Guyana Times Daily

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, President Donald Ramotar, former President Bharrat Jagdeo and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar bask in the company of these beautiful young ladies at the opening of GuyExpo 2013 (Carl Croker photo)

Brumell to be confirmed as police commissioner

After months of deliberations between government and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to confirm acting police commissioner Leroy Brumell, a consensus was finally reached on Thursday afternoon when the two parties met at the Office of the President.

The objective of the specially convened meeting was to discuss the president’s nomination of Leroy Brummel to be confirmed as police commissioner.

In an invited comment after the news circulated of Brumell’s confirmation, Opposition Leader retired Brigadier David Granger disclosed that he never opposed the nomination put forward by Donald Romotar on the matter.

The opposition leader also said on Thursday, during the meeting, he did not object and as such gave his blessings to the new commissioner. He, however, said that it is now up to the president to appoint Brumell as commissioner.

He noted at the meeting, they have not discussed how soon Brumell will be sworn in, but he is optimistic that it will be done soon.

Brumell has been acting in the capacity of police commissioner since December 19, 2011, when then Police Commissioner Henry Greene was sunk in a controversy. Ever since, Brumell has been on the top of his game and has implemented a number of plans to tackle crime.

An elated Brumell, when contacted, expressed his excitement of the good news, relating that he was informed by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. He added that soon after, his telephone rang off the hook with congratu-

latory messages from a number of persons.

“It was a great feeling to have received the news… I am extremely happy,” Brumell disclosed. He also thanked the government and the opposition for having the confidence in him to lead a dynamic police force.

“I am sure they saw the ability in me to lead the force and as such, I will continue to work to the best of my ability.” When asked whether he will make any changes at the top of the force, Brumell reiterated that he is quite happy with the performance of his ranks and will continue to give support where necessary.

Nevertheless, he said if there is need for additional expertise, he will not hesitate to recruit.

There have been calls by several sections of the society to confirm Brumell as police commissioner but the process was a bit of a lengthy one.

Regional transport infrastructure hindering integration

One of the major barriers to regional integration is the cumbersome regional transport infrastructure, acting Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali told the GuyExpo Business and Development Forum.

Delivering the feature address at the forum on Thursday at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Ali noted that “unless we fix this burden on businesses, government, commerce and people, we are not going to be able in, any way, shape, or form, to integrate our economies and benefit from the diversified business opportunity that reside among our countries.”

He said for local and overseas businesses to build successful linkages, a “new thinking” must be adopted. Ali stated that local businesses must trust foreign businesses more, and foreign businesses must rely more on local experience and understanding. “If we can fuse these two aspects of

our business relationship, we can indeed build very dynamic companies and business relationships.”

The minister said forums, such the GuyExpo seminar, must be able to reflect this focus, “if we are to develop new business relationships that would expand our ability to benefit and tap in to markets”. He said linking capital and creating joint ventures will also aid in achieving this goal. He noted that Guyana has tremendous potential and market opportunities which any business that invests here would benefit from.

Comprehensive action plan

A comprehensive action plan has recently been developed to ensure the country improves its standing on the doing business indicators. “There are 60 competitiveness and efficiency indicators that we will be addressing, including starting a business, dealing with construction permits, licences… getting credit, protecting investors… enforcing contracts.”

He told investors that Guyana’s door is open and they just need to “come in, we are ready and willing to work with you to make your business dreams a reality and making your preferred investment destination”.

Ali reminded that Guyana has one of the most technically sound labour force in the region, adding that the government continues to invest in this regard.

Pursuing development

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association President Clinton Williams, whose organisation helped to organise the forum and the 2013 GuyExpo, also addressed the gathering of investors.

He said this year’s GuyExpo theme, “Advancing Productivity through Innovation, Modernisation and Expansion”, provides a practical mechanism for the entire private sector to expand its current business activities.

Clinton, the chief executive officer of one of the largest industrial companies in Guyana, the Guyana National Industrial Corporation, said new business opportunities must also be pursued in a sustained manner. “That is why we urge our foreign partners who are here with us today to come on board, as we strive to realise our transformational changes in the sector and concomitantly, in the economy as a whole.”

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who declared the forum open, said he hopes the discussion and GuyExpo lead to the steadfast development of Guyana’s economy. The event, which saw scores of local and overseas businesses in attendance, continues today at Regency Suites.

Acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali delivering the feature address at the GuyExpo Business and Development Forum

WEATHER TODAY

Thousands throng GuyExpo opening

BY SABATINI DANIELS AND WHITNEY PERSAUD

Thousands turned up for the opening of Guyana’s largest trade and investment exposition, GuyExpo, kick starting the 2013 exhibition on a high note on Thursday evening.

President Donald Ramotar, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times following the opening ceremony, expressed optimism that this year’s expo will aid in creating strong linkages between local and foreign businesses..

If successful, these new linkages will see Guyana penetrating regional and international markets. Ramotar was pleased with the massive turnout, which was a record for the opening night, and was hopeful the trend will be maintained throughout the expo.

He also said Guyana has to find innovative ways of keeping its skilled personnel since the country spends a huge amount of money on training, but loses many of them to greener pastures.

Moving forward

As such, the president noted that Guyana has been making headways in creating innovations to attract “new investment because of the varying incentives in the country”.

“Very soon, we will have a new brewery to produce other beers to give ourselves more choices.”

Speaking at the event, acting tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said Guyana is now at an important time in its history when the gov-

ernment is seeking to transcend the lessons of the past in moving the country forward.

“It’s a time when we seek to move forward and build this Guyana we believe in, this is a time to expand the productive sector and transfer the economic landscape,” minister Ali said.

Ali emphasised that this is a time for Guyana to skyrocket far beyond the learning curve, and be more creative in nation building.

“It is a time when our economy is in transition, it is a time for transcending the learning curve and the time to launch a new campaigning,” the minister stated.

Speaking about the “I Believe Campaign”, the minister said it is one of the major features of the expo and will remain after the event.

“This campaign must see all of us believing in the vision as encapsulated in the various development paradigms pursued by the government and people of Guyana,” Ali urged.

Energising Guyana

This new campaign is aimed at energising the population in believing in the potential of Guyana and in building a nationalistic and patriotic environment for all of Guyana to embrace.

Ali stated that the “I Believe Campaign” seeks to reach out to every Guyanese beyond political, ethnic and religious barriers.

It is the hope that this new campaign will embrace the new developmen-

tal ideals of projects like the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Specialty Hospital, the Marriott Hotel and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion project.

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry will also be hosting an “I Believe Concert” to launch the “I Believe Campaign”, bringing together local artistes and performers at the National Exhibition Centre today. This event will begin at 21:00h.

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) President Clinton Williams also spoke at the event. Barbados Foreign

Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Maxine Mc Clean, who is on a visit here, was also in attendance at the event.

This year, the four-day event features 85 international exhibitors as compared to 36 last year and more than 440 booths. Some of the countries participating in this year’s expo include China, Canada and Barbados.

GuyExpo will end on Sunday. The event is held under the theme: “Advancing Productivity through Innovation, Modernisation and Expansion”.

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

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Editorial

Reparations

The debate on the issue of reparations is once again gaining some momentum at various levels, including at the level of the United Nations (UN). The Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states are joining forces and have shown that they are very serious about pressing their case for reparations at the highest level.

It could be recalled that representatives of governments, civil society and academia, and individuals fighting the cause of reparations for native genocide and slavery met during September 15-17, for the first major event on reparations following the 34th Conference of the Heads of Government of Caricom in Trinidad and Tobago in July.

At the summit, heads of government agreed to the establishment of a national reparations committee in each member state with the chair of each committee sitting on a Caricom reparations commission. Already these countries have started legal proceedings against the governments of the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands over what they say is the “lingering legacy of the Atlantic slave trade”. The lawsuits – which are likely to amount to a lengthy battle – will be brought to the UN’s International Court of Justice, based in The Hague in the Netherlands.

The countries are expected to focus on Britain for its role in slavery in the English-speaking Caribbean, France for slavery in Haiti, and the Netherlands for Suriname. They have hired British law firm Leigh Day, which waged a successful fight for compensation for hundreds of Kenyans who were tortured by the British colonial government as they fought for the liberation of their country during the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s and 1960s.

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has been one of the most vocal Caribbean heads of state and has been engaged in intense lobbying efforts at various levels. At a recent speech at the UN General Assembly, he was quoted as saying that the awful legacy of these crimes against humanity – a legacy which exists today in our Caribbean – ought to be repaired for the developmental benefit of our Caribbean societies and all our peoples.

Guyana has also weighed in on the debates and has sent a strong message that it supports reparations for affected Caribbean countries. Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, during a presentation at the Regional Conference on Reparations held in St Vincent, had expressed this country’s commitment to the cause and made it clear that Guyana was prepared to join with the rest of the Caribbean in representing this case to the world at large.

Of note too is that he had pressed the need to build an international alliance through coordination of foreign policies to articulate the call at the multilateral levels. This is certainly a recommendation that must be taken seriously by those involved in order to further step up the momentum for reparations.

It could be recalled too that former President Bharrat Jagdeo was one of the first heads of state to have highlighted the issue of reparations after it had disappeared into thin air for some time in the region.

In 2007, while addressing a commemorative ceremony for the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic trade, he suggested that now that some members of the international community have recognised their active role in this despicable system, they need to go one step further and support reparations.

Also, in 2011, during the launch of a year of celebratory activities commemorating the International Year for People of African Descent, Jagdeo restated his claim for reparations, noting that “the international community was quick to recognise the Jewish holocaust, rightfully so, therefore, they must also now recognise that there was an African holocaust”.

We support Dr Anthony’s views that it is necessary for us to examine and investigate this dark history in order to understand and move forward in the present. But apart from the duty to remember, there is a duty to ensure that just and appropriate measures are adopted to compensate for those wrongs. Hence, the conversation about reparations is a serious and relevant one which must continue to engage the minds of all stakeholders.

"Advancing

Hibernating in the midst of summer

Dear Editor,

I have noted the disappointment expressed by many in the media about the refusal of the Alliance For Change (AFC) to reprimand Nigel Hughes, the chairman of the party, for his blatant and deliberate manipulation of the court system to free two of Guyana’s most notorious criminals of the murder of 11 innocent people, including five children.

One cannot help, but also notice, that all the most vocal rights organisations going into hibernation in the middle of summer. Maybe they will hibernate until another criminal is killed in confrontation with the police.

You would recall how vocal these so-called organisations and so-called rights activists were when former Commissioner of Police Henry Green was accused of

rape and the director of public prosecutions recommended that he be charged. They literally protested day and night and made headlines and front pages in certain opposition aligned newspapers for weeks. Where are they now? Where is Mike McCormack and his human rights organisation as some would say? Where is Red Thread? Where is Women Against Violence?

What about those who always publicly preach morality and ethics to the country, but suddenly become mute when the opposition and their peers are involved? How can these individuals and organisations preach moral and ethics and portray themselves as occupying morally and ethically high grounds, but choose to be silent when it concerns their colleagues and friends? This sort of behaviour is not

just immoral and unethical but is also outright hypocritical!

I therefore call on Hamilton Green, Christopher Ram, Freddie Kissoon, and their cohorts, who likened Hughes to the late Dr Walter Rodney, to come out of their hibernation and declare to the nation how moral and ethical is it for him to act the way he did in the Lusignan massacre murder trial. We all know what his actions were and what was the result –the accused murderers of 11 innocent people, including five children were freed.

Freddie, why are you silent?

There now seems to be a new member of this club, one you will least expect to join them. He is former Chief Parliamentary Counsel Bryn Pollard, SC. He has been commenting quite a lot

on the Linden Commission of Inquiry, an inquiry conducted by some of his most esteemed colleagues of the Caribbean.

He also commented on the president’s refusal to assent to bills. But weeks going into months since Hughes deliberately manipulated the court to free the Lusignan massacre murder accused, and his blatant conflict of interest with the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project, Pollard has failed to make a single comment on this reprehensible conduct, which in any of the so-called civilised countries we like to conveniently point to, would have already resulted in very serious sanctions.

To all I say, this level hypocrisy borders on vulgarity. The nation watches on!

Yours sincerely, Faruk Mohamed

Timehri residents will never be neglected

Dear Editor, I applaud the very concerned and conciliatory nature of government regarding the 70 house lots being sought for Timehri North residents (who are) in the immediate path of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project. Too much political mileage was taken out of this situation.

The many opposition leaders and members tried

desperately to get some citizens to go the way of disruptive protests. They neglected the big picture and the importance of CJIA’s expansion. They went about criticising government and the project and fabricated all kinds of stories just to incite the affected people.

The housing process is being facilitated by the CJIA, where airport officials and the Public Works Ministry have already writ-

ten to the Housing Ministry for 70 house lots that will be given to those persons immediately affected in the airport’s expansion. So residents do not have to go to the Housing Ministry to receive the house lots, but will be called in when locations have been ascertained. This is because many potential recipients have decided on preferential locations scattered throughout Guyana.

This is a work in progress and it will take some time. My plea to residents is that they all continue to have confidence in the ruling party and be intolerant to the schemes of the opposition. The opposition members have done nothing and can do nothing for their followers. I even advise a rethink of fealty.

Sincerely, Kendra

Haynes

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, President Donald Ramotar and acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali assisting a young lass in cutting the ribbon to open GuyExpo 2013. Also in photo are Mrs Yvonne Hinds (second left); former Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad (third left); First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar (centre); Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (third right); and Barbados Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Maxine Mc Clean (Carl Croker photo)

Better protection needed for Essequibo fishermen

Dear Editor, The fishermen of Essequibo, particularly the Pomeroon area, are now convinced that the decision was not a sound one to place an army patrol base inside the mouth of the Pomeroon River. This, they claimed, leads to slow army patrol boats intervention and rapid exhaustion of the soldiers, when they, the fishermen, are being robbed by pirates on the high seas.

However, the fishermen said that the pirates at night would switch off their lamps to avoid being seen by the army patrol boats. First thing in the night, they quickly mask themselves on an isolated island and attack them and having all their equipment and fish confiscated.

The army patrol base needs high resolution satellite to monitor fishermen’s

Time

operations on the high seas and help reduce piracy. The system will help the army base if relocated outside the Pomeroon mouth, into the Atlantic Ocean and assess piracy trends and provide tools for its interpretation.

Fishermen from around the country – Small and large scale – are robbed by pirates of catches around 4500 times per year mainly deep sea fish, green jobfish, snapper, grouper and threadfin, among others. On the Essequibo Coast, fishermen now accept that protection is impossible by the army patrol boats from the Pomeroon River base to catch pirates and believe it is more worthwhile using a helicopter from the air.

Pirate attacks have never been so crucial in the past for Essequibo fishermen and the confiscation of their fish and equipment

means that they can no longer rely on the army for protection. These observations were based on the amount of robberies on the high seas, which have become too regular. Technology offers a solution, but with more satellites stations, the army intelligence monitoring network is eight times weaker.

The government will have to acquire, adapt and develop technology as the propellant, so to speak, to protect our fishermen. We will be able to catch pirates on the high seas without the assistance of such technology. The government must act urgently to remove the many problems which in the past hampered fish production. One of the most important of these is the problem of piracy.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

for the police to swoop down on some areas

Dear Editor, Death comes easy these days. I note that the crime chief has confirmed that police are currently investigating a shooting death that occurred on Mandela Avenue during a $500 gambling row. There are many of these small shops around which do little business, but they attract a certain type of people. Many people go there to lime and hang out and may-

be get their joints. The police must target these places. They are springing up a lot.

How about addressing gambling? The non-working lot assemble at the street corners and carry on at a rate.

There are many bottomhouse barber shops that facilitate gambling too. This kind of slack approach makes me think that gam-

bling is okay.

Is there need for a curfew? In 2010, the Indianapolis police did a great job by enforcing the night time curfew laws, as there was a rising crime rate in the city. Why are we waiting? Normal people just do not lime and hangout in certain places at all. They stay at home.

Yours faithfully, Shelly Watson

Vagrants and animals pose serious traffic problems

Dear Editor, I want to spare a thought for some drivers in Guyana. I know that we have some terrible things happening and I see almost daily things like recklessness, speeding and driving under the influence. However, we make matters worse, when vagrants and animals have to be contended with. Where animals are concerned, it is now quite accepted. We have learned to adjust our driving to facilitate animals like cows, donkeys and horses. We allow them full freedom. The drivers at nights have to

be extra-careful. We have been trying to employ straycatchers and this has not really worked.

In fact, I still see the same number of strays in their familiar places. I am also reading about all kinds of problems with this straycatching business: attacks on animals, animal brutality, and collusion from owners, catchers and policemen. We have to target the source and the ultimate here are the animal owners. This is where the problem is. They have to be forced legally into obeying the laws of the land. They must never have

Important cricket matches should be covered live on radio

Dear Editor, I am a big sporting person and cricket comes first. I was so happy that the in ter-county final between Berbice and Demerara went all the way to an ex citing tie. I just wish I could have heard this on radio.

My suggestion then is that we take crick et very seriously. This means that if we cannot have live ball-by-ball commentary, then how about some re ports. These reports can be called in and any announcer on any shift can then read it out. The better way of course is for the reporter to actually voice it right from the ground.

ing more of what was heard and not so much of what was read.

I still remember listening to Leonard Baichan’s undefeated 216 and retired out 102 in the October, 1973 –

I think that I can remember all the shots played by Alvin Kallicharran in the 1975 World Cup game against Australia. He mauled Dennis Lillee and even though in later years I saw the footage, the sweet-

ness of listening to the duel remains unsurpassed. I feel very strongly that radio stations in Guyana must not be so sold out on music and entertainment alone. A cricketing final at the county level needs live coverage. If we say cricket is in our bones, then we must give some evidence. It would have been nice to listen to Devendra Bishoo play. He is seeking a comeback at the highest level. He did perform too, as he was adjudged man of the match, taking 4-32. Some more games are in the offing and I am hoping for some radio coverage.

Sincerely,

Vishnu Ramlall

Caution needed as we think through our education practices

Dear Editor, Please bear with me as I make a few comments in relation to what transpired recently at an “Educational Conversation” during Education Month activities. Some senior education personalities interacted with parents, guardians and other members of the public. The session was really quite stimulating.

ogy, I am hearing a lot about what we lack and about what we need. The night saw an information technology consultant give a presentation on the use of technology in classrooms and schools in general. I am all for enhanced technology but not at the expense of serious learning.

their animals untended. If there is no one to take care of the animals and if there is no pace to graze them, then they cannot have animals. It is that simple.

As for vagrants and beggars or whatever we want to call them, these pose a serious driving hazard.

Regards, Ron DeFreitas

The presentation by a leading professor in education that focused on methodology behind teaching, learning and assessing students was food for thought. Of great interest was the sub-topic of attitudes in the classrooms, by both students and teachers. The educator urged teachers, in particular, to better themselves if they realise that they are weak in that regard.

Many students do not learn effectively or adequately, because of teachers’ disposition, and this is so even at the very highest of levels. Teachers must

have the quality of being approachable. They come over as frightening figures at times. This is something that affected me as a child.

I get the impression that some teachers feel good about driving fear into students. Now good teachers can be strict and also serious disciplinarians, yet very friendly. This kind of thing overrides methodologies and technologies of any kind.

Now coming to technol-

My friend who teaches at a very high institution in this country told me that students are now taping lectures, filming time tables and notes, and even writing short hand, a kind of abbreviated style. Technology gives them this. So we have to watch technology. It can usher in laziness and even lead to actual embracing of errors.

Kind regards, Jeanette Sanders

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

Guyana President’s Trophy game between Demerara

Page Foundation

Common behavioural problems in toddlers and young children

BY SHARON M TISZA

Afive-year-old girl named Sue is brought to the paediatrician’s office with a chief complaint of temper tantrums. Her mother is frus trated and explains that Sue kicks and screams anytime she doesn’t get her way. She sometimes swears and de stroys things in her fits of rage. Two days ago, she flailed her arms around while out of control and sus tained a scratch on her forearm that bled. Her mother has tried yelling at Sue, spank ing her on the buttocks, and embarrassing her in public. None of these techniques seem to work. In fact, her mother says that the harder she tries to control Sue, the worse she gets. This problem is caus ing difficulty especially be tween Sue’s parents, as they don’t agree on how to handle these tantrums. Sue’s mother feels that they should take ac tion immediately by confront ing Sue and telling her that what she is doing is not acceptable. Sue’s father would prefer to spank her several times on the buttocks and give her a lecture after sending her to her room for an hour or so. They openly disagree on how to discipline Sue, and Sue seems well aware of the difference in their parenting styles.

No abnormalities can be identified.

tantrums become less and less frequent as time goes by and her parents become more relaxed and start to enjoy Sue again. By the end of the eight weeks, the tantrums have decreased from several times per day to once or twice per week. The tantrums are also less severe than they used to be and the recovery time is much shorter. Sue’s mother and father are pleased with the results and are encouraged to return in the future if they need to discuss Sue’s behaviour again. Some children seem to get through childhood without many problems at all and others seem to have an unusual amount of difficulty. Parents are often puzzled as to why their children do not behave or listen while their friend’s children seem to be perfect angels. Some of the most common behavioural problems in children include temper tantrums, not following directions, whining, fighting with siblings or other children, breaking rules and talking back. Fortunately there is hope in dealing with everyday discipline problems using methods that are effective and easy to learn.

Teaching children to learn from failure

BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK

(CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY)

Sue is a well developed, well nourished attractive little girl in no acute distress. She comes in quietly with her

tial evaluation for temper tantrums, her mother and father return to the paediatrician weekly for the next eight weeks. They receive 20 minutes of instruction each time on behavioural problems, effective methods of discipline and child management. Her parents also keep a journal of specific instances when Sue becomes out of control and how they handled it. The

Parents have the ability to shape their children’s behaviour towards both good and bad results. All behaviours are shaped by rewards that are given to them. A common mistake that parents make is to accidentally reward their children’s bad behaviour. Four-year-old Jack gets to eat ice cream before dinner. He has been whining and begging for the ice cream long enough that his mother gives it to him so she can finish preparing dinner. Unfortunately, by rewarding bad behaviour it is often strengthened. On the other hand, behaviour that is not rewarded but instead punished, will often weaken and therefore decrease.

(Hawaii.edu)

Big siblings, big inferiority complex Nico Botticelli of San Diego is two years old, but wants to do all the same things as his four-year-old brothers, Gabriel and Reese. “He’ll try to climb on their bikes, then he’s sad because he can’t reach the pedals. Or do a puzzle with them, but can’t make the pieces fit. When he realises he can’t keep up, sometimes he’ll cry and stomp his feet and shout ‘I do it!’” says his mom, Laureen. From hot mess to success: Botticelli does her best to provide toddler versions of things the big bros like – say, a ride-on toy for Nico to enjoy while Gabriel and Reese are biking. She’ll also sometimes adjust their schedule so he won’t feel as overwhelmed: “I’ll say to his brothers, ‘OK, guys, let’s do something that all of us like till Nico’s nap,’” she says. She also makes a point of letting Nico practise puzzles and other skills while his sibs are in preschool: “Sometimes it’s easier for him to try when they’re not around,” Botticelli says. “Sometimes they’ll say ‘You’re too little to do this!’ and then he gets discouraged.”

Extra tips from the experts: It’s smart of Botticelli to give Nico opportunities to attempt new stuff without his big brothers refereeing. “Older

siblings will sometimes assume a parent-like role, telling the younger child what he can or can’t do, or doing it for him. When that happens, it’s fine to say ‘I’m the mom, let me handle this,’” says Briggs. When Botticelli makes mistakes of her own, she can model how to handle them in stride, too (“Oops, I just dropped my ice cream cone!”). “The key is to normalise failure so your child knows he’s not the only one who doesn’t get things right on the first try,” Epstein says.

Less than letter-perfect Madeline O’Malley, four, of Rockaway, New Jersey, knows all about failure, from A to Z. Actually, one letter is getting her down. “They’re practising writing in preschool, but Maddie can’t make an ‘X,’” says her mom, Cate. “Her lines are wiggly or won’t cross properly. Maddie gets really worked up.” From hot mess to success: O’Malley reminds Maddie how far she’s come. “I tell her ‘Just think, last year you couldn’t write your whole name, and now you can. Give it a little more time and I am sure you will be able to make an X, too!” O’Malley has also drawn an X and put a piece of tracing paper on top of it to give Maddie a template.

“Show your child that he’s not the only one who doesn’t get things right on the first try.” Extra tips from the experts: Maddie’s mom is doing a super job of boosting her confidence, Leff says. What would also help, she adds, “is to simply tell her ‘You know what? That might be too hard or you right now, honey,’” she says. If Maddie still wants to practise, she and her mom could make a single X together with a thick marker. Then Maddie could put glue on it and sprinkle it with glitter. Another option –make a connect-the-dots X for Maddie to finish.

Losing it

Connor Gouge, five, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, totally digs playing the card game UNO – until someone beats him. “He can get sad or sometimes even have a tantrum,” notes his mom, Irene. That’s a scenario many parents know well.

From hot mess to success: Gouge never stacks the deck in Connor’s favour. Instead, before she deals the cards, she strikes a deal: “I say we’ll play three games no matter who wins or loses, as long as there’s no whining. If he whines after losing a round, then it ends all play and we try again after a 15 minute cooldown. I tell him ‘I love playing with you and spending time together. If you win, I’m happy, and if I win, I’m happy. It’s just for fun!’” (Parenting.com)

mother and father and sits on the chair near her mother, looking up shyly at the examiner.

Guyana to provide CVQ certificate by year-end

BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN

Guyana is moving swiftly to gain recognition by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to issue Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certificates.

Council for TVET Director Sydney Walters told Guyana Times on Thursday that his team is working hard to ensure that Guyana is certified to issue CVQ certificates by the end of this year. To this end, Walters noted that his team is in the process of conducting a pre-audit of the work done in this regard.

He said this will help Guyana to contribute more meaningfully towards the development of TVET nationally, making the courses more instructive and recognised.

“We have been involved in the implementation of strategies based on the regional qualification framework, standards and guidelines. It is therefore necessary for us to implement competency-based modularised training as the basis for the recognition of the award of the CVQ,” he stated.

The director said a tremendous amount of work has been done in terms of staff training, developing competency-based programmes and post-secondary education institutions to meet the CVQ standards.

This training is done across the board and includes post-secondary institutions that fall under the Education

Ministry, the GuySuCo and the Kuru Kuru training centres.

Meanwhile, senior TVET Council Jerry Simpson explained that training has been ongoing at all levels of TVET and this will likely continue for the remainder of the year.

According to him, the training focuses on three main areas, mainly competency-based education and training, training for trainers and external training.

“We train quite a lot of persons. We may have trained over 200 persons in introduction and in assessment approximately 120 persons.”

All technical and vocational training centres around Guyana are working towards meeting the Caribbean vocational standards, which will allow them to issue CVQ certificates.

Cabinet approves nine contracts

Cabinet has given the green light to nine contracts in the areas of local government, agriculture, labour, housing and water, youth development, education and legal affairs.

The announcement was made by head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon on Thursday at his post-weekly press briefing at the Office of the President. Table below show the contracts which were approved.

This ensures that a holder of a CVQ certificate can obtain employment anywhere in the region. The CVQ certificate is also recognised internationally.

Persons who are uncertified and who are desirous of travelling overseas to gain employment, irrespective of where they gained their experience and knowledge of their occupation, can be assessed and certified with a CVQ certificate by the relevant authorities. The value

of the certificate is extremely important to persons who are hoping to pursue vocational studies and those who are already in the industry and are seeking to practise their trade overseas.

The Education Ministry, along with the TVET centres, is making significant strides towards ensuring the standards are met. In so doing, changes are being made to the training centres’ curriculum. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Man believed to be target in Mambo Bar shooting in police custody

After spending almost one week in hiding following the Mambo Bar shooting, the man who is believed to have been the target in the attack was apprehended by police ranks at Charity, Essequibo Coast on Wednesday evening, crime chief Seelall Persaud said.

On Thursday morning, the assistant police commissioner told Guyana Times that the man is being grilled in the hope of him being able to reveal the identities of the gunmen.

Investigators are also hopeful that the man might be able to advise them on who may have hired the gunmen to carry out the attack.

Initial reports out of the crime chief’s office revealed that the man in custody was present at the time of the shooting incident and was not among those injured.

Police have been trying to contact the man since the incident, but were unsuccessful up until Wednesday.

The shooting claimed the life of Shelliza Basir-Lall, 33, of Lot 2 Charity, Essequibo Coast.

There were also injuries to Raymond Lall, 36; Parmanand Persaud, 32, of Lot 27 Block B, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara; and the Lalls chauffeur, Badatunde “Reggae” Nedd, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

From reports gathered, the man was seen at the bar

on the night of the shooting, and was reportedly on the dance floor with a relative of the dead woman.

Lall told Guyana Times that about 23:00h on the fateful night, he and his wife went to Mambo Bar with three friends to hang out for a while.

As midnight approached, a white Toyota Carina AT 212 motorcar pulled up and two masked men exited and started to shoot. He added that his wife got up and was running for safety when she was shot.

After a while, police arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.

This publication understands that at least 19 9mm spent shells were recovered. Two persons were detained and questioned for the attack, but were reportedly released.

Teen knifed in school over $20

A14-year-old student of South Ruimveldt Secondary School, Georgetown was stabbed in the chest on Wednesday morning by another student after he refused to hand over $20 demanded by the attacker. The incident occurred sometime 09:30h.

The injured teen has been identified as Junior Simon, a third former.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Simon was in his classroom when a fourth form student went up to him and demanded $20.

Simon reportedly refused and this angered the fourth former who pulled out a scissors and stabbed him in the chest.

After Simon was stabbed, he was not taken to seek medical attention by anyone at the school until two hours after the incident.

Anger When this newspaper met with relatives of the injured teen at the Georgetown Public Hospital they vented their anger over the incident.

Germaine Simon, an uncle of the 14-year-old said he was at home when the teen’s mother called and informed them that he was stabbed in school.

The uncle said he has been living with the teen and his mother for years now.

“He grew up with we so when he mother call and say he get stab like we get so confused we didn’t know

what to do, we just hurry and go to the school to see what happen to he,” the man related.

He noted that when they arrived there, his nephew and mother, along with the perpetrator and his mother, were in the headteacher’s office with three other teachers, and they were discussing what had happened.

Callous

“You could believe that, my nephew get stab and they put a piece of cotton wool with scotch tape over the wound and get he there whole morning trying to find out what really happen before they take he to the hospital,” the man stated.

He said they immediately rushed him to the hospital, but on their way, they stopped at the East La Penitence Police Station and made a report.

The uncle disclosed to this newspaper that his nephew was in possession of a letter from the school which stated that he was stabbed.

This, the relative pointed out, angered some of the teachers.

“It’s like all they care about is polishing the issue, saying that they’re all children and they didn’t even call nobody and inform us, they just give him a letter to take home after three when school over saying that he was stab, you ain’t see that is nonsense,” the uncle ranted.

The uncle explained that the teen is a quiet child and was never in a fight with anyone.

The teen received three stitches for the wound he sustained and doctors have indicated that no internal injuries have been detected.

The perpetrator is in police custody and according to relatives, he is expected to be taken to court.

Council for TVET Director Sydney Walters

killed: Shelliza Basir-Lall

19-year-old conductor remanded on firearm charge

Ateenager was on Thursday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Nineteen-year-old Dexter Hopkinson of Lot

152 C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on September 29 at Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he had in his possession one 9mm Kel-Tec rifle and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Hopkinson was unrepresented in court and

said that he is a minibus conductor of the Kitty/ Campbellville route and has one pending matter before the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery but has never been convicted.

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte objected to bail beng granted on the grounds that no special reasons were giv-

en and the fact that the defendant has a pending matter before the courts in which an alleged firearm was used.

Magistrate Latchman refused bail and the matter stands adjourned to October 23. She also ordered that witnesses in the matter are to be summoned.

Man fined for assaulting girlfriend

Aman was on Thursday fined after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of assault.

Calvin Cesar of Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which read that on October 1 at Prashad Nagar, he unlawfully assaulted Shabanna Curtis causing her actual bodily harm.

According to the facts,

Cesar and Curtis reside at the same address and have a child together. On the day in question around 15:00h, the two were walking along Campbell Street when Cesar accused Curtis of having a relationship with someone else. An argument ensured which resulted in the defendant snatching the complainant by her hair and dealing her several slaps to her face. The matter was reported to the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost and he was

subsequently arrested and charged.

When given a chance to speak in court, he said that he only dealt her one slap and not several. He went on to say that he came home from the North West District in the interior and met his 18-monthold baby at home alone. He then called her and made arrangement to meet at Demico. She promised go home after work but returned home at 09:00h the following morning.

He said this continued to go on for two days after which he told her she cannot have two men at the same time.

Based on his explanation, a positive guilty plea was entered for him. Curtis said that the defendant has been constantly assaulting her and has been unfaithful to her on numerous occasions.

Magistrate McLennan fined him $20,000 with an alternative of 20 days imprisonment.

Eyew tness

Taking on...

...crime

The opposition are in quite a fix: they’ve staked their all on hounding Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee out of office. But he keeps coming up with positive policy proposals that just rock them back on their back foot. The latest is the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit. Crime, everyone admits, is a problem in Guyana – but everyone also knows it just didn’t appear on Rohee’s watch. Or even the watch of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

“Crime” in Guyana is not your ordinary garden-variety kind –it’s intertwined with politics so closely that most times you just can’t tell the difference. This orientation goes back so long that most of us take it for granted. But whether it was the attacks on PPP/C supporters in the 1960s, attacks on Working People’s Alliance (WPA) supporters in the 1970s, and the attacks on rural folks by kick-down-the-door bandits in the 1980s, they were all sponsored by the opposition.

But nothing prepared us for the kind of attacks unleashed between 1998 and 2008. Here for the first time in our history, bandits started to attack the state and its representatives that stood for law and order – the Guyana Police Force. In 2002 alone, after five of the bandits holed up in Buxton after escaping from jail – they murdered 12 policemen and one officer of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

Even the “Black Clothes” of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) couldn’t deal with the new wave of bandits who packed weapons far superior to what the police issued. The government, under then President Bharrat Jagdeo, announced midway in the year that it would launch a SWAT unit. The team was going to be organised by Scotland Yard liaising with their local contact – Winston Felix, who was then deputy commissioner.

Now knowing where Felix has landed in the political arena –and knowing of his conversations during some of the mass killings by bandits – we shouldn’t be surprised that the SWAT initiative never actually got off the ground. Right, Bannuh? Even after some 300 men had been trained by 2006, he sabotaged the effort. Segueing into the present – everyone would appreciate that, freed from the saboteur within the force, Minister Rohee has now announced the decision to finally launch a SWAT unit.

This, of course, falls right on the heels of his overarching strategy to revamp the entire force to better confront the “new wave” criminals running around. And we now know why the opposition, including Felix, are shaking in their boots.

...tradition

Earlier in the week, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh excoriated the opposition for hounding “young professionals” who, at great sacrifice, are working in the public service. The minister was being kind – the opposition didn’t stop at “young professionals” ...the older ones are obviously also fair game to that motley crew.

Take their harassment of the Clerk of Parliament Sherlock Isaacs. This is unconscionable. No wonder the poor fellow let on that he would quit at the drop of a hat – if he could be assured of getting his pension. All the clerk has been doing is to follow the tradition of his office...and send bills to the parliamentary legal officer who happens to sit in the attorney general’s chambers. The opposition concede that this practice is rooted in tradition, but yet assert that in the absence of written rules the clerk is acting ultra vires!

Can you believe this? Well, knowing how the opposition have been carrying on, you’d have to, won’t you? But we know that the wankers in the opposition know of the role that tradition plays in so much of the functioning of the parliamentary system. Do we have to remind them that there is no written British constitution and that the entire edifice runs on tradition?

..professionals

Why is anyone surprised the MuckrakerKN maligned professionals on the concocted premise that they didn’t pay their licensing fee? Being so unprofessional, how could it do otherwise?

Spanking new nursery school commissioned at Turkeyen

The Education Ministry on Thursday commissioned the spanking new Turkeyen Nursery School in a well-attended, simple ceremony, held in the school’s compound.

Parents, teachers, education officials, and pupils present were very elated to be part of the proud moment.

Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery) Ingrid Trotman briefly outlined the history of nursery education in Guyana and its remarkable evolution over time. Trotman alluded to the fact that Guyana using a comprehensive curriculum is currently leading the Caribbean region in nursery education.

“Today, we can boast of a cur -

riculum that caters for the holistic development of young children. This means that not only do we cater for their cognitive development, but also for the physical, social and emotional as well as moral development,” Trotman said. She went on to encourage parents to play a more important role in the lives of their children. Parents were asked to constantly visit their children’s teachers and to inquire about their progress at school. Trotman further asked parents gathered to read with and to their children.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand underscored the commitment of the government and that of the ministry in con -

tinuing to raise the level and standard of education delivered to children in Guyana.

“In this government, we take education absolutely seriously. We believe strongly that the single most important thing we can do in this country to advance development is to make sure our children get the best education they can get, so they can become the best people they can be.”

Significant investment

The minister pointed out that government continues to invest significantly in education in Guyana in tangible ways that unremittingly affects the lives of Guyanese children positively.

“Today in Guyana in the nurs -

Industry woman stabbed during execution bid

An Industry woman is clinging to life in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was stabbed multiple times by two persons who claimed that they were hired to kill her.

Linda Phillips, 32, of Lot 45 Crown Dam, Industry, East Coast Demerara, was stabbed to her chest, abdomen, and hand with a knife that was subsequently retrieved by police ranks and was taken as evidence.

One of the suspects, a woman, was arrested by public-spirited citizens hiding in a clump of bushes in the area, while her male accomplice escaped. Upon her arrest, she had a syringe, a pair of gloves, and other paraphernalia.

According to reports, Phillips was at home about 10:30h, along with her baby, when the two persons, who pretended to be health workers, entered her yard and informed her that they wanted to check the environment for bacteria.

Phillips allowed them to conduct their work and continued her chores. Several minutes later, the woman was heard screaming for

help.

In response to the calls for help, Phillip’s landlady, who was in the upper flat of the two-storey building, ran out and saw the two young people leaving the yard in haste. This prompted her to run to Phillip’s apartment, only to find the mother of four bleeding profusely on the ground.

With the assistance of residents, the injured woman was taken to the hospital where she was seen and admitted by a doctor. Hospital officials disclosed that the

woman is in stable but serious condition and is being monitored by doctors.

Residents in the community told media operatives that after Phillips was heard calling out for help, they ran to her aid as they thought she was being robbed. One man recounted that as he ran in the direction of the woman’s house, he saw the couple scampering into the bushes.

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, added that he, with others, managed to apprehend the woman, but the man was successful in his escape bid.

“When we catch her, she had on gloves and couple syringe on her… she tell we that she was accompanying she husband to kill the woman… She said that he done get pay,” he recounted.

She was later handed over to the police and was taken to the Turkeyen Police Station where she is being questioned.

Police have since given the suspect's name as Keanna Grenville, while the only name given for her accomplice is "Shawnboy". The police are continuing their investigations and search for the acccomplice.

ery cohort of teachers, we have a total of 1578 teachers – notwithstanding the last batch that just graduated from CPCE – of which 67 per cent are trained teachers. And today in Guyana, we have the most trained nursery teachers in the history of this country.

We also have the most nursery schools and annexes currently in the history of this country.”

The minister also highlighted that in Guyana today, 85 per cent of the children who are of nursery age attend a nursery school.

Manickchand also asked parents and teachers to refrain from engaging children in unnecessary protest action. The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s com -

mitment to dealing with issues affecting schools once those issues come to the attention of the ministry.

She asked that problems affecting schools should be first raised with the school’s administration for resolution.

If the issues raised cannot be resolved at the school administrative level, then parents should explore other options within the education system in an effort to bring to the attention of the ministry their issues and to have them resolved, she added. Protest action should be the last resort, said Manickchand, contending that under no circumstances should a school gate be locked during school hours.

Injured: Linda Phillips

The newly-commissioned Turkeyen Nursery School

Education Minister Priya Manickchand being greeted by two pupils on arrival at the Turkeyen Nursery School

Port Mourant Primary wins spelling bee competition

Port Mourant Primary School has emerged as Rose Hall Town Spelling Bee champion at the conclusion of the InterPrimary School Spelling Bee Competition.

The competition was part of activities to celebrate the town’s 43rd anniversary.

The win was a complete turnaround for the school which finished at the bottom of the table last year. At the end of the competition, Port Mourant Primary scored 58 points, three more than Cropper Primary School.

Last year’s champions, Tain Primary School came in third with 54 points and Rose Hall Town Primary School was in the cellar on 50 points.

The event was organised by the Rose Hall Town Anniversary and Development Organisation

(RHTADO) for schools in Rose Hall Town, Central Corentyne catchment areas.

Tanya Hooper, of Cropper Primary School, who recorded 21 points, was the top speller. Daniel Itwru of Rose Hall Town Primary, Briana Fraser of

Port Mourant Primary and Ugeeta Randass of Tain Primary, each scored 20 points.

De dutty mind and de dutty city

Not too long ago a man sing a song bout dutty wine. Nuff radio stations around de region ban de song from playin because de wine in de song was too dutty – just like de name seh. Now is one ting to like de dutty wine and is another ting to have a dutty mind. De people wid dutty mind wuss than de people who like de dutty wine. De people wid dutty mind can do all manner of tings more bad than just de dutty wine.

The top two students of the competition also received trophies, compliments of Digicel. The activity was coordinated by RHTADO founder Andrew Griffith.

At the end of the competition, Port Mourant Primary School was presented with the winner’s trophy while the other schools were also recognised, compliments of Digicel.

Any body can know dem from de deeds whah dem tryin to hide from de public. Good ting de good book seh any ting whah people do in de dark does come to light. And de whole world does end up findin out bout whah dem been doin – even if is in dem bedroom behind closed doors.

De mayor-fuh-life Green Ham is a man like that. He like to hide and do tings and then pretend he nevah know bout any ting or nevah do any ting. That is exactly whah he do wid de Japanese money and de **ity council money. Now he seh he don’t know nutten from head to bull foot bout no money. It gotta be de same money he tek fuh pay de woman tax and then he nevah pay de tax.

And nowadays Green Ham writin more letters in de papers than whah he wukkin. Every letter he write is another truck load of garbage leff pun a GT road some where. And de mayor-fuh-life ain’t even got no shame bout it. He turn up to a funeral and talk politics. If de dead coulda move, he woulda get up and leff he own funeral.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De mayor-fuh-life got duttiness all over he life starting from he mind. Is no wonder de GT streets can’t get clean any time soon.

Rose Hall

Town man granted bail for allegedly stealing policeman’s cellphone

ARose Hall Town man has been granted bail in the sum of $40,000 by Magistrate Shurdel Isaacs Marcus when he appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, charged for simple larceny.

Norman Brusch is accused of stealing one Samsung JH Windows cellphone valued $127,000 from Police Cadet Officer Jevon Hamer on Wednesday, September 18.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sheriff said on the day in question, Hamer was among some persons who boarded a taxi at Rose Hall Town with the intention of being taken to New Amsterdam.

At the time, Hamer claimed he had his phone in his possession. Hamer, who was in the front passenger seat of the car, switched positions and went in the back seat of the vehicle.

At the time, other passengers came into the car and Brusch opted for the front seat. When the vehicle was about to move

off, Brusch made a request that he wanted to urine and asked the driver for a few minutes, before sprinting to a nearby restaurant.

According to the police prosecutor, Hamer, who was about to use his phone, realised that it was not in his possession and when he searched the vehicle, he did not find it.

Sheriff told the court that Brusch in the meantime had returned and stated that he did not want to urine anymore because the urinal was in an untidy state.

Brusch said he had no knowledge of the phone. Hamer took Brusch back to the restaurant, but did not find the phone. According to the police prosecutor, the urinal which Brusch said was untidy was found to be cleaned. The owners said that the urinal was cleaned in the morning.

Brusch was granted pertrial liberty and will return to court on October 14. The matter has been transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

The participants of the spelling bee competition which was part of activities to mark Rose Hall Town’s 43rd anniversary

Lack of legislative support a hindrance to cheap energy – President Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar continues to argue the case for public support to the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) that will bring much needed cheap energy to the country and support improved operations of Guyana’s processing and manufacturing sectors.

Speaking at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 50th anniversary dinner on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel, Ramotar criticised the political opposition for withholding legislative support to the project and those that constantly level accusations against public sector professionals.

“The attacks on people like Brassington, Sharma and now the clerk of the National Assembly, I don’t think that those things would do any good for our country. We need to create an atmosphere where people will do their work, where people will not be afraid to serve in their country,” President Ramotar said.

The unjustifiable rejection of key pieces of legislation that would have cleared the way for construction

works on the AFHP, resulted in a reputable international developer and partner Sithe Global walking away and a further setback in the realisation of cheap energy.

Without the right support infrastructure, President Ramotar said he doubts the manufacturing sector in particular, can reach its full potential.

Decline

“We have seen as a fact, as a percentage of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), it (manufacturing sector) has not grown. In fact, it has fallen in some ways,” President Ramotar said. Copies of the GMSA’s 50th anniversary souvenir magazine were presented last evening outlining the association’s future goals.

Among them is training of small agro-processors in the Essequibo region on international standards in handling, labelling and packaging of coconut, and fruit juices.

As the banking sector makes transactions for loans and interest rates more reasonable for borrowers, President Ramotar advised the GMSA to build a good

relationship with banks to pursue bigger investments.

Wednesday evening’s dinner came on the eve of a GuyExpo 2013 Business Forum held at the Guyana International Conference Centre that sought to provide relevant information on current trade issues and foster the establishment of business partnerships with foreign enterprises.

Courts supports Fire Prevention Week activities

Courts Guyana Inc on Wednesday made a contribution in excess of $500,000 to the Guyana Fire Service for activities in Berbice, Anna Regina and Bartica. According to a release, the Berbice Fire Service will receive $193,000, the Anna Regina Fire Service $171,000, and the Bartica Fire Service $140,000. The presentation was made at the Guyana Fire Service headquarters on Water Street.

The forum featured presentations on new FDA U.S. Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) and its impact on Guyanese exporters of food products to the U.S., potential business opportunities in Northern Brazil in manufacturing services, sustainable energy in Guyana, the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) services in the

Caribbean and doing business with China.

Firmly established GMSA President Clinton Williams said manufacturers have been enjoying the public/private partnership for years and that entrepreneurs have grown to a level where they are now considered landmarks of the manufacturing landscape.

Last year manufacturing output grew by 2.4 per cent, with some products such as beverages recording increased output, while valueadded output in the services sector increased significantly, with many industries achieving positive growth, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had reported earlier this year.

Wholesale and retail trade grew by 6.7 per cent, information and communication by 4.2 per cent, electricity and water output by 5.7 per cent, transport and storage by 18.9 per cent, finance and insurance by 13.8 per cent, rental of dwellings by 4.5 per cent and other services by four per cent.

It was also reported that the manufacturing sector is projected to record a stronger growth performance of 4.4 per cent this year. At the dinner, GSMA members who have helped to shape the landscape of manufacturing in Guyana were given special honours. GMSA is the successor to Guyana Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Guyana Light Industries Society.

Courts said the money will offset expenses for firefighters to travel to the outlying areas to conduct fire safety awareness programmes to hinterland communities during Fire Prevention Week, and for the overall organisation of the 2013 observance.

“Courts Guyana Inc acknowledges the responsibility and efforts of the Guyana Fire Service and is proud to make this donation as we fulfil our corporate responsibility, thus, standing true to our mission of ‘Bringing Value Home’,” the released concluded.

President Donald Ramotar addressing attendees at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) 50th anniversary dinner at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday evening

Senior fire officer Gregory Wickham receiving the cheque from Courts officials in the presence of his colleagues

OIC to continue close cooperation with Guyana, Suriname

The next secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Bin Amin Madani, the former Saudi culture and information minister, has expressed his desire to continue forging closer ties with Guyana and Suriname, the only two OIC member states in the Western hemisphere.

Madani confirmed this during informal conversations last week at an OIC reception on the sidelines of the 68th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Madani attended the State University of Arizona and has authored several books in English and Arabic. According to an Arabic international newspaper, Al Asraq al Awsad, during his work in the media, Madani displayed his reformist ambitions and de-

sires through many writings and books, in both Arabic and English. The majority of his work has been circulated in local newspapers and his most prominent book to date is entitled: The Saudi Challenge. He also held a cabinet position in the Saudi government, was head of the Islamic International News Agency, Haj minister and culture and information minister.

Madani said that he was very pleased that outgoing Secretary General Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu visited Guyana and Suriname, which has brought these countries closer to the OIC.

There are ongoing discussions about the prospect of opening an OIC office in the Caribbean Community, most likely in Suriname, which offered to host the office during Ihsanoglu’s recent visit.

Ihsanoglu, in his address to the gathering, reviewed some of the accomplishments of the OIC and challenges facing the Muslim world.

Madani, in his address, noted that cooperation from heads of governments is im-

portant to the success of the OIC’s missions and goals. He also praised Ihsanoglu for the many achievements of the OIC since he first headed the group a decade ago.

Among those present was Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul, whose presence there could indicate a soothing of Turkey/OIC ties, after Turkey criticised the OIC of not being vocal in condemning the “coup in Egypt and to stand against these killings”.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; newly elected president of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita; and Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hachim Thaci were also there.

Keita thanked the international community for its support to his nation and called for a united Mali.

Malian artists were

there, showcasing the rich music of the ancient land whose capital Timbuktu was the centre of learning and trade in West Africa.

Thaci was lobbying for more recognition for Kosovo. It seems that he had Suriname on his ra-

dar and approached that country’s Foreign Minister Winston Lackin, who was also present. Guyana some months ago recognised the independence of Kosovo and Grenada a few days ago became the latest Caricom country to do so. (Caribbean

LIAT aircraft suffers technical glitch on flight to Guyana

ALIAT DASH-8 aircraft was Wednesday afternoon forced to return to Barbados about midway into a flight to Guyana due to a problem with an “avionics fan”.

The aircraft landed without incident around 15:12h and a fire tender was on standby on the apron.

The passengers, who 45 minutes earlier, had boarded Flight 521 for Guyana, disembarked in an orderly manner, after being informed that the aircraft was returning to the Sir Grantley Adams Airport.

The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) correspondent, Kenton Chance, who was on the flight to Guyana, said passengers remained calm after the an-

nouncement from the flight deck that the navigation system was overheating as a result of the malfunctioning avionics fan.

The crew later told passengers that while the aircraft could complete the flight to Guyana, it was felt it would be better to return to Barbados.

The crew member said that if the aircraft continued to Guyana, it would have to remain there and this could further disrupt the airline’s schedule.

The flight was originally scheduled to depart Barbados at 12:15h Wednesday, but left about an hour later. Passengers were told that this was a due to a delay in the aircraft arriving from St Lucia.

(Caribbean360)

Lifeline Counselling Services is once again hosting the annual Phillip Vanderhyden Walkathon.

This year’s walk will be held on October 27 under the theme “Getting to Zero”. The walk is going to commence at 06:00h outside the Bank of Guyana and will proceed south on the Avenue of the Republic, east onto Durban Street, north into Cummings Street, east into Regent, north into Albert and into the National Park.

Lifeline Counselling Services is a non-governmental agency whose mis-

sion is to reduce the physiological impact of HIV and AIDS on persons living with, or affected by the disease. Since their establishment, their services have always been free and confidential.

The walkathon celebrates the life of Vanderhyden, who is often referred to as the face of HIV and AIDS in Guyana because of his courage to work to restoring dignity to persons affected by the disease.

As such, Lifeline Counselling Services are calling on the public for their support in the annual walk.

Iyad Bin Amin Madani

News Now)

Passengers disembark the aircraft after it landed in Barbados on Wednesday afternoon

GECOM not responsible for delay in local govt polls – PRO

AFC claims otherwise

ECOM Public Relations

GOfficer Vishnu Persaud has dismissed claims by two Alliance For Change (AFC) members that the elections body is delaying the holding of local government elections as inaccurate.

In a strongly worded statement, Persaud quoted AFC General Secretary David Patterson as saying that “GECOM is also part of the problem since it never demanded that local government elec-

tions be held”. This assertion, he said is false.

The GECOM official also quoted AFC’s Michael Carrington as saying that “GECOM holds the power to put all systems in place for the holding of local government elections,” pointing out that this statement is also misleading.

Persaud asserted that an election may be held on such

a day as the local government minister may, by order, appoint. He explained that the minister would be in order to consult with GECOM on the issue of preparedness before appointing a day for the holding of elections.

He further stated that GECOM has no authority to demand or even request of the local government minister or any other official authority that elections may be held at any time. Nevertheless, Persaud said that GECOM is making the necessary preparations for the hosting of the elections.

Readiness

“In light of this, the commission has been budgeting for such an eventuality year after year, just in case the commission is called upon to host an election,” he added. He further stated that the commission was ready for local government elections since 2010, but it was not the fault of GECOM that the elections did not happen.

Persaud in his missive explained the commission’s readiness for the election. He said GECOM had completed the demarcation of constituencies within all of the 71 local authorities to facilitate the first past and post aspects of the new local government election system.

GECOM, he said, is also in possession of a draft work plan, to be finalised for implementation at any point when a day for the holding of the elections

Corentyne man granted bail for allegedly stealing grain cart

ACorentyne man accused of stealing a grain cart was granted bail after he told the court that the virtual complainant (VC) owed him and he was holding the asset as security.

Yogpaul Ramnarara, 46, of Bengal Farm, Corentyne, Berbice and Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before Magistrate Shurdel Isaacs Marcus on a charge of larceny of one grain cart, property of Ashmi Singh. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, stating that Singh owed him money. Ramnarara is alleged to have stolen the cart and used it to transport paddy sometime in August.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant

is appointed by the minister. In the meantime, the commission has also commenced publication of information pertaining to the new system for this election, as part of a comprehensive public information strate-

gy to educate the public about their roles and responsibilities, without focusing on the elections processes.

The four local government bills necessary for the holding of the elections were

passed in the National assembly, but were sent to the attorney general’s chambers where it remains. President Donald Ramotar is yet to assent to these bills and unless this happens, only then local govern-

ment elections will be held. The diplomatic community, as well as civil society, has been calling for the holding of local government elections. The local government elections were last held in 1994.

Phillip Sheriff told the court that Singh contracted the accused to construct the cart for him at an agreed price of $1.8 million. The agreement states that payment will be done in parts. At the completion of the task, a sum of $64,000 was outstanding and Singh took possession of the cart which he used to transport paddy. Singh eventually went overseas and during the interim, the accused went and removed that cart from his yard, claiming he was owed money. Singh was contacted and returned to the country. On September 19, the accused was apprehended and charged.

He was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and will have to return to court on October 14.

GECOM Public Relations Officer Vishnu Persaud

AFC member Michael Carrington

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

Resilience, creativity helped GMSA attain age 50

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) President Clinton Williams said the agency has experienced the highs and lows but managed to remain strong to reach the ripe age of 50.

He was at the time speaking at the GMSA’s 50th anniversary at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday. The agency also unveiled a souvenir magazine to mark the occasion.

Williams, addressing a gathering of prominent public officials, including President Donald Ramotar, said were it not for the staunch determination of Guyanese manufacturers, the GMSA would not have had the platform it advocates from today, for more modern technologies and easier access to export markets. These entrepreneurs, he said, were the ones who opened those doors.

“In 50 years, manufacturing in Guyana has seen peaks and valleys, mostly in response to events happening around the world over which we in Guyana had no control.

It is indeed ironic that in the 1970s and the 1980s when the entire world was reeling from the effects of an acute shortage and consequent high costs for fossil fuels, Guyanese manufacturers recorded high production and revenue growth.”

Acute shortage

Williams recalled that there was an acute shortage of foreign currency here as a direct result of the world crisis. The government was unable to pay for imports of factory components and machinery for bauxite, sugar, rice and other operations.

“Guyanese entrepreneurs were experiencing shortages and restrictions, the likes of which they have never had before, so they turned inward.

They embraced what became national catch phases – import substitution and self-sufficiency – and began to manufacture in their plants, factories and foundries huge spare parts for enormous earth moving draglines in the bauxite mines, for the 10 sugar factories, and for the numerous rice mills spread along coastal Guyana. Their

output was precise and to the original manufacturers’ specifications.

“This was the era that produced coalpots and caharis for cooking; replacement parts and structures for river ferries, tugs and boats; fanciful metal and wooden furniture and decorations for the home; and even games for children and adults,” Williams reminisced.

He said as the national circumstances worsened, manufacturers became even more creative, moulding staircases out of metal; fabricating and manufacturing complete gold mining dredges; manufacturing PVC pipes for all applications; and utilising homegrown hardwoods to make all kinds of furniture. Williams said at that time, trained skills were in abundance

Training

Turing his attention to today, he said the GMSA finds itself in a partnership with Sterling Products Limited to educate small scale agro-processors in the Essequibo about international quality standards, product handling, labelling and packaging of their coconut products, fruit juices and preserves.

The GMSA’s involvement came with assistance from long-standing partner, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through its implementation branches – the Executive Services and Trade

Facilitation offices.

GMSA Second Vice President Luanna Persaud said there is still a lot more to be done at the regulatory level in particular, to bring Guyana’s manufacturing and services to its rightful place, at least in the Caribbean region.

Guyana brand

There is no one who disagrees that the made in Guyana brand should not have a place of prominence in the international market place.

“We’re blessed with numerous natural resources and a high quality of human resources to make this a reality. The GMSA, I can assure you, is taking advantage of every opportunity, every available resource, to make that happen.

“Tonight, we reserve a special thank you to Major General (retired) Norman McLean, Oscar Phillips, Kim Kissoon and to Ramesh Dookhoo, who served as a stand-in for PSC Chairman Ron Webster, who shared their experiences and gave the GMSA a deeper insight into our origins. There are not enough words to express how honoured we are that you accepted our invitation, Persaud said.

The GMSA’s 50th anniversary magazine was published by Advertising and Marketing Services, owned by Lokesh Singh.

Govt remains committed

to UG’s development – Dr Luncheon

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon on Thursday said the government remains committed to continue Dr Cheddi Jagan’s dreams for the University of Guyana. The institution is currently observing its 50th anniversary.

In reviewing the origins of the university, Dr Luncheon noted that the record breaking action by a British colony 50 years ago to establish a university was historic in many ways. He said Cabinet has recognised the visionary leadership of the 1961-64 PPP/C government that established the institution.

“Cabinet recognised the valiant effort of Dr Cheddi Jagan, and his colleagues in the government as they persevered in their activities to achieve his dream of a University in Guyana,” Dr Luncheon said.

Recalling that in the first decade of its existence, the university was called Jagan’s Night School, he added that Cabinet recognised the extremes that greeted the establishment, as well as “those who were

firmly in favour and strongly supported the establishment and those who opposed the creation of the institution”.

In 1964, although the Western government conspired to remove the PPP from government, “the opposition of yesterday found it convenient to abandon their opposition and to support the university and its continuation,” Dr Luncheon pointed out, and domestic and international support quickly gathered as the his-

tory of the university unfolded.

“Notwithstanding all that has happened from 1963 to today, the role of the university Cabinet contends in carving out the independence of Guyana and an independent Guyana is real, and is also equally instructive. That role makes the case for unfettered efforts to continue to deliver on Dr Jagan’s dream for this national institution, the University of Guyana” Dr Luncheon said.

Several activities planned to celebrate PPP/C’s 21st anniversary in govt

The

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be celebrating 21 years in government on October 5 with a series of events.

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr Roger Luncheon said the celebrations would focus on public activities in the three counties during the

month.

There will be a full range of associated media (radio, television and electronic media) presentations dealing with 21 years of PPP/C in government.

This would include the historical aspects, the vision, the achievement and the challenges encountered and addressed over that period.

The activities will

kick off with a grand rally on October 5 in Region Six, followed by another at Lusignan on October 6 and a third on October 12 on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. The PPP/C was founded by late president Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1950. The party scored a resounding victory at the October 5, 1992 polls, which heralded the return of democracy in Guyana.

Ex-prison officer sentenced to 25 months

An ex-prison officer was on Thursday sentenced to 25 months imprisonment after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charges against him.

Twenty-seven-yearold Quacy Collins of Lot 84 La Penitence Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that between June 1 and June 30, being entrusted with a quantity of clothing valued $366,000, property of Mecilhure McKay, he fraudulently converted it to his own use.

According to the facts, the complainant is a businesswoman and the defendant

is known to her. During the month, Collins approached McKay and told her he wanted to sell clothing. She gave him a quantity of clothes and he was supposed to give her the money he made off of his sales. Five weeks passed and McKay was not contacted by the defendant, which prompted her to file a report against him.

An unrepresented Collins told the court that Mckay did give him the clothes but did not give him a time period in which he had to give her back the money.

He alleged that he made contact with her telling her he will give the clothes to a woman who will take it into the interior to sell. He stated that she told him that she

does not like the idea but he can go ahead since he is in charge of the clothing. He said that after he gave the clothes to the woman from the interior, she disappeared and his efforts to find her were futile. He added that he is not a flight risk, has had no trouble with the law before and had offered to pay Mckay $20,000 a week. The complainant denied having any contact with Collins and has no knowledge of him giving the articles to a woman from the interior.

Magistrate McLennan enquired whether the defendant can afford to compensate McKay to which he replied negatively, before she made her ruling.

GMSA President Clinton Williams speaking at the agency’s 50th anniversary at the Pegasus on Wednesday

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon

Unit to address money laundering remains on govt’s agenda

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon said Cabinet has been advised of its non-parliamentary international obligations to address anti-money laundering in Guyana, while noting that it is also dealing with concerns of the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Addressing the media at his post-Cabinet briefing, Dr Luncheon said Cabinet’s attention was drawn to a planned sitting of the national oversight body, under which decisions regarding staffing and training of

Linden accident

staff to be recruited in supervisory agencies and the FIU would be discussed and endorsed.

He noted that the ruling administration has been rigorously addressing the issue of anti-money laundering (AML) in Guyana.

In light of this, the formation of the Serious Organised Crimes Unit (SOCO) and its dedication to investigating AML was also brought to Cabinet’s attention.

“Crimes of money laundering were also drawn to Cabinet’s attention, specifically the efforts to operationalise SOCO. The advertisements for staffing

and the work with specialists and the donor community in as early as possible establishing a functioning and a competent SOCO would remain on the front burner.”

The anti-money laundering legislation is currently before a parliamentary special select committee for review so that amendments can be made before it is taken back to Parliament to be passed.

“In its most recent defence, the government recognised that it had failed to meet CFATF for submission of the enacted anti-money laundering legislation.

Guyana would be reporting again in November, specifically November 18 on particular developments surrounding the handling of anti-money laundering legislation by Parliament,” Luncheon said.

If Guyana fails once more to satisfy international obligations to ensure the passage of the critical piece of legislation, it could face severe sanctions that would hamper international financial transactions.

The combined opposition had raised the issue of the functioning of the FIU as a prerequisite and integral aspect to be considered before the bill is passed.

Biker was racing when he fatally struck pedestrian

The biker who struck down a 33-year-old conductor in Wismar, Linden, on Tuesday night was reportedly racing with anther cyclist.

The dead conductor, Neburn Charles of Lot 111 Amelia’s Ward, Linden, had sustained serve head injuries. The man reportedly suffered a fractured skull and succumbed to his injuries. According to his sister, Cleosena Charles-Quimbie, she was told that two bikers were racing along the One Mile Road in Wismar when one of them reportedly swerved from hitting a dog and ran into her brother.

The woman stated that at the time her brother had just stepped out of an Internet café and was standing on the corner of the road when he was struck down.

“They were riding really fast, like very speed and he swerved from a dog that ran across the road and collided with my brother, causing him to pitch up in the air and then like he fell on his head and that was it,” related the woman.

The woman, who is a senior medic at the Linden Hospital Complex, said she received a call that night from the nurses who informed her that her brother had met in an accident.

“I didn’t believe at first and I told them no, that my brother don’t work late but they knew him because he was a conductor so I decided to go down to the hospital and when I got there and saw him, I knew right away he won’t make it, the prognosis was poor,” she said.

Quimbie disclosed that her brother was in such a

critical condition that he had to be placed on a life support machine. She noted that she left the medical facility around 03:00h on Wednesday morning and about two hours later, she received a call that her brother had died.

The woman noted that she did not expect her brother to survive since he sustained severe head injuries while adding that they could not have even transferred him to a Georgetown hospital because he would have died on the way.

The woman told this publication that the biker, Revon Austin of Canvas City, Wismar, has also been hospitalised; however, he only suffered a broken jaw and is listed as stable. The other biker reportedly rode away after the incident.

Charles leaves to mourn

Recommendations in actuary report unfavourable – Dr Luncheon

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon has stated emphatically that a recently concluded actuary report listing recommendations on the operations and management of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), has not found favour with the government. According to the Cabinet secretary, “as a consequence, many of those recommendations were not implemented”.

However, Dr Luncheon said, the move by government does not reflect the work of the actuary as an “exercise in futility”.

“Its mandatory, the legislation makes provision for a financial and an actuarial review every five years of

the fund, the most recent review was of the period 2007 to 2011, and going back every five years an actuarial review has been completed and presented to the board and to stakeholders.

The recommendations and the implementation of the recommendations are not a feature of the statutes; it’s not a feature of the legislation. Like all other recommendations, they would have to be considered by the authorities, by stakeholders and on the basis of its consideration, interventions would be made”.

The recommendations contained in the eight actuarial reviews were presented in the three counties, these did not find favour with sizable segments of

those consulted and other stakeholders of the NIS, and many are aware of this fact, Dr Luncheon noted. There is need for consensus of the way forward, he added.

The finance minister had stated earlier that government was examining the various recommendations contained in the report which was made public several months ago. Among measures recommended was the raising of contributions to help to offset the shortfall of the insurance scheme’s finances.

NIS operates out of 14 offices countrywide, providing social security to over 45,000 pensioners and medical insurance for thousands of Guyanese in the formal and informal workforce.

U.S. bishops join call to end American embargo of Cuba

Ihis parents, siblings and an eight-year-old son. His girlfriend is pregnant with his second child.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body of the 33-year-old conductor this morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s mortuary. According to eyewitnesses, after being struck, Charles was flung several yards away and landed headfirst onto a concrete bridge. Both he and the biker were rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Linden Hospital Complex shortly after the accident.

n solidarity with a recent pastoral letter by the Cuban bishops, Des Moines Bishop Richard E Pates has voiced support for an end to America's embargo against Cuba, which has been in place since 1959.

“We urge efforts to lift the U.S. embargo against Cuba so that greater support and assistance can flow to ordinary Cubans,” Bishop Pates wrote in a September 26 letter to Susan Rice, the U.S. National Security Advisor.

“Engagement will do more than isolation to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering. It will also recognise Cuba’s constructive role in mediating Colombian peace negotiations and cooperating with

the U.S. Coast Guard in drug interdiction activities.” The U.S. established a crippling economic embargo on Cuba in 1959, when communists lead by Fidel Castro seized control of the island's government. Castro was succeeded as Cuban president in 2008 by his brother Raul, who has introduced economic reforms. These include the allowance of small private businesses, a decentralisation of state businesses, and greater freedom for foreign travel and the sale of homes and cars. Despite these economic reforms, political reforms have not been forthcoming, and the Communist Party remains the only one permitted. (Excerpt from Catholic News Agency)

An abandoned building in Havana, Cuba

renada has become one of the five Caribbean nations now offering up to 100Mbps (Megabits per second) of broadband internet service to its residents.

Gail Purcell, Country Manager of FLOW Grenada, announced on October 1 that residents were now receiving two and a half times more speed than were previously available at no additional cost through the company’s Let’s Evolve as People (LEAP) campaign.

Minister of

Communications, Works, Physical Development, Public Utilities and ICT, Gregory Bowen, said the announcement was a direct testimony to the government’s continued efforts to bring broadband to the people of Grenada.

“Our goal is to ensure that we use broadband to boost the economy,” Bowen noted. He said government services such as online payment of taxes and land registry were now within reach with health care and agriculture being other

areas which could take advantage of faster Internet speeds.

The minister said Flow’s increased broadband offering now meant that young people could stay in Grenada while working for international companies and become creators of content to share with the world. He acknowledged the important partnership between Columbus and the NGO, Brightpath to deploy technology focused training programmes to assist in this objective. (Trinidad Guardian)

IMF managing director Christine Lagarde says failure to raise the U.S. debt ceiling would be a far worse threat to the global economy than the current shutdown. The shutdown is due to a budget standoff between President Barack Obama and Congress. But a worse problem looms: the U.S. will run out of money if there is no agreement to raise the borrowing limit.

Lagarde’s comments were

Europe

Portugal’s international lenders approved the country’s performance under a bailout in their latest review on Thursday, but rejected government requests to ease fiscal goals.

The European Union and International Monetary Fund said Lisbon was moving to meet the lending programme’s goals and that there were early signs of recovery after the worst economic downturn since the 1970s.

“The programme re-

echoed by the U.S. Treasury. It says a debt default could lead to a financial crisis as bad as 2008 or worse. Obama emphasised that gloomy message in a separate speech on Thursday.

“As reckless as a government shutdown is, as many people as are being hurt by a government shutdown, an economic shutdown that results from default would be dramatically worse,” he said. Obama and Congressional leaders have been in political

deadlock for days, which has had the effect of freezing nonessential U.S. government functions.

The U.S. government closed non-essential operations on Tuesday after Congress failed to strike a deal on a new budget. The shutdown has left more than 700,000 employees on unpaid leave and closed national parks, tourist sites, government websites, office buildings, and more. (BBC News)

Can gulf money save Egypt’s economy?

In recent months, Egypt has received nearly US$20 billion in loans and grants from its Gulf allies. But the price of political stability is a lot higher.

At the end of August, Egypt’s military-backed interim government – established in the wake of former president Mohamed Morsi’s overthrow – approved an infrastructure spending package worth US$3.2 billion.

Following months of political unrest and mass protests, the package – to be rolled out over the next10 months – is aimed at boosting an econo-

my struggling against the effects of widespread unemployment and rising food and fuel prices.

These were problems which went largely unaddressed by the Muslim Brotherhood administration and which had contributed to Morsi’s plummeting popularity before he was deposed at the start of July.

Most analysts have now welcomed the infrastructural investment as an essential first step on the road to economic recovery. But concerns have also been raised about how exactly the government

will pay for it.

Although Egypt’s budget deficit now stands at more than 10 per cent of GDP, government officials have ruled out tax rises or public spending cuts as possible ways of balancing the books.

Meanwhile, over the summer, negotiations between the Egyptian government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were abandoned when the Egyptian government rejected the IMF’s loan conditions, which included ending the bread and petrol subsidies many Egyptians depend on. (allAfrica)

Paving the way for the biggest ever foreign investment in India’s aviation sector, the Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared Jet Airways’ proposed sale of 24 per cent equity to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, days after the Rs 2058 crore deal got regulatory clearances.

“Yes, it has been cleared,” said civil aviation minister Ajit Singh after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Replying to questions,

he said the deal has “gone through all the regulatory processes” and would be “good for civil aviation and good for the passengers”.

The proposal was of Etihad to subscribe 27,263,372 Jet shares of Rs 10 each, amounting to 24 per cent of post-issue paid-up equity share capital for Rs 2057.66 crore.

CCEA gave its nod on the conditions that, among other things, Jet and Etihad would adhere to RBI policy guidelines and SEBI regulations, comply with all Indian laws and take prior FIPB approv-

als for any further changes in the shareholders agreement, commercial cooperation agreement, articles of association, investment agreement and shareholding patterns, the sources said.

The deal has already been cleared by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), with the minister saying that approval to the deal was delayed as it had to go through all regulatory processes, including twice to FIPB. (Times of India)

mains broadly on track, with the authorities determined to achieve its objectives,” the lenders said in a statement. “Provided the authorities persevere with steadfast programme implementation, euro area member states have declared they stand ready to support Portugal until full market access is regained.” With no change in next year’s budget deficit goal, the government is set to push ahead with spending cuts of four billion euros (US$5.5 billion) next

year, which are likely to be detailed in the draft budget to be presented later this month.

Business groups have argued these cuts could compromise a fledgling recovery. The first signs of economic growth prompted the government and creditors to raise next year’s growth forecast to 0.8 per cent from 0.6 per cent. This year’s gross domestic product (GDP) contraction is now seen at 1.8 per cent compared with the previous estimate of a 2.3 per cent decline. (Reuters)

Dubai plans to spend AED2 billion (US$545 million) on building a canal through its downtown area, part of a series of construction projects being launched as the emirate recovers from its 2009-2010 debt crisis.

The three-kilometre (1.9mile) canal is to extend from the Business Bay district to and will cross the Sheikh Zayed Road, between Safa and first Interchanges, and

will pass across Safa Park and Al Wasl Road and terminate at the Arabian Gulf.

The project will span more than 80,000 square metres and will encompass new shopping and entertainment centres linked through a uniquely designed bridge to more than 450 new restaurants along with luxurious marinas for yachts, and four worldclass hotels, the WAM news agency said.

The development, which

is due to be completed in 2017, will allow for the construction of deluxe residences and private marinas for boats along with pedestrian pathways and cycling tracks and is expected to attract up to 22 million visitors per annum.

Dubai’s Gulf coast, creating new waterfront land that can be used to build hotels, marinas and other tourist facilities, the government said in a statement. (Arabianbunsiness)

The basics of finance and how it determines success

A business owner should be familiar and comfortable with using the following:

* Day to day expense tracking – an owner needs to be able to create and analyse reports that give an idea of the health of a business.

* Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable – An owner needs to be able to tell when payment is expected and prepare for any outgoing expenditures

Of equal importance is the

ability to determine the current financial state of a business and whether expansion is possible or even necessary due to competition. Being able to identify future trends that can positively or negatively impact a business will go a long way toward helping a business develop staying power in ever shifting market places.

Regardless of the size of a business, the goals of the business and the owner should be kept firmly in mind. While

smaller businesses may not immediately benefit or be able to afford an accountant that is an expense that should be worked into a budget as soon as possible. Accountants and even financial planners are able to keep a business on track. They can help to establish realistic long-term goals to increase the chances of success. With the help of a financial professional, cash flow problems can be spotted and tackled. (Business Dictionary)

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

22Jan. 19)

Don’t give in to someone making idle threats or causing uncertainty and emotional instability. A partnership should be formed with someone having equal talent and the ability to work without supervision.

20Feb. 19)

Line up your agenda and look over your expenses. Taking care of the fine, but important, details will help you avoid criticism from a controlling individual. Make changes in an unyielding manner.

21July 22)

Reconnect with someone or attend a reunion that encourages you to get back to hobbies or activities you used to enjoy. Don’t let the changes others make throw you off guard.

(July 23Aug. 22)

Don’t overstep your bounds or overstay your welcome. Make changes that will ensure your happiness. Additional responsibilities must be dealt with quickly so you can get on with your life.

20-March 20)

Network, socialise and oversee any matters that can influence your position or your financial future. The schedule you set will ensure your ability to enjoy good friends and personal pampering.

(March 21-April 19)

Do what you say, and be consistent in the way you handle others. Emotional problems will surface if you discuss feelings or what you expect from others. Discretion will be necessary.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

What you do for others will ensure that you receive the help you need when it comes to accomplishing your goals. Personal opportunities will develop through an unusual relationship.

23Oct. 23)

Put emotional differences aside and get along with others in order to reach a greater goal. Compromise will help bring about change as well as show your flexibility and ability to contribute.

20-May 20)

Protect against injury or harsh encounters with someone prone to bullying. Travel to destinations that will provide you with interesting information that enhance your beliefs. Nurture important partnerships.

21June 20)

Getting involved in activities that are new to you will lift your spirits and encourage you to participate in upcoming events that can lead to new acquaintances and interests.

24Nov. 22)

Expand your interests and look for enlightenment. Indulge in interesting challenges and travel to places that will leave an impression. The experience you have will improve your home and family life.

23Dec. 21)

Good fortune is within reach. Steady progress is all that’s required to improve your position, giving you greater access to a multitude of lifestyles that will keep you entertained.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Entertainment

In less than 48 hours, the Pegasus poolside will be transformed into a magical space where the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant 2013 will be hosted with pure elegance and sophistication. The event is slated for October 6, commencing at 20:00h sharp.

Eight beautiful, intelligent and mesmerising young women will be competing for the coveted title and the opportunity to represent Guyana in Moscow for the Miss Universe Pageant 2013.

On Wednesday evening, the Intelligence (question and answer) segment was broadcast live on the National Communication Network (NCN) where the delegates were questioned on their respective platforms. However, heading into the competition with an edge over the other delegates was contestant number one, Carlea Chappell sponsored by NABI Construction.

Based on feedback from pageant critics, the 19-year-old who hails from Essequibo was fluent and answered her questions and was spot on. With this edge, the psychology major at the University of Guyana is one step closer to copping the coveted title.

Trailing, Chappell is delegate number five, 18-year-old Ayana Whitehead who is sponsored by Rainbow Fashions. From the inception, Whitehead was optimistic and confident that she will be crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2013.

Timeka Marshall set for two-week tour in Japan

GHowever, delegate number two

Kenwah Cho Quan Yi, a graduate from the University of Guyana with a degree in Economic and a diploma in Public Communications is close behind.

Katherina Roshana who is sponsored under the Limacol brand of the NEW GPC INC is also a top contender in the quest and topping off the top five prediction is delegate number four Shyon Hoppie, who is sponsored by Shalinsky and Company.

However, with the intelligence segment out of the way, the delegates will be concentrating on pageant night.

uyana’s very own Timeka Marshall kicks off a two week-tour in Tokyo, Japan this weekend, opening for Jamaican group, L.U.S.T.

The Guyanese songstress told Hits and Jams Entertainment that she is completely ecstatic about the tour which officially begins Saturday, October 5,

Vocal group, L.U.S.T. is made up of Tony Curtis, Singing Melody, Lukie D and Thriller U. During the late 90s, the performers made their way onto the music scene as a group with the intention of putting the “flava back

The group is known for the song “Sweetness of Your Love” and covers “Stay” and “Just As I Am”, among others. However, the four solo artistes that make up this band are more recognised for their individual singles and The concerts scheduled under this tour will see Marshall, L.U.S.T. and popular Japanese acts sharing the stage. Timeka launched her music career in 2005 when she emerged as the winner of the first GT&T Jingle and Song Competition. She has since risen to stardom and is currently working diligently to improve her craft while residing in ‘Dancehall-Reggae Nation’ Jamaica. Her most recent singles are ‘Lying Lover’ and ‘No one but you’.

On pageant night, the delegates will compete in swimsuit, evening gown and a question and answer segment and will be judged by a panel of experts including fashion icons, entertainment personnel and members of the pageantry arena. Tickets for the finals cost $6000 for VIP and $3000 for regular seating and are available at the Pegasus hotel front desk and any of the delegates.

Adrian Dutchin dubbed best performer for 2013 at WIMA

For two consecutive years, Guyana’s soca sensation, Adrian Dutchin, has copped the Best Performer of the Year award when the West Indian Music Award ceremony was held in Queens, New York.

Dutchin also received the award for the Best Soca Song of the Year with “Jook”.

In an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment, Dutchin expressed his appreciation to the WIMA and thanked them for honouring Guyanese artistes in Guyana and further afield.

He said that the award has encouraged

him to do more in order to please his fans. He is also hopeful and optimistic that other Guyanese artistes will be recognised in due time. The soca singer who is also a member of singing group X2 explained that one day Guyanese music and artistes will gain due respect.

Dutchin also disclosed that he is working on a number of new releases and hopes to release them before Guyana’s 44th republic celebrations. He promises that with the new releases, Guyanese are bound to get their grooves on.

The Miss Guyana Universe contestants from clockwise: Katherina Roshana, Tiffanie Nieuenkirk, Ayan Whitehead, Kenwah Cho Quan Yi, Shyon Hoppie, Carlea Chappell, Carla Brown and Alicia Bess. The reigning queen Ruqayyah Boyer is centre

Thousands were thrilled at Eve Leary ground and Rose Hall Community Centre ground as the Annual Guyana Police Force’s Gymkhana was held which featured a number of spectacular and breathtaking events.

ANSA McAL/Banks DIH concerts set to sizzle at GuyExpo 2013

It is expected that more than 30,000 people from all walks of life will converge on the Sophia Exhibition site each night during the four days of Guyana’s biggest exposition and trade fair, GuyExpo.

Apart from the exhibits – 420 booths have registered. There will also be two mega concerts hosted by beverage giants Banks DIH and ANSA McAL on Saturday and Sunday evening respectively.

Last GuyExpo, Jamaican reggae artiste I-Octane headlined the Banks DIH concert, which saw a massive turnout. This time around, there will be no regional or

international artistes but local talent who will rock the venue.

Headlining the Banks DIH concert is two-time Soca Monarch winner Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, along with Michelle “Big Red” King, Soca Queen Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, and rising star Jory Hector. These artistes will be backed by the Mingles Sound Machine. The party will also be spiced up with a number of leading deejays such as DJ Breeze

As in any business arena, there is competition and ANSA McAL has revealed its intention to outdo the competition

during its concert. Last expo, Trinidadian chutney star Adesh Samaroo performed, backed by the HeatWave Band.

This year, the company’s super concert promises to be thrillingly hot with the headlining act being Trinidadian dancehall/soca artiste Swappi.

This Sunday, the event moves to the Wales Community Centre ground and is also expected to draw a large audience. The action starts at 11:00h.

The event is a regular feature on the force’s calendar of activities as part of their community enhancing strategy and it was decided to take the activity to various parts of the country.

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

with their tracker dogs will also be a part of the day’s activities as they execute various displays. The Majorettes groups will also be displaying various moves and skills.

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

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

The versatile Trinidadian artiste will be joined by Carib Soca Monarch Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, local Soca Monarch Competition second runner-up, Kwesi “Ace” Edmondson, and others who are expected to set the place on fire. The concerts start at 21:00h and will end at

Shakira Marshall and Kirk Brown for GFW

With less than a few weeks before Guyana Fashion Week, all sorts of interesting and exciting things would be unfolding and the event will climb a few notches.

One decidedly fashion-forward addition is the inclusion of dynamic, entrepreneurial celebrity presence, so as to broaden the base of regional appeal and attract more international coverage.

Two very different personalities would be joining the cast at GFW, this year, to spice up the already vibrant schedule of activities.

One is a multi-talented performer of Guyanese parentage who has made a trail-blazing name for herself, from electrifying choreography on music videos for a wide cross section of music genres to performing in award winning Broadway musicals.

She is no other than Shakira Marshall.

Shakira Marshall has parlayed her extensive training and her unbelievable natural talents into a wealth of entertainment industry specific knowledge, which she is willing to share and give back to aspiring and upcoming talented youth.

Marshall’s credits include performing with a string of regional and international A-listers such as Allison Hinds, Machel Montano, Elephant Man, Sean Paul, Eve, Macy Gray, Jill Scott and Beyonce.

Another stalwart in the Caribbean landscape of popular regional entertainment is Kirk Brown who is one of Barbados’ brightest stars.

He is an award-winning singer and song-writer and a versatile deejay for one of the country’s leading radio stations. Kirk, who is also known for his sound business acumen, has founded his own entertainment company, which owns a recording studio and live band.

To date, he has amassed an eclectic compilation of original tracks, with recent collaborations including “Take Your Time” featuring Vybz Kartel, “Dutty Wine” featuring Fat Man Scoop, “Wine Like Dat” featuring Lil Rick and “Midnight Lover” with Jeri-Marie (niece of Sting from the Police).

Both of these versatile performers would grace GFW, this year as hosts of the event as well as its after parties. They would also be on hand to mentor young individuals, interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment field.

GFW tickets are on sale at Giftland, Courts, Kings Jewellery World, Nigel’s Supermarket and Sonia Noel designs, Barr Steet, Kitty. Limited season tickets are available.

The Police Canine Branch

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

Kross Kolor Records this month celebrates 13 years of producing some of the best sounds and talents our land has heard or seen and there’s not a better way to jump start the anniversary celebrations than by putting out yet another sizzling track; this time by the youngest member of the bunch.

Fourteen-year-old Jovinski Thorne, better known as ‘Jovinski’ has earned his way into the hearts of the Guyanese public from a very tender age when he emerged the winner of the inaugural GT&T Cellink Kids Stage Competition a few years ago.

This youngster has been on fire ever since and has certainly caught the young ladies’ attention with his long, curly hair, slick smile and cunning personality.

He showcases his maturity and versatility on a new release entitled ‘Girl You Got My Heart’ which was written by his studio mate Wilbur Levans (B52) and arranged by Simeon Browne of WONDAMANG Productions and it’s all about being young and in love .

Jovinksi, who was first introduced to Kross Kolor Records by Jumo Primo, whom he garnered some of his inspirations from, is a very hard working young man who already has his future secured, with aspirations of becoming

This marks his third single with the first two being ‘Two Young’ and ‘Hello’ and he has made appearances on many stages across the city. He is currently in studio working on developing his skills as a vocalist. A bright and successful future is indeed promised for and he is surely

Swappi

Jumo Big Red

Vanilla

Shakira marshall

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

Electronics course - hands-on training, starting October 2, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 226-6551, 225-0391.

Learn to play the guitar, keyboard, drums, and train your voice at Foundation 7. Phone: 225-1151 or 617-4200.

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

3114, 692-0126

One 320CL Excavator located at Mahdia; excellent working condition. Owner migrating, call 6820365 or 614-1669

Gold Land, excellent investment. Priced to sell, call 682-0365, 6141669

Wine vessel (jue) Shang dynasty, old Chinese painting, old Ming prints, Ming dynasty Chinese painting on bamboo, Qi Baishi orginal painting, rare bowls and pots, all Chinese antiques. Phone: 592-623-7029

Pure bred American Akita puppies for sale $200,000. Phone: 639-8924, 227-4674

Mercury in large quantities 99.9999% purity. Call: 679-1985, 219-4535, 693-5004

1 Canon copier (Image Runner 6020) with finisher. Call 647-5150, 694-5738

Cheap earth. Delivery to spot, ECD and EBD. Phone: 627-9977

Clean garden earth & builders waste. Also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing & leveling done. Phone: 6160617, 663-3285. Gas station. Phone: 625-7582, 6445128, 681-9293

Cellphone accessories and spares for all smart phones: Blackberry, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, iPhone, Sony Ericsson, LG at Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent Street, next door to the Multiplex Mall. Call 622-7740/696-4008

One music set with three power amps with a total of 5,500 watts, etc. for more information please call, 682-3481. Price negotiable.

Healthworld Holistic Centre:

Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationships and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointment only. Clinic hours: 11:00 - 17:00h. Tel: 592-621-0552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail.com

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for all chronic genetic/none genetic diseases, including HIV, Cancer, diabetic, pregnancy, sexual (weakness), etc. Phone: 685- 3220.

Are you pouring on pounds? Then call Raul /Carol Wilson: 660-6818, 641-5923, 216-3016, 216-3601 for your healthy eating package. Stay healthy and flexible with yoga. Phone: 693-2233

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: 2251540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

U.S. Green Card Lottery

2013. We are now accepting entries for the Annual Green Card Lottery sponsored by the U.S. Government. Enter now for a chance to become a permanent resident of the USA. Closing date November 2, 2013. Contact Balwant Persaud Immigration and Visa Services 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings and Light Sts.) Tel: 225-1540, 6553105, 622-8308

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

L AND FOR SALE

Parfaite Harmonie $1M and $1.2M phone: 675-7292

46 houselots in residential area between Charles & Peter Streets, Parika, EBE. Phone: 622-6971/6612289

Gas station land. Size: over one acre Phone Ms Liverpool on 625-7582, 681-9293.

Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress and anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase focus and memory, be healthier & happier, increase energy, vitality and longevity, enjoy more success in life, improve relationships and develop higher states of consciousness. A technique that works for everyone. For next introductory lecture on October 10, contact Ashoke (certified TM teacher) Phone: 233-6921, 609-3701. Email kashokejp_68 2yahoo.com askgeneration

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-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Retired Engineer aged 66 would like to know a single female over the age of 50. Phone: 604-7022

friday, october 4, 2013

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING

3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Cellphone repairs, unlocking & spares of all smart phones: Blackberry, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, iPhone, Sony Ericsson, LG & any brand you own. Installation of BBM on Samsung and iPhone. Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent Street, next door to the Multiplex Mall. Call 622-7740/696-4008

Tattoo & body piercing by professional artist with best prices; visit Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent Street, next door to the Multiplex Mall. Call 622-7740/6964008

Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 6621247.

J Eastman & Associates Financial Services: Taxation, VAT Compliance, Accounting & Consultancy, and Cash Flow Projection. Address: 190 Church St, S/Cburg (East of Austin’s Book Store) Phone: 662-7467, 223-2105

Lethem – Rupununi Heritage Month event September 27-29. Visit: Iwokrama, Rock View Resort, Bonfim - Brazil, Moco Moco & Kumu Falls, St Ignatius - Lethem. Package $150,000. Phone: 662-3665

House plans starting at $9,000 Phone: 674-0725, 266-2154.

SPiRituALity

Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer. The most powerful spiritualist in the world. Are you suffering from the following problems? (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, 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, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 6742112.

Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 6875653

Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592-690-1824. Email: anew-life@live.com

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10AM4PM. Tel: 592-690-1824. Email:anewlife@live.com

Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592 621 0552. 12:00PM –6:00PM Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

3

One customs clerk with at least three subjects CXC including English Language, mathematics. Applicant must be computer literate. Please submit application before the October 11, 2013 to email: windsortechhomes@ gmail.com or call 669-6874 or 682-3481

One Honda Cappa (Yellow) ideal for taxi or private use. Leather seats and roof, alarm, reverse camera, DVD/TV/CD player, mag rims. Also Motorola Base Radio with Antennae. HC series; immaculate condition; give away price $1M. Call 647-2491.

One black scooter for sale, excellent condition. Phone: 602-7277, for information.

One new Yamaha R1 Motorcycle 1000cc (candy red & black) recently registered 2013. Latest double exhaust, bug lights, immaculate condition. Give away price, call 647-2491

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA SPACIO; TOYOTA VITZ (NEW SHAPE); TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

1 Bedford truck. Phone: 616:0617, 663-3285.

wANtED

One Bedford truck Phone: 6279977

Vacancy exists for two cashiers/ office clerks and two porters, cashiers/clerks must be literate, apply in person with written application to May’s Shopping Centre, 98 Regent Street, Georgetown.

DANCE

While some will be at GuyExpo viewing the exhibits and partying at the Bank DIH concert, some partyholics will be at the Buddy’s Night Club for Pulse Entertainment’s concept party, “Dance”.

As usual, Pulse is known for their concept parties which have garnered much popularity over the years and this Saturday will be no different.

Dance is set to sizzle on Saturday, October 5 and will see patrons getting their grooves on to the best in soca, chutney, dancehall and others genre of music.

“When last yuh dance on a dance floor???? The electric slide...Bruk it down...The robot...the moonwalk...the twist...wine and bend over…” Those were the days back then but here is another chance to do it AGAIN!!!

The Pulse DJs will be there to entertain with old and new exciting dance hits while you party under extreme Pulse lighting!!

Doors open from 21:00h and ladies are free before 23:00h after which they will pay $1500. This is one event that partyholics do not want to miss.

Gear up and get set for the biggest party of the year, Hits and Jams’ 2013 edition Construction Party for Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

The construction party is a concept party that Guyanese have embraced and due to its popularity, it is back by popular party demand and with a new theme, ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’.

Partygoers get creative and come decked out in your construction gear and let us build the ultimate fun party! Also, you can look forward to free party construction gear such as reflector vests, helmets and much, much more.

So come tonight and enjoy this event to the maximum. Gear up, let’s fix it; gear up, let’s party up. Hits and Jams Construction Party 2013; work hard, play hard-work hard, party hard!

Music will be provided by Fusion and Hits and Jams 94.1 Boom FM deejays.

@ Monaco on Saturday

This Saturday Club Monaco presents ABSOLUT MADNESS!!!

It’s going to be a crazy party with bottle specials on Absolut vodka all night.

Enjoy the night at Club Monaco with vibes from Selector Carl and Deejay Gully Ras from 94.1 boom FM who is expected to set the place on fire with his fabulous selections of music ranging from soca to chutney to the best in dancehall and other genres of music that will surely put patrons in the right party mood.

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

To make the event more exciting, everyone will be admitted free before midnight. Admission to the event is $1500 after midnight but all VIP cards are active for this event.

Be a part of the action by following the light in the sky and make sure you are in the right mood for a party. Remember, what happens in Club Monaco' stays in Club Monaco... After GuyExpo be sure to follow the light to Club Monaco... Bottle specials on Absolut Vodka all night...That’s ABSOLUT MADNESS!!

VEHiCLES FOR SALE

HEALtH

EDuCAtiON

OPtiCiAN

KEy CuttiNg

immigRAtiON

VACANCiES

Spurs ease to victory over Anzhi

Tottenham took control of Europa League Group K with a second successive victory as they brushed aside a drab Anzhi Makhachkala in Moscow on Thursday.

Jermain Defoe scored his seventh goal in four starts this season, shooting home from Lewis Holtby’s precise pass.

Nacer Chadli swept home a low cross from Kyle Walker soon after to double the visitors’ lead before the break. Anzhi substitute Lacina Traore added some class to the hosts in the second half, but they still rarely threatened.

Defoe should have polished his personal goalscoring statistics late on, but dallied after rounding goalkeeper Evgeni Pomazan, allowing covering defenders to snuff out the chance.

Anzhi met Liverpool in the group stages last season, winning 1-0 in Moscow before losing by the same score on Merseyside, and were eventually eliminated by an injury-time goal from Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse in the knockout stages.

Since then, though, billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov’s enthusiasm for bankrolling the Dagestan club has waned with expensive foreign stars like Samuel Eto’o, Willian and Yuri Zhirkov all sold off.

By contrast, Tottenham spent the summer bringing in talent after selling Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for a world-record fee and Defoe, Holtby and former Roma playmaker Erik Lamela were among those in the line-up after not starting the weekend’s draw with Chelsea.

However, the home side, and Pavel

Solomatin in particular, made the brighter start, with the striker wrongly flagged offside before forcing Vlad Chiriches into a stretching recovery tackle.

Initially Tottenham could not translate possession into clear-cut chances, but once Holtby slid the ball through the Anzhi rearguard for Defoe to emphatically hammer into the roof of the net, the Premier League side were always in control.

Six minutes later Walker encountered little opposition as he advanced down the left before setting up summer signing Chadli to steer in his second goal for the club.

Defoe missed a chance to press his case for promotion into manager VillasBoas’s first-choice XI when he swiped thin air as the ball ran loose in the box.

Anzhi striker Traore, who signed

from Kuban Krasnodar for a reported fee of £15.1m in February 2011 and is expected to join the exodus from the club in January, occasionally raised the encounter’s sluggish tempo after coming on at the break.

The Ivory Coast international combined well with fellow substitute Andrei Eschenko to force Hugo Lloris into a hurried block with his shins and the Tottenham goalkeeper was stretched by Solomatin’s smartly-hit effort shortly after.

But Tottenham secured victory without raising their game far beyond exhibition pace and their main concerns as the clock ticked down were a minor injury to Younes Kaboul and Lamela’s indifferent performance before he was withdrawn in favour of Gylfi Sigurdsson. (BBC Sport)

Campbell-Brown cleared to compete after failed drugs test

Two-time Olympic 200m champion

Veronica CampbellBrown has been cleared to compete again five months after a positive doping test.

The Jamaican who won gold at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, tested positive for a banned diuretic at the Jamaica International Invitational in May.

The 31-year-old was suspended pending a Jamaican disciplinary committee review.

They deemed a reprimand sufficient because the banned substance was not used for performance enhancement.

The full text of the ruling by a former judge, an

Veronica Campbell-Brown

attorney and the head of the island’s medical association has not been publicly released, but a Jamaica Athletics Administrative

Association statement said its disciplinary committee acknowledged CampbellBrown had “committed an anti-doping violation”.

The disciplinary committee “recommended that a reprimand without any period of ineligibility would be appropriate”.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) responded by issuing a statement which says the IAAF has the right to appeal against the JAAA’s decision.

“In this case, IAAF rules apply in addition to the regulations set out in the World Anti-Doping Code,” the statement said.

“Therefore, the IAAF has 45 days (from receipt

of the decision) to file an appeal. After this period, or once they have made their decision, WADA will have 21 days to decide whether to lodge an appeal.”

Jamaican sprinting has been under scrutiny this year with Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson also testing positive for banned substances, which forced them to miss the World Championships in Moscow in August.

And in 2009, Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake and three other islanders received reduced suspensions of three months after testing positive for a banned stimulant. (BBC Sport)

Campbell disappointed in Windies women’s batting on the eve of home series

KINGSTON, Jamaica

-West Indies Women head coach Sherwin Campbell has expressed disappointment with the batting performance of his team on the eve of their home series against New Zealand.

Campbell was referring to a poor batting display by the Caribbean women in a 50 over practice match against Jamaica’s Under-17 boys’ team on Wednesday.

The West Indies Women’s team was bowled out for 65

in 34 overs and was asked to bat again to complement the full 50 overs.

“Most of the players got themselves out, and it’s something we have to talk about,” said Campbell.

“There were too many soft dismissals and we would have to address that because players need to bat as long as possible in this format”.

Anisa Mohammed scored most runs for the West Indies Women’s team with 23. Only two other play-

ers reached double figures - Deandra Dottin (15) and Stafanie Taylor (12).

Campbell says he was disappointed with the failure of the players to apply themselves but noted that they were playing a male team.

“The batters didn’t get too much out of the game, but I am sure they will get better” said Campbell.

He said the players have two more days to improve on the weak areas before the Jamaica leg of the series be-

Johnson, Miller star with bat; Permaul dismisses big names

Seven batsmen fell victim to slow left-arm

bowling, the only successful suit on the second day between India A and West Indies A in Shimoga on Thursday.

Resuming at 283 for 6, West Indies A added 123, but lost all four remaining wickets to Bhargav Bhatt who bagged career-best figures of 7 for 113. In response, India A lost their three Test starts cheaplyGautam Gamhbir, Virender Sehwag and Cheteshwar Pujara all to left-arm spin (two to Veerasammy Permaul and one to Nikita Miller)- but VA Jagadeesh and Abhishek Nayar kept up their good form to take India to within 66 of the follow-on mark.

The day began with Leon Johnson becoming the third West Indies half-centurion to fall before reaching a hundred. After he offered Bhatt a return catch on 91, the leftarm spinner ran through the tail, leaving Miller unbeaten on 64. There wasn’t much fanfare around the achievement; not all of the players waited around to let him lead the field.

West Indies A 1st innings

K Brathwaite c †Kaul b Parvez Rasool 82

K Powell c Kaif b Bhatt 33

K Edwards* st †Kaul b Bhatt 18

gins.

West Indies Women will face New Zealand in three One-Day International matches at Sabina Park on October 6, 8 and 10 before travelling to Barbados to take on England and New Zealand in the tri-nation Twenty20 Series from October 14 to 26.

“New Zealand is a good team as they have been ranked in the top four in women’s cricket for the past five years,” he added.

N Deonarine lbw b Khan 12

A Fudadin lbw b Bhatt 63

L Johnson c & b Bhatt 91

C Walton† c †Kaul

b Mohammed Shami 30

N Miller not out 64

V Permaul lbw b Bhatt 0

F Edwards lbw b Bhatt 2

M Cummins b Bhatt 0

Extras : (lb 2, w 1, nb 8) 11

Total: (all out, 121.5 overs) 406

Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-77, 3-98, 4-215, 5-215, 6-283, 7-380, 8-380, 9-390, 10-406

Bowling: Z Khan 20-5-66-1,

Gambhir and Jagadeesh came out to open the innings after the lunch break. Jagadeesh batted serenely, waiting for the loose balls to go after, but he saw the three bigger batsmen all fall to aggressive shots off spin. In Nayar, though, he found an ally who was in good touch: both of them did well against New Zealand A. Nayar, batting ahead of Mohammad Kaif, took the attack to the spinners when the follow-on was a distinct possibility. All varieties of the sweep and the loft over mid-on remained his favourite shots, and his fifty coming off 28 balls was in complete contrast to Jagadeesh’s, which came off 98 balls.

Out of the unbeaten 77run fourth-wicket stand, Nayar scored 56, even though he did slow down as stumps approached. Jagadeesh displayed compact technique, and expressed desire to convert the start into a hundred, which will play on his mind because in his last first-class innings he was dismissed for 91, against New Zealand A. (Cricinfo)

Mohammed Shami 22-2-93-1, A Nayar 16-4-52-0, Parvez Rasool 33-9-80-1, B Bhatt 30.5-4-113-7

India A 1st innings V Jagadeesh not out 79 G Gambhir c FH Edwards b Permaul 11

C Pujara* c Powell b Miller 25

V Sehwag st †Walton b Permaul 7

A Nayar not out 56

Extras: (lb 4, nb 9) 13

Total: (3 wkts, 58 overs) 191

Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-104, 3-114 Bowling: F Edwards 4-0-300, M Cummins 11-4-30-0, V Permaul 23-7-60-2, N Deonarine 7-0-24-0, N Miller 13-1-43-1

Nikita Miller

Jermain Defoe scored his seventh goal in four starts this season

Qatar faces no threat to its right to host 2022 World Cup

FIFA will announce on Friday that Qatar faces no threat to its right to host the 2022 World Cup, sources close to the governing body have told BBC Sport.

The Gulf state faces allegations about its treatment of migrant workers, while there are also fears that searing summer temperatures in Qatar of more than 40C could risk the health of players and supporters.

But it appears FIFA will stick by Qatar, which saw off competition from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States to host the event.

FIFA is expected to announce plans to monitor the issue of migrant workers today following revelations last month in the Guardian.

At the same time, it also intends to form a taskforce - likely to be led by Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim alKhalifa - to examine alternative dates for the tournament.

The body will engage with all significant stakeholders, including domestic leagues across the world, before quickly reporting back to FIFA with a plan of action.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who said in August that he wanted to move the tournament away from the traditional months of June and July, intended for the world governing body to vote for a scheduling switch today in Zurich.

But a number of FIFA’s influential executive committee members, among them UEFA president Michel Platini, felt more time was needed for proper consultations to take place.

If FIFA decides to switch the timings of the 2022 World Cup, Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the head of the FIFA inspection team that assessed Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid, believes the tournament should be moved to January and February, when temperatures in

the Gulf state average about 22C.

However, that could lead to a potential clash with other big sporting events, notably the Winter Olympics and American football’s Super Bowl, as well as domestic football leagues and the Champions League.

New International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has said he is confident there will be no clash with the Winter Olympics.

American TV network Fox, World Cup rights-holder for North America, is understood to be concerned over the commercial implications of any move that would see any clash with the NFL season, let alone the Super Bowl.

If the IOC and Fox can be accommodated, FIFA could still face the ire of Australia, Japan, South Korean and the United States, who all lost out to Qatar in the race to stage the 2022 World Cup.

Australia is demanding compensation from FIFA, arguing that it based its bid on a World Cup held in June and July.

Football’s governing body claims there are no grounds for compensation

as all bidders had to accept there could be a change to the schedule at the governing body’s behest.

The executive committee’s meeting began on Thursday, when Brazil’s preparations for next year’s World Cup were discussed.

Former France, Fulham, Manchester United and Everton striker Louis Saha told BBC Sport he thought it was impossible for players to handle the Middle Eastern country’s extremely high summer temperatures.

“I was in Qatar recently and it was 48C,” he said. “Believe me, it is impossible to have a proper game down there.”

In recent months there has been opposition to moving the tournament, notably from the English Premier League, whose chief executive Richard Scudamore predicted “chaos” if a switch to the northern hemisphere winter is approved.

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce, from Northern Ireland, is prepared to back a decision in principle to move the World Cup to the winter. (BBC Sport)

Formula 1 officials monitoring storm

Formula 1 organisers are monitoring Tropical Storm Fitow that is passing through parts of Asia ahead of this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix.

Weather forecasts suggest the storm is set to veer west of South Korea and into China, meaning it will miss Mokpo, where Sunday’s race will be held.

While it may not hit South Korea, the storm could still cause heavy rain and strong winds to affect the region.

The first Korean Grand Prix, held in 2010, was disrupted by a heavy storm.

The first Korean Grand Prix, held in 2010, was disrupted by a heavy storm

A huge downpour soaked the circuit, causing the race to be suspended for over an hour. The wet conditions prompted a number of appearances from the safety car, while the race, which was won by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, finished in darkness because of the delay.

Sebastian Vettel leads the championship heading into Sunday’s race. The Red Bull driver, who won in Korea in 2011 and 2012, has 247 points, 60 ahead of closest challenger Alonso.

There are just 150 points still available in the six remaining races.

Djokovic battles to progress in China Open

Novak Djokovic clung on to his world number one ranking by beating Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the second round of the China Open in Beijing.

Defeat for the Serb would have enabled Rafael Nadal to replace him at the top of the rankings, but Djokovic overcame a blip to beat Verdasco 7-5 2-6 6-2.

The 26-year-old will face

American Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals. In the women’s draw, there were victories for top seed Serena Williams and third seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

Radwanska saw off Slovenian qualifier Polona Hercog 6-0 6-2 to set up a quarter-final tie with Germany’s Angelique Kerber, who beat Italian Roberta Vinci 6-2 6-4.

World number one

Williams recovered from going a break down in both sets to secure a 7-5 7-5 thirdround win over Russian Maria Kirilenko.

But while Williams is assured of ending the year as world number one, Djokovic will be usurped by Nadal at the top of the men’s rankings should the Spaniard reach the finalor if Djokovic fails to win

All systems in place for PPP/C, RSTC horse race meet, says DeRoop

Dennis DeRoop

All systems are in place for this Sunday’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) horse race meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice, according to coordinator Dennis DeRoop.

The meet will be held in collaboration with Rising Sun Turf Club and is part of the ruling administration’s celebration to mark 21 years in power.

An impressive nine-race programme has been put together with all the big names set to be on show on a competitive day of racing. Organisers have also added a substantial amount of cash and other attractions

to the day’s activities, totaling over $8 million.

The feature race will be for horses classified A and Lower and they will run a mile for $1.5 million and the President’s Cup.

Other events billed for the day are the Three-yearold race for animals bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies for $600,000, over a distance of one mile; the D3 and Lower race also carry a price tag of $600,000 and will run over 1100m.

The race for the F and Lower animals has a winning target of $500,000 with the animals covering a distance of 1400m; the Twoyear-old race for Guyana bred horses and the Twoyear-old race for West Indies bred horses will run for 1100m with the winners collecting $300,000 and $400,000 respectively.

The other two 1100m races are for the G3 and Lower and J and Lower animals. The winning tags for those races are $400,000 and $150,000 respectively. The final race of the day is for animals classified I and Lower for $200,000 over a distance of 1300m.

Race time is 12:30h and admission to the venue is $1000 for adults and $500 for children. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

West Indies name squad for tour of India

Sthe title.

Djokovic easily grabbed the opening set 7-5, but was in trouble in the second as he was broken twice, allowing Verdasco to level the match.

The Australian Open champion admitted he lacked concentration midway through the match before going on to seal victory in one hour and 54 minutes.

(BBC Sport)

T.JOHN’S, Antigua -The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Thursday announced a 15-man Test squad for the tour of India, starting next month.

West Indies will play two Tests, from the November 6-10 and from the 14th to the 18th as well as three one-dayers on November 21, 24 and 27 at venues to be announced.

A WICB spokesman has been quoted as saying that

the participation of leftarm fast

is subject to him being passed as fit by a medical panel.

Kirk

Veersammy

bowler Sheldon Cottrell

Squad: Darren Sammy (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Narsingh Deonarine,

Edwards, Chris Gayle,

Permaul, Kieron Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Shane Shillingford, Chadwick Walton (WICB)

Several concerns were raised about Qatar's capabilities to host the World Cup

Narsingh Deonarine

Game two of InterWard basketball finals set to be a scorcher

By Treiston Joseph

Defending champions Albouystown/ Charlestown will be eyeing back-to-back titles and wins on Saturday when game two of the Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters Inter-Ward basketball finals continue at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

After an 80-56 drubbing in game one, Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust will look to rebound from their game one loss.

Wortmanville/Werk-enRust shot at a low percentage in the opening game of the series, especially from beyond the arc and coughed up the rock on several occasions that resulted in fastbreak opportunities for their opponents.

The challengers also played strong on the of-

fensive but could not buy a bucket from close in when it mattered most.

However, the defending champions hit a number of threes but suffered on the glass and benefitted from the off-night from Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust who failed to play the inside- out game that they are known for.

Game two is expected to be a very physical encounter between the two teams as the challengers look to force game three while the defending champs will look to end the series early.

Neilon Loncke will have to be on point for the challengers in Saturday’s game if the team intends to succeed. While the top forward dropped 17 points in the opening game, Loncke also missed most of his three-point attempts, espe-

cially in the opening quarter that eventually put Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust on the back foot.

With Sheldon Thomas on the hot streak after scoring 42 points in the first game, the challengers will have to cut down on turnovers and close out on shooters to prevent him from getting hot. They will have to go to work in the paint.

Meanwhile, the defending champs will have to learn to box out and do some serious work on the defensive glass to reduce second chance points. They will also have to play better perimeter defence.

Further, the match-up will turn out to be the most grueling between the two as the championship will be on the line for both, but more so for the Wortmanville/Werken-Rust team.

Legal issues stalling...

At this stage, it is still unclear when the facility will be operational.

“We at the GCB were ready to hand over the facility to the DCB, but other legal matters came up and the GCB had to put that process down once everything is resolved. When the legal issues are sorted out, we hand it over to the DCB,” Sanasie said via telephone on Thursday.

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times Sport visited the DCB facility on Thursday, vegetation had taken over the door while the fence that encloses the practice pitches was completely covered in knee-high grass. Electrical installations to power the facility have been completed by the Guyana Power and Light

This is what the DCB practice facility is surrounded by

(GPL). The centre was constructed, with the intention of housing the secretariat of the DCB and hosting county teams preparing for tournaments.

The facility, along with oth-

BBCI supports Flying Ace CC meet to raise awareness about domestic violence

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) donated $30,000 on Wednesday to the Flying Ace Cycle Club for its race against “Domestic Violence Track Attack” on October 20 at Blairmont Estate ground.

The money will go to providing prizes in the BMX Boys Open ($6,000), Female Open ($8,000), Veterans Over-45 ($8,000) and the Juveniles ($ 8,000).

The company was pleased to have the opportunity to make a donation towards the Flying Ace Cycle Club and it was not the first time that it has been on board with the club.

Last year, the company donated 75lbs of chicken to the club for its fundraising take-away lunch. Further, earlier this year the company sponsored the airfare of a cyclist participating in the Easter International Grand Prix race overseas.

Meanwhile, domestic vi-

olence in Guyana is widespread and is a problem in all regions of the country and Flying Ace Cycle Club will be holding the race to raise awareness.

The BBCI sees this venture as part of its corporate responsibility, playing an integral part in the develop-

ment of education, sports, support of national events and charitable and noncharitable organisations.

In the past the company has sponsored many events that benefited the communities both on the eastern and western sides of the bridge.

er projects in Essequibo and Berbice, was built from the Allen Stanford US$100,000 grant which Guyana earned when it won the inaugural Stanford Twenty20 tournament in 2006.

Sheldon Thomas takes a fade away during his 42 point output in game one of the finals for the defending champions Albouystown/Charlestown

BBCI Administrative Assistant Bibi F Alli hands over the cheque for $30,000 to a representative of Flying Ace Cycle Club

Legal issues stalling handing over of DCB practice facility

By Rajiv Bisnauth

TSecretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie confirmed that the facility, which is housed in the compound of the Guyana National Industrial

Corporation (GNIC) ground, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, has been completed for some time now. However, Sanasie explained that currently le-

gal matters both at the GCB and DCB levels are preventing the GCB from handing over the facility. Both bodies are currently awaiting the outcome of

one court matter or another, rendering them incapable of ensuring the smooth flow of operations at the administrative level.

Vegetation has taken over the door of the DCB practice facility (Rajiv Bisnauth photos)

The DCB training facility practice pitches overrun by weeds

Veerasammy Permaul

Leon Johnson