LOOK ! INSIDE Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2031 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, February 3, 2014

Thriving business sector in Berbice needs proper security – Canadian envoy See story on page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

111 illegal guns seized last year P2 Region Seven TIP victims in state care

Six arrested for Amelia’s Ward P9 robbery Agricola P9 murder suspect still in custody

Reverend Paul Andrew Carto was installed as dean of Georgetown and rector of St George’s Cathedral during a special ordination service held at the world-famous church on Sunday. In this Carl Croker photo, Carto receives his vestment from other officers of the church (See story on page 19)

Too many liquor shops in the streets – Social Sector Committee See story on page 9

Banks DIH cuts overtime to bring down costs See story on page 17

Significant reduction in TB cases – CMO

Ministers of God anoint P13 gathering at Gospel Fest

2 NEws

monday, february 3, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

No formal proposal submitted for construction of Bosai power plant – prime minister

111 illegal guns seized last year

rime Minister Samuel Hinds said Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc (BMGGI) has not submitted a formal proposal on its plans to construct a 50-megawatt power plant in Linden, Region 10. He was responding to a question posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon during the recently convened meeting of the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee in Parliament. The prime minister said via verbal consultations, Bosai signalled its intention to build a 50-megawatt coal fired power station; however, the bauxite company has not submitted any documentation. From all indications, he said, the plans are not yet “concrete”. Prime Minister Hinds said the BMGGI was wel-

he Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illegal Firearms has recorded a total of 111 firearm seizures for 2012, compared to 125 in the previous year. This is according to the National Drug Report that was launched last week by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. The weapons seized are as follows: 28 pistols, 39 revolvers, 31 shotguns, and 13 rifles, 31.5 per cent of the weapons seized originated in the United States of America while a similar number originated in Brazil. In 2012, 22 illicit firearms were stolen, 653 were used to commit robbery under arms, 25 to commit murder, 41 were used in shooting incidents, 16 in discharging firearm incidents, and three in issuing threats – a total of 760, representing an 18 per cent increase from 2011. The Firearms Licensing Approval Board was established in July 2012 with a

come to submit its proposal. However, “it would be better to invest in heavy fuel oil”. According to Hinds, the generator sets currently used by the company were put into operation in 1993 by Omai, noting that heavy fuel oil units would have a similar generation cost. In October 2013, BMGGI disclosed its willingness to establish the power plant in the mining community. The company has placed many proposals on the table, since beginning operations in May 2007. One of its most recent plans is a US$100 million expansion project.

Tight-lipped

Although Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud in mid-2013 said the project is on stream, the company remains tight-lipped.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

In March 2012, the bauxite company announced that it was in the process of securing more land for the mining of ore and the erection of a third kiln – kiln 15. With the initiation of these two mega projects, the company is expected to market two new products,

multite and proppants, that will rapidly increase its revenues. Additionally, the second of two US$8 million dust collector systems to deal with the issue of dust pollution in the mining town is yet to be completed. In 2013, the company said the unit would have been completed by the first quarter. The dust collector system attached to Kiln 14 in July 2012 continues to operate effectively. The systems which were scheduled to be operational by September 2009 have been a source of tension between the community and the company. Residents, from 2009 to as recent as mid-2012, had stated that Bosai’s slothful approach towards bringing an end to the dust problem was unacceptable, as the dust in the atmosphere has serious health implications.

mandate of reviewing applications for the grant of firearm licences and making relevant recommendations. In this regard, the current procedure in place for the granting of such licences is being reviewed with a view to strengthening the vetting process. On January 16, the National Assembly unanimously passed the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, which was initially rejected last year but was re-tabled by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall. This new bill seeks to curb illegal trafficking in firearms, its components and ammunition, and also now makes it unlawful to carry the components of a disassembled gun or to bring such parts into Guyana. Additionally, regulations are being drafted, which will lead to the establishment of an electronic Firearms Licensing Management System, inclusive of the payment of a processing fee by successful candidates.

News

MonDay, february 3, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, February 3 from 05:00h-06:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, February 3 from 06:35h-07:05h

WEATHER TODAY Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected to prevail during the day with thundery showers in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius. Wind: East north-easterly between 1.66 and 1.94 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:55h and 19:17h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.72 metres respectively. Low Tide: 12:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.47 metre.

Security guard shot during attempted robbery

security guard attached to a local newspaper was on Sunday morning shot by two bandits in Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, during an attempted robbery around 05:30h.

Omar Bynoe, 36, of Lot 112 Caesar Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing a single gunshot wound to the left shoulder. Bynoe was armed at the time and returned fire, hitting one of the bandits.

According to information received, Bynoe left work for home, but he diverted into Middle Road to drop off a female colleague. He reported-

ly drove past the two young men, but shortly after, spotted one of them through his rearview mirror with a gun in his hand. Since the road is in a terrible state, he could not drive faster, which gave the young men ample time to catch up with him. One of the bandits reportedly walked up to the driver’s window and ordered Bynoe to disembark the car. From reports received, the guard refused to come out, resulting in the bandit discharging a round at him, which shattered the window glass and exited his left shoulder. Bynoe then got out of his car, pulled out his firearm, and discharged a few rounds at the men, hitting one of them in the process. This prompted

them to flee the scene. After the coast was clear, he drove straight to the Georgetown Public Hospital. A sister of the injured man when contacted explained that she was at home when she received a call from her brother that he was shot and was heading to the Georgetown hospital. Bloody She added that she immediately left and went to the hospital where she saw her brother covered in blood. Bynoe’s sister said he was in stable condition, but was being monitored by the doctors. The young woman added that her brother would normally leave work at a particular time and would nor-

mally drop off the staff, so she believes the persons who committed the act might have been keeping tabs on her brother. The sister also stated that of recent, there have been several robberies in the area, with a friend of her family being a victim. She described the area as “hot”. She also told Guyana Times that from reports she gathered, the injured bandit went to the Georgetown Public Hospital to solicit treatment, but upon seeing her brother’s car in the compound, he, along with his accomplice, left. Attempts to get a comment from Bynoe proved futile. However, the police in a release stated that they are investigating the incident.

Region Seven TIP victims in state care T saturday, february 1, 2014

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he five teenagers who were trafficked to Cuyuni, Region Seven, are now in the custody of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry. The victims, who were reportedly forced into prostitution in the mining district, were rescued by the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) on Friday. They are expected to report to the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today. The TIPs victims are also expect-

ed to receive medical attention. Some of the girls were rescued in the vicinity of “Chiny Landing” on Friday. According to Broomes, one of the 17-year-old girls is known to the police and the organisation. She was rescued last November during a similar operation.

Second time

It is unclear how the teenager was trafficked for a second time. The case involving her is still before the court.

Broomes said while interacting with a shopkeeper in the presence of a police officer, the 17-year-old girl jumped through the shop window to get her attention. She was reportedly locked away by the shopkeeper. Another victim is reported to have had a child. The five victims were brought out of the mining community and transported to Parika, where they were handed over to Human Services Ministry officials. GWMO President Simona Broomes said the $3 million

mission to the Cuyuni district was funded by the British High Commission with the intention of sensitising persons of the negative impacts of trafficking in persons (TIP) and simultaneously rescue persons from this form of modern day slavery. In 2013, GWMO rescued 29 TIP victims, with 16 of those rescued being under the age of 18 years. Against this backdrop, the organisation contends that sexual exploitation of young girls is widespread within the interior.

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monday, february 3, 2014

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

Which democracy?

ne of the reasons that the just concluded Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit was so well attended by its 33 members (every country in the hemisphere, but pointedly excluding the U.S. and Canada) is that it differs in one signal respect from the other hemispheric bloc, the Organisation of American States (OAS): it does not set any preconditions on the form of government a member may adopt. And in this single fact lies a direct challenge to the U.S. hegemony over the hemisphere which began even before the declaration of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. It was not just the U.S.’ use of its definition of what constituted an “acceptable” governance structure, but the cynical way in which it was applied by the U.S. to justify toppling any government that did not toe its line. There was its violent regime change in this country back in 1964, but the Caribbean witnessed an even more violent one when the U.S. launched “Operation Urgent Fury” to remove the Marxist government of minuscule Grenada. On the other hand, President Franklin Roosevelt remarked approvingly about the dictator who ruled Nicaragua for decades, and was actively supported by the U.S., “Samoza might be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch.” As were Batista of Cuba, Trujillo of The Dominican Republic, or Duvalier (father and son) of Haiti, or so many others. The U.S.’ position implicitly endorsed a view that there is only one path to development and they should define that path, whether politically or economically. But one of the reasons that even hemispheric friends of the U.S. felt emboldened to buck its line, is that today, the U.S. cannot point any longer to itself an unblemished success story. Economically, it has been beset by a stubborn downturn that has seen almost 10 per cent of its workforce stuck in an intractable unemployment syndrome. On the other hand, its vaunted middle class, the bulwark of its stability, has become increasingly restive about its diminution while the top one per cent hogs an increasingly larger share of the wealth. Politically, this situation has made the U.S. more polarised than it has ever been since the Great Depression. But on the other hand, the hemisphere and the rest of the world are witnessing the rise of China, which has performed economic miracles of a scale never witnessed in the history of the world, while having a governance structure that is at complete variance to the prescribed U.S. version. The latter is being pushed for “export” to other countries, such as in the LEAD programme, rejected by the government of Guyana. Many countries are questioning whether they should follow the fragmented and indebted consumer democracies of the West that are evidently declining, or rather the united, farsighted leadership of authoritarian China, which despite immense challenges, is moving that country boldly and decisively into the future? The U.S. has turned into a debt and consumer-driven economy dominated by the financial sector and services industry and a country where inequality has grown dramatically. In contrast, China is an investor and exportdriven economy that is still industrialising, still largely impoverished and sharply unequal. But it has brought more of its citizens out of poverty in the last two decades than the rest of the world combined. The maturity of Latin America and the Caribbean is evident in that while skittish of the U.S. version of “democratic governance”, they have not jumped on the Chinese dragon. Following their own historical evolution, there has been a marked shift leftwards in Latin American governments while adopting populist positions in their domestic programmes. It is for these reasons that the example of Cuba is so attractive. Cuba has shown that each country does not have to follow a “cookie cutter” model of governance or democracy. Guyanese should think carefully as to the content of the democracy they want.

The blessing of the Lord is here. Members of the audience, including the Reverend Dr Kwame Gilbert, giving praise at the worship concert Inspire Inc Gospel Fest 2014 at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening (Carl Croker photo)

Electricity losses Dear Editor, The reporters present at the recent presentation of my team and I, to the Natural Resources Sector Committee, seem to have missed the main messages that we sought to convey. Electricity losses (technical and non-technical) of countries are published and compared. Our losses are a big blot on our nation’s escutcheon, something that we should all work to change – and we can change it, once we face up to it, and address it squarely. It is true, as many media reported, that roughly about half of our losses could be attributed to some 3000, or so, big customers, many being various businesses of varying sizes and, generally, sole proprietorship: but it naturally follows, and it is also true, that the other half could be attributed to the 150,000, or so, small customers! Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc brooks no excuse from anyone, and pursues all erring customers. Our total loss figures are not the highest in the world, but certainly they are at the ‘high end’. The reports are that Latin American countries average 16 per cent; North America, about six per cent, and so too, Europe and Japan. At the other end, India, Bangladesh and a number of African countries are at 50 per cent, and more. Closer to home, Jamaica has reported losses ranging between 14 per cent and 23 per cent over the last years, while Barbados is at about seven to eight per cent. As I said in the recent presentation, our electricity losses, both technical and non-technical, which fell from about 45 per cent to 31 per cent over the last 10 years, have been a source of embarrassment to me in my interaction with other Caricom ministers responsible for electricity. The technical losses reflect our nation’s historical lack of money from the 1970s onward, and at the same time, the desire to meet our people’s call for electricity, in the adding of connections and, more recently, meeting an increasing demand as existing customers added refrigerators, air-conditioners and other appliances. As I have learnt, all feed-

ers have a thermal limit, a load at which, if exceeded, the feeder could fuse and start a fire. Standard utility practice is to not load feeders beyond 40 per cent of their thermal limits – but with our nation’s limited amount of money, most feeders were loaded way above the standard. Many feeders were at 80 to 100 per cent of their thermal limits. The result has been high technical (heating) losses, voltage levels out of range, and frequent trips to protect the feeder from even small surges. The nearly-completed GPL Transmission Upgrade programme, of about US$ 45 million, introducing, for the first time, sub-stations – seven at this time – at points in the network, will about halve the load on feeders, with consequential improvements in technical loss-reduction, greater conformity with the standard voltage levels, and reduced trips. But similar considerations apply to the secondary distribution circuits and feeders, and GPL is working at this; it could cost twice as much as the transmission upgrade – think of US$100 million. In regard to non-technical losses, estimates are that these losses account for about 16 per cent of generation. The meter readings for over 55,000 of our 175,000 customers lead, astonishingly, to a billing of less than $2300 per month, for electricity. Some are true, but a large number must be understated. A consideration of GPL Inc’s billing, suggests that four, out of every five customers, pay all that they should, and one out of every five customers, through a number of collusions and conniving, is not being honest with GPL, paying less than he/she should. As we reported, we have been putting in place meters and systems recommended by various consultants, to fight non-technical losses. Alas, as we also reported, many ways have been found to thwart our efforts, and we cannot avoid the conclusion that some number of current and past employees of GPL, as well as other knowledgeable people, together with customers, have been directing their efforts towards manip-

ulation of the system. Even more advanced, sophisticated and costly metering systems are being recommended to us: we are being urged to meter anew completely, to install 175,000 sophisticated smart meters, throughout the system, which continually speak to others in the vicinity, and to a control centre. These meters could be disconnected, and re-connected, from the centre. The utility can know, continuously, locations from where power is being taken, that is not being reflected in the local grouping of meters. For such a sophisticated system, think in terms of US$75 million. GPL is not waiting for that big re-metering investment. GPL recently completed one of its first estimates of total losses from each of its 39 main feeders. The results are interesting. The estimates of total losses range from the ‘high end’ of 60 per cent across South Georgetown; about 40 per cent along the East Coast of Demerara, Sophia to Mahaica; and North Wakenaam, about 37 per cent. South Georgetown is a large area, with a large number of customers and a large load. No doubt, technical losses could be a little larger than elsewhere, and there would be sub-areas with losses greater than 60 per cent, as well as lower than 60 per cent. There is an obvious need to split the feeder. Indeed, all feeders in the Demerara area will be split when the transmission ugrade programme is completed. At the ‘lower end’ of total losses, we are heartened by the estimates of 17.2 per cent for Kitty/Campbellville; 18.4 per cent for Ruimveldt Industrial Site and environs; 21 per cent for Water Street; and, most of all, 14. per cent for downtown, from Robb street to Croal and Smyth streets, between Alexander and Wellington streets; 11.2 per cent for Garden of Eden to Nandy Park; 11.8 per cent, Edinburgh to Windsor Forest; and 9.8 per cent, Vreed-en-Hoop to Windsor Forest. These low figures need to be checked, in order to ensure that they are not erroneously low.

Although these first results are prone to a number of errors, they nonetheless provide significant information – information which would propel further work in sharpening our estimates of losses in geographical units, and in focusing work to reduce technical losses and eliminate non-technical losses. We have good areas and bad areas, good people and bad people – we have to celebrate the good, and pursue the bad in order to change their ways. To reduce electricity losses, we need significant material investment, and the most robust and perceptive equipment and systems; and we need, no less, that the overwhelming majority of us citizens of Guyana, all employees of GPL, and customers, accept and insist that everyone pays for what he/she uses. Our historical experiences, our struggles to end colonialism to increase earnings for workers, our disappointments with nationalisations, have all left too many of us cynical, non-trusting and believing that to get by, one must get things free, even if it is by dishonest means. Too many of us fear that we cannot work our way honestly to greater prosperity – but we can. As seen from our overall electricity-loss figures, a silent majority of us, four out of five, hold differently. Those who steal electricity by one way or another; should know that it is not free, that others pay more than they should; those who steal electricity are burdening others who are paying. It does not have to be so: it is an unconscionable act. GPL has a target of 19.5 per cent, to which total losses should be reduced by 2018. I want us to set our eyes on doing better: equaling, or doing better than, Barbados – no more than seven per cent. This is not unrealistic, for even now there are areas which are down to 11 per cent. We can be, materially, a thirdworld country, but attaining first-world levels in electricity losses! Respectfully, Samuel A A Hinds, Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Electricity and Energy

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Training needed to better understand Guyanese among highest income the roles of board and manager, and immigrant groups in New York Italians, etc being given leg- the foreign-born population Dear Editor, how they should synchronise The Indo-Caribbean islative seats in last year’s re- in the Borough of Queens, Dear Editor, In his glowing tribute delivered on January 15, which I consider a must read by those craving excellent prose laced with a sumptuous dose of West Indian flavour, Rafiq Khan bemoaned that “Terry (Holder) had to contend with a CBU (Caribbean Broadcasting Union) board, forthcoming with directives to the secretary general, but back sliding with resources. Yet he made the best with what he could muster, while becoming the convenient football for board members who preened themselves on the presumption that by making demands they had done their work”. The foregoing statement has a familiar ring to many who have held responsibility for day to day management (including human and material resources), while being accountable to a board as part of the governance architecture of certain organisations. Further, the quote highlights the often undetected, counterproductive tendency by some members of policy making bodies of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), and even some public sector agencies, to display a propensity for misapplied dominion over persons appointed to manage. I refer to members, inclusive of chairpersons/ presidents, of committees of management, non-executive boards, councils, project steering committees, etc; who wantonly exhibit these discouraging traits over, executive secretaries, executive directors, manager, director, managing directors,

chief executive officers, project managers and the like. For simplicity, I would use designations from each distinctive grouping interchangeably. Note I am not focusing herein on private sector companies. They are a different kettle of fish. I know of a prestigious private sector NGO where, a little over a decade ago, two brothers on the committee of management would ‘tag team’ to bash a female executive secretary to tears, meeting after meeting. A reason for the prevalence of such behaviour by recalcitrant board members is the wrongful assumption that they are co-managers, enjoined in performing managerial duties alongside the organisation’s chief executive officer (CEO). In addition, these ‘powerhouses’ find it appealing to stroke their egos on the misguided wings of costly confusion conjured in them defining operational authority from policy responsibility. On the other hand, there is also a tendency of some appointed operational managers to treat their policy making bodies with disdain, by ignoring the importance of the latter’s prescribed role. In such cases, these actors have been functioning for a protracted period in the position; a fizzled fossilised fixture with a predisposition to portray actions akin to a law unto themselves. In this regard, I know of another private sector NGO whose (managing) director was in the position for well over a decade. He had three vehicles assigned to him and reported mainly to the organisation’s chairman,

a leading captain of industry. Sadly, serious illness forced him to step down. The organisation is hardly heard of these days. It was in essence the persona of the director that ‘carried’ the body. In general, those chairpersons/board members, and CEOs who flex their muscles, are largely so empowered because of their connection to centres of power and/ or the confidence reposed in them to get things done by those who have command over allocation of resources for the entity. So, assuming it is agreed that the foregoing governance issues are counterproductive to the overall good, how do we improve on them? I suggest as a start, newly elected/appointed board members together with and executive directors of NGOs undertake training courses facilitated by competent bodies in ‘association management’, to understand and accept the documented roles of board and manager, and how they should synchronise. Additionally, hold teambuilding sessions involving all the players, even for one day, at least once half yearly; parties evaluating each other without acrimony should be an integral part of the bonding process. Finally, where there are ‘square pegs’ or persons functioning beyond their level of competence, corrective action should be taken to ensure they are not a drag on the organisation’s ability to take flight. Yours faithfully, Derrick Cummings

Alliance of Richmond Hill, an advocacy organisation of people of Indian descent from the Caribbean, reported that its findings of a recent study of the population of New York City (study conducted of figures presented by the City’s Planning Department) shows that Guyanese are among the highest income earners. The average household income for Guyanese immigrants in the city overall is approximately US$51,000, much higher than the average foreign-born populations and only exceeded by immigrants from India, the Philippines and United Kingdom. The findings did not say whether the earnings are for all Guyanese regardless of ethnicity or only Indo-Guyanese. Indians are known to have the highest income in the country because of their highly skilled background and high paying jobs estimated at around US$62,000. Trinidadian immigrants’ household income is approximately US$44,000, which also represents the average household income for all foreign-born populations. New York City’s median (including native and foreign-born) is US$49,792. The group says it combines the two groups in New York City because of the cultural and socio-economic similarities. It joined other nationalities to advocate for a legislative seat (City Council, New York State Senate or Assembly, U.S. Congress) for Indo-Caribbean and South Asians. Seats are allocated based on community clusters. All major ethnic communities are accorded legislative seats with Asians, African-Americans, Afro-Caribbean, Jews, Irish,

drawing of political boundaries. Indo-Caribbean and South Asians were disappointed in being denied a seat for the greater Richmond Hill area. The group’s findings also show that Guyanese and Trinidadians are among the third highest population group in the city. The planning department’s report on population figures reveal that the combined population of Guyanese and Trinidadians represent the third highest immigrant population in New York City, trailing only behind migrants from The Dominican Republic and China. What they found was that the combined immigrant population of Guyanese and Trinidadians in New York City reached a conservative 227,582 compared to 380,160 from The Dominican Republic and 350,231 from China. It is believed by IndoCaribbean advocates and academics that the Guyanese population is undercounted by about 100,000. Many Guyanese in Richmond Hill, for example, as many as a quarter of the population, were not included in official census forms. The group’s report says that the median age for both immigrant groups is between 46-48 years, while approximately one out of three are between 18-44 years old. The report notes that there are 65 Trinidadian males for every 100 Trinidadian females in New York City, while there are 79 males for every 100 female Guyanese immigrants. By comparison, New York City (native and foreignborn) was 90 females for every 100 males. The group’s study found that out of the 50 per cent of

Guyanese represents the second largest foreign population with over 82,000, trailing only Chinese immigrants, who account for over 142,000. The report says that more than half of all Guyanese immigrants in the United States live in New York City compared to just 40 per cent for Trinidadian immigrants. The report found that female Trinidadians earned more than female Guyanese. “Female Trinidadian immigrant workers in New York City made an average of US$44,000 compared to US$40,000 for female Guyanese workers,” says the report. Home ownership rates were highest for Italians (68 per cent), followed by Guyanese (49 per cent), Chinese (44 per cent), and Filipinos (41 per cent). It is a dream of Indo-Guyanese immigrants to own a home and many do within three years of settling in the country. However, quite a number of them ran into mortgage trouble after losing their jobs and were foreclosed. The group reports that among groups from the nonHispanic Caribbean, the home ownership rate stood at 40 per cent for Jamaicans, and was marginally above the city average for Trinidadians and Haitians. The report says that the New York Metro region, as opposed to the city alone, the combined total number of Guyanese and Trinidadian immigrants climbed over 288,000, trailing The Dominican Republic (557,520), China (477,386), Mexico (366,810), and India (330,881). Respectfully submitted, Vishnu Bisram

monday, february 3, 2014

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Foundation (CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY)

Reasons for school refusal Some reasons for not wanting to go to school are: • Fear of losing a parent. The youngster may think something bad will happen to the parent. This could be due to: a parent being ill, (sometimes happens after the parent gets better); marriage problems and fighting; moms and dads separating; knowing another youngster who has lost a parent or whose family has broken up. • Fear that a parent might leave while the youngster is at school. • Jealousy if there is a younger brother or sister at home – the youngster may think the mother is doing all sorts of good things with the younger youngster while she is at school. • Moving house in the early primary years when the youngster does not fully understand distance and space and so feels she has lost contact with her home. • Moms and dads being unreliable about when they pick up after school. Some moms and dads are very late picking up their children, and the children feel they have been forgotten. • Moms and dads’ wor-

ries. If the moms and dads show they are worried about the school refusal, the youngster is more likely to believe there is something to really be worried about. • Problems at school which could be: being bullied; not having friends; not understanding where things are – feeling lost at school; learning problems; not getting along with a teacher. • Separation anxiety (being afraid to be away from mom and dad). This may be because some time in the past, there was an unhappy separation such as the youngster or parent being in hospital. What moms and dads can do It is important to get the youngster back to school, because the longer he is away, the harder it is likely to be. Try to deal with the cause if you can work out what it is from the ideas above. Some other things you can try, depending on the cause: * Let him know that you can understand how he feels. For example say, “That feels really scary to you”. Don’t make fun of

his feelings and don’t tell him that big boys aren’t scared – everyone is afraid sometimes. If you don’t get where he’s coming from, your youngster will find it hard to tell you when he is worried. *

Listen to your youngster and encourage him t o tell you about h i s feelings and fears. * Try not to let him see that you are worried. * You need to believe that your youngster will get over the problem and let your youngster know that you believe in him. * Check with the teacher what is happening at school. It is important that you develop a good rela-

tionship with your youngster’s teacher and that your youngster knows this. You and the teacher are the most important adults in your youngster’s life while she is at school. * Be reliable and on time when picking up after school. Have a plan for times when you might unavoidably be late.

* Give the youngster as much control over the problem as you can – ask him what he thinks will help and then try that. * Let the youngster know you will be doing something boring at home while she is at school. * Let the youngster take something of yours

in her pocket to keep during the day (it need not be something valuable but needs to be something the youngster knows is yours and that you would not want to lose). * Make sure your youngster knows that you will always come back – tell her over and over again if you need to. * Sometimes it is helpful if the youngster says good-bye to you at home and a friend’s parent takes her to school. * Sometimes moms and dads can volunteer to help in the library or elsewhere in the school so the youngster knows you are near until she feels safe. * Spending time with a teacher that the youngster knows well at the start of the day sometimes helps. It will give her something to take her mind off her worries and help her to settle in. If the problem still keeps on or if you or your youngster are getting very upset, special help may be needed to help

get things going again. All schools have a school counsellor or other staff member responsible for this area. Truancy • Children who run away from school to do other things (truancy) rather than stay home usually have different problems from those who don’t want to go to school. • Children who are truant a lot sometimes go on to break the law as they get older. • Children who are truant usually try not to let their moms and dads find out. • They may be wanting to get attention, trying to impress their friends or they may be angry because of school or home problems. • Truancy may happen when there are learning problems. • Truancy sometimes happens when moms and dads are not very interested in the youngster getting a good education, and perhaps don’t get on very well with the school themselves. Schools usually expect moms and dads to inform the school in advance if their youngster will be absent by phoning the school on the day of absence. It is a good way of ensuring your youngster’s safety. After three days of unexplained absence, ,the school will usually contact the parent, as schools are required to report student absences. What moms and dads can do about truancy • Getting help from a family counsellor may be an option. • If it has just started, try to find a cause. Think about what else was happening in the youngster’s life when it started. • If truancy continues, there needs to be an assessment of the youngster’s problems. • If your youngster is skipping lessons, certain days or certain teachers the school counsellor can help her to see what pattern is emerging, and put strategies into place to minimise the risk of truancy occurring. • Let the youngster know that you believe that going to school is really important. • Most high schools will have behaviour management consequences for truancy. (myoutofcontrolteen.com)

News

monDay, february 3, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Thriving business sector in Berbice needs proper security – Canadian envoy

anadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles said security is key to any thriving business in Berbice as she addressed the 81st anniversary luncheon of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) on Sunday. Dr Giles was speaking against the backdrop of rising crime in the Ancient County, which prompted the shakeup of a police station in Corentyne and a high-level delegation of the Guyana Police Force to meet with residents last week.

Poor security

The high commissioner said Canada has realised the impact that poor security can have on a country’s business sector. She said a lack of it is a threat to the safety of a nation’s people and challenges the ability of businesses to thrive and attract investments. “Your vigilance and commitment to ethical business practices also contribute to and strengthen society, as well as strengthening security and decreasing risks in the Berbice business sector,” she said She maintained that it is, therefore, imperative that there is a commitment to principles of corporate social responsibility, and that businesses seek the appropriate and effective mechanism in this regard. “As business leaders,

BCCDA President Mark Roopnarine (second from left) with Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles (second right) and other officials at the luncheon

I urge you all to continue your pursuit of ethical business practices which benefits not just your business and the Berbice community, but all of Guyana,” she advised. Speaking on the business linkages between the two countries, the Canadian envoy said companies in her country have invested millions of dollars in Guyana, spanning diverse sectors from mining, banking and agriculture, to education, oil and gas, and the service sector. “Canada continues to value our trade relationship with Guyana,” she said. She said thousands of Guyanese have made important contributions to Canada and have enriched the Canadian business landscape with their strong business acumen and experience. While commending the

Berbice chamber of commerce for its hard work and achievements, Dr Giles encouraged it to continue to blaze the path to success. “Your entrepreneurship and determination will no doubt inspire a new generation of business leaders to even greater heights of success in Berbice, and this will benefit all Guyanese,” she said.

Long road ahead

BCCDA President Mark Roopnarine, in his address, said the organisation has come a long way, but there is still a long road ahead. He extended gratitude to the founders, the Saywack sisters, and all the past presidents, executive and other members for keeping the chamber alive and vibrant. “We have been pioneering in the development of our economy, through prop-

BCCDA President Mark Roopnarine presents a plaque to Canadian envoy, Dr Nicole Giles

er representations, engagements, and facilitations, and our mandate is to continue to contribute to the economic and social development of this nation and work to promote trade, commerce among our business-

es locally and from strategic business relationships with international and regional investors alike,” he said, explaining that in doing so, it would improve their socio-economic standing.

Roopnarine stated that just like the relationship that Canada and Guyana share as countries that derive mutual benefits from each other, so too must the chamber establish relationships with other chambers for mutual benefit. While recognising the sterling contributions of Canada to the economic development of Berbice and Guyana as a whole, Roopnarine said many Guyanese have been able to scale the corporate and social ladders in Canada.

Development

“What makes us more proud as a nation is the fact that Guyanese from all walks of life are contributing to the process of socio-economic development of Canada as a nation, be it sports, trade, agriculture, or technical empowerment; no doubt, Guyanese are making their contributions in Canada and further abroad,” he said. Also gracing the occasion were Regional Chairman David Armogan, members of the Central and Upper Corentyne chambers of commerce and other officials. BCCDA Past President Imran Saccoor were also inducted as an honorary member of the organisation. The BCCDA was established in 1931 and comprises seven executive and eight council members. Its motto is “Working together for national development”.

8 News

monday, february 3, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

East Coast, East Bank fourlane roads expected to be completed this year

he East Coast and East Bank four-lane expansion projects are expected to be completed by year-end, head of the Public Works Ministry’s, Work Services Group Jeffery Vaughn said. Speaking at the ministry’s end-of-year press briefing recently, Vaughn gave the deadline for the East Coast Road at around June while the East Bank Road is expected to be completed by November. He noted that the East Bank Road was supposed to be completed by April 30; however, the date had to be pushed back after issues were encountered with several utilities. The engineer noted that the issue with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) is being sorted out, and the company is expected to remove their cables by month-end. He said despite the setback, the project has not exceeded its initial budget. According to Vaughn, Lot 1 of the project is 31 per

The four-lane expansion at Diamond, East Bank Demerara

cent complete while Lot 2 is 37 per cent complete; however, Lot 3 is only 27 per cent complete as the construction of the high bridge at Diamond is yet to commence.

Design completed

Meanwhile, he noted that the expansion and final design for the East Coast Highway is completed and two lots are 70 per cent complete. Vaughn stated that Lot 1 is wrapping up at Felicity while work at Lot 2 is ongoing and has been delayed

because of the BM Soat controversy. However, he noted that the works at lots one to five are expected to be completed by mid-year. The four-lane expansion will end at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, while there would be a two-lane upgrade thereon to Belle Field. According to Vaughn, a number of road projects were completed last year while some have rolled over to this year. The Works Services Group head disclosed that some $3.2 billion

of foreign funds were allotted to roads projects, but only 40 per cent of it was disbursed. He noted that a number of the projects experienced shortfalls as a result of rains and shortage of building materials. A research conducted by the Central Transport and Planning Unit revealed that there was a shortfall in supply of aggregate for roads and buildings. “That was one of the major issues that actually surfaced during 2013 that affected a lot of projects. It did not only affect projects in terms of foreign funded, but it also affected our local programme which is our miscellaneous and urbane roads projects,” he stated. According to Vaughn, there are several projects which are currently ongoing in areas such as Canje and Black Bush Polder. In addition, he disclosed that several studies are also ongoing while some are slated for this year.

Biodiversity study

The feasibility study for the Lethem-Linden Road was completed, but a biodiversity study is being conducted, he said. The design for the expansion of the Sheriff-Mandela Road Project has been completed and consultancy for the project has been shortlisted, hence, works will commence soon. Another ongoing project is the West Coast Demerara Public Road, which is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Additionally, Vaughn highlighted that the Public Works Ministry has completed some 87,654 metres of miscellaneous roads for the year 2013. That includes roads from Regions One to Six. The longest length of road was done in Region Six (40,838 metres) while the shortest length of road was done in Region One (1035 metres). Regions Two, Three, Four and Five saw roads done to the lengths of 7548, 12,204, 13,535 and 12,494 metres respectively. According to the report of the Works Services Group, funds were received from international lending agencies for works to be done on studies, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of bridges and roads infrastructure. During last year, four loans and four technical cooperation operations were funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB). Meanwhile, (CDB) is funding the completion of the third road rehabilitation projects at East Bank/ West Coast Demerara.

Eyew tness Wilful blindness... A

...of Harris and Muckraker dam Harris is an old head when it comes to propaganda. He’s been spinning lies for almost half a century now – first for Burnham and the PNC at the Chronicle and then for The Mook over at the MuckrakerKN. But if day in and day out you’re mixing lies and truth, at some point you’ll end up not knowing which the heck is which. Or you end up believing your own BS. Or psychotic (psychosis??). Take Harris’ column in yesterday’s MuckrakerKN. The man bemoaned the murders committed in Guyana. But then he had the unmitigated gall to complain that “news agencies” and now the “electronic media even publish the gruesome photographs”!!! In “chilling detail”, he complains! Here’s the fella who led the way – with his untutored “boss man”, as he fawningly refers to The Mook – in destroying the sensibilities of the Guyanese people with photos of headless bodies and bullet ridden children. And now he calls them “gruesome”? It wasn’t gruesome when he and the Mook decided to print them. The money made from the public’s morbid fascination dulled the gruesomeness. “There was a time when the public made known their displeasure at the publication of these photographs in the newspapers,” Harris wrote. “Today, the country is taking these things in stride. In fact, the younger people actually rush to see these photographs with ghoulish glee. SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH MY COUNTRY.” Something IS definitely wrong in Guyana. And it’s that people like The Mook and Harris can be allowed to get away with killing the moral fibre of the people of this country with their publication of filth and titillation. And now complain about it!! We had long warned about this effect: that people would begin to see the horror as the norm. This is a normal human reaction – how much horror or filth can you put up with? You sit in a latrine for a while and pretty soon you don’t even notice the stench. You even read the newspaper. And the danger we pointed out before – to no avail – is if people don’t become outraged by a horror, then that horror will never be eradicated. It is the norm. We don’t even hold our noses. But the willful blindness of Harris doesn’t stop there. He goes on to lay blame for the people’s incapacity for moral outrage. And guess whose behind he rubs his doo-doo on? The police!!! We know the police aren’t choir boys but making children “rush to see these photographs with ghoulish glee”? This is being certifiably psychotic.

...of stakeholders in budget From some media reports, there seems to be a big disjunct between the government (specifically the Finance Ministry) and the “stakeholders” in the budgetary process. The latter act as if their name means they’re “holding stakes”, which they’re supposed to plunge into the heart of the finance minister. As if he’s Count Dracula. They’ve forgotten that they got their name because they’re supposed to have a “stake” (a part) in the outcome of the process. The opposition’s the greatest culprit here. They want to control and write the entire budget – not surprising (but illegal), since they want to take over the executive. So they aren’t even showing up for meetings to discuss their suggestions. But the recent meetings with the GPSU and FITUG – the representatives of workers – indicated that they somehow expect the Finance Ministry as bound to adopt their proposals – lock, stock and barrel. Everybody better understand this: the Finance Ministry has to consider the welfare of the entire country – not just special interests. The whole is greater than even the sum of the parts. ...on Caricom The Caricom secretary general claimed “reforms” are under way. Who’s he kidding? Until we have a Caricom executive body with teeth, we’re just spinning wheels. And wasting money on inflated salaries and perks.

news

monDay, february 3, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Too many liquor shops in the streets Significant reduction in TB cases – CMO – Social Sector Committee

s the parliamentary Social Sector Committee embarks on its quest to address noise nuisance in society, members pointed out that there are too many liquor shops in society, as they questioned the procedure used to grant permits. At the committee’s meeting on Friday, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) MP Vindhya Persaud quizzed fire chief Marlon Gentle and City Council representatives, city engineer Colbert Venture and supervisor for building inspection Marlon Harris. Lawrence asked whether there are limits as to how many permits and licences should be granted within a zoning area or regulations regarding the construction of a liquor shop or hosting of a social event. She also asked what criteria are used to issue permits for those events or businesses which are in close proximity with each other. “You need to look at that sometimes. There are three functions going on and everybody in the area will cry out, because from one time or the other you are getting that collage of noise coming at you and that’s an issue,” the MP stated. She suggest-

against what was approved, and the Guyana Fire Service on a yearly basis inspects the businesses to ensure they are in par with the regulations. If these are not adhered to, then the businesses will be written to and a letter sent to the City Engineer Department for further action.

Innovative

Social Sector Committee Chairperson Indra Chandarpal

ed that the authorities adopt a first come-first serve policy whereby only the first person to seek permission will be granted approval.

Approval process

With respect to the social activities, Building Inspection Supervisor Harris explained that permission can only be granted for public places and most of the events are being held on reserved lands. However, he noted that when plans are submitted to City Council for the establishment of a business, they are forwarded to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for processing and approval. “They are the ones who

Fire chief Marlon Gentle

determine yes or no, permission could be granted,” Harris said. He disclosed there are no consultations during this process; however, there are members on the CH&PA board from the various agencies involved and they are the ones who decide whether or not to grant the approval. City Engineer Colbert Venture explained that when an application is presented to the board, a representative from the CH&PA inspects the premises to see whether the criteria are met after which a report is presented to the board for approval. He noted that after approval is granted, the City Council will go out and inspect what is being built

Social Sector Committee Chairperson Indra Chandarpal pointed out to the members that as policymakers, they must look into the discomfort of the people and amend the laws to alleviate this. “You, as the policymakers, must not be allowed to feel helpless. We must be able to come up and think out of the box as to how we should protect, because these are our various constituencies. We are here for a purpose and we have to protect their interests,” she stated. Fire Chief Gentle told the committee that they will have to go back to the laws and look at zoning and the environmental aspects. “Just looking at what the fire service and the magistrate will do is not enough. It is bigger than this, it’s what needs to be the standard for noise nuisance in Guyana and how do we legislate it,” he said.

Agricola murder suspect still in custody – injured witness discharged

n injured Samantha Sabat, the main witness in the murder of Donna Taylor, was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital and placed in protective custody. Taylor, 55, was found dead in a pool of blood a short distance away from her Lot 1617 Public Road, Agricola home on Friday evening in a clump of bushes with her hands bound and throat slit. The main suspect, the girlfriend of the victim’s son, is still being questioned by police. The suspect – a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank, reportedly told investigators that during the time the murder was committed, she was asleep but there is no one to substantiate her alibi. The main witness, who was visiting Taylor from Britain, reportedly told investigators that after the perpetrators entered the house and attacked her and the now dead woman, she jumped through the window, but Taylor ran towards the back door. It is believed that, while attempting to open the door, Taylor was cornered, but put up a fight. Investigators are working on the theory that during the altercation, her throat was

slit and she was taken to the backyard where she was left to die. They also believe that the men thought Sabat went to alert neighbours, so rather than going in search of her, they scaled the fence of the property. The police have since taken the prints that were on the fence, along with other pieces of evidence. Sabat’s injuries, lacerations to the head and face, and a broken right arm, were as a direct result of her jumping through the louver window and landing on the concrete. Relatives of the deceased suspect that the persons who committed the act were ordered to do so by someone. They dismissed robbery as a motive, claiming that valuables were in the house and were not taken.

Information

The husband of the dead woman is calling on anyone who might have information that can lead to a breakthrough in the case to come forward, promising that all information will be treated with confidence. He is hoping that justice will be served. To date, he said, he has not had an opportunity to speak with Sabat.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

ast year, Guyana recorded a 20 per cent reduction in tuberculosis (TB) cases compared to 2012, as there were less complicated cases in terms of people developing resistance, according to Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud. TB is considered as the eighth leading cause of death worldwide, since every year there are millions of new infections and corresponding deaths. Work has commenced on the establishment of a national facility to better manage TB-infected patients, particularly those that are homeless. This project is being done in collaboration with the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the Global Fund.

12-point policy

The CMO said Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has performed well in terms of offering specialised facilities and services; these include: the diabetic clinic, the family health unit; and the infections and disease unit. Tuberculosis is a recognisable global threat to public health and hinders efforts towards ending poverty; however, it is preventable, treatable, and curable once detected and the stipulated treatment period is completed. Guyana has signed on

to the six-point strategy, as well as the World Health Organisation’s 12-point policy package, which includes TB/HIV coordinating bodies, HIV surveillance among TB patients, TB/HIV planning, TB/HIV monitoring and evaluation, intensified TB case finding, ionised preventive therapy, TB infection control in health care and other settings, HIV testing and counselling, HIV preventive methods, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy, and HIV/AIDS care and support and antiretroviral therapy for TB patients.

Expansion

Over the years, the government of Guyana has invested in the expansion of the TB programme in the 10 administrative regions to allow all Guyanese access to care and support. TB sites have been established at the Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Moruca hospitals, Region One; Suddie and Charity hospitals, Region Two; West Demerara and Leonora hospitals, Region Three; GPHC, and Enmore Poly Clinic, Region Four; Fort Wellington hospital, Region Five; New Amsterdam and Skeldon hospitals, Region Six; Bartica hospital, Region Seven; Mahdia Regional Hospital, Region Eight; Annai Health Centre, Region Nine; and Wismar District Hospital, Region 10.

Six arrested for Amelia’s Ward robbery Dead, Donna Taylor

An aunt and another relative of the woman, he stated, came to his house to collect her belongings, claiming she was fearful of returning to the murder scene. With respect to his son’s girlfriend, he could not say if it was likely that she had anything to do with his wife’s death, claiming that anything is possible. He said the woman and his son have been “going around” for the past year, but recently his son tried to break off the relationship; however, the young woman did not accept that it was over. His wife, he added, got in-

volved and asked the GDF rank to desist from seeing her son. He is of the opinion whoever committed the act wanted to send a strong message to the family, but said there seemed to be a deeper side to the story without going into detail. According to information received, police were initially working on the theory that the two women were robbed then brutally attacked, since there was evidence of forced entry through one of the windows in the upper flat of the house, but this changed after the survivor told her side of the story.

ix men are in police custody in connection with an armed robbery committed on Devanand Ramdial, a businessman of South Amelia’s Ward, Linden on Friday. The men were arrested on Saturday and Sunday after police acted upon tips and intercepted them. The law enforcement ranks found the men with an unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun with three cartridges, a bulletproof vest, and some of the jewellery and a cellphone that were stolen during the robbery. Guyana Times understands that three men on Friday went to Ramdial’s Furniture Store under the pretext of ordering a few

pieces of furniture, but instead they held the owner hostage and demanded money and jewellery. Unconfirmed reports stated that the man was escorted to the upper flat of the building where he resides with his wife and children whom the bandits threatened to shoot if they did not hand over the money and jewellery. In fear for his life and those of his loved ones, the businessman ordered his wife to comply. The bandits then made good their escape in a waiting motorcar. Information surrounding the robbery remains sketchy. The police are continuing their investigation.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, february 3, 2014

News

Mayor wants disciplinary, traffic woes addressed BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN

ity Mayor Hamilton Green is anxiously looking forward to a new dispensation in the local government system. However, he said this could only happen if President Donald Ramotar assents to the last of the four local government bills passed by the National Assembly. Green told Guyana Times recently that this bill could place in the Local Government Commission the power to hire and fire staff of the municipalities. The mayor said in the “real world”, someone who manages an organisation should be allowed to discipline staff, whenever necessary. However, right now, the local government and regional development minister has that power. While this has always been the case, the Georgetown mayor believes that the right to discipline staff and address staff welfare issues should be placed with the commission and by extension, the mayors. Referring to his own situation, Green said he is currently not allowed to discipline staff under his wing, yet he is blamed for the many issues that continue to surface and affect the daily functioning of the City Council. “You can’t put me to manage a place and deny me the opportunity to deal with staff and then turn around and tell me that I’m responsible and that is what is hap-

pening in Georgetown; it’s a most unfortunate and unbelievable situation,” Green added. The city mayor is appealing to media and citizens to say something to correct the situation. He explained that there is much more that can be done to improve the functioning of the City Council and to improve the city’s standing, making it more clean and attractive and returning it to its former glory.

Dreams

When I was elected in 1994, I had dreams to make Georgetown a garden and beautiful city, it is still possible but my hands are tied… Citizens must now speak up against this assault on democracy and the city, so that we can breathe again,” he added. Green told Guyana Times that one of largest issues affecting the city, aside from the garbage situation is proper parking facilities. He said the congestion in the city is a shame and could have been fixed years ago when he presented a plan to restructure the city. The city mayor cited the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which has, to some extent, caused major congestion on Camp Street, Georgetown. Green said the two lots made available for parking are still inadequate for customers. The mayor recalled that in his proposal to the then Bharrat Jagdeo administration, a detailed plan for

City Mayor Hamilton Green

the re-organisation and development of the capital was compiled by Professor Akbar Khan, one of the finest urban planners in the region. In that proposal, Khan made recommendations for parking so as to relieve the congestion in the city. The government, however, did not accept the plan, although Cabinet had approved of it. “We had proposed a plan for parking in the city which was intended to earn us some revenue. We had the business people attend a special meeting of council and as we were about to sign that contract, we received a letter from then Minister (Clinton) Collymore saying not to proceed and government is looking at parking,” Green said. To date, nothing substantial has been done to address the parking situation in the country, and the narrow streets are becoming more and more congested, although some are now

used as one-way, Green said. In addition, the railway line that was once occupied by citizens is now being paved into streets and used by huge businesses in Lamaha Street, Georgetown for parking. This is the same area that government once said was dangerous for human occupation because highpower lines will be overhead. Green also raised concerns over government’s building code that urged new builders to make available the bottom flat of their residence for parking purposes. He said that that recommendation came from Khan’s plan to improve the city. While this is now the law, very few people erecting large structures in and around the city are complying. The city mayor said it was recommended that plots of land be made available for massive parking lots, as is the case in many metropolitan cities. He believes if this is done, then the parking situation could be improved. This will also help the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to earn extra revenue and create some kind of organisation to the way vehicles are parked. Green said he was ready and willing to sit with government to ‘talk it over’, but stressed that it must be a concrete decision towards creating positive changes to the city. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Once upon a time…

nce upon a time there was Brer Anansi. Brer Anansi live a long time ago and dead a long time ago. But old people seh that long, ago people does dead and born back again a second time. Not the kinda born again whah dem preachers does talk bout. Dem does come back into a new life. Well, Guyana got nuff old time people who look like dem dead and come back to life. Some a dem in Parliament. Some a dem in guvament. One a dem is a mayor-fuh-life. Just that fuh most a dem de new life ain’t no better than de old life. It woulda be better if dem never born again. Dem shoulda stay down under de earth. De big problem is that nuff a dem lookin like dem still dead. Some a dem behavin like livin dead. And some a dem deh round de place like walkin dead all over. One a dem like de mayor-fuh-life got de whole place smellin like dead. Guyana cricket gotta a Brer Anansi. People not sure if he is one a dem who dead and born back. But dem cricketers seh Brer Anansi got cricket dead. And it ain’t look like cricket gon born back any time soon once Brer Anansi deh bout. De cricketers hopin that cricket gon born back, but not Brer Anansi. One cricketer seh Brer Anansi does seh one ting and Nancy Dru does seh de opposite. Brer Anansi can’t see whah Nancy Dru doin and Nancy Dru can’t see whah Brer Anansi doin either. Both a dem sound like old time Brer Anansi story whah grandpa and grandma does tell grandpickney fuh mek dem sleep. Just that this Brer Anansi story in Guyana cricket got every body wide awake and givin dem sleepless nights instead. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And wid cricket dead, is only Brer Anansi and Nancy Dru sleepin. People not sure if to tell dem keep on dreamin or don’t wake up at all! But that is de only way cricket gon born back!

Scores attend Camp BRO C

amp BRO (Brothers Reaching Others) was held for the first time in Guyana, bringing “brothers” in Linden, Region 10 together. The two-day camp held over the weekend at the Mackenzie High School was designed for boys ages 11-15, with the intent to build their leadership capacity. It also sought to create a safe space where boys can freely express themselves. Camp BRO was facilitated by 18 U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, who form part of the Gender and Development Taskforce. On Sunday, one of the U.S. Peace Corps volunteers told Guyana Times that Camp BRO attracted approximately 85 boys, primarily from primary and secondary schools in Linden. On Saturday, with the help of approximately 20 external volunteers in the town, the boys participated in a service project, thereby giving back to Linden. Collectively, they refurbished and painted a number of tables and benches at the Mackenzie Primary School

The U.S. Peace Corps volunteers and the “brothers” putting their handprints, names and career aspirations on the Camp BRO banner

and donated a book shelf to the Linden Care Foundation. Additionally, a table was donated to the One Mile Health Centre to add to its childfriendly space. Through the service project, the boys were taught the importance of giving back to the people who continue to groom them in the areas of education, health, sport, agriculture and social development.

In the Mackenzie High School auditorium, a career panel of seven regional leaders spoke to the brothers about the importance of making right choices and how it will lead them to their desired careers. The speakers include Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, Pastor Selwyn Sills, Deputy Police Superintendent Wayne De

Hearte, Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development President Kevin Dejounge, Republic Bank Linden branch teller Juda Louisy, Dr Quacy Jones of the Linden Hospital Complex and Information Communication Technology (ICT) entrepreneur Lennox Gasper. Gasper, who is also a firstyear student at the Centre for Communication Studies, University of Guyana, said friends are motivated by three things: friends, freedom and fun. He encouraged the youths to choose friends who will motivate and help them to achieve their lifetime objectives. He said while freedom is good, it comes with responsibility. “It is good to have fun, that will promote purpose, which will lead to success.” Reflecting on his teenage life, Gasper said he grew up in abject poverty. At school, his friends would pool their cash together to purchase him lunch. But it was not long before he dropped out of school. He was never granted the

Some of the “brothers” on Saturday painting one of the tables at the Mackenzie Primary School

opportunity to attend high school, but this did not dampen his ambition in life. Today, he is a husband, a father of one and an entrepreneur. Sexual health and healthy relations were among other areas covered during discussions with the boys. The day culminated with a range of sporting activities, including basketball and football. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the participants were allowed to express themselves through music. Stress management, decision-making and what it means to be a man, were among other areas covered on Sunday. Camp BRO is expected to be held in other parts of the

country. It is the intention of the U.S. Peace Corps volunteers to stage a weeklong overnight boys’ camp on a year basis. For the past three years, the volunteers have been hosting weeklong overnight camps for girls dubbed “Camp GLOW – Girls Leading Our World”. The last camp was held in August at the Kuru Kuru Training College, with approximately 75 girls in attendance, from across the country. It is the hope of the volunteers that in the future, both Camp BRO and Camp GLOW will be led by Guyanese, with support for international organisation.

11 Feature

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, february 3, 2014

Times Notebook The wisdom of the Constitution S

o the acting Chief Justice (CJ) has ruled that the opposition cannot use their numbers in Parliament to ARBITRARILY cut the budgetary sum allocated to any particular activity. He has properly ruled that they can approve or disapprove the budget in its entirety or in parts. But he was clear that they cannot cherry-pick on the budget by deciding how much they will allocate to a particular line item. That is the responsibility of the finance minister who could change the amount for any line item after consultation with the opposition. What the CJ simply ruled is that if the government decided, for example, to budget $5 million for a bridge, the opposition has a right to disapprove the construction of the bridge and, therefore, by forcing the finance minister to delete this line item, the overall budget will be reduced. In accordance with the Constitution, the CJ does not interfere with the right of the opposition in Parliament to do this. When the opposition decides, for instance, that they will reduce the amount allocated for the construction of a bridge to just $1, they would have done two things.

Mischievous

First, they would have approved the construction of the bridge. Second, they would have approved the expenditure of only $1 for the construction of the bridge. Clearly, this sum would be inadequate for the construction of the bridge and clearly this would be sheer mischievousness on the part of the opposition, approving construction, but making it impossible to do so. The Constitution says that where a sum is allocated for an activity and it is insufficient to complete that activity, the government has a right to expend that money and provide Parliament with a statement of the excess expenditure. The CJ was not taking side with the government or being anti-opposition. He was merely giving effect to the Constitution, the supreme law of the land. But the opposition and their supporters have begun the anticipated ridicule of the CJ and have openly stated they intend to disregard the ruling. Times Notebook is concerned that the Speaker of the National Assembly, by his statement on the ruling, has given clear indication

that he will not alter his own ruling in Parliament and will continue to allow the opposition to arbitrarily cut the budget. This is unfortunate because the Speaker should ensure at all times that he adheres to the law of the land and not expose his personal political allegiance. The opposition and even the Speaker of the National Assembly have indicated that they will appeal this decision. This is their right. We live in a democratic country and the full scope of institutional arrangements in Guyana is at work. But until the appeal process provides ratification or come up with another answer, the opposition must accept the ruling. The absolute contempt with which MPs from the opposition and some of the commentators are treating the judgment is unacceptable in a democratic society. We can disagree with the CJ but we have legal options to challenge the ruling.

Negotiate

There is talk of how the opposition in the U.S. Congress has the ability to cut the U.S. budget. But that is not the case. In the U.S., when the opposition has a problem with the budget, they negotiate for the government to change the budget, but they cannot arbitrarily cut the budget. When last year, the U.S. government was closed down, it was because the Republicans did not approve a budget. They wanted cuts and unless those cuts were made by the Democrats and the Obama government, all the Republicans could have done was to disapprove the budget. They could not pass a budget that they cut. They could only disapprove the budget presented by the Obama administration. This mechanism exists everywhere. It is not that Guyana has a dysfunctional Constitution. The Constitution seeks to prevent dysfunctional behaviour on the part of anyone. There may be weaknesses in it which must be correct corrected. But the Constitutional arrangements on the budget are sound. The CJ is saying to the MPs to live within the wisdom of the Constitution which follows very sound and hundreds of years of experience from other jurisdictions. Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

The Constitution says that where a sum is allocated for an activity and it is insufficient to complete that activity, the government has a right to expend that money and provide Parliament with a statement of the excess expenditure

12 News

Monday, february 3, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

First indigenous restaurant opens 600 lifejackets distributed to REOs

Patrons at the Tuma Sàlà, Guyana’s first indigenous restaurant on Saturday

uma Sàlà, a Patamona word meaning “Come let us eat”, is the first Guyanese indigenous cuisine restaurant in the country. Tuma Sàlà, located on 37 Middle Street and Campbellville Avenue, Geogetown, opened its door to the public on Saturday. Co-founder Michael Patterson was overwhelmed with joy on seeing the partnership venture becoming reality. “We are extremely proud at the response we’ve gotten so far, and we hope that Guyanese can come and enjoy the traditional Amerindian atmosphere that we have to offer.”

Authentic

Patterson urged citizens to visit the eatery to experience authentic Guyanese indigenous cui-

sine, Amerindian style. Prior to the restaurant’s opening, the only time when Amerindian food, drink and craft are widely showcased is in September, Amerindian Heritage Month. “We want to do it more regular and also have that economic gain from such a venture,” Patterson explained. He disclosed that the venture does not stop with the opening, noting that plans are in place for an Amerindian Night. Patterson pointed out that the restaurant also does catering for weddings, cocktails, and any reception. One of the major concerns Patterson shared was that of storage of meat during the journey from the interior to the city. Nevertheless, he explained that over the past two weeks, they have man-

aged to address this challenge. “To keep meat stuff together in storage is an issue, but we have managed and where there’s a will, there is a way,” he said.

Tourism

The restaurant was officially launched on Saturday, January 18, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. Patterson said with the launch of the authentic restaurant, he hopes that it will improve tourism in Guyana. The other members of the partnership business are Natasha George, Evelyn Felix, Ovid Williams, and Lolita Williams. They are all looking forward to a long beneficial business career. The restaurant also features Amerindian craft, jewellery and ornaments.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds examines a life jacket before distribution

he regional executive officers (REOs) of the 10 administrative regions were given life jackets as part of the Public Works Ministry’s programme to ensure continued safety on the waterways. On Saturday, February 1, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn and Maritime

Administration Department (MARAD) Communications Officer Akousa McPherson distributed the lifejackets for children at the Local Government Ministry’s boardroom. Minister Benn expressed his concern over the number of deaths on the waterways that were report-

ed last year. That figure stands at 37. The life jacket distribution will continue countrywide as MARAD, an agency under the purview of the ministry, seeks to reduce the number of accident on the waterways. To that end, a series of safety campaigns will be launched soon.

ANSA McAL launches new product in style

KYY Vodka, the newest member of the ANSA McAL family of products, was officially introduced to the public on Friday evening in style at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, in the presence of distributors, officials, and special invitees. SKYY Vodka comes in various flavours and can be obtained from various distributors countrywide. Shots and bottles of the product will also be available at the leading night clubs. At the elaborate event on Friday evening, the guests upon arrival were greeted by a young woman whose body was painted in the colours of the beverage – blue and silver. The atmosphere inside the Georgetown Club was absolutely breathtaking: there were blue lights along with blue candles and blue crystals on every table. According to Brand Manager Angelica Rodney, SKYY Vodka is one of the smoothest on the market. She acknowledged the competition the brand faces, given the presence of several well-known and popular vodka labels on the market.

Two of the models pose with the SKYY mascot at the event

Rodney explained that this new product was one with a difference, giving a brief re-

view of the product, including its advantageous qualities.

World Bank in climate change initiative

s the Caribbean grapples with the effects of climate change, the World Bank is helping the region and other developing countries to better prepare for and manage disaster risks and climate change. The Washington-based financial institution said through the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) – a World Bank-managed fund supported by 21 donor partners, the European Union, the World Bank and the United Nations – more than 80 de-

veloping countries, including Caribbean states, were “better able to identify, prepare for, and recover from natural disasters” during fiscal year 2012-13. The bank said the facility’s annual report covering July 2012 to July 2013 “showcases its work toward a goal of helping over one billion people in 34 developing countries to better cope with and adapt to the effects of natural hazards and climate change.” “Working with a number of partners, including governments, internation-

al and technical organisations, private sector and civil society, GFDRR achieved a number of tangible results during the fiscal year,” said the statement, adding that 10 Caribbean countries are “now able to share disaster risk data online as a result of GFDRR training”. Through the GFDRR, the World Bank said it “aims to mainstream disaster risk management and recovery into country development plans and polices through the operations of major multilateral organisations”.

news

monday, february 3, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ministers of God anoint gathering at Gospel Fest I

t was indeed a night of worship and giving thanks as hundreds from all walks of life turned out at the Inspire Inc Gospel Fest 2014, held at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening. With the dynamic performances from local, regional and international ministers of God, practically everyone were out of their seats as the word of God was administered to them. The entire national stadium was undoubtedly anointed by the ministers who put on an epic show. With hands in the air, bowed heads and in some cases, tears in their eyes,

was Cheryl Malone, who released her album “Unity” as she performed “Share Some Love”.

Holy rhythm

Bartica was also well represented by Solid Youth, who added a hip hop/ dancehall swag to the evening, with several of his tunes which had the audience dancing to the holy rhythm. Adding more flavour to the concert were Trenacia Esseboom, Samuel Medas and Sean Sobers. However, Eon Greave was the last local performer to take to the stage before the regional artistes. He performed “What A

In deep meditation, Barbadian Hoszia Hinds doing his part for fans during Gospel Fest 2014

every member of the audience would have spiritually felt the presence of the Lord. The concert started

Restoration”, which was well received by the audience. The show started with Barbadian Hoszia Hinds, who took to the stage,

Grammy winning gospel singer Israel Haughton in full flight at the Guyana National Stadium

decked out in an all white ensemble. He performed to perfection. Hinds spent over 20 minutes on stage, and from the reaction of the audience, he did an excellent job. Dishing out songs such as “Giving Up Is Not An Option”, “I Can’t Live My Life Without You” and “Lord God To My Rescue”, he had men, women and children jumping in joy, praising the Lord. Dripping in perspiration, Hinds made way for Jamaica’s Junior Tucker, who continued form where Hinds left off. His powerful voice boomed through the speakers of Travellers Sound System. He performed “My God, He Loves Me”, “Blessing And Honour”, “I Am Determined To Fulfill My Destiny”, “I Love You Lord” and “Rock

Inspired Inc Chief Executive Officer Yog Mahadeo with brother, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo and friends, display the second edition of “A Garland of Pearl”

promptly at 19:00h, with two hours of local performances which definitely set the tone for the evening. From reggae to dance hall gospel, the artistes had everyone on their feet singing praises. There were spectacular performances by Mariam Williams, who was accompanied by the powerful voice of her son, Jeremiah, who left an indelible impression on the hearts of those present. Ryan Hoppie also did his part on stage, but taking the crowd by storm

Church. Mc Gowan, a historian, has been serving as pastor for the past 30 years Smart could not make it to the show due to circumstances beyound his control, but the award was received by his son Selwyn Sills. Inspire Inc Chief Executive Officer Yog Mahadeo also launched the second edition of his book “A Garland of Pearl”, which was illustrated by Royston Chase. During his presentation, he urged Guyanese to stay away from criminal activities and be more vigilant in promoting peace, love and unity. He presented one of the

available in local book stores across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Big welcome

And without any further hesitation, Yog introduced and welcomed Israel Haughton and the New Breed Band on stage. As he made his way to the stage, the entire Guyana National Stadium erupted in joy. Spectators in the VVIP box went as close as possible to the stage to get a clearer glimpse of the Grammy Award winning gospel singer and song writer. He started off his 90-minute performance with “Jesus”, a worshipping song, which

My Soul”. During his presentation, he interacted with the audience and had them singing various pieces of choruses. Without any doubt, Hinds and Tuckers put the crowd in a spiritual mood. All the local and regional artistes were backed by the Second Coming Band, which did a fantastic job.

Awards

As the show continued, three outstanding religious leaders receive Lifetime Achievement Awards for their dedication in spreading the word of God. These were Reverend, Dr John Smith of the Central Assembly of God Church; Basil Smart, who hails from Linden; and Pastor Winston Mc Gowan of the South Road Assembly of God

Minister Junior Tucker performing at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening

books to his brother, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, while noting that the third edition is underway. These books, he noted, will be

was followed by “Walk With You”. With his guitar and backup singers, the crowd went into a frenzy. Every tune from

From left to right: Selwyn Sills, Dr Winston Mc Gowan and Reverend Dr John Smith with the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Sills recieved the award on behalf of his father, Basil Smart

Sections of the crowd at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening at the Inspire Inc Gospel Fest

Haughton was accompanied by loud cheers and screams. He did as he promised; it was a magnificent performance that had the audience on their feet as they sang, danced and worship. The inspiring show, which was not interrupted by rain, ended just after midnight. Those in attendance include junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Member of Parliament Kwame Gilbert and others.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, February 3, 2014

Regional

charged Gender counts in the aftermath Journalists to keep regional of Caribbean natural disasters integration flame lit

he rise in natural disasters in the Caribbean due to climate change has led to increased suffering for both men and women, much of it as a consequence of socially constructed roles based on gender, experts say. So although women typically suffer more during natural disasters, gender policies that specifically focus on helping men when disasters strike are also needed, according to a disaster management official in the Caribbean. “In the Caribbean region, discussions on gender are relegated to conversations on women,” Elizabeth Riley, the deputy executive director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), told IPS. However, she said, experience of natural disasters in the region show that there is a need for psycho-social support programmes for males following a disaster. A report prepared for the United Nations Development Programme entitled “Enhancing Gender Visibility in Disaster Risk Management and

A report prepared for the United Nations Development Programme noted that men often lacked coping skills in the aftermath of a hurricane and were prone to alcohol abuse, stress, and anger

Climate Change in the Caribbean” noted that men often lacked coping skills in the aftermath of a hurricane and were prone to alcohol abuse, stress, and anger. Riley said reports from regional

disasters showed women, on the other hand, responded to such events “by connecting to the whole concept of social capital – relying on each other, family connections and friends.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

rime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer has dubbed the Caribbean region’s journalists as “agents of change” when it comes to the promotion of regional integration. Spencer emphasised this at the opening of the broadcasters regional integration and Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) workshop in Antigua recently. “I believe that workshops like this offer media practitioners the opportunity to tell the region’s story more accurately and in a manner that the average Caribbean person can appreciate,” Spencer outlined. “I believe that broadcasters are champions of educating the public.” While carrying out this means of enlightenment, general secretary of the

Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Wesley Gibbins, encouraged his colleagues to ensure that the populace of the Caribbean was given only the most accurate information. “We have moved into a different dimension of the integration process,” Gibbins stressed. “And it is vitally important that the persons charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the people of this region are acquainted with the processes and the systems that are in place to ensure their survival as sovereign people – that those carriers, those gatekeepers, those messengers are adequately equip with the information that they require to accurately portray the reality.” (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

PM bids to host secretariat for Foreign female assassin in Arms Trade Treaty Trinidad and Tobago – pastor

rime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has made a formal bid for TT to host the next secretariat for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. PersadBissessar made the announcement on Saturday, moments after her return from the recently concluded Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) meeting in Cuba. She said there were several reasons why TT should host the secretariat.

“Our geographic location has made us very vulnerable to the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. We do not manufacture guns or ammunition, we do not manufacture cocaine and other hard drugs, yet we are a transshipment point and, of course, the guns are creating havoc and great sadness in our own country here,” she said. “All the major institutions of the UN should not be located in the same geographic locations, but we

Antigua’s attorney general stable in hospital after collapse

Antigua and Barbuda’s Attorney General, Justin Simon QC

ntigua and Barbuda’s Attorney General, Justin Simon QC, remained in hospital late Saturday in stable condition after collapsing at a restaurant, an official source has said. Simon, said to be in his fifties, reportedly collapsed around 16:30h, while out with friends at Big Banana,

a popular eatery in downtown St Johns. He was rushed to the Mount St John’s Medical Centre, the main state hospital about a kilometre away. A senior government official who said he was receiving regular updates on the attorney general’s health but asked not to be identified, told the Caribbean Media Corporation that Simon was conscious, alert and in stable condition. Key figures in government could not be reached for details of Simon’s illness and condition. The Dominica-born Simon was appointed as minister of legal affairs and attorney general in the original cabinet of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer when his United Progressive Party (UPP) swept to power in March 2004, ending the 28-year rule of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP). (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

should have something here in the CELAC and TT.” Persad-Bissessar said the discussions also turned to control of the drug trade within the region. “As we all know, this is a major challenge that we all in the Caribbean and Latin American states encountered. We found it necessary to refine policies that deal with this,” she said. She said those policies deal with not just control, but treatment and rehabilitation of users.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

former member of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Pastor Clive Dottin has described Trinidad and Tobago as a “narco economic state” adding that a female assassin from Latin America arrived there to ensure compliance with the illegal trade. Speaking on a radio programme, Dottin, a pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist, said that it was necessary for Trinidad and Tobago nationals to reclaim

the land. “In fact we are no longer independent. We are now being owned by Colombians, Mexicans and Russians. We are being owned by all kinds of nefarious groups within the society,” he said, as the country observers a week of prayers to combat the escalating crime situation, among other social issues. So far more than 40 people have been murdered this year and the authorities have linked most of the

deaths to drug-related gang activities. “I understand a female assassin is in the land. That is information that has come to me that an international foreign female assassin is in the land. My God, my God, we have assassins from Latin America in the land. “They are teaching our young men in an underground academy of crime of how to shoot, how to kill and… how to be experts,” he said. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

El Salvador votes for new president

he people of El Salvador are voting in a presidential election. The main rivals are current Vice-President Salvador Sanchez Ceren of the left-wing FMLN party and Norman Quijano of the conservative Arena alliance. Neither is expected to win outright because a third candidate standing for a new independent party is likely to make a strong showing. The campaign has been dominated by poverty and crime. El Salvador’s murder rate is among the highest in the world. Correspondents say there are signs that a recent truce agreed between the two main street gangs is fall-

Candidates have clashed on how to deal with gangs

ing apart. Sanchez Ceren, 69, was a rebel commander when the Farabundo Marti

National Liberation Front (FMLN) was a guerrilla group during the 1980-1992

civil war. He has promised to tackle crime through education and social programmes. Opinion polls suggest he had a lead over Quijano, who stood down from his position of mayor of San Salvador to stand for president. Many voters are critical of the 2012 truce with gangs, and Quijano has accused the administration of outgoing President Mauricio Funes of negotiating with criminals. He is advocating tougher policies against drug gangs. The truce has led to a decrease in El Salvador’s murder rate, but gradually the number of killings is going back up. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Workers in Barbuda to protest non-payment of wages

arbuda Council Workers say they are taking to the streets on Monday to protest the non-payment of wages for the past 15 weeks. Tina Beazer is one of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM)

members organising the action. The supervisor says the situation is untenable not only because of the financial hardship but because the Barbuda Council is not handling the situation properly.

The Barbuda Council employs just over 500 people. Beazer says the workers are hoping for answers today. Well in a strange turn of events, Barbuda Council Chairman Arthur

Nibbs has told Observer media that members of the local government will be among the protesting workers today. He says the employees have a right to be aggrieved as does the council. (Antigua Observer)

15 Around the world monday, February 3, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Thailand’s election disrupted by protests S

Syrian forces kill 83 in barrel bomb attacks in Aleppo

BBC’s Jonathan Head: “At this polling station, it looks like the election is off”

rotests have disrupted Thailand’s general election, halting voting in parts of Bangkok and the south, but officials say that 89 per cent of polling stations operated normally. Some six million registered voters were affected by the closures, the Election Commission said. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called the vote to head off weeks of mass protests. Her party is widely ex-

pected to win but legal challenges and a lack of a quorum of MPs may create a political limbo. Security has been heavy throughout Thailand, with vast areas under a state of emergency. “The situation overall is calm and we haven’t received any reports of violence this morning,” National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanatabutr told Reuters. Security officials said about 130,000 personnel

had been deployed across Thailand on Sunday, including 12,000 in Bangkok. There has been little campaigning for the election and it was unclear how many Thais had turned out. Yingluck, who won the last election in 2011, voted soon after polls opened near her Bangkok home. She told the BBC it was important that people came out to vote to exercise their democratic right. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Afghanistan: UN envoy condemns killing of two electoral campaign workers

trongly condemning the killing of two campaign aides who were shot dead in the western city of Herat, the top United Nations official in Afghanistan has stressed that such cowardly attempts to disrupt the country’s election process “cannot be tolerated”, and called on the national authorities to take all measures to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a statement issued from Kabul, Ján Kubiš, spe-

cial representative of the secretary general and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, deplored the killing Saturday night of two members of the campaign team of presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah, by unidentified gunmen in Herat city. “The attack came at a critical moment for Afghanistan on the eve of the election campaign as the country prepares for the presidential and provincial

Outspoken religious leader killed in Nigeria

Muslim religious leader, who had previously criticised Boko Haram, and a Christian preacher have been killed in northern Nigeria in separate attacks blamed on the armed group. Shaikh Adam Albani’s car came under fire at 22:30h on Saturday in Zaria, as he drove home from teaching a theology class, the AFP news agency reported on Sunday. Local resident Mohammed Usman said Albani’s wife and son were hit, while the gunmen appeared to have dragged him from the car and shot him at

close range. “We kept hearing gunshots very close to our homes and later we heard the sound of a car retreating and when we later came to the scene we found Shaikh Albani lying outside the car with lots of bullet holes on him,” Usman said. “He was still alive but his wife and a child she was holding in the front seat were already dead while the rest of the children sitting in the back seat were unharmed.” Albani had been critical of Boko Haram and supported a Nigerian military campaign against the group.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

polling in April,” said Kubiš, who added that such cowardly acts of violent intimidation of electoral candidates and their supporters cannot be tolerated. The UNAMA chief expressed his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives “in this criminal act”, and he urged national authorities to take necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice. (Excerpt from UN News Centre)

yrian military helicopters dropped more improvised “barrel bombs” on the northern city of Aleppo on Sunday, a monitoring group said, bringing the death toll to at least 83 people in the latest episode of a campaign many consider a war crime. Most of the victims killed since Friday have been civilians from the city’s eastern districts, including women and children, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has a broad network of sources across Syria. The use of barrel bombs – oil drums or cylinders packed with explosives and metal fragments – has drawn international condemnation, including from Syria’s opposition delegation and their Western backers at recent peace talks in Switzerland. The first round of negotiations wound up on Friday

Smoke rises while a Free Syrian Army fighter stands at the Karm al-Tarab neighbourhood frontline in Aleppo on February 1

without making progress towards ending Syria’s threeyear civil war or reducing its violence, which regularly kills more than 100 people every day. Western powers proposed a UN Security Council resolution in December 2013, to express outrage at the use of barrel bombs, which they

say indiscriminately target innocent civilians. The weapons have killed well over 700 people in Syria in the past six weeks. But Russia, a staunch ally of President Bashar al-Assad, has repeatedly blocked such plans in the Security Council. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Italian police find John Paul II relic discarded by thieves

talian police have recovered part of a religious relic stained with Polish pope John Paul II’s blood that was thrown away by thieves thinking it worthless, the Italian press reported on Saturday. The relic was snatched a week ago along with a cross from a small church in Italy’s central region of Abruzzo, sparking a regionwide search with police and sniffer dogs. The three robbers, unaware that the small piece of framed cloth was valuable, threw it away in parts but could not remember where. The relic consisted of a metal frame around a piece of blood-stained cloth, believed to be part of the robe the pontiff was wearing when he was shot in an assassination attempt in St Peter’s Square

This handout picture released by the San Pietro della Ienca church shows a religious relic, a piece of cloth impregnated with the blood of Polish pope John Paul II, pictured on August 7, 2011

in 1981. The metal frame was recovered shortly after the robbery and on Saturday the Italian press said the goldenthreaded cloth, albeit damaged, was found in a garage. The loot was snatched from the San Pietro della Ienca church in the moun-

tainous Abruzzo region in central Italy where the late pope loved to go on skiing holidays. The relic was given to the small church in 2011 by Stanislaw Dziwisz, a cardinal who served as John Paul II’s personal secretary until his death in 2005. (Excerpt from

France24)

South Sudan conflict: 3.7M Ukraine president to return, people in need of food, says UN opposition demands change

he United Nations has said it estimates 3.7 million people are in acute need of food in South Sudan as a result of the civil conflict there. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, Toby Lanzer told the BBC US$1.3 billion (£790 million) was needed to deal with the crisis. Violence broke out in South Sudan on December, 15, 2013 starting as violence between rival army factions. It has now killed thousands of people and displaced around 860,000. Lanzer said it had also had profound effects on the country’s economy. “Largely

because markets have been disrupted, people have been living under extreme duress, people aren’t able to move as they normally would,” he said. “Nobody in mid-December... could have foreseen the scale of the emergency that now faces us. We are doing everything we can to avoid a catastrophe,” he added. The number of those needing food represented around a third of South Sudan’s population, he said. He said that in the city of Malakal, some civilians had stormed a warehouse where aid was being kept and “helped themselves”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

kraine’s embattled president announced he would return to work after four days’ sick leave, as protesters filled Kiev’s main square on Sunday demanding he give up power. Opposition leaders, addressing the crowd on their return home from meeting European and U.S. officials, said they hoped for international mediation in negotiations with the government and for constitutional change to limit presidential power. Calling for a complete change of leadership after weeks of crisis that have divided the country and set the

West against Yanukovich’s Russian allies, opposition figures who attended a security conference in Munich told supporters they would secure international economic aid if they were able to take power. Yanukovich, who angered opponents in November by spurning a trade pact with the European Union and turning instead to Moscow for financial support, announced on Thursday he was on sick leave and has not been seen in public since. Critics saw in that a tactic to deflect pressure for political compromise. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

monday, February 3, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

International Financial and Economic Report Chairman, Guyana Americas Merchant Bank

BY GEOFFREY BELL

Table I

Table II

2014

Emerging currencies: Against the dollar

Stock Market Indexes

January 22nd

January 31st

% Change

Australian dollar South African rand

1.13 10.9

1.14 11.29

-0.1 -3.6

Thai baht Indian rupee Indonesian rupiah

32.9 61.9 12,140

33.0 62.7 12,213

-0.3 -1.3 -0.6

Malaysian ringgit Turkish lira

3.32 2.26

3.34 2.27

-0.6 -0.4

Mexican peso Brazilian real Argentine peso Chile peso

13.3 2.36 6.92 542

13.46 2.43 8.01 554

-1.2 -3.0 -15.7 -0.2

Russian ruble

33.9

35.3

-4.1

recent quarter. The committee felt that it was appropriate to cut bond purchases from US$75 billion in January to US$65 billion in February, while pledging to keep interest rates at the short end of the market at current levels which are unusually low. This was the last meeting presided over by Dr Ben Bernanke whose term ended on January 31. Dr Bernanke will be succeeded as chairman by Dr Janet Yellen and the vote of the FOMC, including to begin “tapering,” was taken without dissent, the first time this happened since June 2011. It was announced on January 30, that the U.S.

he sell-off in emerging markets has continued throughout the week. Argentina saw the biggest fall with the authorities trying to stabilise the currency at eight pesos to the dollar as shown in Table I. There is little reason to expect this to stop. Moreover, as can be seen from Table II, stock markets have virtually collapsed since January 24, with those in Turkey, Chile, and Russia dropping about seven per cent in one week. According to the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the central bank expects reasonably strong growth in 2014 and economic activity has picked up in the

economy expanded at a 3.2 per cent pace in the fourth quarter following a 4.1 per cent increase in the prior three months. The expansion in the fourth quarter was paced by consumer spending (accounting for almost 70 per cent of the economy) which rose 3.3 per cent, but was less than forecast. For 2013 as a whole, the U.S. economy expanded by 1.9 per cent. Consumer spending had been expected to be 3.7 per cent, which is somewhat higher than it turned out to be while inventories kept on climbing, adding 0.4 per cent to growth. Inventories had been expected to reduce growth and net ex-

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board Fixed as at July 24, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$338.68

$342.92

CAN

$184.06

$186.18

USD

$205.93

$208.44

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on January 31, 2013 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1245.90

$1246.90

Low/High

$1238.90

$1255.60

+2.80

Change

+0.25

London Gold Fix

Jan 31 USD GBP EUR

Jan 29 USD GBP EUR

1246.50 757.34 920.54

1251.00 759.84 927.70

1254.75 756.42 917.89

1264.00 762.92 925.26

Indicators Crude Oil

Price Silver

Platinum

US$ per barrel

$106.40 USD per Ounce

$19.17 $1407.00

January 31st

% Change

5331

5205

-2.4

47,001 1290 21,338 4478 1814 67,367 42,063 49,230 5897 18,248 1392 51,907

45,034 1274 20,514 4419 1804 61,978 41,008 46,996 5858 16,917 1297 50,454

-4.2 -1.2 -3.9 -1.3 -0.6 -8.0 -2.5 -4.5 -0.7 -7.2 -6.8 -2.8

Australian

Market statistics Cambio Rates

January 22nd

Change %

-1.46 Change %

+0.03 -10.00

South Africa Thailand India Indonesia Malaysia Turkey Mexico Brazil Argentina Chile Russia Poland

ports were up sharply. contributing 1.3 per cent to growth which is a large amount and is very volatile. The U.S. economic news was disappointing last week for those who had expected to receive only good news. Sales of new homes fell seven per cent in December which ended the industry’s best year since 2008 on a sour note (January 27). Looking back, home prices in 20 U.S. cites rose 13.7 per cent in November from a year earlier after a 13.6 per cent in the year ended in October. By contrast, pending home sales of previously owned have plunged in December by 8.7 per cent, the most since May 2010 (January 30). Jobless claims climbed by 19,000 to 248,000 in the week ended January 24 and on January 31, consumer spending rose 0.4 per cent in December after a 0.6 per cent increase in November which was higher than expected. But, personal incomes were flat following a 0.2 per cent gain in November. Disposable income fell

0.2 per cent in December, the biggest decrease since last January and over the past 12 months, decreased 2.7 per cent, the largest year-to-year drop since November 1974. Also, the savings ratio dropped to 3.9 per cent from 4.3 per cent in November. The Chicago business barometer fell in January to 59.1 from 60.8 in December and the Thomson Reuters/ University of Michigan final January index of consumer sentiment fell to 81.2 from 82.5 a month earlier. In overseas news, the UK gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.7 per cent in the fourth quarter, ending the best year since 2007 following a 0.8 per cent gain in the third quarter. The euro-area inflation was 0.7 per cent in January after a 0.8 per cent rise in December and less than half the European Central Bank’s target. German growth appears to be accelerating with the unemployment rate falling to 6.8 per cent matching the lowest rate in at least two decades. On the other hand,

Chinese manufacturing fell in December and retail sales appear to be weak and Japan’s headline CPI rose 1.6 per cent year-onyear, but core CPI fell 0.1 per cent. Russia’s growth in 2013 was 1.3 per cent compared with 3.4 per cent in 2012. The euro has fallen to US$1.35 from US$1.37 as a result of higher U.S. interest rates. The pound sterling has remained unchanged at US$1.65 as has the Australian dollar while the Swiss franc has risen slightly. The yen has also strengthened marginally from 102.4 to 102.2, but the Canadian dollar has continued to weaken. Gold prices have fallen from US$1267 an ounce a week ago to US$1252 and oil is stable at US$97.37 a barrel this morning [Friday]. The Dow Jones fell 1.6 per cent. Dr Yellen’s reign at the Federal Reserve starts tomorrow and let’s hope that she has an easier time than her predecessor, Dr Bernanke. But the task will be made complicated if the problems in emerging markets persist!

Market summary at 10:30h January 31, 2014

Currencies: Euro

1.35

Swiss franc

0.91

Mexican peso

13.41

Yen

102.2

Aussie$

0.87

Euro/£

0.82

Sterling

1.65

Canadian$

1.12

Euro/¥

137.9

Treasuries:

Equity Indices since last Friday:

Two-Year

0.33%

Dow Jones

-1.6%

15,621

Last: 15698.85

Changes: -149.76

% Change: -0.94

10-Year

2.65 %

Nasdaq

-1.1%

4082

Open:15845.01

High:15847.19

Low: 15617.55

30-Year

3.60%

FTSE

-3.0%

6467

% YTD: -5.30

52Wk Hi:16174.51

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

Nikkei

-3.1%

14,915

news

monday, february 3, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

National Trust launches Banks DIH cuts overtime to bring heritage magazine down costs

rime Minister Samuel Hinds lauded the second edition of the Heritage Magazine published by the Guyana National Trust, saying it shows what has been achieved in Guyana. Speaking at the launch of the magazine, on Friday at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, he noted that Guyana is relatively large with a small population, and its achievements must be shown in its heritage. He pointed out that with the country’s history of colonial rule, and the various types of architecture left as a result, what remains should be cherished. This rich heritage should be used as a base to continue the development of the country. The prime minister cited the drains and canals established decades ago with slave labour and stated that these achievements should also be recognised as part of the country’s heritage as “all work should be celebrated”. He pointed out that the justification for independence was that “we would be working for ourselves and as we move forward, we should be working harder”.

Guyanese culture

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed pride in producing information to help persons appreciate Guyanese culture. “Through the publication of the magazine, it brings perspective to Guyanese heritage”. The magazine builds not only on heritage but languages spoken in Guyana, Minister Anthony stated. He urged that Guyanese be proud of their inherited languages and think of them as part of their legacy. He also pointed to various historical finds, urging that they be saved. “Magazines like this would help to ed-

Guyana National Trust Chief Executive Officer Nirvana Persaud presents Prime Minister Samuel Hinds with a copy of the second edition of the Heritage Magazine

ucate the public... we need to tell the story about ourselves… getting people to understand is what is important,” he observed. The minister also called on all Guyanese to become interested in saving the heritage of Georgetown by preserving the historical buildings. Sharing some insight into the magazine’s production, National Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nirvana Persaud said after producing the first publication in 2011, owing to the diversity of local heritage and feedback from stakeholders, it became quite obvious that it could no longer remain a one-off publication. She noted that initially an annual publication was considered, “but given the scope of doing this, we are now confident of a biennial production that will document and highlight various aspects of our rich and diverse heritage both, tangible and intangible, cultural and natural”. The 80-page magazine, Persaud said, includes an array of articles and infor-

mation that covers various aspects of Guyanese history, “The 1763 rebellion, Indian arrival, PortugueseGuyanese heritage, Chinese immigrant experience, archaeology, petroglyphs, history of our canals, Guyanese language, myth of the sea monster, monuments, craftsmanship, preservation and conservation, including a focus on our natural heritage of the mangrove restoration project, among others highlighting the rich and intricate legacy from which we have evolved.

Historic

"It also highlights our historic City Hall, which has been recently enlisted on the world monuments watch list for 2014-2016 by the World Monuments Fund, and advocates for its preservation”. The publication was challenging to produce, according to the National Trust’s CEO, and she thanked all who worked hard to ensure its success. “Especially the research and documentation officer, Ms Lauren Grant

for the dedication and patience she displayed during the compilation of this publication. I also wish to thank the authors for their valuable contributions. Thanks, to the production team of Advertising and Marketing Services, Mr Lokesh Singh and staff for working with us, though frustrating and painstaking at times, to produce this second Heritage Guyana Magazine”. Copies were given to contributors; national repositories – National Library, National Archives, University of Guyana Library; and officials including Minister Anthony, Prime Minister Hinds and Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green. The publication will be freely distributed, but in limited numbers, since only 2000 copies are being produced. A number of copies will also be disseminated to schools, tourism bodies, developers, municipalities, and airlines among others for wide circulation and maximum heritage promotion and marketing.

U.S. says it addressed significant threats in the Caribbean during 2013

he United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it addressed significant threats, while “optimising resources and building partnerships” in the Caribbean last year. In its review of the fiscal year 2013, the CBP said its efforts were possible through “collaborative operations and partnerships with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, which have become an integral part of

CBP’s procedures within the Caribbean, in order to generate reductions in illicit activity throughout the area”, it said in a statement. “Throughout the year, the men and women of CBP played a decisive role in ensuring our nation’s security and prosperity,” said acting Commissioner Thomas S Winkowski. “From border security to travel facilitation and trade enforcement, these numbers illustrate CBP’s

combined efforts in 2013 to accomplish its critical mission,” he added. CBP officers and agents in the Caribbean seized over 31,962 pounds of narcotics, with an estimated street value of about US$320 million, and seized about US$3.5 million in unreported currency in Fiscal 2013, which ran from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013. Winkowski said the CBP Office of Air and Marine (Caribbean Air and Marine

Branch) played a “major role in the determent of illegal activity throughout our coasts, through the coordinated use of integrated air and marine forces to detect, interdict and prevent the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs, and other contraband in the area”. CBP agriculture specialists also seized more than 16,677 prohibited plant materials, meat, animal by-products and soil and intercepted nearly 3140 pests. (CMC)

A student from Auclyne Primary receiving a cheque from Banks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reis By Andrew Carmichael

anks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reis on Sunday revealed that his company was forced to cut overtime to help reduce overhead costs as it continues to be affected by the global financial crisis. Reis was at the time addressing shareholders in Berbice. He said the Berbice operations of the company continue to be one of its pillars. Sales in Berbice for 2013 were $2.261 billion, while 1,595,000 cases/units of the company’s products passed though the branch, which, Reis noted, is in excess of one month’s sales for the entire company. Also speaking at the meeting was Branch Manager Reginald Matthews, who noted that the branch recorded an 11 per cent increase in sales over the previous year. The branch was awarded the chairman’s trophy for the third consecutive year. Commenting on the achievement, Mathews noted that there was support from all around. “This would not have been possible without you, the shareholders; we are truly indebted to you for your worthwhile investment.” He added that the New Amsterdam Quik Serv netted $91.3 million last year.

New frontier

During the year, the branch also reopened its Kiddies Corner, which also contributed to the success of the Berbice operations. The patio bar was closed and the Kiddies Corner moved to that location to accommodate the construction of the new Citizens Bank branch. “By closing that down and building the Kiddies Corner, the company is now realising a sale of one million dollars a month… And there is no alcohol being sold there,” Matthews said. Regarding the company’s success in 2013, Reis said during the last financial year, there were some challenges

that affected the beverage giant in a negative way, mainly the result of a sluggish global economic recovery. In this regard, he said, the company has embarked on a new frontier which was more challenging than rewarding. The chairman stressed that when the national economy slows, everyone is affected, as reduced disposable income results in a reduction in spending power. “Our company is not exempted from this reality. My fellow shareholders, this situation now requires that we sharpen our focus on what needs to be done and find new and more creative ways to reduce expenses and increase revenue. Becoming despondent, losing courage and playing the blame game will not take us out of this environment…” Reis said.

Global recovery

In highlighting some of the new strategies that the company has implemented to cushion the impact of a slow global recovery, Reis said the company has taken a decision to stop paying overtime to employees and has employed the services of robots at its Thirst Park operations to reduce overhead cost. He said the company continues to make contributions to Berbice. He added, “Bars, clubs and other places of business have been branded and the physical environment of communities have been enhanced as a result of activities of the sales and marketing team.” As part of its annual shareholders’ meeting, the company presents schools in Berbice with a cheque to assist with their development. This year, the Auclyne and Eversham primary schools were the recipients. During the last financial year, Banks DIH Limited recorded a before profit of $3.8 billion compared with $3.7 billion 2012. Its after-tax profit for 2013 was $2.5 billion, an increase of $159 million.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, february 3, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Domestic problems will surface if you can’t get along with the people you live or deal with daily. Listen to any complaints being made, and be mindful of others’ needs.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) If you trust friends with your secrets, you can expect them to blow the whistle. It is best not to depend on others. You can make the most headway if you work alone.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Your energy should be directed into moneymaking ventures. Don’t hesitate to look into career opportunities that allow you to learn on the job. You should use your creativity.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22) You will gain support and assistance if you ask for help. A healthy debate will show your loyalty and dedication and make inroads with people you want to get to know better.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Travel for business or pleasure in order to make interesting connections. A lasting relationship or business partnership will develop. Make sure you are precise regarding what you have to offer.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Love and romance are on the rise, and an interesting development will take place with someone you know through work or extracurricular activities. Nurture minor ailments.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Superiors will appreciate your skills, knowledge and expertise. Network with contacts who will introduce you to people in influential positions. Share your ideas.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Volunteer your services to raise your profile. Contribute what you can, and don’t be shy regarding input, but be discreet about personal matters.

Social events will lead to unusual opportunities. Your openness and sophisticated way of dealing with situations will attract someone who has plenty to offer in return.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Look for someone unusual who will inspire you to pursue a lifelong dream. Working with others will encourage you to broaden your horizons and take on challenges.

Saturday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Don’t expect to get a bargain. Avoid buying anything that you don’t really need. Decisions made in haste will lead to regret. Be cautious while travelling and don’t make promises you cannot keep.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Travel will lead to adventures, but don’t be surprised if you end up in debt due to unexpected expenses. A friendship may be tested if someone withholds information.

YELLOW PAGES monday, february 3, 2014

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

Driving School Shalom Driving School. Lot 2 Croal Street. Call 227-3835, 227-3869, 622-8162 and enjoy 20% discount

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

FOR SALE Agricultural tractors and machinery; single and 4-wheel drive: Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deer, New Holland and Fiat. Also available spares parts for these machines. Phone: 619-4483, 601-7883, 2266325 Spare parts for 1-2-3-4 and 6 cylinder diesel engines for Lister, Pieter, Kobota, Perkins, Veutz, Fiat, John Deer, Case IH, Cummings, Bedford and Leyland Daf. Also all middles of diesel generators: super silence and open air from 3KVA- 600KVA. Contact Rams Auto Spares on telephone 226-6325, 227-1454, 6194483 and 685-3568

health Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592-621-0552 from12:00-18:00h Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

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

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY BUILDING; 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES. MEADOW BROOK GARDENS. CONTACT MR. NARINE ON 696-8230

property for sale One unfurnished three-bedroom flat concrete house with concrete fence at Parfaite Harmonie. Call 231-0821 or 643-4740.

Anglican Church elevates four to higher service

Two storey wooden building. Bayroot. Phone: 687-5653 Versailles, WBD: almost brand new five-bedroom house for sale, master room & all rooms self-contained with A/Cs & fans, open concept kitchen/ dining/living room, large pantry, office/library room and powder room. Beautiful landscape and wrap around patio. Priced to sell - $75M. Phone: 592-624-8704, 592-684-9203, 592220-7809. We buy cash any land in Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 675-7292 Property for sale at 48 Light Street, Alberttown (between third and fourth streets) Contact Ram on telephone: 619-4483 685-3568 and 226-6325.

spirituality Get your home or business spiritually clean to enhance good luck and prosperity. Telephone: 687-5653 Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-6901824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anewlife@live.com TO let

EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY BUILDING; 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES; FUNISHED/ UNFURNISHED. MEADOW BROOK GARDENS. CONTACT MR. NARINE ON 696-8230. 2 modern apartments located in Campbellville; hot and cold water etc. Call 219-4535

President Donald Ramotar (right); Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (third right) and his wife; A Partnership for National Unity’s leader David Granger (second left) and his wife at the ceremony on Sunday at the St George’s Cathedral

he St George’s Cathedral was abuzz on Sunday, when four members of the diocese were elevated to higher office. Ranfurly Brown, archdeacon of the West Central Bahamas Archdeaconry, delivered the sermon to a packed congregation. It was an awe-inspiring moment for Reverend Paul Andrew Carto, who was installed as dean of

pel this Church forward and to promote the proclamation of an uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ in practical ways.” Brown’s message was infused with much humour; however, even in those “light moments”, he sought to drive home the message that the church has a critical role to play in the community and the country. “You are not to compromise

place where people can find refuge. Officiating at the ceremony was the Archbishop of the Diocese of Guyana, Reverend Cornell Jerome Moss. He noted that the church has indeed gained and was thankful to the new members for accepting the challenge that is set before them. Reverend Carto was solemnly vested by mem-

House located at Lamaha Gardens; hot & cold water. Call 219-4535

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WANTED Land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 675-7292

optician

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news 19

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

Reverend Terry Davis (left), Reverend Clifton Elias, and Reverend Jerrick Rayside before their induction

Georgetown and rector of St George’s Cathedral, the Venerable Terry Nathaniel Davis as senior archdeacon, Reverend Clifton Ashton Elias as canon of the Stall of St David, and Reverend Jerrick Fitzgerald Rayside as honorary canon. President Donald Ramotar and his Cabinet members, A Partnership for National Unity’s leader David Granger and Alliance For Change’s Nigel Hughes, along with a number of ambassadors, sat with church members and other invitees in the world’s tallest wooden structure for the massive celebration. Reverend Ranfurly Brown described the event as a “new thing” and called upon members of the Episcopal movement to rise up to the occasion and make the Anglican Church the “place to be”. “Today, we are gathering in this historic Church of the Cathedral of St George, to celebrate a new thing. A new thing that is happening in the Anglican Church in Guyana, to the glory of God. A new thing that brings with it new life, new vibrancy, new vision, new dreams, and new ideas…. All to pro-

anything that would cause

bers and wardens of the St

President Donald Ramotar greets Archbishop of the Diocese of Guyana, Reverend Cornell Jerome Moss

you and me to be Anglican. There is a standard… maintain the standards,” he urged. The church’s presence in what is described as the “heart” of Georgetown, the archbishop pointed out, should be a symbol of its defined purpose of being a safe haven for weary souls. “The positioning of this church building in Georgetown ought to be a constant challenge that we should always be reminded of, as the people of God. That this church is in the centre of everything…. You have to be in the centre of people’s lives.” He noted that the church must be a

Phillips’ and Christ Church parishes. His gifts included a Bible, prayer book, hymnal and holy water. His post requires his exclusive service to the church and its operations. The Venerable Terry Nathaniel Davis was vested as archdeacon by representatives of the warden’s of St George’s Cathedral. His position allows him to serve mainly as a priest and deacon occasionally. Reverends Elias and Rayside, serving as canons, have a significant role to play in the administration of the Guyanese diocese.

guyanatimesGY.com

Monday, FEBRUARY 3, 2014

NBA Round-up

Wall leads Wizards past Thunder – Pacers edge Nets 97-96

ASHINGTON John Wall scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half and the Washington Wizards took advantage of a rare offgame from hometown star Kevin Durant in a 96-81 win over the Thunder on Saturday night that stopped Oklahoma City's 10-game winning streak. Two days after being selected to the All-Star game for the first time, Wall also had 15 assists and six steals and went 7 for 11 from the field after halftime, more than making up for an 0-for-7 first half. Trevor Ariza added 18 points and did a solid job defending Durant, whose 26 points came on 8-for-21 shooting, including 0 for 6 from 3-point range, along with five turnovers. The victory moved the Wizards to .500 for the seventh time this season. A win Monday against Portland would give Washington a winning record for the first time since October 2009.

Heat 106, Knicks 91

New York — LeBron James had 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Miami avoided a winless season in the Big Apple by snapping New York's four-game winning streak. Dwyane Wade added 22 points for the Heat, who avoided becoming the first team to go 0-4 in New York this season after losing on their previous trip to Madison Square Garden last month and both games in Brooklyn. Carmelo Anthony had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Knicks, who had been 4-1 against the Heat over the last two seasons but were overmatched in this one. They finished 4-4 on their eight-game homestand, which matched the longest in franchise history.

Clippers 102, Jazz 87

Los Angeles — Jamal Crawford scored 27 points off the bench, Blake Griffin had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Los Angeles pulled away in the third

two games with a bruised left thumb. It showed no signs of bothering him Saturday, when he also had four assists and three rebounds. Luol Deng had 24 points and Kyrie Irving added 21 points and seven assists for Cleveland, which lost its fourth straight game.

Pistons 113, 76Ers 96

John Wall

quarter to beat Utah. The Clippers, looking to win their second straight division title, are 19-7 since Dec. 14 and 11-4 since AllStar point guard Chris Paul separated his right shoulder. They lead second-place Phoenix by 3 ½ games in the Pacific Division standings following the Suns' victory over Charlotte. DeAndre Jordan had 14 rebounds and 10 points during a foulplagued 35 minutes. Enes Kanter led Utah with 23 points and 14 boards, while teammates Derrick Favours and Jeremy Evans sat out with injuries. Favours has inflammation in his right hip, and Evans has a bruised tailbone and right elbow.

Pacers 97, Nets 96

Indianapolis — Paul George and Roy Hibbert both had 20 points, and Indiana overcame an early deficit to beat Brooklyn. Lance Stephenson, left out of the All-Star game despite leading the NBA in triple-doubles, added 14 points for the Pacers (36-10), who improved the league's best home record to 22-2. David West had 17 points and George Hill scored 10. Shaun Livingston had a season-high 24 points for the Nets, who couldn't hold an early seven-point lead against the Eastern Conference leaders. Joe Johnson, an AllStar selection, spent much

of the night dueling with Stephenson and scored 16 for Brooklyn, which has lost three straight since starting January with 11 wins in 12 games.

Spurs 95, Kings 93

San Antonio — Tim Duncan had 23 points and 17 rebounds, Tony Parker added 18 points and 10 assists, and San Antonio snapped a three-game slide by rallying past skidding Sacramento. Patty Mills scored 15 points and Boris Diaw added 14 for San Antonio. Isaiah Thomas had 26 points, Rudy Gay scored 23 and Derrick Williams added 14 for Sacramento, which has lost seven straight. After being outplayed by Gay and Thomas for much of the game, the veteran Spurs took over down the stretch to end their longest losing streak of the season. Parker and Duncan scored San Antonio's final eight points.

Rockets 106, Cavaliers 92

Houston — James Harden returned from injury to score 28 points and Jeremy Lin had his first career triple-double to lead Houston to its third straight win with the victory over Cleveland. Dwight Howard added 26 points and Lin came off the bench to tally 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Harden sat out the last

Auburn Hills, Mich. — Andre Drummond had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Detroit's talented frontcourt overwhelmed short-handed Philadelphia. Greg Monroe added 21 points and 12 rebounds. He and Drummond combined to go 18 of 21 from the field. Brandon Jennings and Kyle Singler added 20 points apiece for Detroit. Philadelphia was without rookie of the year candidate Michael CarterWilliams, who sat out with a sore right shoulder. Tony Wroten led the 76ers with 18 points. The Pistons have won back-to-back games at The Palace for the first time since their first two home games of the season. Detroit is 9-15 at home.

Hawks 120, Timberwolves 113

Atlanta — Kyle Korver scored 24 points, including a trio of 3-pointers in a third-quarter stretch that gave Atlanta the lead, and the Hawks overcame Kevin Love's 43 points to beat Minnesota. Paul Millsap, guarded by Love much of the night in a matchup of All-Stars, had 20 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out late in the game. A jam by Minnesota's Corey Brewer with 2:55 remaining cut Atlanta's lead to 107-104. Jeff Teague, who had 19 points, drove for a layup and DeMarre Carroll's free throws pushed the lead to seven points. Love's 3-pointer again trimmed the margin to three before Atlanta's Gustavo Ayon banked in an unlikely scoop shot to thwart the comeback attempt.

Pelicans 88, Bulls 79

New Orleans — Anthony Davis scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead New Orleans past Chicago. Tyreke Evans added 11 points for the Pelicans, who have won four of their past five games. D.J. Augustin scored 23 points, Taj Gibson added 17 and Joakim Noah had 14 for Chicago. Davis also blocked six shots and the Pelicans dominated in the paint, outscoring the Bulls 50-34. New Orleans led 50-39 at the half, and with Davis dominating the middle the Pelicans maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half.

Grizzlies 99, Bucks 90

Memphis, Tenn. — Nick Calathes, subbing for an injured Mike Conley, scored a career-high 22 points and the surging Grizzlies defeated the Bucks. Zach Randolph had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Memphis, which won its season-best sixth straight and 11 of 12 overall. Marc Gasol had 19 points and James Johnson scored 14. Brandon Knight led Milwaukee with 23 points, including 18 in the second half. Knight also had seven assists and six rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Bucks, who have lost six in a row. Khris

Middleton scored 12 points, while Larry Sanders and Caron Butler finished with 10 each. The Grizzlies were playing their first game without Conley, the starting point guard who sprained his ankle in Friday night's win at Minnesota. The team announced before the game that Conley will miss at least a week.

Suns 105, Bobcats 95

Phoenix — Goran Dragic scored 25 points and Phoenix made almost 57 per cent of its shots through three quarters to defeat Charlotte. Marcus Morris added 15 points for the Suns, who have won five straight games and seven of their last eight. It's the second time the Suns have won five in a row, matching their longest winning streak of the season. Phoenix held Charlotte to 14 second-quarter points, the lowest total in that quarter for an opponent this season. The Suns limited Al Jefferson, Charlotte's leading scorer, to just 10 points after he'd logged three straight 30-point games. He was 4 of 15 from the field and didn't play in the fourth quarter. Reserve Anthony Tolliver led the Bobcats with 14 points and Jannero Pargo added 12 points and six assists.

Roy Hibbert

Doctors preparing to bring Schumacher out of coma

octors treating injured Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher are reducing his sedation to prepare to bring him out of a coma, his manager says. This step will allow the "waking up process" to start, Sabine Kehm said in a statement. But bringing the seven-times champion out of the coma "could take a long time", she added. Schumacher suffered a

severe head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps on 29 December. He was put into a medically induced coma by his doctors at a clinic in Grenoble following operations to remove blood clots from his brain. Doctors have kept the 45-year-old German asleep to help reduce the swelling. Ms Kehm was approached by the media for comment on Schumacher's condition on Wednesday -

Michael Schumacher

exactly a month after his crash. She said then that his condition remained "stable". In her statement on Thursday, she said it had been agreed to communicate details of his sedation "only once this process was consolidated". The statement again included an appeal by Schumacher's family for privacy for them and for his doctors, while at the same time expressing "sincere appreciation for the worldwide

sympathy". At his bedside since the accident, the family have received hundreds of letters and gifts from around the world. Earlier this month, investigators probing the accident said Schumacher had been going at the speed of "a very good skier" at the time of his crash in the resort of Meribel. He had been skiing 8m off-piste when he fell and hit a rock, investigators said.

Experts reconstructed events leading up to the crash after examining Schumacher's skiing equipment and viewing footage filmed on a camera attached to his helmet. Schumacher retired from racing in 2012 after a 19year career. He won two titles with Benetton, in 1994 and 1995, before switching to Ferrari in 1996 and going on to win five straight titles from 2000. (BBC Sport)

Monday, FEBRUARY 3, 2014

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CCC humiliate Leeward Islands T

he dark clouds and rain that loomed ominously over Queen’s Park Oval and caused a delayed start to the match were a portent of things to come for the Leeward Islands, who crashed to a historic 160-run defeat at the hands of Combined Campuses and Colleges. Chasing CCC’s 240, Leeward Islands could only muster 80 in reply, their lowest total in the West Indies 50-over regional tournament. CCC claimed a bonus point for bowling Leeward Islands out for less than 180. The previous low in List A cricket for Leeward Islands was 94 against Trinidad & Tobago in 2011 and the new mark could have been much worse had they not conjured a 44-run last wicket stand after they were reduced to 36 for 9 by an incisive spell of fast bowling from Kyle Mayers. The 21-year-old took Man-ofthe-Match honours with 4 for 15 in 8.4 overs, bowling unchanged from the start of the second innings. The only thing standing in the way of a five-wicket haul for him was cramp, which forced him to leave the field before he could finish his full quota of overs. The only player in the top nine who made double digits for Leeward Islands was opener Montcin Hodge with 10. Lionel Baker top scored with 31 not out, the highest score for a Leeward Islands No. 10 batsman in List A cricket. CCC laid the foundation for victory by grafting out 240 in 49.5 overs, a score which CCC coach Curtly

Ambrose felt was “25 or 30 runs short” at the innings break but proved to be more than enough. Chadwick Walton and Anthony Alleyne engineered a 57-run stand for the first wicket before Walton was run-out when Alleyne turned down a run after Walton nudged to square leg. Alleyne added 50 more for the third wicket with Raymond Reifer and eventually top-scored with 54. His innings ended after a top-edged pull to midwicket off Mali Richards was taken courtesy of a tumbling catch by Rahkeem Cornwall. CCC reached 220

for 5 with 20 balls remaining in the innings but a flurry of wickets fell at the end. Anthony Martin had three men caught on the boundary to give him figures of 3 for 33 while Gavin Tonge, who took two of Martin’s three catches, claimed two wickets in the final over to finish with 3 for 43. On the whole though, Leeward Islands’ ground fielding was poor, leaking several boundaries through the legs of fielders as well as contributing five runs on overthrows. Yet by the end of the day, the poor fielding paled in comparison to their limp batting performance.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Combined Campuses and Colleges innings (50 overs maximum) CAK Walton† run out (Powell/ †Thomas) 30 AT Alleyne c Cornwall b Richards 54 KAM Corbin lbw b Athanaze 29 RA Reifer c Athanaze b Tonge 29 SA Jacobs* c Tonge b Baker 10 FL Reifer c Tonge b Martin 26 SE Thomas c Tonge b Martin 35 KR Mayers c Athanaze b Martin 1 AMA Dewar b Tonge 5 KAR Hodge not out 3 KOK Williams c †Thomas b Tonge 1 Extras: (lb 7, w 10) 17 Total: (all out; 49.5 overs) 240 Fall of wickets: 1-57 (Walton, 10.1 ov), 2-102 (Corbin, 23.2 ov), 3-152 (Alleyne, 34.3 ov), 4-157 (RA Reifer, 36.3 ov), 5-166 (Jacobs, 39.2 ov), 6-220 (FL Reifer, 46.5 ov), 7-231 (Mayers, 48.2 ov), 8-231 (Thomas, 48.3 ov), 9-238 (Dewar, 49.2 ov), 10-240 (Williams, 49.5 ov) Bowling: LS Baker 10-0-601, GC Tonge 6.5-0-43-3, JJ Athanaze 10-1-36-1, A Martin 10-2-33-3, MA Richards 8-039-1, RRS Cornwall 5-0-22-0

Leeward Islands innings (target: 241 runs from 50 overs) KOA Powell* c †Walton b Williams 0 MV Hodge c Thomas b RA Reifer 10 MA Richards run out (Thomas) 0 SC Joseph lbw b Mayers 0 DC Thomas† c Dewar b Mayers 4 JN Hamilton c †Walton b RA Reifer 0 RRS Cornwall b Mayers 5 JJ Athanaze c †Walton b Mayers 0 GC Tonge c †Walton b RA Reifer 2 LS Baker not out 31 A Martin c RA Reifer b Hodge 16 Extras: (lb 2, w 10) 12 Total: (all out; 24.5 overs) 80 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Powell, 0.1 ov), 2-9 (Richards, 4.6 ov), 3-10 (Joseph, 7.4 ov), 4-20 (Thomas, 11.6 ov), 5-21 (Hodge, 12.5 ov), 6-26 (Cornwall, 13.4 ov), 7-26 (Hamilton, 14.2 ov), 8-28 (Athanaze, 15.3 ov), 9-36 (Tonge, 18.5 ov), 10-80 (Martin, 24.5 ov) Bowling: KOK Williams 7-2-291, KR Mayers 8.4-1-15-4, RA Reifer 6-0-15-3, KAR Hodge 1.10-6-1, AMA Dewar 2-0-13-0

Great Britain keeps hopes alive in Davis Cup

reat Britain will have to get the point they require in Sunday’s singles after the USA kept their Davis Cup World Group hopes alive in the doubles. Bob and Mike Bryan beat Colin Fleming and Dom Inglot 6-2 6-3 3-6 6-1 on the San Diego clay to leave Britain 2-1 in front going into the final day. Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was rested from the doubles ahead of taking on Sam Querrey on Sunday. Britain have not beaten the USA in the Davis Cup since 1935. The prospects of ending that barren run remain good, with Murray a strong favourite against world number 45 Querrey, who suffered a shattering five-set defeat by James Ward on Friday. Should Querrey cause a major upset, team-mate Donald Young will go up

against Ward in a decisive fifth rubber. Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain Leon Smith is confident they can secure the one victory needed. “To go into the final day 2-1 up is certainly a great position to be in,” he told BBC Sport. “It puts us in the driving seat with two rubbers to go and a great chance in both of those to get a win.” Britain’s hopes of securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the doubles ended with a convincing defeat by the Bryans, the world number one pairing. Captain Smith chose to draft in Inglot for his Davis Cup debut, and the British doubles number one made a nervous start with two double faults and a smash in the net as he dropped serve straight away. The first set finished in similar style as Fleming double-faulted on

set point, and one break was enough for the Americans to take the second set and seemingly close in on victory. There was still plenty of fight in the British pair, however, and they finally got a break of serve in the third set after some heavy Inglot forehands and a Fleming backhand return took them 4-2 in front. But Bob and Mike Bryan had lost their past two Davis Cup rubbers and were clearly keen to avoid a hattrick of defeats, breaking at the start of the fourth and racing through the set in just 15 minutes. “I thought we played a great match against two top players,” said Mike Bryan. “I think it was Inglot’s first Davis Cup match and he brought it. They started playing great in the third set. “I’m really happy to win this and give our team a chance.” (BBC Sport)

Australia whitewash England in T20 series

The glum look on the faces of the English players tells the story

ngland’s tour of Australia finished in yet another abject defeat as Australia sealed a 3-0 Twenty20 series whitewash with a crushing 84-run win in Sydney. Australia skipper George Bailey smashed three sixes in his 49 off 20 balls, taking 26 off the final over from Jade Dernbach as his team posted 195-6. Eoin Morgan hit two sixes in his 34 but the next highest was 14 as England were all out for 111 in the 18th over. Their tour record against Australia finished: played 13, lost 12, won one. There have been many dismal moments for England down under but on day 104 there were new depths to descend to, with certainly no British medal-winning performances at the well-populated Olympic Stadium, staging an international for only the third time. As has so often been the case, it was not disastrous throughout, with only 24 coming in the first four overs from Stuart Broad and T20 debutant Chris Jordan after Bailey chose to bat. But Aaron Finch was dropped on eight by Jordan off Tim Bresnan and swiftly swished three sixes, Ben Stokes conceding 23 from his opening two overs in his first appearance of the series. Ben Cutting, in only his third T20 international, demonstrated that he was another Australia batsman capable of authentic, powerful strokeplay to all parts of the ground and Stokes was dispatched for two more sixes when he returned for a third over. What a complete mockery this is. I feel sorry for the fans, as everyone wanted to see some competitive cricket. England are in disarray. Should they put this tour to the back of their minds, or break down exactly what went wrong? Joe Root, the only spin option, ended a partnership of 53 in five overs with

a superb one handed return catch to dismiss Cutting for 29. Jordan had Cameron White caught down the legside in the following over, and in the next, Broad struck twice, including the wicket of Twenty20 cricket’s highest run-scorer Brad Hodge, the 39-year-old topedging to fine-leg. But Wade was dropped by Ravi Bopara on four and he proceeded to add 56 from the final four overs with Bailey. It was the astute captain who caused the most disruption, however, destroying Dernbach with some inspired, inventive hitting. The much-maligned seamer’s first three overs in the middle of the innings had gone for a respectable 23 runs but Bailey picked all of his variations and found the gaps in the field. Piercing the field was not always necessary, a slower ball bouncer swotted in tennis forearm fashion over long-off and the next ball launched over long-on to take the total number of maximums to 13 in the in-

nings, and Dernbach’s figures for the series to 1-141 from 11 overs. In contrast, England’s batsmen managed to find the fielders with unerring regularity, losing 3-14 in 14 deliveries to leave Morgan with a requirement of 171 from 15 overs when he came to the crease at number five. The left-hander played an impish flicked sweep off the medium pace of Dan Christian to bring up the 50 in the eighth over, but wickets continued to fall and in the 13th over he was the sixth man to depart when Mitchell Starc took a fine low catch rushing in from deep mid-wicket. Bopara’s dismissal rather summed things up, a huge swipe thudding into his pad and the ball trickling into the stumps to remove one bail, and perhaps inevitably the tour finished with a farcical run out after a mid-pitch mix-up. Had the international matches been played under the points system used in the Women’s Ashes, Australia’s winning margin would have been 44-2. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD Australia innings (20 overs maximum) CL White c †Buttler b Jordan 41 AJ Finch c Broad b Bresnan 30 GJ Maxwell c Hales b Broad 14 BCJ Cutting c & b Root 29 GJ Bailey* not out 49 BJ Hodge c Dernbach b Broad 7 DT Christian b Broad 0 MS Wade† not out 19 Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 195 Did not bat MA Starc, NM Coulter-Nile, JM Muirhead Fall of wickets 1-48 (Finch, 6.4 ov), 2-65 (Maxwell, 8.2 ov), 3-118 (Cutting, 13.2 ov), 4-130 (White, 14.1 ov), 5-139 (Hodge, 15.4 ov), 6-139 (Christian, 15.6 ov) Bowling: SCJ Broad 4-0-303, CJ Jordan 4-0-23-1, TT Bresnan 4-0-42-1, BA Stokes 3-0-36-0, JW Dernbach 4-049-0, JE Root 1-0-13-1 England innings (target: 196 runs from 20 overs) LJ Wright c Cutting b Starc

AD Hales c Muirhead b Coulter-Nile 6 BA Stokes c Cutting b Maxwell 5 JE Root c Cutting b Maxwell 11 EJG Morgan c Starc b Cutting 34 JC Buttler† c Maxwell b Christian 8 RS Bopara b Coulter-Nile 4 TT Bresnan st †Wade b Muirhead 14 CJ Jordan not out 10 SCJ Broad* b Muirhead 2 JW Dernbach run out (Christian/†Wade) 1 Extras (b 2, lb 4, w 2) 8 Total (all out; 17.2 overs) 111 Fall of wickets 1-11 (Wright, 2.5 ov), 2-19 (Hales, 3.3 ov), 3-25 (Stokes, 4.6 ov), 4-60 (Root, 8.6 ov), 5-79 (Buttler, 11.6 ov), 6-82 (Morgan, 12.4 ov), 7-92 (Bopara, 13.5 ov), 8-98 (Bresnan, 14.3 ov), 9-104 (Broad, 16.1 ov), 10-111 (Dernbach, 17.2 ov) Bowling: MA Starc 2.2-0-8-1, NM Coulter-Nile 4-0-21-2, GJ Maxwell, 4-0-31-2, BCJ Cutting, 3-0-18-1, DT Christian, 2-014-1, JM Muirhead 2-0-13-2

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Monday, FEBRUARY 3, 2014

Hinds wins 40-mile cycle road race

rville Hinds reminded the cycling fraternity of his 2012 road race championship with a stunning come-from-behind victory at the National Sports Commission (NSC) sponsored 40-mile road race on Sunday, which took place on the West Coast of Demerara. Hinds recorded a time of one hour, 39mins 59s to top the pool of 51 that started the event at Schoonord, proceeded to Bushy Park before returning to Schoonord for the sprint to the finish. The 2012 champ finish ahead of Robin Persaud who took second, Raul Leal (third), Geron Williams (fourth), Marlon Williams (fifth) and Chris Persaud who rounded out the top six finishers. Raynauth Jeffrey, Leal and both Williams pelted out of the blocks to take an early lead before being caught at Leonora by the chase pack which was led by Hinds. Returning for the finish Paul DeNobrega, Jefferey and Geron Williams broke away at Uitvlugt to form a three man lead pack before

The winners of the event pose for a group photograph at the presentation held immediately after the race

Hinds again caught up with them before breaking away with about 500 metres to go, outsprinting some of the best finishers of the sport

such as Leal and Persaud. Raynauth Jeffrey, the two Williams and Leal rode away with sprint prizes while veteran rid-

er Persaud, junior rider Leal, and Mountain Biker Richard Charles received tokens for winning their respective categories.

Meanwhile national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed at the presentation ceremony held immediately after the event re-

vealed that R&R Enterprise will be sponsoring another 40 mile road race on February ninth on the roads of West Demerara.

Arsenal back on top New women cycling race to feature of BPL on final day of Tour de France

rsenal went back top of the Premier League with victory over a dogged Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium. Following a goalless first half, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain got his first of the season when he finished calmly after intelligent play from Santi Cazorla. Palace could have had an equaliser but Cameron Jerome’s diving header was excellently saved by Wojciech Szczesny. Oxlade-Chamberlain then doubled his tally for the season after he combined with team-mate Olivier Giroud. The result takes Arsenal back above Manchester City, although Manuel Pellegrini’s side can in turn regain top spot if they beat Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on Monday. But Arsenal, bidding to win the title for the first time since 200304, gained a vital three points to move two clear with Liverpool and Manchester United the opponents in their next two league games. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s last goal before this match came at the Maracana last June as England drew 2-2 with Brazil in Rio. But the 20-year-old, who missed four months of the season with a knee injury, was the difference between Arsenal and Palace here, and could yet be returning to Brazil in the summer as part of Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad. It had looked like being a disappointing afternoon for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as Tony Pulis’s Palace side appeared content to play for a point. The defensive tactics worked in the opening half as a well-organised away side frustrated the

hosts and sucked the entertainment out of the game. Palace’s Argentine keeper Julian Speroni blocked a low shot from Serge Gnabry and pushed out Ozil’s floated free-kick, which had missed everyone and was heading towards the far corner of the net. Crystal Palace have won only once in 15 visits to Arsenal, John Salako scoring twice in a 2-1 victory in October 1994 The Eagles’ only firsthalf chance fell to Marouane Chamakh, but the Moroccan, who scored 14 goals in 67 appearances in just over three years with the Gunners, wasted the opportunity with a heavy first touch. It was a game to forget for the striker, who was also at fault for Arsenal’s first goal, which came less than two minutes after the restart. He failed to track OxladeChamberlain and the unmarked midfielder, making a first Premier League start since the openingday defeat by Aston Villa, collected Cazorla’s ball over the defence and shot past Speroni. Palace have scored the fewest goals in the division - 15 in 24 games now - but might have been level within five minutes. Yannick Bolasie’s excellent cross from the left wing found Jerome, whose header from inside the six-yard box was blocked by the Arsenal goalkeeper. That proved Palace’s one chance of getting back into the game and Oxlade-Chamberlain grabbed his second on 73 minutes when he played a one-two with Olivier Giroud, outpaced the Palace defence and shot home to secure the win. (BBC sport)

Women cycling set for Tour de France

new women’s cycling race will finish at the Champs Elysees on the final day of the 2014 Tour de France. The first “La Course by le Tour de France” will take place on 27 July as part of the International Cycling Union’s (UCI) elite women’s calendar. Tour organiser Amaury Sports Organisation has faced pressure to bring in a women’s tour. “I am delighted to see this exciting development for women’s cycling,” UCI president Brian Cookson said. “Women’s racing on the iconic Champs Elysees is a tremendous step forward.”

Last year, Britain’s former World Time Trial champion Emma Pooley launched a campaign, Le Tour Entier, for the return of a women’s Tour de France, which was last staged in 2008. Marianne Vos, Olympic and triple world champion in road racing and, with Pooley, one of the founders of the campaign, says the introduction of the one-day race is a major advance. “I am very excited to be taking part, especially with the majestic finish on the Champs Elysses. The launch of this race is a revolutionary development in our sport,” the Dutchwoman said. “The tour is the pinnacle of pro-

fessional cycling, and I have no doubt that La Course by Le Tour identifies a new era for women’s cycling and will significantly contribute to the growth of road racing.” Four-time Ironman Triathlon champion Chrissie Wellington has also been one of those campaigning for a women’s event on the tour and says the race is a “game changer”. She said: “We need a stage like this to show just how strong and talented women cyclists are. We are celebrating. “This is a game changer for women’s cycling. It is a huge step forward.” (BBC Sport)

Monday, FEBRUARY 3, 2014

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AAG 2013 senior championships postponed

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) was forced to postpone its 2013 Senior Championships due to the inclement weather which was scheduled for Sunday at the Enmore Community Centre ground. The meet which was unable to come off last year due to the changing weather patterns has to be held to fulfill the AAG’s 2013 mandate, according to President of the AAG Aubrey Hutson. Further, the new date set for the meet is February 8 at the Enmore

Community Centre ground, said Hutson.

Clash

Aubrey Huston

Jason Yaw

Winston George

“We were to have a developmental meet on Sunday, but there might be another event at Police on the same day, so we are looking at Saturday at the same ground and, based on the weather forecast, I’m seeing that Saturday is supposed to be a dry day,” Hutson told Guyana Times Sport via telephone. The meet is expected to pit the best of Guyana’s athletes to compete for a chance

to be called the best. With the likes of Olympian Winston George, who is currently preparing for the South American Games, and Jason Yaw, who will want to grab his chance to better his Carifta 40-metre bronze medal at Carifta last year at this year’s event, the meet will serve as a testing ground for the athletes, as it will be their first for of competition for the year. However, the wait will be a little while for the athletes to prove themselves against their peers at the senior championships.

Liverpool fighting to keep fourth spot in Premier League Liverpool badly needed the cushion of a second goal and almost had it when Suarez outmuscled Diego Lugano but the Uruguayan’s

Kolo Toure (extreme right) in dismay after crucial mistake

iverpool defender Kolo Toure gifted West Brom an equaliser as the Reds missed a chance to tighten their grip on fourth place in the Premier League. Daniel Sturridge tapped in a Luis Suarez cross to put the visitors ahead. Albion picked up the pace after the break and Gareth McAuley had a powerful header palmed away by Simon Mignolet. But West Brom were rewarded for their efforts when Toure’s poor pass found Baggies striker Victor Anichebe and he drilled in a low shot. Liverpool were left to hang on for a point in the end and the result will come as a relief to their rivals for the last Champions League place. Everton, who lost heavily to the Reds on Tuesday, beat Aston Villa on Saturday and are now only two points behind their neighbours, while Brendan Rodgers’ side failed to capitalise on slip-ups for Tottenham, who drew at Hull, and Manchester United, who were beaten at Stoke. Only goal difference was keeping West Brom out of the bottom three before the game but an inspired second-half performance will give them hope of securing Premier League survival. Rodgers began his Liverpool tenure with a 3-0 defeat at The Hawthorns in August 2012 but, following a tame opening, his side’s

prospects looked brighter this time round. Raheem Sterling was set clear on the right and, after his cross was blocked, he passed to Suarez, who guided a ball to the far post where Sturridge steered it home from two yards for his 14th league goal of the season. “Kolo Toure has had one of the poorest games I remember him having. He has had a stinker. Liverpool were in control but a horrible mistake by Toure gave West Brom the equaliser. A good point for West Brom in their fight for survival. A victory that got away for Liverpool.” Toure had a chance to extend the lead, but failed to connect from close range after his initial header from a Philippe Coutinho corner was blocked. A Zoltan Gera shot that went wide was the hosts’ best moment of an opening half in which they also lost centre-back Jonas Olsson to injury. But Liverpool had kept only one clean sheet in 10 away games prior to this match and as the Baggies started to press their visitors higher up the pitch in the second half, the chances began to arrive. Skipper Chris Brunt’s angled shot at the far post was blocked by rightback Jon Flanagan before McAuley had his towering header smartly palmed away by Mignolet.

shot was saved by keeper Ben Foster. The failure was duly punished when Toure played a square ball straight

to former Everton forward Anichebe and he took advantage of the gift to finish clinically past Mignolet. Foster saved at

Sturridge’s feet as Liverpool tried to engineer a winner, but it was West Brom who ended the game the stronger. (BBC Sport)

Sports is no longer our game, itâ€™s our business

Monday, february 3, 2014

Hinds wins 40-mile cycle road race TOP SCORES

NBA ROUND UP: RAPTORS 98-83 WIN OVER MAGIC

rville Hinds reminded the cycling fraternity of his 2012 road race championship with a stunning comefrom-behind victory at the National Sports

Commission (NSC) sponsored 40-mile road race on Sunday, which took place on the West Coast of Demerara. Hinds recorded a time of one hour,

See story on page

39mins 59s to top the pool of 51 that started the event at Schoonord, proceeded to Bushy Park before returning to Schoonord for the sprint to the finish.

see full story on page 22

Hinds celebrates after crossing the finish line ahead of his competitors

Arsenal back on top of BPL See story on page

CCC humiliate Leeward Islands Kyle Mayers put on a bowing display for CCC with bowling figures of 4 for 15 to pick up the Man-of-the-Match award

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubles to take Arsenal to top of premier league table

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