Guyana Times Daily

tuesday, july 30, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt to hold another forum on hydro project

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday night announced that a follow-up public engagement on the stalled Amaila Falls hydro project will be held on Wednesday, as the administration pressures the opposition to rethink its non-support for the multibillion-dollar project.

Singh said government will have the follow-up engagement on Wednesday, at 15:00h, at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal where both Sithe Global and the state will provide a technical presentation on the project and respond to questions posed by the public.

Dr Singh expressed unease that the joint opposition, over the past 18 months, failed to raise any follow-up questions or presentations regarding the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).

In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Singh said: “We had three technical presentations – first in March 2012, then in March 2013, then in June 2013; we shared the three major agreements for the trans-

action along with the legislation; we had visits to the road; we had the Caribbean country director for the IDB [Inter-American Development Bank] meet the opposition on July 17; we had the debate on July 18. Despite President Ramotar requesting questions and offering to have its advisers answer questions, the joint opposition did not raise any or seek answers outside of these discussions.”

Amaila Falls is a publicprivate partnership. “But first and foremost, this is a private sector-led project, and much of the information is commercially sensitive and confidential until the transaction is finalised. Since the opposition voted against the project, confidential information provided only to the opposition is now being disseminated opportunistically,” the finance minister said.

According to him on July 18, government debated in the National Assembly a necessary amendment to the hydro-electric bill and a motion to increase the debt ceiling to facilitate the funding and development

of the Amaila hydropower project. The opposition, he said, did not explain its decision to vote against these matters or even participate in the debate.

“Since the legislative actions were rejected, it is disappointing to see information that was only,” Dr Singh noted, “provided to the joint opposition during consultations now making its way into the public domain,” These documents, the administration said, remain private and confidential as they are the property of a private company, which has chosen to work with the government and the joint opposition to see this project to fruition.

“Such actions will result in major international investors being more cautious in the future about sharing sensitive information with the GoG for fear that it can be made public at any time during negotiations. If investors cannot trust the leaders of a nation to respect the confidentiality of sensitive information, how can they gain confidence in investing in Guyana?” Dr Singh asked.

Canje man commits suicide

Two days after a cane harvester ingested a poisonous substance at his East Canje, Berbice home, he succumbed at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Saturday.

The dead man was identified as Kegan Fleming also called “Jamal”, 25, of Lot 54 West Canefield, East Canje, Berbice.

Guyana Times understands that Fleming was living with a cousin and on July 24, he was given a one litre bottle of the poisonous substance to put away.

Complying with the request, Fleming reportedly hid the poisonous substance in the kitchen in the lower flat of their two-storey house.

Further investigations revealed that the following day about 22:00h, Fleming reportedly told his cousin who was watching television that he was going to the latrine. Some three hours later, his cousin saw him banging on his bedroom window indicating that he had ingested the poison.

The cousin in response alerted his family members

and rushed the man who was frothing at the mouth to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was seen by the doctor on duty and admitted. He remained in a critical state and succumbed about 18:00h two days after.

The bottle containing the remaining poison was found on the latrine seat and was lodged at Reliance Police Station. The police are continuing their investigations. Fleming’s body is at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Mangrove restoration moving apace

Junior Agriculture Minister Alli Baksh said the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP) is progressing well and has to date employed over 370 persons.

In a media release, Baksh revealed that the community seedling nurseries employs 110 persons while 240 labourers are employed specially for seedling planting. There are nine community rangers, five community tour guides and 12 mangrove reserve producers’ co-ops.

Baksh stated that the University of Guyana, in collaboration with government, is executing research on Guyana’s mangrove forest. In 2012, the mangrove project signed 11 research grant contracts with the university to conduct research in several key areas.

According to Baksh, seven research projects have since been completed by students and university faculty staff with grants from the project during 2010-2011.

Commenting on some of the major achievements, Baksh noted that the GMRP has planted in excess of 336,000 black mangrove seedlings along the coastline in Regions Four, Five and Six. He said the length of coastline protected as a result of the project’s planting activities is approximately 5.5 kilometres.

“The project’s restoration programme engages community groups and seedling contractors to grow mangrove seedlings in community nurseries and plant the seedlings at the selected sites. Seedling contractors are reimbursed at a rate of $100 per seedling. Communities at intervention sites also provide the labour for planting the seedlings at the foreshore.”

Geo-textile

In relation to mangrove restoration through coastal engineering interventions, the GMRP through a partnership with the Sea and River Division constructed Guyana’s first geo-textile structure, with the construction of an offshore geo-textile breakwater at Victoria, East Coast Demerara.

Baksh explained that the breakwater will assist in the protection of the existing mangrove fringe from further erosion by wave action, and that the project anticipates additional benefits in the form of accretion of the foreshore.

The construction of coastal engineering structures to aide in accretion and protection of existing mangrove forest from erosion is an integral part of the project’s restoration programme.

As such, Baksh said the project has signed contracts with Toolsie Persaud Quarries Inc for the construction of a groyne field at Cane Garden, Leguan Island and a groyne at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Work plan

The project’s 2013 work plan anticipates construction of low cost structures in the form of brushwood dams at selected sites along the coastline. In terms of enforcement, the GMRP has established a monitoring system comprising the Guyana Mangrove Monitoring Plan and a database system as well as mangrove rangers to effectively monitor and protect Guyana’s coastal mangrove resources. The project has eight mangrove rangers engaged in protecting 24 kilometres of coastal mangrove forest.

However, Baksh stressed that the success of mangrove management and protection is dependent on the involvement of the communities which utilise the mangrove forest. He disclosed that the GMRP has established five village mangrove action com-

mittees (VMACs), in communities where the project has established restoration sites and areas where mangroves are particularly vulnerable.

The VMACs work in collaboration with the project to promote mangrove awareness and management at the community level. Additionally, the project has established a mangrove tourism product through the proposed Golden Grove/ Belfield mangrove reserve –The Mangrove Heritage Trail.

Awards

The Mangrove Heritage Trail is the winner of the Tourism and Hospitality of Guyana (THAG) Environmental Award 2012 and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Biodiversity Conservation Award 2012. Community groups from seven communities along the coastline in Regions Four, Five and Six have formed themselves into a co-operative – the Mangrove Reserve Producers Co-op Society.

The co-op provides an alternative livelihood for single mothers who produce small scale agro-processing, mangrove honey and beeswax candles, all marketed under the Mangrove Reserve Products brand. There is also a public awareness and education campaign on the importance of mangroves, which has already produced a documentary called “Holding Back the Sea”. The documentary was launched in collaboration with the National Centre for Educational Resources Development (NCERD) and is aired on the Guyana Learning Channel. This is complemented by numerous public billboards, short infomercials, posters and brochures on the importance of mangroves and mangrove protection.

Secondary schools were targeted with the development of secondary school teachers’ resource manual and training of teachers in use of the manual. The project has also collaborated with the Education Ministry through NCERD to facilitate over 20 school tours to the Golden Grove/Belfield mangrove site.

Junior Agriculture Minister

Alli Baksh

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide:

Politicians wary of untrained media corps –

IPI urges strengthening of GPA, more training for reporters

oliticians and the head of at least one rights group here are wary of giving local journalists broader freedoms and Opposition Leader David Granger went as far as to doubt that media self-regulation would be sufficient to protect reputations.

“When you are surrounded by large numbers of untrained reporters, there exists, the danger of defamation, which requires more than an apology afterward,” Granger told representatives of the International Press Institute (IPI) who were here recently to lobby for the repeal of the Criminal Defamation Act.

Among other things, the IPI’s mission was to make a case for the repeal of the criminal defamation and libel law. However, in a report on its mission released on Monday, the IPI urged that more training be done for reporters and stated that many political figures whom it met appeared unenthusiastic about supporting increased freedoms for a press they viewed as untrained, sensationalistic, and politically motivated. One observer, the IPI said went so far as to call Guyanese reporting “a bit of a blood sport”.

The institute said Mike McCormack, of the Human Rights Association, told the IPI that there was “enough breaking of standards that makes it difficult to make a case to the government in terms of press freedom”.

“While such a statement may not be untrue, IPI firmly believes that freedom of the press is prior to journalism ethics – put simply, the former should never depend upon the latter,” the global media body said.

Moreover, wherever it goes, the IPI said it usually emphasises to journalists, editors, and publishers the importance of having a responsible, self-regulating press, not for the good of governments, but for the good of a country’s citizens, who have a basic right to information that is fair, balanced, and, above all, accurate. In this vein, the

IPI urges the strengthening of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), which should more actively promote and, where possible, enforce journalistic standards. Furthermore, in order to protect the rights of all cit-

izens from potential abuses by the press, IPI believes that a civil media regulatory body should be put into place, and urges the GPA to actively support its creation or even to transform itself into that body.

Meanwhile, during its three-day visit to Guyana, the IPI presented its view to leading government officials that criminal defamation laws are an affront to the values of a democratic society and should be repealed. The institute said Guyanese officials generally agreed with the IPI, but many expressed concerns about a lack of media responsibility in the country. In a meeting with the IPI delegates, Attorney General Anil Nandlall expressly agreed that journalists “should not go to jail for practising their craft”, and pledged to prepare a memo on the issue for the country’s cabinet.

Nandlall said: “I cannot see the utility of having something in the law that is not used,” adding that no Guyanese journalist had been charged with criminal libel in recent times. The attorney general urged the IPI to emphasise the importance of media ethics.

“The media is one of the most powerful organisations in the world,” he noted, “and with that power comes a commensurate responsibility”. Nandlall stressed in particular that in Guyana, which he described as a “society with underlying tensions”, journalists must be aware of context.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira

IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie Opposition Leader David Granger

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

Focusing on air pollution and public health

Global studies have consistently established a link between air pollution, caused mainly by industrial and traffic pollutants, and higher illness and mortality rates. These studies, one of the first of which was conducted in the early to mid 1970s to investigate air pollution and its effects on children’s lungs and general mortality rates, confirm that outdoor air pollutants – from fossil fuels in particular – adversely affect population mortality.

As can be noted, these studies are not new, nor are their findings. Yet in Guyana, there is little emphasis on air quality as our traffic numbers increase, and industries, including the construction industry, spew untold amounts of air pollutants into the lungs of Georgetown citizens who remain tightly packed along the coastline’s main traffic and industrial corridors.

With little enforcement of zoning laws, industries such as sawmills lie within or near residential neighbourhoods, while heavy vehicular traffic routes run through residential areas, or neighbourhoods are allowed to develop along high-traffic corridors.

Worldwide studies have shown that proximity to highways significantly increase the risk of exposure to pollutants like nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide, found in tailpipe emissions and diesel vehicles, that irritate the respiratory tract and cause breathing problems. One of the laws in Guyana regarding the importation of vehicles even encourages greater pollution as it imposes higher taxes on newer vehicles that are more fitted to reduce harmful emissions, while older vehicles that do not have efficient emissionreducing capabilities are cheaper to import.

Studies have likewise shown that exposure to dust, wood smoke, ash, cement, and other such minute particles can cause such particles to become lodged deep within the lungs and can cause cancer as well as trigger asthma attacks.

The relationship between air pollution and asthma is especially significant, and internationally accepted after years of research has demonstrated such a link. And while there is no general data available for asthma illnesses in Guyana, it has been suggested that the quality of air plays a major role in the increasing number of children being treated for the illness, particularly in the capital city.

Air pollution makes a population sick and causes increased mortality rates, but it is not just outdoor air pollution that must be addressed here; indoor air pollution also has been shown to impact public health.

With increasing temperatures and increasing wealth, more and more individuals and companies are turning to air conditioners to keep their homes or businesses comfortable. But considerable research has revealed that air conditioners can spread certain diseases such as Legionnaires Disease, which in the U.S. was linked to a building’s air conditioning equipment.

Central air systems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, can spread indoor bacteria, viruses, moulds, and mildew. A 2004 study found that persons working in central air conditioned buildings can develop “Sick Building Syndrome” where improperly maintained air conditioning systems spread contaminants that cause headache, fatigue, breathing problems, and mucous membrane and skin irritations.

Today’s building designers are increasingly embracing a hybrid of natural and artificial air cooling systems to avoid these conditions, but, to date, such systems are lacking in Guyana where there has been an explosion of air conditioning units in buildings.

It is no doubt a matter of conjecture here when persons begin experiencing symptoms with no satisfactory explanation for them, since no local research has ever been carried out to monitor what other countries already know can happen.

And although it is understandable that cities continue to improve infrastructure and construct modern buildings, it should be done with consideration for public health, rather than public health being the proverbial sacrificial lamb in the name of development.

As it has also been proven in other countries, development need not be at the expense of public health, and a country can have continuous development along with improved public health if the political will to introduce legislation and ensure enforcement prevails. As Guyana aims to bring itself into the developed world, it cannot afford to ignore years of significant international research in public health and the environment, and the lessons already learnt by those other countries once in our current situation of balancing national development and public health.

This lack of focus on air pollution and public health reflects a grave disregard for already established facts. There seems to be little concern for public health, long-term or short-term, in the drive to “modernise” Guyana, and that can prove to be a significant lapse in the country’s drive for development.

I’ve got my LCPL tickets, have you?

Dear Editor,

A total of 613 persons, mostly Brazilians, are being asked to report to the Immigration Division of the Home Affairs Ministry in relation to their immigration approval documents.

In the past, many Guyanese working in Caribbean countries have been caught and prosecuted when they were caught in situations like these Brazilians and other foreigners are at the moment.

Yet, I hardly hear or read of these outsiders and their being prosecuted. I recall in April of this year, how

President Donald Ramotar really sought to assure foreign nationals living and working in Guyana. He almost mandated his administration to minimise delays in the processing of immigration applications and work permits and also to ensure their safety.

In my view, a whole lot more needs to be done. We have too many criminal activities in the hinterland. Also, if our borders are porous and people come over illegally, let them know that they are at their own peril.

Yours sincerely, Bernard Joseph

Agro-processing is the way forward Guyana needs to tighten up its immigration control

Dear Editor,

I am glad that today there is a noticeable kind of agricultural drive in the world. In fact, it is universally accepted that agriculture is really the cornerstone of most developing countries’ economies.

It is a fact that we must all internalise, particularly Guyanese, since we have the fertile land mass to invest in farming, both small and large scale. Unfortunately, agriculture alone is no longer able to provide a reliable livelihood

for the growing populations in many of these countries.

Alternative or additional income generating opportunities are most needed, to support the millions of poor families worldwide, as many of them can no longer support their livelihoods, from the land alone. This is where agro-processing comes in.

Thinking of Guyana now, we have to capitalise on the many farm products we so stupidly waste. We have to turn primary agricultural products into oth-

er commodities for personal use and marketing, for it is in this way, we will go to that next and necessary level. So I am very excited that the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) is set to introduce agro-processing from the new school year.

I am very aware of many constraints that can limit the further development of smallscale food processing in developing countries. Starting and developing a small business in a developing country is no easy task.

Entrepreneurs face many challenges, especially with the uncertainty that exists over access to finance, advice and information, and reliable markets. Government must offer both technical assistance and business advice. It must also support and extend services as much as possible. Nothing will be overnight in terms of success, but we have to make a start.

Yours sincerely, Emile Wiltshire

The newwork week

Dear Editor, I did read the concerns of some people about the implications of the new labour laws now being enforced in Guyana. Here again, one person is making a very relevant comment about the Monday to Friday work week. I feel that quite implicit in this is the idea of the 40 hours per week ruling, and not so much a rigid Monday to Friday application, since Monday to Friday is not necessarily the mode of operation for many employers.

In Guyana, this idea of workers’ rights has never been championed. Government must be commended for tak-

ing the initiative to safeguard workers of all categories. Let us think about the police, soldiers, medical personnel and media workers, among others. If and when these workers spill over 40 hours, then is when the overtime ruling should really kick in. I know of many security guards who have to work just from Friday to Monday. Then as regards stores and sales people, it is not quite feasible that they work from eight or nine to five or six. These timings coincide with regular office workers. How then will these kinds of people shop?

As for the banks and in-

surance companies, they have to have weekends and late afternoon slots as well. They are dealing with the general public, and fitting in to their midafternoon cut offs is quite difficult. Such teething problems will surface, but this is not to say that we cannot continue this good initiative from the government.

A pertinent digression here speaks of the general attitude of many working people. Many times I have gone to places of business, and the starting hour is not being adhered to. I mean nine o’clock is nine o’ clock. If staff members show up at nine, how can they start at nine? So

a minor point for the fastidious is that of instructing employees what is really meant by nine or whatever is the official starting time. The members of the public must not and should not be waiting for nine o’ clock workers to start preparing at nine, but to start to attend to them at this hour. We have come a far way and we must continue the trend. I see a time when people will refer to Guyanese as not only being the most friendly, but the most professional.

Yours truly, Carmen Brazillio

As the Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament kicks off today, there was a rush at the main ticket seller on Middle Street at the former Del Casa building , two buildings east of Mario’s Pizza

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

Keeping watch over our doctors

Dear Editor, I see nothing backward in disciplining the two doctors who have now been suspended by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation following their involvement in two of the eight maternal deaths, recorded in the country so far this year. I commend the chief medical officer (CMO) for going this route.

According to the CMO, both doctors are currently undergoing further training during their suspension so that they can be better

prepared to deal with similar and new challenges on resumption of duty. This is where Guyana has to be strong. I mean if we have the facilities and if we have the expertise, then negligence must not be tolerated.

Doctors have taken vows to effect proper care and, if they will get bored or lazy, then it is better they take a rest and come back. They cannot afford to get impatient too. That is like telling teachers that they must not worry about slow learners.

What must be in our

minds too is that their choice to become doctors was personal and a lot was invested in them. They deserve their rewards too. That is why they must be watched and safeguarded, and when they err in a silly manner, they must be pulled in and corrected.

So we have work to do, and it is good that this disciplining took place. The message will be loud and clear to all within the medical fraternity.

Yours truly, Fazilla Ally

Errant contractors have been getting off for too long

Dear Editor, I just hope that this is not all talk. I am actually thinking that some drastic measures should now be taken. The Region Six administration is set to adopt a no-nonsense approach to contractors, who do not measure up to their obligations. I think that this kind of approach should be very broad-based.

On the whole, contractors’ obligations and liability, when work is contracted out, require that they completely fulfil their various obligations. In the event the work cannot be completed to the required standard and within a given time frame, then serious actions must be taken. While the administration is waiting and contrac-

tors are not delivering, people are suffering immensely. The onus is on those who have made the commitment to deliver.

The Region Six chairman has the full backing of the government. It is time for everyone to act.

Yours faithfully, Robert Prescott

Outreach programmes make for good tourism

Dear Editor, Overseas groups coming to Guyana and doing volunteer work must be commended. The present group, “Partners in Christ”, is now on an outreach across the three counties of the country. I see this as a boost to tourism. Nobody is luring these people. This particular group, 49 people in all, will now see Guyana for themselves and their extended stay and extensive visit will allow for a fair assessment of the country. Sometimes all that it takes to boost tourism is a good community or church member, who can accommodate a small group of people. In Guyana there are many such persons.

The group is thinking about making this into an annual outreach programme, and not just in Guyana, but across the world. What we have to do is

maybe next time incorporate the group’s activities into some areas of urgent need.

Yours sincerely,

Priyanka Beharry

Squash team does Guyana proud

Dear Editor, This piece of good news from the squash team is very much needed. I am really rejoicing because Guyana made a clean sweep of the team titles, championing their ninth straight Caribbean team title.

We all like successes, even if and when we perceive nonsense in any form with our sports, the players or the officials. I think that many times, we get carried away too, thinking that we know more than the players and officials.

All in all, we can celebrate with the squash players. An added joy was the fact that the girls’ team also took their eight straight team title.

Yours sincerely, Anna Barnwell

We have missed many cricketing notables

Dear Editor, I just wish our cricketing enthusiasts can make sure that what they know about our cricketers is kept for posterity. We have lost a lot of history.

I do not know where I can go to read up on things like the Jones Cup, Case Cup, Bristol Cup and Benson and Hedges. These were all great tournaments and they

used to get quite a following. I may be getting a bit nostalgic, but I wish that those who know can all get together and reconstruct out cricketing history.

I wonder if a person like Shan Razack can help in getting us some of the early harbinger performances of players like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Alvin Kallicharran, Clive

We must never lose our history. I was fortunate to speak to the nephew of

recently, but it seems as though we may never see him again in

Yours truly, Travis Simon

Bringing better health to the children

Dear Editor, Irrespective of medical factors, childhood and play are inseparably linked. Children learn via playing, and at that tender age, this is the way their muscles develop. So affording children space and equipment should always be on our minds. I think of the Botanical

Gardens and the National Park and I am wondering why there are not more and better things for the children to go and enjoy themselves on. It does not call for much.

I have gone to people’s backyards and what I saw was quite revealing. Swings were made from old car tyres. I even spotted a seesaw made out of an old car axle. It was a joy to watch two children go at it. We can all take this kind of lead and help make life happier and healthier for Guyana’s children.

Respectfully, Bert Garnett

Lloyd, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredericks, Joe Solomon and Rohan Kanhai, among others.

Rohan Kanhai

Guyana.

Page Foundation

How to build self-esteem in children and teens

BY JANET LEHMAN

Something I’ve learned as a therapist and a mom is that you cannot “fix” your child’s self-esteem as a parent – though many of us make ourselves crazy trying to do just that. It’s hard to see our children acting out and giving up because of insecurities, so we wrack our brains trying to find ways to motivate them and make them feel better. Unfortunately, self-esteem just doesn’t work that way. Here’s the truth: Children can’t feel their way to better behaviour, but they can behave their way to better feelings eventually.

“Children can’t feel their way to better behaviour, but they can behave their way to better feelings eventually.”

What does this mean?

In my experience, children develop self-esteem by doing things that are difficult or challenging for them. To give you an example, when your child was young and learned to walk, you were probably proud of them and praised them for it. But now that they’re older, it’s no longer something you probably applaud them for. The point is, you want to compliment your child on things that are difficult for them to do. When your child solves a problem that’s challenging

and relevant to them now, it builds self-esteem.

In our culture today, it can sometimes seem like children get handed trophies and awards left and right for almost anything. But when children are rewarded for things that aren’t really difficult for them, it doesn’t affect their sense of self-worth because those artificial rewards don’t build genuine self-esteem. At best, your child will feel better for a few minutes. Of course, it’s important to give our children genuine encouragement as often as we can, as long as the praise is merited and isn’t for something they’ve been doing with ease for years, like tying their shoes. Think about it this way: if your boss told you “nice work” for printing something out on your computer or pounding in a nail, would you value that praise? If you’ve been an office worker or a carpenter for more than a few days, probably not!

You have to look at selfesteem through the framework of problem solving. Feeling good about yourself is a problem you have to solve; you solve it by learning how to do things better, not by talking about it and feeling better artificially or fleetingly. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with focus-

ing on helping your child express his or her feelings. Just know that it’s not going to help them with their problem-solving skill development, their mastery of difficult tasks, and won’t give them the means to produce self-esteem. In other words, if you make your child feel good, he will feel good for the moment, but if you show him what to do to feel good about himself, he can use those skills for the rest of his life.

Challenge the thinking that creates the self-esteem problem

If you want to challenge a child who’s having behavioural issues and self-esteem problems, you have to confront the thinking they use to justify inappropriate behaviour. So here’s what that would look like: Let’s say your child has an excuse for why she didn’t do what the boss asked at her part-time job. As a parent, you want her to respect authority and follow through on her responsibilities. You also want to let her know that giving an excuse is not going to help; you want to challenge that kind of faulty belief.

If you let it slide or allow her to do a poor job, she won’t learn anything about having a good work ethic or being responsible. On the other

hand, a teen who completed her tasks at work has every reason to feel good about herself. She’s on top of her responsibilities, and possibly gets rewarded for her efforts. The next day, she simply goes to work again. She may not understand how powerful her actions are, but in reality, she’s learning successful habits that breed self-esteem. The more your child learns how to be independent and do things independently, the higher her self-esteem is going to be, and the better she’s going to feel – she’s “behaved her way to better feelings.”

Promoting positive selfesteem: setting expectations

Children need parents to be consistent and solid –to be their rock and followthrough with expectations. Children feel safer when parents are clear and matter of fact. This objective lens can help you put your child’s negative emotions into perspective. When emotions get in the way of following through on responsibilities or expectations, it’s up to us as parents to focus on the behaviour at hand. Then when your child does what he needs to do, you can be encouraging, reinforcing the positive behaviour rather than the negative feelings and excuses that might have

gotten in the way.

We all love positive reinforcement – we like to hear that we’re doing a great job, and our children do too. Parents often get pulled into the emotionality of what’s going on with our children, especially when the child’s self-esteem is shaky. But if you have a child who doesn’t feel good about himself to begin with, focusing on positive behaviour – and making sure he is held accountable when he misbehaves – is even more important.

For example, your teen comes home from her sporting event and has just been cut from the “A” team and relegated to the “B” team. She’s so upset that she states she “Can’t clean her room and do her laundry.” You feel terrible for her, but know that having a messy room full of dirty clothes isn’t going to help her feel any better about the situation. Instead you gently remind her of her expectations, offer a little help getting started, leave her to the task and then let her know what a great job she’s done when the room is clean and the laundry is done. It’s not going to help her get back on the team, but it’s going to give her some positive accomplishment in an otherwise unhappy day.

Not focusing on feel-

ings can be difficult for parents, and can initially seem overwhelming, awkward, and like we’re being callous about our children’s emotions, as if we don’t care. But think of it this way: if you were to just focus on your child’s feelings all the time and not their behaviour, how would they learn to solve their problems in life? A change in behaviour can clear the air and keep everyone from wallowing in negative feelings.

Understand that you can listen to your child and hear what they have to say, but then you need to remind them of the behaviours you expect. They may feel awful about what their friend said about them today, but they still have to do their chores and not be rude or mean to their siblings. In other words, feeling bad doesn’t remove us from our responsibilities. After all, even if your car breaks down on the way to work, you have to deal with it, rearrange your work day, and get the car fixed and your work done. It feels bad, but you deal with it and move on.

Bad situations and real feelings

There are times when bad things happen to our children and their negative emotions are very real. An example of this is when a child falls out with a good friend. As a parent of course you’re going to feel your child’s sadness, and the situation can be painful for everyone. But this is also a time when it’s especially important to remember that it’s your job to help your child find some way to problem solve, learn new strategies, and employ those strategies.

When we feel sorry for our children, it’s more difficult to follow-through with consequences, but don’t let this become an excuse for them. Instead, think about the big picture – you want to keep your child’s life as consistent as possible, and help them look outside their problems and keep moving in a positive direction. Over-empathising and letting them off the hook whenever they’re sad, angry or upset won’t accomplish this; in fact, in can often have the opposite effect.

Here’s a parenting truth: Sometimes our children just need to feel bad, and we need to let them feel that way without trying to “fix it.” Having a hard day doesn’t stop the world or give your child the right to treat others badly. They still need to be held accountable for their behaviour, but in the long run, this is going to help their self-esteem building. The end result is that your child will learn appropriate ways of acting when life is difficult. (empoweringparents.com)

Jagdeo nominated to PPP Central Executive

ormer President

FBharrat Jagdeo is one of the candidates nominated to sit on the People's Progress Party/ (PPP) Central Committee.

Jagdeo’s name is on a list of nominees, recommended by various groups, to be elected as a member of the Central Committee.

National Congress Committee Chairman and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the former president will have to indicate like the other nominees whether he accepts the nomination.

“The former president as a member of the party is entitled by virtue to attend the congress… his name is on a list of nomination by a group, so he has been nominated to be elected to Central Committee,” Rohee said.

In his final term as president, President Jagdeo became a global advocate for international action to avert the worst extremes of climate change.

Jagdeo has been conferred with honorary doctorates by the Peoples’

Politicians wary of...

From page 3

According to the IPI, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was more explicit in his criticism of the media, asserting that the Guyanese independent press engages in “premeditated distortion” that “maximises the social problems in our society”. The prime minister presented the IPI delegation with photocopies of an article from that day’s issue of a leading newspaper whose headline he claimed contained a false statement about him and did not match exactly the article’s content. Visibly angry, he implied that the original headline may have been changed in the editorial process to suit a particular political bias.

Criminal defamation

When IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie first expressed the IPI’s opinion about criminal defamation, the prime minister commented, “Jail would be a good place for a lot of publishers and editors to be”.

However, the prime minister later appeared more open to the idea of repealing criminal defamation, with the understanding that the media could still be held liable in civil suits. Bethel McKenzie told the prime minister that she understood that there were widespread frustrations and concerns about perceived media irresponsibility in Guyana.

But, she argued, “having a vibrant media is part of a democracy – what is our alternative?” The IPI also met with Gail Teixeira, adviser on governance to President Donald Ramotar. Teixeira informed the IPI that while she could not make any specific promises, the government was “not opposed to changing it [criminal libel law]”. Like other political figures, Teixeira welcomed the IPI’s commitment to providing journalist training in Guyana, stating, “We don’t want everyone to love the government, we just want fair and accurate reporting.”

“While we would have liked a more concrete commitment from the Guyanese government on the repeal of criminal defamation and though we anticipate that the process of repeal will take some time, I am satisfied that

Friendship University, Russia; TERI University, India; the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom; and Trent University, Canada.

Meanwhile, Rohee said the party’s 30th congress is set for this weekend and the list of activities planned for the event is being finalised, so too the report of the Central Committee.

The Central Committee will be looking at amendments to the party’s constitution and strategic directions by which the party will be headed for the next three years.

“Next week, we will know the new leadership of the party for over the next three years, preparations are almost completed and the final touches are being added to the reports which will be the primary document discussed at the congress,” he said.

The party, he said has already begun to put facilities in place to accommodate members from far flung areas who are heading to Berbice for the big weekend.

“This is the largest with delegates and observers from around the country,” he added. Rohee said the party will be paying homage to long-standing individuals who would have been members of the party for 25 and more years. He said the Credential Committee, which is a critical component in the preparation of the congress is finalising a list of nominees for the congress.

The first meeting of the Central Committee following congress will elect the 15 members of the executive of the party.

“Groups have begun sending amendments to consti-

tution and resolution dealing with issues of interest in their respective communities and we are preparing a programme to stimulate discussions and we will be having six workshops,” he said.

Rohee said various groups of the party have begun sending amendments to the party’s constitution and resolution dealing with issues of interest in their respective committee.

The congress will be held under the theme, “Strengthen the party, build unity; advance democracy”.

Rohee, in response to questions asked by the media, said the PPP/C is certain of winning the next general election.

He said, as a long-standing member of the party, he senses the adrenaline in the party to once again rule in dignity. He believes that the

Teen dies mysteriously after collapsing

party could reclaim the majority in Parliament if elections are called at anytime.

“I am confident that the party under any condition with any issue, we always, according to the song, ready for the road,” Rohee said. However, he said this can only be accomplished through hard political work. “It could be accomplished. It can be accomplished, it will be accomplished, but hard work is required,” he maintained.

the country’s top officials generally agreed with our position,” said Bethel McKenzie.

The IPI also presented the Guyanese government with a comprehensive study of the country’s criminal libel law, prepared by Dr Anthony Fargo, director of the Centre for International Media Law and Policy Studies at Indiana University, USA. The study provided details on how the law could be reformed to meet international standards. The IPI said the Guyanese opposition was notably more supportive of repealing criminal libel. “Count my entire party in,” Khemraj Ramjattan, leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) told the delegation. “You have my instant support.” However, although broadly sympathetic to the IPI’s view, Brigadier Granger, the institute said expressed scepticism that media self-regulation would be sufficient to protect reputations.

Training

In the area of training and media standards, the IPI observed that good journalism is good business. It said this is also the message the IPI sought to impart on Guyanese publishers and editors, many of whom have been criticised for failing to prioritise training – and not just by politicians.

During an editors’ roundtable in Georgetown, one editor commented, “I am not seeing a commitment to training from some of the editors and publishers right here in this room.” As part of its visit to Guyana, the IPI held a seminar on investigative journalism for a group of 15 reporters from various media houses, including state media. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) graciously allowed the IPI use of its local space for the workshop, which was led by Bethel McKenzie.

While the IPI’s training was well attended, journalists’ workshops led by other actors in Guyana are often not. The IPI urged editors to give their reporters the opportunity to attend any relevant training, which in the long run will serve to increase the quality and reputation of their papers.

Afourth form student of Bush Lot Secondary School collapsed and died mysteriously in the wee hours of Monday morning after complaining of feeling dizzy at his aunt’s home at Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice.

Kezie Campbell, 14, of Lot 681, Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington Hospital about 01:00h. An autopsy report will be the only thing that can determine the cause of death of the teenager.

According to information received, on Sunday about 21:00h, the teenager was in the company of his cousin at a wake house at Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice, where they stayed until after mid- night and soon after, the boys left for home during heavy down pour.

Campbell went to his aunt’s home at Lot 301, Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice, where he washed his face with water from a barrel in the yard soon after which he informed her that he was feeling dizzy. This prompted the woman to take him into the house, but within minutes, he collapsed and became unconscious.

His relatives quickly took him to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor, who pronounced him dead on arrival. The body was checked for marks of violence, but none were found. Keyana Campbell, the teenager’s mother explained that on Sunday, her son went to her place of employment where he ate, and drank a glass of water, and left for home. She said in the evening, they went to a wake in the village, but after spending a while, she left the wake house and stood in front of the Play Boy Disco with some friends.

She was later joined by her son who seemed to be in a happy mood and asked her if she wanted him to waltz for her

to see. “He has been practising a while and he just wanted to show me that he can waltz,” she cried.

After he finished waltzing, he left and went into the disco, but returned after about five minutes. The aggrieved mother stated that he and his cousin left and went to her mother’s home in the said village where he washed his face with some water from a barrel in the yard.

Shortly after, she heard screams and knew that something was amiss, prompting her to rush to the house only to see her son on his back.

“We shake he… we tried to

soak he face but he didn’t respond… run back to the disco and get a car and took him to the hospital, but by the time we reach, he died,” the mother said.

The teen, who would have been celebrating his 15th birthday in October, never complained of feeling unwell apart from having slight headaches at times. The distraught mother stated that he was a healthy child and never visited the hospital since he was born.

The teen leaves to mourn his parents and one sibling. His body is at Anthony’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Dead teenager: Kezie Campbell

Lusignan Massacre suspects

declare innocence

– closing arguments set for today

By Vahnu Manikchand

The two men accused of being part of the large gang that killed 11 people in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara in 2008 on Monday declared their innocence before a judge and jury, disputing witnesses’ testimony and in some cases, denying ever knowing them.

Mark “Smallie” Williams and James “Sally” Hyles led their defence on Monday. Williams and Hyles are indicted jointly with the murder of 11 persons, including five children, who were brutally killed in the wee hours of January 26, 2008. The trial against the two accused commenced two weeks ago after a 12- member jury panel was selected before Justice Navindra Singh.

The lead prosecutor, senior state counsel Judith Mursalin, called 15 witnesses to the stand including survivors of the massacre, investigating officers, and former accused and alleged lookout of the murderous gang, Dwayne Williams.

Dwayne Williams had testified that both accused

were among gunmen who invaded Track A, Lusignan and carried out the rampage, shooting at several houses and killing most, if not, all of their occupants. The prosecution closed its case on last Friday.

Mark Williams elected to lead his defence by giving a lengthy unsworn statement in which he said “I am innocent of this crime”.

He said on June 15, 2008, Father’s Day, he was at his cousin’s house in Cummings Lodge, when the police came around 10:30h and informed him that he is needed at the station in connection with a murder. The accused said he told the officer: “I don’t know ‘bout any murder, you got the wrong man.”

Disavowal

The man continued that he was then taken to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, where he was placed on a bench on the second floor with one hand cuffed to it. He said at around 05:30h, Assistant Superintendent of Police Trevor Reid told Sergeant Suraj Singh to take him to his (Reid’s) of-

fice, where there was a post to which he was handcuffed. The accused alleged that Corporal Rodwell Sarabo, Officer Narine, and two other officers were also there in the office where he was beaten. “Mr Singh and Mr Narine were beating me in my belly, cuffing me and they were asking me about “Fineman”. Where was “Fineman”? Who do the killing in Lusignan? I telling them I don’t know about “Fineman”, I don’t know who did the killing in Lusignan,” he claimed.

Williams recounted he was in custody from June 15 to 19 and during those days, he was allegedly severely tortured by the officers. He stated that one day, while on the way to Reid’s office, he saw his attorney, Roger Yearwood, and told him, “Counsel, they beating me, they shocked me and asking me about things I don’t know.” He said he was given something to sign and told that he will have to sign it in order for the beating to stop.

According to the accused, the morning after, which was Tuesday, the beatings persisted as the officers kept

pressing him for information about “Fineman” and the Lusignan Massacre. He said on the fourth day, his fingerprints were taken and after some time, he was taken to Grove on the East Bank, where they met a doctor. He claimed that Singh tapped him in his head and said: “Doctor, this is one ah “Fineman” boy dem”. The accused said the two officers and the doctor went off to the side talking and then the doctor wrote on a paper before handing it over to Singh.

Final arguments

Defence counsel Yearwood then called his first witness, Corporal Sarabo, to the stand. The attorney asked a few questions about when the corporal first saw the accused and how many times he saw him. Sarabo said that he first saw Williams on June 15, 2008, but cannot recall what time and he last saw him about 20:45h on that day as he was leaving work. However, under cross-examination by State Counsel Mursalin, he was asked about the allegations made by the accused and denied all of it. Attorney Yearwood then closed his case, stating that his second witness, the accused’s grandmother and alibi, took ill and could not make it to court.

Meanwhile, Hyles, in leading his defence, also opted to give an unsworn statement and like his co-accused, he was lengthy.

He said: “I am innocent in this crime”, adding that on the night of the incident, he was at home with his aunt, grandmother, sisters and a cousin watching 20/20 cricket. The accused stated that after cricket, he watched two movies and then sometime after 02:00h, he was flipping through the channels and saw that 11 persons were killed.

“Me wake up my aunt and I told she watch wah going on hay on de TV. She turned and say de person them that do this ain’t get no heart. Then she turn and tell me don’t left this house in the morning cause you know when anything go on, de police them gon come in hay,” he noted. After Hyles’ statement, his attorney, Nigel Hughes, informed the court that he has one witness to call; however, he will do so today. Following the defence’s case, the final arguments are expected to be made by the prosecution and both defence attorneys. Then on Wednesday, the trial judge is expected to sum up the evidence for the jury. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

Eyew tness Selective strokes...

...on electricity

We’ve all heard the old saw about “different strokes for different folks”. We know – even though we might protest otherwise – we all have favourites and we give them the favoured treatment. And, of course, for those not on our good books, well – the devil takes the hindmost! But why talk about this in the abstract? It’s playing out right before our eyes.

We just heard the opposition will “mull over” whether they’ll return the $5 billion subsidy they chopped from the electricity budget earlier his year. This led to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) demanding a 26.7 per cent hike in the national tariff rate – which is already the highest in the region at U.S. 30 cents per kWh. Imagine this burden thrown onto the backs of long-suffering citizens already plagued with blackouts!

Well, it’s lucky for us President Donald Ramotar couldn’t imagine that doomsday scenario: he placed a hold on it. But without the return of the subsidy – totally in the hands of the opposition with their one-seat majority – this is only postponing the inevitable. And here’s the opposition only prepared to “mull” it over!

But exactly what are they “mulling over”? Well, they say they need to scrutinise the figures from GPL a bit closer. Nothing wrong with that. If you’re taking money from the taxpayers’ pockets, you ought to darn well justify it. But our question is this – and it brings up the question of “different strokes” – why weren’t the same criteria applied to the subsidy for the folks in Linden and Kwakwani?

Here you have 10,363 electricity customers benefiting from a subsidy of $2.9 billion and required to pay only U.S. three cents per kilowatt hour – 10 times less the rate for the rest of the country!! This translates to a benefit of $279,801 per electricity customer annually or $23,317 per month for the area. The justification was that the people of Linden couldn’t afford the same tariffs as the rest of the country. Now shouldn’t the opposition have demanded some scrutiny of figures to back up this claim? Our last national study on income and expenditure didn’t support it. In fact from the evidence presented in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) looking into the opposition-led protests and violence against the suggestion of the tariff equalisation, the Region 10 folks appeared to be doing better than the rest of the country.

So, as the opposition mull over the figures that are being presented to them by GPL – we hope they remember that voters in the rest of the country are mulling over their “selective strokes” against them.

...against Tain Campus

When people rail against the tendency of politicians to throw their weight around, they should remember the trait isn’t confined to that species. It raises its ugly head almost every time anyone gets a bit of power over others. Take the ugly story coming out of the University of Guyana (UG) Berbice Campus, where the director, Professor Daizal R Samad was forced – because of the abuse of power from on high – to resign.

From the moment the fellow appeared on the scene back in 2008, he was a breath of fresh air with his enthusiasm for improving the institution in his charge. A flurry of activities was launched that ranged from securing computers for the campus to reaching out to the community.

This can-do attitude obviously teed off the comatose mandarins at the main campus at Turkeyen and pressure of all sorts was applied. Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi is accused by the director of being even more capricious and biased against the Tain Campus. We believe that the only solution is to make the Tain Campus independent.

...against City Hall

The U.S. embassy has taken on the task of straightening out the logjam of Parliament. That’s easy compared to the Aegean Stables at City Hall. Why don’t they take a stab at straightening out Mayor Hamilton Green? That’ll show us if they have what it takes!

tuesday, July 30, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mahipaul sacked by UGSS

– says still awaiting UGSS suspension letter

BY DANIELLE CAMPBELL-LOWE

Avote of no-confidence has been passed against embattled University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) President Ganesh Mahipaul, suspending him from performing duties and issuing an ultimatum by which to respond.

Mahipaul was informed of the decision of the UGSS Executive Council through an electronic dispatch signed by UGSS Secretary Adel Lily and sent to Mahipaul’s Lima, Essequibo Coast address. He told Guyana Times on Monday that although he had received the letter via email, he was still awaiting the original copy.

Mahipaul said he was informed the letter had been sent through the Guyana Post Office (GPO) but he was not yet in receipt of it. According to Mahipaul, while he would be willing to respond, it would be more appropriate to do so after he would have been sent the hard copy.

The UGSS Executive Council met on June 22 and found Mahipaul was in gross misconduct as a member of the student society and had misappropriating the society’s funds while serving as president.

The council explained

that the decision was based on Mahipaul’s admission of his conversion of the society’s funds for his personal expenses without the necessary approval from the quorum of the Executive Council constituting a breach of the constitution.

“In accordance with the constitutional provision of Article 20, the Executive Council has passed a resolution through a unanimous vote of no-confidence against you,” the council wrote.

Mahipaul has since been debarred from performing further duties as UGSS president due to his suspension from the remaining part of the second semester of the academic year 2012/2013.

Based on the council’s decision, Mahipaul has been given seven days within receipt of the notice to return to the UGSS

office or internal auditor a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and computer monitor which were taken for repair.

The council also said that should Mahipaul have any intentions of contesting the resolution, he has the right within 21 days of the notice of the council’s decision to appeal to a general meeting or to the vice chancellor, or any such person acting in his capacity or on his behalf.

The UGSS thanked Mahipaul for the service given to the organisation and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.

The council comprises the vice chancellor, registrar, assistant registrar and internal auditor while Marisha Bowen is acting as UGSS president.

During April, Mahipaul was accused of embezzling $800,000 of the student body’s funds and admitted only to borrowing the money to offset personal expenses.

Mahipaul explained that contrary to reports of misappropriation of the society’s fund; the $800,000 was borrowed under the correct procedure as stipulated under the constitution governing the society.

Mahipaul stated that as stipulated by the UGSS constitution, he went ahead and borrowed the money from the

society, noting that several executive members were aware of the loan.

The constitution, he said, speaks to the possibility of borrowing funds, but does not detail the procedures that should and should not be followed when doing so.

Mahipaul believes the incident, although degrading to him, gives the body an opportunity to ensure proper financial regulations are put in place and enforced.

Early in June, the UGSS president made good on a promise to repay the loan he took from the student body after depositing the money into the Republic Bank account.

He had been given until May 31 by the student body to repay the money or face likely action.

However, Mahipaul still maintains that the loan was legitimately taken under the UGSS constitution. Because of this, he noted that he could have fought for his right to receive it, contrary to the views of other executives. However, he preferred to “let sleeping dogs lie”.

He conjectured that it was due to the fact that he failed to receive the full support of the Executive Committee that such a move was made to demand repayment.

More power to dams

Large infrastructure projects have a bad rap. Many deservedly so. But new evidence is emerging that large-scale dam projects in China are improving, and large-scale infrastructure investments in Brazil had large positive effects on development. This is according to a document on the Inter-American Development Bank website.

Dam projects have been controversial for the benefits on power generation, flood control and irrigation, and damages from environmental and social impacts of inundation and hydrological change. The benefits and damages are distributed geographically unevenly among different regions, depending on the location along a river. According to the author, Francisco Mejía, a principal evaluation economist at the IDB Strategic Planning Department, questions like, Are the negative impacts caused by dam projects mitigated by the market and governmental mechanisms? Are the dam projects improving? provide answers for policymakers.

The answer is yes for China where more than half of the dams in the world are located.

So if, as in China, dams made some counties better off without making any other worse off; in Brazil, the huge infrastructure push in dams resulted in large development gains for the country as a whole.

“Traditional cost-benefit analyses of the impact of electricity provision vary widely, but the internal economic rate of return tends to be around five to 15 per cent, with a few estimates around 100 per cent. Our calculations suggest that the rate of return on electricity investments in Brazil was much higher –18.4 per cent above the 10-12 per cent return guaranteed to electricity companies through the electricity tariffs. That is 18.4 per cent.”

Ganesh Mahipaul

Govt says no comparison between Pakistani and Guyanese hydro projects

The government on Monday rubbished an article by the Kaieteur News where opposition members sought to compare a hydro project built in Pakistan with the one being proposed at Amaila Falls.

In the article published by Kaieteur News on Sunday, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Harmon and Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan presented a Pakistani hydro project as comparable to Amaila.

Government in a statement said in reality, the Pakistani project, called the Patrind Hydropower Project, could not be more different than Amaila. “The result is yet another example of the opposition trying to use apples-to-oranges comparisons to purposely mislead the Guyanese people.”

Simple facts

Here are the simple facts, which had the opposition members bothered to research might have steered them away from making such a blatantly incorrect comparison.

Government said the cost of a transmission line is not included in the Pakistan project cost. For Amaila, this cost is approximately US$155 million; the cost of an access road is not included in the Pakistan project cost, but this is estimated at approximately US$30 million for Amaila.

Further, government said that the Pakistan project’s cost is actually estimated at US$436 million and not US$362 million as presented by the opposition members, noting that this is based on an United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) project design document dated December 17, 2012.

“The capital cost required for the Patrind Hydropower Project is currently estimated at US$436 million or approximately US$2.9 million per MW installed capacity.”

The UNFCCC’s Secretariat has conducted thorough re-

search on the project as part of registering the project under one of its clean energy development mechanisms.

Besides, government said the Pakistan’s project is “low tech” when compared to Amaila. “The Pakistani project uses simpler technology called run-of-river because of its natural conditions. A run-of-river hydro project is cheaper to construct than a normal hydro because it does not require the significant civil-engineering works such as the construction of an underground tunnel, which is a sizable portion of construction cost.

No tunnel

Amaila will have a three kilometre underground tunnel from the reservoir to the turbines, whereas the physical conditions of the Pakistan project does not require such a tunnel. The cost of constructing the Amaila power tunnel and headract tunnel is approximately US$85 million.”

In addition, government said because the Pakistan project is a run-of-river project, it has small reservoir – 56 hectares as against Amaila’s reservoir of 2330 hectares – that clearly shows the complete difference in hydro-dam type of the two projects and why they should not be compared.

“We will not try to estimate the increased cost for clearing the larger reservoir, although this is obviously a factor for the cost comparison.”

Additionally, government said the Pakistan project benefits from concessional financing. According to the aforementioned UNFCC project design document, “the fact that the financing for such huge projects in Pakistan is difficult is evident as the multilateral banks (MLBs) are willing to consider the financing for the project below a competitive margin of 4.75 per cent... If same project would have to be financed based on local sponsors and no Certified Emission Reduction revenue, the MLBs would not

Guyanese catch LCPL T20 cricket fever

– tickets for all matches going fast

have agreed on such terms given the risk profile of the country and local sponsors.”

Regarding longevity, government said the power generating equipment of the Pakistan projected is expected to last for 30 years.

“Amaila’s equipment on the other hand is expected to last 50 years, and if well maintained with proper major maintenance overhauls, 75 to 100 years. Obviously, longer lasting equipment will command a premium.”

According to the government, aside from taking into consideration the facts specific to the two projects, the opposition members failed to, purposefully or not, reveal to their audience the large difference in the settings in which these two projects are being developed.

Extensive experience

Pakistan currently has 21 hydropower plants that are providing energy to its national grid. As a result, Pakistan has extensive experience in building and operating hydros, giving that country certain advantages, such as in-country expertise, on-going relationships with hydro developers, etc.

In 2011, Pakistan had a total hydro installed capacity of 6720 MW.

Guyana, on the other hand, government said, is in the process of developing its first hydro. “This is the first time Guyana is able to tap its large water resource to deliver power to its citizens.

However, the opposition seems to be pulling out all stops to try to prevent this, even if it means distorting the facts and telling the public that they should continue to wait for hydropower by presenting false comparisons.

It is terribly ironic that the opposition is making a case for the Guyanese public to wait for hydro by presenting a misleading comparison to a hydro in Pakistan, a country which has had over 100 MW of installed hydro capacity since 1958. The public cannot fall for that,” the release said.

In less than 48 hours, Guyanese will be storming the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara for the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premiere League (LCPL) and tickets have been going like hot cakes.

The first match here is slated for Wednesday evening and will see the Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Steel. With such a highly anticipated clash, Guyanese from all walks of life have been flocking the various ticket locations to secure that precious piece of paper

Some had mixed reaction with respect to the mixture of the team, noting that there should have been an inclusion of a fast bowler, but were pleased with the batting lineup.

One Lusignan resident stated that it is the first time that international cricket of this nature is hosted in the Caribbean, pointing out that once it is fully supported; it will become bigger and more popular than the Indian Premiere League. Another stated that Guyanese are starving for the game and would come out in full sup-

a great opportunity to have Limacol known worldwide and wished NEW GPC INC Chairman Dr Ramroop all success in his endeavours. Meanwhile, tickets have been sold out at all Courts branches. Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings disclosed that tickets have been sold out since Saturday, and more were requested but on Monday morning, all were gone. Courts Guyana Inc is also one of the major sponsors in the LCPL and they are excited to be onboard. Cummings said the matches will be full of ex-

which will allow them entry into the games.

Guyana Times visited the various ticket locations and spoke with some cricket enthusiasts who expressed their excitement about the inaugural Caribbean Premier League. They believed that with the mixed team, the versatile Amazon Warriors is bound to reach the grand finals.

port. The fan contended that the LCPL will provide an opportunity for cricketers to boost their morale and selfconfidence. The fans also expressed their gratitude to the local franchise holder of LCPL Dr Bobby Ramroop, while reiterating that the business community should follow suit.

Ticket holders said it is

citement as there will be dancing girls and other attractive events. He also disclosed that one lucky Courts customer will win an all inclusive trip to view the finals on March 24. Those who have not purchased tickets are urged to visit the CPL office at Middle Street, Georgetown, two doors away from Mario’s Pizza.

One cricket enthusiast displayed his tickets on Monday

The long queue at the LCPL office to purchase tickets

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant

tuesday, July 30, 2013

Caricom to discuss new initiatives with international aid donors

Representatives from international development partners will meet here today for the Third Forum on Donor Coordination involving the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

A Caricom Secretariat statement said that the meeting presents the opportunity for engagement between the Caricom Secretariat, Caribbean institutions and internation-

al development partners on issues pertaining to regional integration and development.

“Specific issues slated for discussion include an overview of regional integration, outcomes of discussion at the recentlyconcluded 34th Caricom Summit, a regional perspective on the Post 2015 Global Development Agenda, and an overview of the reform process cur-

rently underway in the community.”

The statement said the meeting will discuss Caricom’s priorities for economic growth and development with particular focus on the recently launched Aid for Trade Strategy with emphasis on transportation, information and communication technology (ICT) energy, trade facilitation, and economic integration. (CMC)

Reporters warned against “envelope journalism”

The International Press Institute (IPI) has called on the local media corps to lift its standards, warning against persons demanding payments for covering press conferences and encouraging balanced and free-from-political-bias coverage of the news.

It also urged the setting up of a body where citizens can lodge complaints against errant media houses or reporters. These recommendations are contained in a report the IPI released on Monday following its visit here earlier this year.

The institute urged that the local media fraternity to focus on producing content that is balanced and free of political bias and to take care not to insert a political slant

during the editorial process. It admonished media owners also to invest in training to improve the quality of reporting and of investigative reporting in particular.

Regarding the lukewarm Guyana Press Association (GPA), the IPI said this body needs strengthening to really become a vessel for defending journalists’ rights and safeguarding ethical standards. The GPA has had issues of proper management over the years and its present executive has been in office for several years than it should have been.

The IPI also called for the consideration of the creation of a sustainable, self-regulatory body that can effectively handle citizen complaints regarding the media. The body

also urged state media entities to allow reporters to become members of the GPA and to take advantage of any training programmes offered by the GPA, or other organisations. It encouraged refrain from “envelope journalism”– the taking of payment for attending press conferences or other news gathering meetings.

Additionally, the IPI observed that though Guyana boasts a vibrant private press with the state media being a powerful force.

The state owns two broadcasting stations (the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA)) and one print medium (the Guyana Chronicle).

Buxton groups plan monthlong emancipation activities

The Buxton First of August Movement (BFAM) in collaboration with the Toucan MultiPurpose Club (TMC) will mark the 175th anniversary of the abolition of plantation slavery in Guyana with a series of events over the next month.

The theme for this year’s events is “Emancipation, Reconciliation and Equality”. In a release, the groups said while they celebrate the tremendous achievements of their ancestors who made emancipation possible, “we are conscious that emancipation is an ongoing process that must be constantly engaged. The psychological damage of enslavement cannot be undone by detachment and complacency.”

The BFAM and TMC said it will use this year’s events to encourage a spirit of unity, solidarity and reconciliation.

The programme of activities kicked off on July 17 with essay and art competitions for primary and secondary school students.

On July 31, there will be a libation ceremony by the Faith/Apostolic Religious

Community of Buxton at the Emancipation Monument from 17:00h to 19:00h. This will be followed by the Emancipation Festival to usher in Emancipation Day at the Buxton line top beginning at 20:00h.

The festival will feature cultural items including dances, poetry, skits, songs, calypsos, drumming, queh queh singing and Nancy Story. The performers include Henry Rodney, Buxtonian folklorist Brian Chester, Ras Michael Jeune, Lasell Duke, Deon Abrams, Ras Jerry Hope and Basil Bradshaw. The Buxton Fusion drummers and the Buxton Drama Group will be in attendance along with three of the calypsonians who competed in the finals of the 2013 Mashramani competition. There will also be addresses by village leaders such as Barbara ThomasHolder, Aneisha Moore, Morris Wilson, Randolph Blair and Yvonne Abrams and national leaders, including David Granger, Odinga Lumumba, Nigel Hughes, Eric Phillips and Dr David Hinds. On August 1,

Emancipation Day, there will be the customary feasting and party for the elders at the Market Square from 13:00h.

There will also be a Day of Sports at the Buxton line top from 21:00h; on August 2, there will be a “Kaiso Fest” at the Buxton Ball Ground featuring the national calypso finalists, including The Professor, Young Bill Rogers, Stella and Rebel; on August 8, a performing arts workshop at the Friendship Primary School from 14:00h to 18:00h; on August 14, a symposium “This confounded nonsense must stop: Eusi Kwayana’s life of struggle” at 18:00h at the Friendship Primary School; on August 16, an art workshop from 16:00h to 18:00h at the Friendship Primary School; on August 21, an economic and business workshop titled “Land, Money and Economic Empowerment: Towards a Rebirth of Cooperatives in Buxton” at 17:00h at the Friendship Primary School; and August 28, an education conversation “What to do about the declining education standards in Buxton?” at 17:00h at the Friendship Primary School.

Intra-regional trade worth billions

– integration seen as key driver

Intra-regional trade in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has been positive with significant growth in the early period of the integration movement and with the share of intra-regional to total trade increasing, on average, in the face of exogenous factors.

A release from the Caricom Secretariat said despite a dip in 2009, the increase in trade in 2011 was approximately 30 times the amount of US$ 1 million in 1973, showing that intra-regional trade has been propelled as a consequence of integration. Trinidad and Tobago has been the region’s dominant exporter.

The story of trade in the community was told on July 25 at the Caricom Secretariat when the Regional Statistics Programme, in collaboration with the Guyana Bureau of Statistics, held a seminar on the community’s trade performance. The seminar was one of the activities to mark International Year of Statistics, which is being commemorated during this year.

The expansion of intra-regional trade and trade with third states is one of the objectives of Caricom, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. The community recorded mixed fortunes in trade with upswings that were manifestations of effective regional policies and downturns that were generally reflective of external shocks and the state of the global economy.

Impact

Changes in the global environment that occurred during the past 40 years impacted on the performance of the integration movement, including in trade performance. Some of those changes included the removal of the preferential arrangements for the region’s sugar and bananas exports with the European Union (EU); the advent of the Organisation of Petroleum

Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its impact on the setting of the prices of oil and related minerals; the debt crisis of the 1980s and more recently, the global financial and economic crisis, and specifically, its impact in the EU and the U.S., two of the region’s largest trading partners.

Since 1973, trade among Caricom member states tallied 17.2 per cent of total exports. The U.S. has been the community’s most significant market for exports, accounting for 44.2 per cent of Caricom’s total exports. The U.S. is also the main source of Caricom’s imports, accounting on average for 40.5 per cent of the region’s total extra-regional imports from 1973 to now and for 37 per cent since the CSM. The region’s imports from the U.S. stood at US$0.4 billion in 1973, US$5.8 billion in 2006 and US$7.3 billion in 2011. Exports to the EU accounted for 15.1 per cent of total export, with the EU being the second major source of imports with 15.1 per cent.

Significant growth

At the seminar on Thursday, participants learnt that growth in trade was significant in the early years of the integration movement. Between 1973, when the community was birthed, to 1981, there as a significant increase of intra-regional exports which expanded at an average annual growth rate of 22.8 per cent. The proportion of intra-regional exports to total exports averaged nine per cent. The impact of the debt crisis of the 1980s was felt heavily in the region. The period 2002 to 2008 also saw phenomenal increase in intra-regional trade with an average annual rate of growth of 24.8 per cent.

Fundamentally, the region sought to deepen its integration process through the agreement to establish the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) as a mech-

anism for the small countries of the community to stimulate growth and development amid external and internal challenges.

With the establishment of the Caricom Single Market (CSM) in 2006, Caricom’s total exports expanded from US$17.8 billion in 2006 to US$18.8 billion in 2011, at an average growth rate of one per cent.

Financial and economic crises

That growth rate, however, declined in the wake of the most recent global economic and financial crises. Total imports also increased with the launch of the CSM, from US$18 billion in 2006 to US$ 24.3 billion in 2011, at an average annual growth rate of 6.2 per cent. The period 1973 to 2005 saw an annual average growth rate in imports of 7.9 per cent. Similarly, the effect of the global financial and economic crises was reflected in an average annual growth rate for imports from 2008 to 2009 of negative 25.9 per cent.

European Union Plenipotentiary Representative to Caricom, Robert Kopecký, representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Caricom Secretariat, and the Statistics Bureau of Guyana, as well as members of the media, participated in the interactive event that was led by Regional Statistics Project Director Dr Philomen Harrison and Nigel Lewis and Deoram Persaud of the Regional Statistics Programme. In the interactive segment, Kopecký, congratulated Caricom on its 40th anniversary and the strides the community had made, and pointed to the future of regional trade within the context of emerging global powers and different trading partners.

Murder accused found dead in Camp Street prison

Months after a murder accused was remanded to prison on a charge of slitting another man’s throat, he was on Sunday evening beaten to death and hanged in his cell at the Camp Street penitentiary.

The dead prisoner was identified as 26-year-old Brian Blunt formerly of Old England, Linden and Pomeroon River. Police in a release stated that a probe has been launched into the death of Blunt, who was found hanging in his cell in the Georgetown prison.

It is believed that the man might have been beaten severely after a confrontation in the facility. He was then reportedly dragged to his cell where he was hanged. The discovery was made by inmates early Monday morning when they got up to perform their daily chores.

Several inmates and prison officials were questioned

about the incident. When contacted, prison officials refused to comment, saying that Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee will be issuing an official statement on Blunt’s death. Attempts to make contact with the dead man’s relatives proved futile. His body was identified by a close friend and a post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday.

Blunt was remanded to

prison in February by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry for the murder of a physically-challenged man, Ernest Persaud between March 10 and 12, 2012. It was reported that on March 10, Blunt and Persaud were in a house when they had a heated argument on a sensitive issue. Blunt allegedly became upset, armed himself with a knife, slit Persaud’s throat, and threw him into the Demerara River. Persaud was fished out of the river a few days later. Blunt fled the scene and went to Pomeroon during which time his house there went up in flames. It was during that incident that police realised that Blunt was wanted for murder, so he was arrested and placed before the court. A preliminary inquiry into the matter was expected to commence shortly.

Dead prisoner, Brian Blunt

Caribbean people urged to eat venomous lionfish

In a region renowned for scuba diving and snorkelling, conservationists are urging Caribbean people to eat the red lionfish that has invaded Caribbean waters and threatens to devastate the marine ecosystem in the region.

Researchers say divers and fisherman appear to be the only players that can do anything to keep lionfish numbers down, adding that native predators, such as large groupers and sharks do not recognise lionfish as a prey, according to the Christian Science Monitor.

“In addition to further research, it seems that the only thing we can do to control lionfish at this point is to keep spearing them,” said

Pastor says gambling will not solve Jamaica’s woes

With lottery tickets now being sold on Sundays and reports that Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) last week gave patrons a chance to bet via simulcast at its Off-track Betting (OTB) parlours, pastor of the Webster Memorial United Church on Half-WayTree Road in St Andrew, Reverend Astor Carlyle has warned that the social destruction that follows gambling “cannot be fixed by the earnings from it”.

“I believe Jamaica has

backslidden, gambling cannot be the way, will we serve God or mammon (materialism)... a choice will have to be made,” Reverend Carlyle said on Sunday in delivering the sermon during the 50th anniversary church service for the government’s public relations arm, the Jamaica Information Service.

Church leaders have been chafing since February when Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips announced that effective Monday, April 1, several betting games

would be available during public holidays and on Sundays. He said that the venture, which is part of the new tax measures to increase revenue earnings for the country, will see lottery companies being asked to pay more gross-profit taxes. The measure is expected to yield J$1.5 billion.

But Carlyle said that the government had strayed from the moral ideals which have been the foundation of the country. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Pope Francis: Who am I to judge gay people?

Pope Francis has said gay people should not be marginalised but integrated into society.

Speaking to reporters on a flight back from Brazil, he reaffirmed the Roman Catholic Church’s position that homosexual acts were sinful, but homosexual orientation was not.

He was responding to questions about whether there was a “gay lobby” in the Vatican.

“If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?”

He also said he wanted a greater role for women in the church, but insisted they could not be priests.

The pope arrived back in Rome on Monday after a week-long tour of Brazil -his first trip abroad as pontiff -- which climaxed with a huge gathering on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach for a world Catholic youth festival.

Festival organisers estimated it attracted more than three million people.

His remarks on gay people are being seen as much

less judgemental than his predecessor’s position on the issue.

Pope Benedict XVI signed a document in 2005 that said men with deeprooted homosexual tendencies should not be priests. But Pope Francis said gay clergymen should be forgiven and their sins forgotten.

“The catechism of the Catholic Church explains this very well,” Pope Francis said in a wide-ranging 80-minute long interview with Vatican journalists.

(Excerpt from BBC)

No short, sharp response to economic challenges, says Barbados PM

The government will not adopt any short, sharp response to the challenges being faced by the Barbados economy, said Prime Minister Freundel Stuart on Friday as he addressed a special expanded meeting of the sub-committee of the social partnership, when the finance and economic affairs minister and officers from that min-

istry presented some of the options being considered to help the country reduce its deficit and increase revenue.

Stuart told the gathering: “I am not reckless. We will make the decisions we have to make, but within the context of proper consultation, taking into account the vulnerabilities of our households, the fragility of our businesses and of course the challenges faced

by the government, in terms of the need to provide certain basic amenities in the areas of health, education, sanitation, water, law and order, and so on, for the people of this country.”

The prime minister stressed that householders in Barbados were aware of what was happening in economies across the world.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Hackerott, the lead author on a 2013 study published in PLOS One, found native predators such as large groupers and sharks are not controlling lionfish populations to a discernible degree.

“I think that’s our best bet now. I’m not optimistic that natural resistance is going to be enough of an interdiction to control the population.”

Hackerott said the lionfish gobble up the small native fish that are an integral piece of the food chain and an important link in maintaining dazzling underwater seascapes. (Excerpt from Caribbaen360)

Dorian degenerates into a tropical wave

Tropical Storm Dorian degenerated into a tropical wave on Saturday and satellite-derived wind data indicated that Dorian no longer had a closed surface circulation.

On Sunday, data from an Air Force reconnaissance mission in the remnants of Dorian, located a couple hundred miles north of the Leeward Islands, indicated that the disturbance did not have a well-defined centre of circulation and consisted of a sharp surface trough. The system is producing winds to gale force well north of the Leeward Islands; however, the associated shower and thunderstorm activi-

ty weakened during Sunday afternoon.

According to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, environmental winds are expected to be only marginally conducive for regeneration during the next couple of days. This system has a medium chance -- 30 per cent -- of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves westward to west-northwestward at around 20 miles per hour, passing north of the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico through Monday and moving over the Turks and Caicos Islands and southern Bahamas on Tuesday. (Caribbean News Now)

Only two Caricom states ranked for encouraging female entrepreneurs

Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are the only Caribbean Community (Caricom) states ranked among 20 Latin America and Caribbean countries that provide the best environments for female entrepreneurs.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial VentureScope (WEVentureScope) index was released by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, and developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

In its debut edition, the WEVentureScope analyses the factors that promote or hinder the success of women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It is the first comprehensive and standardised assessment of the region’s enabling environment for women seeking to start and grow businesses.

According to the survey, Jamaica is ranked 12 while Trinidad and Tobago is placed at number 18.

The survey found that

Chile, Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay provide the best environments for female entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The WEVentureScope examines and scores 20 countries in the five areas that most affect women’s entrepreneurship: business operating risks, including macroeconomic risks, security, and corruption; the entre-

preneurial business environment, including costs and regulatory requirements associated with starting businesses; access to finance, including the availability and use of formal financial products by women; capacity and skills, including educational advancement by women; and availability of business skills training. (Excerpt from Caribbaen360)

Mexico navy admiral killed in ambush

Gunmen have killed one of Mexico’s highest ranking navy officials in the western state of Michoacan, where the military is trying to regain control of areas dominated by warring drug gangs.

Vice Adm Carlos Salazar was ambushed on an unpaved road near the town of Churintzio.

His car had been diverted from the main road by protesters believed to have been hired by the gunmen.

The attack comes days

after two police officers were killed in another ambush.

Adm Salazar was travelling on a motorway connecting Michoacan’s capital, Morelia, with the state of Jalisco, where he was serving as commander of a naval base in Puerto Vallarta.

The navy said Adm Salazar’s driver was forced to take the rural road when he found the road blocked by a group of men apparently protesting.

Gunmen then opened fire on the car, killing the admi-

ral and his bodyguard. The admiral’s wife and his driver were injured.

Despite the deployment of helicopters and hundreds of security officers to the area, so far no one has been detained in connection with the attack.

The Mexican navy has landed a number of wellpublicised successes against Mexico’s powerful drug cartels, including the arrest two weeks ago of leader of the Zetas drug cartel, Miguel Angel Trevino Morales. (Excerpt from BBC)

Serena Hackerott, a graduate student at the University of North Carolina.

Conservation groups have worked with local communities to teach them how to catch and prepare the fish without being pricked by the poisonous spines

Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago ranked 12th and 18th respectively among 20 countries providing the best environments for women starting businesses

High tension in Egypt amid fears of fresh crackdown

Tensions are running high in Egypt nearly a month after the July 3 ouster of Mohamed Morsi, the country’s first democratically elected president.

Anxiety is thick in Egypt amid government preparations to evict pro-Morsi demonstrators

Protesters demanding Morsi’s return to power are camped out in an east Cairo neighbourhood, saying they would not leave until Morsi is restored to power.

Meanwhile, those whose protests led to Morsi’s ouster – secularists and liberals – find themselves aligned, at least in part, with the military-backed government.

Protests in Cairo and

elsewhere have turned violent, with dozens killed Saturday in Cairo in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. And more violence is possible amid government warnings to proMorsi demonstrators to end their protests.

The country is not spiralling out of control, interim Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi said Monday in an interview to be aired on CNN’s “Amanpour”.

“The situation is tense of course,” he said. “No one can dispute that we have a very difficult situation.” But the government is merely trying to restore order after a month of chaotic demonstrations, he said. (Excerpt from CNN)

Kerry seeks reasonable compromises in Middle East talks

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Monday for Israel and the Palestinians to make reasonable compromises for peace as he prepared to preside over their first direct negotiations in nearly three years.

“It is no secret this is a difficult process. If it were easy, it would have happened a long time ago,” Kerry said with his newly named envoy for IsraeliPalestinian peace, former U.S. ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk, at his side.

“It is no secret, therefore, that many difficult choices lie ahead for the negotiators and for the leaders as we seek reasonable compromises on tough, complicated, emotional and symbolic issues,” Kerry told reporters.

In a sign of the challenges, the parties differed in public about the agenda for the talks, with an Israeli official saying all issues would be discussed simultaneously and a Palestinian official saying they would start with borders and security. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Wave of deadly car bombs strikes cities across Iraq

Car bombs ripped through busy streets and markets in Iraq on Monday, killing at least 60 people in predominantly Shiite areas in some of the deadliest violence since Sunni insurgents stepped up attacks this year.

The 17 blasts, which appeared to be coordinated, were concentrated on towns and cities in Iraq’s mainly

Shiite south, and districts of the capital where Shiites live.

Militant groups including al Qaeda have increased attacks in recent months in an insurgency against the Shiite-led government as a civil war in neighbouring Syria heightens sectarian tensions.

The violence has raised fears of a return to fullblown inter-communal con-

Mass for Spanish train crash dead

AMass has been held in north-western Spain for the 79 people who died in a train crash.

The service was held in the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, a Catholic pilgrimage site where the train derailed last week.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who comes from the city, and members of the royal family attended.

Train driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo, who faces charges of reckless homicide, was released from custody on Sunday.

Santiago officials had been preparing for the religious feast of St James of Compostela – Spain’s patron saint – but cancelled it after the crash on Wednesday.

The train crash driver, ar-

riving at court, “said he wanted to die” after the crash, a witness tells the BBC. At the city’s cathedral gates, pilgrims left flowers and candles to commemorate victims of the crash.

Officials say 70 people remain in hospital, 22 of them in a critical condition.

Garzon, 52, arrived at court in handcuffs on Sunday, his head scarred by an injury he suffered in the crash. He was questioned behind closed doors for almost two hours by Judge Luis Alaez.

Later, a court statement said he had been released pending further investigations but must appear before a court once a week and was not allowed to leave Spain without permission. (Excerpt from BBC News)

flict in a country where ethnic Kurds, majority Shiites and Sunni Muslims have yet to find a stable way of sharing power.

In Baghdad’s Shiite stronghold of Sadr city, police and witnesses said a minivan drove up to a group of men waiting by the side of the road for day work, and the driver told them to get in before detonating an ex-

plosive device in the vehicle.

“The driver asked labourers to get into the van, then he disappeared and minutes later the truck exploded, flinging the labourers’ bodies back,” said Yahya Ali, a worker who was standing nearby. “Somebody tell me please why poor labourers are targeted? They want only to take food to their families!” (Excerpt from France24)

FBI crackdown nabs pimps, rescues children

They are mostly teenage girls, often from broken homes where no one misses them. Their world is one of drugs and abuse – emotional and physical – in which they are forced to sell their bodies.

In announcing the FBI’s latest crackdown on child prostitution, officials Monday described a dark underside of society that has grown through Internet sites that provide pimps easy access to johns in hotels and motels, at truck stops, at race tracks and just about anywhere else.

The nationwide operation over the weekend resulted in 150 arrests, with 105 children between the ages of 13 and 17 rescued, according to Ron Hosko, as-

Syrian army retakes key Homs district

Syrian government forces have fully captured a district that was a key rebel stronghold in the central city of Homs, state media report.

The Sana news agency said the military had “restored security and stability to the neighbourhood of Khalidiya”.

Activists reported clashes in Khalidiya on Monday morning, but said most of the area was under army control.

The announcement comes a month after troops launched an offensive to oust rebels from Syria’s third largest city.

Homs has been one of the focuses of a two-year nationwide uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, in which the UN said more than 100,000 people have died.

Correspondents say the capture of Khalidiya would add further impetus to the counter-offensive by government troops and their allies, which saw the nearby town of Qusair fall in June.

On Monday, an unnamed army officer told Syrian state television: “Today, we can report having complete control of the area of Khalidiya.”

“That was a victory of all our fighters and the whole Syrian Army and especially our dear leader, Bashar alAssad. And God willing, we will get rid of the terrorists in the entire country and the future will be free of killings and under the control of the army.”

However, UK-based activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights cast doubt on the claim. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Stolen Cannes jewels worth close to US$136M, official says

sistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.

Overall, the three-day undercover Operation Cross Country took place in 76 cities and involved 230 law enforcement units, Hosko told a news conference.

It was the largest such sweep to date, he said, with 28 searches and 129 seizures of cash, drugs, vehicles and firearms. Those arrested face a variety of federal and state charges, including pimping.

This seventh iteration of Operation Cross Country also was the most successful, with a 30 per cent to 40 per cent increase in “identifying both victims and pimps” compared with previous operations, Hosko said. (Excerpt from CNN)

The value of jewels stolen from an exhibition in the French resort city of Cannes on Sunday is close to US$136 million – more than twice the amount stated in earlier reports – the Nice prosecutor’s office told CNN Monday.

The robbery – the third such heist around the city since May – happened Sunday morning at a jewellery exhibition at the Carlton Hotel, according to Philippe Vique, deputy prosecutor for organised crime in the prosecutor’s office.

Earlier, a Nice police of-

ficial told CNN on condition of anonymity that the jewels were worth about US$53 million. The robber, whose face was covered by a hat and a scarf, had a semiautomatic pistol and threatened to shoot the exhibitors and guests, Vique said. Security guards were present but unarmed, he said. No one was injured. The gems were supposed to have been on display until the end of August. The robbery follows two major jewel heists this year at events tied to the Cannes Film Festival. (Excerpt from CNN)

Supporters of Egypt’s deposed President Mohammed Morsi gather for prayers at Nasr City, where protesters have installed a camp and hold daily rallies, in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday, July 28

Amateur videos, which the BBC has not been able to fully authenticate, appear to show clashes in Homs

Carlton Hotel

St Kitts-Nevis firms benefit from direct assistance grant scheme

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) conducted a workshop on its direct assistance grant scheme on July 18, in St Kitts. The direct assistance grant scheme workshop was brought to St Kitts in partnership with the International Trade, Industry, and Commerce Ministry and consumer affairs and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce St

America

Kitts-Nevis and was attended by St Kitts and Nevis firms and business support organisations (BSOs).

More than 50 participants attended the workshop, representing a wide cross-section of private sector firms. The attendance has been the largest to date and credit must be given to partners who coordinated the event. The workshop sought to increase the schemes awareness and ultimately increase the number of applicants from St

Kitts and Nevis, as well as the number of successful applications from Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Training was delivered by Caribbean Export’s senior grant advisor, Kirk Brown on how to prepare an application and the principles and best practices in writing proposals. The training provided aims to assist BSOs in facilitating firms to prepare applications for upcoming calls for proposals. (Caribbean News Now)

Wall Street falls as investors eye Fed statement

Stocks dipped on Monday as investors took a cautious stance before a Federal Reserve meeting this week that could signal when the Fed might begin to alter its stimulus plans.

The energy sector led the day’s losses, with the S&P energy index down 0.9 per cent, while Caterpillar was up 0.9 per cent at US$82.82 and gave the Dow its biggest boost after announcing a US$1 billion accel-

erated stock repurchase programme.

The Fed’s statement, which is due on Wednesday at the end of a two-day meeting of the Fed’s Open Market Committee, will be scrutinised for hints on when the central bank may begin to scale back its massive bondbuying aimed at stimulating the economy and known as quantitative easing.

“There’s a concern that whatever the FOMC says or does will lead to a dramatic

reaction in the market, much like we saw in June,” said Stephen Massocca, managing director at Wedbush Equity Management LLC in San Francisco.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 22.47 points, or 0.14 per cent, at 15,536.36. The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index was down 3.84 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 1687.81. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 6.24 points, or 0.17 per cent, at 3606.92. (Reuters)

IMF approves US$2.3B aid for Greece

The International Monetary Fund’s board on Monday completed the fourth review of Greece’s bailout programme, and approved a further 1.7 billion euros (US$2.3 billion) in funds for the cashstrapped euro zone state.

Greece last week adopted the last piece of legislation its international lenders re-

quired to release their next batch of rescue loans, after two months of wrangling over unpopular measures to overhaul the economy. The total funds from the IMF, the European Commission and the European Central Bank comprise 5.8 billion euros.

Subject to implementation of further reforms,

Athens stands to receive another one billion euros from international lenders in October. Greece’s rescue, approved in March 2012, will total 173 billion euros over four years, the IMF said. It is meant to help Athens recover from a sovereign debt crisis, rebuild its economy and return to markets. (Reuters)

Africa

Ghana: Lands minister canvasses investors for energy sector

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini has reiterated that Ghana possesses the best potential to establish power-generation plants to feed the West African sub region.

The former deputy energy minister emphasised that investment in relatively cheap gas-fired power plants through gas that would be made available by the Ghana Gas Company would significantly

enhance the competitiveness of products of Ghanaian companies and facilitate the generation of the targeted 5000KV by 2016 for export to countries in the sub-region.

“The West Africa Power Pool arrangement and existing contractual obligations to Togo, Benin for the supply of power coupled with huge power deficits in many other countries in the sub-region provides immense opportunity for prospective investors

to set-up in the power-generation sector” said Alhaji Fuseini.

He made the observation when Kimihiko Inaba, Executive Director of Japan External Trade organisation lead a two-man South Africa-based team comprising Yasuto Suzuki, deputy general manager, Toshiba and Nozomu Sasaki, general manager, Mitsubishi Corporation to pay a courtesy call on him.

(allAfrica)

China orders audit of government debt

China has ordered a nationwide audit of all government debt, underlining fears that the recent slowdown in its economy may impact the financial sector. Local governments in China borrowed heavily after the global financial crisis to try to sustain growth rates.

The last audit, published in 2011, showed they had debt of 10.7 trillion yuan

Middle East Asia

(US$1.7 trillion; £1.1 trillion) by the end of 2010. Debt may threaten China’s growth, and there are growing fears that local governments may not be able repay.

“In line with a request of the State Council, the National Audit Office (NAO) will organise auditing agencies across the country to carry out an audit of government debt,” the national au-

ditor said in a statement on its website. The NAO said that it had halted all other projects to conduct the audit, but did not give any other details or a timeline for the audit.

A large part of the local government borrowings were taken up after the global financial crisis as Chinese authorities released a four trillion yuan fiscal stimulus. (BBC News)

Dubai’s new communities overtake Marina, Palm

New master plan communities such as Jumeriah Village and Dubai Sports City are outstripping rental demand in Dubai’s historical prime locations, the latest property figures show.

Average residential rents increased nearly 14 per cent in the first half of the year, pushing up the annual average by more than 30 per cent, according to CBRE.

In the most recent months, new master planned communities attracted the highest growth,

marking a shift in the trend experienced during 2012.

Following the 2008-09 property bust, when the value of Dubai property fell by about 60 per cent on average, prime locations such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Downtown were better able to hold their rents than less desirable locations.

They also recovered much faster, experiencing rent increases sooner than other areas. However, according to CBRE, price hikes are now filtering down the

chain as renters seek more affordable accommodation, particularly in emerging communities as community facilities and infrastructure are completed and retail outlets open.

“Although prime locations continued to see growth, the comparative affordability of projects such as Jumeirah Village and Dubai Sports City have made them popular cost-sensitive options for tenants, and that has subsequently driven up rents,” a CBRE report says. (Araianbusiness)

Ways to become a multinational company

PJoint venture

erhaps you don’t want to purchase local companies due to the hefty price tag. Maybe a local competitor, that cannot be acquired, is already dominating the market. In this case, the old adage “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” comes into play. Establishing a joint venture – or a partnership with a foreign company in the same industry – is an attractive option. Both companies set aside capital, resources and technology in a new, shared company which is separate from the main

operations at both companies. This is a popular option in countries, such as China, where the law is extremely strict with foreign businesses. Joint ventures have all the advantages of foreign acquisitions – such as localisation and brand recognition –at a fraction of the cost. Most joint ventures split expenditures and profits 50/50.

Franchises

Franchises in foreign countries operate similarly to those in the United States.

A foreign affiliate will purchase a license from your

company to use your brand in a foreign country. While the foreign affiliate retains ownership of your branded business, your company will receive royalties from each franchise. Franchising is the cheapest option, and the fastest way to build an established presence in a foreign country with minimal risk. The higher risks (sales, profitability) are all absorbed by the foreign affiliate. However, foreign franchises have to be monitored closely, since the geographic and cultural divide can mask brewing problems.

(Business Dictionary)

Limacol CPL to be beamed around the globe

The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 tournament will be beamed into millions of homes across the globe from start to finish, ensuring that the world sees exactly how the Caribbean comes to play.

LCPL organisers confirmed that networks in India, UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and the U.S. will carry the 24 matches which take place over the period of July 30 to August 24, and that negotiations are still underway to add more countries to the list. In addition, many networks in the Caribbean will show the tournament free of charge on their terrestrial TV stations.

“When we launched the LCPL in February, we said that we were going to make sure that all eyes are on the shores of the Caribbean in July and August, and we are making good on that promise,” declared Limacol CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe.

“The Caribbean is the place to be this summer for many reasons, and the LCPL tops the list. However, for those people who do not have the good fortune to be able to come and play in person, we are going to see to it that they experience as much of the cricket meets carnival atmosphere and energy that will be pulsating through the region in just a few days.”

O’Donohoe said the interest from media around the world has been strong and encouraging.

“ESPN3 continues to serve cricket fans by building its portfolio of premier events and establishing itself as a leading destination in the U.S. for live cov-

erage of the second most popular global sport,” said ESPN Programming and Acquisitions, Senior Director Jason Bernstein.

“By delivering these events on the multi-screen sports network, we are able to give the sport national exposure across a variety of platforms that are easily accessible to the most seasoned fans as well as newcomers.”

The buzz is building around the Caribbean also, and station owners are happy to air the tournament in their markets.

“The news of cricket, in the form of the Limacol CPL T20 tournament, being broadcast on television in the Virgin Islands is most welcomed, and long overdue. I guess nothing happens before its time,” said British Virgin Islands, CBNTelevision owner Andrew Cox Sr.

“The Virgin Islands market is populated by nationals from the neighbouring Caribbean islands. All West Indians love cricket, and those who have the opportunity to follow the games do so. Live coverage is very important to the viewers who cannot make it to the venue as we still want to be a part of the excitement at the matches. There has been an awesome response to the LCPL TV weekly programme and we expect the same from the live broadcasts of the actual tournament.”

While some international stations are still finalising negotiations, fans can watch the Limacol Caribbean Premier League on the following networks: India – Sony; UK – BT Sport; Australia – Fox Sports; New Zealand – Sommet Sports; USA – ESPN3; Barbados – Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation; British Virgin Islands – Caribbean Broadcast Network; Cayman Islands –Cayman 27; Dominica – Marpin 2K4; Dominica –SAT Telecoms; Guyana –National Communications Network and Television Guyana Channel (28); St Kitts – ZIZ Broadcasting Corp; St Lucia – Helen Television System; St Lucia – St Lucia Cable Vision; St Vincent and the Grenadines – St Vincent and The Grenadines Broadcasting Corp; Trinidad – Caribbean Communications Network – TV6 and CNC3; Jamaica – TVJ; Grenada – Grenada Broadcasting Network; Montserrat – Caribbean Cable Networks; Nevis –Caribbean Cable Networks; St Maarten – St Maarten Cable; Anguilla – Caribbean Cable Communications; Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service; and Bermuda – Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation. The Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament begins on July 30 in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Canadian couple warn of minibus fraudster

ACanadian couple are at their wits’ end to recover a minibus for which money was sent to an individual in Guyana to purchase on their behalf, as part of an agreement.

The couple are also warning others against fraudsters who may be lurking to gain money from unsuspecting persons.

Pam Shaw told Guyana Times that her husband, Mohamed Shaw and two of his brothers pooled their money – some US$9000 –to buy a minibus for what she described as “investment purposes”. Another G$845,000 was needed to have it cleared from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Georgetown.

Shaw explained that the vehicle was shipped to Guyana and was received by the individual, whom she named. She said her family made a verbal agreement with the person who

lives on the East Coast Demerara.

The woman said there was an initial understanding that the individual would sell the vehicle to reinvest in several more in a few months.

Shaw said the person eventually agreed to use the bus to earn a living and pay a monthly fee. She said the man paid $150,000, a total of three months’ fees, but he stopped making the deposits and started making excuses about why he could not.

In May, the family returned to Guyana to, among other things, have the vehicle transferred into Shaw’s name. The same person assured them that he could have made it easier.

Shaw said he told the family that it would cost them a total of $43,000 to process the transfer papers, which never happened. She believes this was a ploy to make it appear that he will

indeed transfer the vehicle to them.

She said that days later, a man also from the East Coast Demerara called her husband explaining that someone would pick up the money and make the necessary changes.

The woman said the man came and they made the payment and even took video footage of the man leaving the hotel.

To date, the transfer has not been made and attempts to contact the individual and calls to numbers provided by the two men proved futile.

The family has since left the country without the relevant documents, and to date, has not recovered the “investment.”

Shaw said she made a report to the police, who took all the information. She is now hoping that those guilty will be brought to justice.

tuesday, july 30, 2013 |

Jamaican fined $40,000

for

illegal entry

AJamaican national charged with illegal entry into the country appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Steven Anthony Reed, 31,

pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on July 18 at Springlands, he entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

According to the defendant, he went to Suriname to purchase shoes and belts to take back to Jamaica when he met a girl. He said the girl misled him and that was how he came to Guyana.

Magistrate SewnarineBeharry gave him the choice of paying a fine of $40,000 or spending six months in prison. He chose to pay the fine.

Labourer released on own recognisance

Alabourer was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday after he was charged with abusive language.

It is alleged that on June 4, at 164 Block X Sophia, Wesley Duncan made use of abusive language to his wife, Roxanne Duncan. He pleaded guilty with an explanation.

According to the defendant, he did not abuse Duncan. He said his wife always drinks and sleeps out. One night, she came to bed drunk and started “one big cuss”. The defendant added that his wife said women run things and got up and left. He stated that she moved out since then.

Based on his explanation, Magistrate SewnarineBeharry entered a not-guilty plea. He was released on his own recognisance and placed on a bond to keep the peace.

Berbice man steals car rim from Home Affairs Ministry

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded a Berbice resident accused of simple larceny when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday. It is alleged that on July 22 at Brickdam, Sadeek Mohamed stole one motor car rim valued $15,000, property of the Home Affairs Ministry. He pleaded guilty with an explanation.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question, around 16:45h, the defendant went to the tray of a motor lorry, which is also the property of the ministry. He picked up the rim and was caught by the security guard.

According to the defendant, who gave his address as 27 Grant 1802 Berbice, the rim was in a drain when he picked it up. He said that a

security guard saw him and called out that he should wait right where he was. He stated that he waited for the man to approach him and the next thing he knew, he was being taken to the station.

The prosecution objected to bail on grounds that when Mohamed was arrested, he gave no address, and if granted bail, there is a likelihood he will not return to court.

Women placed on self-bail for assault charge

Two women appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, after they were each charged with two counts of unlawful abuse.

It is alleged that on June 16, at West Ruimveldt Front Road, Abiola Moses un-

lawfully assaulted Tamika Tappin. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. It is also alleged that on the same date and location Alicia Moses unlawfully assaulted Tamika Tappin. She too pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The relatives, who both reside at 111 West Ruimveldt, also pleaded not

guilty to a joint charge of unlawfully assaulting Tappin in tandem.

There were no objections to bail. The women were placed on self-bail (their own recognisance) and a bond to keep the peace pending the outcome of the matter, which is set to return to Court Five on August 5.

Armed robbery suspect remanded

An armed robbery suspect appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Osafee Bong, of 707 East Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated on July 25 at Front Road, East Ruimveldt, being armed with a knife, he robbed Natalie Seerattan of one silver chain, one umbrella, one shoulder bag, one BlackBerry cellphone and $4000 cash, valued a total of $128,000.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who stated that his client is a pastries vendor, and has a wife and two children. He noted that his client was in trouble with the law before, but the case

against him was dismissed.

Fung-A-Fat said according to his facts, Bong allegedly jumped off a bike, robbed the defendant, ran some distance and jumped on the bike again. He stated that his client and the virtual complainant (VC) had been in an intimate relationship and since the defendant broke off the relationship, the VC has been trying to get him into trouble. The attorney then made an application for reasonable bail.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail on grounds that Bong has another matter pending, the seriousness of the offence, and the fact that both the VC and defendant live in the same area, so if granted bail, there is a likelihood he will tamper with her.

To this, the defence remarked that his facts were different from those of the prosecution. Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry then asked the prosecution to read the facts.

According to the facts, on the day in question, around 20:30h, the VC was walking home along Front Road when the defendant approached and pointed the weapon at her. He robbed her and made good his escape. The matter was reported and he was subsequently arrested and charged.

The VC stated in open court that she “doesn’t not trouble” the defendant and was not his wife or the mother of his child.

Bong was remanded and is set to return to court on August 16.

You’ll have a marvelous way of brightening up situations wherever you go. You have the gift being able to offer constructive suggestions to people who lack the answers.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Be imaginative, resourceful and assertive, and success in your endeavors will be inevitable. In fact, there is little doubt that your brightness will win out over others’ boldness.

It could prove to be helpful to discuss with a friend a matter that has been giving you trouble. Go to someone who has proven to be helpful in the past.

There is good reason for your ears to be ringing today, because others are likely talking about you. Don’t worry – it would boost your ego if you could hear what they’re saying.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

The best way to get the support of others in an important venture is to give them some logical reasons why it can be as meaningful to them as it is to you.

(March 21-April 19)

Do your best to stay on top of a situation from which you could financially benefit, even if the gains seem small. Don’t let the size of it dilute your efforts.

(April 20-May 20)

Listen to the suggestions of others, but be sure not to ignore you own counsel in the process. Your ideas are likely to be superior when it comes to personal matters.

(May 21June 20)

Even though your ambitions are extremely strong, you’ll keep them a secret from other people. It looks like you’ll end up getting exactly what you want, to the surprise of many.

Even if to the casual observer a recent development appears to be rather insignificant, you’ll know its true worth. It’ll elevate your hopes and expectations.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look to turn a small profit today, either from a situation where you might share a common interest with another or from being in a position to serve as an intermediary.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’re presently in a cycle where you could be extremely fortunate in some kind of partnership arrangement, provided both you and the other party play your assigned roles.

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Jack Warner wins Trinidad by-election

Former Trinidad minister Jack Warner has won the by-election for the Chaguanas West seat in the country’s parliament. During his victory speech Warner said: “It was not easy but the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

“Tonight a new era has dawned,” he said.

Warner, who had resigned in April following a report that led to questions over his conduct during his time as chair of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) regional football body, had formed his own party, the Independent Liberal Party (IPL), to contest the seat.

According to preliminary estimates, Warner emerged with a significant majority over challenger Khadijah Ameen, a member of the United National Congress (UNC) and Avinash Singh, a member of the opposition People’s National Movement. Up to the point

of Warner’s victory speech, the results showed he had collected 69 per cent of the votes with 12,631, compared to Ameen, 5126, with just a few polling stations count outstanding. The UNC is the majority party in the People’s Partnership, the country’s ruling coalition.

Warner had served as both works minister and national security minister in the Cabinet of Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The by-election was occasioned after Warner resigned the Chaguanas West seat in April following the release of a report by the CONCACAF that had been critical of his leadership of the group.

Warner also submitted his resignation as a government minister and as the UNC chairman but was bypassed by the party, who selected Ameen.

In her address to a UNC rally on Saturday, the CMC reported that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar

dismissed any notion that Warner would be allowed back into the coalition partnership government.

“Maybe I was too forgiving before. Maybe I was too understanding when the accusations and charges of alleged misdeeds were swirling incessantly.

“When the opposition and other civil society groups, all with abundant self-interests, but now ominously silent, were calling repeatedly and vociferously for his head, I stood with him. We all stood with him. I chose not to respond to the persistent allegations and innuendoes,” she said, denying claims by Warner that she is controlled by a “cabal” within the government.

“There is no doubt he helped rejuvenate our party at a critical juncture and played a central role in our march to government. But those of us who actually lived the history know he was but one of many who stood up valiantly for our party.”

GGMC workers picket Natural Resources Ministry

Several workers from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) took to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry on Monday, protesting the ministry’s decision to push back the commission’s 34th anniversary celebration.

The ministry recently announced that it was decided to postpone the anniversary celebration from July 31, so that it can overlap with Mining Week from August 25 to 31. According to the ministry, this was done so that the commission’s anniversary will also coincide with a mining conference to be attended by overseas experts.

However, this decision did not go down well with the GGMC workers, as they hoisted placards to express their dissatisfaction.

The ministry however said in a release that the an-

niversary celebrations were never cancelled. The ministry had instead proposed that the GGMC anniversary celebrations and bursary awards be integrated into the upcoming Mining Week 2013 activities.

“It is prudent to note that the Biennial National Mining and Quarrying Conference will be held during this year’s Mining Week activities,” the release said.

“This event will highlight the importance of mining to the national economy. Participants will also illustrate the future development of extractive industries practices. This will further enhance the activities and give more organisational context to the anniversary celebrations.”

Additionally, the commission was asked to explore the possibility of hosting a pre-emancipation celebration to which all em-

ployers are invited to attend on July 31, taking recognition of the significance of emancipation as Guyana will be observing the 250th anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion and the 175th anniversary of emancipation.

GGMC, in partnership with the ministry, will be celebrating Mining Week under the theme, “Green, clean and responsible: Securing the future of mining”. Also, several activities were proposed and approved for Mining Week by a sector-wide committee chaired by the GGMC.

The ministry said it was committed to rewarding workers for their hard work and contribution to the natural resources and environmental sectors and, as such, was continuously supporting and encouraging national and institutional celebrations.

Jack Warner, left, is congratulated by Community Development Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters after his victory in the Chaguanas West by-election on Monday (Micheal Bruce photo)

Guyanese Daesrath slams enterprising century for Canada in Auty Cup

King City, UNITED STATES – Former Guyana senior team skipper Damodar Daesrath hit a sparkling 109 for Canada in the 50-over game against United States of America (USA) on Saturday at the King City ground.

The elegant right-hander spanked seven fours and five sixes in his adventurous, 105-ball innings but the Auty Cup match was abandoned following the completion of Canada’s innings due to torrential showers.

Canada piled up a respectable 252 all out off 49 overs with the Berbician achieving his maiden century for Canada after making his debut in early 2012.

In the preceding twoday encounter which commenced on Thursday also at the same venue, Daesrath, who featured in 17 firstclass matches for Guyana, made 17 but his team prevailed with first innings points.

In the two subsequent T20 games at King on Sunday, Daesrath was ruled out with a hamstring problem. Canada was again in the winning column with two emphatic victories.

Meanwhile, Daesrath said on Sunday that he was very elated to get the land-

mark at the popular King City and will definitely cherish the achievement for the rest of his life.

“It feels really great to get a hundred for Canada more nicely on home turf; I just went out there and played to the best of my ability; the pitch was playing greatly and I had just wanted to make a big impression ,” Daesrath declared.

Daesrath, who plays for Brampton Masters Cricket Club in the Ontario’s Major League competition, indicated he was a bit disappointed not to be in action on Sunday in the T20 format but was more than pleased to see his

boys come up with supreme performances.

“Picking an injury in the middle of the competition was really frustrated but I [am] delighted to see guys went out there and win both games; I was definitely confident they would have done it again,” Daesrath revealed.

His compatriot Jeremy Gordon also appeared for the North America lineup but in the T20 games. Gordon, who represented Guyana at the highest level, was very economical on both occasions.

In the first match when Canada won by five wickets, the right-arm quickie conceded 18 runs from his allotted four overs while he was more accurate in the second contest with seven runs from three overs as Canada emerged by 78 runs.

Both players have once again been named in the Canadian squad to compete against United Arab Emirates and Netherlands in a four-day match each while they be up against UAE in four 50-over games, starting on Thursday at the King City, too.

Canada will face UAE in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup while they collide with the Netherlands in the ICC World Cricket League. (WICB)

Young Ramdyhan outclasses top seed Humphrey

The future of Guyana’s women’s tennis looks bright after 15-yearold Nicola Ramdyhan on Sunday night avenged her loss to veteran Carol Humphrey in last year’s Pegasus Open.

She captured the GBTI Ladies singles title in straight sets 7-5, 6-3. In one of the best played ladies’ finals for some time, the experienced and energetic Humphrey broke early in the first set, quickly settling in with her consistent groundstrokes which immediately threw off Ramdyhan who made quite a few unforced errors.

However, Ramdyhan, who is also known for playing deep powerful groundstrokes, rallied her way back to 4-4 and then broke Humphrey to go up 5-4. Humphrey then broke back to even the score at 5-5. Ramdyhan then unleashed a multitude of deep cross court winners to break Humphrey’s serve and to win her service game to take the first set 7-5. In the second set, both players broke each other to get to 1-1 then they

held serve to get to 2-2. In the fifth game Humphrey started by hitting a big down-the-line winner on Ramdyhan’s serve and went on to break her at love to go up 3-2. In the sixth game, Humphrey went up to 30-0 early but Ramdyhan changed her tactic, improved her footwork and moved forward aggressively for the approach

Warner available for third Ashes Test

Batsman David Warner will rejoin the Australia squad on Monday and be available for the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford, starting on Thursday.

With Australia’s top order struggling for runs in the first two Tests, Warner, 26, is likely to be recalled.

Last month, Warner was suspended for punching English batsman Joe Root in a bar following a Champions Trophy game.

He joined the Australia A tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa, scoring 193 against South Africa A in Pretoria.

But the left-hander was involved in a verbal altercation with opponent Thami Tsolekile on Saturday that caused the umpire to halt the game.

No Australian batsman scored a century in the first two Ashes Tests, both won by England.

Opener Chris Rogers has made only 89 runs in four Test innings, while Phillip Hughes has made 83, including scores of 0, 1 and 1.

Usman Khawaja replaced Ed Cowan for the second Test at Lord’s and scored 54 in his side’s second in-

David Warner

nings. Cowan then made 66 and an unbeaten 77 against Sussex in a tour match that finished on Sunday.

Asked whether Cowan’s displays against Sussex improved his chances of a recall, Australia coach Darren Lehmann told BBC Sport: “Yeah, it does. He batted really well both innings.

“We’d love him to get a big hundred and really put pressure on, but it does his chances good.”

Lehmann added he was

confident the team’s plans to combat England spinner Graeme Swann were sound, despite Swann taking 13 Australian wickets so far in the series.

“Swann’s bowled OK, but we haven’t played him very well,” said Lehmann, whose side must win at Old Trafford to keep alive their hopes of reclaiming the Ashes. “We’ve just got to believe in the plans and the blokes have got to execute them.” (BBC Sport)

Meilutyte storms to record at World Swimming Championships

Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte broke the 100m breaststroke world record in the World Championship semi-finals on Monday.

shots. This put pressure on Humphrey who succumbed to unforced errors to allow Ramdyhan to break back to even the score at 3-3.

At that point, Humphrey showed signs of weariness and Ramdyhan showed confidence as she easily won three straight games to take the set and match at 6-3.

In the Men’s 35 Singles, Berbician champ Godfrey Lowden outlasted the athletic veteran Harry Panday to win 6-4, 6-1. Also, Berbician Mario Niamatali used his experience to defeat the young Bishan Dalip of Roraima Club 6-1, 6-3.

The last match of the evening was the fastest in the tournament in the Men’s doubles. Nicholas Fenty/Leyland Leacock defeated Victor Demchencko/ Stephen Bailey 6-0, 6-0.

Today’s action will see former member of the NonPariel Tennis Club Joseph DeJonge against former junior champion Gavin Lewis. Also, the young, talented Jonathan Christie will play the winner of the Anthony Downes/Seanden David-Longe match.

The Plymouth-based 16-year-old clocked one minute 04.30s in Barcelona, 0.15s faster than the previous best time set by Jessica Hardy in 2009.

Earlier, Meilutyte had recorded 1:04.52 in qualifying, the second-fastest time in history and a new European record.

In the 200m individual medley final, Sophie Allen was seventh and fellow Briton Siobhan-Marie O’Connor eighth.

London 2012 Olympic champion Meilutyte will seek to win Lithuania’s first ever World Championships gold medal in today’s final.

“I’ll be have a relaxing day tomorrow (today) and will save all my energy for the final,” she said.

“My biggest aim is accomplished now and I’ll give it my best shot in the final. Obviously, a gold medal would be a cherry on top of the ice cream.”

Her coach Jon Rudd said: “It feels a bit surreal, but now I remember the feeling of the Olympic gold medal because it’s kind of the same.

“The plan was to go for the world record tonight because we don’t want to have to worry about times

tomorrow - just the medal.

“[Russian rival] Yuliya Efimova will push her so she’ll her need to be on her toes tomorrow (today), but I think there’s more to come.”

O’Connor only reached the 200m individual medley final after Australian Emily Seebohm opted against contesting it, but the 17-year-old found herself in second place at the halfway stage.

But she faded to finish eighth in a race which was won by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu. Olympic champion Ye Shiwen surprisingly only managed to come fourth.

“I just need to learn how to swim it better,” said O’Connor. “I keep doing that - going out too fastand I definitely think I got a bit excited with it being a final.”

Compatriot Allen, 21, added: “I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to make [a] per-

sonal best [time] like I did in the semi-final.”

“If I’d have done that time again [2:10.23], I’d have been in fourth place but hopefully as it’s my first major international final I’ll be better in the future.”

Scottish Commonwealth champion Robbie Renwick qualified with the fourth quickest time of 1:46.95 heading into the final of the 200m freestyle event and hopes to kick-start Britain’s medal rush today.

“I have a good lane for tomorrow night and it’ll be anyone’s race so I’ve got to get myself in a good position and really try to go for a medal,” said the 25-yearold, who will face US star Ryan Lochte in the final.

Chris Walker-Hebborn, 23, and Lauren Quigley, 20, both missed out on places in their respective 100m backstroke finals, but each return to compete over 200m later in the week. (BBC Sport)

Damodar Daesrath

Nicola Ramdyhan

Ruta Meilutyte

Hollywood glamour comes to Limacol CPL, Mark Wahlberg on board with Barbados

LCaribbean Premier League cricket officials announced that American actor Mark Wahlberg has taken an equity interest in the Barbados Tridents team.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League because I know cricket is huge in the Caribbean and a rich part of the region’s heritage,” said Wahlberg.

“Sports and entertainment are a powerful combination, and the LCPL will appeal to a huge audience worldwide. Thanks to my dear friend Ajmal Khan who introduced me to Barbados and the LCPL, I am a cricket fan now. ”

Wahlberg said he was also attracted to the youth development aspect of the LCPL which benefits the entire community as young men are encouraged to pursue their passions, stay focused and plan for their futures.

Ajmal Khan, Chairman of Verus International and founder of the LCPL voiced his agreement.

“Having Mark involved with the Limacol CPL is quite a coup for us. He brings a global celebrity appeal, which adds to the party atmosphere, and anticipation that is already building in these final days before the tournament begins.

Having him as an ambassador of the greatest party in sport will indeed draw the attention of current and new cricket fans across the world, and we look forward to embracing a whole new generation of cricket fans in the U.S. thanks to Mark.”

“We are thrilled that Mark has taken an equity interest in one of the Limacol CPL teams,” said Limacol CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe. “He is keen

to promote the tournament in any way possible, and his fame and influence will definitely raise the profile of the tournament, and bring awareness of the game to an audience that traditionally has no connection with cricket. We’re excited to see the many ways in which this partnership will benefit both Mark and the LCPL.”

Wahlberg’s newest movie, 2 Guns, where he stars alongside Denzel Washington, comes out on 2 August. He is also known for his starring roles in films such as Boogie Nights, Planet of the Apes, The Departed, The Fighter and Ted, and has been the executive producer of several successful TV series including Entourage and Boardwalk Empire.

The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League starts today in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad. (CPL)

Regan Rodrigues memorial cycling race set for Sunday

Competitive cycling will return to the West Demerara roadways on Sunday when national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed stages the ninth annual Regan Rodrigues memorial 50-mile race. The race will commence from Wales Police Station at 08:00 hours and proceed to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo before returning to Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

The first six finishers will receive prizes, while the top three in the juniors, veteran, mountain bike and female categories will be rewarded. There will also be a prize for the top veteran over-60 rider. Eight prime prizes will also be up for grabs during the course of the race.

The experienced Robin

Persaud is the defending champion of the Open race, having won last year’s event in a time of one hour, 52 minutes, 41.21 seconds (01h:

Limacol CPL sponsorship programme sells out

– nine central partners finalised across a wide range of businesses

With the recent announcements of partnerships with Busta Soft Drinks and Virgin Airlines, the Limacol Caribbean Premier League has a full set of commercial partners for its inaugural season.

The league has signed Limacol, Digicel, Guardian Group, Courts, El Dorado Rum, Scotiabank, SM Jaleel (Busta), Ericsson and Virgin Airlines as League Sponsors.

LCPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe remarked, “The level of support from the corporate community in the Caribbean and elsewhere has been overwhelming and we thank all our partners for helping to make this massive undertaking possible. Without the support of our partners, governments and the fans, a venture of this scale and ambition is simply not possible, and we look forward to a very long and successful relationship with all those who have been with us at the beginning.”

West Indies T20 and St Lucia Zouks Captain Darren Sammy added, “The Limacol CPL is extremely important for West Indies cricket and

for the playing community here and the level of support from sponsors has just been phenomenal. On behalf of the players I’d like to thank all the partners for their support, and express the wish that it continue long into the future.”

The LCPL has a group of Central League Partners, with each franchise team also having its own sponsorship programme.

Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director of CPL and CEO of Sports Marketing Agency Commune, said “CPL embarked on this process only nine weeks ago, and the support from our partners in that short time has been absolutely fantastic. What is especially heartening is that leading Caribbean brands dominate the programme.

“To date we have only

been able to talk to them about a vision, an idea, and we thank them for sharing the vision for an event that can be a ‘game-changer’ for the Caribbean. I’d like to also give thanks and acknowledgement to colleague Pete Russell for his tremendous efforts and camaraderie over the past few weeks as we have collectively travelled the length and breadth of the Caribbean. We look forward with all partners to the vision becoming a reality on Tuesday evening, and to the transformative potential of the idea that is LCPL coming to life.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League bowls off this evening in Barbados with an opening ceremony, followed by the first match between the Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Zouks.

De Souza crowned “Premium Cues Showdown” champion

52m: 41.21s).

A new champion will emerge in the junior division since last year’s winner Raynauth Jeffrey has since moved to the senior ranks.

Talim Shaw, Naomi Singh and Walter Isaacs are the defending champions of the veteran, female and veteran over-60 categories respectively.

The day’s activities are being sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited, whose staff and family members of the late Rodrigues would assist in the distribution of prizes at the conclusion.

At the time of his death on August 4, 2004, Rodrigues was president of the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club, former president of the Guyana Cycle Federation and a champion motor racer.

Sean De Souza was crowned champion of the inaugural Banks DIH Limited sponsored “Premium Cues Showdown” national pool tournament which ended Sunday at Stabroek Sports Bar, Brickdam.

De Souza, East Bank Demerara zone champion, played consistently throughout the national finals to be declared the winner, beating into second position Rameshwar Seeraj of East Coast Demerara.

Third place went to Colin Carr of West Demerara.

De Souza, Seeraj, Carr and Brijmohan Ramsahai of Essequibo contested the semi-finals before Ramsahai was eliminated.

The playoffs attracted the top three players from seven zones namely: West Demerara, Essequibo, Linden, Berbice, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and Georgetown.

De Souza secured the first prize of $125,000 and the Premium Beer Pools

Championship trophy with Seeraj securing $70,000; Carr collected $35,000. Tournament Coordinator Anthony Xavier said over 200 matches were played on Sunday before the winner was declared.

Banks Beer/Premium Beer Manager Brian ChooHen said the tournament was an overwhelming success and he thanked all the participants and supporters for participating in the biggest pool tournament in Guyana.

imacol

The top three players: winner - Sean DeSouza (second right, front row); Rameshwar Seeraj; and Colin Carr display their prizes alongside representatives of Banks DIH Limited and supporters

Robin Persaud

Mark Wahlberg and Ajmal Khan

Ambrose says Guyana Amazon Warriors ready, excited

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Richardson comes in for Rampaul in Limacol CPL

Jamaican pace bowler Andrew Richardson is the latest player to be added to the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) after being called up to replace injured Jamaica Tallawahs seamer Ravi Rampaul.

Rampaul sustained an injury during the recentlyconcluded Celkon Mobile Tri-Nation series between West Indies, India and Sri Lanka, which has ruled him out of the inaugural LCPL T20 tournament. This opened up a spot for Richardson who has done well for Jamaica in regional tournaments since he made his First-Class debut in 2002, and is on the cusp of taking 200 First-Class wickets.

Despite only playing one T20 game against Ireland at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium three years ago, the University of Technology Jamaica student says he is unfazed by the fact that he does not have a lot of T20 experience.

“I’m not worried about

that because over the years I have been playing consistent first class cricket both in the longer four-day version and I’ve had some very good one-day seasons,” said Richardson.

“I’ve also played a lot of non-first class Twenty20 cricket in Jamaica and for Jamaica so I know my ability and I will contribute to the Jamaica Tallawahs when the time comes for me to play.”

The former West Indies youth and West Indies B player, who toured England four years ago with the Windies senior team, has been consistent for Jamaica over the last 12 years.

Now, the 31-year-old says he is excited at the prospects of playing in the CPL, which bowls off on 30 July at Kensington Oval and wraps up in Trinidad and Tobago on 24 August.

“I’m happy to be in the Jamaica Tallawahs team and once I’m given the opportunity, I will go out there and do my best and hope I can contribute positively to

my team.”

Jamaica Tallawahs Assistant coach Junior Bennett believes Richardson is a fitting replacement for Ravi Rampaul.

“It is unfortunate that Ravi was ruled out by the doctors who advised us that he won’t be available for the preliminary round of the LCPL. He is very talented and experienced but I think Andrew Richardson is a good replacement and will come in and give his best.”

Richardson has already had a taste of the Tallawahs camp, playing in their first practice game recently and Bennett said the tall pacer gave a good account of himself.

“He did well in our practice game and despite not playing a lot of T20 cricket for Jamaica, he was always amongst the reserves and has played with the guys so he should fit in and do well.”

The Tallawahs leave Jamaica today for Guyana where they will face Amazon Warriors on August 2 at Providence Stadium in their first match. (CPL)

Assistant coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Curtly Ambrose exuded confidence on Monday after the team went through its final preparations ahead of the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League.

The tournament starts today with hosts Barbados Tridents facing St Lucia Zouks at the Kensington Oval.

Ambrose believes the Amazon Warriors, who play Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in their first game on Wednesday at the Guyana National Stadium, are capable of doing well in the first edition of the tournament.

Stick to the basics

“Once we stick to the basics, I believe we should do well in this tournament. We are working hard and we will be aiming to deliv er,” Ambrose, the former West Indies fast bowler in dicated.

Ambrose, who claimed 405 wickets in 98 Tests con tinued, “We have a wonder ful team and I believe that we have good enough play ers in this team to go all the way. But obviously cricket does not play on paper so we will take one game at a time and I be lieve we can go very deep in the tournament; all the players are confident as well.”

form of the game.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Ambrose said

Barnwell, were expected to join the squad last evening.

selves to deliver. We have a good all-round team and we believe in ourselves,” he said.

Ambrose believes his team’s approach to the tournament has been spot on. The squad has been encamped since July 23 and since then the players have intensified their preparations and worked on skills specific to the shortest

Meanwhile, New Zealanders Martin Guptill and James Franklin joined the squad over the weekend. International star Mohammad Hafeez, West Indies franchise player Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons and Christopher

Great initiative

On the other hand, Ambrose said the tournament is a great initiative, adding that the new contest will help develop young talent in the region.

The West Indies legend feels the tournament is a step in the right direction for Caribbean cricket.

“CPL is a great initiative, when you look at other parts of the world just about every other cricket nation is playing T20 cricket except us and I think the CPL is a step in the right direction.

You will see a lot more cricketers coming through and in teams of having franchises where you have international players and players from different territories playing for different teams. I think it’s a great idea and I believe it will be a success,” Ambrose opined.

Members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors during Monday’s training session

Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan in discussion with New Zealanders Martin Guptill and James Franklin; Denesh Ramdin; and Steven Jacobs (Rajiv Bisnauth photos)

Guyana Amazon Warriors assistant coach Curtly Ambrose

Andrew Richardson (WICB Media photo)

Brawl dampens YBG All-Star basketball night

By Treiston Joseph

Aspectacular Sunday evening of competitive basketball ended in the most unceremonious manner at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

With 40.9s left in the game and the Guyana AllStar team up by 30 points, Wismar/Christianburg forward Travin Dryden allegedly punched an American player to the nose, causing a brawl among the players from opposing sides on the occasion of the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG)/ Partners in Christ All-Star night.

The game was officially cancelled with 40.9s left in the fourth quarter with the score on 79-49 in favour of Guyana.

Plaisance Academy star guard Nikkoloi Smith was the leading scorer for Guyana with 16 points while Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai, who threw down a onehanded jam in the final moments of the game to entice the crowd, ended with 12 points. Jermaine Slater also chipped in with 12 points as well.

Kyhiem Chaplin ended with 21 points for the Americans.

The teams managed to shake hands after the fra-

cas, in a show of sportsmanship.

Meanwhile the American Under-17 side dominated the Guyanese Under-17 AllStar team with a 76-49 win.

Using mainly half court sets, back door cuts and screens, the American team played intelligent basketball as the Guyanese players succumbed to the intense defensive pressure and the elite offensive skill set of the visitors.

The Guyanese started off hot, sinking a number of threes as their offensive game flowed smoothly with crisp passing.

However, as the Guyanese cooled down from the field and penetrated the paint, their offense became stagnant sticking on one side of the court while throwing up prayers. The Americans capitalised without running much fastbreaks but slowed the game down and went into their offensive sets.

Chaplin had a game high 18 points while Joshua Chester dropped 15 points as Jovanni Moreno netted 14 points to help with the win. No Guyanese player reached double digits as their offense was stifled after the first half.

Kyhiem Chaplin goes up for a layup during his 18-point rampage in the Under-17 clash for America (Treiston Joseph photos)

The American Under-17 team pose after winning the Under-17 All-Star clash between Guyana and the USA Akeem Kanhai goes for a layup during the cancelled senior game of the all-star clash

Members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors were involved in some stretches during Monday’s training (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)

LCPL Chief Executive Officer Jamie Stewart, right, with Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and DDL Marketing Director Sharda Veeren-Chand