Guyana Times Daily

tuesday, november 5, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

EPA, UNDP working on proposal to mainstream biodiversity conservation into mining

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continue to work on developing a proposal to mainstream biodiversity conservation into the mining sector.

This comes at a time when mining is listed as the leading driver of deforestation in Guyana, accounting for 94 per cent of all the deforested area for 2012. The current legislative measures and practices are being examined, with the primary objective to incorporate biodiversity concerns, ahead of the commencement of a second phase, which will see the materialisation of pilot activities to reforest degraded areas.

“Guyana has, over the past years, developed a robust mechanism that governs forest utilisation at the level of forest concessions.

Among some of the mechanisms are… the National Log Tracking System, the Codes for Practice for Timber Harvesting and Processing, and the Guidelines for Annual and Management Planning,” the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said in a press release.

It was further noted that these codes of prac-

tice and systems have been developed with strong legislative guidance, including the National Forest Plan and Policy 2011 and the Forest Act 2009.

Additionally, a new programme for independent assessment on legality and sustainable forest management, which included independent forest monitoring, has concluded that local systems are effective in ensuring sustainable forest management (SFM).

Additionally, the Guyana Forestry Commission is taking active steps to engage and build capacity at the stakeholder level to effectively execute SFM.

Accelerated deforestation

“This was advanced in a number of programmes, including the establishment and operating of the Forestry Training Centre, which provides training to large and small operators in the forest sector. This model is being replicated for the mining sector to build the capacity of stakeholders,” the ministry pointed out.

Mining activities continue to destroy the country’s pristine forests. Guyana stands to lose US$20 million under the Norway-Guyana conserva-

tion agreement owing to a 0.025 per cent increase in deforestation. This is according to the third National Deforestation Report, which was completed in October under the Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) System for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus).

The Norwegian government agreed to pay

Guyana up to US$250 million over the five-year period spanning 2010 to 2015, if it maintains a deforestation rate below 0.070 per cent. The report indicates that Guyana lost an estimated 14,655 hectares of forest between January 2012 and December 2012, with a total deforestation rate of 0.079 per cent, surpassing the threshold.

In other words, , annual deforestation due to min-

ing has increased to 13,516 hectares from 9891 hectares, a “meagre” 3600 hectares as against 18.5 million hectares, the Natural Resources Ministry said. “This is approximately 93 per cent of all recorded deforestation in 2012. It should be noted that the driver of mining accounted for 1434 hectares of infrastructure development in the hinterland, which is part of the total 13,516 hectares.”

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said ongoing programmes and interventions are being implemented to improve the REDD+ model.

The implementation of the ministry’s Draft Strategic Framework 2013-2018 and the mandates of the committees that are implementing the recommendations of the Sustainable Land Use Committee (SLUC) are among programmes also on the table to tackle the issue of deforestation.

At the national level, the government spearheaded the passage of the Protected Areas Act 2011, and the subsequent creation of the Shell Beach and Kanuku Mountains Protected Areas. With this important step, government, for the first time in Guyana’s history, created a national system of protected areas, which, together with the Community Conservation Area in Konashen, accounts for almost nine per cent of Guyana.

“This is a major step in ensuring that important areas of forest and biodiversity are maintained for both current and future generations,” the ministry posited.

Illegal gold mining is an increasing threat to the Amazon countries. The activity destroys the forest and its biodiversity, and water pollution with mercury and degraded life conditions are associated with illegal gold mining (WWF Guianas)

Safe sex, contraception must be taught in schools

By Svetlana MarShall

AWinds: East north-easterly to easterly at 2.23 to 2.68

per

High Tide: 05:24h and 17:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.87 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:11h and 23:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.34 metre respectively.

s Guyana battles with a high rate of teenage pregnancy, the head of a leading reproductive health agency is calling for safe sex and contraception to be taught in schools.

Recently, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) disclosed that Guyana has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in both the Caribbean and South America. It is estimated that 96 out of every 1000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth, according to the State of the World Population 2013 Report. With a rate of 97 per 1000 adolescents getting pregnant, Guyana lags behind only The Dominican Republic with a rate of 98 per 1000 teens in the Caribbean, and Ecuador in South America with 100 of every 1000 teen girls.

Reacting to the news, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Executive Director Patricia SheerrattanBisnauth said lack of information or misinformation was a key contributory factor.

According to Sheerrattan-Bisnauth, the Education Ministry, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, needs to make its sex education programme in schools more realistic.

The sex education programme focuses primarily on abstinence, and fails to include safe sex and contraception. “We ought to be more realistic,” she posited.

According to the GRPA executive director, teenagers are having sexual intercourse at an earlier age when compared to their counterparts years ago, hence while authorities prefer teenagers to abstain, this was not nec-

essarily the case. To combat the situation, she said the Education Ministry, in particular, needed to change the conversation about sex, discussing it in a “healthy and wholesome way”.

Sheerrattan-Bisnauth stressed that Guyana can reduce the number of teen pregnancies but only if the issue is addressed in a holistic manner.

Parents need to be educated as well, she said, noting that teenagers turn to the Internet and peers in search of answers when parents fail to effectively inform them. Poverty was also listed among the contributing factors by Sheerrattan-Bisnauth, who explained that teenagers get into sexual relations at times in exchange for financial gains. This aspect, she said, must not go unnoticed.

Illiteracy among causes of teen pregnancy

Family Commission Chairman, Dr Kwame Gilbert has cited illiteracy as one of the leading causes of the high rate of teenage pregnancy here. Reverend Gilbert said there were a number of contributing factors responsible for the current trend, but illiteracy stands out.

He explained that a population with more literate individuals would

make better choices, thereby decreasing the number of teenage mothers.

Additionally, he pointed to single parent homes, noting that the numbers seem to be increasing in this regard. In an effort to remedy the situation, Reverend Gilbert opined, there was a need for the rebuilding of a community spirit or collective approach towards raising children as he alluded to the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child”. He said teenagers, guided by their parents, grandparents, community leaders and residents, would be able to make more informed decisions.

Opposition Leader David Granger had said that the breakdown in the values system in the education sector was a contributing factor.

“We have spoken about problems affecting education and trafficking etc; as far as teenage pregnancy is concerned, the education sector has to deal with that matter at the level of children, going into schools and dealing with it,” he had said.

It was pointed out that while core subjects such as social studies, mathematics and English are key, emphasis must also be placed on maintaining and instilling values that will positively influence the lives of children.

The UNFPA said impoverished, poorly educated, and rural girls were more likely to become pregnant than their wealthier, educated and urban peers. The Latin American and Caribbean region currently has an average adolescent birth rate of 73 per 1000 girls.

HIV infections

Meanwhile with regard to upgrading the sex education programme, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had said a resort to the distribution of condoms in high schools was being mulled across the region, even if at this point it was just tangential. He made the remarks at a Caricom Council for Human and Social Development (COSHOD) Special Meeting on youth held in Guyana last year. Dr Anthony, who had chaired the meeting, reported that this move was being mulled as a result of the worrying new trend in the region when it comes to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The COSHOD forum at the Princess International Hotel benefited from presentations from UNAIDS as well as the Caricom Health Desk, and it was revealed that there was a worrying escalation in cases of infection in the 15-19 age category. (svetlanam@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Family Commission Chairman, Dr Kwame Gilbert

Culture, Youth and Sport

Minister Dr Frank Anthony

GRPA Executive Director Patricia Sheerrattan-Bisnauth

Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

metres

second.

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Fiefdom in Region 10

The drama unfolding in Region 10 at Kara Kara, where the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Linden began collecting tolls once again – in defiance of the explicit directive of the government – has grave implications for the integrity of the Guyanese state.

Guyana is a republic governed by laws enacted under the Constitution. If sections of the country begin to arbitrarily flout those laws, as is occurring right now at Kara Kara, no one should have any difficulty in apprehending the slippery slope we have found ourselves on.

The facts are very clear. Kara Kara is on the highway that controls ingress and egress from/to the interior via Linden. Since 1997, tolls had been collected at Kara Kara pursuant to an order made by the then minister of local government, Clinton Collymore. The collection of the tolls, however, had been rife with corruption and as recently as September 2012, Chairman of the IMC, Orrin Gordon, had complained bitterly about this state of affairs.

He stated, for instance, that even though approximately 600 vehicles traversed the highway through the township, the collected tolls only reflected one-sixth of that number.

In September of this year, the Ministry of Local Government revoked its previous order explaining: “A legal opinion obtained by government has deemed the order with its attended by-laws “void and unenforceable”.”

While the IMC did not dispute the assertion of the ministry on the illegality of the 1997 order, it argued that it needs the revenues from the Kara Kara toll to meet its payroll obligations. After briefly observing the directive from the government, it resumed the collection of tolls this Monday. The IMC of Linden, therefore, in the kindest interpretation of its action, is willing to flout the law as a matter of expedience.

But the proffered rationale for the IMC’s recalcitrance must be placed within the context of what played out in Linden during July 2012. At that time, even though the national representatives of the residents of Linden, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), had negotiated a graduated equalisation of the electricity tolls for Linden (which are almost completely subsidised), the Alliance For Change (AFC) used the invidious distinction of race to persuade the Lindeners to protest the move.

Three persons were killed during the protest when the bridge across the Demerara River into the interior was blocked by the protesters, which, by then, had been joined by the members of APNU, in a frantic effort to checkmate the AFC from outflanking it.

APNU’s regional Members of Parliament (MPs) and Region 10 councillors were very visible. The protest highlighted the strategic position of Linden, since the occupation of the bridge brought all economic activity in the interior to a standstill: all goods to and from our southern regions to Port Georgetown must pass through Linden.

The present willingness of the Linden IMC to thumb its nose at the central government arises directly out of the tragic events of July 2012 as can be gleaned from its leaders’ canonisation of it as “the struggle” and their assertion of support from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

It was our position last year that the government made a mistake to negotiate directly with the Region 10 leaders during and after the protests. The blockade of the Linden bridge was an illegal act as confirmed by the subsequent international Commission of Inquiry.

We predicted then that the government was setting a dangerous precedent in negotiating with individuals who would consider themselves warlords in control of fiefdoms. And this is what is behind the contretemps fostered by the Linden IMC in its insistence on defying the central government. The tolls are simply the occasion for the war, not the cause of the war.

The government must stand firm if secessionist tendencies are not to spread from the region (July 2012) to the town (present), and finally into villages, as occurred post 2002.

all their glory

Golfing in Guyana: a new attribute of tourism

Dear Editor,

The golfing fraternity in Guyana is quickly expanding, comprising a dynamic group of individuals including foreigners, diplomats, academics, business people, and local residents. Digicel Guyana is expected to host a two-day premier tournament scheduled for this weekend. So far, more than 70 local and foreign golfers have confirmed their participation in the upcoming event. The expectations are great and there is tangible excitement in the air.

Aside from the nature of the competition, the establishment of golf in Guyana has resulted in many Guyanese returning for this tournament. Additionally, the tournament tends to draw the presence of quite a few significant individuals in today’s society. This event is indeed an opportunity to promote Guyana and the development of golf tourism in our country.

In countries like Scotland, Spain, New Zealand and India, golfing tourism is colossal. Golfers

of all levels go to the extremes to enjoy a game of golf. The high influx of golf tourists in these countries reflects greatly upon them, including the need for their services such as tour operators, hoteliers, and golf course and golf service providers.

Guyana has the potential to benefit greatly from golfing tourism. Approximately 30 of the individuals expected to participate in this weekend’s event are overseas based.

Certainly, we can have

arrangements made for holiday packages incorporating golfing activities to be developed.

As it relates to the appreciation for golf locally, the culture, youth and sport minister, Dr Frank Anthony has publicised his commitment to support the sport, in addition to assuring members of his obligation to ensure that the access road to the golf course will be properly maintained.

Sincerely, Kayla Geoffrey

The police must be alert for visiting Guyanese

Dear Editor,

Last year, we had quite a few incidents of robberies committed on returning Guyanese and this is beginning to restart. Jamaica had a few similar robberies and some tourists were hit. What happened right after was that the country suffered from a negative inflow of people. I see that this can happen here if we allow any slackness.

Last week, it was an Annandale family from the East Coast of Demerara and this week it is two people from Hope West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara. The first attack was in the morning and the second one in the evening. Both incidents

say that we have some fishy things happening. How did the robbers know, who and when and where? I will not cast aspersions on anyone but I am suspicious.

I do know that some businesses, like banks, cambios, and jewellery stores do not allow for use of phones during business hours.

In some countries, when there is a suspicion that employees are in collusion, the authorities quickly trace down all phone conversations made by any suspect.

In Canada, an employee of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) was sentenced and handed a criminal record.

The employee actual-

ly aided in the crime of an identity theft two years ago.

This employee collected a whopping US$100,000 too, but all to no avail.

Now the police are investigating how the bandits were able to know exactly where the visitors were going. The details reveal that the two victims had given a different address when they entered Guyana.

However, the rumour is that some bandits are working in league with various levels of persons at the airport. So making a connection is not that easy.

What is very commendable though is that specialised ranks from the

police force will be monitoring all of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) early morning flights, and more so, since it is normal that during this season there is an increase in visitors for the upcoming Christmas. These police officers will try to seek to synchronise their patrols and roadblocks so as to intercept any potential crime, and in the event, one does take place, to be right on hand to make a successful chase.

I would not even mind trying to bait some of these gangsters. The country can do without them.

Sincerely, Raquel Glasgow

One of the many floats showcased on Saturday during the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Diwali Motorcade. Thousands thronged the streets and the final destination of the parade – the La Bonne Intention ground to view the floats in

(Carl Croker photo)

You can send your letters with pictures to:

Police must take the initiative

Dear Editor,

It is not surprising to read the remarks of relatives of the three men who were shot by police during a shootout. Coming from the side of the local lawmen, the two men they killed and the third one who was injured and later succumbed had been setting out to commit a robbery. Now the accusation is that the police just made up their stories.

If what these relatives and supposed eyewitnesses say is true, that is, that the police just came up, arrested the three men, shot two dead, and seriously injured the third, then these officers are utterly foolish. They could have killed the third one. Also, they could have made their arrests, taken the men somewhere else, and then killed them. How about these three men just being together coincidentally?

Consider also the collective track records of these three. They are all on robbery charges. This is a very disturbing background. I cannot find too many reasons for these chaps being on the road. These kinds of cases must not be allowed too much leverage of time and bail. The police must investigate quickly, so that rulings can be done in a short space of time.

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Great going, Enmore Youth Development Group!

Dear Editor, Please allow me to offer a worthy compliment.

Diwali Night 2013 offered something more than the usual to residents of Enmore and its immediate neighbours – compliments of the Enmore Youth Development Group.

gether and become the future leaders of our community.

I also want to recognise the contribution of the owner of Trans Pacific Motor Spares for lending his vehicle to the group and other residents of Enmore who contributed in various ways.

How about the white car that is now known by the police – will the driver/owner of this vehicle be investigated?

The fact that there were two guns and a wig, retrieved from the site of the shooting, must also be taken as support for a planned crime. The weapons were very dangerous ones. Definitely, there will be all kinds of mixed emotions and spontaneous reactions. The police are being criticised for

Daytime burglaries are very irksome

Dear Editor,

The steady occurrences of break-and-entry robberies which take place during the day, possibly by questionable individuals living within the neighbourhood have become extremely exasperating.

Just recently, a duo residing in Berbice left their home to carry out some errands, and upon returning, they noticed that the lock on their door had been tampered with. As they probed their home, they managed to discover their losses and proceeded to report the matter to the police. The police have since conducted an investigation which proved fruitless.

I find this entire act severely suspicious. It is obvious that the people committing these robberies are familiar with the movements of their prey. I strongly believe that the culprits reside in close proximity to their victims. These individuals are often unemployed and sometimes do odd jobs around the community.

We need to take our safety into our own hands. We should, at all times, be aware of our environment and should report any questionable movements or characters lingering in the neighbourhood.

Yours truly, Kamal Roopnarine

being proactive, yet when they leave things to chance, we accuse them of being slothful or even collusive. Recently, a lot of people complained about the lateness of police response. I vote strongly that they be proactive. The police have a whole nation to protect.

Sincerely, Winston King

Many trucks are threats on our roadways

Dear Editor,

There have been three deaths recently – fatalities caused by moving trucks. As far as I see it, these accidents suggest total recklessness, carelessness, and an unjustifiable disrespect for human lives.

Some trucks are huge and are often long and loud vehicles. Our roads are already narrow and so truck drivers should ideally desist from speeding and overtaking.

Overtaking is always a risky move that requires drivers to display accurate and precise judgment. There is always some level of danger in overtaking. Operating some trucks is different

from operating a regular automatic vehicle. Trucks take some time to brake and to further develop the momentum that they need to accelerate. It is not advisable to take sudden chances on the roadways with trucks.

Additionally, some trucks should be allocated a particular timing during which they are allowed to utilise the roadways.

These factors need to be seriously reflected on and firm decisions need to be made as it relates to trucks on the roadways and the threat that they pose to other road users.

Yours sincerely, Linden Solomon

The opposition seems undisturbed by recent gun crimes

Dear Editor, The head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon recently expressed his disappointment as it relates to the increase in crime in Guyana and personally, I find it disturbing. Statistics reveal that there has been a five per cent increase in crime, when compared to the same period in 2012. Robbery under arms has been identified as a major factor in the increase in crime in Guyana. It is common knowledge

that firearms are not manufactured in Guyana, but can easily become accessible to criminals via illegal entry into the country. I recall in March of this year, the parliamentary opposition voted against the amendment of the firearms act which was primarily seeking to strengthen enforcement against illicit and illegal firearms entering Guyana.

There has been a worldwide fight against gun crime, so, for the life of me, I

cannot understand why the combined opposition would vote against such a muchneeded regulation.

On the contrary, literature shows that criminals are deterred by higher penalties as well as knowing that potential victims have the ability to defend themselves.

There exists indeed a strong negative relationship between the number of lawabiding citizens with gun permits and the crime rate. Simply put, the more people

obtain permits, the greater chance there is of a reduction in violent crime rates.

The opposing of the firearms amendment bill by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) leaves me to conclude that these parties are against the safety and well-being of the nation. They have no concern for civility, law and order, and non-violence.

Sincerely,

Victoria Marks

This bunch of young boys and girls worked late into the nights preceding Diwali to assemble a float which criss-crossed the streets of Enmore on Diwali night.

I was impressed by their commitment and sense of purpose as they undertook their project, which was a huge success.

For this I want to congratulate them and encourage them to stay to-

I entreat other youths in Enmore to realise that their energies are under their own control and it is a matter of self-discipline to funnel these energies into worthwhile ventures.

Great going Enmore Youth Development Group! Looking forward to bigger things next Diwali.

Sincerely, Tejnauth Jadunauth

Stolen property must not be

bought

Dear Editor, Being in possession of stolen property is a serious offence and it must be met with harsh punishment. A construction site owner from Berbice is currently facing loss of a number of costly items; however, unfortunately, only a quantity of fuel has been accounted for. A man has since been arrested for receiving the fuel stolen from

the construction site. Too often, people see buying stolen goods as a bargain instead of a misdeed. The ideal approach would be to inform the police. Failure of a buyer to deny goods knowing of their source should subsequently result in that individual facing serious consequences.

Sincerely, Joycelyn Wintz

Community policing groups must be committed

Dear Editor,

Crimefighting in Guyana is everybody’s business and it is undeniable that the ancillary Community Policing Groups (CPGs) provide an organised approach to handling and preventing crime. The Home Affairs Ministry recently invested millions in strengthening the functions of these associations by providing additional means of mobility.

The ministry pointed out that CPG must maintain the respect of the community they work in so that they can in return gain the respect of the people. It was also made clear that the vehicles were not given for private use and would be repossessed if they were not used for their intended purpose.

Many people are in the habit of not reporting robberies that take place in the neighbourhoods. It must be reminded that it is the CPG’s responsibility to be fully aware of the happenings in a community.

In addition to monitoring crime, a CPG can also monitor noise pollution within and around the community. It is extremely important that the members of the community cooperate with the CPG in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Sincerely,

This is a commendable effort on behalf of the ministry; however, it is advisable that random inspections be facilitated. Training should also be provided in order to enhance the group’s functions. It is the responsibility of each CPG to formulate a strategy or action plan that involves patrolling, staking out and approaching questionable night spots and street gangs.

Troy Wishart

Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana

Page Foundation

Stopping aggressive behaviour in children

By Kim ABrAhAm And mArney StudAKer-Cordner

“You know the kid that no one wants to play with? The kid who stands alone at recess or lunch? Who never gets invited to birthday parties? That’s my kid. And it breaks my heart.”

When a child is aggressive toward others – hitting, screaming, pushing, throwing things – the natural response of the people around him is to withdraw. It’s frightening to see someone whose anger has reached a point where it seems out of control. If your elementary or middle school-age child is behaving aggressively toward others, it’s important to address the issue now, before it escalates to serious consequences such as suspension, legal problems, or serious harm to others.

“It’s easy to feel vulnerable as a parent – embarrassed or ashamed that your child is the one on the playground that no one wants to get near for fear of his behaviour.”

There are a variety of reasons a child may behave aggressively. Jake may hit someone for an entirely different reason than his classmate Sophie does.

Here are some tips when it comes to identifying why your child is aggressive:

Don’t assume

Don’t assume you know why your child is behaving aggressively. The behaviour is actually the symptom of the actual problem. We often guess at what’s going on inside someone, based on what we can see. If a woman is crying, we guess she’s sad. In fact, she may be angry, scared, or just have something in her eye. Just because your child hits or bites someone, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s angry. He could be hurt, scared, sad or feeling threatened.

Rule out medical or sensory issues

Rule out medical or sensory issues before deciding if the aggression is a result of any other trigger. Some children are extremely sensitive to noises, lights and sensations. We all have minor sensitivities. Maybe you don’t like scratchy sweaters or the way certain fabrics feel. Maybe you doodle when you’re in a meeting as a way of “self-stimulating”. For some children, multiply the way that feels by a hundred. This leaves a child literally feeling like they could come out of their skin sometimes. In a situation where they are over-stimulated, they may respond with behaviour that is aggressive because they don’t know how to express what they’re feeling. There are occupational therapists who can evaluate your child to see if there are sensory issues triggering or contributing to her behaviour problems.

Rule out allergies

Rule out allergies to foods or environmental factors as a primary cause of aggression. One parent we know had her son tested for allergies and found that whenever he ate something with red dye in it (such as red liquorice) he became very agitated. If your child has episodes of violence or aggression, you may want to schedule a physical exam or occupational therapy assessment.

Do some investigating

Do some investigating. Track your child’s behaviour for a week and notice what situations or feelings seem to trigger the aggression. Again, don’t assume you know what your child was feeling when he hit or kicked someone. When the situation has calmed down and everyone is safe, help him identify what happened. Was he feeling threatened

by someone who called him a name? Was he frustrated because he was told he couldn’t do something he wanted to do? Are there particular situations or people that seem to trigger the behaviour? That will help you when it comes to identifying a solution.

Ways to manage aggressive children

Achild’s aggression can be scary – not just for parents, teachers and peers, but for the child himself. It can be frightening to feel such intense emotions or sensations and not know how to handle them. It’s easy to feel vulnerable as a parent – embarrassed or ashamed that your

Is your child an exploder or an imploder?

When a child is experiencing emotions or sensations that are extreme, it’s going to come out in some way. Some children will “explode” –in other words, the emotion will be turned outward onto others, much like a soda can that’s been shaken and spews over everything when it’s opened. Emotions build, and so at some point, he or she releases the anger, frustration, fear, or hurt by lashing out. Other children will “implode”. The intense emotions will be turned inward. Emotions build and at some point he or she shuts down or behaves in a way that is self-destructive or aggressive. They may even self-harm as a way of releasing those intense feelings. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

child is the one on the playground that no one wants to get near for fear of his behaviour. Try to stay patient, even in the face of a volcanic eruption of emotion. It’s ultimately your child’s responsibility to manage behaviour appropriately, but there are ways you can support him in that journey. Be involved. As a parent, it’s your job to guide and teach your child how to handle emotions and stressful situations. That doesn’t mean it’s your “fault” that your child is behaving aggressively. It means your child is experiencing something (emotions, a stressful situation) that he isn’t equipped to handle. He needs you to show him how to deal with intense emotions.

Create a comfortable rela-

tionship. If your child is experiencing intense emotions that she doesn’t know how to handle, is she comfortable enough in the parent-child relationship to come to you? Or is she afraid you’ll get mad and yell or discount her by saying, “That’s no excuse! You don’t hit!” Tell your child there’s nothing you can’t work through together and that you’re there to support her. Then show her, through your own behaviour, that when you are upset (such as when you find out she bit someone), you handle your emotions in a way that is constructive, without exploding.

Give your child words. Many children don’t have the ability to name an emotion they’re feeling. Jake may think he’s mad, but underneath he may be feeling hurt that he’s been left out of a game or social interaction. He may be feeling embarrassed that he didn’t know an answer in class. Help your child identify that “under anger” is usually another feeling, then validate that feeling as normal. Even though the behaviour (screaming, hitting, throwing things) isn’t okay, the feeling that triggered the behaviour is valid. “Of course you felt sad when your friend left to hang out with someone else. But throwing rocks at him isn’t the way to handle it.”

Brainstorm on coping tools. No matter what the cause is of the aggressive behaviour, your child must learn to cope with intense emotions or he’s going to suffer some negative consequences in life. Talk together about what helps him calm down. He may need a way to release energy that doesn’t spew all over others. Can he go to the gym and shoot some baskets when he’s having a rough day at school? Can he go and sit in a room by himself if space is something that calms him down? Does he need to avoid certain people or situations?

Present your ideas in a positive manner of helping your child behave appropriately with others – not shaming him or her in any way. If it doesn’t work, go “back to the drawing board.” Keep brainstorming until you find what works for your child and be creative.

Behaviour and mood disorders. Aggression can be part of a bigger picture. If your child continues to exhibit aggression despite your efforts to help her manage emotions, you may want to schedule an appointment with a counsellor or therapist. Chemical imbalances, ADHD and behaviour patterns such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder can all contribute to aggressive behaviour. In those cases – or if there’s a tendency to implode – your child might benefit from more intensive support from a mental health professional.

If your child does resort to aggression (pushing, hitting, throwing things), remain calm. Remember, it will very likely take some practice to replace aggression with new, positive behaviours. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Firecrackers being sold in open despite ban

– GRA, police plan crackdown

By Vahnu Manikchand

Market and street vendors continue to defy law enforcement agencies by selling a range of firecrackers in the open across the country.

Around this time of the year, explosives – some of which are considered extremely dangerous – find their way into the country and onto the streets despite a police crackdown. Days prior to Diwali, which was observed on Sunday, firecrackers could have been heard and seen around villages, and a trip to Georgetown revealed several persons selling the prohibited explosives openly.

Vendors were mostly seen selling flares and squibs/ scratch bombs. Those items are not considered illegal, it is the throwing of lit squibs that is considered illegal, along with the likes of illegal explosives such as “Whistling Thunder”, “Crazy Robot”, “Thunder King” and “Colour Flower”.

During a visit around the markets in Georgetown on Saturday, Guyana Times observed many stalls selling flares and firecrackers. At the Stabroek Market, this news-

paper counted at least eight stands selling flares and firecrackers. When this newspaper enquired from other vendors, they revealed that they are also selling those prohibited explosives, but away from the public’s glare.

“Hear what, you see these things illegal but we still trying a lil’ thing yuh know, so we can’t let de police catch we or we in trouble,” one vendor said. Upon enquiring about the “hard stuff”, one vendor disclosed that he could source them from someone in the market but would not disclose whom. Those prohibited crackers available also include “Bin Laden” and “Obama”.

Police statement

Contacted on the issue, a senior officer in A Division said the Guyana Police Force will be issuing a statement today. Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba told this publication that the City Constabulary was aware that those explosives were illegal and should be making arrests when persons were found in possession of them; however, she pointed out that it was not easy to get information on the perpetrators.

“We have to enforce the

The most popular form of firecrackers more commonly known as squibs

law, because these things are dangerous not only physically but also to the health of persons, but it is not easy for the City Constabulary to go about prosecuting perpetrators, because they do not get information about them easily so they will have to conduct searches in the area,” she noted.

GRA on alert Sooba also disclosed that she will be working along with the City Constabulary to enforce more stringent measures to curb the sale and distribu-

CJIA runway expansion begins

Despite political opposition to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, works commenced on the runway some two weeks ago, the airport said Monday evening.

According to the CJIA, the contractor China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is “tackling a trial section in the Timehri North area (beyond the localiser)”.

“I know we had some hiccups, but I am happy to see works have commenced for this transformational project,” Public Works and Transportation Minister Robeson Benn told CHEC technicians during a visit to the site on October 31. At the time of the visit, CHEC’s engineers were in the process of removing the soft soil (peat) and backfilling the area with sand.

When completed, the runway will be able to accommodate Boeing 747-400 aircraft.

The entire $5.6 billion allocated to the transport sector programme was slashed by the parliamentary opposition during the consideration of the 2013 national budget estimates, despite the pleas of the government about the benefits that a modern airport will bring to this country. Of the amount, $5.3 billion was budgeted for the upgrade, expansion and modernisation of the CJIA through the construction of a new terminal building, aprons, air-bridges, taxiways, and the extension of the runway by a further 3500 feet.

Benn had told a news conference back in July that US$20 million was earmarked for CHEC and work is ongoing; however, the heavy earth moving and other works have not yet started.

Critical project

“It’s either we let the money go down the line and forget about it or do it, but the question is whether Guyana needs the project or not,” Minister Benn said.

He posited that the project has to go ahead. “We cannot stop the engineering refinement, and when we get the go-ahead, we are now doing all those things,” he said.

The US$150 million project is funded by the government of China through the China Exim Bank. Minister Benn said the budget cut has delayed the taking of certain steps between the company and Guyana, in terms of payments and signing of agreements.

The upgrade and expansion project comprises a new terminal building measuring 16,000 square metres, that will have eight passenger boarding bridges, two elevators; and CCTV and departures control systems. The project also involves the extension of the airport’s main runway by 3500ft to a final length of 10,500ft, and the construction of eight international parking positions including a dedicated position for cargo aircraft.

The governments of Guyana and China inked the framework agreement on October 31, 2012 for a US$130 million (RMB

825 million) loan from the Chinese Exim Bank to fund construction of the project. Once completed, it would ensure that the CJIA is able to meet service projected traffic for several years and become a hub for regional and continental traffic, with a stateof-the-art airport.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn has reportedly instructed his engineers to carry out tests on the soil (peat) found in the area. Peat is an important source of fuel in certain parts of the world. “Data has shown that over time, the formation of peat is often the first step in the geological formation of other fossil fuels such as lignite, which is considered the lowest rank of coal. It is mined in Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Poland, Serbia, Russia, the United States,

tion of such illegal items.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Guyana Revenue Authority Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said that around this time of the year, with Diwali and Christmas close together, firecrackers are brought into the country. He said GRA usually intensifies its monitoring of ports to have the prohibited explosives off the streets. However, he pointed out that not all firecrackers are illegal and persons should be enlightened on the prohibited ones, so they can make

reports of those selling and in possession of firecrackers.

“We need more people to report because not all of these explosives are illegal, there are certain types that are allowed… I am not saying that we condone the use of even the harmless crackers, but we cannot go to every stall or shop selling flares to look for prohibited explosives, we need people to report those who are selling them and those who buy them,” he explained.

Firecrackers and other explosives are considered illegal under the Second Schedule Parts 1 and 2 of the Customs Act, amended by Act No 1 of 2005.

According to the GRA, the stipulated penalty is a payment of the value of the goods or a fine of $10,000 or a prison sentence of one to three years, and it is applicable to those found selling and buying the prohibited explosives. The Guyana Defence Force is the only agency authorised to import firecrackers and other explosives; however, permission has to be sought from the police commissioner for the importation of such items.

Last year, the Guyana Police Force had assured the public that its ranks will play a more active role in preventing the use of squibs during

the festive season, with the arrest and prosecution of those found culpable.

Guyana Times spoke to several persons to get their views on the use of the explosives. One woman said: “They are very dangerous for children, but, otherwise, they are nice and entertaining, you know like a form of enjoyment.”

Another person declared: “I don’t like them. I think they are very dangerous and the authorities should do something to stop people from bring them in the country and selling them because even the most harmless squib and flares can be dangerous.”

“I like firecrackers cause of the noise they make and the colour they burst into when they are lit. I think people who use them should know its danger and be cautious or don’t use it at all, because firecrackers are basically designed to produce a large amount of noise for enjoyment and celebration,” another person said. Only recently, police arrested two secondary school students in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, for blasting the prohibited firecrackers into the air, scaring other students, and disrupting the work of others in proximity. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

India, Australia, and many other parts of Europe and it is used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-elec-

tric power generation,” CJIA said in the release. Up to 50 per cent of Greece's electricity and 25.7 per cent of

Germany's comes from coal power plants, particularly low-grade coal such as lignite.

A Hymac in full operation removing the peat, as Transport and Public Works Minister Robeson Benn and CHEC engineers look on

tuesday, november 5, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Ministers Benn and Edghill honoured

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn and Minister in the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill were recently honoured for their role in the Women in Aviation stamp launch on October 9 as part of World Postal Day observances.

That event saw Guyana’s first female commercial pilots Beverly Drake and

Cheryl Pickering-Moore getting postal stamps in their honour from the Guyana Post Office Corporation. The ministers were presented with plaques showcasing the first day covers of the stamps by Attorney Everette Richards who represented the stamp honourees. They both expressed delight at recognition of their

efforts in making the stamp launch a reality.

Pickering-Moore and Drake were among the eight Guyanese women pioneers in the aviation industry who were honoured recently for their bravery in breaking the gender barrier in professional aviation in the 1960s.

The two women made history as a result of their

commitment and dedication in the industry and their faces are now featured on $20 and $80 stamps, which were revealed during the tribute ceremony, as the first stamps in a series to honour the group.

The other six women to be similarly honoured are:

Feriel Ally, Barbara Adams, Williette Gardener, and Sandra Persaud. (GINA)

East Bank closed to heavy-duty trucks during rush hour

The Guyana Police Force has announced that in an effort to ease traffic congestion along the East Bank Demerara corridor, heavyduty trucks, tractors and trailers will not be permitted to traverse the road during the rush hour.

In a statement, the Police Force said beginning from today, motor lorries, container trucks, tractors and trailers will not be permitted to traverse the East Bank Public Road from 07:00h to 09:00h in the morning and in the afternoon between 15:00h and 17:00h. The traffic rush hour restriction will run from Monday to Friday of every week until further notice.

Traffic officers are expected to be out to ensure that the heavy-duty vehicles, including sand trucks, are not driven along the roadway during the restricted hours in the morning and afternoon.

Brute force...

...and (economic) ignorance

It’s quite pathetic how the departure of their New York economist (who waltzed into the arms of David Granger. Did you read the fella’s crush notes on Granger?) has made the Alliance For Change (AFC) crumple in matters economic. Not that the man who claimed to have discovered “donkey cart economics” made much sense –but at least he got his jargon right.

Take this week’s AFC column in the Muckraker by its treasurer Dominic Gaskin. (Someone said he’s Granger’s son-in-law? Must’ve made for awkward dinner conversation after AFC flipped-flopped on the Amaila issue!) Like Suspenders “Lalloo” Ram, who thinks being a bookkeeper makes him an “accountant” and a “financial analyst”, Gaskin thinks being the AFC’s “treasurer” makes him an economist!

First of all, the AFC’s accounts are so porous with bush-doctors in Berbice pilfering funds, executives in Georgetown charging for never-provided services and leaders stuffing New York donations into their own pockets, the treasurer never even gets to see most of the “treasure”.

Much less balance the books. Anyhow, let’s look at the random buzzwords Gaskin threw out to criticise the government’s economic policies. Mind, you this government has guided the only economy in the region to sustain a five per cent growth rate!

Gaskin begins by postulating and tying “democracy” to “diversification” and economic growth. Not that we want to jettison the vibrant democracy we have here, but the country with the greatest growth rates and greatest economic diversification in the last half-a-century is China. What role did “democracy” play in all of that? Or does Gaskin and his party want to introduce Chinese-style democracy in Guyana?

Could be...because the treasurer moves on to praise the “manufacturing diversification” of the 1964-1992 People’s National Congress (PNC). The fella boasted of the PNC “manufacturing radios, refrigerators, bicycles and even automobiles”!!! Does he or the rest of the AFC know the difference between “manufacturing” and “assembling”? And that even Trinidad, with its much larger economy and per capita Gross National Product (GNP), abandoned assembly of cars? No wonder even Granger wouldn’t have his son-in-law in the PNC.

Gaskin must’ve heard about “adding value” to our primary products such as bauxite. So, why did the AFC help shoot down the Amaila Falls Hydro that would’ve supplied us with electricity? Or they don’t know to convert bauxite first to alumina and then to aluminium, you need massive amounts of electricity?

But it’s really tedious to go though the other economic faux pas in Gaskin’s piece. Maybe they should beg the “donkey cart” economist to return?

...and (editorial) ignorance

Adam Harris, editor of the MuckrakerKN – and general hatchet man of owner Mohan Lall – also threw out (threw up?) a piece laden with ignorance and non sequiturs. Observing the rising panic of every economic umbrella grouping in Guyana at the prospect of the anti-money laundering bill being torpedoed by the opposition, Harris equates it with the panic over the computer “millennium bug”.

Can you believe this? A man with supposedly 50 years as a journalist hack equates a possibility of a technological breakdown with the warnings of an international body determined to stamp out an activity that has subverted control of their economies! Machines, in Harris’ scheme of things, equal man. It’s clear that his propaganda activities for most of those 50 years on behalf of the PNC had addled his brains.

In case foreign funds can’t come into the country, as the business community warns, Harris suggests we revert to the “interesting ways” Guyanese found to circumvent the PNC-generated economic crisis then. In other words, smuggling money.

You can take the editor out of the corrupt regime but you can’t take the corruption out of him!

...and (political) ignorance

Looks like we’re moving ever closer to a snap election. If the opposition goes ahead with its political ignorance and doesn’t vote on the anti-money laundering bill, the president must call its bluff.

Minister in the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill receives his plaque from Attorney Richards

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn receives his plaque from Attorney Everette Richards

Granger under fire for stance on procurement body

The Guyana Trades Union Congress said it has taken serious objection to comments reportedly made by Opposition Leader David Granger that the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is not a concern at this time of the coalition that he chairs. The Alliance For Change had tied the establishment of the PPC to the passing of the anti-money laundering legislation, something the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has declined to do.

In a statement, the GTUC said the PPC is a constitutional body and all responsible parties should seek to ensure its immediate enactment and functioning. “Constitutional requirements cannot be cherry-picked or dismissed at will. Doing this is in itself a violation of the

Constitution,” the umbrella trade union said. Further, the body said Granger’s comments give tacit support to the government’s “contempt” for this sacred instrument, which remains the foundation for good governance. “Failure to uphold this also reinforces the importance of the influences of human willpower or lack of in giving meaning to constitutional provisions. “

According to the GTUC, this is a factor of grave concern and an unnecessary hindrance in the development of our society and accountability of government offices. The union said corruption was a human rights issue.

Dangerous

“The APNU as the lead opposition has a responsibility to this society to ensure good governance, accountability of public procure-

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis

ment, and holding government responsible for holding the Constitution sacred. Where government is failing, APNU must give voice and leadership to this nation to protect and defend the Constitution.

GTUC calls on the APNU to respect the Constitution and revisit its position on having the PPC activated. The time for doing

this is now if the executive lacks the will to uphold the Constitution and safeguard the public against wanton waste and corruption,” it declared.

The union said the head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon is also on record saying the government will get the support of the APNU to make amendment to the PPC Act which would retain Cabinet’s say in awarding contracts, in as much as the act seeks to phase this out.

“This is dangerous and would continue the very practice the PPC sets out to halt, ie, corruption,” GTUC contends.

The GTUC said the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill seeks to reinforce financial probity of the people’s resources, and of which the PPC is the precursor.

turn to page 12

Enmore youths stage Diwali motorcade

The Enmore Youth Development Group on Sunday night hosted a Diwali motorcade in the East Coast Demerara village. Trans Pacific Motor Spares provided a vehicle, which was converted to a beautiful float that paraded through the streets of the community, much to the delight and appreciation of all, especially the children. The event was a collaborative effort of mandirs, businesses and individuals of Enmore and Foulis. (Avenash Ramzan photo)

Mook Lall rob de livin and de dead

Afamous man seh leaders are made not born. Is de same wid criminals. Dem does be made so, dem don’t born so. Dem muddah does mek dem nice and good and tek good care of dem. But dem does turn out bad, stinkin and rotten. Dem does be a nightmare to other people. And nuff people get nightmare when Mook Lall put dem pun he backtrack route to de U.S. Some went in de opposite direction. Some went in de air then pun water. Some had to sleep pun de water. Some get send back.

One of Mook Lall backtrack deportees seh it ain’t easy sleepin pun a open boat and rain fallin fat like snow. But he seh he bear he chafe because Mook Lall had done collect all he money. He seh Mook Lall don’t pay back quick, but he does collect money quick. He seh he couldn’t land food pun de boat wid out payin de Mook. That was a nightmare pun de boat.

De family members of de pressmen who de Mook cause dem to get kill talkin out leff, right and centre. Dem can’t bear dem chafe no more. Dem seh de Mook deal wid drugs men and backtrack men and cause dem husband and family to get murder.

Dem seh de Mook hug dem up and kiss when dem was cryin fuh dem husband and family. Now dem know how a Judas kiss does feel. Dem seh since that kiss, dem gettin nightmare every night and even in bright daylight when dem wake up.

De Mook even went all over and collect millions of dollars fuh de families usin de names of de dead pressmen. Only a sick man would tek dead people name fuh mek money. And to tink that de men used to wuk wid he to get out he mud paper is even more sick.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Mook Lall so sick that he rob de livin and de dead. Dem is de kinda sick people who don’t need a doctor. Dem need de hang man!

Govt mulls changes to Kwakwani IMC

Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Norman Whittaker vowed to do his best to address several issues facing Kwakwani when he met with members of the community’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) on November 2.

The community was the last stop for the minister who, accompanied by a team of ministry officials, conducted a weekend outreach to several Region 10 riverine communities.

The meeting focused on the challenges affecting the community’s market and the need to have a market committee established, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. There are serious issues of vendors refusing to pay required rates and taxes, the need for proper solid waste management and disposal, and payment of salaries from several workers attached to the IMC who have since left their posts.

Initial efforts to have a market committee were thwarted after a religious prayer group, according to a councillor, opposed the move and actively encouraged

some members of the community not to attend. The issue of a businessman who hails from the Linden township and operates five stalls in the Kwakwani market, but refuses to pay any monies to the council was also brought to the minister’s attention.

Market agreement

In response, Minister Whittaker said the actions of a few could not be allowed to undermine the needs of the majority within the community, noting that “except for the persons who are operating stalls, nobody else is benefiting”.

He pointed out to the councillors that unlike other jurisdictions, constables could not be employed and used to ensure payment of monies owed as only markets controlled by town councils had the legal authority to do so.

A market agreement was proposed by the minister and the need for all vendors to sign onto it was stressed, failing which penalties would be applied and enforced.

Illegal vending by several persons in and around the market will also be ad-

dressed, said Minister Whittaker who cited the need for law and order.

The issue of the staffers (a clerk, two labourers and a driver) affected by the non-payment of salaries would be addressed via the Finance Ministry, Minister Whittaker promised.

The IMC was further informed that the $3 million requested for capital works, such as repairs and upgrades to roads and bridges, has been approved and would soon be made available.

Whittaker reminded the councillors to ensure that their submission for 2014 are made at the earliest possible date, in keeping with statutory requirements, as all the other Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) were in the process of doing the same.

It was suggested to the minister that a public awareness campaign be undertaken to inform residents of the measures being implemented and the need for cooperation by all.

The IMC was presented with a brush cutter it had requested previously, at the conclusion of the meeting by the minister.

Jamaica is the lone Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to have been given the greenlight by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) to use procurement systems on bank-financed projects.

The other countries are: Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru. According to an IDB release, this approval reflects the countries’ efforts to improve their public procurement systems, which represent a US$800 billion market in the region. The impact of

these efforts is measured by various indicators, including market access, which has increased significantly as 70 per cent of all public procurement opportunities are today accessible through electronic means. The decision establishes the basis to expedite contracting processes by avoiding duplication and reducing transaction costs. The systems that may be used are shopping, framework agreements, reverse auction, and selection of individual consultants. Moreover, this approval represents a step to-

wards a potential use of the entire national system, as in the case of Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Mexico. The IDB’s approval results from the assessment of these systems, and their compliance with international standards and practices. These standards are listed in the Guide for Acceptance of the Use of Country Procurement Systems, and were approved by the bank in June 2010 based on Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)best practices indicators.

APNU seeks answers on Venezuelan soldiers’ August incursion

APartnership for National Unity Leader David Granger will be seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the intrusion of Venezuelan National Armed Forces’ units into Guyana’s territory in August.

Granger is slated to pose a numbers of questions to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds about the response, if any, by the Guyana Defence Force team that was stationed at Eteringbang, Region Seven.

The opposition leader is also questioning if the act by the Venezuelans was in breach of any order, regulation, act or law and whether or not an inquiry has been conducted into the incident and its findings, if any.

He will also be asking the prime minister if any persons were “found to be blameworthy or in breach or offence with regard to the intrusion” and if any disciplinary action was taken.

The Venezuelan soldiers, who had accompanied a group of students on a research mission to the Essequibo in August, had not been allowed entry into Guyana, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon had said. The visit had coincided with Venezuelan

President Nicolás Maduro’s state visit to Guyana. The research students, who arrived in Guyana on August 31, had obtained approval from the relevant authorities, but the soldiers who accompanied them were told that they could not disembark the boat and enter the country armed.

Apologised

“Official sources from the Guyanese authority at the border was that the visitors sought and received permission to engage the members of the Guyanese communities on the border who, assumedly, had some relationship with Venezuela, whether biological or trading relationship,” Dr Luncheon had explained.

However, he said, the soldiers’ entry constituted

a breach in the agreement. “They were not allowed was the official report provided by the Guyanese authorities, and it was, as far as the authorities there were concerned, a breach of the agreement, the understanding under which they were allowed to enter Guyana, a breach drawn to their attention, they made the suitable apologies and corrected,” Dr Luncheon said.

Venezuelan media had reported that 45 Venezuelans “went on a mission crossing the Cuyuni River and into the Guyana accompanied by officers of the Venezuelan army”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was quoted in another newspaper as saying that preliminary reports indicated that the Venezuelans were students, who were granted permission to do research on the border.

“The preliminary information available to me indicates that a group of Venezuelans came to Guyana via Eteringbang. They indicated that they were students and sought permission from the relevant Guyanese authorities to enter Guyana.

“That permission was given. They further indicated that they were doing a research in relation to the border,” she said.

APNU Leader David Granger

Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Norman Whittaker hands over a brush cutter to the Kwakwani Interim Management Committee (IMC)

tuesday, november 5, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Food For The Poor donates computer to Gibson Primary

As part of its ongoing programme to enhance information technology in the education system, Food For The Poor (Guyana) Incorporated donated a computer kit to the Gibson Primary School located at the Lancaster Village, East Coast Demerara recently. The headmistress of the school, Michelle Barton, complimented FFTP for its efforts to improve information technology in schools and added that she was very grateful for the donation of the kit. She also made reference to the

School Feeding Programme conducted under the stewardship of Ann’s Grove Committee Chairman Patricia Sam, and further stated that school attendance had improved tremendously because of this initiative.

FFTP Committee

Manager Natasha Baburam advised the students to care for, and use the equipment wisely. She also said that the FFTP would be willing to assist the school as far as it possibly can, but this was dependent on the availability of items.

Lower domestic transport costs key to boosting exports

Latin American and Caribbean countries could significantly boost exports, especially from poor and remote municipalities that have yet to benefit from the region’s recent trade boom, if they focused their efforts on reducing domestic transport costs, according to a new study by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

“Too Far to Export: Domestic Transport Costs and Regional Export Disparities in Latin America and the Caribbean” looks at the toll imposed on exporters by the region’s precarious, geographically unbalanced and truck-based transport infrastructure. The study was released during a seminar in Lima, in which was opened by Peru´s Economy and Finance Minister Miguel Castilla Rubio.

C RNER CCJ

British Caribbean Bank Limited v Attorney General of Belize [2013]

By Kiady Brown, norman manley law School

The case of the British Caribbean Bank Limited versus the Attorney General of Belize arose out of a decision to nationalise the telecommunications industry in Belize. In 2009, the government took over Belize Telemedia Limited (“Telemedia”) and in 2011, it passed legislation to acquire the loan and mortgage owed by Telemedia to a Turks and Caicos company, British Caribbean Bank Limited (“BCB”). In response, BCB challenged the acquisition legislation in the Belizean courts, arguing that it violated the constitution.

BCB also started foreign arbitration proceedings, relying on an investment treaty between the governments of Belize and the United Kingdom. The treaty provided for the use of foreign arbitration to settle disputes between the government of Belize and English companies. The government obtained from a Belize judge an injunction to stop the arbitration on the basis that it was unfair for BCB to pursue both arbitration and Belizean court proceedings.

This anti-arbitration injunction was set aside by the CCJ. The court made it clear that arbitration agreements should be honoured and it was only in exceptional cases where the arbitration is vexatious, oppressive or unconscionable, that a court should grant an anti-arbitration injunction. The CCJ did not consider that the arbitration in this case could be so described, because BCB was entitled to pursue both arbitration and litigation as both sets of proceedings were different. The arbitration involved a claim in international law and the domestic litigation was based on the constitution. Therefore, there was no basis for granting an antiarbitration injunction. This summary is intended to assist the Caribbean public in learning more about the work of the CCJ. It is not a formal document of the court. The judgment of the court is the only authoritative document and may be found at http://www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org/wp-content/ uploads/2013/07/2013-CCJ-4AJ.pdf.

Rural areas hampered

“The biggest beneficiaries of a more developed and efficient transport infrastructure would not be in São Paulo, Mexico City, Bogotá, Santiago or Lima, but in Brazil’s central west, Mexico’s south, the Peruvian Sierra, Colombia’s south-east and in Chile’s south,” says IDB trade economist Mauricio Mesquita Moreira, coordinator of the study. These areas, which have yet to benefit from the region’s recent trade boom, could see their exports grow by 10 to 45 per cent, the report estimates. In the five countries studied, exports are heavily concentrated in just a few, often wealthy, municipalities that enjoy immediate access to ports. Other, more distant municipalities, often located in rural regions with inferior transportation infrastructure, are less competitive because they face

The study, which focuses on Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, concludes that countries throughout the region could significantly boost exports if they reduced transportation costs by investing wisely in expanding the network of paved roads and promoting the use of lower-cost railways and waterways. A reduction of just one per cent in transport costs could increase national exports by four per cent in Mexico and as much as 7.9 per cent in Colombia, according to the authors’ model.

higher logistics costs.

In Brazil, for example, only 19 per cent of the municipalities export, representing just 27 per cent of the country’s territory. In Colombia and Peru, just 24 per cent of municipalities export. In Chile and Mexico, the export base is much broader (69 and 39 per cent of the municipalities export, respectively), but most of the exporters are concentrated in a few cities: the top 10 municipalities account for 74 per cent of total exports in Chile and 69 per cent in Mexico.

Trade consequences

The flagship report, produced by the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector, is part of an ongoing effort to increase policymakers’ understanding of the trade consequences of high transport costs. It follows the publication five years ago of “Unclogging the Arteries: The Impact of Transport Costs on Latin American and Caribbean Trade”, which focused on how high international freight costs impact the region’s export competitiveness.

Both reports concluded that while the region has

been successful in opening markets at home and abroad, today, it is not the traditional tariff or nontariff barriers that hamper Latin America’s exports, but the cost of shipping goods.

The main culprit is underinvestment, especially in cheaper and alternative modes of transportation, such as rail and waterways. In some cases, budget constraints are to blame, but in many instances, it is because public institutions face difficulties in designing, evaluating and carrying out investments in transportation infrastructure. Regulatory reform is also necessary to allow governments to leverage private sector investment.

All these predicaments stand in the way of the promising infrastructureimprovement initiatives that all countries included in the study have already embarked on. They include Brazil’s, Chile’s and Colombia’s national logistic plans, and Mexico’s and Peru’s road programmes, which, if fully implemented, will positively impact transport costs and will eventually benefit the less developed and remote regions.

Granger under fire...

“That is the nexus to help Mr Granger in his decisionmaking. Granger needs to be wary of his quality of decision-making that is becoming associated with APNU and the case of the Linden electricity issue being a recent scenario,” the GTUC said.

Commission is needed

Government, over a week ago, announced that it would be moving soon to table an amendment to the procurement act to allow the administration to retain its “no objection” power over contracts. It added that it was banking on the main opposition coalition APNU to get this done, asserting that it saw no need why the coalition would not support the amendment.

Dr Luncheon, government’s chief spokesman, made this disclosure during his post-Cabinet press briefing, stating that it will be done to the benefit of all stakeholders involved. He said there was no reason to believe and to expect that APNU’s support for Cabinet’s role in the procurement process would not be forthcoming.

“It is in that context that we intend to soon table an appropriately-worded amend-

from page 10

ment to the procurement act. We undertook to identify government’s nominees for parliamentary consideration to sit on the public procurement commission subsequent to the enactment of the amendment,” he said. Dr Luncheon said while there was no indication as to when the administration hoped to move ahead with the amendment for the procurement act, it could be very soon.

The AFC has been calling on government to comply with constitutional requirements which stipulate that there should be a PPC. The AFC has maintained that it was absolutely convinced that, owing to the absence of the procurement commission for the past decade, money laundering has reigned supreme in “our financial landscape”. The party said launderers have had a field day, and they continue to make hay while the sun shines.

The AFC added that while anti-money laundering measures are needed, passing the bill without having the procurement commission in place would be akin to locking the barn door while the fattest pig was still out in the yard.

Gibson Primary School Headmistress Michelle Barton (left) and FFTP Committee Manager Natasha Baburam during the handing over of the computer kit. Also looking on are students of the primary school

Region 10, OP to meet Wednesday on Linden pact

The Region 10

Democratic Council (RDC) on Friday once again postponed a crucial meeting with the government in relation to concerns centred on the August 21, 2012 agreement.

That meeting is now expected to be conducted on Wednesday. Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon disclosed that the postponement came on the heels of the tragic death of RDC Councillor Leslie Gonsalves’s son, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Ronald Gonsalves, who was killed in a motor vehicular accident Friday afternoon on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Solomon said they received the tragic news as the team of representatives from the RDC, which included Gonsalves, were on their way to the OP. He also extends condolences to the family and loved ones of the bereaved.

The planned meeting between the two sides is expected to advance the agreement signed by both parties last year, following protests in Linden, over government’s proposition to increase electricity rates there. While the increase remains on hold, the agreement which followed sought to create economic and social stability in Linden and other parts of the region. It provided for the establishment of the technical, economic and regional land selection committees, which have been advancing.

Solomon only last week disclosed that the land selection committee was set up, while the economic committee is expected to commence operations within a few weeks, and a chairman is yet to be selected for the technical committee. The progress on these committees, as well as the setting up of the region’s television

Vstation, is on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.

Economic prospects

During a trip to China last month, Solomon, along with Linden Town Council Interim-Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon, sought help from the Chinese government in advancing the economic committee. Several Chinese investors have since expressed interest in coming on board with assisting in development in Region 10. Consultations are currently being held with stakeholders on that matter.

“The thing about our economic programme is that though we recognise that many things are against us, the region must prepare itself for economic advancement. We must always ensure that we have a programme to deliver based on initiatives,” he said.

Solomon said a general stakeholders meeting will be held later in the month, where recommendations will be welcomed, as it relates to moving forward on the economic programme.

According to Solomon, based on recommendations so far, the annual Linden Town Week is now being explored as an “economic vehicle” to drive other eco-

iolence against children and youth, which includes child abuse, neglect and sexual abuse, poses a threat to schools, the future of Guyana, and citizens’ health and well-being. That is according to a probation and social services officer attached to the Human Services Ministry, Desmond Nelson.

He made those comments while addressing youths at a rally in New Amsterdam on Friday on the prevention of violence against children and youth. According to Nelson, all are at risk since violence against youth and children has no race, class or cultural distinction. He noted that it occurs on the street, in homes, places of work and entertainment, and other places that young persons find themselves.

Most perpetrators of violence against children are not strangers.

“They are family members, sometimes teachers, caretakers, law enforcement authorities, and even children themselves,” Nelson noted.

“Some children are particularly vulnerable because of their gender,

nomic activity such as tourism and manufacturing.

Linden/Soesdyke Highway

Other issues affecting the region such as safety along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway will be discussed at the meeting with the OP, Solomon said. He noted that the highway needed much more work to make it safer and more durable, pointing out that it was in urgent need of resurfacing. Additionally, Solomon stated that the $75 million which was proposed by the head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon for upgrading the highway was insufficient.

“The highway deserves more than $75 million, you travel that highway and it’s pitch black, it doesn’t even have proper reflectors... In our negotiations, we asked not only for the highway to be given lights only, but we asked for a safer highway…. What the region is proposing is that it becomes a safe highway with proper road signs, resurfacing the bad areas and let us not forget that over 100 plus million U.S. dollars was set aside to fix that highway, not only for resurfacing, but to prepare it to be a double-lane highway, taking into consideration the Linden-Lethem road which would allow for more traffic. This was the vision the region advanced to the government,” he noted.

He said the highway generates millions of dollars each year in moving resources through the community and its deplorable condition near the Linden exit is proof of the immense pressure it endures. Solomon noted that the current state of the LindenSoesdyke highway endangers the lives of those who use it.

ethnic origin, or disability.” And no community is immune. “Violence is evident in all communities,” the social worker stressed.

Explaining that victims are forced to live with the trauma, Nelson urged all of society to speak out against violence against children. To this end, the probation officer is advocating that all violence against children, including corporal punishment, harmful traditional practices, and any type of sexual violence, is prohibited and effectively eliminated through awareness.

March

The rally was organised by Comforting Hearts, a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The event started with children, who represented various schools in New Amsterdam, and East and West Canje, marching through the streets of New Amsterdam and chanting anti-child abuse slogans. As they approached Pitt Street where several taxi drivers were awaiting passengers, they chanted, “Taxi man, leave the lil’ girl

Overcoming smallholder challenges with biotechnology

Anew FAO publication calls for greater national and international efforts to bring agricultural biotechnologies to smallholder producers in developing countries.

The publication Biotechnologies at Work for Smallholders: Case Studies from Developing Countries in Crops, Livestock and Fish, asserts biotechnologies can help smallholders to improve their livelihoods and food security.

The work covers 19 case studies in crops, livestock and fisheries, written by scientists and researchers worldwide. It describes the practical realities and experiences of taking biotechnology research and applying it in smallholder production of bananas, cassava, rice, livestock, shrimp and more, in different parts of the developing world.

The case studies encompassed a wide range of biotechnologies. They included older or “traditional” ones like artificial insemination and fermentation, and cutting-edge techniques involving DNA – based methodologies – but not genetic modification.

The publication was prepared by a multidisciplinary team at FAO as part of an agricultural biotechnologies project partially funded by the government of Canada. “With the right institutional and financial arrangements, governments, research institutions and organisations can help to bring biotechnologies to smallholders, improving their capacity to cope with challenges like climate change, plant and animal diseases, and the overuse of natural resources,” FAO Research and Extension Unit chief Andrea Sonnino said.

Case studies

Thailand. Researchers used their knowledge of DNA markers to develop a flood-tolerant rice variety in India with a potential yield of one to three tonnes per hectare, more than previously used varieties, under flood conditions. After being released in 2009, the new variety, Swarna-Sub1, spread rapidly and was used by three million farmers in 2012.

“In summary, submergence-tolerant varieties provided opportunities for improving and stabilising yields in flash flood-affected areas, significantly contributing to national food security,” stated Uma Singh and colleagues from the International Rice

fecting goats and sheep. Rapid and accurate disease diagnosis meant that the authorities could stamp out these outbreaks and stop the spread of the fatal disease to other flocks.

“Without this rapid response, thousands of sheep and goats would likely have succumbed to the disease during these outbreaks, leading to millions of CFA francs in losses,” affirmed Abel Wade and Abdoulkadiri Souley from the National Veterinary Laboratory (LANAVET) in Cameroon. The editors say biotechnologies can improve crop, livestock and fish-related livelihoods by boosting yields and enhancing market access. Introducing new and traditional biotechnologies on family farms can also keep production costs down and improve sustainable management of natural resources.

Research Institute (IRRI) who prepared the case study.

In China, the Jian carp was developed using withinfamily genetic selection and gynogenesis (a reproductive technology resulting in allfemale offspring that have only received genes from their mother). The Jian carp is now grown on about 160,000 fish farms and makes up over 50 per cent of common carp production in China.

Four case studies were from India, two from China and one each from Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cuba, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and

In northern Cameroon, the use of DNA-based diagnostic tools in the field allowed veterinary authorities to quickly diagnose outbreaks of Peste des Petits ruminants, a highly contagious viral disease af-

Lessons learnt

The publication offers lessons from the case studies which can be used to inform and assist policymakers in making decisions on programmes involving biotechnologies. High up on the list was the need for national political commitment to improving smallholder productivity and livelihoods; financial support from nongovernmental sources to supplement national efforts; and, long-term national investment in both people and infrastructure linked to science and technology.

The publication also found international and national partnerships were vital for achieving results, as was the sharing of genetic resources, techniques and know-how across national and continental borders.

Biotechnologies at work for smallholders also underlines the importance of involving smallholders in the process at all stages, taking into consideration their knowledge, skills and own initiatives.

against violence

alone.” “It could be yo own daugta.”

“We will tell.” The march converged at the Esplanade Park where several speeches were made.

The campaign to stamp out violence against children was imbedded in the international campaign to stop child abuse, which received international attention in 2001 when the first

International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse was held. It has been observed on November 19 ever since.

However, after 10 years, an international coalition of actors and partners, along with the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF), came together to expand the event and launched WWSF’s 19 Days of Activism

global campaign from November 1- 19. Friday’s programme was one of the events organised to mark the beginning of the 19 days.

Peace Corp Volunteer Julia O’Conor, who is attached to Comforting Hearts and has worked with the University of Maryland School of Social Work in the United States on child abuse, addressed the children at Esplanade Park. She noted that 15 million girls and 73 million boys in the world are raped every year. She said the statistics revealed that six out of 10 children between the ages of six and 10 years old have viewed pornography in the Internet.

“Teachers, you need to be vigilant with these children… We are here today to say ‘enough’ to violence against children and youth. Young people are the people that we are supposed to protect, not to hurt. They are particularity defenceless and vulnerable,” O’Conor declared.

She urged children to speak out whenever anything was done to harm them.

Berbice youths rally

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

Berbicians during the rally in New Amsterdam on Friday on the prevention of violence against children and youth

13 Mexicans killed in gun battles in Matamoros

Thirteen people were killed on Sunday in gun battles in the northern Mexican city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas state, officials say.

Twelve men and one woman were shot dead in three separate clashes. In two of the incidents, Mexican marines clashed with armed men, while in the third suspected members of rival gangs opened fire on each other.

Matamoros is on the U.S.-Mexico border in an area disputed by the Gulf and Zetas drug cartels. Four men and one woman were killed in the first shoot-out between two rival groups on the main highway leading from Matamoros to the city of Reynosa.

The second gun battle happened just hours later on the same highway, when members of the Mexican marine force gave chase to an armed group and killed four of them. Four more men were killed in central Matamoros after they opened fire on marines, officials said.

Local media said the weapons and munitions

found at the scenes of the shoot-outs suggested they belonged to organised crime groups.

Death in police custody raises more human rights questions in St Lucia

Apathologist in St Lucia has determined that the recent death of a 22-year-old man in a police lockup was caused by asphyxiation, raising more questions as to human rights abuses in a country that is already under a cloud following the withdrawal of U.S. security-related aid as a result of alleged extra-judicial killings by police.

pathologist’s report noted the body had a head contusion.

In releasing the pathologist’s findings, Assistant Police Commissioner Frances Henry said the director of public prosecutions would have to determine if a coroner’s inquest should be held.

The Zetas and the Gulf cartels have battled for years to control the lucrative smuggling routes through Matamoros, which is across the border from Brownsville, Texas.

Destruction of Sir Viv monument “disgraceful”

Alocal cricketing official has condemned and described as “disgraceful” and “offensive”, the recent desecration of one of the monuments erected in honour of the country’s lone living national hero, Sir Vivian Richards.

Zorol Barthley, president of the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), yesterday said the vandalism of the monument is an indication of a lack of national pride.

“Our society is very wanting in that regard and it is shameful, disgraceful that someone would damage things that display our history, accomplishments and positive contributions to Antigua and Barbuda, the region and the world,” Barthley said. “Sir Viv is an internationally known legend.”

The official emphasised he is not calling on residents to “worship” the legend or monuments erected to pay tribute to his life, but he wants people to simply be respectful of people’s contributions to society and historical sites.

The monument, located on Sir Vivian Richards Street – not far from the

house in which the cricket legend was raised – was recently damaged and authorities were forced to remove the bust in commemoration of the cricketing icon from it.

A sign recently posted on the area where the bust of the sole living national hero was erected, reads, “removed for repairs due to vandalism.” (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Climate change taking toll on Jamaica's Negril beaches

The urgency with which Jamaica needs to address climate change was made evident at last week’s Government of Jamaica/Adaptation Fund Programme National Stakeholders’ Consultation after it was revealed that at least one metre of Negril’s coastline was eroding yearly, making the beaches smaller.

Stakeholders in the project titled, “Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural Sectors and Coastal Areas to Protect Livelihoods and Improve Food Security”, met

at the Cardiff Hall Resort and Spa in Runaway Bay last Wednesday to discuss the progress of the one-yearold programme as well as the way forward.

Sherice Simpson of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in highlighting the dangers facing the white sandy beaches of Negril, said erosion was rapid with loss estimated at one metre yearly. As a result, she said, the relevant authorities “have to act now”.

The first component of the three-component proj-

ect, through the Adaptation Fund, will be the increasing of climate resilience of the Negril coastline. This component of the project will be undertaken by the NEPA in collaboration with the National Works Agency, which will be constructing submerged breakwater structures. The structures, NEPA reported, are expected to reduce the impact of waves on the coastlines which are becoming more intense due to climate change, as a result of reducing beaches. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexican forces in July and August captured the head of the Zetas, Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, and the head of the Gulf Cartel, Mario Ramirez Trevino.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

“Dudus”

According to police, Chakadan Daniel was found hanging in a cell in the police station in the eastern village of Micoud. He had been arrested on charges of escaping custody, assaulting an officer and damaging property.

Daniel’s relatives insist he would never have killed himself and accused police of beating him and then strangling him. The

However, the efficacy of coroner’s inquests in St Lucia was recently called into question by Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, when he disclosed in a national address on August 20, that, of the inquests into the killing of 12 individuals by security forces in 2010 and 2011, only six have been completed, all resulting in a verdict of death by lawful act. One has been remitted for a new inquest to be undertaken. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

took down JLP

The five-member Independent Strategic Review Commission, which assessed the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) strengths and weaknesses, says that the Christopher “Dudus” Coke extradition issue played a primary role in the party’s loss of the December 2011 General

Election.

In addressing the party’s inability to win the election, the report concluded that this was due essentially to weaknesses in political conduct during its term of office, of which the Coke extradition fiasco was the prime example.

“It also had to do, to a

lesser extent, with an element of unpreparedness for a general election that the party leadership had itself called,” the commission reported.

The report said that four unmistakable lessons learnt, or which should have been learned, emerged from the commission’s various interviews and conversations:

• The party should have demonstrated more humility in the period of time the electorate had given it to temporarily hold the reins of power;

• The party, while in government, had not sufficiently demonstrated, if at all, a sense of connectedness with people’s real pain; neither did prime ministers Bruce Golding and Andrew Holness explain to them how the short-term pain (as short as ‘we in government can make it’) will bring longterm gain. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

OECS to launch energy regulatory body

The Eastern Caribbean Energy Regulatory Authority (ECERA) will be launched here on Thursday with the authorities saying it is intended to act as a vehicle to promote greater participation of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in the energy sector.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell and his St Lucia counterpart, Dr Kenny Anthony, will address the launch of the authority which is a collaborative effort of the World Bank, St Lucia-based OECS Secretariat, St Lucia

and the host country.

The governments said ECERA “will broadly be responsible for regulatory oversight of the electricity suppliers, including utilities and Independent power producers” and that its functions would include the design and implementation of mechanisms to reduce electricity costs; the development of measures to reduce cost volatility by diversifying energy supply away from fossil fuels and ensure least cost investments in electricity supply.

It will also be responsible for setting rules for

market entry and exit for producers of electricity from renewable energy sources and possibly licensing such producers.

The organisers said that Thursday’s ceremony will be attended by energy sector policymakers from across the nine-member OECS, regional organisations, including the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) renewable energy project developers and financiers. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Nine of the victims died in gun battles with Mexican marines

Backlash from extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke (pictured) hurt JLP

The Sir Vivian Richards bust in St John’s has been removed for repairs after it was recently vandalised

Egypt ex-president Morsi tells trial: “I am president”

Egypt’s ousted leader Mohammed Morsi has gone on trial in Cairo, telling the judge the case is illegitimate as he remains president.

He and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012.

After Morsi’s remarks and his refusal to wear a uniform, the judge adjourned the trial until January 8.

He was then flown to Burj al-Arab prison in Alexandria. Security officials told the BBC Morsi was transferred after registration to the prison hospital for a routine medical check.

He is awaiting a medical report which will determine whether he will be sent to a cell or kept at the hospital, they added.

Earlier reports had sug-

gested that he would be taken to Tora prison on the outskirts of Cairo. Until now he had been held at a secret military location.

Protests took place outside the court and elsewhere

Supreme Court lets stand ruling throwing out abortion pill limits

The Supreme Court on Monday left intact a state court decision invalidating an Oklahoma law that effectively banned the so-called abortion pill RU-486, with the justices deciding to sidestep a potentially contentious case.

The high court had been waiting for the Oklahoma Supreme Court to clarify a December 2012 ruling that had voided the law before deciding on whether to rule on the case. Last week, the state court issued a new opinion explaining its reasoning in more detail.

in Cairo. Morsi was ousted by the military in July after protests against his rule.

Early on Monday Morsi was brought into the sprawling Police Academy compound by helicopter.

Other defendants, including Essam el-Erian, Mohammed al-Beltagi and Ahmed Abdel Aatie, were said to have arrived in armoured personnel carriers. (BBC News)

PM condemns Pakistani Taliban chief’s killing

TGhana accuses UK recycling firm Environcom of illegal fridge imports

One of the UK’s largest recycling companies has imported thousands of banned second-hand fridges into Ghana, according to the west African country’s energy regulator.

Thousands of fridges discarded by British households have been shipped to Ghana by Environcom, which describes itself as the UK’s largest electrical re-use and recycling company, flouting rules designed to protect the country’s environment against harmful chemicals, according to the Ghanaian authorities.

“Environcom have sent a shipment of about 37 containers – almost 4000 secondhand fridges – to Ghana,” said Victor Owusu, public affairs spokesman for Ghana’s energy commission.

Environcom has links to British retailers Dixons and Argos, which supply used appliances to the company for recycling.

It admitted exporting the fridges to Ghana but said it did so before the ban came into place.

“Environcom stopped exporting fridges to Ghana some months ago in line with the introduction of the ban, however some containers that left us on time got delayed in transit and arrived in Ghana late and containers that were received prior to the ban were also impounded,” said a company spokesperson.

The Guardian has seen documents which show the fridges were shipped from Britain to Ghana in August this year, almost two months after the ban came into force.

Environcom says it sells second-hand fridges to third parties to ship to Ghana, and that it could not be held responsible for delays during the process. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

The U.S. high court’s latest action means the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling is final. The state court said the effect of the law would have been a ban on all abortions by medications, and as a result “restricts the long-respected medical discretion of physicians” who decide that method is safer for some patients than surgical abortion. That ruling invalidated a state law it said had the effect of banning abortion-inducing drugs altogether.

he Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, has said peace cannot be achieved “by unleashing senseless force”, in his first public speech since a U.S. drone strike killed Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud. Though Sharif did not mention Friday’s drone strike directly, he stressed his desire to “give peace a chance”.

The group Centre for Reproductive Rights, which had challenged the law, said the Supreme Court’s action means that women in Oklahoma will now have access to drug-induced abortions in addition to non-surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancies in which an embryo implants outside the uterus. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“My government is firmly resolved to bringing the cycle of bloodshed and violence to an end,” he said on Monday. “But it cannot be done overnight, nor can it be done by unleashing senseless force against our citizens, without first taking every effort to bring the misguided and confused elements of society, back to the mainstream,” he said.

The killing of Mehsud as government representa-

tives prepared to meet his Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction triggered an angry response from Islamabad.

The interior minister, Chaudhry Nisar, accused Washington of sabotaging peace efforts with the drone strike. Sharif came to power in May partly on a pledge to hold talks to try to reach a settlement with the TTP.

He was to hold a meeting of his cabinet security committee on Monday evening after the interior minister said “every aspect” of Islamabad’s ties with Washington would be reviewed.

Citing unnamed sources, the Dawn newspaper reported that Sharif was expected to make a policy statement on the situation arising out of Mehsud’s killing. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

About 40 per cent of Syrians need humanitarian aid – UN

The United Nations estimates that around 9.3 million people in Syria or about 40 per cent of the population need humanitarian assistance due to the country’s two-and-ahalf-year civil war, the UN humanitarian office said on Monday.

“The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate rapidly and inexorably,” UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos told the U.N. Security Council behind closed doors, according to her spokeswoman Amanda Pitt.

“The number of people we estimate to be in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria has now risen to some

The United Nations estimates that around 9.3 million people in

9.3 million,” Pitt said, summarizing Amos’ remarks to the 15-nation council. “Of them, 6.5 million people are

displaced from their homes, within the country.”

The population of Syria is around 23 million.

“Amos continues to press the council for their help and influence over those parties who can ensure the protection of civilians and civilian facilities; the safe passage of medical personnel and supplies; the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance; and can facilitate progress in expanding critical, life-saving relief operations,” Pitt said. Amos’ plea to the council follows the Syrian government’s promise on Monday to ensure delivery of vaccinations and humanitarian aid across the country, after an outbreak of polio in the Northeast and warnings of malnutrition in areas under military siege. (Excerpt from Reuters)

French police issue sketch of Alps murder suspect

French police issued on Monday a composite sketch of a man investigators are searching for in connection to the shocking September 2012 murder of a UK family and a French cyclist near the Alpine city of Chevaline.

The sketch is of a middleaged man with a goatee and wearing a large motorcycle helmet.

Police called anyone who recognises the man in the sketch to come forward. The police highlighted the “black or dark” coloured helmet which has an unusual side opening.

Five French teenagers from Bordeaux were arrested after they kidnapped a llama from a circus and took it out on the town.

The mysterious bik-

er was seen by witnesses near the scene of the shooting in which Saad al Hilli, a 50-year-old British-Iraqi businessman, his wife and her mother were gunned down.

However, Hilli’s two daughters survived the gruesome attack. French amateur cyclist Sylvain Mollier, believed by police to be an innocent bystander, was also found dead at the crime scene. Police said that the presence of the bearded rider on the day of the killings was established early in the investigation, but a sketch was not made public immediately because it was thought the unique helmet could lead them to the suspect before he was tipped off. (Excerpt from France24)

Egyptian television showed footage of Mohammed Morsi arriving at court

French police have issued a composite sketch of a mysterious motorcycle rider who they have been searching for in connection to the high-profile killing of a UK family and a French cyclist in the Alps in September 2012

Syria need humanitarian assistance

Health tourism –TT’s new growth sector

Government has identified the health tourism sector as a niche for potential growth and is implementing strategies for promoting and developing products and services. Given its close proximity to the U.S., the potential for ROI in a health tourism industry in TT is certain, with an estimated 40 million U.S. residents lacking medical insurance. To capitalise on this market, a plan is being develop to expand the

North America Caribbean

existing market and promote medical tourism. Currently, TT only attracts patients and visitors from neighbouring Caribbean territories. But foreign investors should remember it’s a three-hour flight from Miami and a four-anda-half-hour flight from New York. Government’s plan is to make the country a prime destination for U.S. medical tourists and investors.

Under the project Strengthening the

Competitiveness of Services in TT, CTA Economic and Export Analysts Ltd has prepared a Draft Strategy for Medical Tourism. It is being undertaken through funding by the Commonwealth Secretariat on behalf of the TT Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI).

According to the draft strategy, there are numerous opportunities for growing this unique segment of the services sector. (Trinidad Guardian)

Twitter boosts IPO range amid strong investor demand

Twitter Inc raised the top end of its IPO price range by 25 per cent and will close its books a day early, signalling strong demand for the most closely watched Silicon Valley debut since Facebook Inc last year. Amid a red-hot market for initial public offerings and soaring equity markets, Twitter raised its price range to US$23 to US$25 per share on Monday, but kept the offering size at 70 million shares.

That means it will raise up to US$2 billion if an overallotment option of 10.5 million shares is exercised. The microblogging network, which has yet to turn a profit, has amassed 230 million users in seven years, including heads of state, celebrities and activists. About half of all U.S. adult Twitter users said they get news through the social media platform, according to a Pew Research survey. Twitter is the best known

Europe Africa

Silicon Valley company to go public since Facebook, though it is seeking a far smaller valuation of up to US$13.6 billion compared to Facebook’s US$100 billion.

One source with knowledge of the sales process said Twitter’s IPO is now “massively” oversubscribed and underwriters are looking to select investors who plan to hold the stock for a longer duration rather than traders wanting to do a quick flip.

HSBC’s profits surge 30 per cent driven by Hong Kong

HSBC saw profit surge

30 per cent in the three months to the end of September, boosted by a strong performance in the UK and Hong Kong. Reported pretax profit was US$4.5 billion (£2.8 billion), compared with US$3.4 billion for the same period a year ago, the bank said.

The bank’s home markets of the UK and Hong Kong were responsible for more than half of the group’s profits.

HSBC also confirmed it was being investigated as part of a

global probe into currency trading manipulation. Barclays, RBS, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and UBS have already confirmed that regulators, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, have been in contact with them in relation to suggestions that currency markets could have been rigged.

“We see reasons for optimism with some evidence of a broadening recovery,” group chief executive Stuart Gulliver said on the outlook for the bank. Operating ex-

and UK

penses fell by US$700 million to US$9.6 billion during the period, but the bank said that was mainly due to the absence of one-off costs from last year.

Underlying costs were up on the year, which HSBC blamed on investments, wage inflation and regulatory-related costs. Gulliver is aiming to streamline the bank’s operations by focusing on highgrowth markets in Asia. In October, it sold its Panama business for an estimated US$1.1 billion gain. (BBC News)

Nigeria-Taiwan trade volume hits US$1.63B

The representative of Taiwan government in Nigeria, Ambassador Tien-Hsing Yang, has disclosed that his country’s business transaction with Nigeria for the year 2013 is US$1.63 billion; making Nigeria its largest trade partner in Africa. Yang revealed this at the recent inaugural meeting of the Nigeria-Taiwan Business Association in Abuja. According to him, “In 2004, 2006 and in-between 2008, the trade volume with Nigeria

Asia

was at US$440 million, and presently, the total trade volume stands at US$1.63 billion through direct foreign trade and the Cross-Straight Economic Relationship has been very impressive.”

Stressing further, he said, “Come November 18 this year, there will be a 21-member delegation from Taiwan on a trade meeting in Lagos and this will provide the Taiwanese investors the opportunity to meet and interact with its Nigeria counterpart.” Responding,

the Executive Secretary/ CEO Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mustapha Bello said, “Actually, it is a formation of an association and we are formally inaugurating the association between Nigeria businessmen and the Taiwanese counterpart; and, to also use it as a bridge to get across to the private sector in Taiwan and link them up with the private sector in Nigeria so as to get a faster engagement of both sides.” (allAfrica)

Wombs for rent: India’s surrogate mother boomtown

Madhu Makwan asks a reporter to translate a card in English she received from a Canadian family for whom the Indian labourer spent nine months gestating their son for them.

The letter reads in part: “Without your help and sacrifice, we would not be able to have our family. Please know we will tell him about you and how special you are to us. We will never forget you, you will

Middle East

always be in our hearts.”

Makwan delivered the boy two weeks ago. “Of course I feel bad – I kept the child in my womb for nine months,” she said. “But she needs a child; I need money.”

Surrogacy in India is booming, thanks to the low cost of the procedure, availability of surrogates in the world’s second most populous country and the fact that India is one of the few coun-

tries in the world that allows commercial surrogacy. In one hostel in Anand – a small city known as the “milk capital” of India in the far western state of Gujarat – there are 50 surrogate mothers living together, each who will earn around US$8000 for carrying a baby.

“It’s a lot of money,” said a woman who identifies herself as Manjula. “For people like us who have never seen money, it’s a lot of money.” (CNN)

Dubai launches new online real estate portal

Dubai Land Department on Monday launched a new online real estate portal for the auction, sale, and rental of properties in the emirate. The government body said eMart will act as “a simple and convenient exchange centre” for private and public real estate information. It added in a statement cited by news agency WAM that the new portal would

“guarantee transparency and credibility in all data”.

eMart aims to support stakeholders across the real estate industry and is one of a number of initiatives launched to ensure greater transparency in the property sector, DLD said in the statement. Some estimates suggest that real estate prices in prime areas in the emirate have risen by up to 30 per

cent in 2013 to date, after falling by over 60 per cent from their 2008 peak.

Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, director general of DLD, said: “Today, Dubai Land Department has accomplished yet another milestone in pushing the real estate market forward, towards new heights the benefits of which this city will sow in the near future and the longer term.” (Arabianbusiness)

(CONTINUED FROM SATURDAY)

Facebook’s network is a marketer’s dream come true, which will most likely have the company create new types of advertising vehicles and targeting applications for advertisers to take advantage of on their platform. With Facebook’s enormous client base, getting the word out for a product will be that much easier for advertisers.

Possible takeovers of other companies

With the expected windfall of cash from the IPO, in addition to liquidity in its newly issued stock, Facebook will be in a prime position to take over other companies in related businesses, as well as its competitors.

Facebook has recently been shopping and acquiring talent from other firms, such as Gowalla, who recently shut down its location based service. Also recently acquired was the team behind Caffeinated Mind, a start-up specialising in fast file and data transfers.

More takeovers as a result of the IPO are likely to take place, with Facebook probably already planning ahead. Possible targets include Facebook’s competitors as well as companies offering services which would complement Facebook’s platform.

Facebook’s stock price and the IPO

According to allfacebook. com, Facebook stock closed at US$33 per share at the last auction on SharesPost, where an 80,000 share block traded recently. This would put the valuation of the company – with an estimated 2.5 million outstanding shares –at US$82.5 billion. The auction for the Class B Common Stock of Facebook Corporation was significantly oversubscribed according to SharesPost. This would indicate that the IPO price, which has as of this writing not been disclosed, to be somewhere in the vicinity of US$40 per share, given a US$100 billion valuation for the company. (Business Dictionary)

Roshana continues to win hearts in Russia

Guyana’s representative in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, Katherina Roshana, continues to win hearts and be an ambassador of goodwill for her country.

In the national costume competition, Roshana, in her plumed outfit of wonder representing the Bird of the Rock (aka Cock of the Rock), was a sight to behold, thanks to Derek Moore’s artistry and vision.

When she appeared on stage, the thousands in attendance applauded. With a glowing smile, Roshana, who is sponsored by Limacol/NEW GPC INC, worked the audience – displaying her poise and grace. The Bird of the Rock is only found in the Kaieteur Falls highlands. The legendary bird is nonmigratory, and cannot be domesticated or transferred anywhere else.

Guyanese celebrate Diwali with diyas, sweetmeats

Guyanese on Sunday celebrated the festival of light with the lighting of diyas and the sharing of sweet meats.

Many houses were lit with rows of diyas as early as 17:30h as the celebration of the festival unfolded. For some families, lakshmi puja was performed before the lighting ceremony. Diyas were lit in rows creating vivid magical scenes.

Throughout various villages and streets in Georgetown, persons were seen with trays of diyas decorating their homes.

In Essequibo, particularly on the quiet Island of Wakenaam, Hindus beautifully decorated their homes with hundreds of diyas and fairy lights. Persons also practised the custom of sharing sweatmeats.

Meanwhile, patrons turned out in their numbers much earlier than usual at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre ground Saturday evening for the highly-anticipated annual grand Diwali Motorcade.

The presence of Bollywood singer Jeffrey Iqbal in the line-up of artistes may have been a contributor to the large turnout which was evident long before the parade of floats started entering the ground.

Iqbal, who first appeared at the Diwali Utsav one week ago at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), along with Gunjun Singh, staged similar performances in Essequibo and Berbice. In his melodious voice, the

U.S.-born artiste who was the final act, performed a number of hit songs by himself and other Bollywood artistes, much to the satisfaction of the audience.

President Donald Ramotar was present along with First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds to catch the performances, as the brightly lit Diwali floats made their way into the LBI ground.

Prizes Floats participated in the small and large category, and were judged by a panel that included Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Philbert Gajadar. Prior to the an-

nouncement of the winners, the judges explained the criteria used for awarding or deducting points. Mishaps like the ones experienced on some floats where the generator failed, causing the lights to go out cost some of the participants.

In the end, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) was adjudged the overall best float. The news was met with loud cheers and the majority of its members went up on stage to receive the trophy from President Ramotar and the first lady.

The Better Hope Mandir copped the first prize for the large category, while in the small float category, the Success Mandir came

in first. In the commercial category, the winning prize went to Edward B Beharry and for the most creative, Rosignol Sanatan Dharma (small) and the Golden Om Mandir (large).

As a show of appreciation, the organising body for the annual event, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, handed out gifts to the first-time participants.

Victory of light over darkness

President Ramotar, who hosted a cultural event, Monday evening to commemorate the religious holiday, said in his remarks at the motorcade, that Diwali has a wealth of relevant messages.

“It is as you know, the victory of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness, the victory of knowledge over ignorance and these are all things that we have been working for,” President Ramotar said.

In the face of a political opposition that has been reluctant to see eye-to-eye with the government on numerous priority issues, President Ramotar said “we stand solid in the faith that good will triumph over evil”, as told in the message of Diwali.

This year’s celebration was the first without the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s founder Reepu Daman Persaud who passed away earlier this year. He was honoured along with the late president, Dr Cheddi Jagan for their role in the struggle for democracy and the preservation of culture.

WPO mourns passing of Anoopwattie Vereen

The Women's Progressive Organisation (WPO) said the news of the death of Mrs Anoopwattie Vereen was truly shocking.

“No one expected that when she took ill on Friday 18th, that she would not have recovered. So it was natural that all her friends and family breathed a sigh of relief when she showed sign of recovery which unfortunately did not last,” WPO said in a statement.

In reflecting on the life of Vereen, the WPO said she was a remarkable woman, noting that one cannot help but appreciate what a loving and caring person she was.

“The village of Helena No Two and the environs of Mahaica are still in shock. Ms Vereen was the chairperson of the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council], a justice of the peace and commissioner of affidavits who whether night and day was at the beck and call of those who needed help. She was on the local board of guardians and made it her duty to ensure that all who needed help were given.”

The children who needed lessons flocked to her bottom-house classes, because her results were also excellent, the WPO said, adding that the young people whom she encouraged to become involved in the Rising Star cultural group benefited from her experience and patience.

“The WPO group in Mahaica, which she led for more than 14 years grew from strength to strength not only in numbers but in exposure and confidence.

Anoopwattie Vereen

She was in the PPP Central Committee, as well as the WPO Central Committee and secretariat.

She traversed the length and breadth of Guyana to train women on local government issues through the National Democratic Institute.

“She was a teacher by profession and served in the capacity of headmistress of her school. Ms Vereen was a great country and western singer and was not shy when called upon to give a rendition.

She was also involved in the Mandir of her community,” the WPO said.

It added that Vereen had four biological children but was a mother to all the children she taught and mentored.

“We in the WPO are much richer for having someone of her calibre to have served in our leadership, as well as to hold her group together. Guyana has lost a wonderful daughter who served her homeland with dignity, patience, commitment and courage.”

Miss Guyana Universe Roshana displays the national costume

Miss Guyana Universe Katherina Roshana signs autographs for fans in Moscow

The beauty queen expressed gratitude to the franchise holder of Miss Guyana Universe, Odinga Lumumba; Mrs Pat Coates of Village Couture;

Derek Moore; Richard Younge; Ronnie Morris; Sonia Noel; the Apsara

Entertainment Group; the media; her fans, and the persons who have made her trip and pageant experience what it is and provided their support.

President Donald Ramotar is about to light a diya, as First Lady Deolatchmee looks on

SUDOKU

Restlessness must be dealt with wisely. Instead of making an impulsive move, concentrate on developing a better way to utilise what you have to offer. Leave time for a passionate encounter.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

You’ll be questioned if you draw attention to your activities. Work quietly on your own, where you can accomplish the most. A move will help a work-related situation.

You’ve got plenty to contribute, so don’t hold back; voice your opinion and reach out with suggestions, questions and whatever else you can offer. It’s a good day to make some serious gains.

Pick and choose your company carefully. Someone will want to join you, and someone will complain. Don’t labour over what to do. Head in the direction that will make you smile.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Revisit your current strategy, and you’ll find a flaw that can offset a financial loss. Feel confident that you have taken care of every detail and enjoy a social evening.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t question what others do; just make sure that you take care of your responsibilities. Your need to butt in or make changes must be monitored carefully to avoid making an irreversible error.

(April 20-May 20)

Ask, and you shall receive. Forming a partnership or collaborating with someone will help you accomplish twice as much. Learn while you go, and you will make headway.

(May 21June 20)

Listen carefully and ask questions. Someone is likely to hide information that is pertinent to a decision you must make. Don’t waste time getting angry, just do what’s best for you.

Discuss your plans and consider your options. Don’t let personal matters cloud your vision or stand between you and success. Question anyone who’s playing emotional games with you.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A last-minute change of plans can be expected. Consider what works best for you and choose the path of least resistance; the less baggage, the better. Don’t fold under pressure.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Express the way you feel and offer suggestions to people who need help. The way you deal with others will show what kind of person you are and will result in new opportunities.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Solidify your financial picture by collecting or paying off a debt. Taking care of money matters will ease your stress. A clean slate will facilitate the changes conducive to personal happiness.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

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

SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English classes, personalized tutoring. Phone: 6124821 after 4pm, 274-0437 after 7pm.

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

Spare parts for 1-2-3-4 and 6 cylinder diesel engines for Lister, Pieter, Kobota, Perkins, Veutz, Fiat, John Deer, Case IH, Cummings, Bedford and Leyland Daf . Phone 619-4483, 601-7883, 226-6325

Machinery 2 wheel and 4-wheel drive tractors; Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deer and New Holland. Also available open air or super silence generators. Phone 619-4483, 601-7883, 226-6325 Tibertian terrior pups phone: 6196086, 699-7077.

Mercury in large quantity, 99.9999% purity. Call: 219-4535/693-5004/ 6791985

& Gift Shop for

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

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

U.S. Green Card Lottery 2013. We are now accepting entries for the Annual Green Card Lottery sponsored by the U.S. Government. Enter now for a chance to become a permanent resident of the USA. Closing date November 2, 2013. Contact Balwant Persaud Immigration and Visa Services 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings and Light Sts.) Tel: 2251540, 655-3105, 622-8308

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

tuesDay, november 5, 2013

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

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

1 property at reasonable price, located in Bareroot, East Coast Demerara. Phone: 612-6417.

One two storey house at lot 93 Atlantic Gardens, ECD; upperflat-3 bedrooms, kitchen and bath; lower flat-2 bedrooms, kitchen and bath. Call 592-619-4483, 592-656-7471

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

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

1 three-building centrally located downtown in Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, recently renovated, fully air conditioned, ideal for office with spaces for boardroom, or any other business. Immediate possession. Phone: 609-2876.

Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 662-1247.

spirituality

Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer. The most powerful spiritualist in the world. Are you suffering from the following problems? (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10am - 4pm. Tel: 592-6901824. Email: anew-life@live.com Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 6126417, 687-5653

Two-bedroom self contained apt. Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 669-1954

Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water etc. Call: 219-4535

Recently constructed bond with house and office space on the same lot, centrally located in Broad Street, ideal for business or manufacturing. Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

VaCaNCiEs

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

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg. Phone: 691-9984

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA ALLION; TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO; TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS

2-TON TRUCK.PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

One 450 Honda ATV. Phone: 626-3817

Toyota Hilux 172 diesel extra-cab pick-up, 4x4 manual (5-speed transmission) a/c, p/s p/w p/l, winch, off road front bumper, KC lights, side baranka bars, bush-ready, Old Man Emu, rear leaf springs, lifted Old Man Emu shocks, snorkel, bed liner. Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

FAO in partnership to support food security for vulnerable children

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Plan International will collaborate in the promotion of food secure environments in poor households and communities, with a strong focus on vulnerable children and their families.

The agreement, signed by FAO’s Office for Partnerships, Advocacy and Capacity Development Director, Marcela Villareal, and Plan Canada President and Chief Executive officer Rosemary McCarney, covers responses to critical needs as well as long-term initiatives to tackle systemic impediments to stable, sustainable and resilient food security environments.

“FAO is proud of this partnership with Plan International. We come together at a time when we realise how similar our efforts are and we are confident that this step will not only add to them but multiply them,” said Villareal.

“We have done good work together in a number of countries, from Sudan to Peru to Paraguay and now it is time to take our collaboration further,” she added, referring to past successful collaboration with Plan Regional Offices in Africa and Latin America.

The new partnership involves coordination at country level for timely response to emergencies; combating malnutrition main-

ly in women and children through agriculture-based approaches and contributing to global initiatives to address malnutrition.

“We feel very privileged for this agreement as it takes our previous ad-hoc arrangements further and provides with the framework for joint initiatives to achieve common goals,” said McCarney.

Joint research FAO and Plan International will also explore potential opportunities for joint research on food security and nutrition and initiatives to increase efficiency of agricultural and livestock production systems for smallholder farmers through cooperatives, provision of quality inputs and capacity building. The

agreement involves youth in agricultural value chains. Founded in 1937, Plan International programmes seek to improve food security and nutrition through activities such as school feeding; responding to emergencies; innovating to improve crop yields; giving people – particularly women and youth –access to training, tools, livestock and seeds; and offering loans to start small agribusinesses. Plan’s initiatives are community-based, and implemented in partnership with approximately 66,000 volunteers and more than 23,000 organisations – including national and local government institutions, international, national and local non-governmental organisations, communitybased organisations and United Nations agencies.

Regional port activity down owing to sluggish exports – ECLAC

TwaNtED

Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292

One female babysitter, between 40 & 45 years, must be from Georgetown, be able to work flexible hours and some weekends, applicant with a sound secondary education may apply. Phone: 614-5711, 9am- 3pm

MR NARAINE. PHONE: 6968230

he region’s sluggish exports and slower growth prospects for the world economy carried over from late 2012 have accentuated the slowdown in port activity during the first half of 2013. This is according to Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) figures published on Monday.

The ranking of ports throughput indicates that growth in freight operations in the region’s ports only grew by two per cent in the first six months of the year, compared with rises of 16 per cent and nine per cent in the same periods of 2011 and 2012, respectively. This figure represents the slowest growth since 2009.

The ranking includes official information provided by the port and trans-

port authorities of the region’s countries. According to the United Nations commission, the difficult situation of the world economy, which is mainly attributable to the slowdown in the largest Asian economies, continues to affect foreign trade volumes in Latin America and the Caribbean – particularly in terms of container port operations specialised in such freight.

According to the ECLAC port ranking, the main 20 container ports of Latin America and the Caribbean – which account for 74 per cent of regional throughput – posted practically zero growth in the first half of 2013 (-0.1 per cent).

Only a few of the region’s seaports displayed growth in double figures, including Manzanillo in Mexico (10

per cent); San Antonio in Chile (10 per cent); Buenos Aires in Argentina (11 per cent); and Montevideo in Uruguay (28 per cent).

According to available figures, some ports in Chile and Brazil recorded high growth compared to the first half of 2012: Coronel (96 per cent); Arica (47 per cent); Chibatao (45 per cent); and Sepetiba (18 per cent).

Comparing the first six months of this year with the first half of the previous year shows that the largest increases were recorded in Uruguay (27.7 per cent); Argentina (20.1 per cent); El Salvador (19.6 per cent); and Chile (11.6 per cent). The lowest growth figures were observed in Guatemala (-10.2 per cent); Venezuela (-17.6 per cent) and Costa Rica (-22.6 per cent).

VEHiClEs

HEaltH

KEy CuttiNg

gOlDsmitH

FAO’s Office for Partnerships, Advocacy and Capacity Development Director, Marcela Villareal

Digicel’s Schools table tennis championship…

Britton captures top honours in tense singles final

– Mae’s Secondary adjudged best school

By Treiston Joseph

Q

ueen’s College’s

Shamar Britton used his delicate touch coupled with intimidating aggression to hold off a determined Elishaba Johnson out of St Stanislaus College to win the Boys’ Under-18 singles title when the Digicel Schools mini-cadet and junior

singles and team tournament concluded on Monday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Britton, always the aggressor in the match, used his powerful forehand shots to unsettle the smaller Johnson in the early going to take the first set point 118. Johnson battled back to win the second set point 1311, using his delicate serve

and spin shots to tie the match at 1-1.

Britton continued his aggressive play to take the third set 11-7, while Johnson showed great determination to tie the match at 2-2 with an 11-6 win in the fourth set point.

However, Britton came out hard in the deciding set point going ahead quickly at

8-5 that caused Johnson to be frustrated before battling back with some spin shots and serves that drew the set at 1212 before Britton unleashed a series of powerful shots to win the game with a final set point that finished 14-12.

Meanwhile, Mae’s Secondary School was named the top school in the tournament as Jamaal Butts

defeated Jeremy Singh 3-1 in the Boys’ Under-13 finals, while Tyriq Saunders defeated Terrence Rausch in the Under-11 final 3-1 as well. Kyle Edghill defeated Sheldon Atherley in the Under-15 final 3-0, while Tyriq Clarke was the winner of the novice’s category with a 3-0 win over Jonathan Findlay.

At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the tournament, president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, Godfrey Munroe, and Events and Sponsorship Manager of Digicel, Gavin Hope, congratulated the players for their hard work, while urging the parents to continue supporting their children.

Dyna Ravens win fourth Brusche’s Classic

– Kanhai bounces away with

MVP, best defense awards

National guard Akeem

“The Dream” Kanhai guided the Dyna Ravens of Georgetown to a commanding 51-37 win over Linden Kings to lift the fourth Brusche’s Classic basketball title and $100,000 first prize on Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) hard court.

Kanhai, the all-purpose guard who was nurtured in Linden, returned home where his face on a billboard overlooks the MSC facility,

and turned in one of the best all-round displays to fashion a commanding victory for the visitors after the Kings had started well.

The Kings’ shooting guard Orin Rose began well by lighting up the scoreboard and partisan crowd with back-to-back three-pointers, but that spark never caught on as the Ravens were soon ahead 7-6 and established their intent early with a comfortable 15-8 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Kanhai, later named best defensive player of the final, also created match-up problems every time he had the ball and helped the Ravens dominate the final in all aspects of the game.

However, this was a Ravens team that never depended much on any one player. They rather played as a unit with the ball doing the work, placing it into the cracks they created.

The Kings, on the other

hand, relied heavily on their leading players, who could not put together an effective chemistry to counter the marauding city side.

When it came to rebounds, the Ravens prevailed 44-21 with Kanhai topscoring with 17 points, while he also pulled down 11 rebounds.

The Kings never got their act going and on a number of occasions their seemingly ageing players had to be taken off for different reasons.

At half-time, the Ravens led 29-17 and stretched their advantage to 39-27 by the end of the third quarter.

The win by Ravens was the third by a Georgetown team in the four-year history of the championship.

MVP Kanhai had 17 points, 11 boards, four blocks and four steals, while Ryan Stephaney netted 15 points and seven rebounds and Jermaine Slater had 11 rebounds for the Tavens.

For the Kings, Rose finished with 12 points, six of which came in the first quarter, as Omally Sampson played well for 11 points, six rebounds and four steals. Kings’ Marvin Hartman was awarded the Ossie Douglas trophy for most assists; Ravens’ Darcel Harris walked away with the John Davidson best coach plaque and Kanhai the Robert Byass trophy for his best defensive player award.

Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai collects one of his awards from national powerlifter, Dawn Barker

James Brusche presents the lien trophy to members of the Ravens basketball team

Shamar Britton (right) receives his trophy from Events and Sponsorship Manager of Digicel, Gavin Hope

Events and Sponsorship Manager of Digicel, Gavin Hope, hands over winner’s trophy to Munniram Persaud of Mae’s Secondary School, who won the overall title

Elishaba Johnson (left) plays one of his many spin shots during his final encounter with Shamar Britton

Tendulkar mania grips Kolkata

– A Tendulkar extravaganza has been planned at Eden Gardens through the Test and its build-up. It will be interesting to see how the man himself handles it all

“There is no Diwali festival. This is Sachin festival,” says Biswarup Dey, the Cricket Association of Bengal treasurer. “This is officially ‘Salute Sachin’.” That, of course, is the name CAB has given to a weeklong celebration of Sachin Tendulkar.

Nobody does the dramatic better than Kolkata. Next to Dey stands a man with a huge bouquet of flowers with “199” written on it. Dey himself holds a basket full of roses. He is waiting for Tendulkar to arrive in Kolkata, where he will start his final Test series, and his 199th Test. Soon the word spreads - about a 1000 people gather outside

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to await Tendulkar’s arrival. About a 100 of them must be the media.

Inside, across the glass partition, Dey and other officials wait as the flight has been delayed. Across the glass partition there is another concrete wall. From behind the wall, Tendulkar sees the crowd, knows the commotion his exit there will cause, and starts moving towards the other gate. A surreal scene ensues: Tendulkar is moving behind the wall, but the 1000-odd gathered run along with the invisible Tendulkar. After a huge chaos, Tendulkar finally - and safely - manages to get into his car to join his other team-mates who played the ODIs against Australia and have arrived from Bangalore.

This welcome, right here in Kolkata, is the official start of Tendulkar’s farewell series. Wonder what Tendulkar makes of it. If he takes time out and explores the city, he is likely to find cut-outs of himself, big hoardings with differ-

ent people’s quotes on himthe one where Don Bradman says he saw a bit of himself in Tendulkar is the most common - and finally bigger cut-outs when he reaches Eden Gardens for practice on Monday.

Now all this might not come to pass - there is a Test match against West Indies to be played - but the plans in place are ambitious and elaborate. Today, the CAB president and the state sports minister launched a music album by Piloo Bhattacharya, which contains seven Bengali and four Hindi songs about Tendulkar. They will be played the moment Tendulkar enters Eden Gardens for practice.

Waiting to greet him outside the team’s dressing room is his life-size wax replica, crafted by a Bengali artistcum-fan.

Massive tributes

On Monday, a photo exhibition of 100 Tendulkar photos was unveiled. The CAB had invited former Test captains Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly to inaugurate this at Bhawanipore Club, but both are in Colombo on a charity walk. It hadn’t deterred the plans. On match eve, the CAB plans to get BCCI president N Srinivasan to unveil the coin for the toss in the Test, with Tendulkar on one side, and Eden Gardens

on the other. Wonder what heads and tails will be. The CAB is hoping Tendulkar will attend, and personally receive a silver banyan tree with gold leaves from the CAB. The groundsmen will gift him a replica of Eden Gardens.

Tendulkar’s face has already been printed on the match tickets. “Never ever have we seen anybody’s face on an Eden Test ticket,” says Dey. There is something or the other planned for all five days of the Test. With the first day’s ticket comes a souvenir - a book. More ambitiously, 70,000 Tendulkar masks are reportedly going to be handed out to the spectators. If the CAB can pull this off, it will be quite a sight.

On day two, every seat is expected to have a placard, and when all the placards are held up together it is set to form a huge Tendulkar face. Day three is likely to feature a release of 199 balloons with Tendulkar’s face on them. Day four could bring the West Bengal chief minister to felicitate Tendulkar. This was supposed to be a mega event after the fifth day’s play - with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, who will be here for the Kolkata film festival, supposed to join the West Bengal chief minister - but the government is not so sure the match will last the five days. Advancing the event into the fourth day needs the ICC’s clearance. On the fifth day, an aircraft is scheduled to hover over Eden Gardens and shower 199 kilos of rose petals.

It is going to be an interesting week to see how much of this actually materialises, and if it does how Tendulkar handles it all. He must already have enough on his mind with this being his last series. (Cricinfo)

East Coast Demerara aims to win athletics at “Nationals”

By Treiston Joseph

Over the past 33 years, the National Schools athletics, swimming and cycling championship has been dominated by North Georgetown (District 11) and Upper Demerara River (Linden) and Kwakwani (District 10).

The two powerhouses have taken 26 of the championships in the last three decades and seem destined a head-on collision when the major event begins on November 18 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

With Districts 10 and 11 owning 13 titles apiece, the East Coast Demerara (District Four) comes in at third with seven titles. However, flying under the radar, having won their last title since 1990, the ever consistent East Coast Demerara district can possibly cause an upset over the two powerhouses once their stars align at the right time when the championship begins.

According to manager, Rhonda Monze, District Four will be aiming to cop the athletics aspect of the championship.

“As I said we are coming strong; we have a brand new team, we got third last year in the children’s track and field, but this year once we could win the children’s track and field we would be comfortable with that because we don’t have strong swimmers and cyclist to win overall. So once we could capture that we would be comfortable,” Monze told this publication during a telephone interview.

Monze also noted that after a team meeting on Monday, everything is set for a full strength team to

BCB calls up 32 for Inter-county three-day trials

The Selection Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has invited 32 cricketers for a three-day trial match in preparation for the upcoming senior Intercounty four-day competition, which is scheduled to commence later this month.

The match will commence today and conclude on Thursday at the Albion Community Center ground. The 32 players have been divided into two teams.

The teams will be captained by two former West Indies cricketers, opener Sewnarine Chattergoon and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Sewnarine Chattergoon’s squad reads: Anthony

Day of

D’Andrade, Devon Clements, Seon Hetmyer, Jonathan Foo, Dominique Rikhi, Raphael Estriado, Kevin Ramdeen, Jason Sinclair, Eon Hooper, Shawn Perreira, Gudakesh Motie, Brendon Bess, Romario Shepherd, Roun Johnson and Deveshwari Prashad. Devendra Bishoo’s squad reads: Shimron Hetmyer, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Assad Fudadin, Eugene LaFleur, Rajiv Ivan, Sharaz Ramcharran, Artley Bailey, Joemal LaFleur, Anthony Bramble, Krishnadat Ramoo, Waqar Hassan, Keyron Fraser, Clinton Pestano, Keon Joseph and Nial Smith. The match will start at 10:00 hours each day.

sports at Enterprise on Sunday

The Enterprise Busta Sports Club and U.S.A. XI will on Sunday stage a day of cricket and domino at the Enterprise Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara.

The two sides will clash in a 20/20 cricket match set to bowl off at 13:00 hours.

represent the district while highlighting the training escapade for the team.

“We just came out of a meeting and we are coming with a full team for Nationals this year; the children are in training with their branches because it is expensive to bring them together so we asked the branches to take care of that,” Monze mentioned.

With three of the most victorious districts set for action and are in full preparation mode for “Nationals”, a high level of competition is expected at this year’s championship.

The U.S.A XI will be lead by a former member of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Vijaykumar Basdeo, with national Under-19 Vice-captain Kamesh Yadram being his deputy. The team also includes Harry Sanichara, Ajeet Budhu, national Under-15 skipper Bhashkar Yadram, Seemangal Yadram, Jitlall Jowahirlall, V. Gobin, K. Ramdoon, Kahani Yadram and Nickel Hookumchand.

The Enterprise Busta Sports Club will be represented by the experienced Chatterpaul Singh, who will lead the team, with R.Balram as his dep-

uty. Latchman Yadram will perform the dual role of as player/coach, while K. Mohamed, I. Habib, Z. Rasheed, M. Balkisoon, N.K. Omar, N. Seebarran, R. Ramkellawan, D. Mangroo, V. Roopnarine, S. Mohabir and T. Sheopersaud complete the squad.

R. Albert and D. Sattur will be the standing umpires for the game. After the cricket match, there will be a domino competition where USA Fantastic Six will do battle with two other qualifying teams. Fantastic Six will be led by the indomitable Rita Sanichara and includes Harry Sanichara, Beatie Basdeo, Vijaykumar Basdeo, Shamieza Yadram and Seemangal Yadram. According to the release from the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, a fun-filled day, which will conclude with a gala celebration, is anticipated.

‘Salute Sachin’ - the CAB’s week-long celebration of Tendulkar

Latchman Yadram Kamesh Yadram

Sewnarine Chattergoon Devendra Bishoo

Shiv the survivor

– Shivnarine Chanderpaul is among the last of the cricketers around from the 1990s

By Scott Oliver

As one of cricket’s iconic players takes his final cricketing curtain call in Mumbai later this month, another of its great survivors, another enduringly boyish member of Test cricket’s exclusive 10,000run club, will be watching from the opposing ranks, doubtless demonstrating the stickability that has been the hallmark of his crabbily productive batting down the years.

Shiv Chanderpaul’s career is a model of the adaptability and durability required to survive in the international arena. Indeed, his is already the third-longest Test career in West Indian history, behind only George Headley (who joins Sachin Tendulkar as one of only five men to have played Tests in four separate decades) and Garry Sobers, and by the time he steps out in Kolkata for the first Test, it will be the 20th longest of all.

Given the famous Buddhist aphorism about a journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step, if you are to survive for two decades at the sharp end, you first need to work out how to survive for a session. For Chanderpaul, that ability was developed in his formative years in rural Guyana.

“You learn to be tough in country cricket. We used to play friendlies between ourselves, and you always want to bat first. You always say, ‘I’m first, I’m first.’ The only way the others would get batting is if they get

you out. You try everything to stay in. There are times when you’re out and you say you’re not out.”

The singled-mindedness is perhaps apt for someone who hails from a place called Unity Village. Disputes over whether or not he was out never stopped the flow of bowling. “The guys from the village would come out and just be throwing balls at me all day long,” Chanderpaul recalls with a gleeful smile.

Long hours

Four times he has batted undefeated for 1000 minutes, while he is the only man to have faced 1000 consecutive deliveries in Tests without being dismissed. Notwithstanding a glorious 69-ball hundred against Australia in 2003, he is, to invert a line that could be used about any number of his team-

mates, generally there for a long time, not a good time.

“It’s the way I prepare myself: going in the nets and batting for hours and hours. Thinking about the game–which goes for two-hour sessions, maybe two and a half––I prepare that way in the nets.”

Even so, to survive for a session, or for 1000 minutes, you need to be in a position to pursue a Test career in the first place, and Chanderpaul is in no doubt that, for the first major step up of his career, into the Guyana team, he owes a debt to the generosity of his club.

“Guys would turn up for their country, maybe play trial games, and wouldn’t get paid. So I had to find ways to pay all these things, and some people from my club helped me. I lived way up in the country and had to

come to Georgetown to play cricket. My club president found some people to sponsor me, to pay for my transportation to come down to play. But not everyone got help. How were the players going to play if there’s no money there?”

The span of Chanderpaul’s career–– he debuted in March 1994––almost exactly coincides with the decline of West Indies. For all the theories about the pull of soccer in the region, and the allure of US university scholarships for basketball or track and field, he is adamant about where the issues lay: “We played Red Stripe games in the past and would get maybe $150 or so for the whole game. How are you gonna survive on $150 per game? You play five games in the whole year. You can’t sur-

vive! When I came in, that’s what I was getting paid.”

Support

Thanks to the support of people in Unity Village, as well as no little talent and dedication, Chanderpaul was soon playing with the big boys. It wasn’t so easy at the grass roots.

“People from Guyana or Trinidad would leave for the USA or Canada to play cricket, because there was contracts there, and when they got back the local board members would say, ‘These guys are not interested in playing cricket.’ I was thinking: Why are you saying that? The guys are breaking their contract and coming back home to play, and you saying they’re not interested in playing cricket! Right away that shows they’re committed. You’re not paying them a single cent to stay home and play, so they have to go overseas. They have to survive.”

Nevertheless, Chanderpaul is equally adamant that the good times are on their way back, with T20 sparking the revivalnot just through the inspiration provided by West Indies’ World Twenty20 win in Sri Lanka last year, but the establishment of the Caribbean Premier League and its implications for the talented young players and cricketing ecology of his region.

Survival mode

As his own 17-year-old son, Tagenarine, starts out on his journey as a professional cricketer - father and son have played together for Guyana - Shiv, after a summer with Derbyshire, has to turn his attention to making runs for West Indies in the land of his forefathers. It won’t be easy, which is often the way he likes it: “As a batsman, you don’t mind seeing the really flat pitches but it’s also good when there’s a challenge there for you and you have to dig in and you have to do well for your team. Sometimes you come out on top, sometimes you don’t.” However harsh the subcontinental environment proves, Chanderpaul, hunkered under that crabby carapace (and his stance is likely to provide the majority of the sideways movement at both venues), will simply bang in his bail, same as always, and adapt: “Wherever you go there’s home advantage, you might say, and the conditions will suit the home team. As a player you have to find a way to deal with it. You have to survive.” (cricinfo)

“Cricket’s still the most popular sport in the Caribbean and now that we’ve started the CPL, which went well this year, it will be for a long time in the future. This is what people in the Caribbean have been waiting for. I guess more kids are going to be interested in the game and more parents are going to be interested in bringing their kids back into cricket. We have a few sponsors now, some money’s coming into the game, the players are going to be happy and cricket’s going to be booming again.”

Unstoppable Greaves wins 55-mile road race

Roraima Bikers Club cyclist, Alanzo Greaves, continued his dominant form in 2013, when he stormed to another victory, this time in the inaugural United Bike Shop 55-mile road race on Monday.

Greaves outsprinted his competitors, winning in a time of two hours, 44 minutes, 55 seconds (02:44:55s), to chalk up his 22nd victory of the year and 18th on the local circuit. He also copped three prime prizes on his way to outpacing Raynauth Jeffrey, who finished second.

Orville Hinds, Geron Williams, Akeem Arthur and Warren McKay rounded out the top six positions in that order.

Williams, Albert Philander and Walter Grant Stuart claimed two primes each, while Jeffrey, Hinds, Arthur, McKay, Paul De Nobrega, and Eric Sankar all won a prime each.

The race commenced from Homestretch Avenue and proceeded to Dora on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, before returning to Craig for

the finish. Meanwhile, the top three places among the

event. He was followed to the line by Ian Jackman and Talim Shaw.

Naomi Singh easily took care of business in the female category winning from Toshawna Doris, while Ozia McUallay won ahead of Stephano Husbands and Julio Melville in the Mountain Bike category.

The veterans, mountain bikers and females commenced from the place of origin, proceeded to Splashmins Fun Park and returned to Craig for the finish.

Meanwhile, at the presentation ceremony, owner of United Bike Shop, Horace Burrowes, told the gathering he was happy to be part of the development of cycling in Guyana. He said that he was pleased with the day’s activity and congratulated national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club and the Guyana Police Force for their support.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Sachin Tendulkar are on the cusp on major milestones

juniors

were occupied by Michael Anthony, Shaquille Agard and Hamzah Eastman.

Junior Niles was in top form, storming to victory in the Veteran’s segment of the

The top riders from the various categories and owner of United Bike Shop, Horace Burrowes (stooping left)

Several Guyanese cricketers cop awards at OSCL presentation

By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto

Several former Guyanese cricketers copped awards at the 18th annual Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) award and presentation ceremony which was held on Saturday evening at the East Town Banquet Hall, Scarborough.

Leading the way was Ejaz Mohamed, who was adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP), after his outstanding batting performance for the victorious Cricketer’s Cove in the grand final played recently against East Coast Cricket Club.

He also took home a trophy for his unbeaten 79, while his teammate Troy Gobin was given a prize for his match-winning 93. Mohamed represented Guyana Under-19 team in 1997, while Gobin donned the national colours in 1990 and 1991.

Other ex-Guyanese youth cricketers who were the recipients of trophies too for their spectacular contributions this year were Rems’ Rovendra Mandolall for his 88 and East Coast’s Krishna Deosaran, who was chosen as the MVP in the final for his side. Deosaran accumulated 326 runs in the East Division Conference A.

Mandolall played for Guyana Under-19 team in 1994 and 1995, while Deosaran featured three consecutive years from 2004. Fast bowler Trevon Garraway was the other cricketer who would have played for Guyana, but at the senior level. He represented GT Banas in Canada this season, playing for the East Division, and was also part of OSCL Jaguars side for the Guyana Independence Cup game against OSCL Kaieteur.

In the inaugural tenover Division, Better Hope Sports Club emerged as champion having defeated Caribbean Sensation in the

final, while Rems got the better GT Banas in the consolation playoff.

In the regular season champion, Conference A and Rems were the top team in the East Division, while in the Conference B, Grove Sensation was the winner. At West End, Matrix Sports Club was the champion team.

East Coast Cricket Club topped the East Division champion after beating archrivals Caribbean Sensation, while Cricketer’s Cove and Strikers Sports Club were the winner and runners-up respectively at West End.

Other outstanding awards went to Caribbean Sensation’s batsmen Suresh Persaud and Anand Balwant for making 399 runs and 326 runs apiece in the East Division, while Kumar Doodnauth of Cricketer’s Cove led the way for the West Division, aggregating 286 runs.

Mahendra Nauth scored 285 runs for Annandale and Abdul Samad made 251 runs for Masters, also in the West Division.

Rems’ Pradeep Singh led the way for the most wickets (22) in the East Division, while Inul Rudolph collected 20 wickets in the West Division Conference B.

Notably, Riaz Ali of Lions; Lalchan Shivraj of Rems and Gavin Singh of Better Hope Sports grabbed hat-tricks this year and all received prizes.

Meanwhile, President

of the OSCL, Albert Ramcharran, delivered the feature address and extended heartfelt congratulations to the triumphant teams and also to the players who collected prizes for their outstanding performances.

He reserved special mention to the sponsors for their support again this year and making the tournaments a reality, while he acknowledged the commitments and dedication of his fellow executives.

“I want to congratulate the winning teams and the players for coming out with good performances; we [are] celebrating 18

years at the OSCL and that showed we have great people, great tournaments and great supporters as well so tonight [Saturday] is indeed a special evening for us,” the Guyanese related.

Guest speaker Kenny Girdharry, a former president of the League, was

also in attendance and stated that the growth of the league and participation of the teams once again demonstrated the commitment of the executives.

He revealed they have been doing a terrific job and they must be congratulated for having another function to recognise the players, teams and other important persons.

Manager of the champion side Cricketer’s Cove, Rambo Purnwasi, during an exclusive interview just after the formal presentation of prizes, highlighted the great efforts his team put in to win the title for three successive years and also winning the West End Division for four straight years.

“Since I have taken over this team seven years ago, I have tremendous improvements in all aspects of the game; the guys played wonderful cricket again this year and definitely deserved the championship trophy,” Purnwasi indicated.

Some of the sponsors were Shiv Misir, a Broker, MVA, ABR, Twilight and Starlite Family restaurants, Paradise Travel, Dundee Private Investors Inc, Norman Sue Bakery Ltd, Ian Kirby (Scotia Bank), Rems Employment Agency, Paragon Linen, Hollis Wealth Financial Advisor, TDMJ Accounting and Bookkeeping Services, Bobby Photography and Active Green Ross, among others.

Softball teams confirmed for BCCDA Inter-agency tourney – Preparations on track, says Saccoor

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Sixteen softball teams have been confirmed for this year’s Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association’s (BCCDA) Inter-agency Corporate Business in Sports (CBIS) 10/10 cricket competition.

The day/night event is slated for Saturday at the Albion Community Centre ground, beginning at 09:00 hours.

The confirmed teams for the event are: Regional Chairman XI, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Karibee Rice Boyz, Hand-inHand Insurance, Demerara Bank, Banks DIH Limited, Oldendorff Carriers, Guyana Power and Light, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Neal and Massy, Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated, New Building Society, Republic Bank, Ansa McAl Stag Boyz, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and GT&T.

Coordinator of the event, Imran Saccoor, told this publication on Monday via telephone that each team is permitted two guest players.

He said employees’ spouses and children can register as staff of the com-

pany if there are not enough employees to make up the team.

Saccoor further indicated that each preliminary game will be eight overs per side, while the full ten overs will be played during the semi-finals and final.

Further, wides and noballs will be counted as runs. Front foot no ball will be counted as runs and will earn the batsman a free hit.

Runs earned as a result

of overthrows will be counted as legal runs. Each bowler will be allowed two overs during the preliminary stage and three overs during the semi-finals and final. During the preliminary stage of the competition, bowling will be permitted from one side only so as to conserve on time. For the semi-final and final, batting and bowling will be done from both sides.

In the event of a tie a

Super Over will be bowled. An over should not exceed three minutes. Therefore, a game should not exceed 60 minutes. Teams are asked to assemble at 08:45 hours with the list of players of their respective squads.

Attractive prizes will be at stake for the top teams and outstanding individual players, which will include cash and trophies. The winning team will walk away with the BCCDA trophy,

$50,000 and medals. The runner-up will take home a trophy, $30,000 and medals, while third place will collect a trophy and $20,000. The Man-of-the-Match in the final will get $10,000 and a medal. The bowler with the most wickets will also receive $10,000 and a medal, as well as the batsman with the highest score in the tournament. Meanwhile, the day’s activity will also feature

20/20

Meanwhile, Saccoor said that preparations for the event are almost complete. “As of today [Monday] ninety-five percent of the preparations have been completed; we are on track with that aspect of things,” Saccoor assured. The event, which started in 2010 as a friendly game among business entities, has now grown to become an agenda item on the calendars of the corporate community, aimed at building unity, and exchanging opinions among corporate officials.

Krishna Deosaran

Trevon Garraway (right) receives his award from a representative of the OSCL

Ejaz Mohamed poses with his trophy

a

hardball exhibition match featuring Albion Cricket Club and Rose Hall Town.

Imran Saccoor

Captains of the participating teams and other officials of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce

By Treiston Joseph

Mohamed poses with his trophy

Top six finishers: Alanzo Greaves (on top podium), Raynauth Jeffery (second right) Orville Hinds (third left), Warren McKay (left), Akeem Arthur (second left) and Geron Williams

College’s Shamar Britton used his delicate touch coupled with intimidating aggression to hold off a determined Elishaba Johnson out of St Stanislaus

The leading players pose with the winner’s trophies and medals and officials of Digicel and the Guyana Table Tennis Association after the conclusion of the presentation ceremony on Monday evening (Photos: Treiston Joseph)