this publication, regarding the impact on Guyana’s economy should these vital pieces of legislation be delayed further.

Guyana’s political stakeholders cannot afford at this time to play politics with this important legislation and it is incumbent upon civil society to continue to put pressure on our leaders to rise above partisan interests and pass the legislation as soon as possible.

It could be recalled that Guyana had missed the August 26 deadline that was set by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force for the enactment of the bill, as the government and the opposition were unable to reach consensus on the bill. However, an extension was granted until November and it is still not clear as to whether the country will meet that new deadline.

On its part, the government had accused the opposition of dragging its feet on the legislation at the level of the Special Parliamentary Select Committee and believes that the opposition might be plotting their next move on how to blame the administration for the country’s failure to enact the bill.

On the other hand, Opposition Leader David Granger says that his party would not be rushed into passing legislation just to satisfy the government’s desire. He was quoted as saying that the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) is in the process of taking evidence from stakeholders, noting that the Financial Intelligence Unit, which will be responsible for implementing the bill, once passed, has received severe criticisms since its establishment some four years ago.

Whatever the case is, the political players must do all that is necessary and have the legislation passed in order to escape sanctions. Experts have warned that the consequences of such a delay will transfer to the common man.

One example of these consequences will be felt by recipients of remittances because financial institutions will be subjected to intensified scrutiny and increased penalty fees for operating in a non-compliant country. Those increased fees will be incurred by the consumer.

From all indications, some countries have already begun to beef up sanctions as a result of Guyana’s failure to pass the AMLCFT bill. For example, the Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank has issued a letter to the commercial banks in Trinidad and Tobago regarding doing business with Guyana and engaging in foreign currency transactions. According to the PSC, the cautionary letter has caused TT companies to increase scrutiny of Guyanese companies with which they do business.

Further, many questions will be raised about the legitimacy of Guyanese companies and their transactions, which were previously routine and normal. This will result in a burdensome process for transactions such as purchasing a foreign currency draft, which now requires the completion of lengthy forms and the carrying out of a due diligence procedure for each transaction.

With the slow progress on addressing the deficiencies in the anti-money laundering act, the PSC believes that correspondent banks will further increase their queries regarding customer transactions. As a result, the cost of doing business will rise as companies attempt to offset losses due to increased restrictions and delay.

That being said, we believe that the administration has made exhaustive efforts to involve and accommodate the opposition via a number of attempts to meet as frequently as possible in the Select Committee of the National Assembly to discuss the bill.

Government has also offered to meet with the opposition in the committee on two occasions thus far but those efforts have been futile.

We join with local stakeholders and the international community in calling for both the government and the opposition parties to stop the blame game and work together in the nation’s interest to have the AMLCFT bill passed, taking into considering the November deadline.

As stated by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, this is necessary as it will demonstrate to international banks and lending agencies that Guyana’s financial system is credible, stable and accountable.

Staff of the Office of the President with President Donald Ramotar on his birthday on Tuesday (GINA photo)

But for the serious issues addressed, Lalloo Ram calling for my disbarment would be hilarious!

Dear Editor, Lallbachan Christopher Ram (Lalloo) published a letter on October 20, headlined, “Ms Jaya Manickchand’s post also reveals a bigoted perception of crime”. It appears that only one section of the society has the right to the freedom of speech, which, the last time I checked, is guaranteed by the Constitution for all Guyanese.

Ram, in his usual ill informed manner, wrote a letter to your newspaper, amongst other things, calling for me to be disbarred because I gave my opinion on a very serious issue. It is this very Ram, who is calling for my disbarment, who has sworn affidavits, court records and police reports against him. I am surprised he was even admitted to the practice of law in Guyana, but that is a whole different matter.

It is not surprising that Ram chose to write on a selected part of what I said in the threads discussing my comment, since his writings are, in my view, politically motivated and often mischievous. I am not a politician. I

am a Guyanese citizen who has a guaranteed right to the freedom of speech.

I expressed my opinion on a serious issue. He has every right to differ in his opinion and publish that differing opinion, but as a public personality and lawyer, he should not deliberately mislead readers.

Ram did not get the said quote off of my Facebook page. I do not have Ram as a friend. This was my comment on a thread on someone else’s Facebook page. I resigned my post as a commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). I am sure Ram knows this.

I am not a member or part of any political party, Although, I may not agree with all of its decisions, I chose to and still do proudly support the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). If Ram and other like persons are in the hierarchy of other political parties, the prospects for Guyanese would be daunting, and quite frankly, they would be unable to get my support.

Ram should not go assuming that he knows what

I think or what I believe.

This is not about a particular class as he puts it. Even in his quote, he claimed I stated “all”, hence I could not have been referring to any one class. For me, it matters not what class, religion or race one is from. If one attacks the police or another using force, the police or that other is entitled to respond with reasonable force.

“Reasonable” would depend on the kind of force with which the police is met. In this case, the police say there was a shootout. I believe them.

Let me state emphatically, as I have done in that same conversation that Ram failed to tell his readers about, I am against extra judicial killings. So if it were to be found that the police used unnecessary force, I would be loud in my criticism of them.

I have just as strong views of men who rape women and children and men who beat up and abuse their wives and children. I think they should be thrown into the lock ups and punished in accordance with the law. Clearly, Ram

would not like my views on these issues either.

It appears to me that a certain section of the society justifies criminal behaviour and makes excuses for it because it suits their political or financial agenda. To them, I say, evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

It appears that Ram has idle time to write trash on a daily basis. I suggest he consider volunteering with troubled youth and actually make a difference.

Please ask him, though, not to offer legal advice, because clearly he does not know the provisions of the supreme law of the land, our Constitution. It allows for one to protect oneself or another from harm and/or trespass to person or property.

I expect Ram and his friends will write and write and write on this matter.

This is air to them. I, however, will not be engaging again on this issue.

With regards, Jaya Manickchand Concerned citizen of Guyana/attorney

NCPE expresses gratitude to government

Dear Editor, The National Community Policing Executive (NCPE) wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the government of Guyana, which through the Home Affairs Ministry (MOHA), provided recently the requisite tools and equipment valued over $17 million that will definitely fortify the operational capabilities in the various Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and their divisions

countrywide.

The NCPE also acknowledges and proclaims with dignity and pride on the perpetual development that our organisation continues to enjoy, which is directly and basically due to the steadfast astute leadership of Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

We also pay tribute to the continued commitment of the government of Guyana in providing the requisite

equipment and tools to ensure that the responsibilities of CPGs in Guyana are fulfilled, especially in ensuring public safety and security at the community level, and likewise ensuring on our availability to efficiently support the police in the maintenance of law and order in our respective communities.

We further declare that our foremost objective will be to grow from strength

to strength on the building of our organisation further, where members now will also have to fulfil on responsibilities that are to be fulfilled, and ensure that respect is maintained within the organisation and the various communities we serve.

Yours respectfully, Edward A Persaud Public Relations Officer, NCPE

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2013

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

Adam Harris opened the door for me to expose suppressed evidence Dear Editor, In a court of law, previously suppressed evidence may be admitted any time the defendant or defence counsel raises (or merely hints at) an issue relating to that evidence. The court of public opinion is no different.

If I had tried to publish this information before now, I’m sure it would have been discarded as old and irrelevant.

Old yes, but certainly not irrelevant, for it forms a part of our history that the young people of Guyana should know, but don’t. Fortunately, an article, “Chat language will get us no jobs”, written by my good friend, Editorin-Chief of Kaieteur News Adam Harris, opened the door for me to respond in a way that exposes some of the very “suppressed evidence” he would have previously not printed. Thank you, Adam!

In his Sunday column (October 20), Harris described the Guyana education system as “calamitous”.

He must be joking! There was a time when the use of this adjective would have been appropriate to describe education in Guyana, this is not it. The reason why the People’s National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is still a major political force, is because they have been very successful at suppressing the evidence from our youthful population of a shameful period in our history under PNC rule. Harris is well familiar with this.

As editor of the PNC’s New Nation newspapers back then, he would have had knowledge of the decrepit education system that existed in 1991 under the Desmond Hoyte administration, but said nothing.

Perhaps he could not have said anything without fear of losing his job. But if

Adam had the courage to speak out, as our democracy now allows him to do, he would have been standing on solid ground.

Very often, someone would say to me, “The young people of today are not interested in the past, Harry, they want to know what the government is doing now”. While this may be so, it would certainly be helpful if our youths know where we came from, and the good financial management of Guyana’s resources that have brought us to where we are today.

A World Bank Report, “Guyana Public Sector Review” (http://www-wds. worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/ WDSP/I B 1993/10 /0 1 /0 0 0 009265_3970716142538/ Rendered/PDF/multi_page. pdf), painted a very dismal picture of Guyana’s education system during the PNC reign – one that David Granger, Carl Greenidge and company should be ashamed of. Here are a few snippets from that report: “In 1991, Guyana’s educational system was probably the weakest in the Caribbean.

Learning in schools, as measured by national and Caribbean-wide examinations was extremely low. A large proportion of the teaching force was unqualified and untrained. Text books and teaching aids were seldom available.”

The report continued: “Although the government has widely acknowledged and stressed the important role of education in Guyana’s economic development, resource allocation to the (education) sector has declined sharply over the past decade.

Spending on education accounted for only about 7.4 per cent of total recurrent expenditures in 1991, whereas in 1984 they had accounted

for 17.6 per cent of total recurrent spending…The most notable change has been the sharp decline in spending on teachers’ salaries, both by the ministry and the regional administrations between 1986 and 1991. Over this period, spending on salaries by the ministry dropped from 62 per cent to 25 per cent.”

A headmaster/mistress maximum salary in 1990 was a mere $733 (US$16.29) per month. In 1992, it was $1708 (US$13.66). Note: as of mid1990, the official exchange rate was G$45 per U.S. dollar, but the unofficial rate (at the legal exchange houses) was G$80 for US$1.

An important milestone was reached in early 1991 when Guyana adopted a floating exchange, removing the distinction between the official and the market exchange rates. The Guyanese dollar stabilised at US$1=G$125 in June 1991. Today, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, a headmaster/mistress maximum salary is $213,907 (US$1069).

The report confirmed a severe shortage of textbooks during this period. “Visits to primary schools revealed that students frequently had no access to textbooks…

Schools, which generally lack fences and seldom have secured windows or shutters, have become targets of theft.

Water facets, furniture and other equipment are routinely stolen… Educational efficiency in Guyana is low and the range of problems to be addressed is vast. Learning is low, teacher quality poor and resource constraints severe.”

“The percentage of primary students passing the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE) is exceedingly low. (Note: this has been replaced by the National

A view from The Dominican Republic

Dear Editor, With due respect, I am a citizen of The Dominican Republic who has the utmost respect and affection for the lovely land of one of my heroes, Dr Cheddi Jagan. I am sure he is living with God. Throughout my life in the U.S., I have become acquainted with so many people from your country – some of whom I have told, “You are my godson,” and they were happy because of my love for them.

Unfortunately now, a fellow from your country has dared to tell my sovereign and independent country (The Dominican Republic) how to govern.

That is an absolute lack of respect that we [Dominicans] are not going to tolerate.

Are you following orders from the North? Then you are not independent.

Please sit back and consider this: we have never been disrespectful of your lovely

Guyana.

Do not take us as enemies. You have never fought.

We have been fighting for hundreds of years and know how to do it.

This is not a threat, just a warning. Let’s continue our friendship. Do not interfere with our internal affairs. May the Lord bless an un-interfering Guyana!

Yours truly, Tom Marus The Dominican Republic

Grade Six Assessment today.) In 1990, only 19 per cent passed English, 18 per cent passed mathematics, and 19 per cent passed social studies… In 1992, of students writing the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examination, only nine per cent passed English, five per cent social studies, and 18 per cent mathematics.”

“The quality of the teaching force in Guyana is extremely low, both at the primary and secondary levels.

Data for 1990 show that 38 per cent of teachers in primary schools and 42 per cent of teachers in secondary schools were either untrained or unqualified. The situation is considerably worst in poorer and rural regions: 78 per cent of primary teachers in Region Eight and 90 per cent of secondary teachers in Region Seven are unqualified and untrained.”

The report now gets more depressing. “Limited capital investment in the (education) sector has meant that very few schools have been constructed during the past two decades. Much of the capi-

tal stock (school buildings) is extremely old and dilapidated. Ministry records show that 35 per cent of schools in use were constructed before 1920. Facilities built to accommodate 150 students may house as many as 420.”

“A limited survey in the sector in 1991 showed only 10 per cent of schools to be in satisfactory condition. Thirty per cent need significant repairs and the remaining 60 per cent require substantial rehabilitation. Many schools lack doors and windows and have inadequate sanitation facilities without running water.”

I can go on and on, but I’m sure you’ve got the picture. If parents and teachers still find the need to protest conditions at schools, it must be their will, and not allow themselves to be misguided by politicians in the PNC/ APNU with an agenda, and a shameful history of retarding our children’s academic progress.

When you compare the “calamitous” education system as described above to the tremendous importance

this government has placed on education over the years (the Education Ministry’s national budget of $28.7 billion is the largest of any ministry of the government), you must conclude that Harris’ article was both unfair and irresponsible, and cries out for an apology.

Space does not permit me to fully explain the tremendous benefits to students, now that Portuguese has been introduced in the school’s curriculum as another foreign language. But with a robust Brazilian economy south of the border, and the sheer number of Brazilians now investing here, job creation must be high on the list.

Although I share Adam’s concern for the way the younger generation communicates while texting and on social media such as Facebook, the Education Ministry could hardly be blamed for this new phenomenon created with the onset of information technology.

Sincerely, Harry Gill

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WEDNESday, october 23, 2013

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation Easy ways to get involved in the

BY LISA CAPRETTO

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arental involvement in the classroom has had a proven, positive effect on children’s success. But how do you find time in your already-busy schedule to volunteer? Try these simple ways to make the most of the upcoming school year.

On your very last day of school, you probably relished the fact that you’d never have to step foot in a classroom ever again. Goodbye, homework! So long, teachers! School is out, for good.

Until you became a parent, that is.

According to decades of scientific research – including a study from the U.S. Department of Education that reviews 30 years of research – parental involvement in the classroom is a key factor in improving students’ academic performance. Returning to the classroom and showing up to school translates into your child’s overall success.

With study after study revealing the dramatic impact of parental presence, it’s been drilled into the heads of moms and dads across the country that they must make an effort in their children’s classrooms. Sure, you know that’s what you need to do, but do you know how to do it?

Between demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, household upkeep, frequent errands and cooking for what sometimes seems like a small army, it may seem impossible to find time to devote to being in yet another place at another time, all school year long. But even the busiest parents can get involved in the classroom without spending time they don’t have or stretching themselves too thin. The secret is knowing how to allocate your limited availability and which small-scale ideas have a big impact.

The power of three hours

Volunteering in the classroom for just three hours over the course of the entire school year is enough to make an impact.

With free online resources, sample forms, pro-

motional fliers and a forum for ideasharing, all you need to focus on is your child.

So, find just three hours over the course of nine months to volunteer in your child’s classroom, and you’ll be helping set him up for success not just now, but in the future as well.

According to Danielle Wood, editor-in-chief of Education.com, the best

opportunities for classroom involvement occur when children are younger. “Teachers are eager to have extra eyes, ears and hands in the classroom to keep things running smoothly,” she says. She shares some simple ideas for how parents can get involved at both the early and later stages of their children’s academic careers.

Younger children

Be a class reader. Offer to come in to read to the whole class of children or to individual children who need more support. Work as a centre/ lab helper. Teaching things like science, art and computer lab to young children requires lots of hands-on help, and under tight budgets, these are often the first areas to be cut. If you have an interest in one of these areas, offer to come in once a week to lend a hand. Offer to tutor. Teachers

usually have to teach to a wide range of abilities.

Having parents on hand to give one-on-one support to students on the high and low ends of the spectrum gives the teacher more time to focus on the middle. Volunteer as class parent. If you have more time to give, this is a fantastic opportunity, usually involving organising parties and teacher gifts throughout the year.

The parentteacher team: Dealing with difficult situations (CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY)

Older children

Assist with a special interest club or drama group. With teachers being asked to do more and more with fewer resources, sometimes it’s up to parents to keep extracurricular activities going. Speak to classes about your career or special expertise.

One of the most important gifts you can give a child is the gift of inspiration. Older children have moved beyond wanting to be a fireman or the president and need role models to teach them about other career opportunities. Work as a library assistant. Helping children discover books they love or research topics they’re excited about can be a really rewarding experience for parents. Volunteer to help with sports programmes.

Keeping children active is critical to their physical and emotional health. Parent involvement can do a lot for increasingly underfunded school sport programmes.

Learn about the PTAs and ways to get involved

Make all families feel welcome. Greet other parents at school activities and events, sit with someone you don’t know and get to know them.

Recruit bilingual parents to greet and interpret for families whose first language is not English.

Ask the school district to provide translation headsets for parent meetings. Offer family activities at low or no cost so everyone can participate; budget PTA/parent group funds for this purpose.

Hold meetings in a variety of community locations (such as the local library, a church) to make them accessible to all. (Oprah.com) TO BE CONTINUED

Be supportive Be supportive when a teacher is facing struggles with your child, even if the situations seem trivial when compared to your struggles at home. You can help the teacher cope with situations that are familiar to you – because you’ve raised your child for years – but that may be unfamiliar to him or her – because they don’t have that same history with your child.

Show a united front to the district special education and administrative staff. They need to know you support your child’s teachers.

Support goes both ways – when you need the teachers’ help, they will be more willing to step up to the challenge if you have worked them along the way in the spirit of partnership.

Get involved at a higher level Take the lead in making sure special education gets the support it needs to continue to be effective! Go to school board meetings and learn what’s going on with funding and budgets.

Although we’d like to think that we can “do it all alone,” parents must work with a whole network of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel throughout their child’s education. With the right mindset and a clear view of the goal ahead, every parent can move forward with a support team, rather than a long list of opponents in the struggle for success.

Have patience when discussing difficult situations with your child’s teachers Try to respond, not react – count to 10 and breathe.

The calmer you are in frustrating situations, the more reasonable your approach will be if you need to address a problem.

Don’t always assume that any account of a conflict or event is 100 per cent accurate. Take time to listen to the teacher, and give all parties a chance to share their version of events before reacting. (ncld.org)

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wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

GECOM insiders UNESCO sponsors TVET training workshop apply for chief S elections officer post – commission to meet Tuesday to shortlist applicants

By Michael Younge

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eputy Chief Elections Officer Calvin Benn and his assistant, Keith Lowenfield are among the 14 persons who have applied to become the chief elections officer Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The seven-member commission met on Tuesday afternoon to finalise when it will meet to begin the process of shortlisting suitable candidates for the post, which became vacant after GECOM declined to renew the contract of then Chief Elections Officer Gocool Boodoo.

Sources told Guyana Times that Benn’s and Lowenfield’s applications were among the lot received by the commission.

However, when contacted the commission’s chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, declined to divulge any information about the identity of the applicants, explaining that that would be unprofessional and premature at this stage.

Transparent

He would only confirm that among the applicants were three overseas professionals. Surujbally said the commission had ceased receiving applications on September 30 and was now duty-bound to ensure that the right and transparent processes are utilised to select the new chief elections officer.

Asked whether there was any urgency to make the appointment, given the fact that local government elections were expected soon, he responded in the negative.

“There is no rush, but I suspect you could say that we are in a haste to get it right,” he explained, as he noted the importance of the post.

Dr Surujbally also confirmed that the applications for the post were with the commissioners who are mandated by law to make the final decision.

“The person will be an optimal choice in all respects,” the chairman offered, stating that it was his hope that the commissioners would all make a unanimous decision.

He shied away from considering what would happen if the commission is split on the appointment and how this could affect the level of confidence the public has in whoever is chosen in this sce-

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally

nario.

“You are asking me to speculate and I will not. I would like this to be a total commission decision,” he reiterated.

The GECOM chairman has also expressed hope that the process remains free from political interference, which has tainted similar appointments especially as elections loom.

“I have a preference down for unanimity, since it is such an important position.

I do hope that the best person would be chosen without political interference and influence or political consideration,” he opined.

Asked whether he could confirm if there were any former or present politicians or known political personalities among applicants, Dr Surujbally also declined to “speculate”, saying it would be “inappropriate”.

He reported that the commission will contact the persons who are shortlisted when the time occurs and will follow the established protocols to ensure the highest levels of transparency.

Denial

Meanwhile, Dr Surujbally has denied allegations that GECOM’s functionality and efficient administration has been impaired following the departure of Boodoo. He said the commission has been functioning as it ought to.

Currently, the staff is focused on the continuous registration process. “It is going very well and the team has been together for a very long time,” the chairman said. He dismissed speculation that there was an administrative vacuum at the constitutional body.

The seven-member commission had refused to renew Boodoo’s contract after concerns raised in the oppo-

sition camp about a computing mistake with the allocation of seats.

Commissioner Sandra Jones, who filled the void that was left when opposition-appointed commissioner Robert Williams died, along with her colleagues Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin, voted against Boodoo’s reappointment.

Government-appointed Commissioner Jaya Manickchand, who, along with her colleagues Dr Kishav “Bud” Mangal and Mahmood Shaw, voted in favour of Boodoo’s reappointment, did not feel that the matter was dealt with fairly from the onset.

The GECOM chairman was forced to break the tie and cast the deciding vote.

Boodoo had moved to the High Court to challenge any attempt by GECOM to vote against his bid for reappointment, saying he had a legitimate expectation, but the case was dismissed on technicalities.

The commissioners subsequently drafted new terms of reference for the position of chief elections officer.

everal Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) assessors are benefiting from a nine-day training workshop, which is being sponsored by the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO and the Education Ministry.

The training, which began on Monday, is aimed towards creating a strategy to ensure that the national TVET programme has an adequate number of evaluators.

National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Inge Nathoo said the workshop, which is being hosted at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) is important at this point, given Guyana’s goal to attain certification to issue the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).

In her address at the opening of the workshop, Nathoo said globalisation, technological advances, demographic pressures, social inequalities and the quest for sustainable development are creating demand for TVET policies and programmes.

Nathoo stated the TVET programme responds to labour market demands and supports youth transition between schools and the world of work.

She believes it will help to promote poverty reduction, social inclusion and gender equality.

The UNESCO official also urged the Council for TVET to integrate policy experiences, monitoring and evaluation, research, international dialogue, and partnership.

This integrated approach, she said, will be further enhanced based on the conclusions of the mid-term review of the TVET strategy.

Competency-based

In his address, Council for TVET Director Sydney Walters said 268 persons have been trained in delivering a competency-based modularised curriculum and 150 persons have been trained as assessors.

Walters explained that that training was one of the major requirements before Guyana can award the CVQ. The participants will be trained with the use of a manual, which is divided into four units: plan assessment; conduct assessment, review assessment; and develop assessment tools.

The units are further divided into ten modules.

Successful completion of the four units enables the participant to fulfil the require-

UNESCO Secretary General Inge Nathoo ment for a Level 4 Certificate in Assessment, which is mandatory for one to be recognised as a certified assessor by the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA).

The Council for TVET is authorised by CANTA to train and certify assessors. The structure of the assessment system requires that the services of internal verifiers and external verifiers.

The internal verifier is responsible for the development and execution of assessment in the institution, while the external verifier is the Council for TVET representative.

8 news

wednesday, october 23, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Defaulting taxpayers make their first court appearance

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everal persons sued by the City Council for nonpayment of rates and taxes made their first court appearance on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Dr Jennifer BasdeoGreen, wife of Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green is

being sued for $10,145,631 for nonpayment of rates and taxes for the period of 19972013.

Green was represented in court by Attorney Robert Corbin who wrote the court asking to be excused. Her matter is adjourned to November 18.

Rajpati Latchmansingh

also known as Sandra Singh owes the City Council $9,244,124 and was ordered by the court to pay the sum. Former Deputy Mayor George Sebastian was represented in court by great-granddaughter Mary Hernandez who asked the court for some time to secure representation, while

the matter of Garland Lodge who owes the City Council $2,491,217 was transferred to today where it will be heard in Court Eight at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The matters were filed by former GGG City Councillor and Executive Member, Attorney Euclin Gomes.

Lorry driver on bail for causing death by dangerous driving

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n Tuesday, a 22-year-old man was placed on $350,000 bail after he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Dev Harkishun of Lot 1A Pump Road, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown was not required to plead to the indictable charge which

read that on October 19 at Rupert Craig Highway, he drove motor lorry GRR 5801 in a manner dangerous to the public thus causing the death of 77-year-old Stanley Roach of Lot 70 Evan Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

According to the facts, on the day in question, Harkishun drove and parked the motor lorry on the southern carriage-

way, close to the parapet in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy and left to conduct some business.

On his return, he boarded the vehicle and began to reverse.

He did so for about 1015 feet when the rear of the lorry collided with Roach causing him to fall to the ground. The left rear wheel of the vehicle then ran over

the victim.

Harkishun was represented by Attorney Sase Gunraj who told the court that his client has no prior run-ins with the law and is not a flight risk.

In addition to being granted bail, Harkishun was ordered to lodge his passport and other travel documents. The matter stands adjourned to November 11.

Man remanded for simple larceny

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man was remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of simple

larceny.

Albert De Freitas, 49, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on October 16 at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, he stole from Nicholas Barrage a quanti-

ty of clothing, fishing equipment, two compact still cameras, one cellphone, one Iphone charger and one British passport, totalling £5000 (G$1.5 million).

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt

objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

Bail was refused and the matter stands adjourned to November 8 for statements.

Eyew tness Back to...

...TT tribal politics he fellas from New York who walked out of the Alliance For Change (AFC) say they wanted to bring Trinidad and Tobago’s politics into Guyana.

When they made that curious asseveration, Jack Warner had just won a by-election in an overwhelming United National Congress (UNC) constituency (read “Indian” voters).

And on that one swallow – not even a Sparrow – they marched into the arms of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Tribal politics, they sniffed, was over: it was going to be the dawning of the age of “crossover”.

The “big tent” of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which had become APNU, was going to lead them into the promised land.

Well, over in TT, crossovers took a nosedive in their local government/municipality/corporations elections – call it what you may – which was just held. Unlike what the motley crew in the pro-Guyana members of APNU placed their bets on, in Trinidad, every man-jack went back to their tribe...and the results were just like the old ethnic censuses.

So much for the ability of the floor-crossers of the AFC to read tea leaves. But then, with their top member being an economist, their prognosticating equipment hasn’t been on target for a decade now, has it? But what does Trinidad tell us about voter preferences? Well one thing for sure: when the chips are down, the cows are going to return home as the sun starts to set.

The vote for Jack, as we said at the time in this column, was a warning to the UNC leaders not to neglect their core constituencies. Jack played out the true meaning of being a “people’s representative”: he was there for his constituents while the UNC played at being “for one and all”. They forgot that famous axiom of politics – “all politics is local”. Jack forced them to remember.

Another group that tried to be all things to all people – the Congress of the People (COP) – was wiped out.

Completely. Not even a seat. For now, Jack’s Independent Liberal Party (ILP) is the third force. You would remember a couple of years ago that Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC went to COP’s convention and confessed as to how the two parties were like peas from the same pod. If Trinidad’s experience is any guide, we now know then, that the AFC is also going the way of the Dodo.

What did they say? Good riddance to bad rubbish?

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...good eating They can knock the aesthetics of the Berbice Bridge all they want, but like Deng Xiaoping once said, it doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or brown: once it catches the rats. And your Eyewitness will tell you, that Berbice Bridge is a God send. How else could we have sampled the Curried Duck Competition in Berbice (Number 63 Beach, even!) and the Choka Fest in Georgetown on the same day?

And we’ll tell you – all of that done after an allnighter at the R Kelly concert! Truth is Guyana’s ethnic diversity might lead to some hiccups in politics – but it’s an unadulterated boon to an Eyewitness who just “loves a food”. Duck isn’t an easy meat to make palatable. Its natural gaminess and abundance of fat pose a formidable challenge to the culinary artist.

The two most ancient civilisations of Planet Earth – China and India have each come up with their own response to that challenge. The Chinese gave us Peking Roast Duck and the Indians, Curried Duck. But if you really think about it – while the Indians from India can boast about curried mutton, duck hardly gets a mention.

And that’s because it’s a Caribbean innovation. Who says the West Indians never created anything? Take a bow Duck Curriers! ...basics The “choka” on the other hand is good old-fashioned peasant food from the Bhojpuri Belt of India, from where most of the immigrants originated. We’re happy to see it going upscale. Can’t we now market “bigan choka” as “eggplant caviar”?

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wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, October 23, 2013

News

16th CPA confab to be held in Guyana T

he Guyana branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) will be hosting the 16th biennial conference of presiding officers and clerks of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic region of the group from October 26 to 31.

The conference aims to explore the key features of an effective parliament in order to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the presiding officers and clerks; maintain, foster and encourage impartiality and fairness on the part of the presiding officers and clerks of various parliaments; promote professional development, knowledge and understanding of parliamentary democracy in its various forms; and strengthen the indepen-

dence of parliaments.

The meetings are expected to be attended by delegates from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, and the host country.

In addition to the two days of plenary sessions, the delegates will be treated to a luncheon to be hosted jointly by the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs and Raphael Trotman; a din-

ner to be hosted

by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Opposition Leader David Granger, and a cocktail reception to be hosted by President Donald Ramotar. The conference, which was first held in 1969, operates on a two-year cycle. The opening ceremony will be held on Monday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown at 09:00h.

Duo in court Lindener remanded for assault on armed robbery charge T

wo men appeared in the Christianburg Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday and were granted bail by Magistrate Clive Nurse for the offence of assault.

Benedict Francis, 45, and Riley Francis, 33, both farmers of Moblissa, LindenSoesdyke Highway, pleaded not guilty to three charges, including assault and two separate cases of using threatening language.

It is alleged that they unlawfully assaulted Raymond Dubideen on October 18 at Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie,

Linden. They were each placed on $15,000 bail.

It is also alleged that on the same date and at the same location, they made use of threatening language to Dubideen.

For this offence, they were placed on $25,000 bail each.

It is further alleged that they also made use of threatening language to Elizabeth Rodrigues on the same date and location.

The presiding magistrate granted bail in the sum of $25,000 to both defendants for this charge and adjourned the matter for December 17.

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hirty-three-year-old Trion Sumner was on Tuesday remanded

by Magistrate Clive Nurse when he appeared at the Christianburg Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of robbery under arms and possession of ammunition without licence.

It is alleged that the accused, an interior worker of 393 One Mile, Wismar, Linden, on October 17, while armed with a gun, robbed

Businesses invited to “Ad-ABench” in the National Park

One of the new benches in the National Park

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isitors to the National Park in Georgetown may have noticed the recent appearance of benches around the jogging trail.

These seats are part of the “Ad-A-Bench” drive being spearheaded by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s Protected Areas Commission and Guyenterprise, with the aim of restoring public seating in the park.

The new benches are designed to facilitate the placement of advertisements by sponsors, as well as provide much-needed public seating around the park.

The drive is part of the Three Parks Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate and upgrade the National Park, the Botanical Gardens and the Zoological Park.

The commission is inviting business, individuals and other interested groups to sponsor these benches as a means of advertising their companies or causes, while enhancing the facilities at the park.

For further information, please contact the commission on telephone numbers 226-7974, 225-8016, or the Guyenterprise office on 226-9874.

Winston Clarke of two BlackBerry smartphones valued $107,000 and a haversack valued $3000 at One Mile.

It is further alleged that at the time, he had 32 live rounds of ammunition in his possession without being the holder of a valid licence.

The defendant was not required to plead to any of the charges. Sumner is slated to make his next court appearance on December 24.

The man who would be mayor

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atiricus was pleased at the news that BenchCock would be running for mayorship of Georgetown. Satiricus was forced to work in Georgetown. In fact, Satiricus was forced to work – period. His father had been loaded – but not with money. So he had to grub for a living...and they insisted news reporters work out of Georgetown. So Satiricus had a vested interest in the state of Georgetown.

Satiricus could tell that BenchCock seriously wanted to be somebody. So why not mayor of GT? He figured if Ham Greed could be mayor for almost 20 years, that bar was so low even a snake might have some trouble slithering under it. You might need some qualifications to be town clerk... but mayor? Satiricus wasn’t sure Greed even finished high school. Not that he didn’t reach fifth form – but could he pass maths to matriculate? Naah! Satiricus knew he didn’t.

So BenchCock didn’t need a degree or anything. The most pressing problem of the once Garden City was the garbage.

The city was just too stinky. Well, BenchCock did protest at the garbage dump some time ago with his then buddy, Kiss Soon, didn’t he? He obviously knows a thing or two about garbage. No, we aren’t referring to Kiss Soon – even though BenchCock did sorta refer to him as “garbage” when they had their public spat.

But that reminded Satiricus about who might campaign for BenchCock when he runs for the mayoralty. Kiss Soon certainly would be marching for him. (Any BenchCock campaign would have to be about marching up and down the streets of Georgetown, no? Maybe with a bullhorn in his hand?)

Kiss Soon didn’t mind the “garbage” gibe... it was the accusation by BenchCock that he (Kissoon) was almost 70 years old, that had hurt the out-of-work lecturer to the quick. Satiricus also figured BenchCock’s old buddy ByeNo wouldn’t be marching with him. ByeNo did publicly declare that BenchCock was just being a publicity hound when their paths intersected at the Office of the President back in 2008.

Now, that was patently unfair, don’t you think? You really can’t blame the publicity-shy BenchCock for being miffed.

But Satiricus just knew that BenchCock’s pal in the KFC – NoGel Huge would be there in the suited-one’s corner.

The only problem was...would BenchCock want him in that corner? Tainted goods?

“Ahhh”...Satiricus sighed, “it’s not going to be easy throwing out Greed from the mayor’s chair.”

Father of eight killed in Onderneeming crash A taxi driver lost his life Monday afternoon in an accident involving a truck and his car on the Onderneeming Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

Police said the fatal accident occurred about 15:45h and claimed the life of Felix Layne, 66, of Onderneeming.

Investigations have revealed that the driver of motor lorry GLL 5313 was proceeding along the roadway when Layne, who was driving motor car HB 6417, allegedly drove out from an access road onto the main road, causing the collision with the other vehicle.

Layne suffered injuries and later succumbed, while his two passengers who also sustained injuries were treated at the Suddie Public Hospital and sent away.

The driver of the truck, Christopher Harrychan, 36, is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Dead: Felix Layne

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the hire car did not check for approaching traffic.

Residents who rushed to the scene warned that drivers need to be more cautious on the road, especially when they are approaching a “double bend”.

They said they heard the sound of a huge crash, and rushed to the scene only to see the driver of the hire car help-

less and a passenger struggling to escape the car.

The eldest son of the deceased driver, Floyd Layne, said he last spoke to his father minutes after he went on the road.

He said his father left home saying he was going to collect some passengers and drop them off. The son described his father as dedicated, and said he always tried his best to support his eight children.

The younger Layne said when the family received a phone call informing them that his father was involved in an accident, they did not believe the caller, “cause it was minutes after my father left to go on the road.

I went to the hospital and I was shocked to see him lying motionless on the bed”.

The Layne family is presently making arrangements for the funeral.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2013

Public consultation Film on garbage disposal to be aired publicly on Dakoura Creek P plan for next week ick It Up Guyana; an initiative of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Embassy in Georgetown are collaborating to present the recently released environmental documentary “Trashed,” Trashed is a Blenheim Films production, produced and directed by British filmmaker Candida Brady, starring Academy Award winning actor Jeremy Irons. The documentary, which was selected to receive a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival, sets out to discover the extent and effects of the global waste problem, as it takes us around the world to beautiful

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public consultation on the Dakoura Creek Watershed Management Plan (DCWMP), an initiative under the Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme will be held next week.

The session aimed at creating public and community awareness on the programme will be held inside the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) building, Mackenzie from 17:30h19:00h on October 30.

Consultant to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on the DCWMP, Samuel Wright, noted that the 10 month project, which is well into its second month forms part of the work plan of the Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme.

The Dakoura creek, located west of Block 22 and Wisroc, Wismar, Linden is expected to be the sole source of water for the western sub-section of the rehabilitated Linden water system.

According to the GWI consultant, the community will have the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions at the consultation which forms part of the public awareness programme under the DCWMP.

Planning stage

He said the aim of the consultation is to update and inform the public on plans as well as for them to be involved in the planning stage of the initiative. Wright also noted that while the quality of the water at the creek is fairly good, there is need to have it maintained.

“Everything else must serve that, any activity within the watershed that is going to hamper that or prevent such from happening, we are either going to prohibit it or control it... we know that mining is going on just at the head of the watershed by Bosai," he said.

"The Linden Town Council has been dumping garbage around that area, farming, people have begun to come very close to it. So we have to look at all those things,” said.

He noted however, that Bosai Minerals Group so far has been involved in safe mining practices. Wright said that as a result, advice is welcomed from agencies such as the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

He said the stakeholders such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), GWI, Linden Mayor and Town Council (M&TC), Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) and the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC) have some jurisdiction over the activities of the watershed.

The GGMC, he noted, is tasked with ensuring that the current mining activities do not hamper the area. Wright noted that BMGGI currently has an Environmental Management Plan which is monitored by the GGMC and EPA. He noted that part of

GWI Consultant Samuel Wright

the plan is also to constantly test and monitor the composition of the water for any chemical changes to avoid contamination.

“We have to ensure that the creek is sustainable in that it runs with the best quality water for as long as the plant is going to operate.

So in order to ensure that, we were asked to come up with a strategy to protect the creek and we thought the best strategy would be to protect the area around it which is called the watershed.

“There are approximately five watersheds in Linden.

The Dakoura Creek has its own watershed, its really a piece of land and if rain falls within that area, it all runs down to the same point.”

He said that while the concept of watershed protection has been around for a long time, Guyana is currently embracing this concept and as such, it was included in the Dakoura Creek Management Plan.

This, he noted is expected to influence its planning and protection aspects. He said the primary use of the area surrounding Dakoura Creek is to be the sole source of water for the region.

Watershed

“In order to protect the watershed we have to understand what it is. Everything that happens in a watershed affects something else but one of the more pertinent aspects of the watershed is its water and the water affects the land just as the land affects the water," he said.

Wright said that mining, uncontrolled disposal of waste, urbanisation and logging have all been identified as potential threats to the sustainability of Dakoura Creek as the sole water source, while noting that a protection strategy based on institutional controls and other direct actions has been proposed and will be developed as the Dakoura Creek Watershed Management Plan (DCWMP).

“All the water that will be coming out of your taps (in Linden) in the future will come from the Dakoura Creek.

"So it means that whatever happens in the watershed will affect you, so it’s very important that we pay attention to it... the idea is to make sure that we use the area around the creek in a way that can support what’s going on, we don’t want to ban activities, but rather control them,” he said.

destinations tainted by pollution. This journey takes the viewer from scepticism to sorrow and from horror to hope, as it identifies sustainable measures and approaches that can be pursued to avert the dangers of inadequate solid

waste management.

The film seeks to raise environmental awareness among viewers, foster attitudinal changes to adopt sound environmental practices, and encourage people to become environmental advocates within their schools and communities. The U.S. embassy has secured the copyright for this documentary to be viewed publicly on three occasions in Guyana.

In Berbice, the viewing will be at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus today at 12:30h; in Linden at the Linden Technical Institute (date and time to be announced) and in Georgetown at the Theatre Guild on Friday, October 25 at 10:00h.

12 News

wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Manickchand commissions new wing Guyanese youth ambassadors at Fort Wellington Secondary School off to U.S. exchange programme

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Education Minister Priya Manickchand cuts the ribbon to open the new building

he Education Ministry on Monday commissioned the new wing of the Fort Wellington Secondary School in Region Five.

At a ceremony attended by students, teachers, parents, regional and education officials, Education Minister Priya Manickchand cut the ribbon and officially handed over to the school’s administration the new building which has the capacity to accommodate 150 students.

In delivering her remarks before the ribbon cutting, Minister Manickchand underscored government’s commitment to continuous investment in improving the quality of education offered in Guyana.

Secondary education

“His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar posited while campaigning with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the last general elections, that before the end of his term in office, his government will work assiduously to achieve universal secondary education,” the minister said.

She shared with the gathering that: “We have acquired universal primary education, which means that as a nation we have achieved the United Nations Millennium Goal number two. This means that

every single child of the primary age cohort in this country can access a primary education.

"Now that we attained universal primary education, the conversation is moving from providing access, to enhancing the quality of primary education universally offered in Guyana,” she said.

In keeping with the strides made by the ministry in collaboration with the government of Guyana (GoG) in achieving universal primary education, together they are firmly set on achieving universal secondary education.

“This means that every single child of the secondary age cohort will be able to access a secondary school throughout Guyana,” the minister stated.

Access

The education minister further expressed to the gathering that even together with the government, the Education Ministry is embarking on establishing universal secondary education, Region Five has already achieved this remarkable feat with every child of secondary school age having access to a secondary school in the region.

She was quick to point out, however, that much work needs to be done in sustaining the education achievements made by the region.

“Even as we have achieved universal secondary education in Region Five, we are looking to do even more. We are working to ensure that each child has a place in a discreet secondary school. We must move past our primary tops despite how well they have been performing, having offered their students the opportunity to write CSEC,” the minister said.

Well positioned

Region Five is well positioned within the education sector and is where the ministry intends for it to be. The minister sees the work being done within the region as worthy of emulation by other regions.

The minister highlighted that a number of other schools will be commissioned throughout the region, such as the extension of Novar Primary, the new Woodley Park Secondary School, as well as the commissioning of Bygeval and Rosignol Secondary schools as A listed schools.

The minister charged the students present to make the best use of the new and improved facilities being provided for them.

She told them that it was their responsibility to justify the investment made by the GoG by qualifying themselves at the highest level.

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U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt poses with the youth ambassadors before their departure

ive students and one mentor representing several regions of Guyana have embarked on a three week exchange programme to the United States as part of the Youth Ambassadors Programme (YAP).

The YAP group arrived in Denver, Colorado on Sunday and will travel to Washington, DC before the programme concludes October 29, the U.S. embassy here said in a statement.

Representing Guyana are Kadeem Gordon, Kaya Dover, Larrex McAllister, Blossom Dublin, Kayshell Jennings, and Ryan Hoppie as their mentor. This is the second group of youth ambassadors representing Guyana for the 20132014 Youth Ambassadors Programme for the Caribbean.

Areas of focus

The programme, which includes participants from The Bahamas, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, focuses on civic education, youth empowerment, environmental issues, social entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and food security.

Through experiential activities, discussions, site visits, training modules, and home stays, participants will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, intellectual skills, and practical competencies to effectively lead efforts for positive social change in their home countries.

The Youth Ambassadors Programme gives students and adult leaders an opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills that enable them to act as community leaders. The project aims to hone participants’ senses of civic responsibility and foster civic activism.

Prior to their departure, U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt met with the ambassadors and mentor to congratulate them on their selection and to discuss their visit. The participants shared their backgrounds and personal interests as well as their expectations of the programme.

Unique opportunity

Ambassador Hardt noted that the programme provides a unique opportunity to see how young people in the United States are using creative ways to effect change.

The ambassador told the participants that he looks forward to seeing how they seek to become engaged in their communities upon their return in order to foster positive change in Guyana.

He gave the students a preview of what to expect during their visit and emphasised the value for both countries of their participation in this cultural exchange programme.

Prior to their departure, the group also met with Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

During the meeting, the group assured the minister of their commitment to represent Guyana well and discussed how they hope to continue to develop their leadership skills and boost their civic participation upon their return to Guyana.

Minister Anthony congratulated the participants and encouraged them to work on specific programmes to address issues and concerns affecting youth ranging from health and fitness, to education and social behaviour.

American institutions

While in the United States, participants will increase their understanding of American institutions, while engaging in civic life in the United States.

Participants will explore facets unique to each country’s history and identity, and engage in discussions and educational activities that promote learning on an academic and a personal level.

Youth ambassadors are required to implement followon activities upon their return home that will help the participants stay in touch with each other, reflect on their experiences, and integrate that learning into their lives.

A core goal of the programme is for the student leaders, once empowered, to bring their experience to bear in helping encourage and guide other student leaders through community oriented service projects.

news

13

wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Money transfer agencies fear backlash

By Svetlana Marshall

T

here may be dire consequences if Guyana fails to pass the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly by the November 18 deadline set by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

On Tuesday, Bank of Guyana Deputy Governor Dr Gobind Ganga told Guyana Times that passage of the bill before Guyana returns to the CFATF International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) in November is critical to the banking and financial sectors.

In May, CFATF placed Guyana on its watchlist owing to its failure to comply with the 16 requirements of anti-money laundering law.

Bank of Guyana Deputy Governor Gobind Ganga

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, First Global Money Regional Vice President and General Manager Bobita Ram said money transfer agencies will likely experience significant challenges if Guyana is blacklisted.

First Global Money Regional Vice President and General Manager Bobita Ram

Dr Ganga said nonpassage of the bill puts Guyana’s integrity on the line, explaining that regional and international financial institutions would be “very suspicious” when conducting transactions with financial institutions in Guyana.

Money transfer agency

“Now this will create long delays when conducting transactions and would most likely impact every aspect of the financial system and even the economic system,” he added.

He pointed out that commercial banks in Trinidad and Tobago have already heightened scrutiny of transactions with Guyanese companies, after a warning letter was issued by that country’s central bank.

First Global Money has added its voice to the pleadings of civil society and the business sector for the government and the opposition to resolve their difference on the bill and approve it.

She said licensed money transfer companies around the world could rescind their decision to conduct business with agents or payers in Guyana.

If money transfer agencies are forced to scale down operations or close, it would mean that workers would have to face unemployment.

Black market possible

In 2012, Guyana received approximately US$400 million in remittances, accounting for 17 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but this figure could significantly decline if Guyana is blacklisted.

With heightened costs or limited access to money transfer agencies, the “regular man in the street” would feel the impact, Ram said.

This can lead to the development of a black market or the illegal transfer of money within the financial system.

“Since the need to send money to family and friends will not disappear, persons in the diaspora will be forced to utilise informal channels to send money to Guyana such as: 1) sending

cash physically with persons who are travelling; 2) paying phenomenal fees to person who are operating outside of the financial system; and 3) finding ways to send money cross border,” she explained.

First Global Money is now joining with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Insurance Association of Guyana, and the government to advocate for the anti-money laundering bill to be passed.

Ram said both the government and the opposition owe it to the Guyanese people to pass the bill.

However, she said if there is something fundamentally wrong with the bill, then she understands the position, which could be taken by some stakeholders.

But, she made it clear that the passage of the bill must not be hindered by issues that do not relate directly to the legislation.

Adequate measures

“No one wants to be in a country which says we are not going to put adequate measures in place to avoid a potential money launderer or terrorist using our financial system to create havoc in the world," she said. "We don’t want to be affected by an act of terrorism, or money laundering or the proceeds of illicit crimes entering into the financial system.”

Laparkan Financial Services Limited General Manager Aruna Singh echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of remittances to

Laparkan Financial Services Limited General Manager Aruna Singh

Guyanese of all walks of life.

She too called for elected political leaders to put the interest of the country first. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

14

wednesday, october 23, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Uruguay sets price of legalised Opposition PNM wins local government cannabis at US$1 a gram elections in Trinidad U “W ruguay is set to become the first country in the world where the sale of cannabis will not only become legal and government-controlled, but at around US$1 a gram probably also the one with the most affordable marijuana anywhere.

A senate vote to legalise the drug that is expected in mid-November as part of an effort in the South American country to explore alternatives in the war on drugs.

The head of Uruguay’s National Drugs Board, Julio Calzada, said the government would set the price of cannabis low in the hope of pushing drug traffickers out

A Uruguayan man smokes cannabis during a demonstration in Montevideo in May. A senate vote to legalise the drug is expected in November

of the market.

“The illegal market is very risky and of poor qual-

ity,” he said. “The price of marijuana from Paraguay that gets sold on the streets

here is about US$1 a gram, so we’re going to set the price of government-controlled cannabis at around that same price. We want to snatch the market away from the drug traffickers.”

It will take a few months after that to organise a system through which cannabis will be sold freely at pharmacies. “The system will be in place around mid-2014,” Calzada told the Uruguayan newspaper El País. “So there’ll be time to harvest and start selling.”

Smoking cannabis has long been legal in Uruguay, but growing, carrying, buying or selling it has been punishable by prison terms.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

USVI moving toward's visa-free travel for Caricom nationals

U

nited States Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor John de Jongh said he would seek to encourage visitors from the English speaking Caribbean to his country and is moving to get Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals to enter the country without the necessary United States visa.

De Jongh, who was meeting with regional tour-

ism officials on the final day of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) sponsored State of the Industry Conference (STOIC 2013), told reporters that he had made a proposal this year to the Senate and the House that as part of the Immigration Bill that “Caricom nationals could come into the U.S. Virgin Islands without having to

go through those visa requirements.

“We spoke to the Committee in the House and the Senate and we spoke to U.S. Department of Homeland Security to come up with a regime which they would feel comfortable with for countries within Caricom and they agreed with it.... We have written the bill, we have submitted

legislation... so we are just looking for the right vehicle for it to pass,” he said, adding that “we recognise... the region represents a tremendous opportunity for the traffic that goes back and forth and we would like to have an opportunity to participate without being overburden by some of the regulations”. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

e have won,” declared Keith Rowley, the political leader of the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), as preliminary results in Monday’s local government elections in Trinidad showed the PNM emerging with 8 of the 14 corporations up for grabs.

As predicted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) poll, the PNM retained the three corporations it held in the 2010 election and picked up five more, giving it control of eight corporations so far.

The poll showed the opposition party having an edge going into the elections because of the split in votes by the newly formed Independent Liberal Party (ILP). The PNM is said to have won eight corporations including Diego Martin,

Port of Spain, San Juan/ Laventille, Arima, Sangre Grande and San Fernando.

Rowley said the party did so well that it lost narrowly in Siparia; and polled high in Chaguanas, both United National Congress (UNC) strongholds. “The PNM is accustomed to being in adverse conditions but we do not stay there,” asserted Rowley in a news conference post his election victory.

The opposition leader sent a warning to Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar that her party’s defeat in this election means her government has collapsed. He reminded her that it is her third election defeat in one year, beginning with the Tobago House of Assembly elections, followed by the Chaguanas West by-election and now the local government elections. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Hurricane Raymond prompts evacuation in western Mexico

Vittorio Missoni's remains recovered from plane crash site, says Venezuela

V

enezuelan authorities say they have recovered the presumed remains of the Italian fashion executive Vittorio Missoni, who went missing in January after taking off in a small plane from the Los Roques archipelago in the Caribbean.

Four months ago Venezuela’s government said it had discovered the aircraft in 76 metres (249 feet) of water. It had been carrying Missoni, 58, his wife, Maurizia Castiglioni, another couple and two Venezuelan crew members.

“All the remains were complete in the plane,” said the Venezuelan attorney-

Italian fashion designer Vittorio Missoni died in a plane crash in the Caribbean

general, Luisa Ortega, on Monday. “There was the luggage and other belongings which indicate to us... that

they belonged to the people we were looking for.”

Ortega said Venezuelan navy divers recovered the

remains of five of the passengers but the sixth body was proving difficult to reach. The remains would be submitted to DNA tests to verify they belonged to Missoni and the other victims, she said.

Italy’s agency for flight security, ANSV, has said its investigation found the airline that owned the plane was not fully licensed and the pilot’s licence had expired more than a month before the flight.

Missoni was the oldest child of the founders of the fashion house famous for its exuberantly coloured knits featuring bold stripes and zigzags. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Suit filed against Trinidadian govt for prohibiting entry of homosexuals

A

n AIDS awareness group in Trinidad says it has filed a lawsuit against the government for “prohibiting the entry of homosexuals” to the twin-island republic.

AIDS-Free World, an international advocacy organisation, said Tuesday “the immigration law of Trinidad and Tobago explicitly prohibits the entry of homosexuals.

“So offensive is the law that AIDS-Free World has filed suit in the Caribbean Court of Justice against the government of Trinidad and Tobago, demanding that the discriminatory provision be expunged,” said a statement from the group, adding that UNAIDS is “well aware of the lawsuit”.

The lawsuit comes as UNAIDS and the PanCaribbean Partnership

against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) prepare to sponsor a book launch on the subject in Trinidad and Tobago.

AIDS-Free World said its lawsuit is founded on three principles: the indisputable principle of human rights, the principle of prevention of HIV/AIDS and the principle of freedom of movement.

On the indisputable principle of human rights, the group said it is “indefensible

to have people barred on the basis of sexual orientation”.

On the principle of prevention of HIV/AIDS, AIDSFree World said it is “wellestablished that laws which stigmatise and vilify homosexuals create a culture that drives men who have sex with men underground, away from testing, prevention, treatment and care”.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Soldiers have been evacuating residents from mountain villages

H

undreds of people have been evacuated from coastal communities in western Mexico that could lay in the path of Hurricane Raymond.

Raymond is currently stalled some 135km (85 miles) off Mexico’s Pacific coast and has weakened to a category two hurricane.

But the authorities asked locals not to let their guard down as heavy rains continued and could set off landslides. A hurricane warning remains in place from Tecpan to Lazaro Cardenas.

Torrential rains are forecast to continue for the next 24 hours in the western states of Guerrero and Michoacan. The area is still struggling to recover after it was hit by Tropical Storm Manuel last month.

Manuel and Ingrid, another storm which hit Mexico almost at the same time, left more than 150 people dead and caused billions of dollars of damage.

The governor of Guerrero state, Angel Aguirre, warned that Raymond’s movements were “erratic” and “completely unpredictable” and could still head towards the coast.

More than 1000 people have been evacuated from villages clinging to perilous hillsides and schools remained closed for some 35,000 pupils. In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Manuel an entire village was buried under a landslide in the mountains of Guerrero, and the memory of that disaster has made locals more wary. (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 Around the world

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESday, october 23, 2013

World meeting on Syria agrees "no role" for Assad

W

estern and Arab powers meeting with Syrian opposition leaders in London on Tuesday agreed that there would be "no role" for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in any future government.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said they had agreed a “number of important steps”, while urging the coalition to commit itself to the Geneva conference.

“First we agreed that we would put our united and collective weight behind the UN-led Geneva 2 process, which must lead to establishing, by mutual consent, a transitional governing body with executive powers,” Hague said.

“By definition mutual consent means it can only be agreed with the con-

Airports, schools remain closed as thick smog blankets Chinese city of Harbin

S Foreign ministers of Western and Arab nations meeting with Syrian opposition figures in London on Tuesday agreed there would be no role for President Bashar al-Assad in any future government.

More Syrian peace talks are due in Geneva next month

sent of the Syrian National Coalition – so Assad would play no role in that future government of Syria.”

The role of the embattled Syrian president was a key sticking point in the lead-up to the London talks. Hague was the host at the London talks,

which includes representatives from the U.S., France, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, together with Syrian opposition leaders.

Foreign ministers of the so-called “London 11” – the

the seizure of Dhlakama’s Sathunjira base on Monday, Renamo said it had pulled out of the peace deal.

However, its 51 MPs have not withdrawn from parliament.

The clashes have raised fears among many Mozambicans that the civil war could resume, threatening stability and the economic boom the southern Africa state is currently experiencing, reports the BBC’s Jose Tembe from the capital, Maputo.

However, some people trust the army, he adds.

Mozambique’s President Armando Guebuza addressed rallies in central Mozambique on Tuesday, urging people to remain calm. (Excerpt from BBC News)

irefighters on Tuesday deliberately merged two major blazes in southeastern Australia in a desperate attempt to manage the advancing infernos ahead of weather conditions that authorities warn will be “as bad as it gets”.

Crews made up largely of volunteers worked tirelessly along trails in heavily forested areas west of Sydney to try to prevent the blazes becoming one out-of-control “mega-fire” that could race towards a third blaze nearby.

Thousands of firefighters have been battling infernos across 1600 kilometres (992 miles) of New South Wales state since they flared in high winds and searing heat last week, with more than 200 homes destroyed so far and many others damaged.

core group of “the Friends of Syria” group – held talks with Syrian opposition figures to try to hammer out a unified position ahead of the planned Geneva talks, also known as “Geneva 2”.

The peace talks have been tentatively scheduled for November 23. (Excerpt from France24)

chools, major roads and an airport remained closed Tuesday, as a thick cloud of filthy smog smothered the northeastern city of Harbin.

Meteorologists in the city, which is famous for its annual ice festival, issued a red alert for fog at 05:00h Tuesday, with visibility in some central areas of the city down to less than 20 metres (65 feet), the staterun Xinhua news agency reported.

Video from China’s state-run CCTV showed some people – obscured by smog even just steps away – wearing masks over their mouths as they walked in the province. Some drivers who braved the roads

flashed hazard lights.

Kindergartens, primary and junior middle schools were ordered to suspend classes for a second day, while Harbin Taiping International Airport remained closed – with 250 flights cancelled on Monday alone, according to Chinese state media.

Pollution levels remained far above international standards, as the city’s monitoring stations on Tuesday showed that concentrations of PM2.5 – the tiny airborne particles considered most harmful to health – were more than 30 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended standard, the state-run China Daily reported. (Excerpt

from CNN)

Australia merges U.S. National Security "Renamo" attack on Mozambique’s Maringue blazes to prevent Agency “spied on French police station – officials “mega-fire” diplomats”

M

ozambique’s opposition Renamo movement has attacked a police station in the central town of Maringue a day after annulling a 1992 peace accord with the government, officials say.

Police are said to have fled their posts after gunmen opened fire and there are no reports of casualties. A Renamo spokesman said party leader Afonso Dhlakama had “lost control of the situation”.

On Monday, the army captured Dhlakama’s base, forcing him to flee. About a million people were killed in Mozambique’s civil war.

The conflict ended in 1992 when Renamo and the Frelimo government signed a peace accord. After

F

Only one person has died but with Wednesday’s weather forecast worse than previously predicted, NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons warned: “There is a very real potential for more loss of homes and loss of life.”

He urged anyone who does not need to be in the Blue Mountains region, home to 75,000 residents, to leave, although no mass evacuations were planned.

“The forecast and scenario for tomorrow is about as bad as it gets,” said the fire chief.

Temperatures in the mid-30s Celsius range, lower humidity and wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour are predicted before more favourable conditions from Thursday.

(Excerpt from France24)

U.S. drone strikes could be classed as war crimes, says Amnesty International

U

.S. officials responsible for the secret CIA drone campaign against suspected terrorists in Pakistan may have committed war crimes and should stand trial, a report by a leading human rights group warns.

Amnesty International has highlighted the case of a grandmother who was killed while she was picking vegetables and other incidents which could have broken international laws designed to protect civilians.

The report is issued in conjunction with an inves-

A house in Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan destroyed by a drone missile in 2008. Eighteen people, including Islamist militants, were killed

tigation by Human Rights Watch detailing missile attacks in Yemen which the group believes could contravene the laws of armed conflict, international hu-

man rights law and Barack Obama’s own guidelines on drones.

The reports are being published while Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime

minister, is in Washington.

Sharif has promised to tell Obama that the drone strikes – which have caused outrage in Pakistan – must end.

Getting to the bottom of individual strikes is exceptionally difficult in the restive areas bordering Afghanistan, where thousands of militants have settled.

People are often terrified of speaking out, fearing retribution from both militants and the state, which is widely suspected of colluding with the CIAled campaign. (Excerpt from The

Guardian)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry held talks with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Tuesday before the latest claims emerged in Le Monde

T

he U.S. National Security Agency has spied on French diplomats in Washington and at the UN, according to the latest claims in Le Monde newspaper.

NSA internal memos obtained by Le Monde detailed the use of a sophisticated surveillance programme, known as Genie.

U.S. spies allegedly hacked foreign networks, introducing the spyware into the software, routers and firewalls of millions of machines.

It comes a day after claims the NSA tapped millions of phones in France.

The details in the latest Le Monde article are based on leaks from ex-intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, through Glen Greenwald, the outgo-

ing Guardian journalist, who is feeding the material from Brazil, says the BBC’s Christian Fraser in Paris.

It comes on the day the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, is in London meeting foreign counterparts to discuss Syria. The Le Monde report sets out details of Genie, an NSA surveillance programme in which spyware implants were introduced remotely to overseas computers, including foreign embassies.

It claims bugs were introduced to the French Embassy in Washington (under a code name “Wabash”) and to the computers of the French delegation at the UN, codenamed “Blackfoot”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16

wednesday, OCTober 23, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Africa

Caribbean

Jamaican scientist Henry Lowe Africa: G33 to reopen talks on invited to sit on regional think tank subsidies at WTO

R

enowned Jamaican scientist Dr Henry Lowe has been invited to sit on a regional think tank established to optimise the use of resources that can yield benefits for the region’s private sector.

The invitation was extended by Caribbean Export Development Agency’s Executive Director Pamela Coke Hamilton for Dr Lowe to become a member of the newly formed Regional Innovation

Advisory Group, based on his “stellar accomplishments and vast experience in research and development and commercialisation of new products in the area of nutraceuticals”.

In her letter, Hamilton explained that the Caribbean Export Development Agency – the regional investment and trade promotion body – has been charged with the responsibility of developing and implementing a regional innovation strategy.

“This project is aligned to the agency’s mandate to enhance competitiveness and promote innovation among CARIFORUM’s private sector,” Hamilton said.

“The regional innovation strategy will seek to, among other things, create an action plan to guide the development of this innovation ecosystem in the CARIFORUM region and to identify those areas of collaboration,” she added.

(Jamaica Observer)

North America

T

he combined effects of the global economic slowdown and increasing climatic shocks are threatening food security in developing countries, prompting many to re-open World Trade Organisation (WTO) discussions on limits to support for farmers.

A group of developing countries – known as G33 – is asking to exceed their agreed domestic support limits when they buy, stock and supply cereals and other food to boost

food security among the poor; they want these changes to be exempt from any legal challenge.

Essentially, these countries want the freedom to buy grains at set prices from producers and to use that grain to build stockpiles for distribution.

The WTO rules do not prescribe limits on the amount of food that can be bought at market prices for food stocks, and it does not limit the amount of food that can

be provided as domestic food aid at subsidised prices. The WTO only disciplines buying cereals at administered prices.

The proposal will be discussed at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, in December. Developed countries and some developing countries are concerned that the G33 proposal – which is backed by India, China and Indonesia – could affect food security in neighbouring countries. (allAfrica)

Asia

Harley-Davidson profit rises; China's home prices see record rise shipment forecast unchanged in four major cities

H

arley-Davidson Inc reported higher quarterly earnings on Tuesday, lifted by the normal summer surge in motorcycle sales in its key North American market, but it kept the full-year forecast for its global shipments unchanged.

The results, which were in line with expectations, suggested U.S. consumer confidence – which hit a six-year high this summer thanks to rising home and stock prices and the recovering job market – remains re-

silient and that the appetite for high-ticket, discretionary purchases remains high.

But Harley-Davidson said that sales in Europe continued to be hurt by “ongoing macroeconomic challenges,” particularly in Southern Europe. The company posted a third-quarter profit of US$162.7 million, or 73 cents a share, up from US$134.0 million, or 59 cents a share, a year earlier.

Overall revenue from bikes, parts and accessories, financial services and

Europe

apparel rose seven per cent to US$1.34 billion. The results were in line with market expectations, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. “They basically did everything they said they would, and they haven’t changed their guidance,” said Morningstar analyst Jaime Katz. Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles rose 15.5 per cent, led by a 19 per cent jump in North America, where the company sells roughly two-thirds of its bikes. (Reuters)

C

hina’s four major cities saw record rise in new home prices in September, stoking fears of a housing bubble. Prices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou saw their biggest jump since the government changed its calculation method in January 2011.

Property remains a popular investment choice in China and prices have now risen for nine months in a

row. Analysts say Beijing has so far held back on imposing fresh curbs due to concerns over slowing economic growth.

However, data released last week showed that China’s growth rate picked up in the July to September period – the first rise in three quarters.

Many believe that with the economy picking up and property prices continuing to rise, policymakers may soon implement measures to control

speculation in the sector and also keep price rises in check.

Data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday showed that new home prices rose in 69 of China’s 70 major cities in September. In the capital city of Beijing, new home prices were 16 per cent higher in September than they were a year earlier. In Shanghai, prices rose by 17 per cent compared to a year earlier. (BBC News)

Middle East

Saudi firm plans US$200M Nokia unveils first Windows tablet, education fund for Middle East Lumia 2520, in Abu Dhabi Saudi-based invest- D3 Consultants in 2014, Itqan if you want to start an invest-

I

n a mega event in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Nokia unveiled six new devices, including its first Windows tablet, the Lumia 2520, and two large screen Lumia smartphones: the Lumia 1520 and 1320.

The Lumia 2520 includes a 10.1-inch HD display, a 6.7MP camera with ZEISS optics and offers both 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity. It runs on Windows RT 8.1 and features fast-charging capa-

bility – providing up to an 80 per cent charge in one hour.

In terms of software, the 2520 comes with Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Video Director, Nokia Music with Mix Radio preinstalled and an integrated HERE Maps feature. The tablet also includes the exclusive “Dragon’s Adventure” interactive game developed in partnership with DreamWorks Animation.

The tablet pairs with

Market statistics

the US$149 Nokia Power Keyboard, a functional keypad with gesture trackpad which comes with five extra hours of battery life and two built-in USB ports.

The Lumia 2520 will be available in red and white in a glossy finish and cyan and black in a matte finish, and is expect to start shipping in Q4 2013 with an estimated price of US$499 before taxes, the Finnish company said in a statement. (Gulf Business)

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

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

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$330.54

$334.68

CAN

$199.16

$201.46

USD

$204.99

$207.43

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on October 22, 2013 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Indicators Crude Oil

Bid/Ask

$1341.20

$1342.20

Low/High

$1314.00

$1346.40

Change

+24.60

+1.87

London Gold Fix

Oct 22 USD

AM 1311.75

PM 1333.00

GBP

813.24

822.38

EUR

959.51

968.40

USD

AM 1316.00

PM 1317.50

GBP

814.05

815.69

EUR

962.27

964.07

Oct 21

Price Silver

Platinum

US$ per barrel

Change %

$109.64

USD per Ounce

-0.30

Change %

22.81

+0.47

$1445.00

+16.00

Last: 15467.66

Changes: +75.46

% Change: +0.49

Open: 15394.22

High: 15518.10

Low: 15394.22

% YTD: +18.04

52Wk Hi: 15709.58

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

A

ment firm is planning to launch a first-of-itskind private equity fund in the Middle East that will solely focus on investment in the fast-growing education sector in the Gulf Arab region, its top executive said.

Itqan Capital, a unit of Bahrain’s Al Baraka Banking Group, is eyeing up to US$200 million for the fund that it plans to launch with Bahrainbased school consultancy firm

Chief Executive Adil Dahlawi told Reuters on Monday.

The fund launch underscores rising appetite among investors for education-related investments in the Gulf Arab region, home to a rising young population and a growing middle class whose standards of living are increasing steadily thanks to strong economic growth.

“We are pushing the envelope today. We are saying,

ment on the education side, be fully dedicated to that and don’t come into it only seeking returns. There is a social commitment to this which we want to adhere to,” Dahlawi said.

Itqan signed a memorandum of understanding with D3 Consultants on Monday to form a private equity fund that will initially focus on the primary education sector in the region and especially in the six-nation Gulf region. (Gulf Business)

Investors' guide

Keeping an eye on your competitors

I

t is said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, but in the world of business, imitation is inevitable, and hardly flattering. For example, Apple’s iPhone and iPad products have been imitated by a number of competitors, such as HTC and Samsung, which have incurred the legal wrath of Steve Jobs and company.

Meanwhile, in the video game industry, cookie cutter genres are the norm, with each studio imitating a popular franchise – such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft or Grand Theft Auto – in an attempt to cash in on current popular trends, rather than shoulder the inherent risks of innovation. Competitors in China have taken imitation to extreme levels, with fake iP-

ods, iPhones and iPads freely available at any major street market. In this world which relies on low-risk and highrewards, imitation clearly trumps innovation.

However, truly learning from competitors doesn’t mean flat out imitating them.

While there is no fault in following the successful trend of a market leader, such as Apple, there is a flaw in slavish imitation. In Apple’s case, its cheaper Android imitators have given Apple the unintended gift of free advertising.

People buy Android phones because they resemble iPhones at a cheaper price, but it ultimately fails to satisfy their desire for the real iPhone, which leads to a high turnover rate which benefits Apple. You don’t want to cre-

ate a product that so closely resembles a competitor’s higher priced model that it causes your customers to view yours as an inferior, cheaper model. However, that’s only a rule of product design.

First of all, be aware of your competitors. Companies often get blindsided by a company which wasn’t perceived as a real competitor until it is too late. An obvious example is cellphone maker Nokia’s fall at the hands of Apple, which had long been perceived as a personal computer company with no interest in mobile handsets. Google also blindsided invincible software giant Microsoft by rapidly transforming from a search engine into a cloud-based software company. (Business Dictionary)

Business concept – Tariff General: Published list of fares, freight charges, prices, rates, etc.

Foreign trade: Popular term for import tariff and import tariff schedule.

Shipping: Popular term for shipping tariff and shipping tariff schedule.

TO BE CONTINUED

news

17

wednesday, october 23, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana blacklisted in draft Govt completes committee’s work CFATF report – Nandlall without opposition L

egal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said unless Guyana attends the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) November meeting with the enacted Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill in hand, it will not be able to prevent the adoption of the draft report in which the county is blacklisted.

During an interview on the National Communications Network (NCN), on Monday, Nandlall, who is also the attorney general, noted that this was not even guaranteed.

Review

He reminded that Dominica was in a similar position in May, when the Dominican AG presented the bill passed into law, and he was able to put the adverse statement on hold until the review of that law by the CFATF. The parliamentary special select committee dealing with the bill reconvened its first meeting after the twomonth recess on October 14.

Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Debra Backer were absent.

Minister Nandlall said that while APNU’s members, Basil Williams, Joseph Harmon and Carl Greenidge were present at the meeting, “again, with uniformity and consistency, nothing was accomplished. They resumed efforts to frustrate work already done...”

The issue became heated when the time came to fix a date for the next meeting as the opposition members insisted on Monday, October 21, rejecting all earlier dates

Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

suggested by the government side.

Committee Chairperson Gail Teixeira was informed on October 21 that it was not convenient for the APNU members to meet, although this was the date that they chose. The next meeting was fixed for October 22.

The bill was transmitted to the select committee for certain aspects to be reviewed, by the combined opposition which used their one-seat majority. Six months after the select committee was established, its task is not completed.

Guyana was supposed to submit a report to the CFATF on August 26, and this was done. However, the report did not include that the bill had been passed into law, a requirement which was expected to be satisfied.

Stakeholders ignored

The Guyana delegation, headed by Minister Nandlall, which attended the CFATF meeting in May, had promised that the bill would be passed by the November meeting. Unfortunately, all government’s work in the select committee was thwarted by the opposition members.

Minister Nandlall has observed that both the AFC

and the APNU have demonstrated that they are not interested in passing the bill.

He noted that the Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the trade union movement, Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, and the Insurance Association have all issued statements about the urgent necessity for the passage of the anti-money laundering bill.

Draft report

He explained that the CFATF has already prepared a draft report, which will constitute the evaluation report of Guyana. In the conclusion of that report, “Guyana is scheduled to be declared a non-compliant jurisdiction and member states worldwide are invited to implement against Guyana such countermeasures that they deem necessary to protect themselves and their business entities within their respective jurisdictions from the money laundering and terrorism risks which Guyana will pose.”

The opposition has concluded that if Guyana is sanctioned, somehow only the government will face the drastic consequences, the minister posited. He reiterated that every person in the country will be affected.

The rationale being used by the opposition to justify the inexplicable position is unknown, he added. Pointing out that the AFC’s position that unless the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is established, it will not support the bill, Nandlall emphasised that there is no link between the bill and the PPC.

While APNU’s position seems to be that its priority is a “good bill”, he said this can only be produced through work on the legislation, which is not being done, “They are not submitting any proposal so the committee can consider its implementation.”

Guyana has already briefly experienced how sanctions could impact business, after the Trinidad Central Bank issued a cautionary statement to its business community. “Immediately, Guyanese businesses… were subjected to a whole host of scrutiny and problems were encountered, bringing transactions between the two territories almost to a complete halt,” Minister Nandlall said.

Blacklisted

Banks, insurance companies, wire transfer agencies, importers and exporters suffered. Fortunately, the matter was brought to Guyana’s attention and a letter dispatched by Guyana’s finance minister quickly dispelled the notion held by Trinidad that Guyana had been blacklisted by the CFATF. If sanctioned, Guyana will face such a scenario with every country it does business with.

While extraparliamentary engagements to address this issue would be a remit of the president, Minister Nandlall said “Parliamentarians must understand that when they sit in the National Assembly or the Parliament Building, it is not to pursue personal agendas or execute vindictive pursuits, but to only do one thing, to always advance a position which is in the best interest, and is best for the Guyanese people. This is our only mandate.” (GINA)

G

overnment on Tuesday completed the work of the special select committee fine-tuning the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill following what it described as deliberate delaying tactics by the opposition parties.

However, the administration still faces an uphill task in passing the bill when it is returned to the National Assembly, as the opposition would more than likely use its one-seat majority to defeat it.

Desperate to have the bill passed to dodge sanctions by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the Donald Ramotar administration had been pressing the opposition to work with greater alacrity to have the bill passed.

Delays

However, a number of unscheduled delays and postponements of crucial committee meetings had left the work of the body virtually stalled.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall told Guyana Times on Tuesday night that: “The opposition did not turn up, but we completed the work of the committee.”

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge confirmed that the opposition was a “no show”.

He explained, however, that the ruling party was advised that the meeting would be held today, considering that Cabinet, as well as the shadow cabinet, is often held

on Tuesday. Initially, this week’s special select committee meeting was set for Monday at 16:30h, but the opposition requested a postponement to facilitate another meeting with President Donald Ramotar.

No response

The Special Select Committee Chairperson Gail Teixeira had given the opposition a 24-hour ultimatum, but from all indications, the two main opposition parties did not respond, forcing the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to stage the meeting in their absence.

The anti-money laundering bill was read in the National Assembly for the first time on April 22, 2013.

It was subsequently read on May 7, 2013, approximately two weeks later.

During that sitting of the National Assembly, the minority government advocated for the passage of the bill, considering its significance to the financial sector, but the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the APNU, voted for the bill to be sent to a special select committee.

Since then, the PPP/C administration has been accusing the opposition of employing delaying tactics, after the first deadline outlined by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) was missed in May. The CFATF has placed Guyana on its watchlist due to its failure to comply with the 16 requirements, but, nevertheless, granted the country an extended deadline of November 18.

Procurement officers get training to handle IDB financed projects

G

overnment is continuing efforts to familiarise relevant ministry staffers with internationally accepted best practices. To that end, a workshop on Procurement Training and Capacity Building for Project Executing Agency Personnel on Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Financed Projects culminated on Tuesday at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

At the close of the session, Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill urged participants to work smarter, and raised several issues of concern that were highlighted during the workshop, including the issue of time man-

training programme.

Minister Edghill also urged participants to always be fair in whatever task is set before them. “We must have fairness in the context of government and people as it relates to work undertaken”.

This must not be abused, however, and managers must never let their personal relationships interfere with the job at hand. Let contractors make excuses not the managers,” he said.

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill

agement. Participants were reminded of the need to operate with some level of foresight, “As good managers, we must set the “end game” then execute our work programme,” he said.

A total of 50 procurement officers from project executing units for IDB financed projects, government ministries and departments and the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) benefited from this

Stick to rules

Stakeholders need to manage effectively and efficiently while sticking to the rules, and it should never be forgotten that contractors are also development partners, the minister told the participants. The issue of

cost was also addressed by Minister Edghill, who said contrary to what he was told, the real profit in a contract should never be in the variation cost.

Contracts must only be permitted variance costs based on very special circumstances, he reminded those gathered.

In closing, the minister stressed the need to ensure that where possible, savings are obtained.

He said when savings are realised, others can benefit from them, and cited several cases where contractors indicated that owing to their efficiency they had managed to secure cost savings and these were used to undertake works that benefited other communities.

The two-day event was

the first of its kind conducted locally, and was aimed at familiarising procurement managers and engineers.

Facilitated by consultant Robert Cochrane, from the Ever Constant Venture Ltd Company, the workshop sought to impart the internationally approved best practices of the Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).

These practices have to be adhered to by procurement managers and engineers, who service contracts approved by several international financial institutions such as the African Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank and the IDB. (GINA)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 23, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) You are in the driver’s seat when it comes to your personal, professional and financial future. Opportunity will knock, with partnerships looking to be especially lucky.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Listen to what’s being said, but make up your mind based on your needs.

Let your heart and your intuition guide you when it comes to making an important situation.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Express your desires and initiate plans that could bear great fruit. You should call the shots, but also accommodate people who will be vital to helping your effort.

Peanuts ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Don’t waffle. Pick your course and stay on it until the end. Completion will be a testimony to your integrity, strength and ability to rise above conflict.

SUDOKU TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You need to make allies and line up future developments. You’ll need to use your considerable networking skills and be open to unusual methods, ideas or people. A chance to travel could prove fortuitous.

CANCER (June 21July 22) You owe it to yourself to have fun. Make plans that include people you enjoy. Express your feelings, and you’ll entice someone special to share something with you. Let your worries slide off your back.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) You’ll have to work hard to get things done.

Expect to face opposition and be ready to act fast and without warning. The element of surprise will work in your favour.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Listen to what others have to say, and you will pick up valuable information that will help you make wise relationship decisions. Cut your losses to encourage new beginnings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) Listen to what others have to say and incorporate the best information into your own plans.

Consistency will make a difference. Be sure to engage in every opportunity that comes your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) You’ll learn from what others do and say. If you let your intuition direct you, you will have no regrets. A creative idea will lead to good fortune.

Tuesday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Evading issues or not offering someone all the information you are privy to will result in an emotional setback. Share your findings and your feelings if you want to move forward.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Money matters and secretive deals will have to be handled carefully.

Don’t be fooled by an unpredictable person trying to take advantage of you.

Affection will be necessary to successfully handle a difficult problem at home.

news 19

YELLOW PAGES

wednesday, october 23, 2013

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

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

FOR SALE Spare parts for 1-2-3-4 and 6 cylinder diesel engines for Lister, Pieter, Kobota, Perkins, Veutz, Fiat, John Deer, Case IH, Cummings, Bedford and Leyland Daf . Phone 619-4483, 601-7883, 226-6325 Machinery 2 wheel and 4-wheel drive tractors; Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deer and New Holland. Also available open air or super silence generators.

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Also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing & leveling done. Phone: 616-0617, 663-3285.

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

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19 complete tour guiding course

Participants in the Kaieteur Tour Guide Training Course pose with their certificates in front of the Visitor Centre, Kaieteur National Park, with the Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Damian Fernandes (standing far left); Trainer Paul Waldron ( back) and Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Denise Fraser (far right), after receiving their certificates

N

ineteen persons successfully completed an initial training course on tour guiding at Kaieteur National Park on Sunday.

The training, which was funded by WWF Guianas, was the result of a collaborative effort between the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and WWF, towards developing a pool of persons capable of conducting guided tours at Kaieteur National Park, the ministry said in a statement.

Most of the participants were from Amerindian villages and communities from Region Eight including Chenapau, Karisparu, Paramakatoi and Mahdia.

Two staff members of the Kaieteur National Park also participated in the training course, which included tour guiding techniques and communication skills; conservation and protected areas; botany; geology; wildlife and tourism at Kaieteur Top as well as history, folklore and people of the Kaieteur area.

On the final two days of

Vacancy exists for two cashiers/ office clerks and two porters, cashiers/clerks must be literate, apply in person with written application to May’s Shopping Centre, 98 Regent Street, Georgetown.

Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292

to the public.

The initiative aims to address the issues of flooding, draining, security and aging recreational facilities in the three parks.

A number of facilities are also identified for restoration, including historical features such as bridges, kokers, a floral clock, and scenic trails.

Management plan

The Zoological Park in particular, which was designed and built in the mid to late 1900s, will receive renewed attention.

Meanwhile, the ministry in collaboration with the Seattle-based PJA Architects, which specialises in zoological design, has already developed an initial zoning plan for the transformation of the zoo.

This zoning plan will form the basis for a long-term master plan to ensure that this rehabilitation effort is informed by international best-practices in zoo husbandry, and is sustainable in the long-run.

The plan will benefit from ongoing public consultations, and will provide a framework to address many of the zoo’s challenges.

The commission is also working with WWF to finalise Kaieteur’s first ever management plan, which will provide a logical framework for the development and conservation of the area.

This training exercise is a component of a wider programme launched by the Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud and the Three Parks Initiative, which aims to transform the urban landscape of Georgetown.

The overall objective of the Three Parks Initiative is to enhance and rehabilitate key facilities and infrastructure in each of these “green” spaces, thereby improving the quality of services provided

Renewed attention

Food is part of preserving our various cultures – first lady

G

uyanese were Monday evening provided with the opportunity to sample a wide variety of chokas. The organisers of the event, the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), and the Indian High Commission were congratulated by First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar for organising the first local Choka Fest, which she deemed an important event. It was also attended by President Donald Ramotar.

Multiethnic society

WANTED

the course, trainees were also able to participate in guiding actual tourists who were visiting the national park.

This training is part of a larger effort initiated by the ministry through the PAC to improve the services at the Kaieteur National Park and the upgrade of accommodation for both visitors and staff.

“As we all know, Guyana is a multiethnic society with our people having their origins in various continents of the world – Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, all of which have very rich cultures and traditions.

"Having come to these shores, our ancestors transported their various customs and traditions, so today they have all become part of our people’s cultural values,” she said at the event held at the Indian Cultural Centre, Bel Air.

“Our diverse ethnicity provides us with a very rich unique culture,” the first lady said. Food is one of the central parts of all cultures, “because it is around food that we gather and we exchange ideas.

Once there is a gathering of a few people, food always comes into play," she said.

Guyanese identity

The First Lady said she is of the belief that as part of preserving Guyanese identity and cultural heritage, it will be important to record the history, the stories of Guyanese foreparents. ”Today choka, especially coconut and baigan (boulanger) choka is a national dish. It is prepared by all our people and enjoyed by all,” the first lady noted.

She reminded attendees that there was a time when coconut choka was what the poor ate, because coconut was readily available and provided flavour for all foods.

Guyana is developing, she said, and not only is the local diet richer, but also Guyanese

tastes are becoming sophisticated, enabling them to enjoy foreign food.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Puran Mal Meena highlighted that with the arrival of the indentured immigrants to Guyana, they contributed to the great development of the country since the sugar industry days, and have maintained the multicultural structure.

Guyanese, he said, wherever they are in the diaspora, make their country proud because of their hard work.

The event was coloured by numerous cultural performances such as dances and songs from various groups.

The choka fest was a unique food festival, where patrons savoured aloo (potato), coconut, baigan (egg plant), and tomato and fish chokas.

Also present at the fest were Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, IAC Executive Member Neaz Subhan, members of the diplomatic corps, and cultural groups, among others.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

Wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2013

Rain interrupts as Ferrier powers Duchfour to final Shakib chips away semi-final spot ECCCC/GT&T 35 Overs Competition…

T

he fall of eight wickets during the 53.3 overs possible, particularly New Zealand’s three, had kept the contest on an even keel before the Tuesday afternoon rain forced an early end for the second day in succession.

Earlier it was Neil Wagner’s maiden five-wicket haul that handed the tourists the advantage.

Bangladesh’s 282 was nowhere near a decent first innings total in Mirpur, but New Zealand conceded some of that advantage, losing three wickets for 107 in 33.3 overs. At 13:44h local time, the players walked off as the drizzle turned into an outright downpour.

Shakib Al Hasan did much of the damage, picking up all three wickets to fall. The home side had a poor morning session, losing their last five wickets for just 54 runs in 20.1 overs.

The captain Mushfiqur Rahim was drawn to an away-swinging delivery by Wagner and was caught at a second gully position. It was his first shot of intent, having remained subdued till the dismissal. Nasir Hossain followed three overs later when an excellent delivery from Ish Sodhi took the edge to Ross Taylor who took a simple catch at

slip.

Bangladesh’s last recognised batting pair had contributed 18 and 19 respectively, but their target of around 400 evaporated quickly. Sohag Gazi, who scored a century in the first Test, struck a four and a six in his 21-ball 14, before he became Wagner’s fourth victim, also caught at gully. Rubel Hossain edged behind to give the Pretoria-born left-arm fast bowler his fifth wicket and when Sodhi bowled Abdur Razzak, New Zealand’s morning work was done.

But Bangladesh responded swiftly. In the 13th over of the visitors’ reply, Shakib, in his first over, had Hamish Rutherford poking at a ball that popped to short-leg where Mominul Haque juggled once before holding on to it. Rutherford hardly looked comfortable against spin, toeing and topedging deliveries around fielders on occasions.

Shakib struck again off the second ball of his following over when he trapped Peter Fulton with a straighter delivery. The batsman thrust his pad out and with Shakib hardly getting the ball to turn, it was a very easy decision for the umpire.

After lunch, Taylor and Kane Williamson showed

some resistance. The pair were severe on Abdur Razzak after lunch, scoring 7, 8, 5 and 13 in consecutive overs. Williamson, however, was stopped in his tracks, quite literally, by Razzak’s replacement at the Media Centre end. Rubel Hossain bowled a short one to the New Zealand No.3 who ducked too soon and was hit on the side of his face. He keeled over, and was taken off by the physio.

Brendon McCullum joined Taylor but New Zealand had lost their rhythm. He batted for half

an hour before holing to deep square leg where Rubel took a tumbling catch. He hurt his back in the process as he fell awkwardly.

He was back on the field the next over, and a short while later, rain struck.

There was nevertheless enough time for a brief look at Bangladesh’s latest Test debutant, Al-Amin Hossain.

The tall seamer - a rarity even for Bangladeshi pace bowlers - opened the bowling, gave away 13 runs in his only spell of six overs, and was struck for two boundaries. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh 1st innings Tamim Iqbal c Williamson b Wagner 95 Anamul Haque c Williamson b Boult 7 Marshall Ayub b Wagner 41 Mominul Haque c †Watling b Anderson 47 Shakib Al Hasan lbw b Sodhi 20 Mushfiqur Rahim*† c Fulton b Wagner 18 Nasir Hossain c Taylor b Sodhi 19 Sohag Gazi c Williamson b Wagner 14 Abdur Razzak b Sodhi 13 Rubel Hossain c †Watling b Wagner 4 Al-Amin Hossain not out 0 Extras: (b 2, lb 1, w 1) 4 Total: (all out, 74.5 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-90, 3-166, 4-208, 5-228, 6-246, 7-252, 8-266, 9-274, 10-282

Bowling: T Boult 16-2-551, D Bracewell 14-1-57-0, N Wagner 19-5-64-5, I Sodhi 18.5-3-59-3, K Williamson 4-030-0, C Anderson 3-0-14-1 New Zealand 1st innings P Fulton lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 14 H Rutherford c M Haque b Shakib Al Hasan 13 K Williamson not out 28 B McCullum* c Rubel Hossain b Shakib Al Hasan 11 R Taylor not out 37 Extras: (b 4) 4 Total: (3 wkts, 33.3 overs) 107 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-32, 3-101 Bowling: Al-Amin Hossain 6-3-14-0, Sohag Gazi 6-0-130, Shakib Al Hasan 11-1-253, Abdur Razzak 5-1-33-0, Rubel Hossain 5.3-0-18-0

A

dominant all-round performance from exnational player Deon Ferrier powered Duchfour to a comprehensive six-wicket win over Perseverance in the final quarter-final match of the inaugural Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC)/GT&T 35over cricket competition last weekend.

Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Duchfour stormed to victory with nine overs to spare, in the process booking a semifinal date with hosts ECCCC. Batting first, Perseverance posted what looked like an imposing 183-9 at the innings break with M. Nicholson (54), R. Persaud (29) and D. Solomon (28) being the leading scorers.

Off-spinner Ferrier returned excellent figures of 4-24 from seven testing overs for Duchfour, who made a mockery of the target, racing to 187-4 from 26 overs.

The right-handed Ferrier crowned an amazing day by leading the run-chase with an authoritative 76, with support coming from C. Pellew (39) and T. Gilbert (20). D. Butts (2-36) and O. Ross (1-14) were the wickettakers for Perseverance.

Action in the competition will continue on Sunday at the Enmore Community Centre ground with the

Deon Ferrier

first semi-final that features Helena and Fairfield. Semifinal two between ECCCC and Duchfour will take place on November 4 (a national holiday) at the same venue.

The final is tentatively set for November 10 at the Enmore Community Centre ground and all matches will bowl off at 11:00h.

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

The winner of the tournament will receive $30,000 and trophy, with the runnerup collecting $20,000 and a trophy. For individual prizes, recipients will receive trophies for the Man-of-theMatch in the final, the most runs scored and the most wickets and catches taken.

Clements, Smith help Bermine Dominant start for Hikers’ teams clinch Universal DVD T20 title GT&T Indoor Hockey Championships...

I

t was a clean sweep for the Hikers hockey club with all their teams winning on opening night of the GT&T National Indoor Championships on Monday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

In the feature match of the night, men’s first division top brass, Hikers managed to squeeze past defending champions GCC 3-2.

Captain Robert France opened the Hikers account with a brilliant steal just two minutes into the match to nail his shot in the GCC net before repeating 10 minutes later to give his team a 2-0 lead.

GCC managed to regain their footing with a goal just before the half when Kevin Spencer beat goalkeeper Azad DeAbreu.

Randy Hope extended the Hikers’ lead with a blinding shot four minutes into the second half and although Orland Semple managed one more for GCC, the Hikers held on for the win.

The Hikers Divas managed to upstage the young GCC Spartans in the ladies’ division clash. Former national players Amanda Garnett and Avonda James netted one each in the 2-1 victory. The Spartans se-

Devin Munroe

cured a penalty stroke in the opening minutes of the game which was converted by captain and national striker Gabriella Xavier. However, they failed to get past goalkeeper Jonelle Webster for the remainder of the match.

Hikers Revelation scored their largest victory in their short existence by destroying the Old Fort Heats 9-0 in the other ladies’ fixture of the evening. Competing in their first competition, the Heats found it difficult against Revelation after striker Latacia Chung scored a hat-trick, along with team mate Tekesha Deleon. Charlyn Elliot managed to score a double, while Nicole Eastman rounded out the score sheet with a single.

The men’s second division saw Old Fort B crushing Saints 5-1 with Shaquille Thomas and Timothy Baker leading the charge with doubles, while teammate Richard Thomas added one.

Saints’ lone goal was scored

by Parmanand Dindial.

The Hikers Recruits routed GCC 8-3 in the other second division fixture with Aroydy Branford scoring a hat-trick en route to victory.

Travon Younge, Leon Bacchus, Jamarj Assanah, Reginald Harper and Michael Harding scored a goal each for Hikers. Eric Hing, Kareem McKenzie and Steven Xavier were the goal scorers for GCC. In the lone veterans’ fixture of the evening, the Hikers defeated Old Fort 5-3 with Devin Munroe leading the charge for the Hikers with a hat-trick.

Sheldon Corlette and Brian Asregado scored the other two goals. Old Fort’s goals came through the efforts of Dwayne Allen, Ian Nicholson and Dexter Wyles.

Matches continued Tuesday night at the same venue until Sunday when the finals for all four divisions will be contested from 16:00 hours.

L

ed by Berbice allrounder Devon Clements with an unbeaten 56 and former Guyana Under-15 pacer Nial Smith with four wickets, Bermine became the Universal DVD First Division T20 champions against West Berbice over the weekend.

Winning the toss and batting at the Albion Community Centre ground, Bermine started shakily with Keith Fraser and Guyana pacer, Keon Joseph, picking up the wickets to leave their opponents at 13-2 in the third over.

However, Clements joined former Guyana Under-19 cricketer Joemal Lafleur to put on 68 in 10.3 overs before LaFleur fell for 20. Guyana Under-19 pacer, Romario Shepherd, soon followed but Clements and Keion DeJesus put on an invaluable 34 for the fifth wicket that helped Bermine post a respectable 138 for 6 in their 20 overs.

Clements’ knock included three fours, while DeJesus made 23; Joseph ended with 2 for 31 from his four overs.

In reply, West Berbice lost their first when the score was 14 after 2.3 overs.

Afterwards, former Berbice batsman, Artley Bailey, joined former Berbice batsman, Raffel Estriado, to put on 39 for the second wicket in just 4.3.

However, Smith’s dismissal of Bailey caught for eight triggered a mini-collapse that also accounted for the wicket of Estriado, who made 42 (5x4, 1x6), to leave West Berbice in shambles at 64 for 6 from 53 for 1.

Things did not improve afterwards as the team slipped to 83 for 9 after 14.1 overs, eventually folding at 112 all out in 19 overs. Quacy McPherson was left stranded on 27 in the 26-run victory. Bowling for Bermine, Smith took 4 for 12 from four overs, Clements, 3 for 29 (4), and Damien Vantull, 2 for 25 (3).

Clements was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match.

At the presentation ceremony, Managing Director of Unviersal DVD Club, Vickram Seubarran, praised the level at which the competition was played and congratulated Bermine for

emerging as champions.

Bermine captain, Anthony D’Andrade, was presented with the Universal DVD trophy and the $200,000 prize while Krishnadat Ramoo settled for the runner-up trophy and $100,000 for West Berbice, a record for prize money in Berbice first division cricket; Clements received $10,000.

Meanwhile, Albion Community Centre came in third after defeating Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets.

Rose Hall were sent in to bat first and made 102 for 9 with former Berbice cricketer, Clinton Pestano scoring 28 and West Indies A batsman, Assad Fudadin, 17. Bowling for Albion, former Berbice Under-19 offspinner, Verapen Permaul, took 3 for 11 (4) and former Guyana T20 batsman, Jonathan Foo, 2 for 25 (4).

Albion replied with 106 for 2 in 18.5 overs with former Guyana Under-19 batsman, Kandasammy Surujnarine stroking an unbeaten 58 (6x4, 1x6).

Albion received $25,000 and Rose Hall, $10,000, along with trophies.

Wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Blatter could be succeeded Creditable outing for ladies’

by Jeffrey Webb basketball and athletics teams at IGG

Jeffrey Webb

F

IFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated he could be replaced “in the near future”

by Jeffrey Webb.

Webb, a FIFA vice-president, is leader of the confederation for North, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF).

The comments to a football conference in the Caribbean are another hint that Blatter does not want UEFA president Michel Platini to succeed him as head of football’s world governing body.

Blatter, 77, has led the Zurich-based organisation since 1998.

Speaking off-the-cuff before a speech to mark the opening of a CONCACAF sport summit, Blatter was

Sepp Blatter

introduced incorrectly to an audience of regional political leaders and confederation delegates as “FIFA’s vicepresident” by a local media officer.

Blatter stepped up to the lectern and replied to the mistake by telling the media officer and assembled guests: “I think you’re a prophet.”

He then added that there may be a new FIFA president in “the near future” and the next president “could be Jeffrey Webb”.

After receiving applause, he added: “This would not mean I would be vice-president. Once you have been a horse you don’t go back to the stable.”

Sources close to FIFA have told BBC Sport that

the comments should not be taken as a decision by Blatter that he will not stand as a candidate in the next election, scheduled for May 2015, and that all options are still open to him.

Blatter told UEFA delegates in 2011 that this would be his final term of office but has this year given strong indications that he may seek a fresh mandate.

The comments are the clearest indication so far that Platini - considered by many observers to be his most likely successor - is not the man Blatter wishes to see in power after he has left the role.

Platini has yet to decide if he will stand in the 2015 election saying recently that he wanted more time to con-

sider the matter.

That leaves Jeffrey Webb, who is also yet to indicate any intention to stand in the ballot, as Blatter’s anointed executive, having already been appointed by him earlier this year to lead FIFA’s anti-discrimination and racism task-force.

Webb, 49, is from the Cayman Isles and was elected president of CONCACAF in May 2012 following the acrimonious departures of former president Jack Warner and general secretary Chuck Blazer.

Now one of seven FIFA vice-presidents, Webb started his time in football governance as president of the Cayman Islands Football Association in 1991. (BBC Sport)

RHTY&SC receives $300,000 in uniforms from Gizmos and Gadgets

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Gizmos & Gadgets first division team last Friday received a major boost for the remainder of 2013 season when the official sponsor handed over new cricket uniforms, worth over $300,000.

According to a release from the club, the city based company Gizmos & Gadgets, has been sponsoring the RHTY&SC first division team over the last four years.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the management of the sponsor, especially CEO Ravi Mangar and Marketing Manager Ewart Sampson for their continued support, describing the relationship as a “highly successful” one.

The club under the company’s support produced its only Test player Assad Fudadin, while Shemaine Campbelle plays for the West Indies female team. Others like Rajiv Ivan, Delbert Hicks, Dominique Rikhi, Clinton Pestano Loyydel Lewis, Shawn Pereira, Shailendra Shameer, Arif Chan, Askay Homraj, Phaffiana Millington, Daniel Lewis, Brandon Prashad and Erva Giddings have all represented Guyana at different levels.

The donation of the uniforms is in addition to the annual cricket sponsorship of $250,000 which aids in youth development.

The RHTY&SC will, over the next few weeks, be restructuring its first

Marketing Manager of Gizmos & Gadgets Ewart Sampson handing over the uniform to CEO/Secretary of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster

division team with special interest in the younger. The club will also for the first time be playing guest players from Demerara under a special arrangement with Alfred Mentore of the Demerara Cricket Club. These players include West Indies 20/20 star Christopher Barnwell and Trevon Griffith.

Meanwhile, Sampson expressed the company’s satisfaction on the way the club represents its brand. Sampson noted that he was pleased to be associated with the RHTY&SC and will continue to do so in future. He also wished the management of the club the best of the future.

Tamara Hunter

Jevina Straker

Alita Moore

Kevin Abbensetts

G

uyana’s female basketball team took the gold medal on the second leg of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) on Sunday in Suriname, crowning a creditable performance at the games.

The Guyanese women dominated their Dutch counterparts 45-23 after defeating them a day earlier in another blowout win that ended 47-29.

Tamara Hunter led the way for the national female side with a game-high 17 points and six assists.

Ginelle Ifill was critical in the win also; the lanky 6’ 3” centre dominated the glass with game-high 18 rebounds to go along with her 10 points. Kristy Roberts also had 10 points.

Longfur Chenelien was the highest scorer for the Surinamese with eight points.

Meanwhile, in a strange turn of events, after dominating Suriname on the track on the first day and returning the second day with more wins, Guyana lost their athletics crown to the hosts.

Kevin Abbensetts and Alita Moore completed sprint doubles, winning the male and female 200m respectively after winning the 100m a day earlier. Jason Yaw and Jevina Sampson who won their respective

Ginelle Ifill

400m for Guyana finished second to Abbensetts and Moore respectively in 200m.

Ornesto Thomas and Quacey Blair finished onetwo in the boys’ 800m for Guyana while respective three and one time Carifta gold medalists Jevina Straker and Cassey George mirrored their male compatriots by finishing one-two in the women’s 800m.

Cassie Kirton won the girls 3000m while Claudice Mckoy finished second.

The Guyanese, after dominating both male and female 4x100m relays on Saturday mirrored the results in the male and female 4x400m relay.

On the other hand, reports reaching this publication indicate that Guyana lost most of the field events but did well enough on the track to win the overall title.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

Wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2013

Digicel Guyana Open set for November 2-3

…preparations moving apace, says Khan

LGC president Jerome Khan

By Avenash Ramzan

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is hoping to attract 60-75 golfers from Guyana, North America and the Caribbean for its premier golf tournament- the Guyana Openbilled for November 2-3 at the country’s lone golf course at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Unlike previous years, when it was exclusively sponsored by Banks DIH Limited, the upcoming twoday tournament will now be

sponsored by cell phone service provider Digicel.

Giving an update to this publication regarding plans for the event, president of the LGC, attorney Jerome Khan, said preparations are moving apace with some overseas competitors already here getting acclimatised.

Khan revealed that golfers from the United States of America are already in the country, while several others from Canada are expected in the coming days.

“We are also expecting competitors from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and French Guiana, but as you would know, everyone is just waiting on the last moment to indicate their interest in participating,” Khan said.

The LGC head said the organisers are anticipating a large turnout of competitors on the nine-hole course, with heated rivalry in the Championship Flight (0-9 handicap), B Flight (10-18), C Flight (19-28) and Ladies Flight.

“If the turnout at the

President’s Cup [held a fortnight ago] is any indication of what is to come, we should expect large turnouts of players and supporters during the two-day event. Further, we encourage members of the public to come to Lusignan Golf Club and witness the activity, as well as spend a day out with the family in a very welcoming environment,” Khan intimated.

Khan said that from all indications, the Championship Flight will be a hotly contested category with defending champion Avinash Persaud throwing down the gauntlet to local rivals Mohanlall Dinanauth, Alfred Mentore, William Walker, Patrick Prashad, Imran Khan and Munaff Arjune; the Canada trio Roger Rajkumar, Jaipaul Suknanan and Seupaul Suknanan, and Anwar Shafi of New York.

The LCG president also used the opportunity to salute Digicel as the new sponsor of the Guyana Open, a partnership that gained

Avinash Persaud (left) and Christine Sukhram are the defending champions of the Men’s and Ladies titles respectively

roots a few years ago when the company first sponsored the Digicel Golf Classic.

“The Lusignan Golf Club would want to welcome Digicel on board. We’ve had a very good relationship with the company since they came to Guyana and I’ve seen this relationship grown to the mutual benefit of the club and the company,” he noted.

Khan added that the LGC is using the tournament to once again aid in the sports tourism drive, as the event will draw a wide crosssection of golfers and supporters from various countries.

“We’re very encouraged by the commitment made

by Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony [at the opening of the President’s Cup], who

has pledged to ensure that the access road is properly maintained because golf is a major tourist attraction, and we want to use it to our advantage to help the tourism drive, as is being done by the other Caribbean countries.”

Defending champions When the competition gets underway, four-time winner Avinash Persaud and multiple-champion Christine Sukhram, will be looking to keep a hold on the titles they won in 2012.

In a thrilling finish last year, Persaud defeated Canada-based Guyanese Roger Rajkumar on the final hole to lift the title, while on the distaff side, Sukhram duly retained her 2011 title, returning from a first day deficit to beat Suriname’s Nom Sook Choi, who had assumed pole position at the end of the opening day.

Following the Digicel Guyana Open, local golfers will engage in battle in the MACORP, Wartsila ECI and King’s Jewellery World Open tournaments.

Persaud defends Payless Tour was learning experience cycling title this weekend WI/Bangladesh Youth One-Day Series…

for Bangladesh U-19, says McInnes …impressed with talent of WI U19s

By Rajiv Bisnauth

C

oach of the Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team Richard McInnes said the Caribbean s tour was a “learning experience” for every member of the visiting side.

The Under-19 teams used the seven-match ODI series as part of their preparations for the ICC Youth World Cup next February in the United Arab Emirates.

Bangladesh won the tournament, which ended on Monday, 4-3.

“It’s fantastic to be in the West Indies and to have this opportunity to play against a very tough opponent. It was definitely a learning experience for every member of the team.

“However, it was probably a little disappointing that the toss basically dictated the results in most games because if you won the toss you won the series; but it’s good to have won the series, and despite the indifferent umpiring decisions, I am generally satisfied with the tournament,” McInnes said.

McInnes, who is also the head coach of Bangladesh’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) continued: “This is our second series as a team

Richard McInnes

and I must say that the guys have improved from the series against England mid this year. Conditions here in the West Indies are a little different to what we are all used to back home and as a young cricketer it’s an important part of their development to play in as many differing conditions and types of surfaces as possible.”

He pointed out that Sadman Anik’s and Mehedy Miraj’s performances were crucial to the visitors’ success.

Talent

On the other hand, McInnes mentioned that he was amazed to see the rich talent in the West Indies camp.

“This young West Indies is full of talent, I would love to coach a team with the

athleticism they have, the physical skills they have,” McInnis concluded.

Jeremy Solozano had been one of the Caribbean side’s most dependable batsman during the series.

After winning the opening match by six wickets, the young West Indies side suffered three straight defeats.

The Caribbean side lost the second game by 63 runs, the third by 198 runs and the fourth by four wickets, before keeping the series alive with 67-run win and a 36-run victory in the penultimate game to level the series.

West Indies will tour Bangladesh from December 2-22 for a seven match ODI under-19 series after which the West Indies World Cup squad should be selected.

Flashback! 2012 winner Robin Persaud collects the winner’s trophy from Lisa Ramkumar of the Payless Variety Store in the presence of organiser Hassan Mohamed

T

he experienced Robin Persaud will look to defend the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race on Saturday when national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed stages the second Payless Variety Store 11race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.

In the inaugural staging of the race last year, Persaud won in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 42.19 seconds (01h: 18m: 42.19s) in the gruelling main event.

In 2012 Persaud was in supreme form, dominating the inner circuit of the National Park, as well as the country’s roadways.

This year has not been quite the same, and no doubt the 38-year-old rider will want to successfully defend his title this Saturday and return to winning ways even as the 2013 season draws to a close.

A new champion would be crowned in the Juveniles race since last year’s winner Raul Leal, who was involved in an accident earlier this year, has not fully recovered, while Junior Niles (Veterans Under-50), Nigel Jacobs (Mountain Bikes) and Alfie Soonaram (12-14 Boys and Girls) will look to defend their respective titles.

Other races carded for

the day include the Veterans Over-50 and Over-60, BMX Boys Open, 6-9, 9-12 and 12-14 years. Action is set to pedal off at 09:00h.

Representatives of Payless Variety Store of Wellington Street in Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop are expected to be present at the event to assist in the distribution of prizes at the conclusion.

Following Saturday’s race, the riders will switch focus to the roadways on Sunday when Digicel stages the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness 78mile race from Linden to Georgetown, starting at 07:00h.

Wednesday, OCTOber 23, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Berbice chamber softball tournament billed for November 9

T

he Berbice Chamber of Commerce InterAgency Softball cricket tournament and fun day are billed for November 9 at the Albion Community Centre ground.

This year’s tournament will see 15 teams participating in 10/10 cricket, domino and other exciting games, aimed at building unity, and exchanging opinions among corporate officials.

There will also be a feature 20/20 hardball exhibition match featuring two teams from the county.

The event, which started in 2010 as a friendly game among business entities, has now grown to become an agenda item on the calendars of the corporate community.

Entertainment will also come from Paragon music system while there will be giveaways to patrons.

The confirmed teams for the event so far: Oldendorfff Carriers, Republic Bank, New Building Society, Demerara Bank, Banks DIH, Neal and Massey, Universal DVD, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Regional Chairman Eleven, Karibee Rice Boyz, Guyana Power and Light, Hand in Hand Insurance, Berbice Bridge Company, ANSA Mc Al Trading, Global Printing

Captains of the confirmed teams and other officials from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce

and Metro Office and Computer Supplies Meanwhile, any company or individual wishing to offer any form of sponsorship, advertising or promotion can contact the chamber’s office on 333-3324 to enquire about details.

Moray House hosts “A conversation about cricket” Thursday

Clive Lloyd

T

he Moray House Trust will on Thursday host “A conversation about cricket”, featuring two prominent former captains and a well-known local cricket historian, beginning at 18:30 hours at Moray House at 239 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

The esteemed panel will include West Indies most successful Test captain and two-time World Cup winner, Clive Hubert Lloyd, the former England opener and captain turned commentator, Michael Atherton, and an authority on Guyana and West Indies cricket, Dr Winston McGowan.

The event is being sponsored by Limacol, the official

Dr Winston McGowan

Mike Atherton

sponsor of the recently-concluded Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament and the franchise owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

wednesday, october 23, 2013

TOP SCORES

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

New Zealand 107-3 (Taylor 37*, Williamson 28*, Shakib 3-25) trail Bangladesh 282 (Tamim 95, Wagner 5-64) by 175 runs

WI/Bangladesh Youth One-Day Series…

Tour was learning experience for Bangladesh U-19, says McInnes …impressed with talent of WI U19s See story on page

22

Sadman Anik was the highest run scorer in the tournament

Mehedy Miraj produced the best all-round performances during the tournament

(WICB photos)

Jeremy Solozano had been West Indies most dependable batsman

Clements, Smith Dominant start help Bermine clinch for Hikers’ teams Universal DVD T20 title GT&T Indoor Hockey Championships...

Robert France

Aroydy Branford

t was a clean sweep for the Hikers hockey club with all their teams winning on opening night of the GT&T National Indoor Championships on Monday at the National Gymnasium,

Mandela Avenue.

In the feature match of the night, men’s first division top brass, Hikers managed to squeeze past defending champions GCC 3-2.

I

see full story on page 20

See story on page

20

Bermine players celebrate winning the Universal DVD T20 title over the weekend

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