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Education Ministry appoints new deputy CEO RPA

The coaching staff and players of the Guyana Amazon Warriors witness their captain Ramnesh Sarwan making

administrator of the Children's Convalescent Home, Erwin Enmore on Tuesday

wednesday, august 7, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, August 7 from 14:30h to 16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, August 7 from 17:05h to 18:35h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Cloudy spells with brief showers can be expected over Regions One to Six; southern Guyana and other regions can expect generally fair weather. Rainfall is expected to range from 1.0 to 12.0mm.

Waves: Weak to moderate, reaching about 1.2 metres in open waters.

Hughes tenders resignation as chairman of AFC

– remains company secretary of Amaila Falls Hydro Inc

n the face of the shocking disclosure that he is the company secretary of Amaila Falls Hydro Inc, Attorney Nigel Hughes on Tuesday resigned as chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), while maintaining that he has always acted professionally in his handling of the matter. (see related story on page 17)

Hughes was reportedly appointed as the secretary of the Amaila Falls Hydro Inc, the special purpose vehicle/ company created for the development, construction and operation of the US$858 million hydro-electric power plant, according to media reports.

At the centre of the issue is also Hughes’ wife, Cathy Hughes, an executive member of the AFC and a sitting Member of Parliament. Cathy Hughes is said to be the public relations officer for Sithe Global, locally.

The Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Inc, is the company that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will be making its payments to. The company is 60 per cent owned by Sithe Global and 40 per cent owned by the Guyana government. That company will be required to make payments to Sithe Global and the various lenders to the project.

Public record

In a release announcing his resignation, Nigel Hughes said the headline in Tuesday’s Kaieteur News “Nigel Hughes is company secretary of Amaila Hydro Inc” was difficult to miss, both in prominence and importance. He said the incorporation of the Amaila Falls Hydro Inc and his appointment as secretary have been a matter of public record since the incorporation of the company in April 2009.

“I welcome and support the publication of this fact and as I do on any other

matter pertinent to the issues surrounding the Amaila Falls debate.” According to Hughes, when the issue of Amaila Falls project became a matter of public interest, he immediately disclosed his interest to the leadership of the AFC.

“I also asked to be recused from participating in their deliberations on the matter. The provision of this public information by a prominent chartered accountant to the Kaieteur News at this time could only have been for the purpose of explicitly or implied suggesting that I have been advancing the cause of my clients in the deliberations by the AFC on the Amaila issue,” Hughes reasoned.

“I completely without reservation reject this contention. I have at all times acted professionally and disclosed to the party my relationship with the client as the client has been aware of my posi-

tion in the party. As a result of this clear attempt to tarnish the name of the AFC and its publicly stated positions on the Amaila Falls project, I have today offered my resignation as chairman to the Alliance For Change.”

At age 49, Hughes was elected chairman of the AFC last year August. He is a partner in the law firm Hughes Fields and Stoby and chairman of HFS Corporate Services Inc.

Meanwhile, at its regular monthly meeting last Friday, the directors of Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) discussed the stalemate in Parliament as well as the reactions of the various stakeholders with regard to the Amaila Falls project. TIGI said it is entirely in favour of clean and environmentally-friendly energy to replace in the longterm energy generated from fossil fuels. This is what the Amaila Falls project aims to

achieve. However, the group said, “in our quest to achieve this worthwhile objective, we have to be extremely cautious and financially and otherwise prudent to ensure that the project is economically, technically and otherwise feasible, and that all the associated risks are properly addressed.”

According to the group, a major factor relates to the apparent high cost of the project, which several knowledgeable persons attribute mainly to the mix of financing.

“TIGI is of the view that the government should reconsider the financing arrangements for the project since debt financing, as opposed to equity, adds to a significant increase in the cost of the project. The ultimate objective is to ensure the best value for money.”

Political considerations

TIGI urged all the parties involved to reflect carefully on the concerns raised by the various stakeholders, not to be swayed by political considerations or other sentiments and let reason prevail.

“It is better to err on the side of caution than to rush into making decisions that we may very well end up regretting. TIGI respectfully suggests that the National Assembly appoint a special committee comprising independent experts to address the concerns raised by these stakeholders and to report back to the National Assembly.

Nigel Hughes

Cathy Hughes

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

The Zoological Park

It is encouraging to note that the authorities here are working feverishly to bring our Zoological Park up to standard. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, in consultation with other partners, has already drafted a master plan for the restoration, modernisation and upgrade of the zoological park. While some funding options have already been identified, others are being explored, and the next step would be the actual implementation of the project.

Some of the changes which are expected to take place, include the restoration of the Dutch koker that was once present in the park, and the transformation of some of the existing cages into walkthrough exhibits. From the major consultations that were held, and after meeting with the PJ Architecture firm from Australia, it was agreed that there is a need for more exhibits and to have more of an educational focus on the park.

The Zoological Park, when completely modernised, will have a coastal wetland for aquatic animals, a savannah area for deer, tapirs and other related animals, mountainous highland for the small cats, and rainforest for the harpy eagles, among other features.

This is certainly a good move, and citizens are eagerly awaiting the completion of the project. As it is, most persons are not that motivated to go to the parks in Georgetown, whether it is for relaxation or educational purposes. The reason for this is that they are hardly found to be exciting or educational as they were left to deteriorate. For example, persons are fearful that they would be robbed, as vagrants and other idlers are seen hanging around, the environment is untidy and smells from a distance, and generally, there is hardly anything new and interesting to see.

Those of us who have travelled abroad could testify to the differences in standards with our local zoo and what obtains in other countries. This is quite unfortunate as Guyana has so much to offer, not only for locals, but for the entire world to see, especially as it relates to our rich biodiversity. This alone could be a major attraction for visitors when they come to these shores, hence, serious efforts should be made to ensure that such facilities are constantly improved and upgraded in keeping with international standards.

Most of us would agree that wholesome entertainment for families is lacking to a large extent in Guyana. On weekends especially, families look forward to taking their children to places that are interesting, where they can enjoy a bit of relaxation and fun. During evenings after a hard day’s work, employees want to go somewhere where they could just relax and unwind by reading a book. Others may want to go jogging to keep fit and to take their minds off the daily routine engagements. The parks are ideal places for such activities.

We are cognisant of the fact that funding for such initiatives has always been a challenge, and this is the same situation in most countries. However, while the government here has taken the lead, we believe that the private sector has an important role to play and must work with the authorities in enhancing this aspect of national life which has been missing for quite a number of years. Where is the corporate social responsibility that the private sector has been talking about for so long?

That being said, it is encouraging to note that a few private organisations have signalled their interest to invest and support the initiative. From all indications, while monies have already been injected into the project, a lot more is still needed to carry out the necessary works. The ministry has decided to go the route of holding national consultations with various stakeholders, with the intention of wooing them to support the initiative, which, in turn, will allow them to have ownership. We hope that other companies will join soon, as this is considered to be a project that is in the national interest.

Camping should be encouraged

Dear Editor,

This week is like camp week. I heard about one being conducted by the local police force and now I am reading about the one under the aegis of the Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO). This one really has my interest. It is all about nature and is being held at the forestry camp site, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

If safety can be assured, Guyanese can take to this camping thing much more

than they are doing right now. Guyana is a haven for this specific outdoor activity. We have great weather and open land space. We usually bush cook around our yards, and it is the same idea here. We can just pack a few things and overnight in the many places we have – community centres, our big back yards and farmlands. My point is that camping can be just for relaxation. Many churches are into this kind of camping. This ECHO one is about helping

to raise awareness of the relationship between humans and nature. This is a big task for a one-week session, but I am sure at least a whetting of the appetite can take place for the targeted group. In this regard, where better to start than with the younger ones?

I think that Guyana is just one generation from turning things around environmentally. That is why the schools must always be prioritised.

Where ECHO is concerned, I am very cognisant of its efforts and hard work. It needs supporters, friends and partners, who can continue to assist in any way possible. Many of us cannot afford full time help and big bucks, but we can still pitch in. Sometimes we can help just one person go to a camp. We have to think like this as it all adds up.

Yours truly, Dillon Wong

ATM thief should be punished

Dear Editor, The Republic Bank account holder, as expected, is most happy that he has recovered his money. Ironically, this was stolen by a police officer, who is supposed to be protecting people like the account holder, who simply had a bad moment by forgetting his card in the bank machine.

Fortunately, the officer turned himself in and the money was recovered. Maybe some relatives helped out. This is not that simple. This theft has implications.

If these banks were not equipped with cameras, I doubt that the culprit would have been moved to do anything. He was photographed

and publicly exposed – embarrassment and fear led to his yielding.

This tells me that more and more, we need to utilise cameras. This man should have been upholding the law. Instead, he perpetrated the act of theft.

How about the dropping of charges? Can the victim just do that? Will this police

be trusted again? I think that the act of theft was committed and whether or not the victim is willing to forgive and forget, the accused must stand trial and be sentenced if found guilty. We cannot diminish the seriousness of theft.

Yours truly, Romona Griffith

FITUG and others must bring pressure on the opposition

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) recently expressed concerns that approximately 35,000 of its members will be negatively impacted by the failure of the Parliament, specifically the joint opposition, to pass necessary legislation that will see the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project become a reality.

There is no need to go through yet again the importance of this project. Even now, some members of the Alliance for Change

(AFC) are having a rethink. I call on all of us, as Guyanese with a vision for a better country, to bring pressure on the joint opposition. This project is about a better quality of life and employment. Yet some critics are seeking to put aside common sense, and simply conjure up all kinds of nebulous factors in order to oppose the project.

Right now, too many of us are being hard-pressed into stretching our salaries and wages, as electricity cost is already high and may soon increase if this project

does not bear fruit. Guyana must think long term. We are building a nation – no quick fix will work. So even as FITUG is appealing to the joint opposition to put the working class citizens of Guyana first, I am calling for some peaceful pressure.

I believe that the joint opposition is oblivious and uncaring – it is not fulfilling its designated role. I sense a lust for power, and that is why I am so wary if it should get full power in this country. So I call for those who

are very disappointed in the opposition to let their voices come through. The games of the opposition bother me a lot. Government has been most accommodating and open as regards this all-important project. I am hoping that the opposition will soon move towards engaging in some serious soul searching – its members need to be candid. I think personal pride is a factor as well. Don’t we all need cheaper electricity?

Yours sincerely, Lavern Cummings

Dancers of the National School of Dance showcase their energy and style in one of several visually stunning performances during the 36th Biennial Conference of Caribbean Union of Teachers' opening ceremony (Carl Croker photo)

send your

Monitoring the national synthetic track is important

Dear Editor, It is good when progress reports are being made and inspections are being carried out where just about anything is being done. This holds true here for the national synthetic track that is in progress.

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry is continuing to closely supervise the progress of works on the track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. This means that if something is wrong in any way at all, whether it is in the quality of material or substandard performance of workers, then redress can be done right at the point of folly. It becomes harder as work progresses in terms of correcting a problem.

I remember when the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara was being set up. Many were the criticisms and now all is well. Maybe a better parking arrangement will be soon necessary and I think

this kind of lapse at the moment is because no one could have anticipated the number of vehicles we have on our roads now, as compared with say five or six years ago.

I notice that the ministry has been placing a lot of attention on this particular project, and why not? Guyana needs internationally acceptable training grounds for athletes. We are coming along with the aquatic centre really well, and if we can have one for track and field, then I am sure that we will, in time, land some medals at World Championships and Olympics. Currently, the ministry has permanent staff members on site who are very much on top of things.

This is not something to hurry over and be done with. Where investment alone is concerned, it is quite massive. Earlier in the year, a $176 million contract was enacted for the construction of two stands, and so far the foundation work

for them has started. This has to be done in stages. When it is all completed, they will house about 10,000 people.

With the rise of Caribbean track and field athletes, I see these two stands as not being enough – at least not for long. Let us take our time and build well.

Many students are now bivocational. It means that with this athletic stadium, more and more students can realise their dreams. If we are talking about being well-rounded, then this is a good way to go too.

In time to come, and with planned hosting of major athletic events, Guyana will be well-rewarded financially. We are still with the Limacol Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) euphoria. The stands were sold out. I see the same with the track.

Sincerely, Fabian

Gonsalves

Making better use of investments

Dear Editor,

The Anna Regina Town Council will need prudent management or it will continue to fail in all its efforts to accomplish its objective, and it seems to me that the newly installed Interim Management Committee (IMC) doesn’t have a clue as to how to solve the numerous problems.

I am very surprised that the inquiry and probe which was held into the Anna Regina Town Council did not recommend the removal of the former mayor and the rest of the other councillors who are now placed in the IMC.

Concerned stakeholders were in favour of the replacement of the total council, which was not visible within the communities and has caused the downfall in revenue collection and basic services to the taxpayers.

The performance and forecast of the council up to the end of July 2013 have not been positive. The IMC and the former mayor and councillors did not undertake to create a casual seller register of all vendors within the Bush

Lot and Anna Regina markets, which have both been a cash cow for the market clerk for decades.

That database will be a very powerful tool for future planning and key collection of revenue which will help to boost the council’s budget and describing the basis for all revenue forecast as part of improving financial management.

A new pound for strays roaming within the township was built in 1996 for $5 million and is not being used at all. A new abattoir for slaughtering animals was built at a cost of $10 million in 2000 and it has never been used. It is now idle, with vines growing on it. A club with a bar was built in the Anna Regina Community Centre for $10 million in 1998. This is also idle and is being inefficiently utilised when cricket and fairs are held in the centre ground, causing a loss in revenue.

Further, the Bush Lot market car park, built for a cost of $20 million in 1998 to help garner revenue for the council, is now full with potholes and animals are sleep-

ing and messing on it. The council systems malfunction and operate inefficiently because of poor management or failure to correct some faults.

There will always be a trade-off between the vendors and the council where the collection of garbage is concerned, as well as the wastage of taxpayers’ money.

When the IMC and the council can fully make beneficial use of its assets, then they would be geared for the task of making the township a better place to live. Out of the spoils yielded by the system, some benefit did indeed trickle down to those below. But it is improbable that this came about as the primary objective of the system.

And in any case, only those who hugged the soup bowl were likely to benefit. The people voted at one local government election since August 4, 1994, but for the rest of the time, they seem to look on from the outside.

Yours faithfully,

Mohamed Khan Former Deputy Mayor

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Non-constructive opposition out to prevent many developmental projects

Dear Editor, Guyana has certainly benefited from the recent return of international cricket to the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The PakistanWest Indies series brought capacity crowds to the ground.

The just-concluded Guyana leg of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) brought capacity crowds again to the ground, with an even more colourful atmosphere. There was celebration all around and the party was joyful with families, young people, older folks and people from all walks of life enjoying clean entertainment. Hopefully, the organisers will also benefit from their investment of time, human resources and finances.

The stadium is now the pride of Guyana. Built primarily for cricket matches, the stadium is easily converted to accommodate multi-purpose events. It continues to host scores of high profile concerts, attracting popular entertainers from all over the world.

Without the capacity of the stadium, this would not have been possible. But it wasn’t so long ago when this stadium was being built in 2007, that it was labelled a “white elephant” by the same people who now oppose the Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP) and the Marriott Hotel. Had the visionless opposition been allowed to prevail then, the stadium that so many Guyanese now enjoy would not have been built.

As President Donald Ramotar reminded delegates in his opening remarks to the 30th Congress of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) last weekend, the administration has delivered the goods in keeping their campaign promise to uplift the well-being of all Guyanese.

Again, I must reiterate, if the non-constructive attitude and visionless agenda of the opposition parties were allowed to prevail, none of the following physical and social infrastructural developments, so vital to our people, would have been brought to fruition:

• The Takutu Bridge to Brazil and the Berbice River Bridge have both been completed and are now fully operational and benefiting many Guyanese.

• New and resurfaced roadways have been completed or are currently under construction from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, in Black Bush Polder, in East and West Canje, on the East Coast of Demerara from Better Hope to Belfield, and on the East Bank of Demerara from Providence to Diamond.

• The Parika and Supenaam stellings in Essequibo have been upgraded and new ferries introduced on the Parika to Supenaam route, reducing travel time, while enhancing the comfort of commuters.

• A new airport with an extended runway is under development at Timehri and a second international airport has been brought into operation at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Indeed, the Ogle International Airport runway has been extended and improved and the first international commercial flight –LIAT – made a perfect landing recently.

• New schools and dormitories have been built at Mabaruma; Aurora; Parika; Diamond; Number 8 Village, West Coast Berbice; Number 79 Village, Corentyne; Paramakatoi; and Surama.

• New hospitals and health facilities have been commissioned at Georgetown, Linden, Mabaruma and Lethem.

• A new National Ophthalmology Hospital was built at Port Mourant and new diagnostic and treatment centres at Suddie, Leonora, Diamond and Mahaicony.

• Water treatment plants have been constructed at Lima, Vergenoegen, Cotton Tree, Sophia, Number 56 Village and Queenstown in Berbice.

• Water wells have been sunk at Hague, Somerset, Parfait Harmonie, Tuscan, Diamond, Manchester, Number 47 Village and Rose Hall.

• And thousands of new house lots have been developed across the country in places such as Diamond and Grove with affordable home ownership, including extension of tax breaks to people paying interest on low and middle income mortgages.

Since 2008, an additional 28,474 house lots have been distributed, 236 core houses and 80 turn-key houses have been constructed.

And the list goes on. They say that the memory of mankind is short, and I believe that the joint opposition is cashing in on this big time. The same way most Guyanese have forgotten the sufferings we endured to get basic food supplies during the reign of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Both David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan are gambling that the electorate will also forget that it was the PPP/C that greatly improved living conditions for most Guyanese, including their own supporters. Potable water has been greatly improved, electricity brought to villages that had none under the PNC, and it is the PPP/C administration that made it possible for most Guyanese to be proud homeowners. But it is natural for people to demand more, hence the idiom: The more you get is the more you want.

Indeed the memory of most Guyanese may be short, but I will do everything to remind them of what it was like to live in dire oppression under the PNC – a part of our dark history that Granger and his newfound toady want to keep hidden from the Guyanese people.

Yours sincerely, Harry Gill

You can

letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana

Page Foundation

Developing fluent readers

(Part one)

BY JAN HASBROUCK

What should fluency instruction look like? And, what can teachers do to help students whose fluency is far behind their peers’? This article should help practitioners use of fluency-based assessments and select instructional practices.

With an understanding of what fluency is and how to assess it, let’s turn to the questions that teachers are always most interested in: What should fluency instruction look like? And, what can I do to help students whose fluency is far behind their peers’?

Research over the past two decades has identified repeated reading as the key strategy for improving students’ fluency skills. Repeated reading has two essential elements:

* Giving students the opportunity to read and then re-read the same text, and

* Having students practice their reading orally with an opportunity to receive corrections and guidance (if necessary).

Research has also determined that having students read aloud along with a model of well-paced, expressive reading and receiving

specific feedback through systematic progress monitoring also helps improve students’ fluency skills. So, what are the best methods to use in the classroom to help students become fluent? The answer depends on whether the student is just beginning to read, has learned to read and is making adequate progress, or is struggling. Let’s start with beginning readers, those students in kindergarten and grade one.

Teaching beginning readers to become fluent

Because accuracy is a fundamental component of fluency, teachers who work with beginning read ers must focus significant amounts of instructional time on basic word recognition and word analysis skills. To do this effectively, teachers should provide instruction that systematically presents daily opportunities for students to

learn to read words accurately – the important first step in becoming a skilful, proficient, and motivated reader. Pushing students to

gin encouraging beginning readers to increase their speed, but teachers usually wait until about the middle of first grade. It is rec

reading, and showing some degree of confidence-whether that happens in kindergarten or in first grade.

cause some students to begin guessing or otherwise undermine their focus on reading carefully.

There is no guidance from empirical research about precisely when teachers should formally be-

given opportunities to reread sentences and encouraged to make their reading “sound like talking” as soon as they are making good progress with basic decoding, demonstrating an understanding of the act of

Teachers and parents should also frequently model fluent reading, demonstrating (and sometimes explicitly pointing out) how accurate reading can be done at a reasonable rate and with good phrasing, intonation, and expression. In the classroom, the teacher can read aloud from large-format books so the students can follow along.

Maintaining reading fluency for onlevel readers

What about students in grades two and higher who are making adequate progress with their reading?

Three techniques can be used very frequently with a variety of texts to help maintain and develop students’ reading fluency: Choral

reading, cloze reading, and partner reading. All of these procedures can be used with readers at any grade level, with small or large groups, and with fiction or contentheavy nonfiction materials. Two additional techniques can also be considered for use: Readers’ Theatre and poetry readings. Let’s review each.

For choral reading, the teacher and students read aloud together, following the teacher’s pace − so students get the benefit of a model while they practice reading aloud. The teacher can stop at any time to ask questions, comment on the text, discuss a vocabulary term, or remind the class that she expects everyone to be reading. If choral reading is used with heterogeneously grouped students, it is possible that the lowest performing students may have difficulty keeping up with even a moderate pace. However, they can follow along, participating when they can, and still hear the text being read accurately and with good pacing and phrasing. Choral reading works best if the teacher directs all students − regardless of age or ability level − to use a marker or finger to follow along in the text as they read.

Cloze reading is similar to choral reading, except that the teacher does most of the oral reading while the students read along silently. Once or twice every few sentences, the teacher omits an important vocabulary or content word, not a simple sight word, and the students’ job is to read it aloud as a class. Notice that with cloze reading, as opposed to choral reading, students spend less time practising oral reading. Therefore, cloze reading is best thought of as an alternative to Round Robin Reading.

Cloze reading allows teachers to cover text and keep students engaged while avoiding the pitfalls of subjecting the class to examples of poor reading and embarrassing struggling students. As with choral reading, it is likely that the lowest performing readers will be unable to keep up or to correctly read every omitted word, but they will not be singled out − and will be provided with examples of skilful reading. Another method for improving fluency is to have students read aloud to a partner. This procedure works best when students are taught some techniques for giving feedback and managing their time, and when the partners have been selected by the teacher.

(readingrockets.org)

wednesday, august 7, 2013

BIT trainers being prepped for duty

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is conducting a five-day workshop aimed at improving the knowledge and competence of skills training facilitators.

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul opened the workshop Monday morning at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street. Also in attendance were Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Patrick Findlay, BIT Chairman Clinton Williams and ILO Skills and Employability Senior Specialist Dr Hassan Ndhai.

Commenting on the second chance offered to youths through training opportunities under BIT, the minister stated, “I dare to say that with the type of work, we are doing at the board of industrial level, and within the government, in terms of training our young people, every single youth within this country can make a success story in life. We need not go in the search of living through the network of crime and criminality. We can have decent work, a decent way of life in this country; every single person, whether you leave school without graduating… we give you that opportunity,” he said.

Second chance Government has pumped millions of dollars into the BIT programme to provide this ‘second chance’ to the youths. BIT is not the only avenue affording this target group opportunities but there are others made available through several ministries, including Amerindian affairs, education and culture ministries.

During his address, Minister

Gopaul posited that there is a need to coordinate these training efforts under the different ministries to allow for better concentration and targeting of individuals.

The labour minister also advised that youths are now undertaking BIT programmes almost immediately after registering.

“I saw the need for immediate training, and that is the reason why I met with the board and I said this is how we are going to do it now; we are not going to wait to interview, to start sessions in cycle… I said that every time we go to the community and we get a satisfactory level of youth, put them on the programme.”

With this new direction, the minister said it is ensuring that a base of skilled trainers become essential.

“The trainer programme is always a useful tool to enhance what you are doing to look at best practices, to improve what you are doing. We can never get it right, there is always something new, we are in a dynamic period,

highly technologically advanced period where things change overnight, methods of management change, and the way we do things change,” he said.

“I believe that this programme will help in a far way, we have been involving, most of you here in some form of training, some form of co-ordination, perhaps we have not been doing everything, and so this programme will whet your appetites, to do something better and to improve on what you are doing, so that we can create that network and train more people, like us so that they can continue,” he said.

Williams in his remarks also reaffirmed the need for the trainers’ training, to allow for the development of a crop of new talent, better able to meet the labour needs of the changing dynamics of the country.

“The new sectors are emerging in the economy, but the traditional sectors have to continue if we are to continue on the growth path that we are on, and

so the demand therefore is for us to generate both quantity and quality of skills… and that is why we have to ensure that within the training mechanism that we do at the Board of Industrial Training, that we are generating skills that are relevant, sufficient to satisfy the need of not only the private sector, and to some extent the public sector, but to develop a new cadre of businessmen and women who by their own initiative will go out there and work for themselves, and I think that this is what this whole programme is attempting to do.”

Entrepreneurship

Dr Ndhai said the essence of the entrepreneurial education is to develop the culture of entrepreneurship in society. He said the higher the level of entrepreneurship, it is found that “people are all engaged, they are all working, you find people participating in their own community, paying taxes, and you find that the community is very vibrant”.

The key objectives of the workshop are to create awareness for enterprise and self-employment, to develop a positive attitude towards enterprise and self-employment, to provide the knowledge and practice as to how to engage in self-employment and to prepare youths to work productively in small and medium enterprises.

The workshop forms part of the ILO Decent Work Country Programme, to which Guyana signed on in April. The programme focuses on ways in which to create jobs, while promoting respect for rights, social protection and social dialogue, to be made central to social and economic development, Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Education Ministry appoints new deputy CEO

The Education Ministry has announced the appointment of Doodmattie Singh as its new deputy chief education officer with responsibility for development.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has extended her congratulations and wishes Singh success in all her endeavours, a release by the ministry said.

Singh, the ministry said has an extensive background in education; having spent 34 years of her life as an educator and having taught at all levels of the local education system − nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary.

She started her career as a pupil teacher at the Vergenoegen Nursery School, and by 1985, was one of the few persons with a Class 1, Grade 1 Trained Teacher’s Certificate in nursery education.

Singh holds a bachelor’s degree in education − teaching and administration (primary) and a master’s of arts degree in school management. Apart from her outstanding professional experience and contributions as a teacher, Singh also served as administrative officer in the Region Three Education Department, district education officer 11, Region Three; regional education officer, Region Three; regional education officer, Region Four, and from 2007 to May 2013, she served as assistant chief education officer for all three levels – nursery, primary and secondary.

The opportunity to train and supervise at all levels of the education system has given her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be an asset to her in her current position as deputy chief education officer for development, the ministry said.

Doodmattie Singh

Participants at the Board of Industrial Training in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation’s entrepreneurial education and curriculum implementation workshop

wednesday, august 7, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Amazon Warriors visit Children’s Convalescent Home

The Guyana Amazon Warriors on Tuesday visited the Guyana Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home to interact with and share goodies to the children there.

The warriors during their visit also handed over a cheque, which was presented by Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan to Administrator Erwin Enmore. The financial donation comprised fines imposed on the players in keeping with rules laid down by the management team along with other donations from the players.

Sarwan, speaking on be-

half of his team, said it was the team’s hope that the donation would assist in a meaningful way.

“We do hope that it would make a meaningful and worthy contribution to their lives in whatever way the administrators sees it fit for,” he stated.

Administrator Enmore, in his remarks, wished the Guyana Amazon Warriors all the best in their remaining matches of this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL).

The Amazon Warriors came out on top in their matches again Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and

Jamaica Tallawahs, but lost their third match – a well-played home game to the St Lucia Zouks Sunday.

The Amazon Warriors will take on the Red Steel at the Queen’s Park Oval this Friday, then they will come up against the Barbados Tridents in the opening encounter of Sunday’s double-header, which will see

home game, the captain admitted that the team did not bat as well as they had planned to.

“We did not bat as well. I think we could have scored 15 more runs… that is behind us now and we just have to focus on the remaining matches we have to play,” he said.

Sarwan said it was very important that the

the Red Steel and Antigua Hawksbills meet in the feature game.

When asked about the team’s defeat at the last

team wins the four remaining games, as every game played is important and it is necessary to maintain a winning streak.

Clerk sentenced to 36 months for burglary

Aman was brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of break and enter and larceny.

Evanda Spencer pleaded guilty to the charge which state between July 31 and August 2, he, in the company of others, broke and en-

tered the home of Kendra Keizar and stole a quantity of items valued a total of $1,402,400.

According to Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt, the virtu-

al complainant lives at Lot 269 Meadow Brook Gardens and on July 31, she secured her home leaving everything intact. Around 02:00h on August 2, ranks from the Rural Constabulary were on patrol when they spotted the defendant on a bicycle carrying two suitcases, along with three other youths on bicycles carrying other articles.

The defendant was arrested, while the three other young men made their escape. Spencer was questioned about the articles, and he admitted to breaking into the house of the VC and stealing them. The virtual complainant was contacted and upon checking, she discovered the articles missing.

The prosecution stated that the articles found in Spencer’s possession were identified as the property of the VC. The defendant, who was unrepresented, stated that he is a bond clerk at Keishar’s and has no pending or prior matters. He also apologised to the VC in open court.

Magistrate Latchman considered the fact that the defendant entered a guilty plea initially, his apology and the prevalence of offence in sentencing him to 36 months imprisonment. She also ordered the articles that were recovered to be returned to the VC.

Eyew tness

Don’t ask...

...

don’t tell, in politics

To say that the revelation that Nigel Hughes is, and has been, the company secretary for Amaila Falls Hydro Inc (AFHI) since its formation in 2009 is a bombshell would be the understatement of the decade. Or at least, since he became chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC). The leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan confessed that while he knew of some “association” between Hughes and the firm, his chairman hadn’t shared with him the news that the “association” was actually that of company secretary.

Now, in case some of my readers might have dozed off during previous mentions of AFHI, let me bring you up to speed. AFHI is a “Special Purpose Vehicle” (SPV) established specifically to execute all the contracts on the hydro project and, more importantly, to collect all the funds for the owners’ investment. The owners are Sithe Global (60 per cent) and government of Guyana (40 per cent).

Like all incorporated businesses, AFHI will basically protect its debtors from going after its owners’ personal assets. Now a “company secretary” isn’t someone in a short skirt who takes notes in shorthand. Hughes is basically the legal officer of AFHI and in that capacity would have advised, for instance, on the entity getting the best deal – that is making the maximum profits from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) – from the deal.

Now as AFC leader Ramjattan said, as a professional lawyer, Hughes can sell his services to whomever he wants. We have no problem with this. What we have a problem with is that Hughes has been less than “professional” in not revealing his employment in a company that has been in the centre of a controversy precipitated by his party’s position.

Ramjattan assured us that Hughes recused himself when matters involving the Amaila Falls hydro project were being discussed by the AFC. But if Ramjattan and other party members didn’t know of how key a position Hughes held in the SPV, how can we be sure that in informal contexts Hughes might not have influenced others? Or even Ramjattan himself?

In our highly-charged political atmosphere of accusations and counter accusations of “conflict of interests” and “self-interested parties”, shouldn’t Hughes, at least, have revealed the true nature of his involvement? Like when, for instance, on June 21, he articulated his party’s position on the Amaila Falls hydro project at a press conference?

Hughes’ wife, Cathy, has also been caught in this potential conflict of interest, since she was the public relations officer of Synergy Holdings Inc, the investment vehicle of Fip Motilall and his successor, Sithe Global. But at least this information has been in the public domain.

The revelation on Hughes certainly left a bitter taste on many a supporter’s tongue.

...about self over patriotism

Was a time when the hunger for fame and fortune would’ve been trumped by the urge to protect one’s country. No more. Imagine that the deadline we were given by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to comply with the recommendations to amend our Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism laws will not be met, because the opposition insisted on flexing their political muscles.

They’ve admitted they have no substantive, much less substantial, objections to the bills that they won’t approve. If they did, why would they say they’ll approve them if the government constitutes a Public Procurement Commission? You don’t compromise so easily on something that’s of such great consequence as the opposition profess.

So now Guyana is going to be placed on a “watch list” on all international transfers of funds. And don’t think it’s only businesses that’ll be affected. They’ll just pass on the extra processing costs to you, the customers.

...about

cricket crowd control

Did the traffic police throw out the standard operating procedures (SOPs) worked out during Cricket World Cup 2007? It certainly looked like that, especially during the first night of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at Providence. Professional cricket shouldn’t be strangled by unprofessional police.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan tries to get the attention of this child during his team’s visit to the convalescent home on Tuesday

Christopher Barnwell hands over a bag of goodies and other items to one of the children at the home

wednesday, august 7, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

International Youth Day to focus on youth migration Agriculture could help mitigate global warning – new FAO publication

With the consequences of climate change for the world’s food production systems becoming increasingly clear, more needs to be done to capitalise on agriculture’s potential to mitigate global warming, said a new FAO guidance document published on Monday.

Agriculture is directly responsible for over 10 per cent of all human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, FAO figures show. But improved farming practices offer the possibility of reducing those emissions and sequestering atmospheric carbon, while at the same time increasing the resilience of production systems, said the document, National planning for GHG mitigation in agriculture, published by FAO’s Mitigation of Climate Change in Agriculture Programme (MICCA).

Mitigation plans

Yet progress in drawing up agricultural GHG mitigation plans — as well as in allocating financing to climate change projects in the agriculture sector — is falling short of what is needed, cautions the FAO.

The organisation’s new guidance document aims to help address these shortfalls by providing step-wise advice and examples of national planning for GHG mitigation in food production systems, as well as highlighting opportunities for developing countries to secure climate financing for agriculture.

Examples from existing mitigation planning processes in developing countries illustrate options for addressing key planning elements in country-specific ways, and approaches to involving smallholder farmers in the planning process are highlighted as well.

Although opportunities and planning processes will vary from country to country based on local circumstances, a number of general principals hold true, the FAO said. First, mitigation actions in agriculture should be pursued within the context supporting agricultural development and food security, with planners clarifying from the start how mitigation can contribute to national development goals.

Participatory planning and cross-sectoral cooperation will be important to the success of mitigation plans, the report adds. Farmers and other stakeholders should be involved in setting objectives, actions and targets, both to generate support for and to improve the

effectiveness of planned policies. To access international and domestic financing, plans should be very specific regarding how to assess the mitigation potential of proposed policies and measures. Sound systems for measuring the impacts of policies and reporting other performance metrics are also necessary when seeking financing for projects.

Another key step is to identify the barriers that im-

pede adoption of mitigation practices by farmers. Many agricultural practices that can mitigate climate change are already widely known — effective policies need to identify why farmers may not be adapting them, work to remove barriers, and facilitate their wider use.

Some countries are supporting agricultural mitigation activities primarily through domestic fiscal budget lines and policies that leverage private investment, the report noted. For many countries, however, an important goal of mitigation planning is to attract international financial support, in order to match the priorities of international climate finance institutions to specific parts of domestic mitigation plans.

This year’s observance of International Youth Day will focus on the issue of youth migration, the United Nations said in a release on Tuesday.

International Youth Day will be celebrated on August 12. Of the annual total of some 214 million international migrants, young people constitute more than 10 per cent, yet too little is known about their struggles and experiences, the UN said.

The reasons young people migrate are many. Some are fleeing persecution, others are escaping economic hardship. Some are alone, others part of a family – with parents, siblings and even children of their own. Some have communities to go to, others must make new connections.

In transit and at their final destinations, many young migrants face equal or greater struggles, including

racism, xenophobia, discrimination and human rights violations. Young women, in particular, face the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Poverty, crowded and unsanitary living conditions and the challenges of finding decent employment are regular features of the migrant experience. These challenges are exacerbated by the current global economic and financial crises. Migrants are also often accused by communities and politicians of taking jobs from local people, exposing them to further risk of discrimination. In other cases, young people left behind by migrating parents face psychological and social challenges and greater vulnerability.

It is important to emphasise the positive contribution young migrants make to societies of origin, transit and destination – economically

and by enriching the social and cultural fabric. Most work hard to earn a living and improve their circumstances.

The remittances they send to support families in their home countries are a major contributor to economies worldwide. When they return home, young migrants often enhance development by applying skills and ideas acquired abroad. And, in many cases, women are empowered through migration as they gain financial and social independence.

In October, the United Nations General Assembly will host the second High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development.

The UN is urging member states to consider youth migration, noting that working with and for young people is one of its top priorities.

Granger calls for inquiry into ECD “troubles”

Against the backdrop of the recent acquittal of two men for the 2008 Lusignan Massacre, Opposition Leader David Granger has renewed his call for a presidential commission of inquiry to investigate the “troubles” on the East Coast Demerara.

He said that too many innocent persons of different ethnicities had been killed.

Brigadier Granger made these remarks while addressing a gathering in the Buxton-Friendship community to observe the first anniversary of the erection of the monument on August 3, ‘Memorial Day’.

He told the audience that the Buxton monument was the ‘frozen memory’ of the 173-year-old community’s experiences through the ‘troubles’.

He recommended a policy of reconciliation in order to remove the stigma from which residents had suffered over the past decade, warning that revenge “can exhaust your energy but cannot engender progress”. He

quoted Biblical verses to advise that “vengeance” belonged to God, not man.

Brigadier Granger said that monuments were for the dead but educational and economic establishments must be created for the living. Buxton’s future would be found in banks, colleges, factories, farms and laboratories. He advised youths to remain in school and complete their education so as to give themselves and their families a good life.

The People's national Congress/Reform (PNCR) leader promised to support a community recovery programme that focused on education, employment, empowerment and micro-enterprise to improve the quality of life in the community. On Friday last, after seven hours of deliberation, jurors returned not guilty verdicts against the two accused, Mark Royden Williams called “Smallie” and James Anthony Hyles “Sally”, who were indicted with the murders of the 11 persons, including five children in the

wee hours of January 26, 2008. The others killed were Seecharran Rooplall,56, his wife Dhanrajie Ramsingh, 52, and their niece, Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Mohandai Gourdat, 32, and her two sons, Seegobind, four, and Seegopaul Harrilall,10; and Clarence Thomas, 48, his daughter Vanessa Thomas,12 and his son Ron Thomas, 11.

Court

trial

Relatives, and villagers, of the victims have since expressed their disappointment with the outcome of the court trial.

Guyana Times visited Track A Lusignan, East Coast Demerara on Sunday, and spoke to several of the families whose loved ones were executed. At Lot 24, Track A, Bibi Zulika Baksh was at home with her 20-year-old daughter, Shazeda Baksh, in the same house where her husband Shaleem Baksh was killed. Bibi told this publication that her family was looking for justice, but did not get

it, so they are now trying to cope with the outcome.

“When I come home Friday night, I didn’t know what to do and how to tell my family what happen. I didn’t sleep whole night,” she noted. The woman said all Saturday, she received phone calls from people who heard or read about the verdict and called to sympathise with her.

“People call me whole day Saturday and tell me, how dah was injustice? Everybody ah say that but what we gon do, we na get justice this time, one day we gon get it,” Bibi stated.

She told this newspaper that over the past three weeks, as the case was going on, it was like she was reliving the incident five years ago, as everything came vividly back to her.

The widow explained that on the morning of the incident, she was with her husband and their daughter, Shazeda, hiding under the bed when gunmen pulled the 52-year-old man out and shot him to death.

20-year-old representing Guyana at World Scout Moot

A20-year-old explorer scout will be representing Guyana at the 14th World Scout Moot set to take place at Awacamenj Mino Camp, Québec, Canada, from August 8 to 18.

According to a release by the Scout Association of Guyana (SAG), Patrick Fung is an assistant explorer scout and member of the Saint Stanislaus group. He

has been a member of the SAG for the past nine years.

Fung said he is excited to be representing SAG at this event and intends to use the experience he has garnered at other international scouting meets he has attended to make a positive contribution to the moot.

“I have attended two world scout jamborees in England and Sweden and am happy to be represent-

ing Guyana at this upcoming event. I’m also a certified paramedic and I am furthering my studies to become a cardiac sonographer,” he stated.

The World Scout Moot is a gathering of older members of national scout associations. World moots give the young adults in the movement a chance to get together and strengthen their international aware-

ness as citizens of the world. Participants are usually between 18 and 25 years.

Love and unity...

Sometimes Satiricus was a tad put out that he wasn’t bright like people like Dr David Hands and all those people who had their “one race” conversation near the sea wall last Sunday. To tell the truth, Satiricus would’ve loved to hear all the learned discussions by all those bright people on why the people of Guyana couldn’t get along. And were oppressing one group.

But on this occasion, old Satiricus wasn’t just intellectually challenged, as was usually the case in these conferences and such like. He was racially challenged. And here he thought that all the people on Planet Earth came “out of Africa”. But then, what did he know? He didn’t have any letters before his name like the “Dr” David Hands sported – unless you counted five grade fours at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

So, Satiricus missed the chance to learn how to solve Guyana’s “race” problem. Having nothing else to do, he turned his mind from politics. (That’s what the seawall conversation was all about, wasn’t it, worried Satiricus.) After all, there was cricket at the National Stadium –Satiricus’ second love – and the fellas were going. It was the new professional Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket.

So, as Satiricus trudged through the gates with Cappo –and an ice cooler filled with the essentials – he was pleasantly surprised to see that Guyanese of all races and colours were alongside them. Sharing in the good old-fashioned Guyanese gyaaf and easy laughter. Satiricus wondered idly if the conversation by the sea wall was going as well.

The opening game was a warm-up for Satiricus and the boys – and from what he saw, the rest of the stadium. It was two “outside teams” playing and good cricket was cheered – from whichever team produced it. But all that changed when the Guyana Amazon Warriors played St Lucia. The stands had filled to beyond capacity by then – with people who were only one colour – the yellow of the Warriors.

Satiricus wondered what kind of conversation would be going on if the seawall bright people saw this love and unity. Literally... just the way Alison Hinds sang it. Everybody’s hands went into the air and waved. It was incredible, glowed Satiricus, as the game progressed. It was the first cricket match where everybody stood up and repeated the National Pledge. Every ball played by the Warriors was cheered – even the balls were blocked.

And when the Warriors eventually lost – everybody comforted each other. There was no distinction of race and colour. Just promises of “next time”. And as Satiricus navigated through the Guyanese traffic jam, he wished he was smart enough to understand why what went on in the stadium was not a “conversation”.

And why politicians (and they were all politicians) like the ones at the seawall conversation insisted that we could never have love and unity among all the races. Maybe those politicians were the problem and not the people?

Satiricus knew he wasn’t bright enough to answer such questions.

Rowdy Guyanese passenger taken off CAL flight

ACaribbean Airlines (CAL) flight bound for Guyana out of Piarco International Airport was delayed for close to half an hour on Monday after a New York-based Guyana national was escorted off the aircraft for abusive behaviour toward flight attendants.

According to a Trinidad Guardian article, Mark Anthony Wong, who boarded BW425 at the JFK International Airport in New York, was travelling with his wife and three young children at the time. He reportedly became abusive when the flight, due to depart at 07:20h was de-

layed without explanation at Piarco. Passengers awaiting departure of the flight had initially been informed of a 06:20h boarding time, a process that did not begin until close to 07:00h. As a result of the incident, the flight was further delayed and did not leave until close to 08:00h, arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport shortly after 09:00h. Wong had been noisily protesting the initial delay and reportedly used obscene language against the cabin crew. He was repeatedly cautioned and airline security was eventually summoned. They were followed by uniformed Airports

Authority of Trinidad and Togago (AATT) security officers who led him off the plane.

One airline source said Wong was to be detained in order to “cool off” before being put on the next available flight. His family remained on board. The incident led to vociferous protests by other passengers who had themselves criticised the lack of an explanation for the delay. Most of them had flown into Piarco from JFK International. The flight crew, however, described Wong’s behaviour as rowdy and potentially threatening. The flight was captained by pilot Sean Crooks.

Explorer Patrick Fung

wednesday, august 7, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Formation of National Youth Council faces many challenges

The National Youth Council (Guyana)

Steering Committee may likely face eight categories of challenges in its quest to establish a National Youth Council (NYC) in the country, according to Trinidad Youth Council Member Ravi Lutchman.

The NYC (Guyana) Steering Committee’s Summary Report on a youth consultation held in July at the Umana Yana, Lutchman pointed out that there may be operational, systemic, geographical, political, structural, participatory, representational and logistical challenges that may arise in the establishment of a NYC in Guyana.

Reach out

When the council comes on stream, it must be able to reach out to youths in the 10 administrative regions and their relevant sub-districts.

“Also, guaranteeing that the council is representative of Guyanese youths across the diverse spectrum is also pivotal. Designing a structure that embodies, especially

these two challenges, can alleviate the structural, logistical, representational and participation challenges,” the executive members who penned the report indicated, based on Lutchman’s presentation.

According to the report, any lack of support from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry will pose a major challenge to the establishment of the council. “Despite the governmental partner agency, the NYC should always remain non-partisan and uninvolved in the national politicking, as it is expected that the NYC will never be a vehicle through which the national political agenda is advanced.”

Acquiring financial support, credibility and political independence were among other challenges identified in addition to garnering the support of young people across the country.

However, all hopes have not been lost. Twelve key recommendations were put forward to the Steering Committee. In an effort to combat the foreseen chal-

lenges; the NYC when formed in Guyana must establish alliances with key non-ministerial stakeholders, locally and internationally, with the aim of accessing technical, political and logistical support as well as resources.

Additionally, the council has been advised to craft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to define the relationship between the NYC and the Culture,

Youth and Sport Ministry. Maintaining the youth nature of the organisation and establishing and maintaining connectivity, with and inclusion of the minority youth sectors (disabled youths, indigenous population and rural youths), were among the other recommendations identified.

Recommendations

Based on the recommendations put forward, the 54 youth organisations that were present during the consultation in July have agreed to create the NYC Guyana.

“After the dissemination of the concept model – creating an NYCG document, there will be a wider call for agreement on a National Youth Council, most particularly among groups who were not represented at the consultations.”

In keeping with the Steering Committee’s commitment thus far, two regional consultations are being arranged for Regions Nine and 10 that were reportedly under-represented during the meet. Additionally, via Facebook, youths from all walks of life will vote to determine the name of the council, whether it be the “National Youth Council (Guyana) or

the National Youth Council of Guyana or Guyana National Youth Council”.

The Trinidad Youth Council member was brought to Guyana to give technical assistance. According to the report, Trinidad was selected as a model for Guyana since they have similar socio-political and geographical challenges.

“With a similar ethnic make-up, and similar political issues, the TYC has had to maintain ethnic balance, as well as political autonomy in order to ensure that the diversity of young people was mirrored, and their best interest was always at the heart of the council’s operations,” the Steering Committee explained.

Caribbean regional representative and member of the Commonwealth Youth Council Working Group Shireene McMillan, who hails from Grenada, was among the main presenters at the consulation.

Inclusivity

In her presentation, she advocated for true representation. “It has to be inclusive, it has to be diverse and I know Guyana is very unique in its diversity, so you must be able to pull all of the organisations,

regardless of race, political affiliation, religion or creed to work together to promote youth development.”

National Youth Councils (NYCs) have been established across the Caribbean and around the world as machines with the requisite skills, knowledge and resources to advance the progress and collective interests of young people.

Mobilising and organising young people, facilitating genuine participation of young people in governance and decision-making and promoting and enhancing the accessibility of young people to progressive development, are some of the key roles of NYCs.

National Youth Council of Guyana Steering Committee

President Tiffany Daniels had told Guyana Times that the committee will not stop its work until a council is established.

Stronger voice

According to Daniels, the evolution of social media has given youths around the world a stronger voice, but there exists the need for a stronger platform in Guyana through which youths can be represented on the national and international arenas.

“We think that a youth council is needed really to harness the energies of young people and provide a unify face and voice to all youth issues, so whether it has to do with education, employment, creativity, expression, all these things are very important to young people and it’s about time that a youth council is available.”

“We are not going to stop, we are not stopping because one of the fall outs before is people always give up, but this time we are not going to give up, we have so much energy, we have so much support, and we have the backing of every single youth council within the Caribbean.”

National Youth Council of Guyana Steering Committee President Tiffany Daniels

Trinidad Youth Council executive member Ravi Lutchman

Commonwealth Youth Council representative Shireene McMillan

Red Thread denies being a front group for the opposition

The Red Thread organisation has denied channelling its donor funds to the opposition.

In a letter to the media, Red Thread said it does not pass on any of the funds it raises to an opposition party and to say otherwise shows a really reckless disregard for the truth.

Red Thread was founded in 1986 – over 26 years ago – by seven women who were then all members or supporters of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), but who wanted to create a women’s group that was autonomous of the party.

Of these seven women, two remain active in Red Thread and have stopped being members of the WPA at different times, but in both cases, more than 15 years ago.

Income generation

“The evidence will show that since we ended the period where we focused on income generation (1986 to 1992/93), we’ve spent funds received mainly to pursue three priorities: protection and justice for women and children in violent situations; activities here include a drop-in centre, court and police support, home and hospital visits, referral for legal advice and assistance and follow up, representation, advocacy for improvements in the law and/or its implementation, training workshops, community visits and workshops/discussions to build active support for women and children in violent situations in those communities, training with magistrates, police and prosecutors on the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act, workshops with other groups including teachers, and facilitation of a Domestic Violence and Rape Survivors Self Help Group.

Training

“Our training often uses research that we’ve conducted on domestic violence, women’s reproductive health and sex work, as well as material that we’ve produced including video and household guides to the law which have also been used by other groups working against violence, community groups, the police and the Women’s Affairs Bureau. We’ve also attempted (and encountered difficulties with) research into the racial/political vi-

olence of the early 2000s,” the letter said.

A living income for unwaged and low-waged women; activities in support of this priority have included advocacy for the removal of VAT from essential items, increases in wages for low-waged women workers including domestic workers, security guards, and shop assistants, and increases in Old Age Pension and public assistance.

The advocacy has been backed by research, including a time use survey. This area of work is now to have an increased focus, including via a dropin centre for women workers to get information about their rights, and towards this end, it has begun training in labour legislation.

Increased visibility

Increased visibility and voice for grassroots women; activities include extensive training with sectors of grassroots women and speak-outs designed to provide a forum for grassroots women to address issues that they identify as critically important, for example, after the flood of 2005 women who had suffered from the flood presented their experience and demands to representatives of the media, Parliament, trade unions, government units, local non-governmental organisations and international donor agencies.

“As part of addressing this aim, we also use other popular forms, including street theatre and in the 1990s, a radio serial and a play called ‘Everybody’s Business’,” the letter further stated.

Main projects

Red Thread said almost all of its main projects of work related to the three priorities that it has carried out in parts of the interior as well as along the coast, and it tries to ensure that what it does always crosses racial divides.

“Back in town, for 13 years, we also ran free reading and computer classes with over 80 students from schools in South Georgetown (and a few adults) and we continue to run a library, workshops and camps for youth.

"The literacy classes included a feeding programme three times a week for which we received donations,” Red Thread said.

wednesday, august 7, 2013 |

National Psychiatric Hospital gets new bed sheets

Staffers at the National Psychiatric Hospital are now in a better position to deliver health-care to inmates there, following a donation on Monday from friends of the institution.

Legline Morris, a former nurse of the hospital, who resides in the United States, made the contribution of 100 bed sheets and 100 pillow cases, along with 24 thermometers.

She said it was her way of giving back to the community.

“When I say giving back, I mean that I have been blessed in that I have and so I want to assist those who are in need.”

Morris, who is the sister of the late Audrey Field, who was administrator of the New Amsterdam Hospital and also regional health officer of Region Six, also made a presentation to the children’s ward in memory of the former administrator. The gift included books, bed lining, pencils and crayons.

Administrator of the National Psychiatric Hospital Lelia ClarkDaniels expressed gratitude for the donation, saying that it was timely.

“It is not that we were short or we did not have, but with the additional, it will go a far way in improving healthcare delivery.”

She said the bed sheets are always

needed. In thanking her, the administrator took the opportunity to wish the former administrator’s sister good heath.

Chief executive officer of the New

Amsterdam Hospital Allan Johnson refused to speak to the media on the gifts the institution received. Both presentations were made at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Former psychiatric nurse Legline Morris making the presentation to National Psychiatric Hospital Administrator Lelia Clark-Daniels

E-governance project will remove traditional inefficiencies

E-governance Project

Director Alexei

Ramotar said the development of a strong Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure can work to eliminate inefficiencies within traditional sectors and has the potential to become an important avenue for economic development.

Ramotar noted that not only does ICT act to remove the weaknesses of traditional sectors, but also in itself, it has become an important part of the services sector; creating jobs from small single-entity businesses to large firms.

“With a general trend in Guyana of young people being trained and looking for high-skilled, non-traditional professions, ICT opens a new avenue,” the project head said.

Infrastructure

According to Ramotar, this is an issue that has been recognised by many countries in the world. However, it has also been recognised that a strong infrastructure is required to push such an agenda. This is the reason behind government’s thrust to not only enhance the government services offered to the people, but also radically transform the ICT infrastructure of Guyana and bring it more on par with the

rest of the Caribbean.

Ramotar stated that approximately all major government agencies and offices are within the coverage area. He disclosed that the network is also designed to be easily extendable and will provide various services, including in areas of health, education and security.

Ramotar explained that electronic health will allow for video consultation among medical personnel, movement of information from one health facility to another and also for purposes of tracking disease outbreaks. With regards to security, egovernance is expected to allow for swift transmission of information, including video and data between police stations.

e-library

As it relates to education, plans are in train for the establishment of an e-library allowing a central repository of books that can be used by students and schools, thus lowering the cost and allowing for equal opportunity. The E-governance Project consists of three parts; namely the data centre, the transmission network and the access network.

The data centre acts as the control centre for the network and has the ability to add e-governance services. The users and control of

sites is controlled from the centre which is located in the Castellani House compound. The transmission network extends from Moleson Creek in Berbice to Charity on the Essequibo and from Lethem in the Rupununi through Linden to Georgetown. It consists of a fibre network and microwave network. This fibre will be available from Lethem to Georgetown, Moleson Creek to Parika and microwave will be available from Moleson Creek to Charity. From Parika to Moleson Creek, the network allows a failover from fibre to microwave for all sites.

The access network provides for all major government facilities in the coverage areas to be connected via

Finance ministers meet

in Trinidad and Tobago

Caribbean Community (Caricom) finance ministers will meet today in Trinidad and Tobago within the framework of the 15th meeting of the Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP).

High on the agenda is a follow-up discussion seeking to chart a framework for growth and development in Caricom, which engaged the heads of government at their meeting in Port of Spain last July. The ministers will also discuss issues related to the Caricom Financial Services Agreement, and the IntraCaricom Double Taxation Agreement. On the international

front, they would define a regional approach for compliance with the United States (U.S.) Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which was signed into law by U.S. President Barrack Obama on March 18, 2010, to combat offshore tax evasion and recoup U.S. federal tax revenue.

IDB, Hispanic Foundation hold youth consultation on social ills

One hundred students participated in the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) “Think & Do Tank” co-hosted by the Office of the U.S. Executive Director of the IDB where young social Innovators from Latin America and the U.S. presented their innovative projects.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), established by the White House in 1987, promotes U.S. Latino leadership in the classroom, community and workforce.

HHF’s Latinos on Fast Track programme brought together the students who are interning with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies this summer.

“Hispanic Americans and the wider Latin American community are vitally important to the U.S. economy”, said Gustavo Arnavat, the

IDB’s U.S. executive director. “The U.S. government recognises this fact and, through the IDB, it seeks to promote our shared prosperity. By connecting the region’s young leaders with the tools they need to succeed, we can create growth through innovation.”

Young social innovators participating in the IDB programme included Armando Regil from Mexico, founder of the Agora Institute for Strategic Thinking, a thinktank of young leaders that connects youth with decisionmakers; Valentina Quagliotti from Uruguay, founder of Ikusi, a non-profit organisation that promotes storytelling for social impact; and Claudia Flores from Honduras, who designed a mobile app for cancer awareness.

IDB Youth promotes opportunities for participation,

leadership, and entrepreneurial development in the world of business and social action.

Youth social innovation and participation is critical to solve traditional development challenges.

“Latin America and the Caribbean need the vision, energy and creativity of its young citizens to transform their communities,” said Iván Duque, chief of the IDB’s Cultural, Solidarity and Creativity Affairs Division.

Considering the high level of youth participation and the commitment of countless agents of change throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region, IDB Youth launched a social innovation programme to foster the innovation, entrepreneurial and leadership capacity of young people to address age old problems with new solutions.

fibre and or 4G wireless cellular services. In 2006, the government, with various stakeholders, conducted a workshop to develop a modern ICT strategy plan. Among other things, the plan called for an increase in ICT-related education curriculum and better ICT infrastructure. In 2009, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Technologies Limited for the creation of an e-government system. At the beginning of 2010, work began on the design of such a system and an audit of government ICT infrastructure was carried out across the entire length of Guyana.

Investment

The audit concluded that the ICT infrastructure of government and otherwise was very weak. The team concluded that any investment into e-government or ICT in general required a strong ICT infrastructure. After the conclusion of the audit, the team worked to create an ICT infrastructure plan. Over the course of the project, several changes were made. The biggest changes were switching from WiMax and EvolutionData Optimised (EVDO) technologies to Long Term Evolution (LTE) Advanced and using a modular data centre approach over the traditional data centre.

RPA urges opposition to rethink veto on hydro project

The Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) is calling on the joint opposition to take into account the thousands of poor and middle income farmers who will be affected if the cost of electricity is not reduced.

The call is being made on the eve of the re-tabling of the Hydro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill and the motion to raise the debt ceiling. Both pieces of legislation are facilitators for the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project to move forward, the RPA said in a release.

“We call on all legislators to think about our 5000 members who are not just rice farmers and millers, but who also engage in cash crop and livestock farming to supplement their incomes. The lives of these farmers and their families would be greatly improved by lower energy costs.”

According to the RPA, its millers and farmers incur high overhead costs associated with the drying and storage of their crops.

High energy costs impacts their bottom line.

Likewise, many of its farmers also engage in small-scale agro-processing for which affordable and reliable electricity will provide them with an opportunity to become competitive and to expand their businesses. This in turn will impact their incomes, and therefore, their standards of living.

“Today, affordable electricity is a basic need that should not be treated as a political bargaining chip. The RPA wishes to emphasise its support to the Amaila Falls Hydro project as its multiple benefits will directly and indirectly have a positive impact on the lives of every one of its members and every citizen of Guyana.

No citizen should be denied an opportunity to pay 40 per cent less for electricity.

“We urge, in the interest of the country, and indeed, for the wellbeing of all Guyanese, that the joint opposition re-think its position of non-compliance and non-co-operation with the government in the interests of the common good,” the RPA said.

Celina Restaurant hit by bandits again

Gunmen have once again made a hit on the Celina Restaurant and Club, this time, robbing and beating several Chinese nationals who were living on the premises before carting off cash and other items.

The robbery reportedly occurred sometime around 02:00h on Tuesday morning when five armed men entered the business place. The popular hangout spot, located at Kitty Seawall, had been closed to business for about a month.

Guyana Times understands that one of the bandits entered the premises from the front and the four others came from the eastern side. All of the men were armed, according to an employee.

The employee told this newspaper that the night guard, Baldeo Singh, was in the building and his two children, age 15 and 11, were sitting at a table on the bridge, which is the entrance from outside into the building.

According to information received, the armed men held the 11-year-old at gunpoint and took him into the building where his father was. The men then ordered Singh to take them to where the boss was and he complied; however, not before he

was beaten.

Singh lead the perpetrators to a quarter, where there were seven Chinese nationals. The gunmen began beating Su Zha Hui, 45, a businessman before relieving him of his cellphone, a laptop computer valued $100,000 and about $400,000 cash.

They also attacked three others: Lu Jing Liang, Lu Zong Oiang and Dai Wai Tong, whose cellular phone they took away. After the bandits had made good their escape, the injured persons went to seek medical attention.

This publication understands that the Chinese nationals have since moved out of the premises. The police are continuing their investigations. In February of this year, a manager of the res-

taurant, 26-year-old Zang Ling Ling was robbed of several items by two gunmen outside of Celina and was shot in her leg. The woman was in the company of other persons and was about to enter a vehicle when two men rode up on a motorcycle. One was armed with a firearm and shot the woman to her left hip, while the other relieved her of her hang bag containing two cellphones and $30,000 cash, amounting to a total of $206,000.

On April, Dwayne Lawrence, 20, of North Ruimveldt was charged and placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in connection with this robbery. He was remanded to prison and the matter is currently engaging the court.

Alexei Ramotar

The entrance to Celina Restaurant and Club which the bandits used to gain access to the premises

Africa

Uganda stands to benefit from Trinidad and Tobago’s vast experience in the development and management of the oil and gas industry. So said Irene Muloni, that country’s energy and mineral development minister, as she wrapped up a study tour to TT over the weekend. Muloni, who called for the deepening and broadening of the bilateral relations between the two countries, added: “I am extremely happy about Trinidad and Tobago’s success in oil and gas sector which has improved the country’s economy as well as peo-

The U.S. trade deficit fell by 22.4 per cent to US$34.2 billion (£22.3 billion) in June, the smallest gap since October 2009. The percentage contraction was also the largest since February 2009. The three-month average of the trade deficit, which irons out monthly volatility, also fell to US$39.5 billion in the three months to June from US$40.5 billion in the previous period.

Meanwhile, May’s trade shortfall was revised to

ple’s standard and quality of living.” Sher said Uganda is keen to learn the best practices of managing its infant but nascent oil and gas industry and avoid the pitfall so that the resources can be used to transform Uganda to middleincome and developed nation in the medium and long-term.

Muloni led a 10-man Ugandan delegation on a week-long visit on the invitation of the TT government. The delegation comprised of the Omukama of BunyoroKitara Kingdom, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru accompanied by his

administration and technical team from the petroleum exploration and production department of the Energy and Mineral Development Minister.

Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, who bid farewell to his Ugandan counterpart at a cultural function held at the Hotel Normandie and arranged by the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), reiterated the TT government’s commitment to support Uganda’s quest for capacity building, investments and trade. (Trinidad Guardian)

The Kenyan government has revoked all prospecting and mining licences granted during the first five months of this year after complaints about the issuing process. The country’s Commissioner of Mines, Moses Masibo, has been suspended.

The East African country has also raised royalties on minerals mined within its borders.

Kenya has proven deposits of titanium, gold and coal.

New deposits of minerals

such as titanium, copper and niobium have recently been discovered that are thought to be worth billions of dollars.

Mining minister Najib Balala told a news conference the licences in question had been issued in a hurry and without transparency.

“We want to ensure the country gains from the mineral potential,” he said. “Any licence issued between January 14 and May 15 is hereby revoked immediately as we re-

view each case to determine their nature and benefit to the country.” Earlier this year, the mining secretary promised to review laws regulating the sector, which currently includes more than 300 local and foreign firms either searching for minerals or in small scale production.

Dubai must do more to promote Palm Jumeirah – hoteliers

US$44.1 billion from the previously reported U$45.0 billion. The smaller June deficit could lead the government to revise economic growth for the April to June quarter up from its initial estimated annual rate of 1.7 per cent.

“All else being equal, this could mean a net upward revision worth about 0.8 percentage points and take second-quarter growth to 2.5 per cent,” said Wells Fargo economist Tim Quinlan. In June, imports of goods and services fell

by 2.5 per cent to US$225.4 billion, mainly because of large declines in petrol imports and of industrial supplies and materials. Exports of goods and services increased 2.2 per cent to a record US$191.2 billion. Of those, exports to the 27-nation European Union rose by 1.5 per cent, while exports to China increased by 4.5 per cent in June. Imports from China fell by 2.2 per cent, bringing the trade deficit with China down to US$26.6 billion from US$27.9 billion in May (BBC News)

UK manufacturing sector surges in June

Manufacturing output surged in June at the strongest pace since the end of 2010, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Manufacturing output rose 1.9 per cent month-on-month in June, following declines in both May and April. This growth came at more than twice the rate expected by analysts.

The latest upbeat news follows a stream of recent eco-

nomic data that has indicated an improvement in the UK economy.

* Retail sales enjoyed their fastest July growth in seven years, according to the British Retail Consortium, as the heatwave boosted sales of swimwear, sandals, sun cream, beer and barbecue foods

* UK car sales enjoyed another strong month in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with a total of 162,228 new

cars registered in the month, up 12.7 per cent on a year earlier

* On Monday, a closely-watched Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey indicated that the UK service sector expanded last month at its fastest pace since December 2006

* Last week, the PMI survey for the construction sector suggested it was growing at its fastest pace for three years.

(BBC News)

Dubai authorities need to do more to promote Palm Jumeirah as a tourist destination, prompting a group of prominent hotels on the manmade development to group together to marketing the island.

“It starts right from the top from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) level. I think there are a lot of opportunities [for us to] actually grow as a destination and if the des-

tination is not behind it, then you need to go behind it individually or as a company,”

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray general manager Stephan Schupbach said in an interview with Arabian Business’ sister publication Hotelier Middle East.

In order to market the destination as a whole, Schupbach has enlisted the support of fellow luxury general managers at the newly opened Sofitel The Palm and upcoming Anantara Dubai

Anew Brazilian telecommunications company backed by billionaire financier George Soros plans to invest at least 500 million reais (US$218 million) over the next three years, executives said on Tuesday, ramping up competition among Internet providers in a cooling market.

Soros is set to invest at least US$150 million, giving him a majority stake in On Telecom, which offers home and office connec -

tions over fourth-generation (4G) cellular networks, Chief Executive Fares Nassar told journalists. The technology, aimed at regions with a dearth of broadband cable coverage in the world’s fifth-largest country, will be rolled out in parts of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most populous state.

Nassar said the company could expand into other regions as Brazil offers new 4G licenses, which would require new resources to be raised

If you’re considering finding a co-founder to help you start your business, you already know that you’re not making an easy decision. People have, after all, compared business partnerships to marriage, and everybody knows marriages take work. Still, there’s no denying that co-founders and partners can be a vital part of a healthy business strategy. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right co-founder. Ideally, each partner

brings something different to the table. One partner might have 15 years in the industry while the other partner might have a great deal of marketing talent. Overlapping strengths can become a point of contention between co-founders. They can also rob your business of the vital expertise that it needs to survive. Find someone who knows things you don’t know and figure out how to partner with that person. Find someone who compliments your strengths.

The Palm and Waldorf Astoria The Palm hotels, who are all keen to market the destination collectively. Combined, the three hotels will add nearly 1000 rooms to the Palm offering by Q1 2014, as well as 182 apartments at Sofitel. Schupbach highlighted the growing Chinese market as an example and suggested that the hoteliers located on Palm Jumeirah needed to market their offering en-masse in order to increase their appeal (Arabianbusiness)

from Soros, other investors or an initial public offering. The newcomer is targeting a niche in the Brazilian market exploited in recent years by broadband operator GVT SA, which offers specialised broadband services in regions and business segments underserved by major players. GVT has expanded rapidly in markets not dominated by large phone companies, allowing it to charge slightly higher rates for Internet services (Reuters)

Finding the right co-founder

You believe in buying fair trade, your partner believes in buying cheap. You believe in serving only fresh, local food, your partner believes that it’s better to import food. Your partner wants the latest and greatest technology; you’re content to use five-year-old PCs. These sorts of conflicts aren’t just about how things are done. These are conflicts that touch on the very heart of the brand and identity of the businesses they describe (Business Dictionary)

BBC World Service’s Africa editor, Richard Hamilton, said traditionally Kenya had not had a large mining sector. (BBC News) To be conTinued

Digicel urges early passage of telecoms bill

Mobile phone company Digicel said it was looking forward to early passage of the telecommunication and public utilities bills, which will help pave the way for the ending of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s decades-old monopoly of the sector.

In a release, Digicel said following official notification by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds that the bills will be progressing in Parliament today, it is anticipating the early passage and with it, the ending of the telephone monopoly.

Commenting on this recent update, Digicel Guyana Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean said, “Digicel is pleased to learn of this new development, which is great news for Guyana.”

“The bills have been on the parliamentary agenda since August 9, 2012 and while the wait has been a long one, we welcome the decision to progress following fruitful discussions between the government and stakeholders,” Dean said.

Digicel can begin preparing with more certainty to introduce a number of incredible products and services especially in the areas of international calling and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as the company seeks to become Guyana’s leading communications network instead of only providing mobile communication services. “The people of Guyana deserve to have the benefits

Digicel Guyana CEO Gregory Dean

of full and open competition in all sectors including the telecommunications sector,” Dean concluded.

Open regulation

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Dean had explained that liberalisation would translate to open regulation and a simple modus operandi for all companies, with none having rights or benefits which other companies cannot access. “In terms of GT&T’s current arrangement, what we expect to see in a liberalised sector is that arrangement being no longer in place. Everyone is on a level playing field with no one having an advantage over the other,” he detailed.

GT&T currently has a monopoly on landline and international services. Digicel is still awaiting a ruling on the constitutional motion filed in the High Court to decide the constitutionality of that monopoly.

In relation to the cur-

rent legislation before Parliament, Dean noted that the Telecommunications Bill was previously deferred after government had agreed to meet the providers in the market. A consultation was initiated, and the Digicel CEO described the discussions as fruitful. He disclosed that all parties have engaged government on the legislation, as well as the manner in which the sector will be operationalised postmonopoly.

He revealed that Digicel is comfortable operating with the proposed legislation and has had a chance to provide feedback. “It’s a major step up from where we are currently and as time goes on, we would still like to see flexibility in the legislation, because, as the sector evolves, there would be areas that require further consideration. We would like to see that aspect of the legislation evolving with the sector.”

The Telecommunications Bill 2011 allows for the establishment of the telecommunications agency as well as a regular, coordinated, open and competitive telecommunications sector.

Having such a bill enacted would provide for an open, liberalised and competitive telecommunications sector that would be attractive to new entrants as well as investors, while sustaining the active players within the sector. Additionally, the bill would allow for amendments to be made to the Public Utilities Commission Act 1999.

Women lawyers concerned about worsening domestic violence situation

The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) says it continues to be deeply concerned about the apparent never-ending scourge of domestic violence and in particular, the recent spate of incidents of domestic violence against children and women, including one of its members.

“We, in very strong terms, condemn these acts. As it has in previous releases, the GAWL asserts that domestic violence is not just a women’s issue, but a social and political one that should concern every citizen and our leaders. We strongly demand that justice be done in these and all other cases and that the lawful steps be taken to have the perpetrators punished.”

The recent incidents are in no way isolated ones; domestic violence occurs with frightening regularity in Guyana, the women lawyers’ body said. “It is well-known that many complaints are simply disregarded or not given appropriate respons-

es. We urge that the wheels of justice turn not only to recent incidents but to the epidemic of domestic violence that threatens all of us.”

The GAWL said the police must tangibly demonstrate all the training given and protocols developed to deal with domestic violence offences. Likewise, victims must use the system and not continue to condone these acts by refusing to give evidence. Refusal to act now may mean injury or death sooner or later, as a perpetrator who is not punished is emboldened to continue for as long as possible, GAWL said.

Embedded in culture

“Silent witnesses to everyday forms of abuse are equally responsible for domestic violence being embedded in our culture and hence being so prevalent today. We, therefore, also condemn the culture of silence and tolerance. We encourage the commitment of all citizens to actively condemn and openly talk against domestic violence occurring in

AFC to support hydro bill if re-tabled

– rejects Hughes' resignation

The Alliance For Change said it was favourably considering its support for the Hydro Amendments (the Environmental Bill) if re-tabled. The party has also rejected the resignation of its chairman, Nigel Hughes, who has been caught up in an apparent conflict of interest position with his party and his post as company secretary of the Amaila Falls Hydro Inc (AFHI).

Hughes, in a statement early Tuesday, announced that he had tendered his resignation as chairman of the seven-seat minority opposition party. (See other story on page 3)

However, in a statement late Tuesday afternoon, the AFC said its general secretary, David Patterson informed Hughes of the party’s receipt of his resignation from chairmanship. On behalf of the AFC management committee, the general secretary further advised Hughes that his resignation was not accepted, and that the party continues to repose full and complete confidence in him both as member and chairman.

The party disclosed that Hughes was not a member of the AFC in April 2009 when he commenced professional engagement with AFHI/ Sithe Global and officially joined the party in July 2011. Additionally, it said Hughes was elected chairman of the AFC on August 4, 2012. Therefore, the matters of professional engagement with AFHI predated

by some time his membership in the party and further his election to the office of chairman.

According to the AFC, Hughes had declared his professional association with Sithe Global as the Amaila Fall Hydropower Project came into national focus and requested of the party that he be recused from the decision-making process at every stage. “The party agreed and Mr Hughes has been so recused,” the release said.

AFC's position

The AFC added that it remains steadfastly supportive of hydropower projects (or any other alternative energy source options) with the express condition being that the benefits redound to the Guyanese people and the country. “The party’s position in this regard remains unchanged and the party recommits to representing the best interest of Guyanese in this regard.”

It noted that its previously stated position on awaiting the hydropower project due diligence report from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the debt ceiling proposed by the motion (with regard to its sustainability) remains the same.

“The party is favourably considering its support for the Hydro Amendments (the Environmental Bill) if re-tabled. Should the AFC support the bill, government will get a clear passage to have the legislation in place

to move ahead...,” the minority opposition party noted.

“The party wishes to assure its members and supporters, both here in Guyana and overseas and all Guyanese, that it employed best practice at all times with regard to the formulation of decisions and the position of the party with regard to AFHI and indeed the party thanks Mr Hughes for his timely and forthright declaration of interest. This allowed the party to act responsibly and judiciously to avoid any potential conflicts.”

The AFC reiterated that it continues to repose every confidence in Hughes in executing the duties of chairman of the party, a role in which he has acted with the utmost professionalism.

“The party views as unfortunate, but is not surprised by efforts designed to malign its image, particularly at such a sensitive time. The party wishes to commend Mr Hughes for placing the interest of the party and the people of Guyana above his own interests in taking what is a selfless, magnanimous and a most difficult decision to offer his resignation. Mr Hughes’s willingness to act in the public interest and to the detriment of his own political career speaks to his character and his offer of resignation, in the eyes of the party and indeed of all Guyanese, only enhances his stature and reputation as a leader of high principle and morality,” the AFC statement added.

Parliamentary consensus key to moving hydro project forward – developer

Sour own, our neighbour’s and our friends’ households,” the lawyers’ group said

“We also highly condemn the insinuations and suggestions that women are often responsible for the violence and other forms of abuse meted out to them. Domestic violence is not and has never been women’s fault; it is a construct of historical, cultural, economic, and social relations that are based on the power and control of men in society. To date, there has been little said by men in our society to encourage each other that domestic violence is wrong; that no person has a right to abuse another, to injure and take life. Any grievances in a relationship can be dealt with through the many legal mechanisms available or by other peaceful means.”

The body also challenged leaders in Guyana to urgently seek meaningful research by professionals to update the causes and effects of domestic violence on our society in order to guide a sensible national response.

ithe Global President Brian Kubeck has reiterated the need for consensus in Parliament by all political parties to continue its investment into the development of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project.

He made this call for agreement on the project in a letter to the media on Tuesday, ahead of the last sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, before it goes into recess on August 10.

Kubeck had previously called for consensus on the project on July 31 at a national stakeholder consultation held by government and Sithe Global and on prior occasions. He said without an equal level of commitment from local stakeholders, his company would be forced to withdraw its services. He also pointed to the October 30 deadline for this decision to be made.

In his letter, he noted, “The dwindling detractors attempted to throw out the latest in a series of distractions aimed at obstructing a project that will have lasting positive benefits for Guyana.”

Kubeck added, “This appears to be a deliberate attempt to shift the debate away from the project merits.”

He has expressed disappointment that after his company had invested some six years and US$16 million into the development of the hydropower project, there is now the possibility of its non-materialisation.

The Sithe Global president noted that it would not only be a waste of resources and efforts for his company, but also an unfortunate scenario for Guyanese.

Numerous benefits

He noted that the nonexistence of the hydropower facility would see Guyana paying U.S. 19 cents per kilowatt per hour for power, which is among the highest prices paid in any part of the world.

Kubeck added that while government subsidises the tariff rates paid by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) customers, the subsidies emanate from taxpayers’ dollars. As such, he

highlighted that within the first 12 years of the hydro facility’s operation, it is expected to generate savings of approximately US$1 billion. After 20 years in operation, the project will be transferred to Guyana for free and will ensure Guyanese over 90 per cent of savings. This will ensure fuel costs remain stable for the next 100 years. He said the benefits are numerous and expressed hope that all stakeholders give positive input in order to proceed with the project.

The combined opposition, during the July 18 sitting of the National Assembly, voted down a motion to raise the debt ceiling on loans and also the Hydro-Electric Power Amendment Bill, both crucial to the advancement of the multibillion-dollar Amaila Falls hydro project. This is despite Prime Minister Samuel Hinds emphasising the need for the approval of the bill to facilitate closure on the project. Nevertheless, the second reading of both items was done without any debate by the opposition.

SUDOKU

If you’re thinking about teaming up with somebody for a special endeavour, be sure that your partner can make a worthwhile contribution. You don’t want to be saddled with dead weight.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

This might not be a good day to get involved in something that requires total concentration and consistency. These qualities might not be your strong suit at present.

If you find yourself making a legal commitment, be sure to get the very best counsel available. It wouldn’t be wise to depend solely on your own judgment.

Be extremely careful as to how you delegate assignments. If you select the wrong person for the job, you could end up with a big mess on your hands.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

If, for some reason, you’re feeling reluctant to attend a social engagement, it might be better to pass it up rather than go and make a bad impression.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t depend on Lady Luck to intervene and help you out; you’re on your own this time. If you hope to get what you want, roll up your sleeves and get to work.

(April 20-May 20)

It’s best that you more or less keep your trap shut today, because there is a good chance your comments will be misconstrued and cause you to be seen as the bad guy.

(May 21June 20)

More discipline than usual might be required if you’re going to stay on budget. Extravagant urges could easily overpower you if you’re not careful.

Don’t let yourself get drawn into a disagreement between two friends. Regardless of which pal you side with, your involvement will only cause more trouble.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Just because things are going smoothly at present, don’t be indifferent to an important matter. Complacence could be your worst enemy.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

It’s always smart to be extra careful about what you put in writing and to keep close track of the details of past agreements. You’ll need to tread carefully today.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t look for much help regarding a financial problem. Unfortunately, you’ll have to take care of matters all by yourself. Do your best; things will eventually get better.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

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Local govt ministers condemn Green’s attempt to oust Sooba

– police called in during fresh round of illegal protest

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council was the home of another protest on Tuesday, as vendors once again backed City Mayor Hamilton Green who tried to oust Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba from office.

According to the acting town clerk, Mayor Green used his vehicle to block the entrance of City Hall, thereby preventing her from entering the compound. The vehicle was subsequently replaced with a human barricade. Additionally, men who were described as “thugs” prevented employees from gaining access to Sooba’s office.

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Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud said the action of the city mayor and his council leaves him with no other choice but to call in the Guyana Police Force. At a press conference late Tuesday afternoon, he expressed disgust at this situation, noting that it was illegal and distasteful.

“It is unfortunate that the mayor of the City of Georgetown would have reduced himself from being mayor to becoming an obstacle. It is so unfortunate when you make yourself into a human barricade,” Persaud lamented.

Junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker also lashed out at Green and his supporters, describing their actions as unofficial and unorthodox. According to him, Green and his se -

curity guards not only prevented the acting town clerk and her staff from entering the building but threatened them as well. He said as a result of the threatening behaviour, the home affairs minister and the acting police commissioner were notified and will soon advise the Local Government Ministry on the next step. As the ministry awaits the Guyana Police Force recommendations, Sooba is operating

out of a private entity.

According to Whittaker, when Sooba was appointed as acting town clerk in 2012, Green had welcomed her with open arms; however, after she launched her campaign to root out corruption, difficulties arose. No-confidence motions were moved followed by a series of protest actions, as the mayor and team signalled their non-support for the acting town clerk.

“These councillors can pass any amount of motions they want to pass; the legislation is very clear, it is the honourable minister, Minister Ganga Persaud who will say yes or no, we have found no good reason for the town clerk, dismiss her.”

Late Monday night, more than a dozen vendors flocked Sooba’s Duncan Street residence as they advocated for the Local Government Ministry to terminate Sooba’s service. A public meeting held by Green at City Hall earlier that day had sparked the protest. The mayor reportedly informed the vendors that Sooba was making another attempt to clear Regent Street, Water Street and other commercial areas of all street vendors.

The acting town clerk when contacted said while she will not condone any form of illegal vending in the city, she has not made any recent attempt to remove vendors. According to her, this recent protest is yet another attack by Mayor Green.

PSC urges parties to take all steps to pass hydro

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has once again called on the government and the opposition to take all steps necessary to ensure the passage of the necessary legislation for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PSC said having been privy to information by the developer Sithe Global, it is appealing to the authorities to move the process forward. This project, the PSC said, has been on the agenda for the past 15 years – years marked by the frustration of the private sector, which has been stymied by the lack of affordable energy. Years also which have seen this nation lose its competitive advantage, both regionally and extra-regionally.

“We cannot overemphasise the importance of this project to the future of our country. Cheaper energy will have a transformational effect upon our manufac-

turing sector, and, indeed, all of the private sector. We are tired of the armchair experts who have come out of the woodwork to condemn the project on spurious economic grounds. This project has benefited from the expertise of the Blackstone Group, the largest financial advisory and alternative investment firm in the world.

We would challenge any of our so-called local experts to match their expertise.”

Political objections

According to the PSC, it would also challenge the detractors of the project to give sound economic reasons for their recalcitrance.

“It has become obvious that the objections to this project are purely political in nature, and we condemn those who would sacrifice our nation’s future to gain political points. We have lamented the fact that at this point in our economic history, we are still a nation of primary

bill

producers. “ The PSC said hydroelectricity would allow Guyana to evolve into producers of processed goods and would lay the foundation for the development of a significant industrial sector. “We have seen the impact that cheap energy has had on the industrial capability of oilrich nations, even here in the Caribbean. It is incumbent upon us to take advantage of our abundant natural resources and harness the power of our rivers for the development of the nation. Sound economic sense dictates this. The alternative is continued dependence on other countries for our energy supplies with all the attendant risks and currency outflows.”

The commission called upon all the parties involved to put the nation’s development first and to resolve this impasse in a spirit of negotiation and compromise.

Minister Ganga Persaud

City Mayor Hamilton Green

Guardian Group launches “Show Us How You Celebrate” for LCPL tournament

Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO –

Guardian Group, official League partner for the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 tournament, has announced an exciting competition designed to highlight the variety and uniqueness of how Caribbean fans celebrate and enjoy their cricket.

The Caribbean integrated financial services group has launched a promotion called “Show Us How You Celebrate” where fans can take photos of themselves enjoying the games and

Basseterre, ST.

KITTS – Tagenarine

Chanderpaul compiled an unbeaten century to put Guyana on course to securing an outright victory over Leeward Islands at stumps on the second day of their three-day fifth round match in the Regional Under 19 competition Tuesday.

Chanderpaul reached 104 not out when Guyana, who resumed from their overnight 152 for five, declared on 344 for 8 on the stroke of tea, a lead of 216 at Conaree.

His stay at the crease was 431 minutes, facing 317 balls and he partnered with Romario Shepherd to grind the Leeward Islands into the dust with an unbeaten stand of 130.

In their second turn at the crease, the Leewards were in all sorts of trouble early on at 14 for the loss of three wickets and ended the day on 67 for three with Saeed Williams and Avier Christian battling back. Williams is unbeaten on 36 and Christian is 16.

The Leewards still trail Guyana’s first innings score by 149 runs.

Meantime at Warner Park, the Windwards are on top and heading for victory against Trinidad and Tobago.

Keon George was the hero of the Windwards bat-

supporting their favourite team, and upload it to the promotion website (www. ShowUsHowYouCelebrate. com) for the chance to win an all-inclusive trip to the LCPL T20 finals in Trinidad & Tobago, among other exciting prizes.

“As a people, one of our unique characteristics is our fondness for and creativity in showmanship. We love to look good and show off as we do so. This promotion provides the ideal opportunity for cricket fans to tell their story, as we look at the games – whether with friends at home, at our fa-

vourite sports bar, or at the stadium itself,” said Larry Olton, Group Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communications.

“A picture paints a thousand words. Cricket fans are passionate about the game and are always full of excitement and energy so we know that they will embrace this opportunity to show their loyalty and love for their favourite teams and players.”

The “Show Us How You Celebrate” competition will take place until 19 August, after which time the winner of the grand prize will be announced. (CPL)

ting taking them to 152 for two at lunch after they lost two early wickets.

George batted sensibly throughout the morning to extend their lead and found a reliable partner in Taryck Gabriel, who was with him on 32 as both batsmen put on an unbroken stand of 69.

George’s half century came up in 51 minutes, facing 108 balls and spanking

seven fours along the way.

The T&T bowlers engineered a collapse after Lunch, getting Gabriel early for 43. Wickets kept tumbling thereafter as the Windwards fell to 171 for 6.

At Tea, the Windwards had set Trinidad & Tobago 245 runs for victory.

T&T slumped to 78 for three and ended the day in trouble on 93 for four still needing 152 runs for victory.

At EGSC Molineaux, Barbados struck back with the ball but still face a grim task to avoid defeat against Jamaica.

Neil Persaud grabbed three for 33 as the Jamaicans were bowled out for 188, a lead of 89 runs.

At one stage the Jamaicans slipped from 100 for three to 122 for five wickets.

Barbados ran into early trouble in their second innings tumbling to 35 for two to 58 for four, still trailing Jamaica’s first innings score by 35 runs.

Hawksbills record first win in Limacol CPL against Zouks

Antigua

Hawksbills recorded a comprehensive 33run victory over the St Lucia Zouks on Tuesday night to clinch their first win of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League at the Beausejour Stadium, St Lucia.

Hawksbills, batting first, got a solid foundation from their top order, scoring 1666 in the process. St Lucia Zouks could only muster 133-8 in reply.

SCOREBOARD

Antigua Hawksbills innings J Charles† b Morkel 36 K Powell c Smith b Mathurin 27 R Ponting c Smith b Morkel 20 M Samuels* run out (Sammy) 12 D Thomas c Smith b Shillingford 32 J Kemp not out 13

K Roach c Smith b Sammy 5 R Cornwall not out 8

Extras: (lb3, w10) 13

Total: (6 wkts, 20 overs) 166

Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-86, 3-93, 4-113, 5-148, 6-154

Bowling: D Sammy 4-0-29-1, J Morkel 4-0-27-2, G Mathurin

4-0-31-1, S Shillingford

3-0-21-1, L Sebastien 1-012-0, T Best 4-0-43-0

St Lucia Zouks innings Tamim Iqbal b Samuels 33 A Fletcher† c Samuels b Roach 20 H Gibbs b Tonge 5 Misbah-ul-Haq c Thomas b Samuels 8 DS Smith b Cornwall 12 A Morkel c Cotterrell b Thomas 0 D Sammy* c Roach b Samuels 4 L Sebastien not out 25 S Shillingford b Cotterrell 4 G Mathurin not out 12

Extras: (lb1, w7, nb2) 10 Total: (8 wkts, 20 overs) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-48, 3-69, 4-82, 5-82, 6-85, 7-90, 8-99 Bowling: K Roach 4-0-401, S Cotterrell 4-0-17-1, G Tonge 3-0-16-1, M Samuels 4-1-10-3,

As the Under-17 female football team embarks into the U-17 World Cup Qualifiers, ANSA McAl has come onboard as a sponsor.

The beverage company came out to support the national team on Tuesday during a press conference at the company’s headquarters at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

Executive of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Vanessa Dickinson thanked ANSA McAl for their contribution to the national side.

“We are very appreciative of ANSA McAl for the sponsorship towards the

World Cup Under-17

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Guyana Amazon Warrior fans know how to celebrate

Johnson Charles was bowled Albie Morkel last night

Controversial deputy GS position at GFF scrapped

– governing body to commence season this weekend

George Rutherford was removed as Deputy General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation, a position that had long been a topic of contention in the football fraternity.

It was learnt at a press briefing on Tuesday that the position Rutherford once held no longer exists, making way for Mabiola Howard, who was appointed Administrative Assistant to General Secretary Noel Adonis.

It was long felt that Rutherford’s position was a redundant one and one that was not catered for in the Constitution of the GFF, considering he was doing the same job of long-standing General Secretary Noel Adonis, who was banned for six months by world governing body for football FIF in the alleged cash-for-votes scandal that involved former GFF and Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Vice

President Colin Klass, former CFU President and FIFA Vice President Austin “Jack” Warner and FIFA presidential hopeful and former Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin

Further, Rutherford had come under fire from captain of the Golden Jaguars Chris Nurse, who had stated earlier this year that neither Rutherford nor Adonis

cared about the development of football in Guyana.

This publication understands, through a correspondence, seen by this newspaper, that GFF president, Christopher Matthias, stated

that Rutherford had purported to hold an office and discharge functions of that office that was not specifically provided for in the constitution.

The GFF also claimed that Rutherford had “brought the administration of football into significant public ridicule and odium, and unprecedented levels of disrepute”, hence, his service were no longer required.

Matthias referred to a letter from Rutherford dated April 14, 2011, when he [Matthias] was serving as General Secretary of the Georgetown Football Association.

In his dismissal letter to Rutherford, Matthias stated, “The contents of the aforesaid letter were at all times most disturbing and resulted in a strange relationship between the Guyana Football Federation and its members, to the extent that it brought the administration of football into significant public ridicule and odium, and unprecedented levels of disrepute.

The damage and embarrassment done to the reputation of Guyana in general and football in particular by your letter, required the intervention and subsequent resolution of the impasse by FIFA and CONCACAF.

“Thus, it is no surprise that I have come to the conclusion that I have lost confidence in you and your ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of football in Guyana.

“Additionally, for the sake of completeness, I state that your conduct has negatively affected the development and administration of football, and interfered with and stymied the propagation of the sole and only interest of the Guyana Football Federation, which is, the discipline of football.”

Efforts to contact Rutherford for a comment on Tuesday proved futile.

Meanwhile, GFF is set to launch their 2013 season on Sunday with the start of the 32-team Nation’s Cup at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

This disclosure was also made on Tuesday by Matthias, during the press conference at the GFF office in Dadanawa Street, Campbellville.

After spending the last few months laying the groundwork, Matthias said the GFF is ready to swing into action with a number of areas to be brought into sharp focus to ensure the holistic development of the game.

During the coming season the focus will be on coaches and referees’ development, proper structuring of the subassociations and clubs and the development of players and infrastructure, according to Matthias.

“We intend to achieve all of the above by promoting the playing of the discipline of football by the successful hosting of several developmental tournaments, namely, the first ever 32-team Nation’s Cup, a new format Premier League consisting of 16 clubs, the inter-association Unnder-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 competitions; inter-association futsal and beach football tournaments,” Matthias announced.

Matthias added that several divisions have been set up to ensure the smooth execution of the plans for the upcoming season.

Vice President Ivan Persaud will head Tactical and Technical Development; another Vice President Rawleston Adams will be in charge of Administration, the competitions division will be spearheaded by former national player Collie “Hitman” Hercules, while Keith O’Jeer will lead the infrastructure development team, with assistance coming from Vanessa Dickenson, who is in charge of women’s development and marketing.

Delivering brief remarks at the press conference, Hercules said the steps being taken by the federation are necessary to ensure the process of development takes place.

“We understand that these competitions are vital to development and that football is a spectator sport and our presentation and how much we put into these tournaments will definitely tell of how well the public sees us in terms of our performance here at the GFF,” Hercules remarked.

He added, “We’re excited, we’re looking to making these tournaments very much wellattended and productive and to the benfit of all.”

Matthias also related that the GFF is taking the necessary steps to ensure transparency and accountability, and as such, has contracted Ram and McRae to conduct a forensic audit.

“The Integrity Committee is looking at the terms of reference. There is some work that needs to be done with the terms of reference, some simple modifications, and we intend to have those modifications ratified by CONCACAF and FIFA and by our legal team, and very shortly we will have the announcement as to who the Integrity Committee members are and their terms of reference,” the GFF head stated. (Avenash Ramzan)

Hammam.

President of the GFF, Christopher Matthias (fourth from left), makes a point at Tuesday’s press conference in the presence of other GFF executives and members of the referees’ council (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Harper says no need to panic as Amazon Warriors leave today

By Rajiv Bisnauth

HeadCoach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Roger Harper said on Tuesday there is no need to panic following the team’s five-wicket defeat to St Lucia Zouks in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday.

The former West Indies coach reminded that the Warriors had been outstanding in the first two games, and is adamant the team will lift their spirits in time for Friday’s game.

“Since we’ve been playing some good cricket at the

start of the tournament, we won’t let one game dampen the spirit of the boys. We have put it behind us and come Friday we will go out and play good cricket,” Harper said.

The Warriors began the tournament with a crushing 19-run win over the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel before thrashing the Jamaica Tallawahs by eight wickets. However, they were overpowered by the St Lucia Zouks on Sunday.

Reflecting on Sunday’s game Harper said, “I think the Zouks played really well.

It was an off day for us and we have put it behind us and are looking forward to getting back to our winning ways.”

“Obviously we should have scored more runs, since we had to bowl last, taking into consideration the due factor which made the ball harder to grip on a bowling perspective. I think we should have scored more runs in the middle; we had some bad overs in the middle, and we just did not score with a healthy run rate,” reckoned Harper.

Meanwhile, the 50-yearold Harper is confident that his players will respond positively from Sunday’s disappointment, adding that the team has the ability to regroup and rebound.

“We have a group of players who are hungry for success, so I have that confident that the team will rebound,” said Harper.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Amazon Warriors is expected to leave for Trinidad and Tobago this morning for their second leg of the tournament.

The local franchise will play hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on Friday and Barbados Tridents on Sunday, after which they play hosts Jamaica on August 14. Their final preliminary game is against hosts Antigua and Barbuda on August 17.

Currently the Warriors have four points after three games with a net run rate of +0.901.

Limacol rewards players and fans in Limacol CPL

– sponsor to give away over US $14,000 in prize money

Limacol, the Caribbean Premier League’s title sponsor and owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, has announced two competitions to enhance match experiences for both the players and the fans.

The Limacol Super Six award of US$500 will go to the player in each match whose six goes the longest distance while the Limacol Cool Fan prize of US$100 will go to the fan at each match who is the most creative and outrageous in showing his/her support for their team and the Limacol brand.

The best Limacol Cool Fan, one for each of the 19 game days, will be identi-

fied during the match and the prize awarded at the conclusion of each game.

Limacol Marketing Manager Trevor Bassoo hopes the Limacol Cool Fan prize will “encourage the continuity of the love West Indian cricket fans have for demonstrating their support for their teams.”

The Super Six award was given to Barbados Tridents captain Kieron Pollard in the first match of the tournament against St Lucia Zouks while James Franklin of the Guyana Amazon Warriors took the prize in the second match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

“Scoring sixes is cool. The fans love it and we at

Limacol are always looking for exciting ways to promote activities that the fans enjoy,” Bassoo said. “Limacol hopes that this will serve as further encouragement to the players to give their most optimum performance.”

About Limacol Limacol is a cool refreshing lotion that is a “freshness of a breeze in a bottle”. It is a product of NEW GPC INC, and has been popular for almost a century across the Caribbean and in the diaspora in the US, Canada and Britain. For more information, log on to www. limacol.com and www. newgpc.com.

Limacol CPL still wide open, says Sammy

St Lucia Zouks captain Darren Sammy believes the LImacol Carribean Premier League (LCPL) is still wide open, despite the Barbados Tridents and the Guyana Amazon Warriors being the most impressive teams in the initial stages of the competition.

The Tridents, led by Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, are on top of the points table after three wins in as many games; Amazon Warriors, captained by former West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan, are in second position with two wins and a defeat.

Notwithstanding the early dominance of the Tridents and the Amazon Warriors, Sammy feels the tournament is still wide open with the home games

By Avenash Ramzan

being a crucial factor going forward.

He was speaking on Sunday after the Zouks got their campaign on track with a nail-biting five-wicket win over the Amazon Warriors, following a 17run defeat to the Tridents on the opening night of the league at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.

“I think every team has a chance. If you notice the games being won are by the teams playing at home; they know their conditions. We go home to our conditions; Trinidad goes to Trinidad in their conditions and Antigua goes homes, and I’m sure all the teams would look to win their home games like the Tridents did. I think everybody stands a chance in the tournament; it’s 20/20 cricket you know; who plays better on the day

will come out victorious,” Sammy pointed out.

To date, the Tridents and the Amazon Warriors are the only teams to complete their quota of three home games, lending credence to Sammy’s assertions.

If that trend continues in the coming weeks, then there could be some drastic changes to the points table as the top four teams look to qualify for the semi-finals on August 22 and 23 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Zouks play their next three games against the Antigua Hawksbills (August 6), Barbados Tridents (August 8) and Jamaica Tallawahs (August 10) at the Beausejour Stadium and Sammy would no doubt look to complete the home leg with a clean slate.

The Trinidad and

Tobago Red Steel are also playing at the home in the coming days: Jamaica Tallawahs (August 7), Guyana Amazon Warriors (August 9) and Antigua Hawksbills (August 11) at

the Queen’s Park Oval.

The Jamaica Tallawahs and the Antigua Hawksbills will play their home games in the new week. Under the tournament format, the six fran-

chise-based teams play three matches at home and four overseas, including one at a neutral venue. The final will take place on August 24 in Trinidad and Tobago.

James Franklin making a point to head coach Roger Harper, captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and team member Denesh Ramdin after their defeat against the St Lucia Zouks Sunday night

Darren Sammy and the St Lucia Zouks would hope for more success as they embark on their three home games this week (Limacol CPL photo)

Kieron Pollard is a Super Sixes winner

(Pietersen 113, Cook 62, Bell 60, Siddle 4-63) & 37-3

James Franklin receives his Super Six award from Permanent Secretary within the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry Alfred King

The Guyana Amazon Warriors during training last week Monday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence

Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach Roger Harper

story on page 22