Guyana Times Daily

Hats up! Newly-graduated Registered Nurses (RNs) from the St Joseph Mercy Hospital Nursing School on Thursday threw their hats up in celebration of their success, at the institution’s graduation ceremony (Carl Croker photo)

TACKLE helping to boost school attendance, performance

Drastic improvement in school attendance, punctuality, and performance and a reduction in students’ indiscipline are some of the preliminary results of a pilot project implemented to tackle child labour by retaining children in the school system.

The pilot, according to a Labour Ministry report, is the product of an agreement between the Labour,

Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The agreement, signed in 2008, provides about US$219,000 in funding for the Elimination of Child Labour via the Tackling Child Labour Through Education (TACKLE) Project.

One of the components of the TACKLE Project is the School Retention and

Child Labour Prevention Programme, which was launched in September 2011.

It aims to ensure that children remain in the school system and complete their secondary education, thereby preventing truancy, dropping out of school and child labour.

This is done through the provision of transportation daily to take children to school and back to their communities in the afternoons, as well as the provision of hot meals thrice weekly and snacks twice weekly for the children in the remedial after-school programme.

Originally intended to be a seven-month initiative, the programme was extended to 2013 and targets communities along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, between Silver Hill and Soesdyke.

The beneficiaries are the 360 children attending the Kuru Kuru nursery and primary schools and the Dora Secondary School, as well as parents and community members. The agreement ends this month, but the

project is likely to continue as funding has been identified to temporarily continue the nutrition and transportation aspects.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Thursday at the Culture Youth and Sport Ministry base, formerly the Kuru Kuru College, Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul recalled that prior to the project, the remoteness of the communities and access

was noted that in 2011, there were no candidates for CSEC at the school, but in 2012, 20 students wrote the exam and about 65 per cent of them attained five or more subjects.

The students have also displayed greater discipline and there is a notable reduction in incidents involving weapons at the school. Kuru Kuru Primary School headteacher Marilyn Williams noted similar results for her school, adding that this year 19 pupils wrote the NGSA examinations with commendable results.

to reliable transportation had been a major contributory factor to children’s absence from school, which negatively impacted their performance and completion of secondary education.

Consequently, schoolaged children were seeking employment “and we don’t want that. We have been working dedicatedly to end child labour and ensure that our people are educated and

The project also included an allied arts component with drama production and poetry. This allowed little Kezie Methland to enter this year’s Mashramani Poetry competition and place second.

Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary) Doodmattie Singh hailed the benefits of the project, noting that they are far reaching and will impact decisions about the importance of education made by students even when

empowered to benefit from opportunities. This also helps to prevent Trafficking in Persons (TIP). We are working hard to eliminate child labour and TIP, and I assure you that we will not fail to prosecute perpetrators”, the minister said. He noted that last month a businessman was sentenced to four years for TIP and “we hope that sends the message that perpetrators will not escape”.

Improved grades

She noted that literacy and numeracy skills in the schools have improved. An increased number of students wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations at Kuru Kuru Primary School and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations at Dora Secondary School. The students also attained improved grades.

The headteachers of both schools underscored the difference the project has made in terms of attendance and punctuality. Dora Secondary School headmaster Garfield Morris noted that previously he had to accompany students to the highway to ensure they got public transportation and sometimes they would be there late in the evenings. Hence, parents had security concerns and attendance was affected. It

they become parents. “Child rearing practices are handed down to generations, so equipping these parents with skills to deal with various behaviour patterns, they are teaching their children and their children with teach the next generation,” she said.

Benefits

Dora Secondary ParentTeachers’ Association

Chairman Jagan Jacobs also highlighted the benefits, but requested that the purchase of vehicles for transportation be examined, as opposed to the current situation of renting them. However, the permanent secretary noted that funding agencies are usually opposed to such undertakings, but the ministry will examine the matter. Jacobs noted that the community has started setting aside monies to help sustain the programme.

The ceremony was also attended by Kelvin Sergeant, specialist on sustainable enterprise development and job creation at the ILO office, Trinidad, who noted that the pilot maybe the only one of its kind in the Caribbean and the next key step would be sustainability. He posited that the villagers could examine the model of a cooperative to continue the programmes, particularly the purchase of buses for transportation.

Students across the country have benefited from the programme

Students of the Dora Secondary School

Students of Dora Secondary prepare to board a bus provided courtesy of the TACKLE project

Countrywide: Thundery

Cost analysis key for Linden-Lethem road

Guyana and Brazil have agreed that improving the Linden-Lethem road is a priority bilateral project and a cost analysis of the initiative was critical with agreed terms of reference.

Winds: North-easterly to easterly at 2.68 metres per second.

High

Low Tide: 00:23h and 12:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.62 metre respectively.

This was decided when Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Brazilian External Relations Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota met on the sidelines of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) Summit in Montevideo, Uruguay on Thursday.

According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry here, the ministers took note of the existing studies about improving the 454-kilometre stretch of road that links the capital of Guyana to Brazil. They remarked that the improvement of the road is one of the initiatives of the Priority Integration Projects Agenda of the South American Council of Infrastructure and Planning (COSIPLAN) of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

Common desire

According to the statement, considering the common desire to move forward as soon as possible with the project of upgrading the road, the ministers highlighted the need to execute a cost analysis of the initiative, with agreed terms of reference. They also agreed that the successful completion of the appropriate analysis will provide conditions for starting the project. The ministers shared the view that once the road planning is underway, activities could begin on planning of a deepwater port development.

The ministers recalled

the inauguration of the Takutu River Bridge in September 2009 in the presence of then Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. They remarked that the bridge is the first land link between the two countries and is a symbolic milestone of the strengthening bilateral ties.

Infrastructure projects

Additionally, they recognised the potential of the infrastructure projects to the integration of the two countries, with direct benefits for both populations, and expressed satisfaction with the results accomplished by the Guyana-Brazil Working Group on Infrastructure –created by the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on Infrastructure Projects in Guyana (signed in Brasilia, on December 5, 2012).

The foreign ministers noted that the working group on infrastructure achieved its objective of evaluating means to promote infrastructure projects

in the fields of transportation and energy that would benefit both countries.

The ministers also touched on the area of energy, recognising the benefits to Guyana’s economy of using its hydropower potential in order to both supply local demand for power and to commercialise surplus generated power, observing mutually advantageous conditions.

“They noted that the relevant sections of both governments will expand the studies on the energy projects, following a timetable agreed to by the parties, for

evaluation and possible development of hydropower plants and associated transmission lines, within the framework of the regional energy integration,” the statement said.

Deeper analysis

It added that the two ministers concluded that to be feasible, for projects they would require a financially sustainable structure, which may be composed of official mechanisms, the contribution of multilateral financial institutions and/or private investment. “They also agreed on the necessity of a deeper analysis of the technical, economic, financial, and environmental feasibility of the projects, in order to estimate the revenue generation and financing structuring.”

Considering that the infrastructural projects in the transportation and energy fields will promote the economic and social development of both countries, the ministers also restated the political disposition to moving forward with bilateral discussions to evaluate the attainment of the projects. To do so, it was agreed that the BrazilGuyana Joint Commission on Infrastructure Development be created.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Brazilian External Relations Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota following the signing of the joint declaration

Editor: Nigel Williams

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Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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Editorial

Constructively engaging our youth

Youth make up the larger part of the population of almost every country in the world today. This presents certain challenges for governments to develop, implement and maintain programmes and activities which must be economically and socially oriented to satisfy their desires. The absence of this impacts negatively on our young people which could eventually lead to the most vibrant section of our society resorting to lawlessness and other anti-social behaviours that are demeaning to modern day society.

The authorities, therefore, must constantly be engaged in terms of planning and implementing policies and progammes that would cater for their overall development, especially as it relates to their education and social welfare. In fact, it was former U.S. President John F Kennedy who had said: “We must do all we can to give our children the best in education of social upbringing – for while they are the youth of today, they shall be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Schools are now officially closed for what we here in Guyana would say “summer vacation”. The children are at home and parents will no doubt be looking to find something interesting for their children to do. While some may go off to spending time with relatives and friends abroad or right here in Guyana, some would opt to do remedial courses or learn a foreign language, among other things. What is important is that our children are kept engaged in activities that will build them and improve on their skills they have already acquired in order to make them well-rounded individuals in society.

However, we are not suggesting that students should spend their ‘holiday’ only being engaged in academic work. Children must be allowed to play and enjoy themselves as this is an important part of their social upbringing, especially in this period when they would have finished their end-of-term exams and are preparing for a higher grade of study. But there should always be a balance where children are given the opportunity to engage in interesting and fun activities they would not normally get to do during the regular school term. For example, during this period, organisations, including youth clubs or religious and cultural groups, are expected to host youth camps.

Historically, youth camps played a very important role in the lives of youths all over the world. These camps take different forms with various activities and are aimed at ensuring young people are engaged in programmes and projects that are beneficial to them.

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry must be commended for taking the lead in this regard. For example, over the next two months, the ministry will afford over 10,000 children across the country the opportunity to participate in youth camps where they will be exposed to different life-changing experiences.

There are also special sports camps planned targeting over 3000 other children. These camps will focus solely on physical education and sporting activities such as cricket, football, volleyball, swimming, and lawn tennis. In addition to this, the museums will be hosting campaigns and workshops with the aim of educating children about their history, ancestry and roots, and to allow them to explore and experience new cultures and traditions. Parents should therefore be encouraged to ensure that their children take advantage of these opportunities.

The government of Guyana spends billions of dollars every year on education, sport and culture to enhance the chances of our youth in confronting the sometimes harsh and trying circumstances of mainstream society. Unfortunately, despite all the huge sums spent on fancy schools and sport facilities of international acclaim, sometimes we fall short of churning out the quality of young people that could easily enter the working world and make a valuable contribution to the development of society.

That being said, youth camps could be utilised as an avenue where children and young people are constructively occupied in wholesome activities rather than spend their vacation doing things that would not profit them in the end.

Outstanding work of community policing members on the East Coast Demerara

Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to the resident of Turkeyen who talks about a "criminal aura" in that area, the ineffectiveness of the community policing groups (CPGs), the blatant misuse of a CPG vehicle, and the employment of auxiliary officers ( Guyana Times , June 17, 2013).

I am not writing to disagree with anything that he or she has written and I may support the call for auxiliary officers after examining a complete proposal. However, I want to state for the record some of the services of members of the CPGs in C Division.

The CPG is a voluntary organisation and many members sacrifice their time regularly to ensure the safety of their communities. On a nightly basis our members are risking

their lives to go out on patrol for no other purposes than to support the police in preventing crime. You may not know, but some of our members are called upon in the wee hours of the morning to render assistance to persons who have been robbed or to pursue criminals. They are called upon when there is a road accident, fire or any other kind of threat.

Sometimes they have to respond to cases of domestic violence and when persons feel threatened by suspicious strangers or cars. These good citizens are nurses, doctors, porters, counselors, watchmen, repairmen, ambulance drivers, traffic officers, firemen and many others as the need arises. They do all of these as the duties of rural constables at all hours of the night without any form

of renumeration.

I will not enter into a debate whether or not we as CPG are effective enough. I admit that we can do more. But I want to emphasise that our services have seen the result of reduced crime in C Division. I shudder to think what would happen if our services are withdrawn.

In relation to the CPG vehicle, the Ministry of Home Affairs has employed two full time liaison officers who are given all required resources to do their jobs. They are expected to monitor the usage of these vehicles as part of their regular duties. The complaint you mentioned was raised with me and I referred it to the ministry.

The liaison officers were subsequently given instructions to call all members in all the groups and listen to

their complaints. As far as I know that was done on May 28 and 29, 2013. I have not received the written report as yet, but the unwritten report from the liaison officer indicated that none of our members across the division raised any concern. Unless you have a specific complaint – date and place of misuse, I cannot further address that issue and I would accept the finding of the liaison officer as being accurate. Please feel free to contact me in relation to these or any other matters relating to community policing in C Division.

Yours truly, Mansoor Baksh Chairman, Divisional Community Policing Executives C Division mansoorbaksh@hotmail. com, cpgcdiv@gmail.com

Aromatic rice must be better marketed

Dear Editor,

The old political theory about increasing wealth in society, with rising productivity, is that human needs and wants expand. The production of aromatic rice has now exceeded local demand. This is indeed good to hear. All we have to do is a little marketing, both locally and externally.

At the local level, it is not that consumers are with a surfeit of the rice, it is more like they are not fully embracing its use. It is common knowledge that aromatic rice can be used just

like conventional rice for cooking, but adds a new dimension of flavour and aroma to meals.

In the 1990s, aromatic rice began to explode on the popular market, leading to increased consumer demand and the development of numerous specific cultivars with unique flavours and scents. Guyana moved in this direction, and now we have it and so we have to use it. This is where maybe a moratorium on the importation of Basmatie rice, used here, can be considered. We just have to

push local use. I do recall late last year when the Agriculture Ministry introduced this aromatic rice to the Guyanese market. One of the overriding factors was that the cost for aromatic rice is cheaper than that of Basmati rice, that is being imported from India. It simply means that more of our people should begin to eat aromatic rice.

At the higher level, the Agriculture Ministry is targeting Trinidad and Tobago and other countries for the export of local aromatic rice. This will be so good

and it will spur more rice farmers in this direction, expanding and increasing local production. If we can get there, it will allow for us to compete in niche markets.

We need to turn things around so that we can reduce Guyana’s import of other brands of rice, and give local farmers an opening to compete with international rice producers.

I am sure they will rise to the occasion.

Yours sincerely, Evelyn James

A street in Agueda, Portugal is covered by a canopy of colourful umbrellas as part of a city-sponsored art installation for the month of July (Yahoo!)

More UG woes

Dear Editor,

I have not met any University of Guyana (UG) personnel who has not deemed the institution as way behind in every facet when compared with other universities. My concern is how UG measures up against the three Caribbean universities in the West Indies – Mona in Jamaica, Cave Hill in Barbados and St Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago. If indeed UG is way behind, how can it even think to catch up, when woes continue to descend almost daily on it?

I think here of what usually obtains in even the secondary schools in the region in terms of staffing. Already, at both the aca-

demic and administrative levels, all of them have taken care of business for the academic year 2013-2014. UG is not even there as yet. So it is likely that those staff members, whose contracts come to an end this academic year, are making plans to go elsewhere.

Right now, there is an impasse building up between staff members and the administration.

I am very perturbed about UG’s debt situation. The word from the vice chancellor is that the institution is on the verge of a collapse.

It seems also that the monetary quagmire is getting worse as the university continues to pile up ad-

ditional debt on a monthly basis and is indebted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), credit unions, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the medical and pension schemes. Maybe, it is time for an independent investigation.

It is clear that we have major problems at UG and it means that some quick work must be done. UG came from a long and humble beginning. It did reach a very worthy height. Now, to let it all go to waste is nothing but utter shame. I call on all stakeholders to help save and restore UG.

Former student, Name withheld by request

The seawall lime revisited

Dear Editor, I was driving along the sea wall in Georgetown recently and I even stopped for a little lime – all because I saw our police men on duty. The very presence of our officers is a deterrent to criminals. That is why the more I see them, the safer and better I feel.

Going where there is little protection and staying out too late is really asking for trouble. I will always sympathise with any victim, but I will also urge for the use of common sense.

I think that our police should continue their stopand-search ploy. Many times, people have been intercepted with guns and I always wonder what crimes have been stopped in this process. I will never know, and so I prefer the pre-emptive move to set up road blocks and make random searches. In time to come, Guyana will have to step it up where technology is concerned. Right now, the New York Police Department, with assistance from the Pentagon, is testing a scanning device

that can remotely detect concealed firearms. The device measures natural radiation emitted by people and can detect when this flow of energy is impeded by an object, such as a gun. Such a device will help a lot and I think we need it here. The present spate of criminal activities, using guns of all types, is very disconcerting. Guns in the wrong hands are not to be treated lightly.

Yours truly, Janice Hinds

Update on Nicholas Cox – paediatric patient

Dear friends in the media, I am forwarding to you the doctors' detailed report on the infant Nicholas Cox.

On May 30, 2013 16-month-old Nicholas Cox was brought to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department by his mother, complaining of vomiting (copious, post prandial, nonbloody, non-bilous) approximately 10 times per day and diarrhoea (large, watery, non-bloody) approximately 30 times per day, all for the past five days. There was also a low grade intermittent fever and increasing fussyness and irritability over last two days. He was seen previously at Woodlands Hospital and was administered suspension kaolin, liquid gravol and daily injections of the antibiotic rocephin.

On triage at A&E, the patient was noted to be fussy and irritable, febrile and moderately to severely dehydrated. At 11:15 hrs he was seen by A&E doctor on duty who ordered three boluses of normal saline 180 mls each, injection flagyl 250 mg, and injection gravol 3 mg iv. These were administered.

At 12:50 hrs the doctor in A&E was alerted by the mother of the patient that he had suddenly just “stiffened out and stopped breathing”. The attending doctor activated an emergency response after confirming unresponsiveness and full resuscitation commenced. Patient was in cardiopulmonary arrest with pulseless electrical activity.

Advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), six rounds of epinephrine and one dose of sodium bicarbonate were administered before a perfusing rhythm was achieved at 13:20 hrs, some 30 minutes later. By this time patient was intubated, with blood-tinged secretions evident, nasal gastric tube was passed with blood-tinged re-

turns and foleys were passed with blood-tinged urine returned. He subsequently developed a generalised tonic clonic seizure during return of systemic circulation.

Baby Nicholas was reviewed by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and paediatric staff who recommended admission to ICU. He was subsequently transferred to ICU in a critical state with a working diagnosis of post arrest from severe dehydration secondary to gastroenteritis to rule out hemolytic uremic syndrome and neurosepsis.

Investigations were taken off and management appropriate to the differential initiated. He was on ventilator support for six days during which time his condition remained critical but with slow guarded improvement. Feeds were slowly initiated and stools were initially diarrheal in nature but on day four post admission, had signs of digested blood (melena) and a further complication of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was added to the list of baby Nicholas’ issues.

By this time initial labs were all returned in fairly normal ranges including negative blood, urine and stool cultures. Dengue and typhoid serologies were also negative. Coagulation studies were also normal. He was reviewed by Paediatric Surgery to assess the upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Imaging studies, including x-rays, ultrasounds and computerised tomography (CT) scans were done, none of which definitively identifying the cause of the bleeding.

On day seven, he was extubated and on day 10 (June 9, 2013) he was transferred to the Paediatric Ward, still very ill with ongoing internal bleeding of varying amounts each day. He was also noted to be poorly responsive and spastic. His slow recov-

ery and rehabilitation continued with intermittent transfusions, antibiotics and other supportive care.

Physiotherapy was commenced to address the spasticity and the long term bed stay. Concern about visual perception lead to ophthalmology review who concluded that follow-up was needed to yield conclusive diagnosis but that the visual apparatus was not affected at that time.

For almost two weeks Nicholas continued to have ongoing upper gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown etiology. An endoscopic examination yielded no conclusive source of the bleed. However, with ongoing medical supportive care, the bleeding finally subsided and Nicholas has been free of any bleeding for two weeks now.

He is tolerating oral liquid to soft diet and is having normal stools. He is off all antibiotics for one week now and is also fever free. He continues to have deficits and regressions in motor, speech and social interaction. A head CT scan confirmed diffuse hypoxic ischemic injury.

Baby Nicholas was discharged on July 9, 2013 into the care of his mother, who throughout his stay was kept abreast with all developments and possible eventualities. No effort was spared in accommodating her queries and concerns at all times. She fully understands Nicholas’ evolution in hospital and has committed to his ongoing rehabilitation and care. He will be followed up by paediatric medicine, physiotherapy and ophthalmology.

It must be noted that the injection of gravol at the onset of treatment of the infant could not have caused him to stop breathing.

Public Relations Officer, The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

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Page Foundation

I was always my parents’ favourite

Tess Stimson knew from earliest childhood that she came first in her parents’ eyes. And so did her siblings

It’s more reviled than smoking or drinking in pregnancy and more shocking than wishing aloud that you’d never had a child in the first place – but whether acknowledged or not, many parents secretly have a child they love more than the others.

Like all small children, I thought from birth that the world revolved around me, and when my sister Philippa arrived just before I turned two, I assumed she had been provided purely for my entertainment. As we grew up, it seemed perfectly natural to me that I took pride of place in the family, as was my right as firstborn. I had no idea that my parents’ joint favouritism towards me was unfair.

I was an easy baby, who slept through the night from 10 days old, and became a hard-working, self-motivated child. Philippa, on the other hand, was a sickly infant; she contracted bronchial pneumonia 13 times before she was five and fell behind at school almost as soon as she started.

Her illnesses cut short my father’s foreign posting to Greece and when we returned, the family was polarised: my mother and Philippa on one side, my father and me on the other. While they shuffled between hospital visits and doctors’ surgeries, my father taught me to ride a bicycle, roller-skate and walk on

stilts. He bought me special treats, spent hours helping with my homework and told me again and again how proud he was of me. I was al-

golden child, but rather than resent it, he looked up to me and wanted to emulate me.

It was only many years later that I realised how much my parents’ favourit-

Philippa and I bickered as sisters do, but although she teased me for being the favourite, she never took it out on me. It was as if she’d bought into the family mythology: I

ways the one who got an extra cuddle on his lap or was allowed to sit in the front seat next to him. I accepted it as my due.

Star of the family

My brother Charles was born when Philippa and I were six and eight, and immediately leap-frogged my sister in my father’s affections. The only boy, he was babied by the entire family, but never became a rival to me. Rather, he was my acolyte, my sidekick. He knew I was the star of the family, the

ism towards me had undermined him. As I went on to achieve success as an undergraduate at Oxford, and later in my journalistic and writing career, he felt increasingly overshadowed. He believed he could never live up to me, and so stopped even trying. He knew he was loved, but also felt that he was a disappointment to our parents. Worst of all, he never had the traditional father-son relationship with our father, because there was no room for anyone but me, the daddy’s girl.

was the favourite, and that was how it was meant to be. But the lack of parental approval inevitably damaged her self-esteem.

I’ve often wondered why my father preferred me. As a small child, I certainly did nothing to deserve it. He was a firstborn himself and his mother had cherished him and neglected his brothers; perhaps he was just repeating the pattern.

One of the truths parents rarely acknowledge is their automatic preference for their firstborn. When a second child

arrives, all too often it is seen as an interloper, encroaching on the precious firstborn’s territory. Normally, those feelings soon give way to love and approval for the newcomer, whose very vulnerability can promote them in the family pecking order.

But in our case, my mother developed severe postnatal depression after Philippa was born, and I think perhaps my father never quite forgave my sister for it. They never managed to achieve that bond.

Sidelined

Now, as a mother myself, I can see too that it’s only too easy to prefer the child who reflects well on your parenting skills, rather than the one who makes you feel you’ve got it all wrong.

Conscientious and academic, I never put a foot wrong, delivering numerous successes that made it only too easy for my parents to approve of me.

Even when I slipped up –by marrying a twice divorced man two decades my senior, for example – my parents weighed it in the balance of all that I’d done to make them proud, and let it pass.

But Philippa could never win. Her triumphs – she was very sporty, for example, and excelled at athletics – paled into insignificance in their eyes when compared with my academic achievements. Her

failures were writ large. It seemed the only way she ever got my parents’ attention was for the things she did wrong. My parents were both well aware of their favouritism, and did everything they could to counter it. Indeed, I often felt that I had to hide my light under a bushel, so that my sister wouldn’t be discouraged. But children have an unerring instinct for ferreting out the truth.

As a child, I enjoyed my favoured status, but as an adult felt burdened by it. I was terrified of disappointing them. I was the sensible one, the one who didn’t drink or smoke or run around with unsuitable men. As my mother often said, I never gave them a single sleepless night. When my first marriage started to crumble after eight years, I couldn’t bear to tell my parents. Only when we were almost divorced did I come clean. The guilt I felt at letting them down was far worse than the guilt I felt towards my own sons, then aged four and one. My sister, who has never been jealous of me, and has always been my most vocal supporter, was incredibly kind and sympathetic. Only later did she admit to a tiny morsel of pleasure that I had finally fallen on my face.

It’s little wonder the marriage failed. My first husband, who looked like my father and was only seven years younger than him, had always disappointed me in a way I couldn’t articulate.

It’s only now that I can see I was searching for a man who would make me feel as cherished and beloved as my father always had. I’d been brought up to expect not just unconditional love, to which every child has a right, but unconditional hero worship, too.

Being the star of the family left me with a constant need to be the centre of attention. I always had to be the wittiest and most entertaining in a group, to dazzle and impress. But at the same time, I was constantly trying to please everyone, to make sure no one left disappointed. My role as the hero and pleaser was so well established, I saw no way out of it. In the end, when I broke free, it was dramatic.

After my divorce, I spent two years behaving like a rebellious teenager, getting out of my system everything I’d suppressed for so long. I came to my second marriage very differently. I’d made my own share of mistakes and no longer expected to be loved simply for showing up. My second husband does indeed make me feel cherished, but marital love is very different from parental love and I’ve learned to recognise that. (The Guardian)

Tess Stimson, right, aged nine, with her sister Philippa, seven, and their brother, Charles, one

Govt says new labour law will not change

– RK’s Security free to withdraw contract

The recently-introduced national minimum wage and 40hour, five-day workweek are not likely to change in spite of criticism from private employers, Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul declared on Thursday.

Speaking to an audience of teachers, parents and students at Kuru Kuru on Thursday, the minister indicated that the government has noted concerns expressed by private employers, but remain steadfast in protecting workers, particularly the non-unionised workers.

“The regulations will not change. Workers are entitled to and should benefit from their hard labour. They no longer have to work 12 hours without overtime. Employers must respect employees’ hours. Beyond eight hours without pay is slavery and working for less than US$50 is unacceptable,” he said.

This is the first time in Guyana’s history that there is a national minimum wage for all workers, the minister said. Referring to an arbitration judgment by former Chancellor of Guyana, JOF Haynes, he noted that employers do not complain when things are bright, but

always find excuses when faced with an increased wage bill.

The minister underscored the importance of the trade union movement to workers’ rights and urged that internationally, the movement support Guyana’s stance. He said many Guyanese garment workers are often exploited, as they are paid low salaries and work long hours even though the products are destined for sale in overseas big companies. Their employers and companies buying the garments claim that their hands are tied by international competition. “Labour is valuable and all companies need to pay for it,” he said. The national minimum wage and the new workweek became effective July 1.

RK’s complaints

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said RK’s Security Service could end its contracts with government if it was not pleased. “The minimum wage initiative is statutory across the board and there is nothing preventing the withdrawal of contracts given the sentiments expressed,” the Cabinet sec-

retary said on Thursday during the weekly press briefing.

Dr Luncheon was responding to questions about to the call made by RK’s Security Service Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roshan Khan for a revision of its contracts with government to prevent laying off of staff. Dr Luncheon said efforts were made by the Labour Ministry and the tripartite committee, to resolve the concerns hat continue to exist on the new minimum wage.

Dr Luncheon said, “Provisions exist, to allow RK’s Security Service to withdraw their contract. This would allow the security company to retender.”

Guyana Times contacted

several other prominent security firms who said their clientele is different, because it consisted of mostly domestic customers and the issues raised by their colleague will more than likely not affect them the same way. The firms emphasised that they are presently re-negotiating with their clients.

“We already pay our staff way above the minimum wage level, so this will not affect us... we have written letters to our clients requesting a raise in the rates per hour and have received positive responses,” said GEB Security Services Inc CEO Maurice Amres. He continued, “I am waiting to see how this phases out ... our rates do not include overtime, it is our burden as a company to offset this if we have a lack of guards …we may need to hire more personnel or work out the overtime.”

Professional Guard Service CEO Dougal Kirkpatrick said, “Our clientele is working with us to raise the hourly rates and we fully support the government’s new labour law . . . our clientele is mainly domestic and we have always paid our staff way above the minimum wage.”

Administration still concerned about parliamentary delay

Government spokesman Dr Roger Luncheon said expectations of the next sitting of the National Assembly were not high, as there was no doubt that things will remain the same.

Dr Luncheon told media operatives at his postCabinet press briefing on Thursday that while several critical issues are up for discussion at the next sitting of the National Assembly on July 18, government was not assured that they will be addressed then or anytime soon.

“A review of media reports and press releases have not enthused Cabinet. The failure of GPL’s management and APNU’s engagement is one area,” he asserted. Dr Luncheon noted that the general conduct of opposition parliamentar-

ians at the parliamentary committees hearing continues to be replicated at National Assembly sittings.

“This is a view held by quite a few observers of the agony of Parliament and what it has become.”

He noted that significant considerations await closure including the reports from the parliamentary special select committees and their consideration of bills sent there. These include: four local government bills, the cricket administration bill, the deeds registry amendment bill and the anti-money laundering bill. In addition, equally important legislative instruments dealing with the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the debt ceiling amendment order are also still to be considered by the special select committees in the

National Assembly. Dr Luncheon said, “The end in the recess in October for consideration of these matters would be the most apt and the latest demonstration of parliamentary dysfunction in Guyana.”

He added that it might be a deliberate act on the part of the opposition to delay these bills. However, Dr Luncheon noted that these bills are important to carrying out the work of the government.

APNU carefully examining anti-money laundering bill

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) said the party will do what was necessary to ensure that the AntiMoney Laundering (AML) and Counter the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act is a good piece of legislation.

Member of Parliament

Joseph Harmon while addressing the party’s press conference on Thursday said the APNU will be examining carefully the AML/CFT Bill before there is a consensus. Harmon said the party’s position has always been the same – having an antimoney laundering act that is good for the country.

The APNU MP said the amendments to the act are currently before the parliamentary select committee. He said citizens and Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Bibi Ali-Hack, along other officials, have made submissions relating to the AML/CFT.

“Submissions have been made by citizens and other persons from within the region; in fact, last meeting we held the DPP appeared before the select committee and we had some very powerful recommendations,” Harmon said.

He said the APNU will work carefully to ensure that there is good legislation.

He said apart from the PPC, there was other leverage, and noted that this was just one way of pushing for good governance. “There are other aspects that are available to the opposition and whatever is necessary, apart from the anti-money laundering legislation, there are other things which we are aware of and which we’ll use,” he maintained.

After failing to meet the first deadline to pass the anti-money laundering legislation, Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall met with officials in Managua, Nicaragua to seek an extension for the submission of the approved AML/CFT.

The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) had granted the country this to ensure that the bill is submitted; however if the country fails to submit the bill for a second time, it will face a number of sanctions that will impact and slow down financial transactions involving the country.

Meanwhile, responding to questions posed by the media about the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and holding the government to ransom for the non-implementation, Harmon said the APNU has other mechanisms in store to maintain good governance from the ruling party.

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul

friday, july 12, 2013|

Firearm possession accused cries foul

Aman charged with unlawful possession of a firearm was brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

It is alleged that on July 9, in East Ruimveldt, 28-year-old Jamie Meyers was found in possession of a semi-automatic gun without being the holder of a firearm licence. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge read against him.

Attorney Paul FungA-Fat, who represented the accused, stated that his client is a shop owner, and has a wife and child. He added that on the day in question, the gun was found in an umbrella in a yard, not in the defendant’s possession. Fung-AFat requested reasonable bail for Meyers.

Speaking in open court, the defendant said a police van pulled up in front of his house on the day in question and ranks ar -

rested him. He said he was in the lockups at the Ruimveldt outpost for four days and not once did the police ask for a statement nor did they take any fingerprints.

He went on to say that the constable who was present in the courtroom did not have any knowledge about the matter and he had just met him this morning.

Prosecutor Rennette Bentham objected to bail on the grounds that there

were no special reasons given for bail to be granted, the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the firearm was found in the defendant’s pants pocket. She also objected to bail on the grounds that if granted his pre-trial liberty, the defendant may not return to court for trial.

Bail was denied and Meyers was remanded to prison. He is set to return to court on July 15 at 10:00h.

Threatening language case dismissed

Athreatening language charge was dismissed against two men when they appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

Clevland Watson, 60, and Vandell Edinburg, 61, of North Ruimveldt Squatting Area, pleaded not guilty to the joint

charge which stated that on July 9, they used threatening language against each other.

According to reports, the two men are neighbours who had a misunderstanding over a fence.

On the day in question, Watson came home when he noticed that the fence was removed from its usual place. On Edinburg’s

discovery of the missing fence, an argument ensued and both men threatened to kill each other.

Attorney Paul Fung-AFat represented both parties and made an application for bail, stating that both parties were refusing to give evidence against each other.

The magistrate admonished both men, stating

that they are grown-ups and should conduct themselves properly, because they are the ones who have to set the example for the younger generation.

Both men were placed on a bond to keep the peace for 12 months and the case was dismissed. If either defendant breaches the bond, he will have to serve four months in prison.

53-year-old sentenced to two years for robbery

A53-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison after he was found guilty of robbery.

Brian Benjamin appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

It is alleged that on January 4, at Camp Street and Brickdam, Benjamin, of Lot 16 Buxton, East Coast Demerara, robbed Shanell Brant of one gold chain, one gold band and US$20 cash, valued a total of $214,000. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The matter was first called on April 30, and during the course of the trial, Benjamin maintained his innocence, saying he did not commit the crime and he knew nothing of the robbery.

Mistake...

...in “high” places

Vincent Alexander is the man who would be leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) – but instead ended up in the political wilderness after being out-maneuvered by Robert Corbin. Ensconced, however, in his PNC sinecure at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from the earlier days of bonhomie, he’s held on for dear life. The money is good.

We all know of the vendetta against the Chief Elections Officer of GECOM Gocool Boodhoo. It’s an old story –contrary to what the opposition commissioners, including Alexander, would have us believe. Among the staff at the autonomous agency, Boodhoo stood out like a sore thumb from the beginning: he was not part of the good ole boys’ network that the PNC had left from their days of rigging. He never went along with the shenanigans the staff of GECOM were willing to commit to ensure PNC-friendly outcomes.

As late as when there was a delay in announcing the results during the last elections, his house was picketed by PNC/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) militants. Why?? Well, it’s always been “Boodhoo did it!!” After all this was before the incident which Alexander now declares cannot be “a mistake”. In calculating the winner of the elections, Boodhoo divided by 65 (the total number of seats) rather than 40 (the number of “top up” seats).

Alexander, in a remarkably sanctimonious letter, denies the “get Boodhoo” movement was tinged with “ethnic cleansing”. Why?? Boodhoo himself took action to dismiss a couple of Indian-Guyanese staff. Well, all this proves is that Boodhoo is non-racial and the consummate professional we know him to be. With him, its either “shape up or ship out” regardless of the workers’ ethnicity. Alexander knows that Boodhoo is the last defence against the reflexive proPNC stance of the GECOM staff. Get him out and all the old schemes of the PNC riggers can be given free reign.

Alexander also claims that what he says about the Boodhoo affair is the TRUTH – in capital letters. We’d thought this was a facility only possessed by God – such as when he spoke to Moses near the famous burning bush. But then maybe Alexander has been hearing voices from “on high”. It would appear, however, from what he relates it’s he who is “high”.

On what, we would not pretend to know. We’re not high.

...parsed

Alexander swears that Boodhoo didn’t make a mistake – his action was deliberate. And how does he know this as the TRUTH? Because Boodhoo had done the “sums” before and gotten the answers right. And because he subsequently defended his answer. But isn’t this what a “mistake” all about? Ask any schoolchild. The dictionary tells us that a “mistake” is “an error or fault resulting from defective judgment, deficient knowledge, or carelessness.”

How can Alexander so conclusively assert that Boodhoo’s answer was a deliberate concoction and his motive was to give the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) a majority of seats? In addition to being privy to the TRUTH, he’s also clairvoyant or a mind reader?? Apart from the burning of witches to prove their innocence, western jurisprudence has always used the “reasonable person” standard to impute intent. Would Alexander have GECOM abandon this standard?

If, as Alexander asserts, Boodhoo’s erred before...this simply proves the point Boodhoo has asserted to be rehired. Was “the error of his ways” ever reviewed to have Alexander now make this unprofessional attack? If Alexander wants to know the difference between what is deliberate and what is a mistake, he should revisit his riposte when asked during the 2002 mayhem whether Indians should be targeted for violence.

Alexander dubbed the attacks, “interactions” that were unavoidable collateral damage. This was or a mistake, but a deliberate statement that demonstrates Alexander’s mindset.

...in Barbados

We not indulging in schadenfreude – pleasure derived from another’s misfortune. We’re actually very concerned that our Bajan cousins are still reeling from the implosion of their economic prospects. Our heart bleeds for them. Really.

Mercy Hospital graduates 17 Registered Nurses

Seventeen registered nurses graduated from the St Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing on Thursday.

The 62nd graduating class was urged to keep abreast with the information age. In front of a packed audience, St Joseph Mercy Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Jimenez congratulated the graduates on their major achievement. As they pursue the profession with vigour, he admonished them to strive for excellence.

Hospital administrator Helen Browman echoed similar sentiments during her brief remarks. Browman called on the nurses to thirst after knowledge while being innovative.

“How do you do this? Ask lots of questions, listen attentively, do research and most of all, be in the mode of continuous professional development and this will aid you to be

a great nurse as you continue your career.”

The nursing school director, Patricia Gravesande, in delivering the report, said the 62nd batch commenced training in September 2009. Initially, 21 students were enrolled in the programme; however, four departed for varying reasons.

According to Gravesande, the students

have toiled through challenging times but have made it with determination and the guidance of their lecturers, but the journey has just begun. “Seek more independence and more authority; strive to become nurse practitioners, so you have to continue to study,” she urged.

Meanwhile, from a batch of 17, Natasha Rambaran emerged as

the top student. To loud rounds of applause, Rambaran was presented with the Best Graduating Student Award. She also copped the Best Academic Student Trophy.

Michal Wallerson received the prestigious “Mercy’s Award”, while Sadonna John was presented with the All Rounder Award. The Best Attendance Award went to Kaydene Duncan.

The graduating students: Philesha Ally, Shellon Cornelius, Sumintra Daniels, Kristien DeCosta, Keshana English, Shevon Hendy, Tamika Sandym, Malika Stephens, Latoya Knox, Sheba Thomas, Keisha Williams and Yonette Wilson were all awarded with trophies along with the special awardees.

In addition to the many speeches, awards of trophies and certificates, cultural pieces were incorporated into the very cordial ceremony.

Two shot in Coldingen attempted robbery

Two men were shot by ranks of the Guyana Police Force after they were intercepted during a robbery attempt Thursday afternoon.

Odingo Allen, 23, of Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was shot to his right knee while his alleged accomplice, Elroy Neuton sustained lacerations about his face.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicate that the two men were trailed by police officers and were intercepted at the New Lucky Chinese Restaurant at Coldingen, ECD.

In a release, police said about 16:45h on Thursday ranks of a mobile police patrol arrested three men at Coldingen, in whose possession were found a Keltec 9mm sub-machine gun with nine rounds and a .38 revolver with two rounds.

According to reports, the men were in the restaurant reportedly orchestrating a robbery when police officers entered the premises. Information reaching this newspaper disclosed that the

men put up a fight and were about to escape when the police opened fire. They were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation sometime around 18:00h, where they received medical attention. Allen was admitted under guard, and is said to be in a stable condition while Neuton was released into police custody. When Guyana Times visited the scene, the police had already taken the two suspects away and the owners of the restaurant were continuing business as per normal. The owners were reluctant to talk when approached by the media. There were a pair of slippers, a hat and a shoe scattered in the restaurant. Spots of blood were also visible at the scene.

A witness told this publication that they were a few houses away from the restaurant when they saw the police entered and a few seconds after they heard gunshots. Police are continuing their investigations into the matter.

Guyana signs on as associate member of MERCOSUR

Guyanese Foreign Affairs Minister

and signing this agreement today marks another step in this direction.” She praised the work done by the outgoing chairman of MERCOSUR, Uruguayan Foreign Minister Luis

Almagro, and the staff of the MERCOSUR Secretariat for completing the process in such a short space of time. Guyana applied for associate member status six months ago.

Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, along with the foreign ministers of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela, signed on Thursday a Framework Association Agreement allowing Guyana and the other countries to join the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) as associate members.

This initiative arose out of the decision taken by the Council of Ministers at the MERCOSUR Summit held in Brasilia in December 2012, to foster and

strengthen the relationship between Mercosur and Guyana. The Framework Association Agreement covers political, economic, trade, productive development, cultural and other cooperation issues.

Following the signing of the agreement,

Minister RodriguesBirkett thanked her colleague foreign ministers for welcoming Guyana to the MERCOSUR family. “Separated by history and culture in the past, Guyana has made a conscious decision to pursue its continental destiny

Natasha Rambaran receiving the Best Graduating Student Award

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (left) joins the celebration as Guyana becomes part of the MERCOSUR grouping

Fire-fighting capacity given big boost

– China donates 10 fire tenders

Home Affairs Clement Rohee Minister

Thursday received the keys to 10 fire tenders, and 400 suits for fire officers from officials of the Chinese government at the Home Affairs Ministry, Brickdam, Georgetown.

The vehicles and protective gear were handed over following the signing of an acceptance certificate, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Minister Rohee stated that his ministry is very appreciative of the gesture, and that it is another concerted manifestation of the friendly relations between China and Guyana.

The minister said the relationship from which Guyana is now benefiting will obviously go a very far way in enhancing the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)

in many ways. He recalled that, in his Budget 2013 debate presentation, he made it known that the GFS would be renamed he Guyana Fire and Rescue Service and would go through certain transformative periods in order to ensure that the service becomes modernised.

“This is the ambition of fire services around the world,” he said. “And the GFS must not be left behind. The GFS has come a very far way, for those who are acquainted with its history would know that from seven stations, there are now

16 around the country, and from one and a half fire tenders, there are now 36.”

The additional fire tenders will see an exponential growth in the capacity of GFS to provide an effective and efficient service to residents not only in Georgetown, but in the other regions as well.

Minister Rohee urged officials of the GFS to take special care of the vehicles to ensure that they are well serviced and protected and that they are used for the benefit of the people.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin said he was very pleased to attend the signing, and alluded to the long and fruitful relations between the two countries. The two governments have also fostered good relations, as well as close friendship between their peoples.

Suspect in Water Street ambush likely for court today

One of the suspects in the Water Street ambush on Monday that left one person dead, another hospitalised, and $8 million in cash stolen is likely to make a court appearance today.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud had indicated that the suspect was due for court on Thursday afternoon but Guyana Times understands that the case was not filed.

A source explained that once all records to facilitate the court proceedings are in order, the suspect will be taken to court. The suspect is expected to be charged with

murder and armed robbery.

Foulis, East Coast Demerara businessman Cecil Albert Gajadhar was shot to the face, while his handyman, Victor Da Silva, 72, of Lot 10 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara was killed after the vehicle in which they were travelling came under fire at Cowan and Water streets.

Speaking with this publication from his home, the businessman expressed his enthusiasm to be home and alive. While two bullets are still lodged in his head, he said he has to return to the

medical institution in the new week.

Gajadhar said the bandits probably target him, because they think that he is vulnerable and can be easily taken advantage off. “They wanted money and that is what they got by; I am thankful that I am alive and at the same time, regret the death of a close friend,” he added.

He recalled that on Monday just as he was about to pass the Cowan Street koker, the men who were “pretty young” opened fire. “The bullets shattered the window and from then I was

completely blanked out… I don’t know how the men know that money was in the trunk and how they got it… After a split second or so, I just press on the accelerator and drove to the bank,” he said. While driving, he realised that Da Silva was dead.

Christine Da Silva told Guyana Times that her grandfather will be laid to rest on Saturday at the Diamond New Scheme burial ground. She added that the police are continuing their investigations but the family was not informed of the developments.

Old habits does die hard

Old people seh old habits does die hard. That is why young people don’t want to get old. Is because dem friken de old habits. That is exactly what happenin pun de sea wall nowadays. De Public Works Ministry move de seawall lime, but de people dem still doin de same ting. Is different place but de same ting happenin. Loud music, plenty alcohol, and people still gettin rob.

And de police still turnin up to investigate after de bandits done get away. People seh de police does give de bandits time to get away, so is less wuk fuh dem. De vendors even seh de police look like dem comin out to lime more than to wuk. After all is de seawall lime. In any case de police does look like dem limin all de time. Is de old habits leff wid dem.

Every Monday mornin, is a set of garbage does deh pun de Kingston seawall all de way to Vlissengen Road. Some of de garbage does come from de police who bummin free drinks and throwin de bottles on de seawall. De vendors seein that and leavin all de garbage right wheh dem sellin. But that is just old habits.

In fact, de whole area beginnin to look just de rest of GT, the Garbage Town, which is now de same as Green Town. Is not that de town is green, is just that green and garbage mean de same ting. After all, de mayor fuh life Green Ham been wukkin in a pile of garbage a long time now…since de days of de PEE NC.

Even after Green form he own party, it was same garbage, but different name – Green and Garbage fuh GT (GGG). Old people call that same **it but different day. Old habits again.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well de mayor hearin bout local guvament elections comin up and he planning fuh run again. After all, he is de mayor fuh life. But he just can’t decide which garbage name fuh use!!!

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee receives a key to one of the fire tenders from Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin

Another series of Guyana Classics launched

The Caribbean Press Association, through the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, on Wednesday evening launched another set of Guyana Classics, along with a collection of 20 other books by Guyanese authors.

The books, which will be available at public and leading schools libraries, are from authors such as Jan Carew, Denis Williams, Wilson Harris, Edgar Mittelholzer, Ashley Anthony, and Cedric Castello among others. Included in the collection are speeches by Guyana’s past presidents Dr Cheddi and Janet Jagan, and Forbes Burnham. A limited number of books will also be available for purchase at Austin’s Book Services.

History and literature

Speaking at the event held at the Umana Yana, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony reiterated that the collection represents an important aspect of Guyana’s history and literature. He noted that through the books many people will rediscover the country’s history. “I urge everyone to make sure they get copies of the books, at least some, if you don’t want the whole collection.”

Turning his attention to the Caribbean Press, he

stated that within a short period of time, the press has been able to publish some 65 books, 38 of which belong to the Guyana Classics series. Dr Anthony stated that the press has 40 books to be published over the next couple of years, adding that the Caribbean Press has inspired many people to want to write and be published.

The minister undercrossed that the press has aided in forging partnerships to produce better writers, making reference to workshops which has been held locally. “We are pleased that the press has come this far and thanks to all who support us to ensure the press remains vibrant and it continues to do its work.”

Dr Anthony expressed pleasure that when there was

the debate on funds to maintain the Caribbean Press in the Ninth Parliament, the Alliance For Change supported its funding.

“I think sometimes we have to put aside the politics and focus and think about our country…institutions like the Caribbean Press… deserve all of our support, because it is truly a national institution geared for the publication of our people’s creativity,” Dr Anthony emphasised.

Delivering the feature address at the event, Dr David Dabydeen, who has been instrumental in setting up the Caribbean Press and editing its publications, said he is happy that there is now so much debate in Guyana about publishing. “Imagine people are fighting about

books, they're battling about books – that is wonderful and I’m really thankful to everyone who has been part of that discourse and I hope it continues.”

He disclosed that the Culture Ministry, along with its stakeholders, will be developing the publishing house. Dr Dabydeen stated that phase one of the press, which involved academic scholars’ writing, is now completed.

New policies

In light of this, he said the Caribbean Press now has to evolve as it progresses and adopt new policies. “I can’t go on for too long… I really have to focus on my own writing… I have fulfilled the academic part of the press… the scholarly part of the press,” the Guyanese scholar said.

Dr Dabydeen made mention of the book which was published by the culture minister’s daughter, Ashley, which prompted much talk about the press and its publishing preferences. “Her father is the minister but that’s her liability, not the liability of the press, we publish irrespective of who you are,” he asserted.

Guyana Classics are books on the history and culture of Guyana from 1596 to present day.

Whittaker discusses 2013 subventions with Regions Four and Five NDCs

Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Norman Whittaker on Wednesday met with the chairpersons, overseers and heads of the works committees of the 25 neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) in Region Four and Five in the conference room of the ministry.

Along with Permanent Secretary Collin Croal and other senior local government officers attached to the ministry, Whittaker reviewed the proposals of those NDCs for the utilisation of their 2013 subventions, which total $75 million.

Most of the proposals centred on road repairs/maintenance, construction and rehabilitation of bridges, internal drainage, solid waste collection, and transportation within the NDCs and were approved by the minister with modifications in some instances, a release stated.

The minister used the opportunity to emphasise to the NDC officials present the importance of quality and timely works and the involvement of the councils and the residents in ensuring that quality work is delivered.

Permanent Secretary Croal reminded the NDC officials about the procurement procedures that must be followed, and reminded staff of the ministry of their oversight responsibility in respect of all projects within the neighbourhoods.

Regional executive officers Deolall Rooplall and Ashford Ambedkar informed the NDC officials of some of the projects to be undertaken by the regional democratic councils of Regions Four and Five within NDCs in the regions.

NDC officials expressed their satisfaction with the results of the meeting and the opportunity provided to discuss the proposals, which

they reflected came out of engagements with residents. Similar meetings would tar-

get the NDCs of Regions One to Three, Six, Seven, and Nine.

Region Two awards 40 more contracts for developmental works

The Region Two administration on Tuesday awarded an additional 40 contracts under its 2013 Capital Works Programme.

The contracts were awarded and approved by the Regional Tender Board.

At the signing and handing-over ceremony, only two contractors showed up at the public forum, which was held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council.

Addressing officers of the tender board and the two contractors presented was Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh, who said letters will be sent to contractors who failed to grace the signing and handing-over ceremony. The REO told the gathering that some of the

contractors do not want to sign their contract publicly and requested a private signing.

He told media operatives that another date will be decided for contractors to sign the contracts publicly.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said the public awarding of contracts was implemented by the administration so that the process can be transparent, and the public can be made aware of all the happenings in the region. Persaud said the process of awarding contracts in the region is a very transparent one, and he called on everyone to cooperate. Under these contracts, roads, schools, and health centres will be built, as well as rehabilitated.

Nine-year-old boy among three held for gun, ammo

Anine-year-old boy was among three persons arrested on Wednesday following the discovery of a gun and a quantity of ammunition at Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice. Reports reaching Guyana Times stated that police, acting on a tip, went to the home of Deoydat “Muckesh” Lilboy, a cash crop farmer of Lot 90 Yakusari and searched the premises. A 12-gauge Mauser Construktion shotgun, along with 25 live rounds of matching ammunition, was unearthed during the search.

The gun and ammunition were reportedly found hidden under a bed in one of the bedrooms. When questioned, the farmer reportedly confessed that he was not the holder of a valid firearm licence. The man’s wife, Lilawattie Devi Arjune, and his nineyear-old son who were at home at the time of the raid were also arrested. They were told of the offence, cautioned, and taken to the Whim Police Station to assist with investigations. The gun and ammunition were lodged at the station. Charges are expected to be laid as early as today.

Dr David Dabydeen handing over the collection of books to University of Guyana librarian Gwyneth George

Veterinary lab to be completed in four months – Dr Ramsammy

The Guyana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory which will have the capability to test, detect ,and diagnose diseases that may affect animals and the public’s health, is 45 per cent complete, and is expected to be commissioned in approximately four months.

The US$2.5 million facility, at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, will be equipped to test for brucellosis, which is caused by bacteria and affects mainly animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and dogs; bovine (cattle) dis-

eases; leptospirosis; and tuberculosis among others. It is also expected to strengthen the overall animal health system and advance the livestock sector, while increasing production for local consumption and export.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the laboratory is sitting on what was previously the Animal Health Lab, which was barely utilised and was not functioning as a fullfledged lab. The old facility was demolished and redesigned. Construction, which is expected to last for eight months, is now close to the four-month mark.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who visited the worksite Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the progress thus far, as he explained that due to the rainy season some of the work was delayed. Minister Ramsammy said he is optimistic that the work will be completed on time. “We are not only telling the people

PSC hails high standard of investment forum

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has congratulated the organisers of the recentlyheld Guyana Investment Conference which was held on June 27 and 28, praising the high standard and organisation of the meeting.

The conference brought together experts on the promotion of investment, and highlighted the steps that Guyana has to take to increase both local and foreign direct investment in the country. Of particular importance was the highlighting of the institutions that need to be in place to counter any perceptions that a transparent investment climate may be lacking, since foreign investors are answerable to the laws of their own countries for any questionable dealings in the countries in which they invest, the PSC said.

what is happening, but we have to deliver,” he said.

This lab is critical, he said, because Guyana wants to consolidate its food security, and therefore animal health is very important. He also mentioned the animal welfare bill, which is intended to ensure the well-being of animals.

Animal health

“We can’t talk about looking at the health of animals and not have a credible animal health lab,” he said. Minister Ramsammy added that while Guyana will do some testing abroad, government wants to ensure that basic laboratory testing for animals is available.

Animals in Guyana are part of the country’s food security, and Minister Ramsammy explained that “not only do we want to provide our people with the highest quality meat and the safest meals, but we want to make sure that we develop the cattle and the small ruminant industry to

the extent that we have excess meat in Guyana that can be exported”.

He said that objective cannot be fulfilled unless government builds a reliable animal health lab. Guyana has already achieved selfsustainability in terms of local demand for meat, but “we want to consolidate that and become an exporter of meat”.

Guyana Livestock Development Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dindyal Permaul who accompanied Minister Ramsammy to the worksite, said the lab will assist farmers to maintain the health of their animals. The Agriculture Ministry sees the lab as being very important in supporting farmers’ ventures and effectively diagnosing for diseases that would crop up from time to time, in the farmers’ bid to control pests, parasites and organisms that would reduce the productivity of the country’s animals, Dr Permaul said.

friday, july 12, 2013 |

Four arrested for murder of Guyanese

Four persons have been taken into custody for the murder of Guyanese American Eric Roopnarine of Poinciana, Orlando in Osceola County, Florida.

The murder took place on July 4 at approximately 01:43h, said the medical examiner’s office. Roopnarine and his parents, Pooran and Seema, settled in Orlando about 12 years ago. Police responded to a desperate call from Seema from their home that her son was wounded and motionless. Upon arrival, deputies found the 22-year-old Eric dead. Seema told police she left her residence at 23:00h and when she returned home at approximately 01:30h she found her son lying on the floor unresponsive. The victim had no vital signs and was pronounced deceased by deputies. There were no signs of forced entry suggesting that Eric knew his killer.

Police got a break when they found that the bullet shell used in another murder

American

matches the one used in the killing of Eric.

They were able to trace the gun to its owner who was unaware his 15-year-old son was using the gun to terrorise, rob, and murder people. The gun was only bought in late June, but was used in some two dozen other shootings and the murder of another person.

The four suspects are held without bail and were due to face the judge on Wednesday morning. Arrested for the murder of Roopnarine were: Juan Sebastian Muriel; David Damus; Konrad Schafter and Victoria.

The conference also made clear the number of significant steps which Guyana has already taken to provide an enabling environment for investment flows, the most important being the enactment of investment legislation in 2004.

The commission is, however, disappointed at the lack of a continuous presence of senior government officials and leaders of the parliamentary opposition, since these are the persons charged with the responsibility for ensuring a stable and attractive investment climate for Guyana.

Region Two gets new regional education officer

The Education Ministry has appointed a new regional education officer in Region Two to oversee educational activities throughout PomeroonSupenaam.

Baramdai Seepersaud has been appointed to coordinate and implement all educational activities and affairs in the region. Seepersaud replaced Ms Leslie Charles who was promoted to acting chief education officer (secondary) in the Education Ministry’s head office in Georgetown.

Seepersaud was welcomed by scores of teachers

at a special forum. She said she is happy to serve Region Two and will give her best towards the development of education in the region.

Dead: Eric Roopnarine

Agriculture Minister

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

PSC Chairman Ronald Webster

New Region Two Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud

Crime, migration affecting regional progress

– Webster tells forum

BY LEANA BRADSHAW

Chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster, has outlined a number of issues affecting the region such as migration, crime, access to services for the vulnerable and the provision of social protection, which need to be addressed by respective governments.

She made these remarks at the 16th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The meeting sought to review the role of ECLAC in forging stronger linkages between the Caribbean and Latin America.

Financial resources

Addressing numerous dignitaries from ECLAC member states, Webster said many countries still lack the financial resources to address the impacts of the economic downturn such as climate change and other natural disasters, thus resorting to the International Monetary Fund to support their programmes.

She said the external shocks of the financial recession affect the social sector and can also impact the region’s human capital. However the CDCC chair believes these impacts can be tackled through customised programmes, so as to obtain

sustainable livelihoods for the people of the region, especially those in rural communities.

“Our meeting is tasked with reviewing the current work programme of ECLAC, especially in light of the several issues and challenges which our countries continue to face and to provide inputs to future work programmes”.

Meanwhile Executive Secretary of the ECLAC Alicia Barcena says the region has done well on many fronts and she will continue to ensure it makes progress by encouraging solidarity to overcome challenges. She said that the Caribbean has been able to weather the recent global economic crisis very well, noting that while many Caribbean countries were vulnerable with much indebtedness, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize and Suriname have stood firm because of the commodities they produce, which supported them.

Vulnerable

“The Caribbean was much more vulnerable with high indebtedness. Growth rate in the region in 2009 was 3.7 per cent, in 2010 it went to zero, in 2012, there was growth of 0.6, so 2013 is going to be a little better”. Barcena added that, “We believe in ECLAC that employment is key to combat inequality and we are very concerned because when we have erosion of the social fabric, what happens is that the critical issues we confront next is crime, violence and drug trade”.

As such, she believes the only way forward for sustain-

able development in the region, is for member states to pool their resources and work together.

“It is clear that the international context is not doing very well, so many answers will have to come from within. So we would have to solve our problems with regional integration”, the ECLAC executive secretary said.

She pointed out that regional countries are susceptible to environmental, economic and social changes and thus need to build resilience to respond to shocks emanating from these changes.

Reforms

Additionally, Barcena said the United Nations is slated to undergo huge reforms which would see considerable budgetary cuts being imposed on the Secretary General and ECLAC. ECLAC, she said, will see a cut of some 25 posts, which amounts to some US$4 million.

“Nobody is against austerity, I totally agree that we probably need restructuring in some things but 25 posts is a lot. But that is why I want the help of the member states. I understand the reform process but it has to be proportional to the size of an institution like ours that is small.

Despite this, Barcena said ECLAC will continue to stand by its participating countries but encouraged their representatives to outline challenges facing their societies and with its limited resources, ECLAC will assist. (leanab@ guyanatimesgy.com)

APNU team gets tour of Ogle airport

Opposition Leader retired Brigadier David Granger, along with his shadow ministers from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), on Wednesday toured the operations of the Ogle International Airport (OIA) and had discussions with management and various stakeholders.

The APNU team was briefed on all aspects of operations at Ogle, and the three-phase development plan for further upgrading of the airport and its facilities, a release from the political group said.

OIA Chairman Michael Correia Jr; Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) Malcolm Executive Director Chana-Sue; Christopher “Kit” Nascimento; and OIA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mekdeci; and several oth-

er officials and operators at Ogle took the opportunity to explain to APNU the many challenges that are currently facing the civil aviation sector in Guyana.

Problems associated with poor maintenance of hinterland aerodromes, security, flight inspections, regulatory and other critical aviation deficiencies were among the topics discussed.

The OIA group also shared with APNU a detailed three-year development plan for hinterland aerodromes and supporting facilities. Granger thanked the OIA team for what he called a very informative and detailed brief. The two sides have promised to have more discussion in the coming days.

At the commissioning of the airport earlier this year, Correia Jr had said that all Guyanese will now have a

feeling of great pride when they fly out of Ogle. The airport’s runway now meets international standards and is a 4200×100 2C Regional Runway. The CEO said Ogle is one of the busiest airports in the region, with approximately 100 flights daily, moving more than 200 passengers and 15 tonnes of cargo. The airport presently has 10 scheduled flights to Suriname, and is playing an important role in fostering trade and developing closer relationships with that country.

The airport is also providing similar services to Brazil, and presently has 24 scheduled flights to Lethem, which connects Guyana by road to the Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonia. “This process of development will grow as larger aircraft commence operations out of Ogle,” Correia said.

Rugby enteric aspirin recalled

The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department is recalling the Rugby Enteric Coated Aspirin Tablets 81mg, owing to a mix-up of the pills in the bottles.

The tablets, batch 13A026 with expiry date 012015, was manufactured and packaged by U.S. company Advance Pharmaceutical Inc, under the label of Rugby Laboratories (Major Pharmaceuticals). According to a press release from the Food and Drug Department, the bottles which are labelled Rugby Enteric Coated Aspirin Tablets 81mg actu-

ally contain acetaminophen 500mg instead of the 81mg aspirin.

Consumers taking the mislabelled tablets may suffer severe liver damage especially if they are taking other drugs containing acetaminophen. Consumers may also be at risk if they take three or more alcoholic drinks every day or those who have liver disease.

The food and drug department is advising all importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers who are in possession of this lot of aspirin, to stop distributing, selling or using this product and to inform the department.

This recall comes weeks after Advance Pharmaceutical Inc announced a voluntary nationwide recall in the U.S. after receiving a complaint.

The recall was first initiated on June 17. The label directions on the bottle instruct patients to take four-eight tablets every four hours, but not more than 48 tablets in 24 hours. Consumers who take 48 tablets daily of the defective product may be ingesting up to 24,000 mg of acetaminophen, which is about six times the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen (4000 mg).

Opposition Leader David Granger and his team of MPs being briefed by representatives of the Ogle International Airport during their tour of the facility on Wednesday

Chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) Jenifer Webster (centre) accompanied by other dignitaries of various countries at the head table of the 16th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the CDCC

Call for TT-Guyana joint ventures

Joint venture projects between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana could be the foundation upon which a unified Caribbean is built, businessman Donald Baldeosingh said on Tuesday.

Baldeosingh was one of the presenters at a forum hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce in Westmoorings Tuesday on investment opportunities between the two Caricom countries. “It is the start of regional integration,” he said.

Baldeosingh, president of ENMAN Group, pitched his company’s plan for a 500 kilometre-long undersea electrical power cable that would connect Trinidad and Guyana. Other pitches included a port and industrial park; an alu-

minium smelter and a hydroelectric plant, all in Guyana.

The aim, Baldeosingh said, was to introduce to a wider group of potential investors to the opportunities in Guyana.

Over 40 industrialists, bankers, economists and entrepreneurs were invited to the chamber’s Westmoorings headquarters to attend.

He said government involvement is something being considered, but at the moment, the presenters were looking to challenge the traditional top down model, where government leads and the private sector follows.

The Trinidad Express understands that the project is now at the stage where investors are being invited to join projects, but the planning

stages probably began about a decade ago, Baldeosingh surmised, adding that it probably had another six to eight years to go (before tangible results) can be seen.

He noted that the entire joint venture project would total about US$4 billion, one of the biggest single undertakings the Caribbean had ever seen.

Permanent secretary in the Trade Ministry, Sandra Indar delivered the feature address.

She noted the bilateral economic relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. For the period 20072010, Trinidad and Tobago exported an average of TT$1.1 billion worth of products each year to Guyana.

One dead, two injured in accident on Puruni trail

One person was killed and at least two were injured following an accident on Thursday evening along the Puruni trail in Region Seven around 19:15h.

The dead man was identified as David Young, a miner believed to have been in his early 30s and from the coastland.

The injured men, including the driver, are believed to have sustained major injuries. Their names were not available up to press time.

The men were reportedly in a Toyota 4-Runner, bearing registration number GPP 4724, and were in the process of climbing a hill when the vehicle encountered mechanical problems and started to roll downhill.

The driver, who tried desperately to bring the vehicle to a halt, eventually lost control of the vehicle, which toppled. Young was reportedly pinned when the vehicle came to a stop.

The survivors were res-

cued by a truck that was passing a few minutes later. They boarded the truck and, along with the dead man, were taken to Bartica.

A hospital official told this publication that they were made aware of the accident and were on standby to attend to the survivors, all of whom were described as seriously injured. She added that it will take about four hours to travel to Bartica from where the accident occurred.

Suriname signs Carifesta XI Host Country Agreement

Suriname became the first Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state and host country for the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) to sign a Host Country Agreement for the Festival. This historic event took place at the 34th Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government last Friday in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago when the Foreign Affairs Minister of Suriname Winston Lackin and the Secretary General of Caricom Ambassador Irwin LaRocque signed the agreement.

According to a Caricom Secretariat release, the CARIFESTA Host Country Agreement sets out the legal and operational framework in which the new mandates for the management and staging of the festival are to be implemented.

Heads of government welcomed the signing in respect of CARIFESTA XI, to be held in Suriname from August 16-25, under the theme “Culture for Development, Celebrating our Diversity and Promoting the Central Role of Culture in Economic, Social and Human Development”. They also viewed a CARIFESTA

XI promotional video which was launched at the meeting and can be accessed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nY9tDYuF6uA

CARIFESTA is the region’s roving multi-disciplinary, mega event that showcases the cultural expressions of artistes in over 30 countries in the Caribbean. The festival was established to celebrate the arts, foster a vision of Caribbean unity and to positively advance Caribbean culture; regionally and internationally.

With only six weeks to go for the festival, heads of government made a final call on all Caricom member states and associate members to support the event. To date, 12 of the 15 member states and one associate member have registered for the festival. The new CARIFESTA model seeks to address several weaknesses in the management of the event, and to ensure that CARIFESTA is more dynamic, economically viable and meets the expectations of regional and international audiences.

Surinamese Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Lackin and Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque signing the agreement

Two rich countries: ENMAN Group President Donald Baldeosingh (centre) makes a point during Tuesday’s conference on “Trinidad and Tobago – Guyana Connections” hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at its Westmoorings headquarters. Flanking him are Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Sandra Indar and chamber president Moonilal Lalchan

Bank of Baroda to expand TT operations

Bank of Baroda managing director Yesh Pal Chhabra says plans are in the making to expand the local operations of the India-based bank. Chhabra, speaking with reporters at the bank’s fourth anniversary celebrations at its St James Street, San Fernando operations, said TT economy’s is showing signs of turning around and the bank is con-

North America

templating further expansion.

“We are trying to see how the economy will move if there are positive signs that they are improvement; definitely. We will expand to place like Arima, Princes Town, Penal and Tunapuna. These are potential places and we have an eye on them, we have plan for them. We are looking for the right time when we can declare that we are expending,”

Chhabra said. He said at present the bank has three locations and all three are doing exceedingly well. “All branches are making profit and all of our branches are doing very well. We have a quick and personalised services at the Bank of Baroda,” he said. While Chhabra said expansion is being considered he admitted that he could not give an exact timeline. (Trinidad Guardian)

Microsoft unveils reorganisation

icrosoft chief execu-

Mtive Steve Ballmer said the company is being restructured in what is the first major overhaul for five years.

The software company will be streamlined around devices such as phones, games consoles, and services. He said Microsoft would be able to react faster to changes in the market.

The move comes amid a decline in demands for personal computers, as consumers turn to tablets and other mobile devices. In a memo to

Europe

staff, Mr Ballmer said that the changes meant the company was “rallying behind a single strategy as one company – not a collection of divisional strategies”.

Microsoft’s new divisions include engineering, marketing and business development.

The company named veteran executive Julie LarsonGreen as head of its devices and studios engineering group, overseeing hardware development, games, music and entertainment. Terry Myerson will lead Microsoft’s

operating systems and engineering group, namely Windows. Qi Lu will head applications and services.

Under the reorganisation, Kurt DelBene, president of Microsoft Office, will retire, Microsoft said. In November, Steven Sinofsky, then president of Microsoft’s Windows and Windows Live operations, left the company weeks after the launch of Windows 8. Then at the start of this month Xbox chief, Don Mattrick, announced he was quitting to become chief executive of social games firm Zynga. (BBC News)

EU Commission raids telecoms

The European Commission has raided the offices of various telecom companies over concerns that the firms are violating antitrust rules.

The commission says it is looking into whether certain large telecoms offering Internet services have been abusing their dominant market position. A spokesman says the commission officials are searching through paper documents and e-mails in the offices.

The commission refused to name any of the companies whose offices underwent

“unannounced inspections.”

However, Orange (ORAN), which recently changed its name from France Telecom, confirmed to CNNMoney that EU officials were still in the process of going through its offices.

Germany’s Deutsche Telekom (DTEGY) and Spain’s Telefonic (TEF)a were also subject to the surprise investigations, according to reports. Neither company responded to a request for comment.

The commission outlined how it was investigating potential issues with the way

telecom companies worked with websites and content providers, potentially creating problems with how they connect to the Internet and offer various products and services to consumers.

“This service is crucial for the functioning of the Internet and for end users’ ability to reach Internet content ... irrespective of the location of the provider,” stated the commission in a press release.

Both London-based BT Group (BT) and Dutch telecom KPN (KKPNY) said they were not involved in the investigations. (CNN)

Africa

Small businesses tackle poverty in Mauritius

Raja Venkat, a food ven-

dor on the sidewalk of Immigration Square in the centre of Port Louis, the Mauritian capital, sits on his tricycle with a bag full of dhal puris – small, round, flat Indian bread stuffed with pulses – which he sells together with tomato sauce and bean curry.

“Come and taste my dhal puris, you’ll want more. Come, come,” he shouts. Thousands of small businesses like this

have sprung up in every town and village on the island since the government eased the procedures for obtaining a business permit a year ago.

“At times, I helped in masonry, in vegetable transportation or washing vehicles. I was available for any job, but most of the time I was unemployed,” Venkat tells IPS.

“Net employment creation in small and medium business between 2000 and 2011 is estimated to be 67,800, i.e., an

increase of more than 36 percent, as compared to an increase of 14,400 in large establishments.” – Mauritian Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives Minister Jim Seetaram The unemployment rate stood at 8.6 per cent at the end of 2012, according to figures obtained from Statistics Mauritius, the official organisation responsible for collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data.

Bank of Japan sees modest recovery in economy

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has said the country’s economy is “starting to recover modestly”. The upbeat assessment of the economy came as the BoJ left its huge monetary easing programme unchanged. It is the first time the BoJ has described the world’s third-largest economy as being on the path towards expansion in more than two years.

The bank is to stick to its plan of pumping more than

Middle East Asia

60tn yen (US$606 billion; £402 billion) a year into the economy. The programme is known as “Abenomics’’ after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who took office late last year.

The BoJ has been flagging up steady improvements in the economy for the past six months, but Thursday’s announcement is the first to point to a broad recovery.

“With regard to the outlook, Japan’s economy is

Gulf billions buy Egypt

Twelve billion dollars in aid from Egypt’s wealthy Gulf allies have bought Cairo a window of several months to try and stabilise its politics and repair its state finances – or face fresh economic turmoil.

The massive packages of grants and loans unveiled by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on Tuesday and Wednesday should boost Egyptian for-

expected to recover moderately on the back of the resilience in domestic demand and the pick-up in overseas economies,” the BoJ said in a statement. Abe appointed Haruhiko Kuroda, a veteran of international finance, as the governor of the BoJ in March with a promise to generate two per cent inflation in two years. Japan has been suffering from deflation for some years. (BBC

economy breathing space

eign reserves enough to avert a balance of payments crunch that was looming this year.

By replenishing state coffers, they will keep government departments running and may help authorities end fuel shortages that have caused immense public anger and contributed to last week’s military overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi.

John Sfakianakis, chief investment strategist at MASIC,

a Riyadh-based investment firm, estimated the US$8 billion in aid from Saudi Arabia and the UAE could give Egypt a breathing space of four to six months. On top of that, Kuwait has since pledged a further US$4 billion. But the aid will not by itself solve two key problems in the Egyptian economy: a ballooning budget deficit and political instability that is scaring away foreign capital. (Arabian Business)

Surety bonds – a crucial, often forgotten tool for entrepreneurs

(CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY)

What kind of protection do surety bonds provide?

For example, let’s say you want to start a notary public business. In most states the business owner would have to purchase a bond and then file it with the state before obtaining a licence. If a bonded notary public commits fraud, any party harmed by the business can file a claim against the bond. If it’s valid, the surety provider behind the bond makes sure the claimant is compensated, either by the business or itself.

Who needs surety bonds?

Surety bond regulations vary widely depending on the industry and the jurisdiction in which the business will operate. The best way to determine whether or not you need a surety bond is to contact whoever issues you your busi-

ness licence. The following are just a few types of professions that almost always require surety bonds:

* auto dealers

* real estate brokers

* construction companies

* durable medical equipment providers

* health clubs

* travel agencies

Entrepreneurs who aren’t required to buy surety bonds can still benefit from them. Although surety bonds typically act as a means of protection for consumers and taxpayers, there are certain bonds can also protect business owners themselves.

Accounting companies, janitorial companies and other firms that put trust in individual employees often buy employee theft bonds. These surety bonds protect business owners in case their employees should steal company funds.

What do surety bonds cost?

A surety bond’s premium is based on several factors, including the applicant’s credit score and financial history, the specific bond needed and the surety provider’s underwriting costs. Business owners with good credit can easily find competitive rates as long as the bond isn’t too risky. At present, surety bond rates for those with good credit are usually calculated as one to three percent of the bond amount. Some surety providers will issue bonds to applicants with less-than-stellar credit, but the premium will be much higher. High-risk bond rates can easily run up to 25 per cent of the bond amount. Start-up businesses often see higher rates because they have a limited financial history. To get the most competitive rates, professionals should comparison shop to find the best surety bond provider for their needs. (Business Dictionary)

SUDOKU

thursday's solution

By Bernice Bede Osol

You’re likely to get an opportunity to win over a new ally by frankly discussing a matter of mutual importance. Point out how each of you might benefit by working together.

AQUARIUS

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

Take some time to figure out new methods that could improve your standing at work. Your concepts could turn out to be quite ingenious.

Oddly, the more you have to do, the better you’re likely to function. Whether you’re stuck in the office or out running around, you’ll be getting things done.

The best ideas you’re apt to get today are likely to involve ways to save money. Be sure to apply them, either for your own account or someone else’s.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

This could be one of those interesting days when unexpected developments prove to be the most fun. Play it loose, so that you’ll be able to take advantage of any shifting conditions.

(March 21-April 19)

Any flashes of inspiration should not be treated lightly, especially if they concern your home or family. Follow up on your hunches and see where they lead.

(April 20-May 20)

Your mental faculties are extremely acute, giving you the power to solve all kinds of problems. Put this force to work on something that’s really important.

21June 20)

Accurately sizing up work-related situations shouldn’t be too difficult. Chances are you’ll arrive at your conclusions intuitively, and logic will back you up.

Spending time with people not in your usual crowd will give you a fresh approach on things. Additionally, conversing with these people will invigorate your thinking.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Seek out some quiet place where you’ll be able to sort out your thoughts. You need to carefully plan a campaign to further your ambitions.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

One of your best attributes is the ability to recognise the worth of others’ ideas, and to use them in ways that could feather your own nest.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

An important idea can be achieved if you slightly alter or modify your present course of action. One tactic might be circumventing an obstacle instead of attempting to destroy it.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

What do you get when you combine feting and the Kings of T20 cricket?

The best cricket fete ever!

This is exactly what Club Monaco plans to bring to patrons tonight at “We Cricket Fete”.

As Guyana prepares to host the West Indies versus Pakistan matches at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Club Monaco invites cricket fans to celebrate Guyana’s culture and love

of cricket VIP style with the T20 Kings of the Caribbean at this exciting party.

“We Cricket Fete” vibes will be provided by DJ Bevaughn, Selector Diamond and Gully Ras. Tickets cost $2000, but ladies will be admitted **free** until 22:00h. Tickets are being pre-sold exclusively at Underground Men’s Store on Robb Street.

Club Monaco is redefining the club experience in Guyana with exquisite club lighting, unparal-

leled service, and amazing vibes, according to management. The club is popular for hosting some of the best concept parties in Guyana such as “Oliver Twist”, “Back to the 90s Dub Party” and “Epiphany”. ‘“We Cricket Fete” is definitely going to join these events as an unforgettable club experience.

“We Cricket Fete” is made possible by Underground Men’s Store, the Auto Source Magazine, 94#1 Boom FM, inews, and Mackeson.

The long-anticipated stage show

“After Laugh Is Cry” featuring the everpopular David Mann aka “Mr Brown” of “Meet the Browns” fame and his team is finally upon us and will be held on Tuesday, July 30, at the National Park.

The stage play, which has been dubbed as the funniest show of 2013, is being brought to the nation by the recently-established group Kingdom Dynamics, which seeks to restore core family values in our nation through various means.

“After Laugh Is Cry” aims to highlight the issue of domestic violence, which has become a plague in our society, with a significant increase in the number of

cases reported.

The play, which was originally slated for May, was rescheduled twice by the Mann camp citing medical reasons.

Mann is reported to have recovered and is in excellent condition and ready for his trip to Guyana along with a team of 10 others.

The show begins at 19:00h and will feature many local acts who will pave the way for the visiting team, which includes Brown’s wife, Tamela Mann, aka “Kora”, who acts as his daughter in the Tyler Perry plays.

“After Laugh Is Cry” has the full support of the Human Services Ministry and several corporate sponsors.

TThis year’s regional concert just got a whole lot spicier with the hottest new additions to the already commendable lineup of Konshens, Busy Signal, Burning Flames, and Timeka Marshall.

The Caribbean’s most popular crossover band “Karma” is coming our way once again and this time, the band will be joined by Antiguan superstar Marley “Mongstar” James performing for the first

time in Guyana. “Karma”, out of Trinidad, is known for setting the pace with their heart-throbbing, flag-waving performances. Lead singers, the brother and sister duo Ravi B and Nisha B, are undoubtedly high-energy entertainers made popular by hits like “Tu Jaan Se”, “Heer” and “Habi Alvida Na Kehna”. Karma is also recognised for performing covers of the biggest soca, dancehall, chutney and filmi hits.

“Mongstar” became famous when he won the inaugural Piton Soca Starz competition. One year later, he released “Glo Ko Ko”, which in 2012 was featured on Don’s Collector Volume 4 compilation alongside Bunji Garlin and Machel Montano, the only regional artistes on the Paris, France produced compilation.

he Princess Tea Party is a family-oriented event, which focuses on that special little girl in your life. It is an opportunity for her to become a princess and be a part of that fairy-tale world most only dream of.

The Princess Tea Party is her opportunity to get dressed up and treated royally through a variety of activities fit for a princess such as a beauty parlour, storytelling, Princess Fashion show, ballet dancing, etiquette training, and much more.

mothers, fathers, and even brothers to treat that special little girl in their lives to something very special.

$10,000, VIP children $3000, front stage adult $5000, front stage children $2000, regular adult $2500, and regular children $1000.

Tickets are available at Ashmin’s, High Street; Fon Roje, Cummings and Robb streets; Green Ice Taxi Service, South Ruimveldt Gardens; Rainbow Fashion/ August Beverages, 24 Norton and Creen streets; Giftland OfficeMax, Water Street, and Chetsons on Wellington Street.

The Guyanese public is urged to secure their tickets at the earliest opportunity and take advantage of a special offer over this weekend at all locations –buy one ticket, get a general seating ticket free.

This versatile artist is also known for the “Kiki”, “Nationality” and “I’ve been waiting” tracks.

This event is set for Saturday, July 13 at the Promenade Gardens at 15:00h. The event provides the perfect environment for

The event was organised by Nadine Hing, who said, “Wholesome event coordinating is where I have always wanted to be associated in the entertainment industry. It is the reason I have been linked to events such as the SpongeBob & Dora Show, WrestleRama and The Guyana FAM Festival among others. I thought about the school break and parents having difficulty finding ways to entertain their children outside of the familiar summer school and mundane activities; from this, the idea

to host a Princess Tea Party was birthed.”

Tickets for the children cost $1500 which will give them a magical wand, teatime snack plate, Ice cream, juice/ lemonade, and a party bag, while the adult tickets cost $1000, inclusive of tea/juice and teatime snack plate.

Tickets are available at: Survival Supermarket, Nigel’s Supermarket, Candy Corner, Kids Closet, and Giftland OfficeMax.

The event is sponsored by Giftland OfficeMax, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Impra Tea, More Juice, Bon Bon Boom Lollipop, Choco Listo, Xie Xie Restaurant, and Mister Potato Chips.

Designer

Pamela Fox is back with a new collection – “Femininity, For Every

Woman”

n January, Pamela Fox stum bled upon an old family al bum hidden between patterns in her studio at her residence in Brickdam, Georgetown. On the first page – sketches of her 1983 stylish denim “Frangipani” collection.

More than three decades later and she clearly remembers creating the denim pieces in her Barbados studio and the chaotic day of the photo shoot at the Hilton Hotel in Bridgetown.

After memorable runway shows and creating best sellers, including her sassy, fitted Foxxy Jeans, her focus for more than a decade has been family, especially her five grandchildren and her love for gardening, but she never stopped sketching, knitting, and doing various handwork.

In April, she sketched the first dress of her current collection “Femininity, For Every Woman”. She decided to keep the collection simple but stylish and to do pieces for women of every shape and age.

Fox, who was born on a plantation deep in the lush Amazonian heart of Guyana, has the inspiration of nature’s beauty in her blood and the spirit of adventure in her heart.

She was taught tradition al weaving and stitchwork by her mother. As a child, Pamela started to infuse her own designs with the breathtaking patterns of the natural world she found in abundance – rare flowers, peaceful springs, and blackwater creeks.

For two months, the mother of three steadily worked on her designs. She left New York in May on a trip to the British Virgin Islands, where she showcased her colourful crochet swimsuits at the one-year anniversary of Chic Fashion Revolution, organised by Andrea Wilson, art executive of London-based media com pany Green Mango Media.

Fox has partnered with Green Mango Media for the last year to raise her profile outside of Guyana. With 13 designs; the Femininity collection was ready for the sewing room. Her workrooms at Regent and King streets, Georgetown were back in operation.

On her work tables were patterns, sketches, threads, beads and scales. “It’s organ-

Fox heartily laughs. “I like seeing what goes with what when I am cut ting and sew ing, so I can make changes immediately.”

Inspired by nature

The soiree to in troduce the collec tion, which also featured Guyanese artist Ancel Boston, was held on Monday, July 1 at her home in Brickdam. The invitees included the media, close friends, Facebook friends, and new faces.

“Femininity – For Every Woman” is a collection inspired by nature – chic casual short dresses and beautiful, flowing evening dresses were paired with handmade Amazonian beads and fish scale jewellery, while her classic shorts and dressy long pants were showcased with fashionable

“I couldn’t have asked for a better response. The afternoon was relaxed, the models were great, and the pieces looked just right. More importantly, the guests loved the show,” the former St Joseph High School student said, beam-

The collection will next be showcased at a private party in New York City and in the British Virgin Islands at the re-launching of Flamboyance Boutique in the shopping district of the capital city, Road Town.

The boutique will exclusively carry Fox’s collections, says Amanda Wilson, chief executive officer of Green Mango Media. “We met Pamela in 2012 and were extremely impressed with her designs, including her leather sandals and bags.

“Her yellow collection –cotton dresses and jumpsuits embellished with intricate crochet designs – was a hit. That collection secured her a spot at the November 2012 international fashion show – J Model Management Fashion Show in Paris, France. So we are really excited about promoting the new line, “Femininity”.” Fox will spend the next few weeks in Guyana in her Georgetown workroom.

GFW set to launch on August 4

The sixth edition of the Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW) is set to take centre stage when it is launched on August 4 at the Herdmanston Lodge in an evening of jazz, fashion and art.

The GFW 2013 designers and models will be introduced to the public in a special choreographed display put together by a very professional team. Food art at its best will be introduced by Kester Robinson, who attended Carnegie and was the first runner-up in Cutting Style a few years ago at Duke Lodge.

The culinary and visual arts will be a big part of GFW this year. The work of well-known Guyanese artist Merlene Ellis and the ceramic vase collection of young Andy Cummings will be exhibited.

The launch promises to be an elegant affair in a creative atmosphere that will set the pace for the other GFW events to follow. Limited tickets are available at Ashmin’s, High Street; Water Chris Hotel, Quamina and Waterloo streets; and Sonia Noel Designs on Barr Street, Kitty.

The upcoming GFW, slated for October 22-27, serves as part of the organisers’ ongoing commitment to effectively advance creativity and technology in the industry, while fortifying regional alliances in the pursuit of integrated systems by implementing international best practices.

The GFW executive, which comprises dynam ic and hard-working members, believes the fash ion industry is an area of immense creative and financial potential, a vision endorsed by the gov ernment’s mandate to promote economic diversifi cation and encourage sustainable development ini tiatives.

On this note, GFW begins the second phase of its action plan, having charged itself back in 2007 with the mission of activating the local fashion fra ternity, all in an effort, to identify the economic po tential and viability of the local fashion industry.

The new objective is to continue developing the GFW by firstly transforming the event to a weeklong activity, to facilitate economic development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and fashion sector industrial growth. These goals would be pursued through activities aimed at increasing the visibil ity of fashion commerce, nurturing local talent, and creating new outlets for accessing intra-regional and international markets. The executive of this non-profit organisation is well-equipped to deliver efficient and professional leadership in the execu tion of its mission.

The GFW will continue to provide the strategic and essential platform, pivotal in the branding of our unique Caribbean style, while creating oppor tunities for cross sector cooperation through corpo rate investment and partnerships.

Third annual Lake Mainstay

Rider’s Fest set for July 20

Lake Mainstay Resort is expected to host its much-anticipated Rider’s Fest on Saturday, July 20 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, Essequibo Coast.

The main attraction is the 10-motorcycle, 125cc races of 12 laps each for both pros and novices. There will also be two “Chappy” races of eight laps each, which are open to all riders. The action is slated to commence at 18:00h.

After the races are completed, Pream’s Mega Sound System will take over for a night of partying. Also at the event, there will be a children’s fun park with trampoline, bouncy castle and other activities, including face painting.

Food will not be an issue, since there will be lots to eat and drink from a variety of food and drink bars. The two previous Rider’s Fests

were well received by Essequibians, with very exciting and competitive racing from professional and novice riders.

Top riders such as Peter Tulshi, Andy Rajkarran, Andy Wong, Alvin Balgobin, Vakesh, and others from across the country are expected to entertain the audience. They will be competing for more than $1 million in prize money and trophies. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and thirdplace finishers. Admission to the event cost $1000 for adults, while children under 10 will pay $500 each. Patrons are encouraged to come early to secure the best vantage spots to view the breathtaking and exciting races. For further information, please call 2262975, 771-4951, or 771-4960.

GFW designs

20 EntErtainmEnt

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In 2008, after many years, the controversial Miss Guyana Sari Queen pageant was resuscitated, and the talented Devi Ramcharitar emerged victorious – the youngest contestant to win the title.

She used her charm, dancing skills, intelligence, and experience in the television field to eliminate her competition.

This well-rounded young lady has, over the years, proved her readiness to deliver not only as a queen but as a proud Guyanese. From her humanitarian acts, youth development efforts, entrepreneurship drive and continued involvement within the entertainment industry, this bubbly larki has not stopped pushing herself.

In April 2013, she realised one of her long-time dreams, the establishment of the Nachgana Dance Company. Nachgana is not just another typical dancing group. From its birth two months ago, it has already participated in some of the country’s largest events, the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) grand melas to mark the arrival of East Indians in Guyana, which were held just one week after its launching. After pulling off such a huge event in just a matter of days, Nachgana proved that it’s indeed like no other.

The dancing enchanters, as they are sometimes called, are a group of unquestionably beautiful characters all of whom share a deep passion for dancing. There are currently 20 dedicated and

hardworking members, nine seniors and 11 juniors inclusive of the director, Ramcharitar.

The dances are choreographed by Ramcharitar, with assistance from the company’s manager, Nirvanie

Members of the Nachgana Dance Company

Manniram. These two personalities have been dancing from a tender age and are the driving forces behind the group’s astonishing performances.

Enriching souls

Ramcharitar said, “God has blessed me with a talent and before he takes it away, I will share it with whom I can.”

With a director like Ramcharitar, there is no question as to why Nachgana is better than the best. Their style of dancing is unique, elegant, and graceful, highlighting the rich culture of Guyanese. The dances range from classical Indian to contemporary and modern English.

The group believes that it is not only about going on stage with fancy clothes and jewellery but it is about connecting your body movements with your heart to unite souls.

“We believe that the stage is not a playfield but it is a medium for showcasing talent and must be treated with respect thus the reason for our uniformity. Likewise why should one dancer look better than the other when we are in this together? It is not a competition; it’s about making dancing what it was intended for, and that’s to enrich our culture and bring about peace and harmony among ourselves and the nation at large,” the versatile Ramcharitar stated.

Each day, Nachgana is taking it a little

further, ever evolving from just a little “happy bunch” dancing for fun to a group of enthusiastic professional dancers dancing for meaning. “Nachgana is here to stay and will never disappoint, we will always leave you gasping for more. Nachgana and we will be willing to show you what the art of dancing really represents.”

“Catch the Zone” is the perfect tune to groove to as we get ready for the biggest event of the season, the Jamzone Summer Break.

Created through the collaboration of X2 duo Adrian Dutchin and Jumo Primo, and Fojo, who is also the producer – “Catch the Zone” is the perfect party song that sets the tone for Hits and Jams Entertainment’s 10 days

of fun commencing on August 16.

“Catch the Zone” was officially released on June 29 on Hits and Jams 94.1 Boom FM during Sound System Saturday with Entertainers Kerwin and Dwidth. The video was recorded and produced by Hits and Jams, and will be released to the public in two weeks.

Jamzone has evolved over the years and now in its 13th year, it includes

the Kids Zone, the food and jazz festivals; chutney, dancehall and soca super concerts; the muchanticipated International Night, the annual Beach Jam, and the Miss Jamzone International Pageant.

Jamzone Summer Break has been endorsed by the Tourism Ministry as an annual calendar event aimed at attracting domestic and international tourists.

Director Devi Ramcharitar

Kittel pips Cavendish again to take Tour stage 12

Tours, FRANCE –

German Marcel Kittel claimed his third victory on this year’s Tour de France when he pipped Mark Cavendish on the line to take the 12th stage on Thursday.

Kittel, who won the first and 10th stages, stayed behind the Briton’s wheel in the final straight and went past Cavendish at the very last moment.

Britain’s Chris Froome avoided a late pile-up in the bunch and retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey.

Kittel became the first German rider to win three stages in the same Tour since fellow sprinter Erik Zabel in 2001.

With Tony Martin winning Wednesday’s time trial and Andre Greipel taking the sixth stage in a sprint, German riders have now won five stages on the Tour.

“I can go back and look at it over again, he was just faster,” Cavendish told reporters.

“I don’t think myself or the team could have done anything different. He was just simply better, you know? The guys were really really incredible for me today (Wednesday).

“It was a good duel between Omega PharmaQuick Step and Argos and

The International Cycling Union (UCI) made a mistake accepting a donation from Lance Armstrong in 2002, president Pat McQuaid has admitted.

ultimately the guys went at the right time. They delivered me at the right time. I was just beaten by a better guy,” added the Manxman.

Slovakia’s Peter Sagan took third place at the end of the 218 kilometre flat dash from Fougeres. He leads the points classification with 307 and Cavendish moved up to second on 211.

The top positions in the overall standings remained unchanged with Froome leading Spain’s Alejandro Valverde by 3:25 and Dutchman Bauke Mollema by 3:37. Fourth-placed Alberto Contador of Spain is 3:54 off the pace.

Dozens of riders were involved in the crash but as it occurred inside the last three kilometres all were credited with the winner’s time.

Shoulder fracture

Froome’s team mate Edvald Boasson Hagen was one of those affected and the Norwegian was later forced to pull out of the race with a shoulder fracture.

“Edvald Boasson Hagen has been forced to abandon the Tour de France following a fractured right scapula on stage 12,” Team Sky said in a statement.

“Fortunately this doesn’t require surgery but Edvald

will return home to Norway for further investigation and treatment.” It is the second time in this year’s race Kittel has beaten Cavendish in a sprint.

Another specialist, German Andre Greipel, did not contest the finale having been held up behind the crash.

Five men formed an early breakaway to open a nineminute gap but the sprinters’ teams reeled them in with five kilometres left.

Both Kittel’s ArgosShimano and Cavendish’s Omega Pharma-Quick Step teams took the front to lead their sprinters. Kittel, with no lead-out man left, took Cavendish’s wheel and perfectly timed his final effort.

“It’s crazy, I’m speechless. My team really worked well today,” he said.

“As we say in Germany, good things come by three. I want to congratulate (team mate) Tom Veelers for his hard work despite what happened to him,” Kittel added.

On Tuesday, Dutchman Veelers crashed in the finale after bumping shoulders with Cavendish, who was cleared of wrongdoing by the race commissaires.

Today’s 13th stage takes the peloton over 173 km from Tours to Saint Amand Montrond. (Reuters)

WICB Regional Under-19 tournament bowls off in St Kitts on July 19

– full coverage on WindiesCricket.com, facebook.com/ windiescricket and @windiesregional

St John’s, ANTIGUA

– The 46th edition of the West Indies Cricket Board’s premier regional youth tournament will bowl off in St Kitts on July 19 with three matches.

The WICB Regional Under-19 tournament, will open with defending threeday champions Barbados challenging Guyana at Verchilds while hosts Leeward Islands will do battle against their arch-rivals Windward Islands at Conaree. The third match will see Jamaica matching skills with Trinidad and Tobago at EGSC Molyneaux.

The three day format will be played from today to August 7 with five rounds of matches.

The six traditional regional teams (Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands) will be joined by the ICC Americas Under 20 team for the 50 Over leg which commences on August 10 and runs through

to August 20.

The full tournament will consist of 36 matches (15 x 3 Day matches and 21 x 50 Over matches) played over 12 rounds.

The regional youth tournament dates back to 1968 when it was contested under the British American Tobacco Series. It has been the main scouting ground for the region’s finest talent who going on to grace the international stage in full West Indies senior colours. Most of the current West Indies players found their footing in the Regional Under 19 Tournament before going on to represent the West Indies in Test, One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket.

Guyana has been dominant in the three day format, winning the title on 13 occasions while Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have won nine each. Jamaica is next with eight titles. Leewards have won three times and the now disband-

ed Combined Islands held it twice and Windwards once.

The 50-over tournament is in its 16th year, having been inaugurated in 1998. Trinidad and Tobago has won this title on five occasions (2002, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2010), Jamaica four (1998, 1999, 2007 and 2009) and Barbados have done so thrice (2001, 2004 and 2011). Defending 50 over champions Windwards have won once (2012) while Guyana and Leewards have not yet held this title.

The WICB will be providing full coverage of the entire tournament on its website and social media platforms. Live score updates from all matches will be provided on facebook (www.facebook.com/ windiescricket) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/windiesregional) while one match each round will be video streamed live on www.windiescricket.com The website will also carry full scorecards and match reports at the end of each day’s play.

Ricky Ponting hits ton in first-class swansong

Ring.

The UCI received $125,000 from the American in 2002, but said in 2010 that this was not part of a cover-up.

“On reflection, it would have been better had we not taken that money,” McQuaid, 63, told BBC Radio 5 live.

The Irishman, who is seeking re-election as UCI president, added: “Having said that, when we took it, we announced publicly, with a press statement, that the money was being given and what the money was being used for.

“It was done with the best interests, not in any underhand way.”

cated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen”.

The UCI denied it accepted the money to cover up a positive drug test from Armstrong.

McQuaid, who is opposed for the UCI leadership by head of British Cycling Brian Cookson, also believes the UCI is a victim of its own success in catching cheats.

“When we catch cheats, it’s used in a sense as a stick to beat the back of the UCI and I think that’s a little bit unfair,” he said.

“We spend in the region of seven million Swiss Francs (£4.87 million) a year to catch cheats.

icky Ponting batted for the entire day in his final first-class innings to finish on 169 not out and help Surrey earn a draw against Nottinghamshire.

The former Australia captain batted sensibly to ensure his side, who had been in a precarious position, could declare on 3958 to save the match.

At the close, every Notts player shook his hand as he left the field.

Ponting’s innings came as his former Australian team-mates were fighting back against England in the first Test.

Championship appearances, with South Africa’s JP Duminy set to replace him as overseas player, Ponting will be playing one-day cricket for the county until the end of July.

And he will finish his career after appearing for Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians in the Champions League, which ends on October 6.

Resuming on 41 not out, the 38-year-old Tasmanian lost partner Arun Harinath in the first over of the day, bowled behind his legs by Harry Gurney for 69, and two overs later Zander de Bruyn was run out.

(BBC Sport) UCI President Pat McQuaid regrets Lance Armstrong donation

the lunch interval to give their side hope of avoiding defeat.

The former Australia captain reached three figures before the break by dancing down the pitch to Samit Patel and hitting the spinner for his 14th four.

The 38-year-old took his time in the afternoon, but hit 10 off a Graeme White over to reach 142 not out at tea.

His efforts during the afternoon took Surrey to 356-8 – a lead of 144 with one session remaining.

In 2012 Armstrong, 41, was banned for life and stripped of seven Tour de France titles for serial dop-

Armstrong received a life ban from the United States Anti-Doping Agency for what it called “the most sophisti-

“You don’t spend that sort of money and fail. You don’t spend that sort of money and not want to catch cheats.”

(BBC Sport)

It was the second century in his short spell at Surrey after he hit 192 on his debut against Derbyshire.

Although he will not make any more

When Steven Davies was bowled by Andre Adams, Surrey were 218-5 and just six runs ahead, but Ponting and Zafar Ansari shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 98 either side of

Ansari (27), Gareth Batty (0) and Chris Tremlett, overlooked for the Test at Trent Bridge, all fell to Patel after tea but Jade Dernbach (18 not out) shared an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 59 with Ponting, who left the field to a standing ovation.

German Marcel Kittel (second from right) pipped Mark Cavendish (left) on Thursday

Ricky Ponting

UCI President Pat McQuaid

Agar heroics stun England

Australia debutant

Ashton Agar posted the highest score by a number 11 in Test history as the tourists enjoyed the better of an extraordinary and controversial day of Ashes cricket on Thursday.

After walking out to bat with his team in deep trouble at 117-9, the 19-yearold cracked a fearless 98 off 101 balls before holing out to deep midwicket.

His last-wicket partnership of 163 with Phil Hughes (81 not out) was the highest in Test history and lifted Australia to 280 all out, a first-innings lead of 65.

Mitchell Starc then removed Joe Root and Jonathan Trott in successive balls to put Australia firmly on top at tea with England on 11-2.

But Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen batted carefully, and with increasing authority, through the evening session to steer the hosts to 80-2 for a slender lead of 15.

Agar’s heroics aside, Trott’s dismissal provided the day’s main talking point as third umpire Marais Erasmus overturned Aleem Dar’s not out decision to what appeared a clear-cut lbw dismissal, one ball after Root had been caught by keeper Brad Haddin down the leg side. Trott, however, clearly believed the ball had brushed his bat and it later emerged that the HotSpot camera that would have provided the crucial side-on angle did not record the moment because it was playing out a replay of Root’s dismissal.

An angry England camp responded by asking match referee Ranjan Madugalle for clarification over the incident.

The dispute should not be allowed to overshadow an incredible innings by Agar, which surpassed West Indian Tino Best’s 95 at number 11 against an England attack missing the rested James Anderson and Stuart Broad at Edgbaston last year.

Having arrived at the crease with the Australian

Australia’s lead and increasing England’s exasperation.

A thick outside edge for three off Swann took him past Best’s record before two more from Broad’s bowling saw him move within two of a century.

Clearly intent on reaching three figures in style, Agar swung and missed twice before mistiming a pull and picking out Swann, who ran in from the boundary to claim a comfortable catch.

The England off-spinner celebrated as if he had won the Ashes, while Agar trudged back to the Pavilion rueing a rare blemish in a near-faultless and unforgettable innings.

Those adjectives would

innings in tatters, following a dramatic 32-ball spell in which five wickets fell for nine runs, he proceeded to repair the damage in breathtaking style.

He survived a major scare on six when Erasmus gave him the benefit of the doubt in an agonisingly close stumping call, but from then on displayed greater timing and technique than all his team-mates who had come and gone before him.

There were two straight sixes off Graeme Swann, several dismissive pull shots off Steve Finn and Broad, and some immaculate drives on both sides of the wicket.

With Hughes happily assuming the role of junior partner as he compiled his first Ashes 50, Agar motored towards a century after lunch, building

be entirely inappropriate to describe the rest of Australia’s batting, which folded in the face of a fine spell of reverse swing bowling from Anderson and some sharp turn from Swann.

There had been little sign of danger as Australia added 33 quick runs to their overnight position of 75-4, with Steve Smith reaching 50 off 72 balls.

In the following over, however, Smith nicked a beauty from Anderson to Matt Prior to initiate the collapse.

Haddin was bowled through the gate by Swann, while Peter Siddle and Starc were both caught behind, outfoxed by the variations of the peerless Anderson, who finished with figures of 5-85 (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

England 2nd innings A Cook* not out 37

C Rogers lbw b Anderson 16 E Cowan c Swann b Finn

Clarke* b Anderson 0 S Smith c †Prior b Anderson 53 P Hughes not out 81 B Haddin† b Swann 1 P Siddle c †Prior b Anderson 1 M Starc c †Prior b Anderson 0 J Pattinson lbw b Swann 2 A Agar c Swann b Broad 98

Extras: (lb15) 15

Total: (all out, 64.5 overs) 280

Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-19, 3-22, 4-53, 5-108, 6-113, 7-114, 8-114, 9-117, 10-280

Bowling: J Anderson 24-2-855, S Finn 15-0-80-2, G Swann 19-4-60-2, S Broad 6.5-0-40-1

Dhoni steers India to onewicket win over Sri Lanka

Port of Spain, TRINIDAD –Another saviour’s knock of 45 from captain MS Dhoni , and a fighting half century from Rohit Sharma, carried India to a thrilling last-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final of the Celkon Mobile Cup tri-nation series at Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday.

Dhoni’s heroics cemented his global image as one of the best finishers in the game when he secured a stunning last over victory for India, lashing 16 from three balls to end the match with two balls to spare.

India entered the final over needing 15 runs off six balls before two sixes and a four from the blade of Dhoni helped them to 203 for nine off 49.4 overs , replying to Sri Lanka’s 201, all out in 48.5 overs.

India took the Cup and US$60,000 for their win in a series that also included West Indies.

Sri Lanka managed to gain a tight grip on the game, as India slipped from 139 for four in the 23rd over to 167 for eight by the 42nd.

Opener Rohit Sharma’s dogged 58 off 89 balls, which included crucial partnerships of 50 with Virat Kohli and 62 with Dinesh Khartik, seemed in vain when India were in a difficult situation of needing 24 runs from the last 30 balls with tail-enders Vinay Kumar and Ishant Sharma left to support their captain.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath tilted the match in favour of Sri Lanka, as he picked up two quick wickets in the 38th over and finished with four for 20 from his 10 overs, before Dhoni and Sharma combined for the rescue act.

Vinay-Kumar perished on the second ball of the 47th over , trying a forcing shot off Angelo Matthews,

leaving Sharma to join his captain with India on 182 for nine and needing 20 off 18 balls.

Sharma, who seemed affected by the tension, survived two run-out scares at that critical stage but lasted long enough to help the team home, scoring two not out off 17 balls.

When they were earlier sent in, Sri Lanka struggled for most of their innings on a testing pitch that offered bounce and encouraged the ball to seam around. After being 49 for two off 14 overs, they failed to capitalise on a fighting 122-run third -wicket partnership between Kumar Sangakara (71) and Lahiru Thirimanne (46) and finished with a total that seemed below par.

Sangakarra, who showed the right balance between defence and attack and timed his strokes perfectly, hit his 77th ODI

half century before he was fourth out in the 40th over , with the score on 176.

In one memorable over, the sixth bowled by pacer Ishant Sharma, Sangakarra lashed 15 runs but the important century stand with Thirimanne was broken on the last ball of that over as Thirimanne attempted to charge Sharma and got as far as Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Sangakarra , who faced 100 balls, went four runs later as he was caught off spinner Ashwin.

Thereafter, the Sri Lankan batsmen were unable to further resist the Indian bowlers and the last six wickets tumbled for 30 runs, as Ravindra Jadeja took for for 23, and left India with more balls than runs in chasing the target. As it turned out, the World champions narrowly got home by a whisker. (CMC/ WICB)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka innings U Tharanga c †Dhoni b Kumar 11

M Jayawardene c Ashwin b Kumar 22

K Sangakkara† c Vinay Kumar b Ashwin 71

H Thirimanne c Kumar b I Sharma 46

A Mathews* c Vinay Kumar b I Sharma 10

M Perera st †Dhoni b Ashwin 2

L Chandimal c Ashwin b Jadeja 5

H Herath st †Dhoni b Jadeja 5

R Eranga not out 5

L Malinga c Kumar b Jadeja 0

R Lakmal st †Dhoni b Jadeja 1

Extras: (b4, lb6, w13) 23

Total: (all out, 48.5 overs) 201

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-49, 3-171, 4-174, 5-176, 6-183, 7-193, 8-196, 9-196, 10-201

Bowling: B Kumar 8-4-24-2, R Vinay Kumar 6-1-15-0, I Sharma 8-1-45-2, V Kohli 3-0-17-0, S Raina 6-0-25-0, R Ashwin 100-42-2, R Jadeja 7.5-1-23-4

India innings R Sharma b Herath 58

S Dhawan c †Sangakkara b Eranga 16 V Kohli c †Sangakkara b Eranga 2 D Karthik c Jayawardene b Herath 23

S Raina c †Sangakkara b Lakmal 32

MS Dhoni*† not out 45

R Jadeja lbw b Herath 5 R Ashwin lbw b Herath 0 B Kumar lbw b Malinga 0 R Vinay Kumar c sub (S Senanayake) b Mathews 5 I Sharma not out 2

Extras: (b2, lb2, w11) 15 Total: (9 wkts, 49.4 overs) 203 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-27, 3-77, 4-139, 5-145, 6-152, 7-152, 8-167, 9-182 Bowling: R Eranga 9.4-2-50-2, R Lakmal 10-1-33-1, A Mathews 10-1-38-1, L Malinga 10-158-1, H Herath 10-2-20-4

Denish Ramdin dropped from Windies squad

J Root c †Haddin b Starc 5 J Trott lbw b Starc 0 K Pietersen not out 35

Extras: (b1, nb2) 3

Total: (2 wkts, 43 overs) 80

To bat: IR Bell, JM Bairstow, MJ Prior†, SCJ Broad, GP Swann, ST Finn, JM Anderson

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-11

Bowling: J Pattinson 9-327-0, M Starc 13-4-15-2, A Agar 9-3-29-0, P Siddle 9-48-0, S Watson 3-3-0-0

Port of Spain, TRINIDAD –Wicketkeeper

Denesh Ramdin has been dropped from the West Indies squad for the first two One Day international (ODI) matches against Pakistan starting this weekend.

Ramdin was not included in a 13 man squad released Thursday by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) ahead of the matches Sunday and Tuesday at the National Stadium in Guyana.

Ramdin has scored only one half-century since his recall to the West Indies

one-day side nearly two years ago.

He has been dropped in several recent matches, both during the Champions Trophy and the home tri-series which also featured India and Sri Lanka.

In Ramdin’s absence West Indies used opener Johnson Charles behind the stumps, and haven’t picked any specialist wicketkeeper in the squad.

Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who injured his ankle in the opening match of the ODI tri-series a couple of weeks ago, remains sidelined.

There were no other changes from the squad that West Indies picked for the tri-series ODIs in Trinidad.

The West Indies will arrive in Georgetown today and will have a full training session on Saturday morning at the Guyana National Stadium.

SQUAD: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons and Devon Smith (CMC/WICB)

Kevin Pietersen leans into a drive (Getty Images)

Ashton Agar

Ballot Box Martyrs cycling race set for Sunday

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the infamous Ballot Box Martyrs, and as part of activities planned to mark the occasion is the annual cycle road race set to pedal off on Sunday morning.

The 55-mile race will roll off from Freedom House, New Amsterdam, at 09:00h, proceed to the Corriverton Police Station and return to Number 63 for the finish.

While cyclists in the Open division will ride that course, the veteran, upright and female riders will start at Freedom House, New Amsterdam, at the same time with the seniors, but finish on the upward journey at Number 63.

The first six finishers in the Open category, as well as the leading three in the junior, veteran, mountain bike and female divisions and top veteran over-60 will receive prizes.

Eight prime prizes will be up for grabs during the course of the race with the in-form Alanzo Greaves set to defend his title in the Open category. He won last year’s event in a time of two hours, 12 minutes, 59 seconds (02h: 12m: 59s).

The other winners from last year are Raul Leal (junior), Raymond Newton (veteran), Niall Kingston (mountain bike) and Jamal Yearwood (under-14 open).

The event, which is being sponsored exclusively by Corentyne businessman Chris Jagdeo, will see members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic giving the cyclists the ceremonial send off at New Amsterdam

and assisting in the presentation of prizes at Number 63.

The race is being organised by national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, and transportation for cyclists and officials will leave the Sport Ministry’s office at 91 Middle Street at 05:00h on Sunday for Berbice.

Meanwhile, the riders will be in action on Saturday at the inner circuit of the National Park for the staging of the second annual Banks Malta Supreme 11-race programme. The race was originally billed for last Saturday, but had to be postponed due to heavy rainfall in the city.

Among the events slated for the this Saturday are the 12-14 Boys and Girls (three laps), Veterans Under-50 (five laps), Over-50 (five laps) and Over-60 (five laps), Juveniles (10 laps), Mountain Bikes (five laps), BMX 6-9 (two laps), 9-12 (three laps), 12-14 (three laps) and Open (three laps) and the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational.

The experienced Robin Persaud is the defending champion of the feature race. He won last year’s event in a time of one hour, 20 minutes, 05.97 seconds (01h: 20m: 05.97s). Alonzo Ambrose (Juveniles) and Virgil Jones (Veterans Under-50) also won their respective categories.

At the conclusion of the races, Malta Supreme Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, and Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, will assist in the presentation of prizes to the top performers.

BHS reach Digicel football semi-final with comprehensive win

Berbice High School (BHS) are through to the semi-final round of the Region Six leg of the Digicel Schools Football tournament after sending Tagore Memorial packing with a 7-0 defeat at the Skeldon Community Centre on Wednesday.

BHS found the going tough in the first half of the game running into the headwind. A Shimron Hetmyer 38th minute goal kept the tournament favourites ahead in the first half.

On the resumption Tagore found that they had the eleven BHS players and the strong Corentyne breeze to contend with and could not

cope, allowing six goals to be scored in the half.

Scoring for BHS were Hetmyer in the 57th minute, Stephan Hinds in the 64th, Shamar Ariendiel in the 70th and 75th minutes and Derrick Taylor in the 80th minute. Mark Wrong netted in the 92nd minute.

In the second segment of play Tagore’s goalkeeper Richard Douglas produced several brilliant saves to give his team an outside

chance, however, the strikers and midfield players could not do their job effectively despite some good buildups and smart passing. The strong wind also exhausted the Tagore players in the second half.

BHS will now take on New Amsterdam Technical institute today for a place in the final. Today’s semifinal will take place at the Skeldon Community Centre. (Andrew Carmichael)

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan innings

N. Jamshed b Permaul 19

A. Shehzad st Bramble b Bishoo 68

M. Hafeez c&b Permaul 11

Misbah ul-Haq lbw Jacobs 22

A. Shafiq c Johnson b Bishoo 22

U. Akmal b Bishoo 9

S. Afridi c Wintz b Permaul

Guyana innings T. Griffith b Irfan

2-86, 3-116, 4-138, 5-157, 6-160, 7-209, 8-219, 9-234

9-1-52-2 (w-3),

:

4-0-25-0, Wintz 5-027-0 (w-6), Permaul 10-3-27-3, Bishoo 10-1-39-3, Jacobs 10-067-1 (w-1), Deonarine 2-0-9-0

Saraswati Vidya Niketan students excel at karate grading

tion.

Sgrading was conducted by Senseis Amir Khouri and Chetram Mortley.

The school in a press release said it was proud of the students and their efforts.

“We are always encour-

aging the all-round development of our students. The school feels that karate is important because it serves as a balance between academic and physical activity. Karate helps with the

students’ concentration and self-discipline. It is also a way of life because it encourages development of the mind and body,” the release stated. The school has collabo-

rated

everal senior male students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan school at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, excelled at the recent karate grading exercise staged at the institu-

Twenty-eight students participated in the examination on June 21.

Twenty-four students gained yellow belt and four gained orange belt. The

with the International Karate College/University, under the guidance of Sensei Mortley. This was the first grading examination to be held at Saraswati Vidya Niketan.

Sensei Amir Khouri and Sensei Chetram Mortley (standing centre) pose with the students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan

Robin Persaud

Alonzo Greaves

Shimron Hetmyer

Spirited Guyana beaten by Pakistan by eight runs

Watched by a capacity crowd, off-spinner Saeed Ajmal bowled Pakistan to an eightrun victory over a spirited Guyana team on Thursday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda ground.

Ajmal finished with five wickets for 39 runs, as the Guyanese were bowled out for 239 in 49.4 overs, chasing 247 for victory.

Pakistan struggled to accelerate against the Guyanese slow bowlers and eventually

managed 246 for nine.

Earlier, Guyana won the toss and captain Veersammy Permaul opted to favour his bowlers, but the Pakistani openers faced no troubles as they raised half century stand in the first 11 overs and then stretched it to 62 untill Nasir Jamshaid lost his patience to left arm spinner Veersammy Permaul (3-27), and was bowled for 19.

Fellow opener Ahmad Shehzad played some delightful shots to regis-

ter his half century off 58 balls. Shehzad and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq then took Pakistan to 116 with Shehzad finding runs easy to come by, but he allowed his enthusiasm to get the better of him in the 27th over, falling for a 79 balls 68.

Guyana lost both openers Anthony Bramble (0) and Trevon Griffith (15) early into their run chase. Both batsmen fell to 7ft 1, towering paceman Mohammad Irfan. However, the 33-year-

old Sarwan, who had a miserable comeback in the West Indies team during the recent Champions trophy played enterprisingly, counting one four and a six and dominated a third wicket stand of 54 with Leon Johnson before both were dismissed within six overs.

Sarwan made 27 while Johnson made 31 (4x4, 1x6), as the Guyanese were reduced to 109-4.

After the crucial dismissal of the duo, Guyana’s hopes

of making a contest of the match rested on the shoulders of West Indies middle-order batsmen Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin.

However, the 27-year-old Fudadin eventually fell for 11, to off spinner Saeed Ajmal, but Deonarine continued the mantle, enthralling the crowd to get to his half century which featured five fours and two big sixes.

Guyana then lost Christopher Barnwell (5), Deonarine (55), Veersammy

Permaul (0) and Steven Jacobs for a quick fired (27, 3x6).

Devendra Bishoo (28) and Paul Wintz nine not out took Guyana in sight of victory before Bishoo was bowled by Asad Ali.

Left arm-spinner Abdul Rehman was the other bowler with a wicket.

Pakistan will play the West Indies in the first of five ODI’s on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium.

Carifta Under-17 400 metres bronze medalist Jason Yaw failed to advance past the semi-final of the event at the current World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine. Yaw, who clocked 48.38 seconds in heat eight of the first round, finishing in second behind American Ryan Clark, who clocked 46.84 seconds. However, the Guyanese finished at last in the semi-final with a disappointing time of 50.39 sec-

onds.

Martin Maneley of Jamaica won that semi-final with a personal best (PB) time of 46.65 seconds. Yaw was the only athlete in the three semi-finals to register a time above the 50s mark.

Meanwhile, Carifta 200 Under-17 bronze medalist Tirana Mitchell will be competing today in the female 200 metres. The explosive sprinter will be in heat one of seven and will be running out of lane three.

Keon Joseph uprooted the off stump of Muhammad Rizwan

Narsingh Deonarine on one knee as he smashed one of his two sixes (Rajiv Bisnauth photos)

Shaminda Eranga is forlorn while MS Dhoni and Ishant Sharma celebrate victory

Jason Yaw Tirana Mitchell