Guyana Times Daily

Rodney CoI should summon Granger − PPP

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is calling on the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry to summon People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader David Granger to address the inquiry into Dr Walter Rodney’s murder.

In a statement, the party said from all indications, Granger and the PNC must have a wealth of information that would be useful to the Commission’s work.

“The PNC and Granger should not be ashamed that their past record will be revealed to the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese, especially the youths of Guyana.”

The PPP said it is reminded of Granger’s statement (while he had been campaigning for the leadership of the PNC) that his membership in that party goes back to over 40 years.

“In this respect, Granger would have much to contribute to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).”

The PPP said too that it

Dr Walter Rodney PNCR Leader David Granger

is very concerned that the PNCR, while stating that it will not participate in the inquiry, is now going to all lengths to “discredit and disrupt the Commission from executing its constitutional mandate”.

“The PNC continues to use their non-participation in drafting the Terms of Reference (ToRs) as a red herring for their non-participation in the Commission of Inquiry,” the PPP stated.

Moreover, according to the ruling party, having

failed to convince the Rodney family to effect changes to the ToRs of the Commission, the PNCR then sought to discredit Commissioners Sir Richard Cheltenham (Chairman) and Senior Counsel, Seenath Jairam.

Further, PNCR Chairman Basil Williams, the PPP said, tried to cast aspersions on the methodology of the hearings, claiming that evidence being given by persons who lived through those days is mere hearsay.

“These antics by the PNC

More than 13,000 writing

Thirteen thousand, seven hundred and twenty-one (13,721) students have been enlisted to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations this year, one of whom will be taking 20 subjects, the Education Ministry said on Thursday.

The Ministry in a release said 12,366 candidates are expected to write Mathematics and 11,484 are expected to sit English. In addition to the one student writing 20 subjects, two will be taking 19, four 18, 16 17, 18 will write 16 subjects and 2500 will be writing between seven and eight subjects.

The Ministry said CSEC subjects are examined for certification at the

General and Technical Proficiencies, which provide students with the foundation for further studies and entry to the workplace.

is clearly aimed at confusing the public, however, already we have seen how the testimony of WPA activist Karen DeSouza was damning to the PNC.”

The PPP also views the disappearance of several vital Police files covering the period leading up to the Rodney assassination as an impediment to full disclosure on the Rodney murder.

A similar disappearance of copies of the Mirror newspapers published during that period has been discovered at the New Guyana Company Limited. A former senior reporter at the Mirror, now a practising Attorney and member of the Opposition, had at one time unfettered access to these historic publications.

“The PPP again calls on all patriotic Guyanese to fully participate in the inquiry and to join the family of the late, Dr Walter Rodney in bringing this matter to closure once and for all.”

CSEC

Meanwhile, the Ministry said 795 candidates have enlisted to sit the Advanced Proficiency Exams this year. The highest subject entries are Caribbean Studies with a total of 365 entries and Communication Studies with 400 entries.

The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) is designed to provide certification of the academic, vocational and technical achievement of students in the Caribbean who have completed a minimum of five years of secondary education. The sittings of the two regional exams commenced on May 5. CSEC and CAPE are expected to conclude on June 13.

Guyana participates in Arab-South America culture meeting

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Guyana and Suriname, both members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), participated in the third Arab-South America (ASPA) Culture Ministers Meeting last week between the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Arab League members in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The meeting ended on Wednesday.

The Arab and South American countries met to promote the cultural dialogue between the two blocks and sought cooperation between cultural institutions of the two regions.

As well, they discussed

having cultural agreements and encouraged both blocs to ratify the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention. The two blocs promised support for the work done by the ArabSouth American Library and Research Centre.

Issues in the political, social, cultural and economic spheres were also discussed.

Among the objectives is to create a new economic and trade agenda to spur development between the two blocs. ASPA was founded in May 2005 by former Brazilian President Luis Lula da Silva.

The participating South American countries besides Guyana and Suriname were Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Guyana was represented by Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr Frank Anthony.

Arab countries participating were Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, Comoros, Djibouti and Qatar. (Caribbean News Now)

Learning Channel now available at Ituni

Children living in Ituni, Region 10 and surrounding areas can now view the Guyana Learning Channel (GLU) with the recent completion of the brand new Ituni transmission facility.

This new transmission facility is the 15th of its kind to be completed across Guyana, as the Ministry intensifies efforts to broaden the reach of the GLU.

The Ministry will soon be commencing a monitoring and evaluation programme to ascertain whether residents are indeed receiving the channel.

This exercise will also seek to address any other unintended technical issues that might

otherwise prevent residents from proper access to the GLU. In addition, the Ministry will be conducting awareness sessions to show residents how to access the signal. The GLU was launched on April 1, 2011 under similar principles as Public Educational Broadcasting Services around the world and open education assumptions ascribing to Creative Commons copyright principles. It is a satellite communication network that facilitates the production and nationwide broadcast of educational programmes.

The next transmission facility is earmarked for Karasabai, Region Nine.

Weather: Thundery showers are expected to give way to heavy rain showers during the day with light rain showers giving way to partly cloudy conditions in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 288 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly between 4.02 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:09h and 12:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.18 metres and 2.20 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 06:08h and 18:35h reaching minimum heights of 1.05 metres and 0.96 metre respectively.

US LEAD Project put on hold

By Alexis Rodney

The Governments of Guyana and the United States on Thursday announced that the implementation activities of the controversial US Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project will be put on hold temporarily as the two sides begin reengagement talks on the way forward.

Talks began soon after the sides made a joint statement on the matter at the Office of the President, hoping that a mutually beneficial outcome would be had in the long run.

“The Governments of Guyana and the United State have agreed that the implementation of the USAID project will be put on hold temporarily, during the reengagement on the design of the project which the two sides have agreed will commence immediately,” the statement read.

US Ambassador D Brent Hardt maintained that the project still holds as its main concern, the interest of the Government and the people of Guyana. He said the US Government was pleased with the opportunity to reengage in talks on the project, and was positive that a resolution will be met, since the issues to be raised had already been discussed.

Modifications

“We certainly think that the objectives towards Government’s participation are vital. So we look forward to a constructive dialogue, and we are hopeful that at the end of the day we could find a way forward in the tradition of our long and bilateral agreement,” the Ambassador remarked.

He said the US Government had already indicated its preparedness to make modifications to the project. Guyana’s Government had expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s design and implementation strategy. These issues were raised with the US Ambassador in almost every meeting he had

with the Government.

During the last meeting between the two, last month, Ambassador Hardt had promised that the issues raised would have been communicated to USAID and its representative.

The Ambassador had, nonetheless, stated that the project was aimed at supporting stakeholders’ effort to promote effective and responsive democratic institutions. He claimed also that the project was designed to strengthen political and consensus-building processes and skills through programmed components. “And that’s what we are here to do today… we are looking forward to being able to get down a deal with the specifics,” he told reporters.

Addressing the issue of USAID’s apparent non-consideration of Government’s decision not to continue the project, Hardt said that both governments had drafted a framework during their 2009 meeting for assistance in governance and democracy.

He said USAID was under the impression that the programmes that were being developed were in fact those that were discussed in the agreement in the 2009 framework.

These included providing opportunities for dialogue and consensus building, facilitating seminars on public events of global and regional interests, and sup-

porting local and national elections. “It never seemed to me that we were operating outside our traditional agreed framework,” the Ambassador said.

Resolution

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon when asked about Government’s next step said the resolution of the project will be an integral part of the engagement. He reiterated that

both parties are looking forward to meeting consensus. He added that Government has achieved its objective, which is to have the implementation put on hold, while reengagement takes place.

Asked about the specific concerns Government has with the project, Dr Luncheon said: “It will be the height of absurdity and flying in the face of sanity for any of us to say that this engagement with USAID and the Government of Guyana, at least since 1992, has not been proceeding along those lines. There is no reason for us to believe if we adhere to a mutually beneficial output that this reengagement will be successful.”

Dr Luncheon could not disclose when the reengagement process would come to an end; however, the US Ambassador said he hopes things will be ironed out before his tenure comes to an end in July of this year.

The announcement to put the project on hold comes months after strained relations between the US and Guyana Governments over the issue.

US Ambassador D Brent Hardt surrounded by media operatives after the announcement

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

Opposition mentality

Caribbean history texts often jog our memory about the hostility between the Arawaks and the Caribs, with the latter being the chief aggressor. With the advent of the European colonisers, these two tribes came to the brink of annihilation, through various institutionalised systems of slavery, until they were deemed unfit for slave labour.

Today, these two people are an integral part of the national and Caribbean heritage, more particularly in Guyana; the culture of the First People is given recognition through a month-long observance, Amerindian Month.

Their contribution to national development is celebrated year after year, and the call for unity among Amerindians is repeated ad nauseam, but quite amusingly, the message seems not to stick, though encouragingly it resonates with the vast majority.

The situation that exists in Guyana regarding the various sections of the Amerindian populace is not the barbarity that existed in the years of yore, but a division that is based and driven by politics.

An example that immediately comes to mind is the complete silence of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) on the combined Opposition’s voting down of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), even though the programme is designed to benefit all Amerindians.

The APA has been pigeonholed before as an Amerindian group in support of the political Opposition, and its recent inaction, which in effect does not dovetail with one of its objectives, that is, to promote the social and economic development of Amerindian communities in solidarity with each other, gives credence to the label.

The $1.1 billion ADF, among other things, provides an annual subvention to toshaos to decide what initiatives they have been tasked with by their villagers to pursue; grants to 10 villages to support eco-tourism projects; funding for the Secure Livelihood Programme in Region One, an initiative to address the challenges hampering economic development in Amerindian villages and hinterland communities there; and funding for the Bina Hall Institute, which looks at a range of programmes from income generation to sport to education and training.

The question that continues to be asked is why it is refusing to condemn the action by the combined Opposition, when in addition to the above, it will put some 2000 Amerindian youths on the breadline.

This happened at a time when the Opposition was clamouring about unemployment in Guyana, more particularly youth unemployment.

Even former Speaker of the National Assembly and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive, now PPP/C critic, Ralph Ramkarran was quick to point out that the action by the combined Opposition in voting down funding for the ADF was based on suspicion rather than evidence.

His reaction can be construed as a response to Opposition Leader David Granger, who had said that the ADF is being used by the Government for “political purposes”.

And, of course, the Government was quick to react, thundering that the claims by the Opposition Leader, and the Opposition in general, are baseless and represent a vicious attack on Amerindians.

However, amid the cut and thrust of the arguments in the House on the ADF, something striking occurs, which bears resemblance to the Carib-Arawak hostility, not the barbarity as was made clear earlier, not the involvement of the people of the two tribes, but the support of Amerindian Members of Parliament (MPs) for the slashing and the subsequent deafening silence of the APA on the matter.

It is a travesty for Amerindians MPs to support the scalpel approach to this Fund that will improve the livelihoods of their fellow Amerindians (a minority group) and even their kinfolk, in the name of politics.

No doubt, it was clear from the onset that the Opposition had decided to ‘shun the natives’, but to send out its Amerindian MPs to justify its action, and for them to do that bidding is unspeakable.

If this is not a modern-day Carib versus Arawak mentality, then what is?

The death of Dr Walter Rodney was the watermark of Burnham

Dear Editor,

The death of Dr Walter Rodney was the watermark of Burnham and his PNC authoritarianism. When they could not control this supposedly violent opponent any longer, they craftily set up a plan how to kill him, thus the Gregory Smith walkie-talkie plan came into play.

Like I said before, when the PNC found itself against dissenting odds, they violently reacted and the assassination of the brother became inevitable.

I must reiterate the point that the belief of this party was that everyone in Guyana should toe the PNC line. You must think and act the way they wanted you to, and anything short of this was to brand you a “subversive element” or an “enemy of the state,” worthy to be killed.

Hence, you had to show proof that you were “one of us” when things of the nature of a party card or links or association to a PNC official. Failing this, you were relegated to the position of a nobody; a zombie or persona non grata right here in your own country.

And may I add everything

of that state they were talking about was tainted with “party paramountcy”, a sad chapter of this is Hamilton Green; he is still stuck in that mode of thinking. And when the PNC could not fashion you in their mould, then you could hear them say the “right” thing to do” is to eliminate you.

Brother Walter suffered the fate of being assassinated by the regime and the belief was that the voice of dissent would have been forever silenced as the members of the WPA had to run hither thither and yon determined to protect life and limb, one such individual was John Williams.

John was a member of the WPA who sought refuge in Trinidad soon after Rodney’s murder. He chose that route in order to save his life from the brutal PNC regime. John spent approximately five years in hiding, a period in which he hoped the PNC would somehow soften their stance towards the remnants of Rodney’s party, but that was a costly mistake he would soon find out.

John returned to Guyana during the late 1980s and landed a job as a Second

Secretary (FSO II) at the Foreign Affairs Ministry – this was about the same time now Director General Elizabeth Harper and yours truly, Neil Adams, came on the scene.

Now it is important to know that there was the likes of the Burnhamite PNC Aubrey Norton, who I firmly believe was the instigator behind the happenings I shall reveal next. Unbeknownst to fellow FSO II John Williams was the surveillance of his every action. So when the time was right, then Foreign Minister Rashleigh Jackson summoned John to his office.

With that, John had to flee the Foreign Service as his “files” there were replete with information from the PNC informant. Thankfully John was able to get a job at the University of Guyana.

My testimony today would be incomplete if I forgot to mention my own experience at the hands of that repressive group. I too was subjected to much discussion and debate as to where my “loyalty” laid; was I a PPP, WPA or simply a follower of Rodney’s ideas?

These were the questions put forward to me.

They were not man enough to confront me with that foolishness, hence the secretive back street discussions. I later learned through the grapevine that the remark was made that “I should look elsewhere for employment”. I was no longer welcome at Takuba Lodge. Well, long before that statement was made I was indeed looking, not in Guyana but further afield. So when I was called to go to Barbados in 1990, many were caught flat footed and utterly disappointed that their secretive plan to fire me backfired on them.

There are many more stories I can relate to you on the vindictive and spiteful nature of the PNC regime which went long after Rodney’s death, but that will make up volumes, so I must hasten to a close.

What took place that fateful day Brother Walter was brutally killed was a stark reality to the people of Guyana that never again would we allow the PNC/APNU to hold sway in Guyana; never again such repression!

Sincerely, Neil Adams

MoE welcomes students back to school after Easter holidays

Dear Editor,

The Education Ministry welcomes all school children and teachers from across the country, as they return to school after the Easter holidays, to commence the final term of the school year. The Ministry wishes them well and urges that they continue to work diligently throughout this final term, to achieve better grades.

To those children writ-

ing the CSEC and CAPE examinations, the Ministry extends best wishes to you and implore that you carefully apply the principles and theories learned in the respective subjects you are pursuing, to do the best you can do.

Guyana has a favourable CSEC record that the Education Ministry continues to better with each passing year, through the methodical enhancement of the

quality of education delivered throughout the secondary sector.

Additionally, we encourage all our CAPE students to do their best to achieve outstanding results, as they too get about their respective examinations during this new term.

The Ministry would also like to thank all the hard working and dedicated parents who continue to provide parental support to their

children as they go through school. The Ministry also thanks all our teachers who give immeasurable service every day. We ask that you continue to be that example of responsibility to your child and to your respective communities. This new school term ends on July 11.

Suelle Findlay-Williams Public Relations Officer, Education Ministry

An exhibition showcasing the work of renowned artist Bernadette Persaud was open at the National Gallery, Castellani House on Thursday by invitation – it will be open from today to the public. Persaud’s paintings tell stories of nature, life, death, love, beauty, repression and freedom. In this Marceano Narine photo, a patron closely examines one of the paintings

The PNC’s ultimate objective was to silence the democratic process

Dear Editor,

The murder of Dr Rodney goes far beyond the mere murder/assassination of an irritating political opponent –the real aim goes deeper than that – rather, it was an iniquitous project by the authoritarian regime to silence dissenting voices and the democratic process on a whole.

It was their mistaken belief that they can somehow put away from our minds the idea that freedom could come to suffering people. And the best way to achieve this objective was to drive fear and uncertainty in the minds of everyone who dared to oppose their logic.

In this regard, torture, beatings, disappearances and even death lurked in the shadows as the PNC went on a rampage.

First of all, it was their illogical interpretation of you being a “subversive element” or an “enemy of the state” once your ideas went contrary to theirs and so those followers of Rodney and/or his ideas became prime targets for their attacks – Karen De Souza is one such example.

She was hounded and spied upon wherever she went. Her movements, no matter how innocent they might have been, were dogged by controversy. One such attempt by the regime was the incident where she was supposedly caught red-handed in the act of shoplifting.

These trumped up charges were crafted by the YSM. Their job was to follow her around and dig up whatever dirt they can find. So the smear campaign went on from the ludicrous misdemeanour of shoplifting

to the women’s arm of the party, the WRSM, branding Karen a madwoman, a raving lunatic who should not be taken seriously.

Therefore, it was with great joy and gladness I read of Karen’s testimony before the CoI of the horrible things she suffered at the hands of the PNC all because she was associated with the WPA. I am indeed thankful for her coming forward and telling her story, not being amnesiac like her fellow compatriot Rupert Roopnaraine.

Another way in benumbing the views of the people was to constantly feed them with lies and propaganda, as the slogan during that period was “read the Chronicle Newspaper – that paper has the truth”.

We were encouraged to follow all the news items of that newspaper because from its portals all “truth” flowed...or was it? On this note, I call on Adam Harris, a senior, if not the editor, of the Chronicle Newspaper, to come forward and shed some light as to the workings of that press during this turbulent period.

It would be interesting to hear his testimony as it relates to the Gregory Smith matter. I challenge him to testify before the Rodney CoI. Come to the table, Adam – tell us “the truth” –we are eagerly awaiting “the truth”.

Like I said in my opening remarks, the PNC hoped to silence dissenting voices and views with the killing of Dr Walter Rodney, but such was their mistaken belief.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Is the United States an example of press freedom?

Dear Editor, The issue of press freedom has dominated the headlines for the past few days. Most prominent among them was that of the May 4 Edition of the Sunday Stabroek. Splashed across the front page was the headline, “US envoy challenges Government over censorship, intimidation of media”.

The US Ambassador dedicated his entire speech to mark the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to admonishing the Government of Guyana on the lack of press freedom in this country instead of recognising the achievements the PPP/C Administration made as compared to what existed under the PNC.

Listening to Mr Hardt or reading the above mentioned article, one gets the impression that the United States is the embodiment of press freedom and Guyana is the worst. However a little research would prove beyond any doubt that the US Ambassador was simply being hypocritical.

He simply exploited occasion to hit back at Government that he thought

he could bully. Mr Hardt should have instead filled the knowledge gap of the Guyanese public and inform them that under the Obama Administration, press freedom in the US has taken a nose dive. In 2002, Reporters Without Borders gave the US a ranking number of 17. In 2013 it nose-dived to 32.

It is true that the Government of Guyana is often critical of those private media houses which are openly hostile to it and openly abuse the freedom they enjoy. It is true that at least 80 per cent of the independent media houses openly promote the Opposition’s political agenda.

But it is also true that the Government has never branded any of them “illegitimate”, unlike the US Government. It is no other than the White House that has branded Fox News as illegitimate, simply because its reporting does not suit its agenda.

It is equally true that there have been many leakages of information by state employees to the press, including some that caused significant embarrassment;

the Guyana Government has never tapped the phones of any public servant or journalist, hacked into their computers or in any other way try to intimidate any of them.

The US Government on the other hand, through its “Department of Justice” has illegally invaded the privacy of three Fox news reporters in every conceivable way to identify the source of their information. As a result, a former State Department employee is now facing 15 years in jail.

The last time such a thing happened in Guyana, the PNC was in power. So instead of telling the Government of Guyana to stop intimidating the press in Guyana he should have directed those comments to Mr Barrack Obama, President of the United States, his President.

Mr Hardt, therefore, has no moral right to lecture Guyana about press freedom and intimidation of independent press. Furthermore, instead of criticising the Guyana Government on the issuing of broadcasting licenses, he should have done the honourable thing

and acknowledge that Al Jazeera had to wait 10 years for a licence to broadcast in America.

Instead of lecturing Guyana on press freedom, Mr Hardt should have reflected on the level of press freedom in his own country and what an embarrassment it is for the “world’s most democratic country, or is it that Mr Hardt and the Obama Administration belong to that category which subscribe to the philosophy ‘do as I say and not as I do’?

The state of press freedom in America was best captured in the words of Fox News Brit Hume, who said, “The Obama-Holder Justice Department is now prepared to treat the ordinary news gathering activities of reporters to seek information from Government officials as a possible crime”.

Is it therefore not surprising that some countries in the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and even Africa are now ranked higher than the United States when it comes to press freedom?

Yours sincerely, Faruk Mohamed

Mail from United States arriving in Guyana broached

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Post Office Corporation has been recently receiving items from the United States of America that have been broached. This has been the case on a number of occasions although the mailed

items are received in sealed mail bags.

Information relating to this recent development has been communicated to the United States Postal Administration for them to launch an investigation into these occurrences.

The Postmaster General wishes to advise that the corporation remains committed to preserving the integrity of the mail and will continue to do everything possible to carry out this mandate.

The public is also urged to be guided by this information and advise their overseas relatives and friends to be cognisant of these occurrences when posting mail.

Sincerely, Telesha Whyte Guyana Post Office Corporation

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

Page Foundation

Signs of parental abuse: What to do when your child or teen hits you

(Continued from Thursday)

BY KIM ABRAHAM AND MARNEY STUDAKERCORDNER

Why is my teen abusive?

When a child or teen turns abusive, it’s natural to ask “Why?” Many parents feel guilty, blaming themselves for their teen’s behaviour: If I was a better parent, my child wouldn’t be acting this way. The truth is, there can be several underlying factors contributing to parental abuse including poor boundaries, substance abuse (by either a parent or child), poor coping skills, underlying psychological conditions and learned behaviour. Some children behave violently due to poor coping skills. Others are more deliberate and enjoy the power that comes from intimidating a parent. Remember: we can try to understand what’s going on in any situation, but there is no excuse or rationale for abusive behaviour.

Responding to parental abuse

Aggressive and abusive behaviour is not a part of typical childhood or adolescence. It’s not a stage that your teen will “grow out of” if you ignore it. If you’re dealing with parental abuse in your home, your child is violating the rights of others. It doesn’t matter that it’s his

parent’s rights; that doesn’t make it any less serious or illegal. Your home is the place where your child will learn how to interact in the world. He is learning what’s acceptable…and what’s not. He’s learning about consequences for behaviour and accountability. One of the hardest tasks a parent can be faced with is responding to their own child’s aggression or abuse. It’s natural to feel torn. On one hand, it’s instinctual to protect your child. On the other hand, nothing can push a parent’s buttons of anger, disappointment and hurt like a child’s abusive behaviour. Some days you may feel emotionally stronger than others. Only you can decide what you’re able to follow through with at any given time. Here are some suggestions: Clearly communicate boundaries. Make sure your child understands your physical and emotional boundaries. You may need to clearly state: “It’s not okay to yell or push or hit me.” If you’ve said this to your child in the past, but allowed her to cross those boundaries in the past without consequence, she’s gotten mixed messages. Your words have told her one set of boundaries but your actions (by accepting being yelled at or hit) have com-

municated another set of boundaries. Make sure your non-verbal communication (what you do) matches your verbal communication (what you say).

Clearly communicate consequences for abusive behaviour. Tell your teen: “If you hit me, throw something at me or otherwise hurt me physically, that’s called domestic violence and assault. Even though I love you, I will call the Police and you will be held accountable for your behaviour.” Then –again – make sure your actions match your words. If you don’t think you can follow through with contacting the Police – don’t say you will. This will only reinforce to your child that you make “threats” that won’t be carried out. You may choose to provide other consequences, other than legal, that you enforce. If a friend physically assaulted you, would you let her borrow your car or give her spending money the next day? Probably not. Contact the authorities. We don’t say this lightly or without understanding how difficult this can be for a parent. Some parents are outraged at a teen’s abusive behaviour and react: “I’ve got no problem calling the cops on my child if he ever raises a hand to me!” Other parents struggle, worrying

about the long term consequences of contacting the police or unable to handle the thought of their child facing charges. Remember: if your teen is behaving violently toward you now, there is the risk that this will generalise to his future relationships with a spouse, his own children or other members of society. You are not doing him a favour by allowing him to engage in this behaviour without consequence.

Get support. Parental abuse is a form of domestic violence. It’s a serious issue and needs immediate attention and intervention. Domestic violence has traditionally been characterised by silence. As hard as it is, break that silence. Get support from family or friends – anyone you think will be supportive. If your natural supports tend to judge you and you’re afraid it will only make the situation worse, contact a local domestic violence hotline, counsellor or support group.

The road to a healthier relationship with your child will very likely take time. There’s no shortcut or quick fix. It starts with acknowledgement of the issue and accountability. If you’re facing this issue in your family, we wish you strength and empowerment. (Empowering Parents)

When to seek help for your child

Parents are usually the first to recognise that their child has a problem with emotions or behaviour. Still, the decision to seek professional help can be difficult and painful for a parent. The first step is to gently try to talk to the child. An honest open talk about feelings can often help. Parents may choose to consult with the child’s physicians, teachers, members of the clergy, or other adults who know the child well. These steps may resolve the problems for the child and family.

The following are a few signs which may indicate that a child and adolescent psychiatric evaluation will be useful.

Younger children

* Marked fall in school performance

* Poor grades in school despite trying very hard

* Severe worry or anxiety, as shown by regular refusal to go to school, go to sleep or take part in activities that are normal for the child’s age

* Frequent physical complaints

* Hyperactivity; fidgeting; constant movement beyond regular playing with or without difficulty paying attention

* Persistent nightmares

* Persistent disobedience or aggression (longer than six months) and provocative opposition to authority figures

* Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums

* Threatens to harm or kill oneself

Pre-adolescents and adolescents

* Marked decline in school performance

* Inability to cope with problems and daily activities

* Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits

* Extreme difficulties in concentrating that get in the way at school or at home

* Sexual acting out

* Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death

* Severe mood swings

* Strong worries or anxieties that get in the way of daily life, such as at school or socialising

* Repeated use of alcohol and/or drugs

* Intense fear of becoming obese with no relationship to actual body weight, excessive dieting, throwing up or using laxatives to loose weight

* Persistent nightmares

* Threats of self-harm or harm to others

* Self-injury or self destructive behavior

* Frequent outbursts of anger, aggression

* Repeated threats to run away

* Aggressive or nonaggressive consistent violation of rights of others; opposition to authority, truancy, thefts, or vandalism

* Strange thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or unusual behaviours

If problems persist over an extended period of time or if others involved in the child’s life are concerned, consider speaking with a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a trained mental health professional. (www. aacap.org)

King installed as acting Town Clerk

– Sooba says move illegal, refuses to demit office

By Michael younge

The Georgetown City Council is now facing a legal and administrative conundrum after Mayor Hamilton Green on Thursday confirmed and installed Royston King as the entity’s Acting Town Clerk.

This is the Council’s second attempt to bestow the post of Town Clerk on King who is the city’s Public Relations Officer.

With the approval of some councillors, the Mayor made the move despite the fact that Carol Ryan Sooba has not demitted office as Town Clerk and remains in control of the administrative branch of the Georgetown City Council.

King’s instalment took place at what the Councillors described as another “extraordinary” meeting which was held in the compound of the municipality as the Council’s Chambers remained tightly locked.

Speaking at what appeared to be a hurriedlyput-together event, Mayor Green said the Council would have fallen into serious error if it failed to act following the ruling handed down by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang after a

private lawsuit was brought by King against the Local Government Minister over his confirmation of Sooba to the post.

Justice Chang had ruled that the Minister made a procedural error in his attempt to confirm Sooba as the city’s substantive Town Clerk. However, Chang’s ruling did not interfere with Sooba’s right to continue to perform the duties of Town Clerk nor did it instruct the Minister to remove her from office.

Bumpy road ahead

Two separate appeals have since been filed by the Government and the plaintiff challenging various parts of the acting Chief Justice’s ruling.

Green contended that King would be empowered by the Council to perform the duties of Town Clerk until such time that the two appeals are heard and determined by the court.

He advised that the Council had a “contingency plan” for purging itself of Sooba who he alleged was “imposed” on the duly elected members.

“It is not prudent to tell the whole story particularly when there are ears and eyes designed to frustrate...,” he said.

He admitted that the road ahead would be “bumpy”, while stating that there was much work and meetings to be held to ensure that Sooba was removed from the Council.

Mayor Green also expressed the view that the Council has no obligation to adhere to or follow the advice of the Local Government Minister as regards its decision to appoint and install King to function.

Asked how King will operate when Sooba remains in control, the Mayor said the councillors had “a plan of action” if there was “resis-

tance”.

He maintained that were the Government to call Local Government Elections, another solution would become available to solve the dilemma that the Council has found itself in.

Meanwhile, King, after accepting the acting Town Clerk post, criticised the state of the City Council, opining that there was need to “review” and “revamp” the processes through which the business of the people is handed.

He said the Council could do much more with the limited resources, since it had “sufficient brain power” from the qualified officials at City Hall to offer better services to the residents of Georgetown.

“We must not try to make the Council a business, but we must work towards developing a culture of discipline” so that there can be an improvement in the service offered, King told the small gathering before proceeding to function as the secretary of the meeting called by Green amid cheers from councillors.

No senior local government officials or staff members of the council were present at the meeting. And there was no sign that King would be getting compliance from staff who fall under Sooba’s authority anytime soon.

Desperation

Speaking with Guyana Times during an exclusive interview, Sooba described both meetings held by the Council as “illegal”. She condemned what she called “the acts of desperation” by the Hamilton Green-led Council.

“I am aware that there is only one Town Clerk Acting of the City Georgetown and that person is yours truly,” Sooba said. She opined that the Mayor and his council-

lors appear to be under the impression that they are more powerful than the laws of Guyana or the courts.

She is also refusing to demit office until such time an instruction is received from the Local Government Ministry or the courts of Guyana for her to do so.

“I am in charge of the administration of this council and my employees remain responsible to me. It is business as usual here and the only disruption to our work flow is the charade you see taking place in our compound,” Sooba told Guyana Times

She also alleged that threats are being made to her staff while dis-

closing that as recent as Wednesday, one of her secretaries was abused.

Sooba has threatened to withhold the monies of the councillors who participated in the illegal meeting and stated that she will only authorise payments for legal meetings held by the Council.

Additionally, she contended that the Mayor and the councillors who are

seeking to undermine the integrity and legitimacy of her office will face the full force of the law. She is leaving no stone unturned to reign in corruption, cronyism and nepotism at the council.

“That is my crime. I will make this council transparent. I am unmoved by the dirty and dastard acts of the Mayor and his side kicks,” she said strongly.

Man jailed for three years for trafficking narcotics

Aman was sentenced to three years imprisonment on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to a trafficking in narcotics charge that was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Shawn Cummings, a 38-year-old father of three, accepted that he was in possession of 28 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking on May 7 at Lombard Street, Georgetown.

Cummings was unrepresented in court and told the Chief Magistrate that he was on Lombard street when a man went up to him and ask for marijuana to buy; however, he had no

idea that the man was a police officer.

The defendant went on to say that he left to purchase the narcotic and returned with the intention of selling it to the man, but was arrested instead. Cummings further claimed that he only did so to raise money to buy shoes and clothes to attend a funeral on Thursday. Cummings also disclosed to the court that while he was in the lockups, another prisoner had attempted to stab him with a sharp object. After listening to the defendant, Chief Magistrate SewnarineBeharry imposed a sentence of three years along with a fine of $30,000.

Royston King

Carol Sooba

Venezuelans fined for illegally entering Guyana

Two Venezuelan men appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday to answer to charges of entering Guyana illegally. On May 3, Jesus Mera Gomez and Jean Carlos Lunez illegally entered Guyana through Waini in the North West District by sea and disembarked without consulting immigra-

tion officers.

The men, who were represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, stated that they had no previous trouble with the law and only entered Guyana to engage in the purchasing of goods

via a translator.

They both pleaded guilty and accepted the facts as charged.

They were fined $30,000, with an alternative sentence of one month imprisonment.

Suspected cellphone thief remanded

Thirty-seven-yearold Anery Dooki of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was on Thursday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of simple larceny.

The man, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Tuesday, May 6, at 02:00h he broke into the house of Reshana Edwards on Bent Street, Georgetown and stole one cellphone valued $90,000.

The Virtual Complainant (VC) stated that she woke up to find

the defendant standing in her room and she began to scream which caused him to run out of the house.

She then proceeded to run out after him into the street, screaming – which alerted Police who were patrolling the area.

The man was caught and searched after which the article was found in his

Miner charged for unlawful

ALethem resident was placed on $100,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of unlawful wounding.

Forty-eight-year-old Ken Moore of Kanuku Drive, Lethem, allegedly assaulted Virtual Complainant (VC) David Sugrim on April 12, at Marudi Mountain, South Rupununi. The men had an altercation after Sugrim accused Moore of stealing a dredge part. The defendant

possession. He was then arrested by Police ranks.

Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail, stating that the defendant has previously been convicted of similar charges.

The accused is scheduled to appear for a second time at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on May 30 for statements.

wounding

became annoyed and dealt the VC several chops to his body with a cutlass.

The matter was reported to the Police and Moore was subsequently charged.

The defendant was represented by Attorneys Paul Fung-A-Fat and Michael Somersault who stated that

their client has one child and has attended all court sessions as required. They requested bail after stating that the defendant is not a flight risk.

The defendant is scheduled to again appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on June 2.

Women damaged musical instrument – court hears

Forty-eight-year-old Claudine Calder and 37-year-old Abiola Calder were charged with two counts of damage to property when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the first count of damage to property which alleged that on May 1, at the Baska Night Club in Mahdia, Region Eight, they damaged one DX-Driver valued $225,000, property of Rajkumar Singh.

They also entered a not-guilty plea for the second count, that at the said nightclub on the night in question, they damaged one Yamaha keyboard valued $500,000; one MP camera valued $37,000; and three microphones valued $75,000, property of Troy Miller.

Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that the women got into a misunderstanding with Miller and a fight ensued between the three of them.

During the said altercation, the articles mentioned in the charge were

damaged.

Grant did not object to bail but asked that it be set in a suitable amount.

Attorney Adrian Thompson, who appeared on behalf of the defendants, told the court that Alder was a housewife while Calder worked as a cook.

He asked that bail be granted in a reasonable sum for his clients.

The women were granted bail of $50,000 each. The matter will be recalled on July 14.

Eyew tness

Ignoring the lessons...

...of economics

Capitalism has had its share of critics. From Dickens as a novelist, to Marx as a “political economist”, the dark underbelly of this economic Leviathan’s been exposed. But even its most trenchant critic concedes its unparalleled capacity to literally “produce the goods”. The question raised was one of Justice. Was Justice and morality to be sacrificed for the expediency of economic efficiency?

After a century of fighting a rearguard action, the defenders of Capitalism retorted that Capitalism wasn’t all that bad: it almost always was accompanied by an expansion of democracy. It appears once average income rises to about US$5000 per annum, folks resist authoritarian governments. And after WWII, they pointed to the rising tide of salary increases lifting all ships.

The masses were also given the power of the ballot box. They wouldn’t use that power to craft their own nooses, would they? Well, evidently, according to a French economist who’s floored the entire US economic fraternity – in and out of government –they would.

As revealed by an editorial in this newspaper yesterday, Thomas Picketty has shown that the rising inequality in the US – which produced that snickering term of opprobrium “the one per cent”, and the “Occupy Movement” – is not a passing phenomenon. It’s an inevitable consequence of the Capitalist system.

Now, don’t duck for cover: your Eyewitness’ eyes also glaze over at the sight of numbers and equations. We don’t do mathematics, thank you. Picketty isn’t offering too many equations, anyway. What he’s saying is that official reporting is focused on income and its post-war rise was just a diversion. The real action was with those that owned Capital – the means of production, including finance. By definition, and confirmed by Picketty’s painstaking research, their returns would always be at least three times the rise in income.

And after a while, you’d expect the sh*t to hit the fan, wouldn’t you? Well, Picketty showed that the last time inequality was as high in his native France, as it is in today’s USA, the folks at the bottom picked up their pitchforks and stormed the Bastille! That’s right!! Quite a lot of heads rolled.

Question being asked in the wake of Picketty’s “Capital in the 21st Century” is not “if” it will occur in the US, but “when”?

And Guyana is castigated for looking askance at this end game. As Malcolm X once said, “Why integrate into a burning house?”

...of history

But unfortunately, there’s no shortage of folks who’d say to Malcolm, “We’s willing!!” Malcolm called them “house slaves”. There’s one with the precious locks curling over his eye in the Stabber News that wrote such an a55 licking piece that he made the simpering Ramjattan look like The Hulk. Fella says we’re now a “global village” so the US has a right to whip us into shape – like any errant child of the oldtime village.

Apart from the vacuousness of the “global village” analogy, do you get his drift? We’re the errant child and the US is the elder that knows better and maybe even best. And they talk about “post colonialism”?!! This fella (we heard he lives in Canada) has the gall to say we should be grateful for the US receiving our post -1960s huddled masses, but refuses to admit that it was the US that made them into huddled masses to begin with!

The rapist is praised for letting the issue of his bestial act squat in his yard. The CIA-funded and inspired race riots that threw out the PPP! Remember, wanker?

...of self interest

We said it before and we’ll say it forever. We have no problem with the US doing whatever it does to protect and project its interests. Our problem is with Guyanese who will repeat the Faustian bargain of Burnham. What is it they say about those who forget the lessons of history?

Government will not recognise King as Town Clerk … security measures in place to prevent ousting of Sooba

By Michael younge

Government

Local

Minister Norman Whittaker has declared that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government will not recognise Royston King as the city’s Town Clerk as he strongly rebuked the Council for descending into the pits of illegality.

Whittaker blistered the Council for hosting two illegal meetings and for seeking to overthrow acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba.

In perhaps his strongest condemnation ever of the politics being played by the Council at the expense of the residents of Georgetown, Minister Whittaker said the Mayor was out of order and knew fully well that the move to install King is both ultra vires and illegal.

This means that King could not be paid and will not be able to handle any administrative work of the council. Additionally, given the Government’s position, any attempt to tout himself as the acting Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown by way of signing cheques or taking control of the Council’s

bureaucracy could see King facing serious sanctions regardless of the Council’s moves to confer upon him that power.

Bad faith

Whittaker said the Government was standing by Sooba and understood the current local government system and the laws governing the Council’s powers and duties in the absence of a Local Government Commission.

“I have consulted the Presidential Adviser Clinton Collymore who has decades of experience in the Local Government System... the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and several other experts,” the Minister said, which confirmed his position on the decisions and actions of the Council over the past two weeks.

He said no Council has the power to select, appoint and approve the appointment of its own Town Clerk without the involvement of the Local Government Ministry.

When questioned by Guyana Times on Thursday

about the need for ministerial approval, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green argued vehemently that no approval was needed from the Minister.

She went as far as to say that the Minister and Government had no role to play in the process.

“I have to approve that appointment and the Mayor knows this...”, the Minister scoffed for his part. He was disappointed that the City Council refused to heed his advice, and argued that it acted in bad faith.

Whittaker is also alarmed at the attempts to install King and undermine Sooba even while two appeals are scheduled to be heard by the Judiciary.

“This is an affront to the system of Justice in Guyana and the people of Guyana. They have preempted the decisions of the court on this matter. Therefore, Government cannot and will not recognise King who is being misled,” he insisted.

“Carol Sooba remains Town Clerk and attempts to change that, physically or otherwise, will warrant action on our part,” Whittaker noted.

He said several security measures have been put in place to guarantee Sooba’s safety and security as well as tenure.

The Local Government Minister said several entities have been advised accordingly on the controversial matter.

“I am concerned about the threats being issued to staff too and any attempt to jeopardise the security of the tenure enjoyed by employees of the Council will be met with a firm response from the Ministry’s end,” he ruled.

Whittaker noted that King is guilty of insubordination, and the Ministry was examining several mechanisms to address critical issues that are directly related to him, even before his most recent decision to be party to the illegality of the Council.

King’s actions are being closely monitored and the situation at the Council is receiving the full attention of the Ministry.

“The President has been briefed. Cabinet has been advised and we are all closely monitoring the developments at the Council,” he added.

Green and Green shoulda get lock up, not lock out

It got a popular sayin around nowadays which kinda suit de one and only Mayor-fuh-Life. It is that de more people and tings change, de more dem does remain de same. But this Mayorfuh-Life beat all. It is that de more people and tings change, de more dem gettin from bad to wuss.

Old people seh people like dem can’t come back good becuz dem was never good.

Imagine all de people who live in GT de garbage town have to put with this nonsense. Imagine all de people who come to GT de garbage town also have to put with this nonsense. That is a lotta nonsense from de Mayor-fuh-Life who doin sheer nonsense, and got a setta people under he joinin in wid de nonsense.

But de only Sober woman who de guvament can find come and show de Mayor-fuh-Life that she ain’t tekkin nonsense, and that she is a no-nonsense woman. Since then, de Mayor-fuh-Life start behavin like when ants bite he behind, and like he finger getta a cut, so he can’t scratch and he also can’t ketch de ants. And remember de Mayor-fuh-Life old already, so he does getta hard time reachin he behind wid he finger in de fuss place. Some body seh de Mayor-fuh-Life behavin like a real Sheriff, and he got a Deputy who not only got de same name, but also got de same behaviour, which is more like misbehaviour. Green and Green run de town till dem run down de town. Now like dem wanna run over de town.

As some people does seh overseas, and even right hey, is only in Guyana certain tings can happen. And indeed de Mayorfuh-Life is a once-in-a-lifetime happenin who gone soon mek a Guyana version of “Ripley’s Believe It Or Leave It”. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, de other day de Sober woman lock out de Mayor-fuh-Life from de Chambers in de S*ity Council. But whah de Sober woman shoulda do is lock up Green and Green in de Chambers and throw away de keys!

Teachers being consulted widely on draft professional standards

The Education Ministry said consultations on the draft Professional Standards for Teachers continues to gain momentum in Guyana and has garnered substantial participation from the public.

The Ministry in a release said it is pleased that the public has recognised the imperativeness of establishing professional standards which teachers will be expected to follow towards Guyana achieving the desired educational outcomes.

This acknowledgment is evidenced by the active participation of the public in every consultation and the number of engagements online over the past weeks.

The said copies of the draft policy were made available to teachers in the printed form for their perusal and comments.

The Ministry has also placed the document on its website, www.education. gov.gy to allow additional comments to be made and to facilitate those who would like to contribute, but are unable to physically be present at consultations. In addition, mem-

bers of the public were invited to submit their comments on the document via email to educationministry@gmail.com.

To date, the Ministry has conducted 28 public consultations on the policy.

Professional Standards offer the professional community specifications against which teachers are able to set goals for personal development and progress in the profession.

The standards are multidimensional and give cognisance to the key props

for learning to take place, namely: (a) a motivated and willing learner; (b) effective teaching and learning and, (c) an enabling environment.

Once implemented, the standards will serve as a tool to monitor and evaluate teachers’ performance in the classroom, knowledge of the subject (s) they teach, techniques used and level of commitment to the learners in their care and effectively manage diversity to promote inclusiveness in the learning process. The standards will also help teachers sharpen their professional skills and help them interact with parents and the community.

The consultations commenced on February 26 at the Kamarang Primary School and are expected to conclude in July. It is expected that a total of 71 consultations across Guyana will be held. Through the establishment of professional teacher standards, the Ministry strongly believes the teaching profession will be significantly strengthened, further recognised and aptly placed among the other leading professions in Guyana.

Education Minister Priya Manickhand

CCJ orders Guyana to repay Surinamese firm US$6M in taxes

The Caribbean Court of Justice has ordered the Government of Guyana to repay to a Surinamese beverage company more than US$6 million for charging environmental tax on its imports of beverages into Guyana.

The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas guarantees Caricom states exemptions from such duties.

The judgement by the court is also a stinging rebuke to the Opposition who had voted against legislation back in 2013 which would have seen Guyana correcting this. In its ruling, the CCJ said Rudisa Beverages is a company based in Suriname which produces beverages packaged in non-returnable containers. These beverages are imported into Guyana and distributed through CIDI Distributor, the other co-claimant. By section

seven of the Customs Act of Guyana, an environmental levy is imposed on the importation of non-returnable beverage containers. The legislation does not contain any exemption in relation to Caricom Single Economy and Market (CSME) goods. This environmental tax which has been imposed on Rudisa has the effect of raising the cost price on each imported container by G$10. No similar tax is imposed on local producers of non-returnable beverage containers and, by the definition of “Import Duties” laid down in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the levy must be regarded as an import duty.

In breach of Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

According to the CCJ, the effect of the environmental tax was first raised with the Council for Trade

CIOG condemns kidnapping of girls in Nigeria

The Central Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has joined the international community in denouncing the kidnapping of the teenage girls in Nigeria, and the atrocities committed by Boko Haram in the name of Islam.

The CIOG in a release said Islam holds in high esteem its teachings of respect and equality for women and children, and places particular emphasis on the value of life.

“Today we heard of the killing of over 150 persons by this group. The Holy Quran states emphatically, ‘He who takes a life is as though he takes the life of all humanity, and he who saves a life is as though he saves the life of all humanity’.”

The CIOG said all peoples and governments should render every possible support and resources available to rescue and save the teenagers so they can be reunited with their families.

Possibly a turning point

“Furthermore, we reject the ranting of the leader of this barbaric group who claims that their actions of murder, terror and kidnapping are part of the Islamic teachings. We state categorically that Islam denounces such action by anyone of any race, religion or nationality, and supports those who strive to uphold the values of freedom and sanctity of life that we hold dearly,” the release said.

Meanwhile, the BBC on Thursday reported that the abduction of more than 200 Nigerian girls by Boko

and Economic Development (COTED) by the Government of Suriname in a series of meetings spanning the period 2001-2012. COTED concluded that in so far as it applied to Caricom goods, the levy was in breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Guyana, in turn, committed itself to taking the necessary action to eliminate the discriminatory effect of the environmental tax. Thus in 2013, the Government took to the National Assembly amendments to the Customs Act, but they were rejected by the Opposition who argued that the measures would have affected local companies competing with Rudisa and there was need for consultations.

According to the CCJ ruling, Guyana admitted that the tax is inconsistent with its obligations under the Revised Treaty of

Chaguaramas, but noted that the Government had proposed legislation to rectify the discriminatory effect of the environmental tax which was rejected by the National Assembly. The Government also submitted that the aim of the legislation was environmental protection, which is a fundamental right under the Constitution of Guyana.

The CCJ, however, noted Guyana’s admission that the imposition of the tax amounted to a breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. It further observed that the explanation provided by the State, namely its inability to pass the necessary legislative amendment to the Customs Act, did not absolve the State from liability for the breach. “The State was indivisible for the purposes of liability and had an overarching responsibil-

ity to honour treaty obligations. The Court took notice of the need to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic development. However, it emphasised that Article 65 of the RTC does not create an exception to the trade policy spelt out in Chapter Five, the purpose of which is to create “a level playing field for all CSME products”. The Court found that Guyana was liable to the Claimants.

Orders

By way of relief, the Court ordered the State to take necessary action to ensure that the tax was not applied to goods of Community origin. The Court also ordered that the Claimants were entitled to a repayment of the tax which had been collected by Guyana. According to the CCJ, there was no evidence to suggest

that the tax was passed on. “The documentary evidence as well as the testimony of the Claimants’ witnesses demonstrated that the tax was absorbed by the Claimants in order to maintain their competitive edge in the Guyana market. The Court, therefore, ordered that the Claimants be repaid the sum of US$6,047,244.47 together with such further tax paid from 25 October 2013 to the date of the judgment.”

If CIDI does not notify the Court that Guyana had complied with the order by October 30, 2014, the CCJ requires that the State of Guyana file with the Court on or before November 15, 2014 a report on its compliance with those orders. Upon the filing of the said report, the parties are granted liberty to apply in respect to any matter contained in the said report.

Haram could be a turning point in the battle against Islamist militants, Nigeria’s leader has said.

“I believe that the kidnap of these girls will be the beginning of the end of terror in Nigeria,” President Goodluck Jonathan said.

In his speech, he also thanked China, the US, the UK and France for their offers of help to rescue the girls.

Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden” in the local Hausa language, began its insurgency in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state in 2009.

At least 1200 people are estimated to have died in the violence and security crackdown this year alone.

The schoolgirls were kidnapped from their boarding school on the night of April 14 from the town of Chibok in Borno state.

In a video released earlier this week, Boko Haram’s leader threatened to “sell” the students, saying they should not have been in school in the first place, but rather should get married.

It is believed the girls are being held somewhere in the forested areas which stretch from near Chibok into neighbouring Cameroon.

Their kidnapping three weeks ago has caused outrage worldwide.

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived a shooting by Taliban insurgents, has said the world must not stay silent over the abduction.

She told the BBC that “if we remain silent then this will spread; this will happen more and more and more”.

GBTI nets $2.1B profit despite challenges

Despite challenges stemming from the new Core Banking Application at the beginning of 2013 and a slow economy, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) managed to record a $2.178 billion profit after taxation.

According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Tracey, in his annual report at the bank’s 26th Annual General Meeting on April 30 at the bank’s Corporate Office, the profit reflects a 20 per cent increase when compared to 2012.

The CEO noted that there was a 21.4 per cent return on equity and 2.28 per cent return on average assets for the year 2013.

Tracey noted that total assets at the end of 2013 were some $95 billion, which reflected an increase of $10 billion or 12 per cent from the previous year.

He said earnings per share grew by 20 per cent to $54.47. The CEO added that the book value per share rose to $254.34 compared to $224.90 in 2012, and the bank’s shares were valued 2.36 times the book value on the local Stock Exchange.

During the year 2013, the bank’s revenue amounted to $6.4 billion, a 17 per cent increase as a result of growing commercial bank activities and a 12 per cent growth in the net interest income, with a 39 per cent increase in non-interest in-

come.

Tracey pointed out that total expenditure amounted to $3.3 billion in 2012 with $960 million going towards interest expenses and $2.4 billion to operating expenses.

He noted that the bank has managed to maintain its interest rates on deposits despite being in a declining atmosphere. “Deposit rates offered by the bank have been higher than that of average market rates,” he said.

The bank recorded an eight per cent increase of $6.3 billion in deposits. According to the CEO, GBTI’s Deposit Mix has remained consistent with previous years, while its share of the Total Bank Deposits in the industry rose to 25 per cent last year.

Loan portfolio

Speaking on the loan portfolio, Tracey reported that this sector continues to grow, recording a 20 per cent increase of $7.5 billion from $35.3 billion in 2012. This figure, the CEO said, has surpassed that of the banking sector; hence, its share of total loans in the sector was recorded at 24 per cent. GBTI’s credit to deposit ratio rose to 54 per cent in 2013. “The diversification of the loan portfolio is good,” he stated.

Growth was also recorded in household loans, which accounted for 22 per cent of the total loans. According to

the CEO, the bank will continue to lend within its sectoral limits as the housing drive continues to expand.

Tracey expressed his disappointment over the effect global events has had on several aspects of the bank’s investments portfolio in 2013.

“The robust diversification of our portfolio has helped to cushion the effects of exposure within Caricom. Improving the asset quality within our portfolio was an essential part of our Strategic Plan,” he said. GBTI’s Investment Portfolio stands at $25.5 billion, a $5.5 billion increase. This is as a result of the Government’s Treasury Bills increasing from $9.5 billion to $14.1 billion.

GBTI has acknowledged its social and corporate responsibilities, remaining committed to in-house training and supporting community activities. Youth development is also another area

that the bank is focused on.

Overall, Tracey stressed that despite increasing competition and narrow interests, among other factors, the local banking sector continues to expand.

He noted that while GBTI’s sister banks in the region have suffered due to their dependency on the global economy, the bank managed to execute a profitable 2013, which is the second year of its five-year Strategic Plan.

On the issue of the Core Banking Application, the CEO said there is much more work to be done to familiarise the staff with the application since it is comprehensive.

The application was introduced in October 2012 and requires adjustments to internal business rules, customer service, technological products, particularly Telephone Banking and Web-Banking, and staff development.

Select Committee on AML/CFT Bill to meet next week

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee responsible for the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill of 2013 will not be meeting this week, Chairperson Gail Teixeira confirmed Wednesday night.

With just 16 days left before the staging of the XXXIX Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) meeting in Miami, the Government and Opposition are failing to meet at a critical time.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Teixeira said it is likely that the Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 13. The Government’s Chief Whip had proposed that the Committee meet on Friday, May 9, but the Opposition objected, stating that some of its members sitting on the Committee have other arrangements on the specified date. In addition to Friday, Saturday and Monday were proposed but these days were also turned down. It is now tentative that the Committee will meet on Tuesday.

At that meeting, it is expected that Chief Parliamentary Counsel (CPC) Cecil Dhurjon would submit the final version of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) proposed amendments. APNU had drafted the amendments, but the CPC in accordance with his mandate, is required to transform them into legislative language. However, before the work of the Committee comes to an end, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall's counter proposals will be scrutinised. Guyana is mandated to pass the AML/CFT Bill before May 29. Failure to do so can result in the country being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). CFATF will be meeting between May 25-29. In November, Guyana was blacklisted by CFATF due to its failure to pass the legislation. Passing the Bill will put Guyana one step closer to complying with the CFATF requirements.

GBTI’s head office in Kingston

AML/CFT Special Select Committee Chairperson Gail Teixeira

Autopsies for cocaine tonic victims for today

The post-mortem examinations of the four persons who allegedly drank a quantity of cocaine-laced SSS Tonic have been scheduled for today.

Simone “Ngina” Price, 36, of Lot 22 Cookrite Street, East La Penitence; her husband, Alex Blair, 42; her son Jahaquel Blair, seven; and her best friend, Natasha George, 36, consumed the substance on Sunday morning at East La Penitence, Georgetown. Price’s elder son, Jamal Waterman, 12, was in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but according to his father Wilbert Waterman on Wednesday; his son is out of danger.

According to relatives of the victims, the autopsies were delayed due to the amount that had to be done on Wednesday by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

However, Crime Chief

Leslie James told Guyana Times that the Police are still to arrest the person who took the tonic to the house which was intended for the US.

It was reported that a bottle of multivitamin tonic was given to the family by a relative to be sent overseas, but the niece who was supposed to take the tonic refused.

She reportedly did not take the tonic, because she was heading to Pennsylvania and it had to be dropped off at a relative in Queens, New

York. Immediately after the incident, two persons were arrested but later released and the hunt is now on for the suspect whose name was given as “Barney”.

Meanwhile, a drug enforcement officer explained that the situation is one that deserves a thorough investigation since he is of the opinion that the sub-

stance did not only contain cocaine, but rather some other chemical.

While he is cognisant of the effects of using liquid cocaine, he feels that the substance worked extremely fast given the way it was consumed. The autopsy, he added, will be the deciding factor and only that can determine the cause of death.

On Sunday last, the family’s return from church and decided to open the bottle and take the specified dosage. George also took some after it was offered to her by her best friend.

Immediately after taking a teaspoon of the liquid, Jahaquel cried out for abdominal pain. After a few minutes, the pain worsened, so his mother attempted to take him to the hospital, but she collapsed.

After a few more minutes, George started to froth and also fell to the ground.

During the commotion, Alex also collapsed. They were all picked up, along with Waterman and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were immediately attended to by doctors. After a few minutes, Price and George succumbed.

Alex took a turn for the worst and died almost an hour later. Jahaquel, despite being hooked up to a life support machine, took his last breath around 16:50h. Waterman is in stable condition.

Police in a release stat-

ed that the family ingested the SSS Tonic into which a quantity of cocaine had been dissolved. Police investigations revealed that the bottle of SSS Tonic, along with cassareep and chicken foot, had been left at the house by a man known to them for an overseas-based female relative to take with her on her return flight.

Bond clerk charged for assault

A33-year-old bond clerk was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer an assault charge.

Kurt Lackash, of Railway Embankment, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on Saturday, May 3, he assaulted Wayne Phillips.

Police Prosecutor Jomo Nicholls told the court that on the day in question the Virtual Complainant was at the Railway Embankment, Kitty when the defendant approached him and accused him of “talking too much” and punched him in the chest.

The matter was reported to the Kitty Police

Station and the defendant was arrested after which he confessed to the charge. However, Lackash told

the court that the altercation was nothing more than an exchange of words and he never physically

harmed the VC. He is to return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on May 12.

CANU reissues wanted bulletin for cocaine-inachar accused

The Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday issued another wanted bulletin for the arrest of Dawn Roberts in connection with the large quantity of cocaine found in achar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in February.

A couple apprehended at the CJIA with the cocaine appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

US citizen Winston Blake, 77, and his Guyanese accomplice Sadika Neola Odie, 38, of Lot 186 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The 20 kilogrammes of cocaine was discovered when anomalies were spotted during the scanning of the couple’s luggage. CANU ranks questioned the outgoing passengers who were

heading to the John F Kennedy Airport, New York on BW Flight 526. The cocaine was wrapped in brown tape and shaped to mimic seeds in the tamarind achar. Blake was intercepted with 9.6kg of the drug, while Odie was intercepted with 10.45kg, Guyana Times was informed.

CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah said Odie has a US Visa, and is well known for travelling. He added that in a statement received, the defendant said she was offered the sum of US$10,000 to transport the substance, but was only given US$400 and the plane ticket, which she accepted. The couple was refused bail, and the case was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for February 14. Anyone who has information on her whereabouts can contact CANU at 227-3507. Roberts’ address was given as 9 North Road, Bourda, where she operates a shop.

Dawn Roberts

Dead: Alex Blair

Dead: Simone “Ngina” Price

Dead: Natasha George

Dead: Jahaquel Blair

MACORP launches new line of hydraulic excavators

Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP), Limited, the authorised dealer for Caterpillar machines in Guyana, on Thursday introduced the new Cat D2 Series Hydraulic excavators here aimed at meeting the challenges consumers face, especially in the mining and forestry sectors.

The launch took place at the company’s Head Office at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara at its Solutions Fair under the theme “The Iron Dance”.

The company said today’s operations require dependable machines that can produce more with less. “They are exceptionally reliable and highly productive machines built to lower operating costs through reduced fuel consumption and simplified routine maintenance,” Caterpillar Territory Manager Carlos Magalhaes said at the launch.

Some of the features and benefits of the excavators include: a mechanically controlled engine that handles less-than-standard fuel better and lowers fuel consumption; a powerful hydraulic system; a developed operator station; the largest bucket in its class; and a robust de-

sign, which is built to provide years of reliable service.

The field-proven C7.1 engine is designed for ease of service and can work efficiently at altitudes up to 4000 metres (13,120 feet).

Less fuel

Compared to its predecessor, the company stated, the new engine uses approximately three to five per cent less fuel, depending on work mode. An automatic enginespeed control lowers engine rpm during no-load or lightload conditions to minimise fuel consumption.

Product Support Manager Guillermo Escarraga conducted a demonstration

showing how the D2 Series work as well as the other machines that have been in existence for the last 20 years in Guyana.

MACORP Chief Executive Officer Jorge Medina stated, in brief remarks, that they will continue to improve Guyana and its economy, especially in the mining sector and forestry. He stated that he considers himself a Guyanese and was very grateful that he was here to witness this wonderful event.

The versatile 320D/D L Series 2 can use a wide range of buckets, either pin-on or coupler-type, along with a selection of ground-engaging

tools, to fit the machine to its digging environment for optimum performance and durability.

Buckets feature precise geometry for easy loading, which speeds digging cycles, increases production, and conserves fuel. The selection of Series 2 work tools includes grapples, shears, hydraulic hammers, multi-processors, pulverisers, vibratory-plate compactors, rippers, and ripand-load packages.

The 320D Series 2 features ground-level access to most routine service points, including the pumps, pilot filter and fuel filters, which are conveniently located behind a service door on the right side. The left rear ser-

vice door allows easy access to the radiator, oil cooler, airto-air after cooler, and AC condenser.

A reserve tank and drain valve attached to the radiator simplify service, and a central grease block on the boom allows easy lubricating of hard-to-reach locations on the front linkage. The Series 2 also is equipped with S•O•S™ (Scheduled Oil Sampling) ports that ensure quality samples from circulating fluid in the engine oil, hydraulic and cooling systems. Convenient hydraulic test ports allow safe, accurate checks of system pressures.

MACORP is confident that these new machines

will meet and exceed customers’ expectations for superior performance, lower owning and operating cost, and durability. These excavators were manufactured with the voice of customers echoing in the background and since its worldwide introduction last September, success stories are being told.

For 20 years, MACORP has been the only authorised Caterpillar dealer in Guyana. MACORP’s business aspirations extend beyond the provision of state-of-the-art technology. It works hard to be in harmony with the natural environment and local community, and is always in compliance with governmental policies and regulations.

Goed Fortuin lad electrocuted while bathing

Aformer pupil of Goed Fortuin Primary School was electrocuted on Wednesday evening after he came into contact with a zinc fence while he was bathing at home.

Dead is nine-year-old Satyanand Balkaran, also called “Nikael” of Lot 17 Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara. Reports are that around 19:30h, the child was having a bath next to a drum in his backyard when he came into contact with live exposed electrical wires of the Guyana Power and Light that were leaning on a zinc fence.

He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical treatment.

At the home of the bereaved family, his grandfather, Lakeram, explained that he and his wife left the house to attend a wake in the community and shortly after, received a telephone call inform-

ing him that his grandson was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital after he was a victim of electric shock.

The grieving man stated that when he arrived at the hospital, he saw the doctors desperately trying to resuscitate his grandson, but after a few minutes, he stopped responding.

An aunt, Devika Lakeram, said the child was looking at television and after the programme ended, his mother instructed him to take a shower. She was also in the yard washing clothes.

Touched zinc fence

The aunt stated that while her nephew was throwing water onto his body, he spun around and “braced” on the zinc fence. He immediately collapsed, but his mother thought his younger brother had pushed him down. After the child denied pushing Satyanand, she went to check on him.

As she held him, she felt the electricity surging through his body and quickly pulled him away from the fence. He was also reportedly frothing at the mouth. The child was picked up and taken to the hospital where he later died.

At the time of the Guyana Times visit, the child’s mother was at the La Grange Police Station giving a statement. Meanwhile, residents have complained that since last year, the electrical cables have been hanging precariously in the area and they have made several reports to GPL, but nothing has been done. The dead child’s grand-

father said every time he made a report, he was given a reference number and that was the end of the matter.

He made reports to both the Vreed-en-Hoop and

Georgetown offices of the GPL, but to no avail. Balkaran explained that after his grandson’s demise, the officials from the electricity company visited the area, taped the exposed

wire and promised to return to rectify the faulty wiring.

A few months ago, Satyanand was severely burnt and was hospitalised. He was in the process of recovering

when he met his demise. His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination. He leaves to mourn his parents and one brother.

Man gunned down in Albouystown

ANorth East La Penitence man was in the wee hours of Thursday gunned down while gambling at a house in Curtis Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Thirty-year-old Orvin “Champo” Millington of WW7 North East La Penitence, Georgetown was killed with a single bullet to his head after he was attacked about 12:45h.

At the time of the shooting, the now dead businessman was among his friends when the lone gunman walked into the yard at Curtis Street and reportedly asked him whether he remembered him.

In the same breath, the shooter pointed the gun to Millington’s head and pulled the trigger, causing pandemonium to break out as persons scampered for cover. The father of four was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

At the scene, persons remained tight-lipped, but one man believed the shooter missed the target, claiming that apparently the bullet was meant for “Chanderpaul”. He said that “Champo” was backing the passageway; hence, he could not have seen who was entering the yard. He also had a habit of pulling his hat down in his face.

A woman who lives at the

house told Guyana Times that she was awakened by the gunshot, so she jumped out of her bed and ran to enquire what was happening.

She said as she looked out, she saw “Champo” lying on the concrete in a pool of blood and shortly after, he was lifted and placed into a taxi which hurried away to the hospital. The woman further stated that the now dead man attended a party at the said house but stayed on for a while. She said they were playing cards and gambling.

Hunt for suspect

Another man said there was a wake in close proximity, but no one got a good look at the shooter who came on foot. The motive for the shooting remains unclear; but from all indications, it stemmed from an old grievance. Police were

seen patrolling in the area, hunting for the suspect.

At the home of the dead man, his distraught relatives recalled the death of his brother in a similar situation about four years ago. Millington’s brother, Vibert Weeks, was gunned down while he was in front of a Robb Street strip club.

To date, no one has been arrested for his murder, and relatives believe Millington’s case may end up the same way.

A sister, Abby Millington, told this publication that about 00:45h, her mother telephoned her brother enquiring of his whereabouts and asked what time he would be returning home.

The devastated sister explained that her brother promised to return home shortly, but a few minutes later, her mother received a telephone call from a relative informing her that “Champo” was shot.

No expectations of justice

The mother and other relatives rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they saw his motionless body on the stretcher and it was then that they realised that he was no more.

Millington’s sister said while she wishes to call for justice, it makes no sense. She recalled that her brother

Vibert was riddled with bullets outside of the then Red Dragon Night Club and no one was arrested or prosecuted for the murder. “The system is the system… we all have to live and die one day, but the Lord is over watching us,” she said.

Millington’s distressed mother, who spoke briefly, said she received the call about her son being shot, but initially no one told her he was dead. “This is the second one they kill,” she cried and went back into the house. As the news spread, friends and relatives congregated at the man’s house to offer their condolences to the grieving family. Millington is reportedly the owner of a taxi service in front of his house.

The former Western Tigers footballer was described as a very helpful and athletic person. He also played in the North East La Penitence football competition representing his street.

Millington’s body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post-mortem examination. He leaves to mourn his reputed wife who is seven months pregnant; four children; his mother; and three siblings.

Police have since launched an investigation into the shooting incident, but up to late Thursday afternoon, no one had been arrested.

Dead: Satyanand Balkaran

Dead: Orvin Millington

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds being escorted into MACORP’s plant at Providence, East Bank Demerara

Balloons were released in the air to launch the new machines

EU nudges Guyana to decriminalise same-sex relations

The European Union (EU) has urged Guyana to decriminalise samesex intimacy and strengthen efforts to combat domestic violence and trafficking in persons.

Speaking at the Europe Day celebration held at his University of Guyana Gardens residence on Wednesday night, EU Ambassador to Guyana, Robert Kopecký said they have been working with the Government and civil society in Guyana on a range of issues.

“... I would encourage the Government of Guyana to abolish the death penalty, to decriminalise same sex intimacy, and to strengthen their efforts to combat domestic abuse and trafficking in persons”.

The ambassador also strongly encouraged the holding of Local Government Elections and the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. He said these issues are very important for the well-being of Guyana.

But President Donald Ramotar when it was his time to address the gathering, said: “As far as Local Government Elections is concerned, I cannot be oblivious to the political situation that exists in this country and further I say not.”

He also commented on the death penalty issue raised by the ambassador, saying: “I wish to state that in relation to the death penalty and the same-sex relations, you will find sympathy with your views but I am sure you will agree with me that as a democracy, we have to take the opinion of our people into consideration as well.”

According to him, with the death penalty, the law has been amended so that it is no longer mandatory when a person is found guilty of murder.

Ramotar also tried to link the high murder rate to the trafficking of drugs, and said both Europe and North America were the principal players in this scourge.

“As far as the abolition is concerned, we live in a region where crime is high. This is mainly due to the drug trade… in passing… let me note that most of the drugs

passes through our country and go to markets in Europe and North America. If that market… can be curbed then the violent crimes we see can be curbed as well and the sentiments in our population, that feel the death penalty is a deterrent to crime will probably change,” Ramotar told the gathering.

Important role

Kopecky said the EU has an important role to play in bringing together partners around the world to achieve lasting peace and stability. He said in crises around the world, the EU adopts a comprehensive approach that combines all the tools at our disposal: diplomatic, developmental, military and economic. This allows us to address not just the symptoms, but also the causes of the problems.

“Take the Horn of Africa, where thanks to a combination of political dialogue with the Government of Somalia, our naval mission ATALANTA, and targeted development aid and humanitarian assistance, piracy has been reduced by 95 per cent. Today, the young boys that manned pirate ships go to school and learn the skills that will help them lead their country towards a more prosperous future.”

According to him, in order to safeguard its values, the EU needs strong partners. “This is why we have strengthened the EU’s position at the UN and deepened our relationships with strategic partners and regional organisations. Our experience in forging compromise among 28 countries with distinct cultures and histories has been an important asset also in working with our partners like Caricom, Guyana and Suriname".

In February this year, “we held the third round of political dialogue with the Government of Guyana, in which matters of mutual interest such as political and economic developments; EUGuyana and EU-regional development cooperation; human rights and governance; security, climate change, and regional integration were discussed. A third round of political dialogue with Suriname

is also planned to be held this year.”

He noted that while the EU is in the process of finalising its cooperation plans under the 11th European Development Fund, which will run from 2014–2020, discussions are taking place re-

garding the focal sectors for bilateral cooperation with Guyana and Suriname.

He also spoke of the European Parliament announcing last month that next year will be the “European Year for Development”, and the motto shall be “Our World, Our Dignity, Our Future”.

“We look forward to

strengthening and deepening our relationship with the Caribbean region over the coming years and far beyond, and working together to build a better world for us all,” Kopecký said. Europe Day is the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Kopecký said it is a wonderful occasion to celebrate how

in the EU “we have overcome age-old differences to shape a common future.

Sixth-four years ago, on May 9, 1950, the then French Foreign Affairs Minister, Robert Schuman presented the Schuman Declaration to create a new form of organisation of the states of Europe.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo is greeted by Ambassador Kopecký during the Europe Day celebrations Wednesday evening

President Donald Ramotar and EU Ambassador to Guyana Robert Kopecký toasts to the prosperity of Europe during the Europe Day celebrations Wednesday evening

Dr Singh hails CDB as reliable development partner

Guyana has praised the Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as an institution that has distinguished itself in its service to the region and has proven to be a reliable and effective development partner.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh held talks Wednesday with CDB President, Dr Warren Smith as Georgetown gets ready to host the annual meeting of the bank’s Board of Governors later this month.

“I remain convinced that the CDB is... institution that is the best placed to help the region confront and overcome some of its long term challenges. The bank’s considerable local and regional knowledge and its repository of expertise are of significant, if not unparalleled value,” said Dr Singh,

the Board’s Chairman.

During his discussions with the CDB President, the Finance Minister was updated on the progress of the 2015–2020 strategic planning process, as well as plans for the 44th meeting of the Board of Governors on May 28 and 29.

“We are looking forward to the annual meeting in Guyana, particularly as we focus on renewable energy and addressing climate change concerns in the interest of safeguarding the sustainable development of our region. Guyana in many ways represents an important example of the effectiveness of the work and mission of the CDB,” Smith said.

The CDB has provided almost US$300 million to Guyana, a founding member of the bank, since 1970. Through the Basic Needs

Trust Fund (BNTF), grants have also been allocated to community infrastructure and related services in water and sanitation, access roads and drainage, education and human resource development.

“We are pleased with the evidence of growth and development in Guyana, through the utilisation of loans and grants from the CDB. We have seen the transformational effect of our projects over the years in the systematic reduction of poverty across the country, including in rural and remote locations,” the CDB President said.

The Board of Governors meeting will be attended by officials from its 27-member countries and will discuss the development needs of the Caribbean and the role of the CDB in addressing these challenges.

UG Pro Chancellor Misir resigns

University of Guyana

Pro Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir has resigned from the institution, citing his pursuit of other professional career goals.

Dr Misir’s contract was due to come to an end next year. Efforts to contact him for a comment were unsuccessful. Dr Misir tendered his resignation, which is dated May 6, to the University’s Council members and it will take effect from June 2. This was confirmed by UG Registrar Vincent Alexander, who said that the news came as a surprise to the University.

According to Alexander, Dr Misir cited in his resignation that he is moving on with his life. Professor Misir, in his resignation, stated that his tenure at the University allowed him to make “significant gains with the cooperation of the University Council, Committee of Deans, the University of Guyana Students Society and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration”. He added that he has taken this decision, so that he can pursue “other professional career goals and interests in the service of this country”.

Alexander said during the last sitting of the Council in April, Professor Misir gave

no indication that he wanted to and would have resigned.

The UG Registrar noted that there is no Council meeting scheduled; however, he pointed out that when they do meet, arrangements will be put in place to replace the outgoing Pro Chancellor.

Dr Misir was appointed as Pro Chancellor of UG on October 21, 2003, and he was expected to leave in October 2015. He also acted as Chancellor from time to time.

Misir has a PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences among his many academ-

ic achievements. He was appointed a Professor in Public Health at the University of Central Lancashire in England in 2012. Misir is also a Director of the Bank of Guyana.

The Pro Chancellor was a Professor in several programmes at various New York universities. He then represented Guyana in several organisations, including the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

In addition, he has done many collaborative research projects with a Switzerland University on “Rethinking the Millennium Development Goals” and “Stakeholders’ Perception and Strategic Choices”. He was also Guyana’s representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) and a member of the Global Fund/Country Coordinating Mechanism (GF/CCM) for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Dr Misir has some eight books to his name, along with several scholarly papers and Government reports. Earlier this year in April, he released his latest work HIV and AIDS Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana

New Bolivian Ambassador accredited

During the meeting, the CDB will release its annual report which provides an overview of the bank’s performance as well as insights into sector and economic development among its member countries.

The CDB will also host seminars related to agriculture and climate change, public-private partnerships in the Caribbean, transitioning to a green economy and mainstreaming multidimensional approach to poverty assessment.

The meeting will be preceded by the 2014 VYBZING Youth Forum from May 2123, under the theme “Youth Voices for Climate Change”.

Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Héla Cheikhrouhou will be the keynote speaker of the 15th William G Demas Memorial Lecture on May 27. (Caribbean360)

Newly-appointed Nonresident Ambassador of Bolivia Jerjes Justiniano Talavera on Thursday presented his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar and vowed to fulfil commitments made by his Government to enhance cooperation in several areas.

Receiving Ambassador Talavera, President Ramotar said that his accreditation is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.

“The commonalities between the two countries have provided a foundation for a long and lasting relationship, reflected not only at the bilateral level, but also at the regional and international level. We both adhere strongly to the values of democracy, peace, liberty and respect for human rights.”

President Ramotar further stated that it was his hope that given the common interests between Bolivia and

Guyana, and such as, the importance placed on regional integration as one of the means of achieving a better standard of living for the peoples of both countries through the use of natural resources, “an enduring dynamic partnership” can be achieved.

The Guyanese Head of State also accepted an earlier invitation made by Bolivia’s President Evo Morales to formally attend the upcoming G77 and China Summit in that nation’s capital Santa Cruz de la Sierra, later this year.

Ambassador Talavera, pledged to deepen and strengthen the bi-lateral relationship between the two countries, noting common interests shared such as their struggle for democracy, democratically-elected Government and constant efforts to ensure a better life for their citizens.

The Bolivian diplomat has served his country in several high-level capacities and is also a trained lawyer.

APNU fears there will be no LEAD

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive

Member Joseph Harmon said Government’s decision to halt the United States’ LEAD Project here may very well be a step towards throwing it out altogether.

Immediately after the joint announcement was made by the US and Guyana Governments Wednesday morning that the project was put on hold, the A Partnership for National Unity held a press conference at its Hadfield Street Office.

Harmon noted that since the inception of the project, Guyana’s Government has been doing all within its power to take away this right from the Guyanese people.

He said the intention was sealed when President Donald Ramotar publicly announced last week that Guyana did not need the LEAD Project. He noted that the statement by the President was made mere days after Government revoked the work permit of the head of the project, Glen Bradbury.

“But let not this Administration not fool itself that these desperate steps it has taken escape the atten-

tion of Guyanese. Because a message to this Government is that the “Guyanese people them a watch you!” Harmon exerted.

Harmon said APNU applauds the effort of the US Government, through its Ambassador, for its support of the LEAD Project. He said the coalition is somewhat disappointed that no proper reason was provided for halting the project.

Hope

He said too that APNU condemns the Government for revoking the work permit of the LEAD head. According to him, the project has had its advantages. “Our own support and enthusiasm of the LEAD Project in Guyana, has earned us the distinction of being partners with the USA in infringing national security”.

Harmon noted that the recent visa fair attended by hundreds of Guyanese is a notable indication of Guyanese interest in escaping the current rule. He said, however, that there is hope that the project could be kept alive in Guyana. APNU has supportive of the LEAD project since its inception, but has denied ever being part of meetings with

the U.S. Embassy officials here to discuss components of the project. APNU Chairman David Granger was very outspoken last week about the revocation of the work permit of Bradbury. He posited that Guyana would have to pay a price for its action. The USAID Project was not approved by Cabinet and this was formally indicated to the relevant authorities, but unconfirmed reports later indicated that project activities were being carried out, despite the Embassy being in receipt of the formal correspondence from Cabinet voicing its disapproval.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh meeting with CDB President, Dr Warren Smith (second from left) and other senior Staff at the CDB Headquarters in Barbados

President Donald Ramotar accepting the Letters of Credence from Non-resident Bolivian Ambassador Jerjes Justiniano Talavera

Dr Prem Misir

Mocha murder trial

Accused proclaim innocence in defence

When the two accused in the Sade Stoby murder trial were called upon to lead their defences on Thursday, both young men proclaimed their innocence before the judge and jury.

Jevon Wharton, 23, and Colwyn Charles Cush, 21, both of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, are indicted with the November 2, 2007, murder of nine-yearold Stoby at Sixth Field, Barnwell North, Mocha.

The state is claiming that the two accused raped the young girl before killing her. At the time of the incident, Wharton and Cush were 16 and 14 years old respectively.

On Wednesday, Senior State Counsel Judith Gildharie-Mursalin closed her case after which both defence counsels, Attorney Raymond Ali for Wharton and Attorney George Thomas for Cush, made nocase submissions.

However, on Thursday’s date, presiding Judge Justice Navindra Singh overruled the submission, stating that there is sufficient evidence for the case to go to the jury and for the accused to be called upon to lead their defences.

Justice Singh then called on the accused to lead their defences, putting the three options to them: that is, giving a sworn statement in the witness box, an unsworn statement from the dock or remain silent. Both accused elected to give unsworn statements from the dock.

Wharton in his brief statement said: “I didn’t rape this girl, I didn’t do it, I didn’t kill her either.” He told the court that he was at work on the day in question and was forced and beaten by the Police to give the statement against himself. The man added that the Saturday he was at home.

Reasonable distance

After Wharton completed his statement, Attorney Ali informed the court that he has two witnesses to call. Owen Trim, Wharton’s cousin, testified that he and the accused used to work together at Hack’s Hollow Blocks Factory, Providence, in November 2007.

On November 2, Trim said he and Wharton were both at work and left sometime around 15:30h. The witness said he was walking out the compound when he saw his cousin riding towards the Mocha Access Road and that was the last time he saw him that day.

Under cross-examination by State Counsel GildharieMursalin, Trim explained that it usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the East Bank Road to get to the Archieduck (Aquaduct) bridge in Mocha via a bus

since the road was bad and drivers had to take their time. He further stated that riding a bicycle from the factory into Mocha Village would take about 45 minutes as it is a “reasonable distance”.

The State Counsel suggested to the witness that his sole purpose was to help his cousin, and as such, he deliberately exaggerated that they left work at 15:30h, when in fact they left earlier. Trim denied this, maintaining that all the workers left around that time, which is a norm for them.

The other witness was the manager of the blocks factory, Jagdesh Kumar Ramkission. He also testified that on November 2, Wharton and the other workers left around 15:30h after being paid and the accused did not turn up for work the following day.

Ramkissoon said the accused was working there for about 21 days and there were some 30 labourers working there at the time.

While being questioned by the judge, the witness admitted that they falsified the time sheet since he is claiming that the staff left at 15:30h, but the document states that they left at 16:00h.

Going for cane

Meanwhile, in his lengthy unsworn statement, Cush said: “I didn’t kill Sade Stoby, beat Sade Stoby or do anything to Sade Stoby.”

The accused told the court that on November 2, he was by his sister swimming when she called for him to go to the shop.

He noted that on his way back from the shop, he stopped by the Archieduck bridge and went onto a cane punt that was passing.

Cush said while he was there, Stoby called out to him by his name and asked for a cane.

“I didn’t give her the cane like out of my hands in her

Man dies after car crashes into utility pole

Asales representative of Patsan Trading was on Thursday morning killed after the car he was driving crashed into a utility pole at Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The dead man has been identified as 70-year-old John Teixeira, also called Jerry, of Lot 762 16th Avenue, Diamond New Housing Scheme.

He was killed after he reportedly lost control of his Toyota Sprinter motor car while heading home around 06:45h on Thursday. According to information received, the father of four lived alone and was on his way home after a night out with friends on Wednesday evening.

Based on reports, there were no visible injuries about his body when he was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre (East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital), but he subsequently succumbed. It is believed that the man might have suffered a heart attack. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be performed on the man’s body today.

The utility pole that Teixeira crashed into

hands cause the punt was moving, I throw it on the bridge,” the accused said, while adding that he collected cane for himself and his mother.

He noted that all of this did not take more than five minutes.

The young man recalled the following day, he went to Sophia to attend a relative’s party, then returned home the Monday when he was held by Stoby’s family.

Cush said her father scrambled him and then he felt a blistering on his back, then her brother told him that they will cut off his penis. The accused went on to say that they threw him into a bus and stripped him naked while the brother was pulling at his genitals.

The accused remembered that he was taken to the Providence Police Station then to Ruimveldt and after a statement was taken from him that he does not know anything about the crime, he was sent home.

He further recounted that he returned the following morning and while being questioned, then Corporal Blair placed a plastic bag over his head and hit him with a book; however, Inspector Baird came in and rebuked the Corporal.

Cush alleged that Baird told him that if he agreed to give a statement, then he would be used as a witness.

“I didn’t really say anything, they were asking questions and I was saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’.

Is like that the statement came about… after he tell me he going to help me out in certain way I say, ‘ok’, I didn’t tell nobody nothing, he was the big one in charge that’s why I didn’t say anything,” the accused told the court.

His Attorney did not call any witnesses. The matter will continued on Monday with closing addresses by the defence and prosecution.

A family friend of the dead man, Nadira (only name given), told this newspaper that she worked with the man for several years and she was at home when she received information about the accident. She was initially told that Teixeira was involved in an accident and that he was taken to the hospital. He was still breathing at that time, she was told.

Unsatisfactory medical aid

However, when she arrived at the hospital, she was greeted by the devastating news of his death. She said that she was given the opportunity to see his body and it bore no visible injuries. The woman added that she has to collect a document from the hospital and Police to fax up to Teixeira’s son in the United States to facilitate his coming to Guyana.

Another woman explained that after they arrived at the hospital with the injured man in the car, the porters took some time to locate

a stretcher. Eventually, Teixeira was wheeled into the Accident and Emergency Unit where again the doctors took a while to attend to him. She is holding out that the man’s life could have been saved by competent staff.

Teixeira had worked at Patsan for a number of years and is the second employee to have died in tragic circumstances within a month. His friend, Bharrat Ramcharan, with whom he worked closely, was recently shot and killed during a robbery outside the business.

The two accused leaving the courtroom

Dead: John Teixeira

SUDOKU

Let others know what’s on your mind. You will gain valuable insight if you speak up. Round up close friends for some recreation and entertainment. Romance is on the rise.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Risky financial ventures will be your downfall. Your desire to help those less fortunate is admirable, but keep an eye on your pocketbook. Investigate an organisation carefully before making a donation.

Let someone else do the talking while you sit on the sidelines. You will learn valuable information by closely listening to people with experience. Use the information you receive to get ahead.

Even if you feel like slacking off, push yourself to get things done. Moneymaking opportunities are apparent, but you must keep your career as a top priority.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Relationships should be your focus. Pay extra attention to the way you present who you are and what your life goals are. Sharing common aims will bring you closer to someone special.

(March 21-April 19)

You are on a fast track to completing a multitude of different tasks. Others will be hard-pressed to keep up, but if you maintain control, they will enthusiastically align with you.

(April 20-May 20)

Social engagements will play a major role in your life if you let them. Make a fresh start. It’s a good time to enhance your appearance and improve your image.

(May 21June 20)

You have to meet any obligations you’ve made to family members before you help outsiders. Confrontations can be avoided by living up to past promises. Do what’s right.

Don’t get caught up in an unfortunate battle of wills. Get all the information first and wait to take action. Time is on your side, and you don’t need to make hasty mistakes.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t allow anyone to put you down. Your good judgment and sound decisions have served you well in the past, so continue doing what you’re doing.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Avoid joint ventures. Reviewing your financial documents will help to alleviate any confusion you may have regarding investments and money matters. Improve your personal surroundings and relationships.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Your work may suffer if you dwell on your personal problems. Keep your plans to yourself if you don’t want someone to take credit for your ideas.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Grenada scores opening games of the Limacol CPL 2014

Carnival cricket fever hits the beautiful island of Grenada with the announcement that the National Cricket Stadium will host the launch and opening round of games of the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), from Friday 11th July, with all six teams in action over the first weekend.

The Limacol CPL, which thrilled sell-out crowds in six countries across the Caribbean in 2013, is once again looking to excite fans with high-intensity T20 cricket for the 2014 tournament. Grenada, known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, will serve as the opening venue to showcase the region’s most exciting domestic Twenty20 tournament. Global stars including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kevin Pietersen and Muttiah Muralitharan will take part in the “Biggest Party in Sport”.

The Honourable Emmalin Pierre, Minister for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs of Grenada, said: “Grenada is delighted to host the opening of the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League, and we’re looking forward to showing off “Pure Grenada” to the world. Grenadians are a sociable, welcoming and fun-loving people, so it’s going to be a fantastic occasion – on and off the pitch – and we’re going to make sure the CPL feels right at home on the Spice Isle.”

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Limacol CPL, commented; “We are absolutely delighted to

have Grenada on board to host the thrilling CPL opening matches. After an incredible inaugural year that surpassed all expectations, cricket fans all over the world are looking forward to another exciting tournament. The players and fans are expecting a high-calibre event and we feel that we are in safe hands with our partners in Grenada. The beauty of this island is matched only by the hospitality of its people and so we are looking forward to sharing that with the international audience. We’re delighted to welcome Grenada to the CPL family.”

WICB President, Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron, congratulated

Grenada on being chosen to host the opening of the Limacol CPL and spoke of his excitement for all the action that awaits fans in July and August, saying; “The 2014 staging of the Limacol CPL should be no less exciting than the inaugural edition and we know the kind of atmosphere this version of the game can generate. We are keen on the partnership with the CPL and we anticipate fierce rivalry among the teams again this season.”

The National Cricket Stadium, which has hosted several West Indies matches since 2002, as well as six matches at the 2007 World Cup, boasts fantastic playing facilities and will hold the biggest

West Indies Fullbore Shooting C’ships, Jamaica

Guyana’s Lennox Braithwaite retained his West Indies Fullbore shooting title but was upstaged by Canadian Serge Bissonnette for the Grand Aggregate on the final day of the Individual Competition at the West Indies Fullbore shooting championships being held at the Twickenham Park ranges in Spanish Town, Jamaica. It was Braithwaite’s third successive title win following success in Guyana in 2012 and Barbados last year.

Bissonnette was always a threat to Braithwaite over the three days of competition, but in the end the Canadian recorded a grand aggregate of 384 points and 23 V-bulls to edge out Braithwaite who shot 383

Limacol CPL crowd ever, with room for a massive 16,200 fans each day.

Action begins on Friday 11th July, when some of the world’s most prolific batsmen, skilful bowlers and athletic fielders take centre stage. With carnival cricket fever building for the first match of the tournament, no one will be disappointed by the opportunity to see last year’s runners-up, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, take on the Antigua Hawksbills, with two of the world’s finest spinners, Sunil Narine and Saeed Ajmal, going head-to-head.

The action and party fever continues into Saturday’s game, which will see Dwayne Bravo’s Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel take on the Barbados Tridents, captained by Kieron Pollard. Mentors and legendary West Indies openers, Gordon Greenidge (Red Steel) and Desmond Haynes (Tridents), will be looking to put their friendship aside as last year’s two beaten semi-finalists seek to get their 2014 campaign off to a winning start.

Sunday will see Chris Gayle’s Jamaica Tallawahs starting the defence of its Limacol CPL crown on the final day of the opening round of matches. Standing in their way will be a St. Lucia Zouks team, masterminded by head coach, Matthew Maynard, and set to feature West Indies T20 captain, Darren Sammy and Grenada’s

points with 24 V-bulls.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Norris Gomez amassed 381 points with 28 V-bulls to place third overall and be runner-up to Braithwaite for regional honours.

Jamaican David Rickman recorded 377.21 for fourth; Alpar Katona of Canada 376.18 (fifth); Jamaica ‘s Wayne McNair (sixth) with 375.17; Guyana’s Ransford Goodluck (seventh) with 374.28; Michael Perez of Trinidad and Tobago with 371.20 (eighth); Guyana’s Captain Mahendra Persaud (ninth) 369.23; and Marlon King of Barbados 369.14 (tenth).

Goodluck had a remarkable day shooting a possible 50.3 at 500 yards and also led all scorers at the 1000 yards range with 48 points

own Andre Fletcher, who will be backed by fanatical local support.

Information about tickets for the three opening games of the Limacol CPL 2014 will be announced in the near future.

Opening Schedule for Limacol CPL 2014 (Full schedule to be announced on 9th May)

Grenada National Cricket Stadium

Friday 11th July 2014 - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua Hawksbills

Saturday 12th July 2014 –Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel vs Barbados Tridents

Sunday 13th July 2014 – St. Lucia Zouks vs Jamaica Tallawahs

About the Caribbean Premier League: The Limacol Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life –dramatic cricket and a vibrant carnival atmosphere. The inaugural Limacol CPL, billed as “the Biggest Party in Sport” featured six teams competing throughout the region in August 2013 – Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Lucia Zouks, Antigua Hawksbills. The Jamaica Tallawahs, captained by Chris Gayle, emerged as champions. Limacol CPL II will take place from 11th July to 16th August of 2014.

and 3 V-bulls. He also had scores of 33.5 at 600 yards but struggled with 39.3 at 900 yards.

Katona was second at 1000 yards with 47.2; Scott Murray also of Canada with 47.2; Karen Anderson of Jamaica with 47.2; and Guyana’s Sigmund Douglas with 45.2.

Persaud placed second at 900 yards with 47.3 behind Trinidadian Joseph Ezekiel who shot 48.6.

Thomas Greenaway of Antigua/Barbuda was third with 47.1; and Wayne McNair 47.1.

Braithwaite was also crowned short -range champion with a grand aggregate of 247.16 to edge out Bissonnette who had 246.16 and Gomez 245.19.

Jamaican Anderson was the top shooter in ‘O’ Class

with a grand aggregate of 361 points and 13 V-bulls, followed by Guyanese Sigmund Douglas with 358.17 and Leo Romalho 358.15.

The first of two team matches will take place on Friday with six countries battling for the Milex Cup, symbol of long- range shooting supremacy in the West Indies over 900 and 1000 yards ranges.

Guyana are the defending champions and at press time the management committee were in a meeting to select the national team to contest the match.

The short- range title currently held by Jamaica will be up for grabs over 300, 500 and 600 yards on Saturday.(Story and photos by Troy Peters, in Jamaica)

‘O’ Class Winner, Jamaica’s Karen Anderson

Pistorius social worker says sprinter heartbroken

Agovernment social worker assigned to give Oscar Pistorius emotional support after the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, told a court on Thursday the South African track star on trial for murder was heartbroken over the shooting.

Yvette Schalkwyk, who has been visiting Pistorius since Steenkamp’s killing on Feb. 14 last year, dismissed suggestions that Pistorius, who has broken down repeatedly in court, was using his emotions to deflect tough questioning.

“I was very upset when I read that people were saying that Oscar took acting lessons,” she told the Pretoria High Court. “I wanted to come and give my observation of what I saw.”

She said the 27-year-old Olympic and Paralympic sprinter had told her he missed 29-year-old law graduate and model Steenkamp a great deal and was crying “80 percent of the time”.

Steenkamp died almost instantly after being hit by four hollow-point 9mm rounds fired through a toilet door.

Pistorius says it was a tragic mistake after he mis-

took Steenkamp for an intruder who had broken into his luxury Pretoria home. The state alleges that he shot her in a fit of rage after the couple had an argument.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel criticized Schalkwyk’s evidence as irrelevant but judge Thokozile Masipa said her views were valid, especially since Nel had accused the athlete of breaking down whenever he came under pressure on the witness stand.

If convicted of murder, Pistorius faces life in prison.

The trial, which has been

Nadal ahead of Federer as all-time best, says Agassi

Eight-time grand slam champion Andre Agassi has picked Spaniard Rafa Nadal over Swiss maestro Roger Federer as the greatest tennis player ever, according to a newspaper report on Thursday.

The 32-year-old Federer, with 17 grand slam titles, leads his younger opponent who has 13 majors and is recognized as a complete player on all surfaces.

“I’d put Nadal No. 1, Federer No. 2,” Agassi told Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper, stoking the popular debate.

“Federer separated himself from the field for four years. He separated himself from (Andy) Roddick and

(Lleyton) Hewitt.

“Nadal had to deal with Federer, (Novak) Djokovic, (Andy) Murray in the golden age of tennis. He has done what he has done and he’s not done yet.”

Nadal leads Federer 23-10 in all meetings and Agassi said the number of grand slam titles cannot be the sole yardstick to decide the greatest player.

“He has won multiple (majors), every single one (more than once) except the Australian Open - and give him another year on that,”

Agassi said.

“It’s just remarkable to me what he has done, and he has done it all during Federer’s prime.” (Reuters)

Durant, Westbrook help Thunder level series

Newly crowned MVP Kevin Durant scored 32 points and Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-101 on Wednesday to level their second round playoff series.

A day after he was named the NBA’s top player, Durant came up with a performance that included 12 rebounds and nine assists.

Westbrook backed him up with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as the home Thunder tied the bestof-seven series 1-1.

running since early March, has drawn huge interest internationally and in South Africa, where it has been broadcast live on a dedicated cable television channel.

Before the shooting, Pistorius, who had his lower legs amputated as a baby, was one of the most recognized names in athletics, competing against able-bodied sprinters on carbon-fibre prosthetics.

Besides a clutch of Paralympic medals, he reached the semi-finals of the 400m at the London 2012 Olympics. (Reuters)

Durant lifted his new trophy in front of the Oklahoma City crowd prior to the game, but quickly had to focus on lifting his team.

“I didn’t want to take that moment for granted. It was surreal. I wanted to enjoy it, but focus on the game at the same time,” Durant told reporters. “I liked our intensity and focus to start the game.”

Having been blown out in a Game One home loss Monday, Oklahoma City responded with a second-half surge and led by 20 in the fourth quarter.

Chris Paul tallied 17 points and 11 assists for the Clippers after a career

shooting performance that included eight three-pointers in the previous game.

Paul spent much of the game chasing Westbrook, who notched his third triple-double in the last five games.

“I think (Westbrook) played harder than all of us combined,” Paul said. “He was all over the place. We have to play better.”

Los Angeles trailed by five at halftime but the

Thunder broke the game open in the third quarter where they outscored the Clippers 33-21. It was a good night for the Oklahoma City supporting cast including Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha, who tallied 14 points apiece. Los Angeles All Star forward Blake Griffin had a quiet night with 15 points and six rebounds.

Game Three is on Friday in Los Angeles. (Reuters)

Murray beaten by Santiago Giraldo at Madrid Masters Clippers owner Sterling denies being racist in new recording-report

British number one

Andy Murray lost 6-3 6-2 in the third round of the Madrid Masters after failing to get to grips with an in-form Santiago Giraldo.

Murray lost his first service game and Giraldo forced the pace from the baseline to stay ahead in the opening set.

Murray had a break point on the Colombian’s second serve early in the second set, but squandered the chance.

Instead Giraldo kept hitting out, sweeping to a comfortable win.

Murray, who has admitted he needs matches to regain full fitness after a month off, will need to perform better at the Rome Masters next week if he is to get more time on court before the French Open.

The Scot, who narrowly avoided defeat against Nicolas Almagro in his tournament opener on Wednesday, again struggled to wrestle a match his way when up against aggressive baseline hitting.

Giraldo, who had never beaten a top-10 player before overpowering Murray, came into the match on the back of wins over Lleyton Hewitt and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the earlier rounds and an appearance in the fi-

nal of the Barcelona Open.

The world number 46’s confidence was obvious as he walloped a forehand down the line to take the first game to love and broke Murray in the next.

Murray sliced and scurried, but could assert himself, failing to break up Giraldo’s rhythm.

Murray earned his only break point of the match when 1-0 up in the second set, but could not get back Giraldo’s second serve into his body.

Giraldo resumed his barrage and, after breaks in the third and seventh games, concluded his victory with a powerful ace.

Elsewhere, top seed Rafael Nadal said his best form was beginning to return after overcoming Jarkko Nieminen 6-1 6-4. The world number one and eight-time French Open champion had lost in the quarter-finals of both the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open.

Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych overcame Grigor Dimitrov in three sets while Japan’s Kei Nishikori saw off Milos Raonic 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5).

Giraldo will take on Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut next after the Spaniard beat Lukasz Kubot. (BBC Sport)

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was banned for life from the National Basketball Association after a tape of his racist comments became public, claimed in a new recording he was not a bigot, according to an online report on Thursday.

The entertainment news blog Radar Online said it obtained a tape from an anonymous source who provided an affidavit confirming the voice was that of the 80-year-old Sterling.

“You think I’m a racist?” Radar Online quoted Sterling as saying on what it reported was a secretly recorded phone conversation.

“You think I have anything in the world but love for everybody? You don’t think that! You know I’m not a racist!”

Radar Online included the recording in its report. Reuters could not independently confirm it was Sterling’s voice on the recording.

Last month the NBA fined Sterling $2.5 million and banned him from pro basketball after the website TMZ.com posted an audio recording with a voice said to be his that made derogatory remarks about black people.

The comments sparked outrage from players fans as well as U.S. President Barack Obama, especially since Sterling was a team owner in a league that was in the forefront of racial integration in U.S. sports.

Sterling has yet to comment publicly. He could not be reached immediately on Thursday.

The NBA has initiated the process to terminate Sterling’s ownership.

“How can you be in this business and be a racist?” Sterling said on the tape, according to Radar Online. “Do you think I tell the coach to get white players? Or to get the best player he can get?”

The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that Shelly Sterling, Donald’s wife and co-owner of the Clippers, said she intended to remain an owner of the team and has hired a law firm to represent her as the NBA moves to terminate her husband’s ownership.

In 1981 Sterling purchased the Clippers, which were based in San Diego, for $12.5 million. The team is now estimated to be worth at least $575 million, according to Forbes, which compiles a list of professional sports team values each year. (Reuters)

Oscar Pistorius

Andre Agassi

Kevin Durant

YELLOW PAGES

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

Shalom Driving School locat-

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

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

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

BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV RD4; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; 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. PRE-ORDER 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, 220-5177. 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

Royals v Sunrisers, IPL 2014

21 SPORTS

Sunrisers defend 134 with ease

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. OpTICIAN

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

Avon Guyana; now recruiting and training new representatives on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00h at the Georgetown Club. Contact Ms Nanda on 680-9624/652-3949 or email: ramoutar_nanda@yahoo.com

Cooltech Repair Service and Sales

All types of air conditioning, refrigeration, washing machine etc. Call 2332008, 675-4959 SERVICES

Get your home or business spiritually clean to enhance good luck and prosperity. Telephone: 687-5653

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 592-6901824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anewlife@live.com

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to businesses. Call: 612-6417, 220-0708, 6875653.

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.

Newly built apartment at WCD. Call 698-6496

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

Newly built apartment at WCD. Call 698-6496

TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES

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: 2202104, 656-9599

Recruiting new sales rep for AVON & ORGANO GOLD COFFEE. Contact Nanda on 680-9624, 652-3949 or email ramoutar_nanda@yahoo.com

Sunrisers Hyderabad had done this in their inaugural IPL season in 2013 as well. Their batsmen would struggle to a middling total, but the bowlers would come out and defend it with considerable margins to spare. They did it again in Ahmedabad tonight. Their batting crumbled after a strong start of 55 for 1 to post 134 for 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Ajinkya Rahane off the third ball of the chase, and Royals were never allowed to get away. Just how difficult Sunrisers made it was evident from the fact that Royals managed one boundary after the seventh over.

Karun Nair and Sanju Samson had hit a few till that point, against the pace of Dale Steyn too. The second-wicket stand was soon cut short on 27 by the fast bowler when he had Nair caught behind with an outswinger. That was to be the only partnership that held promise for Royals.

The legspinners Amit Mishra and Karn Sharma were brought on, and Royals stalled. Samson stepped

out in Karn’s first over to be bowled by a straighter one. Despite no pressure yet from the asking-rate, Royals kept going for their shots.

Moises Henriques had spent six games on the bench for Sunrisers. He was included tonight in place of Darren Sammy, and had Watson caught behind on the cut with his third ball. From 41 for 4, Steven Smith and Stuart Binny were tied down by the legspinners. Mishra had been comically run out earlier after getting reprieved twice off the same delivery. He has been uncharacteristically expensive this season, and was left out for Sunrisers’ previous match. He hit back with a spell of four overs on the trot for 13 runs. The batsmen were unable to pick his googly, and he was unfortunate not to have had Binny ruled caught behind. Royals continued to slip when David Warner found Binny short with a direct hit after a slow 37-run stand. The asking-rate touched almost 11 by the time Mishra finished in the 15th over, and Steyn had Smith holing out in the deep for 22 off 33 in the next over. Bhuvneshwar ran through the lower order to finish with 4 for 14. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Hyderabad T20 innings (20 overs maximum)

S Dhawan* b Watson 33

AJ Finch c Rahane b Bhatia 9

KL Rahul b Bhatia 18

NV Ojha† b Bhatia 17

DA Warner st †Samson b Tambe 6

MC Henriques c Rahane b Watson 9

IK Pathan not out 21

KV Sharma c †Samson b Watson 0

DW Steyn run out (†Samson) 9

A Mishra run out (†Samson) 0

B Kumar not out 0

Extras: (b 5, lb 5, w 2) 12

Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 134

Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Dhawan, 3.6 ov), 2-55 (Finch, 6.3 ov), 3-67 (Rahul, 8.6 ov), 4-85 (Warner, 11.5 ov), 5-89 (Ojha, 12.5 ov), 6-106 (Henriques, 16.1 ov), 7-106 (Sharma, 16.2 ov), 8-125 (Steyn, 19.2 ov), 9-129 (Mishra, 19.4 ov)

Bowling: KW Richardson 4-028-0, DS Kulkarni 2-0-190, SR Watson 2-0-13-3, JP Faulkner 4-0-20-0, R Bhatia 4-0-23-3, PV Tambe 4-0-21-1

Rajasthan T20 innings (target: 135 runs from 20 overs)

AM Rahane c Warner b Kumar 0

KK Nair c †Ojha b Steyn 12

SV Samson† b Sharma 16

SR Watson* c †Ojha b Henriques 11 STR Binny run out (Warner) 12

SPD Smith c Pathan b Steyn 22 R Bhatia c Warner b Kumar 4 JP Faulkner c Finch b Kumar 4 KW Richardson c & b Kumar 1 DS Kulkarni not out 7 PV Tambe c Steyn b Pathan 3

Extras: (b 4, lb 1, w 5) 10

Total: (all out; 19.5 overs) 102 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rahane, 0.3 ov), 2-27 (Nair, 3.6 ov), 3-37 (Samson, 5.5 ov), 4-41 (Watson, 6.3 ov), 5-78 (Binny, 13.4 ov), 6-82 (Smith, 15.4 ov), 7-89 (Faulkner, 17.1 ov), 8-89 (Bhatia, 17.2 ov), 9-91 (Richardson, 17.6 ov), 10-102 (Tambe, 19.5 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-14-4, DW Steyn 4-0-31-2, KV Sharma 4-0-20-1, MC Henriques 2-0-11-1, A Mishra 4-0-130, IK Pathan 1.5-0-8-1

Inconsistent Nadal overpowers Nieminen in Madrid

Champion Rafa Nadal showed glimpses of his best form and some rustiness as he beat Jarkko Nieminen 6-1 6-4 on Thursday to advance to the Madrid Open quarter-finals.

The Spanish world number one is used to rolling over opponents on clay but this year he lost in the quarter-finals in Monte Carlo and Barcelona to dent his confidence ahead of his bid for a ninth French Open title.

The three-time champi-

on started well and swept Nieminen aside in the first set with his powerful passing shots.

Nadal led 3-0 in the second set before Finn Nieminen, the world number 57, broke back and had break points in Nadal’s next service game which he failed to take.

Nadal struggled with his timing but scraped through and next faces sixth seed Tomas Berdych who beat Grigor Dimitrov 3-6 6-3 6-2.

“At 6-1 and 3-0 I was

playing at my best level since Monte Carlo but then I slowed down a bit and made some errors,” Nadal told a news conference.

“I am working on finding my level and performance. Today I did what I had to do but I still need to be more consistent.”

Barcelona Open champion Kei Nishikori of Japan reached the quarter-finals after beating eighth seed Milos Raonic 7-6 7-6, his eighth successive victory on clay. (Reuters)

Da

Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 4-14 (BCCI)

Hits and Jams Entertainment gives to sport

By Treiston Joseph

its and Jams

HEntertainment under the Keem Foundation made significant donations to two schools and two clubs on Thursday.

Both the New Campbellville Secondary School and St Joseph High

Ramcharitar Construction first division, 50-over cricket…

Sinclair’s 62 helps Police upset RHTG&G

The 2013 Ramcharitar Construction Services first division, 50over knockout cricket competition continued last Saturday in Berbice with all three of the scheduled third- round matches being played, resulting in Police, Port Mourant and Young Warriors Universal DVD winning and advancing to the semi-finals.

Kesmasammy picked up three wickets each to restrict them to 154 all out in 43 overs. When Port Mourant replied, former Guyana youth cricketer, batsman Troy Gonsalves utterly destroyed the Bermine bowling, hitting 80 off just 38 balls, including 10 fours and four massive sixes to lead Port Mourant to an eight-wicket victory in just 14.1 overs.

34, Andel Dorus 22,

Rose

Town

and Gadgets 212-8 in 45 overs (Dominique Rikhi 39, Rajiv Ivan 36, Shawn Pereira 30, Troy Matheson 27*, Andel Doris 2-37, Rocky Hutson 2-24).

“Being individuals we can become distracters,[sic] but this generation is the future, and I just want to say there is nothing wrong with working hard and playing hard and Hits and Jams has promised for every six months we

school.

“I’m very proud of the donation and it is going to go a long way with helping my athletes and my school in table tennis,” Gaskin mentioned.

St Joseph High School’s physical education teacher, Nima Fluebless, was grateful for the donation.

“Next year one of the

School received a table tennis board along with a pair of racquets and balls.

The Mercury Fast Laners Track and Field Club received $200,000, while the Beacons Football Club received $90,000.

will be making contributions like these to society,” Ferguson noted at the handing- over ceremony at the St Joseph High School.

Coach of the Mercury Fast Laner track club, Christopher Gaskin, who also happens to be the physical education teacher of the New Campbellville Secondary School, noted the importance of the donation to his club and

The donations were a result of the Hits and Jams organization promising to make contributions to sport and such organizations every six months, according to director of the entertainment organization Rawle Ferguson.

things eligible for CXC is physical education in table tennis and this being our second board and this new will go a long way in enabling our students to gain grade ones and distinctions so I am very elated,” Fluebless stressed.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has given his commitment that the entertainment organization will continue such contributions every six months.

In a stunning upset, the lowly placed Police turned the tables to knockout one of the favourites Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G). Led by Albert Sinclair, who made 62 (5x4s, 1x6), and put on 112 for the third wicket with Kwesi Mickle (34), Police posted 214 in 43.5 overs with former Guyana Under-19 cricketer Dominique Rikhi, bowling off-spin, picking up 4-32 from 8.5 overs.

When RHTG&G replied, Rikhi made 29 and allrounder Rajiv Ivan 36 to position their team to need just four runs for victory with two wickets left in the last over. However, off-spinner Rocky Hutson ensured that Troy Matheson and Simeon Lawson could get only one.

After Universal Solution Bermine were seemingly well placed at 111-3 against Port Mourant, left-arm spinner Bishram Deolall and off-spinner Samuel

Videsh Singh slammed 52 (5x4s, 2x6s) to guide Young Warriors Universal DVD to a modest 135 in 34.3 overs against West Berbice, with off-spinner Andre Dutchin picking up 4-17 from seven overs. When West Berbice replied, they were bowled out for just 103 with former Berbice Under-19 wicketkeeper/ batsman and off-spinner Ishwar Singh picking up 4-22 from five overs.

The Albion Community Centre lads are already in the semi-finals by virtue of gaining a bye after defeating Blairmont Community Centre in the first round.

Below are the summarised scores from the three games:

At Cumberland: Police beat Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets by two runs. Police 214 in 43.5 overs (Albert Sinclair 62, Kwesi Mickle 34, Clifton

At Port Mourant: Port Mourant beat Universal Solution Bermine by eight wickets. Universal Solution Bermine 154 in 43 overs (Amir Seecharran 39, Steve Deonarine 23, Bisham Deolall 3-20, Samuel Kesnasammy 3-23, Yudendra Harrinarine 2-22) Port Mourant 155-2 in 14.1 overs (Troy Gonsalves 80, Joshua Ramsammy 34*, Devendra Thakurdeen 29).

At Bush Lot in West Berbice: Young Warriors Universal DVD beat West Berbice by 32 runs. Young Warriors 135 in 34.3 overs (Videsh Singh 52, Alex Algoo 22, Andrew Dutchin 4-17, Rennison Mitchell 2-16) West Berbice 103 in 26 overs (Randy Wede 36, Sherwin McPherson 21, Ishwar Singh 4-22, Kishar Gangaram 3-19). The semi-finals are fixed for Saturday with Young Warriors Universal DVD hosting Police at Cumberland and Port Mourant staying at home to play Albion Community Centre.

GCA/Carib Beer T20 semifinals on Saturday at DCC

The top four teams have made it through and the stage is set for the semi-finals of the Georgetown Cricket Association/Carib Beer T20 cricket competition. Both matches will be played at the Demerara Cricket Club ground on Saturday.

In the first match GCC will take on GNIC at 09:30h, while in the second game hosts DCC will face Police Sports Club at 13:30h.

Keen and exciting cricket is expected, with several present and former national cricketers like, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson, Asad Fudadin, Paul Wintz,

Lindee

Michael Campbell 22)

Hall

Gizmos

Robin Bacchus, Clyde Butts and Rayon Griffith expected to participate.

The umpires for both semi-finals are Shannon Crawford and Colin Alfred.

Christopher Barnwell Clyde Butts

Videsh Singh

Bisham Deolall Dominique Rikhi

Christopher Gaskin receives a cheque for $200,000 from Rawle Ferguson (left) at the New Campbellville Secondary School

Nima Fluebless (right) receives the table tennis donation from Rawle Ferguson at St Joseph High School

Independence Cup will go ahead as planned, says Organising Committee

– accuses GCB of bullyism

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The

Organising

Committee for the Independence Cup T20 competition has assured the general public that they will go ahead with plans to host the tournament, despite the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) deeming the tournament “unauthorised and unapproved”.

The GCB is also claiming that the tournament does not fall on the list of “approved cricket for Guyana” as endorsed by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

“We assure the public that we will go ahead with plans to host the tournament for we expect better sense to prevail. The tournament has been endorsed by the regional administration as part of the county’s activities to mark the nation’s 48th Independence anniversary,” a member of the Organising Committee told this publication on Thursday.

The competition, which is a collaborative effort of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association, is slated to be held on May 25 at the Albion Community Centre ground, with proceeds from the event going towards charitable organisations, such as cricket clubs, orphanages, schools

and health-related activities, among others.

However, on Wednesday the GCB, in a release signed by president Drubahadur, is contending that authority for approving cricket, not on the pre-approved list, is the West Indies Cricket Board, who may delegate such authority to the Guyana Cricket Board.

To this end, the release further stated that the Berbice Cricket Board is not authorised to approve cricket not listed on the WICB list of approved cricket.

Bullyism

Meanwhile, the Organising Committee considers the GCB’s action as bullyism, adding that it’s “another vindictive and callous” move by the local governing body.

“We consider this another vindictive and callous act from the GCB. This is nothing but sheer bullyism, especially since the tournament was hosted two years before and they had no is-

sue with the GCB nor the WICB,” the member said.

The BCB which is legally elected is hoping that people be mature enough to deal with the issue and not personalities.

Two star-studded teams from Berbice are down to challenge two strong teams from Georgetown.

Players such as Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Royston Crandon, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Rajiv Ivan, Shimron Hetmyer, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Jonathan Foo, Kevin Ramdeen, Keon Joseph and Raun Johnson will be in the Berbice teams, while Demerara’s teams will have the likes of Christopher Barnwell, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Zaheer Mohamed, Chanderpaul Hemraj and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, among others. Also on the day’s agenda is a feature softball game between Memorex and Universal DVD Club.

Registration for KMTC pre-Independence horse race meet closes Monday

Registration for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTF) pre-Independence horse race meet closes on Monday and according to president of the KMTC, retired Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard, no late entries will be accepted.

The meet is scheduled for May 18 at the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne.

Six races are slated for the day’s event and as usual, there will be lots of excitement for turfites and lucrative prize packages for top horse owners.

and $38,000, respectively.

Then there is the J3 and Lower over a distance of five furlongs with the winner carting off $150,000, and the second- place finisher getting $75,000. The third and fourth- place finishers will receive $38,000 and $19, 000 respectively.

in an invited comment on Thursday, said turfites could be assured of exciting action, especially since jockeys and their mounts will be competing under improved track conditions.

NBS second division, 40-over cricket…

Six-wicket hauls for Ramoutar, Assad

The latest matches of the 2014 New Building Society (NBS) second division, 40over cricket competition in Berbice were highlighted by some outstanding matchwinning bowling performances.

Off-spinner Thameshwar Ramoutar of Number 70 took six wickets for five runs in a spell of 3.2 overs to reduce Number 71 B from 64-4 to 73 all out in 19.2 overs.

Number 70 went on to win by nine wickets.

Led by 76 (2x4s, 8x6s) from Niazi Khan, Number 70 MYO did well to total 227-7 in 30 overs against Number 69 Vikings. Vikings were going great guns at 155-4 in 17 overs before offspinner Jamel Assad proceeded to snare 6-18 from 5.2 overs to restrict them to 188 in 37.2 overs.

wickets. Number 71 B 73 in 19.2 overs (Thameshwar Ramoutar 6-5) Number 70 made 74-1 in 11 (Naeem Yacoob*).

At the Number 70 MYO ground: Number 70 MYO beat Number 69 Vikings by 39 runs. Number 70 MYO 227-7 in 30 overs (Niazi Khan 76, Mahmood Khan 40, Areef Khan 37, Wadekar Ramrattan 4-37, Deraj Bramdit 2-27) Number 69 Vikings 188 in 27.2 overs (Viendra Gooniah 42, Riaz Ally 30, Vishwanauth Lalbeharry 28, Trishan Narinedat 27, Jamel Assad 6-18).

At Number 69: Number 70 Young Star beat Number 69 Red Rose by 111 runs. Number 70 Young Star 158 in 24.4 overs (Fiaz Narinedat 32, Persaud Chaitram 4-17, Azan Mohamed 2-24, Chetram Nourang 2-24) Number 69 Red Rose 47 in 12.2 overs (Omesh Kumar 5-9, Thameshwar Kumar 3-20, Imran Khan 2-2).

Most of the country’s top horses are expected to be on show, with the feature attraction being the D1 and Lower over a distance of one mile. The winner will cart off $500,000, while the runner-up will win half that amount. The third and fourth- place finishers will receive $125,000 and $63,000 respectively. Several other events are slated for the day, starting with the G1 and Lower Class over a distance of six furlongs with the winning tag set at $300,000, while the second- place finisher will collect half that amount.

The Three and Fouryear-old West Indies Maiden and Guyana Open will see the animals running over a distance of six furlongs. The winner will receive $300,000 while the second, third and fourth- place finishers will collect $150,000, $75,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Other races include the J1 & Lower and the ‘I’ & Lower. The two races will be run over six and seven furlongs with the winning tag set at $200,000 and $250,000 respectively.

The third and fourth- place finishers will receive $75,000

Meanwhile, president of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard

Further, the organisers wish to remind horse owners that the event is being conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and all the rules of the local governing body will be in effect.

Horse owners can conform to this requirement by contacting Justice Cecil Kennard on telephone numbers 226-1399, 225-4818, or 623-7609, Roopnarine Matadial (Shine) on telephone number 325-3192, Isabella Beaton 693-7812, Dennis Deroop 609-9143.

Horse owners are asked to have their animals examined by the vet by 11:00h on race day. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

World Athletics Day scheduled for Saturday

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will host its annual World Athletics Day on May 10 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

The meet will bring together some of the best young athletes in the country, featuring in two age categories with the event set to begin from 10:00h.

However, in each category every athlete will have to

compete in two events; more specifically one track event and one field event. The first category will be the under-16 category (Inter-Schools Championships), whereby the competing athletes will have to choose two of the following events; 80m, 150m, 1000m, 1500m/2000m Race Walk, Long Jump, Shot, Discus and Javelin.

In the under-18 catego-

ry, the male athletes will have the following events to choose from 100m, 800m, 3000m, LJ, Shot, Javelin and the 3000m Race Walk, while the females will have the 100m, 400m, 1500m, LJ, Discus, Shot and 2000m Race Walk to choose from.

In addition, all entries will be free as the first three finishers will receive awards, while the schools gaining the most points will

receive the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) trophy. Meanwhile, some of the top athletes expected to compete are triple Carifta gold medallist Cassey George; Carifta bronze medallist Jason Yaw; CARIFTA representative Jevina Sampson; CARIFTA bronze medallist Andrea Foster; and CARIFTA bronze medallist Tirana Mitchell.

After Number 70 Young Star were bowled out for 158 by Number 69 Red Rose, left-arm spinner Omesh Kumar took 5-9 from five overs to see Red Rose bowled out for 47 in their reply.

Tain Block Four were bowled out for 154 in 27.3 overs by Whim National, but medium-pacer Mahendra Maynard proceeded to pick up 5-15 from six overs to help skittle out Whim for 34.

Guyana Under-17 cricketer Brandon Prasad took 5-25 with his leg-spin to help Rose Hall Town Bakewell defeat Guysuco Training Centre. Also scoring half-centuries were Devon Munroe of Kildonan and Vicky Parasram of Mibicuri Jaguars.

Below are the summarised scores from the games.

At Number 70: Number 70 beat Number 71 B by nine

At Tain: Tain Block Four beat Whim National by 120 runs. Tain Block Four 154 in 27.3 overs (Chinsammy Veerasammy 30, Mahendra Baldeo 28, Govindasammy Kishnasammy 28, Tulsie Charran 4-24, Haroon Thakurdeen 3-15) Whim National 34 in 13.2 overs (Mahendra Maynard 5-15, Nagebdra Persaud 2-9).

At Rose Hall Town: Rose Hall Town Bakewell beat Guysuco Training Centre by 82 runs. Rose Hall Town Bakewell 191 in 37.1 overs (Denzil Sinclair 39, Sundra Kissoonlall 31, Tyron Pooranauth 3-29, Sunil Latchman 3-25) Guysuco Training Centre 109 in 30 overs (Brandon Prasad 5-25, Simion Lawson 2-11, Kumar Jeet 2-14).

At Mibicuri: Kildonan beat Mibicuri Jaguars by 49 runs. Kildonan 190 in 27 overs (Devon Munroe 65, Akeem Anderson 30) Mibicuri Jaguars 141 in 21 overs (Vicky Parasram 58, Leslie Whyte 3-25, Aubrey Collins 2-15, Gary Drepaul 2-25).

At Crabwood Creek: Springlands beat Crabwood Creek by 10 wickets. Crabwood Creek 83 in 14 overs (Laljit Prahalad 31) Springlands 84-0 (Trishan Ramdass 38*).

Drubahadur

Cecil Kennard

Mahendra Maynard

Jamel Assad Thameshwar Ramoutar

West Indies Fullbore Shooting C’ships, Jamaica Braithwaite retains individual title for third consecutive year

... also crowned shortrange champion

Guyana’s Lennox Braithwaite retained his West Indies Fullbore shooting title but was upstaged by Canadian Serge Bissonnette for the Grand Aggregate on the final day of the Individual Competition at the West Indies Fullbore shooting championships being held at the Twickenham Park ranges in Spanish Town, Jamaica. see full story on page 19

Grenada scores opening games of the Limacol CPL 2014

Ramdin

D– ‘Spice Isle’ will kick off the “Biggest Party in Sport” by hosting opening of Limacol CPL

to replace Sammy as Windies Test captain – report

arren Sammy is set to be axed as West Indies Test captain and replaced by Denesh Ramdin for the upcoming New Zealand series, the Trinidad Guardian is reporting.

Quoting an unnamed source in a report carried on Thursday, the newspaper said Ramdin had already received the nod from the West Indies selectors and the final decision would be made during a teleconference among West Indies Cricket Board directors later in the day.

“Denesh received a call from chairman of the selection panel Clyde Butts, who asked him whether or not he was interested in leading the regional team in Test cricket,” the Guardian quoted the source as saying.

“Denesh indicated that he was willing to take on the challenge and this message was passed on to the WICB for ratification. By the end of the teleconference tonight, the region would know who will be at the helm for the New Zealand series.”

Sammy took over the helm of the West Indies team 2010 but last year was relieved of his duties as one-day captain, and replaced by all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.

He has continued to lead the Test and Twenty20 units but disastrous results on the Test tours of India and

New Zealand last year, raised fresh doubts about his position.

The Guardian’s source said Sammy’s inability to command a place in the Test XI outside of his role as captain, was of concern.

“Although the WICB has not made a decision on whether they will go with Ramdin or stick with Sammy, it seems that the all-rounder is under serious pressure this time around. He has not commanded a place in the

team outside of being captain and some see his inclusion as one that has thrown off selectors when it comes to getting the right XI on the park,” the source said.

“His record has not been up to par in recent time and this will do him no favours when the directors give their two cents at this teleconference. Ramdin, on the other hand, has improved tremendously with the bat over the last year or so and is tactically a better leader than Sammy.”

During his tenure in charge, Sammy has been credited with uniting the squad and returning stability and discipline. Despite this, however, West Indies, continue to languish at number eight in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.

Ramdin, meanwhile, has served as Sammy’s deputy in the past but is no stranger to controversy. Only last year during the Champions Trophy in England, he was fined his full match fee and suspended for two one-day matches for wrongly claiming a catch against Pakistan.

In 2012 during the Test tour of England, he was fined 20 per cent of his match fee for a taunt aimed at West Indies legend, Sir Viv Richards, after scoring a century at Edgbaston.(Jamaica Observer)

PePsi iPL: sunrisers 134/4, royaLs 102; Tennis,Madrid oPen: s. GiraLdo beaT a.Murray

nadaL beaT

Denesh Ramdin

Lennox Braithwaite, is congratulated by Guyana’s captain Mahendra Persaud