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Broadcasting authority moving to sue non-compliant entities Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1972 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Bourda stadium is desirable See story on page 3

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kennardâ&#x20AC;Ś says proposal should still be pursued

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Man robbed, shot and disarmed by bandit

Health Ministry unveils strategy to P7 tackle chronic diseases

P8 Seven Berbicians charged for drunk driving

Floodwaters flatten Canal Number P12 Two Polder farmlands

Rights commission hamstrung by small budget See story on page 14

Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) Chairperson Aleema Nasir handing over the 2011 report to Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman in the presence of members of the commission and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs (extreme left)

Guyana scores low on corruption index See story on page 17

Upset Hindus demand withdrawal of "Lord P13 Shiva" beer

2 news

WednesDay, december 4, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

RPA general secretary to millers: Pay the farmers R

ice Producer’s Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj has called on Region Two millers to make prompt payments to farmers. Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council, Anna Regina, Seeraj said the meeting was organised to interact with millers and farmers as it relates to payments. Seeraj in his address to farmers and millers said the rice industry will continue to strive only if there is a mutual understanding be-

tween millers and farmers. He said farmers have been complaining they have not yet received all their money from millers for the sale of paddy. Seeraj said millers have a commitment to pay farmers because they had entered into a “business transaction” whereby farmers exchanged their paddy for payments. The RPA general secretary said there must be proper negotiations between millers and farmers so that a positive decision can be made. He said the RPA and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)

Farmers and millers at the meeting in the boardroom of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council at Anna Regina

are concerned about farmers and when they will receive full payments. He also called for cooperation among millers and farmers so that they can approach the spring crop with optimism. He said too that Region Two is getting “preferential” treatment, noting that of the 14 millers countrywide exporting rice to Venezuela; seven are from Region Two. Seeraj reminded farmers that the Venezuelan market quota remains the same, and as such, rice needs to be produced. He called on farmers and millers to focus on “quality and productivity”. The general secretary said the RPA and GRDB will continue to help farmers, noting that fertilsers were brought to Guyana in an effort to reduce the actual price. He said with the fertiliser intervention, farmers were able to save $1.5 billion countrywide. One miller, Imam Bacchus, said he had borrowed money from the bank to pay farmers and he

had no issues with them. Nazmul Hakh of Golden Fleece Rice Investment said payments will commence as of Wednesday. Hakh said he is optimistic that he will pay all farmers before Christmas. Caricom Rice Mill Limited said it has paid 60 per cent of the farmers it owes. However, the mill made the commitment that by December 20, all farmers will be paid. Old Mac Mill promised to pay farmers before December 10. The other millers said they have settled payments with farmers already. Ramesh Ramlakan Rice Mill also promised to pay farmers before Christmas. GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh, who was also part of the meeting, also called for cooperation from millers. Singh said he is concerned about millers and the payment of interest to farmers. He said that another meeting will be convened with millers and farmers as it relates to payment of interest.

Man robbed, shot and disarmed by bandit

licensed firearm holder was robbed, shot and disarmed by a lone bandit early Tuesday morning at a wash bay on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Police said in a statement that about 12:25h on Tuesday, Fenton Duncan, 48, of Roxanne Burnham Gardens and Sherry Ramroop, 38, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara were at a car wash on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown,

when they were held up by a man armed with a handgun. The perpetrator took away the personal jewellery of the two victims during which Duncan, who is a licensed firearm holder, retaliated. He was, however, shot in the abdomen by the armed man who also took away the firearm and escaped. Duncan has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital as the investigations continue.

News

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, December 4 from 05:30h to 07:00h. The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, December 4 from 05:05h to 06:35h.

WEATHER TODAY Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected to prevail during the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius. Wind: North easterly between 1.94 and 2.22 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:12h and 17:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.73 metres and 2.87 metres respectively. Low Tide: 10:59h and 23:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.34 metre respectively.

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wednesDay, december 4, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Bourda stadium is desirable – Kennard… says proposal should still be pursued into the facilities that were owned by the GCC, explaining that space and other modern advancements must now be considered. Kennard said that he would have no objections to any proposal that would benefit the club and sports in general.

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

ormer Chancellor of the judiciary and sport administrator, Cecil Kennard said he would welcome any well thought out and structured attempts to create a Bourda sports academy and stadium at the facilities of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), which will result in resounding benefits for Guyana. Justice Kennard also sternly criticised sections of the media attempting to undermine the proposed investment by the NEW GPC INC/CPL OP CO in the venture. He said that were the proposal to be accepted by the membership of GCC/GFC, attempts would have to be made to have the investors reconsider their stance. The comments were made in light of misinformation being carried by Kaieteur News about a proposal that would see some $US30 million injected into the construction of a world class stadium and sport academy at the venue. Both sporting entities are currently struggling to keep their heads above water financially and administratively, as the entire infrastructure is in a state of decline and disrepair. Kennard is a long-

Former Chancellor of the judiciary and sport administrator, Cecil Kennard

standing member with more than 25 years to the GCC. He is also a member of the board of trustees. He said that the idea of merging the two facilities and ground is not new and therefore he is not surprised that discussions about pursuing such a course are being given due consideration yet again. “I think this was being discussed prior to the World Cup in 2007 and talks were taking place between the GCC and GFC about a merger, but because the government had gone ahead with plans to establish a stadium at Providence, further discussion did not take place,” he noted. He said there is need for new life to be pumped

Must be condemned Kennard, who is also president of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club, said he was shocked when he saw the Kaieteur News report that GCC was being sold. “I think any newspaper which is discouraging investors from coming into the country must be condemned. I was disturbed when Kaieteur News gave the impression that the club was being sold,” he said. Justice Kennard, who is integrally involved in the affairs of the club, also said he immediately contacted club president, Dr Lionel Jaikaran to get assurance that the reports were false. “He said there was no suggestion about taking over the club, nor were there any discussions about selling the club. The investors were prepared to invest to improve the club,” Kennard reported Dr Jaikaran as saying. Kennard explained that the club has a rich history which must remain intact as he rem-

inisced on some of the “happiest memories” that he has of the entity. “But I will give 100 per cent to any investor – whether it be an individual or a company which is prepared to invest in the club. The retired justice said that as far as he was aware, the annual general meeting of the club which was slated for Monday did not occur because of a lack of quorum. The issue, he suggested, would have been discussed and ventilated at that level to allow for scrutiny of the proposal. “I am telling you that myself and another trustee Dunstan Barrow had a discussion last evening after the meeting was called off and if the membership of the club is giving the okay, we are prepared to have a meeting to see if this idea of having pulled out will be reconsidered,” Kennard said. He said that he would urge the membership of the club to give serious consideration to the vision and spirit of the proposal, adding that proposals should be considered on the basis of their merit. Meanwhile, the Guyana Times tried throughout Tuesday to get a comment from the president of the club about the scope of discussions with NEW GPC/CPL OP CO, but was unsuccessful.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 4, 2013

Views 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

Why Skeldon? W ith the now well-known and well-publicised problems of the Skeldon Sugar Factory on the Corentyne, Berbice, there has been a plethora of criticism ranging from why was the particular contractor selected to why it was considered necessary in the first place. Most recently, a past employee of Bookers, with some experience in the sugar industry, raised the latter question after quoting production figures from the 1960s, which showed that annual 300,000-tonne targets had become the norm. While it has been said that hindsight is always 20/20, the questions generally ignore the situation as it was in 1998, when the strategic plan for the re-organisation and expansion of the sugar industry was formulated. We must not only take this strategic plan into consideration as a matter of historical clarification, but also as a practical exercise that might shed some light on a path for the industry going forward. Right up front, the goal was to increase production of sugar from the 350,000+ tonnes that the industry would achieve the following year to a new plateau approaching 500,000 tonnes annually. The major justification for this decision was that the European Union (EU) had signed the Lome Protocol, which guaranteed Guyana a market for at least 167,000 tonnes at a price far above the world market levels. And this agreement was to exist “in perpetuity”. With hindsight, one can assert that “nothing lasts forever”, but at the time, no one could believe that the Europeans would unilaterally walk away from a contract signed when the price was very attractive to them and which benefited their very powerful beet sugar producers. Also, at that time, sugar markets were dominated by agreements exemplified by the Lome Protocol and the world market’s very low price was actually a residual price that bore very little relation to fundamental supply and demand for the commodity. But even with the attractive European price, it was conceded that Guyana was a high-cost sugar producer and that we needed to lower it to generate even higher profits. Efficiencies of scale was one way to bring down production costs, while focusing on the expansion in Berbice, which historically had always been the lowest-cost production region because of more optimum soils and rainfall. Albion, also on the Corentyne, Berbice, at that time was the most efficient and modern factory, while the 1998 strategic plan envisaged its expansion, there were insufficient new lands available to provide canes for the expansion. Skeldon, on the other hand, had the oldest factory that would soon need to be replaced and, additionally, was surrounded by large swathes of suitable land. More to the point, the land was going to be in private hands which satisfied the World Bank’s demand that at least 30 per cent of the sugar canes for the expanded production come from this source. And this, in a nutshell, was the reason for the Skeldon Modernisation Project. The present critics completely ignore the fact that the World Bank signed off on the project. While the opposition has been very vocal in its criticisms of the project, it was completely mute even after implementation kicked off in 2004. By that time, the Economic Services Committee, in which the opposition alternated the chair with the government, examined executives of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on several occasions. It was also mute on the concessional financing by China Exim Bank [Export-Import Bank of China] which led to the selection of China National Technology Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC) as the Skeldon contractor. The fundamentals of the project were sound and we should all get behind fixing the problems.

Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Franciso Olguín greets a student in Parikwaranau village, Region Nine. The ambassador was among safarians who experienced the inaugural Rupununi safari which moved off on November 26 from Tower Hotel, Georgetown, with seven vehicles to undertake a journey of over 527 miles (GINA photo)

After emancipation, the choices then and now Dear Editor, Let’s get off of who suffered more and get down to comparing basics. Since 175 years after emancipation, what has been done to significantly get over Black non-economic self-sufficiency except blaming others? Indentured logie lifestyle was no bed of roses, but seeks no acknowledgement for any or constant entitlement. Jonathan Adams in his lengthy letter on November 24 in another newspaper, titled “A comprehensive effort was made to destroy the African presence in business”, which responded to my letter of November 18, titled “Indians still strive for progress even outside Guyana where the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has absolutely no power”, is most welcomed and refreshing. Does Black consciousness and advocacy justifiably crown anyone a Black supremacist? Slavery in the Caribbean, with its heinousness, has always been condemned. Yes, all the contributions of slaves clearing jungle, and infrastructure building are historical and commendable. So where do we go from here? Considering that Adams equally blamed the colonial rulers and the pre-colonial PPP government (19571964) for shutting Blacks out of business, who are responsible and what has been achieved to fix it, Adams assigns no blame to the emancipated People’s National Congress (PNC) with its 28 years of absolute power. PNC’s stacking of the public service with its supporters and shutting out Indians are excused as an effect, not a cause. Dr Eric Williams Black-based

People’s National Movement (PNM), with some 50 years of uninterrupted political power, achieved through immigrant Grenadian voter banks and vote rigging machines built up a strong black middle class. Forbes Burnham’s PNC neither built up the Black middle class nor a vibrant Black business class. Adams surely cannot fail to see the ironic pride in the quoted significant achievements by enslaved peoples when PNC’s brilliance, its absolute power and clutching Guyana’s independence trophy aloft ruined Guyana. When these issues are blamed, as usual, always, on someone else, where is the motivation for genuine Black economic self-sufficiency instead of piggyback shared government rather than federalism? After two Black emancipations and historical lamentation of black non-economic self-sufficiency, shouldn’t the current outdated ill equipped Black leadership be held accountable and be replaced? Indians were subjected to racial discriminations by both their colonial masters and increasingly by the PNC government from entering the public service. What choice was available but to resort to private business while the majority remained in agriculture? Without doubt, the seeding for Indian entrepreneurship was achieved only by personal self-sacrifice and absolutely without any taxpayers’ funding whatsoever. In fact, PNC policies were deliberately crafted to kill private, especially Indian owned business after the Portuguese exodus from Guyana. Only the PNC established import controlling External Trade Bureau

(ETB) had legal authority to import goods to Guyana and resell it. Likewise the PPP’s original Rice Marketing Board (RMB) headed by Mooneer Khan was replaced by the PNC replacement Guyana Rice Board (GRB) which legally bought all farmers rice and was the only authorised exporter. Food distribution (and its banning) was therefore another critical means by which the PNC imposed control to maintain power. With emancipated slaves purchasing many villages they were also free to remain on the land to achieve selfsufficiency. Many did so. It was Adams’ proud affirmation (with no source) that in 1854, there were 173 plantations producing sugar in the (British Guiana) colony and that, by the end of their (freed slaves) acquisition of land in the form of plantation purchases, Africans had acquired approximately 188 estates more than were under cultivation in 1854. Indeed, when freed slaves acquired 15 extra plantations, “more than were under cultivation in 1854” it demonstrated excellent thrift and resilience. Adams can explain why such an enviable achievement by the unpaid and uneducated is nowadays without any emulation when contrasted with the educated brilliance of today’s PNC and others which ruined Guyana. Since Indians were regarded as uncultured pagans and backward, both by the Black and White establishment, they became objects of scorn and just “good for nothing”. But with Black people’s advanced association with Eurocentric culture and education, it made them readymade allies with the colonial masters.

During slavery, only the colonial masters were immediate beneficiaries of black depravity. When all other indentured labourers left the fields, Indians continued toiling there, producing sugar and rice which provided profits and revenue for all in Guyana. After independence Indians came under even more intense emancipated PNC subjugation for 28 years with its colonial slave master mentality atop a horse. That Dr Cheddi Jagan’s post-1992 PPP/C government shunned mass prosecution of PNC leaders for their plunder of the treasury is another story. That the current PPP/C government continues to provide huge taxpayers revenue to specifically encourage and fund Black businesses speaks for itself. Building houses at cheap prices for Amerindians is quite understandable. But Indians had no such good fortune from any political party in power. Thanks to their culture, its non-violent history, religious beliefs, thriftiness and disciplined sacrifices, they endured to be independent of any daily government largesse and exclusive subsidised upkeep. Why should they culturally conform to realisation to coexist? As immigrants outside of Guyana they still achieved progress. In the meantime, Adams’ blame games need serious revaluation. Guyana would indeed be a paradise if we have better leaders, considering the PNC will inevitably be the next government running Guyana’s plural society. Sincerely, Vassan Ramracha

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 4, 2013

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

“Pick It Up Guyana” campaign misrepresented

Dear Editor, In response to an article which was placed on the November 29 online edition of INEWS (www.inewsguyana.com), the “Pick it up Guyana” campaign wishes to respond to the statements by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) regarding the effectiveness of the campaign, which is a drive to clean up our country through clean-up exercises, public awareness and collaborations among other governmental agencies, businesses and local communities. The campaign is an initiative of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of which it encourages all citizens to join the efforts being made and clean up their community as part of the campaign to adopt more environmentally sound practices, to rid our environment of the unsightly litter and garbage. While components of the

campaign include supporting community clean-ups and other environmental enhancement initiatives, the campaign seeks to address one of the main causes of improper solid waste management, the attitudes of citizens towards their environment through various public awareness tools, inclusive of on-going education sessions with students and community groups, and volunteer empowerment workshops hosted in various regions across the country. Additionally, the ministry provides policy directive in this regard through the drafting of the anti-litter regulations, and imposing a ban on Styrofoam importation effective June 2014. It must be noted that the collection and final disposal of garbage falls under the purview of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Local Government and Regional Development

Ministry through its Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). Further, the Local Government Ministry is the lead agency on solid waste management. As such the ministry is currently finalising its solid waste management bill which is expected to enhance the on-going efforts for a healthier environment. Meanwhile, the “Pick it up Guyana” Campaign is disappointed that INEWS did not seek clarification before publishing such inaccuracies by discrediting the efforts and achievements of the campaign which is still on-going and receiving the support of all agencies, government ministries and the business sector etc. Parmanand Persaud Stakeholders’ Support Officer Natural Resources and Environment Ministry

Fire sprinklers are 99.9 per cent effective Dear Editor, It saddens me to see so many of my fellow Guyanese lose their homes, businesses or even loved ones to fires. And the number of these disasters seems to be multiplying as the years go by and yet Guyanese fail to give fire safety any importance, especially the business class. Fire sprinklers are 99.9 per cent effective in stopping or extinguishing a fire and are mandatory in all commercial buildings, hotels, gas stations and any mid to high risk fire environment around

the world. Such laws should be implemented in Guyana as well, making fire sprinklers mandatory for all commercial and mid to high risk buildings. As the building sector is developing, there are no safety laws against fire protection, not only for the building’s owner but its occupants and the insurance companies that provide coverage. Fire sprinklers are the most effective way of stopping a fire and saving lives and damages to properties. The government of Guyana should

take this into strong consideration and implement fire sprinkler laws immediately for commercial buildings and the safety and protection of our people. I would like to thank you for providing me with the opportunity to pen my views and concerns. Vishul Ishwaridin, Chief Executive Officer Fire Sprinkler & Safety Equipment Services

Flooding a consequence of infighting between chairman and town council Dear Editor, Residents of Cotton Field and the township have been flooded over the past week. Their businesses, cash crops, fowls and animals were all under water because the pumps were not working on schedule at the Anna Regina koker. The internal drains and trenches within the township have been clogged for almost five years without any maintenance because the Anna Regina Town Council backhoe, which was bought for $20 million in 1996, had its fuel pump stolen by a security officer. This backhoe is now lying in the council’s compound as a white elephant, for years, and long before the first flood in 2005. Continuing rain fall throughout the years and floodwaters have damaged taxpayers properties and businesses suffered losses. Another issue is that the town council and the regional administration are challenged by a lack of qualified personnel, while the infrastructure is threatened. There is serious infighting between the regional chairman, the Water Users

Association and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) as to who should maintain drainage within the township. While the infighting continues, the people are made to suffer. We see the need for high-level, integrated thinking about issues that will affect us for the next 10 years with flooding, as climate change and global warming are here on us. Action must be swift. There is a certain urgency to clean the clogged trenches and internal drains, because we are facing challenges today that other coastal regions will not face for another 25 years or 30 years. Many schools, including the Anna Regina Multilateral, public buildings, churches, community centres, businesses and the Anna Regina markets had to be closed because of the flash flood. On November 29, the multilateral school had to be closed. At 16:30h, the students from interior locations, Wakenaam and Bartica were left stranded because the dormitory had to be closed, the

kitchen was flooded and the students had to seek shelter at nearby residents overnight, as there was no other arrangement in place for them. Over the years, the government has made massive investments in the region. The millions of dollars spent on sea defences, river defences, pumps, drainage and irrigation systems, education and roads. There has been investment in training for Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Neighbourhood Democratic Council NDC’s and town council officers to create favourable conditions for efficient management of the region. But we the taxpayers have never gotten real benefits from these investments. What these central government and local government bodies fail to do to avert this flash flood will have lasting consequences on the national government and they won’t be able to turn back the clock of losses. Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

wednesday, december 4, 2013

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Foundation

Social phobia

Public speaking for children BY ANDRIES SMIT

Public speaking for children: don’t force it

All parents want the best for their children. This is easier said than done. But often parents can set standards so high that wanting the best can actually lead to the worst: you pressurise your child, you over-protect them and overwhelm them with extracurricular activities: they get bogged down by routine and lose the sparks of spontaneity and curiosity which make childhood, indeed life, a fascinating experience. With this in mind, we are keen to stress that though public speaking skills can provide incredible value and enjoyment to your child’s life, don’t make them take up this art form if their hearts are not entirely in it. Test the waters. Try out some public speaking games and activities in your own home before enrolling them in a club. But don’t force them. You can download our e-book to provide an inexpensive introduction to your child to test the waters, before throwing them in at the deep end of entering competitions and such if they would like to advance. While public speaking is a skill that is developed rather than lying innate, it requires a foundation of interest to develop from. This interest cannot be forced. If all your friend’s children are

getting into public speaking that is great for them. But your child is a unique individual with unique interests. Work to find what makes your child tick, what they are interested in and also where they need to be patiently and productively challenged. Ultimately, if your child finds a hobby that they enjoy they can learn the core skills and develop the foundational attributes required for speaking well in public later in life: communication skills, confidence and assertiveness. So in a nutshell, don’t push your child to do something they don’t want to do. Even if that is public speaking! That may sound odd coming from us, but we are here to provide you with the best possible advice to help you provide the best possible childhood for your child.

The benefits of poetry for public speaking

Getting children to become great at public speaking first requires the expanding of their minds, the cultivating of their imaginations and a grasp of basic communication skills – reading, writing, talking. One of the best ways to develop all of the above is by encouraging your child to read a lot. A love of literature will stretch your child’s potential beyond any limitations.

But how do you get your children interested in literature? Ultimately,

not

something you can force onto your child. You may find they are more inclined to the sports field than the library. But you and they will not know if they like reading beyond the necessary school books unless they give it a try. Some children steer naturally towards being avid readers. Others may benefit from a gentle nudge. A fun way to get reluctant children into reading is through poetry. Short, fun and entertaining poems could spark in them a love of words and exploration of themes through the written and spoken word. From here they may expand into short stories, novels, magazines and newspapers. Poetry is often taught in schools across the world as a one off project: a published poet will come into the school and run a one day workshop. This often encourages children to start reading more and taking language more seriously. This is an essential thing for children who want to express themselves through public speaking and all the benefits that entails.

Popular questions about public speaking for children

Q: How can parents calm a child who has a public speaking opportunity in school? A: Parents would be wise to tell their children that public speaking is a learning process. It can take a while to get used to

and there is no harm in not getting it perfect the first time. They should also give them breathing exercises. Five seconds breathing in, five seconds hold, five seconds breathing out, repeat five times. They should do this whenever they feel nervous thinking about the speech (except during the speech of course) and certainly just before they take the stage. Q: How can parents raise a child’s confidence when it comes to public speaking? A: Practise, practise, practise. Confidence grows from success. A parent’s task is to create small opportunities that ensure their child can succeed. For example, asking the child to deliver a short speech at home and giving feedback on the good points only (for the first speech only). As their confidence grows look at enrolling them in a local public speaking club that focuses on children – the way adults learn is different. At such a club they will meet like-minded children, will be able to receive constant feedback and experiment with different speech and delivery styles, and maybe even win a few competitions which is always a confidence booster. (publicspeak-

ingforkids.org)

TO BE CONTINUED

t’s natural to feel selfconscious, nervous, or shy in front of others at times. Anyone can have a racing heart, sweaty palms, or fluttering stomach when trying out for chorus, asking someone on a first date, or giving a class presentation. Most people manage to get through these moments when they need to. But for some, the anxiety that goes with feeling shy or self-conscious can be extreme. It can seem so unbearable that they might feel too nervous to give answers in class, be unable to make eye contact with classmates in the hallway, or avoid chatting with others at the lunch table. When people feel so self-conscious and anxious that it prevents them from speaking up or socialising most of the time, it’s probably more than shyness. It may be an anxiety condition called social phobia.

What is social phobia? Social phobia (also called social anxiety) is a type of anxiety problem. Extreme feelings of shyness and self-consciousness build into a powerful fear. As a result, a person feels uncomfortable participating in everyday social situations. People with social phobia can usually interact easily with family and a few close friends. But meeting new people, talking in a group, or speaking in public can cause their extreme shyness to kick in. With social phobia, a person’s extreme shyness, self-consciousness, and fears of embarrassment get in the way of life. Instead of enjoying social activities, people with social phobia might dread them – and avoid some of them altogether. The fear reaction Like other phobias, social phobia is a fear reaction to something that isn’t actually dangerous – although the body and mind react as if the danger is real. This means that someone feels physical sensations of fear, like a faster heartbeat and breathing. These are part of the body’s fight-flight response. They’re caused by a rush of adrenaline and other chemicals that prepare the body to either fight or make a quick getaway. This biological mechanism kicks in when we feel afraid. It’s a built-in nervous system response that alerts us to danger so we can protect ourselves. With social phobia, this response gets activated too frequently, too strongly, and in situations where it’s out of place. Because the physical sensations that go with the response are real – and sometimes quite strong – the danger seems real, too. So the person will react by freezing up, and will feel unable to interact. (kids health) TO BE CONTINUED

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wednesday, december 4, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Health Ministry unveils strategy to tackle chronic diseases

he Health Ministry in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) on Monday launched the Guyana Strategic Plan for the Integrated Prevention and Control of Chronic NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors strategy 2013-2020. The official document for the plan was handed over to Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran by PAHO/WHO representative, Adrianus Vlugman at the launching ceremony which was held at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston. The plan’s guidelines and policies which when implemented will see a reduction of chronic diseases and related risk factors in Guyana. Minister Ramsaran said that the launch was significant and forms part of the growing partnership between the ministry and PAHO/WHO, a long-standing partner of the health sector. Minister Ramsaran stated that the ministry fully endorses the plan and will be vigorously implementing those policies through various physical and educational programmes. “To make this sustainable, we have to have health in all policies… we must have the whole of government and society’s efforts involved,” Minister Ramsaran pointed out. Heart disease, diabe-

tes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are common NCDs responsible for the deaths of about 36 million people every year due to poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Minister Ramsaran added that while the strategy is good, the ministry will be looking at other programmes to ensure that persons lead an active lifestyle. He said that the workplace plays a major role in the daily lives in most persons, and urged that employers make available the necessary space for physical activities for their employees.

Wellness Warriors Club

The Wellness Warriors Club, which is expected to be launched in a few days time, will be facilitating several physical activities. Minister Ramsaran said that the ministry is currently looking at land space close to the ministry on Brickdam to establish a wellness park so as to promote physical activities for agencies in that vicinity. The ministry will also be engaging schools to adopt the concept of Wellness Warriors and to ensure that the country’s youths live a healthy lifestyle through physical education and recreational activities. “We hope that we will be able to train every senior student in such a way that they will be

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran at the launch of the Strategic Plan for the Integrated Prevention and Control of Chronic NonCommunicable Diseases and their risk factors strategy 20132020, at Duke Lodge, Kingston

competent to be able to test blood pressure and sugar so you will not have a nurse or medex doing such simple tasks,” the minister said. He further stated that the ministry will also be clamping down on the school canteens and enhancing its policy so as to have the students purchase healthier food. The ministry intends to heighten the strategy by working with larger groups of organised persons such as Qualfon, and the banks. He expressed gratitude to PAHO/WHO and all those who had a part to

play to make the Integrated Prevention and Control of Chronic non-communicable diseases and their risk factors (NCD) strategy a reality.

Multi sectoral approach

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who gave an overview of the NCDs Strategy 2013-2020, stressed that a vast multisectoral approach is needed to ensure that the policies are effectively implemented. He said that the plan complements the numerous programmes that the

ministry has in place to ensure that the nation’s people are healthy. Meanwhile, PAHO/WHO representative Adrianus Vlugman also said that the launch was momentous and that the organisation was pleased that such an event was held as the ministry celebrated its 111th anniversary on Tuesday. “This plan is a great achievement,” he said, and acknowledged that it will equip persons to stay healthy and prevent those diseases. In 2005, the conference of heads of government in Caricom took a decision to convene a summit that would facilitate a multi-sector, comprehensive and integrated response to the issue of NCDs in the Caribbean. In September 2007, at the Caricom summit on NCDs, the Declaration of Port of Spain (PoS) was pronounced under the theme “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases”. This declaration provided a framework for policies and programmes across government ministries, the private sector, civil society, the media, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academia and the community, “to make the right choice the easy choice”. Since then, the government of Guyana through the Health Ministry held

numerous public and interministry consultations to establish a strategic plan. This draws on internationally recognised best practices and will achieve sustainability from the administration’s well established commitment to funding the response and wider Health Ministry initiatives to mobilise other partners, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

8 news

wednesday, december 4, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Seven Berbicians fined for drunk driving

even Berbicians appeared in court on Monday charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and were fined a total of $52,500. This occurred as the traffic department in B Division steps up its campaign to make the county’s roads safer. Driving under the influence of alcohol has been a major concern of the traffic department, according to divisional commander, Assistant Police Commissioner Brian Joseph. The senior officer recently said that driving under the influence was one of the major reasons for accidents in Berbice. On Sunday, the division launched a campaign to

nab persons who got behind the wheels after consuming more than the legal amount of alcohol. Seven drivers appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday charged with the offence of driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the police prosecutor, Sergeant Philip Sheriff, the drivers, all male, were found with more than 35 micrograms of alcohol (the legal limit) in their breath. Six of the drivers were arrested along the Lewis Manor section of the East Berbice Public Road on Sunday, while the other was arrested on Saturday in East Canje. Ganesh Lall pleaded

guilty to the charge, which stated that he committed the offence while driving motor car PEE 2257. He had 40 micrograms of alcohol in his breath. Also pleading guilty was Nanlall Seepaul of Montrose, East Cost Demerara. He had 75 micrograms of alcohol in his breath while driving motor vehicle GEE 6480. Rajendra Mangroo of Rosignol had 59 micrograms of alcohol in his breath while driving motor vehicle PGG 74. Intiaz Ally was the most intoxicated driver, with 72 micrograms of alcohol in his breath. The 26-yearold was driving motor vehicle PRR 1847 at the time,

while 46-year-old Deneshwar Tribliwou of Canefield, East Canje had 57 micrograms of alcohol in his breath while driving motor vehicle PFF 5354. Wazir Ghanie of Gangaram, East Canje, was caught with 53 micrograms of alcohol in his breath while driving motor cycle CG 1852. All of the drivers caught on Sunday pleaded guilty to the offence and were each fined $7500. Mahesh Parmanand, of Betsy Ground, East Canje, was the driver caught on Saturday while driving motor car PEE 3355, with 62 micrograms of alcohol in his breath. He too pleaded guilty to the charge and was also fined $7500.

Eyew tness Caribbean... ...meltdown arbados is in the throes of a reality check. For the longest while they’d been riding the wave of tourists from the booming European and U.S. economies. When that boom exploded – which all booms do eventually...hence the origin of the term “boom!!!” – Barbados had to crash. Well, it’s not been exactly a “crash and burn” right now – but it does look like they’re getting there fast. News is, they’re going to fire 3000 workers from the public service. Now can you imagine 3000 of those supercilious Bajan bureaucrats walking the dole line? It ain’t going to be a pretty sight. These are people who’ve gotten fat feeding off the fat from the public trough... ordering Chinese take-away from their air-conditioned offices. While we’re all cut-up about the firing of workers on principle – being Guyanese, your Eyewitness, is, of course, a leftist – we do hope if the deed has to be done, some of those Bajan immigration officers are part of the lot walking the streets. Economists talk about “price elasticity of demand”.... And, as usual, they’re just throwing around words they’ve made up to describe things you and I already know. They do this to make us think they’re “educated”... And to charge the big bucks. Anyhow, when we apply the “elasticity” idea to Bajan tourism... all it means is that if the people who take vacations earn less (or no) money...they’re going to cut back on things like vacations. They figure they’re not going to die if they don’t hop on that plane to Barbados in the winter – even though the whining of the kids and wife might suggest otherwise. So we say that the demand for vacations is very elastic... it’ll drop precipitously as the money will be spent on things considered more important. Like food. Anyhow, we don’t think that things are going to look up in old Bimshire anytime soon – even if incomes up North rise. There’s a whole lot of other places that’ve dropped their prices (among other things) to lure the tourists. The Bajans just can’t compete any more. A rational person would suggest that the Bajans could adapt and accept smaller salaries...but then that assumes Bajans are “rational”. Which is a most ridiculous assumption. Bajans aren’t going to get off their high horses...they have lost the ability to walk like ordinary people – like the rest of the Caribbean. They only know Gangam Style! But your Eyewitness holds no grudges. He’s willing to have them immigrate to our mudland, like they did in the 19th century to work in our cane fields. We have a labour shortage here. And according to the sugar maven Tony Vieira, the cane cutters are earning a fortune.

...medical spliff Jamaica’s also been going through some hard times. Positively Dickensian. Part of the problem is the same bottom falling out of the tourism market. Right now they’re in the clutches of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)... which, according to Forbes Burnham means “International Mother F***er”. And Burnham was intimately acquainted with the species whereof he spoke. So we can understand the strain Jamaicans are going through. But trust the resiliency of those hardy folks...bred from Maroon stocks. One professor...a real one with a Ph D and everything ...not the Bush Doctor types we have in Guyana...has come up with a solution to the whole problem. He’s decided to open up a “Medical Marijuana Company” in Jamaica. Well...why not? Up north, there’re scores of places that offer “medical marijuana”. The scientific evidence is unimpeachable. The Jamaican ganja is the gold standard! The professor says the product can solve the “mid-life crisis” in men. This patriotic Caribbean Eyewitness is willing to be a test guinea pig! ...racists The Dominican Republic announced details of their citizenship plans. It’s nothing less than the Caribbean version of Hitler’s master-race programme – with Haitians as the lesser humans.

news

wednesday, december 4, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Broadcasting authority moving Shaddick slams KN reports on to sue non-compliant entities Telecor’s radio licence

he board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) will soon commence legal action against broadcasters who are in breach of the law, chairman of the entity Bibi Shaddick said. The chairman disclosed that the board is looking to acquire three attorneys to file lawsuits against the errant broadcasters who have not been issued licences to continue operations beyond the end of this year. She told media operatives on Tuesday that very soon the delinquent entities could be taken to court, noting that the relevant provisions of the Broadcast Act will be fully implemented. Shaddick did not state how many media entities are yet to receive their licences, but she did say that the list is long. She said some of the entities on the list have received approval letters, but have made no attempt to apply for their licences, citing the owner of Tarzie Television Station in Bartica as an example. She also noted that HGPTV is expected to cease broadcasting on two channels, one of which had been approved for the station to broadcast from Georgetown. The chairman said the station has since relocated its transmitter to Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, where it was continuing to broadcast. Several stations have been granted approval to acquire licences, despite the October 31 deadline having passed. Nine broadcasting entities that have submitted their relevant documentation for licences to continue operations were recently present-

GNBA Chairman Bibi Shaddick

ed with their licence certificates by the GNBA. Five television stations were presented with their licences, namely Television Guyana Incorporated (TVG), GWTV Channel 2, Pinnacle Communication Incorporated, Multi Technology Vision (MTV) Incorporated and CNS Incorporated. Those receiving radio licences were Radio Guyana Incorporated (RGI) and Telecor, Cultural and Broadcasting Incorporated. Cable licences were granted to Atlantic Cable and E-Networks. In addition to these, other entities have been granted approval to apply for their licences. These include Movie Star Inc, Star TV Channel 102, WRHM Inc, 21st Century Communications, Rambarran Broadcasting Systems, HGPTV, NCN TV, NCN Radio, New Guyana Radio, AMG Radio, Wireless Connections, Linden Wireless Communication Network and Pinnacle Communications Radio, Bartica Communications

Network (Cable) and Uramco Cables. Meanwhile, it was also noted that the Guyana Learning Channel will benefit from waiver spectrum and broadcast fees. The channel has been registered as a trust.

he Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has cleared the air on the issuance of a radio licence to Telecor, while slamming the Kaietuer News for alleged misinformation on the issue. GNBA Chairman Bibi Shaddick told media operatives at a press conference on Tuesday that the articles published in the Kaieteur News as it relates to Telecor’s licence are inaccurate and written to mislead the public. Shaddick in slamming the news outfit, called on its publisher to display greater accountability and stop the sensationalisation. “To wake up one day and say the issuance of the licence was premature because they only have five Guyanese living here… all of that is sensationalism and I don’t want to be the subject of any newspaper’s sensationalism,” Shaddick asserted.

Shaddick added that the company was qualified for the licence in accordance with the Broadcasting Act, and was therefore licensed to operate. The GNBA chairman explained that if a company is registered here, it is a legal entity, as provisions are made for this in the Companies Act. Shaddick noted that it does not matter where the owner of the company lives. “We were satisfied that the directors of the company were Guyanese nationals,” she added. According to her, whether the company chooses to change its directors a day or two after, that is the company’s business. It was noted that unless there is a breach in the law, then the company could be sanctioned. Telecor Company Director Dharamchand Depoo had provided the media with reasons the licence was granted, stating that it is legal and binding in every

aspect. Telecor said it was one of the first applicants for a radio licence in Guyana. The company, which was incorporated as a Guyanese company since 2009, was always compliant with the Company’s Act of Guyana and was never in default. Depoo also stated that all of its directors are Guyanese with four of the five residing in Guyana. This means that about 80 per cent of the directors who would have voting rights for the company would be resident Guyanese. The law only requires 51 per cent. While the original shareholder lives in the U.S., she is a Guyanese. The Broadcast Act speaks about being a Guyanese and not on the issue of place of residence as is being peddled by the Kaieteur News. The Kaietuer News had challenged the court’s decision, as it relates to the licensing for Telecor, but its lawsuit was thrown out.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, December 4, 2013

News

Govt seeks to shore up revenue, accountability in mining sector G overnment is moving to improve the level of transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, particularly mining, as it looks to hire consultants to undertake a scoping study of the adoption of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This undertaking is being advanced through the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, which has begun to advertise the consultancy in the local and international media, as well as on the e-procurement website. According to a release from the ministry, Guyana is a resource-based economy and the extractive industries are an important source of employment, income, and government revenue. The sector occupies a central place in the economy owing to attractive commodity prices, the availability of mining properties, production increases, and techno-

logical improvements. With further hydrocarbon exploration, the resumption of manganese mining, increased production of bauxite and gold, and a boost in minerals prospecting, the extractive sector is expected to continue growing rapidly.

Global standard

The EITI is a global standard aimed at improving revenue transparency and accountability in the extractives sector. Established in 2002, the initiative has become a robust yet flexible methodology for monitoring and reconciling company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining at the country level. The implementation of the EITI standard has two main components: the disclosure of payments to the government from private companies, and the disclosure of receipts from the government, by means of an annual report and the constitution of a Multi-Stakeholder Group

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

(MSG) – including representatives from the government, the private sector, and civil society groups – responsible for overseeing the process and communicating the findings of the EITI report. In 2012, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry re-engaged the EITI International Secretariat to implement the initiative in Guyana. This request

was followed by the visit of the EITI International Secretariat Manager Jonas Moberg, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2012 to assist Guyana in its preparation for EITI candidacy. The ministry has since participated in several EITI conferences and workshops in an effort to build local capacity in understanding the EITI processes. Moreover, in February 2013, the ministry formally established an MSG for consideration of Guyana’s potential candidacy. As per the EITI standard, the MSG is responsible for the identification of goals to be achieved through EITI compliance as well as the implementation of the actions necessary to realise those targets; its composition is a critical step for countries intending to implement the EITI.

Technical advice

As part of its commitment to exploring the implementation of the EITI in countries in the Latin American and the Caribbean region, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank are providing technical advice to the Guyana government. In addition, the EITI Secretariat has provided guidance on the content of the mandatory feasibility and scoping studies. The former is to identify the challenges and opportunities of EITI implementation, and the latter, to determine the scope of EITI reporting. Scoping and feasibility studies help assess challenges and opportunities associated with EITI implementation and determine the scope of the EITI reporting. Continued on page 11

Stripping pressie

atiricus marvelled at the poll fella from New York. Not because he seemed to be the ultimate globe trotter (imagine the frequent-flyer miles!) but at how he could write about anything under the sun. And even under the moon. Anyhow, Satiricus was intrigued at the jet-setter's proposal to strip the president of his powers. And on the man's second anniversary in office. Satiricus, like the frequent flyer, was a bit leery about fellas with too much powers. Look at Superman. If it wasn't for the fear of Kryptonite, he bet mild-mannered Clark Kent would've changed into something quite a lot different than the caped do-gooder who made Lois Lane's heart go pit-a-pat. Satiricus felt that something had to be done about the president with so many powers. Even Jagan had succumbed to the temptations of too many powers, claimed the NY fella who was also a pollster. Even though Jagan had criticised the old dictator Burnham for having all those powers, he hadn't stripped them from himself when he was elected. But the keen observer of Guyana's affairs had admitted Jagan hadn't used those powers to harm anyone. Like Burnham had done. So Satiricus wondered in his hazy way if it wasn't just a matter of having powers – but the kind of fellas we elect to the presidency and how they used those powers? Then Satiricus remembered a whole deal of presidential power-stripping had gone on in 2000 – with both the PPCEE and PNCEE putting in their two cents worth. Not to mention everyone who, like the famous pollster, were constitutional experts. At that time, Satiricus, knowing he wasn't in the league with those fellas, hadn't bothered to submit his proposal: that the president ought to be given the power to fly (like Superman). But Satiricus was still upset at all the powers pressie still had. He tried to think of the ones he would strip. There was the power to propose projects to develop Guyana. "But hold it," thought Satiricus. "Nowadays, pressie can propose but he can't dispose! Look how GrainJa and Rum Jhaat stop all them projects like hydro and the hospital and so on!" "Well, what about the power to tell people to write all kinds of nice things about he and the government?" Said Satiricus to Satiricus in his mind. "That's a neat power." If he had that power he'd tell the world how he was smart just like that pollster from NY. "But hold it!" exclaimed Satiricus aloud. "GrainJa and Rum Jhaat already gone with that! No Geena...no promo!." "About the only power left," realised Satiricus, "was to cut ribbons and kiss babies at openings." Maybe they could stop him from kissing babies.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, DEcEMBER 4, 2013

Civic groups urge men to help fight domestic violence

ivil society experts are calling for more men to become involved in the response to the escalating pandemic of genderbased violence in Guyana, a report by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) said. The call was made at a film screening and panel discussion hosted by the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), and its partners in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The film screening and panel discussion, which was held at Moray House, Georgetown, was the kick-off awarenessraising event for the 16 days of activism to end genderbased violence which culminates on December 10 − Human Rights Day.

Gender-based violence

Two films were screened to stimulate the panel discussion about gender-based violence. The first “Audre Lorde − The Berlin Years: 1984 - 1992”, produced and donated by Dr Dagmar Schultz, chronicles the years of acclaimed black feminist, lesbian poet and activist, Audre Lorde spent in Berlin, and her contributions to the Afro-German women’s movement and her contributions to the German discourse on racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism, classism, and homophobia within the black movement, and the black and white women’s movement. The second film, “Voices of Survivors” is a short documentary produced by Red Thread which shares the heart-wrenching stories of Guyanese women who have suffered domestic violence. Both films proved very insightful and catalysed dis-

From left to right: GRPA Executive Director, Reverend Patricia Sherrattan-Bisnauth, SASOD Cochair Joel Simpson and Help and Shelter representative Danuta Radzik after the panel discussion

cussions on respecting differences and the influence of religion on the socio-cultural norms which lead to gender-based violence. Much of the discussion centred on how some faith-based organisations perpetuate this violence; and conversely, the role of religious institutions as safe spaces and places of solace for victims of gender-based violence. Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Executive Director, Reverend Patricia Sherratan-Bisnauth, pointed out that the church is breaking its silence and speaking up against domestic violence.

Leadership role

Also speaking on the panel was African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) Executive Director Eric Phillips who called for more men to be involved in the movement to end genderbased violence, but also contended that women’s leadership, especially political leadership, is very important

Govt seeks to... The objective of the assignment is to produce a study which will inform the MSG’s discussions regarding the scope and implications of the implementation of the 2013 EITI standard for Guyana’s extractive industries. The consultants’ assignment will consist of two parts: a detailed study to assess Guyana’s extractive industry and to highlight opportunities and challenges of EITI implementation; and dissemination of results and capacity building. The study will consist of three sections: information/context; information for and scope of the EITI; and the cost/benefit analysis and work plan. The ministry said the benefits include an improved investment climate by providing a clear signal to investors and international financial institutions that the government is committed to greater transparency. EITI also assists in strengthening

From page 10

accountability and good governance, as well as promoting greater economic and political stability. Subject minister Robert Persaud is said to have underlined the importance of transparency, and the need to enhance public financial management and accountability, the release stated. The minister said his ministry believes in the principle and practice of accountability by and for all citizens in the stewardship of revenue streams and public expenditure. “Hence, we are committed to encouraging high standards of transparency and accountability of government operations through the contributions of stakeholders, including the government and their agencies, extractive industry companies, service companies, multilateral organisations, financial organisations, investors, and non-governmental organisations,” he said, according to the release.

to this issue. The other panelists were Karen De Souza of Red Thread and Daunta Radzik of Help and Shelter. They all noted that the level of violence within the family is

alarming and that more has to be done to discourage others from being passive onlookers whenever abuse is occurring. De Souza pointed out that religious organisations need to be part of a

comprehensive national plan to end gender-based violence and that the message has to come from them that “as important as the family is, it cannot be erected as more important than the safety of the women and children of the family”. Radzik commented that violence exists because of inequalities in relationships between men and women and that, to some degree, it is perpetuated by fear. “The fears and prejudices that suppress women are similar in nature to those that lead to discrimination against homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender,” Radzik added.

Other recommendations

Other recommendations from the panel and the audience include the need to address violence against children, and expanding the health and family life education curriculum to include topics about sexuality and

violence. There was also a call for the strengthening of institutional frameworks created to protect victims of genderbased violence and for material resources to be provided to support persons to leave abusive relationships. The discussions were moderated by SASOD’s Co-chair Joel Simpson. Partnering with the GEF to host the event were the GRPA, Red Thread, Help and Shelter, The Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church, the Guyana Rainbow Foundation and SASOD. The GEF is a network of civil society groups working cohesively to achieve equality and realise human rights for all Guyanese. The GEF is currently chaired by Red Thread while SASOD serves as its administrative secretariat. The event was funded by the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice through SASOD.

12 news

wednesday, December 4, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Floodwaters flatten Canal Number Man fined $40,000 for threatening behaviour Two Polder farmlands – some residents without tap water

armers of Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara are counting their losses after flooding caused by the weed-choked drainage canal in the community. Residents are frustrated by the incompletion of proper drainage works by the contractors. Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, some of the farmers complained about the sloppy work of the contractors who were hired to clear the main drainage canal. One resident noted that they were unaware of the correct name of the contractor, but stated that he only dug a few inches into the canal instead of three feet. As a result, any amount of rainfall brings with it major flooding, which often destroy cash crops. When asked the approximate amount of their losses, one farmer said: “Me lose ‘bout $300,000 to $400,000 in last week flood.” Several other farmers said farming is their only means of income and due to the lack of proper drainage, they are greatly affected. Another farmer said that when they lose their crops they are often not compensated, not even with some free seeds.

This weed-filled drainage canal is in dire need of clearing

Another farmer added that while former President Bharrat Jagdeo was in office, he had asked for the drainage canal to be cleaned. The farmers are blaming the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in the area for not taking any action despite their continuous cries and complaints to have the main drainage canal cleared. “Today, two rangers from the NDC come in, they inspect de work, an jus seh that de work is not pleasing, an then them left.” Guyana Times tried to

make contact with officials of the NDC but was unsuccessful. Farmers are also calling on the agriculture and public works ministries to investigate the matter since the NDC is doing nothing about the situation.

Water woes

Meanwhile, residents of Conservancy Dam, Canal Number Two Polder are calling on the Guyana Water Incorporated to fix the problem which has been preventing them from receiving running tap water for over six

months now. They have been forced to use the black water from the river nearby. According to one resident, it has been months since they received tap water from GWI owing to a breakage in one of the water mains. Several other residents stated that they have made several complaints to the NDC in the area, but received no assistance. When asked if they contacted the GWI, one resident said: “No, we didn’t talk to GWI, we went to the NDC and they tell we, that they will send somebody, but nobody show up, me nah know what they guh do about it.” Several other residents said for the past few months, they have been using the black water from the nearby trench to drink, cook and wash their clothes. Contacted on the issue, GWI Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin said the entity received no reports from the NDC or residents, and this was the first time the company was hearing about the matter. However, he assured that the GWI will investigate the issue and rectify the situation as soon as possible to bring relief to the residents of the affected community.

27-year-old man was on Tuesday fined $40,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to two counts of threatening behaviour. Odell Drakes pleaded guilty to the charges which read that on November 28 at Georgetown, he made use of threatening behaviour to Trevor Maxwell and Devon Thorn. Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt told the court that the facts were as charged. Maxwell said on the day in question, he went to the shop and upon returning his car, the defendant, whom he did not know, came up with a knife and gun, and threatened to murder him. Thorn

also told the court that he was attacked by Drakes who told him that “people like you must die”. He added that the defendant “pelt a punch” and he dodged it; Drakes then picked him off his feet, but put him down after the shopkeeper told him not to do anything. Drakes admitted to the court that he did have an altercation with the two men, but said he cannot remember what transpired because he was under the influence of alcohol. However, he stressed that he did not have a gun. Magistrate Judy Latchman fined Drakes $20,000 for each count, with an alternative sentence of six months in prison.

20-year-old on bail for common assault

wenty-year-old Adam Andrews was placed on $40,000 bail on Tuesday, after he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on a common assault charge. Andrews, an employee at Ainlim, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on November 30 at Station

Street, Kitty, he unlawfully assaulted Gary Medra. Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt told the court that on the day of the incident, Andrews dealt Medra several slaps about his body. However, he did not object to bail. The matter is set to return to court on December 10.

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wednesday, decEMBER 4, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Upset Hindus demand withdrawal of “Lord Shiva” beer

pset Hindus have urged Asheville (North Carolina, U.S.A.) based Asheville Brewing Company to apologise and withdraw its Indian Pale Ale beer carrying the image of Lord Shiva, calling it highly inappropriate. The beer displays the image of Lord Shiva in Nataraja form (dancing). Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (U.S.A.) said inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt devotees. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that Lord Shiva was highly revered in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world with about one billion adherents. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Rajan Zed argued. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva, along with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, forms the great triad of Hindu deities. Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. There are about three million Hindus in the U.S. Asheville Brewing, launched in 1995, offers three locations in Asheville; which besides brewery also includes restaurants and dine-in theatres; and distributes its beers in stores and restaurants in Western North Carolina (WNC). It claims to have been voted the best in WNC for the past 15 years and awarded as “Best place for a date”. Besides “Shiva” beer, it also makes jalapeno infused “Fire

The beer with Lord Shiva’s image

Escape” and a “Red Light” beer which it calls “irresistibly wicked beer that’s at once temptingly sweet and scandalously bitter, with a full body...” It describes “Shiva” beer as “crisp, citrusy” and adds “Your palette will be lifted to higher planes of consciousness”. It is also available in 12 ounce cans and 22 ounce bottles. On its online store, it also sells “Shiva Hoodie”, which features its Shiva beer logo on the back and “Om” symbol on the hood; besides a “Men’s Shiva Shirt”. Asheville, incorporated in 1797, which was once a part of the Cherokee nation, has been ranked as one of the “Top seven places to live in the U.S.”. It reigned as the champion “Beer City U.S.A.” each year from 2009 to 2012. It boasts of a largest private residence in The Biltmore House and Hollywood star Charlton Heston was once a theatre manager there. Terry M Bellamy is the mayor of Asheville, whose logo is “Quality of service, quality of life”.

Berbice Bridge company joins fight against domestic violence

Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Lorene Baird receives the donation from a Berbice Bridge company staff, Baichan Boodhoo. Also in picture are the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Patrick Findlay (extreme right), Social Services Director Whentworth Tanner and Women’s Affairs Bureau Administrator Hymawattie Lagan (left).

he Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) is the latest corporate partner to join the national fight against domestic violence. The company is supporting the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s

efforts by funding the production of some posters and book markers containing messages against violence. The permanent secretary expressed the ministry’s appreciation for the company’s support of efforts to fight domestic violence in Guyana.

15th edition of Explore Guyana to be launched on Thursday

he Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) will be launching its 15 edition of Explore Guyana and El Dorado Rum Punch Social on Thursday at Under the Mango Tree, Cara Lodge, at 18:30h. This edition marks the 12th year of partnering with

Advertising and Marketing Services Limited, the publishing company, to produce yet another fascinating edition of the publication. The launching will be followed by El Dorado Rum Punch Social, sponsored in full by El Dorado Rum, Demerara Distillers Limited.

wednesday, December 4, 2013

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News

Rights commission hamstrung by small budget T

he Rights of the Child Commission on Tuesday presented its 2011 annual report to the National Assembly, saying that it remained hamstrung by a lack of funds to carry out most of its programmes. The constitutional body, however, praised the efforts of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which it said has assisted greatly in meeting the shortfall in cash as well as technical skills. The report was handed over to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, at the Parliament Building before commissioners and other stakeholders. Before handing over the report, commission chairperson Aleema Nasir disclosed that the commission had conducted several programmes and activities over the past year including: the completion of a national birth registration research and survey which allowed them to participate in the UN conference on Universal Birth Registration for Latin America and Caribbean; the signing of a birth registration declaration by 2015; the development and preparation of a five-year strategic plan, which commenced in 2011, and the successful conduct of the country’s first children’s Parliament consisting of students from secondary schools across Guyana.

Nasir noted that despite the constraints and challenges faced, the commission managed to satisfactorily complete its revised work programme, a consequence of limited funds allocated to the budget. Most of the commission’s work, she noted, was stalled because of inadequate monies; however, the government, who also helped financially. In 2011, the rights commission received $15 million and $17 million in 2012.

Aggressive approach

“The budget submission for 2012 reflects an aggressive approach to sensitise and familiarise the general public of the existence of this commission, of building relationships with our key stakeholders and most importantly, fostering the rights of a child as enshrined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child towards which Guyana has acceded and made a part of its condition,” she stated. In addition, Nasir further disclosed that the commission recently implemented an investigative arm, whereby complaints are being dealt with. She explained that when complaints are received, the rights commission would engage the necessary agencies such as the police and the Child Care and Protection

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman received the report

Agency, as well as doctors, depending on the nature of the issue. The chairwoman said her agency was working closely with those other agencies since the commission was basically acting as an oversight body and have to monitor what was happening within those agencies. Nasir called on Guyanese to contribute towards improving the lives of children in the country. “The commission wishes to emphasise the need for additional resources and encourages every adult to reflect on his or her own childhood and make every effort to provide the necessary resources and support to facilitate and pro-

vide a better future for every child in Guyana.” Meanwhile, Speaker Trotman commended the rights commission for its excellent work over the years. “I really am impressed at the level of enthusiasm and the volume of work that other commissions have been able to do with little recognition, with great efforts and limited resources,” he stated. The Speaker added that the National Assembly did not only want to collect the report and read it but work in partnership with the commission to realise its mandate. “We would take the reports and have them debated, we are supposed to go through this report, members of the commission will come and make presentations on … their views and how we can make things better and they can advise us what laws we can pass with children in mind,” Trotman said. The rights commission, along with the Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Indigenous People’s Commission, was established under the Constitution of Guyana, which mandates four “rights commissions”. The Human Rights Commission is yet to be established. The other two commissions are expected to deliver their reports in January next year.

Geogetown Public Hospital gets equipment for Urology Clinic

embers of the visiting Caribbean Medical Mission on Tuesday presented medical equipment to the Urology Clinic of the Georgetown Public Hospital valued around US$10,000 to 15,000. The team is a part of the Organisation for Health Advancement for Guyana/ Caribbean. Dr Winston Mc Grill, a member of the team (residing in New Jersey) told Guyana Times that the gesture was initiated through good relationships he shared with friends in Guyana. Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan said the donation was timely, and noted that Dr Mc Grill will be conducting surgery with the Guyana team today. Dr Chris Prashad of the Urology Clinic said the hospital needed new equipment since the old ones have deteriorated, pointing out that the fight is on to battle cervical and prostate disease. Dr Mc Grill said this is his first visit to Guyana but will not be his last as the tour was worthwhile and visibly appreciated by those seen and treated. He further noted that there is much more to be done and his mission will continue.

GPHC CEO Michael Khan

During the simple presentation ceremony, questions were raised about prostate cancer, more specifically if it is true that men are reluctant to do checkups because they are ridiculed by their womenfolk. Dr Prashad, who responded, said this is not so since women often urge their husbands, fathers or other male relative to take necessary actions as the need arises. Though there is no data on men suffering from prostate cancer, Dr Mc Grill said the number of African men affected has been on the increase.

News

wednesday, december 4, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

ACB no more, Monitoring Committee in place

uyana National Broadcast Authority (GNBA) Board Chairperson Bibi Shaddick on Tuesday announced the names of the Monitoring Committee of the broadcast authority. They are the chairman, Retired Major General Norman McLean; Dr Paloma Mohamed; Guyana Learning Channel head, Dr Seeta Shah Roath and Attorneys Sase Gunraj and Fazil Azeez. The committee will work with the board to implement the regulations broadcast entities are required to follow,

the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. The committee will also be responsible for formulating regulations, which will then be sent to the Information Minister, President Donald Ramotar before being gazetted. The staff of the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB), which has been disbanded, is now working with the Monitoring Committee, physically monitoring the media and is being paid by the GNBA. Shaddick also explained that the GNBA continues to recruit staff members to run the body.

Gizmos introduces Bose brand, own tabs

ith the season of sharing right around the corner, Gizmos and Gadgets has added a new line of top-notch audio products to its collection and also introduced its customised line of phablets. It is now the country’s only authorised distributor of products made by Bose, the world’s best audio company. According to Marketing Manager Ewart Sampson, Bose products provide the cleanest sound. “The company has rightfully prided themselves with the slogan “The best sound of the world” and Gizmos and Gadgets are now the sole distributor of the many products of Bose in Guyana.” Sampson noted that Gizmos always connects with the best. He remains confident that customers will enjoy the Bose brand, since products have been on display for a week and customers love them. Some of the Bose products available are the sound link and the top-of-theline bluetooth headphones, which recently came out. Also available are the 1SR Bose home theatre systems with an Acoustimass builtin module, which helps to enclose sounds in the home; and sound docks which can connect to iPhones and other smartphones as well as tablets.

Gizmos Tab

The company also launched its Gizmos Tab called the G100 Tab, which is a combination of a tablet and a phone in one (phablet). Gizmos and Gadgets is the first company in Guyana to have branded its own tab. Gizmos Tabs are available in three sizes: five inches for the cost of $20,000; seven inches for $25,000 and nine inches for $29,995. These prices are VAT exclusive and the devices come with accessories such as headphones and chargers. The phablet runs on an

Android 4.22 system which allows access to BBM and Whatsapp. Cases for these devices are also on sale. Gizmos will be having promotions for the G100 Tab. The company’s marketing manager said that the phablet is one of the most innovative gadgets released in 2013 and Gizmos is the first company to provide Guyanese with it.

Proud moment

Gizmos and Gadgets CEO Ravi Mangar disclosed that he has been working with Bose for the past five years to get the company’s products in Guyana; as such, he is proud to be the sole authorised distributor, which he noted will benefit customers. “We are the sole authorised dealer in Guyana, meaning we would be able to carry the full warranty and allow the after services. Our prices would be the manufacturer prices such as in the USA. In Guyana, we won’t normally see these high-end brands carrying the same prices as the USA, but, in this case, we can actually do that since we are authorised to carry the brand. Bose is known to have big sound in small devices,” he stated. Talking about the Gizmos Tab, Mangar said the device has Bluetooth, an updated Android operating system and dual SIMS, noting that it was designed by Gizmos and manufactured specially for them. “These gadgets, you will see quite a few more released from Gizmos, we’ll have microwaves, stoves, and so. We are working closely with the manufacturers to get the prices (of the tabs) down and that’s why you’ll see it very affordable. They are also very reliable, we have put our name on it and we won’t put our name just on anything and as technology progresses, we will bring out more and more gadgets like these, so you can look forward to more from Gizmos and Gadgets,” the CEO revealed.

16 news

wednesday, December 4, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

supplement launch

Professor Daizal Samad addressing the gathering

Shiran Ramnauth, a Berbice Times staff, welcoming guests to the launch

Chairman of Region Five Bindraban Bisnauth speaking at the ceremony

The batch of Berbice reporters for the weekly supplement (from left) Andrew Carmichael, Nafeeza Yaya, Royan Abrams, Alexis Rodney and Shiran Ramnauth

A section of the gathering at the launch on Monday, including B Division Commander Brian Joseph and another senior officer (partially hidden)

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Mark Roopnarine and Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority Dr Vishwa Mahadeo

news

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana scores low on corruption index G uyana scored 27 out of 100 on the Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index for 2013, dropping a point from the 28 it gained last year. For the Caribbean, Barbados is among the least corrupt countries. According to TI, Barbados heads the Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries on the Corruption Perception Index that ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be. TI has ranked Barbados 15th out of 173 countries with a score of 75, down one place from the 2012 figure of 76. The Bahamas and St Lucia are ranked 22nd,

TI Chair Huguette Labelle

the second best for regional countries with a score of 71, the same as in 2012. While TI did not provide figures for St KittsNevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and Belize, it said that St Vincent and the Grenadines had a score of 62, the same as in 2012 with

a ranking of 33. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago both had a ranking of 38, but while Kingstown score remained at 38 as it had been in 2012, Port of Spain slipped one point down. Meanwhile, according to TI, the ranking this year offers a warning that the abuse of power, secret dealings and bribery continue to ravage societies around the world. More than two thirds of the 177 countries in the 2013 index score below 50, on a scale from zero (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 100 (perceived to be very clean). “The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 demonstrates that all countries still face the threat of corruption at all levels of

government, from the issuing of local permits to the enforcement of laws and regulations,” said TI Chair Huguette Labelle. In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2013, Denmark and New Zealand tie for first place with scores of 91. Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia this year make up the worst performers, scoring just eight points each.

Can stop corruption

“The top performers clearly reveal how transparency supports accountability and can stop corruption,” said Labelle. “Still, the better performers face issues like state capture, campaign finance and the oversight of big public contracts

which remain major corruption risks.” The Corruption Perceptions Index is based on experts’ opinions of public sector corruption. Countries’ scores can be helped by strong access to information systems and rules governing the behaviour of those in public positions, while a lack of accountability across the public sector coupled with ineffective public institutions hurt these perceptions. Corruption within the public sector remains one of the world’s biggest challenges, TI said, particularly in areas such as political parties, police, and justice systems. Public institutions need to be more open about their work and officials must

be more transparent in their decision-making. Corruption remains notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute. Future efforts to respond to climate change, economic crisis and extreme poverty will face a massive roadblock in the shape of corruption, TI warned. International bodies like the G20 must crack down on money laundering, make corporations more transparent and pursue the return of stolen assets. “It is time to stop those who get away with acts of corruption. The legal loopholes and lack of political will in government facilitate both domestic and cross-border corruption, and call for our intensified efforts to combat the impunity of the corrupt,” said Labelle.

Caribbean lags behind in commerce – Dookhoo tells millers

Newly-elected CAIC President Ramesh Dookhoo

ewly-elected Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) President Ramesh Dookhoo said the region continues to lag behind in the commercial sector, as he addressed the Caribbean Millers’ Association (CMA) 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Hilton Hotel in Santo Domingo, The Dominica Republic. “We continue to lag behind in creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and prosper for the benefit of our Caribbean people,” he said while addressing approximately 50 delegates from the Caribbean, North America, Latin American and Europe via a videoconference. While applauding the CMA leaders for their bold steps in addressing developing challenges linked to a changing business environment dominated by internal and external geopolitics, Dookhoo said many of the problems faced are selfinflicted and in other cases, created by regulators and the authorities. “The lack of political will to expedite the harmonisation process and the domestic agenda taking precedence over the promulgation of the regional integration process continues to stymie the full implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) as

well as the free movement of our people across borders.” As the president of CAIC, he has instructed the secretariat to establish an inventory of the issues affecting the regional commercial zone, with the aim of having the relevant authorities and stakeholders address them. Dookhoo said the CAIC had found itself in an unfortunate situation by 2011 due to a diversity of language, sectoral interests and size of the economy of the countries within the Caribbean. However, in January 2012, the CAIC was outsourced to a Pan-Caribbean management consultancy firm that commenced a turnaround programme. “Today, CAIC is proud to stand before the business community of the world, representing 12 Caribbean countries ready to trade, with a fresh mandate from its AGM and ready to do business.” This year, the CMA’s general meeting is being held under the theme “Food Safety and Consumer Confidence; Our Role, Our Responsibility”. CMA President and National Milling Company of Guyana Managing Director Roopnarine (Bert) Sukhai opened the conference on Tuesday with The Dominican Republic commerce minister delivering the featured address. ADM/Barbados Four Mills First Vice President Karlene Nicholls, ADM/ Jamaica Flour Mills General Manager Derrick Nembhard and Kansas City Bags Second Vice President Tom Sowden were among executives present at the opening ceremony. The 17th AGM also received delegations from Barbados, Belize, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Associate members from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Latin America

and France were also in attendance on Tuesday. CMA was established in 1986 with the prime

objective of developing a Caribbean wheat milling industry. Additionally, it facilitates the exchange

of experience and technology among member countries, as it continues to promote integration, cor-

poration, goodwill and defence of common interest of the Caribbean milling industry.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 4, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Work diligently on important deals that must be completed before the end of the year. Make sure you have done your research before committing to something that could change your future.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Network, share your ideas and win points with people who have something to offer. Your articulate and trendy way of presenting and promoting will lead to victory.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Partnerships and money matters will experience pressure. A resourceful and quick response will save the day. Re-establish a connection with someone from your past who can be of help now.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22) Don’t rush. Observe first, and you’ll discover what will satisfy your needs. Someone you love may become unpredictable. Take the time to plan something special that will help calm the waters.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Socialise with friends or colleagues. Be prepared to change plans at the last minute. Your ability to adapt will be appreciated. Don’t feel pressured to overspend or to pay for others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Impress those you work with and for. Your ideas and efforts will be well-received. Problems at home will develop if honesty is in question. Don’t give in to emotional blackmail.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t get frustrated. Keep your emotions tucked away, do your job and get on to more enjoyable activities. A change in the way you think will help you handle pressure better.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) People from your past will come to mind. Make plans to reconnect before year’s end. Partnerships are highlighted, and your personal and business relationships appear to be optimistic.

Your ability to see both sides of an issue will help keep the peace. Domestic changes may not sit well with you at first, but in time you will benefit.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) You will be able to handle fine details at work and at home. Socialising and putting extra thought, time and effort into a personal relationship is favored.

Tuesday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Do your best to help those in need. Favourable changes will develop in your personal and professional relationships. Listen carefully and share equally. Balance is the key to your success.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Your ability to find solutions will put you in demand. Don’t ignore personal problems because you are too busy helping others. Finding a balance between business and domestic responsibilities is necessary.

news 19

YELLOW PAGES

EPA says Granger misrepresented “Pick It Up Campaign”

wednesDay, december 4, 2013

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services

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he Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) has dismissed claims from Opposition Leader David Granger that the “Pick It Up Campaign” has been ineffective, as far from the truth. Granger made the comment in a recent INEWS Guyana report. According to the EPA, the “Pick It Up Campaign” is driven to make Guyana litter-free through clean-up exercises and public awareness programme supported by the government, the private sector and communities. In keeping with its mandates, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry through the campaign continues to bring awareness to citizens on the importance of adopting environmentally sound practices to rid Guyana of unsightly litter and garbage. “While components of the campaign include supporting community clean-ups and other environmental enhancement initiatives, ‘Pick it up Guyana’ seeks to address one of the main causes of improper solid waste management; the attitudes of citizens towards their environment through various public awareness tools, inclusive of ongoing education sessions with students and

Opposition Leader David Granger

community groups, and volunteer empowerment workshops hosted in various regions across the country,” the EPA stated. Additionally, the ministry has been instrumental in the drafting of anti-litter regulations and the banning of Styrofoam importation, which will come into effect on June 2014. “It must be noted that the collection and final disposal of garbage falls under the purview of the City Hall and the Ministry of Local Government through its neighbourhood democratic councils.” Currently, the Local Government Ministry is finalising work on a solid waste management bill which will soon be presented in the National Assembly.

Canadian High Commission donates ramp to Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre

n commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles said, “Persons with disabilities form an important part of the mosaic of our countries and their well-being and standard of living should be paramount.” She made this statement at the commissioning of an access ramp on Tuesday at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Carmichael Street, Georgetown. The commissioner said that ever too often society overlooks the prejudice and challenges persons living with disabilities face and that needs to change.

Role models

Giles said change becomes possible when society starts “sharing and celebrating the success stories of persons who have risen above their disabilities and have become advocates for this cause”. She also said that they should be supported as they stand as “pillars and role models for the

larger community”. The ramp, which was constructed for better access to classrooms on the upper floors, was a collaboration of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Health Ministry and could not have come at a more poignant time. During an interview with a representative, the centre was originally established in January 1967, by the Health Ministry to provide rehabilitative services for those children who had suffered residual paralysis following the 1960 and 1964 poliomyelitis epidemics. The original ramp was constructed of wood and as time went by, the structure could no longer support a lot of weight. The representative said now the children in wheelchairs will be able to move around without needing to be lifted. She also commended the staff of the centre for the work they have been doing with the students of the centre and also the parents who have chosen to bring their children there.

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, december 4, 2013

WI pounded by McCullum, Taylor D

UNEDIN, New Zealand – West Indies endured a rough baptism, when Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor hit hundreds to break their drought and give New Zealand’s summer of cricket the best possible start in the first Test on Tuesday. The Windies were hamstrung by a docile University Oval pitch and their own wayward bowling, and had no response, as current captain McCullum with an undefeated 109 and former captain Taylor with an unbeaten 103 propelled the New Zealanders to 367 for three at the close on the opening day, after they were sent in to bat.

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st Innings P. Fulton c Edwards b Sammy 61 H. Rutherford c Deonarine b Shillingford 62 A. Redmond c Samuels b Best 20 R. Taylor not out 103 *B. McCullum not out 109 Extras b4, (lb7, nb1) 12 TOTAL (3 wkts) 367 Fall of wickets: 1-95 (Rutherford), 2-117 (Redmond), 3-185 (Fulton) Bowling: Best 21-4-87-1; Gabriel 17-3-98-0; Sammy 183-68-1 (nb1); Shillingford 285-88-1; Deonarine 6-0-15-0

None of the visitors’ bowlers could exert significant pressure, as McCullum hit his seventh Test hundred and Taylor followed suit with his ninth Test century, putting on 182 – unbroken – for the fourth wicket and scoring at close to five runs an over in a strokefilled conclusion to the day. Off-spinner Shane Shillingford was expected to be one of the main weapons for West Indies, but he was the target of much of McCullum’s punishment and was driven to long-on for a single to take McCullum to 100 from 101 balls. It was the New Zealand captain’s first hundred in 47 innings in 26 Tests spread over three years. Tino Best bowled with typical passion, but Taylor flicked him to deep fine leg for his 13th boundary to bring up his 100 from 150 balls. It was his first hundred in 14 innings in nine Tests since he lost the New Zealand captaincy last year in Sri Lanka. Greeted by a green pitch, chilly temperatures and overcast skies, the Windies chose to field, but they soon had enough evidence to suggest that they may have read the conditions incorrectly, when the new-ball pair of Best and Shannon Gabriel failed to extract little or no vertical or lateral movement in their opening

Ross Taylor celebrates his century

spells. As a consequence, the Caribbean side were under pressure early, when Hamish Rutherford set the tone for New Zealand with 62 and fellow opener Peter Fulton made 61, sharing 95 for the first wicket, as the Black Caps reached 100 for one at lunch. Shillingford, under pressure after undergoing testing in Perth in neighbouring Australia for a suspect bowling action, gave the Caribbean side the initial breakthrough.

The lanky off-spinner had suffered, when Rutherford thumped him for a six and a four over long-on in his third over, but he gained revenge in his following over, when the left-handed opener tried to clear the air space in the same direction and a wrongfooted Narsingh Deonarine held a right-handed catch, running backwards. West had toiled effortlessly for most of the morning period, as the two openers indulged themselves, capitalising on a succession of over-pitched deliveries to

gather a number of leg-side fours. Before Shillingford struck, West Indies captain Darren Sammy, bowling his steady medium-pace, came closest to capturing a wicket, when Fulton, on 16, edged through a vacant third slip for his fifth four. Sammy was guilty of straying in line and length, when Rutherford cut a short delivery outside the offstump through square cover for his ninth boundary to reach his 50 from 60 deliveries before he was dismissed about five minutes before lunch. After lunch, Best and Sammy each grabbed a wicket to brighten West Indies’ spirit, as New Zealand reached 194 for three at tea. Best bowled steadily in a seven-over burst immediately after the interval, when he and Shillingford built-up a bit of pressure on Fulton and Aaron Redmond. The effervescent West Indies fast bowler benefitted from his hard work, when Redmond tried to play a legcutter into the leg-side and was caught at gully for 20 from a leading edge, leaving New Zealand 117 for two. West Indies however, met resistance, when Taylor joined Fulton and they pounced on a number of loose deliveries, especially from Gabriel, to put on 68

for the third wicket in the next 1 ¼ hours. Sammy for the second time in the day was the suffering bowler, when Fulton carved a delivery to backward point for his ninth four to reach 50 from 118 balls. Just when it appeared West Indies were on the back-foot, Sammy had Fulton caught at second slip, edging a back-foot drive at a delivery that bounced a little awkwardly and moved away about 15 minutes before tea, setting the stage for McCullum and Taylor. West Indies included Shillingford as the only frontline spinner in their line-up, leaving out fellow off-spinner Sunil Narine, while Gabriel was preferred ahead of left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell to share the new ball with Best, and Kirk Edwards will open the batting with Kieran Powell following Kraigg Brathwaite’s delayed departure from the Caribbean due to visa issues. Leg spinner Ish Sodhi and all-rounder Corey Anderson made their home Test debuts for New Zealand, after playing their first Tests on the recent tour of Bangladesh. Hometown batsman Redmond will also play his first Test in front of a home crowd after playing his previous Test five years ago in Australia. (WICB)

wednesday, DECEMBER 4 , 2013

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Busta Champion of Champions Cup launched

…GBC renews sponsorship with EBSC

Managing Director of Guyana Beverage Company Robert Selman hands over the Busta Champions of Champions winner’s trophy to RHTY&SC, CEO/Secretary Hilbert Foster in the presence of other club officials and staff members of the beverage company (Photos: Rajiv Bisnauth)

ith the aim of highlighting the rich talent in the ancient county of Berbice and the promotion of sports as an avenue for youths, the Guyana Beverage Company (GBC) launched the Busta Champions of Champions cricket competition on Tuesday at the company’s head office at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. The tournament will be organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) under the Busta brand. The event is in its 10th year and is regarded by some as one of the more popular cricket events in Guyana. At the launch,

RHTY&SC CEO/Secretary Hilbert Foster commended the beverage company for continuing its dedication to sport. He added that the event this year marks a special relationship between the club and the GBC. “Cricket sponsorship in Guyana is not too popular; we all know the main reasons and for the Busta Company to be on board for ten years is quite remarkable. It clearly reflects the confidence that Busta has in the organising skills of the club and it also shows the remarkable bond between two outstanding organisations,” Foster said. Representing the GBC, Managing Director Robert

Selman, said that the company was pleased to sponsor an event controlled by a committee that displays good organisational standards. Selman informed the media that his company has confidence in the administration of the RHTY&SC, hence the continued partnership. “This club is a model that people should look at and see how they organise their programmes and conduct themselves and if they take one page from this club they can improve the way they operate.” The Managing Director said the sponsorship is part of giving back to the people of Guyana.

Beverage boss, Robert Selman presents a cheque to the President of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Karran Ramdhoon in the presence of other club members and staff

The tournament, as is customary, will consist of eight teams: West Berbice, Blairmont Community Center, Universal Solutions Bermine, Albion Community Center, Young Warriors Universal DVD, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, Port Mourant Karibee Rice and Upper Corentyne. Matches will be played on a knockout basis and each team will be receiving coloured T-shirts.

The winner will receive $100,000 while $50,000 will be given to the runnerup. Cash prizes will also be presented to the Man-ofthe- Finals, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, and Best Allrounder of the tournament. Although the fixture for the matches has already been finalised, no official commencement date has been set since the Organising Committee is awaiting a break in the inclement weather in Berbice.

Meanwhile, the company also renewed its sponsorship with the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, presenting $700,000 to the entity. President of Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Karran Ramdhoon collected the cheque on behalf of the club in the presence of some other members. Ramdhoon expressed gratitude to Selman and promised to maintain, and encourage support of the Busta line of products.

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wednesday, december 4, 2013

GFA Banks Beer Knockout Cup…

Huge wins for Alpha United, Santos A

lpha United and Santos FC started their campaign in the third annual Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Knockout Cup with resounding victories on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda. The victories ensured they advanced to the round of 16. In the feature game, city side Alpha United, the inaugural champions of the competition in 2011, mauled East Bank team Grove Hi-Tec 8-0 with Anthony “Awo” Abrams blasting in a helmet-trick. Santos FC had earlier overwhelmed Houston Stars 10-1. Abrams scored in the sixth, 17th, 25th and 90th+2 minutes to lead the rampage with Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson adding a hat-trick, scoring in the 74th, 81st and 82nd minutes. Dwight Peters had earlier scored the opening goal in the 15th minute.

Anthony Abrams

Gregory Richardson

Speaking to the media after the game, Abrams said while “the win is important”, his team would not allow complacency to step in, but would rather focus on one game at a time. He said there are still a few areas of their game that need to be sorted out, and the club will be using the period ahead of their next game to sort out those shortcomings.

Grove Hi-Tec’s manager Clive Matthews blamed the defeat on “poor defence”, but insisted that his charges will bounce back. He is also confident Grove Hi-Tec can defeat Alpha United in the future. Meanwhile, Santos FC swamped Houston Stars 10-1 with a Michael Pedro hat-trick leading the victory charge. Pedro netted in the ninth, 41st and 89th minutes, while Ryan Seals

and Trevor Lewis scored a double each. Seals was on target in the sixth and 90th+1 minutes, while Lewis netted in the 83rd and 90th+3 minutes. Adrian Adams and Dwight Ferguson got a single each in the fourth and 26th minutes respectively, while an own goal in the 15th minutes added to Houston Stars’ misery. Lawrence Murray in the 10th minute scored the consolation for Houston Stars. The knockout competition will continue this evening with a double-header at the GFC ground, Bourda. In the opening game at 18:00h, Guyana Defence Force will take on Upper Demerara’s Botogafo, and at 20:00h, Riddim Squad will collide with Mahaica Determinators.

Cook, Dhoni lead ICC Test, ODI teams

Alastair Cook and MS Dhoni have been named captains of the ICC’s Test and ODI Teams of the Year. Dale Steyn was included in the Test side for the sixth successive year, while Dhoni made the ODI line-up for the sixth consecutive year as well. Performances between August 7, 2012 and August 25, 2013 were considered by a panel chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble, also the ICC cricket committee chairman. ICC Test Team of the Year (in batting order) Alastair Cook (capt), Cheteshwar Pujara, Hashim Amla, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni (wk), Graeme Swann, Dale Steyn, James Anderson, Vernon Philander, R Ashwin (12th man) ICC ODI Team of the

Alastair Cook

August 2012 and 25 August 2013,” Kumble said. “The selection panel had a lengthy debate on all the top performers during the performance period and a number of combinations were considered. “The selectors did utilise a vast amount of statistics

Prizes

As was the case in 2012, the champion team will receive $4 million, while the runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will collect $2.5 million, $1.5 million and $1 million respectively. A new addition to this year’s tournament is the monetary incentives for all the teams, including $250,000 each for the losing quarter-finalists, $150,000 each for those knocked out at the second round and $100,000 each for teams booted at the first round. There will also be individual prizes for the Most Valuable Player, highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper and most discipline team. The most outstanding coach will pocket $100,000 cash. Each association will also receive 20 percent or a maximum of $250,000 as gate receipts after expenses from all games played in their jurisdiction.

MS Dhoni

Year (in batting order) Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shikhar Dhawan, Hashim Amla, Kumar Sangakkara, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Saeed Ajmal, Mitchell Starc, James Anderson, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell McClenaghan (12th man) Hashim Amla was named in the Test side for the fourth straight year, while Cook made an appearance for the third year on the trot. “It is always tough to decide on the Test and ODI teams of the year, with so many worthy candidates to consider based on the players’ performances between 7

from the period under observation, but we also took into account other factors like the opposition, pitch conditions, match situation and the like. But when you have only 12 places to fill from a big group of world-class players, there will always be a few who will miss out. In the panel’s expert opinion, it has selected the best Test and ODI teams based on performances over the past 12 months.” The other members of the panel were former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, former England captain Alec Stewart, former South Africa batsman Graeme Pollock, and former New Zealand women’s player Catherine Campbell. (Cricinfo)

wednesday, DECEMBER 4, 2013

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NEW GPC INC onboard with K&S football A

s part of efforts to fulfill its corporate mandate, NEW GPC INC. earlier today aligned itself with the Kashif and Shanghai Secondary School football tournament, which is set for a grand kickoff shortly. NEW GPC INC., located at Farm, East Bank Demerara, has been onboard with Kashif and Shanghai for a number of years, and now that the organisation has switched from senior to schools football, the entity has strengthened its alliance by sponsoring the third place prize to the tune of $500,000. Speaking at a simple presentation ceremony at the K&S office on Irving Street, Marketing Manager of NEW GPC INC., Trevor Bassoo, highlighted the company’s pleasure at being able to support not just the development of football, but youth development. “We believe that this is the right level to invest, because you’re not just investing in sports but you’re investing in the youths and the development of youths in Guyana,” Bassoo related. He added, “Team GPC is a strong advocate of sports and the development of youths and we believe that the Kashif and Shanghai initiative here will help to develop youngsters and more importantly keep

Johnson, Ogle cop GCB Cricketersof-the-Year awards

Manager of NEW GPC INC., Trevor Bassoo (second right), presents his company’s sponsorship to Kashif Muhammad in the presence of Aubrey “Shanghai” Major (left) of the K&S Organisation and Marketing Associate of NEW GPC INC Livasti Bhooplall

them out of trouble.” Bassoo, who was accompanied by Marketing Associate of NEW GPC INC. Livasti Bhooplall, also committed his company’s continued sponsorship of the event. Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Kashif Muhammad, in accepting NEW GPC’s sponsorship, lauded the entity for its annual investment in football, and sports in general. Muhammad noted that NEW GPC INC. has been a long-standing corporate partner, and the organisation is enthused to once again have the company onboard.

He also informed that all the logistical arrangements have been falling into place, and the feedback is that all the schools are in intense preparation mode. The champion school will pocket $1.2 million, 75 percent of which will be used to finance a project identified by the school. The second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $750,000, $500,000 and $250,000, 25 percent of which will used for a project at those schools. The Most Valuable Player will be the recipient of a laptop, as well as a onemonth stint with a top club in Trinidad and Tobago. Admission to the games

will be $500 and the partipating schools are Wismar/ Christianburg, Wisburg, New Silver City and McKenzie High School of Linden; St George’s, Lodge, East Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Queen’s College, Dolphin Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Christ Church and Queenstown of Georgetown; Waramadong Secondary of Region Seven; Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt and Patentia of West Demerara; Bladen Hall, President’s College, Ann’s Grove and Annandale of East Coast Demerara; Ash Education Trust of Berbice; and Friendship of East Bank Demerara.

est Indies A team middleorder batsman Leon Johnson was named Cricketer-of-the-Year on Tuesday evening when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) hosted its 16th annual awards presentation ceremony at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion. On the distaff side June Ogle won the Female Cricketer-ofthe-Year award while the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club was voted Club-of-the-Year. The award for the 26year old Johnson comes after his outstanding form in the Regional First-Class competition. Johnson, earlier this

year was the third highest runscorer with 430 runs from six matches at an average of 35.83, scoring three fifties in the process in the WICB Regional four day tournament. He was also third runscorer in the Super50 tournament, with 204 runs from six games at an average of 34.00, with a solitary half-century. Ogle, on the other hand, has been a regular member of the West Indies female team. Meanwhile, WICB Director Baldath Mahabir was the evening guess speaker. See full detail in subsequent edition.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

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

TOP SCORES

Johnson, Ogle cop GCB Cricketers-of-the-Year awards See story on page

The awardees share a moment together after collecting their awards

NEW GPC INC onboard with K&S football See story on page

WI pounded by McCullum, Taylor See story on page

Kashif Muhammad donates 100 tickets to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, in keeping with International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2013. The theme is “Breaking Barriers: Opening Doors For An Inclusive Society And Development For All”

Brendon McCullum took full toll off an ineffective bowling attack (AFP)

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