Guyana Times Daily

Digicel spreads Christmas cheer in Linden, Bartica P7

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1982 guyanatimesgy.com

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Saturday, December 14, 2013

Volda Lawrence under scrutiny for parliamentary flop

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 3

Anna P7 Regina carnal knowledge convict put away for 20 years Enough not being done to protect vulnerable children – P12 APNU Guyana P12 benefits from US$8M for road rehabilitation

Caught napping Does anyone recall the incident at Castellani House earlier this year? An on-duty policeman fell asleep at his post and the M70 Rifle issued to him went missing. It seems that our lawmen have not learned their lesson or are waiting for a recurrence of the sort. This photo was taken Friday at Castellani House

TravelSpan returns to Guyana today

See story on page 13

GuySuCo approves $381M bonus for sugar workers See story on page 11

A Division Commander Derrick Josiah dies

See story on page 2

Republic P13 Bank Guyana’s profits grow

House pays tribute P17 to global peace icon Nelson Mandela

2 news

saturDay, december 14, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

A Division commander Derrick Josiah dies

The wife of A Division Commander Derrick Josiah being escorted to her vehicle moments after her husband’s body was removed from the hospital for the mortuary

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he Guyana Police Force plunged into mourning following the sudden demise of Assistant Police Commissioner and A Division Commander Derrick Josiah, who took his last breath on Friday at the Woodlands Hospital, Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

The circumstances surrounding his death are still not clear, but according to the private hospital, he suffered a heart attack about 15:30h and could not have been resuscitated.

According to reports, Josiah was taken to the hospital for a schedule routine check-up and suffered a seizure while being looked at by the doctor.

Intensive care

He was immediately taken to the Intensive Care Unit where he died shortly after. Prior to this, he had no previous seizures.

Described as a stalwart in the force, Josiah was involved in an accident about three weeks ago after his car slammed into a utility police at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

After sustaining a fractured left shoulder, he was required to attend the Woodlands Hospital for a check-up on a weekly basis. As he did every time, he contacted Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, requesting the police’s ambulance to collect him from home and take him to the hospital.

All arrangements were made through acting A Division Commander, George Vyphius and as recommended, he was collected

The mother of the dead commander being assisted down the stairs after viewing her son’s body

These police officers were deeply saddened on the passing of Commander Josiah

on Friday at a particular time and dropped off at the private hospital.

Commissioner Brumell stated that he was in office when he received a called informing him that the Josiah was dropped off but after a few minutes, he received another telephone call from a senior rank relating the devastating news.

A distraught Brumell stated that the sudden passing of “Josh” came as a shock and will definitely leave a dent in his heart and moreso, a void in the police force. He described Josiah as a man of principle and dignity.

Up to the time of Josiah's death, Brumell was in charge of A Division. He also served as commander of B and C divisions.

Vyphius, who was at the Woodlands Hospital, told media operatives that he was at a conference for trainees at the Police Officers’ Mess when he received a

call from a rank that Josiah was unconscious.

He recalled that Josiah was at the medical facility for a check-up, and as such, he left in a haste to get an update.

As he arrived at the institution, he received the sad news. “It is a shock to Guyana… Josh was a brother and a friend to everyone…

I think the force has lost a future police commissioner.”

He recollected working with Josiah for years, and would miss him for his thoroughness.

Intelligent

“He had a bright future ahead of him. He was intelligent and bright… and will definitely be remembered.”

Former C Division Commander Gavin Primo said Josiah was a caring person and a brother to all.

He recounted that in 2000, when he went for surgery overseas,

burst into tears. Several highranking police officers were seen in tears as they tried to come to grips with reality.

Relatives were consoled by police ranks and other family members. One female relative was very emotional and at one time ran from to the back of the hospital to the front, claiming that she was going to reach the doctor who treated Josiah at the time of his demise.

Josiah’s wife was seen leaving with a police escort, along with her children, moments after his body was taken to the Merriman’s Funeral Home.

She was seen with a blanket in her hands and was too devastated to offer a comment. One of the

A son of Josiah reacts on hearing news of his death

Josiah telephoned him and wished him the best.

“He was someone who had the interest of the force at heart… he has served the Guyana Police Force and the people of Guyana with pride and dignity.”

Josiah, he recalled, was a stern Christian, and was one of the officers who managed to bridge the gap between the Guyana Police Force and the people.

Primo told Guyana Times that he last spoke to Josiah at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground at the recent Annual Gymkhana. “He was there and had everyone lively… when he makes his jokes, his face was serious and as an individual you had to know him to understand that he was making a joke.”

Meanwhile, as the news spread about the death of the 51-year-old commander, his colleagues flocked the Woodlands Hospital. As they met their other colleagues, they

commander’s sons collapsed on the stair and had to be rushed to the Emergency Unit of the said hospital, while another, who was crying, had to be consoled by his colleagues from the Immigration Office.

Josiah’s mother, who also arrived at the hospital about an hour after his passing, broke down in tears and asked to see her son’s body. She was given the opportunity and within minutes, she was seen walking down the stairs, supported by a few officers.

As the body of Josiah was being placed in the Merriman’s hearse, relatives held on to the stretcher and did not want to let go. After a few minutes, police were successful in closing the vehicle which made its way out of the hospital compound.

Everyone present at the hospital whether relative, friend, colleague and even curious onlookers were seen in tears as the body of the commander was removed.

News

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, December 14 from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, December 14 from 14:10h-15:40h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected to prevail during the day with cloudy conditions in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Wind: Easterly between 3.05 and 3.61 metres per second.

High Tide: 14:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.47 metres.

Low Tide: 07:58h and 20:28h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.73 metre respectively.

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saturDay, december 14, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Volda Lawrence under scrutiny for parliamentary flop T

he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it will be investigating why one of its Members of Parliament (MPs) was not in the House when a vote was taken on the Specialty Hospital project on Thursday.

The absence of the MP in question, Volda Lawrence, caused funding for the hospital to be approved, even though the coalition had vigorously objected to it.

Opposition Leader David Granger told media operatives on Friday that his party will be launching a thorough investigation into the matter.

“This matter has to be investigated as to see wheth-

er there has been a breakdown in communication, at present, we feel there might be a case for her… my information is that she was ill and that is what I’m working towards, but I have not been able to meet with her or speak with her as yet,” Granger added.

The opposition leader said he was later told that two other MPs went to Lawrence’s assistance and gave her medication.

While he admitted that Lawrence was looking distressed during Thursday’s House sitting, Granger said he did not hear any word from her when the vote was taken.

Granger told media op-

APNU MP Volda Lawrence

eratives that Lawrence was cognisant of the vote to be taken against the Specialty Hospital as she was fully aware of APNU’s position on

the project.

When the vote was being taken for resources for the hospital, Lawrence left the National Assembly, leaving the APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) high and dry in their bid to cut funding for the project.

Prior to Thursday, Lawrence had pitched in her support in voting down funding for National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA) in the 2013 budget estimates.

The combined opposition through its one-seat majority has managed cut billions of dollars from the national budgets of 2012 and 2013.

Pedestrian killed in truck accident at Airy Hall wednesday, December 11, 2013

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- driver in police custody

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he Essequibo roadway was the scene of yet another fatal accident with the death of pedestrian Narine (only name given), of Airy Hall late Thursday evening. The 43-year-old man, also known as “Kumar”, was struck by an allegedly speeding truck, and sustained injuries to his head, shoulder, and feet. He succumbed on the way to the hospital.

The truck driver, Chandra Shekar Seecharan is presently in police custody assisting with investigations. According to the police, the accident occurred around 17:30h on the Airy Hall Public Road. Seecharan, who was driving motor vehicle GRR 8964 south along the roadway, was overtaking a car, when his truck hooked Narine’s clothing as he was walking along the western side of the public road.

The driver reportedly heard a noise and stopped, but Narine was already on the ground. One eyewitness, who spoke to Guyana Times,

The truck that was involved in the accident

said the pedestrian appeared intoxicated and staggered into the path of the truck.

She also alleged that she had seen him consuming alcohol earlier in the day.

Persons who gathered at the accident scene took the injured man to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Narine’s relatives told this publication that the married father would con-

sume a lot of alcohol on a daily basis. They added that he left home to go visit a friend, and they later received a call from a neighbour informing them of his death.

Persons from the community are calling on drivers as well as road users to be careful while using the roadways. One resident said there are delinquent road users who drink and loiter and such persons need to be care-

ful, especially during the festive season.

Essequibo’s roadways have claimed several lives thus far for this year, with many fatal accidents occurring as a result of speeding.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 14, 2013

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

O

Sugar and industrial relations

ver the past few days, there has been protest taking place in various regions of the country for different reasons, mostly, over wages and salaries. As expected, everyone wants a higher pay so that they would be able to do more for themselves and families.

It is always a huge challenge for employers to convince staff members that they cannot afford to give that top-up on their income or that bonus that workers look forward to at the end of the year.

Disgruntled sugar workers on all sugar estates in the country recently downed tools in protest over their annual production bonus, resulting in a total shutdown of operations across the industry.

At one stage, the authorities were nowhere close to striking a deal, but fortunately some degree of normalcy has been restored to the industry. This situation was most unfortunate and should not have been allowed, in the first place, to escalate to that level, as the sugar industry and, by extension, the country stood to lose.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) said at the time that there were approximately 960 loaded punts with 5300 tonnes of cane waiting to be processed, which could yield 375 tonnes of sugar. In addition, there were 1275 tonnes of cane which were burnt in the fields waiting to be harvested, which could yield another 884 tonnes of sugar.

It could only be hoped that the cane waiting to be processed did not spoil due to the workers not getting back to work on time. Indeed, the strike only exacerbated the corporation’s ability to meet its financial obligation.

There were different reactions to the fact that the union called a strike when there was an agreement to meet and further negotiate the demand being made by workers. While we empathise with sugar workers and hope that the government would give a reasonable consideration to their demand, the strike action certainly violated the core of the extant collective labour agreement, which does not support workers downing tools even while the negotiating process is taking its course.

That aside, there are serious issues plaguing Guyana’s sugar industry which must be addressed holistically and very soon.

It is no secret that over the recent years, the sugar industry has been beset by issues associated with managerial capacity, unpredictable weather and labour supply constraints, among others, which have sometimes resulted in annual production levels being less than what was projected.

While GuySuCo continues to grapple with the challenges of returning to its production potential and profitability, it has to recognise and confront its managerial, industrial, technical, marketing and financial realities.

Government had some time ago made a strong call for “a strong and committed management response” to deliver the anticipated output from investments. He had explained that industry customs and practices of the past must now give way to modern, innovative and creative tools and techniques to deal with managing a complex organisation in the process of change.

Further, agricultural operations must capitalise on the relative advantages of each estate, ensuring daily field supervision and return the fields to their former levels of productivity. This will call for increased focus to be made in determining the right balance of mechanisation, field conversion, drainage and irrigation, transport infrastructure and plant breeding within the full spectrum of agricultural related interventions.

Finally, GuySuCo will have to re-engineer its management and human relations functions accordingly. In this regard, promoting a harmonious industrial relations climate is considered an absolute priority and will require accommodation on all sides such as the government, union and even the workers themselves.

It is hoped that the new management team to be put in place, which Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy alluded to recently, will work fervently to address these issues.

We welcome GuySuCo's announcement on Friday that sugar workers would be paid some $381 million in Annual Performance Incentive.

Republic Bank staffers explain to a potential consumer the bank's technology loan initiative in partnership with Starr Computer at the launching of the Samsung Experience Store at Starr Computer, Brickdam, Geogetown on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

NCPE offers condolences Dear Editor, The National Community Policing Executives (NCPE) and the Community Policing Organisation of Guyana (CPOG) extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander of “A” Division Deryck Josiah, who died at the Woodlands hospital on December 13.

We also mourn on the occurrence of this sad, unexpected happening and

stand in solidarity with the Guyana Police Force in continuing to offer motivational and moral support to see that the desired work performance level is attained from the “A” Division Christmas Plan so recently launched by this diligent and astute policing stalwart. May his soul rest in peace.

Assistant Police Commissioner Derrick Josiah

and A Division Commander

Yours respectfully, Edward A Persaud Public Relations Officer NCPE

The personal aspect of diabetic foot care Dear Editor, A friend of mine who has been suffering from diabetes for more than half of his life recently had both of his legs amputated. Though I offered my support in whatever way I could, I couldn’t help but feel that his situation could have been averted had he taken the time to administer proper health care and well-being.

For the last 10 years, I myself have suffered from diabetes and I have since never encountered any trouble whatsoever. I practice healthy eating habits and I exercise daily. I also knew of several relatives who suffered from diabetes but yet

managed to live long healthy lives, simply because they were more involved in their personal health care.

People who suffer from diabetes and fail to practice a healthy lifestyle, inclusive of proper foot care are often likely to suffer from several ailments. Furthermore, nerve damage, poor circulation and infections if not treated properly, can result in the need for amputation.

Good administration and an overall healthy lifestyle have always helped to manage and control diabetes. Every diabetic patient should ensure regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, regular exercise, a balanced

diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regular medical examinations.

Additionally, people who suffer from diabetes should also avoid sitting with their legs crossed and standing in one position for a long time.

These very simple precautions can ensure a trouble free life for a diabetic.

Not so long ago, the Georgetown Diabetic Foot Clinic indicated that there was a decrease in the number of individuals who required amputations. It also revealed that those who underwent amputations were individuals who failed to adhere to basic medical and personal advice.

Just recently, a newly established Diabetic Foot Centre was unveiled at the Fort Wellington Hospital Complex compound in Region Five. The clinic is expected to offer treatment and advice to diabetic patients.

Although the services of the clinic will always be at a patient’s disposal, it is important that individuals be self motivated and ensure that they practice a healthy lifestyle in order to ensure a worry free and productive life.

Respectfully, Rudolph Alexander

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 14, 2013

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

GHR A misled on rare earth survey GHRA was not misled

Dear Editor, In response to statements carried in the media from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (MNR&E) to the effect that the Guyana Human Rights Association’s (GHRA) was informed at a meeting with the ministry of ‘rare earth’ surveys in the New River Triangle, the GHRA feels obligated to clarify the precise information that was provided.

As part of a general assurance given to the GHRA that no permit had been issued for mining-related road construction in the new River Triangle, Minister Persaud went on to say that the only activity taking place was an aerial survey being conducted to determine the presence of ‘rare earth’ in the South Rupununi area.

In response to a first question from the GHRA whether this survey would lead to granting of prospecting licences, we were assured that the survey carried no such implications. With respect to a second question on the geo-political implications of the survey – given the strategic nature of ‘rare

earth’ – we were again assured that there were none.

No mention was made of the firm Muri Brazil Venture Inc nor the details of the Permission for Geological and Geographical Survey (PGGS).

The assurances were sufficiently categorical that, in the context of the main purpose of the meeting (requested by the minister) the ‘rare earth’ survey issue was not felt to be of sufficient significance to be included in the GHRA post-meeting press release.

However, assuming the press revelations are correct concerning the alleged content of the contract with Muri Brazil Venture Inc, the GHRA was misled by the minister. Indeed, if there is an assurance in the contract that applications for prospecting licences from Muri Brazil Inc will be given priority treatment, then the GHRA would conclude that we were intentionally misled. The minister told us nothing explicitly that was untrue, but omitted sufficient important details that we can only conclude the intention was to mislead.

The parallel between the recent Chinese trawler issue and the current ‘rare earth’ furore is striking. The Chinese company’s intent to exploit fish stocks in Guyana waters when questioned was projected as an interest in undertaking a study of fish stocks. Similarly, if the press revelations are accurate, the survey of ‘rare earth’ will assure Muri Ventures Inc of a place at the head of the queue for acquiring licences.

Moreover, as an essential component of all cellphones, ‘rare earth’ is of enormous strategic value, 95 per cent of which is currently provided by China.

Complaints have been made at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that by its practice of restricting exports of ‘rare earth’, China is forcing companies trying to access it to relocate there. This fact alone renders exploration for ‘rare earth’ to be of considerable strategic significance. In addition, the territories being surveyed – bordering Brazil and Suriname over which Guyana has legal control but only a nominal governmental presence – further

complicates the strategic dimension of this issue.

While welcoming the parliamentary oversight and monitoring which has brought a clearer perspective to the ‘rare earth’ issue, we have to recognise that these after-the-fact mechanisms are not a substitute for preventive action.

Had a new road intended to penetrate the New River Triangle not been challenged, when would the matter of the ‘rare earth’ survey, which was signed a year ago, have surfaced?

The combination of mining and the environment within the current framework of the MNR&E clearly fosters abuse. Without independent and professional agencies dedicated to the vigorous protection and promotion of environmental interests, the muchneeded policy debates and merits of mining versus the environment will never take place.

Respectfully, Executive Committee, Guyana Human Rights Association

Government has to stop blackouts in Essequibo Dear Editor, Essequibians are in total darkness once again as the two Wartsila generation plants went down for the second time in two weeks, crippling businesses and banks, damaging electrical appliances, spoiling restaurant meat, fish, greens and vegetables, among other things, and shutting down all the manufacturing sectors, including the two mortuaries at Charity and Suddie.

On Tuesday, December 10, the entire region from Charity to Supenaam was shutdown at midnight and remained that way throughout the entire day until 22:00h at night, when electricity was restored. Then it went off again at 04:00h on Wednesday, taking its toll on another day, causing panic.

Many of the productive assets in this region are idle,

owing to the prolonged blackouts, while the two Wartsila generation plants continue to operate below capacity and are inefficient. For the past years, these plants have been producing electricity well below the capacity needed to sustain the region. When the Wartsila power plant goes down, the pure water supply system malfunctions or operates inefficiently, causing hardship to the residents who then have to fetch water for miles.

The reality is rough times are ahead for Essequibians during this Christmas season and beyond. These constant blackouts breed more insecurity for the people and the business sector. While this scenario is still evolving, it would appear that the government has no solution to the inefficiency and maintenance of these power plants

or the failure to correct some minor fault. The government takes for granted the role the energy producing region has in national security.

The utility has an obligation to the residents of this region and it should take action now and provide a more efficient power service. If not, future generations will face the same consequences of GPL apathy. This region impacts all government does as an energy provider. With so much attention being paid to government’s energy policy, it may come as a surprise that the majority of our nation’s energy supply is not reaching the consumers because of constant failures.

Frequent damage to the Wartsila power plants at the Anna Regina power station, now pose a real threat to the future of our energy stability.

Government will have to hire skilled engineers to protect and rebuild these delicate and vital power plants. Without a reliable electricity supply, there can be no energy to carry the region’s commerce. The problems of Essequibo’s constant blackouts must be examined as a whole by government, not individually.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Dear Editor, The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry notes the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) statement “GHRA misled on rare earth survey” and wishes to point out that at the meeting on December 4 between the team from the GHRA and the ministry, the ministry provided information requested, including a package on general development of the natural resources and environmental sector.

Regarding the question on whether there was mining in the New River Triangle in relation to the Parabara community, the documentation was provided by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) which confirmed that there was no mining, leases or permissions, in addition to the letter which was sent to the village council stating that no mining permit was issued.

During the interaction, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud verbally updated the GHRA team of the Permission

of Geological and Geophysical Survey (PGGS), which was granted and briefly outlined the activities involved.

As indicated by GHRA in keeping with the main purpose of the December 4 meeting, the issue of the PGGS was not felt to be of sufficient significance.

As a result, there was no request for further documentation on the company, particulars of the activity or any related additional information on that PGGS. The name of the company was not mentioned as there was no request for this information.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry wishes to reassure that there is no attempt to mislead the GHRA or anyone as a revelation of the PGGS was made by the minister and team even though there was no specific request for same.

Sincerely, Parmanand Persaud Stakeholders’ Support Officer Natural Resources and Environment Ministry

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saturday, december 14, 2013

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Advice for parents of children with diabetes (Part two) Years: birth through seven

During early childhood, the parent has full responsibility for all aspects of diabetes care. It’s important to involve the child at an early age, however. Offer some choices, such as picking a spot to inject or selecting which finger to get the drop of blood from. Remember that parental approval is important at this age: be sure you describe blood test results as high, low, or normal, not good or bad.

pating with other children is also important. Cover extra food with a few units of regular insulin, if your doctor approves.

Years: 12 through 17

At adolescence, your child will greatly resent dependence on you. Once you and your child are educated about diabetes, he or she must be permitted to par-

ful they can feel before accepting the importance of control. Depression in adolescents with diabetes is not uncommon. They are aware of diabetic complications and death. They wish to be carefree and refuse to adhere to their regimen because they assume they will die young. Make sure your child understands the importance of good control –

sellor. Psychologists specialising in children with diabetes are available to help you.

Sports and gym class

Diabetes is no reason for missing out on sports or skipping gym class. In fact, exercise is an important factor in diabetes control. If your child has gym class before lunch, increase the morning snack of carbo-

Teens and parties

Years: seven through 12

Although the parent continues to take major responsibility, during this period the child can take over blood glucose testing and insulin injections some of the time. By age 12, most children can manage their own injections, but parents must be vigilant and remind them if they forget. Children who are away at school or off playing with friends most of the day must assume partial responsibility for dietary control. Participation in self-care at an early age encourages the child to become independent and self-reliant Try not to be rigid.

Children need to learn that a reasonable compromise is all right for parties and special occasions. There is no reason for them to feel “different”. A serving of birthday cake and ice cream may elevate blood sugar, but the emotional value of partici-

good in a gym locker. And make sure the coach and a few friends know how to help in case of a reaction.

Groups and camps for teens with diabetes can help by offering them a chance to share their troubles and concerns with peers.

Teenagers need someone to talk with besides their parents. Let your teenager meet with his or her doctor or diabetes educator alone.

ticipate in treatment decisions. Adolescents may act as if they did not have diabetes, ignoring their treatments (especially diet) and falsifying blood sugar tests.

Or they may need to see for themselves just how aw-

significant improvements in diabetes treatment are likely during his or her lifetime – and make sure your child is aware of the many people with diabetes who lead full, rich lives. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional coun-

hydrate and protein. If your child participates in after school sports, increase the afternoon snack.

Make sure your child understands that he or she must always carry fast acting sugar. It won’t do any

Your teenager can enjoy social occasions with friends as long as he or she remembers the following rules: * Bring diet soda * Save some food exchanges from dinner * Choose foods carefully. Exchange hamburgers, pizza, tacos, subs, crackers, and popcorn for regular athome meals * Replace calories for dancing. Test blood sugar, and estimate how long and how hard you will dance.

Through trial and error you will learn how many calories you need to replace At the end of adolescence, around 19 to 20 years, your child will begin to mature in attitude and responsibility.

Democratic guidance is the best approach as children progress from dependence to independence. Set realistic limits and goals, and use positive reinforcement.

Praise is more helpful than punishments and threats.

School

Teachers, school nurses, and other school personnel need to understand your child’s condition. Your child’s teacher will also benefit from specific information about your child’s particular diabetes control requirements.

Babysitters

Like any parent, you deserve a night out once in a while. Don’t let your fear of leaving your child with someone who does not understand diabetes keep you from enjoying life. For your own piece of mind, instruct your trusted babysitter or relative in basics of diabetes care. Include the following: * A brief overview of diabetes * Blood glucose testing instructions * Insulin injection instructions * Appropriate snacks and meals * Warning signs and treatment of low blood sugar * Keep supplies, equipment, snacks, and quick sugar food all together in a special location. Prepare a checklist that specifies what needs to be done at what time, and written instructions for emergency procedures.

Make sure the babysitter knows how to reach you and your child’s doctor at all times.

General information

All school personnel (teachers, nurses, principals, counsellors, etc) must be informed that a student has diabetes. It is imperative that all personnel understand the fundamentals of the disease and its care.

Diabetes is NOT an infectious disease. It results from failure of the pancreas to make a sufficient amount of insulin. Without insulin food cannot be used properly.

Diabetes currently cannot be cured but it can be controlled. Treatment consists of daily injections of insulin and prescribed food plan. Children with diabetes can participate in all school activities and should not be considered different from other students.

It is essential school personnel have conferences with parents early in each school year to obtain more specific information about the individual child and his/her specific needs.

Communication and cooperation between parents and school personnel can help the diabetic child have a happy and well adjusted school experience. (umassmed.edu)

news

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SATURday, december 14, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Digicel spreads Christmas cheer Baramita Police Station gets mobile desk phone from Digicel in Linden, Bartica

vestment to date stands at over US$4.5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St Martin and St Barts in the Caribbean.

Pupils at the Ituni Primary School were in a happy mood after receiving their gifts from Digicel

Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara presenting the mobile desk phone to Corporal Osbert Paul

igicel Christmas cheer, under the theme “Brighten Someone’s Christmas”, made its way into Region Seven and Region 10 this week, stopping in Bartica at the Hope Foundation, and in Linden and Ituni.

Continuing its support to organisations that educates communities on the fight against HIV/AIDS and its prevention, Digicel made its annual contribution of $1 million to the Hope Foundation.

Labourer hit by speeding car hospitalised

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Children at the facility were also treated with toys and school supplies as part of the Brighten Someone’s Christmas’ promotion.

Hope Foundation Director Ivor Melville on receiving the cheque from Events and Sponsorship Manager, Gavin Hope, said that “this donation comes at a very crucial time since at the moment, most of the funding has ceased and our children are the most vulnerable group, this donation will make it possible

for them to have a brighter Christmas thanks to Digicel.”

In spreading the Christmas cheer, the students of Howell Wilson Primary School in Ituni and Good Shepperd Primary school in Linden were treated to gifts and school supplies.

Digicel Brighten Someone’s Christmas cheers will be heading to Rasville, Charity, Wales, and Sarah Johanna in the coming week.

D

igicel responded to a request that was made by Baramita Central Police station for a mobile desk phone that will serve as the station’s fixed line for emergencies only.

Receiving the desk phone from the company’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara dur-

ing a recent presentation was Corporal Osbert Paul.

Osbert thanked Digicel for the kind gesture.

Digicel Group Limited is a leading global communications provider with operations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 12 years of operation, total in-

Anna Regina carnal knowledge convict put away for 20 years

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he atmosphere at the Suddie High Court on Friday was one filled with mixed feelings as popular Anna Regina photographer Vydut Kumar was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for a carnal knowledge conviction.

The sentence was handed down when he appeared before Justice Sandra Kurtzious in a packed court room.

After a two-hour deliberation by the 12-member jury panel, Justice Sandra Kurtzious read the sentence to the photographer who had begged for mercy. The jury returned with a unanimous guilty verdict.

The act carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and Kumar was given 20 years behind bars.

His sentencing was based on the fact that he

was a trusted individual to the victim, played an integral role in church and offered the victim money to cover up the matter.

The 49-year-old man was represented by Attorney Hemraj Rajkumar while the state was represented by Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar.

According to the prosecution’s facts, the victim was aged 13 at the time of the incident, which occurred on February 18, 2010 in the Anna Regina studio of the accused.

The victim reportedly knew the photographer for about six years as both of them lived in the same community.

The child and the accused were also part of the same congregation at a church and he was once her mentor.

The incident occurred

when the victim went with her sister to see a cousin, but they subsequent left her alone as they went to see a friend.

Then is when the perpetrator pounced on the child, asking her if her feet were hurting and offering her a seat in his studio.

When the child was in the studio, the accused and the victim began to talk about school, and while in the conversation, the accused closed the door, kissed her and had sex with her for about 15 minutes.

After committing the act, he offered the child $2000 which she refused, but he forcefully tucked it in her pocket.

The incident was reported to the police but the photographer tried to settle the matter, but his move was rejected by the girl’s family.

A

“Patrick” (only name given) on his hospital bed

35-year-old labourer known as “Patrick” (only name given) of Capoey on the Essequibo Coast on Thursday suffered a fractured right hand after he was hit off his bicycle by a speeding car.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the man, who was carried to the hospital in an unconscious state, was admitted to the

Suddie Public hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed, the labourer said when he was hit; he lost consciousness and when he awoke, he realised he was in hospital. Patrick said it was God who saved his life and he is thankful. The Capoey man also thanked the residents who rushed to his aid, and said the driver who hit him must be brought to justice.

8 news

saturday, december 14, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Sunday is national day of mourning for Mandela

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he Office of the President has declared Sunday as a national day of mourning for the late South African President and peace icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who died on December 5 at the age of 95.

On that same day, the state funeral for Mandela will take place in Qunu in the Eastern Cape of South Africa where he grew up.

Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as

president from 1994 to 1999.

He was South Africa’s first black chief executive, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.

His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation.

Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as president of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1991 to 1997.

Internationally,

Mandela was secretary general of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.

Mandela served over 27 years in prison, initially on Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. An international campaign lobbied for his release. He was released in 1990, during a time of escalating civil strife.

Mandela joined negotiations with President F W de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multiracial elections in 1994, in which

he led the ANC to victory and became South Africa’s first black president.

Mandela gained international acclaim for his activism, having received more than 250 honours, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin and the Bharat Ratna.

President Donald Ramotar and delegation were in South Africa on December 10 for the memorial service that was attended by many world leaders.

Small passenger boats plying Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop route can operate at night

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he Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has given approval for small passenger boats plying the Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop route to operate at nights until 20:00h. The approval

took effect since December 1.

All of the vessels that are operating during this period were re-inspected and are equipped with all the required navigation lights and the necessary equipment to

operate at night.

Lights have also been installed at both terminals to further enhance the safety and security of persons using this service.

The department is continuously monitoring this

situation with the view of a thorough evaluation early in the New Year.

The Guyana Police Service is playing an integral part in this exercise to assist in the maintenance of law and order.

Youth on three counts of obtaining money under false pretence gets bail

O

n Friday, an 18-yearold young man appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was slapped with three counts of obtaining under false pretence. Raphael Mohamed of 52 Annandale Housing Scheme, East Coast

Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charges as they were read to him.

It was alleged that on December 2 at Georgetown, Mohamed obtained $650,000 from Amir Usuf, pretending to be in possession of motor car PPP 9499 knowing the same to be false. It was also alleged that on December

4, he obtained $500,000 for motor car PKK 3172 from John Jones, knowing it to be false. It was further alleged that on December 6, he obtained $580,000 from Sherwin Weight for motor car PJJ 2545, knowing it to be false.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru did not object to

bail, but asked that it be granted in a substantial amount and that he lodges his passport.

The matter stands adjourned to January 31.

More charges against two gold heist accused

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wo of the accused who were remanded to prison for the El Dorado gold heist made another court appearance on Friday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Neville Chandrawattie, 29, of Lot 33 Sparta, Essequibo Coast; the mastermind behind the whole ordeal and Anil Dairam, 25, of Number Two Settlement, Blairmont, West Coast Berbice were both not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on November 8, at Port Kaituma, North West District, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Brian Deonarine, also known as “Steve”.

According to the facts, on the day in question, the two accused drugged Steve. When he did not fall asleep immediately, they hit him behind the head with a shotgun resulting in him becoming unconscious.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru held for specially appointed Prosecutor Glen Hanoman in Friday’s proceedings. The matter stands adjourned to December 17, Court One. In November, Chandrawattie, Diaram, Amirullah Kuturatullah and Kenneth Garraway were all remanded to prison after charges were brought before them in relation to the Port Kaituma gold heist.

Eyew tness

Muzzling T

...the people here’s been a great deal of talk about the present Parliament being special. That it “represents the people” to a larger extent than the government: the opposition’s one seat majority and all that. But for two years, that opposition has used their razor-thin majority as a battering ram to scuttle the government’s programmes – on which it was elected to form the executive in the first place.

Some people cut them some slack because they said the opposition was just playing “hardball” politics. The one in which you oppose for the sake of opposing and give no quarter – even if it means wrecking the country.

But what do these people say now that the same opposition’s refused to hear a petition from 5000 Guyanese who’re concerned about what’s going on in the cricketing fraternity?

The right to petition your representatives about your concerns and then act to address them is one of the foundation stones of any democratic society.

In fact it’s one of the oldest democratic rights...even peasants could petition their king when they felt abused.

And here it is, this opposition, boasting securing a “majority” of the people’s votes, can just turn them away from the chambers of Parliament.

Very sadly, the opposition’s now shown itself willing to deploy its “take no prisoners” approach, not only to the government but, to the very people who elected them in the first place. There’s no other word to describe their behaviour than “power-mad”.

But it’s truly been said that “those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad”. This rebuff to ordinary people from being heard will have reverberations in the coming elections – which, President Donald Ramotar should not put off for long. Or else, who knows how far this madness may be taken.

The language of the petition was what the opposition said they were objecting to. Can you believe this? Here’s a bunch of people who’ve been given the privilege to say whatever they want about anybody under the sun and any subject under the moon – and not have any sanctions imposed – and they want the citizens who put them there to watch the words THEY use in the same forum?

But the truth, of course, is that the opposition is just pandering to their cricketing cronies.

This is just another example that shows the opposition’s grown too big for their britches. They’re too full of themselves. We need a snap election to let the people have the final word. ...the taxpayers The Guyana Public Servants Union (GPSU) is now threatening a “national shutdown”. Their members have been “going slow” even since this government assumed office. We’ve been particularly disappointed with the personnel in the health sector.

Whether their colleagues in other departments see themselves as “public servants” or not (most don’t), nurses and other such workers, by the very tenets of their profession, have to hold themselves to a higher standard when it comes to their work.

How can they “go slow” or “picket in the streets” or just “walk off the job” when people have been, and will be, literally dying? Now, we’re not saying that nurses and other health workers shouldn’t have decent salaries. But they have to bear in mind the constraints under which the government is operating.

Can they really say, compared to where all of this begun – the devastated economy of 1992, when rats were nibbling on babies’ toes – that their conditions of work and pay haven’t significantly improved? In this season of goodwill, we hope that the GPSU will play less political games and more positive education of their membership. ...Amerindians Looks like the Alliance For Change (AFC) wankers came to their senses at the last minute and decided to rescinded the cuts to the development projects they advocated earlier. Won’t save them at the soon to be called snap elections though.

“Too late” shall be the cry.

9 Gouveia treats visually-impaired army veterans news

SatuRday, december 14, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Captain Gerry Gouveia interacting with some of the veterans

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n keeping with the spirit of the festive season, prominent businessman Captain Gerry Gouveia on Thursday hosted a reception to honour the visually-impaired veterans of the Ex-Guyana Defence Force Association at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston,

Georgetown Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Philips, who attended the occasion, commended Gouveia for his continued commitment to the veterans.

“The person who is responsible for this is none

other than our very own Captain Gerry Gouveia, who over the years has contributed significantly to the Guyana Defence Force. I want to thank him and his company for what they are doing today for the veterans.”

Phillips also received a copy of the aviation stamp featuring Captain Debra Gouveia from the first batch printed in Guyana.

Gouveia said he felt the need to honour the former officers as they have served Guyana faithfully.

“I served alongside many of these veterans here today, and flying them in and out of the various regions of Guyana, and seeing them at our borders, made me sad.

These men and women are away from their families, on weekends and holidays, serving Guyana and I think they should be rewarded for their years of service to Guyana. For all the work of these officers, money

Retired army veterans toast each other at the luncheon hosted by the prominent businessman, at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown on Thursday

couldn’t pay for what they are doing.”

Gouveia said the government of Guyana should establish a policy to honour veterans for their unstinting service to the country.

The X-Guyana Defence Force Association was established in 2008 with the aim of taking care of veterans who would have been indigent, sick and disable.

The organisation is head-

quartered in Georgetown with branches in Berbice and Linden.

The association receives a monthly cheque of $10,000 from the Roraima Group of Companies.

Fight against Black Sigatoka must continue in Caribbean

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he Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that without increased commitment to combat Black Sigatoka disease, which has ravaged banana and plantain production in the Caribbean, vulnerable people could face food insecurity if the disease situation is allowed to further deteriorate.

Black Sigatoka disease is considered one of the most dangerous diseases of banana and plantain. It spread from Asia and reached the Caribbean in 1991. Smallholder banana farmers were unable to shoulder the expense of fighting the disease on their own, and banana farms have been decimated.

“The banana industry in the Caribbean had been struggling for a long time, but the introduction of Black Sigatoka was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said FAO Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, Plant Production and Protection Officer Vyjayanthi Lopez, who oversaw a regional programme to assist countries in dealing with the emergency. The countries includ-

en entire leaves of bananas and plantains, blocking photosynthesis. Banana bunches are smaller, as are the fruit, and due to premature ripening that can occur even while the fruit is still on the tree, the bananas are no longer suitable for export.

Smallholders produce the bulk of these bananas that used to be destined for importers in North America and Europe. Even before Black Sigatoka, however, many smallholder farmers were already struggling to cope after repeated natural disasters, from hurricanes to floods and droughts, as well as a loss of traditional export markets.

ed were Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana, in mainland South America.

“The banana industry’s main safeguards, particularly research and development, have become weak due to funding constraints. And with no strong voice to advocate for these farmers, the banana industry especially on the islands will have difficulty to recover,” she said.

Vital

Banana farming and service jobs generated by banana production are vital to vulnerable families’ incomes and thus food security. For example, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, 70 per cent of arable land is set aside for banana production, generating 70 per cent of employment on the islands.

In 1990, St Vincent and the Grenadines alone exported nearly 80,000 tonnes of bananas. By 2011, the total exports of all five countries requesting FAO assistance decreased to less than 25,000 tonnes. Grenada now has no banana exports, while in 1990 the country exported 8400 tonnes.

Guyana had lost 100 per

Spread

Bananas are the world’s number four staple and the main food source in the tropics

cent of its plantain exports prior to actions taken under the FAO project. The Caribbean island countries meanwhile saw similar declines of 90 to 100 per cent of their banana and plantain exports, and trade practically ground to a halt.

Black Sigatoka does particularly well in hot and humid climates and often spreads due to informal trade among the islands.

The disease first appears as narrow streaks and black spots, which as they proliferate can eventually black-

The spread of Black Sigatoka contributed to many of these farmers abandoning their banana fields as they simply do not have the resources for costly fungicide treatments that have helped keep other major banana exporters in business. Central American exporters, for example, have survived largely thanks to weekly fungicide spraying to protect each newlyemerging leaf.

Improper use of fun-

gicides to control Black Sigatoka can eventually lead to the pathogen’s developing resistance to those very same fungicides, rendering them ineffective. In addition, fungicides can lead to soil degradation and pollution of the wider environment. They are not sustainable over the long-term.

Banana is the world’s number four staple food after rice, wheat and maize.

Annual production is estimated at some 107 million tonnes, with just 16 million tonnes destined for international markets at a value of nearly US$9 billion. Some 37 million tonnes of plantains are produced globally each year.

International trade in bananas relies almost exclusively on one type of banana, the Cavendish subgroup, which has been bred to suit consumer palates and aesthetic demands in developed countries. The Cavendish is also more durable for long-distance international transport than local breeds, which can bruise and spoil. However, the Cavendish is extremely susceptible to several banana diseases, Black Sigatoka included.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, December 14, 2013

News

tables BBCI supports Berbice Govt wildlife, youth camp local authorities T bills he Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) on Tuesday presented a cheque of $82,200 to Region Five Youth and Sport Officer Anson Barrington for the hosting of a youth camp at Moraikobai Mission.

The money will be used to sponsor meals for the 137 youths who will be participating in the camp which begins today and ends Thursday.

According to a release, the company was privileged to have the opportunity to make a donation towards the youths of Moraikobai.

“The company decided to come on board mainly due to the fact that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Peace Corp Volunteers have created a great opportunity for youths, thereby keeping them off the streets and away from drugs, crime and other illicit activities, and little or no recreational activities are available to the youths of Moraikobai since it is located 94 miles up the Mahaicony Creek.”

The BBCI does not only play the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transit-

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud

T

BBCI Secretary/Accountant Stephen Rambajan hands over the sponsorship cheque to Region Five Youth and Sport Officer Anson Barrington

ing through the retractor span and under the high span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities.

In the past, the company has sponsored many events that benefited communities on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge, and many other regions such as Georgetown, Linden, Parika and the hin-

terland.

Thus far in the year, the company has received some 101 sponsorship requests; 94 of which it has approved.

These include sponsorships of Mashramani 2013 events, horse racing events and donations of trophies to various non-profit organisations and educational institutions.

he Wildlife Import and Export Bill and the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill were on Thursday read for the first time in the National Assembly.

The Wildlife Import and Export Bill presented

by Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud seeks to intitule an act to regulate international trade of Guyana’s wildlife, and to enable Guyana to fulfil its obligation under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Washington 1973.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud presented the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill to intitule an act to amend the Local Authorities (Election) Act to provide for the postponement of elections of councillors of local democratic organs.

De Mook shame fuh seh he shame

L

ong ago in small days, dem lil boys and lil gyals used to be shame fuh seh dem shame when dem was in school. When any ting bad happen, dem used to stay quiet and hide dem face in a corner. That is a lil pickney ting and most people does grow out of that kinda behaviour when dem get big. But it got some big people who does still behave so. Some big ones till to this day does be shame fuh seh dem shame.

Mook Lall is a big one. De Mook big in duttiness and scampishness. He big in backtrackin and big in tekkin people money. Big in promisin people he gon pay dem, like dem reporters who run to he and he still ain’t pay dem yet. Big in plantin pumpkins night time, but not wid pumpkin seed.

De Mook big in tellin lies and mekkin scandals, but small in sayin sorry and beg pardon when he shame.

Even Will Yams seh so in de House. De Mook big in mekkin people disappear like de man pun Main Street whah de police know bout but dem friken to talk. Big in he age, although he does hide it. Big in he head, although it empty. And de Mook also big in shame fuh all these tings, but he tink he too big fuh seh he shame.

That does happen to people like de Mook who does want to mek other people business dem own business, and then talk lie bout it. Old people does call it being fast in other people business. Or mindin people business. But when ever de Mook get put to shame fuh lyin, he does shame fuh seh he shame.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But de Mook ain’t shame of all dem properties whah he got in and outta Guyana. But he watchin other people property and talkin bout other people property.

Is no wonder people tek he property!

BIT: 697 from Region Four to graduate on Monday

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he largest batch of trainees of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) for 2013 will graduate on Monday at the National Culture Centre (NCC).

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made the announcement on Wednesday at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President.

He pointed out that

the occasion will be addressed by President Donald Ramotar, and explained that the young people will receive certificates in a number of fields such as engineering, building construction, allied health services, information technology, clerical practices and home economics.

Dr Luncheon highlighted that during 2013, 2292 young people would have already graduated in Regions

Two, Three, Six, Seven and 10.

The BIT programme was initiated by government and is part of its vision to provide job opportunities for young people and to empower single parents.

The programme is also recognised as important to dealing with the issue of child labour since it provides an opportunity for school dropouts.

Energy information, management in focus in Jamaica

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nergy sector officials are meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, this week to chart the way forward in energy information gathering and dissemination, management and planning.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat and the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE) are collaborating on the joint staging of the Regional Energy Information Forum held on Monday and a workshop on energy balance and

planning models that began on Tuesday and will conclude on Thursday.

The initiative is made possible through the funding support of the Caricom – GIZ Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) Project.

It seeks to fulfil a mandate from the 41st special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Energy held in Trinidad and Tobago, in March, for the establishment of harmonised tools for energy information manage-

ment, energy planning and management in the community.

Both the forum and the workshop are aimed at establishing a harmonised approach to energy information management in Caricom for oil, gas, electricity and renewable energy.

They are also geared towards the implementation of OLADE’s recommendations on energy statistics and methodology for preparing energy balances according to international standards.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, DEcEMBER 14, 2013

GuySuCo approves $381M No phone, Internet service at Region bonus for sugar workers Six office T T the production target was not met. This is not the first time that the corporation has been put in such a position, especially since it has recorded very low production figures over the past two decades.

By Samuel Sukhnandan

he Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Friday agreed that sugar workers would be paid a total of $381 million for their Annual Production Incentive (API).

Workers represented by the union will receive five days’ non-taxable pay.

GAWU President Komal Chand told Guyana Times that both parties had hours of discussions on the issue, which led to GuySuCo announcing the bonus for all categories of sugar workers.

Chand told this newspaper that the union’s delegation included executives and workers’ representatives from all sugar estates in the country. He said while GAWU was demanding more, the union accepted the decision, in light of the current financial state and production woes of the corporation.

He explained that the API is always negotiable and is mainly based on the level of production from both crops of each calendar year.

According to him, the latest production figure stood at 185,811 tonnes of sugar on Friday, which is way below the projected 190,000 revised target the corporation was hoping to achieve.

The GAWU president said it was hoped that all fac-

Dissatisfaction

GAWU President Komal Chand

tories would operate until December 20, but that would not happen.

Strike

Sugar workers downed tools on Wednesday, shutting down the industry, as they demanded payment of their API. They resumed on Thursday after negotiations between the union and GuySuCo began.

GAWU had submitted a claim earlier this year, which would have provided 6.80 days’ pay for the production of 201,000 tonnes of sugar, or alternatively 29,500 tonnes per day pay.

However, GuySuCo had informed the union that it was not in a position to pay any annual incentive based on the poor level of production recorded for this year, but the union had rejected that.

Despite below-par production, GAWU was adamant that its members must be paid their API, even if

Some sugar workers have expressed disappointment with the agreed incentive. This newspaper spoke with a few workers who said that they were expecting to receive something better.

An Enmore sugar estate cane harvester, who requested anonymity, said he was particularly dissatisfied with that move. He said he has been working in the industry for some 10 years and could not recall ever taking home such a small incentive.

He said the API is what he would use to “nice up” his family during the holidays.

The sugar worker said while it was a noted fact that the industry performed poorly this year, that was no excuse to poorly reward workers who have laboured and sweated for long hours in the hot sun over the year.

Another sugar worker, R Persaud, from the Blairmont estate, said he was particularly shocked that after taking strike action on Wednesday, the outcome was just five days’ non-taxable pay. Persaud said that the money would not be sufficient to buy anything of use.

Persaud, who has worked in

Samsung Experience Store launched

Starr Computer Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Mohan

Laptops were among the many Samsung devices available

he Samsung Experience Store was launched in partnership with Starr Computer on Friday morning, at the local technology store’s Brickdam, Georgetown location.

Speaking at the launch, Starr Computer Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Mohan said that the advent of the Samsung store will benefit Guyana significantly and create job opportunities.

Additionally, the Samsung

line of tablets and smartphones will boost the education sector by providing technology to improve education delivery.

Mohan explained that the company will be partnering with the Education Ministry to enhance learning in schools by utilising the advanced technology.

He noted that Starr Computer would not be what it is today without partnerships and thanked the company’s partners in the endeavour for their sup-

T

port. The CEO commended Laparkan Shipping for its continuous support, noting that the shipping company has been with Starr since the beginning.

Republic Bank also came in for high praise, since members of the public can purchase Samsung products with loans provided by the bank.

Starr Computer is the authorised dealer of Samsung products such as, smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart televisions.

the industry for a number of years, told Guyana Times that he was fed up with the challenges he was confronted by. He explained that the weather is a problem on many days and on other days, other issues would arise.

Sugar workers have expressed grave concern over the operations of the industry. Several strikes were called this year, with many having occurred in the past.

Wednesday’s strike, the biggest this year, was preceded by one a few weeks ago for a higher increase in wages and salaries. Workers recently told this newspaper during another strike at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara that they were not getting the cooperation of the senior management of GuySuCo to move the industry forward.

Sugar production in Guyana has been declining since 2005. During 2002 and 2004, the average production was 315,000 tonnes of sugar per year. The sugar industry is a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, and some 18,000 persons are directly or indirectly employed in the industry.

he Region Six administration has been almost cut off from the rest of the country, as a result of the telephone lines at the Regional Democratic Council Complex at Vryman Erven being out of order for the past three weeks.

Internet service is also affected, since the same phone lines power it.

The situation is impacting negatively on the work of the administration. Workers at the most important office in the region have been forced to sit and wait for hours in some cases, waiting for information from other offices.

Senior officials can only communicate with outside agencies and individuals via cellphone.

Over the past three weeks,

personnel from Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) have been trying to rectify the problem. Workers can be seen on a daily basis in a hole which they have dug just outside the administration’s office.

Regional Chairman David Armogan said the phone company had promised to have the phone lines fixed more than two weeks ago.

Sources close to the utility company say the problem has not yet been determined and it is more complicated than it appears. Efforts to get an official comment from the company proved futile.

Some sources close to the regional administration are alleging sabotage is happening.

12 news

saturday, December 14, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Enough not being done to protect Govt chastised on handling of Dr Rodney’s CoI vulnerable children – APNU

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he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling on the government to promulgate and activate a comprehensive national plan of action for orphans and other vulnerable children.

APNU in a statement said it is aware that the Human Services and Social Security Ministry had sought help from the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to design such a plan.

But the coalition said there is no evidence that the plan of action is functional.

“Had it been implemented, it could have provided a framework for supplementary measures to protect orphans and other vulnerable children, not only street children, from all forms of abuse.

“The exact number of children living on Guyana’s streets is difficult to determine but is believed to run into a few hundreds. The number includes children who live permanently or part-time on the streets, often because they have fled home because of hardship, neglect or violence,” the coalition said.

According to APNU, the government thought that it could solve the problem of the growing number of street children by establishing a drop-in centre, but the centre was quickly over-

whelmed.

It was discovered that groups of vulnerable children were growing in urban areas other than Georgetown, mainly in New Amsterdam, Linden and Parika and in rural areas such as Region Two, West Berbice and East Berbice, Corentyne.

Not enough

The drop-in-centre approach did not address the prevalence and causation of vulnerability. It was inadequate to correct the problem of children living on the street and of others who were victims of violence and abuse, the coalition said.

The Human Services Ministry in January this year announced that there were 4102 reported child abuse cases – about 11 cases daily – last year. There were also hundreds of cases of sexual, physical and verbal abuse, teenage pregnancy and delinquency. The ministry’s Child Care and

Protection Agency stated that 101 children were separated from their parents and placed in institutions.

The agency pointed out that mothers and fathers were the main perpetrators of abuse.

APNU said it demands that Guyana’s vulnerable children be given better protection.

“The result of inadequate protection has been that, especially over the last two decades, many children have been forced to live outside of homes and have become involuntary ‘street children.’

“APNU calls on the PPP/C administration to adopt a holistic approach to alleviate the plight of vulnerable children. The persistence of the problem in 2013 suggests that there has been a lack of understanding of the complexity of the problem and a lack of willingness to implement necessary measures to help children who suffer from multiple deprivations of rights. The administration needs to initiate a new process for the implementation of a plan of action that guarantees that all children receive the best support possible so they can leave the streets, be placed in training schools, apprenticeships or jobs and can return to their families and communities,” the coalition contended.

G

overnment was chastised on Thursday evening during the sitting of the National Assembly after it failed to answer pertinent questions relating to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) of former Guyanese politician and historian, Dr Walter Rodney, who was assassinated some 33 years ago.

When Opposition Leader David Granger questioned Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on the issue, he was unprepared and did not have any information at hand to answer the questioned posed by Granger.

However, junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, in backing up the prime minister, said a secretariat has

been established, consisting of six full-time staff, and the president and other stakeholders are looking to shortlist persons for the posts of commissioners for the inquiry.

APNU shadow finance minister Carl Greenidge also questioned the government side of the House as to the details of the spending. At that point, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman also interjected and said that a CoI of that nature should require greater details and a proper account of how monies are spent.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, at this point, interjected and said that the secretariat for the CoI is lo-

cated in the same building where the Linden CoI was done; that is, the Supreme Court of Judicature.

In addition to that, it was noted that the terms of reference for the inquiry was agreed on by the president, stakeholders and relatives of the later Dr Walter Rodney.

President Donald Ramotar had announced earlier this year in New York that preparations have begun for the CoI into Dr Rodney’s assassination.

On June 13, 1980, Dr Rodney at the age of 38 was killed by a bomb in his car, a month after returning from the independence celebrations in Zimbabwe and during a period of intense political activism.

15 officer cadets promoted to ensigns

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips placing the badge of rank on one of the officers who participated in the standard officers’ course number 46 during the ensigncy parades at the Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri

Guyana benefits from US$8M T for road rehabilitation

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy hands over the contracts for the design and supervision of the Parika-Ruby, Laluni and Onverwagt roads to the contractor from SRK Engineering

T

he Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) has approved US$8 million in contracts for the rehabilitation of three roads in three different regions in Guyana. These are the Parika-Ruby Road in Region Three, Laluni in Region Four and Onverwagt in Region Five.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Wednesday witnessed the signing of the contracts for the design and supervision of the three roads in the conference room of the ministry at Regent and Vlissengen Road.

SRK Engineering was awarded the contract following a tender and evaluation

process. This contractor is expected to start the process immediately. He must provide the ministry with an inception report in a week and within the next 75 days with the entire roads design period, following which the ministry will advertise for contractors to complete the physical road works.

Construction on the roads is expected to commence as soon as April 2014.

Guyana is the first country to benefit from the CDF which was established under Article 158 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to provide financial or technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors.

All member states that signed on to the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) contributed to the capital of the fund on the basis of a formula agreed on by the heads of government.

The fund is currently capitalised at US$79.9 million and while all members of the CSME contributing to the CDF are eligible to receive financial and technical assistance support from the fund, only the designated disadvantaged countries – the Least Developing Countries (the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and Belize) and Guyana will have access to resources during this first contribution cycle.

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Thursday hosted its ensigncy parade at the Drill Square, Camp Stephenson, Timehri, where 15 officer cadets who completed the standard officers’ course number 46 were promoted to ensigns.

The new ensigns include Obitre Hytmiah, Alvin Holladar, Dishon Harris, Steffon Branche, Curtland Melville, Carlos Moore, Shaheed Zaiboon, Neil Asregado, Simon Gordon, Lawrence King, Kevin Salaru, Noel Lanza, Marion Hernandez and Austain Flores received their badges of rank from Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips.

The standard officers’ course commenced on March 15 with 25 officer cadets, but during the period of training, 10 persons either withdrew or failed to achieve the minimum standard of the course.

The remaining 15, three of whom were from the Belize Defence Force, endured nine weeks of intense training. Brigadier Phillips, who explained to the officers their duties and what is expected of them, stated that the event was significant in that it marked another milestone in their military career.

“Your training today has instilled in you a high-level of discipline, and certainly it would have built your confidence and character,

Ensign Simon Gordon receiving his new tag from a family member

and sharpened your leadership qualities, all necessary for service in the Guyana Defence Force of today, and certainly the Belize Defence Force for the protection of the countries’ people,” the chief-of-staff told the newly promoted ensigns.

Therefore, he said that the force would have had to utilise what was considered the best training staff to deliver the much needed military training and education to develop in the officers the quality of leadership, character and intellect that are expected of an officer of the force.

“Those who are emerging leaders, or who aspire to lead will discover how ethics and values free you in carrying out your single purpose in life,” the chief-ofstaff pointed out.

He reminded the ensigns of how important this junc-

ture of their military career is, and urged them to read and live the standards of the force, and regardless of how competent they are, or how good they may be, the success and accomplishment of their mission and task depend on their character.

Upon completion of their training, the ensigns will be commanding at the platoon level.

“Leadership in the force means influencing their subordinates by providing purpose, guidance and motivation, while at the same time operating to accomplish the mission and improving the force as a whole,” Brigadier Phillips stressed.

The army chief congratulated the officers and the trainers who worked with the cadets to bring them thus far.

news

13

saturday, decEMBER 14, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Republic Bank Guyana’s TravelSpan returns to profits grow Guyana today

T

R

epublic Bank Guyana Limited reported a net profit after taxation, for the year ended September 30, of G$2.35 billion, up from the 2012 figure of G$2.01 billion, according to third quarter (Q3) results released December 2.

The company’s earnings per share (EPS) rose from 6.71 to 7.85 year (2013) on year (2012), and from 1.57 to 2.11 quarter (Q3 2013) on quarter (Q3 2012).

The bank holds G$1.36

billion in cash, G$39.71 billion in treasury bills, and G$5.2 billion in premises and equipment.

The bank’s balance sheet boasts total assets of

G$132.53 billion and total liabilities of G$120.35 billion.

Guyanese customers have G$117 billion in chequing, saving and deposit accounts.

(TT Guardian)

Lions Club of Essequibo Coast fetes Mashabo children

ravelSpan Incorporated will be operating its inaugural flight to Guyana on Saturday, arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, at 19:00h.

Guyanese now have an additional option to choose from as the company will be operating a wide body Boeing 767 aircraft on its direct New York/Georgetown route.

Being granted approval by the government of Guyana, through the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the company has signalled its intention to have two flights per week on the New York/

Guyana route.

Round trip tickets between New York and Guyana cost US$647, while one way tickets are US$349 -- both prices being tax inclusive. This spells good news for Guyanese travellers who have faced high airfares

over the past few months.

The 18-year-old company, with head office based in the United States of America, is no stranger to the Guyanese market, having offered chartered flights before halting in 2008.

Latin American exports experience consecutive year of sluggish growth

L

Some of the children at the party

contributed towards making the party a success and who have been continuously donating to the club and its activities.

The Lions Club of Essequibo Coast is one of the approximately 45,500 clubs that exist in over 205 countries worldwide.

T

Santa handing a gift to a child

he Lions Club of Essequibo Coast on Sunday spread Christmas cheer to 100 needy children in the Amerindian Village of Mashabo, Essequibo Coast.

The children were entertained by Santa Claus after which they were treated to lunch and ice cream and were each given a gift after sitting on the lap of Santa Claus.

A release from the club said the children were very much elated with the gifts they received and seeing Santa for the very first time.

Project coordinator Joel Naraine indicated that “seeing the smiles on the faces of these children brings satisfaction to our mind and heart as lion members. We are here to serve and to serve means putting a smile on the face of

another human being”.

Also in attendance were the district governor for Lions District 60A, zone chair – Zone 2A and a Lion from the Bartica Lions Club.

During the fiscal year which commenced on July 1 and will conclude on June 30, 2014, the club would have donated a walker to an elderly woman at Lima, Essequibo Coast.

For the months leading to June 30, 2014, the club plans to have a dental outreach for children, donate books and other school supplies to selected schools, hold a tree planting exercise and host a reading competition, just to name a few.

The board of directors and general membership of the Lions Club of Essequibo Coast have expressed heartfelt thanks to all those who

atin America’s exports stagnated in 2013, posting a second straight year of sluggish growth. Exports are expected to post growth of just 0.2 per cent for the year, for a total value of slightly more than US$1 trillion, according to Latin American Trade Trend Estimates 2013, a study published by the Inter-American Development Bank.

The report, based on national and international data on 18 countries in Latin America, notes that the region’s exports actually declined in the first months of the year, continuing a negative trend that began in late 2012. However, in the third quarter, exports began to grow again, and current estimates point to a small positive overall growth rate for the year.

Results varied considerably among countries.

Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, all posted declines in exports, while Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay posted increases.

Results in Central America were mixed, with exports barely growing in Costa Rica and Guatemala, declining in Honduras and Nicaragua, but expanding in El Salvador and Panama.

These results reflected uneven economic conditions in Latin America’s major trade partners. In Europe, continued sluggishness was reflected in a five per cent drop in demand for the region’s exports. In contrast, China’s imports from Latin America increased nearly 10 per cent regionwide, in spite of slower growth in the Asian nation, while Japan and the Republic of Korea reduced their purchases from the region.

Exports of mineral ores

and metals did not perform well in 2013, affecting countries like Peru, Chile and even Brazil, while foodstuffs had a better year. A fall in the prices of some primary goods, such as copper, gold and soybeans, also had a negative impact on export revenues, in the latter case a good harvest compensated for the price drop. Of key commodities, only iron ore showed a significant price increase in the second half of the year.

For 2014, stronger demand from the U.S. should benefit the region, especially Mexico, while improved demand from China is expected to benefit the main mineral and agricultural exporters in South America.

Estimates were not run for the Caribbean due to a lack of an adequate year-todate sample on which to base robust calculations.

14

saturday, December 14, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

St Lucia: Health authorities warn Caribbean diaspora of possible dengue epidemic could play major role in region’s development S

T

he Caribbean diaspora is a sizeable, welleducated, and affluent demographic whose large majority is interested in investing in its countries of origin. Due to the common heritage and strong connections across the region, they overwhelmingly take a regional approach to the Caribbean, rather than a nationalistic one. Supported by the right incentives and policies, diaspora members could play an even larger role in contributing to the region’s development.

These are some of the

findings of a new study, “Diaspora Investing: The Business and Investment Interests of the Caribbean abroad”, by infoDev, a global innovation programme in the World Bank. The assessment brings together knowledge and data gathered from over 850 self-identified members of the Caribbean diaspora, and sheds light on their characteristics and investment interests.

The Caribbean diaspora is already significantly engaged in the region, with some 70 per cent being formal or informally affiliat-

ed to organisations in their home countries. Half of those surveyed send remittances and a full 85 per cent give back to the Caribbean either through financial help, or other support in kind. Moreover, nine out of 10 would like to be even more engaged in the future, potentially as investors.

With nearly one diaspora member living in North America or Europe for every resident still in the region, this ability to engage represents a significant untapped potential. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Mexican Congress passes bill on radical shake-up of oil industry

M

exico’s Congress on Thursday overwhelmingly voted to open up the country’s oil and gas sector to private investment in the biggest overhaul of the industry since it was nationalised in 1938.

After a whirlwind final passage through Congress, President Enrique Pena Nieto’s bill will offer companies the chance to operate oil wells, commercialise crude and partner with state oil giant Pemex as Mexico seeks to revive flagging output.

It aims to entice oil majors such as Exxon Mobil Corp and BP Plc with production- and profit-sharing, service contracts and licences.

Mexico’s two biggest parties faced down accusations they were betraying their homeland to foreign oil firms, and approved a series of changes to the constitution that could radically transform the fortunes of the world’s Number 10 oil producer.

At more than 10 billion barrels, Mexico has Latin America’s third-larg-

est proven oil reserves after Venezuela and Brazil. It also has nearly 30 billion barrels of prospective resources in territorial deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

“The energy reform marks a fundamental transformation that will allow us to increase our energy sovereignty and self sufficiency in Mexico,” Pena Nieto said in a Tweet after the reform’s approval. “It will also drive productivity, economic growth and job creation in Mexico,” he added. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

t Lucia has been warned of the possibility of a dengue epidemic after health authorities said that they were investigating more than 200 suspected cases.

They said so far 220 suspected dengue cases have been reported to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPA) with seven confirmed and one death so far this year.

But the Health Ministry said that increased surveillance has reflected a decrease in the number of cases over the past two weeks.

“Most of these cases are in the populated north of the island, but what is of more significance is the potential to have a major dengue epidemic,” said epidemiologist Naihum Jn Baptiste.

“One of the things that the environmental health branch does for dengue control is environmental man-

They said so far 220 suspected dengue cases have been reported to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPA) with seven confirmed and one death so far this year

agement in terms of the habitats that breed the aegis egypti mosquitoes.”

What we have found in the most populated regions in the islands north is that the potential for spread of dengue is huge. In fact the literature informs that if you can get more than five out of 100 containers as breeding ground for mosquitoes,

then you are at high risk for a dengue epidemic.

“In all of those northern areas the level was 20 infected containers to as high as 80,” Jn Baptiste said, calling on the public to be aware of the symptoms and to avoid the breeding of the mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water from their premises. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Cocaine cocktail being blamed for death of UK Caribbean immigrant

A

cocaine-laced soft drink manufactured in TT is being blamed for the death in the United Kingdom of a Caribbean immigrant. The death of Royal Navy veteran Joromie Lewis, originally from the St Vincent and the Grenadines, has sparked a total recall of all Cole Cold Pear D drinks off the shelves in England by the British Food Standards Agency (FSA). SM Jaleel & Co Ltd, local manufacturers of the drink, also has initiated a similar voluntary re-

call in TT of the batch from which the tainted drink was produced.

However, the company also said Thursday the tainted soft drink may have been smuggled into the UK, since it did not export its products to that country.

The company’s legal adviser, Janine Collier, told the TT Guardian Thursday that the company’s sales representatives and merchandisers were dispatched to local supermarkets to remove the affected product from

their shelves. Lewis, 33, of Gosport, Hampshire, died hours after drinking a cocaine-tainted 20-oz Pear D drink on December 5.

Thursday, the FSA, in its alert, warned the public about the soft drink which has been found to contain high levels of cocaine. “The product has been linked to the death of one person in Southampton and is the subject of an ongoing investigation by Hampshire Constabulary,” the alert added. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Colombia arrests relatives of Urabenos gang leader Otoniel

C

olombian police have arrested two relatives and several alleged associates of a prominent gang leader, Dario Antonio Usuga – known as Otoniel. Usuga – who leads the Urabenos criminal gang – is still at large. His cousin, Arley Usuga Torres, known as Zero Seven or Cop Killer, was arrested at a farm in north-western Colombia.

He is accused of killing more than 20 police officers and is wanted in the United States for drug trafficking.

At least eight other people were arrested at the operation in Uraba region.

Weapons and more than US$3 million (£1.8 million) were seized in the raid, officials said. In a separate operation in the city of Medellin, Colombian police arrested Dario Usuga’s sister, Nini Johana Usuga. She is accused of drug trafficking

Police seized some three tonnes of cocaine from the Urabenos in a raid earlier this year

and making illegal weapons.

Colombian police say they are closing in on Usuga, the country’s most wanted criminal. In November, another alleged senior member of the gang was arrested in Spain. The Urabenos was partly formed from mem-

bers of paramilitary groups established in the 1980s to tackle left-wing guerrillas during Colombia’s long civil war. They are linked to a string of murders and kidnappings, as well as extortion and drug-trafficking activities. (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 Around the world

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, dECember 14, 2013

NSA review to leave spying programmes North Korean purge of leader’s uncle largely unchanged, reports say

sparks stability fears

A

participant in a White Housesponsored review of surveillance activities described as “shameful” an apparent decision to leave most of the National Security Agency’s controversial bulk spying intact.

Sascha Meinrath, director of the Open Technology Institute, said Friday that the review panel he advised is at risk of missing an opportunity to restore confidence in U.S. surveillance practices.

“The review group was searching for ways to make the most modest pivot necessary to continue business as usual,” Meinrath said.

Headed by the CIA’s former deputy director, Michael Morrell, the review is expected to deliver its report to President Barack Obama on Sunday, the White House confirmed, although it is less clear when and how substantially its report will be available to the public. National security council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said she would have no further comment “on a report that is not yet final and hasn’t yet been submitted to the White House”.

Should the review group’s report resemble descriptions that leaked late

T

U.S. President Barack Obama ordered the review of NSA surveillance in the wake of the Edward Snowden disclosures

Thursday, the report “does nothing to alter the lack of trust the global populace has for what the U.S. is doing, and nothing to restore our reputation as an ethical internet steward,” said

Meinrath, who met with the advisory panel and White House officials twice to discuss the bulk surveillance programs that have sparked international outrage. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

he execution of the once-powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has rekindled fears of instability in the secretive nuclear-armed state.

South Korean defence chief Kim Kawn-jin promised “heightened readiness” after the purge of Chang Song-thaek. He said the execution could be seen as part of a “reign of terror” by the North Korean leader. Chang was executed for “acts of treachery” after appearing before a military trial.

He was dramatically removed from a special party session by armed guards earlier this week. South Korean Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae warned that the purge could be followed by military moves from Pyongyang, including another nuclear test. He told lawmakers that “the North

usually curbs internal (agitation) through waging provocations externally”.

North Korea carried out its third nuclear test in February, to widespread international condemnation.

As tensions rose, Pyongyang threatened attacks on Japanese, South Korean and U.S. military targets in the region.

China, North Korea’s ally and neighbour, described Chang’s execution as an “internal matter”.

“As a neighbouring country, we hope for North Korea to maintain stability...” a foreign ministry spokesman said. However, the BBC’s Martin Patience in Beijing says the bland statement is likely to mask deep concern and will raise questions as to how much influence China actually has over the state. (Excerpt from BBC News)

U.S. man held over Kansas Crowd breaks through barrier on Mandela’s last day of lying in state suicide bomb plot

A

man has been arrested in the U.S. state of Kansas and accused of planning to detonate a suicide car bomb at an airport, authorities have said. Terry Lee Loewen, 58, has been charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

Loewen, an aviation technician, does not appear to have been affiliated with any religious group, police said. Authorities said Loewen was snared by undercover FBI investigators

and the public was never in danger.

“There was no breach of Mid-Continent’s Airport’s security,” said Kansas U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom in a statement. “At no time was the safety of travellers or members of the public placed in jeopardy.”

Loewen was charged in federal court on Friday with attempting to detonate a car bomb at Wichita MidContinent Airport. He has also been charged with at-

tempting to damage property by means of an explosive and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

If convicted, Loewen could face a sentence of life in prison. Authorities arrested Loewen on Friday morning after he attempted to enter the airport tarmac and drive a vehicle loaded with what he believed were high explosives, authorities said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

ens of thousands of mourners, some breaking through police barriers, flocked to South Africa’s central government buildings on Friday to say a personal goodbye to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela on the final day of his lying in state. About 100,000 mourners had paid homage to the former president, a global symbol of reconciliation, over the course of the three days with more than 50,000 paying their respects on Friday, the govern-

ment said in a statement.

Such was the crush of people wanting to see Mandela’s body in the Union Buildings in the capital Pretoria, that the government had asked others to stay away from the park-and-ride facilities set up to take mourners to the area. There were moments of tension as police turned people away.

At the Pretoria Showgrounds, one of the park-and-ride points, the crowd broke through the metal entrance gate when

officers tried to stop people coming through. Some fell to the ground and hundreds streamed past before order was restored.

On another access road, police had to force back people trying to break through crowd barriers. The day ended without further incident as the body of South Africa’s first black president, who died last week aged 95, was moved by police motorcade back to the country’s main military hospital for a final night. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Several killed in Iraq-Iran MP finds France with “little hope” after walking tour of country pipeline attack

A

French lawmaker who spent eight months walking a 6,000km “Tour de France” takes his last symbolic steps in Paris on Sunday. He returns to the capital to report on a country that has “little hope for the future”.

“Everywhere I went I witnessed a crisis in the standard of living, a loss of identity and the loss of a sense of a common destiny,” Jean Lassalle, National Assembly member

U

nidentified gunmen have killed 18 people and injured six others working on a gas pipeline in Iraq, police sources have told Al Jazeera. Gunmen in three vehicles used machine guns in the attack on Friday evening in the town of Imam Wais, 65km east of Baghdad.

Fifteen Iranian and three Iraqi workers were killed, while five Iranians and one Iraqi were wounded. The workers were laying the foundation for a gas pipeline which is set to connect Iraq with neighbouring Iran.

Also on Friday, a series of car bombs and attacks in Iraq killed 18 people, and wounded 37 others, according to Al Jazeera police sources. A car bomb exploded near a security checkpoint in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, killing six people, and injuring at least ten.

In a drive-by shooting in

Violence has reached levels not seen since 2008, when U.S. forces were still fighting for control of Iraq

Baghdad’s Ghazaliyah area, gunmen shot and killed two people, including a government employee, in their car.

Two separate car bombs also exploded near the capital: the first, near a fish market in Nahrawan, killed five people and wounding at least 14, while another exploded in Madain, just south

of Baghdad, killing five people and injuring 13.

Violence in Iraq has reached a level this year not seen since 2008, when the country was just emerging from a brutal period of rampant sectarian killings.

Nearly 950 people were killed in the month of November alone. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

for the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region in southwest France, told Europe 1 radio. “People would tell me: ‘look at the state you have left our country in’,” he added. “There is no more industry, farming is in crisis, just one in 10 children of farmers grudgingly says they want to carry on in agriculture.

“The countryside has lost its perspective, and it isn’t any better in the cities. We all know the state of France’s suburbs, even those that have

been rebuilt.” Lassalle, 58, set out in April and walked an almost uninterrupted route clockwise around France, flying only from Marseille in the south to northern Corsica, and again from Bordeaux in the southwest to Nantes in the north-west. He said he “needed to get a feeling” for the country, and wrote on his personal blog that he was impressed by peoples’ willingness to speak frankly with him. (Excerpt from France24)

Gaia spacecraft set for launch on mission to map a billion stars

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he European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft is poised to begin its mission to map a billion stars in our galaxy to an unprecedented level of detail, with its scheduled launch on Thursday.

“It’s going to be the most

accurate and the most detailed 3D map of stars there has ever been,” said Dr Ralph Cordey, head of science at Astrium UK, a company involved in the building of the spacecraft.

More than a decade in gestation, and costing €740

million (£625 million), Gaia is set to spend five years orbiting around the Sun at a distance of 1.5 km from the Earth at the so-called L2 Lagrangian point, capturing information relating to stars distributed across the Milky Way. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

16

saturday, DECember 14, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Africa

Caribbean

Samsung Experience opens doors in TT Zimbabwe: Govt seeks more

L

ocal consumers can look forward to almost immediate access to new innovations from technology giant Samsung, now that the company has established a Samsung Experience Store at Gulf City, San Fernando. The specialty store, which opens today, will carry Samsung’s full range of products, devices and accessories.

Michelle Alvarez, project manager for the Samsung Experience Store, Latin

America, told the TT Guardian: “We will definitely try to do it the same day. That’s our plan.

Whenever we launch a project, we try to do a global launch.

If not the same day, the same week, but that’s our plan. “We don’t want people to think of our store as a place where they can just buy a product. It’s about the experience. We want them to go there and interact with the product. They can actually see for themselves how it works and what each prod-

uct has to offer.”

The new store is the result of a partnership with local distributor, Cell Master. Alvarez would not reveal the cost of setting up the store, but said the initial investment was shared.

TT is the fourth Caribbean territory in which the tech giant has opened a select store.

The first Samsung Experience Store opened in Aruba in April, followed by stores in The Dominican Republic and Jamaica. (Trinidad Guardian)

North America

diamond polishers

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overnment is currently reviewing beneficiation licences and tax laws on diamonds as a way of creating an enabling operating environment for players within the processing value chain of diamonds, an official has said. In a speech read on his behalf at the inaugural beneficiation workshop in Harare Wednesday by the director in the ministry,

Australia

Valentine Vera, Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa said the move would encourage more players to venture into beneficiation of the country’s gems.

“Just recently, the ministry decided to review beneficiation licences on diamonds, while we are also looking into the taxes charged on these diamonds and we are also looking into various other aspects

of the diamond and jewellery policies.

“This will enable us to come up with measures that influence business growth in the sector,” he said. Minister Chidhakwa also noted that value addition to natural resources is the fastest way to trigger the economy so that revenue realised in value-added products can benefit other critical service sectors. (allAfrica)

prime minister holds Qualcomm promotes Mollenkopf Australian Toyota talks to CEO, ends Microsoft talk

Q

ualcomm Inc, the world’s biggest maker of cellphone chips, unexpectedly named Chief Operating Officer Steve Mollenkopf as chief executive on Friday, heading off the possibility he might be poached to run Microsoft Corp. Mollenkopf had been in line to eventually succeed CEO Paul Jacobs, the 51-year-old son of a Qualcomm co-founder, but that plan was sped up in order to keep the senior executive from leaving,

Jacobs told Reuters in an interview. “Our executives are very talented and very sought after,” Jacobs said, when asked

by Reuters whether the promotion was related to an offer from Microsoft.

“The timing is a little faster than we originally planned but the key thing is to make sure we kept management continuity,” Jacobs said. Jacobs and Mollenkopf declined to specifically discuss Microsoft or whether

Mollenkopf had a job offer from the world’s largest software company, which is seeking a candidate to replace retiring CEO Steve Ballmer.

On Thursday, Bloomberg News reported that Microsoft has been considering Mollenkopf as a candidate for CEO. “He would have been an awesome (Microsoft) CEO,” said FBR analyst Chris Rolland. “But Qualcomm didn’t want to lose him, and it makes sense to me.” (Reuters)

Europe

A

ustralia’s government is holding talks with Toyota in an effort to convince the firm to continue manufacturing cars in the country. The talks come after Holden, a General Motors subsidiary, said it would stop making cars in Australia from 2017.

That would leave the Japanese company as the only firm making cars there.

Toyota has said Holden’s decision will put “unprecedented pressure” on its abili-

ty to make cars in Australia, stoking fears that it might also leave.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he had spoken to the head of Toyota’s Australian unit, Max Yasuda.

“Obviously, the government will be talking to Toyota,” Abbott told Australian network Channel Nine. “We want Toyota to continue.”

He added: “They are in a slightly different position to Holden. “Much more of their local production has

been for export. Toyota locally have been much more integrated into the global operations of the company, it seems, than with Holden,” Abbott said.

Holden cited a strengthening Australian currency, high manufacturing costs and a small domestic market as the reasons for its decision. A strong currency has been one of the biggest issues for carmakers with a presence in Australia in recent years. (BBC

News)

Middle East

Fortum to sell Finnish power MidEast airlines set to post distribution grid for US$3.5B US$1.6B net profit in 2013

S

tate-controlled Finnish utility Fortum has agreed to sell its local power distribution grid to a group of institutional investors led by First State Investments and Borealis Infrastructure for 2.55 billion euros (US$3.5 billion).

While the higher than expected offer from the consortium excited investors, some Finnish politicians expressed opposition, saying that foreign ownership would lead to high-

er utility bills for consumers.

The deal is the latest in a series of regulated grid sales made by large energy firms wanting to cut debt and focus on their power generation businesses instead.

At the same time, it highlights the increasing popularity of established infrastructure assets for pension funds and other institutional investors seeking relatively safe and assured returns in a low interest rate world.

Market statistics

Shares in the company were up 3.6 per cent at 17.44 euros by 1447 GMT as the deal raised hopes of similarly high valuations for Fortum’s Swedish and Norwegian distribution networks which it is also looking to sell. “It looks like the deal price is around 10-15 per cent higher than what was expected,” said Jari Honko, an Alandsbanken portfolio manager who said Fortum was one of his fund’s biggest investments. (Reuters)

Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

Fixed as at July 24, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$334.43

$338.62

CAN

$192.86

$195.09

USD

$205.49

$207.93

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on December 10, 2013 USD Per Once

Indicators

Bid/Ask

Live Spot Gold $1238.80

$1239.80

Crude Oil

$108.67

-0.95

Low/High

$1228.40

$1239.90

Price

USD per Ounce

Change %

Change

+13.60

+1.11

$19.71

+0.21 +5.00

Platinum

London Gold Fix

Dec 13

USD GBP EUR

AM

PM

1222.75 750.89 891.22

1232.00 756.94 987.50

AM

PM

Dec 12

USD GBP EUR

1243.50 758.51 902.79

Last: 15755.36

Silver

1225.25 749.25 891.09 Changes: +15.93

Open: 15745.66

High:15792.80

% YTD: 20.23

52Wk Hi: 16174.51

US$ per barrel

$1361.00

Change %

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iddle East airlines are expected to return a net profit of US$1.6 billion in 2013, increasing to US$2.4 billion in 2014, according to a new report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The aviation authority said margins will also continue to improve in the region — from 3.8 per cent in 2013 to 4.7 per cent in 2014.

IATA said the improvements are being driven by the region’s hubs, particularly in

the Gulf, which continue to expand in support of growing long-haul connectivity.

“Strong oil revenues — as oil prices stay high — continue to support travel generated by domestic activity and the development of the tourist industry. The Syrian crisis has not impacted traffic beyond its borders,” IATA said in a statement. Globally, IATA announced an upward revision to its industry financial outlook. For 2013 airlines are expected to return a global net

profit of US$12.9 billion. This is expected to improve to a net profit of US$19.7 billion in 2014. Both are improvements on the September forecast which anticipated an industry net profit of US$11.7 billion in 2013 increasing to US$16.4 billion in 2014. IATA said the upward revision reflects lower jet fuel prices over the forecast period as well as improvements to the industry’s structure and efficiency already visible in quarterly results this year. (Arabianbusiness)

Investors' guide

Traditional vs online universities – what’s the difference?

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nline universities and traditional colleges that offer courses in physical classrooms have the same end goal: provide students with an educational experience that enables them to grow in their chosen field and eventually earn a degree. But although their purpose is the same, both possess significant differences in the approach they take, setting them distinctly apart.

Distance learning definitely has its upside, especially for those who can’t afford the time or costs associated with attending a standard brickand-mortar university.

online

eficial when consuming large amounts of content * Student participation readily encouraged (and often accounts for a portion of the final grade) * Potential for networking and social interaction with other classmates (some of whom you may end up working with one day)

* Direct contact with instructors and classmates, providing learning through immediate feedback * Physical textbooks and supplemental materials that are believed to be more ben-

Like any investment, higher education requires considerable background and planning to select the institution that will best meet your specific needs. (Business Dictionary)

Benefits of online learning

* No pre-defined class schedule * No commute to campus * Lower tuition * Fewer fees (parking, activity, etc.) * Ability to engage online with classmates around the country (and the world)

Disadvantages of learning

Curriculum – where the buck stops

TO BE CONTINUED

Business concept – Ratio % Change: +0.10 Low: 15717.92 52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

Result of one number or quantity divided by another. Ratios are the simplest mathematical (statistical) tools that reveal significant relationships hidden in mass of data, and allow meaningful comparisons. Some ratios are expressed as fractions or decimals, and some as percentages.

Major types of business ratios include efficiency, liquidity, profitability, and solvency ratios.

news

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saturday, December 14, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

House pays tribute to global Finance minister clears air peace icon Nelson Mandela on budgetary allocation for wages, salaries

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Opposition Leader David Granger

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

AFC parliamentarian Moses Nagamootoo

embers of Parliament on Thursday called for all Guyanese to follow the footsteps of Nelson Mandela as the House paid glowing tributes to the late South African president and peace icon, who passed away at the age of 95 on December 6.

Saluting the anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said Mandela was a truly extraordinary individual who changed the course of South Africa from being bound by the cords of apartheid, laying the foundation for a democratic South Africa on the basis of equality, fairness, justice and respect.

ouring the life of Mandela, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said “We” can all learn from the lessons Mandela provided throughout his life in the area of sacrifice, love and reconciliation.” She added: “As we reflect on his life, what he stood for, the ideals he embraced, (we should)… we not allow these written and spoken words to fall into a void but we should practically adopt the principles which guided his vision for a united nonracial and democratic South African…”

As she continued to pay tribute to the renowned leader, she recalled that Guyana was among nations which supported Mandela and the anti-apartheid fighters of the African National Congress (ANC). “Guyana’s support was guided by the universal principles to which it has always espoused; principles of equality of people… and independence,” she added.

born. He taught us that good life for all can be attain if all of is people could be free.”

Reflecting on past, the opposition leader said Guyana was integrally involved in Mandela’s life long struggle for liberation, pointing out that the government of Guyana was the first to pledge financial and other material assistance to the African liberation movement.

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Liberation

To have made such an impact, on the world, he was truly a man of all time; he was a leader who reached every strata of society, who demonstrated forgiveness and tolerance in the face of cruelty and injustice.

“Mr Nelson Mandela continued his struggle for the true liberation of the people of south African while being physically imprisoned, but not mentally bound by the bars of his cell,” RodriguesBirkett said as she reflected on the life of the former president.

Through his leadership, Mandela demonstrated immense capacity for consensus on nation building and reconsolidation, she said. As Guyana joins South African and the rest of world in hon-

Struggle for injustice

Opposition Leader David Granger also joined the foreign affairs minister in paying tribute to the legendary leader. “His life was committed to creating national unity, in a country which had been divided and segregated by racial and social discrimination and marginalisation,” Granger said in his opening remarks.

He added, “Nelson Mandela’s life is a legendary lesson of courage for his struggle against injustice. He demonstrated that people had the powers to change the conditions under which they were

Giant of history

“It was the government of Guyana that constructed the African Liberation Monument in 1975, which is still standing; it was the government of Guyana that organised the international forum on the liberation of Southern Africa right here in Georgetown in 1981.

Mr Speaker, we remember also today the fraternal bonds between the People’s National Congress of Guyana and the African National Congress of South Africa.”

Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Moses Nagamootoo in his short presentation drove home the point for politicians to truly emulate Mandela.

“If we are sincere, we have to do Mandela, we have be Mandela.”

On Tuesday, world leaders joined thousands of South Africans in honouring the life of Mandela during a national memorial service at FNB stadium in Johannesburg. U.S. President Barack Obama said Mandela was a “giant of history”, tagging him the last great liberator of the 20th century.

oney allocated in the 2013 National Budget for revised wages and salary can only cater for five per cent increase across the board to public servants, since the budgeted allocation not only catered for annual increases, but also to offset all the new recruitments and other employment shortfall cost that are not budgeted for under the different agencies in the central government system.

This was made clear Thursday evening in the National Assembly as Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh gave answers to a question posed by opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Basil Williams, with regards to utilisation of the $4.4 billion allocated in budget 2013 for revised wages and salary.

Every MP in the House, including those on the government side is well aware of the fact that the budgeted allocation funds more than the annual increase to the public service, according to Minister Singh.

Premature The question without notice, demanded that the minister provides a breakdown of how much of the money allocated for revised wages and salaries was spent under the following categories; increases in wages and salary, new employment and promotions.

But, the finance minister noted that the question was mischievous since it could not have been intended to elicit a factual answer as the December salaries and retro-active payment for the over 30,000 people employed under the government system are yet to be commuted.

He said that Williams’ questioning was therefore premature since it requires substantial data confirmation. He said that the oppo-

that this has been a practice enshrined in central government for a number of years, for the reason that it is difficult to predict which agencies would be recruiting, and in what numbers and when.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

sition MP was well aware of this fact, and even if unfamiliar, others on his side of the House are aware.

Manipulated The minister pointed out that the issue of the revised wages and salary was regrettably being manipulated and misrepresented by the opposition side of the House, whose members are well aware of how the funding is used, since the line item, which falls under the Finance Ministry itself is carefully scrutinised by them whenever it comes up for consideration during the annual budget debates.

He noted, that opposition MP Carl Greenidge as recently as this year, during the consideration of the ministry’s estimates and expenditure, questioned him on the allocation.

Reading extracts of the line of questioning, the minister pointed out that he explained then, as he has always, that as a matter of policy, for each of the budgeted agencies, the amount made available for employment cost is what is required to cover those persons currently employed within the budgeted agencies.

This means that any new recruitment is funded under the revision of wages and salaries, the minister said. He explained

750 more beneficiaries receive laptops

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ver 750 individuals on Wednesday and Thursday, benefited from three, One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) distribution exercises taking them one step closer to becoming Information Communication Technology (ICT) literate.

The first exercise was held at the Concerned Residents’ Action Group, Golden Grove saw the distribution of 354 laptops to residents of Nabaclis, Haslington, Cove and John, Golden Grove and North Enmore.

A similar exercise was carried out at the School of the Nations, New Market Street and targeted 253 residents of Lacytown, North Cummingsburg, Robbstown and Albertown.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the government for this initiative. Fabina Bacchus, a teacher at the Sophia Special School said the laptop would not only benefit her, but the students under her charge as well. Trishan Macgregor, also a teacher was extremely grateful for his laptop.

Charity teen commits suicide after mother takes away her cellphone

A A section of the gathering at the distribution exercise in Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara

On Thursday, over 150 individuals benefited from a distribution exercise that was held at the Heavenly Light Church, Norton Street.

All the recipients will benefit from a fiveday training session.

The OLPF programme is an initiative that was launched and pioneered by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2011. The vision of this programme is to equip 90,000 families with laptops and to expand the use of ICT countrywide.

General practise Thus, the general practice has been to reside in the Finance Ministry, an allocation (revised wages and salary) that funds across the board salary increases, the cost of any new recruitment, and the cost of other employment cost shortfall.

The latter can arise, not only for recruitment, but also as a result of re-classification and promotion.

“The explanation I tendered in April of this year is by no means new information, this House has been well aware of the use of the revised wages and salary for several years… this practice is rooted in a long-standing policy that for the simple individual budget agency, the national budget only provides financial allocations to meet the cost of posts that are filled at the time that the budget is finalised,” the finance minister said.

During the course of examination of these estimates, questions are routinely asked on the numbers, designations, and salaries of each person to be paid under each item.

The minister committed to provide in written form the information Williams requested and for Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan, a breakdown as to the categories of workers, recruited, and promoted.

The opposition has using the revised wage and salaries allocation to help fuel public outcry against the five per cent wage hike for public servants that government indicated it would be paying.

16-year-old secondary school student at Charity Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast ended her life tragically, committing suicide early Thursday morning.

Talia Da Silva, who attended the Charity Secondary School, became angry Thursday morning after her mother took away her mobile phone.

After a heated argument with her mother, the teen reportedly locked herself in her bedroom and hanged herself.

The tragic death of the student has sent shock waves through the Charity Housing Scheme, especially the secondary school she attended.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 14, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Go out of your way to show your potential. Get involved in creative projects that will enhance your earning power. You have the ability to motivate others through your example.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Do whatever it takes to make personal changes that will influence your position and reputation.

A more active role in your work or career will lead to a higher cash flow.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) For the full scoop on an important situation, you need to do your research. Don’t make promises or give others a hint of your plans. Work quietly, behind the scenes.

Peanuts

CANCER (June 21July 22) Get out, even if you feel like staying home.

Mingling with go-getters will lead to a serious and prosperous connection.

Romance is highlighted.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Be mindful of others and include everyone in your plans. Making lastminute alterations will help you make a good impression and ensure that you remain in control.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Show off your talents today. Your bravura and know-how will lead to an offer you cannot refuse. A chance to explore something that interests you will change your outlook forever.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You’ll attract attention, but don’t show off or take on too much. Stick to your budget and organise your time to ensure that you reach your deadlines.

SUDOKU TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Start to make plans that include family, friends or your community. The year’s end is fast approaching, and being the one who organises and prepares will put you in a popular position.

Reconnect with people from your past. Take care of friends, family and those who need help in general. Your kindness and generosity will be your ticket to a positive encounter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Focus on reaching your goals and exploring new possibilities.

Unusual changes at home will help you accommodate someone who means a lot to you.

Friday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Make a special effort to engage others in conversation today. You can improve your relationships at work and home if you share ideas and are willing to compromise.

Stay active and get things done.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Don’t let personal frustrations stifle your performance. You have what it takes to reach your goals, so don’t sit back waiting to see what others are going to do first. Now’s the time for some decisive action.

YELLOW PAGES

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Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today. optician

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

Sophia Training Centre hosts first Christmas luncheon

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news 19

spirituality

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony serving the students at the Sophia Training Centre at their first Christmas luncheon

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

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Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during his address to the students at the Sophia Training Centre

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tudents of the Sophia Training Centre (STC) on Wednesday expressed happiness as they were served lunch and goodies

by Culture, Youth and Sport minister, Dr Frank Anthony and other ministry officials at their first Christmas luncheon which was held at the centre’s lawns, Dennis Street, Sophia.

STC, a non-residential institution under the purview of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry continues to provide technical and vocational skills training for unskilled, unemployed and outof-school youths through the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme, which enables them to become employable.

Minister Anthony said that the institution has improved over the years, and has seen tremendous success in terms of students leaving the institution and becoming better persons.

In an address to the students, Minister Anthony urged that they make the best use of the opportunity that is offered to them, and to ensure that they complete the course and graduate successfully.

“I hope that you are enjoying the programmes because we want to play a role in your lives and help to give you some skills that you can utilise as you move forward… we hope that whatever we are offering, you make good use of it,” Minister Anthony told the

students.

“Each of you can make an important contribution to our country, but you have to feel that way, because if you don’t feel that way you can easily be lost…we hope that we will inspire you during your training here to do better things with yourselves,” Minister Anthony added.

Christmas, he said, is not only a time of retrospection, but when kindness is shared among people and in the spirit of the season the students must be able to assist in sharing that kindness in every way possible.

Meanwhile, Senior Training Officer, Brian King said that the centre has grown significantly in that it has recorded a 27 per cent increase in student intake over the past year.

The centre also has two special needs students. King said that one of the objectives of the centre is to give youths a second chance at education and this is not limited to anyone.

Recognition was given to Marjorie Simmons, the longest serving staff member of the institution.

This year, 94 students graduated during the STC’s 24th graduation ceremony in areas such as business studies, carpentry, electrical, installation, joinery, masonry, motor mechanics, plumbing, craft and catering.

The Moray House hosting art exhibition

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Craft items on display

n exhibition of art wear, jewellery, sculpture, home décor , natural body care and wines, is currently on at The Moray House, Camp and Quamina

Some of the wines at the exhibition

streets, Georgetown.

The exhibition commenced on Wednesday, December 11 and will conclude on Sunday, December 15. It is opened from 10:00h to 18.00h daily.

Thus far, it has attracted a wide cross-section of the public and is presented by a blend of local artists working together to make the holidays special for craft lovers.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

SAturday, december 14, 2013

retain top ranking with Steve Smith ton leads SL series-levelling win Australia recovery P in Perth

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century from Steve Smith took the first day of the third Test away from England as the tourists were once again unable to capitalise on a promising position.

Australia had been 1435 just after lunch as their top order gave their wickets away cheaply, but a sixthwicket partnership of 124 between Smith and Brad Haddin (55) took them to safety before late muscular hitting from Mitchell Johnson extended their advantage.

Smith made 103 not out with 15 boundaries and Johnson an unbeaten 39 as the home side closed on 3266, the highest first-day total at this ground in Ashes history.

With temperatures at 39 C for much of Friday, it was another punishing day for England’s attack at a ground where they have only won one Test.

And with Alastair Cook’s men not having scored 400 in 20 Test innings, it leaves Australia in a strong position as they look to make it three victories on the bounce and win back the Ashes for the first time in seven years with two matches still to play.

On a track that looked designed to break bowlers, Michael Clarke had won the toss and been able to bat first for the third Test in a row.

Yet the breakthrough came early when an electric piece of fielding from James Anderson at mid-on saw Chris Rogers run out for 11 with a direct hit.

Eight boundaries came off the first eight overs as David Warner and Shane Watson attacked hard before Watson, in characteristic fashion, chased a wide one from Broad to be taken

by Graeme Swann at second slip for 18.

Clarke continued to be aggressive, and as the 50 partnership came up in just 63 balls, Warner went to his own half century off 57 balls with seven fours and a six.

If it felt reckless even on this wicket, the score racing past 100 in fewer than 22 overs, Clarke and Warner then fell to needless shots to gift England the initiative.

In the penultimate over before lunch, Swann’s first of the match, Clarke came down the pitch and clipped the ball straight to Cook at short midwicket for 24.

Warner then cut a short one from the same bowler to Michael Carberry at backward point for 60, and when the unhappy-looking George Bailey top-edged a hook off Broad to Pietersen at deep square leg for just seven,

Steven Smith celebrates his hundred (Getty Images)

Australia had slumped to 143-5.

Just as on day one in Brisbane and Adelaide England had a crowbar in the door. But just as in those first two Tests, Australia then slammed it shut as Smith and Haddin added 66 runs in the 14 overs before tea, Ben Stokes coming in for punishment as he dropped short too often.

The shot-making continued in the evening session.

Smith in particular used his feet well to Swann, and the 100 partnership came up with a delightful skip and cover drive for four.

The heat was unrelenting, Tim Bresnan in particular struggling to keep his pace up after being recalled in place of Monty Panesar.

Haddin went to his 50 with a straight six off the seamer, and so comfortable did the pair look that it was a surprise when he mis-hit a pull off Stokes to Anderson at midwicket to end another essential innings on 55.

The work had been done.

That partnership had taken the day away from England, and as Smith flourished in the company of Johnson so one sensed the match and series was slipping away too.

Smith went to his second Test century and his first on home soil with a pull off Stokes for four, the 13th of

his innings to go with the two sixes, and celebrated with a leap and a grin.

After a poor series so far his innings meant that Australians have now made five individual scores of 100 or more in this series to England’s none.

Johnson then took over the charge as the second new ball came and went without any further breakthrough.

And by the end England were looking horribly short of ideas as their troubled tour went through another disheartening day. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD Australia 1st innings CJL Rogers run out (Anderson) 11 DA Warner c Carberry b Swann 60 SR Watson c Swann b Broad 18 MJ Clarke* c Cook b Swann 24 SPD Smith c †Prior b Anderson 111 GJ Bailey c Pietersen b Broad 7 BJ Haddin† c Anderson b Stokes 55 MG Johnson c †Prior b Broad 39 PM Siddle c †Prior b Bresnan 21 RJ Harris c Root b Anderson 12 NM Lyon not out 17 Extras: (lb 6, w 3, nb 1) 10 Total: (103.3 overs) 385 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-52, 3-106, 4-129, 5-143, 6-267, 7-326, 8-338, 9-354, 10-385 Bowling: JM Anderson 23-560-2, SCJ Broad 22-2-100-3, TT Bresnan 23.3-4-81-1, BA Stokes 16-2-63-1, GP Swann 170-71-2, JE Root 1-0-4-0

assive on Wednesday, punishing on Friday Sri Lanka’s top order were fearsome in their defence of the top Twenty20 team ranking, as they slammed 211 for 3 to set up a 24-run, series-levelling win.

The total was the highest ever against Pakistan, and was held together by Kusal Perera’s 59-ball 84, which began in a breakneck 100run stand with Tillakaratne Dilshan, and finished in a blazing 78-run partnership with Kumar Sangakkara in the late overs.

Sri Lanka’s reticence in the first match had allowed Pakistan’s bowlers to strike a comfortable rhythm, but this time, their intent to define the action was unmistakable from the outset.

Pakistan played two inexperienced seam bowlers in their attack once more, but Sri Lanka’s openers shredded had Bilawal Bhatti’s confidence and pummelled Usman Khan by the end of the Powerplay.

A six and a four over point off Perera’s swift blade heralded the onslaught, before Tillakaratne Dilshan joined the melee with a scoop over fine leg, off his fourth ball. There was rarely a second’s respite for Pakistan after that.

Perera and Dilshan were severe when the bowlers strayed, but many Pakistan frailties were also of the batsmen’s own making.

Dilshan was the more forceful partner in the opening stand, and the ease with which he hit to unconventional parts of the ground forced field changes that made other, more familiar areas accessible. It is exactly the sort of dynamic Sri Lanka have hoped to achieve with this hyper-aggressive pair. Nothing quite spoils an opposition game plan like a rampant opening stand. Once the bowling was dispatched to the boundary, poor deliveries almost invariably followed.

In between the boundaries, Perera could not turn over the strike as effortlessly as Dilshan, but he gained ground with brief, calculated surges. Afridi had delivered his first over for eight runs, but Perera was determined not to allow the bowler to settle. He made room to chop the third ball of the tenth over for four, before running down the pitch to swipe the next delivery through square leg.

Still unsatisfied, he advanced again to play perhaps his most violent stroke of the evening - a whip-like slog that fetched the ball from outside the off stump and sent it into the midwicket stands. Afridi had been the most miserly man in Pakistan’s attack in the first match, but the fact that he bowled no more than two overs in the second makes

Kusal Perera’s 59-ball 84 set the platform for Sri Lanka’s challenging total (AFP)

plain the dramatic shift in Sri Lanka’s batting mentality.

Dilshan fell to a reverseslog sweep after the score reached triple figures - his ambition getting the better of him perhaps, leaving him two short of a fifty. Seekkuge Prasanna was promoted to No.3 on debut, and made good on his pinch-hitter billing with an 8-ball 21.

Sangakkara’s increasing prowess in limitedovers cricket quickened Sri Lanka’s already rapid progress, towards the end of the innings, as he peppered the fine-leg fence with his lap-scoop, and hit imperiously down the ground as well. Perera built towards a crescendo alongside him, launching Usman for consecutive sixes in the penultimate over, but he was run out for his highest international score on the final

ball of the innings, after Sri Lanka had crossed 200 earlier in the over.

Pakistan burned white hot in patches of their reply but, dramatic though these surges were, none were sustained for long enough to suggest they would complete what would have been the biggest Twenty20 chase in history. In his third Twenty20, Sharjeel Khan alone among Pakistan’s top order married belligerence to good judgement, and he prospered through the early overs while team-mates lost their nerve, and their wickets, at the other end.

Two gargantuan sixes off Prasanna in the tenth over took Sharjeel to 50 off 24 balls but, perhaps a little excited by the occasion, he walked across his stumps on the next ball and let an innocuous full toss bowl him around the legs. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka innings K Perera run out (Saeed Ajmal/ Sohail Tanvir) 84 T Dilshan c Umar Amin b Saeed Ajmal 48 S Prasanna c Usman Khan b Saeed Ajmal 21 K Sangakkara† not out 44 Extras: (lb 1, w 12, nb 1) 14 Total: (3 wkts, 20 overs) 211 Fall of wickets: 1-100, 2-133, 3-211 Bowling: U Khan 4-0-52-0, S Tanvir 4-0-31-0, B Bhatti 2-0-320, S Ajmal 4-0-25-2, M Hafeez 4-0-45-0, S Afridi 2-0-25-0 Pakistan innings A Shehzad c sub (Vithanage) b Senanayake 8 S Khan b Prasanna 50 M Hafeez* c †Sangakkara b

Kulasekara 7 S Maqsood c Chandimal b N Perera 15 U Akmal† b Prasanna 0 S Afridi c †Sangakkara b N Perera 28 U Amin c Chandimal b Senanayake 0 B Bhatti st †Sangakkara b Senanayake 0 S Tanvir c Prasanna b Malinga 41 S Ajmal lbw b Kulasekara 20 U Khan not out 2 Extras: (b 1, lb 2, w 10, nb 3) 16 Total: (all out, 19.2 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-27, 3-62, 4-83, 5-84, 6-85, 7-85, 8-121, 9-184, 10-187 Bowling: L Malinga 4-0-301, K Kulasekara 3.2-0-232, S Senanayake 4-0-27-3, A Mathews 1-0-10-0, T Dilshan 1-0-13-0, S Prasanna 3-045-2, N Perera 3-0-36-2

SAturday, december 14, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Pierce, Garnett help Nets beat Rivers’ Clippers N

EW YORK - Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett share a championship with Doc Rivers and a bond that didn’t break when they ended up on opposite coasts. ‘’I’ll always have a special place for Doc,’’ Garnett said.

Now the two veterans are trying to teach a new team what they learned from their old coach.

Andray Blatche and Joe Johnson each scored 21 points in the Brooklyn Nets’ 102-93 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, making Pierce and Garnett winners in their first matchup with Rivers.

Brook Lopez had 16 points and Deron Williams 15 for the Nets, who won their season-high third straight. Pierce scored 10 points off the bench in his second game back from a broken hand.

Chris Paul scored 20 points but had just two assists as the Clippers lost for the first time in nine games this season when he reaches 20.

Pierce and Garnett went 2-0 in

Two Los Angleles Clipper defenders try to stop a driving Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) in the first half of their game at the Barclays Center, Thursday, in New York (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

a reunion tour of ex-Celtics this week. They helped the Nets beat Boston here Tuesday, then Rivers made an emotional return to Boston on Wednesday. Rivers said

before this game he knew it would be fun because of how competitive his two former stars are.

It finally rubbed off on their new team, as the Nets were much

more fired up than in some of their poor performances during an 8-14 start. ‘’We hope so. I think our experience, our competitiveness, our leadership, hopefully can rub off on everybody,’’ Pierce said. ‘’We’re starting to see signs of that, and that’s what we’re here for.’’

Garnett had just two points but played rugged defense on Blake Griffin, hitting him so hard on one foul that officials originally called it a flagrant before overturning it when replay showed he’d actually hit Griffin in the upper arms, not the face.

Rivers coached Pierce and Garnett to the 2008 NBA title, but wasn’t interested in remaining in Boston for a rebuilding era. The Celtics let him go to Los Angeles for a first-round pick. The Clippers wanted Garnett, too - and maybe even Pierce - but the teams couldn’t find a way to make a deal that would’ve been legal under NBA rules.

Pierce and Garnett were even-

tually dealt to the Nets, and Rivers remains close with the duo.

Garnett took a detour during his intense pre-jump ball ritual to stop at the Clippers bench for a hug with Rivers and his assistants from Boston. ‘’I was shocked that Kevin came over before the game because he has a routine,’’ Rivers said. ‘’I turned to (assistant Tyronn Lue) and said, ‘Well, Kevin’s going to struggle now. He just broke his routine.’ But no, we talk all the time. It was nice. They were really happy about last night is basically what they both said.’’

Pierce chatted with Rivers a couple of times, joking that he knew all his plays.

Both players sat out Nets’ loss in Los Angeles on November 16, along with Williams and Lopez.

Griffin had 12 points and 11 rebounds but shot 2 of 8 for the Clippers, who were a step behind on the sixth stop of their seven-game road trip that wraps up Saturday at Washington. (AP)

Clarke wins player-of-the-year award

A

ustralia captain Michael Clarke has been named the International Cricket Council’s player-of-the-year for 2013.

Clarke, currently playing in his 100th Test against England in Perth, scored 1,559 runs at an average of 70.86 in the 12 months to 25 August.

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara was voted the limited-overs international

cricketer of the year.

England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor was named women’s Twenty20 player of the year for the second year running.

England’s Alastair Cook, also playing in his 100th Test in Perth, was recently named captain of the ICC’s

Michael Clarke

List of winners:

Cricketer of the Year - Michael Clarke (Aus) Test Cricketer of the Year - Clarke ODI Cricketer of the Year - Kumar Sangakkara (SL) Emerging Cricketer of the Year - Cheteshwar Pujara (Ind) Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year - Kevin O’Brien (Ire) Twenty20 International Performance of the Year - Umar Gul (Pak) Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year - Suzie Bates (NZ) T20I Women’s Cricketer of the Year - Sarah Taylor (Eng) Spirit of Cricket Award - Mahela Jayawardene (SL) Umpire of the Year - Richard Kettleborough (Eng)

Quarter-finalists to...

From back page

Wendell Pedro (20th) and Randolph Wagner (22nd) accounted for West Front Road- Gold is Money’s two goals in their 2-1 success over North Sophia, whose long strike came from Kevin Frank in the eighth minute, while Stevedore Housing Scheme gained a 3-2 win on penalties against Albouystown A after a 1-1 draw.

Steven Dolphin had given Stevedore Housing Scheme the lead in the 12th minute, while Shaka Jones levelled the scores six minutes later for Albouystown A. The quarter-finals and semi-finals are fixed for next Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre, while the

grand final will take place on December 21 at the National Park tarmac.

The champion team will receive $500,000, while the runner-up will collect $300,000, third $200,000 and fourth $100,000. All the other teams will receive participation stipends of no less than $10,000.

Zone competitions will also be held in Berbice, East Coast, West Demerara, Linden and Bartica in the coming months with the top two teams advancing to the national playoff. The winner of the national playoff will earn the right to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Street Challenge in July 2014 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Test team of the year.

Clarke’s stunning run with the bat coincided with some tough times for Australian cricket, including the 4-0 Test series loss in India and the 3-0 Ashes loss in England.

“I was very surprised, there are so many guys

playing so well around the world at the moment,” said Clarke, who scored five centuries in the qualifying period to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and also be named Test cricketer of the year.

“I’d swap it for the team to have success, that’s for

sure.”

Australia have rebounded on home soil in the return Ashes series, winning back-to-back tests in Brisbane and Adelaide to lead the five-match series 2-0 before the third match at the Waca. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

SAturday, december 14, 2013

swings NZ GTA to strengthen focus Boult to innings win on schools tennis W

T

he Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) will consolidate its efforts in 2014 to ensure the schools tennis programme, which started in 2006, is sustained.

This was the assurance given by president of the association, Ramesh Seebarran, who made the disclosure earlier this week.

During his feature address at the GTA’s first-ever awards ceremony on Monday evening at the Georgetown Club, Seebarran reflected on the progress made since the programme started, noting that it has churned out new talents every year.

The GTA boss stated that work in this area of tennis development will continue in the new year as the association is keen on investing in youngsters, espe-

Ramesh Seebarran

cially since it has consistently received support from the world governing body, the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

“We continue to provide coaching and support to

schools in the Georgetown area under the ITF school tennis initiative and the junior tennis initiative development programme which is ongoing and forms part of the GTA’s five-year plan to develop tennis in Guyana,” Seebarran said.

He added, “Unfortunately, while we would like this programme to go beyond Georgetown, we are hampered by the limited number of coaches, [lack of] resources and [ITF approved] playing facilities.

These programmes are supported by the ITF through equipment and subsidy for the coordinator and her assistant.”

National coach Shelly Daly-Ramdhyan is the chief coordinator of the programme, which has been the base for filtering in new tal-

ents into the national system.

Seebarran also boasted that Guyana is one of only two Caribbean countries to submit progress reports to the ITF this year, a fact he feels is indicative of the hard work done by the executives of the local governing body.

“I’m pleased to report that Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are the only two countries that would have consistently followed through with these programmes and submit reports to the ITF,” Seebarran concluded.

Apart from development of schools tennis in 2014, the association will also intensify its work in coaches’ education as according to Seebarran, there is need for more qualified coaches in Guyana.

Canal Six win Bacchus Drug Store three-way domino competition

Overseas-based Guyanese Sandra Khan hands over the winner’s trophy to Ramroop “Spoon” Sukhai. Sponsor Mohamed Hussein “Bobby” Bacchus is at centre

C

anal Six emerged winners of the Bacchus Drug Storesponsored three-way aggregate domino tournament, which climaxed recently at Ernest Shop, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara.

Entering the third and final leg with a comfortable 10-game lead over rivals International Six and 26 ahead of Persaud’s Six, the home team was never really challenged for the top spot despite going down to their opponents in the final leg.

At the end, Canal Six were easy winners with 237 games with International Six placing second on 230 and Persaud’s Six were behind on 219.

The first leg, played at the Everest Cricket Club, saw International Six

romping to victory with 81 games with Canal Six placing second on 75, edging out Persaud’s Six on 74. Hilbert “Bumpy” Ali led the way for the winners with 16 games, while Ramesh Ramoutar made 15 and there were 14 each for Martin Permaul and Intikab “Corbie” Ali. The top players for Canal Six were Scotty Ramsaroop with 17 games and Basdeo Persaud, 16. For Persaud’s Six, Robin Persaud got 16 games, Motiram Dass, 15, skipper Boodnarine Persaud, 13 and Radesh Sooklall, 13.

The second leg, also played at Everest, saw Canal Six scoring a whopping 91 games, leaving International Six on 75 and Persaud’s Six on 66. R. Sukhai registered the maximum 18 games for the win-

ners with support coming from Avie Persaud (17), Basdeo Persaud (16), Kedar Seopaul (14) and Chibar Seopaul (14).

For International Six, Edmund Sammy and Intikab Ali got 15 games each, while there were 13 games apiece for Hilbert Ali and Ron Callender. Captain Boodnarine Persaud scored the maximum 18 games for his team with Nazimul Joseph getting 14 and Radesh Sooklall, 13.

Persaud’s Six had the consolation of winning the third and final leg with 79 games with International Six placing second with 74 and Canal Six in the cellar on 71.

The top players for Persaud’s Six were Rishi Samaroo and Radesh

Sooklall, who both marked the maximum 18 games and Daniel Juman, 14.

Hilbert Ali maintained his consistency for International Six with the maximum 18 games with 15 coming from Ron Callender and 13 from Edmund Sammy. There were 14 games each for Canal Six’s Basdeo Persaud, Avie Persaud and Kedar Sooklall and 13 for Chibar Seopaul.

Trophies were awarded to the winning and runner-up teams. There were also prizes for the two best players on the winning team, Basdeo Persaud (46 games) and Avie Persaud (42) and the top player in International Six, Hilbert Ali with 47 games and Radesh Sooklall of Persaud’s Six with 44 games.

est Indies succumbed to a third innings defeat in four Tests, collapsing twice to lose 16 wickets in a day to New Zealand’s swing and pace. In the first innings, they lost their last six wickets in 35 deliveries to crumble to 193.

In the second, they stumbled from 74 for 0 to be dismissed for 175 about an hour after tea. It was New Zealand’s first win in 11 Tests in 2013 and also Brendon McCullum’s first as captain.

Nine of the 16 wickets on the third day were taken by Trent Boult, who put on an exhibition of fast, accurate inswing bowling. McCullum enforced the follow-on again after the unsuccessful attempt in Dunedin, and Tim Southee rebounded from an average display in the morning to break the opening partnership and deliver three key wickets.

Starting the day on 158 for 4, West Indies lasted just 12.5 overs, unable to adjust their gung-ho approach to tackle Boult. Four of Boult’s five victims in the morning were right-hand batsmen who insisted on driving at the original line despite the copious inswing. Boult ended with his best innings figures of 6 for 40, his final four wickets coming in just six balls.

Narsingh Deonarine started the meltdown after being worked over by Boult and prodded a straightening delivery to first slip. It was the beginning of a swift end. Marlon Samuels, who’d timed a couple of fours down the ground, kept on trying the off-drive without much foot movement, and succumbed as Boult’s inswing induced a thick inside edge to the wicketkeeper.

The next three batsmen were all bowled, refusing to adapt to the swing and not even managing an inside edge on their attempted drives. Darren Sammy lasted two balls, leaving a gaping distance between bat and pad as he drove weakly.

As did Shane Shillingford and Tino Best. In the space of five balls.

Southee completed the job in the next over, an outswinger hitting Shannon Gabriel’s off stump. It was a perfect demolition of the lower order, the last four batsmen bowled for ducks.

The disappointment of

Dunedin would have been on McCullum’s mind, but the momentum Boult generated was too intense to be ignored, and West Indies were sent in for another trial by swing. McCullum would have had thoughts of Dunedin again when Kieran Powell and Kirk Edwards put on 74 for the first wicket.

Boult had been held back after a couple of overs, and Southee was brought back only after lunch. Though a wicket never looked far away, the openers survived against Corey Anderson and Neil Wagner. They were beaten numerous times, they fended off bouncers, but didn’t try to hit their way out of the pressure.

Edwards scored his first boundary off his 72nd delivery, and also successfully reviewed after he was given out caught at short leg off Kane Williamson, replays showing there was no bat involved.

Even as the deficit decreased steadily, Southee stepped up with a spell of 9-1-19-3 after lunch. Powell went for 36 in a manner similar to the first innings, missing a full one swinging into him. Wagner, who had charged in without too much consistency, produced a sharp lifter next over to have Dunedin double-centurion Darren Bravo caught behind off the glove for a duck.

The shots started to appear now from West Indies as the pressure increased.

Edwards tried driving Southee, only to be snapped up superbly by Williamson at gully for 35. Southee also ended Samuels’ desperate, uncertain attempts at hitting out, a feeble drive ending at third slip.

It had been all Boult in the morning, it was to be all Boult in the afternoon.

Returning to bowl before tea, Boult made immediate impact as Deonarine rode the bounce on one only to chop it on. After the break, he leaped at backward point to snatch Denesh Ramdin’s cut in his left hand. He then handed Sammy a pair, the West Indies captain lasting a collective eight balls in the match as he was trapped in front by an inswinger.

Fittingly, Boult swung one in through the gate to bowl last man Gabriel to finish with 10 for 80, his best return in a match. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies 2nd innings K Edwards c Williamson b Southee 35 K Powell b Southee 36 D Bravo c †Watling b Wagner 0 M Samuels c Anderson b Southee 12 S Chanderpaul not out 31 N Deonarine b Boult 12 D Ramdin† c Boult

b Anderson 19 D Sammy* lbw b Boult 0 S Shillingford c Taylor b Wagner 1 T Best c Fulton b Boult 21 S Gabriel b Boult 0 Extras: (lb 6, w 1, nb 1) 8 Total: (all out, 54.5 overs) 175 Fall of wickets: 1-74, 2-75, 3-85, 4-94, 5-117, 6-146, 7-147, 8-148, 9-175, 10-175

SAturday, december 14, 2013

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23

BBCI supports KMTC Boxing Day horse race meet A

s part of their corporate responsibility, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has thrown its support behind the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day horse race meet.

This is the third occasion that the company is supporting the turf club for the year. The company earlier this year has supported the club’s Phagwah and Independence meets.

Organiser of the event and president of the KMTC Cecil Kennard received a cheque for $470,000 which will go towards the prizes for the I and Lower event.

The winner in that race will receive $250,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $125,000, $63,000 and $ 32,000 respectively.

The presentation took place on Friday in the company’s head office at Main Street, Georgetown.

The sponsorship was well received by Kennard, who described the upcoming event as “the big Boxing Day horse race meet.” Kennard stated that the race meet will feature some of Guyana’s finest bred horses.

“It’s important that we express our gratitude to Berbice Bridge Company for coming on board again, because as we all know, no sporting activity can be successfully promoted without sponsors,” he declared.

“I wish to thank Berbice

Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice River Bridge Company Inc. Omadat Samaroo (right) presenting the sponsorship cheque to Cecil Kennard (Photo: Rajiv Bisnauth)

Bridge Company once again and we are looking forward to their continued support in the future,” Kennard added.

He disclosed that the weather on the Corentyne is “excellent” and said that the race meet is expected to be an entertaining event.

Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice River Bridge Company Inc. Omadat Samaroo said that the company is pleased to once again support the Kennard

Four Kashif & Shanghai games billed for Sunday …rain forces postponement of Friday’s double-header

H

eavy rainfall across the country on Friday forced the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation to switch the planned double-header at the Den Amstel ground to Sunday.

According to Public Relations Officer of the tournament, Mark Young, they were left with no choice but to switch the games to Sunday, due to the heavy rainfall experienced in Region Four on Friday.

Since another two games have already been billed for Sunday, it now means that four matches will be played at two venues in the inaugural Secondary Schools tournament, organised by the group.

At the Den Amstel ground, the first game will kick off at 14:00h with President’s College taking on Stewartville Secondary, while at 16:00h, Uitvlugt Secondary will tackle Annandale Secondary.

Over on the Mackenzie

Sports Club ground in Linden, the action will commence at 16:00h with Silver City having home advantage against Friendship Secondary, while at 18:00h, Mackenzie High will test skills with Queenstown.

The tournament, which will conclude with the grand final on New Year’s Day 2014, has attracted schools from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Linden, Berbice and Region Seven.

The champion school will pocket $1.2 million, 75 percent of which will be used to finance a project identified by the school. The second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $750,000, $500,000 and $250,000, 25 percent of which will used for a project at those schools.

The Most Valuable Player will be the recipient of a laptop, as well as a onemonth stint with a top club in Trinidad and Tobago.

Memorial Turf Club.

“This is not our first sponsorship with the club we have been sponsoring throughout the year,” said Samaroo.

He added, “The sport creates great attractions not only to Berbicians, but those fans who come from as far as Linden and at times the West Coast of Demerara and even Suriname and other foreign countries to witness the events, while the proceeds are used by the club to upgrade and upkeep the track and facilities there.”

Eight races are billed for the day with over $6 million in prizes to be distributed.

The feature race will be for horses classified A and Lower and they will run a mile for $1.5 million.

Other events billed for the day are the D3 maiden and E Lower for $600,000 over seven furlongs; the Three-old West Indies bred

median and Guyana bred open will run a mile, also for $600,000.

The J3 and K, G1 and Lower, Two-year-old Guyana and West Indies bred and J1 and Lower races will run over six furlongs. The winning for those four races are $150,000, $400,000, $400,000 and $200,000 respectively.

Rounding out the roster will be the I and Lower, over seven furlongs with the winner collecting $250,000.

The races will be run under the regulations of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and entries close on December 15; no late entries will be accepted.

Horses can also be entered through Roopnarine Matadial or Ivan Dipnarine on 331-0316, Cecil Kennard on 623-7609, 225-4818 or 226-1399, Isabella Beaton on 693-7812 or Dennis DeRoop on 325-3301 or 6099143.

saturDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

TOP SCORES

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

New Zealand 441 beat West Indies 193 & 175 by an innings and 73 runs; Australia 326-6 v England; Sri Lanka 211-3 beat Pakistan 187 by 24 runs

Guinness Street Football, Georgetown leg…

Quarter-finalists to square off on Tuesday

By Avenash Ramzan

A

fter round of 16 action on Thursday evening, the eight quarter-finalists of the Georgetown leg of the sixth annual Guinness Street Football competition have been decided and will engage in battle on Tuesday to determine who would advance to the semi-finals, which would be hosted on the same night.

Five of the eight games on Thursday had to be decided by penalties, and after hours of intense battle, Berlin Massive, Hope Street- Tiger Bay, Queen Street- Tiger Bay, Stevedore Housing Scheme, California Square, West Front Road- Gold is Money, Island Allstar and Albouystown B have made it through to the quarter-finals.

In the opening game, Berlin Massive needled Globe Yard 1-0 with a Devon Charles’ 17th minute strike being the deciding factor.

The action will continue on Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac where the quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place

Game two was a goalless draw that was eventually decided when Hope StreetTiger Bay edged Alexander Village 3-2 on penalties, while game five was also a nil-all stalemate that ended 3-2 on penalties in favour of California Square against Broad Street B. Albouystown B won 5-4 on penalties against East La Penitence- Sparta Boss, after both teams failed to score by the end of regulation time, while a Yannick Peters third minute goal handed Island Allstar a 1-0 triumph over North East La Penitence.

Queen Street- Tiger Bay won 2-1 on penalties against Castello Housing Scheme after a 1-1 draw. Deon Alfred had put Queen Street- Tiger Bay in the lead in the 15th minute, before Sherman Anthony equalised five minutes later for Castello Housing Scheme.

Turn to page 21

Boult swings NZ to innings win

Kieran Powell was cleaned up by Tim Southee (Getty Images)

See story on page

22

Trent Boult leads New Zealand off the field after their innings victory (Getty Images)

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