Guyana Times Daily

Special traffic arrangements for Limacol CPL matches P7

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2192 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE $80 vat included

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Guyana Times investigation finds:

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Jagdeo's medical evacuation

was not paid for by Govt

See story on page 3

– “Opposition Media” distort, refuse to publish truth

AFC Councillor Naithram charged for indecent P2 exposure

Lawmen sharpening skills with overseas training P2

5 vie to be PNCR P7 Leader

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Captain Denesh Ramdin speaks at a reception at Palm Court Monday evening in honour of his team and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel as they prepare to do battle in the Limacol CPL tournament on Thursday. Also in photo are: President Donald Ramotar; Owner of GAW, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop; and Ministers Irfaan Ali, Dr Frank Anthony and Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Director of Sport Neil Kumar, former Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad, Digicel Head of Marketing Jacqueline James and Patrick Narine of Caribbean Times International

DNA testing Armed bandit on the cards …as $1.4B Forensic Lab is commissioned See story on page 14

shot dead

See story on page 8

Ali upbeat about development along P11 EBD US to boost local port security P17

2 News AFC Councillor Naithram charged for indecent exposure Lawmen sharpening skills with A overseas training L tuesday, july 15, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

lliance For Change (AFC) Regional Democratic Councillor for Region Two Naithram was on Monday charged for indecent exposure and leading an illegal protest when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

Naithram was named as leader of the unlawful protest staged on the night of July 4 and the main instigator of the protest.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges which were read to him. The AFC Councillor was represented by Attorney Haimraj Rajkumar.

Prosecutor Haimwant Ramsewak did not object to bail.

On July 4, Police alleged during an unlawful protest at Land of Plenty, on the Essequibo Coast, that Naithram indecently exposed his genitals. He pleaded not guilty to the indecent exposure charge and was granted bail in the sum of $30,000.

Police also alleged that on July 4, during a protest at Land of Plenty, the protest leader assaulted a Police Officer. For that charge, he

Naithram

was discharged on self-bail.

Meanwhile, Naithram was also charged for assaulting a peace officer on July 7.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $20,000 bail.

In addition, the AFC leader was charged for using a noise instrument, disturbing the peace, but was discharged on self-bail.

Naithram is expected to return to court on August 5. He was also one of the 18 farmers charged for causing

riot.

Police in a statement had said that those who were imbibing and some others, including Naithram, boarded their motor vehicles, including tractors and trailers, and proceeded to drive along the middle of the main roadway in the vicinity of the villages of Reliance and Land of Plenty, Essequibo Coast, at a very slow rate.

This action, the Police said resulted in a back-up of traffic as other motor vehicles could not pass, and they continued their action despite efforts by Police to get them to drive on the left hand side of the road.

“On reaching a short distance before the Land of Plenty Bridge, at about 18:00h, the men continued breaching the laws by proceeding to block the entire roadway with the use of their motor vehicles that included tractors and trailers and to set fire to tyres and other debris that were thrown on the roadway. A utility pole was also used to block the roadway.

“By this time, the crowd had increased to over 400 persons and efforts by the Police

to get them to remove the vehicles from across the roadway proved futile. Missiles comprising bricks, bottles and other articles were thrown at Police ranks in their attempt to remove the burning obstacles on the roadway, causing them to cease their efforts,” the Police said.

According to the Police, the Guyana Fire Service at Anna Regina could not reach the scene, owing to the blocking of the road.

The release explained that the Police continued to appeal to the residents, but to no avail.

“The Police then arrested Naithram, who was leading the protest, at which stage a number of other persons surged forward and accosted the ranks and took him away from the Police. During this incident, his clothing was torn and several Police ranks were thrown into a nearby trench.

“Naithram then stood among the protestors and stripped himself, and several persons took his photograph.

He then left the area and later returned dressed in a change of clothing,” the Police statement had said.

Caricom Governors warn against dithering on AML/CFT Bill

T

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) Central Bank Governors are warning member countries of the adverse effects of not complying with the requirements set out by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).

In a statement, the Governors urged all Caricom countries to ensure that they comply with the AML/ CFT requirements and take prompt actions, where necessary, to implement the recommendations outlined by CFATF, including legislative amendments in order to avoid blacklisting.

The Governors warned that failure to comply will have far-reaching implica-

Caricom Central Bank Governors are warning member countries of the adverse effects of not complying with the requirements set out by CFATF on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism

tions, not only for the noncompliant, but compliant countries as well, resulting in the inevitable and prolonged

loss of international confidence.

“Caricom Central Bank Governors agreed that strong

legislative and effective compliance frameworks are fundamental to the continued functioning of regional financial sectors in accordance with acceptable international standards.”

Caricom pointed out that such frameworks are reflected in the 40 + 9 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on AML/CFT. Guyana is one of such Caricom country that is yet to implement the CFAFTcompliant legislations as it moves closer to being blacklisted on the international front.

This comes approximately three years after it was warned to initiate the requisite legislations and systems to safeguard its economy and by extension, its people.

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

But while Belize has made some progress in this regard, Guyana lacks the political will to safeguard its citizens from the draconian measures that will accompany the word “blacklisted” as the political parties remain deadlock on passing the CFAFT-compliant legislations.

An Action Plan was developed with key deadlines being outlined. Subsequently in May 2013, CFATF issued a public statement recommending that Guyana employ the requisite systems and measures to address its AML/CFT deficiencies but to no avail, forcing the regional body to blacklist the country at the regional level in November 2013. Despite the series of warnings, the country has failed miserably in altering its national architecture to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

ocal law enforcement officers have been capitalising on a number of overseas training programmes in recent times with several of them only recently returning from specialised courses on antinarcotics, firearm disarmament and crime investigation techniques.

In a release, the Home Affairs Ministry disclosed that Corporal Handel Moses attended the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) second Regional Armoury Management Training Course (AMC) for Caribbean states from June 2-13 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The aim of the course was to bolster the capacities of Government armourers in the specific technical skills and management processes necessary for the safe, effective and efficient accounting, inspection, repairs, maintenance, storage, security and destruction of firearms and

Crime Chief Leslie James

ammunition.

Additionally, Assistant Superintendent Ludvick Scotland, Assistant Superintendent Gary Mc Allister, Superintendent Hugh Jessemy and Superintendent Wendell Blanhum also attended a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Training Course on Criminal Investigative Techniques from June 9-13 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Similarly, Sergeant Phillip Bowman, Corporal Darmendra Inderpaul, Deputy Superintendent Michael Kingston, Inspector Nolan Burnette and Inspector Chabinauth Singh attended the FBI Law Enforcement Training Course on Interview and Interrogation from June 1620, also in Port of Spain.

Moreover, Senior Police Superintendent Leslie James, who is also head of the Criminal Investigation Department, attended a workshop/seminar on Tourism Security and Safety from June 11-13 in Mexico City.

The workshop included

CANU Director James Singh

panels on specialised services for the tourism sector such as tourism security and protection and search and rescue in case of natural disasters or accidents.

James also earlier this month attended the Interpol and the FBI Law Enforcement Critical Infrastructure Symposium from July 7-10, in Miami, Florida. The symposium focused on sharing and exploring law enforcement best practices related to critical infrastructure and identifying commonalities between both infrastructure sectors and countries which facilitate economies of scale and set the stage for future multilateral engagements.

The release added that Detective Corporal Richard Ramotar of the Criminal Investigation Department attended an Intelligence Gathering and Analysis Course from June 16-27 in Jamaica. The aim of the course was to familiarise participants with the basic principles and methodologies related to gathering, analysing and disseminating criminal intelligence.

The course also provided insight into how criminal intelligence may be used in any law enforcement organisation for determining and solving crime.

Corporal Cobena Edwards also attended a Bodyguard Training Course from July 7-11 in the US. The training course equipped the officers with the necessary skills and techniques required to execute their duties effectively as bodyguards.

Across at the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) Director, James Singh attended the XXXI International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) from June 17-19 in Rome, Italy. The conference brought together highlevel drug enforcement officials from more than 100 countries to discuss issues such as global drug trafficking organisations, precursor chemical control, the nexus between drugs and terrorism financial facilitators, demand reduction and intelligence sharing across multi-national law enforcement agencies.

NEWS

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Tuesday, july 15, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, July 15 from 05:00h-06:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, July 15 from 06:15h-07:45h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning and into the early afternoon hours. Heavy rain showers can be expected later in the afternoon, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Guyana Times investigation finds:

Jagdeo's medical evacuation was not paid for by Govt – “Opposition Media” distort, refuse to publish truth

Winds: Easterly between 3.12 metres and 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:31h and 18:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.83 metres and 2.72 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:04h and 12:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 metre and 0.41 metre respectively.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

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LOTTERY NUMBERS A 02 06 13 27 12 19 07 FREE TICKET

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esponding on July 10 to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Desmond Trotman's question in Parliament on expenses incurred by former President Bharrat Jagdeo that were covered by the state, the Minister of Finance released the pertinent figures. However, these were immediately and totally distorted and sensationalised by what has been described by the Government as the "Opposition Media". The payments were made under the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act. The figures revealed that there were absolutely NO Government payments related to a medical evacuation of the President back in February of this year, which

LUCKY 3

6

2

6

AFC's Chairman Nigel Hughes

the mentioned monies were paid for by the Government.

"On May 28, 2009, then President Jagdeo assented to the Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Bill bringing it into to law. Under that Act, he would receive free medical attention and medical treatment, paid for by the State, or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for the medical attention or treatment of himself and the dependant members of his family."

Negatively slanted

Draw De Line

02 03 04 11 12

the Opposition had claimed while engaging in a veritable orgy of negative speculation and innuendos.

When the former President took ill, upon medical advice, he was flown on a private aircraft to a hospital in Florida in the US to be treated and upon his recovery, returned to Guyana.

Immediately, the Kaieteur News reported on the flight and declared, "This publication understands that the chartering of a Lear Jet, from Florida to Guyana and back for a medivac, would cost between US$35,000 (G$6 million) and US$40,000 (G$8 million)."

It then went on to suggest

13 19

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

APNU Member of Parliament Desmond Trotman

Taking note of all the NEGATIVELY SLANTED statements over the claimed Government's funding of Jagdeo's trip by the Kaieteur News, the Stabroek News and the Opposition, the PPP pointed out, "The ruling par-

Former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin

ty has never questioned the urgency or necessity of any opposition politician or public official to travel abroad upon the instruction of their medical advisors or caregivers. The PPP wishes to remind the Opposition that several of its members, including former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and the late Sheila Holder, benefited from assistance from the State to seek medical attention abroad when it became necessary.

"In the most recent past when former Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer was ill and flown abroad for medical attention, this party offered nothing but best wishes and hopes of a speedy recovery."

The party neglected to mention that the same courtesies had been extended to Alliance For Change's Chairman Nigel Hughes when he fell ill in the interior.

Even to this day, the self-proclaimed "independent press" has never questioned the quantum of Corbin being medivaced.

Against the background of the Minister not mentioning any payment in Parliament earlier this month for the Florida medical trip, the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News obdurately refused to report the truth of the source of the medical payments. They again went on to imply that they had been covered by the State.

Rather than investigating, the KN speculated wildly, "In

February last, the month that reflected the highest transportation cost, Jagdeo was medivaced to United States, Florida, where he was reportedly treated for Dengue."

The Stabroek News was no better. TAKING LEAPS IN LOGIC, THEY CLAIMED, "There were no expenses listed under the category of health for the former President. In February this year, Jagdeo had flown to the US on a private jet for medical treatment. There had been public interest in whether taxpayers were going to have to pay this bill. However, for the month of February 2014, Jagdeo’s transportation cost is a whopping $7.5M, far above the monthly average.

This appears to include the cost for the medivac. No ex-

Former Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer

planations were provided with the expenses."

Neither newspaper thought it fit to enquire as to whether their UNFOUNDED speculation, which then led to statements of "outrage" from the Opposition parties and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), had any basis in fact.

The Guyana Times made a decision to check the claims of Government paying for the medivac flight and found no monies came from that source.

Turn to page 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

Tuesday, jULY 15, 2014

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Dangerous ethnic calculus

T

he just released 2012 Census, even though provisional and only cursorily disaggregated, is acting like a Rorschach test to some Guyanese: they look at the raw data and proceed to project their inner state of mind as “explanations” of the data.

While some focused on the causative factors behind the relatively flat population graph – such as migration, lower fertility rates or higher death rates – others such as ex-Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, jumped on the “ethnic implications” on politics, even though the ethnic breakdown has not been released.

No Guyanese would doubt that ethnicity and politics are intertwined in Guyana. But by blithely equating ethnic percentages into voting percentages for the political parties and segueing into “power-sharing” based on the said percentages, such commentators are not only exposing their reductionist racial arithmetic, but also the mindset that has kept Guyana in its underdeveloped state for the last half century.

If nothing else, Guyanese are in agreement that our ethnic divisions have proven to be disastrous when linked with politics. So one would assume that responsible commentators would proffer proposals to reduce, not exacerbate, the negative aspects of ethnic voting. And this is exactly what power-sharing linked to the ethnic breakdown would do.

First of all, the proposal would ineluctably lead to racial quotas for each office in the Executive – irrespective of their competency to get the job done. This is the reality over the last 50 years, with the caveat that most of the individuals from the “other group” were considered “tokens” by their group members. The million-dollar question, of course, is who would become President of the Republic?

All studies in this area have confirmed that in ethnically divided societies, the identity of the top leader of the State is crucial for creating “legitimacy” in the eyes of the several groups. With the centripetal nature of the office of Chief Executive in all modern countries, appointing someone from another group as “number two” does not address the “legitimacy” question.

But there is another, even more fundamentally flawed assumption in the argument for ethnic “power-sharing”: it assumes that ethnicity is a primordial – almost genetic – immutable artefact. But our own history has shown that this is not so: the “Africans” that were brought as slaves were from significantly different cultures – but yet today, they are all lumped as “one”. By selecting the governors of the state from present “ethnic” communities, we would be automatically destroying any chance for a new “Guyanese ethnicity” – of becoming “one people” – ever becoming reality.

At a more mundane, but ultimately just as destructive level, the same shifting demographics that prompted Ramkarran’s call for ethnic power sharing, creates its own inbuilt fatal contradiction. Let us say that Guyana agrees to a particular share of the Executive based on the 2012 Census.

What happens when the next census comes out in another decade? Is the “formula” to be revised after every Census?

The problem that arises is that this option in fossilising the power distribution creates an explosive situation.

Lebanon became one of the first flash points in the Middle East because their “religious” power-sharing became untenable when the majority Christians, became a minority.

Once acquired, power is not given up willingly.

Rather than seeking to reify our present ethnic configuration, it is our position that as far as possible our state institutions should seek to reduce the economic and other imbalances between the various groups and create a situation where meritocracy is the governing principle.

One of the earliest theoreticians of “plural societies”, the Caribbean’s own MG Smith, pointed out that what sustained fissiparous tendencies in such societies was the “differential incorporation” of the various groups in the power relations in the society.

Just selecting “leaders” from the groups for the Executive does nothing to reduce the inbuilt destabilising factor. Ethnic power-sharing is a “cure” that is worse than the “disease”.

School’s out for the August vacation and the Football World Cup is over, but for these youngsters on Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, it seems to be just the beginning of the titanic struggle for football supremacy (Carl Croker photo)

Burnham cannot be compared with Jagdeo Dear Editor, When will Freddie Kissoon experience enlightenment? He is now trying to get in on the Rodney Commission of Inquiry. This man behaved as though he knew it all as regards the assassination of Dr Rodney.

He threatened that he would not have anything to do with the ongoing Inquiry and this was the pompous position he took.

The reason is that in no facet of politics was this man a major player. He is more like a gleeful Brian Lara fan who keeps boasting that he was around when Lara made his 400 not out.

Kissoon is not privy to any special knowledge. Has anyone even made mention of him thus far? I think he is feeling how insignificant he truly is. However, he goes on

with his empty ranting.

I see he wrote that “it is not credible Rodney was assassinated by state actors and Burnham didn’t know about it”. This is supposed to be any kind of deep analysis? I think not, but why am I taking him up? He is claiming that his statement that Burnham “was a seriously committed nationalist who cared intensely about the life and condition of the working people. He was committed to the preservation of the African race but he was not racist against East Indian people.”

First problem I have is that I need facts regarding what he did for the working people. The sugar workers were always on strike and at one juncture, Burnham had to call on his Army to go out and cut the cane.

Then he emptied the kitchen of the Indian workforce – dhaal and flour mainly were banned. This had a terrible impact on Hinduism as well. So I cannot see how Freddie’s Burnham was so nice, compassionate, worker-oriented and patriotic.

The next thing is that of comparing Burnham with Jagdeo. Just for starters, I am going to ask Freddie to go to the international community and let the ones in leadership come out and say who was confided in (more) and why. The magnitude of Bharrat Jagdeo is so extra immense that Burnham pales in comparison. Then what nonsense Freddie is saying about lust for power?

If Burnham had not died so early, Guyana may have never ever enjoyed fair and

free elections. Desmond Hoyte, Burnham's successor, was less power crazy, but he too was not really for fair and free elections. I tell people that Jagdeo never even hinted at disenfranchising the people and always pushed for fair and free elections.

I can go on to other areas of comparison but my point will be the same. It is that only under the PPP/C leaders can Guyana be termed a democratic nation. The fact that so many people now have loud mouths and that they can even abuse freedom of speech/expression is more than enough to set apart this Government as one that is most respectful of its people.

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

Guyanese remain ready for Local Government Elections Dear Editor, Over the past year and a half, at every public forum, the GECOM Chairman has confirmed to the nation that once the Local Government Minister announces a date for Local Government Elections (LGE), GECOM is ready to administer such elections in a six months timeframe.

Also, reaffirming this position at a recent forum hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) was the Commission’s Chief Elections Officer Mr Keith

Lowenfield. At that forum, Mr Lowenfield noted that funding was already allocated for the hosting of LGE and he and his team are ready to proceed with the necessary preparations once the Local Government Minister gives the directive to the Commission.

Now we hear publicly from politically appointed Commissioners of the Commission that the agency is not ready and that caution should be exhibited in respect to pronouncements and assumptions of GECOM’s readiness.

This begs the following questions: Why after 17 years of the last elections being due, these Commissioners did not ensure that GECOM’s systems were in a state of constant readiness in the event the elections were called?

How could the Chairman and the CEO get it so wrong in their estimation and make such faulty “assumptions” concerning the agency’s preparedness?

Or is this whole episode just a symbolic reminder of the flaw and Achilles heel

of this supposedly “independent” agency?

Whether the Chairman responds and disagrees or agrees with his colleagues’ assessment, this episode confirms that it is time to end the practice of appointing nominees whose loyalty rest with the political party that appointed them.

Let’s have a professional and above board GECOM. In the meantime, the Guyanese public remains as ready as ever for LGE. Sincerely, Clinton Urling

guyanatimesgy.com

Tuesday, july 15, 2014

5

We must go back to basics Religious leaders have the Dear Editor, Recently, the media, especially last week’s newspapers, contained a series of articles and letters which painted so much negativity concerning the future of and for our young people that even I, as an experienced human resources practitioner, feel overwhelmed and challenged by the number of unanswered and unanswerable questions posed and implied.

Are we unwittingly inculcating a negative selffulfilling prophesy of doom and gloom for our youths?

On one hand, I am made to feel relieved that I am not a young person today and that in my time, we were more focused on what youngsters had to do if they wanted to make it, despite the many contemporary challenges that confronted ambitious young people then.

On the other hand, there is a growing sense of hopelessness when one reads of the lowering performance of public schools, the increasing rate of dropouts, the continuing failures in English and Mathematics and, worst of all, the descent into immorality and crime at all levels of socie-

ty, including the traditional ‘role models’ to whom youths typically look up.

The rate of unemployables matching or outstripping the rate of unemployment is obviously a cause for concern among current and potential employers and to think that we are already importing labour of all types as our population growth takes a holiday are all enough to raise questions about what can and must be done to arrest, if not reverse ,the slide.

From my own perspective, I do believe that we must go back to basics: the need to focus on attitudes, behaviour and character development among people in leadership positions in our society as well as the home, the family and the teachers in our education system.

All the concerns expressed about school dropouts, the need for skills training or higher education are reduced to naught if the basics of good character, good attitude and good foundational education are not there in the first place.

All the drums about UG, UGBC, law school, technical education, etc can escalate their beats to the point of deafness if we fail to lis-

ten to the humble cry for foundational development, family values, character building and a sound primary education as was obtained in the good old days when sugar was supreme, bauxite was boss, and society was safe!

I recognise that this letter might incur the wrath of many who will perhaps characterise me as a reactionary colonialist with an obsolete mind-set, but, my friends, is there any harm trying out what has indeed served us well, better than all our experimentation with so many new-fangled but failing modern approaches?

How come I and so many others used to know more and do better after the good old Primary School Certificate than the majority who now graduate from secondary school? The irony is that inputs and initiatives for character training, attitudinal changes, and behavioural improvements are not anywhere near as costly as the increasing amounts of resources being pumped into our education system!

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

power to create positive change Dear Editor, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) has been advocating for clinical training to supplement whatever faithbased training religious leaders may have had so that they can become the first line of response in dealing with suicide, domestic abuse, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, relationship issues and alcoholism.

And while we are aware that their training would prepare them for this role, we’d like to suggest a few strategies that must be emphasised. Always start off by emphasising that these pathologies, including suicide, are all preventable.

Share a message of hope, for example of others overcoming adversity and loss.

Explain how spirituality can increase resilience.

Encourage members of your faith community to seek help for themselves and other persons when they become aware or suspect that such help is needed.

Help reduce prejudice and discrimination towards those who may have a mental illness. Speak of mental illness like you would any other physical illness.

Educate your faith community about the importance

of lending a helping hand or reaching out to those who have suffered in any one of these areas.

Provide education on suicide and other prevention, especially among youth who are generally the most affected group. Give a presentation and invite others to speak on these subjects.

Sponsor a walk or related activity for those in the community.

Develop a language that ensures sensitivity to the families who suffer from these pathologies. Foster empathetic communication as a response tool, especially between parents and their children and between husbands and wives.

Empower others to focus on self-acceptance and to develop self-worth.

Please understand this problem will not just go away if you turn a blind eye or remain silent. And please also understand that suicide and related issues are everybody’s business and can affect anyone at any time.

As leaders in your faith community and respected members of the greater society, it is your responsibility to discuss suicide and other issues with your cohorts as well as the mem-

bers of churches, mosques and temples. Remember, you have the power to create positive change by educating, nurturing, and providing support to those in need.

Meanwhile, TCV urges all pandits, pastors, imams, moulvis and leaders of religious institutions, especially churches, mosques and mandirs, to check out our Facebook page, “The Suicide Epidemic”, for information, response and counselling strategies, ideas and suggestions to tackle suicide in particular but also related issues. You can also check out our YouTube channel for informational and motivational videos.

Finally, we once again urge Reverend Kwame Gilbert, the National Family Commission (NFC) and sponsors to forego the Dr Myles Munroe visit and use that money to help foster countrywide clinical training for pastors, pandits, moulvis, and imams.

Sincerely, Norkah Carter Devv-Ramdas Daniel Judy Deveaux Annan Boodram Bibi Ahamad Collis Nicholson

New York Guyanese had successful mission Dear Editor, The New York Guyanese Medical (NYGM) outreach had a successful programme throughout Guyana late last month. The team visited several communities rendering humanitarian, educational and medical assistance to underprivileged individuals.

Clinics and humanitarian activities were conducted in urban, rural and outlying areas of all denominations and ethnicities. The team visited schools; the University of Guyana (Tain Campus); orphanages; senior centres; and health centres, as well as religious establishments to provide them with financial and material assistance. They

Members of NYGM 2014 Mission

also provided counselling on suicide.

The NY based team has been carrying out humanitarian and medical missions to Guyana for over a decade.

The team is led by former UG Professor, Dr Tara Singh who has been rendering yeoman service to underprivileged and neglected communities throughout Guyana, Jamaica and other Caribbean societies for almost 20 years.

He has also been involved, through other organisations, in cultural activities in the greater New York area. With regard to the Guyana mission, Region Five Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth said he was most grateful to NYGM

Members of NYGM with Essequibo High School Students at a workshop on suicide

for conducting clinics in the Mahaicony River. “We cannot thank you enough. I will like to request that your team visit Region Five to conduct more medical clinics when you return to Guyana,” he said.

As part of its humanitarian thrust, NYGM made donations of supplies to the Palms Geriatric Home and the Diamond Hospital (eyeglass frames).

This year, the team conducted a community project by providing materials and also painting the concrete fence of the Mahaica Mosque.

The Mosque leadership was

overjoyed by NYGM’s benevolence.

NYGM Vice President and Project Manager Holly Persaud notes: “The 2014 mission has been the most productive and rewarding so far: we’ve achieved more than we had scheduled.”

NYGM’s success was due in part to the active support it received from various individuals, too many to mention. The organisers thank them all for their assistance in making the mission a success.

Respectfully, Vishnu Bisram

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TUESday, july 15, 2014

Page

BY LAURA WOODS

W

ith Emancipation Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to finally set the goal of financial independence for yourself.

Whether you’re trying to break free from your parents’ financial assistance, switch jobs or finally pay off that seemingly never-ending stream of debt, becoming financially independent is one of the most fulfilling goals you can set.

Although achieving financial independence is undeniably satisfying, it definitely takes a lot of time, effort and motivation to achieve. Use the following seven steps to work toward your dream of gaining complete financial freedom:

Cut expenses

If you’re able to minimise your expenses, you’ll be able to save money much more efficiently. It’s important to know exactly how much money you have coming in and where you’re spending it. Make a budget listing all your sources of income on one side and all your expenses on the other. Review what you’re spending money on to see if there’s anything you can cut to add more money to your savings account each month.

Spend less money than you earn

For a budget to be effec-

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation tive, you have to stick to it.

It might seem obvious, but for many, spending within their means is a real problem. Make it a personal goal to never spend more money than you have in your bank account. It might be helpful to carry cash in your wallet instead of credit cards, as this makes it impossible to overspend.

Create an emergency fund

Unexpected money emergencies always seem to happen at the most inopportune times. If you don’t have the money to pay for expenses like car repairs, medical bills or the cost of living if you lose your job, you’ll probably end up putting them on a credit card.

Rather than letting unplanned expenses put a dent in your finances, create an emergency fund to tide you over.

Most experts recommend having at least six months’ wages saved up for this purpose.

Pay off debt

Whether your debt is in the form of credit cards, student loans, a mortgage or auto loans, it’s important to work hard to pay the balance off. At the very minimum, be sure to make your required

monthly payments – but you should also do your best to pay extra on the balance each month.

Save aggressively

Set aside as much money to put into savings as possible – always remember to “pay yourself first.” Try to save at least 20 per cent of your gross income. If that isn’t possible right now, do the best you can – strive to deposit at least 10 per cent into savings each month.

If you get a raise or find a little extra room in your budget, use this to increase your con-

tribution.

Initiate automatic deductions

Let’s face it – putting extra money into savings or toward paying off debt can be difficult. Even when you desperately want to gain financial independence, it can be hard to resist the temptation of spending the money on something frivolous.

Combat this problem by setting up automatic withdrawals from your checking account to your savings and loan accounts. When the money is taken out automatically, you don’t even have the option of making irresponsible spending decisions.

Invest wisely

Supplement your income by making sound investments. Consult a trusted adviser to help you create an investment plan designed to fit your needs. While it’s important to have a savings account, you’ll also need to invest funds in stocks, bonds and other financial assets.

Achieving financial independence takes a great deal of hard work – and, often, a long time, so try your best not to become discouraged. If at any point you find yourself veering off track, take the time to realign your strategy and pick up right where you left off. (Investopedia)

BY STEVEN MERKEL

R

aising children is one of the hardest jobs on the planet, and millions of parents do it solo, according to 2006 census data. So what can you expect and plan for if you and your significant other part ways and you are tasked with raising your child alone? For many, some of the biggest adjustments include going back to work, securing an effective childcare plan and being the sole breadwinner of the household. However, there are some other challenges as well.

Budgeting

As a single parent, one of the first items on your checklist should be budgeting. You’ll need to sit down and make a monthly budget that consists of fixed costs, variable costs and one-time annual costs, and then compare this budget to your projected income.

Fixed costs could include monthly bills for TV, cable, Internet, utilities and insurance.

Variable costs may include expenditures such as groceries and money spent dining out and travelling.

One-time a n nual costs i n clude real e s tate taxes, registration renewals, holiday presents and other items that tend to pop up once a year. Fixed costs are set and usually unavoidable.

However, some annual and variable costs can be trimmed down if the budget calls for it.

N e w l y single parents should also factor in expenses such as childcare, transportation for their children, costs of maintaining a home, rent/ mortgage and education. Child support payments and alimony might be additional income sources that help to cover some of these unexpected new expenses.

Educate yourself

If your expenses outweigh your available income, then you may have to consider going back to work or starting a new career. According to Raise the Nation, nearly 38 per cent of single mothers live at or below the poverty level. Many college scholarships and grants have been created specifically to help single mothers afford a post-secondary education. Scholarship providers are making it possible for single mothers to create a more secure financial future for themselves and their children.

Update and review your financials

Life-changing events such as divorce, childbirth, marriage and loss of a loved one all call for a review of your financials. You should start with your estate documents by ensuring that you have updated your will to reflect your exact wishes for your belongings. Next, follow the legal requirements for naming guardians for your children.

Life insurance is an essential need for both parents, and most attorneys will include this as part of the divorce decree. (Investopedia)

NEWS

7

TuesDay, july 15, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

5 vie to be PNCR Leader

Special traffic arrangements for ... Norton seen as most formidable challenge to Granger Limacol CPL matches Greenidge is mustering up support within the ranks of the party to embolden his chances of defeating Granger at the upcoming Congress. Norton was a key backer of Greenidge at the last Congress. Greenidge had secured 55 group nominations which represented the second highest amount of votes at the last biennial Congress.

Norton

Opposition Leader David Granger

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

F

ive persons have been nominated to contest the post of leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) at the close of the official nomination process on Saturday last.

The party’s General Secretary Oscar Clarke told Guyana Times on Monday that letters have been dispatched to all those who have been nominated, with the aim of first informing them and ascertaining whether they will accept or decline.

“We are giving all those who were nominated up to Saturday, July 19 to respond... they are being given enough time and if they fail to respond then their names will not appear on the ballot at the Congress,” Clarke related.

He said that a lot of documentation and verification of information is being done in the lead up to the Congress. Clarke declined to name those persons who have been nominated for the party’s top leadership post, but promised to make an official declaration ahead of the Congress. However, this newspaper understands that David Granger, Aubrey Norton, Carl Greenidge and Basil Williams have been nominated.

When contacted on Monday, Greenidge would neither confirm nor deny that he was running for the post.

“I am not ready to comment at this point,” he responded, but persons in his camp have confirmed that

Norton has also kicked off a campaign to rally support at the grassroot level to relieve Granger of the added responsibility of managing the affairs of the party and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition. He has already expressed the view that there is need for urgent changes to be made to the party with the interest of bringing it closer to a grassroot support base. He managed to get one

PNC Executive Carl Greenidge

group nomination, along with Williams and Volda Lawrence.

When contacted, PNC Member James Bond, who had challenged Granger for the presidential post of the party back in 2011, said he was not interested in challenging Granger again for the post. He said that he was given the opportunity to serve in the 10th Parliament by Granger and is satisfied at the moment. Bond opined that Granger was doing a good job, and as such, he will be supporting his candidacy.

However, he will vie for a post on the party’s Central Executive.

Asked to comment on Granger apparent ‘elitist’

Former PNCR General Secretary Aubrey Norton

style of managing the affairs of the party, Bond said: “He’s not a dictator. This is no one man party,” he proclaimed as he dismissed concerns raised by the party’s grassroot base as “not legitimate”.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Christopher Jones who heads the party’s youth arm is also declining to challenge Granger. He said he has no interest in contesting or being nominated for the post. Jones also became a Member of Parliament under Granger. The challenge to Ganger’s leadership is coming at a time when it is felt that the PNCR as a political movement is on the decline since it entered into the APNU coalition. The party is also battling to quell internal conflicts and divisions in its ranks.

Granger has also been accused of making elitist decisions and not properly consulting the grassroot support base. Meanwhile, four nominations were received for the post of party Chairman while eight nominations were received for the two Vice Chairmen posts. Two nominations were received for the post of Treasurer.

ID cards

On the issue of identification cards for delegates, Clarke denied reports that members who are delegates would be disenfranchised if they did not have the new party identification cards in time for the Congress.

“Our members can use their national identification cards. We have made arrangements to even ensure

Guyanese woman pleads guilty to attempting to export ganja

A

Guyanese woman accused of attempting to export approximately seven pounds of ganja to Curacao was to reappear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 14

for sentencing.

Tameka Marcus, who changed her initial not guilty plea to guilty, told the court that the suitcase containing the drug was given to her by a friend who said that her

original suitcase was too small.

Before accepting her guilty plea, Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey told her that it is not guaranteed that she will go home. (Jamaica Observer)

that their photos could be taken at Congress Place to produce the cards,” he explained.

Clarke confirmed that most of the members in outlying areas have already complied with the new regulation and are in receipt of their cards.

He said the problematic areas appear to be Georgetown and parts of the coast. There were no delays or teething problems in dealing with the matter of ensuring that the new electronic system which produces the ID was fully functional

T

he Guyana Police Force is informing the general public that special traffic arrangements will be put in place, as seen necessary, between Houston and Providence, East Bank Demerara, in order to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 Cricket matches at the National Stadium, Providence this week.

Games will be played on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The cricket matches are scheduled to commence at 19:00h on Thursday

and 16:00h on Saturday and Sunday. The special traffic arrangements will cater for three lanes of traffic going south towards the stadium – two lanes on the eastern carriageway and the eastern lane of the western carriageway.

The western lane of the western carriage way will be used, as normal, by vehicles proceeding north towards Georgetown. Traffic ranks will be in place to direct the flow of traffic during the periods when the special traffic arrangements are in effect and motorists are asked to cooperate.

Farmer charged for assault during unlawful protest

T

PNCR Chairman Basil Williams

and party members receive their cards. The Congress is billed for July 25 to July 27 under the theme “PNCR for national unity, good governance and national development”.

aje Shewcharran, 55, a farmer of Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast was charged for assaulting Taleshwar Singh, also a farmer on July 4 when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Shewcharran, who is also a pastor, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted in the sum of $10,000 bail.

Shewcharran was represented by Attorney Haimraj Rajkumar, who prayed for reasonable bail for his client. He is expected to return to court on August 5.

Shewcharran was previously charged, along with

17 others for causing riot on July 7. The pastor, who is the Secretary of the Essequibo Paddy Farmer’s Association, was also named as one of the instigators for the unlawful protest at Land of Plenty.

In addition, he was also charged on July 7 for assaulting two peace officers during the protest, for using a noise instrument at a public meeting, and for conducting a public meeting without permission. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

He was placed on $20,000 bail for the assault of two peace officers and $5000 bail for conducting a public meeting without permission.

8 News

Tuesday, july 15, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Armed bandit shot dead … had snatched $1.7 million from businessman businessman. The armed man discharged a round and the businessman, who is a licensed firearm holder, returned fire hitting the robber to the neck. His accomplice managed to escape. The bag with the money was recovered. The perpetrator was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An unlicensed .32 Taurus revolver with five rounds and a spent shell has been recovered. The investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times was told that Fields and his accomplice trailed the businessman from a city bank as he had just left in a taxi and stopped at the Ramchand’s Auto Spares to make some purchases.

The now dead man, reportedly followed him into the building, relieved him of the bag containing some $1.7 million and then ran out to his accomplice who was outside waiting on a CG motorcycle.

Proprietor of the business place, Ramchand (only name given), related to media operatives that he was in the store at the time of the robbery and recalled exactly what transpired.

A picture taken from Kevin Fields’ Facebook page

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

A

Shot

21-year-old bandit, who is also a father of one, was on Monday shot dead after robbing a businessman of some $1.7 million at Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Sheriff and Duncan Streets, Georgetown.

The bandit, who has since been identified as Kevin Fields also known as “Demon” of Titan Street, Agricola Village, was shot in the head by the businessman who pursued him.

Police said in a statement that about 12:00h, the businessman went to Ramchand Auto Spares at Sheriff Street to transact business, when a man armed with a firearm entered and took away a bag containing $1.7 million from him.

The armed man ran outside and towards a motorcycle that was being driven by an accomplice and was followed by the

“A customer, a regular customer, came in to my business place to buy some things and he had a large bag with money and in the process, the guy that got shot; he run in and snatched the gentleman’s bag and ran out and the guy, who is a licensed firearm holder, ran out behind him and shot him but in the process, he had a gun also and he fired some shots at the businessman, but the businessman managed to shoot him,” Ramchand said.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness who was also in the store at the time related: “I was a customer in Ramchand’s and one of the guys just came in and grabbed the bag from the guy that was standing next to me and then immediately ran out of the building and the other guy decided to run behind him. The bandit jumped on the CG motorcycle behind his part-

Jagdeo's medical...

From the onset of the former President's medical evacuation, the Opposition, led by APNU's Carl Greenidge, refused to even consider that the trip might have been privately funded.

“Surely the cost of the overseas trip for the former President must be of concern to the taxpayers of the country, as it is they who would be footing the bill!” Greenidge insisted. Greenidge had earlier piloted the Bill to the House last year meant to place caps on the benefits to

ner and then soon after they took off the bike but he tumble off the bike and then he decided to trade shots with the guy he robbed and that’s when he got shot,” the man related.

The businessman, soon after shooting the bandit, was escorted by Police from the scene while his name has been kept secret for security reasons. While CCTV cameras on the building captured the ordeal, the Police have ordered that it not be released since they are conducting investigations to locate the accomplice.

While the relatives of the robber could not be reached for a comment, a resident from the area related that from what she

The firearm which was found on the now dead man

knew of him, he was an easy going and quiet person. She noted, however, that she did not know the young man too well but he did act in a suspicious manner sometimes.

“He never really used to trouble anyone on the road but I guess he made some mistakes along the way and know he has faced the consequences,” she said.

A check on the man’s Facebook profile revealed some pictures in which he was seen posing with large sums of money and even a gun license. It is unclear whether he was indeed the holder of a licensed firearm holder, but the Police have recovered a .32 Taurus revolver found next to his body with some spent shells from the scene. The body is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a postmortem examination.

From page 3

be enjoyed by former presidents. While it was approved by the Opposition majority in the House, it was never assented to by Head of State, Donald Ramotar. The latter explained that this would violate the fundamental protection of "property" as defined by Article 142 of the Constitution and reaffirmed by the Courts when Burnham attempted to perform an analogous action against sugar workers.

While the media sensationalised the $45 million that had been expended on the for-

mer President over the past 27 months – $1.6 monthly – none of the newspapers took the time to explain that during this time, the President was engaged in a number of initiatives to represent Guyana's interest at several international fora.

The President’s pension package was merely passed in 2009 to formalise an existing policy and to codify and staturorise the benefits and facilities which have been enjoyed by every past president – including Arthur Chung

and Desmond Hoyte and will accrue Sam Hinds, Donald Ramotar and any other person who served as President when they retire. All presidents receive a pension amounting to five-eights of their salary along with the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice, Judges of the High Court, Members of Parliament, Government Ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Commissioner of Police and the Auditor General, among others.

This salary of the President is the same as the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice and the Attorney General. It is not remarked that the latter, apparent anomaly was introduced into the Cabinet when PRESIDENT Forbes Burnham desired to make his Chancellor, Keith Massiah, into his Attorney General and the latter demanded that his Chancellor's salary be carried over. On the FUNDS SPENT that are being criticised so vehemently, these living expenses, without any limit, were always part of the PAST AND PRESENT PRESIDENTS' pension package. Ironically, the legislation introduced by President Jagdeo spelled out the benefits most specifically, in an attempt to remove the ambiguities.

Eyew tness Another hat...

B

... in PNC’s ring

ut this time, it’s a rather small hat. A very, very small hat: Carl Barrington Greenidge’s hat. So maybe that’s why we said on Sunday there were only two hands up for the leadership of the PNC. When you’re that diminutive, you do get overlooked!!

So the face-off between the elitist Granger and the grassroots man Norton might just be spoiled??

We’d hoped for a repeat of the famous bout between “Gentleman Jim” Corbett and Peter “Black Prince” Jackson, which went 61 rounds!!!

We heard that, along with Norton and Granger, there have been two other nominations – but they ain’t going nowhere. Greenidge should refuse the nomination – just in case he evokes nostalgia among some fellow geriatrics.

Like the fella Kenny Rogers once advised, when you’re playing a hand, you gotta know when to “hold it” and when to “fold it”. And this advice is not only about playing poker.

Greenidge has a very weak hand. What exactly is his claim to fame?? Being the PNC’s Finance Minister between 1983 to 1992??? And before that, being Chief Planning Officer in the State Planning Board in the late 1970s??? Lordy, Lord!!! That’s like recommending the Captain of the Titanic to pilot the latest Boeing Dreamliner!!! You know you’re not just asking for trouble – you’re actually guaranteeing the death of our country.

They say that “success breeds success” – and that makes sense, doesn’t it? When you’re successful, you develop experience in moving upwards. You think big... you have confidence in your abilities. But if “success builds success” then “failure has to build failure”. After all, all you know is how to be a loser. You become mean and ill-tempered as you try to shift blame to others to save your own ass.

And this describes Carl Greenidge to a tee. His bitterness only increased after he lost the cushy job he’d landed in Caricom because Jagdeo – along with every other economist worth his salt – criticised the sell-out he negotiated with the EU on the EPA in 2008. He’s since used his position, as the PNC’s point man in Parliament, to wage a one man vendetta against Jagdeo since 2011.

The man has lost all reason.

Now, Greenidge must be exposed for what he is – a bitter old man. And this is no country for such men.

Whether one supports the PNC or PPP/C, the leaders cannot be driven by private agendas.

Especially a private agenda of hate, like Greenidge’s.

... in the air

While all the local naysayers were singing dirges about Guyana being in the sticks and being unable to become a hub for airlines, former President Jagdeo’s Administration took up the challenge and decided to utilise a soft loan from China to upgrade our CJIA into a world class airport. That, not surprisingly, irked the local nattering nabobs of negativity. And their gnashing of teeth and lamentations intensified.

But not so the people who’ve spent all their lives in the business – the airlines themselves. Once the Government sloughed off the calls to scrap the project, and showed they were in for the long haul, the airlines followed suit. Fly Jamaica, Insel, Copa and TravelSpan.

The last was an old and experienced hand at moving bodies around.

Their success – as compared to the hurdles facing another entrant to our airspace, Dynamic, showed that the airline business needs to have their feet (and ears) to the ground. We’re sure Dynamic will get their act together once they sort out the present hitches. Copa took off very smoothly and Air Jamaica is trying very hard.

The Ramotar Government should take a bow for keeping the faith!

... on the World Cup trophy

Well, it wasn’t to be for us South Americans. Even the great Messi couldn’t get his game up to his usual scintillating level against the Germans. Our hats off to them. Bravo!!!

news

9

tuesDay, july 15, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

PPP says 10,000 still to be properly registered ...GECOM insists it is ready to hold polls

A

mid claims and counterclaims about the Guyana Elections Commission’s readiness to host Local Government Elections, the ruling People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) on Monday said some 10,000 persons who have changed their home addresses have not yet been correctly placed on the voters’ list.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee made the disclosure during the Party’s weekly press conference on Monday. Rohee reiterated the Government’s position that GECOM was not amply prepared to host any election in the country since the agency, first and foremost, did not have any proper mechanism in place to

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

ensure that every eligible voter was placed on the constituency list. He said the groundwork the Commission has been doing left much to be desired.

Rohee noted that it was the Party’s general belief that the agency had not set the environment for an election. This includes a lack of proper education and groundwork, he said.

“It is our strong belief that thorough groundwork of physically placing voters correctly on their list is badly and urgently needed. The Party also urges to sort out all issues surrounding boundaries for Local Government Elections,” Rohee said.

The General Secretary said the 10,000 persons are yet to be correctly placed on the voters’ list as a result of transfers and changes to their addresses in at least five regions. “There are about 10,000 persons yet to be transferred to their new housing schemes particularly in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. It is the Party’s expectation that no effort will be spared

by GECOM to drastically reduce or remove this number through hard work,” the General Secretary said.

While noting that there were still critical positions which needed to be filled at the agency, Rohee said the Party has noted the meagre

amount of public relations and notifications which are available to residents and citizens on the services being offered by GECOM. “There is little or no time being spent in certain communities,” he related. On this note, he said there was need for extensive consultation with citizens, stakeholders and political parties, and signalled his Party’s willingness to cooperate on this activity.

Fully prepared and committed

In a continued rebuttal of claims of non-readiness, GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said the Commission is fully prepared and committed to move formally into election mode with immediacy, if and when the Commission is mandated to conduct Local Government Elections. Accordingly, the Chairman said: “it is essential to note that, insofar as a date for the conduct of Local Government Elections is concerned, Section 35 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03 provides that “an election shall be held on such a day as the Minister may by order appoint”, and obviously after the Minister would have consulted with GECOM.” He said with respect to preparations for the conduct of Local Government Elections, GECOM has developed its Work Plan, which puts the timeframe for the conduct of the elections at 180 days commencing from the appointment of a date, by the Minister of Local

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

Government and Regional Development.

“The 180 days’ timeframe has nothing to do with GECOM’s “preparedness” per se. This timeframe is largely a result of the sequential statutory requirements and other prerequisite activities for the conduct of the elections.

“GECOM’s Work Plan for Local Government Elections, which is being reviewed constantly, contains several major statutory and administrative tasks – some of which will be implemented concurrently, eg, the acquisition of non-sensitive

Election Materials, advertising/training/evaluation/hiring of Election Day workers, Public Education, Claims and Objections, etc. Each

of these activities can be undertaken concomitantly and, indeed, are currently being addressed,” Dr Surujbally asserted.

He said it was important to note that these Plans (with changes as they emerge) were developed and were in the possession of

the Commission, since the approval by Parliament of the new System for Local Government Elections. turn to page 14

10

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, juLY 15, 2014

News

No trace of missing St Stanislaus College teacher – eight days after disappearance

I

t is now eight days since senior teacher at the Saint Stanislaus College Nyozi Goodman has disappeared, leaving no trails or tales behind.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Monday evening, Crime Chief Leslie James said that while the Guyana Police Force has been pursuing all angles in the case and are carrying on an active investigation, nothing substantial has yet been found.

He assured, however, that the Police Force is doing everything possible at this time to locate the missing woman.

Nyozi Goodman, 34, of William Street, Kitty was last seen last week Sunday sending off the school’s basketball team after leaving the National Sports Hall where she had taken them to participate in the Inter-Secondary School’s Basketball Championships with another teacher.

She reportedly told the group to move ahead since she was waiting on someone to pick her up.

Meanwhile, relatives are holding out that the

Still missing: Nyozi Goodman

teacher did not disappear just like that and believe that foul play is involved since all of her personal belongings are intact, except for her two mobile phones and iPad. Her sister Nestor Thompson told Guyana Times that based on information received from

Digicel, the last time Goodman used her mobile phone was about 23:00h on Sunday. The telephone company also said that the sim card was either destroyed or removed from the handset.

The worried sister, who is also a teacher, told Guyana Times that she was

at school on Monday last when she received a telephone call from her mother, enquiring about the missing woman.

She immediately went to her sister’s home only to find her house tightly locked, but she requested a spare key from the landlord to enter the house where she found everything intact.

The woman said even if her sister was going out for the week, she would have taken her stuff. Upon inquiring from the landlord, she was told that her sister had a frequent visitor, but based on the description, he is not known to the family.

The family has since lodged a missing person’s report at the Kitty Police Station, but after they requested a letter be taken to Digicel to get a print out of her sister’s recent calls, they were directed to A Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken.

Relatives are urging the Police to move with alacrity in investigating the matter.

Goodman has been teaching at the St Stanislaus College for the past four years, but has been in the education system for quite a while. The sister is asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of the woman to contact her on telephone number 692-4526 or the nearest Police station.

Kissoon fightin fuh she right

G

uyana gotta a lotta Kissoons and dem mekkin de news big time these days. Any where yuh twist and turn is Kissoon name yuh hearin.

Any where yuh go, it must gotta Kissoon. Yuh go to Parliament, it gotta Kissoon. Yuh go to Linden, it gotta Kissoon. Yuh go to de CON-gress Place, it gotta Kissoon.

Yuh go to de mud paper, it gotta Kissoon. Yuh look at de letter columns in some of de daily newspapers, it gotta Kissoon…every day it seems. Yuh go to court, it gotta Kissoon. Yuh go to de library, it gotta Kissoon who lookin to walk out wid book in he brief.

Of course, if yuh go to de John Lewis suit place, it gotta Kissoon who want a free suit, plus he ain’t want to pay fuh de one whah he buy. Yuh go to de Mario’s pizza place, it gotta Kissoon who lookin fuh a free pizza.

Yuh lookin fuh a soup drinker, it gotta Kissoon. And dependin on the kinda soup yuh give he, that is de kinda farticle he gon write bout yuh. Good soup, good farticle. Bad soup, bad farticle. This Kissoon even drink soup from de Pee-P-P/Cee and Nagga Man one time.

But now he tryin to drink two setta soup from two different place one time, that is, from de KFC and from de Pee-N-C. Is no wonder he dribblin so much and can’t control he mouth. Old people always seh too much of one ting never good fuh any body. Includin soup.

Well, de Linden people seh that these two Kissoons remind dem of de good, de bad and de ugly. Dem seh one of de Kissoons good and de other one bad and ugly all in one. But dem not sure if de bad more ugly or de ugly more bad.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! After all, one of dem from Linden and de other one, of unsound mind, come from some where in GT. One fightin fuh she right and de other one tink he always right!

Ruimvelt residents beg City Hall to address their plight

BY JILLICIA PINDER

F

ollowing persistent flooding, residents of South, East and West Ruimveldt are pleading with City Hall to intervene and relieve them of the stress during heavy down pour.

South Ruimveldt residents complained that flooding has always been a major issue in the community and the City administration headed by Mayor Hamilton Green seems to turn a blind eye to their concerns.

It was mentioned that when it rains, the area is flooded and vehicles would only travel a certain distance into the community, fearing the water will enter and create problems.

Occupants many times are forced to wade through murky water to get home, while vehicle owners have

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

no choice that to park their vehicles from a distance and keep vigilance for sticky hands.

One resident said ever since the 2005 flood, residents live in constant fear of contracting water-borne diseases as they have no assurance of safety.

Residents of East and

West Ruimveldt said thought flooding does not affect them as severely as in the South, they are also afraid of the illeffects of the sometimes stagnant floodwaters.

They also say that some areas of the communities do not have proper roads and when it rains, the huge potholes appear to be ponds, posing a danger for motorists.

They also contended that if a highly intoxicated man happens to stumble in one of the “ponds” late in the night, there is a high possibility that he might drowned.

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba stated that she only became aware of the situation in the Ruimveldt areas at a recent community meeting, but promised to look into the situation and have the concerns of residents addressed.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, juLY 15, 2014

Ali upbeat about development along EBD … impressed with progress at Perseverance Scheme

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

H

ousing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali is quite confident of the prospects of emerging communities on the East Bank of Demerara, indicat-

Public Road, Minister Ali informed reporters about the ongoing work.

“In the 2014 Budget, we spoke of expanding affordable housing and the Turn Key Homes Project. We launched the 1000 homes

especially those who fall within the low and middle income bracket. He pointed out that they could not have made wiser choices, as he boasted about the level of infrastructure present in the community, which was at one time considered a dead end.

“We have allocated 50 homes under construction so that persons can be involved in the building of their homes. So they can do regular inspection, so that they can be sure they are having the quality for their money.

You will see, notwithstanding the high-level of rain fall, the place is relatively dry here. That tells you about the drainage infrastructures that Government has invested in.”

of its closeness to the alignment set out by President Donald Ramotar.

Meanwhile, Central Housing and Planning Authority Chief Executive Officer Myrna Pitt said the East Bank Project is a comprehensive one in itself as a number of private developers, as well as Government projects are being undertaken.

lots, one of which is the core house pilots. The contracts for the 400 house have already been signed and just about 100 houses remain to be completed,” she said.

Another representative from the Ministry related that the Central Housing and Planning Authority is “focus driven” with an aim to ensure that home ownership becomes a reality for

Planning Authority is in receipt of close to 5000 applications, with a majority of those persons already prequalified by the bank.

The Ministry has also begun the sale of homes to individuals in some areas.

The initial first phase of the Turn Key Project has cost close to G$200 million.

From the 1000 projects,

Unfortunate

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

ing that a new zone of development is expected, as Government seeks to further invest in the housing sector.

The Minister was speaking directly to the progress made so far in the Perseverance Housing Scheme, which was recently established. During an onsite visit to the area on Monday, less than quarter miles off the East Bank

project which was launched one month ago and we are pleased that it is moving at a rapid pace,” Minister informed.

Actual construction on the project commenced just over a month ago in May, and so far some 50 homes are close to completion.

Minister Ali divulged that persons are becoming increasingly interested in the Turn Key Housing Project,

He spoke of the new Collector’s Lane Highway, which connects the East Coast to the community and another alignment for a new alternative highway connecting Diamond Housing Scheme to Ogle. Ally said too that Government is also seeking to expand the $8 million home project, which is also close to completion.

The energetic Minister said it is sad that persons would put down these developments for selfish and political purposes.

The Perseverance area will turn out to be an equity valued property because

Government’s heavy investments in the housing sector have significantly improved the standard of living of Guyanese

In addition to the work on the East Bank, she said the Ministry is also into the second year of the implementation of the Low Income Settlement Programme, which has been very successful since its inception.

“We have successfully implemented three pi-

every Guyanese.

The representative pointed out that the Ministry has been receiving a lot of applications for the Turn Key Project, with applicants requesting both house and land.

The Ministry through the Central Housing and

some 800 low income and 200 middle income families are expected to benefit. The project’s overall contribution to the economy stands at $4 billion while, the loan portfolio to the banking sector is expected to increase by $4.8 billion over the expected two-year period.

man killed in Skeldon cane farmers threaten to abandon farms Homeless Vlissengen Road crash

T

he Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) has expressed concern about the woes of private cane farmers attached to the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

At a recent meeting between UCCCI and Skeldon cane farmers, most of whom are members of the chamber, it was reported that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) (Skeldon factory) is taking an average of 20-25 tonnes of farmers cane to make one tonne of sugar.

The farmers say they were promised that the new factory would be using an average of 8-10 tonnes of cane to make a tonne of sugar.

As a result, the farmers’ liability to the bank and GuySuCo keeps increasing crop after crop.

They made it clear at the meeting that unless immediate relief or solution is offered, they will have no alternative but to abandon their farms.

Among some of the other factors adding to the plight of the farmers is the high harvesting and transportation cost, which includes rental of cane punts from GuySuCo. The UCCCI in a release explained that because of the high cane tonne to sugar ratio, farm-

ers do not have the financial resources to harvest their canes and solely depend on GuySuCo for harvesting, which is being done at a very high cost.

“Another factor affecting the farmers is high interest rates and financing charges. Farmers have borrowed billions of dollars from the banks which were invested in sugar cane cultivation.

It was also reported at the meeting that promises were made… that Government will put systems in place to reduce the taxes on banks, which will then pass down to the farmers, resulting in lower interest rates, to date, this was not done.”

Tri-party agreement

Based on a tri-party agreement signed between the banks, the farmers and GuySuCo, if the farmers fail to meet their financial commitment to the banks, the Corporation will take over the farm, operate it and repay the bank. According to the farmers, this is on the verge of happening.

“The Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) feels very strongly that the inefficiency and mismanagement of GuySuCo should not be passed down to the farmers, and as

A

The farmers say they were promised that the Skeldon Sugar Factory would be using an average of 8-10 tonnes of cane to make a tonne of sugar

such, we are calling for a core sampling system to be put in place. This will allow for cane suppliers to be paid for sugar in the cane delivered to the factory gate; in contrast to the prevailing system of payment for sugar output declared by the factory.

“We are also calling for the Ministry of Agriculture to put systems in place so as to allow for part of the $6 billion, which was recently budgeted for the relief of the sugar industry, to be funneled down to the farmers.

“The economy in the East Berbice area is significantly de-

pendent on the sugar industry, with this in mind; we do not want to see GuySuCo failure meaning failure of the industry. The UCCCI is therefore calling on Government to look into the possibility of opening up the industry, something similar to what was done with the rice industry by former President Desmond Hoyte.”

The chamber said that this will allow for sugar cane farmers to be able to sell their canes to privately-owned factories or for large farmers to process their cane and sell their sugar locally or abroad.

n unidentified man is now dead after he was struck down on Sunday evening while attempting to cross the Vlissengen Road, Police have confirmed.

According to the Police, the accident occurred around 19:10h; however, the man died the following day at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The Police said, in a release, that they are “investigating a fatal accident…on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, which resulted in the death of a so-far-unidentified pedestrian”.

Reports indicate that the man had attempted to cross the road when he was hit by a motor car. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, to where he was admitted while receiving medical attention; however, he succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning. The Police disclosed that the deceased is of East Indian descent and seems to be in his mid-thirties. He was medium built, about 5’7 inches in height and brown in complexion.

Traffic Chief Hugh Denhart told the Guyana Times that up to midday on Monday, no one had come forward to identify the deceased; however, he revealed that the man is a destitute, who used to sleep under the tree located on the southern side of Vlissengen Road at the intersection of Lamaha Street.

The body of the identified man is at the hospital mortuary awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the driver of the motor car has been taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

12 news

Tuesday, july 15, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

IBSA plugs over $50M into OECD and FAO see lower farm prices market rehabilitation

S

everal major markets across the country will be getting a facelift as the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Trust Fund injects over $50 million into the rehabilitation of these facilities under the Solid Waste Management Programme.

According to Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, the Ministry is not solely depending on Government’s subventions to improve the environment across country, but is looking for additional support.

“The project assigns a significant amount of the funds to improving market infrastructures and putting market tarmacs where they are needed and don’t exists,” he stated.

This IBSA Project seeks to address issues relating to Solid Waste Management in Guyana through three strategies. The first strategy is procuring appropriate management machinery and equipment for collection, transportation and disposal of waste to landfill sites.

The second has to do with the expansion and rehabilitation of markets and market tarmacs with the aim of curbing illegal vending, while the third strategy is raising public awareness on solid waste management.

Additionally, the project

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker

allows for the procurement of garbage disposals, compactor trucks, mini excavators and garbage bins.

Whittaker noted that advertisements for the market enhancement projects will be published shortly to get a roll on the works. The project will see some $3.3 million be spent on rehabilitation works at the Anna Regina Market. The Local Government Minister said that he met with illegal vendors and agreed to assist them with infrastructural works on the condition that those vendors on the roadways will relocate into the market. The works include the construction of concrete drains and casting the flooring of the facility.

The Corriverton Market will see some $11.6 million

being plugged into the construction of a shed for the market to get the roadside vendors off. Another $4.6 million will be spent on the Rose Hall Market for the construction of a reservoir and shed for the fish section, along with fencing.

New Amsterdam Market needs a shed and some $6.6 million has been budgeted while the Rosignol Market will see some major infrastructural work being done, along with a shed for the market to the tune of a whopping $18.6 million.

Meanwhile, at the unused market tarmac in Diamond, $1.7 million was set aside to cover the cost of fencing the area. Whittaker explained that they are encouraging those vendors on the main road to use the market tarmac in the scheme. He noted that he recently met with the Market Committee and vendors, and was asked to assist with certain things.

Vendors concerns

The Minister said the vendors expressed concerns over security; hence, the move to fence around the tarmac.

Some $9.3 million will be spent on the Linden Market and another $1.3 million on the Lethem Market to improve the infrastructures at those facilities.

In addition, the pro-

ject will see the construction of sanitary facilities at Haslington, Beterverwagting, and Grove/Diamond, along with public awareness exercises.

Funds will also be placed into the construction of a market tarmac at Annandale for vendors and Minister Whittaker disclosed that engineers are looking at possible sites.

According to the Minister, the efforts to improve the solid waste situation in the country is not only limited to solid waste, as he points out that vendors are significant contributors of solid waste build-up in public places, hence, need to provide adequate accommodations for them.

In March this year, the Government signed an agreement with the IBSA Trust Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Project.

Guyana acquired the funding through an open bidding process, for developing countries to submit proposals on projects which they believe would foster growth and development while solving social issues. The US$1.9 million project will see the IBSA Trust Fund contributing US$1.5 million while an additional US$400,000 is expected to be raised in kind donations.

PPP is a friend of farmers – President Ramotar

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resident Donald Ramotar on Sunday assured farmers on the Essequibo Coast that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will continue to work in the best interest of farmers.

“Rice farmers are friends of the PPP, we have done so much and will continue to do much, since 1992, we have achieved a lot in the rice industry, let us not be sidelined,” the Head of State said.

The President told farmers, including some who were protesting, that the ag-

riculture industry has received equal attention as the other sectors.

Some 100 items are zero-rated for consumers in the low income category and farmers over the years have been receiving concession on tractors, fertiliser and chemicals.

He called on farmers to cooperate, and not to allow the industry to be used as a “political football” by a few narrow-minded politicians.

The President said for every problem, there is a workable solution; but understanding is needed.

Farmers at the Fisher Primary School listen to President Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar addressing farmers at the Fisher Primary School, Essequibo Coast on Sunday

During the meetings, Ramotar interacted with farmers and listened to their concerns.

Some of the concerns raised by farmers were the need for prompt payment by millers and interest on outstanding sums owed to them.

The farmers told the President that not because one farmer who led the protest is a member of the Alliance For Change (AFC) that all farmers are members of the party.

They said the “naked truth” is that they protested because they were not heard.

One farmer, Alex George said rice farming is their livelihood and when things do not go according to plan, they will protest.

– livestock and biofuels outpacing crop production

Agriculture has to provide not just more food for human consumption, but also raw material for industrial purposes, such as biofuels and animal feed

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he recent fall in prices of major crops is expected to continue over the next two years before stabilising at levels above the pre-2008 period, but markedly below recent peaks, according to the latest Agricultural Outlook produced by the OECD and FAO. Demand for agricultural products is expected to remain firm while expanding at lower rates than in the past decade. Cereals are still at the core of what people eat, but diets are becoming higher in protein, fats and sugar in many parts of the world, as incomes rise and urbanisation increases.

The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 20142023 says such changes, combined with a growing global population, will require substantial expansion of production over the coming decade. Led by Asia and Latin America, developing regions will account for more than 75 per cent of additional agricultural output over the next decade.

Presenting the report in Rome, OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría said: “Agriculture markets are returning to more settled conditions after a period of unusually high prices. This has been helped by Governments showing restraint in the use of trade measures. But we cannot be complacent. We must do more – on trade, on productivity, and to tackle poverty. Governments should provide social protection for the most vulnerable, and develop tools to help farmers manage risks and invest in agricultural productivity. Achieving gains in ways that are both inclusive and sustainable remains a formidable challenge.”

FAO Director General Jose Graziano da Silva said: “This year the outlook’s message is more positive.

Farmers reacted very rapidly to the high prices and increased their production so that now we also have more stocks available. We foresee that prices related to cereals

will decrease for at least the next two years. The picture is different for meat and fish where we are facing growing demand. The good performance of the agricultural sector particularly in developing countries will contribute to the eradication of hunger and poverty.”

In a special focus on India, the outlook projects sustained food production and consumption growth, led by value-added sectors like dairy production and aquaculture.

Investment in production technology and infrastructure together with subsidies in a range of areas have contributed to strong output expansion over the past decade, the report says, and pressure on resources is expected to reduce production growth rates over the coming years.

While remaining largely vegetarian, Indian diets will diversify. As consumption of cereals, milk and dairy products, fish, pulses, fruit and vegetables grows the intake of food nutrients will improve. India is currently home to the largest number of food-insecure people in the world.

The Agricultural Outlook says global cereal production is projected to be 15 per cent higher by 2023 than in the 2011-13 period. The fastest production growth is expected to be oilseeds, at 26 per cent over the next 10 years.

The expansion of coarse grain and oilseed production will be driven by strong demand for biofuels, particularly in developed countries, and growing feed requirements in developing regions.

The expansion of food crop production will be more moderate over the coming decade, the report says, with wheat output growing by around 12 per cent and rice by 14 per cent, well below the growth rates of the previous decade. Sugar production is expected to increase by 20 per cent over the coming decade, concentrated mainly in developing countries.

news

13

tuesday, july 15, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy ...sets back oil exploration activities

By Svetlana Marshall

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he GuyanaVenezuela territorial controversy which sparked another round of international debate when the Venezuelan Navy seized RV Teknik Perdana in Guyana’s waters, continues to affect offshore oil exploration here.

RV Teknik Perdana, which was contracted

by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, was conducting a 2D-Marine Seismic Survey in the Roraima Block on October 9, 2013 when it was detained.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud made this disclosure on Monday during the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee at the Parliament Building.

“It has created some level of setback in those particular areas where we have seen the intrusion by the Venezuelan Naval representatives,” Minister Persaud told the Committee chaired by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Odinga Lumumba.

However, the Natural Resources Ministry optimistic that Guyana and Venezuela would be able to resolve the border issue, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has been engaging affected companies, with the hope of moving ahead with exploration activities.

GGMC Commissioner Rickford Vieira told the committee that other offshore and onshore exploration companies are moving ahead with their operations. He pointed out that Spanish oil exploration giant REPSOL, which is operating in the Kanaku Basin offshore Guyana, has completed its 2D and 3D seismic surveys. “They did 890 line kilometre of work and 3.2 square kilometre of 3D seismic survey,” he further explained, noting that the company is in the process of screening the data.

Commissioner Vieira also revealed that Esso Exploration, which is operating in the Stabroek Block, has contracted TDI Brooks International to conduct a seabed and geotechnical exploration exercise. This process should have been completed by the end of June but is currently ongoing. Additionally, Esso Exploration is pursuing an Environmental Permit to drill a well in the Stabroek Block.

In the Demerara Block,

GGMC Commissioner Rickford Vieira addressing the Committee in the presence of the Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud (second right); Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Joslyn Mackenzie (third right); and GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams

CGX is fast tracking its 3D Marine Seismic Offshore Exploration, while in the Corentyne Block, the company has signalled its intention of drilling a well in the area in 2015.

Turning his attention to companies conducting onshore explorations in Guyana, the GGMC Commissioner said Nabi Oil and Gas Incorporated operating in the Mahaica Block completed its hydrocarbon imagining survey in November 2013, and is now in the process of drilling another well. While other onshore exploration companies are moving ahead with their plans, other companies have applied for prospecting licences.

Training

Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian Joseph Harmon, upon learning of the applications, questioned the Natural Resources and the Environment Minister and his team on GGMC’s ability to assess the applications for prospecting licences and simultaneously monitor exploration operations here.

In response, Persaud said the GGMC works closely with the University of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat in addition to international experts in its quest to develop Guyana’s hydrocarbon potentials. “Currently we have a draft policy that is before the Cabinet Subcommittee on Natural Resources that look at the issue of petroleum development,” he added.

“In terms of doing analysis, we have just retained the services of a petroleum economist, but also we tend to pull skills from oth-

er government agencies in terms of review and ensuring that we have the right competence in evaluating,” he added.

In recognition of the importance of acquiring the requisite expertise to monitor exploration operations in Guyana, the APNU MP proposed that the Natural Resources Ministry and exploration companies contribute to building GGMC’s technical competence.

According to Harmon, this should be agreed by way of a signed agreement between holders of prospecting licences here and the Ministry.

Also in attendance were GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams and other key officials of the Natural Resources Sector.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, july 15, 2014

News Cop in Alex Griffith case DNA testing on the cards applies for separate trial

…as $1.4B Forensic Lab is commissioned

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

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fter much delays and setbacks, Guyana’s first state-of-art Forensic Science Laboratory was commissioned on Monday to the tune of $1.49 billion and Guyanese can also expect DNA testing being offered at the facility in the future.

The laboratory, which is located in the compound of the University of Guyana, was commissioned by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, along with InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative Sophie Makonnen and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the facility, Rohee said that while the laboratory does not offer DNA testing now, it is currently engaging the IDB to have this component in the near future.

“Based on a mandate given to us by the President and the Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the responsibility to work assiduously to introduce DNA laboratory testing,” he stated.

He went onto say that the laboratory will be utilising scientific techniques to solve crimes, something that is new to crime-fighting in Guyana.

“These new techniques is all part of modernising a system in keeping with international best practices as well as an instrument to deterring would-be criminals and their activities in our country, all aimed at reducing the level of crime and I have no doubt that this laboratory will have a significant contribution in that respect,” he stated.

Rohee thanked the University of Guyana for allocating part of its estate to construct the laboratory. He noted that the intention was to have the facility built on neutral grounds and one of

Cadet Officer Franz Paul

The new Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory at the University of Guyana Complex, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown

the conditions was to have young scientists at the university be trained there.

The Minister pointed out that the laboratory contained state-of-art equipment, evidence recording and information management systems in order to keep track of all evidence submitted.

He said the laboratory will also see the collaboration with other such facilities, not only in the Caribbean but internationally, which will allow it to build on its profile.

Delivering the feature address, Dr Luncheon noted that it is not by co-incidence that the Forensic Laboratory is located in the country’s premier educational institution.

Advanced national development

He explained that the facility signifies a step towards advance national development, while pointing out that development cannot be gained without emphasis and recognition on Science and Technology.

“They go hand-in-hand,” he said. Dr Luncheon also pointed out during the 2006-2011 term of former President Bharrat Jagdeo; development during this period was unparallel in the

PPP says 10,000 still...

“It must be emphasised that GECOM is fully prepared to stage Local Government Elections once a date for Local Government Elections is announced.

Immediately following any such announcement, GECOM can begin the statutory steps required to hold the elections. These statutory prerequisites have been shared with stakeholders, including political parties, the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the international development partners, and other interested parties. It must be clear that the Work Plan can only

be implemented, providing that GECOM’s needs, viz financial resources, are met in a timely manner,” the Chairman said.

He noted that year after year, GECOM has consistently been presenting Local Government Elections budgets, and Parliament has always approved funds for conducting these polls. The Commission has again budgeted for the conduct of Local Government Elections in 2014, and, again, Parliament has given its approval. However, he said, these funds cannot become available to GECOM for it to earnest-

history of Guyana.

The Head of the Presidential Secretariat did not emphasise much in his remarks about the importance of the laboratory to law enforcement and national security, contending that this is self-evident.

“We should never lose sight of what has taken place in society… and the impact of crime on national development. Some have even attempted to establish a relationship between incidents and prevalence of crime in growth of national wealth and productivity. We know that there is some relationship there and are indeed flowing from the Forensic Science Lab,” Dr Luncheon explained.

Meanwhile, the IDB Country Representative noted that the commissioning of the laboratory represents another milestone between the bank and the Government of Guyana. She recalled that during the negotiation stages, one of the findings was the limited capacity of the Police and courts to properly investigate and prosecute matters.

“The lack of appropriate and effective handling, processing and analysis of evidence is one of main contributing factors in the low level of criminal complaints going

from page 9

ly engage itself with specific activities associated with the conduct of these polls until the elections are called by the Order of the Minister.

Only then can Programme II funds be activated by the Finance Ministry, in accordance with the rules delineated in the Integrated Fiscal Management and Accountability Act No 20 of 2003.

“GECOM’s job, it is to manage elections. However, it has been publicly accused of … [Local Government Elections]-associated deficiencies in carrying out its mandate,” the Chairman said.

to trial and the eventual successive prosecution and convictions,” Makonnen said.

She disclosed that the facility is the first to be funded by the IDB in the Caribbean, while noting that with the state-of-the-art equipment being installed, it can also be ustilised by neighbouring countries.

Makonnen noted that citizen security is a priority for the IDB; hence, its commitment to modernise such agencies that will enhance the work of law enforcers.

She noted that crime and violence impede social and economic development of countries, and as such, the bank is proud to aid in initiatives that will see the modernisation of crime prevention in Guyana.

The two-storey building occupies an area of 12000 square feet. The ground floor contains the administrative offices, library and research area, conference room, security monitoring, evidence submission and washrooms.

The top floor houses the chemistry, toxicology, documents and evidence trace departments. The laboratory is specialised in analysis of toxic substances, narcotic drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol and biological fluids and forged documents.

T

he Police Officer jointly charged alongside Cadet Officer Franz Paul – who is accused of shooting 15-year-old Alex Griffith in the mouth – for conspiring to pervert the course of justice, has requested that the charge be disjointed.

Police Corporal Baichan Singh and Paul, both attached to the Mahaicony Police Station, were jointly charged last month with conspiring to pervert the course of justice, but Singh’s attorney, Sandel Kisson, on Monday made an application before Magistrate Fabayo Azore for the charge to be disjointed, since Singh was not involved in the shooting.

Singh was originally charged for allegedly taking the Mahaicony Police Station arms and ammunition book, which is used by Police ranks to book in and out ammunition, and giving it to Paul for him to alter the entries.

The case was adjourned to July 21 when the men will make their fourth appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Paul is accused of shooting Griffith in the mouth during a bout of Russian roulette-styled interrogation after Paul’s sister was robbed of a cellphone.

The court was told that during the investigations, the Cadet Officer and a party of Policemen arrested

Griffith. The Cadet Officer then allegedly placed a firearm to Griffith’s mouth and he subsequently was shot. A report was later made to the Police and an investigation was launched.

After the shooting, 31-year-old Singh, who has served in the Guyana Police Force since 2003, allegedly took the arms and ammunition book and gave it to the number one accused for him to alter the entries.

Paul, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, was slapped with three additional charges: unlawfully assaulting

Police Corporal Baichan Singh

Griffith on April 30; inflicting grievous bodily harm on Griffith, and with intent to maim, disfigure and disable, discharging a firearm at the teen.

At his first court appearance, he pleaded not guilty.

He was granted $75,000 bail on the first charge and was refused bail on the last two charges.

In his objection to bail, Prosecutor Stephen Telford cited the seriousness of the matter and asked the court to take into consideration that efforts were made to pervert the course of justice.

Speaking with this newspaper, the victim’s mother stated that she believes she did the right thing in letting the matter pass through the system, as she is determined to get justice for her son.

BK employees charged for larceny

F

ive employees of BK International charged with stealing Mack Truck spare parts from the company valued approximately $40 million were released on bail on Monday.

Excavator Operator Tyron Ghani, 20, of Lot 712 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Mechanic Sanjay Ramjet, 23, of Number Two Canal Polder, West Bank Demerara; Mechanic Trevor Collette, 30, of 2859 La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara; Mechanic Wole Archer, 41, of Lot 34 Public Road, Friendship; and Driver Kirk Innis, 32,

of 572 Canvas City, Wismar, Linden appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Faith McGusty.

The charge alleges that between June 5 and July 11, 2014, they stole stabiliser bars, lights, axles, fuel injectors, fuel pumps, clutch plates, batteries, lights, wheels and other spare parts.

The defendants were represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who told the court that his clients were not placed on an ID parade and that all articles were recovered.

Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail and stated that several other matters against the defendants are being investigated. He also said that the men are flight risks and the nature of the offence should be taken into consideration along with the value of the stolen articles.

Bail was granted to each accused in the sum of $250,000. They are scheduled to report to Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters every Monday and will make their next appearance on August 4.

15 Around the world Tuesday, july 15, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

leader tells Israel says three confess to Nigerian Malala missing girls revenge slaying of Palestinian to be home soon

T

hree Israeli Jews arrested for the murder of a Palestinian teenager have confessed to abducting him and burning him alive, officials said on Monday, an incident that helped trigger a week of Israeli-Hamas fighting around the Gaza Strip.

Easing a court gag order on the case, Israel said the suspects, two of them minors, had told interrogators that in killing Mohammed Abu Khudair they sought revenge for the murder of three Jewish seminary students in the occupied West Bank last month.

The names of the suspects, remanded by an Israeli court pending a formal indictment, were not immediately given.

Tensions escalated

Mother of Palestinian teenager Mohammed Abu Khudair cries as she meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah, July 7. The burnt body of the 16-year-old was discovered in a Jerusalem forest last week. Six Jews have been arrested, three of whom have confessed, in what Police suspect was a revenge attack for the abduction and killing of three Jewish youths

around the two incidents.

More than 166 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed by Israeli ac-

tion against Gaza, run by the militant Hamas group.

Hundreds of rockets have been fired from Gaza into

Israel.

The adult suspect facing the gravest allegations might plead mitigation in citing past mental illness.

“I expect soon to get the investigative material, in which I will look for support for the assessment; there is a complex problem in the matter of my client’s criminal culpability,” an attorney for Honenu, an ultranationalist legal aid organisation, said.

According to Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, in the early hours of July 2, as Muslims marked the end of the daylight Ramadan fast, the three suspects “patrolled Arab neighbourhoods of Jerusalem for a number of hours, in an attempt to find a victim to abduct, until they spotted Mohammed Abu Khudair”. (Excerpt from MSN)

N

igerian President Goodluck Jonathan promised on Monday that more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist militants would soon return home, teenage Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai said after meeting him.

Malala, who became a global celebrity after surviving being shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for girls’ education, was visiting Nigeria to support an international campaign for the release of the teenage students abducted in mid-April by the Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram.

“The President promised me... that the abducted girls will return to their homes soon,” Malala, who has called the 219 missing students her “sisters”, told a news conference after a 45-minute meet-

ing with Jonathan at the presidential villa.

The Pakistani teenager, who turned 17 on Saturday, at the weekend met parents of the schoolgirls snatched from the northeastern village of Chibok by Boko Haram militants fighting to establish an Islamic state in religiously mixed Nigeria.

The Nigerian girls’ plight triggered an international #BringBackOurGirls Twitter campaign supported by Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie.

This has drawn attention to the war in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram, which is inspired by the Taliban and whose name means “Western education is sinful”, has killed thousands and abducted hundreds since launching an uprising in 2009. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Anti-apartheid author Nadine Ukraine military plane shot down as fighting rages Gordimer dies

A

S

outh African Nobel Prize-winning author Nadine Gordimer, one of the literary world’s most powerful voices against apartheid, has died at the age of 90, her family has said.

Gordimer died peacefully in her sleep at her Johannesburg home on Sunday evening in the presence of her children, Hugo and Oriane, a statement from the family said on Monday.

Over the last 60 years, Gordimer has produced dozens of novels, essays and plays, many of which were critical of the racist apartheid system, which lasted from 1948 until 1994, in South Africa.

She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991. “Her magnificent epic writing,” said the citation “has been of very great ben-

Nadine Gordimer was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991

tims of the apartheid.

In an interview with Al Jazeera conducted two years ago, Gordimer said: “One of the key things is that those of us who were in the struggle at the peak of it all, were totally concentrating on getting rid of the apartheid, on defeating the regime.” (Al

efit to humanity.”

She became a member of the African National Congress when the movement, which became the country’s post-apartheid ruling party, was outlawed and though many of her works were banned; she did not stop writing and continued to provide a voice for vic-

Jazeera)

with an Israeli offensive on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip which Palestinian officials say has killed at least 160 people.

Palestinian groups have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel from Gaza during the latest hostilities.

Israeli military spokesman Brigadier-General Motti Almoz linked the Lebanon rockets to the Gaza fighting.

“Some on the other side are trying to heat up the border. We were not surprised by it, we prepared for it,

we knew the Gaza fighting could affect other areas too,” he told Army Radio.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the three incidents across the Lebanese-Israeli frontier since Friday. The Lebanese national news agency said two rockets had been fired just after midnight in the latest salvo from Lebanon.

The Israeli military said several rockets had been fired from Lebanon at western Galilee, one hitting an open area. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian military transport aircraft has been shot down in the east, amid fighting with separatist rebels, Ukrainian officials say. They say the An-26 plane was hit at an altitude of 6500 metres (21,325 feet).

The plane was targeted with “a more powerful missile” than a shoulder-carried missile, “probably fired” from Russia. The crew survived. Russia has made no comment. Separately, NATO reported a Russian troop build-up near the Ukraine border.

A NATO official confirmed to the BBC that the military alliance had observed a significant increase of Russian troops bringing their number to an estimated 10,000-12,000. A statement on Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko’s website

The plane was hit at an altitude of 6500m, Ukrainian officials say

said the An-26 was taking part in an “anti-terror operation” in the region.

The statement quoted Ukrainian Defence Minister Valeriy Heletei as saying that a search-and-rescue operation was now under way. It was not immediately known if there were any other people on board the

aircraft. Rebel forces earlier said they had targeted the aircraft in the Luhansk region.

This comes as the Ukrainian air force said it had delivered “five powerful air strikes” on targets in the region in a bid to end a rebel blockade of a strategic airport there. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China begins criminal probe Rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon, drawing Israeli fire into three former top officials

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ockets were fired at Israel from southern Lebanon on Monday, drawing retaliatory artillery fire from Israeli forces, Lebanese security officials and the Israeli army said, in the third such rocket attack from Lebanon since Friday.

An Israeli Police spokeswoman said there was no immediate word of damage or casualties from the rocket fire. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The attacks from Lebanon have coincided

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hinese authorities have begun criminal investigations into three former high-ranking officials over corruption allegations, state media said on Monday, two of whom were allies of powerful, retired domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang.

Sources have told Reuters that Zhou has been put under virtual house arrest while the ruling Communist Party investigates him for graft, though the party has made no announcement about his case.

Several of Zhou’s political allies have been held in custody and questioned over corruption, including former Vice Minister of Public Security Li Dongsheng and Jiang Jiemin, who was the top regulator of state-owned enterprises for five months until last September.

The official Xinhua news agency said criminal investigations had been opened into Li and Jiang, along with another official, Wang Yongchun, who was a Vice President of China’s biggest oil company,

China National Petroleum Corporation, the parent of PetroChina.

Xinhua provided no other details other than that all three were in custody.

As the wheels of Chinese justice can turn slowly, their trials may be a long way off.

President Xi Jinping has launched a sweeping crackdown on deep-rooted graft since taking office last year, warning, like many before him, the problem was so severe it could affect the party’s ability to rule. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

16 news

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

GECOM clears air on its “readiness” for Local Gov Elections

The following is a series of questions and answers by the Guyana Elections Commission following speculation in the media regarding its preparedness for hosting of Local Government Elections CONCERN No 1

Some constituency boundaries cut across established divisions and subdivisions requiring field operations to effectively allocate existing registrants on the National Register of Registrants to a unique constituency.

Response:

The Secretariat has already addressed this issue.

A presentation was done to inform the Commission on the way forward with this matter and the Commission already gave the go ahead.

We suggest to those who have raised this issue to specifically identify deficiencies in our demarcation, delineation and delimitation undertakings.

CONCERN No 2

Commissioners believe that the resolution of transfers of numerous electors, particularly to constituencies, must be addressed with dispatch as some constituencies do not have adequate registrants to effectively field adequate lists of candidates.

Response:

GECOM cannot arbitrarily transfer registrants from one constituency to another to facilitate adequacy pertaining to the number of signatories that are required to support candidacy. Also, the legal provisions determine the number of signatories that are required to support candidacy – not GECOM. We have to work with the legal provisions.

The placement of every eligible voter within his/ her respective constituency is a statutory task which will be undertaken during the 180-day preparations for Local Government Elections (LGE), prior to the conduct of the mandatory Claims and Objections exercise for such elections.

CONCERN No 3

An analysis of the National Register of Registrants and subsequent printing of lists for Local Government Elections require operations that involve the Information Technology Division, which is without key top-level and appropriate staff.

Response:

GECOM has been working without an Information Technology (IT) Manager for quite some time now. This has not prevented the division from carrying out its functions. In fact, only recently, the current staff of the IT Division has updated the National Register of Registrants with the transactions done during the 6th Cycle of Registration and the relevant ID cards have already been printed. Indeed, the public would have recognised that advertisements in-

viting applications for IT personnel are abounding in the print media. International Development Partners have also been approached relative to acquiring the services of an Information Technology and Communication Specialist to head GECOM’s IT Division.

CONCERN No 4

Additionally, some GECOM Commissioners noted that there are some key legislative issues, including lacunae in laws that govern LGE.

Response:

The legislative issues (“lacunae in the law”), which are minor and which cannot prevent the elections from being held as they are, have already been identified, and the relevant proposed amendments have already been drafted. This task can easily be completed within the six months timeframe for the conduct of elections. The Commissioners know this.

time, the Public Education Strategy will focus in an intensified manner on the processes and procedures associated with the new system – the moment a date is appointed for the elections.

GECOM’s ongoing Public Education Programme includes the following:Two panel discussions which were conducted at the NCN Channel 11 Studio were broadcast (pro bono) by this channel for the benefit of viewers in Regions Three, Four and Five. Recorded copies of both panel discussions were also publicised by the television stations in Regions Two, Six, Seven and 10, and we will continue to call on all these TV houses to broadcast the content of the panel discussions.

100,000 copies of a brochure titled “Local Government Elections” featuring several aspects of pertinent information were

Government Elections. Also, the Commission is currently engaged in the process which will lead to the imminent publication, on radio and television, of more pertinent information about the new system for Local Government Elections.

It is all a matter of timing. GECOM, with all of its experience and proven track record, is committed to carry out its duties without interference and hindrances. We know what we are about and do not need unnecessary and unhelpful humbug.

CONCERN No 6

Then there was the contention that every eligible voter will not be correctly placed on his/her constituency list.

Response:

It must be emphasised that GECOM has already engaged itself with the preliminary and administrative

CONCERN No 5

The issue of voter education was also raised as another exercise that the Commission needs to sufficiently address before elections are held. There needs to be a vigorous education programme to inform and educate the populace on the new Local Government Elections system, which comprises a mixture of the Constituency and Proportional Representation models, in which political parties as well as individuals and interested groups may contest the elections.

Response:

This concern is especially facetious. Relative to GECOM’s Public Education Programme for Local Government Elections, it is significant to note that in March 2010, after involving itself in huge amounts of public awareness programmes, GECOM intimated to the Minister of Local Government that the Registers of Voters were completed and certified, and that there were no material impediments for holding LGE (to which, I might add, there was not even a recognition of receipt of our correspondence), nothing emerged from the Ministry of Local Government relative to a date for LGE. Time, great effort and money were wasted.

As a consequence, GECOM took the deliberate decision to implement an ongoing programme, with moderate intensity, publicising information about Local Government Elections with focus being placed initially on the new Local Government Elections Electoral System.

This was preferable to a “stop – start” methodology, which could have the inherent possibility to exasperate and disenchant potential voter. Later, at the appropriate

produced.

Copies of this brochure have been dispatched, with the knowledge of the Minister of Local Government, to all of the 71 Local Authority Areas in Guyana for distribution to citizens of the respective Areas. In fact, following the finalisation of the boundaries of constituencies within the various Local Authority Areas, we have commenced distributing these brochures at the level of the Local Authority Areas. We have also commenced making available thousands of copies to the parliamentary (and other) political parties for distribution among their constituents.

Four infomercials about the new system for Local Government Elections and why persons should vote at these elections were publicised on all of the local radio and television stations.

We consciously discontinued this exercise, but will reactivate the publication of these infomercials very early within the projected 180-day period.

Currently, GECOM is on the verge of engaging the four local daily newspapers to publish sequential columns titled “Local Government Elections Corner”, which will feature pertinent information about Local

placement of eligible electors in constituencies. However, the placement of every eligible voter within their respective constituencies is a statutory task which must be undertaken during the conduct of the mandatory Claims and Objections exercise for such elections.

Yet, on the periphery, spokespersons for a political party are insinuating that members of the Commission are somehow involved in some collusion to exclude eligible persons from any voters’ list to be used for Local Government Elections.

CONCERN No 7

There was not enough ground work and consultations done to ascertain boundaries countrywide.

Response:

GECOM did in fact “walk” the ground to determine the boundaries for the 585 constituencies within all of the existing Local Authority Areas, and carried out the associated physical verification within the communities. All this was done with the absolute involvement of party scrutineers.

CONCERN No 8

GECOM’s thoroughness (relative to the assurance that every eligible voter will

be correctly placed on his/her constituency list) excites no confidence.

Response:

GECOM had already verified the residency status of electors when they had applied for registration. This is always done in the presence of party scrutineers who sign on the “Application for Registration Form” attesting to their observation that the verification process was properly done. Consequently, there is no need for GECOM to do any further verification of the residency status of the registrant/elector. The placement of electors within the respective constituencies is an internal task which will be done at the appropriate time.

Further, prior to the Claims and Objections exercise for Local Government Elections, Preliminary Voters’ Lists will be produced and posted for public scrutiny at conspicuous points within all of the 585 constituencies. This would be carried out, so that all stakeholders, especially electors, can check for the accuracy of their respective listings as well as that of others. Should any incorrectness pertaining to their particulars be observed, the relevant elector can and should apply to GECOM, during the Claims and Objections exercise, for the necessary correction(s) to be made. On the other hand electors could also object, again during the Claims and Objections exercise, to the inclusion of any elector who they have reason to believe should not be on the list.

As is the norm, copies of the entire voters’ list will be shared with the political parties contesting the elections for scrutiny!!

The principal reason for undertaking the foregoing is for all stakeholders, including the contesting political parties, to have confidence in the Final Voters’ List produced for the elections.

CONCERN No 9

Thousands of persons are in need of being transferred from the original addresses where they were registered to new addresses to which they have since moved.

Response:

GECOM has already provided the opportunity for the affected registrants to apply for transfers during the sixth cycle of registration. And, let’s face it; persons actually had three months to apply for transfers. Nevertheless, during the 6th Cycle of Continuous Registration, GECOM had responded to several requests from the Chief Scrutineer of a complaining party for mobile units to go into communities where, reportedly, there were numerous persons who were needful of applying for transfers. In this regard,

notwithstanding the provision of information at grassroots level, prior to the visits, the response was far less that we had expected (based on the information given by that Party’s Chief Scrutineer).

In addition, let it be recognised that, GECOM will be conducting a Claims and Objections exercise during August this year to produce an Official List of Electors (OLE) as a sequel to the 6th Cycle of Continuous Registration. The parliamentary political parties have been informed of this exercise via a letter dated June 9, 2014. During this exercise, the opportunity will be provided across Guyana for all persons who have changed their addresses since they were registered to apply for transfers. This feature of the exercise would be widely publicised as would the others.

GECOM takes the opportunity to assure all concerned that it is aware that, especially due to the establishment of new housing schemes, there is the need for the transfer of persons who have taken up residence in such areas after they were registered by GECOM previously as having a residency address at some other location. Accordingly, heavy emphasis will be placed on this category of persons during the imminent Claims and Objections exercise through the publication of appropriate messages via every available media.

Supportive action by the political parties in encouraging its relevant constituents to make use of the opportunity to apply for transfers would contribute significantly in addressing concerns pertaining to transfers.

Alas, all of the efforts and explanations, which we have continuously offered, seem not to matter. There are still those who state that the Elections Commission must make a public declaration of what is termed the “sensitive” matter of its Constitutional mandate to ensure that everyone eligible is placed on the official list of electors (OLE), in the interest of ensuring that no one will be disenfranchised. As far as GECOM is concerned, there is no problem, nor is one envisaged, over the placement of eligible voters on the relative lists at the constituency level.

In this regard, GECOM has been fulfilling its mandate towards ensuring that no voter is disenfranchised, by providing opportunities for eligible persons to apply for registration, name change, corrections and transfers throughout Guyana. It would now be expected that the foregoing would put to rest all of the public innuendoes, speculations and misconceptions.

News

17

Tuesday, july 15, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana hosting US military cadets Education Ministry launching new website to foster cultural understanding A

Members of the US team with US Charge’ D Affaires, Byran Hunt

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or the second year in a row, Guyana is hosting the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) Programme as part of the longstanding partnership between the Florida National Guard, the US Army Cadet Command, the US Embassy in Guyana’s Security Cooperation Office, and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The CULP Programme in Guyana is planned for 47 personnel (42 Cadets and five instructors), comprised

of soon-to-be-commissioned Florida National Guard (FLNG) Cadets, between July 11 and August 6.

In a release, the US Embassy said the US Army recognises the need for young leaders to develop cultural awareness and foreign language proficiency skills. Through the CULP Programme, hundreds of US military cadets have the opportunity to spend up to three weeks immersed in foreign cultures, learning more about how others around the

world view the US and, in the process, to be able to operate more effective in international environments. The CULP programme gives cadets an opportunity to help develop the skills required to support global operations.

In 2013, over 1200 cadets participated in the CULP Programme in over 40 countries worldwide.

The CULP Programme seeks to build a foundation to support understanding, cohesion, and meaningful partnership between

the next generation of US and Guyanese military officers. During the CULP Programme in Guyana, US Cadets will live, work, and have cultural exchanges with fellow Guyana Defence Force Cadets, as well as other elements of the GDF. Activities under the CULP Programme typically include humanitarian service with the host population, military-to-military training, and education on the social, cultural, and historical aspects of the community.

fter months of development and testing, the Education Ministry will be launching its new website on Wednesday.

The new site is in line with the Ministry’s efforts to meet the needs of the modern dynamic global environment of which Guyana’s education system is a part.

An interactive portal with access to a wide variety of essential online information concerning the local education sector, the new website is designed to be easily utilised by parents, teachers and students of all grades.

The Ministry sees the establishment as critical to further enhancing public engagement and interaction.

Commenting on the new development, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said: “We function in a modern world where Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play critical roles in our communication processes. The Ministry of Education recognises this and is pleased to be a part of the progressive march of technology, by designing this new interactive website, geared towards providing greater online visibility for the Ministry, as well as useful information on the education sector to all our stakeholders.”

The Education Ministry is continuing to further establish a greater presence online. With almost 14,000 Facebook friends, the Ministry intends to strategically capitalise on its

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

growing online presence, to further engage and influence its online community, through meaningful content that is both current and relevant.

As the Ministry launches its website on Wednesday, at 10:00h, persons are asked to log on to www.education.gov.gy and be a part of this historical event via live stream.

Some of the information on the site ranges from curriculum guides, past test papers, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CSEC) syllabuses, to colouring packets and interactive videos for nursery children, interactive quizzes for primary age children from grades two to six, tips for parents and teachers as well as a host of education policy documents among other important information.

US to boost local port security Essequibo pumpkin farmers need buyers for their produce

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US port security officials and their local counterparts

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s part of efforts to boost port security here, the US Embassy in Georgetown facilitated a week-long workshop on auditing management systems.

The training was conducted in partnership with the US Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration of Guyana (MARAD). It represents the third of four courses delivered to Guyanese officials from multiple agencies.

The workshop was based on international standards for auditing and will assist employees of the port, Customs, port Police, health, the Guyanese Coast Guard, and MARAD to perform effective inspections

and audits and ensure that ports remain secure.

Secure ports reduce the risk of threats to the shipping community, which in turn keeps the price of shipped goods lower by potentially reducing insurance costs to shippers, and reducing the time it takes to get cargo in and out of Guyana’s ports. The efforts of Guyana’s newly-trained auditors will strengthen the security of Guyana’s ports by identifying security vulnerabilities and developing solutions through the auditing of security management practices.

The broad representation of members from Guyanese ports and the Guyanese Government rep-

resent a strong commitment to port security and the facilitation of trade between Guyana and the US. The programme, funded through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), helps strengthen capacity and provide practical skills to relevant security officials working in this critically important area. Through such CBSI partnerships, the US and Guyana seek to enhance the bilateral security relationship to create a partnership to combat transnational crime, develop strong security institutions in Guyana, and advance the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana.

ash crop farmers on the Essequibo Coast, particularly those cultivating pumpkin, are crying out for buyers for their produce.

One cash crop farmer Misir (only name given) from Aurora Village voiced his frustration to President Donald Ramotar, noting that he has no market for some 75,000 pounds of pumpkin.

The farmer, who was at the time speaking at a meeting at Golden Fleece, said the markets are flooded with pumpkins and farmers are not getting sales.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said he is aware of the problem and the region is making every effort through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) to address it.

Persaud said he also received complained from large-scale cash crop farmer in the Lower Pomeroon Vilma Da Silva, who complained of facing similar problems. Da Silva harvests some 60,000 pounds

Cash crop farmers on the Essequibo Coast, particularly those cultivating pumpkin, are crying out for markets for their produce

of pumpkin from her farm, but is yet to locate a buyer.

Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said the NGMC will have to find markets promptly.

He said the Agriculture Ministry through the NGMC has increased export of non-traditional crops by more than 600 per cent, pointing out that markets will be secured for

the farmers.

Over the years, farmers in Lower and Upper Pomeroon have benefited from proper drainage and irrigation system as Government has invested millions of dollars in building and empoldering embankment in the Pomeroon.

This investment has seen an increase in the cultivation of non-traditional and cash crops in the area.

18

GUYANA

tUESDAY, july 14, 2014

“We’re one big family!”

– Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and Guyana Amazon Warriors highlight friendship ahead of Thursday’s battle

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n a matter of days, the lines would be drawn, the focus would be on winning, and friendship would have to sit out when two close teams, Trinidad Red Steel and Guyana Amazon Warriors, meet in the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Thursday.

Court where the captains of both sides, Dwayne Bravo of Trinidad Red Steel and Denesh Ramdhin of Guyana Amazon Warriors, highlighted the close relationship Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago share especially through the game of cricket.

President Donald Ramotar, in welcoming both teams to Guyana,

“While I would want to join with Dwayne Bravo and say let the best team win I will not say that, I will say let the Amazon [Warriors} win.”

Ramotar noted too that even though there could only be one winner on Thursday what is important is how the game is playedin the spirit of competition

Learning from the “great one” Clive H Lloyd!

“That is an important role you play for us in the Caribbean because we have all kinds of social problems in this new type of world that we have.”

may the better team win.”

Ramdhin also predicted a very exciting game on Thursday and at the weekend. “I am sure everyone wants us to win but in

would be giving their all as true sports men.

Among those present at the dinner and mingle on were Sports Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Tourism

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel's Ross Taylor flanked by Guyana Amazon Warriors' Martin Guptill (left) and Jimmy Neesham

That is in a matter of days and so in the meantime the two teams remain good friends as was emphasised at a welcoming dinner hosted by CPL OPCO Inc on Monday at Palm

also shared those sentiments expressed by Bravo and Ramdhin. “But when it comes to cricket we draw our lines,” Ramotar said to cheerful acknowledgement from most of the players.

and friendship. He also commended the players for being good role models for many Caribbean youth who are often faced with many distraction and anti-social pressures.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel players arrive for dinner at Palm Court

Guyana Amazon Warriors Coach Roger Harper, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel's Sulieman Benn, Demerara Cricket Club President Alfred Mentore and former West Indies Clive Lloyd

Bravo said Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are two very competitive teams and “we enjoy playing against each other.

The West Indies all rounder expressed thanks to Limacol CPL franchise owner Dr Ranjisinghi ‛Bobby’ Ramroop for inviting the teams to dinner and assured that fans would be treated to a very good game on Thursday. “Everyone come out in your numbers and

sports some teams will win and some teams will lose but at the end of the day we (Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago) are one big family.

Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana as, Dwayne said, have close ties.”

The West Indies Test Skipper noted that even though some players from Trinidad and Tobago are representing Amazon Warriors fans could rest assured that those players

Minister Irfan Ali, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Limacol Brand Ambassador and former West Indies great Clive H. Lloyd, Amazon Warriors Team Manager Omar Khan and former Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad.

The Warriors, fresh off a comfortable win over Antigua Hawksbills in Grenada on Friday, face Trinidad Red Steel on Thursday from 19:00h.

TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

19

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel captain Dwayne Bravo in conversation with Tourism Minister Irfan Ali and former President Bharrat Jagdeo (right)

Friends until the lines are drawn on Thursday!

Digicel Schools Football….

Da Silva hat-trick inspires Santa Rosa Secondary into zone final

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eith Da Silva blasted in a hat-trick of goals as defending zone champions Santa Rosa Secondary School (SRSS) came from behind to trounce Wauna Secondary in the 2014 Digicel Schools Football Tournament at the Kumacka Playfield in Moruca on Monday.

SRSS have now reached the final and play arch-nemesis Port Kaituma today for the title of Region One champions and a berth to the national playoff.

Playing in front of a packed home crowd, SRSS made it a thrilling affair early as they were trailing in the first three minutes of the game but soon found their stride and rained goals on their opponents

much to the jubilation of the vocal home fans.

The final score was SRSS 8Wauna Secondary 2.

Da Silva was joined by Terrence Chappelle, Seth Rebeiro, Alonzo Abraham and Brendon Phillips as the goal scorers for SRSS. Strong defense and fast foot action were the weapons for SRSS as they stole the game away from the hapless visitors.

The game was not without incident as Wauna lost a player to a foot injury in a game that was highly physical at times and which had medical personnel busy.

The final, expected to be witnessed by another large crowd, will Santa Rosa Secondary are one step close to retaining their title of Region One champions be played at 16:00h today.

Mansoon romps to victory in RCMTC feature race

Jockey Winston Apadhu piloted Mansoon to victory in the feature G ‘3’ and Lower race

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ith all of the big stables absent, Mansoon galloped to victory in the feature race of the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club meet in Berbice on Sunday.

The five-race event was deemed a huge success despite the inclement weather which left the track in a soggy state and only a few hors-

es participating.

Two horses dominated proceedings, with Red Jet of the Shamsundar’s stable out of Georgetown and Affinity of the Nascimento stable chalking up two wins each.

The feature race, which was for horses classified G ‘3’ and Lower over 1300 metres, saw the Crawford stable taking the top two posi-

tions with Mansoon, ridden by jockey Winston Apadhu, finishing ahead of Bridal Stone Corner with Yap Drepaul in the stirrups and Red Cloud.

Red Jet, ridden by S. Shamsundar, blew away the opposition as it first took care of business in the 1000 metre-event for K and L class horses. Occupying the

other positions were Silver Kid, Roberro and San Fly. Red Jet was in winner’s row again in the J ‘3’ and Lower maiden event over 1000 metres as it came through for the win ahead of Quincy and Sunny Silence.

Affinity, ridden by Ramnauth, won both the J ‘1’ and Lower and the ‘I’ and Lower events.

Connections of the Shamsundar stable collects one of the winning trophy

20

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, JUly 15, 2014

Brazil coach ‘resigns’ ‘Miracle boy’ Gotze after World Cup 2014 told to outshine Messi G

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razil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has resigned following his country’s failure to win the 2014 World Cup, reports Brazilian broadcaster Globo TV. Scolari, 65, won the tournament in 2002 but the hosts could only finish fourth at this year’s event.

Brazil were thrashed 7-1

by Germany in the semifinals, their joint-heaviest loss ever and first home competitive defeat for 39 years. They then lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in the playoff for third place.

Scolari’s contract was set to expire after the tournament but Globo TV says his resignation will be confirmed on Monday by the CBF, Brazil’s football federation.

UOL News, a Brazilian website, is also reporting that Scolari has quit, quoting two CBF sources.

During the defeat by the Netherlands, Scolari, in his second spell in charge of the national team, was booed every time his image appeared on the big screen inside the stadium in Brasilia.

Scolari first took over the

Scolari described the defeat by Germany as “the worst day of his life”

Brazil side in 2001 and guided them to World Cup success a year later, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.

But after spells in charge of Portugal, Premier League side Chelsea, Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan and Brazilian club Palmeiras, he resumed control of the national team in 2012.

Brazil hosted and won the Confederations Cup in 2013, beating Spain 3-0 in the final, and were favourites to win a sixth World Cup. They finished top of their group after two wins

and a draw from their three matches, before edging past Chile on penalties in the last 16.

They beat Colombia 2-1 in the quarter-finals, but lost top goalscorer Neymar to a spine injury and captain Thiago Silva to suspension. In the semi-final, Brazil were 5-0 down to Joachim Low’s Germany after only 29 minutes, before losing 7-1. Scolari described the defeat as “the worst day of his life” and asked for forgiveness from the Brazilian people.

ermany coach Joachim Low hailed Mario Gotze as the “miracle boy” after his extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 win over Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final.

Low also revealed he told Gotze to show the world he was better than Lionel Messi minutes before the substitute came on to score the winner.

Victory gave Germany a fourth World Cup title and first for 24 years.

Gotze, 22, said: “It is an unbelievable feeling. You score that goal and you don’t really know what’s happening.” Gotze, who began the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Germany’s starting line-up, came on as an 88th-minute substitute for Miroslav Klose in Sunday’s final.

With seven minutes of extra time remaining, the Bayern Munich midfielder volleyed home with his left foot after controlling Andre Schurrle’s left-wing cross on his chest. “He is the wonder who can play in numerous positions, he is

Mario Gotze celebrates his wonder goal with Thomas Muller in pursuit

the decider who can come on and make a difference,” said Low. “That is what he did.”

Gotze, who joined Bayern in a £31.5m deal from Borussia Dortmund last summer, added: “It’s indescribable. The dream has become a reality. It is

absolutely sensational.”

Despite being on the losing side in the final, Messi was named as the tournament’s best player. Coach Alejandro Sabella said the award was “very deserved”, adding: “He played a great World Cup to get us where he did.”

Germany counterpart Low, meanwhile, said victory in Brazil was the result of a 10-year project.

Germany were knocked out at the group stage of Euro 2004 without winning a game but have since reached three semi-finals and two finals at five major championships. Before Sunday they had not won a tournament since tasting success in the 1996 European Championships in England.

“We’ve made constant progress and believed in the project,” said the 54-yearold Low, who became coach in 2006 after stepping up from his role as assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann. “If any group deserves it, it’s this team.”

Brazil fans relieved after Argentina lose

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he supporters of Argentina may have taken over Rio de Janeiro but in the end, the World Cup belonged to Germany. For the first time all day, the fans of the Albiceleste were silenced when Mario Gotze’s brilliant volley late in extra time added the fourth star to the shirt of Germany.

By this stage tension had long eclipsed exuberance and endeavour, and the celebrations that followed were laced with relief as much as delight.

They belonged, of course, to the supporters of the eventual champions but also, tellingly, just about every neutral inside the Maracana - and certainly every Brazilian.

Indeed, a feature of the match was the byplay between fans of Argentina and Brazil, to the extent that the German supporters inside the stadium were at times almost bystanders in a final that their team won 1-0.

Those in yellow took every opportunity to boo Argentine songs and engage in bursts of “Ole” every time Germany enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure. The delight was clear and gleeful when Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain eventually realised his effort after 30 minutes had been ruled out for offside. Even more so when a tired and beaten Lionel Messi smashed his free-kick way over Germany keeper Manuel

not been a problem for the Argentines. Brazilians heading to the match on the metro had to listen to the chant that has reverberated around the country for the last month, with Argentine fans asking how it feels to be bossed around in your own home.

Sung to the tune of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Bad Moon Rising, it has proved to be so popular back in Argentina that it has replaced jingles on certain radio stations. It could be heard all over Rio on Sunday as an estimated 100,000 Argentines descended on the city, arriving on the Copacabana beach like waves rolling in from the ocean.

Many had little money and even less hope of securing a ticket. But they were here because they wanted to be a part of something. And it Thousands of supporters packed on to Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach to watch the match on was here that the other final big screens took place, in the streets and on the beaches of Rio, the one ways it felt as though there stadium on Sunday, but the the cheapest tickets costing beamed back from the stadiwere two cup finals played large exclusion zone around $440 (£257) for the general um to the masses of the tickout on Sunday. the Maracana meant that international public and 330 etless.

The first took place inside anyone without a ticket Reals (£87) for Brazilians, Tobias, 26, had been travthe Maracana, its predomi- could not get anywhere near. this was not an occasion for elling around Brazil for 24 nantly blue and white seats This was the preserve those down on their luck. It days with his three friends, so well suited to the colours of the fortunate few fans of perhaps explains why “Penta sleeping in a car. “Sometimes of the Albiceleste that their either side who had man- Campeao” (“five times cham- we all wake up in a bad mood, fans almost melted into aged to get hold of a tick- pions”) has been just about tired, aching and with rain them, while the yellow seats et - with one honeymooning the only chant heard by bouncing off the roof,” he said. down towards the front were Argentine couple explaining Brazil fans during the World “We want to kill each other, little more than a painful re- that they had paid $4,000 Cup. Those who know the but when the sun shines and minder to Brazilian support- (£2,337) for the privilege. songs that are such a feature we reach the final, the puzzle ers of their team’s absence.

Twenty-eight years after of league matches in Brazil makes sense.”

Brazil’s team coach had their nation’s last World had been priced out.

He looked anything like proclaimed that ‘the sixth Cup victory, they decided A lack of songs to sing has the lawyer that he claimed to Neuer’s crossbar with seconds of the World Cup remaining.

By the time Philipp Lahm lifted the trophy, some (but not many) Argentina supporters had started to slip out into the Rio night. If they were looking for comfort from compatriots they would not have had to travel far. In some

win was coming’ but instead of extinguishing the Maracanazzo, the ghost of their 1950 final defeat by Uruguay, their semi-final humiliation instead left their fans with a new phrase to define another unwanted humiliation - the Mineiratzen.

There were 74,738 inside the

that they wanted their slice of history.

And then there were the relatively wealthy and the elite, with numerous heads of state, dignitaries and VIPs enjoying Colombia pop star Shakira performing as part of the closing ceremony that preceded the final. With

be, his Argentina top showing signs of wear, his stubble heavy as he sat on the pavement by the Copacabana, the boot of his car open in front of him, a half-drunk can of beer keeping him company.

Argentines wandered up and down the front in the hours before the final, many wearing just football shirts and shorts, footwear deemed unnecessary.

Everywhere they sang and cheered on their team. Many of those who had flown had been forced to do so via Curitiba to the south or Montevideo in Uruguay, flights out of Buenos Aires to Rio being a precious luxury.

But the sheer number of cars and campervans (and a solitary ambulance with Argentine plates) parked by the Copacabana told their own story. One family had travelled from Tierro del Fuego in the south of Argentina, a six-day journey of 7,000km. They had no hope of buying tickets and did not care. There was something in this mass pilgrimage that spoke of the soul of football, of the passion that it arises and the sense of belonging and identity that it provides.

So many had been rolling into Rio for so long that the authorities had moved them off the beachfront and over to the Sambadrome, the huge avenue lined with stands on either side that is associated with the annual carnival.(BBC)

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Jayawardene has scored 33 centuries in 145 Tests

F

ormer Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will retire from Test cricket in August. Jayawardene, 37, who has scored 33 centuries in 145 Tests, will quit after the home series against Pakistan.

“I believe this is the right time,” said the batsman, who will still be available for one-day internationals. “It was not an easy decision to make given that it has been a great privilege and honour

representing my country during the past 18 years.”

Sri Lanka begin the first of two Tests against South Africa on Wednesday, before they entertain Pakistan in another two-match series.

Jayawardene, who made his debut for his country in 1997, has scored 11,493 Test runs, at an average of 50.18.

His highest score came in Colombo in July 2006, when he made 374 against South Africa, a total which remains the fourth best in-

nings in Test history.

He made a half-century in each of the two Test matches during Sri Lanka’s recent 1-0 series victory in England.

In April, Jayawardene retired from Twenty20 cricket, after helping Sri Lanka win the World T20 title, although he will still be available for next year’s 50over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Sepp Blatter questions Lionel Messi award

Lionel Messi was unmoved by the accolade

F

ifa president Sepp Blatter has said he was surprised that Lionel Messi won the World Cup Golden Ball award.

Messi, 27, was named the tournament’s best player despite a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

“I was a little bit surprised when I saw Messi coming up to collect the best player of the competition,” said Blatter, who presented the award. Argentine legend Diego Maradona has also called the award “unfair”.

The Golden Ball and other individual prizes, such as the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper, are voted for by Fifa’s Technical Study Group, a panel of analysts including former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier.

Blatter said he believed Messi was awarded the prize on the strength of his performances in the tournament’s group stage, where he scored four goals. “If you compare the beginning of the

tournament and why finally the Argentina team got into the final, they were decisive and I think it was a decision [based on that],” he said.

However, Messi failed to score any goals in the knockout stages despite his team’s run to the final. The player was unmoved by the accolade, telling Spanish newspaper AS: “Right now I don’t care about the prize. I don’t care about anything. I wanted to take Argentina to the World Cup for all the people.”

Maradona also questioned the decision to give Messi the award, and blamed “marketing people” for the controversial choice. “I could see he didn’t want to go up and collect it,” said Maradona, who was named the best player when Argentina won the World Cup in 1986.

Speaking on his television programme De Zurda, Maradona said that Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez should have received the award. Rodriguez

finished as the competition’s top scorer with six goals from five games as Colombia reached the quarter-finals before losing to hosts Brazil.

Messi was only a sporadic threat during the knockout stages, setting up his side’s winner against Switzerland in the last 16 but struggling in the semi-final against the Netherlands, which Argentina won on penalties after a 0-0 draw. The Barcelona player then failed to have a decisive impact in the final, missing a clear chance to put his side ahead when put through on goal by Lucas Biglia.

Fifa’s Technical Study Group awarded the Silver Ball - for the tournament’s second-best player - to Germany’s Thomas Muller, with Arjen Robben of the Netherlands winning the Bronze Ball for his influential displays.

Germany’s Manuel Neuer collected the Golden Glove, while France’s Paul Pogba was named the tournament’s best young player.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, JUly 14, 2014

wins Quartet awarded junior black belts Hing Sarjoo Cambio Pistol Shoot

Chief Instructor, fifth Dan Sensei Dunbar, with the successful students at the end of the grading exercise

F

our students were awarded junior black belts when the Mae’s Dojo of the Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association (GWKA) held its karate grading exercise for students recently at the school in Subryanville.

The students promoted to junior black belt were Uriel Isadore, Abhinav Singh, Alexie Hopkinson

and Reia Persaud.

A total of 32 students participated in the exercise, which was supervised

by Chief Instructor Sensei Winston Dunbar. The other students were promoted to the following ranks: Third Kyu (two), Fourth Kyu (two), Fifth Kyu (seven), Sixth Kyu (nine) and Seventh Kyu (eight).

“Karate continues to

teach self defense, instill discipline, increase fitness and increase concentration in the students. Under the tutelage of Fifth Dan Sensei Winston Dunbar, great development is being seen in the students of Mae’s Dojo,” President of the GWKA, Darren Nurse, said.

Classes are held in the auditorium of the school on Mondays, Wednesdays

and Fridays from 15:30h to 16:30h.

Meanwhile, the GWKA successfully held its annual Fitness Walk from the National Cultural Centre to Banks DIH Sports Club.

More than 70 students and parents attended the health walk, which coincided with the recent Caricom holiday.

Digicel Schools Football Tournament…

Play in Region Nine zone kicks off today

T

he Region Nine zone of the 2014 Digicel Schools Football Tournament kicks off today with a double header in Annai.

In the first game Annai Secondary will come

up against Sand Creek Secondary at 14: 00h while Aishalton Secondary will do battle with St Ignatius Secondary from 16:00h.

The winners will meet on Wednesday to determine the regional winner. St Ignatius

Secondary are the defending champions.

Meanwhile, the Region Nine champions will take on the Region Two champions in a playoff for a spot in the national semi-final. The regional playoff will be held in

Lethem on Thursday.

The winner of Thursday’s game will take on the winner of the Region One versus Region Five playoff in quarter-final action.

Winner Dale Hing (centre) with Rajiv Latchana and Randy Sarjoo

N

ational Smallbore Captain Dale Hing won last Sunday’s A&N Sarjoo Cambio sponsored Action Pistol competition organised by the Handgun Section of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) at the Timehri ranges.

The competition consisted of three stages -namely the Combat Drill, the Speed Challenge and the Endurance Path. All three stages had time limits and consisted of limited rounds. Shooting was done from the standing, kneeling and prone positions for the best scores within the given time restrictions.

Hing finished the threestage of the event with a first place in the third stage and second place at stage two, amassing an overall total of 245 points in another dominant performance. He secured 148

points at the third stage and 59 points at the second stage.

Rajiv Latchana placed second overall with 240 points, while Randy Sarjoo was third with 222 points.

Latchana had two third places, amassing 45 points at stage two and 141 points at stage three.

Ray Beharry won the first stage with 79 points from Hing with 59 and David Dharry third on 58 points.

Joseph Chin was the winner of stage two with 48 points followed by Azaad Hassan second with 46 points and Latchana 45 in third position Sarjoo was second at stage two with 141 points and three bulls. The trophies were presented to the top three overall winners by representatives of the sponsor, A&N Sarjoo Cambio.

Lanes marked on Synthetic Track −useable to athletes prepping for International meets

By Treiston Joseph

T

he lanes markings have been drawn on the Leonora Synthetic Track, making the surface a useable one for athletes wanting to train for international meets.

During a visit to the track with the Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport Alfred King and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Sports Ministry Steve Ninvalle, it was revealed by Anthony that the track can be used by athletes wanting to train for international meets.

“As of now I think the athlete can come and use the facility in terms of training… this would be a good opportunity for them to come and test the surface run around, it’s a good opportunity because they will be running on surfaces like

this out there.

“One of the things we are happy about this surface we have put in from Regupol, is like anything you would find around the world so it’s right up there in terms of standard,” Anthony stated.

However, no official opening date has been set for the track especially since works are still continuing on the Northern stands.

Anthony during the visit also highlighted that, the Ministry is working on a special event to be the first meet on the track as the Minister sound a bit enthusiastic about the plans for the meet.

Meanwhile Managing Director of Track Masters International Matthew Cohen who works with the German Company BSW Regupol (Company that laid the synthetic surface) noted that the track is great and should have a life span of at

most 15 years depending on usage.

“The main thing was to really ensure that the 100 metres is really 100 metres, the 400 metres in really 400 metres… this track is international standard so we have to make sure that all the measurements are accurate and perfect and not only does it have to be accurate but it has o be nice looking, so with the help of the people here and the good weather I’m that we were able to make a really nice job,” Cohen noted.

Further, Cohen who has done over 500 tracks revealed that it will take the most a month for Guyana to receive certification for the track by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) so that once records are broken and time recorded it will be official.

A part of the marked track at Leonora. (Treiston Joseph photo)

tuesday, JUly 15, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Kwakwani retain NABF title – miss out on a clean sweep of categories

Under-14 champs Kwakwani Secondary pose with championship

St Roses High School pose with their Under-16 title after defeating Kwakwani

By Treiston Joseph

K

wakwani Secondary School secured their fourth title at the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday evening.

The Region 10 lads thoroughly outplayed Plaisance Academy in the final of the Under-19 category, which was sponsored exclusively by Digicel, to win their fourth

and most titles of the tournament with a 73-59 win.

Kwakwani struggled to find their rhythm early in the game as the perimeter defence of Plaisance was in full force to make Kwakwai come from four down early to win the first quarter 18-13.

Plaisance kept up their energy level in the second quarter trying to force Kwakwani out of their comfort zone as they stayed within eight points of Kwakwani,

with the half ending 30-22 in favour of the Region 10 side. However, Kwakwani would finally hit their stride as Leonard Primo, the eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP), established his presence down low to dominate the paint.

Kwakwani started to pull away in the third quarter as their efforts on the boards started to show and they cruised to the comfortable win. Primo had a game high

29 points and 18 rebounds during his MVP performance while Shafeeq Thomas had 12 points as well.

Kelvin Yorrick had 14 points for Plaisance as he struggled to sink his shots in the first half before having a better second half of the game. Andrew Johnson and Andrew Williams both had 12 points in the losing effort

In the girls tournament sponsored by Digicel, Kwakwani Secondary went undefeated against St Roses High School and St Stanislaus High School to take the female title.

Makeida Rogers from Kwakwani was the leading scorer in the tournament with an average of 12 points while Jenelle Belle also of

icent with a tournament high 39 points, seven rebounds and six steals while Mark July had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Shamar Huntley was a beast on the boards, collecting 20 rebounds while scoring six points as Loncel Martin also contributed to the boards with 11 rebounds while scoring 10 points.

Events and Sponsorship

Kwakwani Secondary pose with their fourth Under-19 championship

as well.

Kwakwani also won the Beharry Group of Companies sponsored Under-14 category with a 30-29 nail biter over Marian Academy. Keith Adams had a team high 10 points and 13 rebounds in the double-double performance for Kwakwani while Joshua Brazoa had a game high 11 points and 12 rebounds for Marian in the tough loss.

Female champs Kwakwani Secondary celebrate with their trophy

Kwakwani was named the Most Valuable Player with an average of 10 points, four rebounds and three steals.

Meanwhile in the Under-16 category which was sponsored by Banks DIH, St Roses High School spoilt the plans of a Kwakwani clean sweep by defeating the Region 10 school 85-64 for the title.

Nathan Saul was magnif-

Manager of Digicel Gavin Hope was present and noted he was pleased with the level of basketball and implored the organisers to continue the good work.

The NSBF also served as the yardstick for selection to the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) national basketball team.

Hibiscus win bocce competition T

he curtains came down on the Senior Citizens’ Team Bocce competition on Saturday at the National Gymnasium,

sponsored by the National Sports Commission.

In the first game, Hibiscus won by walkover, which was allowed

by the absence of Team Buttercup.

Lilly defeated Sunflower 6-4 in the second game. In the final game, the two

teams were tied at the end of the first frame.

However, Hibiscus went on to win over Lilly 10-6 at the end of the ninth frame.

George Hughes, Sports Director- Special Olympics Guyana, presented trophies and medals to the runner-up team, while

Sport Organiser Wilton Spencer presented, medals, winning trophy and lien trophy to the successful Hibiscus team.

tuesday, July 15, 2014

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

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“We’re one big family!”

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– Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and Guyana Amazon Warriors highlight friendship ahead of Thursday’s battle

Captains Dwayne Bravo of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and Denesh Ramdhin of Guyana Amazon Warriors highlight the close relationship the two countries share especially through the game of cricket Photo: Carl Croker

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