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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2035 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, February 7, 2014

SWAT unit unveiled

PRICE

$60 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Woman P2 killed by suspected drunk driver

See story on page 7

“We were exonerated from that P7 baton business” – Brumell

The tarmac of the National Cultural Centre was on Thursday evening transformed into a magical atmosphere with glitter as Digicel Guyana unveiled its 2014 Mashramani costumes under the theme, “Arabian Night”

GNBA to issue licences for unserved areas See story on page 3

Govt bemoans paucity of skills in construction sector See story on page 13

UNESCO provides US$18,000 P15 for masquerade, steel pan music

Ramotar P16 slams delays in major road projects

2 news

friday, february 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Woman killed by suspected drunk driver T

he nephew of a senior government official was on Wednesday evening taken into police custody, reportedly in a drunken state after he lost control of his Nissan Titan, killing Lavena Evadney Williams-Tull, 37,

also known as "lovely", of 180 Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD)in the process.

The accident occurred around 10:00h in the vicinity of the Ocean View Hotel, Liliendaal, ECD.

Hafraz Mangroo, 25, of Pradoville 2, Sparendaam, ECD is expected to make his first court appearance today at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court and is expected to be charged with causing death by dangerous

driving among other charges.

As a result of impact of the accident, Tull’s legs were severed at the knees while her shoulder was forced out of joint and her hands and other parts of her body broken.

She reportedly died on the

Dead hotel receptionist Lavena Evadney Williams-Tull

spot, but was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was officially pronounced dead. on arrival.

Mangroo was tested to certify his alcohol level, and was reportedly found to be over the legal limit. Guyana Times understands that Mangroo had to be taken to a police station on the West Bank of Demerara for the breathalyser test to be performed, since the police in C Division did not have any of the instruments at the time.

According to information received, Tull left her place of employment, City Holiday Inn, at Liliendaal, at about 10:00h and was waiting on public transportation.

The red Nissan Titan, bearing registration number GMM 4626, allegedly jumped the traffic lights at Conversation Tree and the driver, while in the vicinity of the Ocean View Hotel, Mangroo lost control of the luxury vehicle and slammed into Tull who was tossed several feet into the air and landed on the roadway.

The vehicle then turned turtle after it toppled several times, and ended up in a nearby trench. The driver was assisted from the wreckage and was seen staggering as he attempted to stand straight. He was then whisked away from the scene by police and relatives.

Dorela Williams, sister of the dead woman, when contacted on Thursday morning, told Guyana Times that her sister has been working at the hotel for the past three years and only got married a year ago to Colin Tull, who

is devastated about the incident. She explained that about 22:30h her frantic brother-in-law called her and asked for a landline number to the hotel where her sister works, claiming that she was not reachable on her mobile phone. She said after a few minutes, he called back and informed her that her sister was dead.

“At first, I thought that she was probably shot, since I know she works at a hotel and I thought maybe that bandits invaded the business, but soon after, a friend told me that “Lovely” was involved in an accident and that I must go to the hospital right away,” the grieving sister explained.

She said she left home and on her way to the hospital, she stopped at the accident scene and enquired about the condition of her sister, but was given the unfortunate news.

Upon her arrival at the medical facility, she saw her sister's mangled body lying on a bed.

There, she saw her sister’s friend who told her that they were standing together in front of the Ocean View Hotel to catch a bus when they saw the speeding pickup approaching them. She said she reacted immediately but did not get a chance to grab Tull. “The driver killed my sister like a dog,” Williams added.

The woman leaves to mourn her husband, parents, and five siblings. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body of Williams today.

News

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friDay, february 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, February 7 from 10:30h-12:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, February 7 from 09:35h-11:05h

WEATHER TODAY Countrywide: Heavy rain showers can be expected during the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly between zero and 2.77 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:00h and 22:39h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.12 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:29h and 15:07h reaching minimum heights of 1.00 metres and 0.99 metre respectively.

Wednesday, february 5, 2014

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

03 06 20 26 19 24 09

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

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14 15 21 22

LUCKY 3

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GNBA to issue licences for unserved areas

– several entities to be slapped with lawsuits

By Samuel Sukhnandan

T

he Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has received approximately 52 new applications for this year so far, which it plans to look at very soon.

GNBA Chairperson Bibi Shaddick said, based on a recent meeting that comprised all members of the board, a decision was made to look at issuing licences to businesses operating outside of Georgetown, or in areas where there is no broadcasting service.

Shaddick told Guyana Times on Thursday that the GNBA board would also be looking at applications from religious organisations and would work closely with them to ensure that licences are issued equitably, among all applicants.

She explained that spectrum space is currently available for radio, television and cable in distant areas outside of the coastal region. “We want to look at applications that are looking to give service where there is no service. So, we are more likely to grant a licence for outside of Georgetown,” she added.

At present, the GNBA is in receipt of at least four applications for religious purposes.

The GNBA plans to meet with each applicant, in order to group them into various categories. This is to prevent duplication of any channel.

Shaddick stated that there was already one available channel that the GNBA has reserved for religious purposes. The broadcast authority is looking to also make at least one radio spectrum available for the same purpose.

Outstanding dues

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In addition, Shaddick said the GNBA will take into consideration applications from businesses that hope to use digital equipment, especially since Guyana will be soon moving in that direction.

She said it would be a waste of time to have prospective broadcasters move to purchase analogue equipment,

when there are plans to have the entire sector go digital.

Meanwhile, the GNBA head noted that there are several television, radio and cable channels that have not yet paid all their dues and they were not granted licences to operate in 2013. These entities will, therefore, be sanctioned, she said.

These include HGPTV Channel 16, RBS Channel 13, SKAR TV Channel 46, 21st Century Communication Limited and WRHM Channel 7. Further, the Linden Communications Network and ANG Inc, both radio stations, Bartica Communications Network and Eramko Guyana Limited have not been issued licences.

Shaddick told Guyana Times that all of these entities mentioned were not granted licences to operate for various reasons. According to her, while some of the entities have paid spectrum fees, they have not paid their licence fees.

While in other cases, some have not paid any fee.

At least two of the broadcasters mentioned have filed a lawsuit against the GNBA, seeking to have the annual licence fee of $2.5 million reduced. However, Shaddick said this does not exempt the entities from paying their fees.

Linden licence

The GNBA is yet to receive an application or applications from Linden, Region 10. Shaddick said that based on media reports, there are a few persons that are interested in applying for licences for various media in Linden.

However, to date, the GNBA, which is the authorised body that deals with issuance of these licences, was never contacted.

Shaddick said, “The only agency that can process licences for television, radio or cable is the GNBA. If you take an application to the head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), the president, the Speaker of the National Assembly, or the leader of the opposition, the application still has to come to the broadcast authority.”

GNBA Chairperson Bibi Shaddick

She reiterated that while there have been comments that the region is not given the opportunity to own its own radio or television channel, no application was ever received by the GNBA. The GNBA board was appointed in September 2012.

The Broadcast Act of 2011

mandates the GNBA to grant broadcasting licences to companies or trusts in which no less than 51 per cent of the voting shares is held by Guyanese nationals.

In terms of eligibility, the act states that an applicant must be fit and proper, and must meet the established technical standards.

The work of the GNBA is, therefore, guided under the new Broadcast Act. The aim of the act and the establishment of GNBA will help to regulate all broadcast entities and bring them up to standard with the laws of Guyana. In granting licences, the GNBA must also take into account whether an applicant has previously been refused a licence, had their licence suspended, or is already the holder of a licence. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

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friday, february 7, 2014

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

Editorial

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Building bridges

ow that plans to construct a permanent bridge across the Demerara River are moving apace, we note with interest, the initiative, announced by then President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana and President Dési Bouterse of Suriname to bridge the Corentyne River, is also forging ahead.

Over a decade ago, the presidents of UNASUR had unfurled the “Initiative for the Integration of the Regional Infrastructure of South America (IIRSA)”. It was billed as a development plan to link South America’s economies through new transportation, energy, and telecommunications projects.

The IIRSA had elicited the usual hysterical reaction from environmental activists about the “destruction of pristine forests and unique animal species”, as if the South Americans did not share such concerns. But the grouping has steadily pursued its agenda as the members collectively balanced their developmental needs versus the articulated concerns.

The Takutu Bridge linking Brazil to Guyana was the result of the IIRSA initiative as will be the Lethem-Linden Highway and the Deep Water Harbour in Berbice, proposal for which is in front of the presidents of the two countries.

While the Corentyne bridge is a part of IIRSA, the present initiative is a bilateral one being pursued by the two members of UNASUR – and of Caricom. The Corentyne bridge was originally conceived as part of the corridor that would link Venezuela with Suriname via Guyana. This would also necessitate a bridge across the Cuyuni as well as across the Essequibo – most likely in the vicinity of Rockstone.

The recent move by the U.S. Congress to deny their bilateral financial involvement (through USAID, for instance or through multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)), for infrastructural initiatives such as IIRSA, follows on the heels of the aforementioned environmental activists.

That the U.S. was able to achieve its present emblematic level of development only because it was able to complete its infrastructural development is conveniently ignored.

But the concerted moves to head off systemic integrated development in the developing countries have inevitably triggered accusations of ulterior motives: to keep the latter in a perpetual state of development, for instance.

However, both the projects of IIRSA and the bilateral undertaking of Guyana and Suriname have been given a new impetus because of the emergence of a new source of funding: China. Having become the factory of the world – and especially of the U.S. – China has piled up at least US$3.5 trillion of foreign reserves that it is seeking to invest.

On his last visit to the Caribbean last June, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that up to US$3 billion was available as credit for Caribbean projects. Guyana and Suriname will be tapping into this fund for the bridge across their border river.

Overall, China has now become the largest creditor to Latin America and the Caribbean – far outstripping the World Bank and the IDB combined. However, any loan from China is sure to raise the hackles from local opposition quarters for reasons that can only be put down to not wanting the country to progress under a People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime.

For instance, there were complaints that the Chinese financing for the temporarily-aborted Amaila Falls HydroElectric Project was too steep, even though they were very much in line with the rates for similar projects in similar circumstances. The irony is that the World Bank had announced that it just does not have the financing to take on the infrastructural projects it is recommending and has conceded that China might be able to fill the gap.

What irks the critics is that China does not seek to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries with which it trades or does business. As such, it does not impose economic and political “conditionalities” such as those set by the International Monetary Fund. We should welcome the opportunities to build bridges through the magnanimity of China.

A high energy performance at the Georgetown Department of Education Children’s Mashramani Competition on Wednesday (Carl Croker photo)

Targeting the corrupt in India Dear Editor, Following up on recent reports on the coming elections in India, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) plans to target corrupt ministers in an effort to weed out the corrupt from politics.

That is no easy task as I found in my interaction with people in India, although there is support to go after corrupt politicians. The AAP has been attracting significant support for ‘clean politics’ and so is the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The AAP’s adoption of the Lokpal Bill that exposes corruption, the promise of passing other pending anticorruption bills, and now its announcement to target the corrupt force the other parties into selecting clean candidates.

No doubt the AAP has succeeded in changing the political discourse in the country by focusing on corruption and almost winning the state elections in Delhi.

The party has taken some of the thunder away from the BJP that has been exposing the corruption of the ruling Congress.

I was in Delhi in early December and visited the headquarters of the AAP, the ruling Congress and opposition BJP, interacting with officials. On the day of ballot counting for elections

in Delhi State, there was massive turnout of reporters at all three offices – I was almost squeezed to death by the hordes of reporters at the residence of the BJP Chief Minister’s candidate (Dr Harsh Vardhan) who won his seat.

The Congress incumbent chief minister (Sheila Dixit) lost to the AAP leader, Arvind Kejriwal, who is now chief minister, ironically with the backing of the Congress which was decimated at the polls over corruption scandals. Kejriwal got his inspiration from Anna Hazare, a ‘Gandhi’ lookalike who has been crusading against corruption for years with frequent fasts.

The establishment fears him but even he can’t stop corruption. Kejriwal was a former civil servant who got fed up of seeing corruption in his office and who himself was bribed (which he declined) to give businesses a clean chit from tax collectors – robbing the treasury.

The electoral performance of the AAP was the talk of the town everywhere I visited and by reporters with whom I interacted. Its performance fascinated analysts and academics.

At a seminar I delivered at Indira Gandhi University on Caribbean politics, questions were posed on the AAP and I was queried about my

views of its political future and India’s politics.

The party’s performance took everyone by storm – almost winning an election though formed less than four months. Academics did not express much hope and confidence in change in India’s politics to overcome corruption.

The Indian people are fed up of corruption in which a small number of people seek elective office to enrich themselves not different from other Third World countries I visited in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Getting into government is a sure way of becoming wealthy in India and in several other countries including in the Caribbean.

The AAP says it plans to release a list of prospective high-ranking Indian politicians at the national and state-level with corrupt, criminal or dynastic backgrounds and field candidates against them with the hope of defeating them.

Kejriwal said his party will target them in upcoming general election (likely in May). Among the names Kejriwal said he will target is Suresh Kalmadi (who Guyanese may remember from watching the 2010 Commonwealth Games) because he was arrested in April 2011 on charges of corruption involving the Games

that somewhat damaged the image of India.

I doubt Congress will put up Kalmadi again as a candidate. It is not clear AAP can win many parliamentary seats, but it will certainly split votes of both the BJP and Congress. The splitting of votes could help Congress that has a strong vote bank among minorities.

Time is not on AAP’s side to make huge gains though the anti-corruption movement, in a genuine campaign, could do extremely well. As reports note, the AAP’s success in Delhi has led to a huge following; voters are thirsty for change after 10 years of scandal-prone rule by the Congress party of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi.

Although I did not interact with mass numbers of people on AAP’s targeting the corrupt politicians, those I spoke with endorsed the concept.

However, the AAP seems to be losing some steam in its governance in Delhi but still AAP fever is spreading elsewhere.

But the Narendra Modi wave is still strong and polls show him ahead of other politicians for prime minister and the BJP in the lead in parliamentary support.

Yours fraternally, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 7, 2014

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

Condemnation over non-support of Guyana's SWAT: a proud moment AML/CFT Bill having a negative impact on opposition Dear Editor, Any reaction to a news article in another section of the press attributing comments to Joseph Harmon in relation to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill cannot begin without this factual reality: the People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/ APNU) ownership of the copyright to political violence in Guyana is unchallengeable.

Fearful of the consequences of its own non-support for the bill, the opposition is being driven to all sorts of machinations.

Harmon by his public utterances has introduced the possibility of PNC/APNU utilising its well-established brand of violence and intimidation as desperation mounts on its part.

The stinging condemnation by a majority of Guyanese over the non-support of PNC/APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) for the passage of this bill is indeed having a negative impact on the psyche of the combined opposition.

The territory of violence and intimidation rightly belongs to the PNC/APNU as history would have recorded repeated episodes of violent incidents under that party’s directorship, as recent as the Linden unrest in 2012.

Apart from Harmon’s cheap shot at politics, he has again highlighted the reality of the opposition being averse to criticism, even when it results from its own reckless and callous actions.

Harmon’s latest ‘fictional piece’ offends the rights of the majority of Guyanese to disagree with the oppo-

sition’s non-support for the bill. To equate this right to that of violent intent is highly disrespectful.

We could hardly be convinced that any fear can penetrate the minds of those in the opposition, especially taking into consideration their behaviour in relation to threats to social and economic stability, practice of racial politics, budget cuts that affect the livelihoods of thousands of Guyanese; scaring away of investors and support for criminality, among others.

Could it be that the opposition is using Harmon to signal those in its rank and file to be the first to instigate violence as the means of diverting attention from the opposition gloom and doom blow moment?

Sincerely, Kwame Mc Coy

Open letter to obtain information about location of grave at Le Repentir cemetery Dear Editor, One of the challenges, in my efforts to research my family tree, has been to find the grave of my great uncle’s wife, who died in Demerara on September 7, 1888.

Her maiden name was Mary Peterson and she was born in Gloucestershire,

England in 1837.

Her husband was Louis Jessemy de Souza Leal Aranha, who went by the name Louis de Souza (18581889).

I know that Mary was buried in Le Repentir cemetery, Georgetown, but I have no further information.

I would be grateful for any information as to how I could learn the location of the grave and, if possible, get a photograph of her inscription.

Sincerely, Paul Aranha Nassau, The Bahamas

Dear Editor, Witnessing the launch of Guyana’s SWAT team earlier Thursday is truly a moving and powerful moment for the peoples of our beautiful and promising Guyana.

Personally, I am exhilarated, excited, bubbling with personal joy, as if it is a personal achievement. It may be personal too.

Since I remigrated to Guyana in 1993, I have been calling for the establishment of a SWAT, and even before, in 1997, I wrote Commissioner Lloyd Barker for a local Crime Reaction Unit. Not too long after, the famous ‘Blue Clothes’ was effected, which later became the ‘Black Clothes’, under Laurie Lewis.

Notwithstanding, I kept writing in the printed media, and with discussions in the electronic media when invited to discuss crime, and on my personal programme, kept demanding that the SWAT be established in this country.

The most recent demand for the SWAT from this writer came at the wake of young Zulfikar Namdar, son of famous Muslim activist and humanitarian, Sheikh Goolzar Namdar, which was attended by thousands of people, including His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, diplomats and people from all sectors of Guyana’s society, from all over Guyana.

I made a resounding call, in a most powerful voice,

on a powerful microphone that the time is now for the establishment of “Team SWAT Guyana” or a similar unit, which could move fast, with the most sophisticated firepower and explosive devices, which will protect the people of this country, and even send ‘shock and awe’ on the criminals.

In less than 24 hours, we heard and read in the media that the government will see that the team is established, and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee went into action to see it done. Kudos Minister Rohee. Kudos government of Guyana.

Many have tried to get me to disrespect the minister in discussions at various functions at the cocktail circuit, and to think him a ‘Lilliputian’ but I will let them know he is a ‘Gulliver….a giant of man with an elite brain.’

I served with this man in a professional basis, on a most important board in this country as a commissioner in the National Commission of Law and Order I am involved in various other activities and boards and departments managed by his ministry, for example the Prison Sentence Management Board, and even as chairman of interviewing panels, etc.

It is my personal honour and opportunity to serve with him, and be guided by him. He has more achievements in the crime fighting sector than any other minister in the history of Guyana.

Maybe, it is time the public relations people of the Home Affairs Ministry publish and list the achievements of the ministry during his period as minister.

He is also one who listens.

While I was demanding this team in Guyana over the decades, of course, there were others also in action requesting and demanding that this unit be established.

I salute their foresight.

Many home affairs ministers since 1992 have been speaking of it, but again, in my opinion, it is another great achievement for Minister Rohee, who has caused enormous positive strides in the crime fighting sector.

The terroristic and vicious criminals have been wreaking havoc in the city, the coastlands and the interior. This must be put to an end. People have the right to enjoy and earn by hard work in any legal endeavour; no one has a right to take their property, and more so kill or try to kill them.

Thank you, Minister Rohee; thanks, government of Guyana, it has been a long wait, but we now have SWAT. Yours truly, Roshan Khan Chief Executive Officer/Founder, RK’s Guyana Security Services Commissioner, National Commission of Law and Order

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friday, february 7, 2014

Page

Foundation

Empowering girls to recognise their leadership potential

BY DEBRA J SLOVERS

A

ll people, including children, will be leaders in some way and at some point in their lives.

Whether it is leading others or themselves by making good and healthy choices, it is still leadership.

Leadership is merely the act of guidance and direction.

Girls, who are taught how to lead themselves, often do better in situations that call for going against group think. Group think involves people going along with what everyone else in the group is doing, even when it is wrong or cruel. An example is the classic “mean girl” phenomena, where preteen girls seem to find one girl in their group, or outside their group, to pick on for no apparent reason.

According to a group of elementary teachers I met with, they voiced a concern about this phenomenon occurring earlier each year, and reported often girls are meaner than boys to their peers. Of course, this is a sweeping generalisation about girls, but something to explore.

Why would girls be meaner than boys? What is missing in their life experiences?

Would it be different if

guyanatimesgy.com

each girl was taught from an early age, self-control and self-leadership?

If girls were taught to think about their actions using logic and empathy, it is more likely they would not join the crowd and pick on anyone, let alone one targeted girl. These lessons can also help the student who is being bullied to know that she is not at fault, and would empower her with the ability to protect herself.

Sometimes girls will stick with a crowd, even if they are treated meanly, just to belong somewhere.

Empowering girls to recognise their leadership ability involves: *Demonstrate decisionmaking skills – Set good examples by making appropriate choices yourself. If you make an erroneous choice, admit it. *Give girls opportunities – If girls don’t have opportunity to make choices, they can’t learn. Give them plenty of opportunity to make good choices and demonstrate their leadership. *Practice decision-making skills – The practise does not always have to be in the real world and can be pretend exercises to help them learn empathy. Practising “what if” scenarios, in a pro-

tected environment, give students the means to make better choices in real life. *Evaluate results of choices made – Discuss the results of each choice made with the girls. Always include how did that make you feel questions and explore alternatives to said choices while evaluating the results.

By going over these steps with students, they will learn how to make choices using their powers of reason and intellect as well as begin to foster empathy.

So much is said about youth today not making good choices, but if children are not permitted to make choices, even very simple choices about attire, or more long lasting choices such as what career to pursue, how can we blame them for becoming poor decisions makers? How can we blame little girls for being mean if they didn’t learn it from somewhere? Children do not learn how to do things or be certain ways if they aren’t shown how and empowered.

Empower simply means to endow with ability. In the case, why not endow children with the ability to lead their life and not follow the crowd, especially when it is mean and harmful. (she-

countsmd.org)

The gender gap in computing reers

BY ROBERT KENNEDY

The problem

Girls aren’t interested in technology.

Why? Because most girls equate computing with geeky boys sitting in front of computer monitors all day playing games or programming. That seems like a pretty boring activity which is not worth getting involved with. They don’t see the possibilities which technology offers. They don’t understand the excitement of exploring and creating new worlds because we parents don’t insist that our schools present the opportunity attractively.

The fix

Encourage girls to explore technology by providing appealing activities.

Retain their interest by designing courses which appeal to girls.

Inspire girls to pursue ca-

in technolo-

gy by providing attractive role models.

We can connect with girls by making technology appealing and useful in their lives.

Girls adore their cellphones and iPods. So courses in digital photography and recording are the logical first step.

Then stimulate their interest in Web design and video production. After they will see that the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Girls don’t want to be geeks

Tech-Savvy points out that girls are not interested in programming. It further places the blame squarely at the feet of institutions and faculties which refuse to be proactive in making computer science more accessible and appealing to both genders. In other words, if we want to get girls to attend computer camps, Saturday camps or after school technology activities, we have to design them with

girls’ interests in mind.

Current status

Barriers Many subtle roadblocks discourage girls from entering the male dominated world of technology. Gender stereotyping is one barrier girls can encounter in school. Some teachers and administrators still send subtle signals indicating that girls should take home economics or art history, as opposed to learning technology or advanced sciences. The issue of career paths builds on that very limited stereotype. If you subscribe to that point of view, then suitable careers for women are nursing or teaching. This kind of thinking prevents girls from getting the training which will ensure them high paying technology-related jobs in later life.

What are the teachers in your daughter’s school doing to encourage your child to pursue whatever field she chooses?

The AAUW Educational Foundation Commission on Technology, Gender, and Teacher Education takes aim at this prejudice with the following findings: “Girls are an untapped source of talent to lead the high-tech economy and culture. Curriculum developers, teachers, technology experts, and schools need to cultivate girls’ interest by infusing technology concepts and uses into subject areas ranging from music to history to the sciences in order to interest a broader array of learners.”

“The commission makes it clear that girls are critical of the computer culture, not computer phobic. Instead of trying to make girls fit into the existing computer culture, the computer culture must become more inviting for girls.”

Women make up more than half of the work force, yet hold only 28 per cent of technology positions. We need to attract women to technology to relieve our shortage of skilled workers. The technology industry has been screaming for several years now that it needs more skilled programmers and other technology professionals.

Governments should invest in the future of technology by proactively training and encouraging women to enter the technology job force.

Background

“When students see people like themselves in a field, they are much more likely to create goals for themselves within that field because it appears more accessible.

Women students need exposure to women with a variety of lifestyles who are successful in SME fields so they can believe science is accessible to all, especially people like themselves.” – Achieving Gender Equity in Science Classrooms Positive Role Models And Constant Encouragement. (About.com)

News

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friDay, february 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

SWAT unit unveiled

By Vahnu Manikchand

A

fter years of talk, members of Guyana’s first Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit have been identified and training is expected to commence soon.

The first batch of 27 ranks from the Guyana Police Force was introduced as the training programme was launched on Thursday at the Police Officers' Training Centre. The establishment of the SWAT unit is a collaborative effort between the government of Guyana and the U.S.-based security and justice reform consultancy firm The Emergence Group (TEG). In October last, a contract was signed, finalising the agreement between the two.

Addressing the gathering of senior police ranks, heads of related security agencies, and other stakeholders, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the establishment of the SWAT team will strengthen the technical capacity of the Guyana Police Force.

“Beefing up security, for the administration to which I belong, is utmost priority… this SWAT team, as far as I’m aware, is not being es-

tablished to oppress or suppress members of the public, it is not being established to oppress or suppress members of the opposition, people who oppose the government, it is not being established to be used as a political tool to accomplish political objectives, it is being established to fulfil certain professional responsibilities based on established SOPs [Standard Operating Procedures],” the minister said.

However, he noted, that the establishment of the SWAT unit came after much controversy surrounding its importance. He pointed out that government thought that it was necessary as part of the whole modernising process of the police force to establish the unit.

Public’s interest

“I have absolutely no doubt in my mind, as a citizen of this country, that any move in the direction we are going in right now, the establishment of a SWAT team, will be helpful and will be useful. The people will ultimately be the beneficiaries, they must be the beneficiaries,” the minister stated.

Rohee blasted those who purport to be security experts and claim to have a wealth of

Guyana’s first SWAT Unit with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee (seated second right); Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell (right); TEG Director, Ambassador Dennis Hays (second left) and Training Officer, Senior Superintendent Paul Williams (left)

knowledge on the sector for failing to recognise the importance of the unit. “I am not a security expert and I don’t have a wealth of knowledge on security matters, I’m a mere politician but the literature I have read so far on these matters tells me that (the necessity of the SWAT unit). How could someone who claims to be a security expert and so knowledgeable on security matters question the need for a SWAT team in our country or any country for that matter?” the home affairs minister stated.

TEG Director, Ambassador Dennis Hays said with a well-trained and

dedicated SWAT team, any society will be better protected. He noted that such a unit will be able to anticipate and act in emergency situations, while reducing the level of violence used to maintain that safety.

Crime-fighting

Hays added that SWAT is about anticipating issues and problems that may arise and about rigorous training, which will enable officers to act and think as a team while resolving problems. “If there is a problem, a trained SWAT can come in and responsible individuals can make a quick assessment

of what is the situation and what sorts of issues and what sorts of manpower is needed to resolve the issue. This involves a measure of analysis of how best to achieve the desired results and after the assessment and analysis would come action, and the action is to resolve the issue with the lowest level of force possible,” he explained.

The ambassador noted that Guyana should be proud of the group selected for the SWAT team, noting that they will impact the police force positively. He stated that SWAT members undergo a continuous training process which never stops.

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell said that SWAT units have evolved the art of crime-fighting around the world and so there is no less expectation of this local team. He noted that such a unit requires serious discipline and training, coordination, precision, professionalism, and most importantly, the ability to make positive decisions in any eventuality.

“The government of Guyana saw training as pivotal and thus collated with the TEG group to formalise training as part of the SOPs that encompass the Guyana Police Force. Sporadic situations emerging, if not managed effectively, can result in terrorism; as such, a SWAT team is a vital component to our organisational structure,” he said.

The commissioner pointed out that in selecting the members of the SWAT team, several factors were looked at such as age, health, mind set, years of service, experience, and conduct.

He informed the ranks that there are several benefits of being trained for a SWAT team; as such, he encouraged the ranks to take this responsibility seriously. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy. com)

“We were exonerated from that baton business”– Brumell

“Y

ou see what happened? We were exonerated from that baton business,” said Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell as he gave an onthe-spot update on the investigation into allegations that police ranks at the Timehri Station baton-raped Colwyn Harding last year November.

Brumell, however, said charges can be expected to be instituted against the ranks, but these would be for the alleged physical assault on the 23-year-old man who is now in Jamaica seeking medical attention.

Brumell said on his initial review of the file, he came to the same conclusion as Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Chairman, Retired Justice Cecil Kennard.

Kennard told Guyana Times earlier this week that he had recommended that two police officers be charged with the criminal offence of assault and several others to face disciplinary actions departmentally.

The chairman added that a key factor was that there was no medical report to support Harding’s allegations.

He said as a result of the absence of this critical piece of evidence, his conclusion was

plaints of being sexually assaulted. “Even when he was in prison, he didn’t complain about that. He had several opportunities. When he got to prison, he didn’t tell the medical staff there. These are serious allegations,” he explained Justice Kennard stated that the next step now is for him to hand the report over to the relevant authorities.

“Assuming that I’m rec-

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

drawn. The PCA head noted that the fact that Harding waited months before making his complaint was another factor taken into consideration.

He said: “He waited until he was at the Georgetown hospital; he might have revealed it to his lawyer and other persons, but not until January. All he told the doctors was that he was assaulted, he did not mention anything about the police using a baton on him.”

Suspicious Kennard noted that Dr Madan Rambarran, in his statement, said when he saw Harding in January, the young man made no com-

ommend criminal charges, it will have to go back to the crime chief for him to take the file to the office of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions), who will make the decisions where criminal charges are concerned,” he said.

He explained that some of the charges will be dealt with by the police commissioner and the others by the Police Service Commission.

Allegations against sergeants and lower ranks are dealt with by the police commissioner, while those concerning officers above the rank of sergeant go to the Police Service Commission (PSC).

In early January, Harding told the media that he was baton-raped by police officers attached to the Timehri Police Station while incarcerated there in November

last year. Harding was subsequently hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital where doctors there came to the conclusion that he had a severe case of incarcerated hernia.

After two extensive surgeries and several weeks of treatment, Harding left for Jamaica to seek further medical attention in hopes of getting his injuries adequately treated.

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friday, february 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

File on teen who mounted roof now with DPP

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ore than a week after ascending to the roof tops of the Stabroek News and Police Consumer Co-op Society buildings on Robb Street, Georgetown in protest, the teen who was allegedly sodomised by police may soon have his day in court as the matter is now engaging the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack.

The DPP will review the case and provide further guidance to the police force, according to Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell.

He made this statement while addressing media operatives at the launch of the Guyana Police Force’s

first Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit Thursday afternoon.

The police chief said: “I must mention that 'Beyoncé' [the teen] did not identify any of the police ranks, but we are still continuing investigations, so we sent the file to the DPP.” The 16-year-old last Monday alleged that ranks at the Stabroek Police Outpost raped him after they had arrested him for prostitution.

The three officers who were on duty during the period of the alleged rape have been placed under close arrest.

After he felt that the justice system failed him, the youth ventured into the

newspaper with the hope of relating his story. But he instead proceeded to climb the roof, while also threatening to jump. The teenager was subsequently apprehended and taken into police custody.

At the station, the police conducted ID parades, but the youngster failed to identify his assailants. He was subsequently released into the care of a relative after he threatened to set fire to the children’s home if they put him there.

Several relatives have since come forward saying that they doubt the young man’s story. They said he is known to be a liar and attention seeker.

Chief Probation Officer Forbes Monroe had recent-

ly told Guyana Times that the young man is known to the social workers and they are currently working with him.

He said the youngster has been in and out of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) over the years and was recently released from the care of that institution.

A psychiatric evaluation was scheduled to be conducted on the teen the day after he threatened to take his own life.

The results of this test or whether this test was conducted are still unknown.

Guyana Times has repeatedly attempted to contact Monroe for an update with regard to the evaluation, but to no avail.

$350,000 bail for taxi driver on fraud charge

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tayanand Persaud, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was Thursday placed on $350,000 bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a fraud charge.

The man, who told the court that he is a taxi driv-

er, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between September 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Paul Ramsarran the sum of $1.1 million, by pretending that he was in the position to sell a motor car.

The defendant prom-

ised to deliver the vehicle to Ramsarran, but failed to do so, police prosecutor Deneashwar Maindranauth said.

The prosecutor objected to bail for the accused, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

He added that several attempts were made to appre-

hend the accused at his residence after the report was made.

The accused was represented by Attorney Kwame Bess who told the court that his client surrendered to police.

Magistrate Azore subsequently granted the defendant bail.

Kitty resident gets 12 months for breaking and entering

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Kitty resident was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday on a charge of break and enter.

Mark Mangal had made his first appearance at the same court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on September 30 last year.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 26 at Barr Street, Kitty, he broke and entered the house of Paul Booker and made off with a quantity of electrical appliances valued at approximately $750,000.

The defendant told the court that he was innocent.

He added that he was a married man with two children and he cannot believe that he will serve a oneyear jail term for a crime he did not commit.

Magistrate Azore found the accused guilty of the offence after careful consideration of the evidence provided by police prosecutor Renata Bentham.

Eyew tness Gift horse...

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...in sugar? e all know our sugar industry is in crisis. And we know we’ve got to take drastic action to get it back on track. And getting it back on track can only mean one thing – making a profit. But we have to make sure the cure isn’t worse than the disease.

So what to do? Well, for one we know that we don’t have enough people to cut the canes. Forget cut-andload, which caused so many conniptions back in the day – we’re talking about “cut-and-drop”.

We can’t get people to cut the cane and just drop it in a pile on the ground for a “Bell Loader” to pick up and dump it into a punt. Imagine that...and there are union leaders running around talking about “unemployment”!

They ought to be strung up. Why can’t they tell their members they can make $50,000 a week? Minimum.

While only one of the problems, it’s enough to use as a backdrop to evaluate the news that a “Guatemalan investor” is interested in “working in the sugar sector”.

We’re told the investor is “San Diego”, one of the several private operators controlling the sugar industry in Guatemala. And that’s what worries us. Thing is, Guatemala’s one of the largest hemispheric producers behind Brazil – and also one with the lowest cost.

Remember when the PNC, under Desmond Hoyte had to import sugar? It was from Guatemala. And it’s probably these two facts – high production at low cost – that’ve persuaded the mandarins of sugar to talk to the Guatemalan company. Well, we hope the first question they ask the fellas from San Diego is, “How’d you do it?”

And if they’re honest (!!!! Go on and laugh...we’re idealists) they’ll tell the sugar barons that it’s all due to employing hordes of children. That’s right – children. Of the 33,000 cane cutters in Guatemala, more than a third are children working for the chicken feed they throw at minors. The wages for sugar workers in Guatemala are low enough for adults – but the children are forced to work because of the prevalent poverty.

If the Guatemalans say they’re going to “mechanise” cultivation to get out of the labour shortage conundrum, then let them tell us what experience they have with mechanised labour. And how they’ll address the inevitable soil compaction problem mechanisation precipitated here.

Whether we like it or not, Guyanese aren’t going back into sugar. There are too many alternatives.

The government’s been too successful. So are the Guatemalans going to bring over their child workers? ...in Rodney Inquiry Senior Foreign Affairs honcho Rashleigh Jackson weighed in to endorse Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee’s call for the Commission of Inquiry into the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney to be expedited.

Now for the young’uns out there, Jackson is the former foreign affairs minister who served (with distinction) under Forbes Burnham of the PNC. And this is a most welcome endorsement.

It demonstrates that there are some people out there – even ones close to the PNC – who want truth to “out” and let the chips fall where they may. His one caution was that the inquiry not “be used to serve partisan rather than national interests”. And here again, we agree wholeheartedly. But unfortunately, it’s a rather tall request.

After all, here we have it that even the party of Rodney has used the call for the inquiry as a political matter. Back in 2005, they were the ones that dragged their feet and stymied the inquiry. And here it is, once again, they have uttered not a word about the delay.

Are a couple of seats in Parliament worth the betrayal? ...in Civil Society Organisations They used to be called “Non Governmental Organisations” (NGOs) but the latest buzzword is “Civil Society Organisations”. We should look into who’s pushing the line. Beware of American horses.

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friday, february 7, 2014

News

CH&PA to ramp up housing programme this year

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is working assiduously to realise its target for 2014 in completing the installation of electrical distribution networks for several government of Guyana housing developments across the country.

The developments in question include those along the East Bank of Demerara, as well as in Regions Three, Five, Six, Seven and 10, accounting for some 37 areas. The authority will shortly be inviting bids, by way of public tender, for works related to the installation of electricity distribution networks for 14 areas, including Recht-Door-Zee Phase Two, Amelia’s Ward Phase Three, Plot B Herstelling, and Providence Phase Two. According to a statement from the CH&PA, 14 areas will be completed during this year, while it is expected that work on the other 23 areas, which are currently being designed, will commence before the end of the year.

Electrical systems were completed for allottees of the turnkey houses at Providence, in September last year.

Work is currently ongoing in several other areas, in Regions Three and Six, with completion slated for the fourth quarter of this year.

The housing sector has recorded significant progress in 2013 and plans are afoot to top these achievements in 2014. According to Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, the application for house lots process is now in ‘real time’ in some areas.

However, for Region Four, the min-

It got spy men all over

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A section of the turnkey homes

istry is still processing applications from 2010 and 2011. Ali explained that this is so, because many of the persons in that region do not want to leave and insist on getting land there.

6000 lots for 2014

The minister noted that the East Bank Demerara has been the penultimate tier of development for the housing sector in 2013. More than 400 persons of various skills were employed in the new housing areas.

Additionally, approximately 8500 house lots were distributed in 2013 while some 7000 persons gained titles.

According to the housing minister, the ministry will be looking to allocate another 6000 lots this year.

He noted, however, the demand for the turnkey homes, ‘clerical workers homes’ and the low high-income homes

has been increasing. Additionally, Ali said plans are afoot to expand the Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara scheme by introducing industrial and commercial industries which will reduce the pressure on the city for employment opportunities.

Several new housing schemes will also be upgraded, including Zeeburg and Zeelugt where 1500 lots will be distributed collectively. Completion of the new highway linking Parfaite Harmonie to the Demerara Harbour Bridge is also expected in 2014.

Another important highway is the one linking the East Coast to the East Bank with designs to be completed and works to commence in early 2014.

The Housing Ministry and the CH&PA continues to approach the development of housing across the country, in a holistic way.

uper Pee from Grenada seh everbody peepin. De Chutney man Rum Kellawan seh dem a watch meh.

Now people watchin fuh Rum Kellawan to get back whah he owe dem and dem can’t find he. It is that spyin is a common ting nowadays. Some body always spyin pun some body some where.

All de way in de U.S., Snow Den was a spy man. Snow Den spy pun Brazil and Maradona country in South America. Snow Den spy pun Germany in Europe. Snow Den even spy pun Australia all de way Down Under. The Snow Den turn back and spy pun de Americans who was payin him to spy pun de whole world Right hey in Guyana it got plenty spy man and spy woman. Dem does spy pun one another, and when dem finally see whah dem don’t really wanna see, dem does shut dem own eye fuh good, or dem does shut all de other people eye fuh good.

Guyana got a local version of Snow Den. But this version mek outta mud not snow. This is de Mud Man who is also a Paper Man who is also a Spy Man. This is a man who also got other Spy Man pun motor bike around de town. This Spy Man even got both buddy guard and body guard spyin fuh he.

De Mud Man got spies in de police and he got spies in the hospital. He even got spies in de mortuary to spy pun dead people. So when de mud man give de headitor to publish dem dead people photo in de mud paper, every body done know how it come.

But de headitor still got de balls to blame other media house fuh publishin dead people photo. That is man who like tek he *hit and and put it pun some body else. And this last time it look like he had a big bout of diarrhoea.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Another man look like he been doin some spyin too. He was spyin a woman money. And now he spyin de woman land and even de buildin whah deh pun de land!

Fires decreased by five per cent last year – fire chief

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here was a five per cent decrease in fire calls received countrywide by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in 2013, with 1776 reports received in 2013 as against 1979 in 2012.

Fire chief Marlon Gentle said of the calls received in 2013, 166 were from private dwellings, compared with 157 in 2012; and of the 166 dwellings, 111 were completely destroyed, 22 severely damaged and 33 slightly damaged. In 2012, 89 private dwellings were completely destroyed as a result of fire, 23 were severely damaged, and 45 were slightly damaged. There was, therefore, an 11 per cent rise in the number of private dwellings destroyed by fire.

This is a clear indication that the level of fire consciousness needs to be greater with regard to private buildings, Gentle said, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He said the service’s investigation has indicated that most of the fires could have been prevented had persons just taken the right approach to fire safety.

Most of the fires that destroyed the private buildings were caused by faulty electrical wires, carelessness, children playing with matches, and arson. There were also instances of internal electrical problems stemming from the illegal acquisition of electricity.

“All need to understand

However, there was an 11 per cent rise in the number of private dwellings destroyed by fire

that the easiest way to stop a fire is preventing it in the first place,” Gentle said.

He explained that in the fire service, there is a saying: “After the failure of fire prevention methods, then firefighting becomes the next step.” He said this concept must be embraced by all of Guyana to ensure less incidents of fire.

In 2013, the GFS embarked on several educational campaigns aimed at boosting fire safety and prevention.

Gentle noted that the service produced six different fire safety advertisements, as well daily fire prevention tips that were published in the local newspapers.

The service also conducted a number of outreach programmes during Fire Prevention Week, where officials visited communities and distributed more than 5000

different pamphlets.

In 2013, there was a decrease in the number of fires at government buildings and/agencies. Only four government buildings were destroyed, one was severely damaged and three, slightly damaged as against in 2012, when 16 were destroyed, one, severely damaged and 10, slightly damaged.

The slight increase in 2012 was attributed to some of the incidents that occurred in Linden during the violent unrest, where about nine or 10 buildings were burnt, Gentle said.

There was a decrease in 2013 in the number of deliberately set outdoor fires, which Gentle attributed to some of the appeals made by the service about such fires, their nuisance, and the environmental factors consequences hitting home.

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friday, february 7, 2014

Aquaculture farms to produce nearly two thirds of global fish supply by 2030

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quaculture – or fish farming – will provide close to two thirds of the food fish consumed by 2030 as catches from wild capture fisheries level off and demand from an emerging global middle class, especially in China, substantially increases.

These are among the key findings of “Fish to 2030: Prospects for Fisheries and Aquaculture”, a collaboration between the World Bank, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), released Thursday. The report highlights the extent of global trade in seafood which tends to flow heavily from developing to developed countries.

According to FAO, at present 38 per cent of all fish produced in the world is exported and in value terms, over two thirds of fishery exports by developing countries are directed to developed countries. The “Fish to 2030” report finds that a major and growing market for fish is coming from China, which is projected to account for 38 per cent of global consumption of food fish by 2030. China and many other nations are increasing their investments in aquaculture to help meet this growing demand.

Asia – including South Asia, South-East Asia,

China and Japan – is projected to make up 70 per cent of global fish consumption by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa, on the other hand, is expected to see a per capita fish consumption decline of one per cent per year from 2010 to 2030, but, owing to rapid population growth of 2.3 per cent in the same period, the region’s total fish consumption will grow by 30 per cent overall.

62 per cent

The report predicts that 62 per cent of food fish will come from aquaculture by 2030, with the fastest supply growth likely to come from tilapia, carp, and catfish.

Global tilapia production is expected to almost double from 4.3 million tonnes to 7.3 million tonnes a year between 2010 and 2030. “The fast-moving nature of aquaculture is what made this a particularly challenging sector to model – and at the same time, embodies the most exciting aspect of it in terms of future prospects for transformation and technological change,” said one of the report’s authors, Siwa Msangi of IFPRI. “Comparing this study to a similar study we did in 2003, we can see that growth in aquaculture production has been stronger than what we thought.” The World Bank’s Director of Agriculture and Environmental Services,

Guyana is pushing aquaculture as one of the means of further boosting the agriculture sector

Juergen Voegele, said the report provides valuable information for developing countries interested in growing their economies through sustainable fish production, though he warns that carefully thought-out policies are needed to ensure the resource is sustainably managed.

Sustainability

“Supplying fish sustainably – producing it without depleting productive natural resources and without damaging the precious aquatic environment – is a huge challenge,” he said.

“We continue to see excessive and irresponsible harvesting in capture fisheries and in aquaculture, dis-

ease outbreaks among other things, have heavily impacted production. If countries can get their resource management right, they will be

well placed to benefit from the changing trade environment.”

Fisheries and aquaculture are a vital source of jobs,

nutritious food, and economic opportunities, especially for small-scale fishing communities. Yet threats from large-scale disease outbreaks in aquaculture and climate change-related impacts could dramatically alter this.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Assistant Director General Árni M Mathiesen emphasised that unlocking the potential of aquaculture could have long-lasting and positive benefits. “With the world’s population predicted to increase to nine billion people by 2050 – particularly in areas that have high rates of food insecurity – aquaculture, if responsibly developed and practised, can make a significant contribution to global food security and economic growth,” he said.

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friday, february 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

15 reports already at Ban on Styrofoam only for Ombudsman’s office food industry – Persaud

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ecently sworn-in Ombudsman, former Judge Winston Moore said his office has begun addressing the 15 reports it has received so far from members of the public.

Moore, who took office a mere three weeks ago, told Guyana Times in a telephone interview on Wednesday that his new office is currently being refurbished. However, reports are pouring in and he is looking into them. He said in instances where the cases have no jurisdiction, he would point the complainant to the courts, the chief justice, or the chancellor of the judiciary.

After eight years of the position of Ombudsman being vacant, Justice Winston Moore took the oath of office on January 13. He replaced Justice Sheik Mohammed who demitted office in 2005.

The new Ombudsman sought to clear up a few issues surrounding his office with regard to staffing and resources. He has been working closely with the Public Service Ministry, and has since submitted a list of requirements for the office to function effectively.

He also stated that staff members who had worked at the office in the past were given the option to return and many of them have

New Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore as he was sworn in

agreed. Moore said, “I have no qualms or misgivings about personnel or resources that will be provided.”

Constitutionally entrenched

While there have been numerous doubts over the significance of the office expressed by some sections of the public and politicians, others have indicated their confidence in its re-establishment, pointing out that it will serve its original purpose of representing the interests of the Guyanese populace.

Guyana is reportedly the first country in the Commonwealth Caribbean and second only to New Zealand in the western hemisphere, to have a constitutionally-entrenched Ombudsman system. In

Guyana, the Office of Ombudsman is a requirement of the Constitution and is supported by a separate statute.

President Donald Ramotar assured Moore, at his swearing-in ceremony, of the government’s full support in the discharge of his duties.

In congratulating Moore, the president said the post had been vacant for a long time and as such, some of its functions were being executed by the constitutional court. He urged the public to make full use of the Ombudsman.

He also noted that his government is working aggressively to fill the other constitutional posts that are vacant. This process, he said, should be completed in the near future.

Styrofoam products are a major and visually prominent portion of the tonnes of garbage carelessly discarded by Guyanese every year, clogging the drainage system (EPA photo)

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atural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said the impending June 2014 ban on the non-biodegradable material Styrofoam will only be applied to its usage in the food industry.

He was at the time responding to questions posed by reporters at a recent forum held in the ministry’s boardroom.

He explained that Styrofoam was also used in the construction industry, and as such, contractors should have no fear since the ban would only be applied to businesses that are involved in the food and beverage industries.

Persaud said the ministry was working in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Customs and Trade Administration and the Tourism Ministry to speed up the implementation of the ban. “Discussions are taking place to put the necessary mechanisms in place,” he told reporters.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Clinton Urling, at another recent forum, had urged the minister to implement a robust system that would help in sensi-

tising the public on the initiative. Persaud, while agreeing with Urling, had said that the private sector also needed to play an integral part in the process.

However, so far, things have been going well. “I’m quite sure there’s a lot of sensitisation and already, I hear ads on the radio talking about biodegradable boxes, people are promoting that,” he said.

Positive response

The minister said members of the private sector are responding positively to the plan, which seeks to foster a healthier environment for all.

“I think that with proper public education and awareness, we are not trying to make people’s lives difficult, but rather create a clean environment, a healthy environment. Because any one of us can do the research in terms of the negative health impact of Styrofoam and what it does to our sanitation and solid waste issues,” he said.

Persaud said the ministry has also been in continued discussions with the public and members of the private sector, seeking to provide information on places where they could source bio-degradable materials.

The minister commended

those businesses that have already phased out the use of Styrofoam and urged the public to support those businesses.

The ban on Styrofoam is expected to take effect from June 1 this year. According to Minister Persaud, the initiative could prove useful to Guyanese entrepreneurs who could look at new avenues of producing alternative products.

While there are some positive aspects, the use of Styrofoam has a number of harmful consequences and consumers are advised against its use. Environmentalists have revealed that the substance styrene, which is used to make the product, is the basic ingredient used to make polystyrene, another substance widely used to manufacture plastics, resins, and rubber.

Stakeholders are urged to work with the authorities in ensuring that there is a smooth transition from the use of Styrofoam to materials that are much safer for our environment and for humans in general.

Apart from that, concerns were also raised about the rising number of food boxes seen during the massive floods in the capital city.

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Govt bemoans GPL T&D extension in Corentyne paucity of skills in to be completed today construction sector

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onstruction of the $22.6 million extension to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network at Number 76 Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Region Six is expected to be completed today.

On completion of the nine-kilometre primary and secondary network, electricity will be available to the

By Svetlana Marshall

G

uyana’s construction sector continues to face a series of challenges ranging from a shortage of essential materials to a lack of human resources, but Chief Works Officer Jeffery Vaughn said topping the chart is the incompetence of personnel within the sector.

Addressing the Public Works Ministry’s fourth engineering conference on Thursday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Vaughn said 98 contracting firms have been registered on the contract register; however, a high percentage has been unable to vie for internationally-funded projects owing to their incompetence.

Based on an assessment of contracts awarded over the past five years, Vaughn said only a few contractors had the capacity to execute projects funded through loans or grants from international agencies, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank.

“It is something worrying to know that we have contractors and consultants locally, and here it is, we are faced with capacity issues,” he lamented.

The chief works officer said direct foreign investment in projects leads to increased demand in the construction industry, creating much-needed jobs, but he questioned whether Guyanese at this stage are capable of capitalising on these mega opportunities.

Disturbing shift

“National construction companies lack the technical managerial capacity to understand most of the foreign-funded projects, that’s a fact…,” Vaughn said.

He stated that there has been a disturbing shift in the construction sector.

According to him, reports indicate that the sector is dominated by unqualified persons, many of whom are managing projects, resulting in time and cost overruns and defective bills of quantities. He said lack of understanding of procurement rules is also common.

He said poor-quality work has also led to projects being terminated. “We should not compromise quality, for anything! Because if we compromise our quality it is obvious that we will have a large bill in terms of the redoing of that project,” he stressed.

National construction firms have also been accused of having little or no funds to participate in the sponsorship of the privatised projects. “It is not a challenge.

There are less and less projects being done by our local contractors,” he reiterated.

The core of the problem lies within the education sector, Vaughn told the audience. An overview of

300 house lots that make up the scheme, benefiting approximately 1230 residents.

The project was funded by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), of the Housing Ministry, and executed

by Cummings Electrical Company Limited, to meet GPL’s construction standards.

The network design and verification of con-

struction standards were done by GPL’s engineers.

Construction, which started in June 2013, was delayed as a result of the late delivery by the supplier of critical line hardware and a shortage of acceptable wallaba poles.

Residents who now wish to apply for service can collect application forms from GPL commercial offices at Corriverton and Chesney,

West Coast Berbice or access them online at www. gplinc.com.

Application forms must be signed in the presence of an authorised GPL customer service representative and submitted along with copies of proof of ownership (transport/agreement of sale) or a tenancy agreement, certificate of inspection and a national ID card/ passport.

19-year-old to stand trial for attempted murder Guyana’s Chief Works Officer Jeffery Vaughn

the 2012/2013 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations indicates that pass rates in science subjects critical to the engineering field are low. A meagre 30.35 per cent of students passed mathematics, while 52.39 per cent passed chemistry.

Physics recorded a pass rate of 54.34 per cent and English 45 per cent.

“For us to move on, we have to deal with the core issue.” The problem also exists at the level of the technical institute, with the pass rate decreasing in 2013.

In reviewing reports from the University of Guyana (UG), Vaughn disclosed that only 2900 students enrolled in the Faculty of Technology during the period 2009-2013 from a total of 31,090.

“This represents 9.3 per cent of the university population over that five-year period. How do you supply our construction sector with engineers, with clerk of works, with technicians, with supervisors when we have such a meagre figure,” he questioned.

He emphasised that professionals are needed, so the construction sector must move to improve training and the capacity of students, starting as early as the secondary level.

“We have to give them the tools for them to understand math and science-based subjects. This is the only way that they will be able to deal with the challenges that we are faced with in the sector,” he said.

Training is also needed to meet the demand of the technological revolution.

Shortage of materials

The shortage of construction materials continues to be a major concern. The construction boom demands an increased supply of stone, cement, zinc sheets and other materials.

During 2011-2013, there was a shortage of aggregates: quarry production stood at approximately 680,000 tonnes while demand was recorded at 767,106 tonnes.

Moving forward, the chief works officer said, there is greater need for a public-private partnership in the construction sector. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)

A

19-year-old woman was on Wednesday committed to stand trial at the Suddie High Court for attempted murder.

Pauline Daniels of Lima, Region Two, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

Daniels made her first court appearance on June 5, 2013 at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s

Court where the indictable charge was read to her by Magistrate Scarce.

The police alleged that on May 28, 2013 at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Daniels wounded Calvin Mosses with intent to commit murder.

The prosecution’s case is that on the night in question, the accused stabbed the virtual complainant with a knife

after she was thrown into a trench.

The accused, who worked as a waitress at the popular Mounty Bar at Anna Regina, had argued that the virtual complainant attempted to sexually molest her and she inflicted the wounds in self-defence.

Before the committal, the accused said she would re-

serve her defence and witnesses for the high court after which she was informed by the magistrate that there was sufficient evidence to commit her to trial for the offence charged.

Scarce also placed the accused on bail in the sum of $150,000 pending trial.

Daniels was represented by Legal Aid lawyer Valencia Yansen.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, February 7, 2014

Regional

Bolivia floods kill 38, more Jail doctors, victim unit head says, as TT outrage over teen pregnancy mounts heavy rains forecast

A woman speaks along a flooded street on the outskirts of Trinidad, some 400 km (249 miles) northeast of La Paz on February 5

T

orrential rain and floods in Bolivia have killed 38 people and left many homeless, said the government on Thursday,

as forecasters predicted more heavy rainfall with the north of the Andean country again likely to be the worst affected.

The Defence Ministry said it had flown in food aid and the army was evacuating families from the worst affected regions, such as the Amazonian and cattlerearing department of Beni, northeast of the capital La Paz. Around 100,000 head of cattle are threatened and some 6000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, around 0.2 per cent of Bolivia’s total, the government said.

More than 40,000 households have been affected by the heavy seasonal rains since October, around five times more than last year, with the central and northern regions of the country hardest hit. (Reuters)

“W

e have to hold some of these doctors and start jailing them.” This was the advice head of the police Victims and Witness Support Unit, Margaret Sampson-Browne, gave on Wednesday as one of the possible ways to curb the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy in the country. Her comment came in the wake of statements by Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh that there were some 2500 pregnancies among schoolgirls each year.

Gopeesingh made the statement in the Senate on Tuesday as he respond-

ed to a question filed by Independent senator, Dr Victor Wheeler. The minister said based on his 27 years as a gynaecologist working in the public sector, of every 15 new patients in the antenatal clinic, 10 are teenagers.

Urging the country to get a handle on statutory rape, the education minister added: “If people (fathers) are apprehended, there might be fear among the perpetrators,” and therefore it could serve as a deterrent to statutory rape.

Sampson-Browne, who admitted on Wednesday this was the first time she was

Fire crew killed in Argentine blaze

Spanish firm Sacyr denies halting work on Panama Canal

T

he Spanish building company leading the expansion project on the Panama Canal has denied that work at the waterway has been halted.

Sacyr President Manuel Manrique, said no date had been set for construction work to stop.

The Panama Canal Authority and the building companies involved are engaged in a dispute over who should foot US$1.6 billion in extra costs.

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

The consortium says 10,000 jobs are at risk, but the canal’s authority says it will not “yield to black-

mail”.

Earlier Thursday, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that talks with the Spanish-led consortium behind the project had broken down.

The Canal Authority also said that work had been halted at the site.

Manrique admitted that work may eventually stop, if the building companies run out of cash, but said no such decision had been taken by the consortium.

“There is still room for negotiation with the ACP,” Manrique told the Spanish radio network Cadena Ser. “This project, like many big projects, has unfore-

seen costs. We want an arbitration court to decide who will pay for that,” he added.

The consortium is made up of Spain’s Sacyr, Impregilo of Italy, Belgian firm Jan De Nul and Constructora Urbana, a Panamanian firm.

Sacyr blames the Panama Canal Authority for the breakdown in talks, saying it had failed to respond to the consortium’s latest proposal to settle the dispute.

“Without an immediate solution, we face years of disputes in national and international tribunals,” Sacyr said in a statement.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazilian ‘Mensalao’ banker Pizzolato arrested in Italy

Brazilians are angry at the extent of corruption revealed in the Mensalao scandal

T

he former director of Brazil’s state-owned bank, who was sentenced in Brazil for corruption and money-laundering, has been arrested in Italy. On Wednesday, Henrique Pizzolato was arrested at his nephew’s flat in Maranello, Italy where he is believed to have been hiding for months.

Pizzolato, who has dual Brazilian and Italian citizenship, fled to Italy in or-

der to avoid a 12-year prison sentence. There had been an international arrest warrant against him.

Brazil wants to extradite Pizzolato, but Italy is unlikely to agree as he holds Italian nationality. Pizzolato says his trial was political and has denied the charges.

Pizzolato, former marketing director for Banco de Brasil, was arrested in the small town of

Maranello in northern Italy on Wednesday.

Chief of the local police investigation unit Carlo Carrozzo said Pizzolato had been detained because “there was an international arrest warrant against him” and because he had been using “a false document”.

Pizzolato reportedly entered Europe with a passport belonging to his brother, who died in a car crash in the 1970s.

Pizzolato was convicted in Brazil in August 2012, but was allowed to remain free while he appealed against the verdict.

Brazilian police believe he left the country while the appeal was under way, as he could not be located when officers came to arrest him after his sentence was confirmed and his arrest warrant issued on November 15, 2013. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

made aware of such statistics, said it was a pity the Education Ministry did not pass this information to the police in the first instance.

Apart from doctors, she said everyone, including the police, teachers, principals, neighbours and parents, must be held accountable.

The doctors, she said, could be the last line of defence in such cases, however, as they would also be aware that the underage children are pregnant.

“I am just tired of people abusing children,” SampsonBrowne, also a former member of the police’s community unit, said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

All of those killed were first responders battling the flames at the warehouse

A

t least nine people have been killed in a fire in a warehouse in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.

Seven of the victims were firefighters and two civil defence workers who were tackling the blaze at a bank’s archive.

Argentina’s Secretary for Security, Sergio Berni, said they were crushed when a seven metre-high (23-foot) wall collapsed on top of them.

It took 10 fire crews several hours to get the blaze in Buenos Aires’ Barracas neighbourhood under control. It is not clear yet what caused the fire, which also left seven people injured.

Rescue workers had to remove rubble by hand to reach the dead and injured.

Local official Guillermo Montenegro said more victims could still be trapped beneath the debris. (BBC News)

Criminals among us – Jamaican police superintendent

J

amaican Deputy Police Superintendent Vernal Thompson shocked the court during the Vybz Kartel murder trial Wednesday when he declared that he was not surprised at certain things that took place in the investigation of the matter, because criminals were within the police force.

Thompson made the admission, which solicited audible reaction from the jurors and others in the court, while he was being cross-examined by defence attorney Pierre Rogers in the closely watched trial in the Home Circuit Court.

But questioned by Justice Lennox Campbell on the comment, he sought to resile himself from the criminal comment, using the word “unscrupulous” instead.

During a line of questions from Rogers, Thompson said he would be “very concerned” if Sergeant Patrick Linton from the Cybercrimes Unit left the key to his locker, where evidence is kept, atop the said locker. He said he never instructed anyone to use a cellphone that was confiscated in the case, adding that he heard it on the news and was “most concerned about it”. He said the

use of the cellphone did not surprise him, but that he is “concerned”.

“That’s not the kind of behaviour I expect,” he said, adding that there are “unscrupulous persons” in every organisation, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Asked by Rogers if he was aware that data from the phone was being accessed at a time when it was not supposed to be done, Thompson said ‘no’. Questioned further, he said he wasn’t “surprised if that had been done, because “there are a lot of criminals...”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pacific castaway’s health worsens

T

he health of the castaway who claims he spent more than a year adrift in the Pacific has deteriorated, delaying his repatriation.

Jose Salvador Alvarenga has returned to hospital in the Marshall Islands, where he was found a week ago.

Alvarenga said he left Mexico for a trip in a fibreglass boat in December 2012 with a friend who died on board.

The family of his young-

er friend say they want to speak to Alvarenga to find out more about how their son died.

Doctors at Majuro Hospital in the Marshall Islands’ capital said Alvarenga was too dehydrated to travel.

“We must consider his health, that he is fit to travel, and get the doctor’s recommendation. We’re hoping in the next three or four days,” said Mexican embassy official Christian Clay

Mendoza.

Alvarenga made a brief public appearance on Thursday, and correspondents say he looked weaker than when he made his first media appearance on Monday.

An unnamed official told AP that he looked much less animated.

“He looked exhausted, frankly. Like someone who has run two or three marathons.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 News

friday, February 7, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

UNESCO provides US$18,000 for Merkel backs Juncker to lead masquerade, steel pan music conservatives in EU elections

Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony receiving the masquerade and steel band manuals from Guyana National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Inge Nathoo in the presence of other officials

T

he National School of Music has received a US$18,000 UNESCO grant for a project to aid in the resuscitation of the masquerade and steel band art forms.

Steel pans, which will be given to the Region Three Democratic Council, and training manuals were also donated. The project will see the training of 40 youths.

Students will be able to access the best available trainers and exposed to an environment that is conducive to learning.

Guyana National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Inge Nathoo explained that both art forms have had a long and rich tradition in Guyana and form a unique part of our cultural heritage. In recent times, there has been a stark decline in participation.

Nathoo further explained

that research has shown that one of the main reasons for this decline is the non-transfer of skill and knowledge from seasoned practitioners to youths.

Additionally, in communities where the art forms could thrive, there is a lack of access to instruments. In this regard, the project sought to provide the platform for the transfer of knowledge and the development of youth steel bands in Region Three.

Cultural heritage In his remarks at the handing over ceremony, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony noted, “As a nation, we cannot be allowed to lose our culture and our heritage.” He added that as Guyanese, our culture should be our pride and each citizen should appreciate these traditions and customs which were passed

down by our ancestors. Dr Anthony reflected on the time our fore-parents spent on perfecting masquerade techniques, and urged citizens to develop a deep and greater appreciation for the masquerade and steel pan art forms.

The culture minister said with the partnership the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry and UNESCO share, similar projects will occur throughout Guyana. This is in an effort to empower more youths across the nation and bring more awareness of both art forms.

Dr Anthony pointed out that with more support from the general public, it is likely that more young people will become more involved and further develop an appreciation of masquerade and steel pan music which will hopefully inspire them to take up the challenge of learning these skills.

Brazilians nabbed with gun, ammo in Lethem

T

wo Brazilian nationals were on Wednesday evening nabbed after they attempted to rob a Chineseowned store in Lethem, Region Nine.

Police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker, in a release, stated that about 18:30h on Wednesday, ranks stopped and searched a motor vehicle at Lethem during which an unlicensed .38 Taurus revolver with six rounds was found.

“Two Brazilian nationals have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations,” the release

added.

Guyana Times understands that the gun and ammunition were found in a bag that was carried by one of the men.

When questioned, the men could not produce a licence for the items; thus they were taken to the Lethem Police Station where they were arrested.

It is believed that the men went into the store and held two staff members at gunpoint.

Upon seeing this, the other staff raised an alarm, so the men reportedly fled the scene in a motor car.

The police were contacted

and a search was conducted during which they stopped a motor car suspected to be the getaway car.

Meanwhile, the police said on Thursday about 09:00h, ranks of a mobile police patrol observed a man running into the Le Repentir Cemetery after he saw them heading in his direction.

The ranks gave chase, but the suspect managed to escape.

The police after conducting a search recovered a .32 pistol with one round which the man allegedly dropped while evading them.

Pakistan enters peace talks with Taliban

T

he first formal meeting between Pakistan’s government and a Talibannominated team has been held in Islamabad, officials say.

The talks are aimed at charting a “roadmap” for negotiations that will try to end a decade-long insurgency.

The government set out five conditions, including ending hostilities, saying a “journey for peace” had started. The Taliban team agreed to travel to the north-west to discuss the conditions with the leadership.

Militants from the

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been waging an insurgency inside Pakistan since 2007. The talks initiative was announced last week by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, following a spate of attacks.

More than 100 people, including soldiers, died in Taliban attacks across the country in January.

Thousands have been killed since the TTP came to the fore in 2007.

The first session lasted about three hours at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. The head of the

Taliban team, Maulana Sami ul-Haq, read out a joint statement afterwards.

It listed five basic conditions that had been set out by the government side: All talks be held within the framework of the constitution; the scope of the talks should remain confined to areas affected by violence, not the whole country; all hostilities should cease during talks; the Taliban should clarify the role of a separate ninemember committee that they have established; and the talks should not be protracted. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker (left) talks with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel during a European Union leaders summit at the European Council headquarters in Brussels on October 18

G

erman Chancellor Angela Merkel threw her weight behind Luxembourg’s Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday as the leading conservative candidate in May’s European Parliament elections, a potential springboard to head the European Commission.

It was her first public endorsement of the veteran former prime minister and ex-chairman of eurozone finance ministers and it appeared to dim the prospects of French European Commissioner Michel Barnier, the only other declared candidate.

As leader of Europe’s biggest economy and most powerful conservative par-

ty, Merkel wields strong influence in the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP).

“It is no secret that I have a lot of sympathy for JeanClaude Juncker,” she said at a joint news conference with new Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who ousted Juncker after a general election last October.

While stopping short of explicitly backing Juncker to head the EU executive, the chancellor said the immediate task was to find someone to lead European conservatives in the elections who could move up to become commission president.

Merkel added that sup-

port from his own country was a “very important message”.

“If Mr Juncker can become commission president, we will support this candidacy,” Bettel told reporters.

A new commission chief, in charge of proposing and enforcing regulations for some 500 million Europeans, will take office for five years from November, succeeding Portugal’s Jose Manuel Barroso who has led the institution since 2004.

The centre-right EPP, the largest political grouping in the outgoing 766-seat parliament, will choose its leading candidate at a congress in Dublin on March 6-7. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 news

friday, February 7, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar slams Taxi driver shot; car hijacked delays in major A road projects

President Donald Ramotar addressing the fourth engineering conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal

P

resident Donald Ramotar said the delays in the completion of multimillion-dollar projects such as the East Coast and East Bank four-lane road projects are of major concern. He said the delay in the project is a major inconvenience to persons plying

try and cannot afford to lose money over delays in projects. “There is a big need for greater supervision of our work… I understand some time it is unavoidable, but it is far too much, something is not right.”

He added, “Sometimes, there are too much of a cosy

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

those two routes.

While declaring open the fourth Public Works Ministry’s engineering conference, the president said he was tired of excuses.

He told those gathered at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown that the delivery of poor-quality work remains a major obstacle in the path of Guyana’s development. “Our bridges are sinking,” he lamented, while alluding to the quality of work executed.

Engineers, contractors, and other persons in the field of construction must devise ways to improve the quality of work delivered to the people of Guyana and simultaneously reduce cost overruns linked to delays. Guyana, he said, is still a poor coun-

relationship between contractors and engineers giving assignment to ensure that people get quality for their money.”

Left behind

Despite admitting that Guyanese engineers and contractors have a far way to go, President Ramotar said engineering plays a major role in the process of modernisation, hence Guyana should follow suit with the acceleration of major infrastructural developmental projects.

While making reference to the Panama Canal, hydropower projects in South Brazil, Mariel Port in Cuba, and the construction of a deepwater harbour in Jamaica, President Ramotar said by no means Guyana should be left behind.

Over the past 20 years, Guyana’s landscape have changed with improved roads, schools, sea defences and state-of-the-art facilities stretching across the housing, electrification, water, health and hospitality sectors.

But Guyana must move beyond this and broaden its horizons. It was on this note the president emphasised the importance of having a deepwater harbour to facilitate the docking of larger ships in Guyana.

At the time, the president was speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, Education Minister Priya Manickchand and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Jacob Opadeyi; in addition to senior officials from the Public Works Ministry, the private sector and students among others.

The public works minister, in his brief remarks, admitted that there are serious challenges within the sector, but said the ministry is working to rectify them.

He noted that the engineering conference was organised to build partnerships primarily with the University of Guyana.

Additionally, it serves as a learning camp. “We want to have collaboration between companies, between contractors, between engineers and technicians, and have a holistic review.”

He said in partnership with the development partners such as the European Union (EU), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank, and the governments of China and India, the ministry showcased opportunities within the engineering sector in Guyana with the aim of drawing more investors.

taxi driver is nursing a single gunshot wound to his left buttock, which he sustained on Wednesday evening during an altercation with two bandits, who subsequently hijacked his motor car in the vicinity of Aubrey Barker Road and Tucville Bridge, South Ruimveldt.

Dwayne Estwick, 41, of Lot 101 Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara, was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but was discharged on Thursday afternoon. He is presently at home but his car, a silver grey Toyota Premio, has not been found.

Speaking with this newspaper, Estwick said he has worked as a taxi driver operating from the Demico Car Park for more than 20 years and it was the first time he has been robbed.

Recalling the night of the incident, Estwick explained that a young man hired him at the Stabroek area and requested to be taken to Aubrey Barker Road and Tucville Bridge, South Ruimveldt.

He added that the man, who sat in the front passenger seat, indicated that he did not have the taxi fare,

but assured him that someone will be waiting to pay him at the destination.

The driver said he did not have a problem, thus he continued to the destination. He explained that as he turned into Tucville Bridge, he saw a man standing on the roadway and he stopped his car to allow his passenger to disembark.

Miracle

“When I stop the car, I see a man in the mirror coming towards the driver’s side window… It was raining heavily and as he reached closer, he pulled out a gun and out of fear and ignorance, I lock the doors… But I did not realise what was happening until the passenger pushed the car’s gear lever into park and fly the locks so that the man can get access… The man outside pulled me out of the car and put me to lie on the ground and threaten to shoot if I make any sounds.”

The still shaken man added that he told them they can take the car, but spare his life. The man who was the passenger then jumped into the driver’s seat and started to rev the car engine, seemly indicating that

it was time to go.

Estwick said the man who had the gun to his head pulled the trigger, but it did not go off. “He pulled again, but this time, I put up a fight and again, it didn’t go off… but the third time he pulled the trigger, the gun went off and shot me to my buttocks.”

The man then jumped into the car and his accomplice drove off. Estwick managed to flag down a vehicle and related his ordeal to the driver who took him to the East La Penitence Police Station where he made a report.

Upon realising that Estwick was injured, the police took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.

He said after he was discharged on Thursday, he sent his brother to enquire whether the police had found his car.

In a release, police stated that they were investigating the incident which occurred about 20:45h on Wednesday evening involving Estwick who reported that he was attacked and robbed of his motor car at Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt, by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Govt needs value for investment in police force – Rohee

H

ome Affairs Minister Clement Rohee on Thursday said the government has invested significant sums of money in the Guyana Police Force, so it needs to see results reflecting its investments.

He was at the time addressing the gathering at the launch of the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) training programme. The minister noted that his government since 1992 has been investing billions in the Guyana Police Force, as part of its commitment to the development of the security sector.

Rohee said these investments are part of the modernisation process of the Guyana Police Force. He noted that government was not happy with the current crime level, especially relating to serious crimes involving the use of firearms.

“The crime rate must be brought down, especially in light of the fact that so many resources are being placed at the disposal of the Guyana Police Force.

There must be no comfort level having regard to the amount of serious crimes that are committed on the national territory of our country. The only comfort zone we can tolerate and we should tolerate is that zone where the citizens of Guyana are comfortable,” the minister pointed out.

Rohee noted that government did not want crime statistics but results and value for the money it has

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

invested in the police force.

“With all the investments being made, we need to begin seeing more and more results,” he said. The minister went on to say that the force has been equipped with sufficient tools to yield results which will benefit citizens of Guyana.

Huge investments

The home affairs minister disclosed that from 2004 to last year, government has invested more than $2 billion in enhancing police equipment and its capacity in fingerprinting, crimes scene investigating, ballistics testing, narcotics interception and other areas.

Some $1.2 billion, he added, was invested in land and water transportation for the force, including motor

cars, trucks, motor cycles, all terrain-vehicles, communications vehicles, and patrol boats, as well as water cannon and mobile police stations.

“These are not trifling figures; these are huge investments that government has made in the Guyana Police Force to continue encourage the force,” Rohee noted.

According to the home affairs minister, these investments would be ineffective if the country’s crime rate does not drop.

The minister quoted a line from famous reggae singer Bob Marley’s “Rat Race” − “collective security for surety”, noting that he holds it very close to his heart. “Without collective security in our country, we ain’t getting no surety,” he stated.

Rohee’s comments on crime come at a time when the local crime rate continues to climb. In 2013, there was a five per cent increase in serious crime for the period January to November, taking the number of reports to 3690.

These included murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

Some 130 murders and 1038 armed robberies were reported during that period. Murders saw a three per cent increase, while armed robberies increased by seven per cent.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 7, 2014

17

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Generosity will lead to uneasiness. You don’t have to give in to demands from people who are asking too much.

Offer suggestions, solutions or physical help, not money.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Don’t expect others to see things your way.

Patience and moderation will be required. A tricky situation can go either way. Don’t take chances when it comes to how you earn your living.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Stay calm, even if your principles are questioned.

Avoid a confrontation that may put you out in front of others. Help those unable to help themselves.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

(June 21July 22) Don’t lend or borrow money or possessions.

Feelings of obligation to get involved in someone else’s plan will not bring you closer to reaching your goal. Choose what’s best for you.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Home-improvement projects or helping someone will cost more than you expect. Stick to the truth and say what’s on your mind. Honesty is the best policy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Make a point to reconnect with old friends.

Travel plans that entail business or educational pursuits will pay off. The connections you make along the way will be revealing.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Looking over your financial situation and personal papers will help you feel better about your future. Free your life from encumbrances to ease stress and open doors.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Thursday's solution

CANCER

Keep life simple, as adding expenses or responsibilities will lead to anxiety. Avoid excess by eliminating events and friendships that are geared toward indulgence.

Protect your assets and health.

Joint ventures and risky financial schemes must be avoided.

Extravagance will result in additional worries and stress. Caution must be taken against minor health problems or injuries.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Aggressive behaviour must be monitored carefully. There will be a fine line between being helpful and pushy. Listen to what’s being said and act accordingly. Let your intuition guide you.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

SAGITTARIUS

Be careful what you say. A difference of opinion could alter your future and put you in a defensive position. Listen, but refrain from getting involved in a no-win situation.

Look before you leap.

Mishaps are likely if you don’t take precautions.

Keep your opinions to yourself and avoid getting involved in an unsavory dispute. Make love, not war.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, February 7, 2014

Entertainment

A Aaron Blackman

s the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry braces itself for one of the biggest Mashramani celebrations, several events are being done in various regions to mark the occasion.

Two weeks ago, the chutney competition was held at the Bath Settlement Community Centre ground which saw massive support. After the performances of the 15 finalists, Pooran Seeraj won the coveted title.

One week after, the junior calypso competition was held and saw Shantel Gittens copping top honours.

All is now set for the hosting of the

senior calypso semi-finals slated for the Bartica Community Centre ground on Saturday evening. The event will see 18 calypsonians vying for a position in the final billed for February 14 at Demerara Park, Thirst Park.

Those who will be competing in the semi-finals are: Daria Barrow, Karen Bennette, Garfield Campbell, Martin Byrne, Malcolm Corrica, Linden Thomas, John Marcus, Pearl Lewis, Aaron Blackman, Dawn Edwards, Lassel Duke, Derrick Mangal, Kenroy Fraser, Wilfield James, Jon Persaud, Sheldon Lyken, Tiny Duggan and the Junior Calypso Monarch winner Shantel

Gittens.

At the semi-final stage, 10 persons will be eliminated which will only see seven contestants moving into the finals to compete with reigning calypso monarch De Professor. The winner of the competition will walk away with $600,000; the second place winner will receive $400,000; the third place winner will receive $250,000 and $100,000 will be rewarded to the fourth place winner.

Admission to the Bartica Community Centre ground is $1000 and tickets will be available at the gate.

Showtime is 20:00h.

Roger Hinds

Tinny Duggan Dawn Edwards

Garfield Campbell

Kenroy Fraser

Lassel Duke

T

he Pegasus Poolside is definitely the place to be this Sunday evening for the unveiling of several Mash bands and more importantly, patrons will get a chance to witness for the first time, a showcase of brain, beauty and sassiness.

At least 35 models from La Face Model Management will take to the catwalk in several ensembles to coincide with Mash celebrations.

Apart from the colourful, skimpy and feathery outfits, models will also showcase designer gowns, among other collections of clothing.

This event called “Exotica” will definitely be a fusion of fashion, music, cocktails and beautiful people. La Face Model Management recruits young men and women to be a part of its dynamic team which gives the necessary exposure that guarantees a thrilling experience.

On the night of February 9, it will also feature the best and newest trained local models and some of our new and well-known local

Martin Byrne

and international designers.

It will feature designs by regional designer Roger Gary, Guyana’s own Olympia Small Sonaram, Isaiah Luther, Marcia De Santos, Nelson Nurse and new guest designer, Tracy Brand.

Models from La Face Model Management, along with other top models, are ready to take to the catwalk and leave a long lasting impression on the minds of those who will be at the event.

VIP tickets cost $10,000 and regular tickets cost $4000 and are available at Sanjay’s Jewellery Inc, Pegasus Hotel, Gizmos and Gadgets, Cat Walk, GuyBuyz (Top Floor) City Mall, Regency Suites, Xetech Online – Courtyard Mall, Rogue Beauty and Forever 21.

Patrons will also have a chance to win one of three costumes to join the bands on Mash day. “Exotica” is the first event of its kind and it promises to leave you only with anticipation of future shows to come.

Pearl Lewis

Wifield James

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, February 7, 2014

19

Entertainment

Blakka

Chris Gopaul

Chow Pow

Sir Mars

T

he big stage is all set and the “big boys” and “gals” of Caribbean comedy are all ready and raring to go. With no other major production on for this weekend, Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) is the place to be.

The event is set for this Saturday and Sunday and from feedback, it is definitely going to be a night of laughter.

For the first time, due to the non-functioning air conditioning units at the facility, the administration of the NCC has agreed to be flexible with its dress code and will see it being altered to accommodate persons with designer jeans, but cut up jeans will not be allowed.

Rawle and Kerwin

line of the nightly shows.

Tickets cost $2000 and $1500 for the auditorium, while balcony tickets cost $1000 and are available at the National Cultural Centre, Gizmos and Gadgets, Upscale, Electronics City, Creative Jewellery and Pawn Shop, and The Garage Bar and Grill.

The event is sponsored

by Creative Jewellery and Pawn Shop, BK International, Kanhai’s Electrical, Creations Craft, Water Chris, Rent A Tent, Fly Jamaica, Kanuku Suites, HJ Entertainment, SKAR TV and Tropical Rhythms.

So put on your Jeans, your weave, take out your false teeth and “come laff til yuh belly buss”.

will have you laughing your teeth out.

Blakka was featured in the Jamaican blockbuster

Lil Red

Vanilla

Shelly G

Robbie Singh

I

n just over a week from today, the Guyana National Service ground, Carifesta Avenue, will be sizzling hot with Hits and Jams Entertainment running off its inaugural day of sports.

Since the announcement, the air has been buzzing with excitement since it is revealed that directors of the entertainment group, Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers are expected to run a 100 metre race against a few popular promoters out of the East Coast of Demerara.

Well, the only way to find out who wins this clash is to witness the showdown on Sunday, February 16, commencing at 10:00h. The featured races which will also see television personalities in spandex and short pants steaming up the track as they are not excluded. The deejays, media personnel, entertainers,

“Dancehall Queen” and has performed in the U.S., Canada, London and around the Caribbean. He has mastered the

art of physicality in comedy.

His claim of being king of Caribbean stand-up however will be under serious threat when he meets Chow Pow, Radika, Henry Rodney, Gopaul and Basil Bradshaw.

Add Sir Mars, Michael Ignatius and the Reactorz to that lineup; we recommend you make your bathroom pit stop before the shows start.

The producers have indicated that the material used will be appropriate for the entire family.

Anything used will be suggestive at the most, so parents can bring their children to the shows.

The shows will also start on time, so patrons are asked to come out early since organisers say you shouldn’t miss a single

De Reactorz Headlining the action will be Jamaica’s king of standup comedy, Owen “Blakka” Ellis, comedian extraordinaire who

Henry Rodney

Gordon Moseley

and even local artistes will be there to add to the excitement.

Some of these personalities include Curtis Armstrong called “Casual”, Malcolm Perreira, Stan Gouveia, Gordon Mosley, Bevaughn Moore, Deejay Energy, Nurriyih Gerrard, Feliz Robertson, Tamara Rodney, Selector Diamond, Selector

Shizzle, Deejay Garwin, Javid Ali, Jonathan Beepa, Robbie Singh, Adrian Dutchin, Jumo Primo, James Bond, Vanilla, Shelly G, Big Red, Jessica Xavier and many others.

There are also expected to be various clashes; one might definitely be a deejay sound off and sound clashes.

Those are only a few of the activities that are planned for the day, and Hits and Jams Entertainment will be making sure that everyone present has a grand time. Those who love to play cricket, basketball, football and other games will be in for a treat. Novelty races including the three-legged race and 'lime and spoon' will also be a star attraction.

Persons are invited countrywide and if you believe you have what it takes, come out and battle in a suitable category.

T

he stage is set for the highly anticipated semi finals of the Carib Soca Monarch billed for Saturday evening at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road commencing at 20:00h.

All 18 artistes are hyped and ready to compete for the grand prize of $1.5 million and bragging rights for a year, but the winner will also have an opportunity to represent Guyana at the international competition in Trinidad and Tobago.

The semis are expected to be steaming hot, taking into consideration that there will be eliminations on that night and only a fraction of contestants will be moving forward to the finals slated for February 15 at the National Park tarmac.

This year, there are a few new

Kwesi "Ace" Edmondson

faces while there are still some veterans in the game.

The semi-finalists are Lady T, Shelly G, G Money, Ernesta Nelson, Ahzula’s, Avalanche,

Mysterious, Natoya London, Vanilla, AJ, Magga Man, Kemmy, Lil Red, Roger B, Bones Man, Kwesi "Ace" Edmonson, Passion and Ivelaw.

Keen attention is being placed on Kwasi Ace, Lil Red, Shelly G and Vanilla as perspective finalists. Based on reviews, there are others who are capable of getting into the finals but some are of the opinion that on the night of the competition, the stage performance will be the deciding factor as to who goes and who stays.

So Berbice, get ready for a fantastic evening of soca music which will definitely put you in the mood for Mash, which is being celebrated under the theme of “Cultural folk lore, celebrating 44”.

20

entertainment

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friday, february 7, 2014

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G

uyana Entertainment Magazine (GEM), the nation’s first lifestyle and entertainment magazine has weathered the storm to celebrate a decade in existence.

Launched on January 30, 2004, at the Hotel Tower in Georgetown, this bi-monthly magazine made history when it drastically changed the rules of the publishing game in Guyana with its high quality, full-coloured glossy look.

Their journey first began in 2002, a full two years before the actual launch of GEM, when its Founder and Publisher Simeon Corbin, who was based overseas at the time, contemplated doing an events calendar-type publication.

The idea at the time was to inform locals and visitors to the country about entertainment events and other activities occurring year-round. After lengthy and convincing discussions with his family and friends, Corbin’s concept soon developed into a full sized lifestyle and entertainment magazine, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

GEM’s premiere edition was truly a work of art, as it was the first time people, places and events related to Guyana were presented in a magazine of international quality with features pertaining to the our culture and lifestyle, running from cover to cover.

Gracing the first cover was the second runner-up of the Miss Guyana Universe 2004 pageant, Michelle Armstrong, brightly dressed in a Mashramani costume on a glossy yellow background.

The magazine has since featured numerous Guyanese personalities over its 10-year stint.

Today, the image of the country has changed tremendously, not only because of GEM, but also because of the

other forms of media outlets that have taken up the torch of helping to shine a brighter light on the positive sides of our society.

There is no doubt that GEM, with its world-class pictures and to-the-point style of reporting, has raised the stakes in magazine production and changed the way people see Guyana.

Even when things are not at its best in society, the magazine always seems to find ways of delivering uplifting content. In the years since its inception, GEM has continuously upped the ante after miraculously withstanding the ups and downs of Guyana’s economy and a world recession to deliver 60 copies – all masterly done.

Over the years, they have seen great measures of success with small, medium and large scale companies seizing the opportunity to promote their products within its glossy pages.

GEM has also had a potpourri of who’s who in business, sport, entertainment, music, fashion and the media on its covers.

Initially, many people did not understand the concept of the magazine and didn’t believe that an all-positive presentation of Guyana could be done.

Despite the critics, they will continue to focus on the positive lifestyle trends of Guyanese because readers are hungry for inspirational entertainment as a way to escape. Under the leadership of Corbin, there was an editorial decision from the beginning to transcend race, politics, religion and class to focus on promoting the country.

Today, those vows still remain very sacred, and will be used as the foundation on which they will propel themselves into the next decade. The magazine continues to make a genuine effort to reach out and be an inclusive outlet for

Guyanese of all walks of life. Their aim is to make everyone who encounters GEM feel that they are part of a unique experience.

Six times a year, this international magazine covers exciting social events and other thought-provoking lifestyle topics.

As Guyana continues to develop, the magazine plans to continue evolving to reflect society’s ever changing trends. It is what people read to find out what or who is happening – it is what they have come to expect.

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Their main aim in 2014 is to focus on volunteerism and giving back to Guyana by increasing their partnerships with nongovernment organisations.

The publisher and staff of GEM took the opportunity to extend genuine and heartfelt thanks to all their faithful friends, readers and clients for rejecting outdated business attitudes and giving the magazine a fair chance and an equal opportunity to proudly celebrate Guyana in print, online and on television.

GEM is available at most newsstands in Guyana and via worldwide subscription. There are plans to host a number of activities including charitable donations to mark this momentous milestone for the magazine.

John’s “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl” where she played the character, “Mavis” the prostitute.

She is cognisant that over the years, she has grown from that little girl and thought that if she had the chance to play “Mavis” all over again, she would do it but with a totally different flair.

She is one of the actresses in this weekend’s comedy jam and says working with Chow Pow is special. She is a part of the

Reactorz group and cannot wait to hit the stage come Saturday and Sunday evening at the National Culture Centre.

Innis said that Chow Pow is a “special child, one who needs extra attention. He is one of those children who sometimes throws a tantrum everywhere they go, that is Chow Pow but what I’ve admired about him is the fact that he accepts his wrongs (once upon a Blue Moon) and does what’s right to make things better”.

Apart from theatrical presentations at the National Cultural Centre, she and the other members of the Reactorz will be taking their talent and creativity across Guyana during 2014.

The talented young woman said that she loves the stage and sees females in stage work in Guyana setting the pace for generations to come. She however, is not a stand-up comedian but gives kudos to the Guyanese women who are brave enough to entertain off the top of their head.

Success

T

ashandra Inniss is a founding member of the Drama Queens Production Company which was born when four friends recognised that their own lives were filled with personal crises that they were rising above.

Though she appreciates acting, it’s her love for writing that keeps her grounded. So Tashandra has moved from poetry to short stories to plays. “I’m sticking with writing because from behind the pen, I am in control of everything and it’s a beautiful feeling, when someone reads your work or sees your work on stage.”

She said that she has been involved in acting since Carifesta X, noting that that it was never a dream of hers to be on stage but she jumped at the opportunity because she wanted to challenge herself. “I wanted to go from the girl who never spoke to the outspoken girl and I did just that by signing up for acting”, the young lady added.

Just after Carifesta X, she was offered her first role in Errol

friday, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Late wickets give Sri Lanka advantage M

aiden tons for the overnight pair of Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes had energised Bangladesh and their crowd in the morning, but by stumps, Sri Lanka’s industrious spinners had extracted enough dismissals to stay on track for victory, despite the visitors’ abject fielding. A late Ajantha Mendis double-strike swung the match decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour, after the Bangladesh middle-order provided fitful resistance. The hosts are still 178 runs adrift in the first innings, with two wickets in hand.

Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah had put on 46 together as the sun began to set, but with only 21 balls remaining until the day’s quota was done, a wide ball from Mendis failed to bounce, and Dinesh Chandimal collected what the umpire believed was an under-edge. Bangladesh’s last recognised batsman Sohag Gazi was struck in front of middle and off stump next ball, forcing his prompt departure, and Mendis was only denied a hat-trick by unexpected bounce, which may have taken the ball that struck the new batsman’s front pad above the stumps.

Caution

Shamsur and Imrul were ruled by caution, then adventure, in the morning before giving way to impatience when they surrendered after lunch. They had only strayed, though, after having adding 232 runs, the secondhighest Test partnership for Bangladesh, which was also the best for the second wicket. The wicketless first session appeared to unlock the spir-

Imrul’s advances were more on the off side, as he laid into a visibly disorganised Nuwan Pradeep. Width was punished repeatedly and emphatically, in the arc between backward-point and cover, and the balls at the body only fared slightly better, with Imrul reprising the pull shot that had been profitable for him on the previous evening.

If the morning session had made clear the immense talent in Bangladesh cricket, the period after resumption laid out some of its enduring frustrations. Shamsur completed his maiden hundred, in his second Test, with a strike through the covers, but seeing his partner exult at triple figures seemed only to make Imrul more nervous.

Anxiety

Shamsur Rahman

it Bangladesh had lacked in the first six days of the series, even if the batsmen who followed were occasionally guilty of taking hair-brained options.

There were moments of imprudence at the top of the day, but the batsmen largely eschewed ambition and strove to reacclimatise themselves to the surface, in the first hour, dulling Sri Lanka’s earnest start in the process. The first 15 overs of the day brought only 45 runs, but after that Imrul and Shamsur took to punishing a quickly-worsening bowling effort. They would advance at 5.4 runs an over for the remainder of the ses-

sion.

The shift in Bangladesh’s approach from the first Test was most evident in the way they dealt with Sri Lanka’s short balls. Bouncers had been their undoing in Mirpur, but aided by a surface that did not reward short-pitched bowling, both batsmen hooked and pulled judiciously, and often. Shamsur’s restraint was as laudably as his aggression.

In the 37th over, he hooked consecutive Suranga Lakmal balls with authority, but when the bowler delivered a third short ball outside off stump, the batsman did not offer the same stroke.

On 95, he faced an over from Mendis replete with both cringe-inducing anxiety and incredible good fortune. Perhaps hoping to bash his way to the ton, Imrul advanced to Mendis, found the ball had pitched wide, and offered a gentle top-edged lob to Kithuruwan Vithanage who promptly shelled it. Becoming even more fidgety, Imrul was beaten by one that spun away from him next ball, then when he spotted the kind of short, wide delivery that he had imperiously played along the ground all morning, the batsman slapped it in the air to Vithanage, again.

At the other end, new-centurion Shamsur swung his bat in frustration at the timidity of his partner’s dismissal, when the catch was completed.

Only, when Shamsur turned around, the umpire had his arm out for a no-ball. Neither

the Sri Lanka fielders nor either batsman quite seemed to believe it. By Mendis’ next over, Imrul had girded himself enough to bat more intelligently. He blasted a shortwide Lakmal ball to collect his own hundred.

Just as the two should have consolidated their gains however, Shamsur offered an untimely slog to Mendis on 106 and was bowled. He left to a standing ovation, which he had deserved after his morning’s work. But his attitude after both he and Kayes reached hundreds perhaps merited some reproach, given Bangladesh were still 355 runs short of Sri Lanka’s total.

Imrul was less cavalier, but when Sri Lanka strung together several tight overs, the limits of his patience were also soon discovered. On 115, he ran at Mendis and played an almighty, hamstring-twinging slog, and had his off stump pegged back. Worryingly for Bangladesh, he needed to be carried off the field on a stretcher, casting severe doubts on his further participation in the match.

Sri Lanka’s spinners

found their groove in the second session, and though poor balls still frustrated efforts to build pressure, they managed enough turn and variation from the surface to prevent another big stand. Dilruwan Perera was the more accurate bowler, wheeling away on middle and off, and turning the ball away from Bangladesh’s left-handed batsmen. He removed Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim after they had made promising starts, either side of tea.

Shakib Al Hasan played with characteristic enterprise for his 50, though he had first batted with reservation, scoring 1 from his first 25 balls.

Soon he began to pick off the poor balls, particularly those wide of the stumps, as he flayed nine boundaries on the off side. He had seemed set for a bigger innings himself, but Perera, under Angelo Mathews’ guidance, ambushed him with a pair of short covers. The bowler floated one up outside off stump and Shakib’s drive, perfectly timed, was snaffled half a metre from the turf by Dimuth Karunaratne. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh 1st innings Tamim Iqbal b Lakmal 0 Shamsur Rahman b Mendis 106 Imrul Kayes b Mendis 115 Mominul Haque lbw b Perera 13 Shakib Al Hasan c Karunaratne b Perera 50 Mushfiqur Rahim*† c Silva b Perera 20 Nasir Hossain c †Chandimal b Mendis 42 Mahmudullah not out 30 Sohag Gazi lbw b Mendis 0

Al-Amin Hossain not out 3 Extras: (b 8, lb 1, nb 21) 30 Total: (8 wickets; 115 overs) 409 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Tamim Iqbal), 2-232 (Shamsur Rahman), 3-252 (Mominul Haque), 4-259 (Imrul Kayes), 5-319 (Mushfiqur Rahim), 6-350 (Shakib Al Hasan), 7-396 (Nasir Hossain), 8-396 (Sohag Gazi) Bowling: RAS Lakmal 23-568-1, N Pradeep 15-2-960, BAW Mendis 27-2-844, MDK Perera 39-4-119-3, AD Mathews 11-1-33-0

Williamson, McCullum flatten India W hen MS Dhoni won his sixth consecutive toss of the tour, in the first Test in Auckland, he smiled sheepishly at his good fortune on an overcast morning. By the end of the first day, though, the smile had disappeared and his greying beard took prominence because India had endured a forgettable day. Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum scored aggressive hundreds during a rapid double-century stand for the fourth wicket, consigning New Zealand’s top-order stumble to a distant memory.

More than the volume of runs, the manner in which they were scored was remarkable. On a grassy dropin pitch at Eden Park, India’s bowlers applied pressure in the first session and New Zealand lost three wickets for 54 runs before lunch. After the break, though, the stirring riposte from Williamson and McCullum changed everything. They had got together with the score on 30 for 3 in the 18th over and added 221 in 51 overs.

Williamson and McCullum launched a counterattack and picked up runs in similar regions but by employing entirely differ-

ent methods. For every silken Williamson straight drive, McCullum played a powerful punch; for every neat back-foot push through cover from Williamson, McCullum cut violently; for every controlled pull from Williamson, McCullum unleashed fullblooded slaps. In between, there were urgently-run singles as they took on tiring fielders.

Range of shots

Williamson was the enforcer early on, using his range of shots to manoeuver the ball into gaps on both sides of the field. Zaheer Khan was driven to the straight boundary, Ravindra Jadeja was lofted towards the sightscreen and Mohammed Shami was punched stylishly through the off side.

Williamson, the leading runscorer in the ODI series, had brought his form to the longer format.

The lack of pace from India’s bowlers helped McCullum too, as he used his quick hands to punish anything marginally short. And there was plenty of friendly short bowling from India. One such delivery from Ishant caught the top edge of McCullum’s bat

Kane Williamson raises his bat after reaching his hundred

and sailed over the wicketkeeper to bring up the halfcentury of the partnership, off 73 balls. Another top edge gave Williamson the six that

took him to his sixth consecutive half-century against India. They may have been top-edges but the deliveries were worse, and Eden Park’s

straight boundaries were short.

They then unfurled a flurry of straight drives to bring up the century stand.

McCullum was the first to reach a hundred, off 135 balls, with a powerful drive over long-on off Jadeja. Two overs later, Williamson completed his majestic hundred - his fifth in Tests - with an inside out drive off the spinner. He was finally dismissed in the 69th over, edging an innocuous Zaheer delivery down the leg side to Dhoni. Corey Anderson, the new batsman, survived nervous moments early on and ensured New Zealand ended the day without any further damage.

The morning, however, could not have been more different. Under gloomy skies, Ishant sparked India’s attack to life, taking two key wickets, and keeping New Zealand quiet. He accounted for Hamish Rutherford in his first over, the batsmen playing away from the body and falling to a sharp diving catch from Ajinkya Rahane at gully, and then dismissed Ross Taylor via another sharp catch, by Jadeja at short midoff.

India, however, were left to rue a missed chance at a

crucial moment. With New Zealand seeking a way out from their troubled start, Williamson was dropped at first slip by M Vijay off Shami. He went on to score 81 more. Shikhar Dhawan had also dropped Peter Fulton early on in the innings and misjudged a top-edge off McCullum later in the day.

Ishant, after bowling his first six overs for eight runs, failed to control the run flow, while Jadeja, Zaheer and Shami remained profligate throughout the McCullumWilliamson stand. The bowling and fielding summed up India’s day. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand 1st innings PG Fulton lbw b Khan 13 HD Rutherford c Rahane b I Sharma 6 KS Williamson c †Dhoni b Khan 113 LRPL Taylor c Jadeja b I Sharma 3 BB McCullum* not out 143 CJ Anderson not out 42 Extras: (b 1, lb 5, w 3) 9 Total: (4 wickets; 90 overs) 329 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Rutherford), 2-23 (Fulton), 3-30 (Taylor), 4-251 (Williamson) Bowling: Mohammed Shami 22-6-66-0, Z Khan 23-2-982, Sharma 21-4-62-2, RA Jadeja 20-1-81-0, V Kohli 1-04-0, RG Sharma 3-0-12-0

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

“HPC has helped me a lot,” says Beaton

– targets early Windies call-up

By Rajiv Bisnauth

P

romising Guyanese fast bowler, Ronsford Beaton says his time at the Sagicor High Performance Centre (HPC) has helped to take his game to another level.

Beaton and fellow Guyanese, Chanderpaul Hemraj are among a squad of 14 young players selected to receive training at the Sagicor HPC for the 20132014 programme.

“I must say the HPC has helped me a lot, the time there has definitely taken my game to another level,” the fast bowler said. “I did a lot of spot bowling and at the same time bowled with variation, which helped my bowling a lot and working with bowling Coach Roddy Estwick has been beneficial,” Beaton said on

Tuesday after the Guyana/ Windward Islands clash.

Meanwhile, the hard work has started to pay dividends.

Beaton announced himself when he helped sway the momentum Guyana’s way with a key middle overs spell and finished with 3 for 43 to win Man-of-the- Match honours against the Windward Islands in the NAGICO Super50 game played Tuesday at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, where Guyana won by 22 runs.

The 21-year-old was also among the wickets in Guyana’s opening game against Ireland, claiming 2-41. Guyana won that game by 141 runs. Beaton says he is hoping to impress the regional selectors during the current tournament and the four-day championship,

which follows; adding that a senior West Indies call-up for the upcoming home series against England is his main short term goal.

“I am fast and bowling with control and certainly I am looking forward for a West Indies’ pick this year, but I know I have to take wickets on a consistent basis and impress the selectors,” the enthusiastic Beaton asserted.

West Indies and England will play a three-match ODI series in Antigua on February 28, March 2 and 5. The two teams will also clash in three T20 games, slated for March 9, 11 and 13 in Barbados. Ever since making his First-class debut against England Lions at Providence in 2011, Beaton has placed himself on the radar.

Only last September

when Beaton toured with the West Indies ‘A’ team to India, versatile all-rounder Yuvraj Singh recognised his natural talent and rated him as a young Curtley Ambrose, a former West Indies and distinguished fast bowler.

Beaton captained the Guyana Under-19 team in 2011, while he also skippered Essequibo at the Guyana Cricket Board senior inter-county competition.

He went on to represent the regional team at the Under-19 World Cup tournament in Australia, while he has featured for Guyana in all three versions, fourday, one-day and T20.

Having shown great aggression and hostility during his admirable career so far, many feel he already has the potential to don the prestigious maroon colours.

Region Nine club set to have meeting to discuss objectives

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he newly formed Region Nine Athletics Club is hoping to have a meeting before the end of February to set their 2014 projections, according to chairman of the club Kenrick Lewis.

At the AAG’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in January a motion was moved to have the club join the athletic fray, which was accepted unanimously by the stakeholders attending the meeting.

As such efforts to develop a plan for the new club in has been difficult because of communication difficulties, president of the AAG Aubrey Hutson has said.

However, Lewis in a telephone interview with Guyana Times Sport related that a meeting should be held this month end once al the relevant stake holders are contacted.

“We are suppose to have a meeting in relation to setting

our projections for this year.

Because of the geographical location it is difficult to get persons together as they might be 100 miles apart, but as soon as we are able to get the meeting done we will be better able to give our projections,” Lewis stated.

The club which has over 30 athletes, according to Lewis, also thanked Director of Sport Neil Kumar for his contributions of a javelin and discus to the club. Lewis hopes that the meeting can be held by month end in order to have their midyear competition.

Region Nine is known for their exploits in long distance events and has produced a number of athletes such as Ricardo Martin, Doretta Wilson, Regina John and Samuel Kaiton, who have all done well at the National School Championships, but have faded away due to their location far away from the capital city.

Jumbo Jet Match 8 abandoned due to rain horse race meet R confirmed for February 16

By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

he Jumbo Jet Racing Stable and Business establishment's rescheduled horse race meet has been confirmed for February 16 at the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC), according to coordinator Chandu Ramkisoon.

The meet was originally scheduled for December 28 last, but persistent rainfall which swept most of the coastal plain had left the PMTC facility under water, giving the authorities no alternative but to postpone the event.

Meanwhile, Ramkisoon told this publication on Thursday that organisers have made several changes from the original programme. He indicated that the programme has been reduced to a seven-race meet.

He further pointed out that the A Class event has been replaced by the D1 and Lower as the feature matchup on the day, while the prize money for the winner has been reduced to $1 million.

The feature race will see the horses racing over 1600 metres. On the other hand, the Four-Year-old race for horses born and bred

in Guyana and the West Indies has a winning tag of $500,000 over 1500 meters.

The Three-Year-Old Guyana and West Indies bred horses will gallop over 1200 metres for the $600,000 first prize on offer. The E1 Class horses will also run over 1200 metres and will see the champion horse taking home a winners money of $500,000.

The race for G1 and Lower horses has a winning purse of $400,000, also over 1200 metres.

The I and Lower 1000meter event has a winning prize of $250,000, while the other event is for animals classified J and Lower, which is a 1200-metre affair for a winner’s pocket of $200,000.

The organisers have also added a substantial amount of cash and other attractions to the day’s activities that total over $11 million in cash and trophies.

Registration for the race meet closes next Tuesday and, according to Ramkisoon, no late entries will be accepted.

The race is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). Race time is 12:30h.

ain forced an abandonment of Match 8 in the NAGICO Super50 between Barbados and the Combined Campuses and Colleges.

It would have been the second match at Shaw Park in Tobago, a day after Trinidad & Tobago defeated the Leeward Islands by five wickets.

Rain greeted both teams at the venue early on Wednesday morning. There were periods where it looked like a short game would be possible but that

was curtailed by further heavy rainfall in the afternoon.

Just after 13:30h Local Time (12:30h Jamaica Time), the umpires decided that the field would not be ready and called off the match. The abandonment means both teams share two points each.

Barbados move further at the top of Zone B on seven points while the Combined Campuses & Colleges move into second place on six points. (WICB Media Release)

Kevin Pietersen: ECB refuses to explain exit decision

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ngland’s decision to end Kevin Pietersen’s international career is still shrouded in confusion after national selector James Whitaker refused to divulge the reasons for it.

In an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Whitaker would only say it was time to “rebuild” and “reignite the passion” amongst the England players following a disastrous Ashes tour.

Indicating there were legal restrictions in place, Whitaker said: “We are in a precarious situation in terms of what we can say.”

But he added: “I would like to say what a great and fantastic player Kevin has been for England. I wish him well for the future, but it is time to rebuild.”

England announced on Tuesday that Pietersen was no longer part of their plans.

When pressed for an explanation by BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, former Leicestershire captain Whitaker, who played one Test and two one-day games for England, said: “There are issues but at this stage I’m

Kevin Pietersen

James Whitaker

not at liberty to suggest in what areas.”

Asked if the truth would ever come out, the 51-yearold, who recently became England’s chief selector following the resignation of Geoff Miller, said: “It’s tricky to say.

“All I am very optimistic about doing is to reignite the passion that people will have to play for England and to win back the country.”

Lord Marland, who unsuccessfully campaigned to become chairman of the England and Wales Cricket

Board in 2009, fears “the wheels are coming off” English cricket following the disastrous tour of Australia and subsequent mystery surrounding Pietersen.

“The ECB have got themselves into now is a mess because they haven’t considered what the message needs to be in terms of Pietersen or in the aftermath of the series as a whole,” Marland told BBC Radio 5 live.

“There have been people returning from the series, there have been people resigning during the series,

there’s been the coach resigning after saying ‘I’m going on and taking the team forward’.

“The wheels are sort of coming off, unfortunately, quite continually.”

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has also commented on Pietersen’s demotion from the England team, insisting there is a “powerful argument” for keeping him in the side.

Speaking on BBC Radio Lancashire, the PM said Pietersen was a “remarkable” cricketer and expressed sympathy with the views of television presenter Piers Morgan, an ally of Pietersen.

“I am an enormous fan of Kevin Pietersen and I have had some of my most enjoyable times watching him tonking the ball all over the park,” said Cameron.

“His average is remarkable. It is not often I have a sympathy for Piers Morgan but I thought he was making quite a powerful argument this morning on my radio.

“But I will let the England selectors pick the England team, I think I had better stay out of this one.” (BBC Sport)

friday, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

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Guyana Horse Agricola, St Ann's, Providence win Racing Authority A AGM on Sunday Scotiabank Kiddy cricket...

gricola, St Ann’s and Providence Primary schools recorded victories when the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Festival continued yesterday with action in the Lower East Bank District.

Playing at Thirst Park, Peter’s Hall Primary went down to Agricola by 7 runs. Peter’s Hall batted first and posted 137-6 off their allocation of 10 overs. Seon Wright and Shemar Yearwood were their leading batsmen with 13 and 10 respectively; extras assisted with 18. Devon Clarke and

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he Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) will hold its Annual General Meeting on Sunday beginning at 12:00h at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC). High on the agenda will be the election of office bearers for the new period.

The president, secretary and treasurer’s reports are also expected to be presented. There is also expected to be a review of the last year’s work, while the racing programme and dates for 2014 will be finalised.

The status of the horse racing legislation and other important issues surrounding the sport are also expected to be discussed. It is not certain if incumbent president Cecil Kennard will be seeking re-election.

Meanwhile, horse racing, since its resuscitation some seven years ago, has been operating with a legal document that was registered under the Miscellaneous Deeds Act, but the lack of adequate legislation and the absence of good management practices are responsible for the sport not being a bigger success story in Guyana.

Guyana’s last legitimate racing authority was the Demerara Racing Authority that was located at Durban Backlands. The body once regularised horse racing and outlined parameters for trainers and owners of horses in Guyana, but it became

apiece, while Ryan Skinner and Alan Empthee captured two wickets each.

Providence got the better of Eccles Primary by 21 runs. Eccles scored 110-7 in 10 overs, batting first, with Sophia Kamakoon scoring 12, Elijah Seymour and Randy Raouf 08 each. Ziphorea Reid and Indira Amardeo grabbed two wickets apiece.

Providence posted 131-5 in 10 overs in reply. Asif Khan scored 12 while extras supported with 26; there were two wickets each for Raul Gittens and Kamakoon.

Moeen, Parry in World Twenty20 squad

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Cecil Kennard

defunct in 1972.

In mid 2012, affiliated clubs of the GHRA decided to set up an Interim Management Committee (IMC) until January last when new elections were held.

Vic Ouditt, who was elected president when the sport was resuscitated, did not seek re-election at the 2011 elections after he expressed outrage about the attitude of some members of the GHRA. Ouditt’s successor, Khemraj Rai, lasted about six months in office before resigning from the position, prompting the establishment of the IMC. Last January, the AGM and elections were attended by the seven race clubs, along with horse owners, trainers and other stakeholders. The clubs present were allowed to engage in the voting process to reinstate the executive of the GHRA. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

ngland have sprung a surprise in the selection for their squad to tour the Caribbean and then travel to the World Twenty20, including an eyecatching batsman who also bowls capable offspin. Moeen Ali is not quite as box-office a name as Kevin Pietersen but, along with the uncapped Lancashire spinner Stephen Parry, his call-up was indicative of England’s desire to begin a new era.

Harry Gurney, the Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer, has also been included an an extra bowler for the West Indies, where England will play three ODIs and three T20s. Otherwise, the group that were crushed 3-0 in Australia has remained largely intact, with Danny Briggs and Boyd Rankin dropped from James Whitaker’s first squad as national selector.

Whitaker, who met on Wednesday with Ashley Giles, the limited-overs coach, and former team director Andy Flower to discuss selection, would not be drawn further on Pietersen’s exclusion, referring to a “precarious situation in terms of what we can say” and citing legal reasons for the ECB’s continued silence.

While Moeen, a former

AAG postpones senior championships again

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he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is being punished by the current weather, as it was forced to postpone the 2013 Senior Athletics Championship for the second time in two weeks.

The meet which was originally scheduled for February 2 had to be postponed due to the inclement weather.

This time around the unavailability of the Enmore Community Centre ground and the current rainy weather caused the association to move the meet to February 24 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, according to president of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson.

The meet is expected

Thaiesha Bishop claimed two wickets each. Agricola replied with 144-4 in 10 overs with extras contributing 24. Anthony Andrews made 7 while Wright returned to take 2 wickets.

St Ann’s defeated Mocha Primary by 28 runs. Mocha took first strike and managed 103-6 in 10 overs. Extras led with 24. Isaacs Jackson and Orande De Souza snared two wickets each for St. Ann’s who responded with 131-6 in 10 overs. Extras made a sterling contribution with 26; John Lakhan and Trevon Narine made 6

Aubrey Hutson

to see the best of Guyana’s athletes to compete together for a chance to be called the best. With the likes of

Olympian Winston George, who is currently preparing for the South American Games, and Jason Yaw, for a chance to better his Carifta 40-metre bronze medal at Carifta last year at this event, the meet will serve as a testing ground for the athletes, since it will be their first form of competition for the year.

The influx of junior talent will also help toward gauging the level of difference between the juniors and seniors and the work that needs to be done to improve the athletes.

However, the wait will be a little while for the athletes to prove themselves against their peers at the senior championships.

(Treiston Joseph)

England Under-19s captain, has been tipped to play at international level for some time, Parry’s selection will appear straight out of left field to some. However, the 28-year-old has built a solid reputation in limited-overs cricket at Lancashire and has 63 T20 wickets to go with an impressive economy of 6.86.

England appear to set to enter something of a spin cycle, after the retirement of Graeme Swann, and Parry could become the fifth slow

bowler tried in a matter of weeks. Monty Panesar and Scott Borthwick were turned to in the final two Ashes Tests, before James Tredwell and Briggs suffered varying degrees of ignominy during the limited-overs leg of England’s dismal tour.

The need to find a reliable spin option is all the more pressing, given the slow pitches expected in Bangladesh for the World T20. Parry has only played six first-class games, with Gary Keedy and then Simon

Kerrigan blocking his way at Lancashire, and missed much of last season after breaking his arm in the nets.

He spent the winter playing grade cricket in Perth.

“It goes without saying that I was absolutely delighted to have received the call from James Whitaker. I am still in a bit of shock,” Parry told the Manchester Evening News. “It’s always an ambition to play for your country and being in the squad brings that dream a step closer to reality.” (Cricinfo)

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

friday, february 7, 2014

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NBA ROUND UP: TRAIL BLAZERS 94-90 WIN OVER KNICKS

“HPC has Agricola, St Ann's, helped Providence win me a lot,” says Beaton Scotiabank Kiddy cricket...

See story on page

22

– targets early Windies call-up

Guyanese fast bowler, Ronsford Beaton INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

Guyana P Horse Racing Authority AGM on Sunday 23

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23

Part of the action between Peter's Hall and Agricola

Persaud confirms asking Matthias to resign

By Treiston Joseph

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has found themselves in tumultuous times once again after a letter was leaked to the media on Wednesday asking the president of the federation Christopher Matthias to resign with immediate effect.

The letter was written by current Vice-President of the federation Ivan Persaud, who cited numerous reasons for the resignation of the president.

Persaud, who called Matthias a dictator, pointed out that Matthias allegedly lied about attending a FIFA meeting in Zurich on September 2, 2014 and also revealed that the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)did not have a contract to host their Banks beer Cup, which makes the suspension of the executives of the

Ivan Persaud (left) and Christopher Matthias during a press conference in seemingly better times (Guyana Times file photo)

Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) a dictator’s move to show power.

Meanwhile in a release

by the GFF on Thursday, the federation explained that they could not decipher the true origin of the letter.

“Having examined the two documents within our possession, the GFF is unable to ascertain, with any cer-

tainty, if Persaud is indeed the author of same.

Notwithstanding the signature which appears on the documents, the grammar, vocabulary, and style of writing are not characteristic of Persaud,” GFF said.

“Thus unless and until Persaud personally and publically identifies with the selfsame documents, and provides specificity as to the contents therein, then and only then would the GFF be able to provide an informed response,” the release stated.

However, Persaud in a telephone interview with the Guyana Times Sport admitted to writing the letter.

“I was the person that delivered the letter,” Persaud also told this publication.

Efforts to contact Matthias for an informed response proved futile, as calls to his cell phone went directly to voicemail.

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