Guyana Times Daily

PSC roasts opposition for blocking petition

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1950 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Youths behind most of the crimes See story on page 15

– police say Hot Skull Gang seen as big player

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Guyanese P3 shot dead in St Maarten

Philippines needs help T

he United Nations (UN) has called for a "massive response" to the humanitarian disaster in the Philippines. U.S. and British vessels have begun heading to the Philippines as the UN appeals for aid amid the large-scale devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

The U.S. has deployed an aircraft carrier and navy ships to the Philippines, while the UK is sending a naval destroyer.

At least 10,000 people are feared to have been killed, and thousands of survivors desperately require aid.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity.

In a statement, he said the two worst affected provinces, Leyte and Samar, had suffered massive destruction and loss of life.

A huge international relief effort is under way, but rescue workers have struggled to reach areas cut off since the storm.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described images of the impact of the storm as "heartbreaking".

The UN would launch a large-scale humanitarian plan, and allocate US$25 million (ÂŁ15.5 million) "to fund critical relief efforts", he said.

"Many thousands of people are reported to have died and almost 10 million people have been affected... Let us all show our solidarity with the people of the Philippines at this time of need," he added.

Guyana Times is calling on the government of Guyana to join the UN in offering humanitarian assistance to the people of the Philippines during this time of national tragedy. (See related story on page 11)

Man slits woman's P7 throat, kills self Another P10 hung jury for "Picture Boy" P14 President meets stakeholders on antilaundering bill

Contract P14 signed for waste recycling plant set-up

P17 ECD in prolonged darkness after vehicle hits power pole

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TUESday, november 12, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

3 PSC roasts opposition for blocking petition T News

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The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, November 12 from 13:00h to 14:30h.

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High Tide: 12:28h reaching a maximum height of 2.33 metres.

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Tuesday, november 12, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it is disgusted at the treatment by the combined opposition of its petition to Parliament on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, and the bill itself.

The PSC said it represents those industries that drive the Guyana economy forward while providing the bulk of the employment opportunities and include, as outlined in the petition, Guyana’s business community across the country, rice, mining (gold and bauxite), banking and insurance, construction, telecommunications and associated services, domestic aviation, manufacturing, fishing, tourism and forestry.

According to the PSC, state ownership of the productive sector of the economy has failed as is evidenced today by sugar, the last remaining industry that remains within state ownership. “The private sector collectively is one of the most important stakeholders in this country with a legitimate and irrefutable interest in preserving the health and stability of the domestic economy and it is for this reason – to protect against further economic slippage – that the Private Sector Commission petitioned Parliament.”

The PSC said the combined opposition saw it fit, despite the economic importance of this stakeholder, to deny the presentation and reading in Parliament of a petition from the private sector, thereby denying a voice to the very people who drive the economy and

PSC Chairman Ronald Webster

APNU MP Carl Greenidge

employ a high percentage of the nation’s citizens.

ing economic hardships and financial blacklisting.

The petition, which would have been presented by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Manzoor Nadir, was described as “offensive”, “vexatious”, “malicious” and “inaccurate” by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP Carl Greenidge, who drew first blood by raising a point of order, creating the first challenge to the piloting of the document. Greenidge argued that the correct procedures were not followed by the petitioners or Nadir as far as the Standing Orders had allowed for its presentation to the National Assembly.

Inexplicable contempt

“This action reveals an inexplicable contempt for the stakeholders of this country and/or a lack of understanding of how the economy functions. In a civilised world, on critical matters of economic and national importance, it is mandatory for leaders to rise above this petty and often retrogressive tit for tat disposition.

We expect nothing less from our elected representatives, who must understand that merit is the most important factor for the people of this country.”

The commission said it records its deep disappointment over the actions of Parliament and holds this 10th Parliament accountable for any damage that may accrue to the Guyana economy going forward.

Last Thursday, the joint opposition parliamentary parties used its one-seat majority in the National Assembly to block the presentation of the petition which sought to call on them to give support to the antimoney laundering legislation in the interest of avoid-

Guyanese shot dead in St Maarten

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Rondell Bobb

Guyanese man, Rondell Bobb, was shot dead in St Maarten on Saturday, police in the island have confirmed.

The shooting took place behind Patricia’s Bar on Sucker Garden Road. The 23-year-old Bobb also known as “Bobb the Builder”, was shot multiple times in a vehicle. Bobb is well known in the Sucker Garden area as he builds almost anything.

He was partially handicapped and is also known to be friendly.

Residents in Sucker Garden said they cannot imagine why anyone would

shoot and kill Bobb. “This young man was partially handicapped and he was also creative and friendly.”

Some alluded that he must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. Bobb was shot to death inside a vehicle which was parked behind Patricia’s Bar. The vehicle was parked at the car wash located behind the bar.

Relatives of Rondell Bobb are at a loss for words, they confirmed that Bobb does not own a vehicle and he was in someone’s car when he was shot multiple times. Some persons said they believe that the shooter, who used a machine gun, was after the second victim who was also inside the vehicle when the shooting took place.

A second person identified as Nino Brown “Thewet” is in critical condition at the St Maarten Medical Centre.

Unconfirmed reports state that Nino recently came out of prison and is said to be a national of St Kitts with ties to the Thewet families on AT Illidge Road.

Police chief Peter de

Witte confirmed the shooting Saturday night that left one person dead. De Witte said the shooting took place sometime around 22:00h behind Patricia’s Bar. Chief Prosecutor Hans Wesslink said he knew of the shooting, but up to Sunday afternoon,

he did not have further information.

Press prosecutor Dounia Bennmar said she did not feel comfortable releasing information to the press on the most recent homicide because she is the prosecutor in charge of the investigation.

Greenidge’s contentions

“The assembly will not receive any petition which is not properly and respectfully worded… It shall not contain ironical and nonsensical words that would not be used in debate,” he argued, while quoting Standing Orders 40 (A), 15 and 26.

The APNU shadow finance minister also described the document as “ignorant”. He said it sought to lay blame

at the feet of the opposition, having accused it of not making its concerns known in written form to the special select committee within the six months it was at that level.

House Speaker Raphael Trotman tried to advance the petition to the next level by cautioning the opposition about the route it was seeking to pursue on Thursday.

He reminded the Parliament of the precedence that had been set by other opposition members, including Volda Lawrence, who was allowed to bring and present a petition to the Parliament with ease.

“Petitions are the only instruments that the members of the public have to speak to us and so we have to be very careful about the rules we put in place as to how they should speak to us…” Trotman noted.

Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira expressed her disappointment at attempts by the opposition political parties to muzzle the private sector by seeking to obstruct its presentation to the National Assembly. She argued buoyantly that the right of all Guyanese to petition their representatives and the Parliament is sacrosanct in any society. The two page petition was signed

by PSC Chairman Ronald Webster and the entity’s Governance and Security Sub-Committee Chairman Gerald Gouveia. It details the impact of the non-passage of the anti-money laundering bill on the financial operations, economic standing, remittances, insurance companies, among other agencies of the country.

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tuesday, november 12, 2013

Views Mid-air miracle 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

Mars mission L

ast Tuesday, in the same week that “Ender's Game”, a science fiction movie about Earth fighting off a race of technologically superior hostile aliens, opened in cinemas, India launched its Mangalyaan mission to Mars.

In the movie, which is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, the humans prevailed because they utilised the skills of not their greatest or most experienced military genius, but rather innovative thinking by a mere boy – but a brilliant one at that.

It would appear that India is aiming to pull off a similar stunt in the quest to explore Mars and eventually colonise Mars, so as to supplement our planet’s fast depleting resources in the face of its even faster increase in population.

In the nearly 50 years since the U.S. sent the first probe that transmitted some grainy pictures of the “Red Planet”, there have been 40 follow-up missions, more than half of those were unsuccessful.

Up to now, the countries making the attempt were the U.S., Russia/USSR, Japan and the European Space Agency. But while Russia has also managed to accomplish a successful landing, it is the U.S. that has gone the furthest in actually sending back data from robotic probes.

The Indian attempt appears to be proceeding rather smoothly and this Monday morning the spacecraft, with equipment for five scientific experiments, was successfully given its third boost to have it gradually escape Earth’s gravitational field to reach Mars by next September.

There have been the inevitable questions about the usefulness of India embarking on a Mars mission while there are yet millions in the country that are going hungry.

But the Indian mission is not just an attempt to boost the country’s image – rather it is part of a strategy to take a major share of the US$300 billion global satellite market.

Just as it did with its facilitation of data processing and information technology applications in the business world, which ended with it becoming the “back office” of the U.S. and several other developed countries because of its comparatively extremely cheaper costs but top notch performance, India sees an opportunity in a market that holds great growth potential.

The communications revolution tying the world ever closer continues to increase by leaps and bounds, and it hinges on satellites as much as fibre optic cables. As with its information software facility, India’s advantage will be reliable performance coupled with bargain basement prices.

The Mangalyaan mission cost a mere US$73 million – a tenth of what it would have cost National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was able to do this by recycling older equipment and by conducting most of its tests using computer simulations with its superior software capabilities.

This low cost did not sacrifice the technological demands: the Mars Orbital Satellite includes autonomous Fault Detection, Isolation and Reconfiguration (FDIR) since even at light speed signals from the Orbital, it would take 42 minutes to reach and return from earth.

Similarly the satellites had to be built to withstand the extreme variations in temperature and radiation bombardment in outer space. If India succeeds with this mission, the private market for satellites will have to consider it as a player in this industry.

As far as taking money that could be used to feed starving Indian babies, the US$73 million for Mangalyaan is insignificant when compared with the US$20 billion that India will spend this year to provide subsidised food to two out of every three of its citizens, or the US$5.3 billion that will be spent this year on a rural employment plan. Every country must make strategic decisions for its future and must weigh the trade-offs.

Guyana and other developing countries must take note – the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) started by providing much needed weather information to poor Indian farmers. It is now poised to earn billions independently.

The University of Guyana (UG) can begin by conducting research to utilise our inter meridians Savannahs, for example.

Nine skydivers made an incredible jump to safety from 12,000 feet and survived a two-plane crash above Lake Superior, Wisconsin on November 2. The footage was captured on the divers’ helmet cameras (MSNBC)

Education concerns in Region 10 Dear Editor, Just recently, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry hosted a two-day outreach programme which focused primarily on the concerns of residents from several Region 10 communities.

Individuals were given the opportunity to raise and address any issue or concern they may have had.

One of the main concerns of the community was education. Education in Sand Hill is not as proficient and exceptional as it should be.

Residents indicated that one of the many reasons why they are encountering this problem is because individuals who undertake training in the teaching profession, particularly at the government’s Cyril Potter College

of Education (CPCE) are completing their studies and never return to render their services to the Region 10 community.

This is quite an unfortunate situation, particularly since these individuals are trained at the expense of the government. I strongly recommend that a contract of some sort be established between young teachers in

training and the government.

After completing their studies, they should be obligated to serve the community from which they hail from.

Giving back to their community should be a mandatory task.

Sincerely, Lorraine Smith

The use of firecrackers Dear Editor, I am very relieved that nothing untoward resulted from the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. However, this does not mean that it is acceptable. The possession and use

of firecrackers was deemed illegal in Guyana not so long ago and we must not allow its resurgence.

Firecrackers are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury to people. They are often loud and annoying and

are known to be fire hazards.

Several people in Guyana have over the years incurred their share of injuries particularly during Diwali and Christmas. I urge people to desist from using firecrackers and for those bent on

being disobedient; I recommend that the relevant authorities take the necessary actions in dealing with such individuals.

Yours truly, Corrine Stewart

Going local is the best way forward Dear Editor, I must commend Sterling Products Limited (SPL) for its overall contribution to Guyana’s local market economy over the years. I applaud the recent launching of their yogurt manufacturing plant.

The new top-notch facility is located at Providence, East Bank Demerara and is expected to be equipped with the latest state-of-theart technology. In addition

to now offering Guyana its own locally made yogurt, the plant will now provide new job opportunities for many Guyanese.

Yogurt is a semi-solid food prepared from milk fermented by added bacteria.

It is considered by many as a healthy snack. Yogurt is easy to digest and contributes greatly to colon health.

Additionally it boosts immunity, aids healing after intestinal infections, de-

creases yeast infections, lowers cholesterol and is a rich source of calcium and protein.

The company is already expanding by means of contemplating the production of a variety of flavoured yogurts. They are also considering expanding their markets to neighbouring countries such as Barbados and Trinidad.

Guyana serves to benefit greatly as it relates to

the establishment of similar manufacturing plants that will utilise our local fruits, vegetables and even milk.

Local fruit juices, fruit packages, and tinned vegetables are just a few products that we can consider for local manufacturing and exporting.

Sincerely, Randolph Veerasammy

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tuesday, november 12, 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

Many barriers to progress Lewis’s hatred for the PPP/C has blinded him in garbage collection Dear Editor, Less than a year ago, the Canadian government donated a new garbage compactor to the Anna Regina Town Council, yet the Regional Democratic Council and government sought to outsource garbage collection to a private company, which then further sub-contracted it out to another company, which reportedly had only one garbage truck to service the entire Region Two. The contracted company has an office at Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast. It collects money one month in advance to pick up garbage every week, but most of the time garbage is left to overflow and stink on the roadside.

The sub-contracted company has only one small garbage truck which has to

service the township, five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and five markets. This is impossible.

Most of the time, the lorry is in the repair shop for weeks, without the service being provided, although the company will take money in advance.

Legislation provides for garbage collection, rates and taxes and other major activities which are billable by the municipality. Garbage collection delinquencies by the contractor has created serious problems for all businesses in the township and the region as a whole since the privatisation.

Many times people have to call the head office in West Coast Demerara to address the garbage collection problems, because most of the time the Essequibo office’s telephone is either

turned off or not working.

This is very unsatisfactory.

No analysis was undertaken by the Local Government Ministry to determine the feasibility of the privatisation of garbage collection in the region. Rates and taxes should cover the cost the township incurs in collecting garbage and providing other services.

It is simply impossible for one truck to undertake all the garbage collection simultaneously given the base of the township, NDC’s and five markets. This means that the contracted firm will have to be sure it has brought into its organisation more garbage trucks for the collection of garbage to service the region.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan Former deputy mayor

Laptop users: beware!

Dear Editor, A couple lost their 25-year-old son in a fire at home on June 4. The son, who had graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of WisconsinMadison two weeks earlier, had come home for a while.

He had lunch with his dad at home and decided to go back to clean up his hostel room. His father told him to wait, to meet his mother, before he went back for a few days. He decided to take a nap while waiting for his mom to come back home

from work. Some time later, their neighbours called 911 when they saw black smoke coming out of the house.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old died in the three-year-old house. It took several days of investigation to find out the cause of the fire. It was determined that the fire was caused by the laptop resting on the bed.

When the laptop was on the bed, the cooling fan did not get the air to cool the computer and that is what caused the fire. He did not even wake up to get out of the bed because he died of breathing in

carbon monoxide.

The reason I am writing this to all of you is that I have seen many of us – our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and friends and family – using the laptop while in bed.

Let us all decide and make it a practice not to do that. The risk is real. Let us make it a rule not to use the laptop on beds with blankets and pillows around. Please educate as many people as you can.

Sincerely, Parvati Edwards

Press freedom is being abused Dear Editor, At an international level, reporters are taking necessary precautions to keep their sources from becoming causalities in ongoing political wars. Many government sources resort to one on one meetings rather than phone calls and emails.

It has been evident in Guyana’s media outlets that some journalists function in fear of what malicious individuals are capable of. Forefront criminal activities associated with those who spend their time chastising the government has given reporters a legitimate reason to fear.

Just recently, after exposing anti-government forces, a few reporters proceeded to send in their resignations. The Independent Media Workers Association of Guyana (IMAG) has come forth and expressed

legitimate concern over the fear inspired resignations.

IMAG embraces the view that expressions of fear in the execution of professional journalistic duties are troubling developments in the Guyana media landscape. This is quite unfortunate considering that the only time Guyana endured such a conflict was during pre 1992, when the country was under the regime of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

As of late, government seems to hold no significance for some. Journalism has been reduced to a battlefield of name calling and fabrication and any truthful source of exposure quickly resorts to some form of intimidation by the accused.

One reporter, cited fear as her reason for resigning. Her resignation has been linked to the series of probed articles

about the owner/publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall. The young journalist and news anchor was fearful reporting on matters concerning Lall – her own email said so. She felt that any means of exposing him or calling upon on him to offer explanations would have life threatening repercussions.

I strongly support journalists and the confidentiality that they deserve.

They have an obligation to society, and as such they ought to be able to live and function without any fear of consequences at the hands of any one they write or speak about.

These young professionals should be able to undertake their jobs fearlessly.

Press freedom must not be abused.

Sincerely, Faye-Anne Harris

Dear Editor, In the November 10, 2013 issue of the Kaieteur News, Lincoln Lewis wrote that “government never wanted the anti money laundering bill passed”. Lewis seems to have lost all reasons and his perception clouded by deep prejudice.

First of all what is the anti-money laundering bill about? Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) are bringing all their laws together to fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorist organisations.

Only the criminals,

Lincoln Lewis including narco criminals, have to gain from not passing this bill. If Lewis thinks that the

government did not want the bill, then why did the Opposition vote against it?

Since the bill was aimed at fighting drug traffickers and the criminals will benefit from not passing the bill, then it is clear that the opposition parties, and not the governing party, are the ones who are the “real supporters of drug lords”.

Lewis so hates the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that it has blinded him to reality.

Sincerely, Rebecca Constance

Opposition seems to be supporting criminals Dear Editor, I am not sure I can ever comprehend the opposition’s rationale as it relates to them objecting to the amendment of the firearms bill and the implementation of the SWAT team.

Gun crimes are surging through the streets of Guyana and it is imperative that we address the uproar in crime sprees. The amendment to the firearms bill was a mere approach to minimise gun related crimes and further protect the nation.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has made an accusation against the opposition parties stat-

ing that an overwhelming amount of empirical data has become available to indicate the existence of a nexus between the opposition and criminal forces in Guyana.

With the recent objections by the opposing parties to support notions that are expected to better Guyana and protect the nation, one can only assume that there is some truth in this statement.

Not so long ago, the home affairs minister was accused of having direct responsibility for the deaths during the Linden protest. However, the Commission of Inquiry

(CoI) was able to have the accusations against him acquitted. Many believe that the objective of the opposition is to obstruct the responsibilities and aims of the Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

The National Assembly has resumed and I can only hope that a mature approach is taken to address everyday matters that can affect the lives of many Guyanese. Decisions should not be based on personal disputes, but on what is practical and ethical.

With regards, Dana Hopkins

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Foundation

Motivating learning in young children

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oung children learn from everything they do.

They are naturally curious; they want to explore and discover. If their explorations bring pleasure or success, they will want to learn more. During these early years, children form attitudes about learning that will last a lifetime. Children who receive the right sort of support and encouragement during these years will be creative, adventurous learners throughout their lives. Children who do not receive this sort of support and interaction are likely to have a much different attitude about learning later in life.

(part one)

upon some outside force.

Since intrinsically motivated activity is more rewarding in and of itself, children learn more from this sort of activity, and they retain that learning better.

Intrinsically motivated children are more involved in their own learning and development.

In other words, a child is more likely to learn and retain

Characteristics of motivation in young children

Children do many things simply because they want to do them. Selecting a toy or a shirt to wear is the result of “intrinsic motivation.” The child makes her own choice and achieves satisfaction from both the act of choosing and from the opportunity to play with the toy or wear the shirt. Since the activity is generating the motivation, it is mostly self-sustaining for as long as the child wants to continue the activity.

Children also engage in some activities because adults tell them to, or in an effort to please another party. These activities are “extrinsically motivated.”

When a child is extrinsically motivated, the reward comes from outside the child – it has to be provided by someone else, and has to be continually given for the child to remain motivated enough to continue the activity.

It is more difficult for a child to sustain extrinsically motivated activity because of this reliance

guyanatimesgy.com

information when he is intrinsically motivated – when he believes he is pleasing himself.

Parents can build on this sense of confidence by guiding their child’s play and activities while still giving the child a range of options. This unstructured play is an essential element of the child’s motivation, learning, and development.

A number of behavioural characteristics are indicators of high motivation. Here are some of the important factors and some ways to help your child de-

velop these characteristics.

Persistence is the ability to stay with a task for a reasonably long period of time. While very young children cannot concentrate on one activity for an hour, there are still measurable differences in the length of time that young children will engage in an activity.

A highly motivated child will stay involved for a long period of time, whereas an unmotivated child will give up very easily when not instantly successful. Children learn persistence when they are successful at a challenging task.

The art in building persistence is in offering a task that is just challenging enough, but not overwhelming.

Choice of challenge is another characteristic of motivation. Children who experience success in meeting one challenge will become motivated, welcoming another.

These motivated learners will choose an activity that is slightly difficult for them, but provides an appropriate challenge. When they successfully complete such a task, children gain a high level of satisfaction.

Unmotivated children (those who have not experienced early success) will pick something that is very easy and ensures an instant success. With such easy success, children feel only a very low level of satisfaction, because they know that the task offered little challenge.

The challenge for parents is helping their child find an appropriate challenge while still allowing the choice to be the child’s. (nasponline.org) TO BE CONTINUED

Raising a young scientist

BY APRIL PULLEY SAYRE

D

o you have a child who stares at snails? A girl who twitters like a bird? A boy who knows every snake species on the continent?

Don’t fret. You may have a young naturalist or young scientist in your house. Really, their care and keeping is not so bad. It’s just a little messy.

Prepare for strange things in aquariums.

How do you nourish these young beasts (the children, I mean)?

Unstructured outdoor time.

The brain needs time to look, discover, and wonder. Soccer is great but sometimes you need to just sit in a field and notice the bees. Hold back on the need to entertain.

Getting a little bored helps the brain to wander and find.

Encourage questions. Don’t dismiss them, and don’t worry if you don’t have the answer. But don’t leave questions hanging either. Have your young scientist write them down and explore them later.

Forming good questions is important. Give your young scientists a little notebook to write in!

Books, books, books! Buy all of my books, of course, to start exploration. But, seriously, this is crucial, start buying field guides. Build your child’s library…but not too quickly.

One big, juicy field guide at a time, preferable just before or in the season where it might be most useful.

Insects for summer. Birds for spring or fall migration. I’ve got a list in my

store under “nature field guides.”

Give them time to appreciate each book and become obsessed by it, love it, cover to cover. Then only later introduce the next. Take a trip where all you bring is a field guide and actually read it! A great field guide goes way, way, beyond the Internet in scope. Building their field guide library will give them a reference for life.

Web wander. In addition, as a family, why not tune in to some of the great Internet resources? One of my favourites is the astronomy picture of the day. It’s one mind-opening photo and a paragraph. Just enough to give your family a daily dose of outer space.

It’s expanding my mind and educating me. Also check for the Earth Science Picture of the day, and National Geographic’s Picture of the Day. Oh, and there’s a terrific Hubble site, as well.

Humane animal care. Do you find yourself with lots of pets and odd animals? I’ve listed my best advice about this in the children’s section under “Pets and the Planet.” You might also want to take a look at this recent article before choosing animals for your children: AOL: Exotic Pets Pose Health Risk to Children.

This mostly applies to young children. Older children with these pets must be taught to wash their hands rigorously and be careful where they put these pets. An essential book for your home is Pets in a Jar by Seymour Simon. It’s an older but good guide. Most of all, explore as a family. If you teach your child common sense rules about handling animals, you will likely be fine. But teaching these rules is not just a matter of telling them once. Post rules for animal handling or set up a ritual and practice it with them each time. These small schedules and plans for washing hands, handling the animal, cleaning cages, and so on, are an important part of not only learning but also humane animal care.

If, like us, you/your family have members that are allergic to many animals, then plant habitat to attract birds, butterflies, and other creatures to your yard/ school yard. You’ll have plenty of animal interactions, plus you will be helping make the world a more welcoming place for wildlife.

Most of all, as a member of the big ol’ world out there, I want to thank you for your hard work as a parent. You are contributing to a better future for all of us by raising an inquisitive, open minded young person with an interest in science. (aprilsayre.com)

news

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Tuesday, november 12, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Man slits woman’s throat, kills self

By Vahnu Manikchand

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22-year-old man was Monday afternoon found hanging from the ceiling of his Lot 27 West Ruimveldt home, with his 27-year-old girlfriend lying on a nearby bed with her throat slit.

Dead are Kenroy Crandon of Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice, and Sheryann Tiwari believed to be from Parika, East Bank Essequibo. It is believed that the young man murdered the woman before tragically ending his own life. Guyana Times understands that Crandon and Tiwari were living together in the upper flat of the house; however, the woman was asked to leave by Crandon’s aunt who is living in the lower flat of the house.

The aunt of the young man, Donna, explained that she was home all day and did not see when Tiwari entered the yard. “The girl that he murder used to live here and I put her out like the ending of August and I tell him and her too that she is not welcome back here. I was trying to prevent something like this from happening, because they used to

abuse each other,” the aunt noted.

She recalled that around 17:00h, she and a cousin were sitting talking and the volume of the television was very loud upstairs, forcing her to disconnect the electricity from downstairs. The woman said that while they were talking, she heard a door slam and something fell on the floor, then there was a sound as though someone was dragging their feet.

According to her, they continued to talk, but about six to seven minutes after “I called for Kenroy, but he didn’t answer so I keep calling. I started to feel like something is not right, so I went outside and looked at the door and it was closed, so we had to pull out a piece of wood from the inside step to go upstairs and that is when my cousin find them,” she recalled.

Strange

The cousin, who wished to remain anonymous, related to this publication that when he got to the upper flat, the bedroom door was closed, so he decided to climb up and look into the room and saw the woman lying on the bed. “I turn to Donna

and tell her ‘I ain’t like what I seeing here’ and she said she want to see, so I push open the door and when we go in, the first thing we see is Kenroy hanging from the roof with he tongue out he mouth and Sheryann on the bed with she clothes on and it full with blood,” the cousin stated.

The aunt explained that she had no idea the woman was in the house and from checks made, it appears as though she sneaked into the yard while it was raining heavily, since there was a strange umbrella next to the step. She explained the couple was living together at another relative in Berbice; however, the relative had put Tiwari out and both of them left to live in Georgetown. The woman disclosed that no one really knows anything about Tiwari and her family, since she lied to them many times about herself.

The aunt is baffled as to what could have triggered her nephew to commit such an act and to take his own life. She noted that he was going to bring his two sisters from Berbice to live with him. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

Ashmins launches Christmas promotion

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Customers turned out in their numbers for the launch of Ashmins' Christmas Promotion

shmins officially launched its Christmas Palace with an elegant sip and shop event held on Sunday, at the company’s Hadfield Street location.

The event saw representatives from various corporate entities, among others, who had the opportunity to mingle and shop

for Christmas decor, gifts and accessories, a release from the store said.

In addition, the invitees were fully entertained with live melodious steel pan and jazz music, and were treated to finger foods and cocktails.

Ashmins also took the opportunity to formally introduce two other new-

ly-opened departments: Fashion Girl, where persons had the chance to browse and purchase from its 2013 Christmas collection of jewellery and Dazzle Custom Apparel, which gave persons unique gift ideas, including customised photo crystals and custom-printed mugs, clocks and other novelties.

Moblissa residents dissatisfied with work on main access road

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esidents of Moblissa and Region 10 officials have expressed dissatisfaction with rehabilitation works carried out on the community’s main access road by Chinese logging company Bai Shan Lin. The road was reportedly severely and extensively damaged by the traversing of heavy-duty trucks and equipment belonging to the company earlier this year.

Recent repair works carried out by the company were deemed unsatisfactory by residents on Sunday when Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and that region’s parliamentary representative Vanessa Kissoon visited the community on Sunday.

While it was observed that a section of the road was rehabilitated, other sections damaged by the company remain in their current state.

Solomon indicated during the visit to the communi-

The laterite pit at Moblissa

ty that inspection carried out by the Public Works Ministry had indicated that the work done was satisfactory.

The damaged access road was constructed under the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP) at the request of farmers.

Region 10 officials and Moblissa residents had voiced concerns over what they said were unauthorised excavation works and the construction of an access

A section of the damaged Moblissa main access road

road in the community by the company.

Solomon had explained a few months ago that Bai Shan Lin had failed to fulfill a few relevant conditions from agencies such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Lands and Survey Commission.

GGMC representatives had estimated that approximately 47,000 tonnes of laterite was removed from Moblissa by Bai Shan Lin to construct a new road without any consultation with the above agencies.

During the visit to the community on Sunday, Solomon said the large pit from which the laterite was extracted remains a threat to the community. These sentiments were also echoed by residents.

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Driver charged for death of Horizon Book Store owner

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he driver charged with causing the death of Horizon Book Store owner Bholan Boodhoo made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Thirty-seven-yearold Otis Jamieson, of Lot 290 Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry and pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Jamieson is accused of hitting Boodhoo with a Guyana Power and Light contracted minibus on November 8 at JB Singh Road, Georgetown as he drove in a manner dangerous to the public.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question around 04:50h, Jamieson was proceeding north on the western carriageway of JB Singh Road in motor vehicle BGG 4671 at a very fast pace when the front of the vehicle struck two pedestrians who were walking along the western side of the road.

bail and Jamieson was remanded to prison. The matter stands adjourned to November 26.

Tragic

Otis Jamieson being escorted out of court

Boodhoo was dragged several yards, while his companion, Bibi Baksh, was tossed some distance from the point of impact.

The two were picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Boodhoo was pronounced dead on arrival and Baksh was admitted to the surgical ward where her condition was listed as critical.

Jamieson was represented by Attorney Peter Hugh,

who stated that his client is not a flight risk, since he was willing to lodge his passport. The defence counsel then made an application for reasonable bail.

However, Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence as well as the likelihood the defendant will not return to court, if granted his pretrial liberty.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry refused

When Guyana Times visited Boodhoo’s widow at the couple’s Lot 81 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown home on Friday, she disclosed that it was a norm for her husband to leave early in the morning to go jogging.

She noted that Boodhoo, an economist who formerly worked for a number of years with the State Planning Secretariat, was the country representative for Longman Pearson publishers and had only returned on Thursday from a three-day trip.

She explained that she was preparing his breakfast around the time her husband normally returned home – 05:45h, when she received a call informing her that she should go to the hospital, because her husband was in an accident. She immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where her worst fear was confirmed.

Second fatal accident accused appears in court

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26-year-old man was on Monday placed on $400,000 bail after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Ramon Brito, of Lot 106 Section C Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on November 7 at Prospect, East Coast Demerara, he drove motor car PDD 7385 in a man-

Ramon Brito being escorted out of the courtroom

ner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Roy Harrilall.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question around 22:50h, Brito was driving north along the western carriageway of the Prospect Public Road when motorcyclist Roy Harrilall, who was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the public road, overtook another vehicle and ended up in Brito’s path. As a result, Harrilall collided with the right front side of the motor car and sustained injuries.

This newspaper understands that Harrilall’s left leg was broken and his right hand was also badly damaged. Persons who helped take him to hospital explained that the injured man’s scrotum also appeared to have been “crushed”, so his chances of survival seemed slim.

Harrilall was first taken to the East Demerara Regional Hospital (Diamond Diagnostic Centre) and was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died minutes after arrival.

Harrilall was described as a loving person who liked to make others smile. He leaves to mourn his wife and five children.

There were no objections to bail raised by Prosecutor Mangru, and it was granted with the conditions that the defendant lodge his passport and report to the Providence Police Station every Friday. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court where it will be heard before the magistrate there on December 3.

Eyew tness War...

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...or peace

e’ve no desire to interrogate Leo Tolstoy’s magnum opus of the same name. The eyes of your Eyewitness glaze over nowadays after 500 words or so. Hence the three-part columns. You can read them separately. Nor will we comment on Ruel Johnson’s Punic wars against Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

There’s too much self interest there for anything better than “talk” being hurled across fences.

Instead, as we sport poppies and lay wreaths in “remembrance” of those who died in the world wars, let’s ponder whether there’ll be war or peace in the Middle East. While we’re concerned about our fellow humanity in that region, the spiking of oil prices, whenever there’s trouble there, does focus our minds wonderfully.

We are, after all, importing more that 12,000 cars annually nowadays and they’re all quite voracious for gas.

So we turn to the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran about the latter’s nuclear programme. Russia, UK, France, Germany and China are also involved but it’s the U.S., which, as usual, carries the clout of sanctions that have driven Iran to the table.

We were on the brink of an agreement as last weekend approached, then, kaboom!!! The whole thing exploded.

It proved that power over war and peace in the Middle East lay with Israel.

Following Barack Obama’s personal call to the Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, he’d put his reputation on the line and had his Secretary of State John Kerry meet Netanyahu at the Israeli airport to assuage the latter’s concern.

But Netanyahu thumbed his nose at Obama. He called the leaders of the European nations involved in the negotiation and persuaded the French to take his line.

The talks were derailed even though the British feel they can be resuscitated.

Netanyahu could act so arrogantly because even though he exists under America’s umbrella, he knows that umbrella can’t be removed because of power of the Jewish lobby in the U.S. Congress.

As a matter of fact, the U.S. Senate just passed a resolution authorising the continuation of American sanctions against Iran, regardless of the outcome of the talks. This doesn’t bode well for Iran’s agreement, especially when its President Hassan Rouhani is already under tremendous pressure from his own hard liners that he’s already given away the Iranian store.

All in all, not a good day for peace, rather than war, in the Middle East.

...on all fronts

As an officer trained in one of Britain’s top military academies, one would’ve hoped Opposition Leader David Granger would’ve shown greater appreciation of the dictum that it’s not such a hot idea to wage war on too many fronts simultaneously. We’re talking about the torpedoing of the Anti- Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill (AMLCFT).

As for Khemraj Ramjattan, leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), being exposed only to fighting in the gutter, all he know is how to “behave bad” in as many places and as often as he can.

For a while, we thought that Granger was signalling that he was aware of the dangers posed to the Guyanese financial system by non-passage of the bill. But more importantly, to the dangers of taking on the government and the entire business community simultaneously.

Some in that community already had bitter memories of Granger’s People’s National Congress (PNC), which had nationalised the “commanding heights of the economy” back in the day. And had left them wandering in the desert for 28 years.

Granger’s going to find out what Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler discovered a while back: don’t overrun your supply lines.

...in the courts

Rex McKay, SC, is trying to sow confusion with his prolixity. We dare him state the facts in the Guyana Times news report that concerned the matter before the courts. There were none. How could those separate facts then influence the courts? The restraint of freedom of the press and freedom of speech cannot be so widely drawn. There is the “chilling effect”.

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tuesday, november 12, 2013

News Another hung jury for “Picture Boy” – deceased’s relatives slam justice system

By Vahnu Manikchand

F

or the second time in less than a year, Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier will have to be retried after the jury was deadlocked on deciding a verdict.

Collier was indicted with the murder of two brothers, 34-year-old Ray “Sugar” Walcott and 31-year-old Carl “Alo” Andrews at Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara, on September 23, 2006. This trial began on October 18 before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court during which Senior State Counsel Judith Gildarie-Mursalin called several witnesses to testify against the accused after which she closed her case on Wednesday. The defence’s case was heard on Thursday.

On Friday, the prosecutor and defence attorney Lyndon Amsterdam made closing arguments, and then on Monday, Justice Singh summed up the evidence presented. This process took just over two hours after which the panel retired to the jury room to deliberate on a verdict.

After spending some four hours in deliberation, jurors returned around 16:30h to a packed courtroom and informed the presiding judge that they were unable to arrive at a unanimous verdict for both of-

Murder accused Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier

fences. For Walcott’s case, the jury was equally divided on Collier’s guilt, while eight jurors believed he was guilty and four not guilty in the case of Andrews.

The trial judge subsequently related to Collier that the jury was not able to reach a unanimous verdict; hence, the trial has to be redone. Justice Singh then ordered a retrial in the next criminal assizes, and further remanded the man to prison. This will be the second time Collier will have to undergo a retrial for this double murder. The first trial, which was held

in October and ran until December of last year, resulted in a hung jury after six hours of deliberation.

Family rage

Meanwhile, this second hung jury was not accepted by the relatives of the deceased. They vented their anger against the justice system which they said has repeatedly failed to deliver them the justice they are seeking for the loss of not only one but two family members. They are calling for the jury system to be abolished, noting that there is no security in using it,

since the jurors can easily be contacted and bribed.

The relatives further alleged that some of the jurors were paid off on behalf of the accused. They disclosed that after the decision was made, a juror was seen showing the relatives of the accused “thumbs up”.

“It is disgusting what happened here today. There is no justice for people who don’t have money in this country, all these lawlessness got to stop,” one relative stated.

This is not the first time the family is making such allegations. At the previous trial, they named four jurors who had connections with the defence attorney.

Collier is also awaiting a retrial for another charge, which had resulted in a hung jury. In that matter, he is accused of the murder of Chandrapaul “Kero Man” Persaud, a Nonpareil, East Coast Demerara businessman, on September 30, 2006.

He had faced trial for this murder in October of 2011; after the hung jury, presiding judge, Justice Winston Patterson ordered a retrial.

During a robbery at his home, Persaud put up a fight and was shot to death outside his house by one of the three gunmen, who invaded his home.(vahnum@ guyanatimesgy.com)

A letter writer expose Mook Lall and de headitor

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id all de big noise whah de big Mook was mekkin bout advertisin free fuh de guvament, it tek a letter writer in the Guyana Times to expose he and show how he is a lyin two-face hypocrite, just like de headitor. After all, birds of a feather does flock together, so no wonder de two of dem like Suru and Duru and bamzee and po. That letter woulda never get publish in the mud paper.

One of dem boys who seh dem is boys who does send out de Mook official photos seh breeze does can’t pass between de Mook and de headitor. Yet de headitor does be shame of some of dem tings whah does come out in de mud paper.

No wonder de headitor does tell everybody that how is de Mook who does want he put in all dem comfufflin lies. But one never far from de other, especially in dem deeds. One of dem boys who seh dem is boys seh dem close like bone in flesh.

A father seh de other day in church that some people sins gone tek long to wash away. Well imagine de Mook and de headitor…even if dem should get born again now, it gon tek eternity to wash way de two of dem sins. It look as if de father was talkin bout de two of dem. But he was friken like dem reporters who friken de Mook to call out he name out in public.

De Mook jump up and seh he willin to publish all guvament ads fuh free. That was Saturday. And then he accuse a minister of only givin one newspaper all de ads.

But in de same article, de minister seh de ads goin to all de papers, but on different days. People know de Mook can’t read, but dem ain’t know he can’t see good too.

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

De very next day de Mook change he mouth. But de guvament woulda never tek de offer. Dem know de Mook woulda want tax rebate from de s*ity council and from GEE-RA. That is how de Mook stay. Nutten is free. Ask dem reporter who friken to report bout he.

Thieves break into pastor’s home

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hieves Sunday night broke into the home of a Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries pastor and stole an undisclosed sum of money, clothing and soft drink.

According to reports, the pastor’s dog raised an alarm of the robbers’ presence, forcing them to drop the expensive electrical household appliances they removed from the house, and make good their escape.

In an interview, Pastor Rajendra Prabhulall said the thieves used a piece of equipment from a bicycle stand to remove several louvre panes from a window in the lower flat of the building, where they gained entry to the house.

Prabhulall said his wife Jenetta came home around 22:00 hours Sunday night and had snacks in the lower flat of the building before retiring to bed.

The break and entry occurred during blackout and neighbours reportedly did not hear any strange sound.

Jenetta said she was alerted by her dog barking in the yard and noted that around 05:00h when her hus-

The window through which the robbers gained access to Pastor Rajendra Prabhulall’s home

band woke up, he discovered the window panes removed.

The woman said her husband told her about the incident and when she checked, she discovered that bananas and a bag belonging to a sister containing clothes and money were missing.

Jenetta said the thieves did not get a chance to remove a computer, television set, a video cassette player, video digital camera and other electronic equipment in the lower flat.

The thieves, she said, also managed to gain entry to the upper flat of the house and tried to remove a new 42inch television set, but had to abandon their plan when the dog started to bark.

Prints from the thieves’ fingers were visible on the television screen. A call was made to the Anna Regina Police Station, and police responded promptly, but so far no one has been arrested.

Investigations are ongoing.

news

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Philippines in national calamity

CCJC

RNER

Facts and Evidence

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry v Desiree Alleyene

BY RENALDO TOOTE, EUGENE DUPUCH LAW SCHOOL

D Philippine President Benigno Aquino declares a state of national calamity following Friday’s devastating typhoon which has killed thousands of people

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he Philippine President, Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity to speed relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

In a statement, he said the two worst affected provinces, Leyte and Samar, had suffered massive destruction and loss of life.

Thousands of survivors are still desperately waiting for the aid effort to reach them.

Up to 10,000 people are feared to have been killed.

Tacloban is one of the worst affected cities. The BBC’s Jon Donnison, who is there, says there does not yet seem to be an effective operation to get help to those in need.

This is expected to change over the next few days, he says.

Hundreds of thousands more people have been displaced after the high winds and floodwaters destroyed their homes.

Damage to roads and airports has delayed the delivery of aid.

One of the most powerful

storms on record to make landfall, Haiyan – named “Yolanda”

by Filipino authorities – struck the coastal provinces of Leyte and Samar on Friday.

It then headed west, sweeping through six central Philippine islands.

More than nine million people have been affected in the Philippines. Many are now struggling to survive without food, shelter or clean drinking water. (Excerpt from BBC News)

esiree Alleyne was a director of Wilson Enterprises, a Guyanese company which borrowed money from the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI).

The company defaulted on the loan and the bank sued Alleyne as she had signed a guarantee acknowledging her personal liability to repay the loan. Alleyne’s defence to the suit was that her signature on the guarantee was forged. The bank led evidence by two of its officers, Shaw and Chen showing that Alleyne signed the guarantee in the presence of two witnesses. It also filed computer printouts to show that Wilson Enterprises had defaulted on their loan payments and that the company owed the bank in excess of $10 million. The trial judge ruled in favour of the bank. The Court of Appeal set aside this decision and ordered a re-trial on the basis that the evidence surrounding Alleyne’s signature was inconsistent and the bank had not shown that it had made a written demand for payment of the loan.

The bank successfully appealed this decision to the CCJ. The court emphasised that appellate courts should be cautious in interfering with findings of fact made by a trial judge. The trial judge had the advantage of seeing and hearing the witnesses and his findings should only be overturned in exceptional cases. The fact that the Court of Appeal may have come to a different conclusion based on the evidence presented is not a sufficient basis for ordering a re-trial. The court also set out the procedure for computer printouts to be admitted into evidence. Under section 91 of the Evidence Act, computer printouts must be accompanied by a written certificate or oral evidence from the person responsible for computer operations showing that the computer was functioning properly. The court acknowledged that this procedure was not followed in this case. However, this did not mean that the records were inadmissible evidence. Alleyne’s attorney did not object to them and therefore had waived any objection that the requirements of section 91 were not met. The bank was therefore entitled to succeed in its claim for repayment of the loan, having proved both the company’s indebtedness and Alleyne’s guarantee.

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Organisers promise thrilling second day of drama After a thrilling opening day of the National Drama Festival, the action will continue this morning at the National Cultural Centre with three plays on the schedule.

“Adjua and Kiera”

The first play, titled “Adjua and Kiera”, will be done by Queen’s College. The play tells the story of two little girls whose parents are assumed dead, so they are given to the state to be cared for. The officer responsible for the girls has a friend who is in the child labour racket. In the end, both of these women are arrested and charged, and Facey’s daughter is put in the care of the state.

Actor

Character

Rashawn Cummings

Clerk Cummings

Frenando Vieira

Clerk Vieira

Stephen Lewis

Child in orphanage and Maria’s son

Juman Crandon

Kiera

Marinella Glasgow

Boss, Mr Glasgow

Jonette Facey

Mrs Facey

Shania Holder

Maria, social worker

Chari Frank

Mrs Facey’s daughter

Michael Bhopaul

Policeman and vendor

Donicia Bess

Adjua

“Massacuraman” Next up will be Berbice High School with a play titled “Massacuraman”, written

by Paloma Mohamed and directed by Shanelly Kendall, the play will feature: Actor

Character

Leah Chester

Annie

O Richmond

Old Sam

Shemar James

Jean

Dwane Jordan

Ovid

Mervin Campbell

Edward

Akeza Adams

Devina

Desmond Thomas

Massacuraman

The final play for today will be performed by the Leonora Secondary School. It is titled “Save The Children”, and was written by Sonia Telman and Nalini Barker.

National Drama Festival 2013 highlights

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guyanatimesgy.com

News

signed President meets stakeholders Contract for waste recycling on anti-laundering bill plant set-up A A s public concern continues to mount over the recent non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, President Donald Ramotar met numerous civil society stakeholders on Monday at the Office of the President.

Among them were members of the private sector, bankers and trade unionists, the majority of whom will be directly or indirectly affected by the opposition’s rejection of the bill that sought to upgrade Guyana’s laws against financial crimes.

The non-passage of the bill had evoked public concerns from several stakeholders, given the impact it could have on the smooth transfer of money from local to external banks, and remittances from money transfer agencies and insurance services.

An offshore bank has already severed ties with

President Donald Ramotar and other government officials in the meeting with representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), bankers, and trade unions

Guyana following what President Ramotar described as the worst form of economic sabotage the political opposition has so far undertaken. The absence of legislative support had resulted in the

country missing an August deadline and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) granting an extension to November.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil

Nandlall and Financial Intelligence Unit head Paul Geer have now been tasked with examining the anticipated impact of the failure to pass the anti-money laundering legislation in Guyana.

Banks DIH honours long-serving workers

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was on Monday signed between the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and Natural Globe Incorporated, which will see Guyana’s first solid waste recycling plant being installed in Region Four, to ensure improved solid waste management.

Over the years, government has been working assiduously with the local democratic organs to address the issue of solid waste management across the country.

This $30 million investment will seek to address that issue and will see five transfer stations being installed in the region, three on the East Coast of Demerara, and two on the East Bank of Demerara. Every household will also be provided with differently coloured containers to recycle their waste.

During brief remarks at the signing which was held at the ministry’s boardroom, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud said he was pleased to be part of such a significant event which addresses the issue of solid waste. He said over the years, government has ensured that immense regard and respect was given to the laws of Guyana in terms of solid waste disposal. Support was given to the entities responsible for solid waste to execute their mandate and provide the services necessary to ensure a clean environment.

Unfortunately, Minister Persaud said, there were some challenges and government had to intervene by

implementing several projects to deal with the issue.

He added that the Region Four project complements what has already been done, and highlighted that once completed, the project will assist in reducing clogged drains in the city that result in flooding. This, he said, is still a work in progress.

Countrywide programme

The minister was optimistic that with the proper public awareness and citizen education with regards to recycling, waste will be placed in the containers provided, after which the bins will be cleared, taken to the transfer stations, and eventually reach the recycling plant. He said this approach will ultimately be rolled out across the country. The ministry is currently seeking appropriate land and once approved by Cabinet, work will start immediately.

Meanwhile Minister in the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Norman Whittaker expressed satisfaction with the company’s proposal and stated that the ministry was looking forward to working and using some of the company’s experience to further deal with solid waste management.

He urged the company to deliver in a timely manner.

This project was also supported by the Natural Resources Ministry’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the ministries of finance, housing, agriculture and public works, among others, the Government News Agency (GINA) reported.

Guyenterprise to soon implement information phase of community programme The recipients of the Banks DIH Limited 20 years of service award pose with Chairman Clifford Reis and directors of the company following the presentation

T

wenty-nine employees were lauded for their valuable service and dedication by Banks DIH Limited during a long service award luncheon held in their honour at Thirst Park, Georgetown.

In delivering the feature address at the ceremony for the employees who attained 20 years of service, the conglomerate’s human resources director, Andrew Carto, said Banks DIH Limited is indebted to them for their contribution to the company.

He congratulated the

new members of the 20Year Club, which was established over two decades ago to honour employees who have achieved the milestone. There are at present 197 members of the 20-Year Club, Carto said.

The new members were presented with gold pins by Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis at the function, which was attended by Co-Managing Director/ Marketing Director George McDonald, Operations Director Michael Pereira, Engineering Services Director Shabir Hussein,

and other members of the 20-Year-Club.

The new inductees are: Hubert Jones (engine room); Arjune Persaud (soft drink plant); Thakur Ramraj, Lawrence Drakes (liquor warehouse); Lindon Hinckson, Niranjan De Abreu (special events); Troy Gobin (rum factory); Samuel Birkett (MIS Department); Judith Bess (Trisco plant); Judith Linton (retail liquor store); Dennis Glasgow, Timothy Gonsalves, Errol McDonald (Berbice outdoor staff); Shawn Loo (Berbice in-

door staff); Hardat Persaud (Essequibo outdoor staff); Angus Durante (bakery); Roxana Hopkinson (human resources department); Haslyn Hooper (beer bottling plant); Brenda Marshall (OMG); Somdat Rajnarine; Owen Grannum; Fitzroy Benjamin; Karen Dindyal (vehicle workshop); Collin Jones (materials handling); Chrysostom Hernandez (Trisco/bread sales); Barrington Glasgow (beverage sales); Carlton Joao (sales administration); and Gavin Todd (engineering department).

G

uyenterprise will soon begin implementing the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) phase of the Community Participation and Public Education Programme.

The programme is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and administered by the Local Government Ministry.

According to a release, the programme will disseminate, at a national level, important information about solid waste management, including encouraging the adoption of environmentally sound practices, like reducing the amount of plastic items used, composting organic waste and properly disposing of solid waste pro-

duced so as to have the minimal negative impact on the environment.

As part of the programme, work will also be done within communities to impart hands-on skills, like individual and community-level composting, and Guyenterprise will work with selected neighbouring democratic councils to strengthen their abilities to encourage proper solid waste management behaviours within communities.

“The programme recognises the vital role that the media can play in ensuring the success of this initiative for the benefit of all Guyanese and would therefore like to establish good relationships with media houses,” the release said.

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tuesday, november 12, 2013

Youths behind most of the crimes – police say Hot Skull Gang seen as big player

By Svetlana Marshall

M

ost of the violent crimes being committed here are perpetrated by young people and the Sophia-based Hot Skull Gang is seen as major offenders, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud told a gathering on Monday.

Persaud was speaking at a forum to unveil the police’s Christmas security plan during which he announced that there has been a five per cent increase in serious crimes. According to statistics, 108 murders have been recorded between January and October 2013. Although there has been a reduction in murders when compared to the 115 committed over the same period last year, robberies have increased, moving from 514 in 2012 to 596 in 2013.

Persaud said persons between the ages of 15 and 35 continue to be the major perpetrators in serious crimes.

It was pointed out that 165 persons between the ages of 15 and 24 have thus far been charged with street crimes for 2013, while an additional 83 between the ages of 25 and 35 were charged for sim-

Chart indicating the number of persons who were charged with the different types of murder and their age groups

Meanwhile during a sting operation on February 6, police ranks intercepted bandits during a brazen daylight robbery at Prashad Nagar. They had killed alleged bandits: 32-year-old Quincy Alexander of Meadow Brook Gardens; Tony “Skin Teeth” Ogle, 46, of Albouystown and his cousin Leon “Cow” Gittens, 24, also of Albouystown. After two years of receiving information about the Hot Skull Gang in Albouystown, the crime chief said while the force has not been able to disman-

Pictures found in Leon Duncan aka Wissle’s phone (photos compliments of the Guyana Police Force)

ilar offences. The situation was no different in the area of murder.

Previous charges

The crime chief pointed out that 26 per cent of the persons charged with murder were previously charged with a serious crime, while 80 per cent of the persons charged with robbery-related murders are below 35.

Persaud pointed to 23-yearold Leon Duncan, aka Leon James, and 20-year-old Dwayne Warren Lawrence, aka Tommy Lee, who were charged for the murder of Imtiaz Roopnarine. They had allegedly killed Roopnarine during a robbery targeting a Chinese store.

tle the gang, it has managed to create major disruption.

Already four of its members have been charged with robbery under arms – Orlando Allicock, 19; Kevin Allicock, 18; Leonard Allicock, 27; and Chavez Allicock, 21 have all been sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for robbery under arms.

Sting operation

A sting operation, on South Road on October 12, resulted in the deaths of three members of the Hot Skull Gang: Romeiro Branco Gouveia, 22; Mark Joseph, 19; and Jermaine Canterbury, 20. Two firearms and matching ammunition were recovered along

with one female wig.

Another sting operation, on July 11, conducted in Coldingen, had resulted in the arrest of two 23-year- olds.

Odina “Taxi” Allen and Neon Howard were charged with robbery under arms, committed on Anupya Baburam, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Additionally, they were charged with the murder of Omadat Persaud. Elroy Newtown, 33, was charged with robbery under arms, committed on Safraz Khan.

Damion Sandinah, 20; Shad Baksh, 22; and Yeol Meusa, 25, have been charged with 12 counts of robbery under arms executed in the lower East Coast Demerara.

In his detailed presentation, police analyst Louis Dodson had pointed out that 54 per cent of serious crimes for 2013 occurred in Division A, which encompasses Georgetown, Region Four. This comes as no surprise, Dodson posited, noting that Georgetown is the hub for commercial activities and with increased economic activity comes crime. As a result, major emphasis will be placed on Division A, where the battle must be fought and won.

Brickdam, East La Penitence, Alberttown, Ruimveldt and Kitty are among problematic areas identified by the police, areas considered to be safe havens for criminals. “These hot spots – they are locations where there have provided suitable locations for the occurrence of serious crimes,” Dodson said, noting that such activities are executed usually between 18:00h and 00:00h.

Greater collaboration on crimefight

With greater collaboration, Dodson said the Guyana Police Force, private sector and the public can bring down the number of criminal activities. Guyana’s porous borders have allowed increased traffic of illegal guns and ammunition from primarily the United States and Brazil – a problem to be addressed.

According to the police analyst, criminals depend heavily on, in particular, cellular phones to stage various forms

The Hot Skull symbol which is tattooed on a member

of crime; hence the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) and Digicel Guyana must collaborate more with the police to prevent crimes and detain criminal elements. “We want to advise that there should be some establishment or the declaration of ownership before you can acquire a SIM, we want to work with the phone companies that when persons are in possession of a stolen cell phone, we can trace where they are.”

He said the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry ought to do more. “We need more structured partnership from them”.

As the Christmas season approaches, the Guyana Police Force will be heightening its presence across the country. In the unveiling of their plan, police said major emphasis will be placed on visibility. Clerical staff would aid in this process, executing various patrols around Georgetown, and across the country.

Focus will also continue to be given to depressed communities, where the Home Affairs Ministry will continue to work with youths to promote safe environments and channel their energies towards meaningful activities. Continued collaboration with faith-based organisations is among other plans to make this Christmas a safer one. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Policemen among five arrested for gold firm heist

T

hree policemen have been implicated in the multimillion-dollar gold and cash heist at Port Kaituma, North West District on Friday.

This was disclosed by Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, who noted that “the policemen were apparently part of the conspiracy”. The officers in custody are said to be a sergeant and two constables.

Also implicated are two employees from the gold firm – Eldorado Training Company, one of whom is said to be the mastermind of the conspiracy. According to Persaud, investigations have revealed that one of the two employees had misused the company’s money and used the robbery as a coverup.

“An employee misbehaved with the owner’s money and staged a robbery in order to deal with the situation of not being able to give account for the money he mishandled,” the crime chief stated.

The crime chief disclosed that the police have retrieved all the stolen gold and a significant amount of cash. He noted that 96 ounces of gold was recovered along with more than $17 million. The police are continuing their investigations.

Persaud lauded the police officers for their diligent work; however, he pointed out that they could not have done it without the assistance of the community members. “This matter was reported many

hours after it was committed, because it was the same person who planned it report it so they had enough leeway… action from the police, yes, it was good, but was supported by a lot of members in the community and far afield,” the crime chief said.

He noted that with public cooperation and the investigative skills of law enforcement officers, successes such as this will be prevalent. Reports indicate that two workers were at the El Dorado Gold Trading office on Friday evening when they began to feel drowsy and fell asleep. Meanwhile, officials from the company’s office in Georgetown were trying to make contact; as such, other workers were asked to make checks, upon which they found the two men unconscious.

One of the workers had lacerations to his face. The men were rushed to a medical facility. The alleged bandits had escaped with more than $50 million in cash and a large quantity of gold. The workers were then transported to Georgetown and investigations led to the discovery of part of the loot at the West Coast Berbice home of one of the suspects.

It was reported that around seven men were arrested between Saturday and Sunday, among them a number of Brazilians and a boat captain whom police believe may have driven a high-speed boat from the scene on Friday night.

Cocaine was wrapped in sweets paper – crime chief

C

rime Chief Seelall Persaud told reporters on Monday that he believes the cocaine discovered in sweet wrappers, which were consumed by three children in White Water, North West District, were destined for another country.

“Clearly, I can say that it wasn’t intended for the North West, I want to believe it was intended for someplace overseas,” said Persaud. He also disclosed that two persons are currently on station bail, while the police are probing the matter. Persaud could not give an exact figure for the weight of the drug that was recovered, but noted that it was more than a kilogram.

He clarified that the sweets were not actually laced with the drug but the cocaine was compressed into the shape of sweets, coated to “resemble sweets”, and then placed in the wrappers.

“It is being captured as cocaine in sweets, actually it’s cocaine in sweet wrappers: they removed the sweets.”’

The crime chief pointed out that this revelation was not startling since traffickers are finding the most peculiar means of concealing

and smuggling narcotics.

When asked if this could have been an ongoing operation, Persaud said there was no evidence to show that.

The discovery of the narcotics was made after three children from White Water fell ill after they had eaten “Gold Finger sweets” which they purchased from a village shop.

The children, ages three, eight and 12, were rushed to the Mabaruma Hospital where they were treated and spent the night under observation.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the children bought the “sweets” from the shop and thought they tasted weird so they called an older relative who then examined them and discovered the white substance. The children reportedly suffered from swollen stomachs, diarrhoea and vomiting. They also passed out a few times. This newspaper was told that the shop owner and the distributor from whom he bought the “sweets” in Kumaka, were both questioned and statements were obtained. Both men have denied any knowledge of the substance.

16

Tuesday, november 12, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Africa

Caribbean

GraceKennedy delivers 13 per cent Swimming with sharks – South Africans’ trillion-rand debt problem growth in profit

I

n releasing unaudited results for the period ended September 30, GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby reported that the Group achieved revenues for the period of $49.74 billion, an eight per cent or $3.68 billion increase over the corresponding period of 2012. Net profit increased by 13.3 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, moving from $2.02 billion to $2.28 billion.

The company said the profit performance should be

viewed in the context of the impact of both the NDX and PDX, where a “one-time” loss of $290 million, primarily in the banking and investments segment was recorded in the Income Statement. This figure represents the write-off of unamortised premiums from instruments exchanged.

Wehby said GraceKennedy Foods’ (GK Foods) business in Jamaica faced difficult circumstances this quarter, mainly due to the challenging economic environment and the result-

ant impact on disposable income. Even with increased raw material and energy costs. However, the company persisted in its attempts to boost domestic business. On the international fronts, GK Foods cited noteworthy expansion in its operations in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with all showing increases in revenue and profits. The GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) experienced mixed results during the period. (Trinidad Guardian)

I

n the wake of the Marikana mine massacre in August 2012, a tragedy in which 34 miners were killed by police, South Africa was desperate to understand what had compelled the mineworkers to go so far as to endanger their own lives for a pay rise.

In many cases the money actually being taken home was even lower than their salaries. Many miners were em-

broiled in debt and money was being taken out of their pay packets in advance to pay loan sharks at exorbitant interest rates. Miners were struggling to survive and with as many as eight dependants to support back home, the desperation of their situation was clear to see. Soon after the massacre, National Credit Regulator raided the offices of local lenders in the Marikana township where major irregu-

larities were exposed.

However, in South Africa, one of the world’s most unequal societies, the miners’ situation is no rare exception. In fact, according to the National Credit Regulator’s 2012/2013 annual credit report, personal debt in the country – spread across an active population of just over 20 million people – currently comes to a staggering R1.44 trillion (US$140 billion). (allAfrica)

Middle East

Qatar’s business optimism highest Wall Street holds steady in light in three years trade after last week’s gains B North America

S

tocks barely budged on Monday in thin trading after investors found little reason to add significant new positions with the Dow and the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500 on a five-week winning streak.

The pause comes after October’s jobs report drove the Dow Jones industrial average to close on Friday at another record high. The S&P 500 ended Friday’s session within a few points of its all-time

closing high, while both the Dow and the S&P wrapped up a fifth straight week of gains.

Volume on Monday was expected to be quiet, with bond markets closed for Veterans Day. Friday’s data, which showed that the economy created 204,000 jobs in October, has rekindled expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve may reduce its stimulus efforts sooner than expected. A Reuters survey showed

that more U.S. primary dealers now expect the Federal Reserve to trim its US$85 billion of monthly bond purchases before March.

“People are still trying to get a handle on the data,” said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading, in Greenwich, Connecticut. “The question is how hard do people want to push stocks... that’s the tug of war going on in equity prices.”

(Reuters)

Europe

usiness optimism in Qatar has soared to its highest level in three years, according to a Dun and Bradstreet business optimism index. The survey revealed that the finance, real estate and business service sector was the best performing with business optimism at the highest, sporting a year-onyear growth of 15.4 per cent.

The profitability of the finance, real estate and business sector was also found to have risen over the last year

from 21 points in Q4 2012 to 58 points in the fourth quarter this year.

“The sharp increase in optimism shows how strong and resilient the Qatar economy is.

In particular, the finance, real estate and business services sector is maturing rapidly and is a major force behind economic diversification, playing a leading role in supporting the country’s development,” said Yousef M Al-Jaida, chief strategic development officer, QFC Authority.

Business optimism in Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon sector was higher than the previous quarters. The optimism index for the consolidated non-hydrocarbon sector was 53, up 14 points from Q3 2013 and around 15 points from Q4 2012 levels.

According to the survey, business optimism in the fourth quarter this year was the highest since Q1 2011, indicating that Qatar’s economic diversification is gaining momentum. (Gulf Business)

Oceania

Air New Zealand to launch first EU and U.S. resume trade deal talks route for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

T

he EU and U.S. have begun a second round of negotiations towards creating the world’s biggest free-trade deal. Talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) had been set for October, but were postponed because of the U.S. government shutdown.

Relations have become strained after claims that the U.S. listened to German leader Angela Merkel’s mobile

calls. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last week urged European leaders not to allow the row to disrupt the talks.

Together the U.S. and EU account for about US$30 trillion (£18.7 trillion) of annual output – almost half the world’s total.

The EU says a deal could bring annual benefits of 119 billion euros (US$159 billion; £99 billion) for its 28 member states. It is hoped that an

agreement could be reached by the end of 2014.

Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that it would be “very good news for economic growth in years to come”.

Schmieding said one area where agreed standards could help bring down costs was in the automotive trade, if the U.S. and Europe could decide on agreed standards for cars.

(BBC News)

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

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

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$338.34

$332.46

CAN

$196.21

$198.47

USD

$205.49

$207.93

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on November 11, 2013 USD Per Once

Indicators

Bid/Ask

Live Spot Gold $1281.90

$1282.90

Crude Oil

Low/High

$1280.90

$1285.80

Change

-7.60

-0.59

Platinum

London Gold Fix

Nov 8 USD GBP EUR

AM

PM

1283.75 801.54 957.81

1282.50 802.52 956.95

AM

PM

Nov 8

$105.12

USD per Ounce

Change %

+1.58 Change %

$21.34 $1431.00

Last: 15783.10

1285.50 803.69 961.91 Changes: +21.32

Open: 15759.28

High: 15791.45

% Change: +0.14 Low: 15737.22

% YTD: 20.44

52Wk Hi: 15721.00

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

USD GBP EUR

1309.00 814.16 975.12

Price Silver

US$ per barrel

-0.17

-12.00

N

ew Zealand’s national airline announced the world’s first scheduled route for Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner on Thursday. As the latest Dreamliner’s first customer, Air New Zealand will be flying the launch aircraft from Auckland, where the airline is based, to Perth, in Western Australia starting in October 2014.

A cabin mock-up was revealed as part of the announcement at the opening of the airline’s Customer Innovation

and Collaboration Centre in Auckland. The launch aircraft will offer 302 seats total, with the business premier cabin housing 18 lie-flat seats, a premium economy cabin with 21 seats and two economy cabins with 263 seats total.

The plane will also have 14 Skycouch rows – a design unique to the Kiwi airline that turns a row of three economy seats into a three-seater “couch.” New features also include a slimmer seat back due to more compact inflight

entertainment monitors, allowing more personal space for the passenger. Following the Auckland-Perth route, Air New Zealand will be flying its fleet of 10 787-9 aircraft on Auckland-Tokyo and Auckland-Shanghai routes.

The 787-9 is a bigger version of its predecessor, the 787-8. Able to hold 40 more passengers, the 20-foot-longer Dreamliner also has a greater range of 8000-8500 nautical miles, compared to the 787-8’s range of 7650-8200. (CNN)

It is possible for small neighbourhood car rental locations to function with one person, but it can be very stressful. Many times family members will help in the beginning. If your location is in a large city, you may consider hiring at least one person to assist you.

Having your own rental car agency has its ups and downs. Great customer service skills are very important. You will be constantly dealing with customers on the phone and at the counter. You will be responsible for renting and cleaning

cars.

No rent expense to you.

Vehicles No inventory to purchase.

The company provides you with the latest models of cars, vans and sport utility vehicles. They also licence, insure and maintain them.

Training Before the first vehicle is rented under your name, you will undergo complete training from the company. No experience is needed to start your own agency. The company will teach you their procedures for customer issues, computer applications and sales training. (Business Dictionary)

Investors' guide Be your own boss with no money down (part two) Advantages

National recognition Choosing from the top three auto rental companies will give you the creditability of a reputable company.

Established location Most likely you will be placed in a location that has been servicing rental car customers for a while. This gives you a customer base to start your business. You will have a phone listing in the book and online. That is a great advantage over starting your own business from scratch.

Business concept – Communication Two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange (encode-decode) information, news, ideas and feelings but also create and share meaning.

In general, communication is a means of connecting people or places. In business, it is a key function of management – an organisation cannot operate without communication between levels, departments and employees.

news

17

Tuesday, november 12, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Caricom, UNESCO sign revised agreement C

aricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova on Monday committed to strengthening relations between the two organisations with the signing of a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The signing ceremony took place in Paris, France, at the 37th General Conference of UNESCO, during a session between Caricom and the UNESCO director general, 10 years after the last MoU was signed.

“The signing of this MoU today will certainly take our cooperation further, as we implement the programmes so critical to the development of our countries and societies and to the quality of life of the people of the Caribbean Community,” Secretary General LaRocque said.

The revised MoU would build on the existing relationship between the two bodies, and would address some of the emerging issues that now underpin the community’s development in more fundamental ways, Secretary General LaRocque said. Those issues include building inclusive knowledge societies, fostering innovation, inculcating appropriate life skills, and addressing inter-connected issues that affect the region’s development needs.

The secretary general noted that some of those issues would feature prominently in the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals. He added that the cultural component of the agree-

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

ment also addressed capacity building for cultural industries – this is of specific relevance to Caricom, particularly with regard to the recently-approved Caricom Cultural Industry Strategy, which is being rolled out.

Mutually-beneficial relationship

Acknowledging the mutuallybeneficial relationship, the secretary general expressed deep appreciation to the director general and to UNESCO for their cooperation and collaboration, and looked forward to a deepening of the engagement in coming years.

LaRocque said Caricom was known and respected internationally for its many traditional, as well as contemporary, cultural offerings

in areas such as music, art, craft, theatre, literature, food, fashion, and festivals.

Over the past biennium, the increased efforts by UNESCO with regard to awareness building and the importance of preservation of intangible cultural heritage have been of significant benefit to the region. The community’s many traditions, indigenous medicines, beliefs, stories, symbols and songs, which constitute a vital part of our peoples’ rich cultural heritage, “make us distinct and unique”, he said.

“Caricom member states, therefore, have a deeply-vested interest in the preservation, protection, and promotion of this rich cultural heritage. This commitment is based on the belief in the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage for our next generation, to preserve the rich knowledge and skills of our societies, and ensure that these are transferred from generation to generation. This contributes to social cohesion, and engenders a sense of our Caribbean identity and a sense of belonging.

“We are also keenly aware of the need to improve the preservation of our architectural heritage, and in this regard, we welcomed with enthusiasm in 2011, the addition of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison to the list of World Heritage Sites. We look forward to the assistance of UNESCO in capacity building for preparing our community to have further sites listed,” the secretary general added. (Caricom Secretariat)

Health centre to be commissioned at Haags Bosch landfill today

T

he Health Ministry in collaboration with the Local Government Ministry will today commission a health facility at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Site (HBSL).

The health centre will facilitate regular medical care, support and other health services for the employees and recyclers at the landfill site. Medical care

is currently provided to persons at the landfill site on the first Tuesday of every month and includes the services of a medex and doctor.

The occasion will be graced

by Heath Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran; junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker; and senior officials from both the health and local government ministries.

ECD in prolonged darkness after vehicle hits power pole

M

ost of the East Coast of Demerara was plunged in darkness early Monday morning after a vehicle hit a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) utility pole at Coldingen, causing a blackout from Goedverwagting to Bygeval.

According to a release by the GPL, on Monday at approximately 01:45h, the vehicle struck the utility pole, causing damage to the pole and line hardware. The pole carried conductors for the two main feeders supplying the East Coast, and the incident resulted in widespread power outage, affecting consumers from Goedverwagting to Bygeval, ECD. “Power is being gradually restored to consumers, with those between Goedverwagting and

Good Hope being repowered at 07:00h, and from Good Hope to Buxton at 09:35h.” According to the electricity company, while repairs are affected by the inclement weather, it is working to ensure that power is restored to customers between Buxton and Bygeval, Mahaica by 15:00h.

“GPL has consistently pleaded with road users to exercise due caution when using the roadways in an effort to avoid incidents of this nature. The company again renews the call, especially to operators of heavy equipment, to be vigilant when travelling in the vicinity of our network to avoid unnecessary damage to property and inconvenience to our customers. GPL apologises for the inconvenience caused due to today’s unforeseen occurrence.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, November 12, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Talk about your plans with others and let people see how passionate you are about whatever you pursue. A physical change must not be made on a whim. Impulse is your enemy today.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) You’ll have a lot of information to deal with.

Take a moment to digest it all before you make a decision. Don’t feel obligated to do what everyone else wants.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Speak your mind.

Bring financial, legal, medical or personal issues out in the open to find a solution. Romance will ease your stress and help you get back on track emotionally.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Have faith in what you do and how you express yourself. You will get the support you need if you are heartfelt. A romantic liaison will improve your personal life.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Get out and do things that you enjoy. Don’t let anyone dump added responsibilities in your lap.

Be on the lookout for new ways to improve or shake up your routine.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Listen to what others have to say and you will be able to offer valuable solutions. Your insight will gain you many valuable allies.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t be fooled by what you hear. Draw your own conclusions and don’t assume anything. You can avoid making a poor choice if you are realistic and cautious.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Take pride in the way you look, and do things that will boost your ego and make you feel good.

Love is on the rise, and social activities should brighten your day.

Problems at home could get out of control.

Don’t overreact, or you will end up in a no-win situation. Make personal alterations, but don’t try to change others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) A secret connection will open your eyes to all sorts of interesting ideas and opportunities. Follow your heart and engage in activities that bring you pleasure.

Monday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Look at every situation you face carefully.

You mustn’t let your emotions cause you to disregard information because you don’t like what you’re seeing. Honesty is the best policy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Spice up your living space, but don’t go overboard. Move things around or add a couple of affordable items that could add to your entertainment and comfort.

news 19

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

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

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

1 property at reasonable price, located in Bareroot, East Coast Demerara. Phone: 612-6417.

1 three-building centrally located downtown in Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, recently renovated, fully air conditioned, ideal for office with spaces for boardroom, or any other business. Immediate possession. Phone: 609-2876.

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Contact Ram on 619-4483, 6017883 or 227-1454, 226-6325.

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

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg.

Phone: 691-9984

Trike Can-Am style motorcycle, 200cc new, unregistered $550,000 neg or credit TEL 227-3939, 6214000

1 flat concrete house at Parfaite Harmonie. Phone: 643-4740

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

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Phone: 264-2682.

Mitsubishi 3000GT sports car, fully powered, $1.8 cash or credit available TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000

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One two storey house at lot 93 Atlantic Gardens, ECD; upperflat-3 bedrooms, kitchen and bath; lower flat-2 bedrooms, kitchen and bath.

Call 592-619-4483, 592-656-7471

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Small business space suitable for technician shop, taxi base, etc.

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Canada-based Guyanese doctor assisting GPHC

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Canada-based Guyanese doctor has returned home to give support to various departments and clinics at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Dr Peter Akai is on a 10-day visit to Guyana and is assisting various departments within the corporation. The doctor, who specialises in infection and skin care, said he will be touring different clinics within the next few days.

The medical practitioner plans to make recommendations to the GPHC on the purchasing of drugs and medical equipment to improve costeffectiveness. He told this newspaper on Monday that, during his stint, he would be working with local practitioners to see how best to improve the delivery of health care. He also plans to share his experience as a medical practitioner in Canada with the many doctors attached to the various units.

According to him, while his stay is short and he will not be able to do all that he would like to, he hopes to give of his best. The doctor has already held lectures at the GPHC with nurses and doctors and intends to do another session with another batch of health practitioners.

Overseas training

Lauding the work being done at the GPHC, Dr Akai said the mixture of doctors within the corporation is good, as this is necessary for any medical institution that wants to provide top-quality medical service to a population. He also praised the government for exposing local doctors to overseas training, which will also help to boost medical care at the hospital.

According to him, while there has been some criticism about the long waiting hours at the hospital, one must consider that it is the largest facility in the country

Dr Peter Akai

to which health clinics and other small hospitals refer patients.

Dr Akai plans to visit Guyana on an annual basis, to provide support to the GPHC and other medical institutions in the future.

The GPHC has had the benefit of the experience and knowledge of many overseasbased Guyanese doctors who came on short stints, to assist in improving the various units and provide extra training for staff. Recently, a 21-member team of medical specialists from the George Washington University Hospital in the United States was in Guyana for a seven-day outreach that included complex surgeries and training.

The team conducted continuing screening, with at least 20 surgeries of the most complicated cases in urology, and approximately 40 general surgeries. The team consisted of urologists, anaesthesiologists, general surgeons, and nurses.

The Health Ministry has launched an initiative to forge new strategic partnerships with the international community to boost Guyana’s health services. Under Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran’s stewardship, similar outreaches have been done with Calgary University, among others.

Two traffic policemen remanded for not attending court

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wo traffic policemen were on Monday remanded to prison for failing to attend court when they appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Police Sergeant 18281 Lloyd Thomas and Corporal 19673 Azad Ali did not attend court to provide evidence on a traffic matter. An arrest warrant was issued for them on Friday.

The policemen attached to the Central Police Station Traffic Department, are witnesses for the police in the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the causing death by dangerous driving case against Edson Enniss.

It is alleged that Enniss drove motor car PDD 5925 in a dangerous manner along Main Street, New Amsterdam, re-

sulting in the death of 23-yearold Sastia Natasha Phillips.

The officers made a court appearance on Monday after the warrant was issued for them. Magistrate Isaacs -Marcus asked Thomas why he did not attend court and was told, “I forgot the court date, your worship”. Responding to the same question, Ali said he was not feeling well. The magistrate then asked whether he had a medical certificate to substantiate his claim, but Ali said “No mam”.

“Why did you not communicate that to the prosecutor or the registrar?” the magistrate enquired of Ali, to which he responded “nothing mam”.

The officers were then remanded until November 14, and the case will be heard again on December 2, at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

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TURESday, november 12, 2013

BLUTC horse-race meet…

Jumbo Jet stable takes top honours; Grande De Roja wins feature race

Flying Baby, ridden by Rad Drepaul, won the Three-year-old race for West Indies maiden and Guyana bred horses with ease

By Rajiv Bisnauth

J

umbo Jet stable dominated the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) horse race meet on Sunday at the club’s race track, Sea View Park Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice.

The stable took top honours with two wins and other top placings in the eight-event meet.

Regarded as the top racing stable currently, Jumbo Jet stable wasted little time when one of their horses romped away with the day’s second event before claiming the feature C and Lower race later in the day.

Eight horses competed in the feature meet, but it was Grande De Roja, ridden by jockey Colin Ross, that stunned the field with a timely run on the inside to churn out a commanding victory.

The animals were off to an even break when they were sent on their way in

the 1400-metre race, but as the race progressed into the backstretch the animals were caught in an intense battle. When the animals approached the homestretch it was still an open race.

However, about 200 meters to the finishing line, jockey Ross used all his experience to guide Grande Roja to the win. The win was worth one million dollars and the Bacchus Trucking Service trophy. Got To Go, Red and Lovely and Damascus Dream followed in that order.

The Jumbo Jet stable was in winner’s row again in the Two-year-old 1200-meter event for West Indies bred horses with Today is My Day, piloted by jockey Ross, taking away the $300,000 top prize ahead of Unsettled, Settling Jet and Shooting Star.

The Shariff Stable also copped two wins in the day’s event. Flying Baby ridden by Rad Drepaul won

Yap Drepaul piloted Savion of the Crawford stable to a close victory in the J class event

Lakeram Sukdeo collects the winner’s trophy from Mortimer Stewart for Fresh Again’s victory in the F and Lower 1400 meter event (Photos: Rajiv Bisnauth)

the Three-year-old race for West Indies maiden and Guyana bred horses ahead

of Sent from Above and Cat Messiah, while jockey Navin piloted Damascus Dream to

victory in the G3 and Lower race from Top of the Line, Rock Sonia and War Craft.

The victories were worth $400,000 and $300,000 respectively.

Fresh Again, mounted

by Randolph Richmond of the Lakeram Sukdeo stable, charged to the front with ease to defeat Princess Alicia, Work Force and Captain Crook in the F and Lower 1400 meter event. The win was worth $400,000.

Cat Messiah, ridden by Richmond of the Ghansham Singh stable, won the ‘I’ and Lower 1200 meter race and the $200,000 winner’s prize.

Savion of the Crawford stable with Yap Drepaul in the saddle won the J class event, while Rad Drepaul piloted Wicked Revenge to victory in the K class race.

Jockeys Ross, Richmond and Rad Drepaul all scored two win, but Ross was adjudged champion jockey.

Over 70 horses took part in the day’s proceedings which had approximately six million dollars up for grabs.

PM throws support behind K&S tourney

P

rime Minister Samuel Hinds has thrown the ruling administration’s support behind the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai Secondary Schools football tournament, which will be held from December 8 to January 1.

At a simple presentation ceremony on Monday, Hinds presented the championship trophy to co-directors of the Kashif and Shanghai organisation, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, at his Kingston office.

The Prime Minister, who hails from Linden, also pledged to purchase 500 tickets for school children desirous of attending the December 27 matches at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The competition will feature 24 teams drawn from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara, East Bank Demerara,

Linden, Berbice and Region Seven.

The champion school will pocket $1.2 million, 75 percent of which will be used to finance a project identified by the school. The second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $750,000, $500,000 and $250,000, 25 percent of which will used for a project at those schools.

The Most Valuable Player will be the recipient of a laptop, as well as a onemonth stint with a top club in Trinidad and Tobago.

Admission to the games will be $500 and the partipating schools are Wismar/ Christianburg, Wisburg, New Silver City and McKenzie High School of Linden; St George’s, Lodge, East Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Queen’s College, Dolphin Secondary, Christ Church and Queenstown of Georgetown;

Waramadong Secondary of Region Seven; Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt and Patentia of West Demerara; Bladen Hall, President’s College, Ann’s Grove and Annandale of East Coast Demerara; Ash Education Trust of Berbice; and Covent Garden and Friendship of East Bank Demerara.

The Kashif and Shanghai organisation is partnering with several entities- including Ansa McAl Trading, Beharry Group of Companies, Pepsi and Mohamed’s Enterpriseto stage the tournament, which will be played at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Georgetown Football Club, Den Amstel ground, Number Five ground in Berbice and Buxton Community Centre.

The National Stadium has been secured for the final on New Year’s Day 2014.

Prime Minister Samuels Hinds and co-directors of the Kashif and Shanghai organisation, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, pose with the championship trophy

TUESday, november 12, 2013

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Albion, RHT Gizmos & Gadgets through to final

DCB trial matches rescheduled to Wednesday and Thursday

Devendra Bishoo

Gudakesh Motie

Assad Fudadin

Royston Crandon

Raj Nannan

Jeetendra Sookdeo

lbion Community Centre and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) won their semi-final games on Sunday, thereby earning their places in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board/Namilco T20 cricket competition.

Playing at the Albion Community Centre ground, the hosts breezed past a disappointing Universal Solutions Bermine by ten wickets, while RHTG&G defeated a determined West Berbice by six wickets.

In the first game,

Universal Solutions Bermine were bundled out for a paltry 38 in 14.2 overs.

Discarded West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was the wreckerin-chief with five wickets for eight runs in 3.2 overs and was ably supported

by West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who ended with 4-4 from his four overs.

In reply, the hosts reached 42 without loss from 7.2 overs with Balchan Baldeo and Adrian Sukhwa finishing on 22 and 15 respectively.

In the other semi-final, West Berbice won the toss and elected to bat first.

They were limited to 1057 from their allotted overs with Raffiel Estriado topscoring with 23. Steffon Adams (21), Keith Fraser (10) and Keon Joseph (13*) were the other batsmen to reach double figures.

Royston Crandon took 3-13 from his four overs, while West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin supported with 2-19.

RHTG&G overhauled the target of 106 in 18.3 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

Fudadin topscored with 37 (5x4s) and received valuable support from Clinton Pestano, who made 28 not out.

The final and third place playoff are scheduled for Sunday at the Albion Community Centre ground.

West Berbice and Universal Solutions Bermine will clash from 09:00 hours, while the final will start at 13:30 hours.

The winning team will receive $200,000, the runner-up $100,000, while the third and fourth place finishers will collect $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

he Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has rescheduled its two senior trial matches for Wednesday and Thursday owing to unfavourable weather conditions in the city.

The matches were scheduled for today and Wednesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.

However, the DCB on Monday announced that due to the waterlogged venue the matches will be played at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The matches are being organised as part of preparations for the upcoming Inter-County four-day competition, which is slated to commence on November 21. Meanwhile, the board has added four additional players to the two squads selected earlier.

The two teams will be led by West Indies A middle-order batsman Leon Johnson and West Indies all-rounder Christopher Barnwell.

Left-arm spinner Raj

Nannan and opening batsman Trevon Griffith will join Johnson’s XI, while openers Robin Bacchus and Jeetendra Sookdeo will be part of Barnwell’s line-up.

Play is expected to get underway at 09:00 hours each day and the DCB is urging the players selected to be on time.

Johnson XI reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shemroy Barrington, Balwinda Shivpersaud, Zaheer Mohamed, Vishal Singh, Amir Khan, Joseph Perry, Randy Knights, Shaquille Williams, Andre Stoll, Paul Wintz, Raj Nannan, Trevon Griffith and Totaram Bishun.

Barnwell XI reads: Christopher Barnwell (captain), Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs, Arvin Seepersaud, Kemol Savoury, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Pattadin, Carl Rambarose, Trevor Benn, Kellon Carmichael, Robin Bacchus, Jeetendra Sookdeo and Anthony Atwell.

BCB/ Namilco T/20 cricket tournament…

A

ECCB 40-over cricket competition…

History repeated for Better Hope against Ogle 3-27.

In reply, 130, though not a challenging target, proved too much for the Ogle batsmen, who were dismissed for 96 from 31 overs. Pacer Nazir Khan picked up 3-21 and spinner Rasheed Rohoman had 3-15.

T

GSCL to stage Republic Cup tournament next January

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A

The Ogle players celebrating their victory

fter 13 long years, Better Hope and Ogle faced off once again in the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) 40-over competition last weekend.

In 1999, Better Hope managed 66 all out, but disciplined bowling saw Ogle being routed for 62 to lose by a slim margin. Last weekend’s game was no different, as history repeated itself.

Playing under overcast condition, Better Hope scored a mere 129 off 34.4 overs of the allotted 35 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

R Rooplall and Wayne

Rasheed Rohoman

Nazir Khan

Narine were the only batsman to took the attack to the Ogle bowlers, scor-

ing 35 and 23 respectively.

Bowling for Ogle, A Gomes had 3-10 and F Persaud

aving successfully organised two 12/12 tournaments since its formation, the organising committee of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) has begun preparations for the first ever ‘Guyana Republic Cup’, which is set for January 2426, 2014.

The tournament will be played in the Open and Over40 categories, with the former doing battle for 12 oversa-side and the latter 20 overs.

The GSCL has up for grabs a first place prize of one million dollars, a trophy and 15 medallions, with the second placed team pocketing $200,000, a trophy and the same number of medallions.

In the Over-40 category, the winners will pocket $600,000, a trophy and medallions, while the second

placed team will take home $200,000 a trophy and medals, with the Man-of-theSeries for both categories receiving a three-piece living room suite or cash equivalent.

The Men-of-the-Match of the final will receive $10,000 and a trophy each.

Teams desirous of competing in the Open category are asked to pay an entrance fee of $140,000, while those who wish to do battle in the Over-40 category will have to pay an entrance fee of $120,000. The deadline for registration is January 17, while the drawing will take place on January 22 at a venue to be announced.

One executive of the GSCL, who chose to remain anonymous, said the organising of this competition is the entity’s way of keeping softball players active, while it

can also help fine tune their skills for next year’s Guyana Softball Cup IV. “While we are looking at teams from Guyana to compete, an invitation has been extended to three foreign teams from Canada, Florida and New York, since we are looking at taking up the challenge issued to us by Director of Sport Neil Kumar, at the opening ceremony for our last competition,” the executive pointed out.

It is expected that teams such as Wolf’s Warriors, Berbice Titans, Regal XI, Memorex, Speedboat and Trophy Stall will seek to capture the first place prize in the Open category, while Regal XI, Savage Masters and Industry Super Kings will be among the list of competitors in the Over-40 category.

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ECCCC/GT&T 35-over cricket competition…

Mohamed, Dyal spur ECCCC to inaugural title

GT&T representative, Donita Amsterdam, presents the championship trophy to ECCCC skipper, Bheemraj Ramkellawan (Photos: Avenash Ramzan)

By Avenash Ramzan

E

xperience and youth combined on Sunday to spur Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) to victory over Fairfield Sports Club and with it the title of champions of the inaugural Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) sponsored 35-over cricket competition at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

A responsible knock from former national wicketkeeper/batsman Sheik Mohamed was followed by a destruc-

tive spell of spin bowling from Yuvraj Dyal as ECCCC coasted to a comprehensive 83-run win, much to the delight of a large and partisan home crowd.

The match was reduced to 30 overs per side after early morning showers prevented a prompt start, and immediately upon winning the toss, Fairfield skipper Richard Chatura inserted ECCCC to take first strike with the hope of exploiting whatever moisture there was.

However, his decision backfired as the home side rattled up an imposing 177-

5, a total built on solid contributions from the top and middle order.

The 49-year-old Mohamed, who played 19 First-Class and 14 List A games for Guyana between 1987 and 1999, anchored the innings with a superb 54 not out, an innings that included five sweetly timed boundaries.

The left-hander, who batted at number three, received solid support from skipper and opener Bheemraj Ramkellawan, who made 31 (1x4, 1x6), and national First-Class player Amir Khan, who chipped in

Former national wicketkeeper/batsman, Sheik Mohamed, was voted Man-of-the-Match of the final

with 34 (2x4s).

Chatura was the pick of the bowlers with 2-24 from six overs for Fairfield, whose batsmen struggled to put up a fight during the run-chase, being dismissed for a paltry 94 from 28.1 overs.

It was a spineless batting display in the face of some quality bowling led by off-spinner Dyal, who ripped through the middleorder to finish with splendid figures of 4-19 from six testing overs.

Sixteen-year-old leftarm seamer Gavin Moriah had started the collapse of

Fairfield’s batting line-up, claiming two early wickets to end with 2-21 from six overs. Nandram Ganesh completed the rout by claiming 2-8 from 2.1 overs.

Chatura topscored with 18, while Mohan Bissoon made 17 for Fairfield.

At the presentation ceremony which followed the final, ECCCC collected the winner’s trophy and $30,000 cash, while Fairfield had to settle for a trophy and $20,000.

Mohamed was adjudged Man-of-the-Match and best batsman of the final, while Dyal copped the best bowler

prize. Former national allrounder Dion Ferrier was voted the best batsman of the competition, after hitting 71 and 69 in his two innings for Duch Four, while Gobindram Hemraj copped the best bowler prize for his outstanding figures of 5-6 against Strathavon, including a hat-trick.

The knockout competition, which was organised by the recently resuscitated ECCCC, attracted eight teams, namely the host club, Fairfield, Mahaica, Duch Four, Cane Grove, Helena, Perseverance and Strathavon.

Sonics take first super Metro wins ECCCC sevens basketball title three-way domino

By Treiston Joseph

T

he Sonic Rebels routed the Colts 52-28 to win the first edition of the Super Sevens novelty basketball tournament on Sunday evening at the Burnham Hard Court. The tournament was organised by YOLO Entertainment and the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA).

Sonics played with great tenacity as they closed out on open shooters while clogging the lanes to prevent easy drives to the bucket which forced a number of turnovers and missed shots by the Colts.

On offense Sonics moved the ball fluently searching for their open players who made the most of their chances either with direct drive to the basket or easy jumpers from the perimeter which was dominated by a smooth transition game in the open court.

Collis Pluck had a game-high 14 points for the Sonic Rebels, while Jason Squires finished with 13 points to aid in the blowout win. Kerwin Jackson also had 10 points in the game.

Colts, who had a porous defense similar to Swiss cheese, simply was unable to stop the

Sonics from scoring from any part of the court, while Shelroy Thomas produced 18 of the 28 total points for the Colts as he was a one-man show which kept the Colts offense stagnated throughout the game.

Earlier, Buxton ran away with the third spot defeating Melanie 43-29 in another blowout game of the evening.

Buxton shot the ball well from mid-range as their shot were set up with drives to the lane collapsing the defense before passing out the ball to their shooters.

Melanie clearly had the advantage in size, but simply couldn’t take advantage in the paint and never really got their offense going from the start.

Ewart Smith had a gamehigh 18 points for Buxton, while Kerwin Dey contributed 10 points to the win. Sheldon Legall was the high point man for Melanie with 14.

Meanwhile, at the presentation ceremony held immediately after the tournament, organiser Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, thanked his sponsors and everyone involved in making the event a success, while president of GABA Michael Singh renewed his commitment to basketball in Georgetown.

Metro Office and Computer Supplies emerged as champions of a three-way domino competition held on Sunday afternoon at the Enmore Community Centre ground. The eventual winners chalked up 85 games, leaving Video World to settle for a distant second on 75 games, and Enmore in the cellar position with 60 games. Metro’s captain Arif Baksh was voted the best player of the tournament for his 17 games. The competition was organised by the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) as a side attraction to the GT&T 35-over cricket final between the ECCCC and Fairfield. In this Avenash Ramzan photo, Metro’s captain Arif Baksh (right) and his teammates receive the winner’s trophy from a representative of the ECCCC.

TUESday, november 12, 2013

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Trophy Stall, NY Better Hope are softball champs – Trophy Stall Angels cop women’s exhibition contest

Executives of the GFSCA share a moment with Trophy Stall captain Randy Katwaroo and the massive trophy (Photos: Avenash Ramzan)

By Avenash Ramzan

L

ocal side Trophy Stall and the visiting New York Better Hope softball team emerged champions of the Open and Masters categories respectively on Sunday evening when the curtains came down on the Guyana Softball Cup III at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.

In the Open 20/20 final, which was contested by two GT&T 10/10 champions, Trophy Stall romped to a commanding nine-wicket win over West Demerara side Wolf’s Warriors, while in the Masters 20/20 championship game, New York Better Hope prevailed by five wickets over Industry Super Kings of Guyana.

Batting first in the Open final, Wolf’s Warriors managed what turned out to be a woefully inadequate 126 from 17.3 overs with Ameer Nizamudin hitting 29 (1x4, 2x6s), Greg Singh 28 (1x4) and Azad Azeez 18 (1x6).

Martin Dutchin (3-14)

and Fazal Rafiek (3-15) were the leading wickettakers for Trophy Stall, who blazed to victory at 130-1 from 15.4 overs.

Rafiek, who was later named MVP and received a gold bracelet compliments of Steve’s Jewellery, led the run-chase with an attacking 59, which included five towering sixes and three boundaries.

Surujpaul Deosarran, who was named Man-of-the-Match, was also in a destructive mood, hitting three fours and three maximums in a fluent 45 not out.

For the victory, Trophy Stall collected a huge trophy and $800,000, while Wolf’s Warriors had to settle for $200,000 and a trophy. The finalists also received medals for their efforts.

In the Masters final, Industry Super Kings took first strike and posted 117 from 19.3 overs with S. Persaud scoring 23. Ronald Evelyn and Rasheed Gafoor grabbed 3-15 and 2-19 respectively for New York

New York Better Hope skipper Gus Gordon receives the winner’s trophy and prize money from Devi Sunich of one of the sponsors, Trophy Stall

Better Hope, who completed victory at 120-5 from

Goodluck ahead at GNRA national championship A

single V-bull separated defending champion Ransford Goodluck from his closest challenger national Vice-captain Dylan Fields after the first day of competition at the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) 2013-2014 national championship, which opened Sunday at the Timehri Rifle ranges.

Goodluck shot two possibles at 300 and 500 yards and was declared winner of the prestigious Valladares Trophy, which was up for grabs for the top shooter at 500 yards in an intense battle in ‘X’ Class on a hot and bright day with subtle changing winds.

The reigning champion recorded an overall day’s aggregate of 132 points with nine V-bulls, three points short from a highest possible score (HPS) of 135 points. He shot possible scores of 35 points and one V-bull points at 300 and 50 points with six V-bulls at 500

yards while recording 47.2 at 900 yards.

Fields was consistent in recording an overall aggregate of 132 points with eight V-bulls with scores of 34.2 at 300, 49.2 at 500 and 49.4 at 900 yards in a head-to-head showdown with the leader.

National captain Mahendra Persaud dropped seven points to be placed in third position.

He shot a possible 35 points with two Vs at 300 yards and recorded 48.4 at 500 yards and 46.2 at 900 yards.

Current Caribbean individual champion Lennox Braithwaite is in fourth spot with 128 points and 10 V-bulls.

He shot 34.2 at 300 yards, 49.5 at 500 yards and 45.3 at 900 yards.

Inspector Dane Blair holds the fifth position in “X” Class and sixth overall with 124 points and three V-bulls after he recorded scores of 32.1, 46.1 and 46.2. Lt. Col. Terrance

Kavita Yadram was voted MVP of the women’s exhition games

Stuart is the leader in “O” Class with 126 points and eight V-bulls.

He recorded scores of 34.2, 46.4 and 46.2 over the three ranges to stay ahead of newcomer Sherwin Felicien who recorded 31.1, 46.1 and 40 for an overall aggregate of 117 and three V-bulls, while Everall Nelson is third with 95 points with scored of 27-40 and 28.

Defending “O” Class champion Leo Romalho is out of the competition due to injury.

The championship will continue on Saturday with shooting at 500, 600 and 900 yards ranges with a highest possible score of 105 points starting at 10:00 hours, while on the final day on Sunday the shooters will compete at 300, 600 and 1000 yards for a HPS of 150 points.

The championship is being sponsored by Crown Mining, Queensway and Industrial and Safety Supplies.

19.1 overs.

Gus Gordon clobbored

four sixes in a topscore of 47, while K. Sanichar made 28 (1x4). Bowling for Industry Super Kings, David Harper and Gerald Prashed picked up two wickets each.

New York Better Hope carted off the $600,000 first prize and a massive trophy, while Industry Super Kings collected $150,000 and a trophy. Like the Open category, the teams were also presented with medals, while Jagdesh Persaud of Industry Super Kings copped a gold bracelet for being the MVP of the Masters segment.

The female exhibition final was won by Trophy Stall Angels, who inflicted a nine-wicket drubbing on Mike’s Wellwoman.

Mike’s Wellwoman were restricted to 85-5 from the allotment of 10 overs with Zola Telford hitting 37 and Amanda Bobb making 21, while Alana Allen (3-18) and Anisa Persaud (2-15) were among the wickets.

Trophy Stall Angels knocked off the target in eight overs with eventu-

al MVP Kavita Yadram hitting 40 (3x4s, 2x6s) and West Indies player June Ogle scoring 26.

Trophy Stall Angels received $50,000 and Mike’s Wellwoman got $25,000.

The tournament was organised by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) for the third year in a row and received tremendous corporate support from the private sector.

The sponsors were Top Brandz Distributors, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Trophy Stall, Survival Supermarket, Mike’s Pharmacy, Nauth’s Motor Spares, Rohan Auto Spares, Clear Waters, Steve’s Jewellery, Guyana Beverage Company, Rubis (Bel Air), Metro Office and Computer Supplies and Motor Trend.

A total of 26 teams from Guyana, Canada and New York participated in the three-day competition, which bowled off last Friday.

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

TUESday, november 12, 2013

TOP SCORES

BASKETBALL: SONIC REBELS 52-28 VERSUS COLTS; BUXTON 43-29 VERSUS MELANIE

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GT&T representative, Donita Amsterdam (standing extreme right), strikes a pose with members of the ECCCC team shortly after they collected the trophies and cash prize (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

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Goodluck ahead at GNRA national championship

The Sonic Rebels players pose with their trophies after winning the tournament. Sharing the moment are organiser Kirk Jardine aka “Chow Pow” (second right) and GABA president Michael Singh (extreme right)

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