Guyana Times Daily

Security top brass for Suriname

BGCI Managing Director Serge Kostyuk and Toshao of Hururu Village Winsbert Benjamin toast to their new lease agreement following the signing ceremony on Wednesday

Hururu Village, BCGI sign new lease to increase bauxite production

BY: SABATINI DANIELS

The Hururu Village Council on Thursday signed a new lease agreement to rent more lands to the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) to increase its production in the community.

The signing of the new pact was witnessed by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud. The agreement will see the community renting an additional 155.5 square acres of land to the company.

As a result, the village council will receive $1.1 million per month from the BCGI, which it will utilise to further develop the community, while the BCGI will construct new mine and infrastructural facilities at Kurubuka-22.

In 2005, the Hururu Village Council leased land to RUSAL and since then, the company has been paying approximately $1.3 million per month to the community. The community’s road has also been leased to the company for $1.1 million per month.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Minister Persaud said the activity demonstrates that investment, development and the utilisation of the natural resource sector can co-exist in harmony and in sync with the expectations of the communities where the resources rest.

“This agreement that is being signed here reflects

adherence in terms of ensuring the various objectives are addressed and met and the parties feel comfortable and enable to pursue the various activities,” he said. The minister said the bauxite industry is on the path to development, noting that it has come from a path of near death.

Meanwhile, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai said it is important for the Hururu Village Council to prepare themselves and to handle this investment with the same level of responsibility that they have demonstrated in the past agreement.

She told the village council members that their com-

munity is leading the way like several other villages by partnering with those who want to contribute to their village's development, adding that this is a big step which other indigenous communities can learn from.

Hururu Village Toshao Winsbert Benjamin said he

hopes the relationship between the parties will continue, to ensure further development of the community. BCGI Managing Director Serge Kostyuk said the company considers the signing a new stage in the development of the relationship with the community, Guyana and the bauxite industry.

Exploration of Kurubuka-22 deposit guarantees stable and continuous jobs for more than 1000 workers and sub-contractors in Region 10. The expected operational life of the Kurubuka-22 project is 17 years.

The agreement was signed by Kostyuk, Benjamin, other members of the Hururu Village Council, and Ministers Sukhai and Persaud. The signing was witnessed by Russia Ambassador to Guyana Nikolay Smirnov.

Also, in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month, Kostyuk handed over an annual financial donation to Benjamin as support for cultural activities and events during the week of celebrations in Hururu.

Hururu Village Toshao Winsbert Benjamin signs the lease agreement between his village and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) for the rental of additional lands with an operational life of 17 years

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

Syria: What next?

The world expressed shock at reports of a chemical attack which has left hundreds of persons, including children, dead in a Damascus suburb on August 21. It is difficult to imagine that anyone could have carried out such a horrendous act. This will indeed go down in the history books as one of the world’s worse attacks on ordinary civilians.

The U.S. has put the death toll from that incident at 1429 – though other countries and organisations have given lower figures – and says all the evidence implicates government forces. On its part, the Syrian government has said that such an attack would have been “illogical” because United Nations (UN) chemical weapons experts were visiting Damascus at the time. President Bashar al-Assad, in an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro, denied the use of chemical weapons and called for proof from anyone making the accusations.

It should be mentioned that rebel groups have been fighting to overthrow Bashar al-Assad’s regime since 2011. There are reports, most of which are still to be accompanied by evidence, that Syria has responded by shooting and bombing its own people, as well as committing human rights abuses against its citizens such as torture and rape.

U.S. President Barrack Obama has said there is evidence which gives him “high confidence that Assad carried this out” and that action must be taken to deter the regime from using chemical weapons again and degrade its ability to do so. From all indications, Obama is confident that the U.S. Congress would approve intervention, but stressed that as commanderin-chief, he had the right to act in his country’s national interest regardless.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has made it clear that while he has noted the argument for action to prevent future uses of chemical weapons, at the same time, consideration must be given to the impact of any punitive measure on efforts to prevent further bloodshed and facilitate a political resolution of the conflict.

As expected, the world is now anxiously waiting to see what will be the response of major western powers to the situation. Will they wait on the UN to conclude its work and to come up with a unified approach before any sort of action could be taken, or will they proceed with military action against Assad and his regime?

Last week, Guyana and Venezuela signalled their disagreement with the U.S. plan to proceed with a military strike on government forces. A few other countries in the region have also come out clearly and made their positions on the matter known – that is, the UN should be allowed to do its work before any response could be decided upon.

Russia remains firmly opposed to military action. President Vladimir Putin has warned that any strike without UN approval would be “an aggression”. But he said Russia did not rule out supporting a UN Security Council resolution authorising force, if it was proved “beyond doubt” that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons.

It is clear that the situation in Syria is a complex one to deal with, and for this reason the international community must tread carefully. Experts have pointed to the fact that the narrative is not as simple as a country’s oppressed majority fighting against an authoritarian regime. In addition to having extremist elements among its ranks, the opposition is fragmented and lacks a clear directive. That could lead to further instability should the Assad regime fall.

That aside, with the UN’s chemical weapons team working “around the clock” to expedite analyses of samples taken in Syria, Ban Ki-moon has since issued a call for the Security Council members to unite and develop an appropriate response should allegations regarding the use of such weapons prove true. Once analyses of the samples are completed, a report will be given to the UN head who will share the results with the 193 member states and the 15-member Security Council.

The UN team must be given every opportunity to complete its task in order to establish the facts in an objective and impartial manner. Like the UN secretary general, we hope that the decision on Syria will be made within the framework of the UN Charter which states: “The use of force is lawful only when in exercise of self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and/or when the Security Council approves such action.”

Comparing Janamashtami celebration in the Guyanese diaspora

Dear Editor, Guyanese Hindus thronged mandirs in the diaspora in observance of Janamashtami, or the birth of Lord Krishna, last week. Wherever they find themselves, observant Guyanese Hindus tend to propitiate the Lord on auspicious religious days like Janamashtami and Raakhi, among others.

The small Guyanese Hindu population in Aruba, where I am currently visiting, also observed the auspicious day by fasting, praying and making offerings at homes, and congregating at a home for community worshipping, since there is no temple as in Guyana or London or New York.

When I was in London earlier in the week, Guyanese made preparation to observe Janamashtami at their mandirs that were all dressed up for the occasion. In London, the adorable Pandit Bankim Gossai, brother of the late Prakash Gossai, at the Maha Lakshi Mandir held service on two evenings, as well as on the Saturday evening and Sunday morning, that saw Guyanese and other nation-

als visiting his beautiful mandir.

Lord Krishna is one of the most revered Gods among Guyanese and other Caribbean Hindus. And for the occasion, they frequently hold kathas or religious discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, which is a description of Lord Krishna’s thoughts and actions.

All of the temples and mandirs in the New York metro area conducted midnight vigil and kathas – virtually all also held several nights of discourses that culminated with Janamashtami. Groups led the congregations with devotional songs.

Unlike in Guyana, in Nepal and India where several Guyanese also visited to celebrate Janamashtami, the day is a national holiday, and the celebration is a spectacle with parades and musical fests dedicated to Krishna.

In places like Mauritius and Fiji, Hindus tend to take the day off from work to focus on the lord. In India, the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth takes on a festive atmosphere similar

to that of Christmas in the West. There are decorations and colourful lights around temples and people’s homes as they welcome the Lord.

There is loud music everywhere with vegetarian restaurants and mithai stores bustling. The same is true on Liberty Avenue among Guyanese Hindus days before the festival.

As in Guyana, Hindus in New York and London thronged the mandirs. In Aruba, there are no temples for community prayers, as in Guyana, but families got together to observe the festival at home. A person’s home serves as the mandir for the thousand Guyanese Hindus on the island.

Guyanese in Aruba told me they observed the festival quietly.

They fasted as we do in Guyana and New York and made offerings of fruits. Some prepared mohanbhog (though ghee is difficult to obtain) for offering and burnt incense. Aruba lacks the number of pandits we have in Guyana and North America.

Usually, pandits are flown in to perform reli-

gious services like jhandis or bhagwats in Aruba. London has several West Indian temples and resident pandits, although not as many as we have in New York or Toronto.

In New York, vegetable stores were packed with Guyanese shoppers preparing for the festival. And the 50-plus temples were jam packed with worshippers who performed elaborate poojas and made offerings of mohanbhog and sweets specially prepared for the occasion. People also performed special rituals at home and many held bhagwats (discourses inviting the public to partake in community worshipping).

While devotees may feel fulfilled and blessed that they made generous offerings to Lord Krishna, they must not think of Janamashtami as a once in a year event. Every moment of our lives should be spent prostrating to the Lord and of performing services to humanity to make the world a better place.

Sincerely, Vishnu

Bisram

Take registration exercise seriously

Dear Editor,

The registration exercise by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is very vital and the people of this nation must take it seriously. Maybe there should have been a mobile unit, going around, making announcements in this regard.

It is the civic duty and

legal responsibility of all Guyanese who meet the eligibility requirements to apply for registration during this Fifth Cycle of Continuous Registration.

In being compliant, we would be ensuring inclusion on the official lists of electors for future elections, if they meet the other eligibility criteria, apart from

being issued with National Identification Cards. Persons eligible for registration could be prosecuted, fined or even sent to prison for failing or refusing to apply for registration.

The period runs from September 2 to November 23. So anyone who will be 14 years or older by December 31 and is a Guyanese citi-

zen by birth, descent, naturalisation, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country, living in Guyana for one year or more, is eligible for registration during this exercise. I urge all those eligible to take this process seriously.

Sincerely, Jamella Haniff

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali with deputy secretary general of the Organisation of American States Albert Ramdin and tourism ministers of Barbados and St Lucia at the XXI Congress on Tourism being held in Honduras. The conference is focusing on the topic “Geotourism to the Benefit of Local Communities”. Other important issues being addressed in this congress are public and community safety within the framework of sustainable tourism and sustainable destinations management

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana

Serious health concerns

Dear Editor, Sloppiness is coming over us, even though we are getting a lot of wake-up calls. If this slumber prevails, we might as well forget everything about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in relation to maternal deaths. This aspect of health care must be looked at very carefully yet again.

It was heartbreaking to read about a young mother who died just days after she had a Caesarean section.

Women must not abuseaccept

Dear Editor,

The abusive men of Guyana need to wake up. So if a woman is unfaithful, I ask these abusive men, does that give them the right to dish out any kind of beating? If two people cannot get along, and there are issues of infidelity, then they can settle their matter in a nonviolent manner.

That is why we have separation. This can be legal, if a genuine marriage has to be terminated. Other than that, one partner can simply walk off. The important thing is that no man (or woman too) has the right to get destructive because of jealousy, suspicion or anger.

This is simple to say and I agree that it is not easy, but this is the way it must be – no place for abuse. I caution all to take note that the law may be slow at times, but it is very sure in the end. No one can really outrun the long and steady arm of the law.

Men have to put a lid on their violent nature when it comes to women’s issues. As for the women, make sure that you take nothing for granted – know your partners, and never accept abuse.

Regards,

Raymond Bulkan

Over the last few years, there have been some unpleasant situations associated with maternity deaths. If this is so here, again disciplinary measures must be meted out. Of recent, quite a few within the health care fraternity have been subjected to some serious doses of punishment. We need to do this as it makes no sense to invest in personnel and facilities and then have a spirit of carelessness.

On the other hand, it

seems as though the victim made some blunders. The family members have health history that demanded some special precautionary measures. If these went unheeded, then maybe her demise was self-created. However, that is no reason to be dismissive regarding avoidable deaths. Maybe, it is time for some more health education at the grass root level.

Yours truly,

Imtiaz Mohammed

Showing interest in education

Dear Editor, When I read what some students have to go through, I feel so lucky and blessed. Over in a Mahaicony village, there was just one boat and several trips were the norm in taking the students to and from school. The good thing is that as of now, these students will benefit from an additional boat and engine.

School life is challenging enough just doing academics so removing the duress caused with just that single boat by having a second one removing half of the problems. Kudos to the regional chairman.

These days, many people look for excus-

es – of all types too –to drop out of school. Some come up and say that they are too poor to keep their children in school. Others say that they have no time to spend behind the children and, hence after they do badly, they just drop out.

If government can invest heart and soul into the education system, it stands to reason that citizens must do their part, even if it takes that extra bit. We must resolve as a people to keep our children in school, all the way from nursery through secondary.

Respectfully, Evelyn

Carmichael

238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

No place for violent, disruptive protests

Dear Editor, The six-day protest in Ituni, Region 10 should not inconvenience others. I must be free to make my choices. So it is good that there was the arrest of 14 persons who were blocking the roadway.

In my view, most of those who were protesting were doing so based on a few things – they were emotionally swept away, they were not armed with facts and information, and they can afford the time to waste days and nights.

As a matter of fact, when the police arrived on the scene, five women were

sleeping under a tent, while the men were sitting on the logs. It is like they were having a ball.

The police operation could have descended into an ugly scene, as a police constable was assaulted during efforts to arrest another man. Guyana must not retrogress culturally, socially and politically. When a thing like this happens, I recall Agricola and Linden. We need to learn our lessons.

The police will have no objection to persons conducting peaceful protests, but when protests degenerate into unlawful acts, infringing on the rights of other citizens, the police will as a consequence have to take the appropriate action.

Yours faithfully, Sergeant of police Name withheld by request

The other thing here is that I am not hearing calls for peaceful protests from the camps of the opposing parties. However, whenever we have civilian injuries or casualties, all kinds of people are seen and their voices are loud with incendiary remarks.

Are our prisons becoming places of violence?

Dear Editor, I was not really surprised when I read in a recent news report that an inmate of the New Amsterdam Prison is now in serious condition after he was stabbed twice to the chest by another inmate. In July of this year, the Home Affairs Ministry expressed concern about the penetration of cellphones at the various prisons, particularly in Georgetown and New Amsterdam.

During some searches, many cellphones were intercepted and confiscated. How about going back a few years and recalling a similar stabbing incident like this one?

The fight then was over a cellular phone. The inmates actually resorted to the use of ice picks. This was at the Camp Street penitentiary and the two combatants ended up in hospital.

So it seems as though we are not taking this thing about cellphones quite seriously. I should highlight here too the fact that ice picks were used. Where did these come from?

In this case, it was in New Amsterdam and I am bothered not by cellphones and ice picks, but by a piece of steel. One of the inmates was armed with a piece of steel.

This horrible progression – cellphones in prison,

accessibility to dangerous weapons and fights. So our prisons, supposedly now reformed and a place for correction, seem to be nothing but a place for violence.

How about getting inmates to read books and to listen to the news? How about having them exposed to good documentaries on various topics?

My request overall is to make our prison houses safer and also to turn them into places where people can actually be rehabilitated.

Yours sincerely, Prison officer Name withheld by request

Times,

Page Foundation

Parents and teachers:

Six ways to inspire the teen brain

BY SANDRA BOND CHAPMAN

The teen brain is in a vulner able state. It is primed to fall into addiction, delve deeply into depression and seek out risky situations. However, the teen years are also a prime time for developing long-term, necessary strategic thinking skills, the foundation for advanced reason ing that should continue to be refined in complexity and ma turity throughout adulthood.

The brain undergoes more change during the teenage years than any other time except for the first two months of life. The chang es are most dramatic in the frontal lobe networks, the brain’s command control centre. The frontal lobe networks are responsi ble for reasoning, plan ning, decision-making, judgment, inhibiting bad choices, and oth er high-level cognitive functions. Providing necessary challenges to support development of the frontal lobe networks is key to your teen’s ability to achieve future life success.

For years parents and educators have preached, “the more you know, the better.” Teens are being trained to stuff facts and regurgitate information, leading to rote memorisation and stymied creativity. Such robotic use of the brain is leaving the teen brain uninspired. A time of extraordinary promise and susceptibility, this vital adolescent brain stage merits larger-than-life attenteen brain is primed to create and innovative new ideas. Elevating brainpower during this impressionable life stage of adolescents is imperative to promoting independent life success. Follow the below tips to inspire the best and brightest brain performance and to enhance vital frontal lobe develop -

ment of your teenager.

Teach your teen to conceive many unique interpretations of movies, books, political discussions, unsettling school or peer issues, or works of art.

• Encourage your youth to be a problem finder and solution setter for issues that arise daily and discuss how academic content supports this expertise.

Ask your teenager to give you a “message” from a book or movie or hurtful experience rather than a long-winded retell without reflection.

Have your adolescent interpret the lyrics of their favourite song from positive and negative perspectives and do the same for your song with them. Watch their favourite TV show with them and share different take-home messages for the different characters. Push for a multitude of answers to a question or problem versus seeking the “right” anOur brains are wired to be inspired – especially during teen years. Fostering creativity and innovation to tackle difficult and multifaceted problems – in and out of school – will drive successful futures of our youth for generations to come. As Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” (Psychologytoday.com)

The more teens are yelled at, the worse they behave

Parents commonly shout, yell or even swear at their teenagers, but such discipline tactics may actually increase their child’s risk for behaviour problems, a new study suggests.

In the study, parent’s use of harsh verbal discipline with their children at age 13 was linked with an increased risk of conduct problems and symptoms of depression at ages 13 and 14. The more frequently parents used hash verbal discipline, the more commonly their children experienced these problems, the researchers found.

What’s more, children with conduct problems also received more harsh verbal discipline from their parents. This suggests that harsh verbal discipline may lead to a vicious cycle of children acting out, and parents escalating their disciplinary actions, the researchers said.

“Our findings offer insight into why some parents feel that no matter how loud they shout, their teenagers do not listen,” said study researcher Ming-Te Wang, assistant professor of psychology in education at the University of Pittsburgh. “Not only does

harsh verbal appear to be ineffective at addressing behaviour problems in youth, it actually appears to increase such behaviours,” Wang said.

“Parents who wish to modify their teenage children’s behaviour would do better by communicating with them on an equal level, and explaining their rationale and worries to them,” he said.

Although a previous study found that more than 90 per cent of American parents report using harsh verbal discipline, few studies have examined the effect of this discipline strategy on teenagers over time.

The new study analysed information from 976 families, which included a mother, father and a middle-school aged child, living in Pennsylvania.

Parents were asked how often they used harsh verbal discipline in the past year, including shouting, yelling, screaming, swearing or cursing, or name-calling such as “dumb” or “lazy”.

Nearly half of parents (45 per cent of mothers and 42 per cent of fathers) said they had used harsh verbal discipline in the last year. The link with behaviour problems held even after the researchers took into account families’ socioeconomic status, and use of physical discipline.

Harsh verbal discipline had a detrimental effect on behaviour even if parents were also emotionally supportive and caring towards their teens.

Young teens are likely to interpret harsh verbal discipline as “indicative of rejection or scorn,” the researchers said in their study. This interpretation can result in the child developing of a hostile view of the parent-child relationship, a negative view of themself, or low self-control, the researchers said.

Dr Jefry Biehler, chair of paediatrics at Miami children’s hospital, said the findings support the notion that insulting and hurtful language is not the preferred method of discipline for teens. The findings are interesting, and the topic of how harsh verbal discipline affects teens should be studied further, said Biehler, who was not involved in the study.

The study relied on parents’ self-reports of verbal discipline, and on children’s self-reports of behaviour problems. It’s possible that their responses were not entirely accurate out of a desire to provide “socially acceptable” answers, the researchers said. However, the researchers suspect that the link would be even stronger if reporting was more truthful. (news.yahoo.com)

Drop everything and read!

– Education Ministry in countrywide reading initiative

Apacked programme of activities is planned for Education Month with a 15-minute countrywide reading session next Monday being part of the highlights.

Education Month 2013 is being celebrated under the theme: “Transforming Classrooms for the 21st Century”. The two major activities planned for the month are “Give a Book” and “Drop Everything and Read”, which are in recognition of World Literary Day, observed on September 8.

As such, the Education Ministry has invited all Guyanese to participate in the very significant initiatives which will be held on September 9. The “Give a Book Campaign 2013”, is organised by the ministry and the goal is to raise awareness of the importance of reading, primarily among young people.

Give a book

In a press statement, the ministry encouraged Guyanese throughout all 10 administrative regions to give a book to someone with the aim of persuading them to read. “Regardless of the age, content or format of the book, all are being asked to give a book to someone else so as to support the ministry in encouraging reading and literacy nationwide,” the release said.

The ministry will also collaborate with the private sector in the distribution of books on Monday. Tents will also be erected in front of the Education Ministry’s main offices at 21 and at 68 Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown, where free books will be distributed to everyone present.

A mobile unit to distribute books around the

country will also be used, and several tents around Georgetown will be assembled at the Stabroek Market Square, outside of Parliament Buildings and in the compound of the National Library, where persons can go and uplift one free book each, complements of the Education Ministry.

Drop everything and read! Meanwhile, in acknowledgment that reading is fundamental in today’s society and to the development of the mind; the ministry is urging all Guyanese to also participate in the “Drop Everything and Read” campaign which will begin on September 9, at 11:00h. The ministry is partnering with the media to carry out this initiative and to make it a success.

In a release, the ministry stated that “it is intended that Guyana experiences a beautiful interlude on Monday, September 9, at 11:00h, as everyone is asked by the ministry to stop whatever they are doing and read something for 15 minutes”.

Persons are encouraged to

read something/anything at 11:00h on Monday. Most television stations will pause their regular programming for 15 minutes to broadcast reading materials. While in the case of radio, a number of creative methods have been decided upon so as to significantly highlight the importance of reading. In some instances, some children will be reading a variety of texts on air.

Appreciation

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has expressed her appreciation to the media for their commitment and support for this innovative idea.

Some of the other activities planned for the month are a Rally for Education from Parade Ground to Queen’s College on September 13, International Literacy Day Messages from Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Chief Education Officer Olato Sam on September 8, a workshop on transforming minds from September 16-17, literacy showcase on September 18, and a Sports Day on September 28, among several other activities.

GPHC seeks help to identify child

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is seeking assistance from the public to identify a child that was taken to the institution.

According to a release, around 09:35h on Wednesday, a male child of African descent believed to be between the ages of 10 to 12, was brought to the institution.

At the time, he was in an unresponsive state and was admitted, the release said.

“He was admitted and is being treated. He is still unresponsive and disoriented,” the GPHC said.

The hospital is asking the general public to make contact with the institution, or the nearest police station if anyone knows the child and/or his relatives.

Businessman on run for biker’s execution

Police have launched a manhunt for a Georgetown businessman believed to be the prime suspect in the killing of Kirk Davis on Tuesday evening at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud on Thursday told Guyana Times that the police have sufficient information that implicates the particular businessman in the murder. He also disclosed that police are working feverishly to capture him, but did not offer to comment on the developments of the investigations.

Persaud also stated that a few spent shells were retrieved from the murder scene and upon inspection, it proved that a 9 mm pistol was used to commit the act.

He also confirmed that police were able to establish that a woman who is presently a patient at a city hospital is connected to the murder. She is re -

portedly nursing a gunshot wound and is being grilled by investigators.

Guyana Times understands that investigators visited the suspect’s home on Wednesday evening where they conducted a search in the presence of family members, but came up empty-handed.

This publication understands that the businessman’s wife may have attempted to prevent the shooting, but instead, she was shot as well.

Investigators thus far verified that the 30-yearold biker was first shot while he was in the back passenger’s seat of the businessman’s car before he was dragged out and shot several other times.

The businessman, his wife and another relative had reportedly gone to the biker’s home to confront him on an accusation of infidelity.

In addition, this newspaper was told that after the businessman received

the tipoff that his wife was having a relationship with Davis, he telephoned the now dead mechanic requesting an audience.

On the night of the fatal shooting, the businessman appeared in front of Davis’ property in a silver Toyota Premio.

Davis reportedly walked towards the car and went straight into the back passenger’s seat where an argument started.

After a few minutes of intense argument, the 28-yearold suspect left the driver’s seat and walked towards the backdoor of the car, pulled out a gun and discharged a few rounds which struck Davis.

Being in an angry state, the suspect pulled out Davis from the car and riddled his body with bullets.

The incident took place in front of Davis 7th Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara home Tuesday evening.

According to reports, Davis, 30, was shot at least 11 times.

The Education Ministry is asking all, come Monday, to drop everything and read!

The unidentified child

Security top brass for Suriname meeting

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee will be leading a delegation comprising high-level security sector and revenue protection officials to meet with their counterparts in neighbouring Suriname today and Saturday.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the meeting will be held under the Presidential Engagement Initiative, the brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Surinamese Head-of-State Desi Bouterse. The last meeting of this nature was held in 2011.

The delegation will include Guyana Defence Force’s Chief-of-Staff, Rear Admiral Gary Best; acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell; Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur; head of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) James Singh; and other senior security sector officials.

The focus will continue to be on expanding cooperation ties between the two coun-

tries, particularly in the areas of law enforcement and revenue protection.

Meanwhile, the meeting is being held even at a time when four Guyanese men have been arrested by the Suriname police on piracy charges. The men were incarcerated by the criminal investigation’s department of Geyersvlijt, the press office of the Suriname Police Force confirmed. According to the police,

the individuals with the initials BM, DV, MR and DP were allegedly involved in a brazen attack on five fishermen in a fishing vessel near the coast of Coronie on November 12 last year.

The victims were robbed at gunpoint and subsequently ordered to jump overboard. Three of the victims managed to reach the shore, but the other two presumably drowned. The alleged assailants are currently assisting with the investigations. If there is enough evidence, the suspects could be held for another week before they are taken to court. There is no bail system in Suriname, so this means that they could be held for another 30 days until the case is called before a judge.

Bilateral agreements

Over the years, Guyana has managed to establish bilateral agreements with Suriname and other neighbouring states to address cross-border crimes. Additionally, CANU and its counterpart agency in Suriname have also been

enjoying good working relations and mutual cooperation.

Officers interact frequently and sharing of intelligence occurs as the need arises. CANU has conducted successful operations based on information shared by their Surinamese counterparts and has also been instrumental in providing information which led to some seizures in the neighbouring country.

In February 2012, President Donald Ramotar and an eight-member delegation engaged in a one-day working visit to Suriname where an agreement was reached for the establishment of a Border Security Committee as a direct mechanism for information sharing and monitoring, so as to deal with this matter in all its aspects.

During this engagement, it was highlighted that the issue of making the Springlands/Nickerie crossing referred to as the ‘back track’ route into a legal entry point is under active consideration.

Man on bail for damage to property and unlawful assault

Aman was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday after he was charged with unlawful assault and damage to property.

It is alleged on August 19 at South Road, Troy Ferchester unlawfully and maliciously damaged the left front door of a motor car valued $54,000, property of James Brown. It was also alleged that Ferchester on the same day unlawfully assaulted Brown. He pleaded not guilty to both charges read against him.

According to the facts, on the day in question about 07:58h, an accident occurred in which both the defendant and the complainant were involved. There was a misunderstanding between the two which resulted in Ferchester pulling the left front door of the motor car with such force it was damaged. He then kicked Brown who was sitting in the driver’s seat. The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested and charged.

The matter was transferred to Court Three for hearing before Magistrate Judy Latchman. Magistrate Latchman granted bail in the sum of $60,000 for the damage to property and $20,000 for the assault; a total of $80,000. The matter is set to return to court on September 12.

Eyew tness

Pied piper...

...of Amaila

Sometimes you have to wonder about what goes on in Guyana with some people who hold themselves out as “professionals”. Take the fellow from the Office of the Auditor General (AG) office who showed up like a bad penny a year ago – Anand Goolsarran.

This is a man who owes his training every step of the way to the taxpayers of Guyana. It was because of his government job he got his scholarship to finish his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. Ditto the auditor fellowship programme of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (USGAO) when he was in the AG’s office.

But the fellow was always ungrateful. He got the top position in that office due to the recommendation of his boss Pat Farnum – whom he has never credited for mentoring him. He likes to pretend he did it all on his own. But his ungratefulness extends to the people of Guyana today – when he could’ve used his training to give them the facts on the Amaila Falls Hydro rather than bamboozling them to boost his ego and remain in the opposition’s limelight.

Take his latest “explanation” that Sithe Global would’ve been earning “380 per cent” on their investment in the project over the 20 years. And he presents this as if it’s some kind of trick or sleight-of-hand Sithe pulled on the government and people of Guyana. But Sithe’s total return is calculated the same as every other investment or loan that’s made to borrowers – and it’s never stated in the hysterical and disingenuous manner that Goolsarran adopts.

Let’s take mortgages – which every Guyanese is now used to. He borrows let’s say $3 million at four percent for a 20-year mortgage and he makes his monthly payments. If he were to add up all his payment over the 20 years, it amounts to far beyond four per cent plus principal. It has to do with the difference between simple and compound interest – and paying the interest up front. That’s standard. Now if he were to say that the 19 per cent Sithe charged was high... he might have a point. But the question is why? And the answer is that his buddies in the opposition have made the investment climate so risky that no investor will demand anything less. It’s like the situation with the domestic banks: why is it they’re charging 14 per cent at best for commercial loans when in the U.S. you can have such loans at half of that rate. And these are Guyanese banks!!!

It’s because in the U.S., the opposition does not block roads and burn down buildings – not to mention blocking traffic into the interior – just to protest electricity rates. Goolsarran should be ashamed of himself for biting the hand that fed him.

...of destabilisation

David Granger says he’s “tired of the political stalemate”. The question is who the heck caused the stalemate (or rebellions) in the first place? Granger’s outburst becomes even more ridiculous when he mentions that to prevent just such a “stalemate” President Donald Ramotar had initiated the tripartite talks right after the last elections.

The answer then lies in identifying who torpedoed those talks – intended to get the leaders of the three parliamentary parties – People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), A Partnership for Narional Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) – to reach consensus on nettlesome issues. So let’s refresh Granger’s memory since we know he’s getting on in years.

The first issue on the tripartite table was the equalisation of electricity for Linden. The AFC refused to attend and Granger bargained hard for the government to raise old age pensions in exchange for APNU’s support for the electricity equalisation. So far so good. But Granger should search his memory as to who caused him to renege on his word – and precipitate deadly protests in Linden. They’re the cause of the stalemate.

...of misdirection

Now that Winston Brassington has nailed Suspenders Ram’s false inflation of Sithe’s return on its investment, the artful dodger has resorted to the oldest trick in the book: misdirection. He’s come up with 37 irrelevant questions.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

A 3D perspective of energy efficiency and conservation

– A message by the Guyana Energy Agency

We often hear terms such as ‘fossil fuels’, ‘petroleum’, ‘oil and gas’, and the usual jargon that accompanies such words.

Undoubtedly, such finite resources are valuable and the investment of exploration and production may be justified on the basis of our dependence on fossil fuels to propel our country’s activities.

However, have we ever considered less dependence on such resources, and more dependence on our own habits to support our lives?

While we may question the possibility of this ideal, the answer may be viewed as a process, through the practice of energy efficiency and conservation.

While this may seem like just another term, this phrase in action gives life to a number of ways we can take control of our energy consumption. For example,

turning off your lights when not in use, replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lamps or even activating power management on your computer are all ways of practicing energy efficiency and conservation.

Taken as one, ‘energy efficiency and conservation’ refers to saving energy through its wise and rational use in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. Considered separately however, ‘energy efficiency’ and ‘energy conservation’ differ in the way in which we manage our energy needs.

Energy conservation refers to behavioural practices, which results in using less energy, such as turning lights off when leaving a room, whereas energy efficiency looks to the employment of different technologies to use less energy while providing the same output

or function, for example, using CFLs in light fixtures instead of incandescent lamps.

The common elements that pervade every sector of our country- residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural are (a) our people and (b) the use of energy. Therefore, awareness in reducing energy consumption within such sectors without affecting the quality of our output emanates from our own practices and policies.

To make it easier to remember, consider the three ‘Ds’ in energy efficiency and conservation:

Define your energy needs

The best way of being able to reduce energy consumption is to first understand your energy consumption. Consider having an energy assessment conducted at your home or workplace. Energy assessments assess the energy efficien-

Auditors workshop hone in

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Guyana Chapter hosted another accounting skills seminar, with the focus on improving the skills of auditors in detecting money laundering transactions.

The two-day training seminar/workshop is intended to aid local auditors to detect problems, weaknesses and deficiencies in their audits.

It was organised by the Guyana Chapter IIA and attracted some 82 participants. The seminar, which began on Wednesday, dealt with tools and techniques for forensic auditing and also catered for management personnel, accountants and financial and human resource managers.

The seminar held at Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown, was facilitated by Stephon Grey, a certified fraud examiner, certified internal control auditor and forensic public accountant educator.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Thursday, IIA

Governor Ramesh Seebarran of the Bisheswar, Seebarran & Co Chartered Accountants said the first day of the event involved forensic and investigative accounting while the second day focused on the role of internal auditors in detecting money laundering transactions.

Right tools

“Over the two days, we try to ensure that we equip auditors with the kind of tools that they need to go into the dynamic workplace to function properly and get results from their audits,” said Seebarran.

“If they find something, they go through a proper mechanism so they could remedy those deficiencies. So our whole purpose is to improve the competence of practicing auditors,” he explained. According to Seebarran, given what is happening in the world with money laundering, the IIA (Guyana) believes that Guyana needs to step up to the plate and not be left be-

cy of buildings, equipment and processes using diagnostic tools and analytical procedures. Once conducted, practical and feasible recommendations may be made to assist in saving money and energy.

The GEA has been conducting energy assessments of various buildings with the objective of reducing energy consumption and improving energy awareness. For more information on energy assessments, visit the energy efficiency and conservation page on www.gea.gov.gy.

Decrease energy consumption

Decreasing energy consumption stems from awareness and fostering best practices. The primary means of decreasing energy consumption is by encouraging behavioural and lifestyle changes. Investing in more efficient lighting solu-

tions such as compact fluorescent lamps, replacing old appliances that consume more energy (therefore more money) to produce the same output and installing renewable energy solutions such as solar water heaters, are all methods of decreasing energy consumption.

Always remember that when buying appliances, compare energy labels, not just prices, to make sure you buy an energy efficient unit. For assistance in how to implement these lifestyle changes, visit www.gea. gov.gy for download of brochures and E-Book, titled Guidelines for an Energy Efficient Home.’

Develop a greener future Development, whether by reducing an electricity bill or constructing a new building, is still progress. Therefore, with national benchmarks and poli-

cies such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy and National Energy Policy, Guyana’s vision of a more sustainable future is within our hands.

By encouraging the message of energy efficiency and conservation, future generations understand the value in such a priority. Visit the energy development page at www.gea.gov.gy for more information on different sources of energy in light of our national goals.

So the next time you hear the term ‘energy efficiency and conservation’, think of your needs. We have the responsibility of paying our electricity bills, so why shouldn’t we have the responsibility of reducing them?

Take control of your own energy use by practicing energy efficiency and conservation – define your needs, decrease consumption and develop a greener future today.

on fraud, dirty money transactions

hind.

He said not only auditors are participating in the seminar, but also other parties affiliated with the field.

“Today's session included people outside of the internal audit profession such as compliance officers, external auditors… so we are looking at a cross-session of participants,” he said.

Seebaran further explained that participants are attracted to seminars based on the topics of the assign-

Excavation works disrupt telephone services along EBD

Contractors and persons involved in execution of civil works continue to disrupt telephony and data services in several regions across the country and have resulted in damages to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GT&T) cable infrastructure during the excavation process.

In a release, GT&T said

more recently, businesses including the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Republic Bank, Courts, the Guyana Police Force and residential services along East Bank Demerara – Diamond / Grove – have been severely affected due to ongoing excavation works by third party contractors.

“We have repeatedly re-

quested for government and civil contractors to contact the company before undertaking excavation or civil works that would likely be in the path of our cable infrastructure.

“We use this opportunity to again request to contractors and citizens alike to call 0777 before undertaking excavation works or 0908 to report acts of vandalism.”

ment.

Money laundering

“Especially since the two topics are extremely important… given what is happening in the whole world with money laundering, especially Guyana with the money laundering amended legislation… we want to be ahead of the game and bring together the internal auditors, external auditors, compliance officers , accountants, with the hope that when they go back to their respective organisations, they will be able to use the knowledge gain to assist their organisation to be able to implement system and procedures and recognise discrepancies,” he added.

Noting that the IIA Guyana Chapter hosts three seminars for the year, Seebarran said the seminar is the second for the year and another will be held in November.

“It is somewhat a yearly initiative to have seminars to get internal auditors more involved in what is happen-

ing in their field and how to relate it to Guyana,” said Seebarran.

He continued, “In Guyana, there are a lot of suspicions with money laundering, but nothing has happened over the years and we hope with this workshop, we will equip the participants with the necessary skills in that area.

"We need to encourage better forensic accounting and this seminar will hopefully aid in that; also to build

confidence and deal with money laundering,” he said.

Convictions

Meanwhile, facilitator Stephon Grey said convictions in the Caribbean relating to money laundering are very low.

“The topics of the workshop were chosen with the hope to deal with misappropriations internally. There is somewhat a low participation from the bodies that would be part of the prosecution process relating to money laundering throughout the Caribbean,” he said, noting that “the seminars looked at the internal factors of money laundering, fraud and misappropriations on the books.

This hopefully will enhance the skills of auditors and investigators in the region to be more effective and here in Guyana will give Guyanese financial auditors the required skills to do ‘off the books’ and ‘on the books’ investigations”.

New Thriving employees land in court

On Thursday, two women appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after they were both charged with assaulting each other.

It is alleged that on August 27 at Main Street; Noita Louis unlawfully assaulted Notoya English causing her actual bodily harm. It was further alleged that on

the same day at Main Street, English unlawfully assaulted Louis causing her actual bodily harm. Both women pleaded not guilty to the charge read against them.

According to the facts, on the day in question at Main Street, Louis received a warning letter from her employer at New Thriving Restaurant and thought that English had something to do with it. She picked up a piece

of wood and dealt her several lashes about the body. The two ended up in a fight and both were charged with the offence.

Both women who are employed at New Thriving Restaurant stated that they do not wish to offer any evidence against each other. They were bonded to keep the peace for one year and the matter was dismissed due to no evidence being offered.

IIA Guyana Chapter Governor Ramesh Seebarran

Workshop facilitator Stephon Grey

Guyanese appointed director of PANCAP

Guyanese Dereck

Anthony Springer has been appointed director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat said in a statement on Thursday.

Springer, a public health practitioner, behavioural scientist and strategic manager brings to the position 20 years of experience in the health sector, focusing on HIV and mental health. According to the secretariat, his extensive experience in policy, management and programme implementation at the national and regional levels has been facilitated by his work with civil society, government, regional and international technical assistance agencies.

Prior to this appointment, Springer served as strategy and resourcing officer in the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, Caricom Secretariat, providing broad-based leadership to PANCAP’s resource mobilisation and strategic planning plat-

form.

He also had responsibility for the management of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit’s component of the Global Fund Round 9 Grant. He previously served as a regional consultant in several health and development programmes, and as the national coordinator of voluntary counselling and testing for the Health Ministry and as UNAIDS’ focal point in Guyana. He was also the senior advisor at the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Global AIDS Programme.

Public health career

Springer, who began his public health career as a volunteer counsellor at the GenitoUrinary Medicine Clinic, Guyana, has a deep understanding of, and sensitivity to the current issues that PANCAP is grappling with and is deeply committed to a partnership which translates evidence to real change for people on the ground.

Asked about his immediate

priority, the director said it was providing leadership to create a supporting environment for eliminating stigma and discrimination and building consensus around the principles of human rights by promoting the roadmap of the PANCAP Justice for all programme. He said he looked forward to providing the dynamic and effective leadership required for re-engineering PANCAP and retooling the PANCAP Coordinating Unit to be responsive to the changing global HIV landscape within the milieu of health and development.

He plans to utilise persuasive public health and economic evidence to make a case for prioritising HIV and obtaining the

commitment required for country ownership and shared responsibility, key elements for sustaining the region’s response towards an AIDS-free generation.

Springer called on the wider partnership to join him and the PANCAP executive board in their resolve to deliver on the Caribbean region’s commitments to achieve the targets of the 2010 PANCAP 10th AGM Resolution and the 2011 UN High-Level Meeting, including stopping new HIV infections, keeping people alive, stopping stigma and discrimination and widening the scope of the response.

Consultative process

Springer, who succeeds Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, reaffirmed his commitment to a broad-based consultative process in concluding the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2014-2018, which will guide the partnership’s response and his work. He applauded the involvement in and strong support of all partners, including donors and regional agencies for this inclusive process.

In addition to the master of public health degree, Springer earned from the University of Nottingham, England, he also holds a post-graduate diploma in drug and alcohol policy and intervention from the University of London, England. PANCAP was established by regional governments in 2001 to coordinate the Caribbean response to HIV and AIDS.

De Mighty Shadow was right bout de horner man

Asweet man is a man who does horn another man and Guyana gettin a lotta sweet man nowadays. And wherever sweet man deh, sweet woman also deh bout. De Mighty Shadow sing bout de sweet man dem, but dem don’t like fuh hear what de calypsonian seh. He seh de horner man dem does get horn and dem does don’t know. But when dem find out dem does start to cry.

Some man like to talk a lot wid other man wife. But dem don’t like when dem same man talk back to dem wife. Dem does check dem wife phone. Dem does want to follow dem wife wherever she goin. Some of dem does also call dem wife wuk place whole day fuh keep checkin pun she. One man even shoot de sweet man and de woman same time. And dem who got car does want to drop she off wherever she goin, because dem don’t want she ketch minibus. But nobody can’t blame de men, because long before de auto dealers start to import bulldog minibus, dem had bulldog driver and bulldog conductor pun de road.

Dem minibus driver and minibus conductor is a special breed of bull dogs. Dem does be in heat whole year. Is no wonder dem does reserve de seat next to de driver and de one next to de conductor fuh sheer woman – some of dem does be man wife.

One mud paperman stop he woman fuh talk to a man. But when de woman hear that, she stop he from talkin to she. That is how much she had want fuh still talk to de man. This is a big man who does want to talk bout whah every body doin and even whah dem not doin, and then put every ting in de mud paper

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But this mud story would never get in de mud paper. So long live de Mighty Shadow!

Plans afoot to scale up diabetes care in Guyana

Health professionals participating in the consultation on Thursday at Project

The Health Ministry in partnership with the Banting and Best Diabetes Centre at the University of Toronto, Orbis International and the Pan American Health Organisation, has commenced the drafting of a proposal aimed at scaling up diabetes care in Guyana.

Diabetes Care Project, phase three, is being designed with the primary objective of containing and preventing diabetes.

Speaking with Guyana Times at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, where consultants met, Health Ministry’s Chronic Disease Coordinator Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle said phase three of the project will be a new multi-faceted intervention to improve services offered to Guyanese.

This new phase, if implemented, will consolidate and expand phases one and two innovations, care for diabetes in pregnancy, provide eye care and promote public health initiatives to educate citizens on how to prevent diabetes and diagnose persons with previously unrecognised diabetes.

The team of experts has until January to submit the proposal to the World Diabetes Foundation for funding. Based on the success of phases one and two, she expressed optimism that the plan will be approved, noting that it will be able to address the various deficiencies within the system.

“We can do with a lot of professionals who are trained specifically in managing noncommunicable diseases, we need specialised equipment

and we want to be able to really boast our primary health care,” Dr Gordon-Boyle posited.

The Guyana Diabetes and Foot Care Project (GDFP) has collaborated with Canadian and Guyanese health professionals for the past five years. The collaborative approach has resulted in sustained reduction of major diabetes-related amputations by over 50 per cent at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Additionally, comprehensive and integrated management of diabetes and hypertension have improved significantly in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Due to this accomplishment, the GDFP was awarded the Journal of Wound Care’s 2013 Best Research from A Developing Country Award.

New PANCAP Director Anthony Springer

Dawn, Liliendaal,

Greater Georgetown

friday, september 6, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

5000 new water meters, service connections for Berbice

The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) said it has expanded its countrywide metering programme, noting that commencing today, it will install 3000 water service meters, including service connection upgrades in Gay Park, Fort Canje and New Amsterdam, East Berbice.

In addition, customers from Johns Village to Port Mourant, East Berbice Corentyne will benefit from the installation of 2000 meters and service upgrades, GWI said in a statement.

These activities form part of the company’s overall metering programme, which, according to Chief Executive Shaik Baksh, is pivotal to reducing the company’s energy consumption. “Low consumption by our customers will result in savings for GWI’s energy costs,” Baksh said, adding that “utilising less water will also assist our customers in paying less for the service. Research has shown that persons utilising water for domestic purposes are conscious of their consumption patterns when

a meter is installed; they use only what is necessary, thereby contributing to the energy conservation drive”.

The chief executive officer further stated that GWI, through its energy manager, is implementing strategic initiatives to reduce energy usage throughout its operations. He emphasised, however, that conservation by customers is vital to reducing the amount of electricity utilised to distribute water.

“We are appealing to all cus-

tomers in receipt of new water meters to monitor their consumption so that their bills will reflect small charges,” Baksh said, pointing out that “water meters function well as conservation devices, however, if customers do not monitor their consumption and reduce wastage, their water service charges will reflect high usage patterns”.

In addition to the installation of meters, Berbice customers will also benefit from the upgrading of water service connections which will improve the overall level of service.

A localised public awareness campaign will also be conducted by the utility to educate customers on the benefits of water service meters; this will include advisories and outreach initiatives in areas in which meter installations are currently being executed.

GWI customers with questions about their water service meters can contact GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on 2278701/03/04.

Caricom, Cuban foreign ministers to meet in Grenada

Caribbean community (Caricom) and Cuban foreign ministers will hold discussions on advancing cooperation on developmental issues between the two sides today in Grenada.

One of PNC's founding members passes on

One of the founding members of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Margaret Ackman-John passed away last week Thursday in New York, the party announced in a statement.

Ackman-John served as a Member of Parliament from 1969 to 1980, parliamentary secretary in the prime minister’s office from 1973 to 1980, and government’s chief whip from 1969 to 1973.

“Sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to her children, Keith Scott, MP and Marva Ackman, her grandchildren, great-grand children and other relatives,” the PNCR said.

Her funeral will take place in the U.S. on a date to be announced.

Guyanese among three facing charges for entering U.S. illegally

AGuyanese man and two Jamaicans are facing criminal charges for entering the U.S. illegally by shore.

A special retreat of Caricom’s Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) preceded Friday’s meeting.

Caricom-Cuba cooperation, which dates back to 1972, has seen notable cooperation in areas such as health, culture, education and natural disasters and this meeting will focus on these areas as well as matters related

to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), of which Cuba is President Pro Tempore. Discussions will also take place on matters related to trade and co-operation in relation to the Caribbean Sea.

The foreign ministers, at this their fourth meeting, will examine issues on the global agenda including environment and sustainable development in the context of the post-2015 development agenda and its implications for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean region. The challenges of climate change confronting the region along with persons living with disabilities in the region are also on the agenda.

The three men were found a short distance from South Beach, Florida, and it was discovered that they were previously deported from the U.S. Jamaicans Dameian Jaciente Mundle and Michael Anthony Johnson; and Guyanese Sewdial Ramrup are facing the charge of illegal re-entry after deportation.

According to the Palm Beach Post, the men are said to be from a “second wave” of illegal immigrants who entered the country’s shore on August 29. It was also reported that on the previous day, nine Haitians were taken into custody after they were found near Palm Beach. In addition, the police also discovered a dead teenage girl on the beach, who they believed, is from the first group of illegal immigrants.

It was further reported that on August 29, around 01:50h, county and federal authorities found possible immigrants in the 1800 block of South Beach Road in Tequesta. They were spotted heading to shore by a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy. Ramrup was among those persons, according to a federal criminal complaint. Meanwhile, Mundle and Johnson were subsequently found about a half mile north of Jupiter Inlet.

The men were taken into custody and shortly after federal agents discovered that the three men had criminal pasts in the U.S. The Guyanese, Ramrup, was deported to Guyana in September 2002 after he admitted to being an illegal immigrant in the country.

Meanwhile, in August 2011, Mundle was convicted in the U.S. and served two years sentence for possession of marijuana. Then in March of this year,

he was deported back to Jamaica. Johnson, the other Jamaican, was ordered to be deported in January 1996; however, he was physically removed in April of that year. He reportedly returned to the U.S. and was deported again in 2003 after being convicted in 2002 for illegal re-entry after deportation and was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

Johnson was found by border patrol agents hiding in some bushes wearing wet clothing and only one sandal. When the agents asked the man where he was from, Johnson reportedly replied, “Just take me in man”, according to the agents.

He was again asked where he was from and responded, “Man, I know the drill. Let’s stop this silly stuff. Just take me in,” the criminal complaint stated. He reportedly had in his possession about US$4700 along with a small amount of Bahamian currency.

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh

Margaret Ackman-John is seen here at a function in New York in 2004 where she was honoured by former PNCR leader Robert Corbin

National plan for infection prevention launched

The National Plan for Infection Prevention and Control 2012/2016 and the Georgetown Public Hospital Infection Control Manual were launched at the Grand Coastal Hotel on Thursday in the presence of key health officials and the diplomatic community.

The National Plan for Infection Prevention and Control was designed by the Standards and Technical Services under the watch of the Health Ministry, with technical support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the U.S. government Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guyana.

Standards and Technical Services Director Dr Julian Amsterdam said the plan seeks to reduce the transmission of health associated infections in health facilities.

The initiative, which took effect in 2012, has eight primary components which focus on preparation and dissemination of technical guidelines, training and provision of human resources and epidemiological surveillance of healthcare associated infections. He said the plan can be a major success with the active involvement of all parties, noting that the Health Ministry remains committed to providing a higher quality of life for all Guyanese.

“The goal of minimising healthcare infections in our healthcare facilities will only be realised through commitment and rigorous execution of roles and responsibility by our healthcare workers and managers at all levels.” Dr Amsterdam admonished all healthcare personnel to adhere to the national framework established under the plan.

Praise

CDC Guyana acting Director Dr Kathy Grooms, in applauding the Health Ministry on its major accomplishment, said the implementation of the plan will strengthen infection control

practices in health facilities, noting that it will prevent transmission of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

She said the plan was birthed out of an assessment conducted by PAHO in 2009. According to Dr Grooms, the assessment at the time indicated that the Health Ministry’s tuberculosis programme needed improvement in the area of infection control. Three key recommendations were tabled, including the establishment of a National Prevention and Control Plan.

“One dollar invested early and well in tuberculosis prevention will mean tens of

dollars in savings later. So more important, this investment will save lives and prevent needless suffering,” Dr Grooms said.

CDC Guyana collaborated with PAHO on providing technical assistance to the Health Ministry in the crafting of the plan. With financial support through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the project commenced in August 2012. Today, the position of CDC, PAHO and PEPFAR has not changed, as the international agencies remain committed to the reduction of the spread of infectious diseases. Similar sentiments were expressed by the

U.S. embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Bryan Hunt.

Meanwhile, GPHC’s Infection Control Manual will also aid in the successful execution of the five-year plan. As result, the manual was designed to teach persons how to collect data, analyse the information and transfer it into a relevant action plan.

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, PAHO/WHO representative Dr Rosalinda Hernandez, GPHC Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan, and GPHC Infection Control Officer Nurse Caroline Hicks were among officials present during the launch.

Region Six launches Education Month activities

Students at the launch of Education Month activities in Region Six

Region Six on Wednesday launched its Education Month activities, with Deputy Regional Executive Officer Imran Ally calling on teachers to become agents of change.

Education Month is being observed under the theme “Transforming classrooms in the 21st century”.

“We must have our classrooms in tune with technology,” Ally said, noting that education in the 21st centu-

ry has changed as learning tools have evolved.

Ally said in today’s world, most students already have 21st century technology at their disposal. “Knowing how to use the technology is important, but more than that,

educators must find ways to integrate that technology.”

The Region Six Education Department has organised several activities to observe the occasion. Among them are classroom competitions, community meetings, truancy campaigns and debating competitions. Regional Educational Officer Volika Jaikishun said International Literacy Day will be observed on Monday under the theme “Literacy for the 21st century” and the region will be participating fully.

“At 11:00 am, I am encouraging all teachers, headteachers and all students to read a book for at least 15 minutes.”

Addressing the launch at the Education Department compound at Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam, Regional Chairman David

Armogan said putting aside one month to focus on education is a remarkable achievement. This, he noted, is so because in colonial days, “efforts were made to ensure persons do not go very far in school. However, after independence, it was realised that the country can only develop and come out of poverty if its people are educated”.

In recent years, education has become the number one priority for the government. This year, $28.7 billion is being spent on education while $26.5 billion was spent last year. Making a comparison, the regional chairman said in 1992, government was

spending less than $1 billion on the education sector. Armogan called on parents to get involved in the educational upbringing of their children and regional officials to “do something about the schools that have not been performing. It is our responsibility to ensure that all students leave school properly educated in order to be able to make a contribution to themselves and the country”. He said in the region, much of the focus is on technical and vocational educational. “It is an alternative to those who are not academically inclined,” he noted.

From left: Epidemiologist Dr Morris Edwards, PAHO/WHO representative Dr Rosalinda Hernandez, Standards and Technical Services Director Dr Julian Amsterdam, U.S. embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Bryan Hunt and CDC Guyana acting Director Dr Kathy Grooms

A section of the audience at the launch on Thursday

Grieving Beetham mom urges TT president: Probe my son’s death

An emotional

Annette Greaves on Wednesday said she would like President Anthony Carmona to investigate the police killing of her 23-year-old son Christopher. After Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley visited her Fifth Street, Beetham Gardens, home, Greaves told the media her son was shot in the back for no reason whatever. Like other Beetham residents, she insisted it was an act of police brutality. She said her son was standing with a soft drink in his hand when the police shot him and he tried to run to his home nearby after being shot. “And when he ran

he fell in front of his brother’s place,” she said. In fact, she claimed the police were about to shoot her already wounded son again but were stopped by a relative. She said the police did not find any gun on her son, although the police say he fired at them when they challenged him.

Greaves said she wanted to know why the police would leave a bleeding man to die. “They leave him there, pick up all the shells and they left and called another batch of police from Pashley Street to investigate,” the distraught mother said. “This is what I want Gillian Lucky (Police Complaints Authority director) and President Carmona and the acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams to investigate.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Needy cancer sufferers can get cheaper treatment in Jamaica

Head of the Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica (ROCJ) Dr Winston ‘Freddy’ Clarke is calling for a partnership between private health care institutions and the government to assist needy cancer patients who cannot afford the "three-dimensional” radiation therapy.

Clarke’s call comes days after 24-year-old stomach cancer patient, Sasha Gaye Lewis, made a public appeal for help to find J$1.7 million to undergo chemo-radiation, which could go a far way in saving her life.

Clarke said the ROCJ had offered Lewis a discount of J$1.1 million, through the Health’s Ministry Compassionate Fund, but was not aware if Lewis was informed of that development.

Lewis told the Jamaica Observer that she was not aware of the discount until days ago when she saw a report in the media. “I never knew about it. I was asking myself, how can they give somebody a discount and not tell the person?” she said. But Clarke said it was the responsibility of the KPH to inform needy patients that

they were being offered a discount.

“We need a public/private partnership, which could efficiently handle people in need,” Clarke told the Jamaica Observer. The ROCJ charges those who can afford to pay up to J$2 million for five to eight weeks of treatment, but Clarke pointed out that the company works closely with the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) to assist those who are out of pocket, and offers 50 to 70 per cent discounts to those patients who are referred to them by the hospital. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

“Dirty War” judge Romano extradited to Argentina

Aformer Argentine judge has been extradited to face charges of human rights abuses during the 1976-1983 military rule. Otilio Romano arrived from Chile late Wednesday in the north-western city of Mendoza and was taken into custody.

He has been accused in Argentina of complicity in forced disappearances, torture and illegal raids. Romano fled to Chile when the allegations emerged two years ago.

He used to work as a

state prosecutor in the city of Mendoza. There he allegedly committed more than 100 human rights crimes, including false arrest, disappearance of people, torture and denial of justice.

Romano was suspended from the post of judge in August 2011. The day before the decision was announced he fled to Chile to avoid trial and asked for political asylum there.

Chile rejected the request and placed him under house arrest. Three months ago Chile’s Supreme

Court approved his extradition. In December 2011, Romano was expelled from the Council of Magistrates, which considered him an accomplice of the military government in human rights abuses.

Human rights groups estimate that at least 30,000 people were killed during the military government era in Argentina. The period became known as the “Dirty War”.

The military government said they needed to combat “left-wing terrorism”. (BBC News)

Peru the global leader in dollar counterfeiting

The police colonel was stunned by the skill of the 13-yearold arrested during a raid on counterfeiters in Lima’s gritty outskirts, how he deftly slid the shiny plastic security strip through a bogus US$100 banknote emblazoned with Benjamin Franklin’s face.

The boy demonstrated his technique for police after they

arrested him on the street with a sack of US$700,000 in false U.S. dollars and euros that he had received from a coconspirator and he led them to a squat house where he and others did detail work.

With its meticulous criminal craftsmen, cheap labour and, by some accounts, less effective law enforcement, Peru

has in the past two years overtaken Colombia as the number one source of counterfeit U.S. dollars, says the U.S. Secret Service, protector of the world’s most widely traded currency.

In response, the service opened a permanent office in Lima last year, only its fourth in Latin America, and has since helped Peru’s police arrest 50 people on counterfeiting charges.

Over the past decade, US$103 million in fake U.S. dollars “made in Peru” have been seized – nearly half since 2010, Peruvian and U.S. officials say. Unlike most other counterfeiters, who rely on sophisticated late-model inkjet printers, the Peruvians generally go a step further – finishing each bill by hand. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

People’s National Movement leader Dr Keith Rowley speaks to Annette Greaves during a visit to her Beetham Gardens, Laventille, home on Wednesday. Greaves is the mother of Christopher Greaves, who was shot and killed by police on Sunday

Alleged counterfeit US$100 notes sit on display during a media presentation in Lima, Peru

Pressure grows on Obama over Syria at G20 summit

.S.

Ufaced growing pressure from world leaders on Thursday not to launch military strikes in Syria at a summit on the global economy that was hijacked by the conflict.

The Group of 20 (G20) developed and developing economies met in St Petersburg to try and forge a united front on how to revive economic growth, but failed to heal divisions over a U.S. plan to wind down a

program to stimulate the world economy.

The club that accounts for two thirds of the world’s population and 90 per cent of its output looked as divided over therapy for the economy as it is over possible military action following a chemical weapons attack in Syria.

Obama arrived in Russia’s former imperial capital with a showdown looming at a dinner hosted by President Vladimir

Putin, with a debate on Syria the main course on the menu.

Obama wore a stiff smile as he approached Putin and grasped his hand. Putin also wore a businesslike expression and it was only when they turned to pose for photographers that Obama broke into a broader grin. There was no clutching of arms or hugs.

The first round at the summit went to Putin, as China, the European Union, the BRICS emerging economies and Pope Francis – in a letter –warned of the dangers of military intervention without the approval of the UN Security Council.

The BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - echoed that remark, and the Pope, who leads the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, urged the G20 leaders to “lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Indian author shot and killed by Taliban in Afghanistan

Suspected Taliban in Afghanistan shot dead Indian author Sushmita Banerjee, whose book about her dramatic escape from the militants in the 90s became a Bollywood film, police said on Thursday.

Police in insurgency-hit Paktika province, in the east of Afghanistan, said they found the body of the 49 year old on Thursday

morning, after the militants dragged her out of her husband’s home late in the night and shot her repeatedly.

“We found her bulletriddled body near a madrassa on the outskirts of Sharan city (the provincial capital) this morning,” provincial police chief Dawlat Khan Zadran told AFP, confirming earlier reports from Indian media.

Banerjee’s book “Kabuliwala’s Bengali Wife”, about her escape from the Taliban, was made into a Bollywood film in 2003. Police suggested the book may have been the reason the militants went after her.

“Our investigation... indicates that the militants had grievances against her for something she had written or told in the past,” the provincial police chief said.

“She had been shot 20 times and some of her hair had been ripped off by the militants,” Zadran said, adding that masked men had tied up the writer and her Afghan husband before executing her.

Banerjee was married to local businessman Jaanbaz Khan and had recently moved back to live with him in Paktika, reportedly to run a health clinic for women there.

(Excerpt from France24)

Kenyan lawmakers approve motion to ditch ICC

Cdebate that saw their Jubilee counterparts overwhelmingly approve a motion that sets the stage for Kenya’s withdrawal from the International Criminal

Court.

The motion comes barely five days before Deputy President William Ruto begins his trial for crimes against humanity at Hague. The move however has no impact on ongoing cases.

The leader of majority Adan Duale introduced the motion but it was later amended by nominated MP Johnson Sakaja and seeks to introduce a Bill within the next 30 days to repeal the International Crimes Act (No 16 of 2008) and that the government urgently undertakes measures to immediately withdraw from the Rome Statute of the ICC adopted by the UN Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on July 17, 1998. Sakaja, who

Egypt’s Minister Mohammed Ibrahim survives bomb attack

Egypt’s Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim has survived a bomb attack that targeted his convoy in Cairo. Hours later, he appeared on state TV unharmed to denounce the attack as a “cowardly assassination bid”.

Security officials said the blast near Ibrahim’s home in Nasr City appeared to have been caused by a suicide car bomb. More than 20 people were in-

jured. No one has yet said they carried out the attack.

The Muslim Brotherhood “strongly condemned” what happened.

Ibrahim heads the police force which has carried out a crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood protests in recent weeks. Nasr City is a stronghold of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood group.

The explosion took place at about 10:30h local time (08:30 GMT) moments after Mr Ibrahim left his home

to be driven by convoy to work.

There were conflicting reports over the source of the explosion, with some reports saying an explosive device had been thrown from a nearby building and others saying a boobytrapped car had detonated. Ibrahim told state television that his convoy was targeted by a “large” explosive device that might have been detonated by remote control. (Excerpt from BBC News)

is the chairman of The National Alliance which sponsored the President’s bid, argued that what parliament was doing was not tantamount to non-cooperation with the ICC.

“The reason for the motion is that despite cooperation, the ICC has not reciprocated with respect and even appeals are denied,” he said. CORD Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo

Midiwo instigated the walkout, after he categorically said that the opposition would not be party to the amendment and as if on cue CORD legislators walked out. (Excerpt from allAfrica)

President Barack Obama

Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin shake hands at the opening of the G20 summit in St Petersburg

Suspected members of the Taliban shot and killed Indian author Sushmita Banerjee in Afghanistan Thursday. Banerjee’s book about her escape from the Taliban became a Bollywood film and may have been a motive for the shooting, police said

oalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) lawmakers walked out of the National Assembly during charged

The African Union wants the ICC to drop the charges against Uhuru Kenyatta

tt gets China aid to buy port scanner

The TT government Wednesday launched the process to acquire a linear accelerator X-Ray scanning and detection system for use by the Port Authority. The equipment has the capacity to scan 200 containers an hour. Trade Minister Vasant Bharath, along with Permanent Secretary Sandra Indar, met with Fangyuan

North America

Xu of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and representatives of Nuctech Company Limited, the Beijing-based company engaged by the Chinese government for the purchase of the scanner for the TT government.

The purchase of the scanner will be financed from the grant facility provided in the

Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation for 2012 between the government of the People’s Republic of China and the government of TT.

The project is being led by the Trade, Industry and Investment Ministry with the active support of the transport and finance and the economy ministries. (Trinidad Guardian)

JPMorgan to stop making student loans – company memo

JPMorgan Chase and Company will stop making student loans in October, according to a document reviewed by Reuters on Thursday, after the biggest U.S. bank concluded that competition from federal government programmes limits its ability to expand the business. The company will stop accepting applications for private student loans on October 12, at the end of the peak borrowing season for this school year, according to a memo from the company to colleges.

Europe

The move means less competition for remaining players in the market, such as Wells Fargo and Company and Discover Financial Services.

“We just don’t see this as a market that we can significantly grow,” said Thasunda Duckett, chief executive for auto and student loans at Chase, in an interview on Thursday. Not making more loans “puts us in a position to redeploy those resources, as well as focus on our number one priority, which is getting the regulatory control envi-

ronment strengthened,” she said.

JPMorgan was ordered by federal regulators in January to strengthen its risk controls and its compliance with anti-money laundering standards after the company came under intense scrutiny following its US$6.2 billion “London Whale” derivatives loss. CEO Jamie Dimon vowed in April to make the company’s controls his number one priority and said the bank would scale back some of its growth initiatives to do that. (Reuters)

BRICS to commit US$100B

to FX fund, completion a way off

The BRICS emerging economies will set up a US$100 billion fund to steady currency markets, Russia’s Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, but it looks unlikely to be in place soon enough to temper the effects of an expected pullback of U.S. monetary stimulus.

China, holder of the world’s largest foreign exchange reserves, will contribute the bulk of the currency pool. But officials said it would not be functional for some time yet.

Cheap dollars that fuelled a boom in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa over the past decade have turned tail since Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, warned in May of a ‘taper’ in the U.S. bond-buying scheme.

“The initiative to establish a BRICS currency reserve pool is at its final stage,” president Putin said in opening remarks to a meeting of BRICS leaders during a Group of 20 summit in Russia’s second

city, St Petersburg. “Its capital volume has been agreed at US$100 billion.”

At the meeting of BRICS leaders, China committed US$41 billion; Brazil, India and Russia US$18 billion each; and South Africa US$5 billion. One BRICS official said the technical details could be sorted out by the time the group meets next March but even after that, it will only become operational after ratification by each country’s parliament. (Reuters)

Nigeria’s Dangote signs deal to build oil refinery

Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has signed a multi-billion dollar deal with banks to finance the building of an oil refinery in Nigeria. The refinery would be the largest in Africa, turning Nigeria into a petroleum exporter, he told the BBC.

Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer but lacks refining capacity and has to import most of its fuel. The West African state is often hit by fuel shortages, and conflict over control of its oil

wealth.

People in Nigeria’s oilproducing southern Niger Delta region are among the country’s poorest and accuse the government and oil companies of failing to develop the area.

Dangote, a Nigerian who made his fortune in cement, flour and sugar, is worth an estimated US$16 billion (£10 billion) and has topped the Forbes list of Africa’s richest men for the past three years. Dangote told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme

the refinery would create “thousands” of jobs. It would be built in the south-west and would become operational in 2016, he said.

Dangote signed a US$3.3 billion loan deal with local and foreign banks to build the refinery, as well as fertiliser and petrochemical plants. The entire venture would cost US$9 billion, with US$3 billion in equity from Dangote Industries and US$6 billion to be raised in loan capital. (BBC News)

India rupee and markets up as Rajan boosts confidence

The Indian currency and stocks have jumped a day after the country’s new central bank chief took charge and promised tough action to boost growth. The Indian rupee, one of the world’s worst performers this year, rose 2.3 per cent against the U.S. dollar.

India’s main stock index, the Sensex, closed up 2.2 per cent on Thursday.

Middle East

On Wednesday, Raghuram Rajan unveiled a series of measures aimed at propping up the currency and liberalising the country’s banking sector.

“To a certain extent, the recent rupee tumble and instability in the financial markets has been a crisis of confidence,” said Radhika Rao, an economist with DBS Bank.

“To that end, the path of action provided by the new

governor and the stress on keeping communications predictable and consistent will be a welcome move.”

One of the biggest issues facing the Indian economy has been the sharp decline in the rupee. The Indian currency has dipped nearly 20 per cent against the U.S. dollar since May, as international investors pulled out money from the country. (BBC News)

New delay for Doha’s Hamad International Airport

The launch of the longawaited Hamad International Airport, the planned US$15.5 billion hub for Qatar Airways, has been delayed yet again. The airport was originally supposed to open three years ago, but has missed a series of launch dates, including April 1 this year.

After missing that target, due to the fact that the project had missed newly introduced safety require-

ments, the airport’s launch was pushed back to the end of 2013.

However, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker announced in a press conference in China on Wednesday that Hamad International Airport would now begin operating early next year, according to the Peninsula newspaper.

No further reasons as to the further delay or a specific launch date were given. An official from Qatar Airways

was not immediately available for comment. The slow completion of the airport has led to a series of fractious comments from Al Baker as to the performance of the onsite contractors.

After the April delay, the CEO blamed U.S. contractor Bechtel, saying that the firm had been “complacent” in meeting regulatory requirements laid down by the airline and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. (Aribian business)

Collective bargaining

History of collective bargaining

Ever since the birth of the employer-employee relationship, collective bargaining, or the teaming up of employees to negotiate terms with their employers, has existed in some shape or form. Today the public usually recognises these groups of employers as labour unions – official organisations responsible for maintaining a united front of employee demands regarding hours, wages, benefits, working conditions, health coverage, overtime, grievances and workplace rules. The right of labour unions to gather is protected under

the First Amendment as a right to exercise freedom of speech in peaceful protest, and guaranteed by additional legislation. Labour unions often loom large in the media, especially in the auto, airline and sports industries. Their methods of collective bargaining are often so effective that any gridlock can shut down entire businesses for costly periods of time. Although unions usually negotiate with a single employer, certain cases have been levied against entire industries, notably the auto and airline industries, where the employees of competing companies may share

similar grievances and demands, to provoke an industry or sector-wide change. Once a company and its labour union settle on a mutually acceptable agreement, a final contract called a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is signed and validated for a set period of time. The earliest labour unions were labelled as criminal organisations, but after their progressive decriminalisation throughout the 19th century, prominent socialist Beatrice Webb coined the term “collective bargaining” in 1891.

(Business Dictionary)

* A group of subjects or conditions that is matched as closely as possible with an experimental group, but is not exposed to any experimental treatment. A control group is used as a standard against which to detect and measure changes that may occur in the experimental group due to experimental treatment.

* The people in an organisation who have the power to make and implement decisions.

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22)

Don’t let your emotions stand between you and success. Someone you love may sabotage your plans if you have been neglectful of them. Take care of both personal and professional responsibilities to minimise obstacles. If you invite friends over to enjoy the comfort of your home, you will be able to successfully ask for favours and support. At the very least, a fun time will be had by all.

20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Partnership situations will be difficult. Expect to face a standoff that could alter the way you do things in the future. Offer an experimental way to solve differences, and you may find common ground.

Not everyone will agree with your choices, but you have to do what’s best for you. Be receptive and polite in the face of criticism, but trust your own mind above others. Love is on the rise.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

You’re in a good cycle for contracts, agreements and moneymaking opportunities. Share ideas with someone who has as much to contribute as you do. An unusual path could be the one to take to reach your objective.

(March 21-April 19)

Consider a certain change, but don’t jump in too quickly. You aren’t likely to get what you want if you are restless and impatient. Let someone else make the first move.

(April 20-May 20)

Keep things moving along. Stubbornness will be what stands between you and success. A practical approach to a job will help you avoid complaints and interference.

21June 20)

Travel and communication will inspire you. The fresh ideas coming your way may seem challenging at first, but with a couple of adjustments you’ll find a way to make things happen.

Opportunity and discipline will take you a long way. Don’t put off anything that will bring you closer to your goal. Call in favours and reestablish connections that could help you advance.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Consider what isn’t working in your life and begin the process that will lead to peace of mind and a bright future. Don’t hesitate to give someone else the chance to take control.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A geographical change will spark enthusiasm and inspiration. You may need to negotiate with someone who could greatly help your cause. Learn as you go, and you will excel.

23Dec. 21)

Be secretive about your plans. Strategise carefully and get everything in place before you make your move. You can come out on top, but your timing must be faultless.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Entertainment

s a climax of Water Week 2013, Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) will kick off a grand showroom sale at its headquarters, 176 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown commencing on September 7 and ending on September 21, from 8:00h to 17:00h.

“Fashion flowing like water” is a sale of apparel by GFW designers and will see over 20 local designers slashing their prices on some fabulous pieces of clothing.

Some of these designers are fashion Icon Sonia Noel, Nelsion Nurse, Andy Cummings, Maxi Williams, Wynette Jones,

Natash David, Meleesa Payne, Paul Burnette, Paula Evans, Mwanza Glens and Luis Jordan.

The promotion of GFW takes yet another twist. On the heels of the Water Week, the designers have collaborated with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

GFW means business by setting up a forum for trade of its fashion wares. Designers would be able to merchandise and vend for a period leading up to their next major event – Courts/ GFW showcase.

“Fashion flowing like water” is one of

Seven young ladies from across the region will be competing with the aim of winning the coveted title of Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2013.

The pageant is slated for October 12, at the National Park tarmac and will see the delegates competing in national costume, swimwear, evening gown, on stage interviews and the intelligence segment.

Tickets to the event will cost $1500 and $1000 and can be uplifted from any of the contestants.

She

Peters

15

and

the GFW’s activities to foster commerce among the local designing fraternity. It’s not only about art, it’s about business. GFW is proud of its inaugural fashion week and is engaging the entire creative arts sector to brand Guyanese style.

The six GFW designers will be available to interact with the public and have discussions on options and ideas. Their pieces will also be sold at a special price, as an exclusive offer to the patrons attending the event. Veteran model and young designer, Meleesa Payne mentioned that this is an amazing opportunity for those fashionists who are interested in young talent.

Miss Linden – Romichelle Brumell

Miss Cummingsburg – Crystal Fraser

is currently recording her musical CD. Shortly, she is expected to launch her TV show called “Teen Talk with Tiffini”.

Miss Liliendaal –Reonna Howell

Howell is 16 years old and attends St Winifred’s Secondary School and is a member of the National School of Dance. She has been participating in track and field events at her school. She loves to dance.

She is 16 years old and attends St John’s College. She enjoys the performing and visual arts. She loves sports and is involved in hockey. She is the three time calypso winner in her school and also participated in the Spelling B and debating competition.

ast Saturday patrons were blown away when club Monaco hosted “Hangover”; an activity to culminate a fantastic summer and it ended on

The party continues this Saturday which will see the “big girls” coming out to party with intention of running things for the night. This concept party is called “Girls Run the Night” and will see ladies being admit-

Fifteen-year-old Crystal Fraser is presently attending St John’s College and has been the valedictorian for the past two years. She is also a member of the President’s Youth Award programme and loves to sing and dance. She sketches cartoon characters as her past time activity.

Miss Campbellville – Janacie Klass

Klass is 18 years old and aspires to become a medical doctor. She attended the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and volunteers at Joshua House. She is a fan of dramatic poetry and loves sports and plays the steel pan.

Miss Plaisance – Tiffany Ferguson Ferguson is 18 years old and a dedicated athlete who also acted in the M’Jovon Comedy Jam. She is a first year student at the University of Guyana. She is also a cosmetologist by profession.

Miss Enmore – Chelsie France

Sixteen-year-old Chelsie France has been successful at the recently concluded Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate gaining 12 subjects. She is a volunteer at the Mahaica Children’s Home and loves to sing and dance. She attended Tutorial High School and has participated in a number of calypso competitions.

ted free all night. But it gets better, as they are entitled to free tequila shots upon entry. Celebrate the night at Club Monaco with vibes from Selector Carl from 94.1 Boom FM who is expected to set the place on fire with his fabulous selection of music ranging from Soca to Chutney to the best in Dancehall and other genre of music that will surely put patrons in the right par-

ty mood.

To ease the congestions at the facility, there are three bars, a chic indoor lounge area and an outdoor area for you to relax.

The facility’s friendly staff will tend to your every need while you party under confetti and their amazing lighting effects.

Patrons will also have the opportunity to win tickets to the club’s “Total Recall” Dancehall party to be held

on September 14.

To make the event more exciting, everyone will be admitted free before midnight. After midnight admission to the event will be $1500 and all VIP cards are active for this event.

Be a part of the action by following the light in the sky and make sure you are in the right mood for a party. Remember, “what happens in Club Monaco stays in Club Monaco...”

Miss

Hall – Tiffini Bonner

is

years old

attends Tutorial Secondary School. This contestant enjoys the performing arts and

Coastlanders will have an opportunity on Sunday to witness and be a part of the annual Guyana Police Force’s Gymkhana which is expected to feature a number of spectacular and breathtaking events. The event is slated for the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

The Guyana Police Fore Gymkhana is a regular feature on the force’s calendar of activities, and will also be held on the East Coast, West Bank of Demerara and in Berbice.

This year the force, as part of their community enhancing strategy, has decided to take the activity to various parts of the country.

The Berbice leg of the event is slated for the Rose Hall Community Centre ground in East Canje and will feature the various departments of the Guyana Police Force in their many stunts and displays.

There will be performances by the Police Mounted Branch as they take the horses through various drills, including jumping through fire and the musical chairs.

The Police Canine Branch with their tracker dogs will also be a part of the day’s activities as they do various displays. The Majorettes groups will also be displaying various skills during their display.

The various police motorbike divisions

including traffic will also be a part of the day’s activities. Foot drill displays, late for work, bounty hunting and the police military band will all show off their skills, in what they do best. Bikers from various bikers clubs and grass track riders will also be a part of the day’s proceedings.

In addition, for the first time, there will be an inclusion of track events which will see tops athletes within the force competing for supremacy.

There will also be lots of activities for children including bouncy castle, trampoline, face painting and many other attractions. Admission to the event is absolutely free and show time is 11:00h.

Sixteen-year-old Kefa

Wesley Smith also called “Smithy” was born at the Georgetown Public Hospital to Marva Mason and John Smith.

He is the last of seven children while his other siblings are Akeen Noel, Emmanuel Yarde, Travis Tariq Taryn and Tamar Smith and all grew up in Kitty, Georgetown.

His childhood days were filled with lots of positives with a lot of love and nurturing. His mother was very unselfish and spent a lot of time taking him along when she visited various parts of this beautiful country.

to a beautiful wife who will bring forth two wonderful children.

“As a young model, there are a lot of challenges but as for me, it’s just to be you. There are so many things that are brought to you but you have to keep your head on and do what the person you really are would do. Being you and having a unique personality is a challenge for me at times”.

With the pageant less than a month away, he hope to represent Beterverwagting to the fullest and sees everyone as being rivals because there is always the tension of competition in the air for anything.

Jamaican Reggae Group, Morgan Heritage and Trinidad’s Number One Crossover Band, JMC 3Veni will be performing live at the Guyana National Stadium on October 19 along with R&B legend R Kelly who will be the headlining act.

There are also ongoing talks with other artistes who are expected to be added to the Night of Legends cast. Those arrangements are being finalised and the media should be briefed as progress is made.

R Kelly is due to arrive in Guyana on October 18 while the other bands will arrive a day earlier. Taking into consideration the artistes that have already been added and those to be added, tickets prices have been jacked up.

Divine Entertainment in collaboration with L&L Restaurant will be hosting its fourth monthly Poetry and Jazz Night at L&L Restaurant, Mackenzie, Linden entitled “Obsession” on Thursday September 12.

At the event several Linden artistes will be highlighted including new comer Leonie Mentore, Lu Ella, Static, DYG, D-Money, Colwyn Abrams, Yoland Nedd, GT&T Jingle and Song competition third place winner Diana Chapman with Jackie Hanover being the featured artiste.

Those who already have their general admission tickets are fortunate since new prices has been regulated and will now cost $6000 and the VIP which previously cost $20,000 will now be increased to $35,000.

Nevertheless, those who wish a refund of their tickets are asked to make contact with the Hits and Jams Entertainment office.

The band, Morgan Heritage, was formed in 1994 by the five children of reggae artist Denroy Morgan, namely Peter “Peetah” Morgan, Una Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan and Memo “Mr Mojo”.

Some of their biggest hits are “Tell me how come”, “Don’t Haffi Dread”, “She’s still

At poetry and jazz patrons are encouraged to share their bit of poetry and jazz during an open mic segment and have a chance to sample fine dining in Linden’s most luxurious restaurant.

Last month, the crowd was treated to the spoken word, jazz and wine sampling in a truly exemplary atmosphere. With the theme ‘’Confessions”, the mainly youthful band of performers had the crowd enthralled and calling for encore performances, culminating with a truly memorable short stay onstage by the

loving me”, “Down by the River”, “A man is still a Man”, “Nothing to smile about”, “The Return” and “I’m coming Home”. Morgan Heritage, although creating a strong presence in the entertainment industry for almost two decades, supersedes many talents currently gracing Reggae music. There is no comparison to this group’s outstanding stage performance and star quality presence they seamlessly aerate to the world.

The Jamzone Summer Break 2013 International Concert which was scheduled for August 24 with headlining act, R&B legend R Kelly, was postponed to October 19, 2013 due to the artiste falling ill following a recent tour to South Africa.

featured poet of the night, the inimitable Isha Adiolla Shaw.

Devin Sears, the manager of Divine Entertainment, stressed the importance of having classy events like this in the region, hence creating an educating and social balance within the society. The nature of this even is to foster new talent and give exposure to seasoned ones.

Poetry and jazz is video recorded and rebroadcast. This is made possible by Banks DIH’s Six Degrees North Wine. For more information visit www.divineentgy.com

His Amerindian culture is one that he holds deeply and is very proud to be an Amerindian. One of his worst experiences was the death of his grandfather. In addition, his cousin was a victim of drowning which also had an impact on his life. His early church experience has helped him to walk the right path in life.

He attended St Gabriel’s nursery and primary schools and after writing the Secondary School Entrance Examination, he was awarded a place at the North Georgetown Secondary School where he secured 13 passes at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.

However, he entered the world of pageantry after he was encouraged by Nelson Nurse, a good friend of his, after Nurse realised that he was a very outgoing and well rounded individual in academics and also the performing arts.

Before the Mr Guyana Talented Teen Pageant, Smith had no prior knowledge of pageantry, thus he jumped at the opportunity to enter.

So far, it has been a great learning experience.

Apart from learning the catwalk and being coached on suitable outfits and more importantly, speaking at public forums, he has leant other lessons in the process.

“The fact that we the youths are coming together in something positive is exciting. We are taking the mantle of being the future generation and we are starting here”, the model disclosed.

His future plans include gaining a diploma in Communication at the University of the West Indies as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy. He would also love to have a stable life before getting married

“But my greatest rival is the quiet person in the pageant and that is Linden Isles. As a contestant, you would have no idea what he is going to come with the next time, so you would always have to keep your “A” game going”.

His greatest inspiration is Guyana’s Star, Ryan Hoppie who encouraged him to follow his dreams no matter what or who tries to step in the way of you accomplishing what you set out to. Hoppie he noted has been making significant strides in Guyana as the executive director of Come Alive Network Inc.

“He is not only all for the popularity base but he is calm and easy going, not doing his work for fame but just to feel a sense of fulfilment. He has in him the true spirit of volunteerism. He is my inspiration and role model”, Smith said.

He advises young men who want to be a part of the pageantry not to be hesitant of the ills you hear of males in pageantry. He says it is a platform to let your voice be heard and to be a proud ambassador for your school, home and country.

“It makes you a better individual and someone who is going to make a difference in society. This is one thing that would certainly have a lasting impression in your life and you would have memories to share”.

His favourite colour is red since it shows strength and it reminds him of the blood that was shed for our sins. With respect to foods, he prefers Amerindian dishes such as cassava bread and pepper pot. Listening to music is his favourite past time activity apart from singing, dancing, acting, socialising, meeting new people and volunteering.

YELLOW PAGES

friday, September 6, 2013

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The National Drama Festival 2013, an annual production of the Culture Youth and Sport Ministry which was launched on June 19 last, has stepped up into high gear. Following on the special outreach drama programme that targeted youth’s over the August holidays, the NDF will be undertaking two one day workshops in Linden and Berbice over the weekend.

The activities focused on enhancing production capability with special emphasis on script and technical design development.

The outlying districts had an inherent weakness in their plays presented at previous festivals. This placed them at a disadvantage when placed on the massive National Cultural Centre stage, with its vast technical facilities.

This will be addressed at these workshops. Saturday from 09:00h at the Lichas Hall, youth groups, church groups, schools and senior

dramatists will be schooled in these stage and script techniques. The same will take place at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School from 09:00h.

The outreach programme is the signature innovation for NDF 2013, which points to the quality thrust of NDF 2013, has so far received enthusiastic support.

The format of these engagements were for the facilitators and members of the mentor corps of the festival, to execute sessions of basic stimulative drama activities to participants, specially “Prep-ped” by the youth field officer and or the MCYS summer camp coordinator.

The participants at these sessions included of groups in that catchment area, in addition to the attendees of the camps.

These exercises covered lots of ground which saw the New Amsterdam Prisons workshop entering the competition with one of two plays and the drama-

tists will be working under the guidance of mentor Rayel Franklin.

However, the Human Services Ministry has engaged the NDF to carry out a two-week drama workshop at Kuru Kuru training centre aimed at coming up with a play or plays, as part of a larger project of the ministry.

In addition, the MCYS summer camp drama day at Smith Field Drop in Centre, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; the attendees also entered a play after this engagement and will work under the guidance of mentor Errol Chan.

There are still some outstanding engagements of this kind in addition to the mentors outreach.

This outreach is where the corp visits all plays entered into NDF 2013, to ensure their readiness and to ascertain their needs technical and otherwise. No stone is being left unturned to ensure a massive improvement in quality of presentation.

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EDucAtiON

All through this Test match, there’s been a wait for Zimbabwe’s inexperienced team to falter. Sure they bowled well when the pitch was fresh in the first session of the game, but could they do it when the track eased up?

They did. Sure they bowled well on the first day, but could their brittle batting stand up to Pakistan’s highly rated bowling? They did.

Pakistan’s two oldest batsmen who revived the side from a precarious 23 for 3 with a 116-run partnership.

The third day was supposed to be the best day for batting in Harare; would their new-look bowling be able to do the job? They certainly started well, bagging three early wickets to consolidate on the 78-run advantage they had after the first innings, causing plenty of excitement over the possibility of Zimbabwe’s first Test win over a top eight side in 12 years.

Then they came up against the seasoned firefighters, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, who with some old-fashioned Test batting helped Pakistan erase the deficit. There has been a clamour in Pakistan for inducting more youngsters in the team, but it was

Both Younis and Misbah were content with preserving their wicket, not searching for quick runs. They were happy to leave everything they could and put away the flashy shots - the reverse-sweep was brought only to counter a 7-2 legside field when offspinner Prosper Utseya was operating round the wicket. The pair neutralised Zimbabwe’s limited attack for more than three hours and though they were plenty of half-chances - stumping appeals, inside-edges and bottom edges - the wicket proved elusive.

Younis ended the day unbeaten on 76, a significant innings for a man who had only one 50-plus score in his past 10 Test innings, and was phased out of the ODI side earlier this year. He has made his name as a man who scores when the team is down, a reputation he underlined with another combative innings.

Though the favourite adjective to describe Pakistan cricket is ‘mercurial’, there

Nani signs new five-year contract with Man United

Manchester United winger Nani has signed a new fiveyear deal, keeping him at the club until June 2018.

Nani, 26, has scored 40 goals in 217 games since joining the Premier League champions from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.

During his six-year stay, he has won eight trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He said: “Playing at United has been a fantastic experience for me. When I came to the club, I never imagined the success we have enjoyed.”

There had been speculation about the Portugal international’s future, after

he made only seven Premier League starts in 2012-13.

Despite missing most of United’s pre-season schedule with a nose problem, Nani has impressed new Manchester United manager David Moyes enough to be given an extension to his contract, which was due to expire next summer.

“I’m really pleased Nani has re-signed for the next five years,” the Scot said. “He has great ability and experience beyond his 26 years.

“I’ve been impressed with his approach to training and look forward to working with him in the coming seasons.”

Nani came off the substitutes’ bench during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Liverpool to make his first competitive appearance under Moyes.

He said: “I’m very happy that the new manager has shown this faith in me and I’m looking forward to helping the team compete for more honours this season.”

Nani is on international duty with Portugal, who play a World Cup 2014 qualifier against Northern Ireland today before a friendly with Brazil on Tuesday.

United are next in action when they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on September 14.

(BBC Sport)

had gone to stumps with only three wickets down. Instead, soon after Misbah reached his fifty, he pushed a catch to cover. Zimbabwe knew just how big a moment it was. The bowler Shingi Masakadza set off on a celebratory run, before pumping his arms and screaming at the skies. In contrast, Misbah was on one knee, bat on the floor with his arms covering his face.

Younis and Shafiq safely negotiated the final 11 overs of the day, taking the lead to 90 and ensuring two specialist batsmen were still in the middle.

The rescue operation was needed after some good work from Zimbabwe’s bowlers. As in the first innings, they produced the early breakthroughs not with magic deliveries but by sticking to the basics of line and length. (Cricinfo)

Younis defies buoyant Zimbabwe SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe 1st innings

T Mawoyo c †Akmal b J Khan 13

V Sibanda c †Akmal b J Khan 31

H Masakadza* b Ajmal 19

S Raza c Misbah-ul-Haq b Ajmal 60

M Waller c Hafeez b Ajmal 70

E Chigumbura c Ali b Ajmal 69

R Mutumbami† lbw b Ajmal 13

P Utseya b Ali 16

S Masakadza lbw b Ajmal 14

T Panyangara not out 4

T Chatara c Khan b Ajmal 0

Extras: (b5, lb11, w2) 18

Total: (all out, 103.3 overs) 327

is one near certainty when they play - a Misbah halfcentury. In 10 of his past 13 international innings, he has passed 50, almost all of them after the top order has

combusted. On none of those occasions has he gone on to a hundred, and he didn’t today either.

Zimbabwe would have been downcast if Pakistan

Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-68, 3-68, 4-195, 5-212, 6-235, 7-278, 8-310, 9-327, 10-327

Bowling: J Khan 25-8-712, R Ali 23-3-70-1, A Rehman 19-5-56-0, S Ajmal 32.3-4-

Y Khan 4-1-19-0

Pakistan 2nd innings

K Manzoor lbw b Panyangara 5 M Hafeez c Mawoyo b Chatara 16 A Ali lbw b Panyangara 0 Y Khan not out 76 Misbah-ul-Haq* c Sibanda b S Masakadza 52 A Shafiq not out 15

Extras: (b4) 4

Total: (4 wkts, 70 overs) 168 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-21, 3-23, 4-139 Bowling: T Chatara 18-5-48-1, T Panyangara 13-7-15-2, P Utseya 18-3-54-0, S Masakadza 16-141-1, H Masakadza 5-3-6-0

Windies, India tour dates released

Mumbai, INDIA - West Indies will travel to India in November for two Tests and three one-day internationals, the WICB confirmed on Tuesday night.

The BCCI confirmed on Thursday that the tour would be between October 31 and November 27, including a threeday warm-up game. The dates and venues will be announced shortly. The second Test is set to be Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th.

The Tests are expected to be played in Mumbai and Kolkata, with Tendulkar’s hometown Mumbai hosting his 200th, an unprecedented number of Tests in a career - with 198, Tendulkar is already 30 matches ahead of the No. 2s, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.

Reportedly, though, Kolkata has requested it host the landmark Test.

The series means India’s muchanticipated tour to South Africa will have to be trimmed. It was due to begin with a tour game on November 18, but if India are to fit in five matches against West Indies after the Australia ODIs that end on November 2, it is unlikely that the matches in South Africa could begin before November 30.

That tour was originally scheduled to include two T20s, seven ODIs

and three Tests, ending on January 19. Now, though, apart from beginning later, it will also have to finish earlier as the itinerary for India’s tour of New Zealand begins with an ODI on January 19.

West Indies last toured India in November-December 2011. Back then, they lost a three-match Test series 2-0 - the drawn third match was the dramatic Mumbai Test that ended with the scores level - and five-match

The teams last met when India travelled to the Caribbean in June this year for an ODI tri-series also involving Sri Lanka, which India won.

Following the India tour, West Indies have a full tour of New Zealand scheduled. They will play three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s in New Zealand, between December 3 and January 15.

Lower Corentyne crowned ...

East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje could only manage 84 all out with Gobin taking 5-21 from six overs and Harrichan 4-31 from 11.

When Lower Corentyne responded, they benefitted from an opening stand of 73 from Adrian Sukhwa (38) and Junior Sinclair (38) that helped them ease past the first innings target and reach 118-5 in their 35 overs at the close of play. Left-arm

spinner Steffon Anderson ended with 3-27 from 12 overs. Gobin was named Man-of-the-Match.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Member of Parliament Faizal Jafferally, who also has responsibility for NCN in Berbice, congratulated Lower Corentyne for becoming champions. He went on to say that NCN was pleased to play a role in cricket development in the ancient county.

He praised the Berbice Cricket Board for a wellrun tournament, stating that it was for that reason that NCN came on board. He pointed out that the government has young people at heart and that was why they were further investing in Berbice cricket with the impending installation of lights at the Albion Community Centre.

Meanwhile, West Berbice defeated Upper Corentyne

on first innings in their drawn third place playoff at Number 73 to earn the third position in the competition. West Berbice made 179 all out (Rameshwar Somwaru 37, Kishan Arjune 31, Sachin Veerasammy 22, Nicholas Seenarine 5-45, Totaram Parasram 2-14) versus Upper Corentyne, 120 (Abdur 42, Tamesh Baichan 21, Curt Shiwtahal 3-18, Kris Ramnarine 3-21).

Younis Khan

Nani

ODI series 4-1.

WI and India will clash in November

Skeldon Back Centre win inaugural Mohabir Sukpaul memorial 20/20 tournament

Skeldon Back Centre are the winners of the inaugural Mohabir Baljeet Sukpaul memorial 20/20 cricket tournament after they defeated Number 48 Challengers at the Skeldon Community Centre on Sunday.

Set 123 to win in a game that was reduced to 15 overs a side, the Challengers failed to live up to their name and were restricted to 75 for 7 in their allotted overs. The Challengers were

off to a wobbly start, losing a wicket in each in the first two overs with only one run on the board.

Munish Lalu hit a quick 14 (3x4) and B. Peraud stroked 18, which included one six, as the pair put on 27 in 11 balls. However, once they were dismissed the rest of the innings fell apart.

Earlier, Skeldon Back Centre took first strike and piled up 122 for 6 off their allotted 15 overs. Dharcan Charatar struck one six and

was bowled off the last ball of the innings for 49 to help his team to the challenging total. Chris Jhandy chipped in with 21. When Number 48 batted Charatar returned take 2 for 12. Wazir Hussain took 2 for 7 and G. Mangal, 2 for 26, to restrict the Challengers. Charatar was named Man-of-the-Match and received a trophy and $5,000. Back Centre received the Mohabir Baljeet Sukpaul memorial trophy

Riverton Suites U19 50 overs competition bowls off on Saturday

Dr Pooran Seepersaud, proprietor of Riverton Suites in Corriverton, handing over the sponsorship cheque and trophies to UCCA president Dennis D’Andrade. Also in the photo are other executives of the UCCA

he Riverton Suites

TUnder-19 50 overs cricket competition bowls off on Saturday in the Upper Corentyne with three first round matches, organised by the Upper Corentyne Cricket association (UCCA).

The competition features seven U-19 teams in the Upper Corentyne area.

At a presentation ceremony, held earlier this year, Dr Pooran Seepersaud, proprietor of Riverton Suites,

handed over the trophies and sponsorship cheque to the president of UCCA Dennis D’Andrade.

The UCCA president, in receipt of the items, praised Seepersaud, founder president of UCCA, for coming on board with the much needed sponsorship.

The first place trophy will be in memory of the late Dr Bud Persaud, father-inlaw of Seepersaud, and the team that wins the trophy

for three consecutive years will keep it. The trophy was described as a “masterpiece”.

First round matches for Saturday involve No 58/59 playing No 70 Young Stars at the No 59 ground, No. 72/73 taking on Skeldon Community Centre at Skeldon and Crabwood Creek Rising challenging Young Royals at Crabwood Creek; Corriverton Technical Institute have drawn a bye.

and $25,000 while $15,000 and a trophy went to the losing finalist.

Meanwhile, Back Centre earned their place in the final with an easy seven-wicket win over Number 70 MYO in the semi-final match. Batting first, Number 70 made 69 for 8 off their 15 overs. In reply Back Centre reached 72 for 3 in 13.2 overs.

Charatar made an unbeaten 20 to take the Manof-the-Match award of

$4,000. Gajanand Nauth topscored with 21.

In the other semi-final Number 48 Challengers were stretched to the limit when they recorded a one-run win over Number 71. Batting first, the Challengers posted 101 for 7 with Satrohan Singh hitting two fours and two sixes in a Man-of-the-Match knock of 24 while Lalu topscored with 25.

In their turn at the creaseNumber 71 needed to

score two runs off the last ball, resulting in K. Seeram losing his offstump to B. Persaud. Number 71 needed to get 12 off the last over.

The competition was sponsored by the children and widow of the late Mohabir Baljeet Sukpaul who was a former wicketkeeper. Sukpaul was also a former Mayor of Corriverton.

The trophies and prizes were presented by family members of the late cricket fan. (Andrew Carmichael)

Durham go top with win over Sussex

Durham moved to the top of the County Championship with a resounding 185-run win over Sussex at Chester-leStreet.

Phil Mustard struck 73 to help take Durham’s lead beyond 400, prompting Captain Paul Collingwood to declare on 245-8, just 40 minutes into day three.

It left an under-strength Sussex side to face a remote target of 403.

Chris Nash scored 38 as they reached 52-1, but Mitch Claydon, Graham Onions and Usman Arshad took three wickets each as Sussex totalled 116. The win put Durham

14.5 points clear of secondplaced Yorkshire at the top of Division One, with both sides having three matches still to play.

Durham had looked strong favourites at the start of the day, resuming on 212-6 with a lead of 345, but with heavy rain forecast throughout Friday a quick declaration was likely to be their best chance of victory.

Mustard, Arshad (34) and Claydon (12) all contributed as Durham’s lead stretched past 400 and, having bowled Sussex out for only 112 in the first innings, Collingwood opted to put the visitors in to bat again.

Scott Borthwick caught

Luke Wells off the bowling of Onions (3-38) just three balls into the innings, before Nash and Michael Yardy (25) shared 48 to frustrate the hosts.

But Claydon (3-31) trapped both Nash and Yardy in front and then had Rory Hamilton-Brown caught behind to shift the momentum firmly back in Durham’s favour.

Arshad (3-18) tore through the Sussex middle order and, although Steve Magoffin offered some resistance with 20 off 16 balls, Onions had Hatchett caught by Borthwick to secure Durham’s third win in a row.

Man-of-the-Match Dharchan Charatar receiving his prize The winning Skeldon Back Centre team celebrating their victory

Durham players celebrate the fall of a Sussex wicket

Murray beaten by Stanislas Wawrinka

Andy Murray’s US Open title defence ended tamely as Swiss ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka outplayed him in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows on Thursday.

The Briton, seeded third, failed to earn a single break point in a 6-4 6-3 6-2 defeat on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Murray has struggled to find his best form since winning Wimbledon two months ago, and his frustration was clear when he was given a code violation for racquet abuse.

“It was a tough day for me,” Murray told BBC Radio 5 live.

“He played exceptional tennis and served very, very well. He hit a lot of lines on big points, went for his shots and they all went in today (Thursday). He played too well.”

In a match many had predicted would go to five sets, it took only two hours and 15 minutes for Wawrinka’s brilliant attacking game to prevail on a hot and blustery afternoon in New York.

The 28-year-old moves on to his first Grand Slam semi-final, where he will face world number one Novak Djokovic or 21st seed Mikhail Youzhny.

Murray, 26, won his first major title at last year’s US Open, but even the return of

Sir Sean Connery to watch his fellow Scot could not inspire a similar level of performance.

Wawrinka was the last man to beat Murray in the first week of a Grand Slam, at the 2010 US Open, and he inflicted another painful defeat on the British number one.

The conditions caused both players problems in the early stages, with Murray netting a straightforward volley before Wawrinka played an air shot on his usually brilliant backhand.

It was the Swiss who looked the more threatening though, with Murray failing to find any potency on serve and barely winning more than half of the points in his service games.

He was made to pay in game 10 when he let a 40-0 lead slip with three errors, and after a 16-minute tussle Wawrinka converted his sixth set point thanks to a loose Murray forehand.

That prompted the champion to smash his racquet in anger and he was quickly in trouble in the second set, but came up with a secondserve ace down the middle to stay on terms.

Wawrinka spoke before the match of how he had become a more confident player in recent months and the belief flowed through him as he took a grip on the match

with successive love games.

A rasping backhand winner got him the break and a 4-2 lead - but it came after Murray had offered up three errors, and the Briton looked a dejected figure heading into the third set.

Murray’s record from two sets down is impressive but there was no sign of a comeback this time, and a double fault gave Wawrinka the lead at 2-1 before another terrific pass all but sealed victory for the Swiss with a double break.

Wawrinka held his nerve from 0-30 to serve out one of the biggest wins of his career, and ensure Murray will lose his title on Monday evening.

“I was playing well enough to get to the quarters,” added Murray.

“It’s not an easy thing to do, there’s only eight other guys in the tournament who have been able to do that.

“I’ve played my best tennis at the Slams the last three years. It wasn’t maybe my best day today, but the last three years have been great for me and especially the last year.”

Wawrinka said: “It’s amazing for me to be in the first semi-final in a Grand Slam, especially after beating Andy Murray, defending champion. He just won Wimbledon, too. He’s a great champion.” (BBC Sport)

Local golf season resumes this weekend

The local golf season is expected to resume this weekend after a prolonged break due to recent inclement weather, officials of the Lusignan Golf Club have disclosed.

Vice-president David Mohamed disclosed that plans are on stream to run off a club tournament to get golfers in shape for several major tournaments planned for the remainder of the year. According to Mohamed, the course is in excellent shape and players can expect the greens and fairway to be in excellent condition.

Among the tournaments expected to be played off are the annual Guyana Open, Digicel Two-Day Classic, Courts Furniture Store

David Mohamed

Anniversary tournament and the Players Cup sponsored by Citizens Bank.

Mohamed said the prolonged rainy season has taken a toll on events at the

Race of Champions 2 attracts more corporate support

…Beharry Automotive Limited now on board

With the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) second Race of Champions set for Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit, Beharry Automotive Limited has come on board as a major corporate partner for the event.

Sales Manager of the Company Jan Verwey recently handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to manager of the GMR&SC, Rayon Samaroo, at the entity’s business location on Charlotte and Wellington Streets.

Verwey, speaking on behalf of the company, expressed delight at having the opportunity to contribute to the meet and more importantly the sport, adding that the partnership between the two entities has always been strong and enduring.

Samaroo thanked Beharry Automotive Limited on behalf of the club for maintaining its support for the sport, adding that the club will endeavour to make the day an exciting one for the fans and to ensure that a high level of discipline is ex-

hibited by the competitors. He also noted that with the support of the corporate community, the sport of motor racing is assured continuity which will not only benefit the competitors, but lovers of the sport as well. According to Samaroo, 22 races are carded for the day and competitors will line up in the different categories in what is already being hyped to produce some exhilarating performances. The first race is set to begin at 09:00h with the lineup of competitors set for 08:30 hours.

Badminton players wing out for CAREBACO

club, but once tournaments resume the club will be very active again.

“The rain has kept players off the course but our intention is to keep them busy for the rest of the year,” he added.

The Guyana Open is once again expected to feature players from the United States, Canada, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago competing against Guyana’s best.

Avinash Persaud and Christine Sukhram are the defending men’s and women’s champions respectively.

The Digicel Classic, which serves as a warmup for the Guyana Open, will also feature many of Guyana’s leading players as well as overseas visitors.

Part of the contingent headed for Puerto Rico today

Astrong Guyana badminton team departed these shores on Thursday for San Juan, Puerto Rico, to participate in the Caribbean International Junior Championships (CAREBACO), slated for September 8-15.

The Guyanese have medalled at the event for the last four years, including 2012 when they returned home with two gold, one silver and six bronze medals.

While in Puerto Rico, the 10-member team, inclusive of a manager/coach, will compete in the Senior Open, Under-11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 events.

Manager/coach, Gokarn Ramdhani, said the players have been in training for the past six weeks and he is confident in their abilities to medal during the coming week.

Only recently at the Suriname International

Championships in April, the national junior players copped one gold, one silver and four bronze medals.

The team reads: Nicholas Ali (captain), Narayan Ramdhani (vice-captain), Noel Shewjattan, Jonathan Mangra, Hemraj Beharry, Nadine Jairam, Meshonn Persaud, Abosaide Cadogan, Priyanna Ramdhani and Gokarn Ramdhani (manager/coach).

Sales Manager of Beharry Automotive Jan Verwey (centre) presents his company’s sponsorship to GMR&SC manager Rayon Samaroo at the company’s head office on Charlotte and Wellington Streets

Andy Murray Stanislas Wawrinka

Baldeo’s unbeaten century guides Lower Corentyne to title

Abrilliant unbeaten hundred from opening batsman Balchand Baldeo steered Lower Corentyne to title honours when the 2013 Republic Bank Under-17 Inter-Zone cricket competition concluded recently at the Albion Community Centre ground.

The champions gained first innings advantage in a drawn encounter against their counterparts from Upper Corentyne.

The first innings for both teams were both limited to 45 overs each after rain had delayed the start. Batting first, Lower Corentyne, choosing to bat first, got a solid start of 53 from Baldeo and Jason Anderson (15).

After another wicket fell shortly after, Baldeo, who earlier this year represented Berbice in the Under-17 Inter-county tournament, was joined by Guyana Under-17 batsman Brandon Persaud and together they were involved in an 81-run third wicket stand.

After Persaud went for 41, Baldeo batted on to steer

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Lower Corentyne to 193-4 in 45 overs, ending on 102 not out, which included seven fours.

When Upper Corentyne began their quest for the crucial first innings honours, they had an opening stand of 16, but soon found them-

selves at 29-2. Moments after Guyana Under-17 off-spinner Daniel Lewis got into the act and picked up three consecutive wickets to see them slip to 57-5.

Off-spinner Baldeo then snared the next two wickets to make the score 70-7, be-

fore Lewis continued with his demolition job, taking the last three wickets as the Upper Corentyne lads were dismissed for 94 in 41.1 overs.

Lewis ended with 6-15 from 16 overs and Baldeo 2-32 from 11 overs. Top scoring for Upper Corentyne were

Parmeshwar Chaterpal with 23 and Nicholas Seenarine 18. Baldeo was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Chairman of the Competitions Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board, Carl Moore,

congratulated both teams for reaching the final and particularly Lower Corentyne for becoming champions.

He urged the young cricketers to continue practicing and stick with the game as there are many opportunities for advancement. He also took the opportunity to express sincerest gratitude to Republic Bank for its invaluable support in promoting cricket at this level which he said could only auger were for the future of Berbice and Guyana’s cricket.

A trophy and $50,000 were presented to the captain of the Lower Corentyne team Daniel Lewis, while Upper Corentyne was presented with $40 000 as the runners-up.

Meanwhile, defending champion, East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje ended up as the second runner-up after defeating West Berbice on first innings in their drawn third place play-off. East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje received $25,000 for their efforts, while West Berbice got $15000.

Lower Corentyne crowned NCN U-15 champs

The National Communication Network

(NCN) Under-15 InterZone cricket competition concluded recently in Berbice with Lower Corentyne lifting the title by dethroning defending champion East Bank/ New Amsterdam/Canje at the Albion Community Centre ground.

In a match which the first innings limitation for each team was reduced from 55 to 35 overs because of a late start due to rain, East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje won the toss and took first strike.

In the face of some tight and accurate bowling, opening batsmen Kevin Sinclair and Malcolm Mickle only managed to put on 20 runs between them in 18 overs before they fell in quick succession- Sinclair for seven and Mickle for 12.

From 22-2, Isaiah Lewis (17) and Andre Seetal (07) put on 17 for the third wicket but after that it was quickly downhill as off-spinner Joshua Gobin and left-arm spinner Joshua Harrichan ripped through the rest of the batting.

Chigumbura

Members of the Lower Corentyne team display their trophy

Corentyne