Guyana Times Daily

Guyana optimistic about HIV fight

Issano TIP suspect held, victims assisting probe

Workplaces that flout five-day workweek will be fined

Cousins charged for raping sixyear-old girl

Bandits escape with millions after Grove robbery

Project to upgrade Brickdam to commence soon –housing minister Lindeners pay tribute to Son Chapman victims

President Donald Ramotar and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh last week held talks with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General José Graziano da Silva at the sidelines of the Caricom Heads of Government summit in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana recently received an award from the FAO for its fight against hunger

tuesday, july 9, 2013

Handyman killed in Kingston ambush

– gas station owner escapes with gunshot wounds

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

Ahandy man was shot dead while an East Coast businessman is hospitalised after they came under attack at Water and Cowan streets, Kingston, Georgetown, early Monday morning by gunmen, who robbed them, escaping with millions in cash.

The early morning robbery has left Victor Da Silva, a handyman, dead, while his boss, Cecil Albert Gajadhar is nursing a gunshot wound to his right temple at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Da Silva, 72, of Lot 10 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara was shot at least four times to his stomach and died on the spot.

Two gunmen

According to information gathered, the vehicle which Da Silva and Gajadhar were in, came under fire by two gunmen who reportedly escaped with at least $8 million, just about 08:15h on their way to a city bank to make a deposit. During the attack, Da Silva was killed while the businessman of Lot 18 Area “H” Foulis, East Coast Demerara managed to escape and ended in an alleyway between GTM and Republic Bank, along Hincks and Robb streets, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that after the car came to a halt in the alleyway, Gajadhar reportedly got out and threw another bag containing an undisclosed sum of money over the bank’s fence. He subsequently collapsed due to his injuries. Security personnel at the bank reportedly took him to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Hospital officials confirmed his condition as stable.

Bullet holes

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, it was already cordoned off by police. A sizeable crowd had built up. Detectives were also seen examining the bullet-riddled CRV motor vehicle bearing registration number PPP 9691. Da Siva was in a sitting position with his seat belt intact and a cap on his head. His eyes were partially opened.

Bullets holes were seen in the windscreen while the two front windows were shattered.

A security officer from the Professional Guard Service told Guyana Times that about 08:30h, he saw the car pull up with a speed and stop abruptly at the area where bulk deposits are facilitated. Soon after, he said that the driver who was drenched in blood exited; threw a bag over the fence and then collapsed

on the roadway.

They rushed to his aid and took him to the hospital for medical treatment. Later in the morning, Gajadhar’s wife turned up at the crime scene and told reporters that her husband left early Monday morning with Da Silva to transact some business in Georgetown.

He reportedly did not say where he was heading but about 09:00h, she received a telephone call informing her that her spouse was shot during a robbery.

She immediately left her home at Foulis, and went to the hospital where she saw him in the Accident and Emergency Unit. He was later taken into the theatre and underwent emergency surgery. She could not verify how much money her husband was carrying at the time of the robbery. Guyana Times understands that Da Silva has been working with the Gajadhar’s

family for a while and has been a very good worker.

Later on Monday, she told Guyana Times that the doctors were removing a bullet that was lodged in his head, but she is optimistic that he will pull through. When contact was made with the Da Silva family on Monday, a granddaughter, Christine (only name given) told Guyana Times that her grandfather left home about 04:30h as normal. She disclosed about 10:30h, her grandmother received a telephone call from a woman who informed them

that Da Silva was involved in an accident and was at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

She confirmed that the now dead man worked with the businessman for over 10 years. He leaves to mourn his wife and seven children.

Possible leads

Meanwhile, police are looking at all the possible leads in their investigations. They are baffled at the way the robbery was executed and might question close associates of the businessman. Investigators believed that the gunmen were notified in advance of the route the businessman intended to drive on his way to the city. One police rank stated that it could have been that the businessman was tracked numerous times; hence, they were well abreast with the man’s movements.

While they continue their investigation, Guyana Times understands that two persons

were arrested a few hours after the shooting. One is suspected to be the driver of the hire car which was contracted to commit the robbery.

This was not the first time the Gajadhar’s Service Station proprietor was robbed. Earlier in the year, while parked on Camp Street waiting on his wife who had gone to the Guyana Revenue Authority to conduct business, he was robbed. While in his car, a lone gunman attacked him and grabbed a bag containing an undisclosed sum of money. The bandit was moments after arrested by a police rank who was nearby.

In 2012, his business place was also robbed by three armed men who held up staff. The men then made their way into the service station and took away millions before escaping on foot. During that robbery, Gajadhar was injured but it was not life threatening. The service station was also robbed in 2011.

The bullet-riddled vehicle after the attack

Curious onlookers at the scene on Monday

Weather bridge openings

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, July 9, from 17:10h to 18:40h. The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, July 9, from 05:30h to 07:00h.

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

Winds: East south-easterly at 3.12 to 2.68 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:56h and 17:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.50 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:56h and 23:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.71 metre respectively.

Guyana optimistic about HIV fight

– despite drying up of donor funding

By Svetlana MarShall

As some international donors prepare to withdraw or reduce their financial support for AIDS programmes in the Caribbean, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud said the Health Ministry will depend heavily on the National Assembly to approve funds to keep afloat critical HIV/AIDS programmes in Guyana.

The United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) is currently in its transitional stage, Dr Persaud said in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times. PEPFAR is designed to preserve the lives of persons suffering from HIV/ AIDS across the globe, with special emphasis on improving the health of women and children. In Guyana, the programme has made an important shift from direct service delivery to capacity building in its strategic approach.

Reduced budget

While PEPFAR is still operational in the country, it is running on a reduced budget as its transitions from a U.S.run programme to a Guyanaled initiative. Guyana is grateful for the gigantic steps made in the fight against HIV/ AIDS through the U.S. based programme.

With funding from PEPFAR, Guyana and the U.S. embarked on the Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention (GHARP) project in 2003 through USAID. GHARP was strategically designed to reduce the spread of the HIV/AIDS through comprehensive prevention and care programmes, and simultaneously equip health professionals with the requisite skills and tools needed to combat the disease.

Additionally, with GHARP came the implementation of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT); thereby reaching the needs of persons living in hard-to-reach communities. More than 70,000 people in Guyana received HIV counselling and testing through the GHARP initiative.

“Under PEPFAR, we were really able to move our programme for treatment especially, from just a few persons to almost everyone. Now anyone who needs antiretroviral can access it free in Guyana, even if they decide to go to the private hospital,” said the CMO. He explained that under the donor-funded programme, teams from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) were dispatched to outlying regions to offer their services. “But over the years what we have done, through a mentorship programme we have gone in to training local staff, doctors, nurses, community health workers within many of the regions, right now they are the ones who are taking over the management of many of the cases.”

He added, “The laboratory capacity was enormously enhanced. PEPFAR

helped Guyana in building the National Public Health Reference Laboratory at GPHC [Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation].” Due to the current transition, the day-to-day operations of the National Public Health Reference Laboratory now fall under the ambit of the Health Ministry.

With the launch of GHARP II in 2009, the focus shifted to risk reduction. In the area of risk prevention, Dr Persaud said the Health Ministry continues to improve its efficiency in the area of prevention. He explained that the ministry will continue to push to prevent mother-to-child transition and simultaneously promote its Safe Injection Programme and responsible sexual activity. He noted that the prevention of mother-tochild transition remains high on the ministry’s agenda to ensure that unborn babies are not infected by their mothers.

Right procedures

“So you have to test, retest, ensure that the right procedures are in place, correct treatments are given at the right time, ensure that the delivery process is done in such a way that the child is not exposed,” the CMO explained.

He added that the ministry continues to work with health professionals in particular to prevent the transmission of HIV through blood, blood products, and injections. “So we had a Safe Injection Programme out of PEPFAR which saw the transition from reusing needles and blunts now totally to this disposal system, safe handling of medical waste and prevention”

Finally, under the GHARP II, the Health Ministry has been promoting responsible sexual activity through the usage of condoms. According to Dr Persaud, the programme

targets the entire population, in particular high risk groups and the vulnerable.

However, Dr Persaud said there are indications that the Health Ministry will receive funding from the Global Fund. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF); Clinton Foundation; and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) continue to offer technical and financial support. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is also among international organisations that have offered financial support for Guyana’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Public health

“We had support from a wide cross-section of agencies. Initially, we had a (CIDA) grant that helped us with public health strengthening, and then there was a World Bank grant that worked on capacity building,” Dr Persaud said. “The World Bank Project has ended, but most, if not all, of the programmes were transitioned to the line ministries, civil society, and into the Ministry of Health.”

While the Health Ministry, through the NAPS, gradually takes control of projects once funded by international agencies, the CMO said retaining of specialised health personnel who were trained under programmes such as PEPFAR remains a major problem. “The procurement of drugs and medical supplies is also another area... and this is the costly part of the programme... So as funding decreases, we have to be more efficient.”

He stressed that the Health Ministry will be making tremendous efforts to become more efficient in the fight against HIV/AIDS. (svetlana@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Chief Medical Officer

Dr Shamdeo Persaud

MonDaY, jULY 8, 2013

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

The debt not paid

At the “recommitment” commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the heads of government decided to establish a “Reparations Commission”. It will pursue compensation for the now acknowledged “crime against humanity” that was committed against millions snatched from Africa and enslaved by the colonial powers from the 16th to the 19th century. We believe that this move is long overdue.

Back in March 2007, as British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed “deep regret and sorrow” for his country’s role in the African slave trade, then President Bharrat Jagdeo retorted to the resident British High Commissioner Fraser Wheeler: “Now that some members of the international community have recognised their active role in this despicable system, they need to go one step further and support reparations. Otherwise, their remarks about the horrors of the slave trade and slavery become meaningless and platitudinous, and such remarks may be expressed merely to absolve guilt.”

Blair’s statement during the lavish commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade was parsed very carefully to avoid any formal apology that could then be used by proponents of reparations to impute guilt in the crime. As they have done consistently about that event and the subsequent abolition of slavery in 1834, the British prefer to elide the horrors of what has been called the African Holocaust or “Maafa”, and stress their “humanitarian” motives.

But as one of the founding members of Caricom, former Trinidadian Prime Minister Eric Williams had shown in his Oxford PhD dissertation, later published as “Capitalism and Slavery”, they were economic decisions through and through. He and later scholars have demonstrated conclusively that the wealth that provided the wherewithal for many of the upper crust of British society to live in luxury, but more importantly enabled them to launch their “industrial revolution”, were accumulated from the blood, sweat, and tears of slavery.

Politics was also integrally connected as slave profits funded the campaigns for, or purchase of, seats to Parliament.

The Hogg family who gave Britain and its empire two Lord Chancellors in the 20th century – and the name of the island in the Essequibo River – acquired much its wealth from the labour of slaves on plantations in British Guiana. John Gladstone, father of the long-serving British Prime Minister William Gladstone, not only owned slaves on his British Guiana sugar plantations, but also was the initiator of the system of indentureship from India that supplied cheap labour after the abolition of slavery. One of the ironies of slavery is that the planters who profited from slavery were offered “reparations” after abolition – worth US$25 billion in today’s money – for the “loss of their property”, while the Africans who were exploited were not even given a firm handshake.

Earlier this year, as Guyana observed the 250th anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Revolt, at the launch of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Slavery Exhibition at the National Museum, President Donald Ramotar said: “I take this opportunity to reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to zealously pursue the case for reparations.” He referred to the recent lectures in Georgetown by two distinguished West Indian historians Professors Verene Shepherd and Hillary Beckles that made a cogent case for reparations. Beckles recent book, “Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide” should be required reading for all West Indian peoples.

As the great West Indian novelist George Lamming said prophetically, “There is a perennial debt to be paid to black people for continuing of enslavement and degradation. There are those who believe that the matter is over. They are completely wrong. Actually, there are those among us who believe that the demand and struggle for justice and restoration to full dignity would take a generation to win a crusade for reparations.”

In the words of the late great, Dudley Thompson, “The debt has not been paid; the accounts have not been settled!”

The Yellow Sea in China is now green after the largest ever algal bloom ever recorded lapped ashore in the city of

The living carpet has been an annual visitor to these shores for the past six summers and is linked to agricultural and industrial pollution. The explosion of algae points to a change in the ecosystem as a result of human activity, according to scientists. The algae blocks sunlight from reaching the ocean and steals oxygen from the waters (euronews)

Ramadan marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year PART 1

Dear Editor,

As the crescent moon is sighted,

And the holy month of Ramadan begins May you find peace, As you offer your prayers and fast.

In the holy month of Ramadan, May Allah’s rahmat Shine on you!

The most beautiful things in life must be seen from the heart. For one-fifth of the world’s population, this month marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year – Islam’s Ramadan. During this time, one billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe – from the southern Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Muslims

Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events that have come to be associated with the faith. About 18 per cent live in the Arab world. The world’s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia

and substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslims, while significant numbers can be found in Eastern and Western Europe, North and South America and China.

The lunar calendar

The Islamic month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12 months in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims use a lunar calendar for many of their religious observances. A new month in the lunar calendar is determined by the appearance of the moon. Since this occurs every 29 or 30 days, dates of events in the Islamic lunar year “move forward” about 11 days every year.

The five pillars of faith

The “five pillars” of Islam are the framework of Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy, selfpurification and the pilgrimage to Mecca, for those who are able.

Faith: There is no God worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad (SAWS), is his messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula, which all the faithful pronounce. The first part can refer to anything that is

put in place of God – wealth, power and the like. The second part tells us that the message of God’s guidance comes through a man such as ourselves.

Prayer: Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers, which are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There are no priests in Islam, no one in charge, so the prayers, are led by a learned person who knows the Holy Quran and, is chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Holy Quran and are said in Arabic, the language of the revelation. Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. Although it is preferable to pray in a mosque, a Muslim may pray anywhere, such as in the fields, offices, schools, trains and factories.

Fasting: Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown. Those who are sick, elderly, pregnant or on a journey, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed.

Pilgrimage (Hajj): The annual pilgrimage to Mecca – the Hajj – is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Mecca each year from every corner of the globe. Although Mecca is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the 12th month of the Islamic year. Pilgrims wear special clothes such as simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.

Ramadan Mubarak. Ramadan Mubarak. Ramadan Mubarak.

Zakat : One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is, therefore, held by human beings in trust. The word Zakat means both purification and growth. Our possessions are purified, by setting aside a portion for those in need. And, like pruning a plant, this cutting back encourages and balances new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two per cent of one’s capital.

Respectfully submitted, Shan Razack

Time for action on dog attacks

Dear Editor, When will something serious be done about dog attacks in this country?

In Trinidad and Tobago, the owners of dangerous dogs

may be jailed for 10 years and be fined as much as TT$200,000 if their animals kill or maim someone. If it is just slight injuries suffered by a victim, the sentencing can

run up to five years imprisonment and a TT$100,000 fine. I am thinking of the man here, who was attacked by two pitbulls. He is now left in a semi-incapacitated state,

while the court is staling about the head wear of a witness. We have to stop this nonsense.

Yours sincerely, Amar Khaleed

Qingdao.

America’s independence and Guyanese immigrants

Dear Editor, Guyanese Americans joined in the celebrating of America’s independence from Britain on July 4, an event that occurred on this day in 1776. With the holiday falling on a Thursday, many people, including Guyanese Americans, took the Friday off for an extended weekend, spending it as a mini-vacation. Many travelled with families with the holiday period considered one of the busiest in the year.

Although people had fun for the period, the meaning of the day should not be lost during the celebrations at beaches, resorts and places of entertainment. July 4 is not just a holiday to have a great time, but to also reflect on its significance.

On July 4, some 237 long years ago, the 13 British colonies in America united with one another and declared that they had broken away from Mother England and formed their own nation – the colonies would no longer be under foreign subjugation – calling their nation the United States of America. The celebration is not only about the declaration of independence, but also the limits on powers placed on the government

whose purpose is to “secure” peoples’ rights. The role of government is to protect people so that they can enjoy their rights.

As others have pointed out, the declaration outlines the principles of the government – the rights of the individual come first. The very legitimacy of government has depended on how well it truly has safeguarded the rights of the individual. Government has limited power and people have a right to remove their government. The peoples’ rights cannot be taken away or curtailed.

The declaration of independence paved the way for millions, including some half a million Guyanese people, who came much later than other immigrant groups, to come and settle in the U.S to experience the American dream. Many other territories also used the American independence to struggle for their own independence. On Independence Day, Americans of all backgrounds, especially Guyanese nationals, demonstrate patriotism by hoisting the flag and partaking in traditional festivities, joining the annual parade and watching fireworks or having their own fireworks.

The Declaration of Independence has proclaimed the rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” – all of which pertain to the individual, specifically to an individual’s freedom of action and movement and the right to choose a government. It means that every individual has a right to his own independent life and that one’s life belongs to oneself, not to others, such as dictatorial politicians, to use as they see fit as happened under the dictatorship in Guyana.

Coming as immigrants, Guyanese Americans show their pride in the new nation they call home by participating in activities relating to nationalism, cheering the nation in battle and being part of the American state. For Guyanese Americans, July 4 has meant opportunities to lead a more prosperous life, to acquire freedom and to get an opportunity to pursue one’s goals, with limited inhibitions, and to realize dreams – a car, home and higher education, among others – that were virtually impossible in one’s homeland.

It is not surprising, therefore, that every Guyanese and Caribbean immigrant is

glad and grateful to come to America. But it is essential that people think of what it means to live in America and to live responsibly. For many, especially those who emigrate from former dictatorships, like Forbes Burnham’s Guyana, July 4 has given people a taste of freedom and to own material possessions unimaginable in their native lands at one time.

Everything, therefore, should be done to cherish and to protect this freedom. July 4 is a patriotic day and it is heartening to see so many Guyanese and Caribbean people being absorbed into the celebration. It is a day people fly the American flag and think about their country, not forgetting what happened to them during the 28 years dictatorship under the People’s National Congress (PNC).

They are so grateful to come to America that they actually pray to the flag which has welcomed them fluttering in the winds, pleased that they have escaped an oppressive dictatorship that persecuted them for 28 years.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

Staffing issues continue at Cornelia Ida Primary School

Dear Editor,

One week ago, I wrote a letter through your newspaper about the staffing of the Grade Six class at the Cornelia Ida Primary School, West Coast Demerara. Despite our pleas, nothing has been done to change or rectify the situation.

Also, the Grade Five teachers are going over with our children. Is this fair to have a teacher attending the University of

Guyana (UG) teach an examination class? Also, the school has streamed the classes. A remedial class has been created, which is given to a teacher attending teachers’ training college, and the other two will share the other class.

In my opinion, the last Grade Six did not perform well because the children were streamed. There were three classes – one high flier, a middle class, and a remedial. Is this the

Education Ministry’s policy to have streaming in the primary schools?

I thought at least the regional administration in Region Three would have looked into the matter. Please, we are pleading with you for our children’s sake. Not everyone can afford the private school fees for our children to have a better chance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

Going local with agricultural production and consumption

Dear Editor, I give a big salute to the Agriculture Ministry for its idea of making Guyana want to seek to be self-sustaining with its stock feed. I see this as a really worthy venture, and there should be no lagging in it. I even urge for other sectors to think local, as Guyana is spending way too much money on many unnecessary foreign things.

The explanation is quite logical too, and it has a twofold aspect to it. Most of the corn and peas in Guyana are imported from Belize, so the Agriculture Ministry is moving towards growing them right here. This will mean that there will be money saved. Guyana will not have to import these two items for local human consumption. I mean we are already too high on the food importation cost. I will always say it – Guyana has the land and the farmers, so it is all about making some serious decisions and going to work.

Yours sincerely, Name withheld by request

So it is not about stock feed alone, but about actual food for human consumption. This is not an overnight happening and people will have to be patient. The caution is that the country must stick to importing

stock feed from abroad, but with an eye on reducing and then stopping it all together. This is possible too, as currently in Mon Repos and Essequibo, there are careful experimentations with rotation and cultivation where these crops are concerned. Eventually Guyana can be self-sustainable here and this means money will be saved. I think that Guyana should go all the way with anything that can be grown here that is still being imported. I also suggest that the Agriculture Ministry educate the public when it comes to letting people know about the value of some of the local things here – plantains, eddoes and cassava, among others.

Consider this too, as this is a reality worth quite a lot. On the average worldwide, farmers who sell food to local customers receive the full retail value – a dollar for each food dollar spent. Additionally, eating locally encourages the use of local farmland for farming. There is hardly any chance that Guyana can wrong along this line of thinking.

Yours faithfully,

Iqbal Bacchus

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

Locally grown vegetables for sale at Stabroek Market

Page Foundation

KBY ANA MANTICA

enia Bradley used to worry about everything – birthday parties, homework, even who would feed her goldfish, Sternum, during family vacations. So when her Detroit elementary school offered meditation classes six years ago, she and her mom signed up – and soon mastered a stress-control technique they’re still using today.

“I’m busy,” says Kenia, 14, now a freshman at Cass Technical High School.

“I’ve got weekly guitar lessons, club meetings, homework, and eight pets to look after, and I help my dad with the family business as much as I can. But I don’t worry like I used to.” Her mom, Brenda, agrees. “The whole household is calmer,” she says.

Today’s children may or may not face more stress than ever before; experts are divided on that point. But big-child anxieties seem to be occurring at earlier ages. “Younger children are being pushed to be little grown-ups,” says Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD, medical director of the National Centre for Children and Families in Bethesda, MD. “They have

the responsibility to get the grades, do extracurricular activities, and get the test scores.” At the same time, they’re exposed to their parents’ stresses at home, plus the threat of violence at school and of terrorism in the world around them. The result? Anxiety – and more. Stress raises children’s risk for insomnia, skin disorders, headaches, upset stomach, and depression, says Paul Rosch, MD, president of the American Institute of Stress in Yonkers, NY. One recent study even linked childhood stress to overeating fat-laden foods. If your child seems extra anxious, chances are you are, too. “Children often copy the tendency to get stressed-out from their parents,” says Rosch. Set a calmer tone with these three fun, at-home serenity strategies you and your children can do together.

Just breathe

Recent studies show that transcendental meditation (TM, the type the Bradley family practices) lifts child’s moods, decreases blood pressure,

and may even overcome ADHD symptoms. TM involves twice-daily 20-minute meditation sessions, during which you repeat a single, calming word – your mantra. Another option for children and families: mindfulness-based stress reduction, which lowers anxiety by teaching you to be aware of your body and mind in a nonjudgmental way at all times. For a quick tension reliever, stop whatever you’re doing, sit down, and concentrate on your breathing.

Pop in a yoga video

Spend half an hour doing Shake Like Jelly, Down Diggety Doggy Down, and other yoga poses adapted for children by Marsha Wenig, founder of YogaKids International. To help children further relieve stress during yoga, Wenig suggests making noise – the louder and sillier, the better. Try erupting-volcano sounds, a lion’s roar, and a snake’s hiss.

Read a bedtime story

It used to take two hours for certified children’s meditation facilitator Lori Lite, from Marietta, GA, to get her hyperactive son to sleep –until she invented bedtime stories that incorporated deep breathing, muscle relaxation, affirmations, and visualisation. Her impromptu stories led her to publish four books, including A Boy and a Bear: The Children’s Relaxation Book. Read it, and relax.

Stress signals

Signs your child may need help handling stress and anxiety:

– Preschoolers and elementary schoolers: Sudden or extreme shyness, excessive irritability, bedwetting after months or years of dry nights

– Teens: Frequent headaches, stomach aches, and trouble handling anger. (www.prevention.com)

BY DENISE MANN

From the Brady Bunch and Partridge Family to the Cleavers, Cunninghams, and Cosbys, images of happy families have rarely been in short supply. We all have ideas about what they should look like.

Does yours fit the portrait of a happy family? If not, don’t despair. Now WebMD is letting you in on a few of the secrets to a happy family. You, too, can experience some of the domestic bliss that seemed previously reserved just for TV families.

Happy family secret number one: Enjoy each other

The essence of a happy family is that they truly uplift each other and that all comes down to how they treat each other, says Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, a New York-based family and relationship counsellor and host of The Learning Channel’s Shalom in the Home. “There is a joy that characterises their interaction,” says Boteach, father of eight children and author of several books, including the

forthcoming Shalom in the Home. “Parents come home and the children are happy to see them and when children come home, the parents are happy to see them.”

Happy family secret number two: Swap stories

“When your children come home, ask them what happened in school and have a story for them,” he says. “If you come home dejected and not really interested and then five minutes later the TV is on, why would they be happy to see you?”

The bottom line, he says, is that when you come home, your children have to come first. “You must drop everything you are doing and always come home with something to share with your children, whether a story or even the smallest vignette,” he says. “This way you give your children something to look forward to. The great bane of family life is boredom and that is what leads to dysfunction, affairs, and children wanting to be with their friends over family.”

Happy family secret number three: Put the marriage first

“Set a real example of love,” Boteach says. “The relationship and marriage must come first.” Think Carol and Mike Brady of the Brady Bunch and Cliff and Clair Huxtable of the Cosby Show.

There are many families where children always come first, says Boteach. Then they become substitute providers of love, he says. “That’s an unfair burden to put on a kid.” It’s also bad for families, he says, “because children will move out of the house eventually.”

Happy family secret number four: Break bread together Families that eat together, stay together. It’s that simple. “Family dinners are essential,” Boteach says. “It’s a time to connect.” Have a minimum of four family dinners per week, he suggests.

Happy family secret number five: Play together

“Have one or two unifying activities that the family does together on a nightly basis,” Boteach says. He suggests bedtime stories for young children or reading a chapter from a novel to an older child. (www.webmd.com/parenting)

TO BE CONTINUED

Workplaces that flout five-day workweek will be fined

Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle said those workplaces that refuse to comply with the new five-day, 40-hour working week rule will be fined and penalised for noncompliance.

The recent implementation of the new regulation applies to all workers in every industry or sector of Guyana. The law, which also raised the minimum wage, became effective on July 1. This was reiterated by Ogle, during an interview with the media last week.

make this decision,” Ogle said.

Ogle noted that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had no objections to the increased minimum wage, although it had several concerns. In a statement to the media a few days after the announcement was made by the ministry, the PSC said that the commission welcomed the minimum wage increase to $35,000 monthly.

er pointed out that while the minimum wage was increased only slightly, it is a vast improvement from what it was a few years ago. The minimum wage had not increased for four years, according to the chief labour officer.

He stated that it is government’s responsibility to ensure that all workers, even workers in the private sector, earn a respectable wage.

PPP finalising plans for 30th congress

Tstated that the National Congress Committee, as well as all sub-committees that were established, including the Local Congress Committee, has been meeting regularly.

Ogle explained that the regulation is a universal law of Guyana and applies to all workers in each of the 10 administrative regions. According to Ogle, rest is important to the human body and has a lot to do with healthy living; as such, every worker should be required to work 40 hours over a five-day period each week.

“We see the importance of rest, rest is important for the worker, they need to have time to socialise with their families and this is why we decided to

However, the commission had expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the fiveday work week. This is not a new initiative; in 1986, Guyana had moved to have a five-day work week. However, at that time, the regulation applied only to public/government entities.

The chief labour offic -

In explaining more about the 40-hour, fiveday work week, he said this does not necessarily mean Monday to Friday, as workers could be asked to work from Tuesday to Saturday or Wednesday to Friday. Any days could be chosen, he said.

“We’re saying 40 hours or five days, anything after that is overtime,” he maintained.

U.S. discusses support for Guyana’s environmental sector

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud on Monday met with U.S. Environmental Representative Alain Norman and U.S. Embassy Economic and Commercial Officer Jeffrey S Barrus to explore the possibilities of American support for Guyana’s environmental sector.

The meeting explored the possibilities of support in the areas of technical assistance and environmental science. More specifically, there were several thematic areas that the minister and the U.S. representative discussed such as clean energy, and the management of waste, water, and protected areas.

Norman was very en-

thusiastic to learn about the progress Guyana has made in these areas. As such, the natural resources and environment minister highlighted initiatives, policies, and plans that the ministry has been recently involved in for the management of the environmental sector.

However, the minister indicated that there is a strong need to enhance capacity building in environmental management and the natural resources sector. He also spoke of the importance of technology transfer for maximising recovery in the mining sector, mercury-free technology, and resource conversion.

Alain made reference to clean energy projects that Costa Rica has embarked upon while the min-

ister alluded to the benefits that Guyana intends to receive from the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

Minister Persaud also pointed out that the Low Carbon Development Strategy is Guyana’s overarching national plan to promote economic growth and combat climate change, given the fact that more than 85 per cent of the country is covered in state forest. He identified that an area of interest is converting waste to energy technology using municipal solid waste, a challenged faced by the Georgetown municipality.

Minister Persaud took the opportunity to report on the progress that has been made to reduce the use of plastic and Styrofoam at the parliamentary level.

Pomeroon man denied bail on rape charge

A51-year-old father from Friendship Canal in the Lower

River was remanded to prison for raping a woman. The Man appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Monday at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. According to Magistrate Scarce, the police have alleged that Goodett committed the act between April to May. Goodett, a coconut farmer from Friendship Canal, Lower Pomeroon was not required to plea to the in-

dictable charge. He was not represented by a lawyer.

Prosecutor Krishnadat Ramana had objected to bail, saying that the accused could easily interfere with the victim if he is released. Bail was refused until July 29, where statements will be given.

Alain indicated that there are companies in Costa Rica that are interested in biothermal energy and he was willing to make recommendations for the companies to consider Guyana.

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) National Congress Committee

Chairman Clement Rohee said final arrangements are being made to host the party’s 30th congress. The congress, he said, will help shape the future of the party and allow members to critique the work of its leaders, in efforts to improve the party’s overall standing. Rohee noted that groups are busily meeting and fulfilling the constitutional criteria for the selection of delegates and observers. According to him, members from various constituencies across the country will be allowed to send resolutions on localised or national issues. The groups, he noted, are also authorised to suggest amendments to the party’s constitution and programme. Rohee further

Groups have also sent in several nominations for the leadership position, but thus far no names have been revealed. PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha said while he will be receiving the nominations, the credentials committee will process them to ensure that those nominated meet the requirements. He added that the process by which the PPP holds its congress is one no other party has ever practised and emphasised that it is purely democratic.

The congress will be honouring all comrades who have died including Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan. Awards will also be presented to those who have served the party for more than 25 years. The party said it will also invite one of its founding members, Ashton Chase, to the congress.

The PPP congress will be held from August 2 to 4, at JC Chandisingh Secondary School, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. The theme for the congress is: “Strengthen the Party, Build Unity; Advance Democracy”.

Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle

Clement Rohee

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Technical Officer (Environment) Ndibi Schwiers; U.S. Embassy Economic and Commercial Officer Jeffrey S Barrus; Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud; U.S. Environmental Representative Alain Norman; and Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Policy Planning and Coordination Unit head Veetal Rajkumar

Pomeroon

tuesday, july 9, 2013|

No bail for narco-trafficking women

Two women were on Monday remanded to prison on separate charges of trafficking narcotics when they appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court. Magistrate Sherdel Issaacs-Marcus on her first day on the bench in Berbice refused bail to a janitor who appeared before her on a charge of having in her possession 3.5 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Onica Griffith, 36, was allegedly found with the drug earlier in the day. Prosecutor Corporal Phillip Sherriff told the court that about 08:00h; Griffith was seen walking and constantly looking back. “As a result, she was stopped and searched by a party of police officers who were patrolling at the time. A transparent plastic bag was discovered on her…” he said, noting that she was arrested and the substance weighted at the police station.

Griffith in her defence said the police did not find the cocaine on her. “I was walking on the Backdam (Republic Road and Lot 40 Stanleytown) when the po-

lice stop me. I saw the thing at the side of my foot on the grass and he ask me if it belongs to me and I said ‘no’. I tried to pick it up and they tell me that is drugs.” She said that she was taken to the station where the drug was weighed.

Sheriff objected to bail,

noting that the purpose of the accused having the drug on her was for trafficking. Griffith will be back in court on July 29 when the matter comes up again. Meanwhile, another woman appeared before the same magistrate on a narcotic charge. Naline Baldeo

also called “Julia” is accused of having 63 grams of cannabis at her Number Two Village, East Canje home for the purpose of trafficking.

According to Prosecutor Sheriff, on July 5, the drug was found at her home where the accused lived with three children. It was revealed that the home is visited frequently by her husband’s friends. However, Sheriff said when the substance was found, her husband was not at home and has not been seen since. Baldeo is being represented by Attorney Carolyn Artiga. In an application for bail to be granted, the attorney told the court that Baldeo is the only person available to take care of her two children. She pleaded with the court to grant reasonable bail on conditions the accused will abide by. Among those conditions included the holding of the accused's passport. In response, Sheriff argued that the defence failed to give any special reasons why bail should be granted. Baldeo will have to return to court on July 22.

Cousins charged for raping six-year-old girl

Two cousins, one 11 and the other 17 from Dartmouth on the Essequibo Coast were remanded to the Juvenile Detention Centre for sexually assaulting as well as having sex with a minor, age six.

The duo were charged separately for the sex -

ual offence on Monday when they appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. The matters were conducted in-camera where family members of the teenagers identified as well confirmed the age of the two teenagers. The charge was read

separately by Magistrate Scarce. Police alleged that on March 17, one of the suspects, an 11-year-old sexually penetrated as well as assaulted the six-year-old girl. The 11-year-old who was not represented by an attorney proclaimed his innocence in court, stating that he does not know anything about the incident. He claimed his parents died and he is a buns seller.

Prosecutor Krishnadat

Ramana objected to bail, stating that the offence can be repeated. He was therefore remanded and sent to the Juvenile Detention Centre until July 15 for the commencement of trial.

The other teen, a 17-year-old, was also charged for rape. It is alleged that on January 1, 2012 and April 30, 2012, the teenager sexually penetrated the six-year-old girl.

Lima man granted bail for possession of cannabis

Atwenty-six-yearold miner from Lima Village on the Essequibo Coast was grant-

ed bail for the possession of two grams of cannabis when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Monday at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

Devon Romeo in handcuff and attired in a red shirt and blue jeans, pleaded not guilty when the narcotic charge was read to him. According to Magistrate Scarce, police have alleged that on July 6, the miner was found with two grams of cannabis in his possession during a routine police patrol.

The miner was not represented; however, he told the court he is living with his parents at Lima Village on the Essequibo Coast. Prosecutor Krishnadat Ramana did not object to the miner receiving bail. He was granted bail in the sum of $25,000 and is expected to return to court on July 29, for the commencement of trial into the matter.

Eyew tness

Tearing scabs...

...from Wismar sore

There’s a dangerous movement afoot in the land: the digging up of old wounds to gratuitously inflame passions in the present. In a land as divided as ours, there can be very few if any positives coming out from this trend. Take the latest “commemoration” of the blowing up of the Son Chapman, which took 43 lives. This happened 49 years ago.

It was a time when the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had fostered ethnic violence in its campaign to oust the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) from governing Guyana. It’s a matter of the historical record and not the figment of some paranoid imagination. The U.S. documents detailing its role have been declassified and can be googled by anyone with access to the Internet. The PPP was defined as “communist”, and the U.S. made it very clear that it would not “permit” such a government here.

We won’t even touch the old argument as to who actually blew up the Son Chapman. Point of the matter is that by July, when the horrible event occurred, the violence had taken on a completely “tit-for-tat” flavour. And it is primarily for this reason that for any party to simply commemorate one incident out of the thousands that occurred is to deny the humanity of those fellow Guyanese who also died and suffered.

It was mentioned that 176 persons eventually perished in what was collectively, if euphemistically, called “the disturbances”. If we want to “remember”, should we not remember all those 176? Were they not all Guyanese? Did they not all have families that loved them? Did they not all bleed?

Someone mentioned that our largest number of internal refugees was produced at that time. What would it have cost to mention that most of those refugees – over 3000 – had to be evacuated from the same Linden community in which the Son Chapman tragedy was now being commemorated for the very first time? Were those people who fled also not Lindeners? Why is their history being silenced?

Combined with the fact that the Son Chapman commemoration was moved from the spot 18 miles where the explosion took place, our only answer is that, contrary to the protestations, there are forces in our society who want to stir up old hatreds for their own selfish ends today.

We aren’t advocating that we forget our past. All we’re saying is that we must not be so selective in our remembrances.

...from over the coup

This newspaper had editorialised that events in the last few days would show where the fledgling Egyptian democracy is heading. Well, the other foot has dropped and the direction it points to doesn’t bode well for that longsuffering land. Democracy is nothing if not accepting the results of the polls.

No matter what other meaning might be read into the term....this is where the line is drawn. Imagine some people are dissatisfied with some of the decisions of the government and the state of the economy. They protest and then the army intervenes and remove the legally elected president!!! This is nothing more than the old-fashioned coup that everyone used to condemn when it occurred in the “banana republics” of Latin America.

U.S. foreign policy is committed to the “export of democracy” and towards this end, its congress has forbidden sending aid to governments that are formed as a result of coups. It is, therefore, quite disappointing that the Barack Obama administration has refused to accept what happened in Egypt is a coup.

So the generals in Egypt now hand-picking presidents and prime ministers for Egypt continue to receive the US$ billions.

...from prejudices

The snobbery of some just can’t be contained. The compulsive letter writer GHK Lall snarkily attributed a “creolese” accent to President Ramotar. The question is: “Did Forbes Burnham with his faux British accent better Ramotar’s performance on the economy?

Naline Baldeo (left) and Onica Griffith being taken away from the courthouse on Monday

Granger’s appeal in budget cuts case aimed at stalling outcome – Dr Luncheon

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon said the move by Opposition Leader David Granger to appeal the budget cuts case was deliberately done to stall its completion.

“One would logically feel that these are attempts to delay the conclusion and prevent a final ruling being delivered in a timely way on this matter,” the Cabinet secretary said as he addressed the press at the Office of the President on Friday.

His comments were made hours before the 2012 budget cuts case was adjourned by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang in the High Court to facilitate the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the legal team of the opposition, challenging the ruling of the acting chief justice to exclude him from the case.

Justice Chang on June 19 ruled that as Members of Parliament, the Constitution provides immunity for Granger and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh as it relates to law-

filed the appeal, calling the decision by the chief justice “unreasonable and arbitrary”. In April 2012, the combined opposition used its one-seat majority to slash $21.9 billion from the proposed $192.8 billion 2012 national budget after they felt that enough explanation was not provided to them.

The government subsequently took to the court to block the National Assembly from cutting the budget, and Justice Chang in a preliminary ruling said the opposition can only approve or disapprove of the budget in its entirety.

suits and excluded the two parliamentarians from further participating in the trial, leading the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman as the lone respondent.

Prior to the adjournment of the case, Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Trotman’s lawyer, Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan were slated to commence their argument last Friday.

However, Granger’s Attorney Basil Williams

However this year, the opposition refused to abide by the preliminary ruling handed down by Justice Chang, arguing that it was not binding or final. As a result, the combined opposition with the Speaker’s blessings shaved more than $31.4 billion off the 2013 $208.8 billion budget presented by government. Chaos reigned when the Speaker also proclaimed that the courts had no oversight responsibility or powers over the legislature.

Region launches online climate risk assessment tool

The Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) said it will launch a seminal on-line support tool in St Lucia on Friday in keeping with the thrust to promote a culture of risk management across the region.

St Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony will address the launch of the Caribbean Climate Online Risk and Adaptation Tool (CCORAL) that will also be attended by various stakeholders from across the region. The new initiative, which has been endorsed by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Chairman Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, will promote climate smart development by helping to embed a risk management ethic in decisionmaking processes across the region.

Risk assessment

“The development of the risk assessment tool [is] an extremely important asset in assessing the risk from the impacts of climate change in the Caribbean region,” said Dr Pachauri. The CCCCC said that the Caribbean countries and the 40 million people who live there, are in a state of increased vulnerability to climate change. It said higher temperatures, sea level rise, and increased hurricane intensity threaten lives, proper-

ty and livelihoods throughout the region.

“Against this background, CCORAL will help to boost the capacity of these countries to assess their risk amidst a variable and changing climate, while creating pathways for the identification and implementation of adaptation and mitigation options.”

CCCCC Executive Director Dr Kenrick Leslie said CCORAL is a practical approach to cost-effective climate-resilient investment projects. “CCORAL will aid the region in defining approaches and solutions that will provide benefits now and in the future by adopting ‘no-regret’ actions and flexible measures.”

Development

He said it is intended to be used primarily by agencies at the regional and national level with responsibility for development, planning and finance, the private sector and non-governmental organisations. “Ministries of finance and/or planning are central to the initial efforts to anchor this tool in climate resilience-building decisions. Notwithstanding, civil society organisations, universities, financial services and development partners, local communities can also use CCORAL to inform actions that must embed climate considerations. The tool is available to all member countries through an open

source online platform to be unveiled at the launch,” said the CCCCC.

CCCCC Programme Development Specialist Keith Nichols said “the development of the risk assessment tool emerged after an extensive consultation process with regional stakeholders to ensure authenticity, relevance and ownership”. It is a direct response to the requirement of the Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change and the landmark Implementation Plan (IP) that were endorsed by Caricom heads in 2009 and 2012, respectively.

Strategic elements

“The IP acknowledges that a transformational change in mindset, institutional arrangements, operating systems, collaborative approaches and integrated planning mechanisms are essential to deliver the strategic elements and goals of the regional framework and to enable climate smart development by embedding a risk management ethic in decision-making,” the CCCCC said.

CCORAL has been developed by the CCCCC with funding from the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and the Climate Development and Knowledge Network (CDKN). (CMC)

tuesday, july 9, 2013

Caricom heads put spotlight on persons with disabilities

Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of government last week in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, placed the spotlight on persons with disabilities and special needs as they consider Haiti’s proposal for a high-level meeting on the issue.

At the opening of the conference last Wednesday, at least two heads of state made reference to the subject that they said was dear to their hearts. According to The Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, who is a father of an autistic child, there was a significant number of persons disabled through injuries, and others who were born or impaired at birth with some form of disability.

The challenges are compounded, he said, with poverty, and difficulties with

access to equipment and expertise. He was of the firm view that children had a fundamental right to access resources in an equitable way. He said there was a realisation that the initiative was significant and “that when we come to measure ourselves, it is not what we do for the most equipped and most educated, but what you do for… the most disadvantaged”.

Regional dialogue

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told her audience that her government had an interest in opening a regional dialogue to highlight the challenges and champion the interests of persons living with disabilities.

“My granddaughter is also autistic, so I understand

where we are coming from and where we have to go,” said the prime minister, who spoke after Prime Minister Christie at the conference’s opening. They rallied the community to action, “not because my granddaughter is autistic or because Prime Minister Christie’s child is autistic, but because there are so many of our children who are challenged on the basis of disabilities and who we have not given the kind of attention and care that they need. Our children need our support and we must fail them,” she said as she called for the dialogue to develop to the point where there is a resolution to ultimately address the needs of all persons living with disabilities and special needs that could be taken to the United Nations.

Info from bribe website to help fight corruption – Home Affairs Ministry

The Home Affairs Ministry on Monday assured that the information collected on the ipaidabribe website will be used to promote improved governance systems and procedures, tighten law enforcement and regulations and reduce the scope for corruption in obtaining services from the government.

A press release issued by the ministry stated that the information placed on the ipaidabribe.gy website is not meant to name and shame any public official nor is it intended to be used for criminal prosecution; as such citizens using the site can do so anonymously.

The release also indicated that as with the other I paid a bribe websites, ipaidabribe.gy aims to heighten citizen awareness about the nature and spread of briberelated activities and pro-

mote a public debate that pressures public officials to reduce and eventually eliminate corruption.

The website is also focused on helping citizens to recognise, avoid and tackle bribe paying situations. It would additionally identify and analyse the workflows within corruption prone public services, make suggestions on systemic reform directed at entrenching simpler and more transparent processes, more consistent standards of law enforcement and better vigilance and regulation. The Home Affairs Ministry explained that Guyana’s I paid a bribe website is pat-

terned after similar initiatives in countries such as India, Kenya, Greece, Pakistan, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. The original I paid a bribe concept was developed by the Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy of India which sought to tackle corruption by harnessing the collective energies of citizens.

This philosophy of engaging citizens in the fight against corruption has been embraced by the Home Affairs Ministry with the belief that by providing such a forum, Guyanese of all walks of life can join the debate on corruption within society.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

Bandits escape with millions after Grove robbery

Three armed bandits on Sunday night terrorised a Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara family before escaping with millions in cash and items. The robbery occurred about 22:00h.

According to information received, the three men arrived on foot at the Lot 309 Fourth Street, Kaneville property belonging to Naresh Ramnauth and carted off $1.3 million in cash; three laptop computers; DVD players, and a few pairs of sneakers.

After the robbery, the men reportedly scaled a fence and made good their escape via a back street. A car may have been waiting for the men.

The businessman who operates a general store, a trucking service, and a hollow block establishment told Guyana Times that he was not at home when the robbery was committed. The man’s wife, Devitri Ramnauth, along with his stepson Ryan Mangru and Mangru’s sister, Naline, were at home at the time.

According to information received, the woman went to lock up the shop which is in front of the house and saw a man walk-

ing towards the business, but she did not suspect anything and continued to close the shutters. After a few seconds, the woman saw two other men following the first and thought that something was amiss. She stopped closing the shutters and ran towards the gate with the intention of closing it, but one of the men grabbed her and placed a gun to her head.

Demand for cash

He then forced her into the house, and her stepson who was in the adjoining yard recognised what was happening and went to her aid. The gunman struck the teenager to his head and he collapsed. The bandit then demanded that Ramnauth hand over all the cash, while the other two ransacked the property for other valuables. The woman handed over the money to the bandits, who also packed up three laptop computers and the sneakers.

The stepson, Guyana Times was told, jumped the fence and ran to a neighbour’s house from where he made contact with the police. When contacted on Monday, Ramnauth explained

that his sister’s husband passed away on Sunday afternoon in Timehri and, as such, he went to the village to lend moral support. About 09:50h, he said he received a call from his wife who related her ordeal.

At that point in time, he disclosed that he contacted the police and was told that they are aware of the robbery and were on their way.

When he arrived, his wife told him that after the men collected the money, they demanded that the family stay quiet or they would shoot, thus the family followed instructions.

He said the men acted as if they were the owners of the house, since he was made to understand that they went into the refrigerator, took out a few bottles of Guinness and sat comfortably, sipping them while the woman and her stepdaughter looked on.

Up to Monday afternoon, the man’s house was still in disarray, but he and his family were instructed not to remove anything, since the police are continuing their investigations. No one was arrested for the robbery.

De mote and de beam

The Bible talk bout tekkin de beam outta yuh own eye before yuh can see good enough to tek out de mote in somebody else eye. Plenty religious people does talk bout that same principle, but dem does don’t live up to dem own talkin. Old people seh if yuh talk de talk yuh also does have to walk de walk.

But it got plenty people in Guyana and in de rest of de world who does talk de talk and don’t walk de walk. Even de same religious people dem does misbehave all de time and then go to church and behave like dem never do any ting wrong. That is what yuh call bare face people who ain’t got no shame.

De Americans so bare face that dem been peepin de whole world and dem ain’t shame bout it. But de beam was too big in dem eyes fuh see what one man was doin right where all de peepin was goin on. Now dem still so bare face that

dem want to tell de whole world bout democracy and press freedom. One reporter seh what de Americans mean is that dem alone must be free to press fuh whatever dem want. But right here in Guyana it got a lotta bare face people too. One newspaper man so bare face that he talkin bout corruption and he rotten since he coulda walk and talk. But old people seh moon does run till day ketch he. And that newspaper man like to move night time whether de moon out or not. Day comin soon fuh he. Just wait fuh de anti-money launderin bill get past Parliament and see how life gon change.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Another man who wukkin close to that same newspaper man is a man also bare face. This is de same man who thief every ting from elections to press freedom. But he gon have a hard time tekkin de beam outta he own eye!

Region 10 officials press Health Ministry for ambulance

Region 10 officials, including Chairman Sharma Solomon and councillors of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) are calling on the Health Ministry to heed the plight of the Linden community which has been without an ambulance for some time.

The issue was raised last Thursday at the RDC statutory meeting as four councillors moved a motion ordering the suspension of meetings until the matter is dealt with by the relevant authorities. Solomon said several requests have been made to Permanent Secretary Leslie Cadogan and the deputy permanent secretary of the Health Ministry for an ambulance to be awarded to the community since the previous one which was assigned to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) has been out of order.

Full support

He noted that he is in full support of the move. The motion was moved by Councillors Maurice Butters, Audwin Rutherford, Stanley Colins and Leslie Gonsalves.

“The Regional Democratic Council by way of motion before the council... which was carried by a majority of councillors, it was voted for the suspension of the statutory meeting for the month of July... in the motion

that was carried by the council, this was amended to include Region 10 and not just the LHC because we recognise that also in Kwakwani, we have issues with an ambulance not being available for the residents in the subregions of the areas between Kwakwani, Ituni and Aroaima,” Solomon related.

Accidents

Making reference to two recent motor vehicular accidents which occurred in Region 10, including that which involved Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) employees, Solomon said that the community suffered the inconvenience of transporting the dead and seriously injured in vehicles which was not conducive, at a time when the need for an ambulance was more profound.

He noted that one of the most recent calls was made to the permanent secretary on June 6 following the RDC statutory meeting concerning the region’s plight and he was brought up to date with the matter.

He said another call was made on the day of the accident involving BMGGI employees. However, to date, no formal response was given on the matter which he said should be seen as “urgent”.

He said that the information received was that there was not much that the ministry could have

done at the moment, but all was being done to acquire an ambulance. However, he noted that the matter was left without attention until the second contact was made, and to date, the RDC has not received any word in relation to the issue.

Solomon said repeated calls for an ambulance are also being made by the board of the LHC.

“The region is saying to the Ministry of Health and the government of Guyana, that it intends to take further action outside of the suspension of this statutory meeting to ensure that the people of Linden and Region 10 feel safe, se-

cure that in time of need there is an ambulance in this community,” he said.

Repeated calls

Councillor Maurice Butters, who is also a member of the LHC board and Region 10 Health Committee chairman said for more than five years, the previous board has also made repeated calls to the Health Ministry to provide additional ambulatory and vehicular services to assist the LHC in carrying out its responsibilities.

Butters had also made a public appeal to the Health Ministry on the day of the accident involving BMGGI employees.

He said repeated calls have also been made to the permanent secretary, the deputy permanent secretary and chairman of the board of the LHC to have another ambulance stationed in the community.

“The vehicles which are at the LHC are over 12 years old and repairs month after month, amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent by hospital to keep the fleet of vehicles going... requests have been made to Health Ministry to replace these outdated vehicles...no steps were taken to send an ambulance to Linden...,” she noted.

Butters said the matter was also raised at the last board meeting at the LHC two Thursdays ago. He said a minibus was recently converted to a makeshift ambulance. However, it lacks the necessary facilities.

“A nurse had to hold an IV from Linden to Georgetown and her arm caught cramp because she couldn’t do anything else but to hold it there to save the life of the patient,” Butters said.

Further action

He noted that he is in full support that further action be taken if an ambulance is not made available within the next 48 hours. Butters noted that the policy is for vehicles to be replaced after three years.

“As for Kwakwani, the type of minibuses serving as ambulances are not suitable for the terrain which it has to traverse and we have been making calls to be provided with suitable ambulances,” he said.

Butters said problems are also encountered in Kwakwani as sometimes both ambulances are out of order. Additionally, he noted that approximately $3 million was spent on repairing an ambulance stationed in the community, but to date, it has never worked and remains in the LHC compound.

He noted that the ambulance, which is out of order, developed mechanical problems en route to Georgetown a few months ago and has not been replaced since then.

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

Exhibitors say building expo creates linkages

Local and overseas exhibitors have lauded the International Building Exposition for creating the necessary linkages and opportunities that will put their businesses in good stead.

Held under the theme “Consolidating Partnerships through sustainable development”, the three-day exposition opened up a wide range of opportunities for businesses.

Harris Paints Retail Services Manager Nicole Griffith underscored that since the commencement of the building expo, the company has been a part of it. Subsequently, she stated that it has been able to build on the number of customers who support the business and has forged linkages locally and overseas.

Relationships

“We have built a lot of different relationships with persons over the years, but the largest partnership that we have gone into is with the Ministry of Housing and Water”, she said.

She made reference to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) which was signed between the ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority and Harris Paints Guyana Limited, which allows low and low-middle income earners, staff of the ministry, and contractors who are working on the turnkey houses, to benefit from a price discount of seven per cent on paints once the persons go through the minis-

try.

She stated that the company has also been able to successfully increase its customers over the years due to the exposure it has received from the building expo. Griffith was optimistic that Harris Paints will be able to form partnerships with other organisations as well.

Meanwhile, Shane Cadogan, a representative from Paul’s Do It Your Best, disclosed that since the first year of the expo, the company has participated and from then to present, it has seen a significant increase in customers. He said the company is looking to form partnerships with other local and overseas businesses, adding that it is hoping that building expo will be able to make this possible.

Marjon Trading representative Renautha Cox noted that the company made the decision to participate in the expo for the second year, this year, based on the benefits it received from the first.

“After the last building

expo, we really saw a spike in demand for the products… we are expecting to see a further spike in demands as a result of our participation in building expo once again this year.”

Meanwhile, California Stucco Inc Marketing, a recently established Trinidadian company here participated in the expo last year to test the waters as it had not opened a branch here as yet. In the end, manager of the recently established Trinidad company Gregory Shaw, said its participation proved beneficial. “From the exhibition, we generated so many leads that we actually had our first contract even before we opened the business here… so building expo has really launched our product and our brand in the market, we have generated a lot of customer response and we have no complaints.” He added too that the company is looking to forge other partnerships with businesses here and overseas so it can increase the number of customers it serves.

Muslims being urged to look for the crescent

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has advised Muslims to look for the crescent for Ramadan this evening.

If the moon is sighted, then taraweeh prayers will commence on Tuesday evening and fasting on Wednesday, CIOG said in a release. If the crescent is not sighted, taraweeh prayers will commence on the evening of Wednesday, and fasting on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Indian Arrival Committee of Guyana has extended Ramadan Mubarak to all Guyanese, especially the Muslim community. “The IAC urged that the true observances of the month of Ramadan reflect the manner that the month of Ramadan brings with it: A month that teaches self-discipline, seek

restraint and being generous to the less fortunate while obeying God’s commandments.

“This is a month that offers great spiritual virtues and blessings and teaches respect for all of God’s creation and religions.” The IAC called on all political leaders to use the ideals and lessons of this month to build bridges and not walls, that the country would be one free of fear and instability.

First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar also extended greetings and best wishes to the Muslim community of Guyana as they commence Ramadan 2013. “This Holy Month is very dear to Muslims throughout the world and offers the followers of Islam, the opportunity to deepen their faith through prayer and acts of piety. It also promotes per-

Guyana to ratify ILO domestic work convention by monthend – Dr Gopaul

Members of the Caribbean Workers Network Steering Committee have left Guyana optimistic that the country will be the first in the Caribbean to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention, Number 189, to protect domestic workers.

According to a ministry in a release, representatives of the six-country network were in Guyana for their annual planning meeting, and on Monday paid a courtesy call on Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul before departing.

Important convention

The minister told the group, which included an ILO representative Paula Robinson and representatives of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda, that the instruments of ratification should be at the ILO by this monthend. The group congratulated the minister, in anticipation that Guyana will be the first Caribbean country to ratify this important convention. Ratification of this convention will create the basis for decent work for persons who are employed as household service workers, and ensure that the rights of these workers are not violated.

The network also commended government for enacting a National Minimum Wage and a 40-hour work week for both private and public sector employees, which came into effect on July 1. Minister Gopaul reiterated government’s commitment to implementing the Decent Work Country Programme and ensuring that conditions of work are safe and healthy for all categories of workers.

The network, comprising members of Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda, has launched a campaign to encourage signatories to the convention. Guyana is represent-

ed on the Steering Committee by Joycelyn Bacchus, secretary of Red Thread. On May 31, they presented a petition with more than 3069 signatures to the minister of labour in support of a call for Caricom governments to support domestic workers in their search for a better life, through the ratification of the ILO Convention Number 189. Minister Gopaul assured the group that the government is committed to ratifying Convention Number 189, as was indicated by President Donald Ramotar in his address to the nation on the occasion of Guyana’s Independence Anniversary on May 26.

Project to upgrade Brickdam to commence soon – housing minister

BY: LEANA BRADSHAW

Tsonal self-purification of body and mind by encouraging fasting, abstinence, and the banishing of ill-thoughts and feelings,” Ramotar said in her message.

She said Ramadan is an exalted period, a time for Muslims to step aside from their worldly preoccupations and embrace a period of deep personal introspection, selfexamination, sacrifice, and charity. Through this process Muslims deepen their faith and encourage goodness and harmony in their relations with each other and the wider society. “I am particularly pleased by the example of devotion and self-discipline demonstrated by Muslims during this period. I hope that Ramadan will encourage all of us to recognise the values of these virtues in our lives and in improving relations in our society.

he Housing and Water Ministry will this year continue to pursue its drive in restoring the capital city to its former glory with the commencement of the Brickdam Renewal Project, which forms part of the Urban Rehabilitation Project.

Speaking with this publication during an interview, Housing Minister Irfaan Ali noted that the renewal project will see construction works being carried out to upgrade the entire Brickdam Road.

The Urban Rehabilitation Project on the other hand, caters for the enhancement of the Stabroek Market Square, along Brickdam and the construction of the Parliament Square which was completed in December 2012 to mark the commencement of the initiative. The project falls under the ministry’s medium to long-term agenda.

“We’re now working on the Brickdam Renewal Plan. We’re hoping to commence work on that shortly; we’ve engaged all the stakeholders. In terms of Stabroek Market Square, there’s dis-

cussion going on with the Ministry of Public Works in terms of traffic flow,” Minister Ali pointed out.

With the completion of the Parliament Square, the ministry will now shift its attention to enhancement along Brickdam.

Despite being a longterm plan, Ali said a design for the overhaul of that area has already been drafted for contractors and work will commence later this year. Prior to starting works; however, a management plan for alternative traffic routes is being formulated.

Attract investment

The housing minister added that “we're looking at ways we can attract investment in the development of a broad walk along the Georgetown sea wall. This is something that we’re discussing in collaboration with the Public Works Ministry.”

The Brickdam Renewal Plan will allow for the transformation of the entire length of the road, which will include the planting of trees and construction of pavements to create a scenic environment, with an ambience that is full of nature. Measures will also be implemented to ensure a secured

area.

Meanwhile, phase two of the Brickdam Renewal Project will also see in the future, the construction of a tourist operator booth to facilitate tours for visitors around Central Georgetown.

The Stabroek Market Square is the next item on the agenda to undergo the rehabilitation process under the urban project. In the meantime, the Parliament Square stemmed from several proposals put forward during the first annual International Building Expo in 2010. The garden-like facility was commissioned by President Donald Ramotar. It was constructed with the aim of creating a balance between the infrastructure and green space in the city. The facility boasts a water fall, flowers, plants, lawns and seats. It allows visitors to take timeout to relax and embrace the abundance of natural beauty Guyana has to offer.

However, to top off the completion of the Parliament Square, the setting up of washroom facilities is currently in the making. It is worthy to note that it is fenced and manned by security personnel. (leanab@guyanatimesgy.com)

Patrons examine a bed at the building expo

Jamaican representative on the network, Shirley Pryce meets Labour Minister Dr Nanda K Gopaul

tuesday, july 9, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lindeners pay tribute to Son Chapman victims

Scores of persons on Saturday gathered at Christianburg, Wismar, Linden, to pay tribute to 43 Lindeners who perished and others injured 49 years ago while on board the Son Chapman, a passenger-cargo motor launch, after a planted bomb on it exploded, causing the vessel to sink.

The incident, as told by history, occurred on Monday July 6, 1964 at Hurudaia, approximately 80 kilometres up the Demerara River, as the vessel, owned by popular Linden businessman Norman Chapman journeyed to Mackenzie, Linden after departing Georgetown, with 63 passengers, mainly hucksters on board. Among those who perished was businesswoman Carmen Carryl, a mother of seven and who was also said to be pregnant at the time.

ing, Granger encouraged Lindeners not to be divided by the tragic incident, but to be united. “We come here, not with a feeling of revenge, not with a feeling of recrimination or a feeling of retribution – we’ve come here with out of leverage, we’ve come here out of remembrance – we’ve not come here to rekindle old hostilities... we’ve come to reaffirm the common destiny of all our Guyanese people. Let the pain of the past be used to propel us to peace and prosperity,” he noted.

Life’s lessons In his reflections on the incident and tribute to those who lost their lives, Solomon said while it is important to pay tribute, it is also important to draw strength and courage from such lessons. “Forty three innocent lives were lost in

Present to pay tribute to those killed were leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and Region 10 Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon, among others.

Addressing the gather-

what was, is, the tragedy of Sonny Chapman. Today, we gather here to memorialise the lives lost on that fateful day. And, as we do so, we must reflect on lessons learnt as a result of this terrible event.

“Tragedy should be utilised as a source of strength.

No matter how painful the experience is, if we lose hope that would be our real disaster. Therefore, we must hold fast to the hope expressed by our nation’s motto: ‘One people, One nation, One destiny’.

“Fear is met and destroyed with courage. The events of July 18, 2012 remain fresh in our collective minds,” he said.

Staying the course

He told those present that they should not allow fear from tragedies such as these overcome hope in the quest to attain a better life, since courage, he noted, means persevering, regardless of one’s fear. Solomon went on to say that reconciliation, which is an ongoing process is also necessary for progress to occur.

“However, no attempt at reconciliation can be complete without first forgiveness. The events of July

6, 1964 cannot be undone; however, instead of distancing ourselves from our fellow Guyanese, we must seek to embrace each other in unity and understanding. When we forgive evil, we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do not smother it. Instead, we look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it,” Solomon noted.

He pointed out that although the scars which the Son Chapman tragedy has left on the people of Linden may not be erased, it is the painful reminder that Guyana needs a solution that would be long lasting and for the benefit of all.” As Kazuo Ishiguro once wrote, ‘Perhaps one day all conflicts will end, and it won’t be because of great statesmen or churches or organisations, it will be because people have changed’.”

Critical infrastructural works ongoing in hinterland

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has approved a series of critical infrastructure works within several mining districts. These works executed under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s Hinterland Infrastructure Committee (HIC) of the GGMC resulted from representation to subject minister Robert Persaud by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), miners and other stakeholders during various outreach meetings. In a release, the ministry said the works were approved by Minister Persaud as part of the government’s efforts to provide support to miners as part of the programme addressing declining gold pric-

es. At a recent meeting on July 4, the GGDMA was updated by Minister Persaud on infrastructural works being carried out within the various mining districts.

For the 2013 work programme, over 481 miles of road works has been budgeted for, and as of June 31, over 186 miles of road was completed while works are ongoing on some of the projects which were recent-

ly awarded. Invitations for bids have been requested for additional works through the public procurement process. Some of the completed roads include Mahdia internal roads, Itaballi Landing to Puruni Crossing and Toraparo Junction to Pappyshou Landing. Additional rehabilitation work to be completed before the end of 2013 include the road from Matthew’s

Ridge to Baramita, Aremu Road, Brian Sucre Junction to Micobie and Tumatumari as well as other hinterland road identified by the GGDMA.

The HIC is comprised of stakeholders with an interest of developing hinterland mining roads in Guyana. The members of the committee include representatives from the GGMC, the GGDMA, the Public Works Ministry, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and the Guyana Forestry Commission. Meanwhile, HIC is in the process of implementing road users’ agreements for many rehabilitated roads to ensure the road quality is maintained by limiting loads per size of vehicle and access during heavy rainfall events while ensuring maintenance works are done in a timely manner.

Caribbean authorities and members of civil society will be meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, to assess the region’s progress in implementing the programme of action of the United Nations International Conference on Population and Development (adopted in Cairo in 1994).

The Caribbean Forum on Population, Development and Migration, which will be held on July 9 and 10, is being organised by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the government of Guyana and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

It will give participants the opportunity to share successful experiences and identify new challenges faced by the region in terms of achieving the aims of the ICPD.

The Cairo Conference adopted the most important international agreement on population, as it was focused on the link between population and development based on individual needs and rights, rather than uniquely demographic objectives.

These objectives include integrating the specific characteristics of the Caribbean population in terms of development planning. Such dynamics include international migration and ageing, poverty eradication, investing in youth, gender equality, universal access to reproductive health and family planning services and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

As part of this process, Caribbean countries, with the support of UNFPA, filled in a questionnaire to assess compliance with the commitments made in Cairo.

The results of the survey are a fundamental part of the report that will be presented at the forum, and the conclusions will form the sub-regional contribution to the first session of the regional conference on population and development in Latin America and the Caribbean, which will be held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in August.

The review process will end with a special session on the ICPD - Beyond 2014 at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014. (Caribbean News Now)

The Caribbean forum is being held in the context of ICPD – Beyond 2014, a global review of the programme of action that will enable government representatives and civil society to assess 20 years of progress towards established development targets, with a view to reaffirming the commitment made in the agreement as the cornerstone of the post-2015 agenda.

Guyanese jailed for fraud in TT Guyana forum to assess Caribbean progress, challenges in population

Guyanese national Chadwick

McGarrell was jailed for nine months on Wednesday after pleading guilty to two charges of fraud – uttering and possession of fraudulent documents.

McGarrell was arrested on June 17 after he went to the Immigration Office to request an extension of his time in Trinidad. Upon checking his documents, immigration officers noticed that his last “extension” stamp was fraudulent.

According to a Trinidad Express report, Checks confirmed that he was at the time in Trinidad ille-

gally. McGarrell arrived January 18 and was allowed to stay until April 17. Before Magistrate Marissa Gomez, McGarrell said his boss told him he would “handle” his first extension. McGarrell apologised to the magistrate, saying he wanted to legalise himself, adding that he did not know about the illegal act supposedly committed by his boss. Gomez sentenced McGarrell to nine months each on both offences, but ordered that the sentences run concurrently. His passport was ordered to be returned to the National Security Ministry.

Opposition Leader David Granger placing his wreath into the Demerara River to honour those who perished onboard the Son Chapman

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon addressing the gathering at the ceremony for the Son Chapman victims

A rehabilitated bridge at Puruni

Govt extols policies on fighting inequalities at UN General Assembly

Despite multiple challenges, Guyana has constantly pursued policies to give effect to the core aspects of the New Global Human Order, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett told the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

The minister was delivering her presentation during the Thematic Debate on Inequality held at the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

Reducing inequality

She pointed out that the policies pursued by Guyana were particularly aimed at reducing inequality at the domestic level. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that over the past two decades Guyana has substantially increased budgetary allocations to the social sectors and taken specific action to address the most vulnerable segments of society, including women, youth, indigenous people, the elderly, and the disabled.

“More than 30 per cent of the national budget is dedicated to education, health, housing, water, and other social programmes. We have worked steadfastly to build a more resilient economy and society,” the minister explained.

She pointed out also the annual five per cent growth Guyana’s economy over the past seven years, which enabled the country to forestall the worst effects of the global financial crisis. “This growth is, no doubt, largely the result of investment we have been making in our

people,” she said.

However, Guyana’s efforts to reduce inequality at the national level are limited by the difficult global environment.

“It is absolutely necessary that the international community takes bold decisive steps to “forge a new global partnership” recommended for the post-2015 development agenda and identified as a critical element of the New Global Human Order,” she stated.

Observing that reducing inequality is not a new challenge, the minister said “its causes or consequences are pervasive, not circumscribed by geography, economy, or political system.

Global levels

All countries are called upon to rise to this challenge and to contribute to a more inclusive, just and equitable order, both at the national and global levels. It is my delegation’s sincere hope that today’s debate will contribute to this noble purpose.”

Minister RodriguesBirkett commended the UN for convening the thematic debate and its role in promoting a New Global Human Order. She explained that it is fitting that this is being done in association with the Organisation of American States (OAS), which has devoted much attention to social inequality and its impacts, and whose participation is welcome.

“In introducing the concept of a New Global Human Order, which was first advocated by our late President Dr Cheddi Jagan

to the agenda of the General Assembly, the government of Guyana was concerned with the challenge posed by growing inequality both within and among countries and the implications of this phenomenon for the promotion of human development,” the foreign minister declared.

She stated that the core of the New Global Human Order represents a call for concerted multilateral action to reverse the persistent and considerable disparities between rich and poor, within as well as among countries, and to advance a people-centred development agenda. “The pursuit of this objective entails, among other elements, the promotion of growth with equity, the eradication of poverty, the expansion of productive employment and decent work, the promotion of gender equality and social integration, as well as the social and economic welfare of people,” the minister outlined.

Better Hope man shot dead during robbery

What was supposed to be a fun night out with a friend ended tragically for a Better Hope, East Coast Demerara man who was shot dead during a robbery on Sunday evening.

The dead man has been identified as 32-year-old Tyrone Boodhoo, a carpenter/mason. The incident reportedly occurred sometime around 21:25h.

According to a police press release, Boodhoo and a female friend, 23-year-old Martha Mohamed, were on the sea wall in the vicinity of Vryheid’s Lust, ECD, when they were confronted by two armed men.

The release further stated that the men ordered the two to lie on the ground, but Boodhoo did not comply. “At this stage, Tyrone Boodhoo attempted to escape and was shot by one of the men,” the

police said.

After shooting Boodhoo, the gunmen relieved Mohamed of her cellular phone before making good their escape. The injured man was then rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He arrived at the medical institution around 22:30h, and succumbed shortly after while receiving treatment. Mohamed reportedly became hysterical upon hearing the news. She was then escorted to the Sparendaam Police Station to assist with investigations.

According to information received, Boodhoo left his Area H home, where he lived with his pregnant common-law wife and sevenyear-old child, to meet with Mohamed.

The man’s 25-year-old reputed wife said she was at home when she received a call that her husband was

shot and was summoned to the station. The woman, along with Boodhoo’s mother, went to the police station and it was then that they learnt the man had died.

The pregnant woman broke down in tears, as she began contemplating how she will manage without Boodhoo.

At the time, Mohammed, who has been separated from her husband for a while now, was also at the police station assisting with investigations when her family came.

Relatives of Mohamed disclosed that she left home sometime around 18:30h, to go to the shop but never returned.

Boodhoo leaves to mourn his reputed wife, who is six months pregnant, their seven-year-old son, and other family and friends. He was described as a hardworking person.

She observed that such a focus finds echo in the Millennium Development Goals. “It remains pertinent as we look to the United Nations development agenda beyond 2015, where the importance of considered attention to inequality is all the more evident if the new agenda is to ensure equitable and sustainable social and economic development,” she added.

“It is emerging as one of the most critical cross-cutting challenges of the development agenda. High levels of inequality – whether based on gender, income, access to social services and infrastructure, access to opportunities, land distribution, or health and education – are associated with higher unemployment, diminished contribution of growth to poverty reduction, higher average crime rates, lower average health and education status, social and political instability, with more fragile democ-

racy, and the worsening of existing fragilities and vulnerabilities,” she stated.

Pointing out that numerous studies have persuasively shown that excessive inequality impacts negatively on economic and social development, Guyana’s foreign minister stated that notwithstanding this “the secretary general has observed that efforts to achieve the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] have not adequately taken into account the impact of inequality on economic and social development.”

Holistic approach

Minister RodriguesBirkett also noted that inequality cannot be addressed in a piecemeal basis but “it must be addressed in a holistic fashion, embracing a new approach that tackles its causes, as well as its symptoms”.

Thus, she explained, the new development framework therefore needs to go beyond poverty eradication.

“To effectively address inequality, it will be necessary for us to look beyond the symptoms and manifestations of poverty and exclusion that often lead to discretionary measures of a short-term nature, and to pay more attention to the structural causes of inequality in order to secure lasting and inclusive growth and promote sustainable development.

In that connection, the creation of conditions in all countries where people can enjoy equality of rights and opportunity becomes all the more imperative,” she add-

ed.The foreign affairs minister observed that while in terms of political participation by women, above global average figures have been recorded in the Latin American and Caribbean region, yet the overall percentage of women in parliaments is only 16 per cent.

“We must resolve these inequalities that affect the other half of humanity if we are to make the world a better place. Yet, it is my submission that even with the progress achieved, this MDG might not be met.”

Minister RodriguesBirkett emphasised that tackling inequality requires political will and concerted policies aimed at fostering transformational change by addressing root causes and structural impediments.

“Setting an inequality goal or inequality targets and indicators alone will not necessarily have the result we expect,” she explained.

Post-2015 development

The minister urged that the UN post-2015 development agenda should place emphasis on “inclusive, sustainable and pro-poor economic growth, on the creation of decent work, on promoting concerted policies, as well as on having the tools to assess, monitor and manage the impact of such policies on economic, social, environmental and cultural rights, on strengthening governance, on fostering an equal opportunity approach to social protection and inclusion, and on promoting accountability and transparency.”

PPP says its ideology remains the same ... party reinventing itself – Rohee

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has debunked claims that its ideology has changed from that espoused by its founding leader Dr Cheddi Jagan.

PPP executive member and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said it was only those who are outside the party who are plugging that line. Rohee was at the time addressing the party’s press conference on Monday.

“You would never hear persons from inside the PPP, you’ll never hear members of the PPP making such allegations; it is the detractors, it is the defectors, the people who have left us who you would hear those views coming from,” Rohee said.

He said while the party has seen development

at all levels, since its establishment in 1950, the core ideology of the PPP has never changed and will not anytime soon.

Rohee noted that over the past months, there have been numerous attempts by former leaders of the party to influence the future of the PPP and the congress, in particular. He said the “PPP defectors” have made attempts to link the party to corruption, a move is meant to influence delegates to revolt, at its upcoming congress. The PPP stalwart said this does not pose a threat to the party, adding that the departure of the former PPP members has not affected membership either.

Rohee predicted that these attempts would intensify.

Meanwhile, Rohee admitted that the party

made a few mistakes during the post-election period, which “it is now paying the price for”, but added that it is working to correct these errors.

On this note, Rohee said that the PPP is reinventing itself and is making innovative steps to encourage persons to join the bandwagon to promote unity, democracy, and development in Guyana.

He said the party remains united in this fight. The 2011 election resulted in the PPP having the first minority government in Guyana, after winning one seat less than the combined opposition.

“The party hasn’t split into factions and we’re going to the congress as a united party, and we will come out of congress more united,” Rohee emphasised.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Tropical Storm Chantal forms in the Atlantic

ings are in effect for Barbados, Dominica and St Lucia and a tropical storm watch is in effect for St Vincent”.

“Maximum sustained winds are 40 miles per hour with higher gusts and Chantal is expected to move across the Lesser Antilles late Monday night or early Tuesday,” said the report.

The estimated minimum central pressure for the system has dropped to 1007 milli bars.

Canadian budget airline commences flights to Cuba

Tropical Storm Chantal races westward, expected to affect the Lesser Antilles late Monday or early Tuesday morning.

The hurricane centre reports that Chantal “is moving west north-west near 26 miles per hour and this general motion is expected to continue through Monday”.

The NHC report also indicated “tropical storm warn-

“Tropical Storm Chantal is located near 10.1N 48.5W or 775 miles east southeast of Barbados according to the 23:00h AST advisory from the National Hurricane Centre (NHC).

According to Philip J Klotzbach and William M Gray of the Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane season is expected to see about 18 named storms, including nine hurricanes, with four of them being major. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Edward Snowden: Bolivia summons envoys over jet

Bolivia has summoned the ambassadors of France, Spain, Portugal and Italy to explain why their countries blocked President Evo Morales’ jet last week.

Morales was flying home from Moscow when his plane was forced to re-route to Vienna, amid rumours that U.S. fugitive Edward Snowden was on board.

Snowden, a former CIA contractor, is wanted by the U.S. on charges of leaking secrets about U.S. surveillance schemes.

The European countries have variously denied closing their airspace.

Snowden was not on the flight, and is still believed to be in the transit area of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.

But Spanish officials admitted that they had been told Snowden was on board the plane.

Several Latin American countries have condemned the incident and accused

TT: Panday confused by Jack’s apology

Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday is confused by the apology given to him by Jack Warner. On Saturday, Warner apologised to Panday for criticising him when he said that Kamla Persad-Bissessar was not ready to lead. Warner made the apology when he met Panday at the wedding of United National Congress (UNC) Strategy Officer Ken Emrith and Davica Persad. Panday told the TT Guardian although he accepted Warner’s apology, he was confused by it. “I’m not sure what it was intended to do because I think everybody had agreed with me that the UNC or the coalition was led by someone who was totally lacking in leadership,” he said. “I just read the paper and what he said is that he wants to apologise for not believing me when I said Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar was

not ready to lead.

“Well okay, so he has apologised. What difference does that make to the politics? What difference does that make to the people? How are the people of Chaguanas West going to be better off with that apology? Well, he has made an apology and so be it, but of what consequence is it?” (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

the U.S. of influencing its European allies.

“We are simply asking the government of Spain and the other governments to clarify and explain where that version of Snowden being on the presidential plane came from,” said Communications Minister Amanda Davila.

“Who spread that fallacy, that lie?”

The U.S. wants Snowden extradited on charges of leaking secrets he gathered while working as a contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), America’s electronic spying agency.

The Irish Times reported on Monday that the U.S. had sought a provisional arrest warrant for Snowden in Dublin. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Air Canada Rouge, a budget tour operator of the Canadian flag carrier, began operations into Cuba on Saturday with a flight from Toronto to Jardines del Rey.

Manuel Yánez, local representative of Canada

Vacances, told the press that the new itinerary responds to a strategy of expansion and to the purchasing of four airplanes, two of which will fly to the Caribbean and the rest to Europe.

A total of 139 passengers flew on Saturday to Cayo

Coco, including 135 students who, for a decade now, have been visiting the region during their vacations.

Mercedes Abreu, president of Cubanacán, said that her travel agency will be in charge of receiving these weekly flights. (Caribbean News Now)

Former political leader arrested during protest march in St Kitts

People’s Action Movement candidate and former party leader Lindsay Grant was detained by police on Friday, during a march through the streets of Basseterre in St Kitts to protest the sixmonth delay in hearing a motion of no-confidence brought against the Dr Denzil

Caribbean pirate radio station operators busted in U.S.

Two men have been arrested for allegedly operating a Caribbean pirate radio station in New York.

The District Attorney in Brooklyn, Charles J Hynes, said police arrested Seon Bruce, 40, known as “DJ Fresh Kid”, and Solomon Malka, 51, charging them with “unauthorised radio transmission”, a class-A misdemeanor. If convicted, they each face up to a year in jail.

“A person is charged with unauthorised radio transmission when he/ she knowingly makes a radio transmission on a radio frequency assigned and licensed by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for use by AM

and FM radio stations without authorisation or having first obtained a licence from the FCC,” said Charles in a statement.

“The defendants did not have a FCC licence for radio transmission, yet they were on radio frequency 104.7 FM,” he added.

Charles said his office conducted an investigation, with cooperation from the FCC, which revealed that Bruce was “acting as a deejay for 104.7 FM”. He said detectives bought air time from Bruce on 104.7 FM to run a commercial, and on April 18, an FCC engineer tracked the signal for the radio station to an antenna on the rooftop of 30 Broad Street, a 50-story building in Manhattan. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Douglas-led administration. Grant and others were reportedly standing at a heavily guarded barrier at the top of Church Street, challenging the decision not to permit them to march past government headquarters.

Eyewitnesses say that Grant was struck by a police

officer. He was reportedly taken away from the scene in a police vehicle. However, there are conflicting accounts of the incidents. Some people who claim to be eyewitnesses told WINN that Grant was pulled over a police barrier on Church Street. Others say he walked past the barrier and was confronted by police. The police have not issued a statement on the arrest. Grant’s arrest sparked a public demonstration in front of police headquarters in Basseterre on Friday night as protestors marched to the police station.

Riot police gathered in front of the station as hundreds gathered demanding Grant’s release. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

International community pressures Jamaica to bow to gays

The Portia Simpson Miller administration will put the proposed repeal of the Buggery Act to a conscience vote, under pressure from the international gay community and pro-gay foreign governments.

This was the prediction of new president of the umbrella Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) Reverend Everald Galbraith in his first major interview since accepting the mantle of JCC head.

“I see the government willing to go forward on its promise to put the matter to a conscience vote, even if it’s not immediate. This is partly driven by the international gay community and governments that have

the capacity to influence economic support for the country,” said Galbraith, who is also head of the Methodist Church in Jamaica.

Galbraith said in the weekend interview with the Jamaica Observer that the government would also succumb to the “increasing visibility and pressure from the gay community in the Jamaican society”.

During the 2011 political leadership debate, Simpson Miller promised to ask the Parliament to decide by conscience vote on repealing the Buggery Act which outlaws anal sex and has become a flashpoint for gays emboldened by gains in the United States where the Supreme Court has upheld samesex marriage. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for Barbados and Dominica while a tropical storm watch has been issued for St Vincent and the Grenadines

Passengers disembarking in Jardines del Rey, Cuba, from the inaugural Air Canada Rouge flight

President Evo Morales

St Kitts riot police block off Church Street in Basseterre, St Kitts

Basdeo Panday

Around the World

At least 51 killed in Egypt, Islamists call for uprising

Aways deal with issues very wisely, but there is certainly also a limit to patience,” the uniformed Ali told a news conference, at which he presented what he said was video evidence, some of it apparently taken from a helicopter.

Emergency services said 435 people were wounded.

Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood urged people to rise up against the army, which they accuse of a military coup to topple the leader, threatening an escalation in Egypt’s political crisis.

Saddam’s halfbrother dies of cancer

AAl-Hassan, a presidential adviser to Saddam, was Number 36 on a U.S. list of most-wanted Iraqis after American-led forces toppled the regime in 2003.

Al-Hassan – the six of diamonds in a card deck that had the names and faces of the 55 most wanted regime officials – was captured in February 2005, and the United States handed him over to Iraqi authorities in July 2011.

n imprisoned halfbrother of former Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein died Monday of cancer, Iraq’s Justice Ministry said.

An Iraqi court sentenced him to death after he was convicted of murder and crimes against Iraqis, the Justice Ministry said.

Protesters said the shooting started as they performed morning prayers outside the Cairo barracks where Morsi is believed to be held.

t least 51 people were killed on Monday when the Egyptian army opened fire on supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi, in the deadliest incident since the elected Islamist leader was toppled by the military five days ago.

But military spokesman Ahmed Ali said that at 04:00h (22.00h EDT) armed men attacked troops in the area around the Republican Guard compound in the north-east of the city.

“The armed forces al-

France’s Total acquitted in Iraq oil-for-food scandal

AFrench court has cleared oil company Total, its chief executive and over a dozen other defendants of corruption charges related to the UN’s oil-for-food programme in Iraq.

The company had been accused of bribing Iraqi officials to secure oil supplies while Saddam Hussein was in power.

The UN programme permitted Iraq to sell limited quantities of oil in return for humanitarian supplies.

It was set up to ease international sanctions during the 1990s and 2000s.

Prosecutors had accused Total of circumventing a UN embargo against Iraq by using intermediaries between 2000 and 2002 to pay surcharges for oil, helping Saddam Hussein’s government to raise money illicitly.

But the court in Paris ruled on Monday that there had been no corruption, influencepeddling or misuse of assets by the company during the programme, which ran from 1996 to 2003. Total Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie, French former Interior Minister Charles Pasqua and a dozen more defendants had denied participating in an illegal system that violated UN regulations.

During the trial, they said they had acted in strict accordance with the rules of the UN programme, which was suspended after the U.S.led invasion of Iraq in 2003. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Crew, aircraft focus in Asiana crash, NTSB chair says

Investigators looking into the fatal crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 are focusing on the crew and aircraft as they try to understand why the giant jet clipped the end of the runway before crashing, the chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday.

“We’re certainly looking at the crew and how they operated, how they were trained, at their experience,” NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman told CNN’s “New Day.”

“We’re also looking at the aircraft. We’re looking to see if the crew was using automation or was flying on auto-

pilot, or they were hand-flying the airplane,” she said.

Like many modern aircraft, the Boeing 777 is capable of landing automatically, but it was unclear if the plane’s computer was handling Saturday’s attempted landing or if it was being done by the pilot, who Asiana said was making his first San Francisco landing at the controls of that model of aircraft.

The plane was flying much slower than the recommended 137 knots (157 mph) as it approached the runway, and onboard systems warned the crew the plane was about to stall moments before the crash, according to the NTSB. (Excerpt from CNN)

At a hospital near the Rabaa Adawiya Mosque where Islamists have camped out since Morsi was ousted, rooms were crammed with people wounded in the violence, sheets were stained with blood and medics rushed to attend to those hurt. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, a former regime official and adviser to Saddam, died at a Baghdad hospital after recently being transferred there from prison, the ministry said.

Al-Hassan was Iraq’s head of intelligence and security during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and continued to run the security service until 1996, when he took the presidential adviser post, the Justice Ministry said. (CNN)

Indonesian men safe after five-day Sumatran tiger ordeal

Five men have been rescued in an Indonesian national park after spending five days trapped in trees surrounded by Sumatran tigers, officials say.

Dozens of rescuers, including police, arrived at the Mount Leuser National Park on Sumatra Island to help the men.

They moved in after tamers managed to drive the tigers away, reports say.

Several tigers attacked the group on Thursday after they accidentally killed a tiger cub. A sixth man died in the initial incident.

Andi Basrul, head of the national park, said the survivors were being transported to the nearest village, which normally takes six hours on foot.

China: Ex-minister given suspended death sentence

China handed down a suspended death sentence on a former railways minister for corruption on Monday, state media said, a case seen as a test of President Xi Jinping’s resolve to crack down on pervasive graft.

Liu Zhijun was given the “death penalty with a twoyear reprieve”, for bribery and abuse of power, the official Xinhua news agency said, a sentence that typically amounts to life in prison.

Since becoming Communist Party boss in November, and president in March, Xi has made battling rampant corruption a key objective of his administration, warning that the problem is so severe it could threaten the party’s surviv-

al.

Zhijun’s case drew a lot of attention when it first broke, but has been overshadowed by the much more sensational case of the former party chief of Chongqing, the ambitious Bo Xilai.

Xilai’s downfall last year, amid lurid accusations of murder and diplomatic intrigue, caused division and uncertainty as the party prepared to transfer power to a new generation of leaders.

The government has yet to announce a trial date for Xilai’s, or the charges he will face.

Zhijun is the highestranking official sentenced since Jinping took office, although the case predates his watch. (Excerpt from France24)

Jamal Gayo, from the conservation group Leuser International Foundation, said the five were weak after not having had food for three days.

The men had initially alerted nearby villagers using mobile phones. Villagers tried to rescue the men on Thursday, but retreated

when they saw at least four large Sumatran tigers circling the base of the tree. Officials had said it would take time before they could get to the park, which covers nearly 7930 sq km (3060 sq miles) along the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Syrian opposition PM Ghassan Hitto resigns

Syria’s rebel Prime Minister Ghassan Hitto announced his resignation on Monday, nearly four months after his appointment and having failed to form a government.

“I announce I will not continue in my capacity as prime minister tasked with leading the interim government, though I emphasise I will continue working for the interests of the revolution and towards achieving its objectives,” Hitto said in an online statement.

His resignation comes two days after secular dissident Ahmad Assi Jarba was chosen to lead the main op-

position National Coalition. Jarba is seen as close to Saudi Arabia, which opposed the selection of Hitto to head the interim government in March.

Dissidents say Hitto, who is close to the opposition’s Islamist ranks and whose candidacy was backed by Qatar, was unable to work because of divisions within the coalition.

Hitto said he decided to resign in order “to help... the coalition’s new leadership to act according to its political vision, especially with regards to the interim government and its executive functions”. (Excerpt from France24)

A wounded man being taken away after soldiers opened fire on protesters

Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan

The Iraqi government illicitly acquired US$1.8 billion via the oil-for-food programme

The national park is along the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces

Comprehensive tax reform wanted in J’ca

Two private sector lobby groups have heaped more pressure on the Jamaican government to implement sweeping tax reform.

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) in separate statements called on the authorities to urgently make broad-based changes to the tax policy, saying the measures are desperately needed to stimulate economic growth. They added their voice to calls from the

North America

Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSoJ), which last week made several proposals, including the elimination of input taxes for exporters and dropping corporate income tax to 15 per cent from 25 per cent.

The JCC said comprehensive tax reform was long overdue, noting that the last one occurred in the 1980s. “Virtually all tax reform measures since then have been piecemeal, and designed almost solely to increase tax

revenue to meet budget shortfalls caused by Jamaica’s continuing lack of growth,” the JCC, which is led by Francis Kennedy, said.

“The JCC is calling for a comprehensive tax reform that promotes exports through full integration with the international marketplace. We believe this is the only way to promote the faster economic growth required to lift ourselves out of Jamaica’s current debt trap,” added the organisation. (Jamaican Observer)

U.S. consumer borrowing accelerates in May

Americans are once again spending more on credit, increasing their borrowing by US$19.6 billion in May, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve. It is the biggest increase in borrowing in more than a year and reflects renewed confidence among U.S. consumers.

More debt could help increase consumer spending, which accounts for more than 70 per cent of U.S. economic activity. The total amount of

borrowing reached a record US$2.84 trillion, with student loans reaching US$1 trillion.

Borrowing in the category that includes credit cards was at its highest level since 2010. Economists say that is significant as credit card debt is often quickly translated into economic activity.

The figures on borrowing tally with data on consumer confidence which is at a five year high, buoyed by a recov-

ery in the housing market and a stronger jobs market.

Last week, the Department of Labour said the U.S. economy added 195,000 jobs in June.

The rising cost of a higher education in the United States was also evident in the borrowing data. The student loan debt load exceeded US$1 trillion for the first time this year and the average student loan debt soared to US$23,300. (BBC News)

Eurozone grants multi-billion euro lifeline for Greece

Greece secured a lifeline from the eurozone and the IMF on Monday but was told it must keep its promises on cutting public sector jobs and selling state assets to get all the cash.

The 6.8 billion euro (US$8.7 billion) deal, which spares Greece defaulting on debt in August, will see Athens drip fed support under close watch from the euro zone and the International Monetary Fund to ensure implementation of unpopular

reforms.

The tough approach underlines waning patience with Greece, which has been kept afloat on emergency funding since May 2010 but has failed to make all the difficult reforms demanded of it after a decade of living beyond its means.

“It’s time to step up the momentum of reform in Greece,” Olli Rehn, the European commissioner in charge of economic affairs, told a news conference.

Reforming Greece remains central to the eurozone’s ability to put its crisis behind it, while the bloc needs Athens to cooperate to keep the IMF from pulling out of the programme.

But it is only one of the problems facing the euro zone.

Political upheaval in Portugal last week raised questions over Lisbon’s ability to complete reforms needed to return to borrowing on the markets. (Reuters)

From hope to despair: Egypt slides into economic uncertainty, again

The euphoria that greeted the transition to military rule in Egypt and prompted a 12 per cent rally in three days last week has quickly faded. Five days into the military’s rule in the country’s second revolution and the transition is looking as messy as the first time around.

Protests in support of Mohamed Morsi, and subsequent killings and injuries that have taken place, will make it even more challenging to stabilise the most popu-

lous country in the region.

Now the difficult financial work begins. The governor of Egypt’s central bank, Hisham Ramez, came to Abu Dhabi Sunday for private meetings but he tried to fly under the radar.

Details were in short supply, but officials here say a high level UAE delegation will be going to Cairo to continue talks. The subject, no doubt, must be short term financing.

According to the cen-

Stral bank, foreign reserves dropped just over a billion dollars in June, to US$14.92 billion. That is a three month supply of capital, with the bulk coming from wealthier neighbours, notably Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Libya.

The UAE pledged US$3 billion shortly after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, but just three months ago the government said it will take more time before the money is delivered. (CNN)

Asiana shares fall after San Francisco crash landing Africa

hares of South Korean carrier, Asiana Airlines, fell nearly six per cent in Seoul, after one of its planes crash landed in San Francisco over the weekend.

U.S. investigators have said the Boeing 777 was “significantly below” its target speed near the runway and the pilot tried to abort the landing. The plane with 307 people came down short of the runway on Saturday, killing two people and injuring doz-

Middle East Asia

ens. Analysts said the incident may hurt Asiana’s earnings in the near term. “Any airline that goes through a crash landing does take a hit to its reputation in the short term,” Chris De Lavigne, an aerospace analyst with consulting firm Frost & Sullivan told the BBC.

“We are likely to see some people cancel their bookings and think whether it is safe to fly Asiana, until there is suf-

ficient reassurance from the airline that it has found the root cause and sorted it out.” Lavigne added that the airline may also have to face additional costs in the form of fines from the authorities and possible damages claims from some passengers. Five people are in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital, hospital spokesperson Rachael Kagan said. Three others are being treated at Stanford Hospital. (BBC News)

Abu Dhabi govt unit said to cull expat jobs

The administrative arm of Abu Dhabi’s top government department, the General Secretariat of the Executive Council (GSEC), has dismissed most of its expatriate employees, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

It was not clear exactly how many employees were affected, but the sources said the number could be around 40-70 people. The sources declined to be named because the decision has not been officially announced.

The GSEC declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest emirate in the United Arab Emirates; the GSEC is the administrative body which develops and executes Abu Dhabi’s strategic plans and policies.

Many countries in the Gulf, which have relatively small populations of local citizens, rely heavily on expatriates to fill large parts of their bureaucracies as well as key posts in national airlines, banks and the media indus-

try.

But there is growing political pressure in many places to reduce the expatriate workforce in favour of employing locals, in order to reduce unemployment.

The prime minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, said earlier this year that finding jobs for UAE citizens was one of the government’s top priorities. The government has estimated the jobless rate among locals at 14 per cent. (Arabianbusiness)

Top four traits of successful entrepreneurs

Do you think you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Becoming an entrepreneur takes a specific type of personality. Fortunately, it’s the type of personality you can develop by working on yourself, growing, and learning how to express these traits. Focus on the four top traits below and you’ll find yourself ahead of the pack.

An entrepreneur is a problem solver

An entrepreneur looks at a problem and knows it’s an opportunity. That’s not a cliché talking. A problem is literally an opportunity to get paid if you can be the one to solve

it. Successful entrepreneurs make their name identifying problems without solutions, and providing those solutions. Every good product solves some sort of problem. Even video games solve a problem – they provide a way for people to unwind after a stressful day and fulfil a fantasy.

If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, your natural response to any given problem should always be to ask yourself how you can solve that problem. Not who is to blame, not how that problem came to be – just how the problem can be solved. Problem-solving becomes a habit. As you become alert to problems with no solutions, you become alert to new ways

to create, grow, develop, and innovate new products. If you can marry this alertness to calculated action you will develop the instincts that you need to be an outstanding entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur takes calculated risks

Risk-adverse people don’t make very good entrepreneurs – but neither do extremely reckless people who leap first and look later. Real entrepreneurs evaluate their potential risks. They also know how to minimise the risks they need to take through hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. (Business Dictionary)

tuesday, july 9, 2013 |

Issano TIP suspect held, victims assisting probe

By Svetlana MarShall

An alleged human trafficker is currently in custody as the Guyana Police Force continues to investigate another case of Trafficking in Persons in Region Seven.

Over the weekend, Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) President Simona Broomes led a team into 14 Mile Issano, Region Seven and rescued five girls from apparent sex slavery.

Broomes told Guyana Times that GWMO ventured into the mining district in search of a teenager who was allegedly trafficked into the interior. The child’s mother had turned to the group for assistance.

However, by the time Broomes, who was honoured as one of the U.S. 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Heroes, and her team arrived on Saturday, some victims had already been ordered into hiding by their perpetrators. “They were told go into the Backdam,” she said.

GWMO members then began to comb the area. Broomes said she, along with another member, noticed two girls walking away from a heavily vegetated area before hiding behind a house.

According to Broomes, the 18- and 20 year-olds related a horrific tale of how they were forced into prostitution after being lured into the area. They were promised good paying jobs.

“She said ‘Miss Lady, I

They came from several villages; Kamarang, Kako, Phillipai, Waramadong, Paruima, Imbaimadai, Quebanang, Jawalla, Agatash, Omanaik (Kambaru) and River View to sign on to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry's new initiative – the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YAEP), a venture to advance their lives and develop their communities.

At the launch on Sunday at the Kamarang/Warwatta Community Centre, Upper Mazaruni, 200 young people between the ages of 18 and 40 were oriented on the project that came about as a result of government’s commitment to youth development and advancement and investment in the lives of the indigenous people.

Foundation for other initiatives

Amerindian Affairs

Minister Pauline Sukhai, who officially launched the programme, said the initiative was one that Region Seven had called for; however, she said that development is a process and it has begun in the region.

Every project has a start, Minister Sukhai said, and therefore YAEP is part and parcel of that foundation being laid for a much stronger approach towards youth

am so frustrated: every night when we finish up in the kitchen, we have to go and sleep with these men,” the GWMO president recalled.

All the monies garnered by the women were handed over to the proprietor of the shop holding the girls captive. The victims, who periodically went days without food and water, were forced to “trust” food and other necessities from the popular businesswoman in an effort to survive.

The young ladies, who were at times padlocked in a room before being released to be ravaged by men, had begged to be freed on numerous occasions. They were, however, told that the huge bills accumulated must be paid off before their freedom can be granted.

Confronted

Upon hearing the story, Broomes immediately ventured into the commercial zone and informed the woman that it is against the laws of Guyana to hold persons against their will.

“Myself and team went to the proprietor of the business and we informed her that the two young ladies wanted to go home, but they were unable, because they had owed her large amounts of money.”

Although, reluctant in the initial stage, the businesswoman cooperated with the GWMO members. Broomes said as she began to comb through the financial records with the woman, she was bemused that the proprietor

was holding one of the girls because of a meagre $2000 debt. The 18- and 20-year-old victims were subsequently handed over to GWMO.

Duped

Meanwhile, while staying at a hotel in the area, Broomes met another TIP victim. The 26-year-old had paid her way to freedom, but was worried about a 16-yearold who was left behind.

According to the U.S. 2013 TIP Hero, the young ladies had met a guy in a popular city bar who promised the elder of the two a job in the interior. The 26-year-old subsequently met a woman who spoke of the glorious opportunities available in the interior in the domestic field.

“She indicated to the woman that the girl that was with her was 16 years old, and her mommy is expecting her back in Port Kaituma, but the woman said, ‘Don’t bother with that, I will take care of her and send her back in two weeks’ time’,” Broomes said.

However, things took a turn for the negative when the businesswoman and the young ladies arrived at Sherima Police Station in the truck. “The businesswoman told them to hide underneath some zincs in the truck, but the 16-year-old began to make noise drawing the attention of the police,” Broomes related.

It is claimed that instead of taking the young ladies to safety after realising they were without iden -

tification cards, the police allegedly demanded sex as payment for the businesswoman and team to venture into Issano.

She reportedly told the girls “lil sex can’t really kill you”, the GWMO head said.

Both the 26- and 16-yearolds refused to engage the officers, but were told that they would be locked up, if they failed to cooperate. “So afterwards, the two police took them up stairs in two separate rooms and the police had sex with them.”

They were subsequently taken into Issano where they were used as sex slaves. The 26-year-old girl had vented her dissatisfaction, but the businesswoman made it clear that they would not be able to leave the area until their debts were paid in full.

“However a guy who slept with her give her $100,000 to pay off the woman and she paid $70,000 and she packed up and left with the guy,

training, skills, leadership, entrepreneurship, governance and individual development, and, “therefore we need to work at it, the young people, the officials, government, the president and those who can contribute to our dreams, objectives and our goal as a nation,” Minister Sukhai said.

All of the major plans and initiatives ranging from the National Development Strategy (NDS) to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) speak very strongly about the participation of youths, and the integration of skills and entrepreneurship.

Young people are the core of a nation’s development, and, therefore, Minister Sukhai explained that this segment should be playing a major role in nation building, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

“We will look forward with great expectation that this leg

of the project will really be successful,” Minister Sukhai told those gathered at the launch. While the geological spread of the project tends to pull together clusters of youths into a region or sub-region, she told the ministry officials to assess the performance of the various sub-regions or regions overall so that successes can be measured.

The project is intended for the young people to first and foremost be attached to their villages or communities as community support officers (CSOs) to be trained in developmental work in various sectors. The youths will learn a skill after which they would become employable, said the Government Information Agency (GINA).

They would be trained in areas such as disaster management, governance and leadership, Information Communication Technology

leaving the 16 year old behind,” Broomes related.

In an effort to accumulate enough money to head to the city, the 26-year-old started working at the hotel where she met Broomes. “So, she was asking for help to get the 16-year-old out.”

Without hesitation, the GWMO president in the company of members and a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) mines officer visited the premises where the 16-year-old was held against her will.

She too was freed but the businesswoman attacked the 26-year-old who leaked the information to GWMO. As a result, the alleged trafficker was arrested with the assistance of the mines officer.

Complicity

Upon proceeding out of the interior, as mandatory, Broomes, her team, the trafficked victims and the alleged trafficker stopped in their vehicles at the police outpost. “I noticed the policeman called the shop owner at the back, so I asked and he was asking her what happened and she said these girls talk everything.”

Further investigations revealed that the policeman is allegedly one of the two law enforcers who reportedly raped the young ladies on their way into Issano.

“So I called the police in uniform and I said; ‘Listen, this officer is involved in a matter, you will have to investigate’ and I called the commander the same time

and special instructions were given,” Broomes explained. Broomes also rescued a 14-year-old girl. The little girl’s mother who has a shop in the interior had forced her, along with her two sisters, into prostitution. “She was there for over a month and it wasn’t her first time.”

Parental involvement

The woman did not give up her daughter without a fight. The young ladies were taken to the Bartica Police Station where they were questioned before being accommodated at the Region Seven Chairman’s official residence. The alleged trafficker was also handed over to the police.

On April 21, four girls, ages 14, 15, 17 and 18 were rescued from prostitution in the Puruni Back Dam, Region Seven by Broomes and her GWMO members. Shortly after, a policeman was charged with human trafficking. He was accused of trafficking one of the four girls. The popular Bartica businesswoman, who was identified by the girls as the main perpetrator, was arrested and charged approximately two weeks ago. She is reportedly behind bars awaiting trial.

Broomes said she is expecting more from the police, saying “the main fact that we have gone a step further to bring out an alleged trafficker, we expect more out of the investigations... because we are not only sensitising but we are going out there.”

(ICT), business and financial management, eco-tourism, social and welfare services, and monitoring and reporting Minister Sukhai further stated that the call for this project is not one that needs to be justified, and urged the community leaders to put the youths first and look internally at their resources that can be used to create employment for them.

Commitment

Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall said the programme was the idea of President Donald Ramotar and that it is something that is different, whereby government invests in the communities and more importantly directly in the lives of the youths.

PS Dharamlall urged them to focus on what is ahead in order to achieve their goal. “But if we don’t

put in the effort, we will not achieve anything… We expect that we are going to have people who will be committed,” he said. He added that as the young people move forward, so too will their villages or communities. The programme will last for six months and the PS urged the youths to not only look at the stipends, but what they can achieve. Each participant will receive a stipend of $30,000 monthly.

Regional Vice Chairperson Amrita Thomas endorsed the project, and said she was proud to witness such an event, because the region had been long awaiting such initiative. “Opportunity comes once in a lifetime,” she told the youths and urged that they make full use of it.

Timely

The YAEP is a new initiative covered under a $200 million allocation in the 2013 National Budget, targeting a total of 2500 indigenous youths for training.

“I think it’s a very timely initative, because it is something that most of our youths need, including myself,” said Sandro Edmonds of Paruima Village, as he expressed gratitude to government for granting him the opportunity to pursue his dream. Edmonds said he has been

longing to learn a skill to engage in some kind of work in his community, so that he would not have to seek employment elsewhere. He reiterated that this programme will not only help him pursue his dream but also develop and generate income in his community.

Lazair Browne of Kamarang said the programme is a good initiative, and even though it is in its initial stage, he believes that it will be a great help to the young people.

Chris Joseph, also of Kamarang, expressed satisfaction that the programme has been launched, since he plans to venture out on his own and would like to become educated in business management.

“The programme is good for me,” said Yardika Hunter of Omanaik village. Hunter expressed gratitude to the government and said that she will now have the opportunity to become involved in her own business.

The YAEP was first launched in Region One in June targeting 162 youths, and shortly after in Region Nine with about 300 signing on.

The programme targets Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, with the Region Eight segment slated to be launched over the upcoming weekend in Kato.

GWMO President Simona Broomes

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall, Regional Vice Chair Amrita Thomas, and youths who registered for the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme in Region Seven

SUDOKU

It will take some exceptionally shrewd maneuvering on your part to come out on top in a business matter. Keep this in mind when you sit down to negotiate.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Strive to maintain harmony and balance in all of your personal and business affairs. If you don’t, things could get out of sync very quickly.

This may not be one of your better days for managing resources, either yours or other people’s. Even if asked to do so, don’t take on any fiscal responsibilities.

If someone thinks you’re acting self-serving, this person might place obstacles in your path just to trip you up. Don’t give them an excuse to interfere – be openly generous and altruistic.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Sadly, others won’t be as eager to help you as you are to help others. Don’t embarrass yourself by requesting a favour from someone unless it’s absolutely necessary.

(March 21-April 19)

Even though you try to promote cooperation, you might still run into someone who resists all such attempts. Don’t be afraid to play rough.

(April 20-May 20)

If you find yourself having to share credit with someone you dislike, don’t make your feelings obvious. Be above it all and give acknowledgement where it is due.

(May 21June 20)

It isn’t likely that you’ll get others to have faith in your ideas if you show doubt about them yourself. Have confidence or go home.

When attempting to fulfil an ambitious objective, you should keep moderation in mind. Even if you’re on the right track, watch out, because the rail might be flimsy.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Any involvement that has strong elements of risk or speculation would be best avoided today. There’s a chance that your belief in losing might take precedence over your will to win.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Even though you’re apt to be ambitious and industrious, you might do things the hard way, which will end up being counterproductive. Think your moves through carefully.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

If you’re trying to bluff your way through something, you had better have a good poker face. Opponents will easily read your intentions if you’re not careful.

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tuesday, july 9, 2013

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Natural Resources Ministry in partnership with all stakeholders against TIP

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), continues to support the campaign against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and underage workers within the mining sector.

The GGMC, in partnership with the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) conducted an exercise last Saturday where five women were rescued from traffickers in the hinterland. According to reports, the victims made allegations of abuse against ranks at the Sherima Police Station which have been communicated to the Guyana Police Force and an investigation is ongoing.

The GGMC provided logistical and other support to the GWMO which jointly conducted a successful operation with law enforcement agencies.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud is once again calling on officers of the GGMC and the Guyana Forestry Commission to exercise a higher level of vigilance at the various checkpoints to continue to support the campaign against TIP and underage workers in the hinterland.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its agencies will continue to work with the National Task Force on the Trafficking in Persons, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to continue the campaign against TIP and underage workers.

Leaked report shows bin Laden’s hidden life

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Former al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was able to hide in Pakistan for nine years due to the “collective failure” of state military and intelligence authorities, a leaked Pakistani government report has revealed.

The report, obtained exclusively by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, also outlines how “routine” incompetence at every level of civil governance structure allowed the once world’s most wanted man to move to six different locations within the country.

The report of the Abbottabad commission, formed in June 2011 to probe the circumstances around the killing of Bin Laden by U.S. forces in a unilateral raid on the Pakistani city of Abbottabad, draws on testimony from more than 200 witnesses, including members of Bin Laden’s family, Pakistan’s then spy chief, senior ministers in the government and officials at every level of the military, bureaucracy and security services.

It was released by the Al Jazeera Investigative Unit on Monday, after being suppressed by the Pakistani government. It comes on the heels of a report by AP news agency revealing that top U.S. special operations commander, Adm William McRaven, ordered military files about the Navy SEAL raid on bin Laden’s hideout to be purged from Defense Department computers and sent to the CIA, where they could be more easily shielded from ever being made public.

Following the U.S. operation to kill bin Laden in May 2011, which was avowedly conducted without the Pakistani government or military’s knowledge, the commission was set up to examine both “how the US was able to execute a hostile military mission which lasted around three hours deep inside Pakistan”, and how Pakistan’s “intelligence establishment apparently had no idea that an international fugitive of the renown or notoriety of [Osama bin Laden] was residing in [Abbottabad]”. The Abbottabad commission was charged with establishing if the failures of the Pakistani government and military were due to incompetence or complicity, and was given over-

arching investigative powers.

The commission’s 336page report is scathing, holding both the government and the military responsible for “gross incompetence” leading to “collective failures” that allowed both bin Laden to escape detection, and the United States to perpetrate “an act of war”.

Moreover, through the testimony of bin Laden’s family members, intelligence officials and the wife of one of his couriers, the commission was able to piece together a richly detailed image of bin Laden’s life on the run from authorities, including details on the secluded life that he and his family led in Abbottabad and elsewhere. It found that bin Laden entered Pakistan in mid-2002, after narrowly escaping capture in the Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan in December 2001. Intelligence officials say he stayed briefly in the South Waziristan and Bajaur tribal areas of Pakistan, before moving to the northern Swat Valley to stay with his guards, Ibrahim and Abrar al-Kuwaiti, for several months.

While in Swat, bin Laden reportedly met with Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks against the United States, in early 2003. A month later, Mohammad was captured in Rawalpindi in a joint U.S.-Pakistani operation, and bin Laden fled Swat. Bin Laden turned up next in the town of Haripur, in northern Pakistan, where he stayed for two years in a rented house with two of his wives and several of his children and grandchildren.

In August 2005, they all moved to a custom-built compound in Abbottabad, a military garrison town located about 85km away from the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. He stayed there for six years, until he was killed in the U.S. operation in May 2011.

“culpable negligence”

According to the commission’s investigations, Pakistan’s intelligence establishment had “closed the book” on bin Laden by 2005, and was no longer actively pursuing intelligence that could lead to his capture. Moreover, it found that there had been a complete collapse of governance and law enforcement - a situation it termed “Government Implosion Syndrome”, both in the lack of intelligence on bin Laden’s nine-year residence in Pakistan, and in the response to the U.S. raid that killed him. It finds that “culpable negligence and incompetence at almost all levels of government can more or less be conclusively established”.

On the presence of a CIA support network to help track down bin Laden in Pakistan without the Pakistani establishment’s knowledge, the commission determined that “this [was] a case of nothing less than a collective and sustained dereliction of duty by the political, military and intelligence leadership of the country”.

It also found that the U.S. violation of Pakistani sovereignty, in carrying out the raid unilaterally, had been allowed to happen due to inaccurate and outdated threat assessment within the country’s defence and strategic policy establishments. “It is official or unofficial defence policy not to attempt to defend the country if threatened or even attacked by a military superpower like the U.S.?” the commission asked of several top military officers.

Military officers, including the chief of the country’s air force, testified that Pakistan’s low-level radar was on “peacetime deployment”, and hence not active on the border with Afghanistan, when the raid occurred. The report concludes that unless there are major changes to Pakistan’s defence strategy, it remains vulnerable to a repeat of such an airborne raid. (Al Jazeera)

KEy cUTTiNg

Robert Persaud

Osama bin Laden

Simmons, Bravo fail to save Windies

Port of Spain, Trinidad – A fourwicket haul by captain Angelo Matthews and a solid 90 from wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakarra steered Sri Lanka to a 39-run victory over West Indies in their rainaffected Celkon Mobile Cup ODI at Queens Park Oval on Monday.

The defeat ruined West Indies hopes of an automatic qualification for Thursday’s final as they must now await the outcome of the sixth match, between India and Sri Lanka, to determine the finalists.

With both West Indies and Sri Lanka on nine points, India will have to win their next match today by either a bonus point or a good margin to deny West Indies a place in the final.

Requiring 230 for victory, under the Duckworth/Lewis system after Sri Lanka resumed their innings today and scored 219 for 8, off 41 overs in an innings twice interrupted by rain, West Indies batsmen were strangled by good bowling by the Sri Lankans.

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka Innings

M. Jayawardene c Smith

b Roach 7

KC Sangakkara (wkp) not out 69

L . Chandimal b Roach 2

L . Thirimanne

b Samuels 23 (73b)

A. Mathews* c Smith

b Roach 30 (27b)

J. Mendis c wkp Charles

b Roach 8

N. Kulasekara c DM Bravo

b Holder 14

S. Senanayake c DM Bravo

b Pollard 7

Extras (lb 2, w 24, nb 3) 29

Total (8 wkts off 41overs) 219

Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-19, 3-29, 4-93, 5-139, 6-147, 7-201, 8-219

Bowling: K. Roach 8-2-27-

4 (1w), J. Holder 8-0-50-1 (2nb, 4w), D. Sammy 9-2-24-

0 (1w), T. Best 6-0-42-0 (5w), M. Samuels 7-0-48-1 (1w), K. Pollard 3-0-24-1 (1nb) West Indies Innings

C. Gayle c Eranga b Mathews 14

They picked up wickets at critical times and pulled off a win inspite of an aggressive 123-run fifth-wicket partnership between Lendl Simmons (67) and Darren Bravo (70).

Matthews, who had also given his team’s innings some momentum with 30 off 27 balls, returned to cripple the West Indies innings with four wickets for 29 runs off his eight overs. After Chris Gayle was sent back in the fifth over, with Matthews making the break-through with the score on 25, West Indies slipped to 31 for four by the ninth over before Bravo and Simmons attempted a rescue act.

They batted aggressively and gave the hometeam a semblance of hope, resisting the opposition for 21 overs, but once Simmons was caught off Eranga , with the score

J. Charles (wkp) c & b Eranga 14

D.S. Smith lbw b Mathews 0

M. Samuels c Jayawardene

b Eranga 0

DM Bravo c Mendis

b Mathews 70

L. Simmons c Thirimanne

b Eranga 67

K. Pollard* c wkp Sangakkara b Malinga 0

D. Sammy c & b Malinga 3

K. Roach not out 8

J. Holder b Mathews 0 T. Best not out 5

Extras (w 9) 9

Total (9 wkts off 41 overs) 190

Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-29, 3-29, 4-31, 5-154, 6-154, 7-172, 8-176, 9-177

Bowling: N. Kulasekara 1.50- 8- 0, S. Eranga 8 -0- 46- 3 (1w), L. Thirimanne 4.1 -016- 0, A. Mathews 8 -1-294 (2w), S. Senanayake 9-041-0, L. Malinga 8- 2- 42- 2 (2w), A. Mendis 2-0-8- 0

Umpires: Nigel Llong (Eng) and Joel Wilson (WI)

on 154 for five, and Bravo was seventh out, caught by Mendis for 70 off 84 balls, Sri Lanka took a tighter grip on the game.

When they departed, West Indies found the asking rate

too much to challenge the Sri Lankans and with Darren Sammy and captain Keiron Pollard also going cheaply, pacers Kemar Roach and Tino Best managed an unfinished tenth-wicket stand as overs ran out.

When Sri Lanka continued their innings today, on 60 for 3 after play was rained out on Sunday after 19 overs, veteran Sangakara played a pivotal innings, slamming an unbeaten 90 off 95 balls, that pulled the game around for the Sri Lankans.

From a defensive position on Sunday, when they were struggling to fight off the West Indies pacers, wicketkeeper Sangakara, who was named man of the match, took the attack to the West Indies on an easier-paced pitch and led from the front as Sri Lanka added 159 off the last 22 overs.

That total proved to be enough as their bowlers then produced some disciplined spells that choked the opposition. For Sri Lanka, seamer Shaminda Eranga also took 3 for 46, while Kemar Roach also claimed four for 27 for West Indies. (CMC/WICB)

MCYS launches beginners’ swimming programme at Colgrain pool

By TreisTon Joseph

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) on Monday launched their beginners’ swimming programme at the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street.

Minister of the MCYS Dr Frank Anthony was on hand to open the programme to the 105 registered participants and deemed the event as meaningful.

“This programme is very important, we would like to increase the volume of children in this programme but we are limited with the amount of coaches and pools we have…we have 105 registered participants and requests for another 20 but we will try to accommodate them.

“We would like to see our sports men and women coming out of our programmes and we hope they can develop to their full potential and possibly the Olympics because

we feel if we work hard and inspire our children maybe one day we will get that gold medal for us,” Anthony told the gathering.

Anthony also revealed that a 25-m warm-up pool is expected to be constructed by year-end at the National Aquatic Centre.

“We will now be adding a 25 metre pool to the National Aquatic Centre and we have already contracted Mortar Pools to work on it and in another three months, containers with the material for the pool will arrive and by the end of the year we should complete that pool,” Anthony stated.

Anthony added, “With that we will be able to hold more programmes like these and the possibility to bid for international competitions… so with the warm up pool we will be able to provide that and with these investments we are getting close to what the international norm

should be.”

In addition, the minister further revealed that they will be working along with the Canadian Lifesavers Society in order to train and develop better lifeguards.

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Neil Kumar thanked the parents and children for coming out in their numbers and supporting the programme.

“We started this programme because we want to make sure your child gets a chance to learn to swim because swimming is the most complete exercise and you get a complete work out and you’re also a very safe person because Guyana is the land of many waters.

“I’m very happy that the coaches and all u parents have come out, to support the programme and I hope when this programmes ends I can see at least 100 persons ready to swim at the national aquatic centre,” Kumar stated.

Murray deserves knighthood after Wimbledon – David Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron says Andy Murray deserves a knighthood after becoming the first Briton to win the Wimbledon men’s singles since 1936.

Murray won the title with a 6-4 7-5 6-4 triumph against world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

“I can’t think of anyone who deserves one more,” said Cameron, who watched the match from the Royal Box.

But Murray said: “It’s a nice thing to have or be offered but I don’t know if it merits that.”

Cameron said Murray’s win had “lifted the spirits of the whole country”.

“It was a fantastic day for Andy Murray, for British tennis and for Britain,” he added.

“We were wondering on Sunday morning, ‘do we dare to dream that this is possible?’ and he proved absolutely that it was.”

The prime minister cannot personally award an honour to the 26-year-old, stressing that they are decided independently.

People are nominated for

their achievements by members of the public and whether they are given an honour – and the type of honour – is decided by a committee.

The committee’s decision goes to the prime minister and then to the Queen.

Murray was awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list after winning Olympic gold and the U.S. Open last year.

On the possibility of receiving a knighthood, the Scot added: “I think just because everyone’s waited for such a long time for this

[winning at Wimbledon], that’s probably why it will be suggested.”

In the first of several interviews on Monday, Murray told BBC Breakfast that he had only slept for “about one hour” after his victory.

“You don’t want to go to sleep in case you wake up and it hasn’t actually happened,” he said.

Murray later took part in a question and answer session on social networking site Twitter, ahead of attending promotional events for his sponsors. (BBC Sport)

Darren Bravo cuts

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony talks with one of the children about to start her lesson in swimming

(Treiston Joseph photo)

Andy Murray and British Prime Minister David Cameron

Lendl Simmons

Dalton Polius was born to play

This passionate declaration came from the mouth of Dalton Polius, who was recently drafted into the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) for the Zouks, St Lucia’s franchise team. At the age of 22, he is focused, determined, knows what he wants and is going after it.

Polius could have opted to go the route that most take after leaving school; that is, apply for a ‘regular’ job, receive a fixed salary and be relatively content. After all, this is the path that a lot of 20-somethings take.

However, this was not an option that this young man from Corinth could consider because he realised the challenge he would face when requesting time off to represent his country for cricket. He is grateful to the Sports Ministry in St Lucia that employed him, along with Johnson Charles, Garey Mathurin and Keddy Lesporis, as a cricket coach because this allowed him the flexibility to play cricket professionally.

Ambitious

Ambitious from the start, Dalton attended school in St Lucia, including the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School where he was the first student from the school to be chosen to attend Woodhouse Grove School in England. This opportunity came about as the result of a scholarship established by the St Lucia Tourist Board, which gave young persons the chance to study and play cricket overseas.

Polius attended Woodhouse in 2007 to pursue his A Level studies, and returned home in 2009. Not one to let a chance to play more cricket pass him by, he told his coach at Woodhouse, Ian Frost, that he wanted to return the following year. Frost didn’t hesitate. He scouted around and it wasn’t long before the Collingham Linton Cricket Club scooped Polius up.

One of the club’s players, Sam Anderson, was a past student of Woodhouse and Dalton was invited to play with the club in the Aira-Wharfe Cricket League, Division 1. He played for one season and returned to St Lucia in 2010 to focus on playing for the Windward Islands.

The all-rounder says cricket, just like family, is a major part of his life. He grew up watching his dad playing cricket on the community playing field.

“My dad was a huge cricket fan and played cricket with passion. At first, I didn’t really like the sport but it grew on me. Having been in the environment for so long I had to give in, and once I did it was like second nature. It was like a natural progression of my life and from then onwards I wanted to be a cricketer.”

Polius started taking cricket seriously at the age of 11 and was soon playing in local leagues organised by the Sports Ministry and represent-

Greaves wins Island Mist 60mile road race In Berbice

Alanzo Greaves in a time of 2:36:09 won the second annual Island Mist 60-mile cycle road race.

Dalton Polius

ing St Lucia and the Windward Islands in both Under-15 and Under-19 tournaments.

In 2011 he played his first game for the Windwards (senior team) against the England lions A Team in Dominica and in 2012 he helped St Lucia win the Windward Islands Tournament for the first time in 43 years. He entered the programme at the Sagicor High Performance Centre in Barbados in June this year, and the 18-month stint will take him up to December 2014.

When he first started playing, Polius says there was Brian Lara and other guys from the Caribbean who he could emulate but no one that he could look up to at home.

Inspiration

“Then Darren Sammy came along. He is my hero and has been a source of inspiration to me. He has achieved so much and my aim is to reach and even surpass his achievements,” declared Dalton.

“I bought him his first bat when he was 11,” his mother, Marilen recalls. “He hasn’t put it down since. Sometimes he would just hold the bat in his hand even when he wasn’t playing, and that’s how I knew he was serious, and would reach somewhere. We come from a sporting family – netball, football and cricket. I was very good at netball but Dalton has broken through barriers that we couldn’t cross.”

Polius is emotional when she thinks of what her son has accomplished.

“I am so proud that he has reached this far but I tell him ‘Don’t take the glory because the glory belongs to God. He alone can make this happen for you. Put God first, be focused, and you will continue to climb the ladder of success.’”

Polius’ father, Jean-Baptiste Emilien, is equally proud.

“Dalton is very humble and he listens to what I have to say. He is not one to hang out and get in trouble. Sometimes I even have to beg him to go out!” said Emilien. “It is so great. When he was selected for the LCPL, I was elated. This is exposure for him to move on and reach as far as he can.”

Polius intends to do just that. His goal: to reach the pinnacle of the sport of cricket, the game he says he was born to play. (CPL)

Greaves won the close finish ahead of Hamza Eastman, Jude Bentley and Mario King in that order. The four were locked together until the last 200 metre when they tested each other’s sprinting ability.

The quartet finished three minutes ahead of Raymond Newton, who finished alone and well ahead of Richard Alexander, Andre Abdul and Alonzo Ambrose. The last three finishers to receive prizes were also bunched together with others as they approached the finished line.

The race started outside of Guyana Beverage Company’s Palmyra branch and proceeded to Number 51 Police Station before returning to Palmyra for the finish.

Bentley picked up six sprint prime prizes, Greaves, three, and Eastman, one. Defending champion Dwight Holder was not in the 29 who started the race.

In the female category Marcia Dick rode in ahead of Hazima Bharrat and Cristal Lambert in that order. The first junior to cross the finish line was Eastman with King rolling in ahead of Alexander.

The event was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) and presented prizes to top club finishers. Neil Reece was first with Keith Benjamin second and Adrel Ross third. Among the club members Reece took four

sprint point prizes and Ross one.

After the event Country Manager of Guyana Beverage Robert Selman thanked the organisers saying that they did a great job in organising the event.

“I am looking for their continued support in organising the event next year.”

He however expressed disappointment over the fact that T-shirts were not available to promote Island Mist Water – the brand un-

der which the race was sponsored. “The request came in too late so not one Island Mist T-shirts were available.”

Meanwhile, coach of FACC Randolph Roberts thanked the company for supporting the club. Roberts noted that the first year that the event was held it was limited to club members only, however his year it has been extended to include riders from across the country. (Andrew Carmichael)

TT win Regional Under-17 title

Scarborough, TOBAGO –Trinidad and Tobago captured the second edition of the West Indies Cricket Board Tobago House of Assembly Regional Under 17 title by topping the points table with 24.8 points.

Barbados (19.9 points) edged ahead of Windward Islands (19.5 points) into the second spot while Leeward Islands (13.8 points) and defending champions Jamaica (12.8 points) finished 4th and 5th respectively. Guyana (6.7 points) took the cellar position.

The home side completed four wins, beating Leewards, Windwards, Barbados and Guyana.

Trinidad and Tobago lost only to Jamaica in the third round.

Barbados gained their points by prevailing in three matches against Jamaica, Guyana and Windwards.

Ross Powell of the Leeward Islands, scored a tournament high 271 runs with one century and two half centuries at an average of 54.2. In addition to his 107 against Barbados, Powell also scored a composed 90 against Guyana.

Trinidadian wicketkeeper/batsman Amir Jangoo came in number two with 259 runs (two fifties) with a top score of 96 and an average of 51.8.

Next was Barbados’ Shemar Springer who tal-

lied 223 runs at an astonishing average of 111.5. He struck two half centuries, including his tournament best of 71 not out.

Rounding off the top five run scorers was Guyana’s Shimron Hetmyer (192 runs, 38.4 avg) who was the only other batsman to have scored a century in the tournament.

Windwards’ Daryl Cyrus was the leading wickettaker with 13 scalps at an average of 9.85. He was followed by Deswin Currency of Barbados who bagged 12 wickets at 11.33 apiece. Leeward Islands fast bowler Alzarri Joseph snared 11 wickets at an average of 17.45 while Jamaica’s captain Abhijai Mansingh took 10 at 13.4.

Ian Boyce (Barbados), Kershaki Jno Lewis (Windward Islands), Carl Vialva (TT) and Varindra Jagrup (TT) each took nine wickets to share the number five spot.

The lanky Joseph registered the only five wicket haul of the tournament with 5 for 40 against Guyana.

The Regional Under 17 tournament was inaugurated in 2012 and Jamaica won the title on that occasion.

The WICB Regional Under 15 Tournament commences on July 12 in Jamaica while the Regional Under 19 Tournament will bowl off on July 19 in St Kitts. (WICB Media)

All the prize winners pose after Saturday’s event

The Trinidad and Tobago squad pose with their trophy

“Teach Them Young” cycling programme commences

The annual “Teach Them Young” cycling programme commenced on Monday at the inner circuit of the National Park for youths to learn the basics of cycling.

National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, the brainchild of the “Teach Them Young” programme, told Guyana Times Sport, that the goal of the programme is to encourage more participation in the sport, prevent delinquency and produce champions. He added that participants will be given an introductory course to cycling, which will involve theory and practical sessions.

Sessions will be held from 09:00h to 11:30h on Monday to Friday for the duration of the event, and, according Mohamed, while he was pleased with the turnout on the opening day, he is expecting more youths to participate as the days progress.

According to Mohamed, youngsters desirous of attending the sessions can turn up at the venue dur-

ing the programme or register by calling his office on 226-0703. Participants are not required to pay an en-

trance fee to attend the programme, but must be in possession of a bicycle and protective gear.

While the youngsters will be taught the rudiments of the sport, they will also be afforded opportunities to test their skills in a competitive environment since there will be several 11-race programmes hosted during the eight weeks.

The first champion to emerge from the programme in 1977 was former president of the Guyana Cycling Federation and lecturer at the University of Guyana, Hector Edwards. He was followed by Leo Ramalho, who has since ventured into the sport of rifle shooting.

Some of the other notable names whose foundation came as a result of the programme were the Fiedtkou

brothers – Noel and Marcus, Byron and Bertram James, Dwayne “Road Hogg” Gibbs, Godfrey Pollydore, the late Troy Humphrey, Linden Dowridge, Eric Sankar, Warren McKay, Daniel Ramchurjee, Shane Boodram, Alanzo Greaves, Geron Williams, Robin Persaud and Enzo Matthews among others.

Considered the nursery for cycling in Guyana and now in its 37th year, the programme will be run for the next eight weeks, concluding on August 30.

The programme first started in 1977 by national cycling coach Hassan Mohammed with the help of the National Sports Commission and is the oldest nursery of any sport discipline in the country. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Marian Academy dethrone Kwakwani in thrilling NSBF final – Kwakwani successfully defend Under-17 title

By TreisTon Joseph

Marian Academy’s Dominic Vincente clutch basket with one minute to play helped dethrone defending champions Kwakwani Secondary in the final of the National Schools Basketball Festival final on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The new champions came away with a narrow 54-53 win over the Region 10 school.

After Vincente’s bucket, Kwakwani had a chance to regain the lead when Eon Meredith was fouled but missed three free throws. Marian then held unto the ball, running down the shot clock but made a crucial turnover with a kick ball violation with 7.3 seconds left in the game near the half court line.

However, Kwakwani could not get a clear shot off against the tight Marian defence that played well throughout the game. Their defence also disallowed Kwakwani clean looks in the low post, which was their major strength.

The game was deemed one of the best school basketball finals

in the last three years. The tournament was sponsored by

Beharry Group of Companies and

Banks DIH. In the finale, the lead shifted constantly as the fans of the op-

posing sides also battled for supremacy.

Kwankwani looked on the verge of taking the title when they increased their lead to nine in the third quarter but was countered with a spirited run from Marian that saw Dale Beresford scoring eight of his 17 points in that period.

Vincente, who had four points after the first three quarters, then scored seven of his 11 points in the final period to lead the charge for Marian Academy. On the other hand, Kwakwani continued to squander their free throws, missing 10 in the final five minutes.

Beresford ended with a game high 17 points while Vincente chipped in with 11 points, along with a valuable 10 points and nine rebounds form Taquain Vieira.

Kwakwani, who outrebounded Marian 66-34, failed to capitalise on their second-chance opportunities. Leonard Primo dropped 15 points and collected 27 rebounds for a double-double while Meredith, Orwin Samuels and Jeremy Primo finished with 12, 13 and 10 points respectively.

Meanwhile, in the Under-17 category, Kwakwani did what their senior counterparts could not and defended their title successfully with a 57-40 blowout win over New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMSS).

The high-paced game saw Kawkwani employing many isolation plays and some pick and roll offense but failed to sink the shooters. By the end of the first half NAMSS held a 24-20 lead. However, the half-time break did wonders for the Kwakwani team as they went back to their strengths and started putting the ball in the post before turning the game into a track meet that NAMSS could not keep up with.

Kevin Gordon dropped a game-high 16 points while Floyd Edmonds had eight points and 12 rebounds to lead Kwakwani.

Neil Wills, who dominated in the post for NAMSS in the first half, scored over 60 per cent of his shots before NAMSS moved away from the inside-out game that stifled his offense; he finished with 16 points and 21 rebounds.

National cycling coach Hassan Mohammed interacting with the participants before the commencement of the 37th annual “Teach Them Young” cycling programme on Monday at the inner circuit of the National Park (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)

Digicel,

Marian Academy’s Under-20 team pose after winning their first national basketball title with their winning medals and trophies (Treiston Joseph photos)

The Kwakwani Under-17 team pose after defending their title successfully, with their winning trophies and medals

Some of the action during the Under-17 final between Kwakwani (grey) and New Amsterdam Multilateral

Baird to be nominated for Olympic Solidarity Fund

– sport minister proud of Baird’s CAC gold medal

By tReiston joseph

Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) president KA Juman Yassin declared that he will be nominating Kadecia Baird, 2013 400 metres gold medalist at the just-concluded Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championship in Mexico, for the Olympic Solidarity Fund when it becomes available.

“Well I’m very elated about it (gold medal win) I want to extend our congratulations to her and wish her many more successes.

“We will be nominating her for the Olympic solidarity fund which should give her about $1200 to $1500 US per month. They (International Olympic Association) haven’t start sharing out as yet but they will shortly and we will look to see whatever else

we can do,” Yassin revealed to Guyana Times Sport on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony offered his congratulations to the CAC 400m gold medalist, noting that the victory was not a surprise because of Baird’s talent.

“Well I’m very pleased that Kadecia has done so

well and we want to extend our congratulations to her, we have known for quite some time now that she is quite a talented young lady and once given the opportunity she would excel.

“So I don’t think that anyone who has been following her career that this (gold medal win) was a surprise and we know that she would go on to even better things for the

country, for herself and her career so we are very pleased with her performance,” Anthony emphasised.

Baird, who also won a 2013 Carifta bronze and a 2012 World Junior silver medal, will also be eligible for the World Championships next month in Moscow, Russia, since she qualified with the A standard time.

Anthony also commented on the way forward for the athlete from the governmental level: “Well it’s something we will have to look at, generally going forward to 2016 its really the Olympic Association who would normally identify the team to represent the country at the Olympics… so I guess we have to get together and collectively talk to her coach and to the person managing her to see what it is that we can do to move her forward to the Olympics.”

Sattaur, Mars star in Demerara wresting title from Berbice

– Perreira named Guyana captain for WICB U-19 tourney

By Rajiv Bisnauth

An unbeaten century from opener Brian Sattuar and an inspired bowling performance from the emerging Cordel Mars helped Demerara whip Berbice by 84 runs in the final of this year’s Guyana Cricket Board/Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance-sponsored (GTM) Inter-County Under-19 competition at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Monday.

Set 204 to win after Manof-the-Match Sattuar’s unbeaten 113, the Berbicians were ripped apart for 119 in 29.1 overs with the destruction being delivered by Mars, who claimed 5-41.

After the game was reduced to 42 overs due to ear-

ly morning rains, Demerara rode on an unbeaten century from the opener as the hosts reached 203-6. Sattuar made Berbice’s bowlers pay after he was without even scoring. The left-hander blasted 113 off 128 balls, inclusive of four fours and nine sixes.

The strongly built Sattuar, who was also dropped on 99 and 108, dominated a 75-run opening stand with the out-of-form Tagenarine Chanderpaul (22). He then shared a third wicket stand of 79 runs with the composed Kamesh Yadram, who contributed 25.

Berbice paid dearly for these lapses as Sattuar, dominated the attack with attractive strokes on both side of the wicket. He registered his century off 119

balls.

Dexter George hit two sixes in his 32-run fifth wicket stand with Sattuar and was the only other batsman in double digits with a quick-fire 21.

For Berbice Shawn Perreira and Romario Shepherd-DeJonge claimed two wickets apiece while there was a wicket each for Kevon Jawahir and David Latchaya.

In their run chase, the slimly built Mars tore through Berbice’s top order, claiming four of the first six wickets in the innings to have them reeling at 36 for 6.

Leon Andrews, 19, Ashkay Homraj (2), Sharaz Ramcharran (0), Derek Narine (0), Romario Shepherd-DeJonge (0) and

David Latchaya (4) all fell within the first six overs; fellow pacer Dexter George captured the other two wickets.

Shawn Perreira and Parmanand Narine steered a spirited fight-back by adding 34 valuable runs, but once that partnership was broken, Berbice were facing an uphill task to get back into the game.

Apart from Andrews, Perreira (13), Shailendra Shameer, who made a rapid 26 and Kevon Jawahir (16 not out) were the other batsmen with any meaningful contribution.

Spinners Kamash Yadram, Steven Sankar and Devon Lord picked up a wicket apiece.

Meantime, at the presentation ceremony, President

of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur congratulated Demerara for winning both the one-day and three-day tournaments.

He told the gathering that GTM has been sponsoring Under-19 Inter-County cricket for the past 36 years and has been a major contributing factor in the development of Guyana’s youth cricket.

Fire Manager Ramona Singh said the GTM Group is pleased to partner with the GCB to provide the under-19 players the opportunity to showcase their talent at this level and committed to the company’s continued sponsorship of the competition.

Meanwhile, Berbice skipper Shawn Perreira will captain Guyana in the up-

coming West Indies Cricket Board Regional Under-19 tournament later this year. The 14-man squad, along with six reserves, was announced at the conclusion of Monday’s final.

Guyana Squad: Shawn Perreira (captain), Kamash Yadram (vice-captain), Brian Sattuar, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetymer, Ricardo Adams, Ashkay Homraj, Danesh Mangal, Gudakesh MotieKanhai, Vishal Narayan, Steven Sankar, Herry Green, Dextor George and Romario ShepherdDeJonge.

Reserves: Shivram Persaud, Devin Baldeo, Sharaz Ramcharran, Ricardo Peters, Shailendra Shameer and Kemol Savory.

Brian Sattuar collects the Man-of-the-Match trophy from match referee Colin Stuart

Demerara captain Kamash Yadram collects the winning trophy from GTM Fire Manager Ramona Singh (Rajiv Bisnauth photos)

KA Juman Yassin

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Kadecia Baird

Dale Beresford

(Treiston Joseph photo)

The victorious Demerara team pose with their winning

Drubahadur (second left) and

Anand Sanasie (right) (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)