Guyana Times Daily

Abrams Zuil Secondary shines at science fair

Proud winners! Students of Abrams Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast emerged winners in both the Oral Presentation and Best Project categories at the conclusion of the 2014 National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair on Friday

saturday, april 26, 2014|

Demerara Bank records 32 per cent profit – midyear report

Demerara Bank Limited has performed remarkably well in the first half of the financial year ended March 31. The bank is reporting profit after taxation of $760.6 million against profit of $577.6 million in 2013, an increase of 32 per cent.

The deposit base of the bank was $40.4 billion compared to $38.3 billion as on March 31.

The bank in a release said significant improvements are reflected in the areas of loans and advances which increased to $19.7 billion from $16 billion, registering a rise of 23 per cent when compared to 2013 corresponding year while, investment increased to $19.1 billion from $18.1 billion.

Demerara Bank’s total net assets for the half-year totalled $49.5 billion compared with $45.7 billion at the end of March 2013. Its interest earned on income for the period under review totalled $1.6 billion, representing interest earned on both loans and advances and investments. This shows a rise of 23 per cent over the previous half-year.

As a consequence of the bank’s solid performance for the first half of the year, shareholders’ earnings per share (annualised) increased by 31.5 per cent, to $3.38 per share, the release said.

The bank will soon be celebrating 20 years of existence and has shown great

fortitude during its tenure.

“At present, the bank is having a network of six branches countrywide and we have plans to expand our network, including a spacious head office premises by early 2015.

“The solid performance ... for the first half year was also due to the commitment and dedication of the management and staff of the bank. Our major assets are our human resources. We continue to provide training at all levels at the bank, which will take us to greater heights in the future with an expanded network of branches,” the release said.

Demerara Bank, Guyana’s first indigenous commercial bank, opened for business in November 1994.

Locked gates preventing GPL from reading meters

– threatens disconnection

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is calling on consumers countrywide to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate the monthly reading of their meters by authorised GPL meter readers.

In yet another monthly operational report, the company noted a significant number of its total post-paid customers’ bills were estimated as a result of the inability of meter readers to gain access to the meters for the purpose of obtaining readings.

This was primarily due to locked gates and incorrectly positioned meters, GPL said in a release.

“Analyses proved that the highest incidence of locked gates occurs in Regions Three and Four, while villages on the West Bank Demerara result in the most estimated bills.

“GPL is reminding customers that the contract for provision of service requires the company to have unimpeded access to the meters,” the release said.

The company said the right to access to have GPL’s meter read is provided for by law under the Electricity Sector Reform Act 1999, which was amended in 2010.

The law also empowers GPL to disconnect the service if it is unable to read

60,000

GPL says consumers locking their gates continue to prevent meter readers from doing their job

the meter.

“GPL therefore wishes to inform customers that, ‘failure to have your meters read for two consecutive months would result in the disconnection of service’,” the release said.

GPL’s Meter Readers operate from Sunday to Sunday, between 06:00h and 17:00h.

“In cases where the customer is not at home or the meter is not visible to the meter reader, customers should make special provisions to have their meters read. For further information in this regard, kindly contact GPL’s billing services on telephone number

226-2606.

“Customers are urged to ensure a valid GPL’s employee Identification Card (ID) is presented at all times by GPL meter readers. The front side of GPL’s employee’s ID should bear a visible photograph of the person, the name and designation and on the reverse side should indicate the company’s Deputy Human Resources Manager’s signature and date of employment,” the release said. The company is encouraging customers to visit its website www.gplinc.com for information on the positioning/relocating of meters to facilitate readings.

malaria resistant nets for interior locations

The Health Ministry’s Vector Control Services Department has procured some 60,000 malaria resistant nets for distribution to interior locations.

Director of the depart-

ment, Dr Reyad Rahaman said of the lot, 45,000 are hammock nets while the remainder are malaria-treated bed nets.

The nets, he said will be distributed in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and some

areas of Region 10. “We expect to go to a lot of Amerindian villages, to the mining concession, mining camps, logging camps and where ever else the population is affected to distribute these nets to communities,” the Director stated.

He told Guyana Times that thus far in 2014, the Vector Control Services Department has distributed some 7000 nets, and the full 60,000 will be distributed by year-end.

The Health Ministry has also begun indoor residue spray, as it continues to make life difficult for mosquitoes to survive.

Rahaman said even though Guyana has seen a reduction in malaria cases, it needs to keep the fight, and one way it intends to do so is through the creation of health clubs in mosquitoprone communities.

The Vector Control Services Department is also working closely with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association to tackle the malaria problem in mining communities.

Last year, Guyana achieved a 15 per cent reduction in malaria cases.

Demerara Bank Limited has performed remarkably well in the first half of the financialyear ended March 31

GuySuCo accelerating mechanisation programme

…

to address impact of dwindling workforce

By Svetlana MarShall

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is accelerating its mechanisation programme to cushion the impact of a dwindling labour force.

Gradually, sugar workers are downing their tools as they seek to capitalise on emerging commercial activities that are transforming Guyana’s economical landscape. Back in September 1995, GuySuCo’s labour force stood at 24,000, but today, it has dropped to 18,000. While the Agriculture Ministry has repeatedly stated that approximately 18, 000 persons are directly working in the sugar industry; critics are saying this figure is bloated.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Minister Ramsammy said the “rate of mechanisation will be driven by the availability of labour”. Due to the glaring trend in the labour market, GuySuCo has taken a decision to utilise the majority of the $6 billion subvention approved in the National Assembly to facilitate its ongoing mechanisation programme.

Investment

Critical to the industry’s modernisation initiative is the conversion of land. The Agriculture Minister explained that the country’s cane fields were laid out to facilitate manual labour, now the corporation will be using $1.3 billion to convert 2500 acres of land to accommodate a mechanised operation. This move will pave the way for increased bell cane loaders in the harvesting of sugar cane and other machineries.

Dr Ramsammy further pointed out that an additional $2.5 billion has been set aside to improve the operations of the seven sugar factories, namely the Uitvlugt,

Wales, Enmore, Blairmont, Albion, and Skeldon factories. According to him, GuySuCo will be investing heavily to advance the punt system at the Skeldon Factory.

At the cost of US$1.8 million, South African firm Bosch Engineering was hired to redesign and re-engineer several aspects of the facility, including the re-engineering of the bagasse feed system, the redesigning of the cane conveyers, drilling of a new well, the replacement of a five MW alternator as well as the modification of the punt dumpers.

However, the Agriculture Minister said additional work to the punt dumper system will help to improve the factory’s efficiency, but noted that this aspect was not included in the contract with the South African firm.

He explained that the Skeldon Sugar Factory was designed to process 350 tonnes of sugar cane per hour, but immediately after it was commissioned in 2008, the factory could have only managed to process 150 tonnes per hour. However, since the remedial work on the punt dumper was done by Bosch Engineering, Dr Ramsammy said it has handled some 220 tonnes of sug-

ar cane.

“We have had times during this crop when it handled over 280 tonnes per hour, so there have been significant improvement and so we are hoping by next year, it would reach to 300 tonnes per hour,” the Minister said.

In addition to Skeldon, he said GuySuCo will be doing factory automation at Albion and replacing the boiler system at Uitvlugt.

Equipment stock

Beside these factory works, the corporation will be improving its equipment stock, at the various estates, increasing the number of excavators, tractors and bell loaders in addition to harvesters used for the cutting of cane. Some $1.5 billion has been budgeted for the acquisition of these equipments.

With GuySuCo moving ahead with its mechanisation plans, persons have expressed concerns about job security within the industry, especially for those sugar workers who have not shifted their interest.

“I have made it very clear, that we are balancing the manual labour and our mechanisation programme. Mechanisation

will not take away jobs from anyone,” he told this publication in response.

Singling out Skeldon Factory, he said 65 per cent of its operation is mechanical in nature, and as a result, the corporation will not be pumping more money into the purchasing of additional equipment.

“There might be need for replacements and yes, we will do so, but not add capacity and that is because we believe that the labour pool in that area can support a 35 per cent manual labour.”

The Enmore Sugar Factory on the other hand is approximately 75 per cent mechanised because the labour pool is much smaller.

Increase mechanisation

“While we have been fairly lucky in dealing with the labour situation in places like Blairmont, Canje and Albion, the labour pool in those areas are also becoming smaller and smaller and those are the estates which the field operation is still largely manual,” he further explained. It was further stated that the harvesting of cane is done manually while the loading is done mechanically, using bell cane loaders. But this year, the corporation will be moving to increase mechanisation of all sugar estates, with regards to the field operation.

“So you can expect to see the introduction of mechanical harvesters at Uitvlugt, Wales, Rose Hall, Canje, Blairmont and Albion.” Currently, 65 per cent of the overall loading of cane from the field into the punts is done by bell loaders and it is the expectation of the Agriculture Ministry that this process can be 90 per cent mechanised by 2020.

“But there will always be some amount of manual loading done,” Dr Ramsammy said. (svetlana@guyanatimesgy.com)

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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

Lasting happiness

We have just had the debate on the Budget presented by the Government and opposed by the Opposition. However, it was interesting that during the debate neither “side” disagreed that everyone would be happier with a larger Gross National Product (GDP). They only disagreed on how that GDP was to be divvied up.

But studies have shown the manner in which citizens seek and respond to those material rewards which make up much of the GDP is part of what determines their overall happiness.

Aristotle famously said there were two basic types of joy, the first of which was hedonia – from which we have the word “hedonistic”: the path of wine, women (or men) and song. This is the dominant conception of “happiness” in the modern world. But there was also eudaimonia, or the pleasure that comes from helping others, doing meaningful work, and otherwise leading a life well-lived.

While this is not spoken about much nowadays, recent psychological research has suggested that this second category is more likely to produce a lasting increase in happiness.

Hedonic rewards may generate a short-term burst of glee, but it dissipates more quickly than the surge created by the more selfless eudaimonic rewards.

“Happiness without meaning characterises a relatively shallow, self-absorbed or even selfish life, in which things go well, needs and desire are easily satisfied, and difficult or taxing entanglements are avoided,” a study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found last year.

Over the years, scientists have found they can measure the amount that a person enjoys something by taking MRIs of activation levels in the ventral striatum – the “reward centre” nestled in the bull’s eye of the brain. The ventral striata of teens, in particular, tend to light up especially brightly in response to all kinds of rewards. Because teens’ brains are so sensitive to these little jolts of pleasure – or lack thereof – late adolescence is also when depression peaks for many people.

In a new study, researchers aimed to figure out how the tender brains of adolescents reacted to the more bacchanalian rewards, like video games and drugs, versus the more pro-social ones, like “helping others in need, expressing gratitude, and working toward long-term goals”.

For the study, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the researchers followed a group of 39 teenagers over the course of one year to see whether the way their brains reacted to either eudaimonic or hedonic rewards correlated with how depressed they felt over time.

First, the subjects underwent an MRI while making a decision about whether to keep money for themselves (a hedonic reward) or to donate it to their families (eudaimonic). They also played a game to determine if they were willing to take risks for the possibility of a greater financial reward (hedonic). The subjects then filled out a self-report questionnaire of depressive symptoms during the initial scan, and again a year later. Depressive symptoms declined among teens that made the selfless decision, but they rose in teens that made the selfish decision.

It turned out the teens that had the greatest brain response to the generous, family-donation financial decision had the greatest declines in depressive symptoms over time. And those who got a boost from the risk-taking game were more likely to have an increase in depression. The types of rewards the teens responded to, it seems, changed their behaviour in ways that altered their overall well-being.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean parents can inoculate their teens against depression by forcing them to seek happiness through volunteering. But it could be that teens that already do so because it really does lift their spirits are likely to have that lift stick with them.

“Taken together, our findings suggest that well-being may depend on attending to higher values related to family, culture, and morality, rather than to immediate, selfish pleasure,” the authors conclude.

being celebrated just a few days ago,

President Ramotar’s labour legacy

Dear Editor,

Over the last two years, there has been remarkable improvement in the lives of Guyanese and as May Day approaches, workers should examine the benefits accrued to them under the PPP/C Administration, and more recently, the Donald Ramotar Administration.

While the Opposition has cut the Budgets over the last three years and deprived many of employment opportunities, the Ramotar Administration has forged ahead and has seen successive years of economic growth (5.4 per cent, 4.8 per cent and 5.2 per cent for 2011-2013 respectively) and declining inflation of 3.3 per cent, 3.5 per cent and 0.9 per cent for the years 2011-2013 respectively.

As the Minister of Labour pointed out during the 2014 Parliamentary

Budget Debate, for the first time there is a National Minimum Wage. This National Minimum Wage Order stipulates a 40-hour workweek at five days per week, eight hours daily and more than 31,000 workers have benefited and are now entitled to leave with pay benefits.

The Minister also went on to indicate the great gains made by workers, including the country’s ratification of the ILO Convention No. 189 for Domestic Workers, making them eligible for decent wage rates, leave with pay, and better working conditions and benefits. It is important to note that Guyana was the first Caribbean country to ratify Convention No. 189.

Guyana’s Adoption of the Decent Work Country Programme was also significant for workers.

The country is also the first to have tabled Regulations addressing HIV/AIDS in its National Assembly, thus bringing the Regulations into force. This would in a large way protect the rights of workers living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Therefore, without a shadow of doubt, when one examines the significant benefits brought to workers within recent times, one cannot help but see consistency of the PPP/C Administration in building a country and improving the lives of workers.

The Ramotar Administration has, therefore, shown in no uncertain manner that its loyalty is to the country with a deep commitment to improving the lives of the working people.

This analyst, therefore, salutes this son that came

from the bowels of the working class, and urge that he remains focused despite the challenging times and antiworking class measures being taken by the combined Opposition in slashing yet another budget.

Insane as they may be, having seen the Chief Justice’s ruling on this matter, this artificial cutting will still have delays in job creation and moving the country’s thrust towards continued improvement of the working class.

Ride on, Mr President! The working people are with you. You will celebrate May Day with them and see the joy in their faces. This analyst condemns the budget cutting exercise and unpatriotic measures taken by the combined Opposition forces.

Sincerely, Robin

Persaud

Essay competition on taxation matters

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is distancing itself from an article which appeared in the April 22 edition of the Guyana Times newspaper under the headline, “Essay competition on taxation matters launched”.

While the article is mainly factual, as the majority of the information contained therein seemed like a regurgitation of GRA’s COTA Essay Competition advertisement, statements in the article were falsely attributed to a staff of the GRA who was labelled as GRA’s representative on this matter.

The GRA views such false attributions as unethi-

cal as the staff was not authorised to speak on the GRA’s behalf and denies ever speaking with the reporter. From all appearances, the reporter took advantage of her acquaintance with the staff to whom the statements were attributed.

The GRA views this as unethical and an abuse of press freedom and is calling on the Guyana Times to desist from such unprincipled practices which can have far-reaching consequences.

Sincerely,

CommissionerGeneral Guyana Revenue Authority

Editor’s Note:

Guyana Times stands by its report and has every confidence that Mr Junior Sayad indeed spoke with our reporter on the subject. Guyana Times also views as disingenuous Mr Sayad’s about-face position on this matter now that he has run into problems with the management of the GRA for making statements on behalf of his employer which he was not authorised to do. Besides, for the GRA to imply that Guyana Times indulged in an unethical practice is also unfortunate since this newspaper had no interest in regurgitating public relations material for the revenue body. Our reporter has assured us that Mr Sayad was contacted and voluntarily provided the information for the article, which we carried in good faith unaware that he was unauthorised to speak with the media. Guyana Times wishes to reiterate that it has always upheld the tenets of good journalism practice and sees no virtue in fabricating a source to carry a public relations piece for the GRA.

With Easter

this image seems particularly poignant: The statue of Christ the Redeemer appearing through the clouds above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (BBC News)

You

Amerindians demand apology from Renita Williams, Ronald Bulkan

Dear Editor,

I read the recent article in another section of the press, where two Opposition MPs, Ms Renita Williams and Mr Ronald Bulkhan criticised the Government and my fellow Amerindian brothers and sisters who came out in protest against the actions of the AFC and APNU.

It begs the question as to why did Ms Williams have to condemn us, the Amerindians, in being ashamed of us. Isn’t she ashamed of herself too?

The way she addressed us is as if she is not one of us. Why couldn’t she say my fellow Amerindian brothers and sisters when referring to us?

This, I think, was a better way to address us.

Anyway, we are prone to members of other ethnicities calling us “Amerindians” or "bucks". Now I think here is where the differences come. We want the Opposition to know that we the Amerindians are an intelligent set of people and our representatives who are the Amerindians on the Government side are intelligent.

But those Opposition members who had asked some of these very Amerindians to vote/support them are the "bucks", they are the illiterate ones. Maybe they don’t even have a sound primary/second-

ary education or even a degree and want to sit in Parliament drawing taxpayer money.

That’s what they should vote down. Why couldn’t Ms Williams address this in Parliament? For the one year Ms Williams has been an MP we are not aware of any speech made by her in Parliament. Is she afraid of the Amerindians on the Government side? Has the Opposition ever studied history for the 28 years when they had this country of ours down?

Thanks to Dr Cheddi Jagan who became President in 1992 for recognising us the Amerindians. This goes to show that Dr Cheddi studied history and that he knew that the Amerindians were the first to settle in Guyana and he had always wanted us to rise from the bottom to the top from where the PNCR had us for 28 years.

Now that they cut the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters, do you know what they are going to do with our Amerindian youths? They will send them now to trafficking in person (TIP); this is where most of our youths will be headed to. They had promised our youths jobs; what about that promise? The community support officers (CSO) are not

only for the PPP/C party but in my region they are a lot of AFC and APNU youths.

Why cut the ADF? Why couldn’t they have cut Linden’s electricity subsidy? Why question accountability when accountability in the PNC regime was zero per cent. Up to today we still sit back wondering what became of the 2.1 billion US dollars in debt the PNC left us in.

We have not benefited anything. Instead, we faced severe hardship for 28 years. And this is what they want this beautiful country of ours to go to again. “NEVER!” Some of these very Amerindians who they had voted against have them with their one-seat majority today.

We want the Opposition to know that we will not accept being at the bottom of their feet. Never! And in doing so we are demanding an apology from Ms Williams and the Opposition. This must be done in Parliament. We just want them to know that it is the nine tribes of Amerindians they are interfering with. We are a very strong and powerful set of people. If “NO” apology, the next protest, we would be coming in larger numbers and force.

Yours sincerely, Anson Paul

I am fulfilling the mandate of the people who voted for AFC in Berbice

Dear Editor,

The AFC Leadership has once again displayed its innate propensity to make lying and deceitful statements to the media in its bid for vengeance against me.

The AFC Leadership states in its press release that I have been notified by way of letter that “a motion of no confidence” has been moved by five Region Six Councillors against me. This is a blatant lie! Furthermore, none of those Councillors have called upon me to resign. However, I have said it before when Ramjattan referred to me as "rogue councillor" that he, Ramjattan, is a bigger rogue than I am since he held on for dear life to the Member of Parliament position when he was kicked out of the PPP/C and I will not resign!

However, I will not resign for reasons which are quite different from his. I will not resign because the majority

of Berbicians who unwittingly voted for the AFC in the 2011 General Election has full confidence in the stance I have taken. They have lost confidence in the AFC.

On the “Alliance on the Move” programme on (station name given) in Berbice, the AFC Member of Parliament, Ramayya lamented this fact when he said that “sugar workers have betrayed the AFC”. The people have moved a motion of “no confidence” in the AFC and its leadership.

I will therefore not resign since I am fulfilling the mandate of the people who voted for the AFC in Berbice and I am fulfilling my duties towards my country. I will not allow the AFC or APNU to destroy the social and economic development of my country. Ramjattan should be more in touch with what is happening on the ground. The AFC’s support has drastically dwindled over the last two years and that downward spiral

has become more pronounced since their last cutting of $37.4 billion from the 2014 budget. The AFC supporters never expected that the AFC will embrace the PNC in unholy matrimony and they are now making the ‘Right Turn’. Lastly, the AFC stated I “do not represent the views of the AFC”. That is absolutely correct since the views of the AFC have now become the views of the PNC. The AFC is now completely divorced from the precepts on which it was founded and that is no big surprise since all the Region Six Councillors were either former PNC or ROAR members.

I will continue to be the ‘thorn in the AFC’s posterior’ once they continue to stymie development in our dear land!

Yours sincerely,

Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region Six

Dr Rodney gave his life for this country, yet his friends have now turned their backs on him

Dear Editor,

Firstly, the PNC walked out of the “NCN Corruption Debate” and now they will once again be a noshow at the Commission of Inquiry into the late Walter Rodney’s alleged assassination on June 13, 1980. But the real insult to Guyanese is the non-participation of the WPA, the party he founded!

During its 28 years in Government, the PNC comprehensively bankrupted the country’s economy and ensured that Guyana dramatically moved from being the bread basket of the Caribbean to being the begging basket of the world. Guyanese fled in despair to various parts of the globe to escape hunger, poverty, racial discrimination, and numerous other atrocities.

The late poet, Martin Carter, who was once a close friend of the late dictator, LFS Burnham, wrote in the WPA’s Dayclean Newsletter in 1979 that the PNC’s method of ensuring self-perpetuation consists of indulging in a degrading policy and he further testified that, under the PNC, corruption had become a way of life, in which people were made to accept that stealing, cheating, lying and bearing false witness, was a positive sign of loyalty to the regime.

Therefore, it is quite understandable why the PNC cannot take part in a debate of corruption. You have to give them some credit for that because they cannot face the public with a straight face and accuse the PPP/C Government of corruption.

The PNC under Burnham created an atmosphere of complete subjugation to him. He was the “Kabaka” and he was “Supreme Leader”. He rigged election after elec-

tion and this was continued by the PNC even after his death.

Those who were not subservient to him were victimised in numerous ways. His loyal friend Rabbi Washington, a US convict on the run, from the House of Israel, was effectively unleashed on PPP and WPA sympathisers and supporters throughout the country.

They were viciously beaten and molested, sometimes sexually assaulted and even killed. During one such attack, a Catholic Priest Father Darke was brutally murdered just because he was taking pictures of House of Israel thugs beating up WPA protesters.

The Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force were also used to suppress any form of protest and were also involved in killings of both WPA and PPP members and supporters.

During the period 1979 and 1980, the WPA led by Dr Walter Rodney, became a real threat to Burnham’s regime since it was pulling away a huge chunk of AfroGuyanese from the PNC.

During this time, another qualified Guyanese Vincent Teekah was killed. Dr Rodney did not make it a secret that he was willing to remove the Burnham regime from power at all costs. Thus, many Guyanese as well as many international organisations felt that the PNC regime was responsible for the assassination, since a GDF officer, Gregory Smith, was alleged to have given him the walkie-talkie device which killed him. Gregory Smith was later spirited away to French Guiana.

The WPA members and supporters strongly felt, more than anyone else,

that the PNC regime was responsible for Rodney’s death at that time, but now, many of the leaders of the WPA, especially Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, have opportunistically turned their backs on their fallen comrade.

Not only that, but they have now unflinchingly and unconditionally supported the same man who was head of the GDF during the time of Rodney’s killing. History will never forgive them for this selfish act!

Dr Rodney gave his life for this country, yet his friends have now turned their backs on him and are now in bed with his alleged killers. What a shame, Rupert! Your academic qualifications do not speak well of your intelligence and loyalty to your friend, your leader and your country! The WPA, just like the AFC, has long ago deserted the precepts on which it was founded.

As a young man, I had listened to many WPA speakers and had read the WPA’s small Dayclean Newspaper with great patriotic fervour, but little I could have envisaged at that time that I was listening to treacherous people who will one day sell even their motherland for a few dollars.

Shame on you Rupert, the excuse you gave will not hold water. I could understand why the PNC does not want to participate, just like I understood why they did not participated in the NCN Corruption Debate, but the non-participation is beyond anyone’s understanding. Enjoy your cohabitation with the PNC!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor, Region Six

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

Foundation

Life skills children need for the future (Part One)

Flash forward to 2034. Your five-year-old is 25 and needs a job. Teach her these skills now and she’ll be set for life — no matter what she does.

By Josh Garskof

With all the hype that neuroscientists and Silicon Valley engineers are getting these days, it’s easy to start thinking that your kiddo needs to be a star mathlete or a budding biologist to get ahead in tomorrow’s job market. Yes, it’s true that all children need a thorough grounding in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), in addition to reading and writing. After all, 20 years from now, the majority of job openings will likely be in STEM fields. And teachers, salespeople, and product designers alike will need to be STEM-savvy just to use the increasingly sophisticated tools of their trades, notes University of Missouri developmental psychologist David Geary, PhD. Yet there’s another set of skills that experts say all children will need to succeed, no matter what field they go into. “Almost every employer, in every occupation, prefers workers who know how to problemsolve, be creative, work collaboratively, and communicate well,” says Steven Paine, EdD, President of the educational advocacy group Partnership for 21st

Century Skills.

Far from taking time away from your child’s current curriculum, these six skills can all be worked into other lessons — both in school and out. “It’s about how we teach, not what we teach. Kids need to learn deeper lessons by doing project-based work so that they don’t forget the facts after the test is over,” notes Paine.

Fortunately, you can hone those essential abilities through cool activities and games that make long car trips and rainy afternoons whiz by. Read on for inspired ideas that will ward off “I’m bored” blues — while boosting the skills that all 21st-century children need:

Skill #1: Problem-solving

To get ahead in a competitive world, your child will need to be able to think critically — to observe, analyse, and come up with smart solutions to complex dilemmas. It’s the quality children need to write a persuasive ad campaign, say, or to fill out a new prescription for a senior on multiple medications.

“It means answering higher-level questions that require thought and exploration,” explains high school science teacher Jeff Charbonneau, of Zillah, WA,

a 2013 Teacher of the Year.

To get there, your child needs to learn to ask questions like “why?” and “what if?” and to think through all sides of an issue. Here are two ways you can encourage him:

Turn questions into projects. If your child asks

process what he’s learned,” Charbonneau says. Invent a superhero. If your child complains about being bored, point him toward the junk drawer. Suggest he sculpt his very own superhero from the stuff he finds, using modelling clay or glue to assem-

“Why do I have so many moles?” flip it around on him: “Why do you think you do?” (“Kids learn more from discovering answers on their own than having you explain things,” says Charbonneau.) Have your child come up with a couple of theories, then do some online research while you supervise. “Finally, ask him to explain what he’s discovered in his own words to help him

ble it. To tap into his problem-solving prowess, tell him you have to be able to spot his hero’s special powers from the way he looks: For instance, Elastic Man might wear a rubber-band sash. That extra step will give your child practise in mulling options and picking a strategy.

Skill #2: Playing well with others

The most successful companies know how to hire the best people and get them to work toward a common goal. That’s one reason teachers love classroom projects — they teach children the value of teamwork. As they toil together, children learn self-control (how not to melt down when classmates decide to take a different tack); diplomacy (how to urge on a slacker without name-calling); empathy (how to take a teammate’s feelings into account); and time-management (how to finish in the time frame). Leap ahead 20 years as your child slogs with colleagues to launch the first hack-proof credit card, and all those lessons come into play. Meanwhile, to raise a child who works well with others, your family could: Host a bake-in. Cooking with siblings or playdate buddies not only sharpens math and reading skills but also boosts teamwork. After all, taking turns with the mixer (and sharing the beaters) is the first step toward learning cooperation. Cookies are always a hit, but older children can get creative with ingredients and try whipping up an entire meal. If their culinary masterpiece is practically inedible, so be it — teaching

children to deal with failure is also important, and this is a low-stakes way to do it, says Charbonneau. Shoot a flick. Making a movie helps children channel their imaginations to create something fun while also negotiating who will do what. They can come up with the plot and script, act out the scenes themselves (or set them up with dolls or action figures), and delegate someone to snap pics with the smartphone. Then you can help them use the iMotion HD app (iTunes, free) or Lego Movie Maker (iTunes, free) to create cool time-lapse videos from the photos.

Skill #3: Smart tech reliance

Sure, you turn to your children for help when you set up a new smartphone, but an ease with operating gadgets isn’t the same as understanding the best practices for using them. Digital natives must learn to judge the validity of the streams of information and to navigate social media. It helps to consider digital media as you would food, says Michael Levine, PhD, of the Joan Ganz Cooney Centre, a nonprofit that deals with educational media for children. Empty calories (think Candy Crush) should be occasional treats, but allow healthy sites more freely. (One to try together: Code. org, which teaches children easy ways to write the computer code that creates websites and apps.) Other ways to get them up to speed on all things media: Become co-bloggers. Team up with your child to create a family blog (free at a site like Blogger.com), where you can post pics, news, and her latest artwork. Work with your children to edit things down so relatives don’t get flooded with too much info — a valuable lesson for when she’s eventually writing PowerPoint reports. Bonus: Blogging also boosts writing chops.

Laugh at e-errors. Teach your child to approach the web with a healthy dose of scepticism. Show her your smartphone’s silliest autocorrect errors and explain that computers can make similar mistakes when she looks to them for help with, say, spelling or translating. Or take an age-appropriate current event and see how the same story gets a different spin, depending on the site.

(Excerpt from scholastic.com)

Colwyn Harding file back with OPR Abrams Zuil Secondary shines at science fair

By IndrawattIe natram

With much excitement and cheer, Abrams Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast emerged the winner in both the Oral Presentation and Best Project categories at the National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair 2014.

The fair held at the Anna Regina Secondary School under the theme “Science, Mathematics and Technology: Providing solution for the 21st century” concluded on Friday. The school captured the judges’ attention with their project “Husk particle board factory” in the Industrial Category.

Science teachers and students from the school creatively designed a factory, converting paddy husk (paddy waste product) into solid wood. According to student Athina Indar, who did the oral presentation, when rice factories burn their paddy husk, large amounts of car-

lauded the efforts of her hard working science fair team, and the schools for participating in the event. Region Two was also adjudged the Best Region in the competition.

Taymonth Manor Primary of Region Two copped first place for Best Oral Presentation in the Primary Category. The oth-

bon dioxide is emitted in the atmosphere, which is environmentally unfriendly.

Indar said instead of burning the paddy husk, it can be used to manufacture low cost, durable particle board, suitable for construction in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The school is recommending that rice millers diversify their businesses by investing in the project. The other team members of the project were Bibi Wazeeda Yassin, Biron Marks, Devindra Persadu and Safeer Doobay.

Region Two Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud

er winners in the Secondary School Category were Queen’s College (Georgetown), Abram Zuil Secondary and Mackenzie High School, Linden.

According to Queen’s College students, the competition was fairly judged and the prizes were awarded accordingly. Queen’s College won five trophies at the competition.

Education Ministry Science Coordinator Petal Punalall-Jettoo said the fair was a resounding success, reiterating the importance of science and information tech-

nology in the development of the country.

The four-day fair saw the showcasing of creative, innovative and resourceful projects geared at stimulating students’ interest in the sciences and technology.

It opened on Tuesday with schools throughout Guyana (nursery, primary and secondary) participating in oral presentations. The ceremonial opening was held the next day, with an address by Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

The projects focused on organic replacements for chemical fertilisers, technology to reduce furniture dust, uses of rice waste, flood reduction techniques, recycling floodwater, recycling paddy husk, water sanitisation, the uses of the bamboo plant, plastic shopping bags vs paper shopping bags, utilising wood waste and the importance of insects to the ecosystem, among others.

The fair was held under the theme “Providing solutions for the 21st Century” and came as part of the Ministry’s effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools.

Some 100 schools demonstrated the use of STEM in solving problems at the community level. The fair featured an educational movie corner, mangroves awareness workshops, climate change, microscience experiments and interactive Mathematics.

It was sponsored by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

It has been over five months since the Guyana Police Force was tasked with investigating the alleged Colwyn Harding baton-rape, but to date, there has been no solid recommendation with respect to the course of action to be taken against the alleged perpetrators.

On Thursday last, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack told reporters that the Colwyn Harding file was not at her chambers, although the Police as recent as last week refuted a report by one of the daily newspapers which stated the file was still with the Police.

The DPP explained that she would have looked at the file and re-sent it to the Police, recommending further investigation since there were some loopholes.

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was asked to get statements from other witnesses since it was vital for the DPP in making her final recommendations.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said the last he knew was that the file was with the DPP.

He also presumed that the file might have been in transition to another office, which is quite normal as Police carry out their investigations.

Hours after, the Guyana Police Force in a release stated the file was with Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Chairman Cecil Kennard for further perusal. Kennard will again be tasked with reading the additional evidence and make his recommendations, which will then be forwarded to the DPP for her final advice.

Accusation

Harding had accused ranks of the Timehri Police Station, in particular a constable of pushing a baton up his behind. This reportedly occurred in November last, but was brought to the limelight after a text message was sent to the then Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, who in turn instructed then A Division Commander George Vyphius to investigate the matter.

A proper investigation was not launched until Vyphius heard a recording of what really transpired. The initial report that he would have received was that a prisoner was assaulted, which is

a common accusation.

As a result of the seriousness of the matter, a full investigation was launched.

Harding was hospitalised and was diagnosed with hernia, according to Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran. The matter drew public attention and more so the attention of a number of human rights groups. Opposition politicians also got involved, blasting the Police for using excessive force.

After spending several days at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Harding was flown to Jamaica where he was admitted and treated at a medical facility. There, an independent medical examination was done and the findings documented, but were never released to the public. Harding has since made a complete recovery.

The findings were, however, submitted to the OPR Chairman for recommendations. After the incident, several police ranks were transferred to other police stations while one was placed under close arrest since he was implicated in the matter. The rank has now resume full duties.

Colwyn Harding DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Region Two Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud receiving the Best Region trophy from a GT&T official at the conclusion of the 2014 National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair

Queen’s College students with their trophies

saturday, april 26, 2014|

Kaneville man accused of chopping brother to death charged

The Kaneville, East Bank Demerara man who allegedly killed his brother and hid his body under a carpet in their backyard made his first court appearance on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Rohan Teekaram, 45, a labourer, allegedly brutally murdered his brother, Jairam, during an argument

on Sunday evening, allegedly chopping him about his body.

Teekaram’s body was discovered Tuesday morning after the next door neighbour noticed his head sticking out from the carpet. He had sustained deep chop wounds to his head and upper body. Before heading over to investigate, neighbours tried to make contact with the man’s son to find out where he was, since ini-

tially, they were not sure if the body was his. However, by this time, a former workmate came to the house looking for Teekaram, and after seeing toes peeking out from under the carpet, he uncovered the severely chopped body. The police were summoned and shortly after, the body was taken to Lyken’s Funeral Home.

The accused was unrepresented and was not required to plead to the indict-

able charge.

Legal advice was sought from the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar AliHack, and there were some issues that need to be clarified; hence, investigations are still ongoing.

Teekaram is remanded until May 12, when he will make another appearance before Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Night Shelter resident threatens fellow inmates – Court hears

Roy Johnson on Friday appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on two separate counts of use of abusive and threatening language.

The first two charges read that on April 23, Johnson, who resides at the East La Penitence Night Shelter, made use of threatening and abusive language

against Ricardo February, another resident of the shelter.

The other two charges alleged that on the same day, the defendant also made use of threatening and abusive language against another resident, Henry Gibbons.

According to the facts of the matter, on the day in question, Gibbons was asleep when he was awakened by someone shaking his

bed and when he realised it was the defendant, he asked him to remove himself. The defendant then became annoyed and began using a series of indecent words, while calling Gibbons an invalid and stating that he will chop off his hand and leg.

It is unclear if February intervened and then got his share of the abuse, but he, too, was called an invalid and was threatened that he

will have his hand and leg chopped off.

Johnson, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, pleaded not guilty to each of the charges against him and was placed on $10,000 bail for each charge.

He is to make his next court appearance on May 6, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond.

Eyew tness

Payback...

...in AFC

They say “payback’s a bi*ch”. They also say “what goes around, comes around”. And then we’ve always heard that eventually the “chickens will come home to roost”. Your Eyewitness is sure there’re loads of other pithy sayings that make the same point: when you try to be too clever about things, it’ll come back to bite you in the butt.

Take Khemraj Ramjattan and his AFC outfit. He’s made a whole lot of fuss about wrenching “tonnes” of voters from the PPP/C over in Berbice. What he didn’t say, of course, is that he spun such a web to do that, he’s been tripping himself up ever since. All would’ve been shrugged away as “propaganda by that perfidious PPP/C”, but what has “uppsed” him were the confessions of one of his RDC Councillors, Haseef Yusuf, who’s been singing like a kiskadee.

Yusuf first spilled the beans about what happened to the AFC collections in Berbice. Seems fictitious bills were forged to show tonnes of bigan and bhagee and cassava being bought to feed the multitudes at rallies. But the money went elsewhere, thanks to the Bush Doctor candidate. Rather than censuring the fella, Ramjattan rewarded him with an MP seat. Everyone knew it was payback.

Then came Yusuf’s proof that from the Georgetown bunch, Cathy Hughes had reportedly padded her claimed services to the AFC and was now demanding payment for services never rendered. What Yusuf didn’t realise was that all this was going on by the troops, because they knew the top dog, Ramjattan, was allegedly siphoning off the foreign greenbacks big time.

But Yusuf didn’t give up. He sounded like a man who was betrayed of his illusions: illusions created by Ramjattan. When Ramjattan spun new lies about the sugar industry – Yusuf was there with the real scoop. If it were possible for Ramjattan’s face to get red, it would’ve become like a baboon’s behind.

And if you’ve ever looked at National Geographic, in addition to being super ugly, it’s the brightest shade of red you’ll ever see.

...in spades

But Ramjattan obviously can’t stand the heat any longer. He had his Berbice group summon a special meeting and move a motion of “no confidence” in Yusuf. They demanded his resignation. Reason? Well, they were instructed by Ramjattan to expel Yusuf for “spilling AFC’s secrets to the press”.

Yusuf, however, has other ideas: he’s announced he’s not going anywhere. And, he said, he’s only following in the footsteps of Ramjattan himself.

Now it is possible that some dear readers might’ve forgotten Ramjattan’s tale. Back in 2004 or thereabouts, Ramjattan was accused by his comrades in the PPP/C Ex-Co of spilling their discussions to the US Embassy. The Ex-Co eventually decided to ask Ramjattan for an explanation after the details of his perfidy were published: Ramjattan said: a fella had to do what a fella had to do.

“I felt that at some point, it had to be said at a very public level that there is need for changes... by taking important issues of a national character to the press. I knew this had party implications, but I felt as a leading member of the PPP, if the boundaries of democracy were going to be broadened, it had to be through writings that came from a credible source, a category into which I fit very easily, because I think I can write and I think I’ve got credibility.”

So how can he demand that Yusuf act differently? Looks like Yusuf can also write and he also has credibility. Ouch!!!

...in PAC

There’ve been complaints about Greenidge “going slow” in the Public Accounts Committee. He’s only up to the 2011 Auditor General’s Report. That’s so unfair. Back when he was Finance Minister under the PNC, his reports were at least a decade late. He’s made progress.

Guyana, US continue discussions on LEAD Project

− Ambassador Hardt commits to raising Dr Luncheon’s concerns with USAID, State Department

US Ambassador D Brendt Hardt has expressed commitment to sharing the concerns raised by Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon on the Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US State Department.

According to a release from the Embassy, the agreement came following further discussions with Hardt and Dr Luncheon on the USAID LEAD Project.

The US Georgetown Embassy said the aim is to find a mutually agreeable way forward, which will sup-

port the interests of the people of Guyana in strong and vibrant democratic institutions, civic education in advance of local government elections, and broader civic engagement among women and young Guyanese.

“The ambassador met with head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon to discuss the continuation of the decades-long collaboration between the United States and Guyana in the area of democracy and governance,” the Embassy said via email.

It said since 2009, such collaboration has been conducted within the framework of the Assistance Agreement Programme between the US and Guyana for governing justly and democratically, which runs through September 2015.

Dr Luncheon last Thursday said the continuation of the USAID LEAD Project in Guyana despite Government’s request for it to hold until the two countries complete discussions is provocative.

The Cabinet Secretary has pointed out that though he met with Ambassador Hardt on April 9; he (Ambassador Hardt) failed to mention that the project is ongoing.

This “non-disclosure of continued implementation of a disapproved project speaks

of… sheer horror,” he stated.

Asked whether Government will contemplate engaging in talks with the U.S. Government on a way forward with the project, he said there is a realm of interventions which will impact the bilateral relations between the two countries.

He disclosed that while he is inclined to communicate with the U.S. authorities, he is yet to comprehend why they would take such a course, since Government has been explicitly clear on its position.

“Therefore in my own thinking, the effort has to be made to characterise the Government’s position with the greatest degree of finality. This is the Government’s po-

$100M secured for Karouni gold project

Financing for the Karouni Project is now fully secured.

Troy Resources Limited, the parent company of Troy Resources Guyana Inc, has announced that it has signed a Mandate Letter and Term Sheet with Investec Bank for the provision of a revolving corporate facility of up to $100 million. The fund will be allocated to advance the development of the Karouni Project (formerly known as West Omai) in Guyana, refinance existing facilities and provide working capital.

Managing Director of Troy Resources Australia, Paul Benson said: “We are very pleased to have agreed this facility with Investec, who have been great supporters of Troy over the years. Of the newly credit approved, a $70 million facility, a $40 million will replace the existing drawn facility, so essentially a $30 million is new debt capacity. Importantly,

we expect to be able to fund construction of Karouni with this new capacity, existing cash reserves and operating cash flow.

“The remaining $30 million of the facility, which will be available subject to satisfactory progress with development of the Karouni Project and Investec credit approval, we see as backup at this stage and gives us flexibility to consider other opportunities. Based on current forecasts and assumptions, the Troy Board believes the available financing facility, existing cash reserves of a $54.1 million and operating cash flow will be sufficient to bring the Karouni mine into production.”

Troy Resources Guyana Inc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ken Nilsson has indicated that the total construction budget is approximately US$87 million and the construction phase is likely to see about 500 people on site reducing to a permanent

sition and that is what I will be undertaking on my return to office and in my anticipated engagements with the US authorities,” Dr Luncheon had said after returning to office due to illness.

He explained that the reengagement with US authorities is on the basis that Government would not be engaging in talks under duress. The USAID was contract-

ed to execute the $300 million International Republican Institute (IRI)-funded project. However, Government has rejected the project, stating that it disagrees with certain aspects of it.

work force of 250 – 300, when in operation.

Advertisement for management and technical positions two weeks ago has resulted in a very high response which is pleasing since the company’s aim in the medium to long term is to have a minimum of expatriates working in Guyana.

The Karouni Project recently completed the construction of an airstrip at the project site in Region Seven and has started to mobilise equipment and personnel in order to initiate the larger construction phase.

The US$5 million ball mill is being prepared to be shipped from overseas and should arrive in Guyana within a few weeks.

Troy Resources Guyana Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Troy Resources Limited, an Australian exploration and mining company since 1987 and operator of two mines in South America: one in Brazil and the other in Argentina.

Troy has operated in Brazil since 2002 and to date has constructed and operated two gold mines with several open pits and underground operations. The Argentinean operation is a gold/silver mine sited in San Juan and is now in its fourth year of operation.

Troy is listed on the Australian and Toronto stock exchanges and the shareholder base is global, including some Guyanese.

US Ambassador D Brent Hardt

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

Troy Resources Australia, Managing Director Paul Benson Troy Resources Guyana Inc CEO Ken Nilsson

Caricom, France forge closer ties

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the French Republic on Thursday, formalised diplomatic relations with the accreditation of Michel Prom, Plenipotentiary Representative of France to Caricom.

Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque accepted the Letters of Credence in a simple handing over ceremony in his office at the Headquarters of the Caricom Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana.

In an exchange of views following the ceremony, Ambassador LaRocque said the accreditation demonstrated the continued strong relations between Caricom and France, and referred to the applications for associate membership of Caricom by French departments: French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique.

For his part, Ambassador Prom conveyed his appreciation for being accepted as the latest Ambassador of France to the Caribbean Community family. He said that strengthening the

“long and strategic partnership” was imperative, given the large community of Caribbean people in France and in its departments.

“It would be a pity if our people don’t have a focus on working together, not only for regional concerns like security but other bilateral matters,” the Ambassador said. He added that Caricom’s consid-

eration of French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique for associate membership could provide the avenue for more direct participation.

In this context, Secretary General LaRocque recalled the exchange of views between the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom and President of the Regional Council of Martinique, Serge Letchimy,

during the 25th intercessional meeting of the conference in St Vincent and the Grenadines where the issue of associate membership was considered.

Arrangements

He informed that with specific regard to the French departments; the community was in the process of understanding various constitutional arrangements to allow for a dialogue in the not too distant future.

Ambassador LaRocque expressed the hope that France would consider resuming its non-borrowing membership of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as part of its interface with the region.

He noted that another area of cooperation was continuing training in the French language, which would further strengthen relations not only with France and its departments, but also with Caricom’s Frenchspeaking member state, Haiti.

Given France’s increasing influence in the European Union (EU), the Secretary General sought its advocacy on behalf of Caricom with regard to EU’s policy of graduating middle income countries from concessionary financing.

He told the newly-accredited Ambassador that at a time when some countries of the Caribbean were feeling the effects of the international financial crisis, the region was concerned that access to development funding was premised on the assumption that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was an appropriate measure for development.

This policy, he added, fails to consider the vulnerabilities of small states particularly that they are open to the vagaries of international shocks and the disastrous effects of climate change.

As Caricom and France consider future cooperation, Ambassador LaRocque said that the year ahead offers many opportunities. He signalled the region’s interest in engaging on issues pertaining to trade in respect of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM).

The Secretary General also noted that closer cooperation could be explored through existing relations between the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET), in relation to the management of sanitary and phytosanitary systems.

Every body appealin fuh some ting nowadays

In

cricket, it got some ting called appeal. If de bowler want a wicket, he does appeal to de umpire. He don’t always get wha he want, but he does never stop appealin. Nowadays, it look like every body appealin fuh some ting in Guyana.

When people don’t like whah happenin to dem in de wuk place, dem does appeal to dem boss. But it got one man who gotta boss man who don’t listen to no appeal from no body. This boss man does do all de appealin in de wuk place. He does appeal to every body to write some ting bout some body who he ain’t like.

One time, de opposition cut de guvament budget and de guvament appeal. De court give one rulin and then de opposition turn round and appeal that rulin. Another time de court rule that Green Jah ain’t needed in de proceedins and Green Jah turn round and appeal that. That is de fuss man who de court send away and he appeal to come back. De guvament appoint de Sober Woman to de Town Clerk position. But de Stone Man decide he want de wuk so he appeal to de court. Now de court decide that de guvament not supposed to appoint de Sober Woman and de guvament decide to appeal that. One time de guvament like whah de C-Jay seh, next minute dem appeal whah de same C-Jay seh.

Some people appeal to de Stone Man to write off dem taxes and de Stone Man imagine he is de Gee-R-A boss man and he write off de people taxes. It look like de Stone Man believe he was mekkin a will fuh he pickney so he tink he coulda sign and give away de whole a GT.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, de Stone Man gon haffu do a lotta appealin when dem send he to Mazaruni to bend down and weed grass with razor blade and pick up soap water with strainer. Well, that might appeal to de Stone Man so much that he ain’t gon bother appeal!

CIOG supports accident victims

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Friday gave financial assistance to Amir Alli, 18, of Enmore Estate, East Coast Demerara, who lost a leg and suffered facial injuries in an accident in 2013.

In order to resume a normal, productive life and to be able to walk again, Amir required a lower limb prosthe-

sis, which costs US$26,000. The friends and family of Amir had raised US$ 20,000 and with the kind help of CIOG, Gafson Group of Companies and organisations from Canada and US, he is now able to purchase the lower limb.

CIOG continues to offer assistance to Guyanese all across Guyana, especially those who are less fortunate.

Ganja accused pleads guilty

ASophia resident on Friday pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a narcotic when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The charge alleged that on April 23, Nigel Hames was found in possession of four grams of cannabis. Hames, who was unrepresented, was fined $3000 and ordered to perform community service every Sunday at the Turkeyen Police Station for the next six months.

Plenipotentiary Representative of France to Caricom, Michel Prom presenting his Letters of Credence to Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Govt, Opposition MPs meet CFATF officials today

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) will be justifying its move to propose amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) (Amendment) Bill of 2009 when it meets with high-profile officials of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) today.

CFATF Chairperson, The Bahamas Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson and CFATF Executive Director Calvin Wilson are here in Guyana and will be meeting with the Government, Opposition, private sector representatives and Caricom General Secretary Irwin LaRocque.

Guyana has failed to meet all of CFATF’s deadlines due to the non-passage of the AMLCFT (Amendment) Bill of 2013.

The Government has laid the blame at the feet of the Opposition, saying that the Bill is being held hostage at the level of the parliamentary Special Select Committee with the introduction of proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009.

After approving the bill laid in the House by the Government in February, the Opposition for the first time formally submitted proposed amendments, not to the Bill, but the Principal Act; the AMLCFT Act of 2009. Currently, the Opposition is

still making changes to its proposal at the level of the committee.

One of the proposed amendments to the Principal Act is the removal of powers from the Finance Minister to appoint the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and giving it to a committee of the National Assembly. It is also pushing for the establishment of an Anti-Money Laundering Authority comprising 10 members appointed by the House.

Opposition Leader David Granger on Friday said APNU will make its case to CFATF when it meets with Maynard-Gibson and Wilson today. Reiterating the coalition’s position, Granger told

Caricom, Spain strengthen diplomatic relations

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Kingdom of Spain on Thursday continued to build on the longstanding relationship formalised in 1999, with the accreditation of a new Plenipotentiary representative of Spain to Caricom José María Fernández López de Turiso.

In receiving the Letters of Credence from the Spanish Ambassador at the Caricom Secretariat, Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said the relationship has been characterised by formal and institutional arrangements which have seen four summits and two meetings of the CaricomSpain Joint Commission.

He noted that despite the severe economic challenges that have confronted Spain in recent years, that country continues to be not only a critical international development partner, but also a reliable and supportive one.

Secretary General LaRocque highlighted the critical support provided by

Guyana Times that APNU is particularly concerned with the appointment process of the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

“We feel that the appointments of the FIU should be taken out of the hands of the politicians, who themselves are politically exposed persons.” The APNU leader said the appointment of the FIU Director should be a more transparent process, adding that the Opposition is concerned about the FIU.

Concerns

“We are concerned with the setting up of a Special Organised Crime Unit, we are concerned with the capability of the Bank of Guyana and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Chambers to ensure that prosecutions are made,” he further lamented.

According to the Opposition Leader, there

is no evidence that the Government has any intention to strengthen the Guyana Police, DPP, Bank of Guyana and the FIU in

combating money laundering and acts of terrorism.

“So the main focus of the contribution to the meeting with the CFATF officials would be to justify our recommendations to strengthen the enforcement of the legislation and to ensure the appointment of people to the FIU is made more transparent,” he said.

He also refuted claims that the Opposition has dragged out the process with the introduction of amendments to the Principal Act.

According to Granger, the Government is to be held responsible, saying that it is not concerned with enforcement.

Guyana’s Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said Maynard and Wilson will be re-emphasising the importance of passing a CFATFcompliant Bill before the upcoming plenary meet-

ing on May 21. Minister Nandlall, who sits on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee that is considering the AMLCFT (Amendment) Bill, said Government welcomes the opportunity to once again reengage CFATF. It is the hope of the Government that the Opposition can be persuaded to endorse the AMLCFT (Amendment) Bill that was laid in the House last year. But from all indications, the Opposition will remain firm on its position to amend the AMLCFT Act of 2009.

In February CFATF Financial Advisor Roger Hernandez met with members of the AML parliamentary committee. He had explained that in order for the Bill to be considered by CFAFT plenary in May, it would have had to be passed by February 28, but Guyana was unable to meet this deadline.

Spain in the areas of water and sanitation, health and non-communicable diseases, agricultural development, fisheries, tourism, services, electoral observation and other key economic and social areas. He also highlighted Spain’s support for the diplomatic and Spanish language training of officials across the region, which has allowed for more effective Caricom representation in international fora.

Referring to the CaricomSpain Joint Fund which was established in November 2011, the Secretary General noted that Spanish technical cooperation with Caricom has been further enhanced as a result.

“In 2012, projects were funded in the areas of agriculture, food security, institutional support and trade and economic integration. These areas are crucial for the sustainable economic development of the community,” he stated. So too are the projects in the areas of security, youth and gender, which Spain contributed to in 2013.

Opposition Leader David Granger

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

saturday, april 26, 2014 |

FATF blacklisting looms: Jamaica reaches out to Guyana

Caricom Community (Caricom) Heads of State continue to reach out to President Donald Ramotar, and the people of Guyana, to offer support in face of the imminent threat of Guyana being labelled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as a high-risk and non-cooperative jurisdiction in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Government and the Opposition have been locked in a stalemate, resulting in their inability to pass the critical Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) (Amendment) Bill to avoid in-

ternational blacklisting.

For over a year, the Guyana Government has been working to get the parliamentary Opposition to support the passage of the critical AMLCFT Amendment Bill, which would put the country in the clear.

Guyana has since been blacklisted for failing to meet one deadline, and now stands looming is further blacklisting with the upcoming FATF plenary in Miami on May 21.

Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller this week wrote a letter to the President in which she noted the similarity with what is being observed in Guyana and what was observed in

Jamaica before that country met the first plenary deadline last year.

“Jamaica also faced challenges in term of enacting several laws in order to pre-

pare for the CFATF plenary in November in 2013. The failure to pass the legislation would have led to the same consequences which Guyana now

faces. However, the Jamaican Parliament was able to pass the necessary legislation,” Prime Minister Simpson Miller wrote.

Jamaica was able to pass the changes, including amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Terrorism Prevention Act, as well as the passing of a new law; the United Nations Security Council Resolutions Implementation Act.

Offer

In her letter, the Prime Minister said that if the Guyana Government so requires, Jamaica can make available copies of these laws. She said also that Jamaica is prepared to provide technical advice to Guyana if this will be of assistance.

“If Jamaica can be of assistance in any other manner or provide any other support to Guyana in your attempts to deal with legislative issues, please advise me and we will make every effort to help,” she wrote.

President Ramotar is also in receipt of a letter from the Premier of Bermuda, Craig Cannonier. The Premier

wrote: “I understand that as a result of internal challenges, critical amendments to your country’s existing legislation have not been able to be enacted and as a result Guyana’s credibility and internal reputation are under threat.” He recognised that as a further consequence, Guyana is likely to be sanctioned by the FATF and its Caribbean bodies.

“While recognising the ongoing challenge that you face, the Government of Bermuda encourages you to continue your effort to bring the necessary legislation into force,” he added.

On November 15, 2013, Guyana was among 15 countries that were identified as jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial systems.

The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) noted that Guyana has made efforts to address its deficiencies; however, it has not taken sufficient steps towards improving its AML/CFT compliance regime by failing to approve and implement required legislative reforms.

The body called for Guyana to therefore pass the relevant legislation and implement all the outstanding issues within its Action Plan. Two deadlines including a February 28, and a final deadline before the plenary meeting of the FATF Caribbean body in May were given.

Guyana has since missed the February deadline and until now has been unable to get the parliamentary Opposition to pass the legislation necessary to meet the May deadline.

Caricom, Spain strengthen...

from page 11

In extending “his deep appreciation to the Government and people of Spain” for their continued support in facilitating Haiti’s ongoing development, he stated: “It would be remiss of me not to make specific mention of the significant contributions that Spain has made and continues to make in the development of Haiti, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in January 2010.”

The Secretary General called the newly-accredited ambassador’s attention to the effects of the global financial and economic crisis, which he said Spain was “all too familiar”; and to its impact on the small, open, highly-indebted and vulnerable countries of the Caribbean.

This impact, he noted, has been far more severe and is compounded by other actions which have their genesis outside our borders. He cited climate change and the practice of many international development partners of ‘graduating’ or `differentiating’ countries that are categorised as Middle Income, which prevents them from accessing concessionary financing, as two examples.

Ambassador de Turiso noted that the signing of

the Caricom-Spain Joint Commission, expected to take place in Guyana in May 19, would signify the provision of additional funding by Spain for cooperation programmes.

“The Caribbean region holds a special place in the affections of my country,” he said, adding “over the past 15 years, Spain has adopted a Caribbean policy, driven by economic and political interests, and directed not only at the Spanish-speaking countries but to all the nations of the region”.

Caricom-Spain cooperation, he continued, has been premised on political and financial instruments such as the Spain-Caricom Summits and the Spain-Caricom Joint Fund which has mobilised US$20.5 million for regional projects, as well as mechanisms for political dialogue in the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN).

“Over these past 15 years, Spain has been among the top 10 donors to Caricom. If we also consider bilateral contributions to member countries, it would show that Spain is one of the main development partners in the region,” Ambassador de Turiso said.

President Donald Ramotar Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

Bermuda Premier Craig Cannonier

Enough not being done to stem interpersonal violence – APNU MP

Two female A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Members of Parliament (MPs) have registered their angst over the upward spiral of interpersonal violence (IPV) in Guyana, accusing the Government of not doing enough to control the problem.

Newly sworn in MP, Dr Karen Cummings and MP Annette Ferguson said that much more can be done to solve this issue plaguing society.

Dr Cummings, at the coalition’s weekly press conference on Friday, described interpersonal violence as “any behaviour or act carried out intentionally against a person of intimate relations, which causes physical, psychological or sexual harm”.

Such acts, she explained cause significant health problems, which require the intervention of everyone concerned.

“It has been established that alcohol is a risk factor for domestic abuse. Studies at both the individual and population levels have shown a casual relationship between alcohol use and violence,” she said, noting that the situation limits women’s ability to fight chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension.

Pregnant women may find themselves joining the antenatal clinic at a late stage and may even deliver a baby who will be a “failure

to thrive”.

Dr Cummings explained that while interpersonal violence affects everyone at some point, it is highly prevalent among the female population. According to her, women are three times more likely to be injured as a result of violence, five times more likely to require medical attention and five times more likely to lodge a report, fearing for their lives.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated the prevalence rate between 10 per cent and 69 per cent around the world. In 1993, there was a declaration of violence against women, in 1994; the InterAmerican Convention on Prevention of Violence against Women was born. In Guyana, the Domestic Violence Act was passed in 1996. So it’s a women issue really,” she posited.

Dr Cummings used the opportunity to solic-

it the participation of the Government, pointing out that the situation has been on the cards for quite too long.

A scourge

She said the issue has spilled over greatly to society, affecting the family and country as a whole.

“It does affect the family and it affects the community. We’re hoping that the Government does something and we’re going to press them until they hear our calls, so that they would be able to address the scourge that’s happening in our population.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson said the Government needs to reel backwards from its investments in major projects and focus a little more on its people.

“We must remember that in order for our nation to develop, we need the human resources and if we don’t

Amerindian Ministry says Capital Work Programme being misrepresented

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry has taken issue with several media reports regarding its Capital Works Programme, contending that they are misleading, irresponsible and vindictive.

The Ministry in a release said its 2014 Capital Programme is titled Amerindian Development and is comprised of the Amerindian Development Fund, land transport, water transport, and office equipment and furniture.

The Amerindian Development Fund, which is a component of the 2014 Capital Budget, is com-

prised of budgetary support to a number of programmes.

These are the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme, including Community Support Officers’ stipend and training; the National Hinterland Secure Livelihood Programme; ecotourism and youth projects; language revival projects on Arawak and Warrau; musical instruments for Amerindian villages; sports gear for Amerindian villages; subvention to Bina-Hill Institute – North Rupununi; village offices construction; construc-

have enough people to develop our resources because of us ... losing them by way of interpersonal violence, it will continue to cause a burden in our nation.”

She cited the multibillion dollar investments by Government in the Marriot, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, while human capital continues to dwindle.

She said the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has also failed in any attempt this year to address the scourge.

“We would have seen that much emphasis would not have been placed on the training of our probation officers and social workers to deal with these issues.”

Ferguson said when asked about the issue in the National Assembly during the budget debates, Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster failed to provide a favourable and justifiable response. She said Government needs to re-examine the real focus of the disbursements, and place much emphasis on human capital.

Shri Prakash Gossai remembered

The Shri Prakash Chand Gossai Vidya Foundation (SPCGVF) Guyana Branch on Friday held an aarti ceremony in memory of the late Guruji Shri Prakash Gossai at the Indian Monument Gardens, Church and Camp Streets, Georgetown.

During the ceremony, patrons sang along to bhajans and shared their memories of Shri Prakash Gossai. The late guru was remembered as a great leader and revered teacher of Hinduism, who related the sacred scriptures in a manner that could be understood by all.

Shri Prakash Gossai, a popular Hindu activist, known for his devotional

tion of wood working centres; cultural projects in Aishalton and Santa Rosa; procurement of tractors and implements; Patamona Cultural exposition in North Pakaraimas; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Amerindian villages; and drip irrigation systems in Amerindian villages; presidential grants to Amerindian villages.

The sum total of all investments in the Amerindian Development Fund was budgeted at $1.1 billion.

The Ministry said under land transport, $20 million was budgeted for motor vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles, while $13.5 million for outboard engines and boats was budgeted under water transport; all in aid of development and capacity building within Amerindian villages.

An important element of the 2014 Capital Programme that was budgeted as well is extensive repairs to the Amerindian Hostel.

The sum total of the 2014 capital programme stood at $1.150 billion.

The entire Capital Programme was disapproved by the Oppositionled majority in Parliament.

Patrons at the aarti ceremony in memory of the late Guruji Shri Prakash Gossai at the Indian Monument Gardens, Church and Camp Streets, Georgetown

A statue of the revered Hindu leader at the Indian Monument Gardens songs, was born in Guyana but migrated to the United States in 1983. He died at a hospital in Miami, Florida on June 15, 2009.

APNU MP Dr Karen Cummings APNU MP Annette Ferguson

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry says the disapproval of the Amerindian Development Fund by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) was intended to hurt Amerindians

US inciting civil war in Venezuela to get its oil – Bolivia’s Morales

Washington is pushing Venezuela towards a “civil war” because it wants access to the country’s rich oil reserves, Bolivian President Evo Morales has warned. The Venezuelan Government has also accused the US of fomenting a coup d’état.

Addressing more than 3000 young people at a Latin American Youth Summit in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz, Morales branded the US an “empire” with its eye on Venezuelan oil wealth. Morales said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was blameless in the recent wave of unrest in the country and accused Washington of orchestrating a civil war.

“I believe [the US] are trying to incite if not a coup d’état then a civil war from their empire,” Morales said. “They are always going to sponsor internal conflict so that they can interfere and invade us to take control of our oil reserves.”

The world needs an “anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist and anti-colonial youth,” said Morales, urging Latin Americans to stand together in solidarity with Venezuela. Morales said there was no danger of a coup d’état in Bolivia, since the Government had ejected US Ambassador Phillip Golberg in 2008 after he was accused of collaborating in a plot to overthrow the Government.

Venezuela has been gripped by a wave of antigovernment protests since February which has left at least 41 dead and over 600 injured. The Venezuelan Government has recognised people’s right to demonstrate, but has accused foreign-backed, right-wing extremists of hijacking the protests in an attempt to oust Maduro.

At present, the Maduro Government is in dialogue with some of the members of the opposition movement to try and find a peaceful solution to the conflict. The opponents of the Government complain that Venezuela is

Jamaica: Opposition wants referendum on sodomy and ganja

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness has suggested that the Government resolve a number of key issues by allowing the people to decide in a grand referendum next year.

Holness suggested to Prime Minister Portia Simpson that she could remove the “uncertainties” surrounding a number of social issues – the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as Jamaica’s final appeal court; liberalisation of ganja laws; review of the buggery law; and having the Queen of England as the head of State – by way of a “grand referendum” in 2015.

“There is an election due some time next year; why not make arrangements to have a grand referendum at that time. It would be costeffective and would certainly settle all these thorny issues and, at the same time, answer the questions where are we going on the

social issues,” Holness told Parliament, Thursday.

“Madam Prime Minister, if you truly believe in people power, let the people decide. Let us have a grand referendum,” Holness pleaded.

He said that the country was affected by uncertainty on economic matters, as well as some topical social issues, and that the people wanted to know where the country was going on the CCJ issue. The Opposition’s position on the matter is clear, he said, but ultimately it was a matter for the people to decide.

“Then there is the issue of ganja liberalisation, which has been occupying public attention recently, with a very active lobby. A motion was moved in this House, and from that it was evident that the political parties do not have internally unified positions…,” he suggested. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

experiencing massive inflation and shortages of basic food products, as well as frequent power cuts.

Economic war

Maduro announced last week that Venezuela was facing an “economic war” and as such, his government intended to fight back with a new “offensive” to combat capitalism. He set out the main aims of the new initiative on Monday, including the encouragement of supply and production and the stabilisation of prices in Venezuela.

“This new economic offensive should bring prosperity to the people and

the country. Neoliberalism speaks of growth, but growth for whom? For those that always had wealth, not the have-nots,” Maduro said.

Maduro has previously blamed the strife in Venezuela on Washington, saying that the US is orchestrating the unrest with a view to overthrowing his Government. In March, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua accused US Secretary of State John Kerry of inciting murder and violence in Venezuela. Washington has denied any links to the ongoing unrest and maintains the Venezuelan Government is terrorising its own people.

(RT)

Pentagon staff to leave Ecuador after Correa order

The United States says about 20 of its military personnel will leave Ecuador by the end of April, to comply with an order from the Government.

Earlier this month, President Rafael Correa told the US Department of Defence to leave amid concerns of meddling in Ecuador’s internal affairs.

The order does not affect the US Military attaché in Ecuador.

A US spokesman in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, said the US regretted Correa’s decision. “Our close military cooperation over the past four decades has produced major advances in the fight against drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism and other transnational crimes,” Jeffrey Weinshenker, Spokesman for the US Embassy, told BBC Mundo.

He said that the US respected the “sovereign decision of the Government of Ecuador”, adding it could affect bilateral relations.

The expulsions make good on a months-old threat by Correa to drastically reduce the number of Pentagon personnel in his country.

Last December, the leftwing President complained that the US had “a very high number” of military officers in Ecuador.

Relations between Quito and Washington have been strained ever since Correa came to office in 2007.

In 2009, Ecuador refused to renew an agreement with the US that allowed its druginterdiction flights to be based at an Ecuadorean airfield.

That same year, the Andean nation expelled two US diplomats, accusing them of meddling in its internal affairs – charges Washington rejected.

In 2012, it provided asylum in its London embassy to the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose organisation published leaked US military documents and diplomatic cables. (Excerpt

OAS SG calls for adoption of Haitian legislative elections agreements

Organisation of American States (OAS) Secretary General José Miguel Insulza Friday said, “There is an urgent need for the national actors involved in the political process in Haiti to adopt agreements leading to clear definitions on the electoral calendar.”

The OAS leader said that “this need is the first conclusion of the close monitoring of Haitian political events by the Organisation”, and highlighted the opening of a debate in the Permanent Council of the OAS, “in the course of which a significant number of representatives spoke about the desirability of the timely realisation of elections”. He also announced that the Group of Friends of Haiti of the OAS will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue, with a view

to consider a declaration.

The Secretary General warned that the internal Haitian process “has reached a stage of stagnation, marked by the absence of concrete agreements setting an electoral calendar”. In this context, the OAS Secretary General called on “key political players in the Caribbean country to ensure that elections are carried out this year in compliance with the requirements of democratic institutions in Haiti.”

Secretary General Insulza expressed the willingness of the hemispheric Organisation “to send a Mission of Observation to accompany an electoral process that gives guarantees to all sectors and contributes to the democratic stability of the nation”. (South

Bolivia fires hundreds of protesting soldiers

Bolivia’s military leaders have ordered the dismissal of 702 enlisted men for sedition, after they protested that they should have the option to qualify to be raised to the rank of officer, claiming they were subjected to discrimination for being indigenous citizens.

The army, navy and air force said in a statement on Thursday that they had ordered the dismissal of the soldiers, because they “committed acts of sedition, rebellion, conducted political actions and attacked the honour of the Armed Forces,” the AP news agency reported.

The unprecedented military protest began on Tuesday with 500 soldiers, but expanded to about 1000 on Thursday.

Non-commissioned officers and sergeants marched through the capital of La Paz dressed in camouflage uniforms, together with some of their wives and Aymara indigenous leaders who supported their demands.

Protesters say the military discriminates against

indigenous Bolivians, an accusation denied by defence officials.

The protesters are demanding changes so that non-commissioned officers in the military may study to become career officers.

They are also demanding the release of four protest leaders fired on Monday and say they want more medical benefits on a par with officers.

“It cannot be that they dismiss our brothers for demanding their rights. We will expand the protest if they are not reinstituted,” said indigenous leader Samuel Coarite.

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Ruben Saavedra said the situation in Bolivia’s armed forces is changing and that in 2015 enlisted men and sergeants will be able to receive scholarships to study the same as officers.

The protesters had asked to meet with President Evo Morales, but the Aymara President has not spoken publicly about the demonstrations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

An anti-government protester, with the Venezuelan flag, kicks back a gas canister to Police during a demonstration in which masked youths battled Police and blocked a main highway in Caracas, April 21 (Reuters / Christian Veron)

The unprecedented military protest began on Tuesday with 500 soldiers, but expanded to about 1000 (Reuters)

Around the world

Russian aircraft “violated Ukraine airspace”

Russian warplanes violated Ukraine’s airspace several times in the past 24 hours, a Pentagon Spokesman has said, in the latest sign of a mounting confrontation between Moscow and Kiev.

Pentagon Spokesperson, Colonel Steven Warren confirmed the breach on Friday, but did not provide more details, including where the incidents occurred or what kind of Russian planes were involved.

He urged Russia to take “immediate steps to de-escalate the situation”, AFP news agency reported.

With tensions soaring, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel had tried to arrange a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, to discuss the crisis, but Moscow has yet to respond to the request, Warren said.

The Chairman of the

US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, has spoken to his military counterpart in Moscow, Warren said.

Jail for eaters of endangered wild animals in China

People caught eating rare wild animals in China could be jailed for up to 10 years, state media report, under new measures passed on Thursday.

Those who knowingly buy wild animals illegally hunted could also face a sentence of up to three years. There are 420 species of animals considered endangered by the Government, including giant pandas, Asian black bears, and pangolins.

The practice of eating wild animals or their products has fuelled poaching. Repeated crackdowns failed to stem such activity and, according to the Xinhua news agency, many buyers of rare animals were walk-

ing away unpunished. Lang Sheng, Deputy Head of the Legislative Affairs Commission of China’s National People’s Congress, told lawmakers earlier this week: “Buyers are a major motivator of large-scale illegal hunting.”

Those who eat rare animals or their products in China and other parts of Asia believe the practice helps to strengthen the body or ease symptoms of illnesses.

The rules came into force as a new interpretation of China’s criminal law was approved by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. (Excerpt from BBC News)

After Ukraine announced military operations to counter pro-Kremlin rebels, Russia ordered its troops massed on the border

to launch new exercises.

The remarks from the Pentagon came hours after armed separatists in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk reportedly seized a bus carrying international observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The separatist leader in Slovyansk told reporters a problem had arisen when the observers tried to pass a separatist checkpoint and that there was a Ukrainian “spy” among the group. He did not say where they were.

The Interior Ministry in Kiev said the group, which included eight OSCE representatives and five members of the Ukrainian armed forces, was being held in the building of the state security agency (SBU) in the city which has been occupied by pro-Russian separatists.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Obama pledges firm response to N Korea

North Korea represents a threat not just to Asia but to the United States, Barack Obama, the US President, has said during a brief visit to South Korea.

Obama, who met his South Korean counterpart Park Geun-hye on Friday in Seoul, warned that the two countries would respond firmly to any “provocations,” according to the Reuters news agency.

In March, North Korea warned it would not rule out a “new form” of nuclear test to boost its nuclear deterrent, after the UN Security Council condemned Pyongyang’s launch of a mid-range ballistic missile into the sea east of the peninsula.

Recent satellite data shows continued work at the nuclear test site in North Korea, although experts analysing the data say that preparations do not appear to have progressed far enough for an imminent test.

“When North Korea is

threatening further provocations and publicly discussing the possibility of a further nuclear test, President Obama’s visit to South Korea will send a firm message that North Korea’s provocations will not be tolerated,” Park told a joint news conference.

The two Presidents were speaking after a summit in Seoul, the second stop of a four-nation Asia tour for Obama. Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcet, reporting from Seoul, said indications that North Korea was preparing for a nuclear test had come out regularly in the past couple of weeks.

He said the South Korean Defence Ministry had been monitoring increased activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, adding that a “detonation could perhaps be imminent”. If Pyongyang presses ahead with its fourth nuclear test, it would be a clear challenge to Obama’s bid to cement Washington’s role as a Pacific power. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Explosions at Iraq election rally in Baghdad “kill 31”

At least 31 people have been killed in Iraq as a series of blasts targeted a Shia election rally in Baghdad. Several people were seriously injured in the attack, which took place at a rally for the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq party.

The attack – claimed by al-Qaedalinked militants – comes less than a week before Iraqis are due to head to the polls in parliamentary elections.

Iraq has been enduring the worst unrest since it pulled back from the brink of civil war in 2008. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – an al-Qaeda offshoot also known as ISIL – said it had carried out Friday’s attack.

Three bombs exploded as people left the rally, says the BBC’s Nahed Abouzeid in Baghdad. The first two blasts were caused by truck bombs and the third by a roadside bomb.

Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq is backed by Iran and is a public supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

This is likely to have antagonised Sunni groups in both countries, our correspondent says.

Senior Ahl al-Haq official Wahab alTaie said after the attack: “This is a desperate act that will not stop us from moving on and challenging. They wanted to

Over 100 dead, thousands left homeless by Afghan floods

More than 100 people have been killed and thousands have been left homeless by flash floods in north and west Afghanistan, officials said on Friday, prompting des-

perate pleas for help from the impoverished provincial authorities.

Thousands of homes have been engulfed by flood waters in four provinces after three days of heavy rain in what

is traditionally a wet period at the start of spring.

In the northern province of Jawzjan, Police Chief Faqer Mohammad Jawzjani said 55 bodies had been recovered, and that the number of dead would increase over the coming days.

“Providing aid or help from the ground is impossible,” he told Reuters. “We have carried 1500 people to safe areas of neighbouring districts by helicopter. We need emergency assistance from the central Government and aid agencies.”

The Governor of neighbouring Faryab province said 33 people had died there and another 80 were missing.

“Ten thousand families have been affected and more than 2000 houses have been destroyed,” Mohammadullah Batazhn said. Another 13 people were killed in the provinces of Badghis and Sar-e Pol, local officials said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

send us a message and they did, but that will not deter us.”

The rally had been addressed by Cleric Sheik Qais al-Khazali, who told the crowd: “We are ready and prepared to defend this nation. Let it be known that Asaib will be the remedy.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

American drug major Abbott backs India’s drug patent regime

The Indian Government has received support from an unexpected quarter in its battle against the US on the intellectual property (IP) regime.

Amid an uproar for action against India by Big Pharma, American drug major Abbott has told the US International Trade Commission (USITC) that it is “not currently facing any significant challenges with respect to intellectual property protection in India”.

Abbott is the second US company after Boeing to support India’s case, leaving companies such as Pfizer and Novartis as the top protesters who are demanding

changes to the Indian IP regime, which allows flexibility to patent authorities to turn down frivolous patent applications. In addition, they want the provision to waive patent rights, or issue compulsory licences in special cases, to be withdrawn.

The USITC, a quasi-judicial body, is investigating if Indian Government policies and tariffs impacted American companies, investment and jobs. Various companies and industry groups are making submissions to the agency and Abbott presented its position to William Powers, Project Leader of the India Survey Project Team, on April 18. (Excerpt from Times of India)

Armed separatists have reportedly seized a bus carrying international observers, as tensions soar

The blasts struck a campaign rally for the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq party

Villagers took shelter on roofs as waters rose about them

saturday, april 26, 2014

Police Force needs major transformation to remain relevant – Rohee

The Guyana Police Force must undergo major transformation if it is to remain relevant in today’s society, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said as he addressed the Annual Conference of Officers of the Guyana Police Force on Thursday.

The world has undergone massive transformation, resulting in social and economic changes; and Guyana is no exception Rohee said, as he underscored the importance of making critical changes within the Force.

The realities of the time have forced governments to analyse systems in place for the provision of safety and security of citizens, he said, noting that while Guyana like other countries is mandated to submit reports on its performance, citizens are increasing their expectations, demanding a higher standard of policing.

“It is an accepted fact that your organisation has undergone many adjustments over its 174 years of history, but the time has come for fundamental reorganisation to be undertaken to take the Force to a level where it is able to better serve societal needs,” he told the officers in attendance.

Recognising the importance of reformation, the Home Affairs Minister pointed out that a number of initiatives have been instituted under the Institutional Reform Process to move the Guyana Police Force forward.

He said too that the main aspects of the Institutional Modernisation Programme when successfully accomplished will result in the realisation of technologi-

cal development, capacitybuilding, improved training, modernisation of the administrative systems and succession planning and the development of the Cadet Officer Scheme.

Additionally, the Office of Professional Responsibility will be significantly improved while the Modern Public Relations Department would be developed. In general the physical infrastructure and the operational capability of the Force will be strengthened.

“Many of these expected outcomes will be achieved through the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Force. Some will be implemented through contractual arrangements with Capita Symonds, a British Consulting Firm, while others will be implemented through the direct inputs of the Ministry of Home Affairs by the provision of vehicles, other equipment and the rehabilitation of buildings and

infrastructure,” Minister Rohee further explained.

Resistance to change

However, he made it clear that this reform process will not be undertaken without challenges. People, he said, are generally resistant to change, opining that “many persons” have a negative perspective on reformation, and as a result, often enter into a defensive mode.

The Minister also contended that the Force may experience difficulty in selling the idea of reform due to the lack of an effective mechanism. This, he said, must be avoided to prevent a low acceptance rate by ranks.

“I am concerned that more could be done by the ‘drivers’ of the reform process of the Force to convince all members of the need for the programme. The internal mechanism of the Force must be more effective in communicating change.” Similar challenges will oc-

cur when selling the reform agenda to external stakeholders.

However, when the Institutional Modernisation Programme kicks into full operation, effective monitoring and evaluation must be consistently done in an effort to achieve the outlined objectives.

“This is an area in which the 10-man Strategic Management Department (SMD) and the Force administration have to collaborate closely on. The Ministry of Home Affairs requires a better working relationship between the SMD and the change facilitators of the Guyana Police Force,” he said.

But despite these challenges, there will be countless benefits, Rohee said as he reassured the officers. With the implementation of the reform strategy, members of the Force would be given the opportunity to develop their skills and effectively execute their duties. Through continuous training at all levels, ranks will become more equipped to reduce crime through the usage of technology. Additionally, they will be better able to fight the trafficking of narcotics and money laundering.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has facilitated a number of training courses in 2013 for members of the Force, both locally and overseas. A significant sum of money was spent to develop the SWAT Team. Integrity testing is continuing to ensure that only ‘clean’ persons are allowed to work in the Narcotics Branch of the Force.”

Suspects in Patsan robbery/murder arrested – gun

and ammunition recovered

The two men believed to be the duo who escaped with a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash after killing Bharrat Ramjattan, a salesman attached to Patsan Trading during a robbery on Thursday were arrested on Friday. At the time of their arrest, an unlicensed .38 revolver with four matching rounds was recovered by the Police. The two men are assisting with the investigation. The men identified as Rudolph Marks and Kevin France were arrested at a popular hotel at George Street, Georgetown. According to information received, Marks was reportedly the shooter. One of the men reportedly confessed to committing the act. It is not clear if the money was recov-

ered. Guyana Times understands that the investigators

reviewed all the video footage that was taken by the business’s surveillance cameras and additional information that was provided by eyewitnesses, and were able to get a breakthrough in the case.

It is also believed that the man who was taken into police custody immediately after the shooting might have not been directly linked to the shooting and as such, he is expected to be released shortly.

Ramjattan, 57, of Lot 8 Section C, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara was shot to his back by an armed bandit outside the business place at John Smith Street, Campbellville, Georgetown. The injured man was immediately rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

It was reported that around 14:40h, Ramjattan was about to enter his place of employment with a bag containing millions in cash in his hands when he was attacked by the two men.

One of the two bandits, who are believed to have traced the man from the city, discharged a bullet in his direction, while the other grabbed the bag with the money.

Ramjattan had been working at Patsan for 19 years. This newspaper understands that the man would usually spend most of the day collecting payments before heading back to the office in the afternoon.

He usually conducted business on his own without any form of protection. Moreover, the security officer at the gate was not armed at the time of the incident.

Top WPA leaders to testify at Rodney inquiry

Several top leaders of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), including co-chairman of the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and WPA stalwart Eusi Kwayana will testify at the international inquiry which commences on Monday, ending speculation that officials of the party of the late historian would have boycotted the probe.

Dr Roopnaraine’s political partners, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the main accused in Rodney’s murder, has said it would not participate in the inquiry, citing a number of issues. The secretariat of the Walter Rodney Inquiry said Friday evening that it is heartened at the recent responses by citizens and organisations to the inquiry.

According to attorney for the Commission, Glenn Hanoman, several notable personalities have confirmed their willingness to assist the

Commission to the best of their ability. Such persons have signalled their intention to give oral evidence and have submitted detailed statements in various forms of their proposed evidence, Hanoman said.

Dr Roopnaraine, Kwayana, Karen Desouza, Andayie, Father Malcolm Rodrigues, Lincoln Lewis, Nigel Westmaas, Donald Rodney, Edward Rodney, Hubert Rodney and many others are expected to testify, either next week or during the next session commencing at the end of May, Hanoman confirmed. These disclosures come on the heels of much speculation that members of the WPA and other important witnesses were reluctant to participate in the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Head of the

Walter Rodney Secretariat Hugh Denbow earlier this week confirmed that the commencement of the inquiry is set for Monday with some major Government agencies topping the list of witnesses. The Commission’s Chairman, Barbadian Queen's Counsel Sir Richard Cheltenham had initially announced at its first press briefing early last month that the inquiry would begin the day after Easter. However, new information from the secretariat suggests that there have been a few changes. The secretariat’s head explained that Cheltenham had never confirmed the April 22 date, but had instead signalled that the Commission was working to begin on this date. He said, however, that the new date is definite.

Adequate witnesses

Denbow had reiterated that the secretariat has adequate witnesses and evidence to commence the inquiry, but the work cannot be done without the presence of the three-member commission. He noted that members of the secretariat and the Commission were last week engaged in a conference call where notes and information were exchanged. It was at that point he revealed that a decision was taken to have the inquiry begin on April 28.

“We have to work with the Commissioners in terms of their schedule, because being in different countries, they have things to do so when we all met together in the conference call, we all came to a consensus that the 28th would be a good time to start. It was not that it was scheduled and postponed, the Chairman had said.

The secretariat is tasked with determining who will testify at the inquiry and at what point. He stressed that there are individuals and entities that must participate. These include the Guyana Police Force that has sent volumes of files, the Guyana Defence Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions, among others. Denbow noted too that many overseas based Guyanese, who were here during the time of Rodney’s death, have indicated their interest in returning to testify. These include members of the recently established Justice for Walter Rodney Committee.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

Dr Walter Rodney

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Eusi Kwayana

Dead salesman, Bharrat Ramjattan

Good contract management key to avoiding disputes

– Minister Edghill tells contractors

Persons representing various agencies on Friday successfully completed a two-day workshop on Management of Claims and Resolution of Disputes under International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) construction contracts.

The workshop held at Cara Lodge, saw participants from major contracting firms, and the Finance Ministry as well as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The bank’s country representative, Sophie Makonnen, said she was elated that the training was appreciated by all and well received.

“Training is important as I said, and it is a part of a much larger scheme we have for training and capacity building; the transmission of knowledge and working on existing experience is always important. What I heard today tells me there is a lot of experience.”

Makonnen added that it is her hope that the training will help to challenge the participants and more so she hopes the necessary tools given would help to create better relationships between contractors and the

Government.

“The other side was brought, that is the side of the contractor, it is important for the knowledge and experience to work together.”

Further, the IDB Country Representative said that the bank is open towards facilitating more such events.

“We are open to more training, we can continue this in keeping with the scheme of the IDB, and we hope what you learn is brought into practice.”

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the training, having listened to the comments from the participants.

“We want to thank the IDB for partnering with us and making this investment. I checked on the cost for similar training around the world and it is very costly, this underscores the level of partnership by the Government and IDB.”

Touching on some of the issues dealt with during the workshop, Minister Edghill zeroed in on the importance of better written contracts.

“Disagreements are inevitable, this can be reduced

and avoided by good contract management, and I thought about all of the techniques, but once there is a proper written contract the answer to problems can be found in the contracts.”

Further, the Minister called on the participants to be better negotiators in terms of finding better solutions.

“I hope we would have learned to use the provisions in the contract to reduce the risk of conflicts, and we need to focus on our interest more than our rights and this is a better way of resolving conflicts,” Minister Edghill stated.

Meanwhile, the IDBsponsored workshop dealt

with issues including project risk and causes of claims, the possibility of establishment of a Dispute Board, time related elements for contractors, claims and contractual procedures, and additional payment claims, among others.

Throughout the workshop, there were opportunities for the participants to raise questions on areas of concern within the sector.

The main presenter for the workshop was Robert Cochrane of EVC, an accredited provider of FIDIC training courses, offering public courses in locations around the world, as well as in-house training.

The changing face of the global banana trade

Despite the continued importance of multinational companies in the global trade of bananas, their involvement in banana production has fallen dramatically over the past three decades, shifting their sphere of action to favour other areas in the sector and opening the door to opportunities for other companies.

This view of the changing nature of the global banana trade is captured in a new Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) information note and based on analysis of information gathered from the annual reports of the largest multinational banana trading companies.

FAO’s review of the three largest banana traders (Chiquita, Dole and Del Monte), shows that the combined market share of the top three companies was at its highest in the 1980s, when they controlled almost twothirds (65.3 per cent) of global banana exports, while in 2013, their market share was slightly over one-third (36.6 per cent).

In 2013, the market share of the top five companies was 44.4 per cent, down from 70 per cent in 2002.

“The competition among banana producing countries is fierce and many have struggled to remain competitive, but there are also new opportunities, as the market is no longer dominated by big players and new buyers are entering the market,” said FAO Trade and Markets Division Economist

Ekaterina Krivonos.

Economists in the secretariat of FAO’s Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits conducted the analysis amid a flurry of reports on the merger last month of Chiquita, the largest banana trading company in the world and the dominant company in the US market (61 per cent of the company’s sales), and Fyffes, one of the main suppliers to the European market.

Trading places

The information note shows that the scope of operations of the big multinationals has also undergone a significant shift, away from plantation ownership and production, and more towards post-production logistics, including purchasing from producers, transportation, facilities to ripen the fruit, and marketing.

Major supermarket chains in the US and the European Union, meanwhile, have be-

come “important players in the global banana trade as they dominate the retail market in the main banana-consuming countries and are also increasingly purchasing from smaller wholesalers or directly from growers,” the note underscores.

This shift of market power away from the major banana brands towards retailers was facilitated by the establishment of direct container liner services from banana producing regions to the main destination markets. Moreover, there is a parallel trend towards less concentration among the exporting firms in the major banana producing countries, for example in Ecuador.

In the information note, FAO points out that while the merger that formed Chiquita Fyffes made the new company an undisputed leader in the banana market, with 18.7 per cent control of global banana exports, “it is unlikely that the merger will give

the new company sufficient market power to exert pressure over the banana market and influence either producer prices or import/wholesale prices, given the importance of other market actors, in particular in Europe and Russia”.

Support for smaller producers

As banana markets become more fragmented and new players continue to enter the fray, there is an important message for banana producers.

“In order to seize opportunities in an increasingly competitive market, banana producers need to be better informed and better prepared, including smallholder producers and any cooperatives or other organisations that represent them,” said FAO Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits Secretary Kaison Chang.

“FAO is working with governments and producers to help them build their viability by maintaining good cultivation practices, preventing and fighting plant diseases, strengthening producer organisations and developing both domestic and international marketing strategies,” Chang said.

“In this changing market structure, it is vital that smallholders, as well as producer organisations, receive support in all of these areas, in order to be fully included in their national economies and to build the resilience of farming families in the banana industry.”

Amerindian Ministry...

“Since then, there have been presentations by Opposition parliamentarians and parties in different segments of the media seeking to justify their irresponsible and reprehensible actions aimed at destroying the lives and well-being of our Amerindian and hinterland people, especially the young people and children.

“As is always, since the inception of direct budgetary support to the Amerindian demographic through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, there has been consistent improvement in the lives of our people, especially in areas of village governance, institutional strengthening, capacity-development, economic improvement and sustainable livelihood,” the Ministry said.

Stymieing progress

It added: “The disapproval of the budget by the APNU/ AFC Opposition-led majority in Parliament therefore, is aimed at the destruction of our indigenous people, thereby stymieing and settingback their continued mainstreaming and progress. But this does not seem to worry the Opposition because they have no care for our first peoples. The excuses that they continue to peddle are baseless, misrepresentative and nonfactual.”

The Ministry said taking account of the Opposition’s inflexibility and dogmatic stance on Amerindian development, encouragement is favoured to the Opposition par-

from page 13

liamentarians, their advisors, article writers and journalists in general, to spend a moment to understand the construct and configuration of the 2014 Capital Programme of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

“There appears to be a total misrepresentation of the Amerindian Development Fund by the Opposition and media. This is a deliberate strategy though, because it sows the seeds of confusion and irrationality.”

The Ministry said under the Government of Guyana/Kingdom of Norway Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Programme, all Amerindian villages and institutionalised settlements in Guyana will be enhanced through support to the Village Community Development Plans (CDPs) The Government of Guyana through the Amerindian Affairs Ministry is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (Guyana Office) to implement the CDPs through a project titled Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

“Therefore, the ADF in the 2014 Capital Programme of the Ministry is wholly distinct and separate from the ADF that supports CDPs and implemented by the MOAA/ UNDP. This distinction and separation is well-known to the Opposition and to the media, but they continue to describe them without due regard to their differences,” the Ministry said.

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, IDB’s Country Representative Sophie Makonnen and workshop trainer Robert Cochrane with the participants of the workshop

Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill delivering closing remarks at the workshop

Banana producers need to be informed and prepared in order to compete in an increasingly fragmented market, the FAO says

SUDOKU

Your willingness to pitch in and help will result in a new friend and ally. You’ll get the assistance you need to turn your venture into a success story.

Pare down your ideas if you want to make headway. Focus on the one thing that moves you the most, and see it through. Put quality, not quantity, first.

Get your friends together and check out a local attraction. Your planning will encourage your peers to look up to you. The more diverse you are, the more popular you will become.

Taking advantage of monetary matters will improve your financial situation. Keep your mind open to new ideas regarding investments or savings. You will receive a helpful tip from an expert.

New partnerships could prove prosperous. Join a cause or group and make new friends. Those sharing your views will help you reach your goals. Love is in the stars.

Don’t let your disappointment show today. If something is puzzling you, ask questions until you figure out how to fix what’s gone wrong. Don’t give up when a couple of adjustments are all that’s required.

By Bernice Bede Osol

Your thirst for knowledge will lead to cultural events or exotic destinations that will help you discover interesting facts, new philosophies and lifestyle options that are apt to agree with you.

Good fortune is heading in your direction. Look into an investment opportunity that you feel has potential. Put forth an effort and spruce up your surroundings.

All you need to do is ask, and you will receive all the help you are looking for. If you express your feelings truthfully, your friends and colleagues will be glad to help you reach your goal.

Your unusual way of facing problems will help you find a way to aid a friend. Distinct solutions based on smart intuition will lead to your success.

Make physical activity part of your day in order to feel rejuvenated. Meeting people from different walks of life will give you valuable information. Network to gain support.

Do your best to clear up a misunderstanding. Making amends will lead to better sleep and new possibilities. Forgive, forget and move forward.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

MLB coach to conduct training in Georgetown

The Guyana Baseball League (GBL) in association with E-Networks Inc., Sterling Products Limited, Fly Jamaica Airways and Nobel House Sea Foods, recently conducted successful Easter baseball camps in New Amsterdam, Cornelia Ida and Tuschen.

According to a release from the GBL, over 200 children have participated thus far, with lessons and games

ing sessions for camp participants at the Georgetown Cricket Club on May 2-4.”

The GBL release added, “MLB works to develop baseball in Latin America; they send coaches to work with baseball federations. They also conduct seminars for coaches covering topics, including physical development, baseball instruction, player motivation, character development, teamwork and sports medicine. Their

All equipment will be provided by the GBL and participants are asked to dress appropriately for sporting activity. In the interest of preserving the environment, the GBL is urging participants to bring along reusable water bottles. The camp will commence at 09:00h and end at 16:30h each day.

The GBL press release concluded, “GBL programmes are designed to engage the imagination of the

for all ages.

The GBL said, “The development of the game in Guyana has caught the attention of the baseball world and Mr. Elias Sosa, a former Major League pitcher with a distinguished career, who is now Latin America Coordinator for Major League Baseball (MLB), will visit and conduct coach-

programme includes classroom instruction, followed by practical application on the field.”

Interested participants can register by calling 657-STAR or visiting the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ ENetworksbaseballstar or at the ground on camp mornings.

youths of today. Our energetic staff implements a unique camp atmosphere, which allows for safety, fun and skills development. All GBL camps will focus on helping the kids learn the rules of the game while working on sportsmanship. All of the E-Networks Baseball Star contenders will be attending the camps.”

McCullum, Mohit keep Mumbai Indians winless

Keep your competition buried when they are down, say some. Chennai Super Kings, led by Mohit Sharma’s best IPL figures and Brendon McCullum’s second half-century in four matches, cemented their position near the top of the table with a crushing victory against defending champions Mumbai Indians, who are yet to register a win.

Super Kings had been alternating between good bowling and good batting performances in their previous three matches. In their fourth one though, they were strong with both bat and ball. As Mumbai Indians eyed a late surge in the last five overs, they lost their set batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Corey Anderson, in quick succession, before Mohit cleaned up the middle order in just one over to end up with figures of 4 for 14.

At the break, Mohit said it wouldn’t be an easy chase for the Super Kings batsmen on the slow pitch. The way Dwayne Smith and McCullum played the first two overs suggested they had taken Mohit’s advice seriously; only two runs came. However, with the words of their top performer honoured, Smith switched to his usual modus operandi, hitting three sixes in the next seven balls, all straight hits.

Super Kings v Mumbai Indians, IPL 2014 SCOREBOARD

Once the chase was set in motion though, it was McCullum who took the front seat, blitzing powerful boundaries through extra cover and midwicket off successive Zaheer Khan deliveries. The sight of his fellow countryman Corey Anderson seemed to charge him up even more as he used his incredible bat speed to power three boundaries through the cover region.

With 51 runs in the Powerplay, Mumbai Indians’ only chance in the match was to somehow dismantle the strong batting order. They did get a sniff as Smith and Suresh Raina departed in successive overs. That

was to have no effect on McCullum though, who, apart from giving respect to Lasith Malinga, kept on peppering the boundary regularly off other bowlers and brought up his halfcentury in 36 balls.

Super Kings were almost level with Mumbai Indians’ score at the 15over stage, but they were in no mood to commit the same errors and cantered past the target with an over to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)

Mumbai T20 innings (20 overs maximum)

MEK Hussey b Hilfenhaus 1

AP Tare c Raina b Sharma 23

CJ Anderson run out (Ashwin) 39

RG Sharma* c Smith b Hilfenhaus 50

KA Pollard b Sharma 12

AT Rayudu c Raina b Sharma 1

CM Gautam† not out 7

Harbhajan Singh c McCullum b Sharma 0

Z Khan not out 7

Extras: (b 1) 1

Total: (7 wickets; 20 overs) 141

Did not bat: PP Ojha, SL Malinga

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Hussey, 1.6 ov), 2-25 (Tare, 4.4 ov), 3-109 (Anderson, 15.2 ov), 4-123 (Sharma, 17.4 ov), 5-125 (Rayudu, 18.1 ov), 6-127 (Pollard, 18.4 ov), 7-127 (Harbhajan Singh, 18.6 ov)

Bowling: IC Pandey 4-0-210, BW Hilfenhaus 4-0-392, R Ashwin 4-0-20-0, MM

Sharma 4-0-14-4, SK Raina 3-0-32-0, RA Jadeja 1-0-14-0

Chennai T20 innings (target: 142 runs from 20 overs)

DR Smith c Anderson b Ojha 29 BB McCullum not out 71 SK Raina st †Gautam b Harbhajan Singh 1 F du Plessis st †Gautam b Harbhajan Singh 20 MS Dhoni*† not out 14

Extras: (lb 4, w 2, nb 1) 7 Total: (3 wickets; 19 overs) 142

Did not bat: M Manhas, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin,

Brendon McCullum pulls during his half-century (BCCI)

Youngsters go through their paces at the Tuschen ground

Elias Sosa conducting a baseball clinic in Nicaragua in 2008

Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football tourney resumes

The Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy is scheduled to resume after a break for the Easter holiday with games in all the districts.

In Georgetown, two games will be played on Sat 26th and two on Sun 27th April.

Saturday,at 10:00h St George’s High and Tutorial High males will clash and at 11:30h, Bishop’s High and Queen’s College will bring the curtain down on all male games

Sunday: Lodge Secondary and North Georgetown Secondary are scheduled to kick off at 10:00h and at 11:30h, Christ Church Secondary and Tucville Secondary will collide in all- male games. All games will be played at the Ministry of

Education Ground.

In Linden Fri 25th April : Linden Foundation and Wisburg Secondary will clash in a female and male game respectively, commencing at 14:30h and 16:00h Sat 26th April: New Silver City and Wismar Christianburg Secondary will clash in a female and male game commencing at 10:00h and 11:30h All games will be played at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground

Berbice games will recommence on 7th May 2014 with Tutorial Academy coming up against New Amsterdam Secondary at the Esplanade Ground. Attached is a picture of the Tutorial High female team,the defending female champions.

Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy

Points Standing 2014

Linden - Male

1

2

Linden - Female

Berbice - Male

Berbice - Female

The Tutorial High female team,the defending champs in the female category,pose for a photo opportunity

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

Shalom Driving School located at Lot 2 Croal St, Stabroek, Georgetown. Fee: $16,000. Also obtain an International Driver’s permit covering 123 countries.

EDUCATION

Courses in cookery & sewing; WCD. Call 276-4018, 693-6335

Private computer tutoring at your home for children ages 5-11 years. Call 644-5456/226-7935

Practical Electronic course beginning May 6, 2014. Call Abdul Electronics on 226-6551 or 225-0391

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

One wooden boat size 27 1/2 ft length

2 ft wide and 2 ft depth, include 15hp engine and 150 pound 6" white nylon seine asking $400,000 negotiable. Phone 689-9399, 678- 8228.

Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592-6210552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:00PM –6:00PM. Mondays - Fridays. Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

Residential plot approximately 0.4 acres at Kuru Kururu squatting section, Soesdyke, Linden Highway. $4M negotiable. Call 619-8683

Prescription Plus Pharmacy located at Lot E5 Hadfield Street, W/ville between Louisa Row and Winter place. Opening Monday to Saturdays 07:00- 20:00h; Sunday & Holidays 08:30-13:00h. Pharmacist always available. Phone: 227-2973

YELLOW PAGES

saturday, april 26, 2014

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

SpIRITUAlITy

Get your home or business spiritually clean to enhance good luck and prosperity. Telephone: 6875653

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anew-life@ live.com

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to businesses. Call: 6126417, 220-0708, 687-5653.

Suriname Astrology Palmist and Djuka Healing . The most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems? (any religion) love, marriage, family, health business, husband and wife relationship, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking? Also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc and get powerful protection. We also do upliftment for clearing of land, dredging operations strictly in the interior. For private and confidential service call 674-2112.

One furnished house in immaculate condition at Lamaha Gardens suitable for residence and office. US$2,500 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One modern 3 bedroom apartment at Campbellville US$1,300 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One bond 135,000 square foot at Beterverwagting, ECD US$10,000. Call 219-4535 or 661-7169

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV RD4; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICKUP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TONS DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRRICES. FULL AFTER

SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 2205177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 622-7740

One 19 seat minibus. BPP Series. Call 650-8080, 617-4487

Nissan Titan, very good condition leather interior, fully loaded $2.5M negotiable. Call: 620-1026.

BMW 525i, M body kit, excellent condition, low mileage, price negotiable. Call: 620-1026

A vacancy exists in a well-established vehicle/spare parts overseas based company to fill the position of Sales Representative at our Local office. Applicants must possess; Experience in sales and marketing; must be pleasant and must possess a good communication skills; must be computer literate and knowledgeable of Microsoft Office and Proficient in English language and a valid driver’s license. Good Salary & Commission offered. Apply Within to Human Resource Manager with two references to Nagoya Trading, 137 Grandsville Park, Beterverwagting, ECD. Phone: 220-2104, 656-9599

Jamaica, Windwards confident ahead of big final

An even contest is expected between Jamaica and Windward Islands in the Final of the WICB’s Regional 4Day Tournament. Both camps expressed confidence after Friday’s training sessions as they put plans in place for the opening day on Saturday.

First ball at the Beausejour Stadium is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time). The winning team will take home the Headley/Weekes Trophy – named in honour of legends George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes.

Speaking ahead of the match, Jamaica’s longstanding coach Junior Bennett said his players are well equipped to get the better of the home team. Windward Islands’ coach Ian Allen noted that his team always plays well at Beausejour and he believes home advantage could be crucial.

“We are going into the game with a similar approach to the other matches... the attitude that we went into the other game (semi-final) should not change,” Allen said. “We will be positive and look to win. We played a match here earlier in the season, against Barbados, and we were successful. We always enjoy playing here at Beausejour –where we get a lot of support – and we believe that gives us an edge over Jamaica.

“It was a really good team effort from everyone to help us reach the final. Everyone

realises the significance of this tournament – we have never won this title... credit to everyone for the role they have played up to this point and we expect more of the same in this match as well.”

Windwards are expected to welcome back off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who is among the leading bowlers in the world. He missed the semi-final against Trinidad & Tobago.

“We are delighted to have Shane back. Over the years he has been the leading wicket-taker for us and he is a fantastic servant of Windward Islands cricket. Having him back in the setup is always a plus for us and we know he will do well again this weekend,” added Allen, a former West Indies fast bowler.

Bennett is one of the most successful coaches in the region – having guided Jamaica to several titles at the junior and senior levels. He said a lot will depend on the batting of both teams and called on his batsmen to step up in the final.

“We are looking towards this match. It should be a very competitive match. Our batting has been a bit inconsistent throughout the tournament, but we know if we can put a competitive total on the board we have the bowling to do the job,” he said.

“It was good to see the captain Tamar Lambert getting a hundred in the semifinal against Barbados and that helped us to win the

game. Once the senior players go out and set the example we expect the younger players to follow and do the job for Jamaica.”

Bennett said he is looking for more good work from fast bowler Jerome Taylor, who made a successful return to the team in the NAGICO Super50 in January.

“Jeorme has bowled exceptionally well this year since he came back. If you go back to the one-day tournament and then look at the four-dayers, he has been demonstrating his ability and is a key player for us. We hope he stays injury-free and continues to do what he does best – that is bowl fast and good.”

Squads

Windward Islands: Liam Sebastien (captain), Sunil Ambris, Miles Bascombe, Johnson Charles, Romel Currency, Delorn Johnson, Keddy Lesporis, Mervin Matthew, Nelon Pascal, Kenroy Peters, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile Jamaica: Tamar Lambert (captain), Carlton Baugh Jr, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Brian Buchanan, John Campbell, Jon-Ross Campbell, David Bernard Jr, Sheldon Cottrell, Damion Jacobs, Andre McCarthy, Nikita Miller, Jerome Taylor

Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite, Joel Wilson

Match referee: Patrick Felix

Reserve umpire: Francis Maurice

GCB to conduct team managers’ seminar

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will conduct a team managers’ seminar on Sunday at the National Sports Resource Centre in Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, and president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Drubabahur, will open the seminar.

The team managers’ seminar will be the first in a series of seminars geared at enhancing the knowledge base of team managers and potential team managers.

Topics to be addressed on Sunday are the functions, roles and responsibilities of team mangers, the development of appropriate skills and personal characteristics of team managers, the different leadership styles, core values and relevant code of ethics, inclusive of the WICB/ICC Code of Conduct for players and officials.

On successful completion of the seminar, such individuals will be exposed to a second seminar for team managers which shall in-

clude such topics as Travel Planning and Requirements -Travel logistics, application for visas, Filling of Immigration/Emigration forms etc., Report Writing, Players and Team Staff Appraisals and Proposals. The third seminar in this series will focus more on the practical side of team management matters through group interaction and role plays. The facilitators for Sunday’s seminar are Alvin Johnson, Grantley Culbard, Cecil Chin and Colin Stuart.

FlOWERS

Neil Kumar

Alvin Johnson Colin Stuart

Ravens, All-star clash expected to ignite fireworks

By Treiston Joseph

Basketball fans will be treated to a special night of hoops when the number one club in the country, Dyna’s Ravens, face an all-star team on Saturday evening at the

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The game ,which has been organized by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) is being held to test the championship pedigree of the Ravens basketball team who have been on a dominant tear in the last year.

With such talent as Dwayne ‘Brown Suga’ Roberts, Shelroy Thomas, Travis Burnett and Steve Neils coming together for one purpose, to stop a flying Raven, it would be interesting to see how the all-star team that will be coached by Mark Agard will gel in time for tonight’s action.

However, Ravens are expected to come out and play their usual physical brand of basketball as they look to remain undefeated for 2014 .

Ravens with their tough as nails zone defence that usually generate stops to get the offence running on the fast break, along with their uncanny ability to rebound the basketball at a high rate will be hard to stop, especially if their half- court of-

fence with smooth passes to the open player is working well from the onset of the basketball game.

Further, if the Ravens who are not a big threepoint shooting team gets hot from beyond the arc the way they did in the final quarter of the ‘Road to Mecca’ final, the game can quickly become one- sided, especially if the likes of Dominic Vincente, Ryan Gullen and Ryan Stephney find their shooting touches, not to mention Rodwell Fortune and Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai.

It would be unwise not to note that Gullen is Georgetown’s three- point champ, a title he earned earlier in the year.

Dwayne ‘Brown Suga’

the rim. The all-star team can also utilize their “bigs” such as Roberts, Shane and Alistair Webster or Omally Sampson to bang down low with the Ravens, but a physical game can quickly find the all-star team in a hole because of Ravens’ knack for playing physical.

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) received a timely donation of trophies, replicas, medals and T-Shirts from US-Based Lindeners for the final of

the Linden under-19 School basketball tournament ,set to conclude on Monday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

LABA’s Ashton Angel received the donation on

Wednesday at the Linden Mall from Yvonne Alphonso on behalf of the donors for the final between Linden Foundation Secondary and Mackenzie High School, which is expected to be a

Meanwhile, what to expect from a mixture of stars that had little time to spend together? Speed, speed and more speed.

The All-star team has a number of guards in the likes of Burnett, Thomas, Dave Causway, Neils and Steve Marks that can run the break well or slash to

However,if the all-star team decides to attack the kryptonite- like defence of the Ravens, speed might be the best option to unsettle the Ravens for easy buckets. The game between the two powerhouse teams will definitely produce fireworks as fans will have the opportunity to witness a highoctane style of basketball when action tips off from 19:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

US-based Guyanese donate to Linden Basketball Association

thriller.

The US- based sponsors for the last nine years have contributed to the success of the school tournament and has pledged their continued support to the school programme.

The overseas sponsors are Marlon Josiah, who sponsored the winner’s trophy

and replicas; Orin Louison the runner-up trophy and replicas; Kenneth Chapman the third-place trophy and replicas; Lennox Allicock the fourth- place trophy and medals, while Alphonso is the donor for the Most Valuable Player of the final.

Maxi Stephens is the sponsor for the many indi-

vidual awards at stake including the Best Rebounder and Most Points in the final award, while the Championship T-Shirts were donated by Sylvester Mann and the All Star T-Shirts by Louis Webster . The basketballs to be used for the championship were donated by Leon Moe.

Wilson congratulates Carifta Games medallists

Olympic Coach Lyndon Wilson commended the performances of the Junior Carifta medalists for their achievements at the recently concluded Carifta Games, which was held in Martinique over the Easter weekend.

Middle- distance athlete Cassey George became the first Guyanese to win two gold medals at the same edition of the event by winning the girls’ under-18 1500 and 3000 metres, while US based Guyanese Kadecia Baird was the first sprinter in Guyana’s history to win gold at the Games in the girls’ under-20 400 metres. Baird also claimed silver in the girls’ under-20 200 metres.

The medal haul by the two females caused Guyana to finish with its highest placing in Carifta Games history, which is fourth place.

“I just want to congratulate those girls on what they did for Guyana, it is a commendable achievement by them both,” Wilson told Guyana Times Sport.

Further, Wilson noted that the remaining results were just formalities: “Well I was expecting (Jason) Yaw to do better and “medal”, but the rest of the results were just formalities and I hope that next time they can do better,” Wilson noted.

Ryan Gullen

Ryan Stephney

Roberts

From left Ashton Angel, Yvonne Alphonso, June Harris and Candace Bellamy pose alongside the trophies and other donations. Saved as donation

Lyndon Wilson

Four-day tourney didn’t ‘pan out’ for young Chanderpaul

By Avenash Ramzan

It is not hard to be-

lieve that Tagenarine

Chanderpaul would be the first to admit that the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Regional Fourday season, from a personal standpoint, did not go as planned.

Coming off a highly successful Youth World Cup stint with the West Indies Under-19 team in the United Arab Emirates in February, the 17-year-old was in prime form and the prospects of him dominating the senior regional bowlers were high.

He finished the World Cup with 293 runs from six games and was the fifth highest runscorer in the tournament and the second leading West Indies scorer behind the exciting and hard-hitting Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/batsman, Nicholas Pooran, with 303.

Consistency was the key for the young left-hander as he followed up scores of 84 against Zimbabwe in the opening game and 93 against Canada the match after, with a splendid 112 against India in the final game, albeit in a losing cause in the fifth-place playoff.

With the burden of expectations resting on his youthful shoulders, Tagenarine was selected as part of Guyana’s squad for the Regional Four-day tournament in March, and though he started off with a hattrick of scores in the 40s, it was not all smooth sailing.

In five matches during the tournament, the opener managed just 195 at an average of 19.50 with a highest score of 43 against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) in Barbados.

Reflecting on his performance during the season, Chanderpaul, who also played four matches last year, scoring 176 runs, pointed out that his performance was way below what he had planned.

“Definitely I’m not satisfied; I wanted to score a few 50s at least, but that did not happen,” he related to this publication on Friday.

Despite falling short of his target, Chanderpaul, who turns 18 on May 31, said the experience gained from rubbing shoulders with and competing against the Region’s top cricketers was one of the positives derived from the tournament.

“Yes I learnt a lot from being around the senior players in the Guyana team and talking to the other

Dozens graduate from tennis camp

Dozens of boys and girls are now better equipped to play the game of tennis following the conclusion of a two-week Easter camp, organised for the first time by the Park Players Tennis Club.

players from the rest of the teams, so it was a good experience in that regard,” he reckoned.

Dogged

Being the offspring of one of cricket’s all-time greats, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the weight of anticipation will be inevitable every time Tagenarine strolls to the crease.

It is something the young Chanderpaul is cognisant of, and the clue lies in the way he approached his batting during the four-day season.

While he did not light up the tournament by any stretch of the imagination, the fact that he occupied the crease for long periods and was willing to grind it out was refreshing, especially coming from a player his age.

His 43 against the CCC was a minute shy of four hours and spanned 178 balls, while the knock of 40 against the Windward Islands at Providence took three hours, 44 minutes and required 154 deliveries.

All told, young Chanderpaul soaked up 873 balls to score the 195 runs he got during the five matches. Quite remarkably, he spent a total of 1224 minutes at the crease, that’s a whopping 20 hours and 24 minutes.

That’s the sort of stats you’d associate with the older Chanderpaul, but with time on his side, and an obvious appetite for lengthy innings, Tagenarine could very well be on his way to tormenting bowlers the way his father has done for the past two decades.

However, being an opening batsman- a prime position for big scoresTagenarine is rightly annoyed at not cashing in during regional four-day season, because when it’s all done and dusted, it’s the runs that count.

Conducted by national coach Shelly Daly- Ramdyhan, the event concluded on Friday morning when the eager youngsters were rewarded for their participation, while those who competed in the mini competitions were given trophies and medals.

The camp was hosted at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, and according to DalyRamdyhan, who is a member of Park Players Tennis Club; there is always a demand for such programmes, as there is a large group of youngsters who have an interest in learning the game.

She highlighted that the camp attracted 39 youths, from as young as four years old, while the oldest was about 18 years.

According to Daly- Ramdyhan, during the two weeks of training, the players were divided into various categories based on their age and skills level and competed in what turned out to be

exciting mini competitions.

At the end of it all, Solona Ramsaroop won the Beginners (4-6 years) category ahead of Mariah Khan, while the Under-10 was won by Khalid Adams with Alexei Hopkinson settling

for the runner-up spot.

The Under-12 (Orange Ball) was won by Robin Baldwin with Nigel Lowe coming in second, while the Under-12 (Green Ball) saw Shawn Singh emerging victorious ahead of Jeremiah Kalekyezi in the final. Jordan Beaton copped the Under-12 (Yellow Ball) category, defeating Keenan Persaud in the championship game.

Daly- Ramdyhan had teamed up with national player Leyland Leacock to conduct the sessions, with assistance from leading local players, Daniel Lopes and Gavin Lewis.

She lauded all those who assisted in making the camp a success, singling out the participants and their parents for investing their time wisely over the past two weeks.

Meanwhile, Daly- Ramdyhan also highlighted that Guyana will be sending a strong team to compete in the Antigua Invitational Under-12 tournament from May 2-6 with some of the very players from the camp set to represent the Golden Arrowhead.

The travelling contingent for that competition will be announced shortly.

(Avenash Ramzan)

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan

By Avenash Ramzan

National coach Shelly Daly- Ramdyhan (extreme left) poses with participants of

week camp at the conclusion on Friday (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)