Guyana Times Daily

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2146 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, May 30, 2014

LOOK !

INSIDE

Financial noose tightens See story on page 3

… over non-passage of AML/CFT Bill

Courts launches new line of Ashley Furniture See story on page 10

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Foreign investment dips

P2

… from US$294M in 2012 to US$214M in 2013

Immunity in Rodney CoI P2 unnecessary – Dr Luncheon

Cane Grove farmers get chemical P8 storage cabinet SVN gets P13 $500,000 for Science lab from GT&T

Ashley Sales Representative (Caribbean) Jesus Dezal stands amidst one of the many living room suites introduced by Courts Guyana Inc (Amanda Richards photo)

Security top brass swore fealty to PNC – Kwayana

See story on page 7

Guyana’s energy P13 potential tremendous – CDB President

2 news

friday, may 30, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Foreign investment dips ... from US$294M in 2012 to US$214M in 2013

Chart showing inward Foreign Direct Investment to Guyana 2004-2007 (Data source: ECLAC)

F

oreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Guyana shrunk sharply from a total of US$294 million in 2012 to US$214 million last year, the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said in its latest report on FDI in the region on Thursday.

The Commission said the most important development took place in the mining and oil and gas exploration sectors, mentioning the US$249 million Guyana Goldfields investment in the Aurora Gold Mine and Repsol and Tullow Oil plan to explore the Kanuku block. The report also made mention of the collapse of Government’s plan to build the Amaila Falls Hydropower station and the shelving of an ethanol plant.

The report also stated that a Trinidad and Tobago firm – Citrus Growers Association plans to spend US$25 million in the country.

Meanwhile, ECLAC said Latin America and the Caribbean notched a new historic high in 2013 upon receiving US$184.92 billion in FDI, five per cent more than 2012’s figure in nominal terms. Global FDI flows climbed 11 per cent in 2013 from the previous year, and Latin American and

Caribbean’s participation in the world’s total stayed at 13 per cent, said the “Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2013” Report, presented Thursday at the United Nations organisation’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

FDI towards the region has grown steadily since 2003, with the exception of 2006 and 2009, although in proportion to the size of the economies, it has remained practically stable since 2011.

This growth has been sustained by an increase in domestic demand and high prices for exports of commodities.

Economic expansion slowed

In the past two years, the economic expansion has slowed and metal prices have fallen, which is why ECLAC forecasts that FDI flows will diminish slightly in 2014.

Despite this, the organisation notes that transnational companies still show great interest in the region’s long-term growth in consumption and in the exploitation of natural resources.

According to the study, 82 per cent of FDI flows go to the region’s six biggest economies, although in relative terms they have more impact in smaller nations, espe-

cially those of the Caribbean.

Brazil receives 35 per cent of the FDI that comes to Latin America and the Caribbean: in 2013, the country attracted US$64.046 billion, slightly below the level seen in 2012.

Central America drew 21 per cent more FDI than in 2012 while the Caribbean registered a 19 per cent decline (due to a specific operation in The Dominican Republic).

Analysing structural change

“In the last decade, Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean has multiplied by four, but it is necessary to analyse its role in terms of achieving structural change for equality. We believe this income should be part of the production diversification processes that the region’s countries are carrying out,” said ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena.

According to the organisation’s top representative, “investment in sectors with high technological content has a greater possibility of generating positive impacts in the local economy, but it is equally important for transnational businesses to establish links and productive chains with local companies.” The aver-

age profitability of transnational companies in the region dropped below six per cent, its lowest level in a decade, mainly due to the decline in prices for some commodities. Despite that, these companies’ total profits rose to US$111.662 billion in 2013. These earnings, the report warns, represent a negative flow that affects the region’s current account deficit.

With respect to the sectors that receive flows, ECLAC’s study does not show evidence of significant change. In 2013, the service sector attracted 38 per cent of the total, manufacturing 36 per cent and natural resources 26 per cent.

Europe as a region led the list of main investors in 2013.

The United States, for its part, continues to be the biggest single investor.

Finally, the study analyses some effects of FDI on employment, both in terms of quantity and quality of the jobs created. One initial finding is that the contribution of multinational companies to job creation in the region is secondary.

Between 2003 and 2013, they contributed more to the creation of direct jobs than in the past, because 60 per cent of the FDI was focused on projects aimed at expanding production capacity.

Nevertheless, it is estimated that they accounted for no more than five per cent of net job creation.

According to ECLAC, it is necessary for policies on FDI to be part of the efforts to diversify production, and for the strategies of transnational companies to be compatible with the development goals of the countries receiving the FDI. As a result, countries should move quickly to develop institutional resources and policies to attract FDI towards those sectors they consider a priority in their plans for productive transformation. In this way, transnational corporations could be better integrated into the local productive fabric.

Immunity in Rodney CoI unnecessary – Dr Luncheon

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

Opposition Leader David Granger

abinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said immunity from prosecution for those found culpable of the historian’s death may not have been necessary.

The response from witnesses to the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been overwhelming.

Speaking at his postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday, the head of the Presidential Secretariat said “the grant of immunity seems to be unnecessary; it has been minimally used to facilitate testimonies”.

He added that “witness after witness recount details from that period” of time without being coerced.

Dr Luncheon pointed out that coupled with the favourable response from witnesses and the fact that so many persons are testifying, the truth surrounding Dr Rodney’s death will be revealed.

“Witnesses have volunteered and others are responding favourably well

to being summoned by the Commission,” he said.

Dr Luncheon pointed out that the testimonies given thus far have been revealing, gaining the attention of Dr Rodney’s interest groups and other persons in the Diaspora.

He further contended that the efforts to bring closure on the issue of Dr Rodney’s death “inspire commendation” and the Government will remain steadfast in its quest to bring closure to the matter.

However, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the party fingered in Dr Rodney’s assassination, shares a different view of the inquiry proceedings.

Granger has criticised statements made by some of the witnesses who have testified thus far at the inquiry.

Granger said the “relaxation” of rules at the Rodney CoI has led to some people giving testimonies that can be considered “nonsense”.

C

Continues on page 3

News

3

friDay, may 30, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, May 30 from 05:00h-06:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, May 30 from 04:55h-06:25h

WEATHER TODAY

Wind: North easterly between 4.47 metres and 5.36 metre per second.

High Tide: 05:06h and 17:32h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.52 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:07h and 23:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.70 metre respectively.

wednesday, may 28, 2014

LOTTERY NUMBERS H 11 12 21 28 13 27 16 Bonus Ball

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Daily Millions

01 03 06 07 25

8

0

Draw De Line

04 05 11

12

T

he Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) on Thursday referred Guyana to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) where the country can face tough sanctions due to its failure to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) (Amendment) Bill.

On its official website, CFATF on Thursday issued a public statement on this country at the end of its XXXIX Plenary Meeting held in Miami, Florida, USA. Government and the Opposition have been shillyshallying over the amendments to the Bill for over two years. The Alliance For Change in a statement said that the Bill could be passed within 72 hours if there is the political will to make it happen. The party proposed that the process to fast-track the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission be implemented, with the Public Accounts Committee selecting the five nominees at its next meeting. These five names can then be submitted to the National Assembly for approval by a two-thirds majority, the AFC said.

“Once the House approves the nominees, they can be appointed by the President. Following this, the AFC would have no hesitation in giving its support for the passage of the AML/ CFT Bill. The party believes that this can all be accomplished within 72 hours and would represent a significant

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

victory for the Guyanese people. The AFC urges all political leaders to support this proposal.”

Deficiencies

Meanwhile, the regional watchdog, CFATF, which comprises 27 jurisdictions within the Caribbean Basin region, said Guyana remains a country with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies due to its non-compliance with the Action Plan developed with CFATF. “As a result of not meeting the agreed timelines in its Action Plan, CFATF recognises Guyana as a jurisdiction with significant AML/ CFT deficiencies and the CFATF considers Guyana to be a risk to the international financial system,” the statement read.

The financial institution has since sounded an alarm, calling on member countries to safeguard themself from Guyana. “Members are therefore called upon to implement further counter-

measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Guyana. Also, the CFATF has referred Guyana to the FATF,” the statement further read.

CFATF members are being encouraged to enhance their due diligence measures, introduce enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refuse the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in the country concerned. Additionally, it was clearly stated that countries should minimise their business relationships or financial transactions with Guyana and even persons within the country.

Closer

Thursday’s actions by CFATF pushed Guyana closer to being blacklisted on the international front, approximately three years after it was warned to put in place the requisite legislation and systems to safeguard its economy and by extension its people.

Speaking shortly after the culmination of the 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said a herculean effort would be needed for Guyana to emerge from this dilemma as he laid the blame at the feet of the Opposition.

As media operatives swarmed him, Dr Singh expressed great disappointment over the Opposition’s failure to cooperate with

Immunity in Rodney...

LUCKY 3

2

... over non-passage of AML/CFT Bill

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Countrywide: Heavy rain showers can be expected during the day with light rain showers in the early evening hours. Partly cloudy conditions will prevail later in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

FREE TICKET

Financial noose tightens

17

18 19

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

The Opposition Leader went on to explain that “a lot of nonsense is being said and scrapped” together which leads away from the actual truth of the matter, but he did not say what he believes is the truth. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had called on Granger to appear before

the Commission but he has thus far refused.

The Opposition Leader had opined that the inquiry should focus on what happened on the June 13, 1980, but Government had contended that it was necessary to examine events during the period leading up to Dr Rodney’s death.

Granger had noted that questions should be asked about what Dr Rodney was doing with a walkie-talkie in the dead of night on that fateful day.

“A walkie-talkie doesn’t speak to itself,” said Granger. However, it is an established fact the late historian was given the in-

the Donald Ramotar Administration in meeting CFATF’s requirements.

But the country being referred to FATF comes as no surprise to the Government, the Minister said, explaining that on numerous occasions, the Opposition was cautioned and made aware of the negative impact that can be felt by the country if the Bill was not passed in the National Assembly, and to the satisfaction of CFATF. The Opposition, he said was even warned by CFATF Financial Advisor Roger Hernandez, who paid a visit to Guyana in February. Months after, CFATF Chairperson Allyson Maynard-Gibson and the Executive Director Calvin Wilson visited and outlined the stern steps that would be taken against the defaulting nation.

“This is the inevitable consequence of the Opposition’s refusal to enact a CFATF compliant Bill and responsibility for the advisory issued by CFATF − lies squarely and firmly in the hands of and at the feet of the Opposition,” the Finance Minister said.

In November 2011, Guyana and Belize were identified as countries with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes and were therefore mandated to put corrective measures in place.

But while Belize has made some progress in this regard, Guyana lacks the political will to safeguard its citizens from the draconian measures that will accompany the word “blacklisted”. turn to page 7

from page 2

strument to test the effectiveness of its transmission against the walls of the Camp Street Prison.

It was given by former Guyana Defence Force Sergeant Gregory Smith, who had connections with the House of Israel, which had ties with the PNC Government.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, may 30, 2014

Views Cultural highlights 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

Irony of the corruption cry

T

he cry of corruption against the Government appears to be the mantra of the Opposition, which prior to the 10th Parliament had proffered that a more ‘representative’ Government would provide a viable solution to the problem.

In the lead up to the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the rhetoric became venomous and vociferous, with the painting of some projects and certain individuals as corrupt.

Whether the extent to which the Opposition painted these projects and persons as corrupt is real or perceived, no one will doubt that the message resonated with a large section of the populace, as was evident in the results of the elections.

President Ramotar himself had admitted that Guyana, like any other country, is not free of corruption but contended that the issue is being blown out of proportion by the Opposition for political mileage.

The President had also said that all have a role to play in fighting the scourge, and not many were surprised when a senior contractor on the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and a senior official at NCN were given marching orders after allegedly being found wanting in their duties.

These are two public cases that readily come to mind, and while the question on whether the Government is doing enough to address the problem would remain a subject of much debate. The question of what has the combined Opposition – with a majority in the House – done to address this ‘cancer’ or ‘tax on development’ in a meaningful way is even more relevant.

What the populace has seen in the past two plus years is a theatre of political vendetta and the display of might at the expense of what is right. It first started with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, with a call from the Opposition for the President to remove him as Minister, followed by a move to snatch his democratic right to address the House – both of which failed.

Bills brought to the House by the Minister to ensure greater security of the citizenry were voted down, principally because the Opposition, with a one-seat majority in the House, does not like the Minister. Yet, they remain the most vocal on citizens’ security, perhaps in keeping with their trade mark position of being the first to lay blame and the last to offer solutions, if any at all.

It is known that youth unemployment is a problem in this country; yet the combined Opposition saw nothing wrong in voting down provisions in the National Budget that put young people on the breadline. But they exercised discretion, keeping the huge electricity tariff bill for Linden, subsidised at $23,000 per household per month, while those on the coastland have to pay for every kilowatt.

Not even the investment climate has been spared – the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was voted down and a motion to lower the toll of the Berbice River Bridge was carried.

Notwithstanding the vendetta against Rohee, its security volte-face, the putting of citizens on the breadline, opportunistic politics and attack on the local investment climate, the combined Opposition is reluctant to support the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, putting the image of the country in jeopardy, as it is likely to be blacklisted internationally as a state that supports money laundering and financing of terrorism.

The questions of accountability, transparency and good governance the combined Opposition has been asking of the Government, are those it needs to ask itself, given its actions in the 10th Parliament thus far.

The killing of investments and abuse of their one-seat majority is propagating an environment for corruption, and puts them in a position where they have no moral locus standi to speak on the matter.

Clearly, and which should not have been, their actions happen to be compatible with Professor Robert Klitgaard’s definition of corruption. The distinguished economist had pointed out that corruption takes place when there is a monopoly on power, coupled with the use of discretion and lack of accountability to the masses. He sums it up in the formula C=M+D-A.

Aspects of Guyana’s multicultural society, including its delicious cuisine, were on show on Wednesday night as a Cultural Night was hosted at the National Cultural Centre for delegates here for the Caribbean Development Bank’s 44th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors (Carl Croker photos)

Let’s work together to end AIDS Dear Editor, I am saddened by the turn of events leading to the decision of the University of the West Indies (UWI) to terminate the post-retirement contract of Professor Brendan Bain as Director of the Caribbean HIV/ AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network.

I am fully aware of the role and functions of CHART and, moreover, of the importance of Professor Bain’s leadership and his impact on a wide array of Caribbean public health practitioners and people infected and affected by HIV. I am also very aware that over the past eight months, the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies wrestled with the issues surrounding Professor Bain’s testimony in the Belize constitutional case, including the question of academic freedom.

Professor Bain’s submission to the court was aimed at upholding a law that, in the opinion of public health experts and members of civil society, reinforces stigma and discrimination against men who have sex with men.

In March, Professor Bain tendered his resignation from the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP) Executive

Dr Edward Greene

Board, presumably due to the recognition that his position was incompatible with that of the leadership and membership of PANCAP. When, therefore, the University of the West Indies took its decision last week to end his contract on the basis of ‘a conflict of interest’, this was a culmination of events based on Professor Bain’s loss of support and goodwill among major national, regional and international organisations working in HIV/AIDS. The protests against the University’s decision unfortunately mischaracterise it as a threat to freedom of speech and to academic freedom. On the contrary, it is simply a lack of credibility to lead CHART, given the organ-

isation’s goals surrounding the elimination of stigma and discrimination toward men who have sex with men and other communities that are vulnerable to HIV. We should grasp the opportunities this situation presents. PANCAP in collaboration with UNAIDS has initiated a series of national and regional consultations under the theme “Justice for All and Human Rights”.

The process will give rise to actionable recommendations to be ratified by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government in July.

These recommendations relate to a range of targets – eliminating mother to child HIV transmission; strengthening laws and responses to address domestic violence and other forms of abuse; and creating a framework for faith groups to help address stigma and discrimination.

There are also recommendations to accelerate the process for repeal of laws criminalising sexual acts in private between consenting males and females and replacing them with provisions criminalising sexual acts between persons in public or with the use of force.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has consistently said that human rights are univer-

sal and must be universally respected. We in the Caribbean have started a social movement through constructive engagement.

During our Justice for All discussions, faith leaders in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean demonstrated a willingness to reach out to those in need. During the last World AIDS Day, faith leaders across denominations focused on the theme, “Getting to Zero Discrimination through Justice for All”.

I believe that this is the appropriate time to make the effort across society to eliminate the stigma and discrimination that surround HIV. Our governments and community leaders increasingly recognise that laws and policies that criminalise key populations, force them underground, away from information, testing, treatment, care and support services.

These laws are discriminatory and counterproductive. They must be repealed or at least modified.

Let us address these challenging issues as we work together to end AIDS. Sincerely, Dr Edward Greene UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean on the removal of discriminatory laws

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, may 30, 2014

5

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

Does Freddie Kissoon stand with us or against us?

Dear Editor, I refer to Freddie Kissoon’s recent letter headlined, “I can’t recall seeing Sherod Duncan in the protest but…”, published on May 25.

Firstly, I believe that Mr Kissoon will give me the benefit of the doubt that I was a little more than “sympathetic” about his dismissal from the University of Guyana’s employ, but matched intolerance for injustice with action in a public show of my discontent.

Secondly, I would not engage a discussion on the most popular student President, having served as the helm of the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) my view is immediately jaundiced, perhaps.

I would state only here that when the young flower we had in Yohance Douglas was plucked prematurely from bloom, it was a heavy time for all. I don’t know how I ended up in the march from UG to the length of Brickdam and at the nights of vigil on Sheriff Street. But having opportunity to size up my colleague, I would argue that Robert Bourne leading the Society at such a tumultuous time showed tremendous fortitude; little in student life prepares you for such a circumstance.

But I do not want to distract too long from the issue at hand: the severance of the special arrangement for admittance of the top 25 law students from the University into the

Attorney General Anil Nandlall engages UG law students

Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

Mr Kissoon’s suggests that, “nowhere in his letter did he agree that the focus should now be for law students to pressure the Government of Guyana in having our own law school or reinstitute Guyana’s stipend to the Council for Legal Education,” referring to my letter of May 23.

I refer Mr Kissoon to my letter of April 8, “The time has come for a local law school”, published

by Guyana Times. I am, additionally, in the process of rationalising the Government’s position at the time, regarding the

withdrawal of the “stipend” and if it has had a causal effect on where we are today.

But more than that, this situation offers us a teachable moment and a chance at something historic in setting up our own law school.

Mr Kissoon does not have to stand for us, what I would like to know is if Mr Kissoon stands with us or against us?

We have begun a petition to encourage the Government of Guyana to make concrete steps and a strong commitment towards the establishment of our own law school. I invite Mr Kissoon to stand in soli-

darity with us and sign our petition, found here: http:// www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/government-of-guyana-to-establish-a-locallaw-school# Sherod Avery Duncan, Student at Law Class of 2014

Agri Ministry wants farmers to have access to more affordable fertilisers Dear Editor, The Agriculture Ministry last year imported fertiliser and made it available to farmers at a reduced rate – a move which was geared at ensuring that the high prices being paid for the commodity become a thing of the past. In the process, farmers saved more than $600 million in 2013.

Subsequently, the private sector moved to reduce the price offered for fertilisers which stood between $7000 to $10,000 per bag to match the $5000 per bag being offered by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

The Agriculture Ministry, through a collaborative approach with the GRDB and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) had indicated in the past that they had no desire to compete with the private sector in supplying fertiliser to farmers; however we believe that the prices offered last year for the commodity were not fair and it was on this basis that we intervened.

The decision by the private sector to reduce the price offered was welcomed by the Government and we were hoping that such a move would be sustained.

However, there has been a reversal in the trend and

presently, farmers are once again faced with paying high prices for fertilisers.

We are therefore forced once again to make available fertilisers on the market at a lower rate, all with the aim of ensuring that farmers’ livelihood are safeguarded.

Should such behaviour on the part of the Private Sector continue; we would have no other alternative but to increase the quota of fertiliser we import into the country.

Over the past years, there has been a general increase in the prices for fertilisers and pesticides.

Research data, field trials and actual farm use have shown that when properly used, commercial fertilisers can result in significant economic advantage to the farmer, hence the move by the Ministry to ensure that farmers have access to the commodity.

The Agriculture Ministry reiterates its position which is not to compete with the private sector; however our position remains the same which is to ensure that farmers have access to more affordable fertilisers.

Yours sincerely, Public Relations Unit Agriculture Ministry

6

FRIday, may 30, 2014

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Technology & children:

5

Protect your children

things every parent should know

B

etween smartphones, tablets, apps, portable media players, computers and connected video game systems, technology has permanently and irrevocably invaded children’s lives.

Cheerfully for today’s family, it can be an immensely rewarding and uplifting part of household hijinks, as long as parents and children observe a few simple rules alike. Following, you’ll find several expert strategies and tactics for making hightech devices a healthy part of your home.

Make a commitment to education

Dozens of companies such as McAfee, Lookout and Symantec offer an equally dizzying array of software programmes, apps and child-friendly Web browsers that block children’s access to questionable content. But given the clip at which technology advances, and how savvy today’s tots are, don’t be fooled: Software’s no substitute for good, old-fashioned parenting, as an ounce of prevention far outweighs a pound of cure. Realise – homework is for parents as well as children. As many new apps, gadgets, games and online services debut each week, and ways for connecting and

communicating constantly emerge or evolve, technology’s a moving target. The only way to stay abreast of it, and meet the challenges it presents, is to constantly keep tabs on and personally try out new advancements. Ongoing research is crucial, as is investing time and interest: Like every other aspect of raising a healthy tot (that is, feeding, clothing and teaching good manners), preparing them for life in a wired world requires a lasting commitment. Want to successfully equip sprouts to meet the challenge? It’s difficult to teach the rules of the game if you don’t spend the time to personally see just what it is you’re up against.

Keep connected devices in common rooms

It’s tempting to let children keep computers, video game consoles and other Internet-ready devices in their bedrooms or other private areas. But speaking as a former teenage male, trust me: Screens should be confined to common areas of the home. Beyond allowing you to monitor children’s play patterns, time investment and overall activity, doing so also allows you to see how sprouts are utilising such systems in context, and whom they interact with.

Granted, usage will obviously differ while a parent is present (it’s rare to meet a well-ad-

justed teen that doesn’t spout off at the mouth like a hardened sailor when adults are AWOL). But by being there during times of activity, even if only on the periphery, you will get a sense of children’s general computing habits, favourite apps/programmes and the way in which children employ such devices. Ancillary benefits are also substantial – that is, not having to worry about a certain someone sneaking online to clock in time with World of Warcraft during the wee hours… at least, apart from dad, that is.

Use parental controls

Expecting Web Watcher or Net Nanny to babysit your child is ludicrous.

(Hint: Children are smart, and have grown up alongside technology – if they can’t discover a workaround, chances are it’s just one search away on the Internet.) But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the wealth of great tools that manufacturers have put at your disposal.

From Windows 7 to OS X Lion, the iPad and iPhone to

– staying smart online PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, most mass-market computing and entertainment devices come with parental controls built-in. These controllable system settings – optionally guarded with a password – can limit access to questionable content, the Internet or hardware itself, or filter material by age-appropriateness. Using such off-the-shelf tools, it’s often simple to block R-rated movies and mature games, limit access to devices during off-hours, prevent downloadable purchases, and/or confine online interactions to pre-approved friend lists.

The best part: Most are idiot-proof and readily accessible from the gadget’s main or settings menu, meaning even us clueless grown-ups can configure them in minutes without reading the user manual. (techsavvymag.com)

(Continued from Thursday)

Steps for you to protect your children online

Here are some basic steps for you to protect your children online: • block inappropriate content • increase your online security and privacy • set-up your computer to only access approved websites and email addresses • monitor where your children go online Here are some additional steps for you to protect your children online: • explore the Internet with your children – consider using safe zones and exploring child-friendly websites.

Bookmark websites for them that you have approved • discuss the kinds of sites that are okay to explore, and those that are not.

Let your children know that not all websites are suitable and if they encounter a site that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should leave the site immediately, either by clicking on ‘back’ or closing the browser altogether • reassure your children that they won’t be denied access to the Internet if they report

•

•

•

seeing inappropriate content monitor and supervise Internet use by having the computer in a visible place in your home for older children, consider tools that filter access to chat rooms and prevent giving out personal information check to see if your ISP is family friendly by looking for a lady bird logo on their website.

These ISPs must adhere to the Internet Industry Association codes of practice. They offer information and online tools to help parents and children use the Internet in a fun and safe way.

* Know what your children are doing online – make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to tell you if they come across anything suspicious or if anybody says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. * Get to know the technologies your children are using. This will help you understand the risks and to be able to talk to them about what they are doing online. * Discuss the risks with your children and agree on some rules for Internet use. Post them clearly near your computer. * Place the computer in a family area of the home – the family or living room, rather than a bedroom. * Install an Internet content filter. This can be used to restrict what content is viewed and downloaded or the times when they can use the Internet. * Make sure your children know not to share personal information or photos. This includes their full name, mailing address, telephone number, the name of their school, or any information that could allow someone to work out who they are and where they live. * Report inappropriate, harmful or criminal activities that occur online or via a mobile device (staysmartonline.gov.au)

NEWS

7

FRIDay, may 30, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Security top brass swore fealty to PNC – Kwayana

By Alexis Rodney

C

o-founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Eusi Kwyana, continues to reveal startling details of the Forbes Burnham-led Government, telling the Commission of Inquiry into the killing of Dr Walter Rodney that the security top brass of the 1980s made a yearly pilgrimage to the People’s National Congress Headquarters, where they swore allegiance to the party and its leader.

Examining part of the Commission’s Terms of Reference, Legal Council Glen Hanoman was seeking to ascertain the extent to which State agencies were involved in surveillance activities during that time. Kwayana told the inquiry that all the security forces had access to surveillance intelligence. He said while President Burnham had become Commanderin-Chief of the armed Force in October of 1980, he had before served as Defence Minister.

He said what was notable at the time was the pledge made to the Government of the day. “What was remarkable was that the head of the army will turn up at the People’s National Congress and swear allegiance to the leader. At that time it was Mr Clarence Price, but it had become an annual feature”.

Kwayana included too, the Former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Norman McLean, who, along with the former head of the Guyana Police Force, Laurie Lewis, were said to be frequent visitors to the annual event.

However, they were not the only organisations pledging their service. He spoke of leaders of the Guyana National Service and the People’s Militia as also being involved in the yearly routine.

The issue of security agencies and surveillance was brought up after questions were posed on whether Kwayana was of the view that Rodney’s alleged assassin Gregory “Cyril Johnson” Smith had acted on his own when he allegedly gave the bomb in the Walkie-talkie to Dr Rodney on June 13, 1980.

Couldn’t act alone

Kwayana posited that Smith could not have acted alone, since as far as he knew, there was no conflict between the two. He surmised that the Government, using its power, had ordered Smith to carry out the act. “Why would he want to do that? I don’t think he was acting on his own”, Kwayana told the inquiry.

He continued, “I think there was State involvement”, Kwayana said convincingly. “This was a political person; Gregory Smith was not a political person. He was an agent of the GDF,

he was on order and as far as we know, orders had to be carried out. I don’t think he was acting on his own at all.” He said Smith was given orders from someone he was “bound to obey”.

Special telephone

The WPA co-founder continued, pointing out that Smith’s neighbour Pamela Beharry, had indicated that she had visited Smith’s home on several occasions before the 1980 incident and had seen a telephone that his wife was warned not to use.

He said Beharry was close to Smith’s wife and was a frequent visitor to the home.

He posited that Smith might have been using a telephone to communicate with the authorities in the GDF. He said too that Beharry had informed that “men in army uniforms” would often visit Smith’s home.

Meanwhile, the issue of Rodney’s interest in Walkie-talkies was questioned by the Commission’s lead Counsel. In a detailed

explanation, Kwayana related that the party, under the political situation was unable to access telephones for communication. He said that Rodney, who was solely responsible for obtaining the device, had found it necessary to be engaged.

He related that Rodney had found a way of getting and tuning the devices.

“Walkie-talkie was used to cover distances”, he told the Commission.

In further evidence, Kwayana recalled the last few hours of Rodney’s life on June 13, 1980. According to him, he had spoken to Rodney earlier in the day, when he was informed that he was going to pick up his daughter from school. He said that was the last time he saw him. Kwayana said the scholarly Rodney was a “student of social change”, and had passionately embraced the philosophies of revolutionary communist Karl Marx. One such teaching included his thoughts on violence. Kwayana noted

Financial noose...

“The entire world understands the importance of this except perhaps the 33 persons that sit opposite us in the Parliament of Guyana,” Dr Singh opined.

According to him, although the Opposition has accused the Government of crying wolf, the consequences of this advisory and the move taken to refer Guyana to FAFT would be severe.

“The truth is there are business people today who are already affected because they cannot execute their transactions, they cannot make international payments, and international payments are being

C o-founder of the WPA, Eusi Kwayana engages colleagues moments before the continued his testimony at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry on Thursday

that Walter Rodney was not a violent person. He said just a few months before his assassination, Rodney in a public speech had declared: “Violence is always regrettable”. He said the late political activist was friendly and would interact with persons from all political parties.

Asked if Rodney had ever indicated that he felt threatened or marked for a violent death due to

the political atmosphere, Kwayana said “that would have been unnecessary, we all felt threatened, but this did not stop us in pursuing our goals”. Each member of the Working People’s Alliance was feeling threatened. He said however that Rodney might have driven home the message when, at another massive public rally, he told supporters that if he should fall (die), his body should be used as

a barricade. According to Kwayana, that may have been a foreboding.

He said the Police had continuously levelled allegations against the Working People’s Alliance, claiming that its members were in possession of guns and ammunition.

However, although two members were arrested, they were later acquitted, due to the lack of relevant evidence.

After Guyana was identified as a country with significant strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime in 2011, an Action Plan was developed with key deadlines being outlined. Subsequently in May 2013, CFATF issued a public statement recommending that Guyana employ the requisite systems and measures to address its AML/ CFT deficiencies, but this was not done, forcing the regional body to blacklist the country at the regional level in November 2013.

Despite the series of warnings, the country has failed miserably in altering

its national architecture to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Even as the country is being handed over to FATF, it is being urged to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies by fully criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing offences.

Additionally, the country is required to address all the requirements on beneficial ownership, strengthening the requirements for suspicious transaction reporting, international cooperation, and the freezing and confiscation of terrorist assets.

from page 3

delayed,” he complained.

According to the Finance Minister, the Opposition has been irresponsible in its action, contending that thousands of Guyanese will be affected. “It is irresponsible to say that nobody will be affected, it is irresponsible to say only big businesses will be affected, because big business translates into little jobs. Every big business in Guyana comprises hundreds of ordinary persons and if a big business cannot execute an international transaction, that affects its workers, its profitability and its ability to meet its objective,” he explained.

In an effort to mitigate the likely impacts, Minister Singh underscored the importance of working together for the good of the people.

He said the administration remains open for discussion, stating that it is imperative that Guyana enacts the AML/CFT legislation as a matter of urgency. “This matter goes to the core of the integrity of our financial system, we cannot gamble with the integrity of our financial system. No responsible leadership should take a position that results in the integrity of a country’s financial system credibility… being tarnished.”

8 News

FRIday, may 30, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Cane Grove farmers get chemical storage cabinet A

griculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has called on manufacturers to contribute to the safer use of chemicals during the launch of the Pesticides Control Board’s pilot project at Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara on Thursday.

In an effort to heighten awareness of proper storage of chemicals, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) launched the three-year pilot project, which was held under the theme, “Enhancing and Promoting Sound Chemicals Management through Safe Storage of Pesticides.”

The initiative aims to equip 150 pesticide users

The storage cabinet which was handed over to the farmers at Cane Grove

with storage cabinets during 2014. Minister Ramsammy, in delivering remarks at the event, underscored the importance of such a project in ensuring that pesticides are not used in an irresponsible manner, hence reducing the number of suicide cases and adverse health effects.

Much has been done over the years by the Pesticides Board in ensuring that pesticides are restricted to authorised users. This has seen farmers, vendors and students from various schools across the country benefitting from training programmes on proper storage and awareness. The PTCCB has been focusing its efforts also on preventing pesticide harm to children. This new awareness programme target two areas affected by negative use of pesticides – sustainable ecology and environment and human health.

Management of chemicals

Thursday’s event is another in a series of initiatives by the Pesticides Board with the aim of enhancing stakeholder participation and information sharing on mechanisms for the management of chemicals in Guyana.

“The aim of today’s programme is to ensure farmers are able to store chemicals properly… however, while we are implementing ways in which this can be done, manufacturers and their local agents must also play a part in ensuring proper storage of pesticides,” he said.

Minister Ramsammy called on others to come on board with the project to ensure that all farmers benefit, since presently, the Pesticides Board is not in the position to distribute storage cabinets to all farmers.

During the launch of the pilot project, 10 farmers benefited from storage cabinets through a lottery process, whereby farmers were issued with a number from the Pesticides Board and a drawing was conducted, the lucky farmers walked away with storage cabinets.

The pilot project targets farming communities in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Registrar of the Pesticides Board, Trecia David-Garnett informed farmers of the criteria for the lottery process: entrants must be from agricultural communities – communities which also exhibit high suicide rates in keeping with data from the Health Ministry; must make cabinets available to other users as a demonstration of proper storage techniques; must use cabinets for storage of pesticides only; and must be in attendance at planned pesticides awareness sessions where the lottery will occur, etc.

Eyew tness

High time...

O

...to legalise ganja? ver in la-la land, otherwise known as “Trinidad” (not Tobago - they’re OK) there’s a big media circus going on about a fella rolling a joint on TV. The Opposition claims it’s no other than the Sport Minister Anil Roberts – and that he should resign immediately from his portfolio. Can you believe such a thing? From a country where they hand out TT$2 million (that’s G$60 million!!) for songs like “Rum till Ah die”??

Anyhow, the government didn’t confirm or deny whether the fella is actually Anil – but they did retort that the Opposition’s just engaging in “character assassination”. But poor Kamla’s Government just couldn’t tell the real story behind Anil rolling a “took”. So your humble Eyewitness will just have to do the honours. Now surely you dear readers haven’t forgotten that late last year, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves had written to Kamla as Chair of Caricom, calling for a discussion on the medicinal and other uses of marijuana?

A man with a PhD, Gonsalves chose his words carefully as he declared “It’s HIGH time Caricom discusses legalising marijuana”. Anticipating reactions such as the Trinidadian Opposition’s presently wallowing in, he’d warned that the matter shouldn’t be discussed in “a hysterical manner”. And speaking like a man with evident intimate knowledge of the subject, he asserted: “The marijuana plant has a bundle of proven and potentially beneficial uses.”

Earlier this year, Caricom Heads of Government did in fact meet and agree to establish a HIGH-level Committee to investigate and make recommendations to them. What is clear to this Eyewitness is that the most Honourable Anil Roberts must’ve volunteered for this mission and was engaged in checking the “bundle of beneficial uses” in ganja. It’s a dirty job but somebody had to do it, no?

After all, if marijuana is legalised, it could be a game changer for the Caribbean. What with Europe cutting our legs from under us when they slashed 35 per cent off our sugar price, what the heck to do with all that idle land? Hey!! Why not cultivate an agricultural product in which the Caribbean, led by Jamaica, already has a world-famous reputation? With drainage and irrigation already in place, imagine the economies of scale we’d enjoy.

And you can bet your a55 labour won’t be a problem – like in sugar. All you’d have to do is let the ganja gangs test each field before harvesting. But why hasn’t Kamla revealed Anil’s mission?

Well, duh!!! The Committee hasn’t been officially announced as yet. You wouldn’t have her break Caricom’s bureaucratic protocols, would you?

...for a history lesson Eusi Kwayana, explained the meaning of his name – which he changed from Sydney King back in the 1960s – “Black man from Guyana”. Now you gotta admire the man. At the time, to even call a fella “black man” were fighting words. Wouldn’t it be great if all of us could shed the names our parents foisted on us and choose names that told the world what we’re all about? This Eyewitness thinks it would be.

Imagine if Ramjattan were honest – “I was just so jealous of Bharrat” or for short, “Bharat Envy” could be his moniker. Nagamootoo? “I am not a Madrassi from Guyana” or “Mosee NaKwayana”. Granger? “I’d like to order people around again”, or more succinctly, “Wimp”. But you get the idea, no? That’s why I’ve called myself “Eyewitness”.

But back to the history lesson from “Black man from Guyana” or to use his honorific, “The Black Sage”. He helped found the three major parties in Guyana. Not exactly a recommendation for sticking around, eh? ...for honouring Maya Another stalwart for the black cause was the great author Maya Angelou. She fought the good fight for Justice for blacks through her story telling. She just passed away. May her soul be with the ancestral spirits.

news

9

FRIDay, may 30, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

CYAPs being sensitised about CSME, integrated movement

EU representative Robert Baldwin, Caricom Secretary General Irwin La Rocque, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and CYA Dean Cindy Morquette, along with the regional participants at the opening of the workshop

S

everal youth ambassadors from across the Caribbean are participating in a two-day workshop geared at equipping them with knowledge on the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and regional integration movement.

The workshop commenced on Thursday at the Grand Coastal Hotel with funding under the European Union’s (EU) 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CSME and Economic Integration Programme, in partnership with the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

It is being attended by representatives of the Caricom Youth Ambassador Programme (CYAP) from 12 member states and one associated state.

At the opening ceremony, CYA Dean Cindy Morquette said the forum provides the opportunity for youths across the region to

interact, explore and take part in action planning.

She noted that at the moment, CYAP has its largest membership with 13 of the 15 member states having ambassadors in the programme and three out of five associated states.

Morquette mentioned that as advocates, it is their responsibility to educate their peers on regional integration and development.

“The CSME holds great potential for young people in the region; we are early adopters of technology, drivers of economic growth and consumers of Caribbean culture,” the CYAP dean said.

She added that while young persons have ideas of what they want to accomplish, CSME provides the forum for them to do so.

CYAP Dean stated that challenges are prevalent within Caricom, noting that there is a disconnect regarding the engagement of youths, but said the regional body is working to

address the problem.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque told the youths that they are his inspiration and a positive force for driving the integration process.

He said that such positive vibration is needed to see the development of the Caribbean through.

LaRocque noted that the youths have played an integral part in the development of the community’s Strategic Plan Reform Process. The Secretary General went on to tell the youths that as CYAs, they are advocates who have to champion the community and its programmes, including the CSME, not only in their respective countries, but throughout the region.

“The aim of this workshop is to sensitise you on issues critical to the success of the CSME and give you the knowledge and tools to engage your peers and other stakeholders with passion and conviction that the

US citizen remanded for cocaine in fish

T

he 53-year-old woman who was attempting to smuggle a quantity of cocaine in frozen fish to the US was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Joyce De Cunha of New York pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge stated that on Wednesday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she had 4.498 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Oswald Massiah said the accused after being arrested by ranks of the drug enforcement unit, said she was given the parcel to take to the US by someone that goes by the name “Fine man”.

Upon her arrival at the John F Kennedy Airport, she claimed that someone would have collected the parcel, Massiah added. The woman

arrived in Guyana on April 9. De Cunha was not represented and did not utter a word when the charge was read to her.

The accused was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as she was about to board a BW 526 Caribbean Airlines flight for the US. During the check-in, CANU ranks realised that

the woman was acting in a suspicious manner and thought that something was amiss; hence, her suitcase was pulled and searched.

The cocaine was found in the frozen fish in the woman’s suitcase.

The cocaine mule will make her next court appear at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on June 2.

integration process, including the CSME, can and does work for them,” he stated.

Spread the message LaRocque encouraged the youths to pass on whatever information they were given at the workshop to their fellow peers in their respective countries.

He told them that their reach is wider than they think, as such, what they do will in turn determine the future of the community as they strive to ensure that it remains resilient and continues to provide opportunities for all of its citizens.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn

Rodrigues-Birkett spoke to the CYA advocates on the opportunities available for them within Caricom and how they could all benefit from the free integrated movement.

“Guyana’s space is community space,” she told the youths.

The Minister disclosed that Guyana has taken many steps in catering for free integrated movement within the Caribbean.

She referred to the legislation which was passed in Guyana that allows the spouse of CSME certificate holders to also be certified so they can travel freely.

“Guyana did this be-

cause it is something we have to do, but it is also because we believe that in this 83,000 square miles of land called Guyana, we need to develop this together not only as Guyanese, but we would need others as well,” Minister RodriguesBirkett.

Additionally, she pointed out that such youth ambassadorial programmes are innovative and governments have realised that no longer can they make decisions by themselves. She referred to recent statistics in Guyana, which shows that more than 60 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 40.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

F RIday, may 30, 2014

News

Courts launches new line of Ashley Furniture – becomes only authorised retailer/dealer in Guyana er brands available here in Guyana.

He noted that this brand of furniture has special qualities that no other furniture brand has and they are durable.

Ashley Furniture Industries Inc is a furniture manufacturing company headquartered in Arcadia, Wisconsin, USA. The company is owned by father and son team Ron and Todd Wanek. Ashley Furniture manufactures and distributes home fur-

tribution channels: independent furniture dealers and more than 500 Ashley Furniture Home Store retail furniture stores, which are independently owned and operated by licensees in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Japan. It has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Wisconsin, Mississippi, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, China, and Vietnam.

It has a chain of independently owned and op-

From left: Ashley Sales Representative (Caribbean) Jesus Dezal; Regional Director of Furniture Purchasing Michael de Boehmler and Managing Director of Courts Clyde de Haas cut the ribbon to open the Ashley Furniture Line

C

ourts Guyana Inc yesterday launched their prestigious brand of Ashley Line of Furniture.

The launch took place at the Courts Main Street Branch in Georgetown.

Ashley Furniture Industries Inc is the largest furniture manufacturer in the world and boasts a wide range of beautiful and stylish pieces.

Giving brief remarks at the launch was Managing Director of Courts Clyde de Haas, who noted that this

new line of furniture will add to the quality of service and products the company brings to Guyana.

“We are very happy about this milestone and proud that we are now the sole authorised retailer/dealer for Ashley line of Furniture” de Haas stated Meanwhile, Ashley Sales Representative for the Caribbean Jesus Dezal, explaining some of the wonderful features of their furniture, stated that Ashley is guaranteed to beat the oth-

One of the many Ashley bedroom suites available at Courts

niture products throughout the world.

The company sells home furnishings and accessories available through two dis-

erated furniture stores licensed to sell Ashley Furniture products exclusively, including mattresses and accessories.

As of January 2010, there are over 400 Ashley Furniture Home Store retail furniture stores operating worldwide. Ashley Furniture Home Store is the largest retail brand of home furniture and accessories.

The Ashley line of furniture here in Guyana includes dining room, sitting room and bedroom pieces.

Mayor-fuh-Life only headin in one direction

P

eople does become known fuh certain tings in life. It does some times be sports, or sometimes a job, or some kinda achievement, or some times even a crime. Nowadays people does become known fuh all kinda tings, good and bad.

Fuh example, when people tink bout Brian Lara, dem does remember he world records or how he used to drop Guyanese cricketers and play he friends dem in de Waste Indies team who was from TT. Or how he used to behave like a baby just because he had wanna be captain.

As fuh Sarwan, dem does tink bout how he wanna come back in de Waste Indies team, but at this stage dem gotta waste fuh a coach, who only wastin de Caribbbean cricket fans’ time, and any time Sarwan get a chance to come back, it gon only be a waste of time.

As fuh a man like Steve Jobs, peoples does remember how good a job he used to do at Apple and how many jobs he create when was alive. Now de people who he leff to continue de good job ain’t doin a good job. It look like dem gon have to give some one de job to bring back Steve Jobs from the dead to do de job all over again.

In de case of cricket, people can’t help but think how some a dem fellas at de W-High-C-B runnin down cricket and dem only in this cricket ting because of de money and de prestige from bein so-called “directors”.

Dem big ones at de W-High-C-B is directors wid out any kinda direction. Some body gon need to direct dem soon. And de only direction should be one way only, and that is, “outta cricket”. Only then cricket in de Caribbean gon have some proper direction.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And talking bout direction, de Mayor-fuh-Life and he cohorts like Roy Stone and de other Green only headin in one direction. And that direction sound more like destruction. That is, fuh dem, not de people of GT.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, may 30, 2014

Greater attention needed to statistics – Caricom high-level forum hears

P

articipants at a highlevel meeting on Monday underscored the need for increased advocacy for more official commitment to statistics and the mobilisation of additional resources for the field.

Those were among the issues that stakeholders in the field of statistics identified as critically important to the overall development of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Senior Government officials, decision-makers, statisticians, and representatives of international organisations gathered for the one-day, intense, high-level advocacy forum on statistics in St George’s, Grenada.

Lack of sufficient funding, lack of a statistical culture and inadequate succession planning were identified as some of the major challenges in the field.

At the forum’s opening ceremony, and during the panel discussions that followed, investment in the field was recognised as imperative to its further development and the ability to translate statistics to good decision-making, nationally and regionally.

This was particularly obvious, they recognised, in the context of the economic chal-

ment of our region,” he said.

He added that he looked forward to being an advocate for the conclusions from the forum in Caricom and elsewhere. Prime Minister Mitchell also sounded the call for more resources to be allocated to statistics, and advanced the recommendation of a regional approach to help optimise scarce resources.

More govt funding

Grenada’s Economic Development, Planning, Trade, Energy and Cooperatives Minister Oliver Joseph lenges facing the region and efforts to reduce poverty; the negotiations for the Post2015 Development Agenda; and the community’s commitment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Leading the charge in acknowledging the necessity for increased advocacy, Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, urged participants to use him as an advocate.

“As a person trained in this field myself, I do feel a heightened sense of responsibility to ensure that we raise the bar of this important variable in the advance-

Grenada’s Economic Development, Planning, Trade, Energy and Cooperatives Minister Oliver Joseph, echoed the call for more government funding to be allocated to sourcing data.

He also stressed the need for common standards throughout the region and partnerships with the governments, private sector, non-governmental organisations so as to generate an appreciation for statistics and its impact on development.

There was need to involve everyone so there was a clear understanding about how figures were arrived at so there could be broadbased acceptance, he reasoned.

The importance of the creation of partnerships was also underscored by Statistical Institute of

Anti-drugs sleuths must be fully vetted before DEA presence – Hardt

B

efore any Drug E n f o r c e m e n t Administration (DEA) Unit is established here, local anti-drug agents will have to be fully vetted in order to reduce the likelihood of them breaching strategies that would be enforced, US Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt said on Thursday.

He was responding to questions regarding the long-talked-about setting up of a DEA office in Guyana to stem the tide of trafficking.

Guyana is viewed as a transshipment point for cocaine going to Europe and North America, and according to the Ambassador, the establishment of the office in Guyana is not an automatic process. “… part of a process for DEA working, they like to have a vetted unit which they are confident they can work with and share sensitive information with and really work in elevated partnership. So I think that is one of the core building blocks to getting DEA here,” Hardt told reporters following the signing of the Third Amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement between Guyana and the US (see story on page 16), which he said will see some US$850,000 being plugged

into various programmes, including establishing a fully vetted counter-narcotics unit.

Hardt noted that the vetting process would include ranks being screened via lie detector tests and background checks being made.

The Ambassador explained that there have been some delays in getting the DEA here due to budgetary issues faced in the US; however, he noted that they are currently in the process of overcoming this hurdle.

In an interview with the media earlier this year, Ambassador Hardt had explained that there was discussion on the DEA in December. He said that the delay in establishing the DEA here is because of budgetary constraints and getting approval on the US side.

Covered

Nevertheless, the Ambassador had pointed out that despite the US not having a DEA presence in Guyana, the country has been covered by the DEA office in Trinidad for some time.

The Ambassador noted that US DEA officials work closely with the Guyana Police Force and other law enforcement agencies.

“We have excellent relations that have been go-

ing on for some time so even though we don’t physically have an office here, we have DEA officers who are in the country regularly, liaising and trying to build cases cause that’s what DEA really brings to the table: its ability to build cases against major traffickers,” the Ambassador had stated.

Hardt, whose tenure in Guyana will be up soon, explained that from the time he was posted to Guyana, he has made it a priority to lobby for a DEA office here and has managed to make some headway.

The US Ambassador clarified that the non-implementation of the US DEA office here has nothing to do with any hindrance from the Government, but has to do mainly with sourcing resources and processing.

“When you see drug trends around the region, around the world, certainly we think there is value in having a stronger DEA presence here,” Hardt stated.

On the other hand, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett reassured of the Government’s commitment and support for the establishment of a US DEA office in Guyana.

She told the media that “we are ready on our side to do whatever we have to do to get the DEA office here,” he said.

Jamaica Director General Carol Coy. “We have to improve what we are doing; we have to make ourselves relevant to attract funding and the support that is needed and partnerships are critical,” she said during the final session of the forum.

Grenada’s Director of Statistics Halim Brizan said greater investment in statistics would ultimately lead to better decision-making which, in turn, would lead to better development outcomes. He called for the creation of the appropriate environment to develop statistics The value of data could not be underestimated and investing in it would yield long-term and short-term re-

turns, Operations Officer of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), McDonald Thomas, said. He outlined the bank’s intervention in regional statistics and gave the commitment to continue to support its borrowing members to boost their statistical capacity.

“CDB recognises the value of this forum in obtaining strengthened highlevel commitment by governments of Caricom to national and regional statistical capacity-building as a central element of the region’s Post-2015 sustainable development framework.

Along with other development partners viz CIDA, DFID and UNDP, the bank has contributed over US$6 million since 1995 to as-

sist countries with the conduct of Country Poverty Assessments,” Thomas said.

In addition to providing statistics on the nature and characteristics of poverty in the countries, those assessments have resulted in the production of rich national data sets on human and social development for the first time. Central statistics offices were also better equipped and a cadre of persons with skills at various levels in conducting household research was built.

He added that similar investments were made over the years to enhance national trade, economic and environmental data, but he acknowledged that there was still some ways to go.

Students of Charlestown, Dolphin Secondary Schools undergoing behavioural change

T

he Education Ministry Schools Welfare Department has embarked upon several weeks of behavioural change intervention with selected groups of students of the Charlestown Secondary and Dolphin Secondary schools.

The intervention sessions came as a result of reports of frequent fights between students from the two schools.

The continuous quarrels between the students prompted the department to engage the attention of the Police who now would patrol the areas frequently. As a result, the fights and quarrels have since de-

clined.

The ongoing sessions provide opportunities to teach the children about the importance of respect, conflict management, communication skills and values, among others.

Chief School Welfare Officer Glenna Bailey Vyphius said sessions at each school will run for six weeks. To culminate the weeks of behavioural change training, the Ministry will issue a certificate of participation to each child.

Vyphius said that her department intends to take the same programme to other schools in the new school term.

12 News

FRIday, may 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Regionalism is under threat — Dr Singh tells opening of CDB Board of Governors meeting

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

T

he 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Board of Governors opened on Wednesday, with the Chairman, Dr Ashni Singh championing the cause for systematic measures to be employed to regain the region’s identity.

According to him, time has apparently brought with it, the fading of the region’s conviction on the validity of the single Caribbean identity and the value of Caribbean oneness.

“Regionalist fervour is being supplanted by parochialism caution, openness by inwardness, competition by protectionism, ideological passion by myopic opportunism. We in the region seem to be happier contesting against and among each other, than contesting together against the rest of the world,” Dr Singh said.

According to him, the unavoidable consequence to this unfortunate reality is poor productivity and competitiveness, with Caribbean citizens feeling the squeeze.

“We need to work more urgently and concertedly to restore faith in regionalism, pride in regional identity, and enthusiasm for the regional enterprise,” Minister Singh stressed.

The CDB Chairman of the Board of Governors is convinced that this challenge can be effectively addressed through the demonstrable practical successes in the integration effort, but

From left: CDB Chairman, Dr Ashni Singh (fifth); CDB President, Dr Warren Smith; and President Donald Ramotar with delegates at the opening of the CDB Board of Governors Meeting on Wednesday

within the corridors of the regional bureaucracy in the street and market places.

A Barbadian company, generating finance in Trinidad and Tobago and simultaneously investing in large-scale agriculture in Guyana, for export back to Barbados and the Easter Caribbean is an illustration of regional integration, the Finance Minister said, in support of his argument.

Languishing

The Guyanese manufacturer that establishes a distributorship in Trinidad and Suriname, thereby creating jobs and finds ready markets for his competitively priced goods in those countries, is another regional integration illustration, he added. These examples should be replicated

throughout the region, Dr Singh said while underscoring the importance of removing all impediments to factor mobility across and within a truly single regional space.

“Certain priority projects for a more effective and competitive single regional space have been languishing for far too long and we must restored to them the highest degree of urgency,” he stressed.

These are the reduction of vulnerability to climate change, the achievement of greater food security in the region, the achievement of greater energy security, especially by harnessing clean and renewable sources, resolving critical gaps in transport and communications infrastructure, and addressing legislative, regulatory, and

institutional impediments to intra-regional trade.

“Single-minded focus must be placed on these long established priority projects if a more competitive regional economy is to be achieved in this generation.”

But despite the challenges faced by the region, Dr Singh said the CDB continues to provide an exceptional service to the Caribbean people; contributing to the achievement of tangible and visible development outcomes in Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

President Ramotar in delivering the welcoming remark said the CDB continues to play a leading role in the promotion of integration in the region. However, he said the Caribbean continues to face many challenges,

with many countries suffering from a lack of financial support due to them moving from designated poor countries to middle income nations.

“A lot of concessional finances to the region are being dried up at this point in time, but I think this is very short-sighted in a way because the region needs to consolidate its gains. It needs to built on its successes and immunise itself from some of the difficulties that exist,” the Guyanese President explained.

He said too that some of the problems faced by the region are due to external forces, that have impacted heavily on the region.

According to him, member countries of the CDB must continue to bridge the gap and overcome the

challenges faced through strengthened collaboration.

Dr Singh and President Ramotar were addressing a high-profile delegation at the Guyana International Conference Centre. President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, St Kitts's Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, Premier Reuben Meade, Ministers and CDB Governors, Caribbean Court of Justice President, Sir Dennis Byron and CDB President, Dr William Warren Smith were among the regional officials present on Wednesday during the opening ceremony. Notably present was Guyana’s eastern neighbour Suriname, which is attending the meeting for the first time as a full member of the bank. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Attorneys accuse insurance companies of unfair practice – plan to take legal action

A

ttorneys Charles Ramson Jr and Sanjeev Datadin have lashed out at insurance companies for applying what they (insurance companies) called an “unfair business practice” against policy holders, with what is known in the industry as “comprehensive” coverage.

The Attorneys say they intend to challenge the matter in the courts.

Insurance companies have now been offering to the comprehensive policy holders as a full and final settlement to their claim on a “write-off” or “constructive total loss”, a sum of money that usually reflects about 50-60 per cent of the value of the sum insured and then demanding that the policy holder sell their wrecked vehicle in order to recoup the remainder of the value of the insured sum.

The lawyers said that it

was their aggrieved clients that brought the practice to their attention.

“It is entirely unacceptable, especially since all motorists are obligated by law to be insured and the motorists have an unfair bargaining position,” Ramson and Datadin said in a release.

“Comprehensive” coverage in Guyana essentially means that the company will indemnify (or cover) the policy holder against loss or damage of the vehicle insured caused by accidents, fire, burglary/theft malicious acts, etc not exceeding the insured estimate of value stated.

This is different from what is called “third party” coverage, which essentially means that the insurance company will indemnify (or cover) the loss or damage to the vehicle belonging to the other driver that the policy holder was involved in an

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin

accident.

Ramson said that he is “extremely disturbed about this practice” and questions “what if the policy holder is unable to sell the wreck because he doesn’t know how to sell or where to sell or to whom to sell or what is the best price they can get?”

He noted that the insurance companies have forced the policy holder to become

a seller and that it is a practice that must not be countenanced.

The Attorney said what is worse is that “we find that the value of the wreck as stated by the insurance company is ostensibly overvalued and arbitrary”.

The lawyer said that previously, when there was a constructive total loss, the insurance company would keep the wreck and pay the policy holder the value of the vehicle insured, less the deductible.

Crying out

Now that this practice has changed, policy holders have been crying out because most times they are forced into a position where they need to accept the insurance companies’ offer because they need to replace their car immediately, so they need money as fast as possible.

Attorney Charles Ramson

Datadin said that had the shoe been on the other foot, then the employees of the insurance companies would not like it.

“It must be nice when you are setting the rules that you would not have to comply with because its application is discretionary.”

He said that it is likely that if one of the senior employees of the insurance

companies was involved in an accident and the vehicle was determined as a total constructive loss and a claim was made on the company, then there would be no offer to pay 60 per cent of the value insured and a demand for that employee to sell their own wreck to recoup the remainder of the sum insured; the offer would be for the value of the car and the pay-out would be immediate.

Insurance companies know that this is unfair, but they have been getting away with it because it has not been challenged.

Ramson concluded by saying that the practice is particularly unconscionable because “I don’t see insurance companies going out of business in Guyana… in fact they are making billions… so why take advantage of policy holders like this?”

news

13

FRIday, may 30, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana’s energy potential tremendous – CDB President

C

a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr Warren Smith said Guyana’s energy potential is vast enough to satisfy in needs those of its neighbours.

Speaking at the opening of the CDB Board of Governors 44th Annual General Meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Dr Smith said Guyana has sufficient renewable energy possibility, mainly in the form of hydropower to meet all of its electricity supply for the foreseeable future; supply all of the needs of immediate neighbours, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago; and still have enough left over to sell to neighbouring Brazil.

He also highlighted that the high price of electricity is a major source of the Caribbean region’s un-competitiveness, and its vulnerability to external shocks.

Dr Smith said generally in the region, households pay between US$0.30 cents and US$0.40 cents per kilo-

trial rates. An enterprise survey conducted by the World Bank in 2010 found that at least 30 per cent of Caribbean firms identified electricity costs as a major constraint to doing business.

So, we are forced to ask, ‘Why are electricity prices in the Caribbean so high?’ the CDB President questioned.

High costs

High diesel and heavy fuel oil costs and the inherent inefficiency of diesel technology, which accounts for the majority of the generation in BMCs, are the principal contributors to these high electricity prices. These fuel prices are subject to the CDB President, Dr Warren Smith volatility of international oil From among the markets, which are highly watt hour (kWh). However, these prices vary from coun- CDB Borrowing Member responsive to shifts in geotry to country.

Countries (BMCs), Trinidad politics.

He said that while most He informed that house- and Tobago and Suriname hold tariffs in 2012 ranged are the only two countries BMCs are energy-rich, they from a high of approximate- where electricity rates are are definitely not energy ly US0.48 cents per kWh in below US$0.07 cents per poor, and in this regard, he highlighted Guyana’s reDominica and Montserrat to kWh. a low of US$0.25 cents per “These rates are approxi- newable energy potential, kWh in Belize, where the en- mately four times the aver- mainly in the form of hydroergy mix includes some re- age rates in North America. power.

The Government is not newables, namely hydro and A similar situation obtains oblivious of this fact, in fact, biomass. for commercial and indus-

over the past three to four years; it has been working feverishly to tap into the country’s hydro-power potential.

This project would have been in full implementation stage by how, had it received the support of the political Opposition. The Government was able to attract investors such as the Blackstone Group of companies, but as a result of political bickering, the company’s subsidiary Sithe Global decided to pull out from the project.

The Amaila Falls Hydropower project would have reduced the electricity tariffs paid by consumers on the Guyana Power and Light grid by 40 per cent for the first 12 years after operations begin, by over 70 per cent for the eight years after that and by over 90 per cent for the 80 years after that.

Despite this setback, the Donald Ramotar Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Guyana’s ageold dream of realising hydropower does not fall by the

wayside.

“High electricity prices erode the competitiveness of the regional economies and, therefore, their ability to earn the required foreign exchange to pay for imports, including oil. Unless, therefore, we can reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels, and unless we can substantially reduce energy costs, we will not succeed in improving our competitiveness and reducing our vulnerability to external shocks,” Dr Smith said.

This sentiment has been expressed by President Donald Ramotar time and time again at various forums; where he pointed to the fact that lack of cheap and reliable electricity remains a major impediment in Guyana’s development.

Dr Smith said called for the building of a new energy paradigm to make energy efficiency a priority. He also recognised that the legislative and regulatory environment is a major hindrance to the pursuit of a new energy paradigm for the region.

Moray House hosts conversation SVN gets $500,000 with Kwayana, Father Rodrigues for Science lab

Eusi Kwayana in conversation with Father Malcolm Rodrigues at Moray House Trust

E

usi Kwayana, cofounder of the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) on Wednesday provided an enthralling insight into his life and works during a lively conversation at the Moray House Trust.

During the conversation with Kwayana and Father Malcolm Rodrigues, the former described himself as a Buxtonian by choice and spoke about his work in community, education and politics in the 1940s and 1950s.

According to a release, it was an extraordinary and fascinating excursion into an age when youthful enthusiasm, imagination and patriotism began the process of freeing Guyana from colonial rule. This was vivid history in the telling – an evening to remember.

In 1964, Kwayana cofounded the African Society for Cultural Relations

with Independent Africa (ASCRIA), an organisation dedicated to the promotion of African pride, dignity and culture among African-

Guyanese.

He also changed his name from Sidney Evanson King to Eusi Kwayana, which means “Black Man of

Guyana” in Swahili.

For the last 40 years, Kwayana has been a member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

He was the party’s presidential candidate in 1985, a Parliamentarian in the years 1986-90 and Editor of the party’s newspaper, Dayclean.

Father Rodrigues, who was in conversation with Kwayana, is a Jesuit priest with a long and distinguished history of involvement in higher education in Guyana, civic participation and human rights activism.

Moray House Trust will post video clips of the evening on its website (www. morayhousetrust.com) and YouTube Channel (http:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UC6sdaywVZ80fX5QV2F3E7w) in due course.

from GT&T

GT&T Marketing Officer Nicola Duggan presents the cheque to Swami Aksharananda

T

Part of the audience at Moray House Trust for “Brother Eusi Kwayana in conversation with Father Malcolm Rodrigues” on Wednesday

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) on Tuesday donated $500,000 to the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) to aid in the construction of a science laboratory.

According to Swami Aksharananda, the founder and Principal of the school, the learning institution which started 10 years ago with 35 students and five teachers, now has 475 students with 32 teachers.

The school has earned its place as a top secondary school in Guyana, producing outstanding students at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

Last year, one of its students, Rafena Mustapha was awarded the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Caribbean Humanities Award.

Swami Aksharananda said that in order to provide a more rounded education; the science component needs to be added to the school’s curriculum.

The not-for-profit school is offering Science to a batch of students this year, but there is need for a permanent Science laboratory.

GT&T has commended the efforts of the Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara school and expressed satisfaction to aid in efforts to further boost the level of educational output.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, May 30, 2014

Regional

US House of Representatives approves Venezuela sanctions T

he US House of Representatives has approved a bill to introduce sanctions against Venezuelan officials involved in human rights abuses.

The legislation calls for a travel ban on some members of the Venezuelan Government and for their assets in US banks to be frozen. The US Foreign Relations Committee advanced a similar bill last week.

At least 42 people have been killed since protests against President Nicolas Maduro began in February.

The victims are from both sides of the political divide in the South American nation.

President Maduro maintains that right-wing sectors inside and outside Venezuela had come together to create dissent and destabilise his Government.

“The United States Congress must stand ready to act on the cause of freedom and democracy around the globe,” Republican Representative Ileana RosLehtinen said during the de-

Colombia’s Zuluaga softens on FARC peace talks ahead of run-off vote

C

Protests carry on in the city of San Cristobal, where the antigovernment demonstrations began in early February

bate in the House.

The White House opposes sanctions against Maduro’s Government. It says such measures could undermine efforts to find a political solution to the crisis.

D e m o c r a t i c Representative Gregory Meeks says the bill will undermine efforts by regional leaders to encourage dialogue between the Government and the Opposition.

“This bill does not advance US interests. It sends a message to our regional allies that we do not care about what they think,” Meeks told Reuters.

Foreign Ministers from the UNASUR regional group left Caracas last week after the Opposition pulled out of talks.

The main Opposition group, the Democratic Unity Alliance (MUD), was angry at the Government’s refus-

al to release more than 200 people detained recently by Police.

US Secretary of State John Kerry accused the Government of failing to show good faith in the talks and said the US was “losing patience” with Venezuela.

Earlier on Wednesday, Venezuelan officials accused Opposition politician Maria Corina Machado of plotting with US officials to assassinate Maduro. (Excerpt from BBC News)

olombia’s Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, who faces President Juan Manuel Santos in a runoff vote on June 15, on Thursday backed away from a threat to end peace talks with Marxist rebels if elected, softening his stance on the election’s most pivotal issue.

Zuluaga, who won the most votes in a first round of voting on Sunday but not enough to avoid a run-off, is now neck and neck with Santos, a poll showed on Thursday, raising the suspense in the Andean nation’s tightest election in years.

The right-wing Zuluaga told Caracol radio that if elected, he would still demand that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, cease combat and criminal activity to continue the talks Santos initiated in late 2012, but would no longer immediately suspend talks as he promised

previously.

Zuluaga did not say how long he would give the FARC to declare a ceasefire, a condition it has rejected until now, but said he softened his stance at the request of Conservative Party leader Marta Lucia Ramirez in exchange for her support in the run-off vote campaign.

“We maintain our same conditions to advance the search for a negotiated peace,” Zuluaga told local radio. “We’ll allow the talks to continue.” He added that he would review what had been agreed upon so far during the closed-door discussions.

The question of how to end the country’s 50year conflict, during which 220,000 people have been killed, has been the campaign’s most prominent issue, with advancing negotiations appearing to put peace within closer reach than ever before. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentina in deal to pay US$10B debts TT homeless man: I was

A

rgentina has reached an agreement with the Paris Club group of international creditor Governments to repay its overdue debts over a five-year period.

The deal covers Argentine arrears of some US$9.7 billion.

The Government of President Cristina Kirchner said in 2008 that it wanted to pay back the debt inherited from the country’s 2001-02 default crisis.

During the last weeks of 2001, the Argentine Government defaulted on public debt totalling US$132 billion.

In a statement, the Paris Club said a first instalment of at least US$1.15 billion was due by May 2015. The next payment will then be due by May 2016.

“Realisation of initial payment under a formal commitment of Argentina to fully clear its arrears is a necessary and important step for the normali-

paid to carry racist placard

A In a statement, the Paris Club said a first instalment of at least US$1.15 billion was due by May 2015

sation of financial relationships between Paris Club creditors and Argentina,” the Paris Club said.

“During the meeting, the delegation of the Argentine Republic provided a description of the economic and financial situation of its country and presented the measures implemented by the Argentine Government aimed at en-

hancing inclusive growth and strengthening resilience to external shocks.”

The Paris Group also said the agreement allowed for credit agencies to resume doing business with Argentina. The Paris Club was formed in 1956.

It is an informal group of creditor Governments from major industrialised countries. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazilian corruption Judge Joaquim Barbosa to retire

T

he judge who oversaw the biggest corruption trial in Brazilian history has announced he is stepping down as President of the Supreme Court.

In an unexpected decision, Joaquim Barbosa, 59, said he was taking early retirement for personal reasons.

In 2003, he had become the first black judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court, taking the top job in 2012.

He had been rumoured to

be planning to run in October’s general election.

However he has denied such claims and the deadline to run for the post of President has passed, says the BBC’s Gary Duffy in Sao Paulo.

He will leave the Supreme Court at the end of June.

Announcing his retirement, Barbosa told the court in Brasilia: “I was fortunate and privileged to be a member of this court in the its most prolific, its

most important moment in the history of our country.”

Judge Barbosa became a high-profile figure during the Mensalao corruption trial in which more than 20 people were convicted, including top politicians from the governing Workers’ Party.

His stand during the 2012 trial made him hugely popular among many Brazilians, who praised his independence in the pursuit of justice. (Excerpt from BBC News)

41-year-old man, now at the centre of a fiery public debate and possible police investigation, for his involvement in a racist placard demonstration last week, Wednesday said he was paid to do so. In an exclusive interview with CNC3 Wednesday night, Norbert Cupid, who admitted to being homeless, said he was at Woodford Square, Port of Spain, as people assembled for JTUM’s protest march last Friday when he was approached by a man in a red jersey.

He said the man rounded up some other men and told them all that he had a job for them and would pay them TT$50 if they agreed to do it. He said the man then took them down to the waterfront, gave them red T-shirts and placards and told them to march

in front of Parliament. Cupid said the group complied, but while there a United National Congress supporter confronted one of them, hitting him in the face.

He said after they protested outside Parliament, they then joined the JTUM march before dumping the placards in a dumpster near the Customs and Excise Building. The men then went back to Woodford Square and collected their TT$50. Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has called on the Police to charge the group involved in the protest with sedition.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has ordered an immediate investigation into the display of racial placards. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

Jamaican Police seize 13 firearms, over 2000 rounds in two days

P

olice operating in Kingston West and St Catherine divisions said in less than 24 hours, they removed 13 firearms and more than 2000 rounds of ammunition from the possession of criminals.

The lawmen also apprehended a man they believe is the leader of Kingston’s notorious Scare Dem Crew Gang.

The police said they were able to accomplish this in separate incidents between Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29.

Reports are that about 13:30h on Wednesday, a team of officers were patrolling Red Pond, Frazers Content in St Catherine when a man was seen act-

ing suspiciously.

When approached by the lawmen, he allegedly threw a bag to the ground.

He was accosted and the bag retrieved, searched and a .38 revolver with one 9mm round found. He was taken into custody and according to the police formal charges will be laid.

About 05:20h on Thursday morning, Police officers carried out an operation on Percy Street in Denham Town, Kingston 14, which led to the apprehension of the leader of the Scare Dem Crew Gang and a female companion. An Uzi submachine gun, a .38 revolver, and a 9mm Bryco pistol containing three 9mm cartridges, were reportedly taken from the couple. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

15 Around the world FRIday, may 30, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Modi asks Ministers to set 100day goals, focus on governance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that the “most important” aspects include efficient governance, delivery and implementation of schemes and programmes

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked his Cabinet colleagues to set 100-day agendas with focus on efficient governance, delivery and implementation of programmes.

Saying progress of states is crucial to the country’s overall development, he also instructed his Ministers to give priority to issues brought by the state governments and the MPs. The directives were given

by Modi at a Cabinet meeting here in the context of his 10-point vision, which includes increasing investment, completing infrastructure projects in time-bound manner and exploiting the natural resources to the

country’s benefit.

To send out a similar message across the country, Modi is likely to address the nation, possibly after the brief Parliament session from June 4 to 11 during which President Pranab Mukherjee will address a joint sitting, outlining the Government’s agenda.

“The Prime Minister issued guidelines to the Ministers at the Cabinet meeting… He asked the Ministers to set a timetable for the first 100 days, listing the priorities,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu.

Modi emphasised that the “most important” aspects include efficient gov-

ernance, delivery and implementation of schemes and programmes, Naidu said in a briefing on the Cabinet meeting.

The Prime Minister has outlined a “roadmap” and asked Ministers to set the agenda for the first 100 days, Naidu said, adding efforts would be made to implement it.

Modi told his Cabinet colleagues, at the second meeting in two days, that he would be regularly meeting them as also the secretaries individually, Naidu said.

To a question, Naidu said issues like price rise, agriculture and women security would naturally be a priority as these are the focus areas of the BJP-led Government. (PTI)

Nigeria’s President orders full-scale offensive on Boko Haram

N

igeria’s President said on Thursday he had ordered “a full-scale operation” against Boko Haram Islamist militants and sought to reassure parents of 219 schoolgirls being held by the group that their children would be freed.

Speaking on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Goodluck Jonathan said he had authorised security forces to

use any means necessary under the law to ensure that Boko Haram, which operates in the country’s north-east, is defeated.

“I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism,” Jonathan said in a televised speech.

It was not immediately clear what such an offensive

might entail, given that the north-east of the country has been under a state of emergency and a full-scale military operation for a year.

Nigerian forces are also hugely overstretched.

“I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again and that these thugs will be driven away. It will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal,” Jonathan said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sisi elected Egyptian President by landslide

F

ormer Army Chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has won a landslide victory in the Egyptian presidential election, securing 93.3 per cent of the votes cast, judicial sources have said.

His only rival, leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi, got only three per cent of the votes. He conceded defeat on Thursday after saying the vote was unfair.

“The election process in itself and the democratic goal in the election was violated and lacked impartiality. We cannot give any credibility and we cannot believe the figures declared until now about the participation of the voters in this election,” Sabahi said.

Official Election Commission figures will likely be released next week, but are not expected to change much due to the wide gap in results.

Egypt’s presidential election was to be held over two days but was extended by

About 1000 people celebrated the result in Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of the 2011 uprising (AP)

another day amid concerns over low voter turnout. The poor turnout cast doubts about the level of public support for Sisi, who deposed the country’s first elected President, Mohamed Morsi, in a coup last year.

Voter turnout this time was 44.4 per cent, much lower than the election that brought Morsi to power in June 2012.

Fireworks were set off

in capital Cairo when results began to emerge. Sisi’s supporters waved Egyptian flags and sounded car horns on the crowded streets of the capital.

About 1000 people gathered in Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of a popular uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak in 2011, and raised hopes of a democracy free of influence from the military.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ukraine helicopter downed in fresh fighting

A

Ukrainian military helicopter has been shot down in Slovyansk, killing 14 people including an Army General, as rebels and Government forces fought fierce battles in the country’s east.

Also on Thursday, a convoy of pro-Russian separatists headed towards the Donetsk Airport which Government forces had recently recaptured.

The airport was the scene of heavy fighting that killed at least 50 proRussia fighters earlier in the week. The Government claims it has taken control of the site, but the separatists have taken the road

leading to it.

“Clearly that convoy was heavily loaded with weapons and ammunition,” Al Jazeera’s David Chater, reporting from Donetsk, said. “They are ready for a fight here.”

In Kiev, acting Ukraine President Oleksandr Turchynov told Parliament that pro-Russian groups using surfaceto-air missiles shot down the helicopter, which had been ferrying servicemen including General Serhiy Kulchytskiy, who was among the dead.

The Interfax news agency said Kulchytskiy had once served in the Soviet army and was in

charge of combat training for Ukraine’s National Guard.

A separatist spokesman had earlier told Russian news agencies that the armed group had downed a Ukrainian army helicopter in a fierce battle that was still raging on the southern outskirts of the rebel-controlled city.

The unnamed spokesman said “as a result of active military activities, several houses belonging to civilians caught fire”.

The attack came as separatists in Donetsk began holding funerals for dozens of fighters killed in the battle for the city’s airport on Monday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UN Council mulls authorising cross-border Syrian aid access

U

nited Nations Security Council members are considering a draft resolution to authorise crossborder aid deliveries into Syria at four points without Government consent, diplomats said on Thursday, after an earlier Council demand for greater access was ignored.

The 15-member Security Council achieved rare unity in unanimously approving a resolution in February that demanded rapid, safe and unhindered aid access in Syria, where a three-year civil war has killed more than 150,000 people.

But Deputy UN Aid Chief Kyung-wha Kang told the Council on Thursday that the

resolution had failed to make a difference. About 9.3 million people in Syria need help and 2.5 million have fled, according to the UN. Council members Australia, Luxembourg and Jordan have drafted a stronger follow-up resolution that UN diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said would authorise deliveries into Syria at specific points from Turkey, Iraq and Jordan to reach millions of Syrians in Opposition-held areas.

“Ninety per cent of the aid goes to Government held areas, it’s not getting to Syrians in zones which are controlled by the Opposition,” Australian UN Ambassador

Gary Quinlan told reporters after Kang’s briefing.

The resolution would threaten “measures” in the event of non-compliance, diplomats said. The draft has been circulated to the permanent five veto-wielding Council members – the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.

Negotiations are due to take place among the eight members in the coming days.

The draft text is under Chapter Seven, diplomats said, which would make it legally binding and enforceable with military action or other coercive measures such as economic sanctions. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Civil Defence members, rebel fighters, and civilians search for survivors at a site hit by what activists said was a barrel bomb dropped by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad

16 news

FRIday, may 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Guyana, US in pact to strengthen correctional services

T

he Government of Guyana in partnership with the US Embassy will be looking to strengthen the local correctional services as the two parties signed the third amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.

The Letter of Agreement, which was signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett and US Ambassador D Brent Hardt, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday, comes under the umbrella of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and will see the enhancement of Guyana’s capabilities in narcotics control and professionalisation of law enforcement.

After the signing, Minister Rodrigues Birkett pointed out that the Caribbean governments recognised the transnational nature of crime and the emergence of new threats; however, she noted that the region cannot face them alone; hence, the need for support to extended by the US to effectively combat the problem.

She noted that the US CBSI programme has yielded much success over the years, particularly since

justice in a personal way: in their neighbourhoods, in their schools, along their rivers and shorelines, and in their market place and the only way to achieve this is for our countries to forge a reliable, long-term partnership to build capacities and enhance international collaboration to meet the threats,” the Ambassador stated.

He continued that the Letter Of Agreement will see an additional US$850,000

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett and US Ambassador D Brent Hardt signing the agreement at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday

the signing of the first agreement in 2011. The Minister highlighted that the three boats which were recently donated by the US Government to the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, would go a long way in the country’s efforts to protect its maritime areas. She added that the US has assisted Guyana in several other areas.

“What would sometimes appear to be an increase of interdiction at our airport and at your airport, Ambassador, I’m sure is also

as a result of the multiplicity of training that our law enforcement officers and others have received and we should not discount this,” the Minister stated.

A success

Rodrigues Birkett went on to say that the CBSI programme has not only been successful in Guyana, but in other countries of the region.

The Foreign Affairs Minister extended her gratitude to the US Government for its part in helping Guyana in the area of security.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hardt noted that despite all that was accomplished over the years through the CBSI programme, there is still much more work to be done and the Letter Of Agreement will allow for that. He noted that the US is committed to working with the Guyana Government to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotics and illegal weapons while advancing public security and promoting social justice.

“We want the citizens of Guyana to see the benefits of improved security and social

Guyana to assist Nevis with health care

A

Nevis Minister of Health Mark Brantley with his team at yesterday’s press conference

health team from the island of Nevis visited Guyana for a Study Tour from May 26-29 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to extend the relationship between the two countries through health care.

The health team included the Nevis Health Minister, Mark Brantley; Dr John Essien, Medical Chief of Staff; Shelisa Martin Clarke, Health Planner; and Nurse Aldris Pemberton Dias, Matron.

Minister Brantley said the Study Tour was to have necessary conversations and to cement the bond between Nevis and Guyana as it relates to health.

In a press conference on Thursday, Minister

Brantley expressed his admiration for the level of training and possibilities available in Guyana, and with limited resources, the accomplishments Guyana has made is “nothing short of remarkable”.

Brantley also said that he thinks the people of Nevis can benefit a lot from the training and technical assistance available in Guyana and that this new relationship is a part of the closer collaboration spreading throughout the Caribbean.

The Nevis Health Minister expressed his gratitude to Guyana’s Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, for the opportunity to embark on such a project. Brantley said he and his team felt very com-

fortable in Guyana and this relationship is the start of something new for the two countries. Brantley also said that this project would also affect Guyanese who have been residing in Nevis, and give them a sense of pride for what their homeland has accomplished.

Nevis' and Guyana’s medical partnership is in relation to hemodialysis and Guyana is lending a helping hand in this regard.

A citizen of Nevis has been residing in Guyana for over a year receiving dialysis treatment at the GPHC. Minister Ramsaran is positive that Guyana can contribute to helping the Health Ministry of Nevis in setting up its dialysis unit.

Ramsaran also stated that a system is being developed

whereby nurses from Nevis can come to Guyana for training in dialysis treatment.

Dr John Essien explained that preparations for a hemodialysis unit are being put in place to provide service to a good portion of the population affected by chronic illnesses, especially diabetes and hypertension and due to various reasons, such as genetics and lifestyles, and improper care and treatment, this leads to renal failure.

Renal failure in the federation of St Kitts and Nevis can now be treated via peritoneal dialysis. However, the need is largely present for hemodialysis for some of the very ill patients. Essien says that he hopes that his visit to Guyana promotes something concrete for his country, in terms of guaranteeing that this service will be maintained, especially with the training possibilities he has noticed.

Brantley added that currently, patients from Nevis who suffer from renal failure have to leave the island to have dialysis elsewhere and as the Government, they have an obligation to make certain services available within the country, and though there are many social problems they are trying to solve, Brantley felt that Guyana's healthcare services are of good enough quality to have their patients here.

being plugged into boosting law enforcement's effectiveness and increasely Police capacity in fighting crime.

Apart from the CBSI initiative, over the years there have been several partnerships between the two countries, with Guyana benefitting from programmes such as the SKYE Project, which has provided training for over 1000 youths while over 300 have found full-time employment.

Hotel Tower workers promised payment by weekend

A

fter several protest exercises outside Hotel Tower on Saturday and Wednesday over unpaid salaries, the management of the entity has made a promise to pay the workers by this weekend.

Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) President Sherwood Clarke told Guyana Times that the decision was made after extensive deliberation with management and workers.

Clarke pointed out that while some of the workers are expected to be paid over the weekend, and will return to work on Monday, others have indicated that they will quit working with the company.

“Some will be paid this weekend, those who stay, those employees will be paid, but another set, they are leaving, so the company and the union will be working out severance packages,” the union representative said.

The severance packages, he pointed out, will be an allinclusive package that will include benefits and performance incentives which were not offered to workers during their tenure, such as transportation costs and entertainment allowances.

When questioned on whether he was certain that the hotel would be forthcoming on its promise given that it could have sold assets to pay employees to prevent the situation from escalating, Clarke, who seemed uncertain, told this publication that the managers have offered all assurances that the payments will be made.

Rejected

He contended that if the agreement is not honoured, the union will resume industrial action.

On Thursday, talks broke down between the management of the hotel and the union after the former had proposed that the employees return to work without being paid.

This proposal was sternly rejected by the workers.

“They want the workers to go back without pay and the workers said ‘no’, they

are not going,” said Clarke.

Subsequent to a meeting on Wednesday, the doors of the hotel remained locked and the workers once more had gathered in anticipation of receiving their salaries after the deliberations.

On Monday, the hotel in a release said that it will be making steps to facilitate payment to staff members who were affected by the abrupt closure of the hotel.

The cash-strapped entity had explained that the decision taken by management was a last resort.

“It was taken, especially given the number of employees that were likely to be affected. In recent times, the hotel has seen a dramatic decline in business and despite the best efforts of management the hotel was still unable to meet certain financial obligations.”

The company explained that although it is “asset rich”, it does not have sufficient cash to pay its employees, hence, the temporary suspension of operations.

“Management is aware that the employees have families and dependants to provide for and sincerely regrets any hardship caused by the decision to close the hotel,” the company had said.

It was also pointed out that as a result of a lack of funds electricity at the company was cut on May 24.

With respect to the guests who were staying at the hotel when the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) disconnected electricity to the building, it was related that arrangements were made for them to access “alternative” facilities.

Just about 40 Hotel Tower workers on Saturday took to the streets in front of the establishment, protesting the decision by the company to abruptly close its operations, and not pay them.

The workers had said that they were called into a meeting and informed of the abrupt closure.

However, upon Clarke’s instruction, they returned to work the following day, only to find the doors chained.

news

17

FRIday, may 30, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar to Opposition: Pass AML/CFT Bill unconditionally

President Donald Ramotar

P

resident Donald Ramotar on Thursday evening called upon the Opposition to unconditionally pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, to limit the harm already done by the latest move by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to refer Guyana to its parent body, the Financial Action Task Force.

During an address to the nation, the Head of State said, “I will assent to such a bill as soon as it is sent to me

by the National Assembly.”

The President noted that in spite of regional, international and local voices, the Opposition stubbornly refused to support the passage of a CFATF-compliant Bill.

“In so doing, they have now put in danger our country’s financial system. Moreover, they have now endangered the very welfare of all of our citizens.”

His announcement came on the heels of the conclusion of the 39th Meeting of the CFATF held May 26- 29, 2014, which saw Guyana being the subject of a CFATF review, as a result of the National Assembly not passing the necessary legislation that is the AML/CFT Bill, and being referred to FATF. According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the President noted that CFATF has issued a public statement informing the world that Guyana poses serious risks to the international financial system, and “called upon the rest of the world to take measures to protect their systems from those risks”.

Opposition Leader David Granger

Enhanced, systematic reporting

On the issue of the measures that will be implemented against Guyana, he said, “The measures at this stage could include the requirement of enhanced due diligence; introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refusing the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana, or otherwise taking into account the fact

that the relevant financial institution is from a country that does not have adequate AML/CFT systems and limiting the business relationships or financial transactions with Guyana or persons in our country, among others.”

The President reminded citizens that Government has done everything possible to pass the legislation through the National Assembly. “A CFATF compliant Bill was laid in Parliament since April 22, 2013 by the Administration.

Had it been passed then, Guyana would not be in this situation today. The Opposition demanded that it be sent to a Special Select Committee because they had amendments.

They proposed no amendments, the Government then returned the Bill to Parliament in November 2013. The Opposition voted it down. In December, the Bill was returned to Parliament and again the Opposition demanded that it go to a Special Select Committee for them to make amendments. They only proposed amendments

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

in February 2014, just before a CFATF review meeting later that month.”

He also explained that a CFATF assessor (Roger Hernandez) was invited to look at the amendments, and “at a meeting held of the Special Select Committee on February 21, 2014, he expressed the view that the Opposition’s amendments were not CFATF compliant. He spoke to the media and the business community and expressed the same opinion.”

The President remind-

ed that even regional leaders had called for the legislation’s passage by the Opposition, but to no avail.

“Caricom Leaders at the Heads of Government meeting in St Vincent urged Guyana to pass the legislation to prevent the unnecessary hardship to our people and the rest of the region. Individual Caricom Leaders, the Organisation of American States, local business, labour, banking, insurance and farming communities also made several appeals to have this legislation urgently passed. The Chairperson, the CEO of CFATF, also visited Guyana and again urged that the CFATF compliant Bill be passed. Moreover, exhortations by the diplomatic community here also pointed to the dangers and urged that we pass this Bill.”

President Ramotar has reiterated on several occasions that Government was willing to meet at any time to pass the legislation, while urging the political Opposition not to endanger the country’s financial sector through their actions or lack thereof.

CDB urged to speed up disbursement of loans

Newly-elected CDB Chairman, Dr Denzil Douglas addressing the Governors and regional officials during the closing ceremony

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

T

he 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors culminated on Thursday here with incoming Chairman, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas calling on the bank to accelerate the pace at which it disburses loans.

“The disbursement rate is critical to the bottom line of the bank and can make a real difference in the growth prospects for Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs),” Dr Douglas, who is also his country’s Finance Minister, told the closing ceremony of the meeting.

He said that in some instances, projects had been approved nearly five years

ago and the loans have not been disbursed. He also urged the bank to be “more focused on maintaining relevance to its constituents, improve on efficiency and responsiveness”. Dr Douglas, said that the CDB also should seize “the present and emerging opportunities to expand the use of policybased loan and guarantee instruments and to develop new products tailored to the needs of the clientele it serves.

“The annual development effectiveness report is a good start; however, the bank must enhance its systems to ensure full integration of the wealth of information generated by these reports.”

Dr Douglas said the world is rapidly changing and it is therefore imper-

ative for the development bank to effect the necessary changes by acting as a catalyst for change and adaptation in the Caribbean region.

Alluding to St Kitts and Nevis, the Prime Minister said the island’s ability to revive its economy is highly linked to change, creativity and innovation.

“The performance of the bank is central in tackling the major issues related to competitiveness, to renewable energy and high electricity costs, to the increasing threats posed by climate change, achieving sustainable growth, arresting high unemployment and breathing new life into the elusive goal of private sector development,” he said.

According to him, the trusted partnership must be put to work, alongside its other strengths, contending that the reform has been on the agenda “for some time now”, but it is time to deliver.

“We must not lose sight of the prize, that is, the opportunity to deliver on the mandate of the bank, to make a lasting impact in the lives of the people in each of the borrowing member countries,” he admonished fellow Governors and CDB members.

Meanwhile, Governors have urged the management of the bank to sharpen their focus. During a roundtable discussion, the governors provided guidance to the management in crafting the bank’s strategic plan for the 2015-2019 cycle.

Minutes before, the chairmanship was hand-

CDB Chairman and Prime Minister Denzil Douglas (centre) in the presence of the CDB President, Dr Warren Smith (left) and outgoing Chairman, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, along with other officials

ed over to Dr Douglas by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

Praise

CDB President Dr Warren Smith had reported that the Governors have applauded the financial institution for securing “the upgrade of the outlook on its credit rating from negative to stable”. This positive shift materialised due to comprehensive team effort deployed

by CDB’s staff to provide credible responses to the queries of the rating agency, both within CDB and BMCs. Despite measurable achievement, BMCs continue to face several challenges.

“Many Governors commended the bank for the sig-

nificant progress made in improving its risk management framework, and acknowledged its role in the removal of the negative outlook on the credit rating,” the CDB President added.

In propelling the work of the regional financial institution, the governors called for major emphasis to be placed on the management of the delicate balance between the development mandate and the need to act in a manner that is consistent with the bank’s risk tolerance.

They also championed the cause for continued collaboration between development partners in addressing the sovereign debt and financial sector challenges that

are facing the BMCs, particularly in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“The increased limit on policy-based operations places the bank in a relatively strong position to work closely with the affected countries to resolve these challenges. CDB also intends to partner with other developments agencies, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to define comprehensive solutions to the debt and financial sector issues,” Dr Smith said. The 45th Annual Meeting of CDB’s Board of Governors will be held in 2015 in St Kitts and Nevis. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, MAY 30, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Don’t take part in gossip. Protect your reputation regardless of what others do. Stay out of the spotlight and work diligently to live up to your responsibilities. Actions speak louder than words.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) You are probably in need of a little pampering.

A relaxing day at the spa or an energetic session at the gym will prepare you for a romantic evening.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) You will feel better about yourself if you get rid of a bad habit. Selfimprovement will help you shed negativity, making way for a confident, goal-oriented mindset.

Peanuts ARIES (March 21-April 19)

SUDOKU

Love and laughter will surround you. Now is a good time to spice up your romantic life. Socializing or an intimate tete-a-tete will enhance your existence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Your schedule appears to be hectic, which will lead to a costly error if you don’t slow down and think matters through carefully. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Don’t fall prey to a fasttalking stranger. Keep your eye on your money and refuse any offers that seem too good to be true.

Caution is the name of the game.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Offer your time to a cause that you feel passionate about. You can make life easier for others with a little effort. Your own problems will seem relatively small.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Delegate your responsibilities. If you don’t put in an honest effort, you will not honor a commitment. This will cause problems with an authority figure that will compromise your position.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) A romantic encounter is in the stars. Don’t question what’s being offered, just plan to enjoy the moment and see where it leads. Social functions will offer an interesting alternative.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Stick to your own affairs today. You will have to refrain from commenting on the way others do things. A friendship may be jeopardized if you are too opinionated.

Wednesday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Someone will make you feel overly sensitive today. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself, when you should be looking for something to do that enriches your life and leads to new acquaintances.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Someone close to you will show interest in your personal life. This can lead to an offer of help that will allow you greater freedom to follow interesting pursuits.

friday, may 30, 2014

Guyana Festival welcomes another cricket legend – Clayton Lambert W

19

Narine surprised by batsmen’s failure to decode him

F

ormer Guyana and West Indies cricketer, Clayton Lambert, has joined the impressive lineup of players for the Guyana Festival cricket match, to be staged on August 9th, 2014 at the Guyana National Stadium from 16:00h to 18:00h.

This exciting competition, which will see the Masters team pitted against the President’s XI, forms part of the Guyana Festival games, which will also include a football match; the Festival officials have assured that spectators will be entertained as Guyana’s past and present ‘greats’ in the cricket fraternity meet on the field.

Some of the famous names that have already been confirmed for the cricket game include Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Carl Hooper, Lennox Cush, Mahendra

Clayton Lambert

Nagamotoo, Clive Lloyd, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, and Trevon Griffith.

The teams will comprise other big names in cricket which will be revealed at a

later date.

These games are just a component of the activities planned for the three days of the Guyana Festival being held under the theme: “Sound, Soul and Taste”; this inaugural event comprises a mixture of the country’s traditional music, dance, food, arts and craft being exhibited at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from August 8 to 10.

This three-day event is being marketed in North America and the Caribbean, and is aimed at creating international awareness about Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage and the country’s tourism product.

The much-anticipated event was launched on April 2 at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

On day one, there will be

an air show, followed by an international concert with drumming and lots of food..

Day three will see the electrifying National Cookoff with food from every corner and every culture of Guyana represented at the Guyana National Stadium. There will also be a Generation Next concert with local artistes such as Adrian Dutchin, Jumo Primo, and Vanilla.

On every evening of the Festival there will be Coney Island rides for the entire family, an arts and craft exhibition and sale, and a wide variety of food and drinks on sale.

Festival passports will be available to commemorate the event, and will contain discount coupons from the sponsors; autographs from Clive Lloyd, Dave Martins and other stars as well as President Donald Ramotar.

est Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine says he is surprised that his bowling technique, which has been a consistent nightmare for batsmen the world over, has not yet been decoded.

The Trinidadian spinner has hoodwinked most batsmen across three seasons of the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) with a host of variations, but says he is not worried that batsmen will figure out his technique.

“Sometimes I am surprised that they already haven’t with all the technology available nowadays,” Narine told the Hindu.

“I do not fear that though, as I only concentrate on working harder and just focus on trying to do my bit as best as I can.”

Narine’s economy rate of 5.65 is the best in the IPL, containing batsmen and holding the record for the most four-wicket hauls in

the league.

He has picked up 20 or more wickets in three consecutive editions of the IPL, 24 wickets in 2012, 22 wickets in 2013 and 20 so far in 2014.

“I do try and be accurate more often as that’s always the key,” said Narine.

“Variations in this format are always a very good option to have as they have the batsmen guessing”.

Narine’s numbers in Tests are below par, averaging over 40 and a strike rate touching 80.

“It’s something I am still trying to learn and understand,” Narine said.

“I am sure if I work hard at it and continue to get opportunities I will get better at bowling in that format.

Endurance and patience are the key [factors] in Tests.”

Narine’s Kolkata Knight Riders secured their spot in the final of the IPL with a 28-run victory over Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.

Super Kings v Kings XI, qualifier 2, IPL, Mumbai…

CSK seek their sixth final, Kings XI their first

C

hennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab have contrasting IPL histories. While Super Kings have made it past the group stage in all seven seasons - and five finals - Kings XI are yet to make a final. Their best showing was reaching the semis in 2008. The difference is stark though Kings XI, with their revamped squad, look formidable.

Kings XI was the one team Super Kings failed to outclass in both attempts in the league stages. They have one more chance to rectify that - in the second playoff.

Super Kings’ weak link - the bowling - was highlighted in both games as Kings XI posted 200-plus scores. The teams had contrasting fortunes on Wednesday, with Super Kings riding on momentum after brushing aside Mumbai Indians comfortably.

Super Kings could have been chasing in excess of 190, had it not been for the control shown by their bowl-

Glenn Maxwell tormented Super Kings in both games. Can he do it again?

ers, stifling the batsmen with variations in pace, and careless batting by Mumbai towards the end of their innings. MS Dhoni blamed poor catching as one of the reasons for their sudden

three-match blip ahead of the playoffs. They had managed to set that right in their last two games and approach their second knockout game feeling more positive. Batting was never

going to be Super Kings’ worry. If their bowling can hold it together, Super Kings are likely to be in their sixth final in seven seasons.

Having exhausted a lifeline, Kings XI have their second shot at the final. A listless performance with the bat against Kolkata Knight Riders might have indicated they were running out of steam, but if they weren’t compelled to keep an eye on DuckworthLewis, the script could have been different. The batsmen were flustered by the threat of a washout and the need to keep up with the par score and yet preserve wickets, but with every passing over, Knight Riders’ superior bowling pinned them down.

Consistency has been the hallmark of Kings XI’s campaign and they have not lost two games in a row. Having come this far, they cannot afford another bad day for it will thwart their first final appearance.

In the first meeting, in Abu Dhabi, sixties by

Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum powered Super Kings to 205 but the target was cut down to size in spectacular fashion by Kings XI’s Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell’s switch hits and reverse sweeps stunned Super Kings as he smashed 95 off 43 balls, David Miller made a clinical 54 as Kings XI coasted with an over to spare. It wasn’t the last Super Kings saw of Maxwell.

In Cuttack, a “home” game for Kings XI, Maxwell carried on from where he finished, pounding 90 off 38 balls to lift Kings XI to the season highest 231. Super Kings never threatened the target but still managed 187.

Watch out for

Sixty-four runs off 24 balls at a strike-rate of 266.67 - that’s Maxwell v Ashwin in IPL 2014. R Ashwin is yet to dismiss him and as those figures suggest, it has been one-way traffic.

Ashwin has compulsively bowled round the wicket to the right-handers and bowl-

ing on the pads to create an awkward angle but Maxwell so far has made a mockery of it. But after Super Kings’ win over Mumbai on Wednesday, Ashwin had a message for Maxwell on camera. Though the interview had finished, Ashwin alerted the interviewer for a postscript. He said he would bowl over the wicket to Maxwell, as if throwing open a challenge.

Parvinder Awana has had a stop-start IPL campaign and in his five games, has taken a wicket in each except the first qualifier. However, Kings XI’s Sandeep Sharma is still among the top five wickettakers for the season but has been benched in the last few games. With the game in Mumbai, swing could be a factor. Mumbai Indians’ Praveen Kumar troubled Dwayne Smith at the Wankhede earlier this month with his swing. That could encourage Sandeep’s inclusion, for he is a bowler in the Praveen mould. (Cricinfo)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, may 30, 2014

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer reach third round of French Open D

efending champion Rafael Nadal reached the third round of the French Open with a straight-sets victory over Austria's Dominic Thiem.

The Spaniard, who has won a record eight times at Roland Garros, recovered from being broken in the third set to record a 6-2 6-2 6-3 victory.

Fifth seed David Ferrer eased to a straight-sets win over Simone Bolelli.

Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic were among the leading women to progress.

Both Ferrer and Nadal will be pleased with their clinical performances - the

Rafael Nadal

latter extending his record at Roland Garros to 61 victories and just one defeat.

Thiem, 20, was the youngest player to reach the second round and he brief-

ly troubled Nadal with his booming inside-out forehands but the champion eventually prevailed before applauding his opponent at the end. (BBC Sport)

Former Microsoft CEO Ballmer to buy LA Clippers for $2 billion: LA Times

F

ormer Microsoft Corp chief executive Steve Ballmer has won the bidding for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers franchise with a $2 billion offer, the

Los Angeles Times newspaper reported on Thursday.

Ballmer outbid two groups, one led by media mogul David Geffen that offered $1.6 billion and an-

other from Los Angeles investors who bid $1.2 billion, the Times reported without identifying its source.

Ballmer's spokesperson had no immediate comment.

(Reuters)

Rickie Lambert: Liverpool close to signing Southampton striker

L

iverpool are close to agreeing a deal for Southampton and England striker Rickie Lambert for a fee of around £4m plus add-ons.

The Reds are hopeful Lambert will be able to complete a medical on Saturday before flying out to Miami with the England squad on Sunday.

The Liverpool-born forward is intent on leaving St Mary's this summer.

Southampton rejected a similar bid from West Ham in January but are set to cash in on the 32-year-old.

Southampton have turned down Liverpool's initial offer for Lambert, but talks are continuing and if Saints receive a bid they

deem acceptable they will not stand in his way.

There has been interest in Lambert from other Premier League clubs, but it is understood he is currently only considering Liverpool.

Lambert spent five years as a youth player at Anfield before being released as a 15-year-old and he still supports the Reds.

He scored 14 goals in 39 games this season and has 117 in 235 appearances since joining Southampton from Bristol Rovers in 2009.

Liverpool remain in talks with Southampton over deals for both England midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren, 24.

The Anfield club have

also made an enquiry for Sevilla full back Alberto Moreno, 21, and told the Spanish side they are willing to pay as much as £16m for the player.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has left to take over at Tottenham, and the Saints have already turned down offers this summer for Lallana and left-back Luke Shaw, from Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

The south coast club, who finished eighth in the Premier League, are under no financial pressure to sell and are determined not to be pressurised into sanctioning deals by suitors keen to make signings before the World Cup. (BBC Sport)

Rory McIlroy leads with opening round of 63 at Memorial

R

ory McIlroy leads the Memorial Tournament by three shots after carding a nineunder-par 63 on the opening day in Dublin, Ohio.

McIlroy followed up his victory in the PGA Championship last week with an impressive round despite sustaining a knee injury on the seventh hole.

England's Paul Casey, Masters champion Bubba Watson and fellow American Chris Kirk are tied at six un-

der.

Luke Donald is one under par, while Justin Rose shot one over.

McIlroy, who announced his split from fiancee Caroline Wozniacki at Wentworth, carded seven birdies, two eagles and a double bogey on the 14th despite struggling with the onset of a knee problem.

He told the Golf Channel: "I felt it on my second shot on seven. My foot might have got stuck in the ground. I'll

have a physio look at it. It was painful after I hit shots and I sort of walked it off before the next one.

"This is a new injury. I've never really struggled with my knees before. I tweaked my back last Friday at Wentworth, I'm still struggling with that.

"I guess I put it out of my mind when I was over the golf shots and pretended it wasn't there and tried to hit the best shots I could."

Blyden vows another good showing in Canada this season

By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto

M

arquee all-rounder Travis Blyden is promising his fans another good showing in Canada this season, enjoying his stint in Trinidad and Tobago which concluded recently.

Since his first appearance in North America three years ago, the right-hander has done impressively well and is now confident of replicating those performances for Civics Cricket Club.

His instrumental role last year will see the club moving up to the Elite level in the 2014 Toronto and District Cricket Association tournament which has already begun.

They won the Premier division and are very optimistic that the club should ably match their skills in this category as well.

His achievements in the previous edition are also serving as great encouragement for the occasional legspinner, while he attributed most of his successes to several former Guyana players for their advice and encouragement.

Former West Indies player Keith Semple, who also represented Civics Sports Club, was among the past cricketers who supported Blyden in different ways.

He also acknowledged ex-senior Guyana players Neil Barry, Kenneth Wong

Travis Blyden

and Roderick Lovell for their personal and tangible inputs to make his cricket career enjoyable so far.

“I just want to thank these guys for helping in my career so far; last year in Canada was great for me especially to touch gloves with Semple, Wong and my other team-mates; I [am] once again looking forward to make a good impression when I come up in Canada,” Blyden stated via email.

His desire to attire in the Guyana’s colours at the highest level still remains strong and felt he has been a consistent scorer over the years in club cricket to get an opportunity to display his talent.

“I want to play for Guyana at the highest level and I know runs are very important; I travel around to be involved in the game

on a regular basis and get the necessary exposure; but as I said, getting at the top I have to keep making runs and maintain a disciplined attitude,” the former Guyana under-19 reserve player mentioned.

During his time in Trinidad and Tobago, Blyden said his team Evergreen Cricket Club played brilliant cricket in both the twoday and limited-over tournaments. In the longer format, Blyden emerged as one of the top batsmen, accumulating over 800 runs from 11 games, inclusive of three centuries (162, 139 and 105 not out).

According to the Guyana Defence Force player, these innings will definitely be inspirational for him to churn out greater performances for Civics as soon as he starts off the season.

“I want to continue with this good form; I love playing in Canada and those performances for my club in Trinidad should impress the selectors back home; I shall be in Guyana later this year to vie for a spot in the intercounty team which will be used to select the national squad,” Blyden emphasised.

On his inaugural visit to T&T early in 2009, Blyden produced by scoring consistently and heavily while he grabbed over 20 wickets from eight 50-over matches and his first trip to Canada in 2011 is also unforgettable.

French Open 2014: Heather Watson beaten by Simona Halep

H

eather Watson's French Open campaign ended with a battling loss to fourth seed Simona Halep on Court

One. The Romanian broke serve five times in a 6-2 6-4 second-round win that took one hour and 19 minutes.

Halep is the second-highest seed left in the tournament and now faces Spain's Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor.

Watson, who had won her previous nine matches, will regain the British number one ranking from the injured Laura Robson next month.

The 22-year-old from Guernsey had enjoyed a terrific run of form that saw her win 11 matches in May alone as she battles her way back up the rankings after illness and injury last year.

Halep proved too much for the Briton, however, her accuracy keeping Watson constantly on the move and giving her very little to attack.

"She played well, but I didn't feel she was a total different level," said Watson, who revealed that she had been playing with a sprained ankle since last week.

"I felt she took advantage of a blip I had in the first set of not making many balls.

"That's what they do, the top players they don't make any unforced errors. I know what I need to work on, but I also know that I'm not far off."

Watson recovered an early break of serve but slipped behind again in game five and, despite the encouragement of Argentine coach Diego Veronelli sitting courtside, she was finding the going increasingly heavy.

Halep, 22, began to dominate the Watson serve, winning nearly 60 per cent of the

Heather Watson

points, and another break gave her the opening set in 34 minutes.

Watson hit a rasping backhand winner down the line to stave off an early break point in the second set but again the Romanian got the better of three breaks to take control.

There was no chance of Watson throwing in the towel and she had one last opportunity with a break-back point when Halep served for the match, but her return found the net.

A Halep backhand down the line set up a second match point and she thumped away a forehand winner, leaving Watson to smack her racquet on the clay in frustration.

"That last game could have really changed it," added Watson. "I felt she was a bit nervous in that last game. So was I, and I didn't take advantage.

"I'm disappointed that I didn't do better today. I really expected more from myself. It happens, and I'll just take these weeks as a positive for the grass." (BBC Sport)

SPORTS

YELLOW PAGES

friday, may 30, 2014

dentistry

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School, Lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Obtain an International Driver’s Permit that covers 123 countries. Call 227-3869 or Like us on Facebook.

EDUCATION Need private tutoring or lessons for CXC Mathematics forms 1-5? Call 223-6941/685-9590

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

FOR SALE Large two-flat house at Richmond Hill Linden. Phone: 226-9424, 662-0094, 609-6327 or 673-4516.

health Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592-621-0552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:00-6:00PM. Mondays-Fridays.

Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc.

Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today. optician

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda.

Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-MeerZorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

property for sale One two-storey, three bedroom concrete property located at Parfaite Harmonie. Price $16M. Call 622-1782 or 658-5803

Classified Ads

services Cooltech Repair Service and Sales. All types of air conditioning, refrigeration, washing machine etc. Call 233-2008, 675-4959 Repairs and parts for fridges, freezers, AC, washers and gas stoves. Phone: 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick)

spirituality Get your home or business spiritually clean to enhance good luck and prosperity. Telephone: 687-5653 Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-6901824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anewlife@live.com Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirits, bad luck, evil, sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to businesses. Call: 612-6417, 220-0708, 6875653.

Suriname Astrology Palmist and Djuka Healing, the most powerful spiritualist in the world. Are you suffering from the following problems (any religion) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband & wife relationship, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking? Also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeah, etc and give powerful protection. We also do upliftment for clearing of land, dredging operations strictly in the interior. For private and confidential service call 674-2112.

Spiritualist loves your problem!

Love, prosperity, business, illness, removes bad luck & evil. Removal of black magic etc. Phone: 674-8603.

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES. 24hrs miracle line - 322-5081/337-4510/3374259/337-4021/337-3070/3375103 For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues. Call now. Jesus cares.

TO let

One furnished house in immaculate condition at Lamaha Gardens suitable for residence and office. US$2,500 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One modern 3 bedroom apartment at Campbellville US$1,300 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One bond 135,000 square foot at Beterverwagting, ECD US$10,000. Call 219-4535 or 661-7169.

Spacious 8-bedroom top flat; 3 bathrooms; 2 balconies; light & water negotiable. US$2,500 monthly. Lot 3233 Dr Miller Street, Triumph, ECD next to Republic Bank proposed building site. Phone: 220-2254/2202130/624-7111.

Seven-room bungalow. Ideal for students, groups, short & long term rental - Triumph, ECD. Phone: 2202130/624-7111/622-7097.

$5+VAT

per word

Call: 226-9921

Self contained apartments, fully furnished. Phone: 220-2130/6247111/622-7097.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177.

A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

21

Demerara Park to host Guinness football national playoff – winner to represent Guyana at Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge

4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 622-7740 Nissan Titan, very good condition leather interior, fully loaded $2.5M negotiable. Call: 620-1026.

BMW 525i, M body kit, excellent condition, low mileage, price negotiable. Call: 620-1026

WANTED One female babysitter to work in Georgetown and must be from Georgetown. Age 40-45. Must be willing to work late. Call 614-5711 between 9am - 5pm.

Georgetown champions Queen Street- Tiger Bay would look to go all the way and win the national playoff this weekend (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

E

ight street football teams will throw down the gauntlet this weekend when the national playoff of the annual Guinness Greatest of the Streets football competition is staged at Demerara Park (Banks DIH Parking Lot).

Drawn from three zonesGeorgetown, Linden and East Coast Demerara- the teams will be coming hard at each other with the ultimate aim of copping the coveted title as national champion. Such a success would also give them automatic entry into the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge as Guyana’s representative at the June 6-8 event in Trinidad and Tobago.

The national playoff will take the form of a roundrobin/knockout with the eight teams divided into two groups.

Group ‘A’ includes Georgetown champion Queen Street- Tiger Bay, Albouystown ‘B’ (Georgetown) and Linden sides Retrieve Unknowns and Wismar Housing Scheme. Group ‘B’ comprises

Linden zone winner Eagles and reigning East Coast champs Melanie ‘A’, along with Georgetown teams Stevedore Housing Scheme and Hope Street- Tiger Bay. According to the tournament schedule issued by the Petra Organisation on Thursday, the first two rounds of matches will be contested on Saturday, while round three, the third- place playoff and the grand final are fixed for Sunday.

In round one on Saturday, Stevedore Housing Scheme will face Melanie ‘A’ from 19:30h, followed by Queen Street- Tiger Bay versus Wismar Housing Scheme at 20:00h, Eagles against Hope Street- Tiger Bay at 20:30h and Retrieve Unknowns versus Albouystown ‘B’ at 21:00h.

Round two, which kicks off at 21:15h, will see Eagles against Melanie ‘A’, Retrieve Unknowns tackling Wismar Housing Scheme at 21:45h, Stevedore Housing Scheme facing Hope Street- Tiger Bay at 22:15 h and Queen Street- Tiger Bay confronting Albouystown ‘B’ from

22:45h.

Round three on Sunday will commence at 20:00h with Eagles trading skills with Stevedore Housing Scheme, followed by Melanie ‘A’ playing Hope Street- Tiger Bay at 20:30h, Albouystown ‘B versus Wismar Housing Scheme at 21:15h and Queen StreetTiger Bay facing Retrieve Unknowns at 21:45h.

At the completion of the three rounds, the semi-finals will take place with the winner of Group ‘B’ facing the runner-up of Group ‘A’ and the winner of Group ‘A’ tackling the runner-up of Group ‘B’.

After the semi-finals, there will be two exhibition games, followed by the third -place playoff at 22:00h and the grand final an hour later.

The local leg of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets football competition is being sponsored by Banks DIH Limited with Petra Organisation, headed by Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole, being the chief organising group. (Avenash Ramzan)

Froome anti-doping claims investigated by UCI

T

he UCI is investigating claims by defending champion Chris Froome that he has not been drug-tested at a Tour de France training camp.

The Briton, 29, also claimed there had been no tests for leading riders Alberto Contador and Vincenzo Nibali.

“We’re looking into the matter with the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation,” the sport’s governing body told BBC Sport.

Froome said it was “very disappointing” not to have been tested while training

in Tenerife during the last two weeks.

He wrote on Twitter: “Three major TDF contenders staying on Mount Teide and no out of competition tests for the past two weeks.”

Froome has been highaltitude training with Sky team-mates in the area around Mount Teide ahead of the Criterium du Dauphine in June and the Tour de France, which starts in Yorkshire on July 5.

Froome, the 2013 winner of France’s annual race, later followed up with a further

tweet, which said: “To clarify, I am one of those three and I think it’s in all our best interests to be able to prove we are clean no matter where we train.”

The UCI has responsibility for anti-doping tests.

Riders are obliged to provide the UCI with their whereabouts at all times to allow random anti-doping tests as part of the scheme which provides a biological passport.

The UCI responded on Thursday by insisting Froome’s allegations would be investigated. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, may 30, 2014

‘I used to be the messiest Hutson dishes on World Junior team player in the West P Indies dressing room’ – Ramnaresh Sarwan talks about scoring six fours in a Test over, struggling to find a helmet that fit, and lessons from watching Brian Lara Interview by Jack Wilson

W

hen you started out as a kid playing cricket in Guyana, could you ever have imagined you would captain your country?

As a young player, it’s always the ultimate honour to represent your country and perform for them.

With the captaincy, as time goes by you gain experience and people look at you and assess your credentials. It was a great feeling for me when I was made captain.

So many great players have captained the West Indies team through the years.

You have played 286 times for West Indies. Do you think you will ever add to that?

Quite frankly, with the players that are about now, I think it will be difficult. I’ll just try to keep doing what I’m doing and scoring runs.

On June 23, 2006, you wrote yourself into the history books. Do you know why?

Was I the youngest player to get to 5000 runs?

No, you hit six fours in an over against India off Munaf Patel.

Yes, I did! Although, I got a bit of luck. One of them I got an inside edge past the stumps and another went past Yuvraj Singh, who dived. It was all done pretty instinctively.

You used to wear a bandana under your helmet but now you don’t.

Why? Before I wore a bandana because the helmet was a bit too big for me. I could never find the right size to wear and the bandana supported me and made my head a bit bigger. When I found the right size I got rid of the bandana.

What is the best innings you have ever played?

The 105 I made against Australia in 2003, when we chased 418 on the final day.

The way I played made it the pick of my innings. It gave me confidence to kick on at that stage of my career.

Where were you when you received your first Test call-up?

resident of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, revealed that the World Junior Championship team is still not known at this point.

With the recent performances of US- based athlete Brenessa Thompson in the 100 metres, Huston stressed that it is the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) that basically

sponsors the team.

“They [IAAF] will normally send all the tickets for the athletes that qualify and they take care of accommodation and meals and everything, so we are basically waiting on the IAAF,” Hutson noted.

While World Junior silver medallist Kadecia Baird and Carifta bronze medallist Jason Yaw are expected to be in receipt of sponsorship by the IAAF, Hutson was a bit skeptical with US- based sprinter

Brenessa Thompson.

“I asked Nicola (Martial) to send her results and we will send it to the IAAF to verify… I time she ran I don’t think she ran it at an IAAF meet, but we will still verify because to send an athlete there calls for deep pockets,” Hutson noted.

The World Junior Championships is set for Eugene, Oregon, United States of America and will run from July 22 to July 27.

GT preparing strong for Linden rematch

By Treiston Joseph

T

“My first Test shirt is safely in the wardrobe”

I’d just played a game in Guyana. They gave me a call on my landline to tell me I was in the squad.

Where do you keep your first Test shirt?

Safely in the wardrobe.

Which of your teammates past or present has the best arm?

Dwayne Smith.

Which one bowler did you hate facing in the nets?

Tino Best.

Who was the messiest in the West Indies dressing room?

I’ve got to say myself. I have my stuff all over the place.

Who is the biggest joker?

Chris Gayle. Everything he does in the dressing room is funny. He is so laidback and he makes everyone laugh. The “Gangnam Style” stuff is a typical example.

We know the West Indies love a dance. Who has the best moves?

Dwayne Bravo.

What is the biggest thing you learned from playing with Brian Lara?

Batsmanship. The way he goes about building an innings and the way he knows when to pick on bowlers.

What is the worst injury you have seen on a cricket field?

Rahul Dravid got hit by Merv Dillon once [back in 2002]. It struck him on the helmet, which was pretty nasty.

If someone came up to you and handed you a book, and you started reading it and realised it was a book about your entire life, would you read it until the end?

No way. There’d be too much stuff I wouldn’t want to know!

How does a night out in Guyana compare to a night out in Leicestershire?

It’s very quiet in Leicestershire! The music is totally different. Back home in Guyana the music is better to dance to. There’d be a lot more dancing there.

he Georgetown women will look to avenge their loss to Linden on May 31 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) hosts the final day of their Inter-Association basketball tournament.

Linden gained the upper hand over Georgetown on the opening night of the competition, with 59-44 blowout win over the city females and will look to replicate the feat.

In addition, now that the Linden men have been crowned as champs on point differential after splitting their two games with Georgetown, the city females will have a large hurdle to overcome if they are to bring any sort of glory to Georgetown.

Further, Georgetown will have to blow out Linden on Saturday by 16 points or more to be crowned champions of the tournament.

Speaking with Georgetown’s team captain Natasha Alder, she noted that preparation for the encounter with their mining town counterparts has

Natasha Alder

been a grinding effort by the team.

“Preparations have been very intense… lots of condition work and basic fundamentals but for me personally I’m taking therapy for [my] left thigh that I hurt and at the same time in the gym to strengthen my muscle,” Alder noted.

Alder who plans to suit up despite the injury, noted that the girls are confident heading into the encounter with Linden.

“The chemistry is very strong; we all have played with each other before and we are looking to tie the series.

“As much as we will be gunning for the win we still have to remind ourselves that the games are for possible selection for the upcoming CBC (Caribbean Basketball Championships) games and we wouldn’t want anyone to be injured,” Alder quipped.

Alder also revealed the team’s focus heading into the game, while highlighting some of the things the city girls will try to do differently against a much more physical Linden side.

“We will definitely be listening to our coach and try as much as to execute our plays, protect our basket as much as possible… defence is our motto.

“What we will do differently is communicate more with each other on the court, have more ball movement and box out the offensive players after every shot taken,” Alder stated.

The Inter-Association tournament is being used by the GABF as the yardstick to select both men and women national teams for the upcoming CBC games in the British Virgin Islands in July.

Fredericks re-elected President of UDCA

T

he Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday last at Virgie’s Place, Old England, Upper Demerara River where 10 clubs were represented.

President Bradley Fredericks, in his report, thanked those who attended, but expressed the hope that those absent would recognise the importance of

unity within the new dispensation of the Cricket Administration Bill.

This bill seeks to bring order to the national game and includes Linden (UDCA) for the first time as a legal entity within Guyana’s cricket. He further stated that all the clubs in the area should be prepared to cope with the concomitant demands expected.

“A new era has dawned

on us and we must take full advantage”, he stressed, as he applauded the government and APNU for including UDCA legally in the new movement.

At the election that followed, the entire executive was returned enbloc, with members giving their full support for the new executive body and wishing them well in their new term of office, which will end in 2016.

friday, may 30, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

23

“Nuff Cuff Injection” Universal Sports supports young wicketkeeper set for Buxton Saturday A T

he Buxton/Friendship Community Centre ground will be transformed into a battle field on Saturday evening when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) stages its second “Nuff Cuff Injection” boxing card from 19:00h.

The card will feature three St Lucian boxers, adding some flavour to the event, which signals the first time that organised amateur boxing will be staged in the East Coast Demerara village.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, said the body is enthused by the hype that has been created in Buxton and the eagerness of the villagers to welcome the activity for the first time.

Ninvalle said the event is geared at taking boxing to the people, and the GBA is looking to build on the success of the first “Nuff Cuff” event at East Ruimveldt earlier this year and the recent boxing card in Mahdia.

“We’re battling to make it a perfect product, but that will come with time,” Ninvalle asserted.

He added that the GBA plans to take the event far-

Steve Ninvalle

Terrence Poole

ther up the East Coast, as well as to Berbice in the coming months. Ninvalle also revealed that four boxers from the New Opportunity Corps will also be competing on the night.

Technical Director of the GBA, Terrence Poole, highlighted that 15 sizzling bouts are carded for the evening with the Guyana versus St Lucia showdown set to be the main attractions.

Dennis Thomas (Guyana) will tackle Arthur Langillier (St Lucia) at 75kg, Eon Bancroft (Guyana) will face

Ron Bastien (St Lucia) at 69kg and Theresa London (Guyana) will trade punches with Molanda Sinclair (St Lucia) in a female 75kg clash.

Promotional consideration has been paid for by Ansa McAl Trading, Trustee Pawn Shop, Roger Hinds, Hopkinson Mining, www. iradiogy.com, the Sport Ministry and the National Sports Commission among others.

Admission to the venue is $500. (Avenash Ramzan)

Urling wins Middle Pocket pool competition

s part of its continuing efforts to support young sportsmen and women, Universal Sports recently made a donation to wicketkeeper/ batsman Joseph Perry.

At a simple presentation ceremony at the entity’s location at 101 Second Street, Alberttown, proprietor Andrew Budhan presented a Reebok Topshot cricket bat and a pair of Slazenger wicketkeeping gloves to the Demerara senior inter-county player.

Budhan said the donation is just another means of his company giving back to the sporting community and helping young people to achieve their dreams.

He took the opportunity to wish Perry the very best in his cricket career and life after he would have retired.

Perry, in accepting the gear, expressed gratitude to Budhan and urged persons to support Universal Sports so that other sportsmen and women can benefit from the company’s generosity.

Perry promised to put the equipment to good use as he strives to further develop his game.

Managing Director of Universal Sports Andrew Budhan (left) presents the bat to wicketkeeper/batsman Joseph Perry at his Alberttown business location

Coolie Boys win Enmore Shiv Mandir softball

From left: winner Brian Urling, runner-up Anthony Xavier, Sewchan Narine, Kalvin Edwards and Kendre Marcus

B

rian Urling emerged winner from a large field of 74 competitors at the Middle Pocket Arena pool tournament on Independence Day (Monday) at the bar’s location on Middle Road, Le Penitence.

Urling copped the winner’s trophy and $50,000 as reward for being champion of the knockout tournament, while Anthony Xavier won $25,000 and a trophy for being the runner-up.

Sewchan Narine took third spot and collected

$10,000 and a trophy, while fourth place finisher Kalvin Edwards pocketed $5,000 and a trophy. For ending fifth, Kendre Marcus was given a case of beverage, compliments of Ansa McAl Trading.

According to coordinator of the event and proprietor of Middle Pocket Arena, Ravi Ramlall, the event was a huge success with a high level of competitiveness among the players. He also pointed out that the activity was incident free.

Support for the one day competition came from Ansa McAl Trading, Gina and Sons Meat Centre, Fix Up Music House, Bharrat’s Spindle Shop, New Wave Taxi Service, Johnny’s Jewellery, Sunil’s Pool Bar, 007 Taxi Service, Skipper’s Jewellery, Butcher’s Pool Bar, Brian Urling, Alex and Rickey, Green House Restaurant and Bar, Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies and Fizul Rahaman.

The Enmore Shiv Mandir held its annual fundraising activity on Independence Day (Monday) with Coolie Boys of Enmore winning the softball final. Batting first in the final, Mon Repos made 37 to which Coolie Boys responded with 38 to lift the winner’s trophy. Navindra Gobin copped the Manof-the-Match award for his match-winning 22 for Coolie Boys. Trophies for the game were donated

by Deoraj Nauth (first place), Kissoon’s Construction (second place) and the Parshram family (Manof-the-Match). In photo, Nauth presents the winner’s trophy to members of the Coolie Boys team

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

friday, May 30, 2014

TOP SCORES

Champions League…

Guyana, Jamaica, Belize drawn in separate groups C

hampion Clubs from Guyana, Jamaica and Belize will contest separate groups in the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) in Miami.

Guyana’s Alpha United, Jamaica’s Water House FC and Belmopan Bandits from Belize have been drawn in Groups Five, Four and Seven respectively during the event in Miami on Wednesday.

Waterhouse has been drawn with Tauro FC (Panama) and D.C. United (USA), Alpha United is in

the group with Olimpia (Honduras) and Portland Timbers (USA), while Belmopan Bandits will tackle Leon (Mexico) and Isidro Metapan (El Salvador).

The 24 qualified clubs set to contest the seventh edition of the continental cham-

pionship were sorted into eight groups of three.

Current holder Cruz Azul, which has captured a record six CONCACAF club titles, headlines Group Six. The Mexico City-based side will meet 2013/14 semifinalist Alajuelense (Costa

Rica) and Chorrillo FC (Panama).

The groups will be contested on a round-robin, home-and-away, four-game format, running August – October.

Only the eight first-place teams will progress to the quarter-finals, which will kick-off in early 2015.

Schedules will be announced in the coming weeks, officials have promised.

Wednesday’s draw signalled the start of the campaign on the road to the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup.

Lara to play alongside Tendulkar, Chanderpaul at Lord’s

W

est Indies legend Brian Lara will play alongside Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar in a world bicentenary match at Lord’s on July 5, officials announced on Thursday.

Lara, the former West Indies captain, will play alongside MCC captain and fellow all-time batting great Tendulkar for the 50-over match.

“It will be fantastic to play at such an iconic place on such a special occasion,” said Lara, 45.

Barbados and West Indies pacer Tino Best is the final name added to a Rest of the World side captained by spinner Shane Warne.

The Australia legend, who took 19 wickets in four Tests at Lord’s, will be joined by former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, along with Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi in the Rest of the World XI. “Lord’s is such a special place to play cricket,” said Tendulkar, who scored a record 34,357 runs in 664 in-

Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Sachin Tendulkar

ternational matches.

“And I am very much looking forward to helping celebrate its bicentenary by taking part in this match.”

Teams: MCC: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Saeed Ajmal, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Rahul Dravid, Aaron Finch, Umar Gul,

Brian Lara, Brett Lee, Chris Read, Shaun Tait, Daniel Vettori.

Rest of the World: Shane Warne (captain), Shahid Afridi, Tino Best, Paul Collingwood, Adam Gilchrist, Tamim Iqbal, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kevin Pietersen, Virender Sehwag, Peter Siddle, Yuvraj Singh.

Guyana Festival welcomes another cricket legend – Clayton Lambert See sto r on pa y ge

19

Clayton Lambert

Narine surprised by batsmen’s failure to decode him See s to on pa ry ge

19

CSK seek their sixth final, Kings XI their first

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, Tel: 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230, 223-7231, Fax: 227-0685 - SALES AND MARKETING - sales@guyanatimesgy.com PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

See story on page

19