Guyana Times Daily

Disapproval of Amerindian Development Fund uncaring

saturday, april 12, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

$1.3B approved for Amaila Falls Access Road

By Svetlana MarShall

Approximately

$13.063 billion was approved for capital projects under the Public Works Ministry, including $1.3 billion for the Amaila Falls Access Road.

The House approved the funds without the support of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) while the Alliance For Change (AFC) abstained.

presentation, expressed disappointment that the Public Works Ministry bundled the $1.3 billion Amaila Access Road with other critical projects.

Under the Public Works Ministry, funds have been made available for the Demerara Harbour Bridge, infrastructural development, the Bartica/ Issano/Mahdia Road, the Georgetown-Linden Road and the East Coast and East Bank highway expansion projects, among others.

Guyana has a national project for construction for a hydropower dam facility at Amaila Falls at the Kuribrong River in the amount of 165 megawatts of cheap, reliable, sustainable renewable power,” he said in response to the question posed by APNU Harmon.

sure that the bridge is properly maintained throughout 2014.

The Opposition had also expressed concerns over the $240 million budgeted for the Corentyne River Bridge Access Road, questioning whether there is a contract for the design and construction of the Corentyne River Bridge.

Nagamootoo, in his brief

Though the AFC abstained from the voting process for the $13.063 billion for the Public Works Ministry’s capital projects, from the onset, the party’s frontbencher Moses Nagamootoo told the Committee of Supply that the alliance would not vote against the capital expenditure, although it had concerns with provision of funds for the Amaila Access Road.

“We in the Alliance For Change support the programme under public works except money for the Amaila Access Road, but we are left with the Solomon’s dilemma whether to cut the baby in two or let the baby live,” he pos-

ited. Nagamootoo said the party will support funding for public works.

Disappointment

While A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Harmon did not indicate how the coalition would cast its vote, he joined with the AFC in expressing disappointment in the move by the Ministry to merge the Amaila Falls Access Road with critical projects necessary to the development of Guyana.

He questioned Public Works Minister Robeson Benn on the motive behind financing the road project when there is no signed contract for the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project.

In response to concerns raised by both Opposition parliamentarians, Minister Benn said capital projects for public works have always been placed together.

“I am aware that

He said since the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project was initiated, several changes have been made, arising out of issues of the competency of the National Assembly.

“Guyana intends to build the hydropower dam at Amaila Falls at the Kuribrong River and there is a road that mostly Guyanese are building to achieve this result for all Guyanese,” he said.

In August 2013, Sithe Global, the developer of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project withdrew its participation. The project had gained the support of the Donald Ramotar administration, but needed the full support of APNU and AFC at the level of the National Assembly.

Investment

Despite over US$16 million in investment by Sithe Global and more than US$15 million in investment by the Government, preparatory works came to a grinding halt, due to lack of consensus in the House.

In response to other Opposition queries, the Public Works Minister informed the committee that the $338 million budgeted for the Demerara Harbour Bridge will be used to en-

The AFC and APNU were told that the Government of Suriname has indicated its intention to finance the bridge.

The Minister said while Guyana will not contribute any finance for the construction or design of the bridge, it has responsibility to build a 3.9 kilometre road leading to the bridge, in addition to a new facility to facilitate the influx of travellers. He said too that a similar facility will be built at the Surinamese end.

At the end of the grilling, the House approved funding for the Public Works Ministry on Thursday, but subsequently disapproved the $6.5 billion allocated for the completion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project.

Last year, a similar cut in the funds for the project was made, resulting in delays in construction work. The CJIA expansion fell within the bracket of transport in which funds were budgeted for hinterland and coastal airstrip and civil aviation equipment; collectively totalling $6.785 billion. (svetlanam@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Mother of two drowns at Reliance

Banumanattie Ramcharran, 51, a mother of two of Sparta Village was on Friday discovered dead in a trench at Reliance Village, Essequibo Coast.

According to reports, the woman would frequently roam the streets.

Sister of the deceased, Drupattie Persaud, said she last saw Banumanattie at

a wake house at Reliance Village earlier in the week.

Persaud said she received a call early Friday morning from a neighbour, informing her that her sister had drowned.

The woman said Banumanattie also suffers from epilepsy.

“When I went, I saw blood oozing from her nose, however, I didn’t see no mark of vi-

olence,” Persaud said. According to an eyewitness, only the hands of the woman were visible in the trench. No one knows how the mother of two got into the trench.

Her body was transported to the Suddie Funeral Home, and is awaiting postmortem examination. Police are investigating the matter.

AFC MP Moses Nagamootoo

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

Disapproval of Amerindian Development Fund uncaring – Rohee

By Svetlana MarShall

People’s Progressive/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee on Friday said the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have indirectly launched a vicious attack on the Amerindian population of Guyana by disapproving the $1.1 billion allocated for their development.

Rohee said the move by the APNU and AFC, which used their collective one-seat majority to impose the cut, must be condemned.

“These inhumane cuts would once again serve to deny Guyanese the opportunity to benefits in keeping with the PPP/C-led trajectory of improving the lives of all and making Guyana a better place,” he told the reporters at a press conference at Parliament Building.

The PPP/C General Secretary added: “Denial of such crucial funds is a demonstration of the uncaring and hypocritical attitude towards our indigenous people.”

Rohee alluded to recent comments by Opposition Leader David Granger when he bemoaned lack of development in the hinterland regions. Prior to that, Rohee said a senior member of APNU had called for municipal airports in the hinterland to improve the provision of services in those areas.

“Less than a week after, these two very parties have joined together to deprive Amerindian brothers and sisters and other residents of

the interior of these very important developmental projects,” he added.

Will not waver

He said the allocation of $1.1 billion is indicative of the importance the Government attaches to the Amerindian people, noting that this is consistent with the plethora of inventions made over the years under the current PPP/C administration. Despite major opposition by APNU and AFC, Rohee said the PPP/C will not waver in its support to Amerindian citizens and will implement measures to enhance their livelihood.

Rohee also lashed out at the Opposition for disapproving funds for the Specialty Hospital. “They have not taken into consideration that cutting the funding for this much-needed hospital from the 2014 budget has in fact deny the provision of regional and clinical health services.”

Singling out the AFC, Rohee said the party’s position may be based on the selfinterest of one of its executives.

Self-interest

“The self-interest has resulted in the regions being denied funding for the purchase of much needed ambulances, water and river transport services, office furniture and equipment and the rehabilitation of the doctors’ quarter,” he pointed out.

As Guyana continues to advance, he said the Government remains steadfast in providing more efficient and effective services, including health care to all.

Rohee told reporters that the PPP/C can only interpret the actions of the APNU and AFC as vindictive, contending that it is a “blatant attempt to return Guyana to the days of hopelessness when their regime was in office”.

He pointed out that in the disapproval of funds for the Cheddie Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Opposition parties have blocked funding for the upgrading of hinterland roads and airstrip, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ogle International Airport

“This is a complete departure from what they said they wanted for hinterland development. These airstrips provide a vital mechanism for the safe and timely delivery of food, medical supplies and other goods to hinterland residents.

“The PPP/C calls on the Opposition to cleanse itself of hypocritical characteristics and not to deny Guyanese their right to benefit of the projects that have been envisioned for the transformation and the modernisation of our country,” he said. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Godfrey Chin remembered

Sometimes it seems as though laughter is in danger of becoming a scarce commodity in Guyana.

At Moray House Trust on Thursday evening it was in plentiful supply. The audience chuckled and giggled as they listened to a selection of readings from the work of Godfrey Chin, master raconteur, social historian and self-styled ‘cookshop fly’.

Chin was unique among Guyana’s social historians and raconteurs. His anecdotes are

a seamless blend of what he called “titbits, old talk, gaff and picong”, stuffed with de-

tail and spiced with that particular brand of self-deprecating humour so beloved of Guyanese, something between a ‘steups’ and a ‘tantalise’. turn to page 8

People’s Progressive/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee has described the move by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Chance (AFC) to vote down funding for Amerindian development as uncaring

Godfrey Chin

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

Stemming the ‘rum culture’

During the 2014 budget debates, a Member of Parliament representing the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) made a strong call for the authorities to take tougher action to stem the out-ofcontrol ‘rum culture’ in Guyana.

We support this call considering the many social and other damaging effects excessive alcohol consumption has on both the individual and society at large. These negative effects – suicide, domestic violence, road accidents, serious health implications, broken homes and the list goes on – are well known to many. Hence, there is hardly any need to rehash them, except for the sake of emphasis.

According to The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health which analyses available evidence on alcohol consumption, consequences and policy interventions at global, regional and national levels, nearly four per cent of all deaths are related to alcohol. Globally, 6.2 per cent of all male deaths are related to alcohol, compared to 1.1 per cent of female deaths. Also, globally 320,000 young people aged 15-29 years die annually from alcohol-related causes, resulting in nine per cent of all deaths in that age group.

In 2009, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) identified alcohol as Guyana’s number one drug problem and pointed to the fact that consumption rates by teenagers are rising and are contributing to a number of social problems we are currently facing.

Despite all its negative impacts on individuals and society, persons still engage in excessive alcohol consumption. Almost at every social event, persons are seen consuming alcohol, in some cases as if there is no tomorrow. If one were to take a walk around some of the villages in the evenings and on weekends especially, persons could be seen imbibing, some in rum shops or beer gardens or others openly at street corners.

Alcohol remains easily accessible in this country and even persons who are under the required age are allowed to purchase it. The uncaring rum shop owner in the interest of making a profit, would take the chance and sell alcohol to juveniles. This happens because the feeling is that very little or no action will be taken against the seller.

What is even more worrying is that in most cases, it is the parents or guardians themselves who send their children to purchase alcohol. Unfortunately, they are allowed to get away with this behaviour due to weak levels of enforcement of the law prohibiting such actions.

If the legislation which holds parents and guardians accountable for their children’s actions in relation to purchasing alcohol are adequately enforced, it will not only prevent parents from sending their children to purchase alcohol, but will also serve to protect the juveniles themselves.

Of note too is that there are countless numbers of rum shops in the country, many of them operating illegally. The authorities need to clamp down on those that are operating without licences, and if possible, the entire process as it relates to issuing these permits should be reviewed.

Guyana is assailed by reckless music that glorifies and trivialises rum drinking and its debilitating effects on the community. This, in our view, contributes in some way to the prevalence of the ‘rum culture’ referred to earlier. When one listens to the kind of music that is being played in the minibuses, at weddings, and even on the public airwaves, it is left to wonder what has our society become, and why are the authorities allowing standards to fall at such a rapid rate.

The issue of the stemming the ‘rum culture’ needs to be tackled from all fronts. Stakeholders, including the religious community, Government, political parties, NGO’s, community leaders and law enforcement need to work collaboratively to address the issue.

Putting legislation in place alone, even though very important, will not solve the problem. There is certainly need for a more holistic approach to the issue, especially as it relates to effective monitoring and stronger enforcement of the law.

Why did the Speaker appeal the Judiciary’s decision if he thinks it has no jurisdiction?

Dear Editor, Speaker and lawyer Rafael Trotman violated Guyana’s highest and supreme law of the land, that is, its Constitution, on April 10 becoming – “a date which will live in infamy” – (U.S. President Franklin D Roosevelt), when the Judiciary’s decision on the budget was overturned in the National Assembly.

The Opposition was permitted to consider and vote against budget items in a motion approved by the Opposition majority.

Earlier the PPP/C Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira told an online news service that they are in total disagreement with the motion. “It is totally unprecedented and unconstitutional, but the ball is in the Speaker’s court,” Teixeira said.

Speaker Trotman later headed a committee to actively find a way to bypass the Judiciary’s decision and “alter” the budget estimates with Government MPs in participation.

The report on April 9 at the same online news agency is titled, “Sub-committee to be es-

tablished to consider amendments to budget estimates”.

The Speaker insisted that the National Assembly has the right to regulate its own business and rejected the ruling by the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang that it cannot amend the budget estimates. Such authority, he believes, resides in the National Assembly’s Standing orders.

“The principal disagreement with the Chief Justice’s observations,” the Speaker said, “is in the strong belief that it is for the National Assembly, and the National Assembly alone, to determine how it will handle any matter it is seized of”.

But “strong belief” alone cannot give authority to commit contempt of court. Neither can the tail wag the dog.

The Speaker filed an appeal just before the budget estimates were submitted to Parliament. Why was an appeal filed by the Speaker against the Judiciary’s decision if he thought the Judiciary had no jurisdiction in his realm?

Obviously the descent into chaos was a cosmetic intent

of premeditative diversion. In feigning compliance by the appeal to the Judiciary’s decision, it became possible for the Speaker, in the meantime, to acquire credibility and then afterwards straightaway aid and abet in undermining the court’s decision.

Now the Speaker’s dictate to elevate the National Assembly’s Standing Orders to supersede and override the Judiciary’s decision based on the Guyana Constitution as the supreme and highest law of the land will become another crisis.

While the Standing Orders are only regulatory for them alone, it has absolutely no authority even outside the National Assembly’s chambers.

Not so the nationwide Judiciary’s decision and Guyana’s Constitution. Their authority extends to even the air above and 200 miles off shore.

Opposition street chaos and confusion in the streets have now been transferred to Guyana’s Parliament. “Oh judgment, thou are fled to savage beasts, and men have lost

their reason” (Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar).

If the Standing Orders were with overpowering authority, it would empower MPs to be above the highest constitutional law in Guyana. By what authority do elected MPs become empowered to break the law?

Citizenship rights in a country of “one people, one nation, and one destiny” cannot only be by selective entitlement of a few.

Institutionalising “equality” of street confusion and violence with a jungle like chaos in Parliament violates all that is civilised.

How does Guyana’s MPs, with authority to make laws, automatically acquire powers to violate same, especially the Constitution?

Hopefully the axis of confusion in Guyana’s Parliament is not the kind of democracy which the outside powers are seeking to impose, again. Now that compromise and good sense have been thrown out what’s next?

Respectfully, Sultan Mohamed

No-show of umpires is out of ECCB’s control

Dear Editor,

We thank M Azimulla for his letter which was published in Guyana Times on April 10 and wish to advise as follows.

The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) had duly notified the East Coast Cricket Umpires Association regarding this important fixture, and as usual, they would assign umpires for matches fixed by the ECCB. However, there was a ‘no-show’ of umpires on that

day, something totally outside of our control, since umpires are governed by a separate body. We have since raised our concerns and disappointment at the relevant level of that association and were given the assurance that an investigation would be launched immediately and the appropriate action will be taken.

The inconveniences caused did not only affect the relevant teams, but it has also affected the ECCB

programmes and fixtures, and again this was unfortunate and totally beyond our control.

Therefore, the fact that the letter seeks to castigate the ECCB is unfortunate, and the displeased narrator seems to be ill-informed as it relates to the administrative structure of cricket.

Finally, the East Coast Cricket Board wishes to state categorically that it remains committed to the promotion and development of

the sport throughout the East Coast.

Meanwhile, as regards the ECCB-sponsored 40over Under 15 Trophy competition, the finals will be held on April 13 between Ogle Cricket Club and Lusignan Cricket Club at the Ogle Community Centre ground, starting at 11:00h.

Sincerely, Raymond Barton, Bissoondyal Singh ECCB

In an effort to boost it tarnished image in the public’s eye and to ‘Help keep Guyana clean’, the Guyana Police Force donated more than 100 trash bins to the community of Albouystown, Georgetown on Friday. Here, men assist in offloading the bins which are to be placed at various locations within the community for trash collection (Carl Croker photo)

Myth, mystique, magic, miracle or reality of management

Dear Editor, Is there a ‘magic potion’ or ‘miracle cure’ or, as we say in Guyana, an “obeah” that can be used to cure our ailing sugar industry?

Recent reports in the media, some following the budget debates, might give the impression that there is a ‘magic wand’ called “better management” that can be used to remove a curse and cleanse GuySuCo of the disease called under-performance.

Others might get the impression that we can push a button called “management” that will automatically motivate managers towards better management.

Management is a “process” not an automatic switch or injection or medicine or ‘obeah’ that can be taken for efficient performance. Effective management depends on clear policies, realistic guidelines and practical directions emanating from the vision, mission, objectives and pragmatic targets of the organisation, set in a joint, consultative manner among wise, professional, independentthinking directors, capable managers and reasonable workers’ representatives.

Effective ‘management’ is in the hands of all stakeholders, not only those called “managers”: the supervi-

sors and foremen must exercise ‘delegated management’ and the rank-and-file workers must exercise ‘selfmanagement’ and informal ‘group management’ which eschew unreasonable behaviour and encourage commitment and responsibility.

All of this can be greatly facilitated by clear, confident, honest and continual communication with all stakeholders in the industry which will encourage employee engagement and all-round responsibility for optimal performance.

Yours truly,

Nowrang Persaud

NTC’s disappointment in decisions made by the Opposition

Dear Editor,

The National Toshaos Council (NTC), being a mandated representative organisation of Amerindians, the first people of this beautiful country, stand in amazement and disgust of the brutal action taken by the combined Opposition against these peaceful people.

We had great expectations in this budget for the things that we, the leaders, had lobbied for at the last National Toshaos Conference held in October 2013.

The Amerindian Development Fund under the Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s Capital Budget Proposal, and on which stood our hopes for developmental initiatives, have been disapproved.

The Youth Apprenticeship and

Entrepreneurship Programme (YAEP), which plays an integral role in equipping Amerindian youths as future leaders, and who have been rendered unemployed, has been hijacked from us with utter disregard. Our annual Presidential Grant is in jeopardy, which will stagnate the progress of the village economies.

The Toshaos Conference is a lost opportunity where village leaders can bring their concerns to the highest forum and interact with the President and his Cabinet. The non-funding of this mandated body is a total repudiation of international standards regarding decision-making participation of Indigenous peoples.

The NTC as the legitimate voice of the Amerindian people is bold-

ly condemning this unjustified action by the Opposition parties.

Amerindian people feel betrayed by the indigenous Parliamentarians who sit on the opposition bench. How can they face their people? How can they justify their actions to their brothers and sisters who have put them there?

The NTC is making it very clear to the combined Opposition that they should withdraw their biased and unfair action in the Parliament if they truly have a genuine respect for Indigenous peoples’ rights and development as they so loudly proclaim.

Sincerely,

Renato J

Gonzales

Organisational Development Advisor Amerindian

Affairs Ministry

A valuable lesson for all who believe they can exploit the masses

Dear Editor, Do not neglect your constituents or you will pay, you will pay dearly when election comes around; and so I sound the alarm to my party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The point that I am making is that neglect of your constituents is a serious violation of the people’s trust, hence an erosion of their confidence in that political entity. When this becomes evident, the political health of your party is weakened, your power base is no more and you cease to be a force to be reckoned with.

The worst case scenario is that the party will in essence become a nebulous, insignificant grouping and nothing else. I do not want this to happen and so I am forced to write as I issue a clear warning to the PPP/C.

This fact was brought home forcibly to Moses Nagamootoo earlier this week when he appeared to be on the side of the protesting sugar workers. When he arrived on the scene, he was met by an angry crowd who vigorously chastised him for his failure to stand up for their interest when it mattered most and also for his support of the enemy grouping of PNC/APNU. They heckled and finally chased him – a lesson he will never forget.

You see, dear readers, Nagamootoo and compatriot Khemraj Ramjattan got political office from the votes of the agricul-

tural belt, inroads made in a predominantly PPP/C stronghold. At that time, these guys appeared to have been noble individuals who would stand up for the rights of suffering sugar workers.

I vividly remember these AFC stalwarts exploiting the Blairmont and Albion sugar strike by going down there in the snap of a finger to, as it were, be in solidarity with the suffering masses.

Another one of these denizens, Freddie Kissoon, even wrote articles on the issue pointing out that Berbicians should beware of the PPP/C who are not worthy of their trust, and far less worthy of their votes.

Well, I must tell you that the sugar workers did take them in confidence and bought their story hook, line and sinker, all because the PPP/C were slow to act and were even slower in their approach to settle the matter and while their companions slept, the AFC went toiling through the night.

These AFC comrades relished in the idea of a PPP/C’s neglect of their constituents, but the honeymoon was soon to end as their prince charming suitors in the AFC turned out to be horrible toads when they turned their backs on the workers and openly sided with the PNC/APNU.

These two were in collusion with the bigger political partners in under-

mining the workers' plight by calling for, among other things, the shutting down of the industry. This in essence meant the cutting of the umbilical cord of the largest single employer of persons in Guyana, the sugar industry. It meant the shutting down of the very lifeblood of thousands of workers; quite an educated and ambitious move by persons who supposedly cared for the workers, yes?

So eventually, the sugar workers found out that these guys were just part of a bunch of political opportunists who were out to ride on the backs of the downtrodden masses for their own narrow objectives.

The result was what we saw a couple of days ago where those very workers came to the city in their numbers to fight for their rights, a show of force, not a use of force. I am happy to announce that their protest was a peaceful one and nothing like the Linden one, where burning, looting and shooting prevailed.

In addition, they were not instigated by the PPP/C; in fact, these people were out there on their own volition agitating for what is rightfully theirs. They saw that their livelihood was threatened and about to be decimated, and so decided that enough was enough and it was time to stand up for their rights.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

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

Page Foundation

Get your children out the door faster in the morning with these tricks

BY CORDELIA TAI

Make a plan with the whole family

Come up with a list of morning tasks and an approximate time by which each should be done. Set hard deadlines: Everyone should be dressed before breakfast, no exceptions. Capitalise on your childs’ sense of friendly competition. Inspire them to get their tushes out of bed by making it a contest. Let them know what the prize will be ahead of time: choosing the music on the ride to school, dictating the next day’s lunch menu – something small but motivating.

Don’t over-budget your time

Figure out exactly how long you need to get ready and set your alarm accordingly. If you subconsciously know you have minutes to spare, in your weakened, sleep-deprived state you run the risk of losing your willpower and hitting snooze. If you don’t get yourself out of bed, the children certainly won’t budge from theirs, and the whole machine falls apart. Set multiple alarms if you have to, both in your bedroom and the kiddos’. The more annoying the alert, the better. You can even be really clever and set the child’s clock a few minutes ahead if they’re known to sleep in.

Again, your state of awareness is critical when it comes to getting the children out the door on time. Drink a glass of iced water in the morning to wake yourself up. If you desperately need “me” time before

you start your day, wake up 10 minutes early and meditate to get centred.

Make your devices work for you

Caffeine addict? Buy a coffee maker with a timer so you have your morning cup is waiting for you the second your feet hit the floor. Forgot to charge your phone the night before?

Setting your iPhone to airplane mode before plugging it in allows it to charge at a

sibly can the night before

This is kind of a no-brainer, but sometimes non-immediate tasks fall to the wayside after we’ve had a long, exhausting day. In the evenings, pick out your outfit (all the way down to shoes and underwear), pack your purse and gym bag, and have the children do the same. Make sure all assignments are in their respective book bags, permission slips are signed, etc.

much faster rate. Don’t waste time rummaging for keys – invest in a key ring and holder so you know exactly where they’re parked.

Keep chores to a minimum

Feeding and walking pets and possibly having the children make their beds are about the only household tasks that should be delegated for the morning. Non-essentials can wait till the children get home at night, or get done on weekends.

Do everything you pos-

Prep their lunches a day or even a week ahead of time

Try these easy makeahead lunches by 100 Days of Real Food and Catherine McCord of Weelicious.

Make sure the children get to bed at a decent hour the night before so they aren’t grouchy and difficult in the morning

Easier said than done, we know.

Not morning people?

Try playing upbeat music while you’re getting dressed

and eating breakfast – according to some it boosts your mood and energy levels.

Keep breakfast fast

While you should occasionally try to rise early and treat your children to some warm oatmeal or eggs and waffles, in a pinch some healthy cereal and they’re favourite fruit gets the job done in no time. And if you really want to make sure they get their protein fix, boil some eggs the night before and serve them with some salt, pepper and toast in the morning.

Once in awhile, it’s going to happen

Someone’s going to oversleep, spill milk all over their outfit, or forget they volunteered for show and tell. In times like these, when we’re forced to speed through our routine in 15 minutes, it’s essential we still get out the door in time to beat the bell.

Anything and everything that can be done in the car or on the bus, do it. Grab some toast and a comb and finish getting ready en route.

Which brings us to our final tip. Always have an emergency pack on hand

Store it in your purse or your car’s glove box, depending on your morning means of transport. Recommended contents: a couple of granola bars (breakfast), mini hairbrush and ties, a few dollars each for school lunch, and, if you want to be fancy, some face-cleansing toilettes. (Yahoo!)

What every parent should know about babies and technology

BY ELIZABETH STREET

Tech-savvy toddlers?

Indeed. One mother of two swears she never even taught her 17-month-old daughter how to unlock the iPad.

“Every time she sees the iPad she goes for it,” says 37-year-old Brooklyn mom Lucia Madueno, in Heidi Evans’ NY Daily News piece.

Her story is not unique, according to a report by Common Sense Media which claims that 38 per cent of babies under two years old are now using tablets or smartphones on a somewhat regular basis. This number is up 10 per cent from just three years ago. Certainly if we grown-ups are more attached to our devices than ever before, it would stand

to reason that our children, even the ones barely forming sentences, are demonstrating a fascination that mirrors our own. Handing over an iPhone can be a quick fix before a temper tantrum ensues in public, an easy distraction at a restaurant, a source of entertainment in the car or on the subway. We’ve all seen it happen, and a lot of us are probably guilty of participating too. After all, what harm could there be in letting our child play with a tablet for a few minutes if it means some peace and quiet?

Unfortunately, though, we just don’t know enough about how technology may be (negatively or positively) affecting our children. While there are plenty of cartoons and programmes aimed at the diaper-wearing set, education experts cannot say the same about technology. In fact, child development experts say that “less or no exposure may be best in the first 24 months.” We simply don’t have telling information about the impact of iPad fixation or similar device random on a tot’s neurological or cognitive growth.

Even The American Academy of Paediatricians has been reluctant as yet to issue any specific guidelines regarding how much time (if any at all) is okay for a toddler to spend with such an advanced, adult device. For now, until more studies have been performed and definitive conclusions drawn, it’s probably best to practise moderation. Be prepared on long trips or in situations where you may be required to keep your child occupied with books, games and hand-held toys. Your smartphone? Maybe not.

Once your children start getting bigger, there’ll inevitably come a time when technology plays a larger role in their lives, but until then, focus on games and projects that are suitable for their little selves.

Sooba shuns resignation calls

Town Clerk Carol

Sooba said she will not yield to the calls from the political Opposition for her to resign in light of a High Court ruling on Thursday which stated that the Local Government Minister did not have the legal power to appoint her to the substantive post.

Sooba’s resolve remains stronger than ever. Speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, the Town Clerk said the political Opposition and City councillors should read carefully the High Court’s ruling since it did not order her to vacate the office of Town Clerk.

“The court ruling did not rule that I should step down. The procedure in my appointment is what the court ruled.”

Sooba said she is determined to continue the discharge of her responsibilities to the citizenry of Georgetown and her against corruption at City Hall.

“I have to execute my job as Town Clerk. And whenever that time comes, legally, I will step down,” she said.

Sooba said she will only vacate office if instructed by the relevant authorities, and is prepared to handle the bickering from Opposition groups.

“Whenever the time comes, if there is going to be an appeal, until such time that the court rules that I am not Town Clerk, that’s when I will gracefully go. No politician will bring me out of the office,” she declared

Meanwhile, citing the ruling of acting Chief Justice Ian Chang that Sooba was unconstitutionally elected, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)

Shadow Local Government

Minister Ronald Bulkan is hoping that Sooba steps down.

Bulkan told a news conference on Friday that the coalition welcomes the ruling by the acting Chief Justice and hopes that Sooba would soon leave office.

He said the party had always held its ground that the Town Clerk is unqualified for the post.

“It was stated by the APNU that Sooba was unqualified and unsuited and she has imposed on the Town Council, despite her lack of qualification and she never sought to coorperate with the Georgetown City Council.”

No-confidence motion

The Shadow Local Government Minister reminded that the council had successfully moved a noconfidence motion against Sooba before her substantive appointment. He said the council is now awaiting her next move.

“It’s now left to be seen if the Minister is going to respect the decision of the court and we will soon

Five remain in custody for businessman’s murder

Acting Police

Commissioner

Seelall Persaud on Friday confirmed that five persons remain in custody in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara businessman Rajendra Singh.

Singh was found dead on Wednesday in the La Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

Persaud told media operatives that the police are continuing their investigations, but from all indications, the motive was kidnapping.

The autopsy performed on the dead man revealed that he was shot twice, but again Persaud could not say the calibre of weapon that was used, noting that the police are further analysing the evidence at their disposal.

In addition, the police are analysing the telephone calls made to the relatives and more so the wife of the dead businessman.

However, a senior rank explained that the police are grilling those in custody with the hope of them “cracking”.

He added that as the investigations continue, they are getting inconsistent reports from at least one person, and as such, it will take some time to get a breakthrough.

Singh was kidnapped last Saturday evening, but was on Wednesday morn -

ing found with his throat slit and bullet wounds to the head.

The 40-year-old businessman of Lot 15 Foulis, Enmore, was discovered with his hands tied behind his back with a piece of rope. A white cloth was also tied around his neck.

Investigators confirmed that the man was strangled before his throat was slit. They also believe that he was tortured. Singh’s body bore several marks of violence, which indicated that he was severely beaten. The businessman was clad in a pair of black socks, a pair of short blue pants, and a blue t-shirt, with fresh bloodstains on his body. He was tied to an abbey tree.

The businessman was positively identified by a tattoo on one of his arms by a close relative, who is a police rank.

A relative of the dead man subsequently turned up

learn if Sooba has demitted the office that she occupies there.”

Justice Chang on Thursday quashed the appointment of Sooba as City Town Clerk, saying that the then Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud did not have the powers to make the appointment.

The decision came about after City Council Public Relations Officer Royston King had moved to the High Court last December, challenging the appointment. He had contended that Sooba was deemed the least qualified of several candidates who had applied for the post. King was one of the four applicants for the post. He was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes.

In his application, he had asked that the then Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud show cause why his decision to appoint Sooba should not be quashed

In his affidavit, King contended that the decision to appoint Sooba was an abuse of power; contrary to the legitimate expectation that the post would be filled by the “best suited and qualified” person, based on the criteria established in advertisements by the Minister. He said Sooba’s appointment was unreasonable since the Minister failed to apply the criteria he had established for the identification of the best candidate.

King said too that after attending several interviews, he was informed that he was identified as the candidate who achieved the second highest points for the said position, while Sooba had the lowest.

at the scene, but there were no signs of the businessman’s immediate family.

It was reported that the kidnappers would have contacted the family on Tuesday morning, requesting that the $25 million ransom be dropped off at a certain location.

The kidnappers reportedly contacted the family a while later and gave an ultimatum that the money must be delivered by 12:00h on Tuesday, a deadline the family failed to meet.

Murdered: Rajendra Singh

APNU MP Ronald Bulkan

Town Clerk Carol Sooba

Hughes moves to reverse Evans’ sentence

Attorney Nigel Hughes

will be filing an appeal within the next five days to have the sentencing of Teneisha Evans, the girlfriend of alleged baton-rape victim Colwyn Harding reversed.

Evans was sentenced to two years imprisonment on December 3 last after she pleaded guilty to a simple larceny charge. The charge alleged that she stole a television set from a relative to post bail for Harding, who could not have afforded it.

On November 18 last, Evans along with Harding and another, Tiffany Edwards, were all charged and placed before the court for assaulting a peace officer and disorderly behaviour.

They were all granted bail, but Harding and Evans could not afford bail, so they remained in prison. However, Evans was subsequently bailed by her relatives.

Concerned about the health of her boyfriend, after he took ill in prison, Evans

stole a television set from a relative to get money to bail Harding, but she was arrested and later charged after the matter was reported to the police.

The young woman accepted her crime before the Magistrate and was subsequently sentenced to two years' imprisonment, a penalty which was deemed highly excessive by her attorney and other human rights activists.

Godfrey Chin...

In 2002, before he published the Nostalgia series, Godfrey explained that the project was not a “show-off memory boast”. Rather, “it is our record – yours and mine – of our homeland before the Exodus”.

A dozen students from Marian Academy, Queens’ College and Richard Ishmael Secondary School recited extracts from Godfrey’s Nostalgias, solemnly remind-

ing their elders of the days when a Ford Model T car cost G$175 (1934) and a bus fare around the city was 6 cents (1940s).

The Chin family had kindly loaned some of Godfrey’s exhibition boards for display at the event. These showed a cast of long-forgotten members of society and a wonderful vista of elegant wooden buildings and wide uncluttered streets in the

Usually, a constitutional timeframe of two weeks is given to appeal a verdict; however, that time had elapsed before Evans’ attorney could have filed the appeal.

As such, on Friday, Attorney Hughes made an application at the Appeal Court to extend the time to file the appeal.

His application was presented before Justice Carl Singh, along with Justice Yonnett Cummings-Edwards and Justice BS Roy.

Too harsh

In his application, the attorney pointed out that it is being made on one ground, that is, the sentence was excessive. Hughes said that this ground alone “holds sufficient merit” for the application.

After there was no opposition from State Counsel Dionne Mc Cammon, who is attached to the Director of Public Prosecutions' (DPP) chambers, Justice Singh granted the extension and

page 3

Georgetown of yesteryear.

Vic Insanally, Ian Mc Donald, Allan Fenty and Al Creighton, all friends and contemporaries of Godfrey, talked about him and the significance of his work. The trip down memory lane concluded with Godfrey’s description of his upbringing in tenement yards read by Major General (retired) Joe Singh. As ever, Godfrey had the last word.

gave the attorney five days to file his appeal. The appeal judge then set April 30 for the appeal to be heard at the Appeal Court.

Evans remains in THE New Amsterdam Women’s Prison serving her sentence.

Harding is claiming that a rank attached to the Timehri Police Station had inserted a condom-covered baton into his behind at his sister’s Timehri home where he and his girlfriend were staying.

He was then taken into custody with Evans and Edwards, where he alleged that he was badly beaten.

In January, news broke of the rape allegations which caused widespread condemnation of police brutality. Several ranks at the Timehri Police Station were subsequently transferred.

An investigation was conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility and the file is at the DPP’s office for advice on the recommendations made.

Insanally, the master of ceremonies, concluded the evening with an email from Godfrey in which he listed some of his accomplishments: master calligrapher, silver-level ballroom dancer, producer of the GuyFolk Fest in Brooklyn, New York and ended: “have passport, will travel, no pets, attachments, distractions but dedicated know-how, pledging indefatigable effort”.

Eyew tness

Destroying...

...Amerindian dreams

Maybe just to emphasise the contempt they hold not only the rule of law, but everything that holds this nation together, the powerbesotted Opposition went and one-upped their illegal chopping of the budget estimates. They shamelessly cut the estimates for the development of Amerindian communities.

We hope the Government will stand firm and not acquiesce in this illegal attempt at usurpation of Executive power. They have spending power!!!

But the people of this land, from Point Playa to Gunns Strip, should now see the Opposition exposed for the reptilian creatures they are. Reptilian in their coldbloodiness...and reptilian in the instinct that leads them to even devour their young.

OK...we know the Opposition wants to show the Government “who is man”. We know because they said so. Repeatedly. But do they have to pick on the most deprived section of our population, to make their point?

There hasn’t been a socio-economic study on our society that hasn’t confirmed when it comes to “marginalisation”, Amerindians are off the charts. It’s not only ironic but downright criminal when we juxtapose this fact to the other we all learnt in school: this land was their land before Columbus or any other soul had set foot here.

And it’s for this reason, if no other, that Amerindians cannot be excluded from having their fair share of the national patrimony.

So Linden will have their billions in electricity subsidies; and after Nagamootoo was “all shook up” by the cane cutters, so will the sugar belt. And we know –wink, wink – the ethnic impact of those allocations.

And we ask: why can’t Amerindians get that $1 billion allocated for their development? The Opposition says that this is “just a political gimmick”. It would be more than a bit disingenuous to deny that all Governments craft budgets with electorates in mind.

In that bulwark of democracy, the U.S., they even have a name for the practice – “pork barrel”. But tell the Eyewitness, wasn’t it the Opposition that insisted Linden’s multi-billion electricity bills remain at onetwelfth of the national rate? Now that’s REAL pork barrel.

And can the Opposition deny that this community merits some form of affirmative action? We’re sure they’ll say “yes”. But they will chop just because they don’t want the good-will to redound to the Government.

History will certainly absolve Amerindians from any blame for their predicament. But will never be as kind to those with their jackboots on Amerindian necks. The Opposition’s name will live in infamy!

...last shred of credibility

It’s been years now that this Asquith Rose fella and some consort or the other have been bombarding us with their interminable letters haranguing the Government on one thing or another. Now nothing’s wrong in theory in this – democracy and freedom of speech and that sort of thing. But after a while, it did wear rather thin.

After all, your Eyewitness does live here, and while he’s as teed off about potholes or the gridlock with cars in Georgetown, he just can’t accept that there’s been absolutely nothing good this Government has done.

And that’s the trouble with Rose or whichever “Singh” he gets to sign their name. They don’t live in Guyana, but have no shame to preach about what’s going on down here – when you absolutely know different. Take their latest letter, “The Ministry of Education should put more emphasis on girls’ education”. Are these fellas for real?

Even if they read the online newspapers, they should know that for the last decade, girls have been outperforming boys. In fact, the cry in the Caribbean has been for more emphasis for boys’ education. Gwan over there, foreign wankers!

...Berbice

Nagamootoo claims the cane cutters who roughed him up were PPP/C paid. So what did they give the Abel AFC organiser from West Berbice who wrote the letter supporting Nagamootoo? Beads?

Attorney Nigel Hughes

Housing Ministry’s budget passed unshaved – Ali grilled about Community Infrastructure Improvement Project

By Svetlana MarShall

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) did not object to the $8.980 billion budgeted for the Housing and Water Ministry despite expressing concerns regarding the $484 million Community Infrastructure Improvement Project outlined under Capital Expenditures.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali was grilled by the Opposition over the multimillion-dollar community project, and he was accused of encroaching on the responsibility of the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.

Minister Ali said the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project is being initiated based on the concerns generated during the 2013 National Budget debates.

He explained that Members of Parliament (MPs) had bemoaned the poor conditions of roads, bridges, community grounds and cemeteries found throughout the country.

Job opportunities

Additionally, this project is expected to generate approximately 1500 job opportunities.

“This project will look at the environment in its generality and will seek to ensure that the environment is maintained in terms of bridges, access to burial grounds, crematoriums, schools, health facilities, and other social infrastructure,” Ali explained.

This new project has been built off the very successful Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP) that was financed under the Caribbean Development Bank.

Under the CRIP, there was also a Community Infrastructure Maintenance Manual and a Community Participation Mechanism.

Based on these, the Community Infrastructural Development Project was born and designed to be executed in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

APNU’s Joseph Harmon grilled him on the involvement of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in its formulation.

“It would appear to me, Mr Chairman that there are functions to be performed by entities that are already there in the local democratic system,” Harmon added.

But although it was said that there were extensive consultations, Harmon said from all indications, Ali’s explanation was filled with fluff.

The Housing Minister informed the committee that within Region Four, cemeteries in Grove, Foulis and Nabaclis would be rehabilitated under the multimillion programme.

He maintained that consultations were conducted in all NDCs listed under the CRIP.

“I would imagine that by this time of the year, at least if you were talking about burial grounds, you would have identified some burial grounds because the Le Repentir is one that is crying out for attention,” he said.

Burial grounds

Harmon said he understands the importance of rehabilitating burial grounds, but he maintains the view that such a project should be executed under the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.

“Rather than taking this money and giv-

ing it to a Minister, these monies should go to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils,” the APNU frontbencher contended.

AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Nothing that we heard so far convinces us that this programme belongs here. It is a Local Government Programme and therefore we believe that this is placing state funds in the wrong area,” he said.

Transfer

He asked whether the Ministry was willing to transfer the project to another Ministry, saying there was a job impact assessment done in relation to job creation.

Building on the arguments of the Opposition, APNU’s Dr Karen Cummings said the infrastructural programme already exists, positing that community and regional leaders should be trained and equipped with the requisite knowledge and equipment to take up the responsibility.

Williams told the committee that this is not the first time the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is offering its assurances to the Opposition.

Williams also grilled the Housing and Water Ministry about a number of roads and bridges that need rehabilitation.

Despite the criticisms, the Housing and Water Minister maintained that the project was considered in its entirety, stating that his Ministry also has re-

sponsibility in community planning.

In addition to the $484 million budgeted for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project, $1.003 billion was budgeted for the CRIP.

The monies will be used for completion, construction and rehabilitation of community roads and aid in institutional strengthening and capacity building.

Water supply

The $1.135 billion allocated for Coastal Water Supply was also placed under the microscope by the Opposition.

The more than $1 billion will be used to complete wells at Cotton Tree, Hope and Mon Repos and for the drilling of a well at Sparendaam. Installation, upgrading and extension of transmission networks at Bartica, Angoy’s Avenue, Hague Backdam, Friendship to Brickery, Agriculture Road to Lusignan and Crabwood Creek, among others will be executed.

Under the Housing and Water Ministry, the Donald Ramotar administration budgeted $8.463 billion for capital projects and $516.685 million for Current Expenditure.

Essequibo contractor jailed for threatening woman

Deodat Singh, a well known contractor from the Essequibo Coast and father of two, is now mulling his options after Essequibo Magistrate Sunil Scarce sentenced him to one month in prison.

He was convicted for using threatening language against a woman when he made a court appearance at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Singh first appeared at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on March 21, pleading not-guilty to the charge, which alleged that on March 20, he made use of threatening language to Bibi Nafeeza Gajadhar, occasioning a breach of the peace.

The prosecution, led by Krishnadatt Ramana, called four witnesses at the trial.

They testified that the Virtual Complainant (VC) was sitting in her car on the day in question while a Supreme Court Marshal, whom she was transporting, attempted to serve a legal document on the defendant.

The court heard that the defendant ran to the complainant’s car and attempted to gain entry but failed.

The defendant then punched one of the car windows, threatening to run the vehicle off the road and kill the woman.

In his defence, the defendant stated that the VC was taking photographs of his premises which enraged him and that he was merely trying to confiscate the camera, an assertion the woman denied.

The defendant admitted that he told the Marshal that he would have smashed the VC’s face in and go to court and pay a $100,000 fine, if he had the chance.

Singh was informed by the Magistrate that the prosecution had proven its case against him beyond reasonable doubt and that his actions were unjustified, unprovoked and unwarranted.

The defendant remained adamant that the VC had no right to take pictures of his premises when asked if he wished to say anything before the sentence is passed. Singh was previously convicted of simple larceny in 2013 and fined $100,000 for that offence.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

APNU Member of Parliament Basil Williams

Jagan’s vision “well ingrained” in PPP/C DNA – Rohee

People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)

General Secretary Clement Rohee said contrary to the claims from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Vanessa Kissoon, the ruling party has not strayed from the principles of Dr Cheddi Jagan, and will never do so.

Rohee was at the time responding to a letter from Kissoon in the Kaieteur News on April 10 in which she wrote that her reason for invoking the name of the PPP founding member and former President in her speech in Parliament was “to jolt the memory of members on the Government side as to how far they have strayed from their revered leader. How much they have betrayed his legacy”.

on our day to day lives and what we aspire to be which a national budget should factor in.’”

The PPP/C General Secretary, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, said too that the past does influence and have an impact on the future.

He said history is not only for purposes of posterity, but to provide lessons to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.

Creating opportunities

tempting by their actions in Parliament to deny the people of Guyana those very things that she yearns for.

Odd statement

He added: “The difficulty I have, however, is where she states ‘the allegations and counter allegations of rigged elections in a time we were not born or were children serve only as history and have no direct impact

Rohee said: “One is tempted to ignore what is written by the APNU Linden activist on the grounds of her ignorance of our past political history and the role played by Dr Jagan and the PPP for a free, democratic and prosperous Guyana. As she herself admitted, she was not around during those sordid days and therefore did not experience the trials and tribulations of those who were forced to endure the pain of undemocratic and authoritarian rule.”

Kissoon has said that her generation wants opportunities to unleash their potential and pursue their dreams.

But Rohee said this is precisely what the 2014 Budget is all about; creating opportunities, realising dreams, and fostering an environment in which each and every Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity, colour of skin or political affiliation would be able to realise their dreams to the full limit of their potential.

“The unfortunate thing about V Kissoon’s party, the APNU, is that it is at-

How else can one explain the Opposition parties' decisions to cut budgetary spending aimed at transforming Guyana to a modern state where our people, in particular our young people would benefit from job creation and cutting edge technologies and where the peace, security and happiness of our people is assured?” the PPP/C General Secretary asked.

He said the way forward for this nation is not though confrontation and contrived hostility, but through dialogue and reconciliation.

This, he said is the Jagan way for Guyana, which is being continued by the President Donald Ramotar administration.

“The PPP/C Members of Parliament do not need to be reminded by an APNU activist of the Jagan vision and principles. It is very well ingrained in the DNA of the PPP as a political party and its collective psyche,” Rohee said.

More actin in de s*ity council, but not pun de garbage

De more a actor can act like he not actin when he actin, is de better de actor he can become. And Guyana got nuff people actin fuh a long time. Some does act like dem good till people find out that is only de actin that good.

De biggest setta actin goin on right in de House. De Opposition actin like dem is de guvament. And de Speaker actin like he bigger than de Constitution. Green Jah actin like he is de Prezzi and Green Bridge actin like de Finance Minister, which gon never happen again in this country.

Some people does end up actin fuh dem whole life and only when dem ready to retire dem does get a chance to stop actin. Brum Hell was one a dem. De Hen was another one. But de Chancellor and de CJ look like dem gon act all dem life just because Green Jah actin up every time de subject come up.

Green Ham does be actin like if he is a good mayor, but he still not a good actor and he still not a good mayor. De other Green does be actin like she does wuk hard. But that woman does hardly wuk, and that ain’t no actin.

Roy Stone does be actin as if he enjoyin de PeeR-O wuk. But is only de other day people realise that he don’t like de Pee-R-O wuk. He like some body else wuk, so he file a lawsuit after he find out that he was second best, although he tink he is de best. But not even de court can mek he de best.

Then de guvament seh dem didn’t want Carol Sober to be actin, so dem mek she stop actin. Now de CJ gone and mek she have to start actin again. That is more actin in de s*ity council. Just that nobody still ain’t actin pun de garbage.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De Nagga Man was actin like if he like dem sugar workers de other day. Well, dem show he good and proper that dem wasn’t actin!

NAACIE lauds workers for standing up to GuySuCo

The National Association of Agriculture, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) has lauded workers who have made the sacrifice to ensure the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) treats them fairly.

The union in a release, said it is also concerned that after doing a fair day’s work and while respecting the agreement of July 8, 2011, and the Norman McLean’s Arbitration Award, the workers of GuySuCo in the categories represented by NAACIE, are continuing to be denied of their rightful salary.

The union said by agreement, it has completed three days of industrial action as a step to ensure fairness.

“As reported by the media, GuySuCo has no intention to pay the workers their

rightful salary. This means that the union will now continue this struggle at another date to be decided on by our members.

“NAACIE will also be informing the ILO [International Labour Organisation]of the action of GuySuCo while also calling on the members of the GMB of London for support against the corporation’s breach of agreement.”

NAACIE said the matter will also be discussed with the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) to ensure the right and respect for collective bargaining continue to exist.

The union said it has done enough to support GuySuCo and will continue to do so, but will not be bullied by managers of the corporation when workers' issues are addressed.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

Persaud stresses greater monitoring of forestry, mining sectors

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud on Thursday commissioned a Geospatial Information Management Unit (GIMU), emphasising the need for greater monitoring of the forestry and mining sectors.

Persaud related that there are several factors hindering the effective enforcement of such legislation. He said with the unit now in place, and with the passage of relevant legislation, its work will be greatly strengthened.

The Minister related that the Ministry has been having consultation with stakeholders in the mining and forestry sectors, including the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) as he looks to draft legislations to toughen enforcement in those sectors.

Mining regulations

According to Persaud, his Ministry and the GGDMA are looking at a plethora of mining regulations with the aim of amending those legislations to better enhance the protection of the environment.

As it relates to the forestry sector, the Minister said his Ministry is in the process of finalising regulations for the forestry sector, noting that a National Land Use Policy has already been completed.

With regards to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Persaud maintained that he is in talks with the British Government to restructure regulations governing the EPA to bring about greater enforcement efficiency.

On this note, the Minister acknowledged that there was need for a certain “calibre” of employees to work in interior locations. “To put it frankly, people don’t want to go into the interior to work,” the Minister said.

He further related that even when they do get staff

Burrowes School of Art tutors host exhibition

Art enthusiasts flocked to the National Art Gallery, Castellani House on Thursday when the E R Burrowes School of Art opened its Tutors Exhibition.

This exhibition, held after a decade-long hiatus, is now expected to become an annual feature.

On the second flat of the gallery, 81 pieces of art were on display. These include pieces done in leather, digital print, dye on fabric, paintings, sculptures, card weaving, ceramics, bronze, copper, soap stone, calabash and emulsion, samaan, sketches, and the use of acrylic and wax.

The participating tutors include the administrator of the E R Burrows School of Art Ivor Thom, Director of Studies Jenelle Osborne, Everley Austin (ceramic), Robert Cummings (textile construction), Vandyke David (ceramic), Sheena

to work, persons are reluctant to police and monitor the mining areas.

Moving on, Minister Persaud maintained that as it relates to companies being treated with fairness and equality, there is no bias with regards to the enforcement of forestry laws.

Even-handed approach

“I want to make it absolutely clear that we have a very even-handed approach, whether you are a Guyanesebased company, Chinesebased company, Indianbased company, Brazilian, United States, Caribbean… we have a very even-hand approach in terms of our application of national laws,” the Minister emphasised.

He further noted that the Ministry is continuously working with companies in both the mining and forestry sectors to ensure that they are compliant with national laws.

On that note, the Minister maintained that the GIMU will help to bring about more efficiency with regards to monitoring and enforcing national laws in the identified sectors.

The Minister highlighted that with satellite imagery; the unit based in Georgetown will be receiving images on forestry and mining areas and will be able to respond quickly should a situation occurs.

“It is an additional tool in getting the job done,” said Minister Persaud, adding that it will bring “effective and sound managing of the natural sector… and respect for our national laws by all”.

He said the unit will be able to monitor deforestation rates and activities in the mining sector and weed out illicit activities.

It will be aided by the work of the recently launched $500 million Land Reclamation Project. The GIMU will work to increase the efficiency of data collection with regards to forest geography.

Henry (child classes vocation workshop), Dawn Isaacs (ceramic), Nicole Bissoo-Williams (painting), Genghis Khan (painting and drawing), Josepha Tamayo (three dimensional foundation course and sculpture), Dhalia Peters (ceramic), Volda Russell-Ramsammy (textile design and basic design), Joseph Saunders (computer graphic art) and Sean Thomas (graphic art).

In a review of the exhibition, Osborne noted that pieces on display were done over a period of time by the tutors.

She also gave a synopsis on the styles used by the tutors and their contributions to the school. Notably, all of the tutors are past students of the E R Burrowes School of Art.

It is anticipated that with the addition of new

staff at the school that the next Tutors Exhibition will showcase more modern pieces. The school will be adding two new programmes to its curriculum, namely photography and designing.

The E R Burrowes School of Art was founded in 1975 by the late Dr Denis Williams. From the onset, the institution was modelled after the British curriculum of formal art training. Founded after Guyana became Independent in 1966 and a Republic in 1970, and also after the ground-breaking Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) in 1972 that was held in Guyana, the school was a timely addition to the cultural life of a young nation.

The school’s predecessor was the Working Peoples Art Class (WPAC), which was formed by Barbadianborn acclaimed “Father of Guyanese Art” E R Burrowes in 1948.

Some of the pieces on display at the exhibition

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud as he leads a tour into the Geospatial Information management Unit at Kingston, Georgetown (Carl Croker Photo)

saturday, april 12, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

780,000 persons migrated in past 48 years

Aresearcher on international migration at Oxford University, England, has reported that some 780,000 Guyanese have left these shores over the past 48 years.

Simona Vezzoli in a recent study said most of the migrants are now settled in Canada, England and the U.S.

Vezzoli’s disclosure comes amid calls by various stakeholders across the country for the publishing of the National

Census Report 2012. On Tuesday, Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan told the National Assembly that the Government was playing games with Guyanese, and did not want to publish the report as it would show the areas where the Government has failed.

He noted that the ruling party constantly harps about large-scale development in the country, but was not providing the evidence contained

in the National Census Report 2012.

According to Ramjattan, the Government boasts of the provision of jobs, but some 1000 persons migrate every month. He said this will be reflected in the census report, which he claims the Government is hiding.

However, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was firmly committed to the continued strengthening of the

national statistics system to provide strong evidencebased policy decisions.

He said the results from the census are being compiled, noting that the completion of a preliminary report was somewhat hampered by challenges of access to households and enterprises, particularly in mining areas in Regions One, Seven and Eight.

Singh anticipates that the preliminary report will be available by the end of the first half of the year.

The main report will provide information on a number of areas including changing age structure of the population, composition of the labour market, employment, ethnicity, gender, religion, education, quality of life and fertility rates, among others.

The analysis is also expected to include projections on the country’s population by 2050, based on current trends.

Some 300 jobs being provided to Lindeners

The Region 10

Democratic Council (RDC) has partnered with Canadian-based mineral exploration company Guyana Goldfields Inc to provide approximately 300 jobs to persons within Region 10.

Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon said the move will ease hardship in Linden.

“The region has been working to ensure that we have our residents involved in small micro-enterprise businesses, to ensure also that we see the return of cottage industries. We hope that by the end of sometime this year, we can see that creating about 300 jobs for persons.

"Our next immediate approach to job creation is that the region over the past several weeks would have been engaging several companies, which to date, we have had the confirmation from one such company which has expressed interest in working closely with us, based on the approach that we have made with residents, knowing that unemployment is so high in the region,” he said.

Application process

The application process was facilitated at the Egbert Benjamin Centre, Linden, which is more convenient as persons would not have to travel to Georgetown to uplift forms, which is more costly.

The Regional Chairman, along with some stakeholders and RDC Councillors were at the venue, providing reference and facilitating police clearance for applicants. Also present, were labour and human services officials of the Guyana Goldfields Inc.

“In its quest to employ persons to work at that company, it has decided to partner with the region to have the process for application for jobs to be one that can be expedited in a matter of one day or so, so that we can have over 300 persons being given an opportunity to be employed.

"In ensuring that we partner with this company and facilitate that process, we are seeing this as a good opportunity for those residents to save themselves the hassle and the expense that it would have cost for them to pursue having these op-

portunities,” Solomon said.

The Regional Chairman further related that since Linden is a mining community, it is able to provide some technical skills in this area. As such, he commended, the efforts of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) for providing training opportunities to residents. A critical aspect of this recruitment, he noted is that it will also provide opportunity for training.

“We have said to the company, outside of looking for skills that they are certainly going to find in Region 10, they must also be committed to invest in training and we’ve encouraged them to put investments back into the Linden Technical Institute so that our young men and women who are going to enter that institution are given the opportunity to have advanced equipment and training at their disposal.”

Some positions, which were applied for include camp service manager, accountant, procurement and logistics officers, environmental, health and safety officers, warehouse men, medex, nurses, mill wrights, welders, electricians, information technology (IT) technicians, heavy-duty operators and light truck drivers.

“The second aspect of this, in our discussion with the company, it is intended to ensure that 60 per cent of the employment of the 600, required jobs are going to come to Region 10.”

Job opportunities

In addition, Solomon said the RDC has also had approaches for employment opportunities from agricultural and forestry companies. He said he would like to see persons employed under the initiative and invest meaningfully in the development of their communities.

One way to put their productiveness into is something positive, he said, is for them to acquire their own homes.

The Regional Chairman added that it is the responsibility of workers venturing out of the region to ensure that their rights are being protected, while it is the duty of the RDC and Government to see that the labour laws are enforced.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Researcher Simona Vezzoli

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Persons at the application exercise

Amid “gas war” talk, Russia reassures Europe on supply

ussian President

RVladimir Putin tried to ease European fears of gas supply cuts on Friday after Brussels said it would stand with the new authorities in Kiev if the Kremlin carries out a threat to turn off the tap to Ukraine.

Russia, which last month angered Western powers by annexing Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, has raised the price it charges Kiev for gas and said it owes Moscow US$2.2 billion in unpaid bills.

That has raised the spectre of previous “gas wars”, when rows between the two former Soviet states led to problems with onward supplies to western Europe.

A repeat of that scenario could hurt Russia as well as European Union customers for its gas because Moscow depends for its public revenues on selling gas in

Europe.

“I want to say again: We do not intend and do not plan to shut off the gas for Ukraine,” Putin said in televised comments at a meet-

ing of his advisory Security Council. “We guarantee fulfillment of all our obligations to our European consumers.”

The stand-off, precipitated by the overthrow of the Moscow-backed Ukrainian President after he rejected closer ties to the EU, has brought Russia’s relations with the West to their most fraught since the end of the Cold War in 1991.

In a sign of efforts to calm tempers, aides to EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton confirmed a meeting next Thursday involving Russia and Ukraine with Ashton and U.S. officials. (Excerpt from Reuters)

U.S. contractor Alan Gross ends Cuba jail hunger strike

AU.S. contractor who has been in jail in Cuba for more than four years has ended his week-long hunger strike.

In a statement released by his lawyer, Alan Gross said he suspended his fast because his mother, 91, had asked him to end it, but added that “there will be further protests to come”.

Gross, 64, began fasting on April 2 to protest against his treatment by both the Cuban and U.S. Governments. He was jailed for 15 years for taking Internet equipment to Cuba illegally.

“My protest fast is suspended as of today,” Gross said in the statement.

U.S. contractor Alan Gross who was arrested in Cuba in 2009, had been on hunger strike for a week

tempts by the U.S. to undermine the island nation’s Communist Government.

Indian election chief bans rallies by Modi aide over religious hatred

Narendra Modi, widely tipped to become India’s next Prime Minister, suffered a setback on Friday when his closest aide was banned from election rallies and meetings after a series of speeches deemed to have stoked tensions with Muslims.

Modi, 63, a pro-business Hindu nationalist, is the prime ministerial candidate of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which hopes to oust the ruling Congress Party of Rahul Gandhi with its promises of jobs and new infrastructure.

The election, the world’s largest ever in which 815 million people are eligible to vote, began this week and is staggered over five weeks, ending on May 12. Results are due on May 16.

The aide, Amit Shah, who faces murder charges dating to his time serv-

ing under Modi in the state Government of Gujarat, runs Modi’s campaign in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which has a population larger than Brazil’s and holds the keys to national power. Shah says the murder charges are a political conspiracy.

It was not immediately clear what impact a possibly disruptive ban on meetings in Uttar Pradesh by such a high-profile figure would have on Modi’s campaign in the state. Shah is tipped for a senior role in any Modi Government.

The Election Commission ruled that both Shah and a Minister in the Uttar Pradesh Government had made statements that promoted “hatred and ill will” between religions and urged police to press criminal charges. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“There will be no cause for further intense protest when both governments show more concern for human beings and less malice and derision toward each other,” he added. He had stopped eating after his last solid meal a week ago “to object to mistruths, deceptions, and inaction by both governments”.

formal diplomatic relations since 1961.

The case of Gross is seen as a major obstacle to better U.S.-Cuban ties. The two countries have not had

Gross was arrested in 2009 while working for a firm under contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Cuba considers USAID’s programmes as illegal at-

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country will honour the gas deals

saturday, april 12, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Cocaine unearthed in mail bag at CJIA

Days after members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) unearthed 7.5 kilograms of cocaine in pastries at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), a similar discovery was made, this time by members of the Police Narcotics Branch (PNB) on Friday. The bust was unearthed around 13:00h.

According to information gather, 644 grams of cocaine was discovered in several envelopes among a mail bag as it was about to be loaded onto a Caribbean Airlines Flight bound for John F Kennedy Airport, U.S.A.

Based on reports, PNB ranks were conducting a routine search when the illegal substance was discovered in several envelopes.

Police have since taken the names of the recipients and have launched an investigation.

There was reportedly no name of the sender at the back of the envelope. On Monday, Nicholas Harinanadan, 37, of Lot 603 Fort Ordinance, Canje, Berbice, was charged for trafficking 7.5kilograms of cocaine in pastries.

On the day in question, Harinanadan was an outgoing passenger on a Caribbean Airlines flight BW 526, where he checked in with two suitcases.

While his suitcases were being scanned, he was questioned about the content by a CANU rank when he admitted that it contained clothing, pastries, food, seasoning and footwear.

The prosecutor told the court that the man was further questioned if he had packed his suitcase himself, and he responded in the affirmative. However, with the consent of the businessman, the officer searched the baggage and more so, the pastries.

It was during the search, two kilos of the illicit substance in pint tarts, 2.4 kilos in cheese rolls, 2.5 kilos in mithais and 570 grams of liquid cocaine in the sole of a shoe were found.

CANU has since issued a wanted bulletin for well known florist Raul Anthony Chin, 38, Managing Director of Bouquet De Difference on Robb Street, Georgetown, in connection with the bust.

DPP to review evidence in Rose, Persaud killings

Police are at a standstill in the investigations into the murders of designer Trevor Rose and Eccles money changer Bridgelall Persaud even as it recently reported that serious crimes for the year has increased by 38 per cent compared to corresponding period last year.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Friday said the files of the men will be sent to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, who will review the deposition and evidence in the case and make her recommendation.

To date, the Guyana Police Force has not issued a wanted bulletin for anyone in the matter, which means that they are not in possession of the identities of the suspects.

Recently, the police stated that they were looking for two men for the execution of the Eccles businessman and one for the execution of the designer.

The acting Commissioner explained that there is no new evidence that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, but the police are continuing their investigations.

The main witnesses in the Trevor Ross murder re-

portedly failed to positively identify the shooter during an identification parade at the Police Headquarters.

One of the witnesses, Latoya Towler, who happens to be one of Rose’s child mother, is claiming that she is still traumatised to speak to anyone. The police are optimistic that they will have a breakthrough in the case at some point.

Rose was gunned down on the morning of January 26, when a lone gunman opened fire on the car he was in while in the vicinity of the traffic lights at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Rose, 32, of East Street, North Cummingsburg died while Trevor Nieuinkirk, 30, a taxi driver and the mother of Rose’s two-year-old son, Latoya Towler were injured. Towler was reportedly shot to the buttocks while Nieuinkirk sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm.

It was reported that on the morning of the shooting, Rose, a father of eight was heading into the Eccles Housing Scheme to drop off Towler.

As they approached the traffic lights in the area, another motor car drove up alongside theirs and accosted the driver, taunting him about the way he was driving.

Argument

This developed into an argument, and subsequently, the driver of the other car exited his vehicle and opened fire. Rose reportedly received multiple gunshot injuries while Nieuinkirk and Towler were shot once. Meanwhile, on February 20, about 08:10h, Persaud also called “B Boy” was gunned down in the vicinity of Builder’s Lumber Yard, Lombard Street, Georgetown after he was attacked by two gunmen. The

robbers then made good their escape with a bag containing at least $1 million.

According to information received, the man was in his blue Toyota Raum, and as he approached the truck park at Lombard Street, two men armed with handguns exited a white car that was parked some distance away, walked up to Persaud’s vehicle and opened fire.

One bullet reportedly struck the man in the head while the others caught him in his legs and abdomen.

After shooting the businessman, one of the men reportedly reached into the man’s car and removed the bag containing the money.

They then made good their escape in a waiting car, which went into Princes Street. The businessman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police are working on the theory that the man might have been trailed from the time he left home and would have been under surveillance by the gunmen for some time.

Guyana Times was told that Persaud would use the route to get to work on a daily basis.

Digicel solidly behind Bartica, Linden celebrations

With just a matter of days away from the Annual Bartica Regatta and Linden Town Week, Digicel Guyana has given its commitment to continue its social duty to the people of Guyana.

These comments came as the company will be sponsoring various events for the Bartica Regatta and Linden Town Week.

According to Event and Sponsorship Coordinator Gavin Hope, Digicel is always happy to be a part of

such exciting celebrations.

He noted that this year, their sponsorship will be geared at the football competitions and boat racing.

Hope said football was missing from the event for a number of years, and thus, the company is happy to bring back one of the main sports to Bartica.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Bartica Regatta Elizabeth Moonsammy said Digicel has always been gracious towards the community.

Digicel, she noted, has always been a supporter of the Regatta. She said Bartica is very happy that football has returned to the community.

Moonsammy highlighted that the regatta will feature a Gospel Fest, with both local and international artistes, the Miss Regatta Pageant and a wash down after the regatta.

The regatta will take place next weekend while the Linden Town Week will start from April 24.

Cyclone Ita barrels into Queensland

Cyclone Ita, a category-three storm packing “very destructive” winds of up to 170 kilometres per hour (105 miles per hour), has hit northern Queensland in Australia.

The storm has crossed the coast near Cape Flattery and is expected to head south-southwest overnight, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said.

Residents in low-lying areas have been warned to prepare for damaging waves, strong currents and flooding.

It is the strongest storm to hit since Cyclone Yasi, which struck in 2011. Previously classed as a category-five

storm, Ita was downgraded by the BOM to category four and then to category three when it hit the Cape York Peninsula, In its bulletin at 02:06 local time (16:06 GMT), the BOM said the storm was 11km from Cooktown and 180km from Cairns.

“Very destructive winds with gusts up to 170km/h are possible between Cape Melville and Cooktown”, which are in the path of the cyclone, the bulletin said.

Residents in those areas have been urged to “stay calm and remain in a secure shelter”.

Everyone in coastal areas has been warned to expect

a “dangerous storm tide overnight” and rising sea levels that could flood low-lying areas.

“People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to follow instructions regarding evacuation of the area,” BOM said in its advisory.

BBC Weather’s Tomasz Schafernaker says that although the very destructive winds will remain close to the centre of the storm, gale force winds and heavy rainfall could extend out as far as 180km (111 miles). (Excerpt from BBC News)

New quake shakes “on red alert” Nicaragua

Amagnitude-6.6 earthquake has struck Nicaragua, sending people running frightened into the streets less than 24 hours after a magnitude-6.1 quake rattled the country.

There were no immediate reports of new casualties or serious damage, but the the United States Geological Survey said the quake was felt in El Salvador and neighbouring Costa Rica.

Friday’s quake struck at 20:29 GMT, and was centred about 11 kilometres east-southeast of the town of Nandaime, and had a depth of 138km.

President Daniel Ortega

raised the country’s alert level to red, meaning Government officials were evacuating everyone at risk of harm from aftershocks or a new quake, according to an Associated Press news agency report.

The Government raised the number of people injured in Thursday’s quake from 23 to 200, also saying a 23-yearold woman had died of an apparent heart attack after the quake.

The USGS said Thursday’s quake was centred 18km southeast of the city of Larreynaga and had a depth of 10km.

In the capital city of Managua, 300 homes were

damaged and at least 20 were destroyed by the Thursday quake, said one of the mayor’s deputies, Fidel Moreno.

Authorities ordered the demolition of two old buildings that had withstood the earthquake of 1972 that killed 10,000 people. Hospitals began discharging patients with minor illnesses so they could have beds available in the event of injuries from an aftershock or new quake.

“We’re trying to take as many preventive measures as possible to prevent more deaths,” said Government Spokeswoman and First Lady, Rosario Murillo. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Dead: Bridgelall Persaud

Dead: Trevor Rose

From left to right: Digicel Public Relations Officer Vidya Sanichara, Bartica Regatta Secretary Elizabeth Moonsammy and Digicel Sponsorship Coordinator Gavin Hope

The gloomy storm front

New airline coming soon

Anew airline, Insel Air International, is slated to commence operations in Guyana by June 18 with two flights per week, adding to the options available for Guyanese to fly affordably and in comfort.

Roraima Airways has been authorised as ground handling services and general sales agents for the airline. The contract was signed between the two companies in the presence of media operatives at a press conference on Friday at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown.

Chief Commercial Officer

Jurgen Lippinkhof said it was an honour to be operating here. He explained that Guyana was chosen because it is the only English speaking country in South America.

The representative disclosed that when the airline commences operations on June 18, there will be introductory prices which will last for six months.

Insel Air is expected to operate flights to Miami from Aruba and Curacao, its two main hubs. The introductory fares for these routes is US$270 per roundtrip, which will in-transit at Aruba from Curacao, while straight flights to Miami from Curacao will be US$345, tax inclusive on both prices.

Baggage allowances are 23 kilos per suitcase, 10 kilos for a carry-on and a fee of US$40 for any extra luggage over 10 kilos.

Lippinkhof explained

that passengers flying with Insel Air have the advantage of clearing with the U.S. Customs and Immigration in Aruba, and as such, they will be flown to the U.S. on a domestic flight and do not have to go through the tedious process there.

He pointed out that this service will allow Guyanese to have the opportunity to travel to Destination Aruba and enjoy all the enticing things on offer.

The Chief Commercial Officer went on to say that customer satisfaction is very important to the airline.

“We focus on what the people want; people want to be on time and pay low fares and that is what we offer to them,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Roraima Airways Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia said the partnership allows for the promotion of Guyana’s tourism product since Insel Air’s passengers will now have the option of flying to Guyana.

He noted that with the launch of the new carrier, Guyanese will also have the option of vast destina-

Caricom accredits first Swedish Ambassador

While Sweden has forged diplomatic relations with countries within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) through the establishment of honorary consulates in each Caricom member state and by signing of tax information exchange agreements with eight of them, it had no such ties with the regional bloc.

At the Georgetown, Guyana Headquarters of the Caricom Secretariat on Friday, Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, received the Letters of Credence of the first envoy of Sweden to Caricom, Ambassador Claes Hammer, and outlined a range of areas in which the two parties could strengthen cooperation.

Those areas include climate change, the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (UNATT), and the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

“Ambassador, the community sees your accreditation as a welcome sign of establishing a closer relationship with Caricom to enable us to work together for our region’s development based on our areas of mutual interest,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.

He noted that Sweden had already demonstrated its willingness to be involved in areas

that were close to the heart of the Caribbean with its decision to make a financial contribution to the monument to honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade in the vicinity of the UN Headquarters.

Ambassador LaRocque recalled Sweden’s integral role in the hosting of the first United Nations Conference on Human Environment in 1972 in Stockholm which set in motion events that led to the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

He said the latest report of the IPCC indicated the risks climate change posed to small islands and low-lying coastal developing states (SIDS) from climate-related processes originated well beyond their borders. Noting that the report also stressed that the ability of SIDS to undertake adaptation and mitigation programmes, can be substantially strengthened through appropriate assistance from the international community, he told the Ambassador that he was expectant that the upcoming meeting of the Conference of the Parties later this year in Peru, would achieve an acceptable agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

tinations including The Dominican Republic and Haiti.

New opportunities

Captain Gouveia said this initiative will open new opportunities for business and tourism for Guyana. He also explained that unlike other airlines that have attempted similar operations here, Insel Air is a scheduled carrier and not a chartered, hence, it bears stricter legal obligations.

He also said tourists coming to Guyana from Aruba will be astonished at seeing the country’s tourist products such as the majestic Kaieteur Falls and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Guyanese people.

According to Gouveia, the airline was granted approval to operate in Guyana by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) after intense scrutiny of documents, interviews and research.

services in the Caribbean region along with North and South America. The airline was established in 2006, operating flights from Curacao to neighbouring island, Aruba. Today, the airlines commands 13 fleets of aircraft in the Caribbean region with eight flights from Curacao to Miami and four to Aruba on a weekly basis.

tions since the airline will be conducting flights between Guyana and Miami via Aruba and Curacao, connecting many other des-

He contended that Guyanese will gain from the deal since a lot of business people shop in Curacao.

Currently, Insel operates out of their two main hubs in Curacao and Aruba, with a total of 39 aircraft. It offers

Insel Air on its inaugural flight here will be offering familiarsation tours to the media, local tour operators and travel agents so that they can have a feel of the services being offered.

Insel Air International is slated to commence operations in Guyana by June 18 with two flights per week

SUDOKU

It’s time to get active. A brief change of pace will brighten your mood. Consider travelling to a place that will help recharge your energy level and spur you to action.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Don’t shortchange your abilities. Believe in your skills, and don’t be limited by fear of the unknown. Listen to people who will help you find imaginative ways to showcase your talents.

Outline your future travel plans. You may want to explore somewhere new or revisit a special location. Share your thoughts and plans with someone important.

Don’t feel disheartened by circumstances. Take a second look at your previous efforts, and you will find a more advantageous route to your personal goals.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Love is in the air. Make special plans or set aside time for someone you think is special. Use past successes to assist you in devising a progressive approach to the future.

(March 21-April 19)

Improvements to your diet and exercise routines will help you look and feel better. Try different options, set some realistic goals and build a programme you can stick with.

(April 20-May 20)

Be sure to include recreational or social events in your plans. Free yourself from daily drudgery and embark on a day of fun and entertainment with youngsters or close friends.

(May 21June 20)

You may have bitten off more than you can chew. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t let criticism get you down. Be proud of your accomplishments and keep moving forward.

Re-evaluate your career goals. You could capitalize on a novel idea that you’d set aside. An unconventional opportunity will come your way through a previous friend or colleague.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Divulging too much personal information could backfire on you. Don’t say anything that could be misinterpreted by others. Avoid making an impulsive purchase or promise.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Your unselfish actions will lead to a meaningful, long-lasting relationship. Investigate and take advantage of any opportunity that brings you in contact with people harbouring similar desires.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Be truthful but sensitive in your dealings with loved ones. Hurtful words aren’t easily forgotten. A broken promise can lead to a disturbing feud with an important person in your life.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo made an impressive return to first-class cricket on Friday, completing his 11th five-wicket haul on day one of Guyana’s final preliminary game against Trinidad & Tobago at the National Stadium, Providence.

Bishoo, who was dropped for Guyana’s last game against the Leeward Islands, extracted sharp bounce and turn from the Providence pitch, to finished with seven for 67 off 34 overs. Pacer Keon Joseph (1-44) was Guyana other successful bowler.

At stumps, Trinidad and Tobago were in a strong position at 2748, through half centuries from Darren Bravo and Evin Lewis. Imran Khan was unbeaten on 37 and Amit Jaggernauth four.

Guyana were largely frustrated in the morning session before it was all Bishoo, who proved too wily for the Trinidadians as they failed to show proper application against him.

Earlier, openers Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons were watchful in their approach after Trinidad and Tobago’s captain Rayad Emrit won the toss and decided to bat on a surface that produced nothing more than a hint of movement for the pacers.

The two batsmen made good use of the conditions, playing watchfully, and added 35 for the first wicket, before Simmons (12) was caught in the covers by Vishual Singh off Keon Joseph.

Darren Bravo and Lewis then joined forces and dominated the rest of the session’s play. Both batsmen were prolific with cuts, drives and pulls, as the Guyanese bowlers consistently failed to force them to play at deliveries or create any sustained pressure.

As the session progressed, batting continued to look extremely comfortable with the 22-year-old Lewis registering his

fourth half-century at this level off 58 balls with consecutive boundaries off Christopher Barnwell, while the 100 was recorded in the 25th over.

Lewis was batting on 58 and Bravo on 42 when the lunch break was called. Resuming the post lunch session in overcast conditions, both Lewis and Bravo were looking to further irritate the Guyanese and improve their 80-run collaboration for the second wicket.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), seeking to improve the quality of football , has donated new equipment to regions across the country on Friday at the GFF head office in Section ‘K’ Campbellville.

At the simple handing-

over ceremony, executive member of the GFF, Keith Ojeer, was quick to point out the aim of the GFF.

“We’re talking about the overall thing, but this plays one important part of it and like I said earlier with the equipment, we have to make sure that the

coaches are trained enough to use the equipment correctly and then after we could look at the infrastructure so they can use the equipment and their knowledge,” Ojeer highlighted.

Representative of Essequibo, Magzene

However, they could add only 13 more runs though, before Devendra Bishoo ripped through the middle-order in that session.

He first trapped Lewis for 64, an innings that lasted 88 balls, inclusive of eight fours and two sixes, but the Guyanese were unfortunate not to have the wicket of Bravo soon after when he edged a simple chance off the bowling of Keon Joseph, but Leon

T&T 1st innings

E Lewis lbw Bishoo 64

L Simmons c Singh b Joseph 12

D Bravo lbw Bishoo 61

J Mohammed c Griffith b Bishoo 17

J Augustus c Johnson b Bishoo 15

R Emrit c Barnwell b Bishoo 26

S Katwaroo wkpr Bramble

b Bishoo 3

I Khan not out 37

Johnson put it down at first slip.

The left-hander then went on to register his half century off 85 balls, but Bishoo then struck three important blows shortly afterwards to remove the dangerous Bravo for 61 (8x4, 2x6), Jason Mohammed (17) and Jonathan Augustus (15).

From a relatively decent 115-1, the visitors, who are leading the tournament on 72 points, were left gasping at 187-5, at tea.

After tea, Bishoo quickly removed Rayad Emrit, who made a combative 26 and Stephen Katwaroo (3); but Imran Khan and Marlon Richards (20), then frustrated the Guyanese with a fighting 46-run eighth-wicket partnership, before the latter was dismissed, giving Bishoo his best bowling figures in his 50 first-class matches played so far.

Guyana omitted pacer Raun Johnson and leg-spinner Amir Khan, while Shimron Hetmyer made his debut. Trinidad and Tobago left out Ricky Jaipaul and Adrian Barath.

M Richards lbw b Bishoo 20 A Jaggernauth not out 4

Extras: (2nb, 3w, 4lb, 6b) 15

Total: (for eight wickets; 93 overs) 274 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-128, 3-147, 4-164, 5-187, 6-207, 7-220, 8-266 Bowling: Beaton 16-3-480, Joseph 15-5-44-1 (1nb), Barnwell 12-2-47-0, Shadir 12-0-50-0, Bishoo 34-1467-7, Griffith 4-1-4-0

GFF donates equipment to regions

Stewart, stated that the team from their region have already started training, noting that the equipment will greatly benefit their players.

“This donation today is a boost to our training and I know it will be imparted greatly to our players be-

cause on board we have one qualified coach in Rawle Griffith, who has been working assiduously with the players.” Stewart stated.

The equipment was fully sponsored by the GFF in an effort to aid the development of the sport from the youth level, along with

helping the players in preparation for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) under-17 championship set to begin in July.

Meanwhile, the first game in the under-17 national inter- association tournament will kick off on April 19 in Georgetown.

Darren Bravo drives down the ground

Devendra Bishoo

Timothy Bradley ‘considered suicide’ after win over Pacquiao

Timothy Bradley says he considered taking his own life because of abuse he received following his controversial points win over Manny Pacquiao in 2012.

Bradley was awarded a split decision victory, despite most observers believing Pacquiao had won the contest.

The rematch, for the WBO welterweight title, is in Las Vegas this weekend.

“Did I consider suicide?

Hell yeah,” said Bradley. “I was thinking, ‘I don’t want to box anymore - I don’t even want to live anymore’.”

The 30-year-old American, who is undefeated in 32 fights, received hate mail, death threats and abuse at petrol stations following his last meeting with Pacquiao.

The rematch (at approx 04:00 BST on Sunday) will be at the same venue, the MGM Grand, and Bradley says he has overcome his

demons with the help of his family.

“I realised the important things in my life, realised who was important,” said Bradley, who absorbed brutal punishment but emerged with a 12-round unani-

mous decision over Ruslan Provodnikov in his first defence of the title, then won a 12-round split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.

“It doesn’t affect me. I know who I am. I’m a great fighter.” (BBC Sport)

Mills shines in Parker’s place, Spurs top Mavs

Patty Mills is a shooter no matter when he goes into the game.

The San Antonio guard showed it in yet another win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Mills scored 26 points starting in place of Tony Parker and the Spurs moved to the brink of the top seed in the Western Conference while likely forcing the Mavericks into a must-win situation with their playoff hopes by beating Dallas 109-100 on Thursday night.

Making his second start of the season and seventh of his career with Parker nursing a bad back, Mills had 11 points and a pair of steals in the third quarter when the Spurs turned a two-point deficit into an 11-point lead.

‘’Whether I start or come off the bench, there’s a mentality,’’ said Mills, who fell six points short of his season high on 25 shots - one shy of the most he’s taken this season.

‘’Shooting shots is the same.’’

The Spurs beat the Mavericks for the ninth straight time in the regular season, a streak that has last-

ed more than two years. Tim Duncan had 20 points and 15 rebounds after leaving briefly in the first quarter because of a hyperextended right knee. Kawhi

Gasol,Randolph

lead Grizzlies past Heat,107-102

The intensity of the Memphis Grizzlies returned and so did the character of a team that has struggled the past two weeks.

The result was a 107-102 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, keeping the Grizzlies in the hunt for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Zach Randolph had 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Marc Gasol added 20 points and 14 rebounds as Memphis

stayed within a game of the Phoenix Suns, who hold the eighth spot. The Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 94-88 also on Wednesday night.

‘’The headline of the day is the Grizzlies got the win, much needed win,’’ said guard Tony Allen, whose defensive intensity in the second half helped Memphis force nine Miami turnovers leading to 20 Grizzlies points. ‘’We want to continue to polish what we’ve

got going, trying to race into the playoffs.’’ LeBron James led the Heat with 37 points, connecting on 14 of 23 shots, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. Rashard Lewis scored 17, and Chris Bosh finished with 13 points. Mario Chalmers scored 12 points for the Heat. The loss, coupled with the Indiana Pacers’ 104-102 win at Milwaukee, dropped the Heat into the second spot in the Eastern Conference.

Golf: Watson grabs clubhouse lead at Masters

BWatson rolled in five birdies in a row to snatch the outright lead in the second round of the 78th Masters on Friday and surge into contention for a second green jacket in three years.

While most of the world’s best golfers were struggling just to make par in brutally tough conditions at Augusta National, Watson produced a masterful display to grab the early clubhouse lead.

The American, who won the championship in an epic playoff two years ago, followed up his opening 69 with a fourunder-par 68 to reach the halfway stage at seven under.

The maverick left-hander made his first bogey of the tournament at the ninth hole and also dropped a shot at the last when he missed a short putt but reeled off five successive birdies from the 12th to seize control of the first major of the year.

That left him with a threeshot advantage over his nearest rivals, overnight leader Bill Haas and fellow American Jimmy Walker, who were both at four under with more than half their rounds to fin-

ish and the firming course playing even harder.

With the wind starting to pick up, making the notoriously fast greens even more difficult to read, the traditional roars around the Georgian pines were replaced by groans and sighs.

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, playing in the morning when conditions were less tormenting, was one of the few players to make up ground, birdieing four of his last five holes for a 68 to finish at three-under.

“It’s a tricky golf course...if you’re not quite on, it becomes extremely difficult out here,” Bjorn said. “So, I just tried to do the right things and I executed it well.”

South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen, tied for second with Watson and Australia’s defending champion Adam Scott overnight, briefly grabbed a share of the lead when he eagled the par-five 13th after hitting his approach to eight feet from the flgastick.

But he quickly tumbled down the leaderboard when he made a triple-bogey eight at the 15th, then dropped another shot at the last to finish at level par.

“On this type of golf course, you know that can happen. You just need to focus and get on with it,” said Oosthuizen, who was beaten by Watson in a playoff for the 2012 title.

“It’s more disappointing on Sunday when something like that happens. At the moment, I’m in a good position for the tournament.”

Australia’s Marc Leishman, who finished tied for fourth last year, briefly held the outright lead at five under when he birdied his first three holes before dropping a whopping 10 strokes over his remaining holes.

Phil Mickelson, a former three-time champion, was in danger of missing the cut for the first time at the Masters since 1997 after he took a triple bogey at the deceptively tricky par-three 12th hole. Scott, playing in the penultimate group, made a shaky start when he found the fairway bunker with his opening drive and bogeyed the first hole. He dropped another shot at the fourth hole to slip back to one under.

Leonard added 16 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and five assists. Monta Ellis led Dallas with 24 points and Dirk Nowitzki had 19 (Yahoo! Sports)

ubba

Timothy Bradley

Patty Mills

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Prosecutor to Pistorius: Did Reeva scream when you shot her?

Oscar Pistorius’ threeday cross-examination reached a dramatic climax on Friday when a prosecutor challenged the doubleamputee sprinter repeatedly as to why his girlfriend failed to scream when she was shot four times through a toilet door.

In an electric exchange in the Pretoria High Court, Gerrie Nel, one of South Africa’s top attorneys, said it was beyond belief that 29-yearold law graduate and model Reeva Steenkamp would have remained silent in the tiny cubicle with an armed Pistorius shouting and screaming in the adjoining bathroom.

Pistorius, who says he fired at what he thought was an intruder, said Steenkamp did not scream at any point in the incident in the early hours of February 14, 2013 - a central pillar of his defense.

However, under withering questioning, the 27-yearold track star was forced to concede that he may not have heard her cries because of his ears ringing from the first shot.

Pistorius

Several people living nearby have testified to hearing a woman’s terrified screams before and during a volley of shots.

“She’s awake. She’s in the toilet. You’re shouting. You’re screaming. You’re three meters from her. She would have responded. She would not have been quiet, Mr Pistorius,” Nel said.

“She didn’t respond, my Lady,” a clearly distressed Pistorius replied, addressing

judge Thokozile Masipa.

“Did she scream at all whilst you shot her four times?” Nel continued.

“No, my Lady.”

“Are you sure? Are you sure, Mr Pistorius, that Reeva did not scream after the first shot?” Nel continued. “Are you, Mr Pistorius?”

After a brief silence to collect himself, Pistorius said: “My Lady, I wish she had let me know she was there.”

“After you fired the first shot, did she scream?” Nel asked.

“No, my Lady.”

“Are you sure? Would you have heard her?” Nel asked.

“I don’t think I would have heard her.”

“Exactly.”

“A gunshot went off, my ears were ringing,” Pistorius said.

“How can you exclude the fact she was screaming if you couldn’t hear?” Nel asked.

“If I couldn’t hear it then I couldn’t hear,” Pistorius retorted.

“No, you said, Mr Pistorius, she never screamed. You couldn’t hear. You’re just say-

ing that,” Nel said.

“That is what I’m saying,” Pistorius replied.

“No, that’s not what you’re saying. You’re saying she didn’t scream,” Nel followed up.

“My Lady, the sound of that gunshot in the bathroom, you wouldn’t have heard anyone scream. The decibels of the gunshot, I don’t believe you would have heard anyone scream. When I had finished firing the gunshots, I was screaming and I couldn’t hear my own voice.”

Nel later followed up with his central accusation - that the couple had an argument and Steenkamp fled to the toilet pursued by Pistorius, who then shot her through the closed wooden door.

“You knew that Reeva went behind the door and you shot at her,” Nel said. “You shot at her knowing she was behind the door.”

Pistorius denied it, his voice wavering with emotion, before the court adjourned until Monday morning.

Pistorius faces life in prison if convicted of murder. (Reuters)

Oscar

Baugh saves Jamaica but CCC on top

An unbroken, half-century opening stand between Shacaya Thomas and Kyle Corbin reinforced Combined Campuses & Colleges’ early advantage in their battle with Jamaica for the last semi-final slot in the Regional FourDay Championship here on Friday.

Thomas was not out on 33 and Corbin was not out on 21, as CCC reached 59 without loss, replying to the Jamaicans’ first innings total of 182, at the close on the opening day of the seventh round match.

Carlton Baugh Jr hit the top score of 57 for the visitors while Jerome Taylor, batting at number 10, made 39, after they chose to bat on a hard, true 3Ws Oval pitch under cloudy to overcast skies.

No other Jamaica batsman reached 20, as left-

arm fast-medium bowler Raymond Reifer grabbed three for 24 from 11 overs to

undermine the top-order before spinners Akeem Dewar, Jomel Warrican and Ryan Austin mopped up the remainder of the batting to earn the home team three valuable bowling points.

Baugh put on 43 for eighth wicket with Nikita

Miller, who Taylor overshadowed in a ninth wicket stand of 45.

Thomas, the leading batsman in the tournament this year, and Corbin then batted through until the close to stiffen the CCC’s position in the game.

SCOREBOARD

Jamaica 1st Innings

Fall of Wickets: 1-12, 2-13, 3-25, 4-40, 5-44, 6-71, 7-86, 8-129, 9-174, 10-182. Bowling: K McClean 8-3-171, Raymon Reifer 11-3-24-3, R Austin 22-5-70-2, J Warrican 248-42-2, A Dewar 10.2-0-24-2.

CCC 1st Innings S Thomas not out 33 K Corbin not out 21 Extras: (b1, lb1, nb3) 5 Total: (no wicket; 16 Overs) 59 Bowling: J Taylor 4-0-19-0, S Cottrell 6-0-32-0, N Miller 5-3-4-0, D Jacobs 1-0-2-0.

Table Tennis league in full swing

The league teams’ table tennis tournament continued with some intense action on April 6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

In the ‘B’ class competition, the Table Tennis Academy ‘A’ team consisting of Elishaba Johnson, Sunil Logan and Warren Hackshaw were dominant, winning both their matches against Bank of Guyana and Malteenoes Club ‘B’.

The table tennis acade-

my club took down Bank of Guyana (Jody-Ann Blake, Carlyle Bowman and Imran Khan) first in a close encounter, winning the game 3-2. Malteenoes Club ‘B’, consisting of Kevon Corbin, Kevin Prass and Kristoff Sookhoo fell to the in-form team 2-3 as well.

Titans ‘A’, featuring Stefan Corlette and Alex Hopkinson also defeated Malteenoes Club ‘B’ team by a 3-2 margin in another close encounter.

Bayrock, Lower East Bank to clash in EBCA under-19 final on Sunday

The Bayrock Cricket Ground in Linden will come alive this Sunday, when Bayrock and Lower East bank clash in the East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) under-19 40-over final, sponsored by GSpot. According to EBCA President,Rohan Sarjoo,executive members of the East Bank Board; Demerara Cricket Board and the Guyana Cricket Board,will attend.

Malteenoes Club ‘A’, featuring prominent stars in Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill and Kyle Edghill took some revenge on Titans ‘A’ for defeating their club mates by thrashing the Titans 3-1.

Blue Thunder ‘A’, consisting of Remy Taitt, Devon Richmond and Vernon Rodrigues had a hard time with NP Electronics (Michael Vieira, Xen Goliah and Sammy Boodhoo), but prevailed by a 3-2 score line.

However, NP Electronics did not go winless, scoring a commanding victory over Bank of Guyana that ended 3-0.

Meanwhile, in the ‘C’ Class competition, Bank of Guyana ‘B’ was able to record their only victory of the day to salvage some pride from a tough outing in the ‘B’ Class competition, with a 3-2 win over Table Tennis Academy ‘B’ that featured Terrence Rausch, Christopher Rausch and Kristie Lopes.

Berbice Cycling Rivalry Continues

Sunday

The recent heated rivalry between the two leading cycling clubs in Berbice is expected to be taken to the road again on Sunday, when club members go wheel to wheel with their rivals as another 50-miler is planned for Berbice.

The event, organized by coach of the Flying Ace Cycle

ECCCC, Rose Hall meet in return game Sunday

The Rose Hall Estate Sports Club (RHESC) will look for revenge on Sunday when they take on the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) in a return game at the Rose Hall Community Centre at Canje. The RHESC suffered defeat in two games to hosts ECCCC last month.

Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, the ECCCC first prevailed over the visitors by seven wickets in a 35-over game. Due to the game finishing early, the two teams decided to play a 10/10 match, which the ECCCC won by four runs.

While the RHESC suffered defeats on the field of play in cricket, their table-tennis players returned the favour to their Enmore counterparts, beating the hosts in a two-way showdown in the club’s auditorium.

Come Sunday, when two 20/20 games will be played from 10:00h, the RHESC

will look to exploit familiar home conditions and reverse the results.

The home team will bank on Robin Mohabir, Ameer Rahaman, Adrian Haralsingh, Rocky Beepat, Keon Isaacs and Fawaz Hussain.

The ECCCC, on the other hand, will hinge their hopes of maintaining supremacy over RHESC on the likes of skipper Bheemraj Ramkellawan, young batsmen Vishwanauth Ramlakhan and Rudolph Singh, fast bowlers Chetram Ramlall, Gavin Moriah and Ranjeet Heeralall, allrounder Yuvraj Dyal and the talented off-spinner, Satesh Jainarine.

Cricket aside, the two clubs, which were resuscitated only last year, will engage each other at dominoes, table-tennis and volleyball.

The ECCCC was revived in March 2013, while the RHESC became functional again in October last. (Avenash Ramzan)

Club (FACC) Randolph Roberts, will feature riders from that club and Trojan Cycle Club (TCC).

This will be the third event for Berbice cyclers in four weeks and the sixth for the year. “To keep in top form cyclists should be involved in competitive riding as often as possible and this is what I am trying to do”, Roberts said, while throwing out a challenge to TCC to organize races also. “The time has come for more action and less talk.”

The event rides off from Marks Bridge in New Amsterdam and heads to the Corentyne, where riders will turn back at Number 43 Village before going to the finish line in front of the First Impression Hotel at Hampshire Village.

Prizes will be awarded to the first eight finishers, the first two females and the first two beginners and the first two female U-16 riders.

Females and beginners are expected to ride shorter distances, while eight sprint point prizes will be up for grabs.

Race time is 08:30h.

(Andrew Carmichael)

SCOREBOARD

Leeward Islands 1st Innings K Powell* c Hope b Carter 16 J Liburd c Nurse b F Edwards 4 Orlando Peters c Dowrich b Stoute 3 D Thomas+ c Dowrich b Nurse 30 J Hamilton c Carter b Nurse 0 Jaison Peters c & b Benn 14 J Taylor c Phillips b Nurse 0 G Tonge c Fidel Edwards b Carter 3 Y Leonard LBW Benn 15 K Walters c Kirk Edwards b Nurse 3 A Martin not out 5 Extras: (nb1) 1 Total: (34.4 Overs) 94 Fall of Wickets: 1-9 (Liburd), 2-14 (Orlando Peters), 3-49 (Powell), 4-53 (Thomas), 5-54 (Hamilton), 6-54 (Taylor), 7-57 (Tonge), 8-76 (Jaison Peters), 9-85 (Leonard).

4-1-9-2.

1st Innings Kraigg Brathwaite* not out 73 O Phillips c Hamilton b Martin 79 Kirk Edwards not out 10 Extras: (b4, lb1) 5 Total: (1 wicket; 58 Overs) 167 Still to Bat: S Hope, J Carter, K Stoute, S Dowrich+, Carlos Brathwaite, A Nurse, S Benn, Fidel Edwards. Fall of Wickets: 1-146 (Phillips). Leeward Islands 1st Innings Bowling: G Tonge 9-3-220, K Walters 7-0-28-0, A Martin 18-8-39-1, J Taylor 12-1-39-0,

Yuvraj Dyal Satesh Jainarine

Carlton Baugh

Sammy – New approach paying dividends

est Indies

WTwenty20 captain Darren Sammy says his blistering batting performances in the recently concluded World Twenty20 in Bangladesh has stemmed from a new clarity in thinking.

Speaking to CMC Sports in his first interview since returning from Bangladesh with the West Indies team, Sammy said that he had taken a new approach to his batting in T20s.

“Right now, when I go to the wicket I have a clear idea of how I want to play,” said the Windies skipper, while witnessing the finals of the Secondary Schools Under-19 competition at the Gros-Islet Playing Field.

“It’s something I have developed. In the absence of Kieron Pollard and these guys, my role is to finish the innings whether we are batting first or chasing runs.”

Sammy played two scin-

tillating innings as he helped West Indies advance to the semi-finals of the tournament. He smashed an unbeaten 34 from 13 balls against Australia to get the Caribbean side home with two balls to spare and returned against Pakistan

to belt a career-best 42 not out off 20 balls, to lay the groundwork for the Windies’ 84 run triumph. They lost to eventual champions Sri Lanka by 27 runs on the Duckworth/ Lewis method in the first semi-final, after a rain and

a hailstorm ended play prematurely with West Indies 80 for four off 13.5 overs, chasing a target of 161.

“I am very proud of the team. We went to Bangladesh with one mission to retain the title and although the weather played a part which we had no control over, yet still we lost by 27 runs and had 27 dot balls,” he pointed out.

“I still believe we would have gotten home. That’s the kind of self belief we have in the dressing room at this present moment. I am very proud to see how we went about playing in this tournament.

“But it is not only the cricket but the team spirit. The unity was very evident out there on the cricket field.”

Sammy finished the tournament with a strike rate of 224.44 and was included in the ICC World Team of the Tournament. (Windiescricket)

Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc U-19 Inter County Competition…

East Coast triumphant again

…..West Demerara tumble Georgetown by 60 runs

East Coast was victorious again as they eased past East Banks by three wickets in the second round of the Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc sponsored Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Inter-Association Under-19 50-over Competition today.

At the Enmore Community Centre ground, the overs were reduced to 41 overs per side due to seepage of water from early morning rains. East Bank took to the crease first and managed 156/9 of their allotted overs. Ryan Shun and Deonarine Seegobin were the significant scorers with 36 and 37 respectively. Bowling for East Coast, Vivian Albert did the dam-

age capturing 5/34 off nine overs, which gave him the man-of-the-match award.

East Coast reached their target of 157 in 35.5 overs, losing seven wickets in the process. Brian Sattuar led the way with 61 while Vishwanauth Ramlakhan made 52. East Bank’s Eshan Alli accounted for 4/37 off nine overs.

At the Wales Community Centre ground, the overs were reduced to 48 overs per side due to overnight rain as well. West Demerara batted first and finished on 231/6. Avenash Dhaniram top-scored with 56 and got support from Ronaldo Renee (47), Daniel Basdeo (44), and Kevin Paul (23).

In reply, Georgetown was tumbled for 171 in 42.1 overs. Sherfane Rutherford (44), Kemal Savoury (27), and Tariq Dharamlall (23) were the primary scorers. Man-of-the-match, Malcolm Hubbard was the pick of the bowlers for West Demerara with 4/26. Also among the wickets were Kevin Paul (2/8) and Richie Looknauth (2/8).

The third and final round is scheduled for Saturday, 12th April 2014 and it will see East Coast and Georgetown clashing at the Everest Cricket Club ground, and East Bank taking on the defending champions, west Demerara, at the Wales Community Centre ground.

Football returns to Bartica Regatta

Football rivalry will return as part of this year’s Bartica Regatta, with action set to kick off on Monday, according to Elizabeth Moonsammy, secretary of the Bartica Easter Regatta Committee.

The Bartica Easter Regatta Committee and DC Promotions have collaborated to once again stage the Regatta, which has received corporate support from phone company, Digicel.

Moonsammy said on Friday that football will make a welcome return to the list of activities planned with some of the best ballweavers set to be in action.

“On Monday we will begin our 11-a-side knockout football tournament. There is a new Interim Management

Committee (IMC) for the Bartica Football Association and we’re working hand in hand with them, along with companies like Digicel to bring back football to the community of Bartica,” Moonsammy said.

She added, “I think most of you would know football is the number one sport other than power- boat racing in Bartica and for a long time now it has been languishing, so the Bartica Regatta Committee and DC Promotions are pleased to work with the Bartica Football Association IMC to help resuscitate football in Bartica.”

Initially, the organisers were contemplating staging a street football competition, but later agreed to host an 11-a-side tournament, featuring eight leading teams.

“Four top teams from Bartica, which are Beacon, Wolves United, Mill Ballers and Rising Stars along with Sunburst Camptown, Victoria Kings and Den Amstel in addition to Venezuela team San Martin will be competing,” Moonsammy pointed out.

Preliminary games will be played next Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with the final set for Saturday. In the opening game on Monday at the Bartica Community Centre ground, Sunburst Camptown will take on Den Amstel at 18:00h, while Beacon will tackle Wolves United at 20:00h. (Avenash Ramzan)

Nantambu named as head coach for CFU under-17 team

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have named their technical staff for the upcoming Caribbean Football Union (CFU) under-17 championship slated to start in July.Neither a date nor a venue has so far been named.

Bilaal Nantambu will be head coach for the team, while Carlos Bernard will be the manager.

Andrew Hazel is the goalkeeping coach. Trevor Beckles is the physical trainer, while Charlene Henry will tend to the players as physiotherapist for the duration of the tournament, which will end in August.

Darren Sammy

Chevon Monchoir was named assistant coach, with Anthony Stephens the developmental coach.

Elizabeth Moonsammy

Vishwanauth Ramlakhan