Guyana Times, October 28, 2014

New queen promises to represent Guyana P well 13

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2297

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

PRICE

Cellphone recording confirms Glenn Lall’s illegal spying

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Security guard shot, relieved P3 of cash

Speaker orders Clerk to convene sitting P9 TravelSpan, Dynamic Airways P12 merger announced

...Lall “manipulated” tape – Govt Pages 3 & 9

Evidencebased decision- P16 making crucial – Finance Minister Page 13

President pleased with CJIA Ebola preparations

Page 17

President Donald Ramotar, accompanied by Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Transport Minister Robeson Benn, toured the CJIA facilities on Monday to check on preparations to keep the deadly Ebola virus from Guyana

Army Major admitted to the Bar P17

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NEWS

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, October 28 from 08:30h-10:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, October 28 from 06:45h-08:15h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with sunny weather otherwise prevailing. Clear skies are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly at 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:06h and 19:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metre and 2.60 metre respectively.

Low Tide: 12:53h reaching a minimum height of 0.74 metre.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

LOTTERY NUMBERS E 03 08 13 23 10 14 19 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Monday, October 27, 2014

Daily Millions

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Draw De Line

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he Guyana Government Monday night slammed Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall for trying to taint the integrity and image of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall by distributing a “manipulated” audio recording of him and a reporter of the outfit.

“Today, to our utter consternation, the public listened to a voice recording and was shocked at what the nation heard.

Abhorrent "Broadcast on social media, the recording contains a distorted, manipulated conversation between a Minister and Leonard Gildharie, a reporter from the Kaieteur News.

It is abhorrent that someone would be so indecent and immoral to manipulate a loose private conversation, in such a dastardly way,” the Government said in a statement.

Government says it will not condone “this privilege being manipulated to distort and manipulate public opinion” about the Government Minister.

“There are many ways for a keen listener to discern the said manipulation. For example, a listener to the manipulated conversation would easily recognise that on many instances the person’s voice at the other end of the conversation was inaudible.”

“The Government of Guyana cherishes freedom of the press,

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

newspaper.

Lall, in his short statement to the Police, claimed that he would have received several warnings of the imminent danger that clouds his life, this danger would have also extended to his numerous staff at his Saffon Street media house.

“On Saturday evening, last, all of these threats seemed to have been vindicated by a conversation between Attorney General and one of my senior reporters.

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

but when private media operatives use the power of the mass media to manipulate public opinion, our nation suffers from the negativity.

"The Kaieteur News has sustained an intensive, vicious attack on members of the Government of Guyana, using its media power to distort even private conversations that it illegally records,” the release further stated.

Lall, on Monday, filed an official Police complaint with Deputy Police Commissioner David Balram in which he accused the Attorney General of being aware of a plot to destroy him and his

Disturbing "The utterances therein were disturbing to say the least. I am very concerned because it came from high quarters.

"I now clearly understand what these people have been talking about,” the Publisher alleged.

Lall himself is accused of issuing threats to a public official.

Guyana Times understands that according to the Customs Act, Lall could spend up to three years in prison for attempting to impede Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Head Khurshid Sattaur from the discharge of his mandate and issuing threats to him via the telephone in August.

With the necessary clarifications noted, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will now decide if there is enough evidence to institute charges against the Publisher.

Bandit held after Prospect robbery P olice have arrested a bandit while two others escaped following a robbery at Prospect, East Bank Demerara early Monday morning.

In a statement, Police said that about 03:30h, three men,

two of whom were armed with firearms, entered the home of Kalicharran Surujpaul, 43, of Prospect, and held him up along with his wife.

The perpetrators ransacked the home and took away a sum of cash, a quan-

tity of jewellery, two laptop computers and two cellphones.

While the robbery was in progress, alert neighbours informed the Police who responded promptly and confronted the men as they were

escaping.

One man was arrested and an unlicensed 9 mm pistol with four rounds was recovered, along with the two stolen computers. The man is assisting with the investigation.

Security guard shot, relieved of cash

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LUCKY 3

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Glenn Lall “manipulated” tape – Govt

security escort attached to Muneshwers Limited was on Monday shot once after he was attacked by three men in an unmarked car in the vicinity of Water Street, Georgetown. The man has been identified as Terrence (only name given) of Buxton Village, East Coast Demerara.

According to informa-

tion received, the injured man had just come out of Muneshwers Limited General Store carrying a bag with an undisclosed sum of cash when the three men exited the motor car and attempted to relieve him of the bag.

The man reportedly put up a fight, but one of the men reportedly pulled a gun and discharged a round at him, resulting in him drop-

ping the bag with the money. The three men picked up the bag, entered the car, and fled the scene.

The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated. Guyana Times could not confirm where he was shot. Attempts to speak with the man who is conscious proved futile.

When Guyana Times visited the hospital, he was be-

ing treated by doctors in the Accident and Emergency Unit. His relatives who were at the hospital did not want to divulge any information.

The Police have since launched an investigation into the matter. Terrence, Guyana Times understands, has been working at the business place for some time. His condition has been listed as stable.

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

Editorial

Continuity in Brazil

T

he Metropolitan press almost uniformly referred to the re-election of the “leftist” Dilma Rousseff as the President of our giant neighbour to the South, Brazil.

And in a sense, the stress on ideology was a gesture that the election was a referendum over the philosophy that would inform the policies of the administration for the next four years.

The party of Rousseff, Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT (Workers Party), has already been in power for eight years, since it is predicted that Rousseff’s charismatic and still hugely popular predecessor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will be running again in 2018, it does appear that Brazil will be signalling “leftward ho!” for quite a few years into the future.

While the life-and-death struggle between “capitalism and communism” – through their arch representatives the US and USSR – is supposedly a relic from the past, the ideological divide is obviously still of consequence for it to attract such widespread comment.

But maybe it is not so surprising. Brazil, after all, was one of the earliest testing grounds for the neo-liberal ideology that was soon dubbed “the Washington Consensus”, which was imposed on so many countries in debt to the IMF, after the fall of the USSR. Under Fernando Cardoso, who had been a worldfamous academic writer on developmental issues, a massive privatisation programme was instituted – as in Guyana, another guinea pig case. While hyperinflation was brought under control, the economy floundered and the massive inequalities that characterised Brazil at the time, deepened.

Cardoso was widely criticised for abandoning his positions he had adopted while an academic. He had twice defeated the leftist Lula, in 1994 and 1998, who was prepared to buck the “privatisation, stabilisation and liberalisation” prescriptions of Washington.

There were many red flags raised by the election of Lula in 2003, but he not only proved to be a “moderate” compared to the “radicalism” of Hugo Chavez in neighbouring Brazil, as far as the US was concerned, but also in his economic policies.

He displayed abiding concern for the travails of the poor and the powerless in Brazil and was able to significantly improve the standard of living for at least 40 million of Brazil’s poorest citizens.

Rousseff owes her re-election primarily to this bloc of voters as well as to the strong support she received from Lula during the hustings. Her opponent Aecio Neves was from the party of Cardoso, and represented the old neoliberal policies that were premised on a resurgent business class being able to create a tide that would “make all ships rise”.

The razor-thin win by Rousseff indicates that the recent downturn in the economy – amounting to a recession in the last two quarters – has caused deep worry in the significant percentage of Brazilians that benefited from the remarkable growth of the Brazilian economy during the Lula years.

Accusations of corruption, in several public corporations, such as the petroleum company Petrobras, and also during the construction of the Football World Cup stadiums and other infrastructure, also brought down Rousseff’s ratings. While her own anti-corruption credentials remain comparatively unscathed, she will have to move decisively and quickly to address this widespread concern.

From a Guyanese standpoint, the re-election of Rousseff and the PT can only redound to our benefit. The plans for the road between Lethem and New Amsterdam/Georgetown, the Deep Water Harbour and the mega Hydro Electric Projects in the Mazaruni-Cuyuni-Potaro basin have already been drafted and placed on Rousseff’s desk.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, which also shares the moderate “leftist” philosophy of Lula, Rousseff and PT should seek to strike quickly while the iron is hot.

While Neves did well in the more wealthy and developed South, Rousseff’s success came from the North, which abuts Guyana. This is the area that would most benefit from the Guyana projects on Rousseff’s desk. She should be reminded.

Dancers on Monday entertain those gathered for the 39th Meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS) and the 24th Regional Census Coordinating Committee (RCCC) in Guyana (Carl Croker photo)

Education, awareness can help prevent suicides Dear Editor, I have been reading lately that Guyana has the highest rate of suicides in the world. Most of these cases involved ingesting of insecticides or pesticides.

The word insecticides or pesticides refers to the destruction of humans.

However, mankind is now fighting the battle with chemical pesticides to solve their problems. All pesticides contain the active ingredients, that is, the chemicals that do the killing of people. They should be carefully controlled by the distributors and Government.

The country should have

its regulatory and technical requirements enshrined in law, which should take full account for all chemicals imported and economic conditions, and literacy levels, etc.

What appear usually as the drug labels warn distributors of the potential risks involved in selling to underage children. Our country does not have adequate legislative and regulatory infrastructure for pesticides.

So anyone can purchase the drugs and commit suicide. We in Guyana should seek assistance from various international organisations to help draw up le-

gally binding codes to be implemented to help prevent suicides.

The Code of Conduct on the distribution and use of pesticides (1990), which provides guidelines covering some of the important issues, is not being adhered to in our country and Government.

As such, banned pesticides known as the dirty dozen continue to enter the country. In particular, the code of practice which includes the principle of prior informed consent, whereby if a government bans a pesticide, it will notify the Guyana National Bureau of

Standards (GNBS), which in turn will convey the information to the designated national authority in the other regions.

No pesticides in this category should be exported into the country. Pesticides may enter the human body through inhalation, absorption through the skin or by being ingested.

A good awareness, training, education and understanding on the part of the Government would go some way to reducing the risk of suicide.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Politically-motivated sanctions see shift from dollar

Dear Editor, The sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and the West, among other financial blunders, are mistakes that have triggered the world to de-dollarize. Russian President Vladimir Putin describes this as “cutting down the branches, upon which they are sitting”.

Putin said that sanctions have an overall negative effect on the entire global community, and actually motivate countries to seek financial sovereignty from the status quo.

President Putin was speaking at the 11th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia. The panel was fittingly called, “The World Order: New Rules or a Game without Rules.”

“Politically-motivated sanctions have intensified the trend of economic and financial sovereignty, the de-

sire of countries and regions would like to secure themselves against outside pressure,” he said.

Dependence on a single global power will decrease, and new reserve currencies, such as the yuan and ruble, are already starting to emerge.

“Now, an increasing number of countries are attempting to move away from dollar dependence and to establish alternative reserve currencies and settlement systems,” the President said.

Maintaining global equilibrium becomes difficult when everyone stops playing by the rules, the President said, citing the precedent of the Cyprus bailout and the “politically-motivated” sanctions against Russia over its action in Ukraine.

“Now they risk losing confidence as the leaders of globalisation. My question is – why would they do it?

The prosperity of the US depends on its investors, those that own dollar debt,” he said.

“I think our American counterparts are sawing the branch they are sitting on,” Putin said, Putin warned of the danger of mixing politics and economics, especially when nations are so deeply financially intertwined.

The West and Russia have increasingly become divided over the crisis in Ukraine, in which Russia accuses foreign powers of stirring up sentiment, and the West seeks to punish Russia for reclaiming Crimea.

US and EU sanctions against Russia include bans on long-term loans from Western capital markets, and the import of high-tech oil equipment, and technology, as well as weaponry to Russia.

Despite the cold diplo-

matic exchanges in the past year, Russia is ready for dialogue to normalise relations, the President said.

The annual panel includes the President and Prime Minister of Russia, who meet with the club members, both Russian and foreign experts in international affairs.

The club was created in September 2004 to promote dialogue between the Russian and international intellectual elite, and meets each year in a different Russian region. The name ‘Valdai’ comes from the lake where the first conference was held in Veliky Novgorod.

In the last decade, over 600 experts from 47 countries have participated in the talks.

Submitted by Denis Kopyl Press Attaché Russian Embassy

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Unusual for FDI initiative Guyana will progress immensely to be interrogated by if we forget our members of the public differences Dear Editor, In a recent letter which was kindly published, Pinnacle Green Resources (Guyana) Inc and its parent companies provided comprehensive details of our corporate identity and ownership in response to a rather hostile letter from Assistant Professor Janette Bulkan.

Although we were surprised at the adversarial tone of Dr Bulkan’s original letter, we felt it was the responsible thing to do, as we embark on a very large investment portfolio in Guyana.

We also comprehensively responded to Dr Bulkan’s accusation that one of our intended investments, an energy plantation in the Pomeroon, was a “land grab”, based on her assertions that the crop we chose was unsuitable to the soil and climate in the Pomeroon.

It is unusual for any Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiative to be interrogated by random members of the public in any jurisdiction, outside of organised stakeholder engagements.

It is even more unusual

for business entities to engage in such a comprehensive explanation of their business approach to an individual citizen, or to offer all of their instruments and agreements with the Guyana Government up for public scrutiny to all and sundry.

We, however, offered such a comprehensive response, because we are a transparent company which intends to, and have already, formed many strong local partnerships.

No company can, or will, however, entertain a constant inquisition based on spurious and unfounded speculation in the aggressive and accusatory manner in which Dr Bulkan has sought to engage us in her second letter.

Our scientists have been very clear in their recommendation of the species that we should use for cultivation of the intended energy plantation in the Pomeroon. We intend to spend millions of dollars based on this due diligence.

It is our investment to lose or appreciate; we firmly believe we do not need to justify our business decisions to Dr Bulkan. We have

a very competent Board of Directors who have piloted our company through many successful ventures.

Furthermore, if our very competent team of Senior Professors and World-Class Scientists needed help, and we felt Dr Bulkan possessed the necessary expertise to provide that help, we would have already approached her to be a consultant on our project.

Our obligations to the Guyanese public and Government are to respect their laws and regulations, particularly in this instance the phytosanitary and environmental regulations and to maintain our investment activity to the levels we have committed, together with any other stipulations for employment, etc. We intend to do so, but Dr Bulkan is not on our staff nor is she a shareholder. So we will not be justifying our decisions or profit ratios to her.

Dr Bulkan claims that it will be uncompetitive to produce energy pellets in Guyana compared to the South-eastern United States. Perhaps the learned Assistant Professor will provide us all with a comparative economic analysis.

We are sure it will make interesting reading, but it will certainly not change our business decision-making process. For those types of analysis, we rely on professionals with a track record and demonstrated expertise.

Whilst it may be the mandate of Dr Bulkan to write in the newspapers attacking investors, it is not within the list of things that we feel are germane to our business.

So we shall not be engaging in an academic debate (although, quite frankly, Dr Bulkan’s missives lack the usual courtesy with which academic debate is conducted) with this academic or any others.

We have made our decisions and are complying with our requirements, and henceforth shall treat any such aspersions as interesting reading, unless, in our opinion, it constitutes damage to our reputation in which case we shall take the requisite business actions recommended by our board of directors.

Sincerely, Manu Bansal, Executive Director

Dear Editor, The China Chamber of Commerce for Mining, Metals and Chemicals – a Chinese Government-affiliated body – recently launched a set of voluntary Guidelines for Chinese mineral companies that operate mining projects outside of China.

The move by China provides an enormous boost for efforts worldwide to bring Governments in line with global transparency standards, in particular the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the DoddFrank Act Section 1504, as well as the European Union (EU) Directives.

Locally, this announcement, reported by Global Witness, a major international monitoring organization, represents an important development with respect to Chinese involvement with the extractive sector in Guyana.

The Guidelines, which are not online yet, were handed out in hard copy at the launch in Beijing by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters.

The Guidelines for Social Responsibility in Outbound Mining Investments speak directly to the standards expected of companies operating in countries such as Guyana.

With respect, for exam-

ple, to disclosure of payments made to Governments, the Guidelines state that companies must “disclose all payments which are made to foreign government entities in countries of operation, including in-kind payments and infrastructure projects, in line with global transparency standards, in countries where those apply (FN4)”.

Global Witness noted that “to date, 44 resource-rich countries implement the standard of the EITI, which requires governments to disclose their receipts from mining companies and companies to disclose their payments made to governments entities. The figures are reconciled and published in an annual national EITI report, in order to prevent corruption and inform the public about revenues from resource wealth”.

The political significance of China’s endorsement of EITI standards puts considerable pressure on the US to follow suit.

Congressional approval of the Dodd-Frank Act (legislation drafted after the financial crisis of 2008) has been held up by the powerful oil and gas lobby in the US on the grounds that ratification would render them uncompetitive with respect to China. The Chinese move effectively pulls the rug from under this argument.

Global Witness also noted

that revenue transparency is becoming imperative for the mining industry. Apart from the EITI, mining companies listed on US or EU stock exchanges are now required to disclose payments made to any foreign government entity related to mining projects in all countries of operation, as established by the US DoddFrank Act. Similar provisions are required by the Hong Kong stock exchange as a precondition for listing and after listing.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other lending agencies also require mining companies to disclose their payments to governments.

Along with the announcement from China, the UK also announced its acceptance of candidate status for EITI membership.

The UK EITI, in what Global Witness deemed “a wise move’, is to build into the scheme company reporting on the revenues they have paid for each individual project. Monitoring payments at this level means that money paid for specific projects can be traced through the system into government coffers.

In another related EITI development, the international EITI Board is exploring the terms for what it calls the “enabling environment” for civil society groups to assess

whether countries are complying with EITI terms.

This is a central issue to the whole EITI and one of particular interest here in Guyana where we have recently adopted a more constructive attitude towards the EITI process.

Without a flow of technical information, free from fear of retaliation towards technical staff of public agencies, the central purpose of this scheme – enabling citizens to use the data to hold their governments to account – will not be effectively secured.

China endorsement of EITI process good for Guyana

Submitted by the Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association

Dear Editor, It would be a useful exercise if all of us who are interested in harmony and progress in our country, as well as the well-being of our citizens, should undertake to consider what each of us in the various levels of our society should be doing to really achieve these seemingly illusive goals.

This would, first of all, call for introspection and self-examination of what we have been doing for and against the achievement of these.

Towards this end, I set forward some of the obligations that should be fulfilled by each of the members of our society, as well as those on both sides of this vast artificial divide that we have created in the political and societal structures, and ask that you measure your performance against these criteria, and adjust your actions likewise.

The Government of the day should accept that it is in some way answerable to every one of our citizens, and try to consider the needs and views of everyone in its policies and programmes. They should see the need to try to convince beforehand all concerned, not least the official Opposition, of the efficacy of each of the projects they intend to embark on.

They should appreciate that transparency and accountability in all their activities must be maintained, and create the structures to ensure this, as well as be willing to address promptly any concerns raised by any quarter.

They should make efforts to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity and means to raise these concerns at any time. They should particularly desist from giving the impression that they are above criticism and dialogue on any policy or project.

Those who consider themselves in the Opposition, whether in the official structure or in our various organisations and communities, should be positive in their actions, appreciating that they

should be cooperative as well as critical in their approach to contributing to the development of our country.

They should respect the fact that in a democracy the wishes of the majority must be respected, and that they are obligated to cooperate with the Government of the day to further the welfare of the country as a whole. They must be prepared to confront as well as confer with the Government on all controversial matters, and develop a positive attitude towards resolution of issues.

The media should continuously realise that the vast powers they have at their disposal should be primarily utilised to provide a balanced perspective of all matters political and societal to all sections.

They should appreciate that they would performing the best function to maintain progress in our country by catering for all sections of the society in the opinions expressed, as well as serving as a uniting force between the various groups. They should be willing to be objective, impartial and impersonal in all their efforts to garner and disseminate the news.

The members of our society should strive to make their voices heard in a timely and effective manner on all the problems they face that can be solved by intervention by those in authority.

They should be willing to approach respectfully and with factual evidence the relevant officials about any grievances, and try to resolve these peacefully and permanently.

I cannot help but envisage the immense progress that our country can achieve if we should forget our differences and pool all the energies and potential of all our various groups towards a cooperative drive towards this.

I pray that, with the help of the constructive traditions that have been handed down by our forefathers, as well as the tenets of the various religions that most of us still adhere to, that this can be fulfilled.

Sincerely, Roy Paul

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News

Historical Timeline: T

he Ebola virus and Marburg virus genera belong to the Filoviridae family (filovirus). The Ebola virus is comprised of five distinct species: Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV); Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV); Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) ; Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV); and Reston ebolavirus (RESTV). There is only one Marburg virus species. The Marburg virus

Since its discovery in 1976, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has mostly occurred in SubSaharan Africa .The first cases of EVD were detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan (1976). Beginning in 1967, the first cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) were reported in Uganda.

Outside Africa, in 1967, the importation of infected green monkeys (Cercopithecus ae-

and Ebola Zaïre, Sudan, and Bundibugyo subtypes have been associated with large Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) outbreaks characterised by high person-toperson transmission and a case fatality rate ranging from 25 per cent– 90 per cent, whereas Côte d’Ivoire and Reston subspecies have not been associated with VHF outbreaks in humans to date.

thiops) from Uganda resulted in MVD outbreaks in Germany and Yugoslavia, causing 32 fatalities.

1989 – In Reston, Virginia, macaque monkeys imported from the Philippines are found to be infected with the Ebola virus (later named the Ebola-Reston virus).

1990 – In Texas and Virginia quarantine facilities, four humans develop Ebola

antibodies after contact with monkeys imported from the Philippines. None of the humans has symptoms.

1995 – An outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) leads to 315 reported cases and at least 250 deaths.

2000-2001 – A Ugandan outbreak results in 425 human cases and 224 deaths.

2001-2002 – An outbreak occurs on the border of Gabon and Republic of the Congo (ROC), which results in 53 deaths on the Gabon side and at least 43 deaths on the Republic of the Congo side.

December 2002-April 2003 – An outbreak in Republic of the Congo results in 143 reported cases and 128 deaths.

2007 – An outbreak occurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 187 of the 264 cases reported result in death. In late 2007, an outbreak in Uganda leads to 37 deaths. 149 cases were reported.

November 2008 – The Ebola-Reston virus (RESTV) is detected in five humans in the Philippines. They are workers on a pig farm and slaughterhouse and suffer no symptoms. This is the first known occurrence of the Reston virus in pigs.

2014 Outbreak – Cases listed below include confirmed, probable or suspected cases of Ebola as of October 23, 2014 (World Health Organisation and CDC): Guinea - 1553 cases, 926 deaths; Liberia - 4665 cases, 2705 deaths; Mali 1 case, 1 death (infection originated in Guinea); Nigeria - 20 cases, 8 deaths; Senegal - 1 case, 0 deaths (infection originated in Guinea); Sierra Leone - 3896 cases, 1281 deaths; Spain - 1 case, 0 deaths; United States - 4 cases, 1 death (two infections originated in the United States, one in Liberia and one in Guinea) (Excerpt from WHO and CNN)

Hereditary traits: What children get from parents

By Shelley Preston

M

y toddler thinks she can do anything — until she can’t. “Mommy do it!” she demands, thrusting the offending object my way. Daddy also gets flustered quickly, like the time he let a word fly while fussing with three different TV remotes. Now our daughter has a new weapon to deploy when a video takes more than two seconds to load.

Did my daughter inherit his temperamental ways? Can parents pass on traits that aren’t in the DNA, like sense of humour or style? Child psychologists say yes. It’s called modelling, where a child learns by observation and imitation. And like the genes that provided our daughter’s hair and nose, it contributes to who our children become, says George Holden, PhD, a psychologist at Southern Methodist University and author of Parenting: A Dynamic Perspective. “When you observe a behaviour in your child, ask yourself, ‘Where did that come from?’ In many cases for young children, it came from a parent.”

Kathy Kane of Denver sees modelling played out in a more positive way. Her fiveyear-old son, Patrick, has had plenty of opportunities to watch his mom paint and draw, and has picked up on her artistic sensibility. “He’ll stop and tell me how beautiful something is, or point out cloud shapes,” notes Kane, adding that “according to his teacher, Patrick is well developed in writing his letters and shapes.” Not a bad by-product.

Does this mean we can direct our children to pick up our interests? Yes, with limits, says Margaret Tresch Owen, PhD, director of the Centre for Children and Families at the University of Texas.

“Show enthusiasm or recognition for an ability you like,” she says. But if your child has no interest in becoming the next Picasso, leave it be.

As for those not-sogreat traits: When Jackie Candelaria sees her youngest child lashing out at his older brother, she thinks he’s acquired her occasional hotheadedness: “I’ve told him that Mommy doesn’t always handle things the best way.”

Good move: Awareness of your actions — and a willingness to talk about them — are the best ways to stop the cycle, says Owen. In a calm moment, she suggests saying, “I showed you a side of myself yesterday that I don’t feel good about.”

“Letting your child know the difference between appropriate and questionable behaviour will help him make better decisions about expressing raw emotion,” explains Owen.

As for our two-year-old, my husband and I have become more conscientious about our behaviour. Because in the long run, patience is more important than her hair and nose, although patience isn’t nearly as cute. (parenting.com)

NEWS

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tuesDAY, october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Speaker orders clerk to convene sitting ... but prefers old agenda to take precedence

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peaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman has asked the Clerk, Sherlock Isaacs to fix a sitting of the National Assembly for November 6. This date, he said, will provide for the normal notice period for Members of Parliament (MPs) to be notified and for arrangements to be made for all to be present.

Trotman’s request of the Clerk comes in wake of Isaacs himself strongly objecting to arguments that the Speaker can convene Parliament when a date was not fixed at the last sitting. He had cited two previous attempts by former Speakers to have this done, which was strenuously objected to by the Clerks. It is not clear whether the Clerk has responded to Trotman or has recanted his earlier position.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has been urging the swift reconvening of Parliament particularly to deal with the No-Confidence Motion it tabled last August against the Government. However, Trotman is proposing that the House should proceed with the matters that were on the agenda and if need be, add new ones.

The Speaker has gone ahead in writing the leaders of the three sides in the

House informing them of his advice and interpretation of the Standing Order that deals with the reconvening of Parliament and also his instructions to the Clerk to fix the next sitting.

In his letter to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Leader of Government’s Business; Opposition Leader David Granger and AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, Trotman recalled that at the last meeting of the Parliamentary Management Committee on Wednesday, October 15, the issue of the date for the resumption of sittings of the National Assembly came up, and it was unanimously agreed that the Government and Opposition Chief Whips would continue in their efforts to agree on a date.

Intractable

He said recent communication with the Whips, and pronouncements in the media attributed to both, clearly lend to the view that the positions are intractable and that the likelihood of a date been agreed upon soon is unlikely. “There is gridlock, and we are faced with the untenable and unhealthy situation of the National Assembly not meeting since July 10, 2014. I am sure that you will agree with me that this cannot be allowed to contin-

(2) does not authorise the Speaker to call a sitting where there is no fixed date for the next sitting; recall that on July 10, 2014, the House was adjourned to “a date to be fixed”. Mr Isaacs’ opinion is in consonance with two previous opinions rendered on the very Standing Order, and I am, in fact, in complete agreement with him in so far as Standing Order 8 (2) is concerned.”

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

ue any longer as there is no state of national emergency or otherwise that prevents the Assembly from not meeting. In fact, on the contrary, I make bold to say that there are myriad issues of national import that require our immediate attention.”

Trotman said in his letter that notwithstanding the process in which the Whips were involved, “I chose to engage the Clerk and former Speakers of the National Assembly with a view to enquiring how best we can have the sittings resumed. I have received opinions from Mr Sherlock E Isaacs, and Messrs Sase Narine, OR, SC, and Ralph Ramkarran, SC. In the case of Isaacs, he is of the opinion that Standing Order 8

Automatic resumption

However, Trotman said that this cannot mean that the National Assembly cannot be convened unless by agreement; especially where such agreement appears elusive or even impossible. “In this regard, I have found favour with the opinion rendered by the former Speakers of the National Assembly, which in effect states that the National Assembly shall meet “day by day”; unless otherwise decided by the National Assembly, and that as the Assembly automatically went into recess on August 10, 2014, so too did it automatically come out of recess on October 10, 2014. Therefore, the House should have been convened forthwith on the first working day thereafter.

“This opinion, in fact, supports one that I ren-

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs

dered in a Ruling, No 4 of 2012, in which it was stated: “Once the President issues a Proclamation to summon Parliament under the powers of Article 69 of the Constitution, the presumption is that the National Assembly will sit every day (except Saturdays and Sundays) after the day of its first sitting. However, a Minister may move a motion for resolution by the Assembly that the “next day” not be the day immediately following.

“I am firmly of the belief that when in fact on July 10, 2014, the House adjourned to a “date to be fixed” this was done in error, and for that I take full responsibility as an open-ended adjournment is, in my opinion, tantamount to a violation of

the constitutional mandate for the National Assembly to meet day by day. In any event, I am also of the opinion that the adjournment to “a date to be fixed” was superseded by the event of the House entering into the annual recess on August 10, 2014. The next day on which the House should have met should have been Monday, October 13, 2014 as October 12, 2014, was a Sunday. No direction from the Government or the Speaker is required to reconvene the sittings in this regard. Indeed, to support this view, Committee meetings have resumed without an instruction or direction having to be given.”

Trotman said in the circumstances, therefore, “I wish to inform you that I have written to the Clerk of the National Assembly requesting him to fix a sitting of the National Assembly for Thursday, November 6, 2014....”

In terms of the Order Paper for the sitting, he said it is his view that the Agenda as of July 10, 2014 is the “agenda we should resume with; together with any additional matters that have arisen during the recess, and subject, of course, to the requisite period of notice being observed. I trust that this course of action will find favour with all.”

8 NEWS

tuesDAY, october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Remigrant sues Glenn Lall, KN over “libellous” articles

R

emigrant Kamal Mangal has sued the Publisher and Editor of Kaieteur News as well as the news outfit for over $10 million each for libel contained in several articles about him in the newspaper in recent days.

In his claim, Mangal has jointly and separately sued Glenn Lall, Editorin-Chief Adam Harris and the National Media and Publishing Company Limited for damages in excess of $10 million each for libel contained in article captioned, “Remigrant who imported Mercedes Benz SUV says… ‘I don’t know I have to live in Guyana’…; damages in excess of $10 million also for libel contained in article captioned, “Remigrant was not in Guyana when vehicle cleared…”; damages in excess of $10 million for libel contained in article captioned, “Duty-free concessions… GRA fails to monitor remigrant…”

Further, Mangal applied for an injunction restraining the defendants and each of them by themselves, their servants and/or agents or otherwise whomsoever, or howsoever, from further publishing the said or any similar libel about and concerning the Plaintiff; An injunction restraining the Defendants and each of them by themselves, their servants and/or agents or otherwise whomsoever, or howsoever, from publishing or further publishing anything in relation to Motor Vehicle, Registration Number PPP 9090 and aggravated or exemplary damages in excess of $10 million.

Mangal, of Lot B Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, said he was born in Guyana and migrated to the United States of America in or around the year 1984. Upon migration to the United States of America, he said he was employed at several places and

with earnings there from, he invested in several residential properties and business ventures, from which he earns an income.

Mangal said during this time as well, “I travelled to Guyana on several occasions, during which I began exploring investment opportunities here, with a view of remigrating.” He noted that in or around the year, 2011, he decided to remigrate to Guyana fully and to this end, he started making preparations to ensure that this process was successful.

“To this end, I renovated and made modifications to one of my properties in Guyana, situated at Lot B Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, to be used as a dwelling upon my return.

I have various utilities installed at the said premises in my name.

I have even sought and obtained a mortgage from a local financial institution in

furtherance of my business endeavours in Guyana,” Mangal said in his affidavits He added that he also applied to the Foreign Affairs Ministry for a grant of remigrant status, so as to import personal effects, household items and a motor vehicle.

This application, he said, was granted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the 6th day of September 2012; and on the 23rd day of October 2012, by way of a letter issued to him by the Guyana Revenue Authority, he was granted tax exemptions on personal and household items and a motor vehicle.

According to Mangal, on the second day of November 2012, the said vehicle was registered in his name by the GRA and assigned Registration Number PPP 9090. Mangal said ever since he has complied faithfully with all the conditions specified in the grant aforesaid.

Schoolboy stabbed to head by classmate

A

second-form student attached to the Cummings Lodge Secondary School is now a patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing a stab wound to his head which was inflicted by a schoolmate during a scuffle.

Shawn Anthony La Rose, 13, of 11 Victoria Road, Sparendaam, East Bank Demerara, is in stable condition. According to information received, the teen was in the school’s yard about 08:30h when an argument broke out between him and another child.

There was reportedly an

exchange of words which soon turned into a scuffle. The other teen allegedly went into his haversack and took out a screwdriver and stabbed La Rose to his head.

The screwdriver was left in the teen’s head and was subsequently removed by doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was rushed there by teachers.

The teen’s father, Shawn La Rose, told the Guyana Times that he received the call about 09:00h and quickly rushed to the hospital where he saw his son

lying on the stretcher with the screwdriver in his head.

He said after a few minutes, his son was taken into the operating theatre where the weapon was removed.

His son, he added, is out of danger, but he was unsure if the stabbing incident would affect him in the future.

The angry father stated that he has not been briefed properly about the incident by the school nor was his wife who has more information. He said he was at the hospital until about 9:30h and has not gotten a chance to visit the school.

La Rose added that his son is conscious and is speaking, but he has not enquired about the incident.

He explained that his son is ‘big built’ and was made to understand the teen who committed the act is much shorter than his son.

He was also made to understand that the other teen was taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where he was being interrogated. In the recent past, school violence has been on the increase forcing the Education Ministry to implement stringent penalties for offenders.

Illegal high-powered pistol, ammo land man in court

A

man who was arrested after reports that he was indiscriminately discharging rounds from a high-powered pistol was arraigned on Monday on separate charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Thirty-six-year-old Randy Charles was remanded by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that he had in his possession an Intratec Luger 9mm pistol with four rounds and three empty shells while he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Secondly, he was charged for having four live 9mm rounds and 6 9mm spin shells, again while he was not a licensed firearm holder.

According to court documents, Police, on October 25,

responded to a report that someone was discharging bullets at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, and upon arrival, they saw the defendant with the gun.

They enquired of him whether he was a licensed firearm holder and he admitted that he was not.

Upon unloading the gun, they found four rounds and an additional six spin shells on the ground. The defendant was then told of the of-

fence, arrested and taken to the station where he was charged.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant objected to bail on the grounds of the offence’s nature, gravity and prevalence. He also noted that the firearm was recovered and special reason must be given for bail to be granted.

The matter transferred to Court Two before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

BV resident remanded for armed robbery

T

he man accused of committing a robbery at the Shell Gas Station, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, was on Monday remanded on two counts of armed robbery.

Twenty-seven-year-old Corwin Haywood, of Lot 7 Ogle Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry.

It is alleged that on May 22 at the Shell Gas Station

Corwin Haywood

at Vreed-en-Hoop, being armed with a gun, he robbed

Krishna Persaud, a customer, of one Nokia cellphone valued $5000 and a sum of money. He also robbed the cashier, Narindra Ramnauth, of one Alcatel cellphone, a Samsung cellphone and $500,000 cash, which belonged to Rayhad Husain, the owner of the business.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His attorney Clive Forde requested reasonable bail for his client.

On the day in question, the court was told

Ramnauth was checking the midday sales when the defendant came in and held him at gunpoint. Persaud who was also in the gas station was robbed too.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant successfully objected to bail, citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence, as well as the fact that a firearm was used and the offence was committed twice.

The matter was transferred to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court for November 30.

Eyew tness Placing Guyana...

Y

...on the map

ou can talk all you want...but in the end, you just can’t beat success. And if it’s one company that’s been successful in Guyana, it’s the NEW GPC. After purchasing the moribund company in 2000 from the Government, it’s been one success after another.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop – almost immediately, the company began manufacturing anti-retrovirals to fight the AIDS epidemic in the region. At one-thousandth the price formerly demanded!

Then NEWGPC manufactured the award-winning micro-nutrients sprinkles for the government’s programme for mothers and babies. Followed by winning the bids for supplying pharmaceuticals to the Health Sector – which it did before the PNC Government’d run it into the ground.

And not only were NEW GPC’s overall costs lower than those from the foreign international suppliers, being a local company, local employment went up and the profits remained in the country.

But that wasn’t all. The NEW GPC revived the manufacturing of dozens of over-the-counter formulations – such as Ferrol and Nutrophos – and recaptured and expanded market share both domestically and abroad.

But the biggest success was with its unique splashon, Limacol. This had retained its presence on the shelves in every West Indian home – whether in the Caribbean, the US, the UK, Canada – or wherever they might’ve emigrated.

But the stroke of genius occurred when Dr Ramroop unleashed a marketing strategy back in 2013 when he decided to break out of the “ethnic” market and transform Limacol into a global brand.

Limacol became the official sponsor of the exciting T-20 variant of the traditional game of cricket that was the glue that held the Caribbean together – as well as placing the Region in the consciousness of people across the globe.

Limacol quickly received global name recognition – the crucial and coveted holy grail for any market success.

And just last weekend came the good news for Guyana – Limacol was ramping up production at its local factory to service the rollout of the product (plus brand extensions!!) on all five continents!!

In addition to breaking out of the massive WI ethnic enclaves in the States, England and Canada, Limacol will be hitting the shelves in Australia, South Africa, India, New Zealand and the Middle East!!

Not bad for a company that was down and out – and a burden to taxpayers – as recently as 2000, eh?? GO NEW GPC!!!

...to shame

The wrangle over the convening of Parliament hasn’t only disgraced the Opposition – but Guyana. We really wonder how such a settled issue could become the bone of their contention. Let’s look at the facts.

Even the most fervent supporter of the AFC’s position that the Speaker can convene Parliament – Ralph Ramkarran – concedes that up to now since there’s never been a Standing Order to deal with the present circumstance, it’s been the custom for the Government to set the date for Parliament’s convening.

So what’s the problem??? Isn’t that how “tradition” is made?? For goodness sake, that’s how the whole Westminster system was formed!! Just because Ramkarran pleads he acted “in error” all those years, he was the Speaker placed there by the PPP/C, we should accept that he’s had an epiphany on the way to being a “consensus candidate”??

Well, from where this Eyewitness sits, it looks more like he’s pissed with his old comrades for not mollycoddling him, when a female comrade used the expletive “damn!!” in his presence!! And imagine he took a whole column to condemn the said female ex-comrade for saying the “Government’s consulting the Opposition”.

If it’s the Government’s call, wasn’t it Ramkarran who’s been plugging such Opposition “consultations”??

...too high

We wonder at the insensitivity of some folks. They keep pressing Trotman to convene Parliament “for the sake of Guyana”. Don’t they realise “grooming” now carries a jail sentence?? Not justifiable distraction?

news

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tuesday october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Cellphone recording confirms Glenn Lall’s illegal spying

T

he long-held suspicion that Kaieteur News Owner and Publisher Glenn Lall illegally spies on the citizenry, Government officials, as well as his own staff members was on Monday confirmed by a cellphone recording shamelessly made available by Lall himself and Leonard Gildharie, a reporter from the newspaper outfit.

The revelation, which comes just a day after Guyana Times reported on a similar plot against Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur and a businessman, was made evident in a conversation between Gildharie and a voice purported to be that of Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall.

In what appeared to be friendly banter between the AG and the reporter, the conversation was recorded unbeknownst to either of them, and the device apparently seized by Lall who promptly used the opportunity to make it public.

The Kaieteur News reporter, during the conversation, told the person believed to be Nandlall that he believes his boss, Lall, might be involved in phone tapping.

He further implicated Lall after a question was asked about the identity of another reporter who conducted an interview.

Gildharie, however, declined to divulge the name, declaring, “Me gun tell you?

Ah can’t tell you on the phone, man; oh sk**t , you wan f**k me up.”

Several Kaieteur News insiders have since told Guyana Times that Lall has planned to fire the reporter in question for ‘selling’ him out, although Lall ended up using the recording to his own advantage.

The conversation was reportedly secretly recorded by the Kaieteur News Publisher.

Crocodile tears

Lall, in crocodile tears, in an obvious attempt to evoke sympathy, told media operatives that he feels threatened by the content of the conversation, which he illegally acquired.

It was on that basis, the Kaieteur News Publisher, who had a pocket rag and managed to shed some tears before the cameras, said he decided to lodge a copy of the recording with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters, Eve

Kaieteur News Owner and Publisher Glenn Lall and Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan as they exit the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Monday

Leary, Georgetown.

The voice, allegedly that of the Attorney General, had only described a hypothetical situation of the danger that could occur, as he made an allusion to how Lall has been exploiting his reporters, using them as tools to attack others he whimsically decides to use his newspaper to mow down.

In the conversation, Nandlall defended himself and the Government, saying that Lall uses his newspaper to maliciously attack members of the current People’s

Suicide awareness workshop taken to Black Bush Polder

Children also benefited from an interactive session by TCV

T

he Caribbean Voice (TCV), a non-profit organisation, launched its series of countrywide workshops to tackle suicide last weekend in Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice.

The objective of the sessions was to raise awareness on suicide prevention .The workshop was an interactive programme, which saw persons being trained to recognise individuals who are at potential risk, to respond appropriately and where to find help. It was conducted by a team of professionals including Dr Dawn Stewart, TCV Director

and Founder; Monique’s Helping Hand; Chief Oba, President, Guyana Physiological Association; Dianne Madray, Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) Director; Janelle William;, and American University of Research.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Managing Director and Guyana’s Coordinator, Bibi Ahamad said the community of Black Bush was chosen due to its high rate of attempted suicide and suicide and also the easy accessibility to chemicals.

“We at TCV took an initiative to visit Black Bush to

launch this outreach because of its high suicide rate; our main objective is to have an interaction, to find out what are the issues, the causes with the aim of helping.

We are here to help and if we can help someone from committing suicide, we have achieved something … there are many causes somebody could be abused; it could be depression, domestic violence, peer pressure whatever little we can help to eradicate/stop suicide we will do,” Ahamad said.

In Guyana, almost all suicides are committed via the ingestion of poisons, especially agricultural chemicals, and hanging, and are generally driven by depression, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and powerless; an inability to deal with problems and a low level of self-acceptance and/or feelings of inadequacy.

Comprehensive training

Ahamad went on to say that after the workshop, the facilitators will analyse the findings, so as to make recommendations for the follow-up meetings. She stressed that the team will be back in the community to do comprehensive training on suicide prevention. turn to page 10

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Government officials and businessmen, and that those individuals may soon respond condignly through legitimate means available to them.

Fear

Several Kaieteur News reporters have now expressed fear for their lives, in light of the confirmation that Lall engages in phone tapping.

They contend that aside from being used as footstools

by Lall to satisfy his ego, they feel they are now being blackmailed by him.

Over the weekend, the GRA Commissioner General expressed concerns that the Kaieteur News Publisher is into phone tapping.

Lall has been constantly attacking Sattaur ever since information was unveiled about him (Lall) allegedly defrauding the State of millions of dollars by illegally importing two luxury vehicles under the remigrant scheme.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Sunday, the GRA Head said his lawyer received a call on Sunday from a very close contact of Lall who had also been caught up in the remigrant scam.

Sattaur said the contact informed his lawyer that Lall has a recording of a conversation he (Sattaur) had with another individual.

Additionally, another businessman (name withheld by request) also told Guyana Times that Lall is allegedly in the habit of tapping the cellphones of his staff members and of persons with whom they are in contact.

He revealed that he recently had a conversation with a senior official in

Government surrounding legitimate business queries, only to be told a few hours after of Lall having a recording of the conversation.

It has been surmised that Lall taps into these cellphone calls for snitching (which he is no stranger to) on businessmen, some of them his friends.

Phone tapping is a grave offence, and if formally investigated and convicted, Lall could spend considerable time in jail.

In a similar series of events in 2006, media mogul Rupert Murdoch used private investigators through his News of the World in Britain to illegally gain access to hundreds of mobile phone voicemail accounts held by a variety of people of interest to the newspaper.

In 2007, the paper's royal correspondent, Clive Goodman, pleaded guilty to illegal interception of personal communication and was jailed. The paper's editor, Andy Coulson, had resigned two weeks earlier.

In 2009/2010, further revelations emerged on the extent of the phone hacking, and how it was common knowledge within the News of the World and its News International parent.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 28, 2014

News

Microwave, cellphone, ultrasound increase risk of breast cancer

O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and every year there are observances to recognise this month, but it still appears as though much is not known about the facts relating to the silent killer.

Questions of how the disease affects one’s life? How one can fight against it? And what causes it, to a large extent, has not been well ventilated.

The issue of radiation from mammogram tests is one of such concern for persons.

Dr Surrendra Persaud told Guyana Times that the test does produce radiation; however, this is the same amount or level that one can find from their telephone, computer and a number of technological products.

Thus, mammograms are not harmful as they produce small doses of radiation.

Nevertheless, radiation can be a problem in large doses, a reason the mammogram exam is required once a year, remarked Dr Persaud.

The doctor stated that one needs to look at the pros and cons of the mammogram tests as being tested ‘yearly’ ensures that “you’re prepared if detected with cancerous cells early versus being cancer victim”.

Other doctors within the field have indicated just as much. Dr Emmanuel Cummings said “we create most of our very own problems as an accumulation of radiation; whether it be from your cellphone, being scanned at the airport or your microwaves, all of this

adds up to a predisposition towards cancer”.

He said persons working within the X-ray Department protect themselves against such radiation through a protective work gear.

However, patients are only exposed to certain tests or exams yearly or when necessary. The problem lies

Cornell University and the American Cancer Society.

Consensus

In addition, there is a general consensus among Guyanese women that getting hit or injured on one’s breast enables the development of cancerous cells.

This has also been the argument of women hesi-

Getting a mammogram is very important to saving lives from breast cancer

in when one goes out to society where radiation has become quite a silent part of today’s global culture.

Studies show that children who received radiation treatments for malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in the past with very high radiation doses may develop breast cancer in later life.

Infants treated for enlarged thymus glands, children treated for various forms of cancer, and women with breast inflammation after giving birth, also are at high risk, according to the

tant about a mammogram test as the procedure involves squashing the breast.

Eslyn Reynolds told Guyana Times that she lost both her daughters to breast cancer. Her first daughter could not be saved as the disease was too much in the late stages; however, her second daughter was wary about the mammogram tests as she was told that the test is quite painful and causes one to have breast cancer.

Unfortunately, Reynolds lost her second daughter to the disease as well as she never did a mammogram examination.

Dr Persaud clarified that

there is no conclusive evidence to indicate that “injuries” or being hit on the breast will produce a cancerous result.

This is the belief of most women and clinicians as well as young girls who are told that they should not be part of fights for this reason.

Women do complain of the pain that the mammogram test causes as it requires the breasts to be flat and squashed. Even so, this process tests unusual lumps to verify whether they may be cancerous or not and is required to be done once a year to give women a chance at surviving the disease.

As the doctor had remarked, the process maybe painful, but having breast cancer is a lot worse.

Baby Basseer, 71, said she was lucky. She never did the yearly tests or even selfexamination but her family made her do a checkup and an abnormality was found that prompted a screening.

She said in March of this year, she lost her right breast.

Agatha Hill, 53, said she practiced the constant selfexaminations that prompted further tests. She too lost her left breasts. She was given the choice to take off pieces or the whole left breast, but the doctors told her of the probability of it growing back if only parts are taken off.

Hill said she wanted it gone and gone as she did not want to go through the terrible pains, the chemo that totally affected her body from head to toe and the constant worry that it may develop again.

Every body want MP wuk A man who does deh by de pavement next to de Parliament Building seh dem MPs got de laziest wuk, but is still de best wuk in Guyana.

He seh dem MPs does get a lotta pay to wuk, and even when dem don’t do a lotta wuk, dem does still get pay.

De pavement man seh dem MPs does wuk once a month some times, and then tek two months holiday every year away from de wuk. Plus in between, some of dem does still get away from de wuk. So de man wanna know whah kinda wuk is MP wuk.

Dem MPs like de wuk because dem does wuk even less than de Public Service wuk, which is all pay and no wuk. And Public Servants like it so all day, till next day. That is why in Guyana, Public is de opposite of Service. So de Public can never get Service from de Public Service.

As fuh de duty-free part of de MP wuk, at least dem MPs ain’t have to go all de way to Berbice to find any old people. That is why since one man get ketch wid he pants and every ting else down, he also want MP wuk.

Dem MPs even get a extended holiday wid no wuk. Dem close fuh two months and now another month gone and still no wuk. That is why every body want MP wuk.

Lalloo want MP wuk. De man kisser want MP wuk.

Dem even cuss de Guvament because dem ain’t get MP wuk, as if it was de Guvament which had to put dem in a party, then turn round and vote fuh dem to get MP wuk.

De man kisser had want MP wuk long before he used to cock UG wuk. And now Poop-ert vex that he gon soon lose he MP wuk, because Green Jah plan to knock he off from de APNU wuk.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And WPA ain’t got no wuk. Especially since Poop-ert try to block de Rodney COI wuk.

Suicide awareness workshop taken...

“We will be identifying persons to work as counsellors in the area to help persons not only on suicide alone but issues such as domestic violence, various forms of abuse”.

Pandit Amitnarine Rabindradat, TCV Executive Member, spoke about the importance of believing in God. “I believe if everyone follows the spiritual path of life, they will not think negatively. The spiritual path is very simple; it is the way of life: live a righteous life and fear God and you will not want to harm yourself.”

Similar workshops were conducted in Lesbeholden, Mibicuri and Johanna and saw a number of persons, mainly females, turning out to be part of the session.

A resident of Johanna expressed gratitude to the organisation for taking time out to interact with them. She told this publication that having the information provided

from page 9

A section of the gathering at the workshop

will be helpful to her in the future. She lost two family members to suicide and with the knowledge gained, she hopes not to lose another. The next workshop is scheduled for Essequibo.

Guyana is ranked first in suicides per capita worldwide and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the

country has 44.2 suicides per 100,000 persons per year. Suicide is also the leading cause of death among young persons aged 15-24 and the third leading cause of death among persons aged 25-44, while in the 15-19 age range, it is the leading cause of death among females and the second leading cause of death among males.

11

tuesdAY, october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

12 news

tuesDAY, october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

TravelSpan, Dynamic Airways merger announced T

ravelSpan on Monday announced that a Block Seat Agreement to serve the Guyanese travelling to and from the United States has been reached with Dynamic Airways which is scheduled to recommence operations on November 23.

Recently, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted approval for Dynamic Airways, a US Carrier to operate services to Guyana and a variety of destinations in South America.

TravelSpan Chief Executive Officer Nohar Singh said: “The Block Agreement will give the company the additional seats for the holidays, and

LinkedIn. Persons can also contact the office at 718-845-0437.

Air and Hotel Packages for its valued customers. With over 19 years in business TravelSpan has always fought to secure affordable travel options for the travelling public and for the people of Guyana, Singh said.

He added that the

TravelSpan staff and management will continue to operate at full capacity, with its Queens, New York Office being open seven days a week to offer a much-needed solution within the market using this new block seat arrangement.

With the new arrangements, the company is offering a special fare for the first flight, $499 round trip, tax included.

Those who wish to book with TravelSpan can contact the airline at travelspan.com or follow it on Facebook, Twitter or

No official approval Despite the commercial arrangements between the two airlines, Guyana Times understands that no approval has been given to Dynamic to operate out the John F Kennedy International (JFK) Airport. Likewise, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is yet to be formally contacted on the new arrangements or provided with any documents to this effect.

Benn on Friday alluded to the “buzz” in the press about the two airlines returning to Guyana, but said he was unaware of such developments. He said that the Government was concerned over the fly-by-night airlines that operate during the peak season and disappear afterwards.

Earlier in the month, Dynamic Airways Chief Operating Officer (COO) Bill Gray said, “The airline is planning to resume regular flights between New York and Georgetown, Guyana late next month, as well as inaugurate service between Orlando and destinations in Brazil, Canada, and the US.” He added that the

flights to Georgetown last summer revealed a tremendous need for reliable, quality air service.

Since that time, Dynamic has undergone a substantial internal reorganisation with new management and a new focus on its product and service.

Starting late November, Gray added, Guyanese travellers will have the opportunity to experience comfort and the quality of air service

that they deserve. The proposed DOT- approved flights are expected to depart JFK International Airport, Terminal One at 01:00h on November 22, 2014. Flights will continue on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Suspended Both airlines had pulled out of the Guyanese market following tremendous difficulties with respect to operations here and in the Unites States.

Dynamic Airways entered the Guyanese market in June, but after a few flights, suspended services after it was unable to operate out of the JFK. The service was expected to resume on August 18, but more challenges had surfaced. According to the airline, this temporary suspension would have allowed the company to secure time slots at JFK Airport, organise better ground handling and check-in processes, as well as secure schedule integrity.

TravelSpan, on the other hand, re-entered the local aviation sector last December with fully-booked flights to the United States out of Guyana, but stumbled in July of this year, with several cancellations which resulted in a

dispute with its charter company, Vision Airlines.

Just before its pull-out, TravelSpan had applied to the GCAA for permission to operate a scheduled service, moving away from the charter service it was licensed to provide. Officials at the airline had told this newspaper that the move to acquire such a licence basically indicated that TravelSpan was here for the long haul.

news

13

tuesDAY, october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

New queen promises to represent Guyana well D

raped in a gown designed by Randy Madray, Miss Palm Court Niketta Barker was on Sunday evening crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2014 when the pageant was hosted at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.

Niketta Barker, 24, who is two years away from attaining her Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Guyana, outshone eight other delegates to cop the coveted title to the delight of her many fans who were present.

Barker also copped the prize for Best Smile and winner of the Intelligence Segment which was aired on national television prior to competition night.

From all indications, Barker would have been judged high on all the judges’ scorecard in the Swimwear, Evening Gown and Intelligence Segments, but more importantly, from the time the pageant was launched.

Guyana Times caught up with the new queen who was elated to have won the pageant, noting that the months of preparations ahead of the pageant finally paid off.

She recalled that the training as compared to the 2012 pageant was not that tense, claiming that the delegates had some fun time.

On pageant night, Barker stated that while all the delegates brought their unique styles, she was somewhat keeping an eye opened for Soyini Fraser, who looked elegant and gracefull and Joyti Hardat, who looked absolutely stunning.

skimpy outfits with charm and pride. They definitely flaunted their bodies to the music which had the crowd going wild.

The Swim Wear Segment was followed by a 20-minute performance by Kees from Kes the Band who added some flavour to the event with his mixture of Reggae and Soca vibes. It caused the patrons to get off their seats and have a blast.

He dished out tunes such as “Endless Summer”, “Take a Wine on Me” and his signature tune “Wotless”.

Soon after, the members of the Classique Dance Group took to the stage as they perform an energetic piece as they made way for the nine delegates in the Evening Wear Segment.

Not too pageant-like

Former Miss Guyana Universe Katrina Rashanna

While some of the gowns were eye-catching, a few of them were not too pageantlike. The newly-crowned queen wore one that showcases “elegance meets glamour”.

The dress evokes that

Will give my best

Now that she has won the pageant, she will be heading to New York City in January where she will undergo training ahead of the international pageant slated for January 24, 2015 in Miami, Florida, all compleMiss Guyana Universe 2014 Niketta Barker flanked by first runner up Soyini Fraser and second runner up Lakota McPhoy

Kees Dieffenthaller performing to the audience on Sunday evening

ments of Fly Jamaica.

The jubilant queen, whose platform during the pageant was Importance of Child Mentoring, said she intends to represent Guyana well on the international stage, with the hope of putting the country on the world map.

Taking the first runners up position was reigning Miss Jamzone International Soyini Fraser while coming in as second runners up was Lakota McPhoy, 25, from the mining town of Linden.

Despite not being in the top three, Hardat was adjudged the delegate with the Best Body while Cardella Hamilton and Rochelle Cheddie shared the Miss Congeniality title.

However, the highlight of the evening was the Swimwear Segment which saw the delegates sporting a red two-piece swim suit designed and accessorised by veteran designer Pat Coats.

The delegates displayed the

quality in her and her personality. It was made entirely of sequins and was hand embellished with over 3000 crystals draping from top to bottom. The dress worn

by Soyini Fraser was designed by Michelle Cole and the gown worn by Lakota Mc Phoy was designed by Natasha Calderia.

Cardella Hamilton looked stunning in a yellow gown designed by Olympia Small-Sonaram.

She was followed by Shonette Cain in a design

by Keisha Edwards while Sonia Cummings sported a Wanda Ward design.

Rochelle looked beautiful in an outfit designed by Cindy François.

Alicia Kirton’s was done

by Marcia Dos Santos and overseas-based Guyanese Jyoti Hardat sported an imported gown by an international designer.

Soon after the Evening

Fly Jamaica Marketing Manager Wesley Tucker handing over the airline tickets to the newly-crowned queen on Sunday evening

Gown Segment, the judges took some time to tabulate the scores, but in the meantime, the audience was entertained with one of two fashion displays by Clarance Enterprises.

As the delegates made their way back on stage, the special prizes were distributed, evoking some rather rude comment.

Nevertheless, it took the judges another 20 minutes to reveal the names of the top three, and when this was

done, there was more heckling.

The final three contestants were then serenaded by the Soca sensation and soon after left the stage, making way for the Intelligence Segment which saw stiff competition between Barker and Fraser.

While the judges tabulated their scores, Miss Guyana Universe 2013 Katherine Roshana took her final walk and recapped on her oneyear reign.

During her walk, she stumbled but was assisted up by members of the audience. As she stood up, she was given a loud applause.

Her speech also had to be cut short after it went over 10 minutes, prompting various remarks from the audience.

Apart from the US$10,000, Barker received the crown and two airfare tickets for her and her chaperon to New York, among other prizes.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 28, 2014

Regional

Govt seeking pardon for Rousseff’s win rattles Brazil J’can jailed in Qatar markets, focus turns to economy I

P

resident Dilma Rousseff’s narrow reelection victory met with cold reality on Monday as Brazil’s financial markets tumbled on doubts that she can restore confidence in the economy and maintain political support in a sharply divided nation.

Rousseff overcame dissatisfaction with a sluggish economy and poor public services to clinch a second term on Sunday by a slim margin, dashing the hopes of investors and nearly half the electorate who bet on her pro-business challenger.

Finance Minister Guido Mantega, whose replacement is the focus of intense speculation, tried to beat back the pessimism with promises to control inflation and close a budget deficit in the four years ahead, although he added that the election showed popular approval for Rousseff’s economic policies.

Brazil’s currency, the real BRBY, extended losses after Mantega’s comments, closing at 2.52 per dollar, its weakest level since April

Re-elected: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff celebrates during a news conference after disclosure of the election results, in Brasilia on October 26

2005.

Rousseff said last month that Mantega would step down at the end of the year, and Government sources say her short list of potential replacements includes a businessman, a former Finance Ministry official and her current chief of staff.

Whoever takes the reins at the Finance Ministry, investors are sceptical that Rousseff can pull off a swift recovery, or make a dra-

matic shift toward marketfriendly policies, after four years of ineffective industrial measures.

She now faces the challenge of delivering on campaign promises to expand social benefits for the poor while balancing a strained federal budget.

Major state-run companies whose profits have suffered under Rousseff plunged in Monday trading, including a more than

12 per cent drop for scandalplagued oil giant Petrobras, its biggest one-day decrease in nearly six years.

The benchmark Bovespa stock index .BVSP fell five per cent early in the day and closed 2.72 per cent lower.

Fitch Ratings, which still rates Brazil’s debt two levels into investment grade, said on Monday that it continues to evaluate Rousseff’s ability to revive growth and pursue less interventionist policies.

Rousseff “will face a challenging economic environment, highlighting the need for policy adjustments to address some of the macroeconomic imbalances that have emerged,” Shelly Shetty, Fitch’s senior director for Latin America, said in a note.

Investors hope a more market-friendly Finance Minister can help restore fiscal discipline, bring transparency to the federal budget and better engage with business leaders. Some believe that Rousseff will be forced by economic realities to soften some of her interventionist policies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Banana firm Chiquita agrees deal with Cutrale and Safra

B

razil’s Cutrale and Safra groups have agreed a deal to buy banana giant Chiquita, just days after shareholders rejected a deal with rival Fyffes.

Fruit juice firm Cutrale and bank Safra offered US$14.50 a share last week, in the hope of derailing the Fyffes deal. They had previously offered

US$14.00.

The deal values the US banana company at about US$680 million. All parties said they hoped the deal would be completed by the end of the year or early in 2015.

“We are pleased to make this long-term investment in Chiquita, one of the leading fresh produce companies in the

world,” a joint statement from the Brazilian companies said.

The deal represents a 34 per cent premium on the Chiquita share price in March, when a deal with Fyffes was first agreed.

“This transaction demonstrates our board’s commitment to maximising shareholder value and underscores the significant

progress Chiquita has achieved over the past couple of years in our financial and operational performance,” said Ed Lonergan, the US firm’s chief executive.

Chiquita shareholders voted against the tie-up with Fyffes, which would have created the world’s largest banana company, on Friday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Protests in Haiti over delayed polls

T

Angry voters show their identification cards in protest over the cancelled vote

housands of Haitians marched in the capital Port-au-Prince on Sunday in protest at a delay in the country’s legislative and municipal elections.

The polls are already years overdue and were scheduled for Sunday.

They were postponed

because of an ongoing stalemate between the Government and a group of Opposition Senators over an electoral law.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Region and is still struggling to recover from a 2010 earthquake.

Protesters lit piles of

wood in the central neighbourhood of Bel Aire before marching to a wealthy hillside neighbourhood, where riot Police guarded hotels, shops and Haiti’s elections office.

Some demanded President Michel Martelly’s resignation for his “inability

to organise elections in the country”.

Two Opposition activists who had organised the protest were arrested by Police for “public unrest and inciting violence”.

Mid-term senate elections in Haiti had been due in May 2012, while the municipal poll is three years behind schedule as Haiti slowly emerges from the earthquake which left much of the country devastated in 2010.

In June, President Michel Martelly decreed that the elections be held on October 26.

The date was set after lengthy talks mediated by the President of Haiti’s Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Chibly Langlois, intended to overcome the political deadlock between the Opposition and the Government. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

nformation Minister Senator Sandrea Falconer last week responded to questions raised about what the Government is doing to assist Paul Stephens, a Jamaican in jail in Qatar. Following is her statement which was released to the press: “I have asked for and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) has updated me on this matter. The Embassy of Jamaica in Kuwait has been taking steps with regard to the welfare of Mr Paul Stephens. He has been visited by the Ambassador and there have been several calls made to him from the Embassy. MFAT has been in touch with his next of kin in Jamaica and MOST IMPORTANTLY we have transmitted to the

Government of Qatar a formal request for a pardon.

“The Ministry will continue to do its best to see to his welfare and secure his release, as we try to do for the many hundreds of Jamaicans who are incarcerated in numerous countries around the world.

“As the matter is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, it would not only be inappropriate but would send the wrong message if another ministry interferes with the diplomatic work which is the purview of MFAT. The Ministry does not provide details of any of the cases it is involved with publicly, other than to the next of kin....” (Excerpt from Jamaican

Observer)

TT: Sex-offender registry delayed

T

he sex-offender registry promised by Government since 2011 will not come on stream this year. Gender, Youth and Child Development Minister Clifton de Coteau said a bill had been drafted and a report is before the Legislative Review Committee. He promised that it would be brought to Parliament before year-end.

He did not say why the registry was taking so long to set up.

In 2011, former Minister of the People and Social Development, Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh announced plans for an online sex offender registry as part of an aggressive plan to protect minors. The Children’s Authority was mandated to set up the registry. Ramadharsingh was unavailable for comment and National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he wanted to investigate the matter before commenting.

Child rights activist and head of the Child Protection

Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh

Task Force (CPTF) Diana Mahabir-Wyatt said the registry should be higher on the agenda of the Legislative Review Committee.

She said while the CPTF was working on legislation for the protection of children, the registry had been forgotten. “I must confess and I am ashamed that I had forgotten the registry when the Child Task Force was working so hard at other legislation...,” Mahabir-Wyatt told the T&T Guardian. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

Uruguay’s presidential election goes to runoff

T

abare Vasquez of the Broad Front party has emerged as the winner of the first round of voting in Uruguay’s presidential election.

But Vazquez, the candidate of President Jose Mujica’s party, fell short of an outright majority. He will face Luis Lacalle Pou of the right-wing National Party, in a run-off election on November 30.

President Mujica is barred by the Constitution from running for a second consecutive term. With most of the votes counted, Vazquez had won over 46 per cent of the vote.

Lacalle Pou trailed behind with over 30 per cent, but he swiftly secured the endorse-

ment of the third placed candidate Pedro Bordaberry, of the conservative Colorado Party.

Uruguay’s outgoing President told Gerardo Lissardy of BBC Mundo that he was confident his party would continue leading the country.

However, he said that the election of Vasquez would not necessarily mean there would be no change in policy.

“Every government is unique,” he said.”Probably a new government with Tabare would have the advantage of experience, from his previous period in power. Remember the presidency is not a profession, nor is it training. It’s simply how you perform.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

tuesDAY, october 28, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Car bombings leave Ebola outbreak: US nurse to be discharged from quarantine dozens dead in Iraq A

Shia militia members seized Jurf al-Sakhr, a strategic Sunni town, from ISIL on Sunday (Reuters)

A

t least 31 people have been killed and dozens more injured in two explosions in Iraq, including one targeting security officials just south of the capital Baghdad.

In the first explosion on Monday, a suicide car bomber killed at least 21 Shia militia members and injured 37 others in a town 50 kilometres from Baghdad, a day fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) were pushed out of the strategic area.

Sources told Al Jazeera a suicide bomber detonated an

explosives-rigged Humvee near a checkpoint manned by security forces and allied militia members in Jurf alSakhr.

ISIL seized the strategic Sunni town in July, that lies on a road usually taken by Shia pilgrims when they head to the holy city of Karbala.

Pilgrims will be taking the route in the coming weeks to commemorate the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, whose shrine is in Karbala.

In Monday’s second in-

cident, a bomb-laden car exploded in Baghdad’s Karrada district, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, Police and medical sources said.

The attack took place on a street with shops and restaurants, home to both Shia and Sunni Muslims as well as other sects and ethnic groups.

Since early this year, Iraq has been facing increasing levels of violence targeting Shia neighbourhoods as ISIL seeks to consolidate its control over areas in the country’s west and north. (Al Jazeera)

nurse who was quarantined in New Jersey after treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone will be discharged after showing no symptoms for 24 hours.

Kaci Hickox will be flown to her home state of Maine, officials said.

She threatened legal action over the confinement, saying she felt like a criminal after returning to the United States.

Also on Monday, the UN Secretary General said health workers returning from West Africa without symptoms should not be quarantined.

Ban Ki-moon has previously warned isolating those travelling to combat Ebola would hamper efforts to stop the disease.

Newly instated rules in New York, New Jersey and Illinois require a 21-day quarantine for all health workers who have had contact with Ebola patients in West Africa upon their return to the US. The measures were announced after a New York

doctor who had treated patients in Guinea fell ill with Ebola last week.

Amid criticism the quarantine rules were overly strict, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo eased his state’s restric-

Health Organisation’s latest figures.

All but 27 of the cases have occurred inside Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Separately on Monday, a five-year-old boy was

Liberia remains the worst affected country, with 4,665 cases

tions on Sunday, allowing returning health workers to pass the quarantine period in their homes.

More than 10,000 people have contracted the Ebola virus, with 4922 deaths, according to the World

being tested for Ebola at Bellevue Hospital in New York City after visiting an Ebola-stricken country and developing a fever, hospital officials said. Test results were expected later in the day. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Tunisia’s Ennahda ‘faces Spain arrests dozens in anti-corruption raids defeat’ in elections P

T

unisian secular Nidaa Tunis party is emerging as the main winner in the 217-seat Parliament election after Sunday’s vote, preliminary results show.

Led by Beji Caid Essebsi, Nidaa Tunis has won 83 seats (38 per cent), according to official provisional results released on Monday.

The North African nation’s leading Islamist party, Ennahda, is in second place with 68 seats (31 per cent).

Among the other parties, the provisional figures showed Free Patriotic Union and the Popular Front with 17 seats (seven per cent) and 12 seats (five per cent) respectively.

Essebsi said on Sunday night that there were “positive indications” Nidaa Tounes was ahead.

Lotfi Zitoun, a senior Ennahda official, conceded defeat and reiterated the party’s call for the formation of a

unity government including Ennahda in the interest of the country, regarded as the birthplace of the Arab Spring.

“We have accepted this result, and congratulate the winner,” Zitoun told Reuters news agency.

Rachid Ghannouchi, Ennahda’s head, said he would not predict the outcome before the release of official results – which must be announced by October 30 – but he stressed the need for consensus.

“Whoever comes out top, Nidaa or Ennahda, the main thing is that Tunisia needs a government of national unity, a political consensus,” he told Hannibal television.

The provisional results represent a setback for Ennahda, which had expected to fare much better by betting on its popularity among the poor in many of the country’s marginalised communities. (Al Jazeera)

olice in Spain have arrested over 50 people across the country, including senior members of the ruling party, in the biggest anti-corruption sweep in the country’s history.

Monday’s mass raids targeted 51 senior politicians alleged to be part of a huge corruption network, those arrested will face charges of money laundering, embezzlement and influence peddling.

The probe was centred mainly in town halls

and regional governments in Madrid and Leon in the centre of the country and Murcia and Valencia in the east.

Francisco Granados, a former secretary general of the governing Popular Party, was the most prominent figure to be detained.

Granados resigned in February after daily newspaper El Mundo reported that he has almost US$2 million in a Swiss bank account.

Miguel-Anxo Murado,

a Spanish journalist, told Al Jazeera from Madrid that members of both the People’s Party and the opposition Socialists were among those detained, besides two Madrid mayors.

Those arrested were netted in a vast probe targeting “a network of corruption” that involved local government construction contracts worth roughly US$315 million, the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

“The collusion between

local councillors and civil servants, with builders and energy service companies, and the corruption of middle-men and key companies, has helped them to secure contracts worth around 250 million euros in the last two years alone,” the statement said.

The probe is the latest in a string of corruption scandals that have hit Spain’s political parties, banks, football clubs and even members of the royal family.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Marysville shooting: Second girl dies in Washington State

A

second girl has died of wounds she suffered in a US school shooting in Washington State which ended when a young man fatally shot himself.

Gia Soriano, 14, was targeted during a gun rampage by fellow pupil Jaylen Fryberg near Seattle on Friday.

Her family said in a statement they were “devastated by this senseless tragedy”.

Zoe Galasso, 14, was also killed in the attack at Marysville Pilchuck High School.

Three other students targeted by Fryberg – including two of his cousins – remain

in hospital. Two are in a critical condition, while one was upgraded to satisfactory on Monday.

All were shot in the head after the boy pulled out a weapon and started firing in the school cafeteria.

Reports have emerged about the heroics of one teacher, Megan Silberberger,

who ran to the scene of the shooting and “did everything possible to protect students”, according to a statement from her union.

It was unclear whether Fryberg had killed himself deliberately or whether the gun had been fired by accident as he struggled with the teacher. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China, Vietnam say want lasting solution to sea dispute

C

hina and Vietnam agreed on Monday to use an existing border dispute mechanism to find a solution to a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, saying they did not want it to affect relations.

The two countries have sought to patch up ties since their long-running row erupted in May, triggered by China’s deploy-

ment of a drilling rig in waters claimed by the communist neighbours, which led to confrontations at sea between rival vessels and violent anti-Chinese protests in Vietnam.

After a meeting between China’s top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, and Vietnam Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi,

China’s Foreign Ministry said they had agreed to “appropriately handle the maritime problem”.

The two exchanged smiles and warm handshakes in contrast to Yang’s last visit in June, which ended in acrimony with Yang accusing Vietnam of “hyping up” their dispute, which was the worst breakdown in their relations since a

brief border war in 1979.

The rapprochement began in late August, a few weeks after Vietnam started courting other countries embroiled in maritime rows with China, including the Philippines and China’s biggest investor, Japan, which will provide boats and radar equipment to Vietnam’s Coast Guard.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

China’s State Councillor Yang Jiechi (left) poses for a photo with Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the party’s office in Hanoi, October 27

16 NEWS

monDAY, october 27, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Evidence-based decision-making crucial – Finance Minister F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday called for a cultural reorientation whereby Governments, businesses and individuals alike rely more on readily available empirical data in everyday decision-making rather than anecdotal opinions and accounts which are often far removed from reality.

He was at the time delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 39th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS) and the 24th meeting of the Regional Census Coordination Committee (RCCC). The event which was held at the Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence, saw the participation of statisticians from across the Region.

The SCCS was established in 1974 to provide sound, relevant and timely statistics in guiding sustainable social and economic development of the Region. This is the first time that Guyana is hosting this meeting since the establishment of the SCCS 40 years ago. There can be no serious policy-making or

decision-making in the absence of strong and reliable data. This, he said, is and should not be confined only to the Government, but also be applied to decisions at the corporate and house-

array of data which serves to inform future plans such as investment, diversification and expansion opportunities and/or to better understand demographic and market trends. “The data

is an extremely important responsibility, and I am pleased with how this responsibility has been discharged in Guyana,” the Minister said.

The Bureau of Statistics

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh addressing the forum

hold levels.

Minister Singh informed that the Guyana Bureau of Statistics is often inundated with requests from the corporate world for a vast

generated by offices such as yours, literally shape the decisions made in the corporate boardrooms of the Region, and indeed Cabinet rooms of the Region. Yours

was established as a department in 1957, but prior to this, the collection and publication of statistics was decentralised and assigned to a few key Government

departments. In 1990, an Act of Parliament 1990 incorporated the Bureau as a semi-autonomous body, outside the purview of the traditional Public Service.

Richness of data

Minister Singh gave the example of individuals pursuing studies at the University of Guyana without taking into account the demands of the labour market. “You are making a decision that will influence the job opportunities that will become available to you, and the income that you will be able to earn …

I want to make the call for more of our citizens and corporate entities to make decisions on the richness of data that is available,” Minister Singh said.

He also called on the academic community and the media to sufficiently treat with the abundance of available data to better address developmental challenges in the Region and to better understand some of the phenomena that are observed.

Caricom Assistant Secretary General Colin Grandison pointed out that Information

C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology (ICT) has to be the tool to power the data revolution. He noted too, that statistics is indispensible in the planning and monitoring of developmental objectives.

Meanwhile, Director of the Regional Statistics Programme of the Caricom Secretariat, Dr. Philomen Harrison, in her remarks, spoke of issues that affect the work of statisticians in the Region and the world over such as availability of adequate resources, principles of independence and confidentiality, and the development of the profession.

“I would like to urge fellow directors of statistics and chief statisticians to continue to be passionate about your work while being vigilant. There is a lot more to be accomplished by statisticians in serving countries,” Dr Harrison said.

The theme under which these two meetings are being held is, “Data revolution for sustainable development in Caricom – designing and operationalising a framework for statistics”.

Queen’s College celebrates 170th anniversary G

uyana‘s premier secondary school Queen’s College on Monday celebrated its 170th anniversary, with a special General Assembly attended by past and current students.

The audience, which included President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and Opposition Leader David Granger, was treated to a delightful cultural presentation by students.

Headteacher Jackie Benn said the institution has always been committed to maintaining high academic standards, its cultural tradition and actively raising the quality of life for every student.

“Our mission here is to provide equal access to quality education regardless of the socioeconomic status of our students,” Benn told the huge Audience.

President Ramotar, who delivered the feature address, congratulated the students who he said have all kept the flag of the distinguished institution flying high.

According to him, the institution has been able to produce some of the greatest minds in almost every sector within the country.

“And I would also agree with those who say that it will contend with any institution in the world for producing graduates with high

Opposition Leader David Granger, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, President Donald Ramotar, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Social Services Minister Jennifer Webster, Publics Works Minister Robeson Benn and members of the Queen’s College alumni being saluted at the school’s 170th anniversary celebration

caliber as Queen’s College has done.”

The head of State said he would like to see Queen’s College being replicated all across the country, pointing out the Government through the Education Ministry is currently working to ensure that the high quality education offered at the institution, be associated with every secondary school in Guyana.

He said the country is moving in that direction even as he cited the recent accomplishment of the school for producing three of the four students who received top Caribbean awards at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. The fourth came from the New Amsterdam Secondary School.

Quite encouraging “That shows that the effort we are making to make our other institution as distinguished as Queens College, we are beginning to get there,” the President said.

Ramotar said Queen’s College students continue to bloom in every part of the world, excelling in every area. He told the current

students that they are indeed fortunate to have the many role models who have come out of the institution.

He stressed; however, that while that may be good and pleasing, students should not become complacent, but should push to surpass those achievements that were made.

“You have the advantage that you are standing on the shoulders of gi-

ants and I am sure that all of them would expect you to do better than they have done.”

Queen’s College was established in 1844 as the Queen’s College Grammar School for boys by William Percy Austin DD Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of then British Guiana. The female equivalent was the Bishops’ High School.

The first assembly was held on August 5, 1844 with an enrollment of 15 boys. Although the school started out as an Anglican Church School, Bishop Austin was interested in making it a more broadbased institution to include non-Anglicans. Its first administration, however, consisted only of members of the Church of England.

Formal classes commenced on August 15, 1844 in the Old Colony House; situated in the compound of what is now the Guyana High Courts, previously known as the Victoria Law Courts. The original 15 students had two tutors, with Bishop Austin himself becoming the first Principal.

In 1845, the school moved to Main and Quamina Streets.

Its population was rapidly expanding and, with a student body of 70 and three tutors, another move was made in 1854 to its first formal building at Carmichael and Quamina Streets.

news

17

tuesday, october 28, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

President pleased with CJIA Ebola preparations A

mid criticism of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s moves to keep out the deadly Ebola virus, President Donald Ramotar on Monday visited the port of entry to check on the preparations to address the medical requirements of any air traveller suspected of being infected with the disease.

He also praised the efforts being made to address any possible Ebola cases locally. The Head of State had a firsthand look at the CJIA preparations. He said he was constantly being briefed on developments in the health sector, and Ebola is a major concern for the Government.

The health, transportation, and security sectors and other stakeholders are involved in the effort, the President said.

“I’m very happy that this work is going on, and the seriousness with which it is being taken, as it’s important,” he said.

Recently, President Ramotar

hope that any requested budgetary allocations would not be cut by the political Opposition.

The ongoing preparations, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran stressed, were an “allGuyana national effort”. Hundreds of persons have already received training to deal specifically with any suspected Ebola cases, he added.

Infrastructure in place

“We will be having drills from time to time to ensure that we do not make human errors. As we roll out our training, the physical infrastructure is there and being developed along with the human infrastructure,” Dr Ramsaran said.

He pointed out that every shift at the CJIA will have a doctor to address any potential issues and similar measures are being put in place at the Ogle International Airport and Moleson Creek Crossing, Corentyne, Berbice.

Unit monitors her for the virus.

In a statement, the GPHC said on Friday it was notified by a private physician of a patient who had recently travelled to a West African nation where Ebola is not present.

“She went to the physician for evaluation and treatment of leg pains.”

The hospital said during the physician’s interview, the woman reported some mild joint pain and was concerned about Chikungunya infection. The private physician referred her directly to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Ebola response team was immediately summoned and convened and she was placed immediately in isolation for investigation.

“She reported returning to Guyana, via Suriname, from a West African country where Ebola is not currently present. She has not had contact with anyone with sickness of any kind in the last 21 days. She has not had fever at any point, but had taken non-steroidal anti-inflam-

President Donald Ramotar and other officials in front of one of the isolation tents at the CJIA

addressed the nation and called for broad-based support from all stakeholders to help to prepare for the fight against any possible Ebola outbreak. Many have heeded this call, the President said, including the political Opposition. “I have had conversations with the Opposition Leader and he has assured me of his full support in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the leader of the AFC (Alliance For Change) who also assured me of their support, and I plan to have meetings later this week with other stakeholders.”

The main purpose of his visit to the facility at the CJIA was to check the response of the Government structures to make sure they are fully ready and taking all precautions to try and keep this disease out of Guyana. In terms of cost, the President said that Government will do whatever is necessary to protect citizens and expressed the

Also accompanying the President and the Health Minister was Public Works Minister Robeson Benn. He added that the measures, which followed directives from the Head of State and Cabinet, will go along with the countrywide interventions, in respect to public health.

Guyana has begun putting intensive measures in place to deal with any suspected Ebola cases.

Persons travelling from countries with the virus-borne disease have also been barred from travelling to Guyana.

Ebola has infected more than 10,000 people in West African and several other countries, killing about 5000.

Only last week, a Guyanese woman who recently returned from a West African country was placed in voluntary isolation as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Ebola Response

matory medications for joint pains the previous day. This medication could mask a fever of any origin,” the GPHC release stated.

According to the GPHC, out of an abundance of caution, she was monitored by Senior Infectious Disease Specialists until enough time had passed for the medication to wear off. “She remained free of fever and had no other symptoms,” the hospital said. As such, she was discharged from isolation with any suspicion of Ebola Viral Disease discounted. “She will be followed on a daily basis to ensure that fever or other symptoms do not develop. As her exposure was very low-risk and she has no signs or symptoms of infectious disease, she will be kept in voluntary isolation.” There is no threat to her family or the community, the GPHC assured, adding that a team has been assigned to monitor her daily and this work has already commenced.

Suspect in attempted robbery denied bail

T

he suspect in an attempted robbery case was refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday morning.

Eon Ambrose, 27, of Sideline Dam, La Penitence, Georgetown, who was also charged with discharging a loaded firearm, pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The court was told that on February 2 at Middle Road, La Penitence, he attempted to rob Omar

Bynoe, and on the same day at New Road, La Penitence, he unlawfully and maliciously discharged a loaded firearm at Bynoe with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause harm.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant informed the court that the Virtual Complainant (VC) worked at Bhena’s Footwear and on the day in question around 16:00h, he was dropping off a fellow employee, when the armed defendant approached and hit him in his right shoulder.

Bynoe was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for med-

ical treatment.

An investigation was carried out and the defendant was subsequently arrested and later identified by Bynoe during an Identification parade.

The Prosecutor successfully opposed bail, citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence.

He noted that Bynoe was a licensed firearm holder and extreme violence was used in the commission of the offence.

The matter was adjourned to November 13 for statements.

Army Major admitted to the Bar

From left: Attorney Andrew Pollard, Attorney and Major Michael Shahoud, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Justice Brassington Reynolds

G

uyana Defence Force (GDF) Major and Attorney-at-Law Michael Shahoud was admitted to the Bar on Friday.

His successful petition was presented before Justice Brassington Reynolds by Attorney Andrew Pollard.

In a release, the GDF said Major Shahoud gained his formal education at the St Theresa’s Primary School in New Amsterdam, and the St Margaret’s Primary, Georgetown.

From there, he was awarded a place at North Georgetown Secondary School, Georgetown after sitting the Common Entrance examinations.

Upon the completion of his secondary education, Major Shahoud enlisted in the GDF. He benefited from training in several courses, both locally and overseas.

During his service, he held numerous appointments, and is currently a Legal Officer in the Army’s Legal Services Department.

Major Shahoud proceeded to read for a pre-law programme at the University of Guyana in 2008 and later received a military scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s of Law Degree, gaining a distinction, and the Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School.

He was also awarded the Ann Blue Award for the most outstanding second year student at

the University of Guyana.

In accepting the petition, Justice Reynolds stated that he was well aware of the character of the Attorney, and could personally concur with statements contained in the petition.

He commended the young Attorney on his achievements, and urged him to maintain a high degree of professional discipline, and to avoid the ‘short cuts’, which inevitably destroy the moral fabric of the profession. He then invited Major Shahoud to take the Oath after which he formally welcomed him to the Bar. Attorney Shahoud expressed gratitude to Justice Reynolds, GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, and the GDF for its support, and all those who were directly or indirectly involved in enabling his successes to date.

“Your Honour, I am quite aware of the long and narrow road ahead. I pledge that I will do my best to uphold the high standards required of me, and will continue to serve this nation in whatever capacity my superiors deem best. Thank you and God bless our great nation.”

Among those present to celebrate his achievement were Brigadier Phillips, GDF officer commanding the GDF Legal Services Department, Attorney Mellissa Yearwood-Stewart, Mercedez Hernandez, and other friends.

23-year-old fraud suspect released on bail

T

wenty-three-year-old Kemchand Outar was released on bail on a charge of fraud on Monday morning when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry.

It is alleged that on October 16, at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, the spray painter falsely and deceitfully impersonated Anil Singh with intent to defraud Seadat Sukhlal to obtain one motor car PSS 3107.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-A-Fat, who requested reasonable bail, since he said his client only took the car to take his girlfriend out.

There were no objections to bail by the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant.

Kemchand Outar

Outar was then granted bail in the sum of $100,000. The matter was transferred to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court for November 21.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, OCTOber 28, 2014

archie

An impromptu day trip or adventure will inspire you (March 21- to explore unfamiliar places.

April 19) Plan an exciting holiday to somewhere new with someone you enjoy spending time with.

ARIES

Not everyone will underTAURUS stand what’s going on in your (April 20- personal life or your commuMay 20) nity. Be diplomatic when expressing your views, and keep your explanations simple and easy to follow.

dilbert

Don’t let your volatile GEMINI (May 21- emotions dominate your day.

June 20) Try not to overreact if someone offers you unsolicited advice. Help will come to you from an unusual and mysterious source.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Many people will look up to you if you are conscientious and thoughtful. A recommendation will be made that will lead to a promotion. Include everyone in your good fortune.

If you have been spending LEO too much time in front of the (July 23TV, take on a physical chalAug. 22) lenge. Friends and colleagues may not join in, but don’t let that stop you.

Calvin and Hobbes

Honesty is the best policy, VIRGO but you should also be mind(Aug. 23- ful of other people’s feelings.

Sept. 22) A gentle suggestion will be more effective than force or making an outright declaration.

You will feel especially LIBRA (Sept. 23- upbeat and optimistic today.

Oct. 23) Share your good spirit with everyone you encounter. Your happiness will be infectious, and you will brighten everyone’s day.

SUDOKU

Don’t offer private inforSCORPIO mation to anyone. A casual (Oct. 24remark made to the wrong Nov. 22) person will cause serious difficulties. Social media must not be used to share your secrets or whereabouts. Be careful.

Contribute to your local food SAGITTARIUS bank or community in some (Nov. 23- small way. Showing your generDec. 21) ous side will spark the interest of someone you respect. A prosperous enterprise or partnership is likely to be suggested.

Monday's solution

You will be distressed and CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- disappointed by someone who Jan. 19) lets you down. If too much pressure is put on your relationship, you will need to consider backing away and moving along.

AQUARIUS

Don’t hesitate to accept (Jan. 20- a leadership position within Feb. 19) your organisation or group.

Influential individuals will be impressed by your knowledge and innovative ideas, and your prestige will increase.

PISCES Come to terms with what(Feb. 20- ever is preying on your mind.

March 20) Leave the past behind. It’s hard to move forward when you are still looking back.

tuesday, october 28, 2014

19

WICB says 2014 Digicel Academy kicks off in Jamaica meeting fruitful with WIPA, players

T

he West Indies Cricket Board, the West Indies Players Association and representatives of the West Indies Squad on the tour of India held an emergency meeting on Sunday evening at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

The meeting was cordial, positive and fruitful and discussions will continue in an effort to find a way forward following the premature end of the tour of India.

The WICB was represented by President Dave Cameron, Director Don

Wehby and attorney Luke Hamel-Smith.

WIPA was represented by President and Chief Executive Officer Wavell Hinds, Secretary Wayne Lewis and attorney Patrick Foster QC. Representing the players who were on the West Indies Squad to India (with the exception of Marlon Samuels) was attorney Ralph Thorne QC. Thorne also represented the interests of Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons. Also in attendance were players Andre Russell and Jason Holder.

(WICB Media Release)

Djokovic unconcerned about top spot

N

ovak Djokovic says he is not concerned about his number one ranking as he returns to action after becoming a father for the first time.

The Serb, 27, plays his first match at the Paris Masters on Tuesday since wife Jelena Ristic gave birth to son Stefan.

Philipp Kohlschreiber is Djokovic’s first opponent since he lost to world number two Roger Federer in Shanghai earlier this month.

“I feel like I’m already number one becoming a father last week,” he said.

It is the first indoor tournament of the defending champion’s season as the players prepare for the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November.

Federer is just 490 points behind Djokovic in the ATP world rankings, with the winner in Paris receiving 1,000 points.

“I never thought that he’s not a competition for number one of the world,” said Djokovic. “I always thought that he’s one of the best players in the world, and he keeps on proving everybody that he deserves to be there.

“I have lots of respect for what he does. I don’t think

Novak Djokovic

that age is an issue for him.

As a matter of fact, I think he’s playing some of his best tennis this year.

“For me, it’s important to participate in my child’s life as much as I can, in his development, in his growing up, in his childhood.

“You know, I hope that it’s going to affect positively on my career. In terms of my approach to the tennis, nothing is really changing.

I’m still out here, still fighting, competing, and then trying to be number one of the world, trying to win tournaments.”

Britain’s Andy Murray, now ranked eighth in the world, will open his Paris campaign with a match against the winner of Julien Benneteau and YenHsun Lu on Wednesday, as he bids to secure a place in London. (BBC Sport)

A panel discussion on regional football development between Simon Crosskill, Paulo Ferreira, Captain Horace Burrell, David Monk and James Wynne at the Digicel Kickstart Academy being held at Sabina Park

C

helsea FC Foundation coaches to host Academy for the region’s top young footballers at Sabina Park The Digicel Kickstart Academy was launched in Jamaica today and will see 42 boys from across the Caribbean and Central America go through a week of intense training that will culminate in a final match between the Academy players and the Jamaica national under-16 team.

This is the first time that the Kickstart Academy has been held in Jamaica at the historic Sabina Park - an important sporting venue in the region which is known for hosting world class cricket matches. During the Academy, it will play host to some of the brightest young footballing

The boys share a moment with Paulo Ferreira before the start of their training at the Digicel Kickstart Academy

Chelsea FC Foundation Senior International Football Development Officer and Digicel Academy Head Coach, David Monk, speaks at the launch of the Digicel Kickstart Academy held at Sabina Park

talents the region has to of-

to develop their talents and hone skills in the sport.

Digicel is to be commended for its positive demonstration of confidence in the abilities and potential of the region’s youth, as the Kickstart programme is building a cadre of skilled, professional footballers capable of making their mark not only within the region but on the world stage.”

Also in attendance was former player and current Chelsea FC Ambassador, Paulo Ferreira*, who said; “This is a great opportunity for these players to improve their skills not only in football but in life.

Through the Digicel Kickstart programme, these boys are being trained by one of the most successful football teams in the world and are devel-

fer.

The Academy is a cul-

mination of the Digicel Kickstart Clinics which gave more than 400 players a chance to train with coaches from the Chelsea FC Foundation. The coaches not only trained the best of each country’s male and female players, but also hosted a separate session where the country’s top youth coaches received the very latest coaching techniques as used by Chelsea FC’s youth teams.

Minister with responsibility for Sport, the Honourable Natalie NeitaHeadley, lauded the programme as one which is helping to develop regional talent and has the Prime Minister’s full support, saying; “The Digicel Kickstart Academy is providing an excellent opportunity for young regional footballers

oping skills that will aid their present and future success - both on and off the pitch.” As part of their visit, the coaches and ambassador will visit a number of Digicel Jamaica Foundation projects as well as attend a local football match.

Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship, James Wynne, said; “We are excited to be hosting the Digicel Kickstart Academy in Jamaica for the first time and we are confident that our Chelsea FC Foundation coaches and players will enjoy using the top class facilities at Sabina Park as well as interacting with their teammates from across the Caribbean and Central America during the weeklong training.” (Digicel release)

20 Rain stops third ODI between Straight balls defeated South Africa, New Zealand us says Lehaman A N tuesday, october 28, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

fter two matches blessed with fair weather in Mount Maunganui, the third ODI in Hamilton began under overcast skies, and in the 31st over of the game the drizzle had got heavy enough to take the players off. They never came back on. South Africa had been well placed in challenging conditions, though, because Quinton de Kock ended a run of five poor scores with a brisk half-century.

Both teams had made changes for the dead rubber.

Despite needing to sweep the series 3-0 to stay the No. 1 ranked team in ODIs, South Africa rested Dale Steyn, while Imran Tahir and Faf du Plessis were also given a break because of niggles. New Zealand benched Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult, as they continued to search for a settled combination in their buildup to the 2015 World Cup. New Zealand’s attack had plenty of assistance, which backed up Brendon McCullum’s decision to bowl. The pitch had bounce, and the ball swung and seamed in the gloom. The fast bowlers - Tim Southee apart - were inaccurate, though, and unable to pre-

vent South Africa scoring freely despite dismissing three of the top five batsmen cheaply.

Matt Henry, playing his second ODI nine months after taking a four wickets on debut, began with two deliveries on the pads that de Kock flicked and drove for boundaries to fine leg and midwicket. Henry’s morning improved, though, and he dismissed Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw with balls that seemed to grip the surface, making the batsmen play early as a result. Amla lobbed a catch to midwicket, while Henry dived across the pitch himself to catch Rossouw, who suffered his fourth duck in six ODI innings.

There were boundary balls on offer often and de Kock freed his arms to slice through point and drive through cover when Henry gave him width. David Miller, competing with Rossouw for a spot in South Africa’s World Cup XI, was promoted to No. 4, a rare opportunity for him to build the innings as opposed to finish it. He began brightly, with three powerfully struck boundaries, before yorking himself by stepping out to Jimmy Neesham.

At 70 for 3 in the 17th over, New Zealand were beginning to take a grip on the game, but de Kock and AB de Villiers put on 87 runs at more than a run a ball. De Kock thrived on leg-stump lines and nine of his 11 fours came on the on-side through glances, flicks, pulls and ondrives. He moved past 50 off 67 balls and looked set for a sixth ODI century before the innings was curtailed.

De Villiers wasn’t at his best but still managed to tick along and just under a run a ball.

While Neesham and Henry struggled with wides, and McClenaghan was noballed twice for knocking over the bails during his delivery stride, Southee was the pick of the bowlers. He had troubled Amla with swing in both directions, and in the 31st over Southee harried de Villiers with successive bouncers in slippery conditions. The first one hit the top edge of de Villiers’ attempted pull and the second hit his helmet. The umpires asked for the covers to be brought on immediately, and the rain did not stop, leaving South Africa the No. 1 ranked side after a 2-0 series victory.

(Cricinfo)

Prosecutors will appeal Pistorius' verdict P

rosecutors said Monday they will file appeal papers in the next few days against the verdict and sentencing in the case of Oscar Pistorius, who was given a five-year prison term after being convicted of culpable homicide for killing his girlfriend.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to appeal could see the Olympic runner face a murder conviction again for shooting Reeva Steenkamp, and a minimum of 15 years in prison if he is found guilty on appeal.

Pistorius, the 27-year-old double-amputee athlete, was acquitted of murder by Judge Thokozile Masipa last month for shooting Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet cubicle door in his home. He testified he mistook her for a nighttime intruder. Masipa found him guilty instead on a charge comparable to manslaughter.

On Monday, the NPA said in a statement its decision to appeal was based on a “question of law,” meaning it believes that Judge Masipa misapplied the law when she acquitted Pistorius of murder.

“The merits and the demerits of the NPA’s argument ... will become evident when we file papers for leave to appeal,” the NPA, South Africa’s national prosecuting body, said. “The prosecutors are now preparing the necessary papers in order to be able to file within the next few days.”

Chief prosecutor Gerrie

Nel and his assistant, Andrea Johnson, had been “hard at work studying the judgment, researching and also consulting with legal experts with the view to establish whether or not there are sufficient grounds to appeal both the judgment and sentence,” the NPA said.

Prosecutors have to apply initially to Masipa for permission to appeal within 14 days of Pistorius’ Oct. 21 sentencing.

Pistorius’ lawyer, Brian Webber, declined to comment, while Pistorius’ uncle, Arnold Pistorius, released a short family statement saying: “We take note of the state’s announcement. The law must take its course.”

Pistorius started serving his prison sentence last week for negligently killing Steenkamp on Feb. 14, 2013.

Under the current terms of his sentence, the multiple Paralympic champion is eligible for release after 10 months and would then complete his sentence under house arrest.

At the time of the sentencing, prosecutors said they were disappointed with the culpable homicide conviction and believed they had a strong murder case against Pistorius. A murder conviction in South Africa has a minimum of 15 years in prison.

Chief prosecutor Nel laid the groundwork for the decision to appeal, speaking with Prof. James Grant, a criminal law specialist at Johannesburg’s University

of the Witwatersrand, prosecution spokesman Nathi Mncube said.

Masipa’s decision to acquit Pistorius of murder had been questioned by legal analysts. Grant, a television analyst during Pistorius’ trial, was among them and said last week that he had advised Nel to appeal. Grant also said he agreed to assist prosecutors.

Experts say there are grounds for an appeal, partly because the judge may have misapplied a part of the law called “dolus even-

ot for the first time during his tenure as Australia’s coach, Darren Lehmann has sat in the rooms and watched his batsmen give up their wickets by missing straight balls.

After the loss in Chester-leStreet last year, which confirmed England had won the Ashes series, a furious Lehmann pointed out that too many men had failed to get their bat in the way of straight ones, often from the fast bowlers.

It was a more genial Lehmann who fronted the media after Pakistan defeated Australia in Dubai, but there was a similar bewilderment at the way his batsmen had been dismissed. This time, though, it was largely through spin, and Zulfiqar Babar in particular was the beneficiary of Australia’s apparent conviction that the ball would turn, when in fact it was often skidding straight on.

Perhaps the Australians were confused by their last trip for a Test series in Asia, when they lost 4-0 in India under the previous coach Mickey Arthur. There was plenty of turn in those pitches and Lehmann said the conditions in Dubai could not be compared with those that Michael Clarke’s team was faced with in India last year.

“This is a very good cricket wicket and we didn’t adapt well enough and didn’t play well enough,” Lehmann said. “When you are talking about learning how to play in these conditions we

perts questioned how Masipa ruled that Pistorius did not predict that someone might die when he decided to shoot four times from close range into the small toilet cubicle in his Pretoria home, hitting Steenkamp in the hip, arm and head.

Some experts have also said that Pistorius’ argument that he did not know it was his 29-year-old girlfriend

Ocar Pistorius

tualis” – which says someone should be found guilty of murder if they foresaw the possibility of killing someone through their actions and went ahead anyway. The ex-

in the cubicle might not be enough to save him from a murder conviction as he still knew there was someone in there when he fired his 9 mm pistol. (ESPN)

Darren Lehmann

got beaten on the other side - with less spin. You would think it would spin more.

We got beaten with straight balls, I think five or six dismissals throughout the game.

“We have to get better at hitting the straight ball, watching the ball for a start, but they are things the guys will work on. Have we learnt anything? I think as long as you are learning all the time. The wickets are certainly different than those wickets I saw in 2013, they are better wickets here.”

Clarke said after the loss that Australia had been outplayed in all areas of the game by Pakistan, it was a difficult sentiment with which to disagree. One of the keys for the Australians when the second Test begins in Abu Dhabi on Thursday will be ensuring that their batsmen get through the tricky period when they first come to the wicket, and then cash in on their starts.

“We didn’t play the way we needed to play in those conditions, didn’t adjust well

enough,” Lehmann said.

“You have got to get through the first 20 or 30 balls and you are okay. [We have to] understand that a lot of the wickets are going to have no spin, so maybe we are trying to play for things that aren’t there.

“We were disappointing with the bat, weren’t we?

We have to find a way to get through that and make big scores. One of the things we haven’t done on the subcontinent is make big scores.

We need to start piling it on.

We should have made 500 on that wicket.” (Cricinfo) Although Australia needed to create more chances in the field, Lehmann said he was pleased with the debut of left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe, who picked up two wickets in each innings. “[It’s] tough when you’re bowling first day but he got a couple of wickets for us and it was a great experience for him,” he said. “He managed to tie down an end at different stages. I was happy with his debut first up.”

Zidane suspended

W

orld Cup winner Zinedine Zidane has been suspended from coaching for three months for taking charge of a team without the right qualifications.

The Spanish Football Federation has banned the former France midfielder for leading Real Madrid Castilla, the European champions’ reserve side.

Zidane’s assistant Santiago Sanchez has also received a threemonth ban.

Real issued a statement declaring their “absolute disagreement” with the decision, which they intend to fight.

The club said Zidane “has been authorised by the French Football Federation to work as a head coach in the category Real Madrid Castilla currently find themselves in”.

Real’s statement concluded: “Real Madrid will pursue every available legal avenue so that this decision is overturned.”

Zidane was appoint-

ed reserve-team coach in the summer after working as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti last season, which ended with Real winning the Champions League.

The former France midfielder spent five seasons with Real as a player after joining from Juventus in 2001 for £45.8m, then a world-record fee.

He scored the winner as Real beat Bayer Leverkusen to win the Champions League in 2002, and was named World Footballer of the Year for a third time in 2003, having received the award in 1998 and 2000.

His playing career ended in controversy when he was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final - his last match before retiring - for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.

Zidane worked as an adviser to Real president Florentino Perez before he was appointed the club’s sporting director in 2011. (BBC Sport)

SPORTS

YELLOW PAGES tuesday, october 28, 2014

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21

Bangladesh outwit Zimbabwe in low scorer B

owl straight, enlist the assistance the pitch was eager to provide, prey on the batsman’s uncertainty. Repeat.

Taijul Islam’s strategy was simple and his execution was ruthless enough to give him the best bowling figures in Bangladesh history. His 8 for 39 should have heralded a dominant victory, but familiar failings were exposed in the batting and Taijul found himself in the middle again, at No. 9, striking the winning boundary to overhaul a target of 101.

Whatever joy Bangladesh had earned from a disciplined bowling performance evaporated when their top three bagged ducks - an event that has happened only twice before in Tests and the score read 0 for 3.

Zimbabwe took a punt and gave Elton Chigumbura the new ball, hoping to exploit a two-paced surface and gloomy overhead conditions, and he delivered. All of his four wickets were timely and furthered very real hopes of an unlikely victory.

The hosts were 82 for 7, battling disconcerting bounce, but Mushfiqur Rahim knew the target was small enough to scrape across. As calm as he kept himself, he also ensured Taijul did not feel the immense pressure Zimbabwe’s bowlers and their closein fielders were creating and took Bangladesh home to break a 12-match losing streak across all formats of cricket. It was also their first win against a Full Member in 2014, the only other victories in the year having come in T20 internationals against Nepal and Afghanistan.

Although they haven’t had many matches on their docket recently, a newish Zimbabwe side has showed admirable fight.

They shocked Australia during a home tri-series in August, caused a South Africa collapse two days earlier and benefited from the same scrappy, collective effort to have Bangladesh sweating.

Bangladesh never looked sure of themselves in the chase. Bounce and seam undid Tamim Iqbal, driving on the up cost Mominul Haque and Shamsur Rahman dragged a wide Tinashe Panyangara delivery onto his stumps.

Further chances were created when Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan were new at the crease. Both players left their bats hanging outside off and were reprieved at gully in the space of eight balls. The offender, John Nyumbu, was whisked away to a different part of the ground and bowled only one over. Brendan Taylor preferred using his quicks and as the new ball’s shine began wearing off, the batsmen began settling.

So Shakib was battered with a few short balls. With just enough uncertain-

ty creeping back into the batsman’s game, Tendai Chatara jerked a back of a length delivery away to claim Shakib’s outside edge and Nyumbu displayed better catching skills at second slip and the score limped to 46 for 4.

Chigumbura, who was the reason for Australia’s humiliation, induced Mahmudullah to drag a slower ball onto his stumps for 28. He combined with

Taijul Islam 8 for 39 are the best bowling figures in Bangladesh history

Regis Chakabva, the wicketkeeper, to get rid of Shuvagata Hom to usher the Bangladesh tail in with victory still a sizeable 39 runs away. Then came another telling blow - a pulled six from No. 8 Shahadat Hossain - that redressed the balance somewhat.

Mushfiqur stowed his shots away, unless he was presented with the poorest of deliveries, and his 63-ball stay proved the difference.

If Bangladesh’s nemesis was pace, Zimbabwe’s was

the lack of it. Nine of the visitors’ batsmen were spun out and the day’s wicket tally stood at 17. Taylor played as late as possible against the spitting and turning ball, compiling 45 off 60 balls. But the other end was a revolving door of batsmen.

“Bang Bang, here lads,” Mushfiqur had cheered and Vusi Sibanda became a victim of Taijul’s flight and turn, while Hamilton Masakadza shouldered arms to an indipper from Shahadat to lose his off stump.

Zimbabwe managed a brief flurry with Sikandar Raza, who realised mere survival was becoming impossible. He charged down the track and hammered two impressive sixes in the 18th over against Taijul. But the hat-trick was too tempting, especially when another tossed up delivery came at him. This time though, Raza could only skew a tame catch to a deepish point.

Mushfiqur sensed further opportunities. “Sixty for five, boys,” was the next demand and Taijul bettered it with a double-wicket maiden that left Zimbabwe 58 for 5. Chakabva, hiked up to open, went at a flighted delivery with hard hands - a symptom several of his team-mates displayed as well - and was caught at slip to end a 51-ball vigil.

Although his patience was commendable, it also meant Bangladesh were allowed to pile on dot balls and scare the batsmen with several deliveries leaping past prodding bats. Chigumbura had no such luck though as he fell second ball, caught at slip again. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe 2nd innings V Sibanda c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Taijul Islam 14 RW Chakabva† c Shamsur Rahman b Taijul Islam 10 H Masakadza b Shahadat Hossain 5 Sikandar Raza c Shakib Al Hasan b Taijul Islam 25 BRM Taylor* not out 45 E Chigumbura c Shuvagata Hom b Taijul Islam 0 CR Ervine lbw b Taijul Islam 10 J Nyumbu c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Shakib Al Hasan 1 T Panyangara c Shamsur Rahman b Taijul Islam 0 TL Chatara lbw b Taijul Islam 4 T Kamungozi c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Taijul Islam 0 Extras 0 Total (all out; 35.5 overs) 114 (3.18 runs per over) Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Sibanda, 5.5 ov), 2-24 (Masakadza, 8.1 ov), 3-53 (Sikandar Raza, 17.4 ov), 4-58 (Chakabva, 19.4 ov), 5-58 (Chigumbura, 19.6 ov), 6-92 (Ervine, 27.1 ov), 7-93 (Nyumbu, 28.1 ov), 8-104 (Panyangara, 33.3 ov), 9-114 (Chatara, 35.4 ov), 10114 (Kamungozi, 35.5 ov) Bowling O M R W S Hossain 8 2 25 1 S Al Hasan 10 2 44 1 Taijul Islam 16.5 7 39 8

Jubair Hossain 1 0 6 0 Bangladesh 2nd innings (target: 101 runs) Tamim Iqbal c Taylor b Chigumbura 0 Shamsur Rahman b Panyangara 0 Mominul Haque c & b Chigumbura 0 Mahmudullah b Chigumbura 28 Shakib Al Hasan c Nyumbu b Chatara 15 Mushfiqur Rahim*† not out 23 Shuvagata Hom c †Chakabva b Chigumbura 0 Shahadat Hossain c Taylor b Panyangara 11 Taijul Islam not out 15 Extras (b 4, w 5) 9 Total (7 wickets; 33.3 overs) 101 (3.01 runs per over) Did not bat: Jubair Hossain, Al-Amin Hossain Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Tamim Iqbal, 2.2 ov), 2-0 (Shamsur Rahman, 3.6 ov), 3-0 (Mominul Haque, 4.1 ov), 4-46 (Shakib Al Hasan, 13.1 ov), 5-62 (Mahmudullah, 20.3 ov), 6-62 (Shuvagata Hom, 20.6 ov), 7-82 (Shahadat Hossain, 26.5 ov) Bowling: O M R W E Chigumbura 10.3 4 21 4 T Panyangara 8 2 30 2 TL Chatara 8 2 34 1 T Kamungozi 5 1 7 0 Sikandar Raza 1 0 1 0 J Nyumbu 1 0 4 0

22

tuesday, october 28, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

BCB/NBS Second Division 40-over cricket competition…

D’Edward, Fort Nassau through to play-offs

Chunnelall Sannasi

Kevon Jawahir

’Edward and Fort Nassau Defenders are the two latest teams to advanced to the play-offs in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) sponsored New Building Society (NBS) second division 40over cricket competition.

D’Edward defeated Ithaca by 190 runs in Zone C, while Fort Nassau Defenders of Zone G (Berbice River/Canje Creek) advanced by default by virtue of being the only team to register for participation in the competition from that area.

Below are the summarized scores from the matches played recently.

At D’Edward, D’Edward beat Ithaca by 190 runs.

D’Edward 301-6 in 35 overs (Lakeraj Sookra 61, Kevon Jawahir 53, Devendra Lalsa 40, Mahadeo Persaud

38, Leslie Chung 3-72).

Ithaca 111 all out in 26.1 overs (Akeem Miller 63, Chunnelall Sannasi 4-15, Eon Abel 2-25).

At Rose Hall, Reliance Young Strikers beat Rose Hall Community Centre by five wickets. Rose Hall Community Centre 104 in 25 overs (Mark Persaud 5-12, Randy Jaggernauth 3-10, Sasenarine Sukhu 2-12).

Reliance Young Strikers 107-5 in 17 overs (Sasenarine Sukhu 45).

At Goed Bananen Land, Goed Bananen Land beat Reliance Young Strikers by 57 runs. Goed Bananen Land 229 in 32.4 overs (Anthony Arjune 52, Khemraj Dyal 44, Randy Jaggernauth 4-60, Ajay Rasiwan 3-5, Sasenarine Sukhu 2-24).

Reliance Young Strikers 172 in 28.3 overs (Sasenarine Sukhu

D

50, Randy Jaggernauth 34, Anesh Sabhai 4-24, Sunjay Bedal 2-4, Collis Greaves 2-28).

At No, 70, Springlands beat No. 70 by three wickets. No.70 143 in 27 overs (Mirza Mohamed 43, George McCalman 5-38).

Springlands 144-7 in 26 overs (Michael Kendall 34, Omesh Khemraj 3-23, Chris Bollers 2-13, Lakeram Roopchand 2-14).

At Port Mourant, Port Mourant beat Whim National by 1 run. Port Mourant 150 in 30.5 overs (Mahendra Ramdial 33, Loyydel Lewis 27, Deodat Venkiah 3-63).

Whim National 149 in 36 overs (Loyydel Lewis 4-31, Anil Chattergoon 2-9, Collis Greene 2-15, Joshua Ramsammy 2-21).

At Gangaram, Gangaram Strykers beat Canefield by nine wickets.

Canefield 71 in 30.4 overs (Dinesh Sunthgolam 45, Suresh Dhanai 3-13, Naresh Dhanraj 3-12, Faurdeen Kassim 3-18). Gangaram Strykers 75 for 1 in 9.2 overs (Suresh Dhanai 27 not out).

At Paradise, Rainbow Generation beat Golden Elperabell by 56 runs.

Rainbow Generation 151 in 39 overs (Keith Adridge 30). Golden Elperabell 95 in 18 overs (Nigel Welson 32 not out, Julian Fraser 3-20, Darren Downer 2-15, Chris Clarkson 2-18, Keino Gravesande 2-18).

McKinnon savvy with pistol in hand

The winners pose with their trophies after the event

R

yan Mckinnon won the inaugural Practical Pistol Competition on Saturday which was held at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Timehri Ranges.

Mckinnon amassed 223.84 points to win the event ahead of David Dharry who scored 217.91 points.

President of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) Vidushi Persaud finished in third with 182.81 points.

The competition had three stages with the first being called ‘Condiments’ where the shooters were required to hold a bowl and a salt-shaker before the start

signal was heard, after which he/she had to engage 5 targets while avoiding penalty targets. If the penalty targets were hit a subtraction of -10 points per hit would have been the result.

The second called ‘Gangway’ was adjudged the most fun as it consisted of 12 targets and two falling plates, some of which were hidden behind screens and behind penalty targets.

This stage required shooters to engage targets while on the move as well with an added degree of difficulty of reloading their guns in an effort to cut their overall time.

The third and final stage named ‘Coconut’ saw shooters creatively dropping a coconut they were required to hold for the start position.

The mobility of competitors was tested since the second shooting position was a short sprint downrange before being able to see the other targets which were positioned behind hardcover screens and penalty targets.

Secretary of the GSSF, Steve Ninvalle commended the shooters at the closing ceremony while thanking the Trophy Stall for their sponsorship.

GCC fall to UCCA XI

Ali wins blitz chess in Suriname N

ATIONAL junior chess player Sheriffa Ali maximised on her stay in Suriname with a first place finish in a blitz chess tournament last Sunday in Paramaribo.

After helping Guyana to a second place chess finish in the just concluded Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), the 15-year-old (the youngest in the travelling chess team) won seven and drew one of her nine games (20 minutes each) to win the level three (bishop) category in the Loper Klasse Open Rapid 2014 competition.

“Suriname plays a high level of chess and most of the players were very competitive,” the soft spoken youngster stated.

Along with the win, Ali has now achieved a blitz rating. She will, however, have to wait until December for that information, since rankings are updated every three months.

At the IGG, Ali won two of her three games. She got past

The wining UCCA team poses for a photo opportunity after the game

A

Sheriffa Ali collects her first place trophy after winning the level three (bishop) category in the Loper Klasse Open Rapid 2014 competition.

the challengers from French Guiana and Suriname’s B team, but lost to Suriname’s A side.

Roberto Neto, who was also a member of the IGG chess team finished third in the level five (queen) category at the blitz tournament.

Ali also won two of his

three games at the IGG while team captain and national junior champion Haifeng Su won two games and drew one at IGG. Jessica Clementston was the other member of the IGG chess team while Wendell Muesa (national senior champion) travelled as coach.

century by captain of Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Jeetrendra Sookdeo could not save GCC from defeat at the hands of Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) XI on Sunday at the Number 69 Ground.

Sookdeo hit 102 (12x4) as the two teams met in a friendly encounter with GCC losing by six wickets.

Electing to bat the visitors reached 204 in 43.3 overs after the game was reduced to 45 overs a side.

Sookdeo put on 80 with

Elon Fernandes for the third wicket after the team lost an early wicket. Fernandes’ 39 (4x4, 1x6) was the only other knock that offered any resistance to the UCCA bowling attack.

Sean Periera 4-36 off nine overs and K. Kamdeen 2-41 off nine overs were the best bowlers for UCCA. UCCA wasted little time in their run chase as Shimron Hetmyer slammed 92 runs (11x4, 1x6) whilst putting on 112 in 16 overs for the first wicket pair with Akesh Hamraj who made 34.

Hetmyer who was on 68 when the first wicket fell then partnered with Imram Mohamed (29) to help solidify the innings.

Hetmyer was LBW to part time bowler before Lakram Latchman (19 NO) and captain Ishwar Singh (15 N0) saw UCCA home in 31.3 overs.

President of the UCCA Dennis D’Andrade thanked the visitors for the much needed practice match.

Arrangements are being made for a return encounter.

(Andrew Carmichael)

tuesday, october 28, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Hicks, Ramdeen guide Foo, Chanderpaul Chamber XI to 13-run win

Guyana Jaguars first warm-up game..

hit half-centuries, Gordon bags 4-41

Jonathan Foo

Jermey Gordon

alf-centuries from Jonathan Foo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul did little to rescue Chanderpaul’s X1 from a sub-par batting performance as Vishual Singh’s X1 took first day honors when play in the Golden Jaguars first warm-up game ended on Monday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

Chanderpaul’s X1 was repeatedly hurt by pacer Jeremy Gordon, managing just 240 in72.3 overs in its first innings despite a classy 85 from Foo and a patient 52 from Chanderpaul.

In reply, Singh’s X1 reached 16 without loss with Tagenarine Chanderpaul on nine and Kandasammy Surujnarine on two.

Gordon was economical, getting the most out of the surface to finish with

4-41, while left-arm spinner Anthony Adams (238), Raun Johnson (1-44), Steven Jacobs (1-44), Amir Khan (1-51) and Kemo Paul (1-15) were the other successful bowlers.

After choosing to bat first, Chanderpaul, who captain the side in the absence of Leon Johnson due to an injured finger, lost four wickets before lunch after suffering a dramatic top-order collapse.

At lunch they were 79-4, with West Indies superstar Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Christopher Barnwell engineering the recovery.

Vishual Singh’s X1 new ball duo of Berbice fast bowlers Gordon and Johnson reduced Chanderpaul’s X1 within the first hour of play.

Johnson and Gordon exploited the early morning conditions to impressive ef-

H

fect, with the pitch offering plenty of pace and bounce at first.

Johnson accounted for Trevon Griffith (17) while Gordon removed Rajendra Chandrika (1), Robin Bacchus (0) and Narsingh Deonarine (1).

Chanderpaul and Barnwell (27) then consolidated the innings. However, the latter was one of three quick wickets to fall after the interval.

Chanderpaul was joined

by Foo and went about his business to reach his halfcentury off 104 balls, batting for 161 minutes before he was dismissed. Anthony Bramble (2) was the other wicket to fall during that period.

Foo and Veerasammy Permaul then shared a positive eight-wicket stand, seemingly settling in comfortably before the lost of Permaul for 24.

Foo faced 133 deliveries and striking eight fours and three sixes. Paul Wintz made ten.

Play will resume today at 09:30 hrs. The game is first of two practice games as the Guyana Jaguars preparation ahead of the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional four-day Franchise Tournament which starts on November 14.

Captain of the victorious Chamber Eleven, Eshwar Singh collecting the winning trophy and cash prize

A

polished half-century first up from former national wicket-keeper, Delbert Hicks and seven wickets between spinners Kevin Ramdeen and Linden Austin helped Chamber Eleven to a 13-run victory over West Berbice Combined in the feature T20 game of the Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association/ Corporate Business Industry Sports (CBIS) 2014 tournament played on Saturday evening at the Albion Sports Complex.

Spin was thought to be a factor at the start of the match because of the presence of cracks on the pitch.

Chamber Eleven chose to

bat, after the game was reduced to 15 overs, due to time.

They posed a challenging total of 142-3, when the overs expired with Hicks smashed his way to 59. His innings spanned just 36 balls, inclusive of seven fours and a six.

Seon Hetymer, 34 off 28 balls and Kevin Ramdeen unbeaten 20 were the other two major contributors with the bat.

The West Berbice Combined bowlers were all ordinary, with only Puran Persaud and Kevin Jowhir managed to steal a wicket apiece.

In reply, West Berbice Combined were shot out for 129 in 14.4 overs, with the spin duo accounting for seven

wickets.

Ramdeen finished with 4-15 while Austin claimed 3-31. Derick Cadagon (41), Eon Abel (29) and Nick Ramsaroop (26), were the top scorers in a losing cost.

Played under the theme ‘Building and Developing Unity Among Corporate Partners’, the one-day event also saw fourteen softball teams participated in the softball segment.

New Building Society (NBS) won that segment.

The tournament in its fifth year was aimed at bringing together players from Corporate Guyana with the intention of building bridges and friendships among workers.

Samuels goes in depth on position concerning WIPA, WICB and players'... from back page

That is why I say that if you are not up to doing what I want to go there and do, which is the right thing, then you are not going to get my full support. Otherwise everything is going to continue to go back and forth, back and forth and there is going to be a lot of discussions and nobody really knows what’s really going on.

If he knows what is really going on go out there and speak. He came back to the Caribbean and until now he hasn’t spoken. All he is doing is sending letters to this place. If he had gone and listened to my interview he wouldn’t have sent a letter.

My interview is saying that situation is handled badly.

Wavell is wrong.

The (WICB) president (Dave Cameron) should have taken a flight down to India and come and have a talk. To sit in the Caribbean and not come and speak to the players cannot be

the right way to deal with things. So right across the board it is wrong.

All these youngsters don’t know where their future lies. They have to be getting lawyers and that is a serious matter. You need to reach out to those youngsters because these youngsters in the team do not know where their future lies. And that is more important than sending a letter to my interview. My interview was straightforward.

Reacting to the interview you gave to a radio station last week, Bravo said that you contributed “vigorously” to the players meetings and said you would stand by any decisions made. Do you agree?

No. I did not say that I am going to stand by any decision. Because nobody asked me questions like that. It is up to the individual to say okay I am with you. You had people in the room that didn’t even open

their mouth or say anything. At the end of the day I went there and asked my questions and I wasn’t satisfied (by the response). If I was satisfied then I will be the first person to come out because I am an outspoken person. Then I will be the first person to come out and defend everything with him.

Would it be better if Bravo had called you directly to sort out the difference in opinion?

That is the thing to do if he wants to be in this position because this is a very serious matter. He didn’t even listen to my interview because in his letter he is not even sure of what I did.

What he should have done, if you are a true leader, is to go out and call the player and ask him did you say things like this?

I am not basically swinging with nobody in this matter. If you cannot go out and talk it as it is then I am not up to it.

Have you spoken to any regional players and how do they look at this situation?

I am in Jamaica and saw Jason Holder yesterday (Sunday). We have a long discussion. My words to him was his future is bright. This should not affect him… whenever he goes back to Barbados and focus and put in some hard work.

He didn’t get the opportunity that he wanted on the tour. The first game he get on the tour he was trying to do well. So he was putting in too much effort basically.

So he wasn’t getting it right and going for lot of runs. So I tell him next time in a situation like that do not pressure on yourself. Whenever you get the opportunity just go out there and try to be relaxed. You need to perform but without adding pressure on yourself. So we had a long conversation. These guys listen to what I have to say.

That is why I said, I was

in that room. And I go and ask my questions. And I am not satisfied with the answers I get. And so you cannot expect to go and fight a war if you are not willing to go out and speak.

Do you think this situation can be resolved?

It has to be resolved because the most important thing is cricket. All I am saying is that we are already there in India. Right. Finish the tour. This has nothing to do with India. This is our problem. So finish the tour and then go back to the Caribbean and sort out the problem. India is the most important team that West Indies play against. India is the greatest team that West Indies play against in every way possible. The relationship with India is too great.

It is a wonderful relationship. You would never see an Indian player and a West Indian player having words against each other or cursing the other. It is not like

against Australia or South Africa. There are a lot of Indians in the Caribbean. It is like a family.

So you reckon West Indies will tour South Africa and play the World Cup, the immediate assignments in the near future?

It has to be open. The matter needs to be resolved as soon as possible because as I said the most important thing is cricket. Remember for the young players this is their job. So administrators need to do something very fast so we can get back and try to put the best team possible back on the park.

That is the main thing because West Indies cricket is falling behind. We cannot afford this situation to destroy everyone for much longer. So the sooner we can deal with this situation and the faster we can get back into the groove and start focusing on cricket again that would be the best thing for West Indian people. (Cricinfo)

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

tuesday, october 28, 2014

Samuels goes in depth on position concerning WIPA, WICB, players' dilemma

Marlon Samuels

W

hy are you not part of the West Indies Players’ Association?

Why I am not part of WIPA? My reason is I was a part of WIPA. Since I got the two-year ban I was left in

the cold, on my own. I have to get my own lawyer. I have to do everything on my own.

WIPA wasn’t there for me.

So I come back into cricket and choose not to be a part of WIPA because WIPA did not help me. So I do not feel

like I should do anything for WIPA. So you don’t mind being on your own, fighting your own battle while Dwayne Bravo and others battle as one unit against the WIPA? If you look at the situ-

Guyana Jaguars first warm-up game...

Foo, Chanderpaul hit half-centuries, Gordon bags 4-41

ation, the real, real person here to be blamed is WIPA. Wavell Hinds, the (WIPA) president, basically messed up everything. If you look at the situation you can’t really blame the board for accepting what Wavell has done.

Wavell is the main problem here. But remember I am not part of WIPA. How many players’ meetings did you attend in India?

I went to a couple of meetings.

How do you react to Bravo’s letter in response to your making your feelings public in an interview last week?

Nothing in this lifetime surprise me when it comes down to mankind. Expect the unexpected.

What were the main questions you raised with Bravo?

One of the questions I asked was the public don’t really know what is happening.

The public are being misled.

They need to know the truth behind this (pullout). They need to go out there and explain what is really happening. He wasn’t willing to go and do that. turn to paage 23

Names of GFF Normalisation Committee revealed V

ia sources close to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Guyana Times Sport was able to uncover the names of the five members of the Normalization Committee that will now run the affairs of the GFF. The five members are as follows; Clinton Urling, Karen Pilgrim, Robin Chanderpaul, Stuart May and Tariq Williams according to creditable sources.

As stated by the world governing body of football, FIFA, there persons named have no previous links to football in Guyana.

The Normalisation Committee was put in place by FIFA after two failed congresses by the GFF earlier in the year.

Clinton Urling

Karen Pilgrim

Page 23

At a high level meeting held last Tuesday at The Pegasus Hotel, FIFA’s Head of Member Associations Primo Corvaro dished FIFA’s intervention.

“The lack of quorum paralysed the GFF. We at FIFA and CONCACAF tried to fill the vacancies and find solutions and twice failed due to the legitimacy surrounding the delegates” Corvaro stated.

The Committee will be tasked with establishing constitutional reforms of all the constitutions of the nine regional associations as well as to adopt a new GFF constitution and amend the current one, to organise electoral process and run the business of the GFF.

INSIDE SPORTS:

Hicks, Ramdeen guide Chamber XI to Page 13-run win 23 BCB/NBS Second Division 40-over cricket competition…

D’Edward, Fort Nassau through to play-offs Page 22

Ali wins blitz chess in Suriname Page 22

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