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INSIDE Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2120 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

May 4, 2014

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Opposition sheltering criminals – President Ramotar

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 3

TravelSpan introduces new Boeing 767 – eyeing other destinations

$120 vat included

See story on page 14

GuySuCo likely to surpass first crop P7 production target – Dr Ramsammy Miss India P9 Guyana 2014 representative selected

P10 WoW Programme positively impacting single mothers

The new TravelSpan Boeing 767-300 aircraft that will be plying the Guyana-New York route at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

800kg of marijuana destroyed See story on page 13

Teaching profession not financially attractive for men See story on page 11

– GTU General Secretary

Ronald P16 Webster laid to rest Several P16 injured after boat crashes at Kaow Island

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SUNday, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday May 4 from 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday May 4 from 06:45h-08:15h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy to light rain showers can be expected during the morning, while sunshine and clear skies are expected in the afternoon and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly between 4.91 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:21h and 19:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.31 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:55h and 13:24h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.77 metre respectively.

LOTTERY NUMBERS 08 18 19 20 24 27 16

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resident Donald Ramotar on Saturday accused the combined Opposition of sheltering drug lords and other unsavoury criminal characters by refusing to pass the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill 2014.

Addressing the media at his State House residence on Saturday, the President said the Opposition’s uncompromising stance on the critical Bill is a clear indication that it is sheltering criminals.

“Who is the Opposition defending when they are going against this Bill?” the President asked, contending: “Objectively, they are defending the drug lords everywhere.” The Opposition has been accused before of protecting these people.

Ramotar posited that the Opposition continuously takes the position that they are in the fight against

corruption and drugs, yet it is refusing to pass a Bill that would essentially aid in that fight.

“This is an anti-corruption, anti-money laundering bill and here they are trying to fight down this anti-corruption bill,” he said, adding that “the Opposition is now opening our country to a lot of dangers by not wanting to pass this legislation.”

Other Caricom nations have enacted the essential legislation but not Guyana. This is something the President said the Opposition should not be proud about.

“Our Opposition seem incapable in taking any sort of patriotic position in defending the people of Guyana,” President Ramotar said.

He explained that the Opposition’s uncompromising stance does not auger well for the country with regards to the economy, adding that “to all and sundry”,

President Donald Ramotar

the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) official came twice to Guyana to explain the importance of the Bill, but still they continue to give a deaf ear.

While maintaining that the Government is still open to dialogue and compromise on the passage of the legislation, the President explained that the administration will not support any amendments that would

have dire consequences on the Guyanese people in the future.

“The kindest thing I can say about this, it is a total irresponsible behaviour on the part of the Opposition,” Ramotar said when asked if there will be any compromise with the Opposition on the passage of the Bill.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon had said Guyana is likely to miss the May 29 deadline given by CFATF to pass the critical legislation.

He maintained that if the Opposition was willing to compromise and put the interest of the Guyanese people first, the Bill can and will be passed before the CFATF deadline.

His comments came after CFATF’s Chairperson Allison Maynard Gibson visited the country and engaged all stakeholders of the consequences of Guyana not passing the AML/CFT Bill.

Work on East Bank Berbice Road to commence in October

Saturday, may 3, 2014

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Opposition sheltering criminals – Ramotar

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he rehabilitation of the East Bank Berbice Road is expected to begin in October of this year, according to Sunil Ganesh, the Engineer overseeing the project.

According to him, works will start from Main Street, New Amsterdam to Light Town – a 16 kilometer stretch of road.

“The road design, which is being prepared by a Canadian consulting firm EXP in association with CEMCO, is expected to be completed in July, 2014,” Ganesh said.

Funding for the road will be provided through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under an agreement for road network upgrade and expansion, with the Government of Guyana.

The finished product will be an asphaltic concrete thoroughfare.

In the meantime, the Force Account Unit staff and contractor’s efforts from the Public Works Ministry will continue to keep this road trafficable.

A section of the East Bank Berbice Road

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guyanatimesgy.com

Views Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir 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

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The lead on LEAD

he revocation of the work permit of the individual in charge of the USAID funded, IRI executed LEAD programme has raised fears of U.S. retaliatory action. We hope good sense prevails in the U.S. State Department and commend the advice of the article, “The Rise and Fall of the Failed-State Paradigm”, in the February edition “Foreign Affairs” as adumbrated in our February editorial, “Changing Intervention Rationale”.

The “democratisation” impetus of LEAD was part and parcel of a U.S. strategy of “nation building”, premised on the assumed dangers of “failed states” in the international arena.

The following excerpts summarise the thesis: “For a decade and a half, from the mid-1990s through about 2010, the dominant national security narrative in the United States stressed the dangers posed by weak or failing states. These were seen to breed terrorism, regional chaos, crime, disease, and environmental catastrophe. To deal with such problems at their roots, the argument ran, the U.S. had to reach out and help stabilise the countries in question, engaging in state building on a neo-imperial scale. “(But) as the Australian political scientist Michael Wesley argued, state weakness is primarily a political problem, and yet state building is often conceived and executed as if it were an apolitical exercise. ‘The intention of remaining aloof from politics while concentrating on technocratic reforms has proved unrealistic, he wrote. ‘Even seemingly technocratic tasks confront international administrators with essentially political decisions: the nature and basis of elections; which pressure groups to consult; the reintegration or de facto separation of ethnic communities; school curricula; degrees of public ownership of enterprises; the status of women; and so on.

However technocratic their intention, state-building missions inevitably find themselves factored into local rivalries.’

“In trying to force change on recalcitrant governments and societies, moreover, outside interventions undermine internal motives for reform by transferring responsibility for a better future from local leaders to external actors. The outside power needs cooperation from its local clients more than they need its sponsorship. The result is a dependency paradox that impedes reform.

“As success stories from South Korea to Chile show, the path from state weakness to strength has to be travelled by the states themselves, gradually and fitfully, most often under the influence of strong, decisive leadership from visionary architects of governance. It is an organic, grass-roots process that must respect the unique social, cultural, economic, political, and religious contexts of each country. And although it can be encouraged and even modestly shaped by outside contributions and pressure, it cannot be imposed.

“The idea of a neo-imperial mission to strengthen weak states and stabilise chaotic societies always flew in the face of more important U.S. global roles and real mechanisms of social change. There is still work to be done in such contexts, but in more prudent and discriminate ways. One of the benefits of this change, ironically, will be to allow local institutional development to proceed more organically and authentically, in its own ways and at its own pace. Most of all, the new mindset will reflect a simple facing up to reality after a decade of distraction.

“After a decade of conflict and effort with precious little to show for it, the recent era of interventionist U.S. state building is drawing to a close. And although there are practical reasons for this shift – the United States can no longer afford such missions, and the public has tired of them – the decline of the state-building narrative reflects a more profound underlying truth: the obsession with weak states was always more of a mania than a sound strategic doctrine.”

We fully agree that the U.S. can play a significant role in the developmental efforts of states such as Guyana, if for nothing else than the fact Guyanese of all persuasions see that country as its model. Almost every Guyanese family has relatives in the U.S. and thousands of our citizens have visited that country and wants to imitate its ways.

The US should allow Guyanese democracy to evolve without too much direct intervention.

Guyanese-born United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Baroness Valerie Amos is greeted by President Donald Ramotar during a courtesy call on the Head of State on Friday (GINA photo)

There has always been a qualitative difference between the PPP and the PNC Dear Editor, Dr Henry Jeffrey in his regular Stabroek News column, “Future Notes” chose to respond to my letter in which I made the point that there is a qualitative difference between the PPP/C and the PNC, especially as it pertained to the fundamental issues of governance and political legitimacy.

In his response, Dr Jeffrey resorted to red herring which is clearly intended to detract from the pertinent issues. He again sought to draw a parallel between the PPP and the PNC by making it appear that both political parties were guilty of political indiscretions when in office and therefore lacked the moral right to criticise each other.

In his twisted and convoluted logic, he accused both the PPP and the PNC administrations of using their positions as the ruling party to either have legislation railroaded in Parliament or make deals with each other, whichever is considered politically expedient.

The truth is that there has always been a qualitative difference between the PPP and the PNC. The first is the fact that the PNC always lacked political and

constitutional legitimacy to govern this country, having rigged all elections since 1968 right up until October 1992 when it was forced to agree to democratic reforms under the combined weight of domestic and international opinion.

It must be said for the records that the PPP remains the only political party in the country that have won all free and fair elections since our post colonial history. It was manipulated out of office in the elections of 1964, mainly out of geopolitical and ideological concerns by the United States and other vested interests.

Earlier in 1953, the party scored a massive victory, but was removed from office by a constitutional coup after a mere six months in office.

This is quite in contrast to the PNC which never gained a majority or won a plurality in its entire political history, even though it held on to political office for close to three decades, through fraudulent means.

The second point about the PPP which sets it apart from the PNC and for that matter all the other political parties is its embrace of ideology, in particular a

working class ideology from which it has never changed course since its formation as a political party 64 years ago.

The PNC, on the other hand, has vacillated ideologically over the decades joining forces with any other party or parties which it perceived could enhance its political fortunes. This explained why it entered into a coalition government with the right-wing United Force in the elections of 1964 to remove the PPP from office even though it had professed to have ‘socialist’ leanings.

Today, it has morphed into an alliance with a number of smaller parties under the name APNU; one of which has only recently signalled its intention to withdraw from the partnership.

Thirdly, the PPP has always embraced political and ideological pluralism and a culture of inclusivity and participatory democracy.

This is reflected in the several initiatives taken by the party to broaden the scope of political involvement by all those who shared the vision of a free and democratic Guyana.

This explained the formation of the Civic compo-

nent of the PPP of which Dr Jeffrey himself was one of the early recruits.

The PNC has demonstrated that it is prepared to sacrifice positions of principle on the altar of political expediency.

Today, it has joined forces with the AFC to firstly usurp the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and to dominate all the parliamentary committees under the spurious mathematical formula that two minorities constitute a majority.

This is clearly an aberration of the democratic process and a miscarriage of parliamentary democracy which is now blatantly used to frustrate the Government’s parliamentary and developmental agenda.

The doors of the PPP are always open to accommodate all those who genuinely want to contribute to this exciting task of national development. This is why as a political party it has in its ranks the most politically and ideologically advanced contingent of the Guyanese people.

Sincerely, Narindra Persaud

315 animals were impounded in April Dear Editor, The Home Affairs Ministry in its monthly report stated that Stray Catching Units of Georgetown and Berbice continued operations in A, C and D Divisions during the month of April.

A total of 315 animals were impounded, comprising 22 horses, 119 cows, 96

goats and 78 sheep.

The Georgetown Unit accounted for 65 cows, 74 goats and 45 sheep. The Berbice Unit accounted for 22 horses, 54 cows, 22 goats and 33 sheep.

The Ministry wishes to advise the general public to observe Section 8 of the Pounds Act, Chapter 71:04 which states:

Everyone who (a) releases or attempts to release any stray taken for the purpose of being impounded under the authority of this Act on the way to the pound;(b) damages or destroys a pound, or any lock or bolt belonging to it, or with which it is fastened; or (c) rescues or releases, or attempts to res-

cue or release, any stray impounded under the authority of this Act until or before the stray is discharged by due course of law, Is liable to a fine of not less than $10,000 nor more than $20,000.

Respectfully submitted, Home Affairs Ministry

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

Our politicians owe an Standing up to an old bully entire generation local government elections

Dear Editor, It has been two decades now, since we last held local government elections in Guyana. Putting this into an urgent practical context, it means that we have had an entire generation who were born and who grew into adulthood, all while never experiencing the local government elections process as a unique opportunity to become directly involved in their community’s political and civic culture.

The effects actually have stretched into yet another generation. For those who were just 17 at the time of the last elections, they are now at least 37 years old now. As individuals who likely are important mentors and role models to younger generations, this generation has never voted in a local government election nor has it experienced the often exciting aspects of a local political campaign that can be critical to how communities envision their prospects for progress, growth and prosperity.

We are representing a broad section of Guyana’s population who is 37 and younger.

So vital is this goal, that all of us have signed this letter, as we begin a mission of advocacy to reverse this disappointing reality that has lasted far too long in our country.

As idealists, who see an unprecedentedly exciting future for our country, it boggles our minds that the elected guardians of our democracy have allowed this travesty to go on unresolved. Setting the immediate priority of calling for local government elections does more than just energise the political process. Guyana

is in the midst of extraordinary economic promise and we understand the ramifications of letting the local political process atrophy and lose its critical strength.

If young people become hopelessly disconnected, the consequences for the nation could prove costly. If young people know opportunities to connect to their communities do not exist, the local environment could become a feeding ground for negative behaviours that lead to delinquency and a lack of motivation to continue their education.

On the other hand, having the experience of an active local political process in which elections become the catalyst for public engagement, young people develop a clearer sense of identity, a positive focus on recognising their individual merit and worth, and renewed feelings that motivate them to look for ways to be successful.

The good news is that many of us in the younger generation have faith in the democratic process and we hope that our elders recognise just how important local government elections are, not just for our individual communities, but also for keeping Guyana’s democratic prospects as strong and as fruitful as possible.

Guyana has moved forward, thanks to many whom we know have a healthy appreciation for democracy and what it can accomplish. As a younger generation, we share that same love and respect for these principles.

We stand as ready, eager students willing to listen and ready to participate. And, through the process of local

government elections, we see wonderful opportunities to gain work experience, skills, and valuable lessons about responsibility and accountability, all of which help our local communities thrive.

We believe in our country’s potential for great positive developments even as we sometimes have been disillusioned and disappointed.

Our love and hope for Guyana runs deep within each and every one of us and we are confident that our elders and leaders believe in our national potential just as strongly.

We believe that there is no greater platform for investing in our nation than in carrying forward a compelling vision that improves the lives of all people. Furthermore, it is that compelling vision which can become one of the most powerful magnets for attracting resources and investments which benefit the nation’s economy throughout all communities in Guyana.

From the bosoms of our hearts and depths of our conscience, we plead with love for our country and respect for our national heritage in urging our Local Government Minister to please set forth the date and process for local government elections.

Faithfully, Clinton Urling, Chontelle Sewett, Sara Bharrat, Marissa Lowden, Vishnu Doerga, Aretha Majeed, Marvin Wray, Mark Murray, Keoma Griffith, Krysten Sewett, Dmitri Nicholson, Troy Edmonson, Christine Bennett and Christopher Gooding

Use the CoI to ascertain the real cause of Rodney’s death Dear Editor, Even after acknowledging all the advantages of holding the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Walter Rodney’s death, I believe that we need to look at the possible implications of this course of action and the dire consequences it may have on the general peace and harmony in our country when all would have been said and done.

Whatever comes out of this attempt to find the guilty party in this gruesome affair is bound to cast a shadow on relationships at various levels of our national co-existence, and we have to stop and think whether it would be worth it to dig up the past, when the time that has elapsed may work against our getting at the real truth.

Witnesses will have to depend on their memory to relate what they observed, and this can make the whole

process very unreliable in getting at what really transpired.

Again, it is very unlikely that the person or persons who may be deemed responsible for the suggested assassination are still around to face the consequences of their actions.

If this CoI has been organised at this time because of some party wanting to score political points, then surely they have not assessed, or are unmindful of, the collateral damage that this may cause to the peaceful co-existence of our people, which in their position, they must surely be expected to have at heart.

I therefore call on the members of the commission to use this opportunity to just ascertain the real cause of death of this great son of our soil and refrain from naming any group or individuals suspected of being

responsible.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

Dear Editor, Long before Town Clerk Carol Sooba came on the scene, there was a mayor and even long before that, there was a garbage city; and this is something I would like to firmly bring to the consciousness of the reading public. So, this hullabaloo surrounding the newly appointed Town Clerk is for the most part utter trash!

The real reason behind the present debacle in the Georgetown City Council starts and ends with the Mayor. He is the one who should be at the centre of all investigations.

This entire scenario has to do with a mayor and a facilitating council who wants the searchlight to be turned outwards on a supposedly unsuspecting town clerk, but that is not going to happen, we will get to the truth.

I have already dealt with the issue of Mayor Hamilton Green’s behaviour towards a former Town Clerk who dared to challenge his management of the city’s finances and the way himself and council got rid of her.

However, this present Town Clerk is not going anywhere; she is facing Green square on and for this I am very grateful. Finally, someone has the courage to put Green in his place – like

the proverbial saying, she is “taking the bull by the horns”.

Former Town Clerk Beulah Williams might not have had the necessary backings from the council to stand up to Green, but from the latest reports, Sooba seems to be getting that much needed support, so I say to Ms Sooba go for it, change will come to Georgetown.

In this regard, he has set up strategy to undermine Sooba’s authority as Town Clerk. Green attempted to besmirch Sooba on Easter Monday when he concluded that the Town Clerk slapped a $7000 tax on all kite flyers using the sea wall location.

This draconian measure was supposedly issued by the Town Clerk to hurt and insult innocent Christians who are accustomed to these Easter festivities. Well this statement by the Mayor was furthest from the truth.

Folks were able to fly their kites unimpeded by any fines or anything of the likes of Green’s threat.

What the Town Clerk was calling for is a fee to be paid by the vendors using the sea wall facility which normally goes toward the huge cleanup that is needed after such events.

When Green realised that he was caught, he then

resorted to a waiver on all vendors using the site. So whether it is the “tale of the missing mace” or vile accusations of not releasing funds to the mayor, even low and unconstitutional acts of denying the Town Clerk the privileges of saying prayers at council meetings, these all make out Green to be what he is.

This man would not back away, he just would not stop, and he keeps showing up at each corner. I can go on and on exposing this man, but I must conclude.

Right now we are in the throes of the CoI into the Walter Rodney murder, which took place during the PNC era when strange and mysterious deaths occurred. Wouldn’t it be most appropriate for the Mayor of Georgetown to come forward and give us some much needed information?

I make this humble request in keeping with the record of good accountability in public office. Mr Green, as a public figure then and now, we demand the right to know the truth or at least you can clear the air on any misconceptions we might have. Sir, would you be so kind to furnish us with some information?

Sincerely, Neil Adams

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Foundation Ways to help your children The enigma of arrival respect other cultures W “We asked for workers. We got people instead.” – Max Frisch

Anu Dev

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ax Frisch was talking about the repercussions of the Swiss guest-workers programme. But he could as well be summarising the dilemma of the colonial Government and the sugar planters who brought 239,000 Indians to work in the cane fields of then British Guiana, to fill the gap left by the departing freed African slaves.

Tomorrow will officially be Arrival Day...even though everyone calls it “Indian Arrival Day” for the simple reason that on May 5, 1838, it was the Indians that arrived. The Portuguese arrived in June and the Chinese in January – if I remember the facts drilled into me for the Common Entrance. (Not the NGSA – I’m a proud member of the last batch (2006) that wrote the good, old, “Common Entrance”).

Over here in Trinidad, (where I’m swotting for my first year finals) the “Indian” Government of Basdeo Panday had also declared the day of the arrival of the Indians as “Arrival Day”. As

soon as the PNM came into power, they got rid of that silliness: it’ll officially be “Indian Arrival Day” here on May 30. The Trinidadian VS Naipaul thought and wrote a lot about “arrival” in his books. Was Mr Biswas going to “arrive” when he got his house? In his own thinly disguised meditation on his “arrival” in England, he dubs the experience “The Enigma of Arrival”.

And for me, it sums up my thoughts on this day.

Arrival is an enigma, especially for those who had no opportunity to express what they thought about their departure from India, much less their arrival in British Guiana. My dad told me that the writer of the book “Coolie Woman: the Odyssey of Indenture”, just shortlist-

ed for the Orwell Prize, is in Guyana. Gaiutra Bahadur, I’m told (I haven’t read the book yet...maybe during the holidays?) attempts to capture the experience of Indian women who crossed the Kala Pani from India.

I often wonder about those women. My greatgreat grandmother on my mother’s side, Phoolkoerie (a misspelling of Phool Kumarie) came alone. She was from a village near the town of Gaya in Bihar. She came with a small son and gave birth to a daughter on the ship Allanshaw in 1885 on the way to British Guiana. The two children bore the title “Sharma” and were raised by Rojhun, a Muslim man Phoolkoerie married and who’d arrived in 1890. My great grandfa-

ther Rahim was her favourite son. The Rojhun raised the children as Hindus and married them into their caste. There is no connection with them today.

We know Phoolkoerie was tiny and fair with delicate features that are replicated in some of my aunts and cousins. For some reason, she decided to return to India after Rahim got married and did so in 1929, 39 years after she’d “arrived”.

She was never heard from again. I wonder sometimes, as to what was her fate.

Did she return to her native village? Was she accepted? What did she tell them of her life? In the circle of her journey from India to Guyana and back to India, did she “arrive”? It is, as Naipaul said, an enigma?

BY CATHERINE WAY

hat is your child’s favourite food?

One of my son’s favourite things to eat is Vegemite toast.

What sports do your children like to play or watch on TV? My sons love to play footy in the backyard and watch the AFL (Australian Football League). That’s right, we’re Australian. I bet that, wherever you are in the world, what your children like is different to what my children like. That’s because everyone is different and everywhere is different.

Children are born belonging to a particular culture, but around the world there are many ways of living and being. Technology has connected the world and we can speak to and see people in faraway places within seconds.

As they grow, today’s children will encounter and need to connect, communicate and work together with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Encouraging your child to approach people’s differences with a mindset of learning from one another, rather than fearing or judging one another, will help them to understand that despite the differences, these are people just like them.

Gaining knowledge of different cultural practices also helps

children develop their sense of identity and understand their place in their family, local community, town, country and the world community.

Here are some ways to explore different cultures, traditions, languages and families with your child:

Snuggle up with a book

There are many books that can introduce you to places around the world or people that are different from your children. Delightful Children’s Books has a wonderful list of books to help you read around the world.

My favourite book for starting a discussion about diversity is Mem Fox’s, Whoever You Are. It is a wonderful book showing the differences and the similarities of children in cultures around the world with the message that no matter where we come from, our hearts are the same.

Cook (and eat)!

I can’t imagine being confined to food from one culture. I love to try international food. Cooking and eating new dishes with your children is fun and a great way to start a discussion about other cultures. There are many ways to introduce international food. Have a theme night with food from a country you are interested in.

Or plan a project to cook and try international desserts. Visit the supermarket and choose a new type of fruit. How about eating with chopsticks, making your own

pasta or rolling sushi?

Learn some new words

Guten Morgen! Selamat Pagi!

Bom Dia! Learn how to say good morning, goodbye or thank you in other languages. Learn to count to 10. Challenge yourself to say good morning in a different language every day for a week. Or learn some simple songs in another language – Frere Jacques, anyone?

Dance and sing

Music is a wonderful way to give the world to your children.

There are some many beautiful styles around the world. Have you ever heard Tuvan throat singing, played a guiro or seen an Irish dance.

Look at the map

Get a world map or an atlas.

Play games with your children. Try to find countries from A to Z. Pick and country and wonder about what it would be like to live there – would it be hot or cold? What animals would be around? What would your house look like? Use Google Earth to take a closer look at the country of your choice. What are the landmarks that tourists might visit in that country?

If you have an ipad, Barefoot

Books has an amazing World Atlas app to help you explore the world.

Be open to discussion

Be available to your children when they have awkward questions about differences between people.

Don’t automatically shush them or ignore their question (although you may need to tell them that they need to ask again at a more suitable time). By honouring your children’s questions, you teach them that it is okay for people to be different and is not something that we ignore or are ashamed about.

Take an excursion

One-on-one contact is most effective way to teach about other places and cultures. Take your children to restaurants that serve multicultural food. Look out for multicultural festivals and events in your town. If and when you have the money, travel to other countries and let your children experience different cultures first hand.

How can you help

Unfortunately, not all countries in the world are created equal.

Many people around the world are much less well off than others. So, as you explore the world with your children, think about whether you could do something to help those people.

Perhaps you could make a donation, sponsor a child or loan money through Kiva. (simplekids.net)

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SUNday, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

GuySuCo likely to Opposition’s action hurting Amerindian surpass first crop communities – Sukhai production target – Dr Ramsammy

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fter three years of great difficulties of dealing with the climate and such constraints, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is set to meet its first crop target of 74,000 tonnes.

According to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy by this time next week, GuySuCo will be in a position to announce that it would have surpassed its first crop target. This is with close to three weeks of cultivation remaining for five of the eight factories.

The remaining three factories: Albion, Blairmont and Rose Hall should conclude their crop within the next week and a half, but already these three have surpassed their first crop target.

In the case of Albion, this target has been surpassed by more than 2000 tonnes.

The estate had projected a production of 13,365 tonnes of sugar for this first crop, but already it has produced 15,451 and is expected to surpass 20,000 tonnes.

Minister Ramsammy said that it is very encouraging to see GuySuCo performing at a level of its potential.

“This is testimony to my faith in the industry, and also allows for the detractors of the industry to pause a little, because I have heard the explanation of bad management and so forth, and my question is how come when the weather is good, even in the last three years, GuySuCo performs at its potential,” he said.

“Indeed there is a group of people in Guyana who were convinced that GuySuCo would fail again and there are people who I believe were praying that GuySuCo would fail again, but I believe the corporation,

A section of the residents who attended the meeting at the Koko Nursery School, Region One

A Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

the managers and workers of GuySuCo, and we altogether that given the right conditions the same manager, the same factories, the same equipment, the same workers would perform as they have done historically, producing sugar at high level and we have done so again,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister noted that since climatic conditions seems to be a great issue affecting the production of sugar, what Guyana and the Caribbean needs to do is to ensure collectively there is an answer as to how to deal with the changing weather pattern.

He said that Guyana knows the answer and now it is all about getting the resources to put those answers in place. He noted that the $6 billion that was approved for GuySuCo this year will go towards some of this work, but much still needs to be done.

This is the first time in about six to 10 crops that GuySuCo has been able to continue to the scheduled end of the crop, in spite of a late beginning because of weather.

merindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai on Tuesday met with residents of Santa Rosa, Koko and Kamwatta, Region One, where she held meetings to update residents on the recently concluded 2014 National Budget.

The Minister sought to enlighten the residents of the disapprovals to the national budget and the impact they will ultimately have on their lives and the development of the country at large.

The first meeting was held at the Santa Rosa Secondary School and was well attended by residents including Community Support Officers (CSOs).

There the village’s Toshao Richard Cornelius noted that following the outcome of the budget, they have joined with the rest of those affect-

ed in condemning the disapproval of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

Cornelius said that, personally he feels betrayed by the Opposition Parliamentarians, and urged that they explain the reasoning behind the disapproval.

“These people show no regards for us, the first people, they never come to our community so they cannot know what our needs are, so how can they sit in Parliament and determine that we do not need money?” he asked.

Hence, the Toshao called on the combined Opposition to let good sense prevail, and restore the sums they voted down.

In addition, Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall in his address to the residents called on them to unite

and not be intimidated, but let their voices be heard.

He told the residents

not only for their community, but also for the other 187 Amerindian communities around the country.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Government will explore every possible legal avenue to ensure that the funds are restored.

Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai in her address to the gathering said she was disheartened by the outcome of the recent budget as the disapproval will have devastating impacts on not only Amerindians, but the country at large.

On the issue of the disapproval to the Amerindian

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai at centre, Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall (right) and Project Coordinator Jude DaSilva during the meeting at the Santa Rosa Secondary School

that as a result of the nonapproval of funds to the Ministry’s capital budget, several critical developmental projects will be affected,

Affairs Budget, the Minister said the further development of youths in 187 hinterland communities will be affected. turn to page 11

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SUNday, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Mocha murder trial

Wharton reportedly admitted to having sex with victim

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s the trial into the 2007 death of nineyear-old Sade Stoby continues at the High Court, a businessman testified that he witnessed the taking of a Caution Statement from the first named accused, Jevon Wharton, during which he admitted that he had sexual intercourse with the deceased.

Wharton, 23, along with 21-year-old Charles Cush, both of Mocha Arcadia are indicted with the murder of Stoby, who the state is claiming they murdered after raping her on November 2, 2007 at Sixth Field, Barnwell North. At the time of the incident, Wharton and Cush were 16 and 14 years old respectively.

When the trial continued on Friday before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12member jury, businessman Peter Leon Williams took the stand and testified that he was called to witness the taking of a Caution Statement given by the accused.

During cross-examination by the jury, Williams revealed that the young man had told the Police that he and Stoby went in the bushes, where she took her clothes off and they had sex. He recalled that Wharton said after they were done, he put on the young girl’s clothes and left, but returned the next morning after he heard that she was missing and saw here lying where he left her.

Williams told the court that on the night of November 5, 2007, the Commander of A Division called him and told him that he was needed at the Brickdam Police Station.

Upon reaching the station, Williams said they wanted him to be present while they are questioning a suspect in a murder investigation. He noted that he was sent to

the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where he met then Inspector now Assistant Superintendent Elston Baird and the suspect, whom he subsequently identified as Wharton.

The witness said that he explained to the young man that he was there to look after his welfare while he was being questioned by the Police.

Not mistreated He then asked Wharton if he was ill-treated, threatened or beaten by the Police to which he responded in the negative.

The businessman noted that he enquired again from the young man if he was mistreated by the Police when he was arrested, and he said no. He said that he even examined Wharton’s body for marks of violence.

According to Williams, Baird had asked the young man a series of questions

about the alleged murder of the girl and asked him if he had killed her, to which the accused responded saying: “I did not kill the young girl.”

Wharton was then asked if he wished to give a statement and agreed while requesting that Baird write the statement. The businessman said that they had to fill out several forms, including the Caution Statement which the accused was asked to sign and he also did as a witness.

He said that Baird had recorded verbatim what the accused told him. The statement was read over by Baird and then given to the young man and himself to read over in order to ensure what was written was what was said

by Wharton after which they both attached their signatures to it.

The witness told the court that during the taking of the statement, Wharton did not show any resistance to sign

any of the documents. Asked

by State Counsel Judith Mursalin-Gildharie (who is prosecuting the case), whether he saw anyone putting a plastic bag over the young man’s head nor if anyone hit him on his genitals, he responded saying no, adding that Wharton did not complain to him about being mistreated by the Police before he got there.

Meanwhile, under crossexamination by Wharton’s Attorney, Raymond Ali, Williams revealed while he was examining Wharton, he lifted his shirt checking for marks of violence. He noted that he also checked his face and neck.

The businessman said he had told the young man three times that he does not have to say anything to the Police but Wharton went ahead and gave the statement since he wanted to “clear his name”.

Elderly, differently-able need special attention at Anna Regina Post Office

− AFC Councillor

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lliance For Change (AFC) Region Two Councillor Naithram is calling for special attention to be given to pensioners and differently-able persons at the Anna Regina Post Office.

His appeal comes amid complaints by pensioners and differently-able persons about the poor, slow and sloppy service being offered at the Anna Regina Post Office, Essequibo Coast.

Speaking at a recent statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic

AFC Councillor Naithram

Council (RDC), Naithran said often when he visits the

post office, senior citizens are in long lines and on most occasions, they have to wait for long periods.

The Councillor urged the RDC to take swift and decisive action to curb the problem.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said a letter was sent to the Post Master General to look into the situation, pointing out that the matter was raised before by councillors.

However, he said he is yet to receive a response.

Eyew tness

Those were the days...

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...of spite and vindictiveness f nothing else, the Rodney CoI’s letting young Guyanese get a flavour of life under the Burnham era PNC dictatorship. Pastor Gilbert merely had an article published in the PPP’s Mirror – and he was barred from any job the Government controlled. With the PNC Government owning “the commanding heights of the economy” – an astounding 80 per cent!!!! – that meant in effect you could be on the breadlines for the rest of your life.

But your Eyewitness can just hear some cynics mutter, “That was in the past!” Then they might’ve missed Basil Williams’ question in the present: Why would Gilbert send his article to the Mirror and not the PNC’s New Nation?

Litmus test!!! The PNC’s Chairman accepts Burnham’s fascist premise that “those who are not with us are against us...and must be dealt with condignly”. This is still the policy of the PNC – with a racist twist.

Has anyone forgotten just after the last elections, the youth arm of the PNC/APNU – Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT) – calling for a boycott against (the) Kashif and Shanghai organisation and Hits and Jams. Because they were operated by Afro-Guyanese businessmen. When criticised by this newspaper for targeting Indian businessmen for supporting the PPP, the YCT boasted, “indeed the loudest calls for boycott are against... Afro-Guyanese businessmen”.

Point is, all PNC officials in the present – Williams or Granger or Greenidge, whoever – see Afro-Guyanese as their chattel slaves – to do their bidding. And woe be to those that don’t tow the line like Gilbert – much less act against them like Rodney. That’s a mortal sin in the eyes of the PNC and the wages of sin, we all know, is death. As it was for Rodney. You see, dear reader, Rodney wasn’t just any challenger to the PNC – he was an “African-Guyanese challenger.

And because of this mortal sin, he was told by Burnham to “make his will” because the PNC’s steel was “sharper”.

And have you not heard and read of the PNC and their acolytes in the present castigating Rodney for committing that sin? It’s the same mentality that issues calls to boycott Hits and Jams today.

As Burnham advised, there are many ways to kill a cat.

Or an African Guyanese. ...the US wants back Yesterday was World Press Freedom Day. The US, through its Ambassador, as usual weighed in against what they saw as Government’s misuse of the state media.

The Government was roundly chastised by the good Ambassador for calling local media organisations that routinely bash it, as “Opposition media”. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s still not a “duck” until and unless the US Ambassador pronounces on its “duckness”.

The said exemplars of non-Opposition media were duly rewarded with shiny little “Made in China”, gold coloured, plastic trophies. You ought to see them smiling like Cheshire cats. The ultimate pat on the head. One of them had already received and all-expense paid trip to the US. But as the good Ambassador pontificating chastised the Government for “controlling” the media it owns, his own Government had just revised the regulations over its Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts.

According to TIME magazine, there’s worry it’s reverted to its Cold War propaganda role. Said a former VOA Iranian radio host: “There’s nothing wrong with the Government having its own foreign language PR, but you can’t mix media and Government PR, or propaganda, or whatever you call it.”

Unless you’re the US Government, of course. ...of all talk; no music The US Ambassador also had some criticisms of the private radio stations. How dare they play music all day??

Why don’t they copy the American way and have talk shows???

And telling private entities how to run their business isn’t “interference” once you’re the US Government, of course. Ain’t it wonderful to dictate the meaning of words?

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SUNday, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

PAC gets $2.3M to Miss India Guyana 2014 strengthen capacity representative selected

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas recently finalised a $2.3 million grant for the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to shore up management of the Kaieteur National Park

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he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas recently finalised a $2.3 million grant for the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to strengthen its capacity.

The seven-month grant will facilitate the PAC’s improved management at Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and address some of the challenges which threaten the park’s integrity. It will also aid at fostering community development at Chenapau Village.

The grant will finance the hiring of a new KNP Sitelevel Manager, who is expected to take up a permanent position on PAC’s payroll following the expiration of the grant.

The new Manager will supervise KNP Wardens, oversee the park infrastructure and equipment, and manage threats to the park. The grant will also strengthen linkages with and increase income

generation opportunities within the Chenapau Village, the Patamona community neighbouring KNP. The Park Manager will frequently visit Chenapau Village in order to foster improved communications and a better relationship with residents and the Village Council. The project will also enable training for Chenapau residents in the development and sale of locally made products to the park. At the end of the grant, the Manager will submit a report on recommendations for improvement of KNP. In addition to this recent grant, WWF Guianas is working in partnership with the PAC on several initiatives for KNP, namely: designing an exhibit for the Park’s Visitors Arrival Centre; finalising the park’s revised management plan; conducting joint village meetings to foster good relations between the village and KNP; planning for trail restoration and main-

tenance; architectural designs for rehabilitation of the guest house and staff quarters; tour guide training for interested individuals from the nearby indigenous villages of Chenapau, Karisparu, and Paramakatoi; biodiversity surveys within the park and upper Potaro River basin; and assessment of gold mining impacts within and surrounding the park.

The KNP, originally established in 1929, is the oldest Park in South America and is the location of the country’s premier tourist attraction, the iconic national symbol – the Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

The PAC was established at the end of 2012 with the enactment of the Protected Areas Act, 2011. The PAC has the overall responsibility for the Guyana National Protected Areas System (NPAS), which includes the KNP, approximately 35 of the NPAS. WWF Guianas is part of one of the world’s leading conservation organisations with a mission to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The Guyana office has five areas of focus, namely: Land Use Planning and Protected Areas, Payment for Forest Carbon and other Environmental Services, Promotion of Responsible Small-scale Gold Mining, Sustainable Fisheries, and Communication and Education. Learn more at www.wwfguianas.org.

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here are various pageants in Guyana, among them the Miss India Guyana Pageant, the pageant that changed “pageantry” and continues to make the headlines over the past few years.

Franchise Holder of the pageant and APSARA Chief Executive Officer Chandini Rambalak said its representatives have been winning awards, showcasing Guyana and even made history by bringing home Guyana’s first crown.

“Our new representative selected to represent Guyana this year is no less than the other past representatives,” she said in a release.

The queen was selected based on beauty, intelligence, personality and character, previous pageant experience, and others.

The Miss India Guyana 2014 representative was not named but, according to Rambalak, with child abuse on the increase in Guyana, the new queen is passionate and excited to use her title to highlight, tackle and spread awareness concern-

ing child abuse here.

She will be crowned and sashed at a very special ceremony this week and reign-

ing Miss India Guyana 2013 Katherina Roshana will sash and crown her successor at the ceremony.

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SUNday, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

WoW Programme positively impacting single mothers

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ver 2000 single parent females are currently benefiting from the five-year microcredit programme, Woman of Worth (WoW), founded by Human Service and Social Security Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI).

The main purpose of the WoW Programme, which was launched in June 2010 and will last until June 2015, is to remove the obstacles single parent women face in society, to enhance their selfesteem, to empower them to take advantage of the economic opportunities around them and increase their participation in society.

The ultimate goal of the five-year project is to provide intervention and financial support to ensure WOW participants manage and sustain successful business ventures.

To finance the project, the bank has provided G$500 million and the Government of Guyana will provide an estimated G$50 million per annum.

The WOW Programme allows women to borrow between $100,000-$250,000 from the bank to build their businesses while the interest rate applicable to the loan is six per cent per annum, providing that it does not exceed 24 months. To be eligible, female single parents must be between the

Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster

ages of 18-60.

All recipients must have a minimum level of training in the proposed area of business; in addition, they must not be earning more than $40,000 per month.

According to Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster, women across Guyana are turning out in their numbers to borrow money to start their businesses such as salons, catering services, and farming.

No penalty enforced She noted that if the due date passes and the required installment is not paid, no penalty is enforced, but instead professionals would usually intervene and try to assist the women who are experiencing difficulties in

making payments.

At the moment, the bank is considering expanding the life-span of the WOW Programme and intends to work with the women to have bigger and brighter futures.

Thus far, 1326 women have received loans under the WoW Programme, allowing them to establish small businesses, while 447 single parents were certified through the Board of Industrial Training.

Webster stated that her Ministry is currently engaging stakeholders in dialogue to maximise the benefits for the women in the programme.

Guyana Times spoke to several of the beneficiaries of the loans who noted that their lives have definitely taken a turn for the better with the provision of the loans.

Booming business One of the women who declined to have her name published related that she is a single parent of three and was struggling to make ends meet at the time she heard about the initiative. She stated that she had always wanted to establish her own business, and as such, applied to the bank for the loan.

“Well I applied for the loan, I tried to meet all of the requirements and fortunately I got through. I took the money and invested it in a salon to cater for the wom-

en in my community and today it’s a booming business.

It has done a lot for me and my children; we have better lives today because of it,” the woman related.

The proud business owner noted that had it not been for the initiative, she would not have made it to the point of success she is now at.

“The Ministry and the bank must be congratulated and applauded for what they have done for single mothers across this country.

I cannot express how much changes have been made in my life because of this loan.

And I just want to say thank you to the Minister and the bank and everybody else that thought about this plan and implemented it for us single mothers,” the woman said in tears of joy.

Another business owner, Jackie Adams, 42, told Guyana Times that the initiative has benefited her tremendously over the past three years.

She told this publication that she applied for the loan in 2011, one year after its implementation and was fortunate enough to become a beneficiary.

“I went through the process and I didn’t think that I would have gotten through ‘cuz I didn’t have collateral and so. But when I applied I applied for a loan to start, a poultry rearing business.

You know to begin at first was a little difficult but after the first three months or so, things began to look up for me and my two children. I have a business with over 50 clients and my loan has been paid back,” said Adams.

Since the introduction of the WoW Programme in 2010, there have been 15 second time loan recipients in Region Six, 39 second time loan recipients in Region Four and 34 in Region Two; totalling 88 second time borrowers.

In Region Two, there has also been five third time and two fourth time loan recipients.

Juk fuh juk S

atiricus mouth was agape in admiration. Here it was, all these months he’d been trying to figure out what the heck was going on with this LEAD project the US was trying to lead Guyana into. But it seemed to Satiricus that just like you could lead a horse to water but you couldn’t make it drink, the US wasn’t having much success with leading Guyana to drink from the wellsprings of democracy.

Which springs, Satiricus knew, flowed most mightily in the the US. He’s heard that it was right next to the Fountain of Youth that Ponce deLeon found in Florida. But he’d never been able to confirm that rumour. Anyhow, out of the blue, Brigadier (“Was it ex-Brigadier or former Brigadier?” wondered Satiricus.) GrainJa had cleared up everything with one phrase: “In diplomacy,” the now leader of the Opposition explained, “is juk fuh juk.” The US was going to juk Guyana.

Everything was now clear to Satiricus on so many troubling issues. But Satiricus chastised himself for being surprised GrainJa could be so incisive in his thinking. Hadn’t Burnham sent the then young man to Mons to be trained in warfare and diplomacy?

Hadn’t he attended, at the state expense, hundreds of training sessions at so many military academy, before and after Burnham made him head of the army?

Why else would Burnham have GrainJa jump so many senior officers, in more ways than one? Surely it wouldn’t have been that it was because Burnham was at his wits end with that pesky gnat Rodney who was infiltrating the army? No, the man was a highly trained man in the art of war and diplomacy. He had distilled all the meanderings of great strategists like Clausewitz and Sun Tzu into that simple, but profound phrase: “diplomacy is juk fuh juk.”

Satiricus realised that maybe when everyone gave Burnham credit for “juking” Rodney, GrainJa might have been the man who taught Burnham that one. Back in the 60s riots, Burnham had summarised his policy as “Tek first lick, comrades. But mek sure you give last lick!” Now “lick” was not as potent as “juk”, Satiricus knew and he marvelled once more at the wisdom of GrainJa. GrainJa was a man who’s careful with his words.

Satiricus knew he could’ve said “knock gat knock back” or “do fuh do na obeah”. But none of those conveyed the directness of “juk fuh juk” did they?

“Or the deadliness,” realised Satiricus.

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SUNday, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Teaching profession not financially attractive Opposition’s action ... for men – GTU General Secretary from page 7

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itizens and various organisations across the country and more so the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) believe that enough is not being done to encourage males to join the teaching profession or to keep male teachers in the system.

A few years ago, former Education Minister Shaik Baksh, in collaboration with the World Bank, had launched an initiative entitled “Be a Man, Teach Guyana” but this seems to have fallen through the cracks.

At the time, educators and other officials recognised the need for the presence of more male teachers in the profession in order to turn around the level of boys’ underachievement in schools while providing them with proper role models.

Generally, it seems that men are opting out of teaching primarily because it is seen as a low paying job, among other factors.

The Education Ministry's Statistic Digest Data for 20082009 has shown that the ratio of male to female teachers in the education system is one to 247 at the nursery level; one to seven at the primary levels; and one to two at the secondary level.

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam said he is aware of the initiative launched, pointing out that several others are in the pipeline, but according to him, he is not at liberty to speak about them just yet.

But, he said the Ministry is concerned about its male teach-

GTU General Secretary Corletta McDonald

ers and will continue to work to ensure that the profession has a balance of male and female teachers.

Speaking with Guyana Times, GTU General Secretary Corletta McDonald said she does not believe enough is being done for the teachers in Guyana, particularly male teachers.

Mc Donald noted that discussion after discussion was held on the matter with the Education Ministry, but to date, the decisions of those meetings are yet to be implemented.

Slow system She disclosed that the consequences of the complaints passing through a slow system are seen in the number of male teachers who left the job and remain adamant that they will not return to the system.

“Over the years, the union has been pushing for male

teachers to have more benefits and for more attention to be placed on them. However, you give your suggestions, you talk, you hold discussions and you write down everything that needs to be done but years later it remains just that; words on a paper. Every year that passes sees more and more male teachers leaving the profession and you cannot rekindle their desire to come back into the system. More needs to be done for our male teachers,” the woman stated.

The GTU General Secretary disclosed that the union would have advocated for increases in the salaries of teachers, more so for male teachers as many are the breadwinners or main contributors to their families.

Lack of encouragement “These can really have an influence on our male teachers.

It is going to encourage those who are in the system to remain there and those who are out of it can be encouraged to get into it. Even persons who are involved in the various training programmes for school drop outs, so forth can be taken, trained and placed in a pilot project to see how well they do.

If they succeed, male teachers can be sourced right there,” Mc Donald suggested.

Eugene Thompson, a senior teacher at the St Rose’s High School echoed similar sentiments to those of Mc Donald.

Thompson stated that while he has been in the profession for 15 plus years, there is not much encouragement given

by the Ministry for male teacher to remain in the profession or to take up the profession as a first choice.

Asked whether enough was being done for the male teaching population, Thompson was quick to reply “No. absolutely not.”

He noted that since women began to do better than men academically and socially, males in practically every career, including the teaching profession were sidelined.

“When the whole idea of feminism began, men were left behind while the women were pushed. Men now became neglected and this trend has continued over the years,” Thompson said.

He related to this publication that if the Ministry truly wants to populate the teaching profession with males, they must first seek to provide better benefits which would attract them.

“What needs to be done is that the Ministry needs to raise salaries, provide incentives like educational opportunities at the university at a reduced cost or challenge males to take up senior positions, have housing provisions systems in place and so on. While I know this might be a cause of concern among the female teachers, I think it needs to be done if you really want to get males involved in the teaching system and so the Ministry needs to do much, much more than its doing at present,” the teacher contended.

The Opposition disapproved the entire capital budget of $1.1 billion from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

More specifically, a benab for Santa Rosa will not be a reality as funding for that project fell under the capital expenditure, which was not approved by the combined Opposition. The Minister told residents that several training programmes for youths have been affected.

Most importantly, funding for the CSOs was cut.

On hold According to Minister Sukhai, the plan this year was to increase the number of CSOs which would have meant more employment and capacity building for other interested youths, but that will now be put on hold.

“Every time we meet with communities, we hear that there are not employment opportunities and many youths cannot afford to move out of their communities to seek employment or training in preparation for employment so the CSO programme was geared specifically to target that issue.”

Another area of development, which will be hampered by the outcome of the National Budget, will be the wood working facility for the Moruca area.

This facility the Minister told residents would have been able to provide employ-

ment opportunities, as well as generate income for the community.

Funds for the wood working facility were also allocated under the Ministry’s capital budget for 2014.

Meanwhile, over at Koko where another outreach meeting was held, the residents were eager to hear how the cuts would affect them, and more so, were prepared with questions.

The Minister went into details about the disapproval of the ADF. Projects affected are the National Secure Livelihood Programme and Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme, the construction of village offices and multipurpose buildings, purchase of sport gear, musical instruments, drip irrigation systems, tractors and implements and support for other projects and programmes including eco-tourism.

Additionally affected, was youth development and empowerment which speaks to the focus of ensuring secure indigenous livelihood by developing the capacity and capability of the youth.

The residents were told of programmes in their community which would be affected. While the Minister zeroed in on the disapproval to the Amerindian Affairs budget, she also shed light on cuts to the Public Works Ministry’ budget.

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All must play their part in promoting Guyana – Ali

President Donald Ramotar, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali share a light moment at the launch of the Guyana Festival on Friday

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cting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali has called on all Guyanese to become tourism ambassadors of Guyana as the Ministry seeks to create lasting impressions on visitors.

The Minister issued the call on Friday at the launch of the Guyana Festival at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Geogetown.

“We are hoping to bring home thousands of Guyanese and to bring in thousands of our brothers and sisters, all across the globe to celebrate with us the wonderful history and culture of ours,” Ali stated.

He said the event is indeed a tourism endeavour, but it also has a very important business aspect, which will become an integral part of the Ministry’s tourism drive.

Ali noted that the festival will be celebrating everything Guyanese.

“It’s our rich culture that sets us apart from the rest; six cultures fused together by the

independence of one people, a colourful adventure that is a melting pot for all our cultures, brewed together by unity,” Minister Ali stated .

The Guyana Festival will see a mixture of the country’s traditional music, dance, food, arts and craft being exhib-

Caribbean, is aimed at bringing awareness of Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage, and generally the nature of its tourism product locally, regionally and internationally.

On Saturday, August 9, there will be a night for local legends which will see renowned celebrities such as Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh, Eddy Grant, and Terry Gajraj performing. There will also be a day set aside for games and will see various communities coming out to compete in cricket, football and other sport with the aim of winning trophies and other prizes.

The event will culminate with a culinary cookoff competition of traditional Guyanese cuisine, such as duck curry, pepper pot, cookup, metemgee and black cake, followed by a grand concert

President Donald Ramotar about to sample the food on display at the launch of the event

ited at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, on August 8 to 10.

This three-day event, which will be marketed in North America and the

aimed at promoting the next generation of Guyana’s music industry and help to develop new/young talent. Performing will be Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts and others.

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SUNDAY, may 4, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

800kg of marijuana Simply the Truth destroyed The tourist in Guyana

Police on Friday destroyed some 8000 kilograms of dried marijuana at Gateroy, Berbice River

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s the Guyana Police Force continues its eradication exercise, ranks on Friday found and destroyed some 8000 kilograms of dried marijuana at Gateroy, Berbice River.

In addition to the dried ganja, a total of 44 acres under cultivation was found with an estimation of 145,000 cannabis sativa plants in the community.

The plants ranged from one foot to 14 feet in height.

A total of 16 camps were also destroyed, but no one was arrested.

Recently, B Division Commander Brian Joseph said Police in the region had been working tirelessly to end the large-scale ganja cultivation in the Berbice River.

He had said, howev-

er, that the fight would be made easier if citizens become involved.

Joseph had informed that ranks in the division had begun working “assiduously to ensure the prohibited substance does not impact the community”.

He noted that villages up the Berbice River, including De Velde, Sand Hills, Tataballi and Gateroy, are notorious for their cultivation of the plant. The marijuana is reportedly being cultivated for a Suriname market.

The Commander had reported that since becoming head of the division, many raids in the Berbice area have been conducted.

He noted that a number of individuals have been placed before the courts.

The Police in Berbice, according to Commander Joseph, have also been involved in several eradication exercises in the riverine communities and have destroyed several acres of the plants.

He had also lamented the challenges in reaching some of these areas, including lack of efficient transportation, which has, to some extent, hindered the work of the force.

Large-scale marijuana cultivation in the Canje Creek has replaced cash crop farming to a large extent, and, according to some farmers speaking with Guyana Times, the change has been profitable. “This thing is working for us. There is no way that I could have made the amount of money I’m making now with this thing.

I used to plant vegetables: pumpkin, ochro and other stuff and that money couldn’t do anything for me,” a farmer who did not wish to be named, told this newspaper.

According to him, ganja is being sold at $40,000 per pound. When compared with what is being offered for a pound of banana – somewhere around $120 per pound, the benefits are obvious, he said with a smile. He noted that that is the price being paid by large-scale dealers.

However, the small consumers will pay as low as $100 per pack.

CIOG supports animal protection organisation

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he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) recently made a donation of $250,000 to the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA).

GSPCA Honorary President Oliver Insanally thanked the CIOG for its generosity, noting that the donation would help the GSPCA to continue to offer low cost spay and neuter surgeries to prevent unwanted animal pregnancies in pets.

GSPCA Honorary President Oliver Insanally (left) receives the donation from Shaikh Zakir of the CIOG

IDB to announce winners of ALAS-IDB awards on Tuesday

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the ALAS Foundation will announce on May 6 the winners of the second edition of the ALAS-IDB awards, which recognise innovation and excellence in social welfare programmes designed to help children under the age of six in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno and ALAS Foundation President Alejandro Santo Domingo,

will attend the award ceremony, which will be held at the IDB Conference Centre (1330 New York Ave, NW, Washington, DC).

The artiste Shakira, who founded ALAS as part of her efforts to champion education, will send a message of congratulations to the winners.

The awards ceremony will be the closing event of the seminar “Transforming the Future Starts in Childhood: Innovation and Development in Early Education”.

The conference will

bring together policy-makers, educators, neuroscientists, academics, philanthropists and business leaders. Both events will be open to the public and the media, although registration is required.

ALAS-IDB awards are given in the following categories: best childhood development centre, best innovation project, best educator and best publication. More than 700 individuals, schools, non-profit, and Government agencies were nominated for this round.

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hose of you who have travelled anywhere would know that the first impression of a place or people is formed at the airport. The tourist lands at CJIA, climbs down the stairs from the plane, and walks a bit into the airport.

Those planes are small, but the relatively small number of people suddenly seem like a great crowd, as if multiple planes from multiple airlines have landed all at once. The five or so immigration lines are long, although the immigration officers try to move it along as quickly as they can.

The tourist waits his turn, gets the old stamp stuff done and then proceeds to the single carousel to collect their two suitcases. The trolleys are free. The tiny airport seems like a relief, until the heavy suitcases have to be lifted onto the large scanner. The impression is not a good one, but he knows that he is in a Third World nation, so it is okay.

The tourist comes, sees Georgetown, the town that people say is the nastiest in the world. Then there are the usual tourist things: Kaieteur Falls, Essequibo, Berbice, Number 63 Beach. The tourist is well fed and drinks his fill. He is impressed by the landscape and our hospitality.

He hears the noise we call music and thinks it quaintly primitive and childishly foolish.

He sees our recklessness and thinks charitably that we are an adventurous people. The numerous rum shops represent our version of entrepreneurship, and our filthy language is just a “cultural” thing.

One of the ways to read a nation is to visit the pages of the local newspapers. He reads the “anti-government” papers and the news appals him. The rapes and murders and violence and

Professor Daizal Samad corruption, and the simplicity and viciousness of Third World politics are on show.

He reads the “progovernment” papers and sees little or nothing of the sort. It is all good news, and the great progress we have made could have been even greater were it not for Opposition forces. The language in the papers is also quaint, but then we just learned English, so better cannot be expected.

There are analysts and letter writers and columnists and such whose language is so bloated that the tourist chuckles. The tourist feels even more special – superior even, and everyone needs to feel superior once in a while.

But it is time to leave, back to home where hard work has to be done. So back to CJIA. Our hospitality is of such that his two large suitcases and much heavier than when he came. But that matters not, for he has help. His driver and a friend roll the heavy cases towards the airport door while our tourist rolls his hand luggage.

Our tourist has time and the

airport is tiny and the night of drinking was long, so there is time and need for a cup of coffee.

He leads his two companions/ helpers to the two small cafes outside of the airport. The places are open, but there is no one behind the counters.

He stands and waits with the two locals. No one appears. He waits some more. No one.

Finally, he calls out: “Hello!

Hello! Is anyone there?

Hellooo!” Finally, a woman appears from behind a door, half of her showing, the other half hidden. She raises her hand, her palm outward, signalling that our tourist should wait.

Minutes after, another woman comes out to the coffee counter. No apologies, no “good morning”. She stands there. He orders a coffee. Takes it, walks away. Takes a sip, and throws the rest into the garbage.

Then our tourist and his local companions head to the airport door. They are stopped by a lone woman in uniform. She tells him that his companions cannot go in. But how would he wheel two heavy suitcases and his hand luggage?

He leaves on, wheels two, joins a long line and then returns for his third piece of luggage.

The other two are left alone. On the screen, there is a warning that one should not leave luggage unaccompanied.

He smiles. Oh well, this is the Third World. It is to be expected.

There are several lines at the airport counters. But only two people are working. They take passengers from all the other lines and his line remains unattended. People in his line begin to grumble loudly. But what can they do, it is the Third World.

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News

Inequality a direct challenge to Younge’s take democracy – Professor Cordera

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enowned Mexican economist Rolando Cordera on Friday contended that inequality is a direct challenge to democracy.

Speaking at the 13th Raúl Prebisch Memorial Lecture at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile, Cordera said: “Nowadays, inequality has become a culture not of poverty but of concentrated wealth. It poses a direct challenge to the ethical and political standards that should govern democratic development.”

Cordera, who is Emeritus Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Coordinator of the University Programme of Development Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), gave a lecture entitled “Development yesterday and today: idea and utopia” to an audience of members of the diplomatic corps, academics, experts from international agencies and civil-society representatives.

Professor Cordera

“Rolando Cordera agrees with ECLAC that social progress is not limited to social policies, and that equality must be treated as a right and ethical principle. Equality and inequality, in terms of assets and rights, are strongly shaped by production structure, technological development, labour-market gaps, the macroeconomic management of cycles, territorial planning, capacity building, social protection and political participation”.

Professor Rolando Cordera

was received by ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, who welcomed him on behalf of the United Nations regional commission. She affirmed “This is the first time that a Mexican has delivered the Raúl Prebisch Memorial Lecture, and we are proud that it is Professor Cordera, whose thinking has made new inroads into the exploration of development pathways based on the concrete reality, history and culture of our nations.”

According to Bárcena

Relationship

In his lecture, Professor Cordera explained that the relationship between democracy and inequality is an equation that must have a positive result in favour of equality. He also declared that equality is a total social fact, rather than just an issue of income, access or opportunities.

He added that development, as a process of social political and economic change, requires well-functioning institutions, as well as a basic restructuring of values and attitudes.

According to Professor

Cordera, “If the equality promised by democracy is limited to laws or ballot boxes, it is not enough to ensure and expand social justice. Therefore, development understood as the creation and expansion of rights, rights exercised with justice and freedom, and politics understood as ongoing commitment to and actions for the democratic code are the prerequisites for building a new agenda and reforming macroeconomics for development and equality.”

The UNAM academic also declared that the “right to development” predates the current wave of universalising human rights, and that it is inseparable from social justice. It is a basic right of citizens and enforcing it should be a priority for states.

Professor Cordera stressed that “This is why autonomy and the capacity to decide on their own patterns of economic development and social distribution (and ways of entering the global market and economy) should be recognised as a universal right of nations.”

TravelSpan introduces new Boeing 767 – eyeing other destinations

TravelSpan General Manager Vanita Jagnarain (Second from right) with other airline officials

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ravelSpan General Manager Vanita Jagnarain said while the airline is concentrating on improving business on its Guyana-New York and Guyana-Trinidad routes, it is eyeing other market opportunities in the Caribbean and South America.

Brazil and Grenada have been listed as possible markets, but Jagnarain stated that it will take some time before these flights are introduced, claiming various factors will have to be considered.

Recently, she added that the airline introduced two flights to Port of Spain, Trinadad at very low prices, starting at US$283, tax inclusive.

TravelSpan, she noted is also plying the Santo Domingo, The Dominican

Republic-Port of Spain route.

However, with all the new possible markets and additional flights, there is need for an effective Guyanese flight attendant crew; thus, the airline has shortlisted 31 prospective candidates to be trained.

The training, which is overdue, will likely get underway in the first part of May, but she assured that all training will be completed in time before the 767300 flights becomes fully operational.

“A part of the training is done in Guyana and another part is done overseas and as such, a screening process has to be completed and approved by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration],” she added.

Jagnarain stated that

Guyanese flight attendants are necessary since TravelSpan recognises that a large number of Guyanese have confidence in the service and Guyana is one of its main routes.

On this note, she added that Guyanese attendants will be more effective in communicating with Guyanese passengers.

Apart from creating employment for flight attendants, TravelSpan has also expanded its office staff with more reservation and accounts clerks at its main office.

Meanwhile, the 767-300 aircraft will be used as a back-up to the 767-200 jet, which currently has a capacity to hold 210 passengers. The new aircraft can carry some 221 passengers and fly at 500 miles per

hour, with a flying time of 10 hours.

The plane, which is about 10 years old, has been certified by the FAA and has been operated by Vision Air out of the John F Kennedy International Airport. The aircraft can also carry about 500 bags at 50 pounds each and also has large cargo space.

According to Operations Manager David Goberdan, during a tour on the aircraft on Saturday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the 767-300 aircraft is the first to land in Guyana.

While there might have been concerns about the runway to accommodate landing, Goberdan said the runway at the CJIA can accommodate a 747-200-370 Boeing aircraft, a doubledecker which has a capacity of 350 passengers, hence, landing is not an issue.

He added that security has been at its optimum and they continue to put passenger’ safety first. In addition, he noted that while he cannot comment or reveal anything about its security arrangements, the airline has special procedures in detecting drug mules.

TravelSpan will be introducing five flights to the JFK International Airport, USA to accommodate the influx of passengers that have booked to travel to Guyana for the August vacation.

Discussions under duress

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he Government of Guyana has failed to make the United States Government understand and accept that it is unwilling to jeopardise or compromise any aspect of its sovereign right to exclusively determine the future of the Guyanese people without any external or foreign influence.

One reason for this state of affairs is that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has vacillated on its supposed position and said one thing but done another. It had initially proclaimed that it was unwilling to be part of negotiations or discussions on the controversial LEAD Project while it is being implemented.

Surprisingly, and despite all of the evidence abound to demonstrate beyond a shadow of doubt that the US has deliberately proceeded with the implementation of the LEAD project, the Government has sheepishly re-entered “talks”.

The result of the talks held with Government officials and the US Ambassador was anticipated since the US has maintained a singular posture from the outset of the controversy: they will implement the LEAD project.

Guyana Times reported the Ambassador as saying that he will communicate the concerns raised again by the Government to the USAID and US State Department without giving any commitment to shelf the project until a final agreement is met.

Given this development, the talks, though cordial, were fruitless and the Government should desist from making any further overtures and meetings, unless its position is respected, diplomacy aside.

The Government must stand for something or it will fall for anything and it is more than passing strange that the television shows sponsored by the US and featuring Opposition politicians are already been broadcast to the nation. The PPP/C has refused to participate.

There is already talk about the US engaging “youths” and making attempts via its embassy here to spread the wings of the project to other interest groups which could see a change in the overall political climate and culture here. In the one reported instance, it was the APNU Region Nine Councillor Carl Parker who organised one “democracy workshop” there.

In light of the violation of all international norms, the Government must be more forceful on this matter and it must understand what is at stake, given the involvement of the International Republican Institute (IRI).

This Government must not fail to also consider the history of Guyana and the documented involvement of foreign powers that led to a factionalised and ethnically polarised society here during the pre and post-independence era.

Those who forget history are likely to repeat it and there are clear examples of all sorts of covert attempts that are being made in other parts of South America and the world in the name of the promotion of democracy that have led to the undermining and collapse of legitimate governments.

Examples abound in the experiences of Haiti, Honduras, Middle East and Poland.

The most recent “Twitter like” development in Cuba, which has close ties with Guyana should be an eye opener, despite the short-sightedness of the political Opposition here.

It must be made clear that Guyana’s positive and long relations to the US must be taken into consideration before any decisive action is taken on the part of the Government if there was failure to achieve compromise and for the differences to be worked out.

But this is not to say that the Government should not strongly oppose this disrespectful and provocative action by the US. Relations aside, the Government has an obligation to protect Guyana’s sovereignty and independence from any undue clandestine attempt to undermine it.

Government should immediately launch a series of national talks and consultations to ensure that it adequately educates its citizenry about the aspects of the project that it has concerns about, so that to ensure that there is more buy in from John Public. It cannot afford to be left in the wilderness without support from the masses, which it represents.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry must also utilise all of its diplomatic channels, especially Caricom and UNASUR, with the US to bring closure to this matter.

Guyana’s Ambassador to the US Bayney Karran should also arrange meetings with Guyanese in the diaspora to have them understand its position. This Ministry must inform the public of what other steps it has taken to have closure brought to the issue, despite the closed door talks.

There must be closure on this matter before the IRI funded LEAD project is kicked into hard drive.

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Around the World Honduras child killings: Probe into ‘gang links’

Police in Honduras and neighbouring El Salvador and Guatemala are struggling to deal with violent criminal gangs

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onduran authorities are investigating the deaths of at least seven children who may have been murdered after refusing to join criminal gangs.

In the latest case, Police found the body of a sevenyear-old boy who appeared

to have been tortured. His 13-year-old brother was found dead a day before.

All the crimes took place over the last month in an area dominated by street gangs in the industrial city of San Pedro Sula. Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Correspondents say most of the violence is caused by the constant battling between the country’s main maras, or street gangs – Mara 18 and Mara Salvatrucha – which have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Honduras’ Attorney General Oscar Fernando Chinchilla, travelled to the northern city on Friday to oversee the investigations.

The Attorney General insisted the involvement of criminal gangs was just one of the lines of investigation.

Police investigators, however, had already said they believed street gangs were behind the killings.

The violent maras are also believed to be responsible for thousands of killings in neighbouring Central American countries such as El Salvador and Guatemala.

(BBC News)

Karl Hendrickson to receive 2014 Martin Luther King Award

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amaican philanthropist and business leader Karl Hendrickson is the 2014 awardee of the Dr Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contribution to human development in Jamaica.

The Jamaica America Friendship Association (JAFA), presenters of the award which is given to individuals or organisations serving their communities in the spirit of the late American civil rights leader and winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace

Prize, said Hendrickson will be presented with the award at a banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on May 24.

Dr King, whose philosophy was based on selfless service and non-violent activism, campaigned for racial equality and human development, serving as an inspiration to persons not only in the United States of America but all over the world, including Jamaica.

The Dr Martin Luther King Award has been established in several communities and countries to help

ensure that the legacy of Dr King as peacemaker and humanitarian will be passed on through generations to come.

In a distinguished career spanning decades, Hendrickson, Chairman of National Continental Corporation Limited, has made a significant and sustained contribution to facilitating human development.

His record of philanthropy, particularly in the field of education, is well established, a JAFA release said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Australia PM drops Indonesia trip amid asylum boat reports

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ustralian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has abruptly cancelled a planned visit to Indonesia, sparking criticism from opposition politicians.

He was due to meet Indonesia’s President next week, in an apparent bid to improve ties between the countries. Relations had been strained by Australia’s reported policy of turning back boats carrying asylum seekers from Indonesia, as well as a spying row.

Reports say Australia has intercepted another boat, angering Jakarta.

Indonesia insists that sending back boatloads of asylum seekers, known as tow-backs, violates its sovereignty.

Abbott had been expected to attend the Open Government Partnership conference in Bali, at the invitation of Indonesian

Australia and Indonesia are key allies and trading partners, but relations became strained following a spying row

leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, early next week.

However, his spokesman told the Australian Associated Press (APP) on Friday that “the attempt to make a trip to Indonesia has been postponed, but we are hopeful of finding another date soon”.

No reason was given for the cancellation but Australian media said the decision was due to the current operation to turn back an asylum boat.

An “on-water operation” was taking place that could cause “embarrassment” to Indonesia, ABC news said, citing Government sources.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Dozens killed in Ukraine fighting and fire; OSCE monitors freed

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t least 42 people were killed in a street battle between supporters and opponents of Russia in southern Ukraine that ended with dozens of proRussian protesters incinerated in a burning building, bringing the country closer to war.

Pro-Russian rebels in the east freed seven European military observers on Saturday after holding them hostage for eight days, while Kiev pressed on with its biggest military operation so far to reclaim rebel-held territo-

ry in the area.

The riot in the Black Sea port of Odessa, ending in a deadly blaze in a besieged trade union building, was by far the worst incident in Ukraine since a February uprising that ended with a pro-Russian President fleeing the country.

A couple of hundred pro-Russian protesters in the eastern city of Donetsk stormed the Governor’s business premises and the state security headquarters, ransacking files and smashing windows. The attack reflect-

ed growing disorder in the area, targeting as it did a security building that had already been brought under rebel control.

“This is for yesterday!” said Tatiana Kamniva outside the Governor’s office.

“They’re monsters, worse than monsters.” The Odessa clashes spread the violence from the eastern separatist heartland to an area far from the Russian frontier, raising the prospect of unrest sweeping more broadly across a country of around 45 million people the size of France.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

UN claims significant gains in fight against cholera in Haiti

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ignificant gains in the fight against the cholera epidemic in Haiti have been recorded as the dry season ends and the United Nations continues to support the Government’s comprehensive strategy of monitoring, rapid response and planning for long-term solutions, a top UN official in the impoverished country says.

“Since the beginning of the dry season, we have seen registered the lowest number of cases and

deaths since the start of the epidemic, with a reduction of 75 per cent of cases in the first trimester of this year against the same period last year,” said Peter de Clercq, the Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary General in Haiti.

“That is very good news and reflects our efforts so far are working,” he said.

“Of course, every case of cholera is one too many.

Every person that dies of cholera is one too many and is unacceptable and will

cause us to work even harder to combat the disease,” he added.

Because the disease retracts to limited locations during the dry season, according to the UN Country Team, it presents a window of opportunity for the UN and its partners to target the highest risk areas with surveillance, analysis and rapid response for treatment and sanitation actions; work that continues throughout the year across wider sites of concern. (Excerpt

from Caribbean News Now)

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News

Several injured after boat crashes at Kaow Island ly damaged boat and were rescued by nearby residents.

The injured passengers were taken to the Bartica Hospital where a few were treated and sent away while the others were transferred to Georgetown.

Asleep

The boat registered to Odyssey Jet Boat Transportation Service at the crash site

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t least eight persons are nursing bodily injuries after a passenger jet boat registered to Odyssey Jet Boat Transportation Service crashed into Kaow Island on its way to Bartica on Saturday morning. The incident occurred about 04:30h.

Of the eight persons, at least four were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were treated, but only two were admitted.

Those rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital were Clairmont Williams, 49; Charles Richards, 40, and Devon Williams, all from the Pomeroon River and Jonathan Da Concellan, a Brazilian miner.

Curtis Barnett of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and a

baby, “Jonathan” (only name given) were taken to private medical institutions.

Clairmont Willams reportedly sustained a broken leg and so was Curtis Barnett.

Jonathan Da Concellan suffered severe injuries to her arms and legs and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but was subsequently transferred to a private institution.

According to reports received, the boat left Parika about 03:30h for Bartica with at least 13 passengers, who were all asleep when the accident occurred. It is believed that the Captain of the boat may have fallen asleep on the journey, causing the boat to crash into the island.

The passengers managed to carve out of the bad-

At the Georgetown Public Hospital, one of the injured men who sustained a gash to his chin, said he and almost all the passengers were asleep when they felt a sudden impact.

He said as he opened his eyes, he saw the boat on land and the other passengers scampering for safety.

Luckily, he stated that

sconded after the accident.

Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a release stated that about 05:00h on Saturday, a jetpropelled passenger vessel was involved in an accident in the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Welga, as it was proceeding from Parika to Bartica.

There were 13 persons onboard, and there were several casualties, but no fatalities as a result of the accident, the release added.

MARAD officers have travelled up to the area to assess the situation and are conducting the initial phase of the investigation.

In June last, several per-

The wrecked boat covered by fallen trees

the boat did not explode as it would have been detrimental. The injured passaengers, he said were rushed to the Bartica Hospital.

According to reports, the Captain of the boat was unlicensed and may have ab-

sons were injured after a speedboat crashed next to the Island. It was reported that the Captain of the vessel was alleged intoxicated and the passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.

Ronald Webster laid to rest

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh remembering the late Roland Webster

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undreds on Saturday paid their last respects to the business icon and patriot Ronald Webster, who was laid to rest amid glowing tributes from business associates, friends and senior Government functionaries.

Webster was the sitting Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) at the time of his passing.

He was remembered mostly for the sterling contributions he made towards the overall development of the private sector and Guyana’s economy as well as the interest he showed in youth development.

They were a number of tributes from various organisations that Webster served.

On behalf of Caribbean Containers Inc, Zukfikar Samdally said it was a

He was a hard worker, led by example and was an example to many at CCI. Ramesh Dookoo, who spoke on behalf of the PSC, stated that there is still a sense of loss and shock at the passing of Webster.

He said that the man had the ability to stabilise any difficult situation and a very admirable capacity to give with both hands.

“Ronald Webster was a patriot, a man of many colours, exceptional boardroom skills, a man of strength and sense of purpose, a sense of what is right and wrong and he knew where he wanted to take the private sector when he took it over,” Dookoo stated.

Exceptional leader

He stated that Webster walked with leaders from across the world and epitomised what a private sector leader should be. Dookoo

Thousands attend IAC Berbice mala

This patron about to feast on his seven curry purchased from this stall

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housands on Saturday turned out at the grand mela and cultural show held at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) to celebrate the 176th anniversary of East Indian arrival in Guyana.

The celebration was organised by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC).

IAC Raymond Azeez Executive said the occasion is a time for reflection and to chart the way forward.

He said the IAC over the years has tried to maintain, enhance and build on the strong cultural heritage

A jewellery stall at the mala

brought to Guyana by Indian indentured servants.

Azeez said the IAC does not only celebrate, maintain and build on the rich cultural heritage of the country, but also gives back to the community.

Neaz Subhan, another executive member, said apart from the reflection, the occasion is a celebration of the gains made.

“They came, they made numerous sacrifices, they endure the hardships, and despite all odds they have managed to build temples, mosque and churches, all in an effort to maintain their culture,” he said.

He said it is now the role of this and future generations to preserve the culture they have inherited.

Meantime, several patrons told Guyana Times that they are proud of the work of the IAC in preserving the Indian culture.

The mala was an event for the family, featuring performances from cultural groups here and from Trinidad and Tobago. No alcohol was allowed at the celebrations.

Private Sector Commission Executive Ramesh Dookoo paying tribute to the late Ronald Webster

privilege and honour to pay tribute to such a remarkable colleague and leader.

He said Webster lived his life to the fullest.

“Looking through his life, I see many valuable roles that he played, he was a family man, devoted husband, father and grandfather and not to mention a father to many at CCI,” Samdally said.

He pointed out that Webster was man who one can always count on whether it’s on counselling or a smoke buddy to just have a cup of coffee with.

He also stated that “Ron” lived a life of principle and was never a man to back down on a challenge.

also stated that Webster pushed for the Government and the Opposition to unite and live in peace and harmony.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, reading a speech written by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, said Webster was a man of great worth and would be missed dearly.

In his own remarks, Dr Singh said Webster’s service to the country was very diverse and he will be remembered mostly for his service to the public and private sectors.

The Minister stated that he was a man of great conviction, who was never afraid to speak his mind. turn to page 17

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News Jagdeo Initiative guiding Ronald Webster laid... region’s food security drive – Ramotar A section of the gathering at the Christian Brethren Church, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara

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Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

aving just recently returned from attending the ThirdCaricom Mexico Summit and meeting of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), in Mexico, President Donald Ramotar said there is consensus that agriculture development must be expanded as food security remains in sharp focus.

The President noted that there is also agreement that overall production has to be increased, therefore, “We need to start thinking of some sort of specialisation for countries in the region so they can increase production.”

Communication and transport sectors must become stronger to realise this reality, he noted as, “Right now it is probably cheaper for Caribbean countries to import their food from the north because of their connections, than from the countries in the region”.

The President had said during his address at the summit, that if the agriculture sector in the region is to be improved, then transportation, both air and maritime needs must be addressed, and that countries of the community must also

aim to transform their agricultural products from just being raw materials to agro- industries. This is important to create jobs, both in agriculture and in industry where additional skills would be required and where value would be added.

Technology

The use of technology is also essential to improve regional security, according to President Ramotar as “There has been a traditional belief that agriculture is just sheer labour, not skill.”

It takes a lot of technology, he noted, and said that for production and productivity to increase, there must be farmers who are au fait with technology and with its usage to enhance production within the agriculture sector itself.

The Jagdeo Initiative, conceptualised and proposed by former Guyanese President, Bharrat Jagdeo, the Head of State said, continues to be a guiding principle for the Caricom nations as far as agricultural development and production are concerned.

This initiative, the President explained, has seen Barbados investors for

example, begin the Santa Fe Farm in the southern part of Guyana and there is now strong interest from Trinidadians to be involved in agricultural development locally, adding that, “The initiative (Jagdeo) is alive and well.”

While in Mexico, President Ramotar welcomed the Mexican President’s announcement regarding his Government’s financial contribution to the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture for assistance to Caricom States, to support the improvement of the agricultural sector.

President Ramotar pointed out that despite the many initiatives taken; the Caricom region was still a net importer of food with the food bill amounting to more than US$4 billion per year.

He said that it was clear that the region needed a joint agricultural policy through which member states could complement each other and raise their production to reduce the vulnerability in the sector, in the process examining the many problems that have emerged and those that were emerging.

Ramotar says Opposition’s stance on LEAD Project surprising

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he posture taken by the political Opposition with regards to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project is surprising, and they appear willing to compromise Guyana’s sovereignty and integrity.

This is according to President Donald Ramotar, who stated emphatically, “… we never agreed to it, we were never consulted, we were not part of any forum on this programme… we do not need it in our country, at this point in time, that is

why we took the unusual position that we have taken”.

Guyana’s political Opposition has welcomed the project despite Government’s objection to its implementation without prior consultation.

Government continues to have excellent relations with the US, President Ramotar said, with very good cooperation in the security and other sectors. It is only on the issue of the LEAD Project, which the President insisted that his administration had no part of, and as a result refuses to accept an imposition in that regard.

Government through the Home Affairs Minister took the step to revoke the work permit of Glen Bradbury, a Canadian contractor tasked with overseeing the implementation of the USAID sponsored project in Guyana. This move came after Government learnt that the project was being implemented despite its strenuous objections and meetings with US officials on the issue.

Government said it was committed to re-engaging the discussion process, but not when the activities under the LEAD Project were still being implemented.

Dr Singh extended sympathies of behalf of President Donald Ramator and the Government of Guyana to the family and close friends of the late outstanding leader.

Meanwhile, widow of the late Ronald Webster, Patrice Webster, speaking at the simple church service held at Christian Brethren Church, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, stated that her husband was very devoted to his family and his work.

Webster started his career at the Booker Group of Companies and became

the youngest Managing Director of the company. He was also the Managing Director of Technology Investments and Management Inc. Webster also served as President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association from 1997 to 1999 and is the holder of a Lifetime Achievement Award from that association. In the latter part of that period, he served as Vice Chairman of the PSC (1998-1999).

In addition to the time that he spent heading various private sector com-

from page 16

panies, Webster used his expertise on many Boards, including that of the Bauxite Industry Development Company Inc where he served as Chairman.

Webster also served as Director on the Board of the National Agricultural Research Institute, now the National Agriculture Research and Development Institute up to 1992 and Chairman of the Board of the New Guyana Marketing Company also in the period up to 1992.

He was also a Director on the Board of the Aroaima Mining Company from 2004 and served as Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission from 2005 to 2010.

The PSC Chairman and Caribbean Container Inc Chief Executive Officer passed away in the wee hours of Sunday, April 27, at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital while recovering from a recent cancerrelated medical operation which he underwent in Trinidad and Tobago.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

sunday, may 4, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

By Bernice Bede Osol

archie

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Think before you speak or take action. Present your opinions in a tactful manner. If you are too aggressive or assertive, someone you care about will take offence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) With your talent and imagination, a small business of your own may be a viable option. Be bold.

Find someone with the experience and expertise to advise you, and take the plunge.

PISCES (Feb.20March 20)

dilbert

Consider attending charity or fund-raising events as a way to make new connections. Others will get to know how charismatic you are once you are out mingling and socialising.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

Peanuts

Accept that others may have different ways of dealing with certain issues. Let your peers have their say and do their own thing. If you show tolerance, you’ll get the same in return.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Don’t be hard on yourself or let negativity get you down. Find a class or seminar that will help boost your mood and give you greater confidence and a positive attitude.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Guessing or speculating will not lead to a well-rounded view of your situation. Rather than overreact or make assumptions, find out what is really happening before making a decision.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) There are many people who share your concerns, but staying home will prevent you from meeting them. Participate in social events that are geared toward making new friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) A personal decision and general uncertainty will cause turmoil. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

An issue that appears insurmountable can often be solved with some outside assistance.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

SCORPIO

You may be feeling uneasy and restless. Getting involved in something creative or artistic will help free up your imagination and provide a new spark to your routine.

You can gain support if you present your ideas creatively. Don’t be deterred by someone who doesn’t want to participate. Focus on people offering contributions and encouragement.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

The best investment you can make is in you.

You will have a very rewarding experience if you take advantage of a financial opportunity.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Hard work will pay off.

Surround yourself with loved ones and celebrate your accomplishments.

You will feel rejuvenated if you relax, unwind and enjoy the comforts of home.

SUNDAY

may 4, 2014

GCA/Brainstreet Under-15 Tournament…

TSC win Cup final in tense finish

19

National rifle shooters head to Jamaica today

─ GNIC take League trophy

Georgetown Cricket Association president Roger Harper hands over the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy to Joshua Persaud

By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

ransport Sport Club (TSC) held on for a tense victory over Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) in the Cup final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Brainstreet Under-15 tournament at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground, Thomas Lands, on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 177, TSC got home with two balls to spare. The match looked destined to end in defeat for the TSC when they slipped to 135-5 in 43 overs.

But a level-headed sixthwicket partnership between Mark Baptiste and Joel Spooner injected impetus

back into TSC’s innings and changed the complexion of the match.

Baptise was left unbeaten on 27, while Spooner was not out on 13.

Earlier in their run chase, Man-of-the-Match, Colin Barlow top scored with 35. He received support from Anthony Antonio (24), Mark Ramsammy (19), Adrian Hinds (17) and Daniel Scott (14).

Deciding to bat first, GNIC total of 176 was build on two meaningful partnerships. First, captain Joshua Persaud (36) and Christopher Campbell (25) shared a 59-run, second wicket stand after Kurt Lovell (09) went early.

However, after the dis-

TSC captain Colin Barlow collects the winner’s trophy and cheque from Brainstreet Account, Adrienne Harmon

missal of both Persaud and Campbell, Paul Thomas, who top scored with 37, and Haifa Walters (21) then added 62 for the fourth wicket.

GNIC, the League champions, were then never allowed to build another big partnership, as the rest of the batsmen fail to make any significant contribution.

Off-spinner Joel Spooner (3-19), medium pacers Colin Barlow (2-30), Mark Baptiste (2-25) and Anthony Antonio (2-25) were the bowlers to pose much discomfort for GNIC’s batting line-up.

TSC collected the winner’s trophy and $50,000, while the GNIC lads were the recipient of a trophy and

$35,000.

Meanwhile, GNIC won the League phase of the tournament, playing unbeaten throughout. They received $50,000 and the winning trophy, while DCC ‘A’ team collected $35,000 and the runner-up trophy.

GNIC’s Joshua Persaud was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the League phase. He also won the awards for scoring the most runs (414) and the highest individual score (142).

The award for the best bowling performance when to Dwayne Dick of GNIC with figure of 5-12, while Sese Norville of MSC won the award for the most wickets (21).

Price Is Right Supermarket second division final on today

A

fter being rained out on the first occasion on April 13, all is now set for the much anticipated Price is Right Supermarket second division cricket final, slated for today at the Skeldon Community Centre ground.

Corriverton Cricket Club and Number 70 M.Y.O will do battle from 09:30 hours, and a keenly contested affair is expected.

Corriverton Cricket Club booked their place in the final when they defeated Number 71 Cricket Club by 124

runs, while Number 70 M.Y.O. had earlier earned the right to contest the final when they whipped Number 48 Challengers by 40 runs.

The final will be a 50 overs a side affair and will play in coloured clothing and white balls.

The sponsor and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) officials will be on hand to meet the teams before the start of the game and hand over the prizes at the conclusion.

Corriverton CC squad reads: Tarik Ibrahim (captain), Jermaine

Reid (vice-captain), Jeremy Moore, Anthony Seeraj, Rabindra Singh, Imran Jabar (wicketkeeper), Clavern Beresford, Amzaan Appalsamy, Eric Phillips, Faoud Bacchus, Tulsiram Munesar, Rajeev Persaud and Imron Mohamed.

Number 70 M.Y.O squad reads: Niazi Khan (captain), Jameel Assad (vice-captain), Mahmood Khan, Zameer Khan, Ahmad Khan, Salim Khan (wicketkeeper), Arif Khan, Alim Khan, Saif Hamid Khan, Mohamed Asarudin, Umar Ghani and Fazir Ally.

G

Sherwin Felicien

Ransford Goodluck

uyana’s national rifle shooting team will wing out this morning to compete in the 2014 West Indies Fullbore shooting championships (WIFSC) in Jamaica.

The championships will attract teams from Antigua/ Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago hosts Jamaica and a visiting Canadian team.

Guyana will be defending the long range title over 900 and 1000 yards and will be looking to reclaim the short range (300, 500 and 600 yards) title they lost to Jamaica last in Barbados.

The team will be captained by Mahendra Persaud and will feature vice-captain Dylan Fields, Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck, Ryan Sampson, Leo Romalho, ACP retired Paul Slowe, Lt. Col. Retired Terrance Stuart, Inspector Dane Blair, Peter Persaud and Sherwin Felicien.

The local contingent will be joined by USbased Guyanese shooters, John Fraser and Sigmund Douglas, who will travel directly to Jamaica. GNRA Public Relations Officer, Troy Peters, will also be part of the delegation.

The championships will fire off on Monday with three days of individual competition at the Twickenham Park ranges in Kingston.

Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite is the reigning West Indies fullbore shooting champion after he won the grand aggregate in ‘X’ Class last year at Paragon ranges in Barbados.

A lot is expected of Romalho who returned to the team last year, as well as Fraser and Sampson, who missed the competition last year.

Newcomer Felicien will also be looking for an impressive performance on his international debut.

With the Commonwealth Games just two months away in Glasgow, Scotland, Guyana’s threeman delegation - Persaud, Braithwaite and Goodluckwill also be fine tuning their preparation for the international Games.

The first team match will take place on Friday with teams competing for the long range title, while Saturday the shooters will be back in action at 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges.

The local squad has been hard at training over the past two months at the Timehri ranges and was exposed to two weeks of coaching by Great Britain leading coach, Ian Shaw, who visited earlier this year.

Captain Mahendra Persaud said the national shooters are both mentally and physically prepared for a gruelling week of competition.

20

may 4, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

Mumbai Indians v Kings XI, IPL 2014, Mumbai…

Mumbai Indians finally end losing streak B

ack on home turf at Wankhede Stadium, the venue of their unbeaten run the previous year, Mumbai Indians’ batsmen held their nerve at the death to give their franchise their first victory of the season in six attempts. Mumbai Indians needed 41 off the last three overs but Kieron Pollard and Aditya Tare catapulted their side home with five deliveries to spare and ended Kings XI Punjab’s victorious five-game run.

The home side lost their openers cheaply before thirties from CM Gautam, Rohit Sharma and Corey Anderson revived them.

The asking-rate climbed again after Rohit and Anderson departed in the 16th and 17th overs, but Pollard and Tare were around to ensure Mumbai Indians were not letting it slip away.

It was Tare who wrested back momentum for Mumbai Indians when he lofted L Balaji for four over extra cover and pulled him over deep midwicket for six in the 18th over, which went for 16. Kings XI had Mitchell Johnson for the 19th, and Pollard has of-

ten been found wanting against quality pace from the likes of Dale Steyn.

But the all-rounder never let Johnson get on top, lifting the first ball of the over, a full delivery, for six over long-on. Johnson followed up with a wide down the leg side. Pollard ran twos off the next two deliveries before inside-edging a yorker for four.

A pull to deep square leg for four more and a single to keep strike made it 20 off the over. Pollard completed formalities by launching Sandeep Sharma’s first ball of the final over for six over long-off. He ended on 28 off 12 while Tare was unbeaten on 16 from six.

Gautam and Rohit had come together at 23-2 after the openers departed to Sandeep’s swing and added 47 in 41 before Gautam fell to Rishi Dhawan. Rohit and Anderson took a six each off Dhawan’s next over but the real push Mumbai Indians needed came in the 13th over bowled by Akshar Patel. Anderson slogged the left-arm spinner for four consecutive boundaries, and the 20-run over brought down the asking-rate to eight-and-a-half

ish they needed.

Their innings went similarly as Mumbai Indians’ was to, barring that final surge. The openers could not do much before Glenn Maxwell and Wriddhiman Saha rebuilt.

Even as Saha struggled to rotate the strike, Maxwell kept hitting fours and sixes with ease. He had motored to 45 off 26 before

he mishit Harbhajan Singh to long-on.

George Bailey’s move to promote himself ahead of David Miller did not work.

Saha took over now, moving from 12 off 23 to 59 off 47, sweeping and pulling Pollard for three fours in the 14th over.

His acceleration wasn’t enough in the end. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kieron Pollard’s blows hauled Mumbai Indians over the line

from ten.

Kings XI fought back as Balaji, Johnson and Dhawan put in four tight overs, which earned the wickets of Rohit and Anderson. The rate shot up to nearly 14 after Dhawan completed his spell in the 17th, but Mumbai Indians had more ammunition in the form of Pollard and Tare.

They also had Lasith Malinga, who gave away just eight runs combined in the 18th and 20th overs of the Kings XI innings.

It meant that despite taking 20 off the penultimate over - bowled jointly by Zaheer Khan and Pollard after the left-armer left the field midway clutching his shoulder - Kings XI were not able to have the big fin-

Punjab T20 innings (20 overs maximum) CA Pujara c †Gautam b Anderson 19 V Sehwag run out (Sharma) 1 WP Saha† not out 59 GJ Maxwell c Dunk b Harbhajan Singh 45 GJ Bailey* c Anderson b Harbhajan Singh 15 DA Miller c Dunk b Malinga 16 MG Johnson not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-6, w-5, nb-1) 13 Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 168 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Sehwag, 2.1 ov), 2-24 (Pujara, 3.3 ov), 3-93 (Maxwell, 11.5 ov), 4-130 (Bailey, 15.5 ov), 5-165 (Miller, 19.3 ov) Bowling: Z Khan 3.3-0-280, JJ Bumrah 4-0-25-0 (1-nb, 2-w), CJ Anderson 2-0-171 (1-w), SL Malinga 4-0-251, Harbhajan Singh 4-0-34-2, KA Pollard 2.3-0-32-0 (1-w)

Mumbai T20 innings (target: 169 runs from 20 overs) BR Dunk c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 5 CM Gautam† lbw b Dhawan 33 AT Rayudu lbw b Sandeep Sharma 8 RG Sharma*c †Saha b Balaji 39 CJ Anderson c Miller b Dhawan 35 KA Pollard not out 28 AP Tare not out 16 Extras: (lb-3, w-3) 6 Total: (5 wickets; 19.1 overs) 170 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Dunk, 0.5 ov), 2-23 (Rayudu, 2.5 ov), 3-70 (Gautam, 9.4 ov), 4-123 (Sharma, 15.3 ov), 5-126 (Anderson, 16.4 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 3.1-029-2 (1-w), L Balaji 4-0-38-1, MG Johnson 4-0-37-0 (2-w), AR Patel 4-0-40-0, R Dhawan 4-0-23-2

GSCL Inc./NSC Independence Cup…

Trophy Stall teams progress to semi-finals

T

rophy Stall XI and Trophy Stall Angels have advanced to the semi-finals of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.)/National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Independence Cup softball tournament, which bowled off on Saturday with several games in the city.

Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

Trophy Stall Angels defeated 4R Lioness by six wickets. 4R Lioness 1053 from 10 overs (Tameka Wilson 61, Ruth George 28) Trophy Stall Angels 111-4 from 7.3 overs (Heema Singh 28, Roxanne Demonick 24, Odessa O’Neil 16).

Trophy Stall Angels defeated Karibee Strikers by 24 runs. Trophy Stall Angels 97-5 from 10 overs (Heema Singh 35, Roxanne Demonick 31, Tenesha Leonard 2-18) Karibee Strikers 73-4 from 10 overs (Aleena Arokium 28).

Karibee Strikers defeated of 4R Lioness by eight wickets. 4R Lioness 70-6 from 10 overs (Abigail Scott 20, Shyon Goodluck 13, Sha Gaj 2-10) Karibee Strikers 74-2 (Sheneta Grimmond 36).

Trophy Stall XI defeated Farm XI by seven wickets. Farm XI 61 all out from

Clyde Butts

Patrick Rooplall

12.5 overs (R. Reddy 13, W. Yusuf 12) Trophy Stall XI 63-3 from 7.3 overs (K. Bishundial 29*).

Trophy Stall XI defeated Regal XI by six wickets. Regal XI 87 all out from 11.2 overs (Kwesi Joseph 26, Richard Latiff 18, R. Ramnauth 6-12, D. Deosarran 2-30) Trophy Stall 91-4 from 10.5 overs (Fazal Rafeek 36, Mark Dutchin 24*, Lakeram Roopnarine 2-27).

Regal XI defeated Smith’s XI by eight wickets. Smith’s XI 184-8 from 20 overs (Latchman Rohit 39, Ganesh Mangal 37, Shaz Grovesnor 34, Fazeer Khan 30, Safraz Esau 3-19, Ricky Sargeant 2-40) Regal XI 189-2 from 16.4 overs (Chien Gittens 57*, Patrick

Rooplall 51*, Richard Latiff 44).

Frontline Masters defeated Regal Masters by seven wickets. Regal Masters 120 all out from 19.4 overs (Tony Amerally 37, Younis Yusuf 30, Tony Singh 3-17, Hafeez Samad 3-20, Manoj Malone 2-25) Frontline Rangers 124-3 from 19.4 overs (Mohammed Rafeek 67, Sheik Mohamed 23).

Regal Masters defeated Parika Defenders by sic wickets. Parika Defenders 114-9 from 20 overs (Naresh Bissessar 35, Clyde Butts 5-24, Satrohan Seeraj 2-18) Regal Masters 117-4 from 11.5 overs (Eric Thomas 35, Lanceford Klass 23, R. Rambharose 2-14). The competition will continue today and end on Monday.

YELLOW PAGES PAGES

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21

Daredevils v Royals, IPL 2014, Delhi…

sunday, april 2014 Sunday, may 27, 4, 2014

Nair fashions Royals’ clinical chase

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R

ajasthan Royals produced one of their better batting performances this season to keep pace with the two table leaders and no, the starring roles didn’t feature Ajinkya Rahane or Shane Watson or Stuart Binny. There was one steadying hand from Sanju Samson to ensure the middling target was under control and a surprise promotion for Rajat Bhatia, but it was another young batsman, playing only his third game for the franchise, who reaffirmed Royals’ narrative of being a moneyball outfit.

Karun Nair, the Karnataka batsman who had scores of 8 and 1 in his previous two outings, was conservative to start with, but opened up in the second half of his innings to hit an unbeaten half-century to sink Delhi Daredevils by seven wickets.

A chase of 153 had tested Royals two years ago at the same ground when they had fallen a run short, but there were no such surprises this time as Royals built a solid foundation to set up the launch. In that first half, Nair had almost remained invisible in the shadow of Samson’s strokeplay. He was on 29 off the first 30 balls he faced despite hitting three crisp boundaries.

Maybe it was the dismissal of Samson or maybe it was the need to be assertive in the company of Bhatia, who was sent to provide some thrust to the innings, Nair’s second half was in complete contrast to the first.

His next 20 deliveries produced 44 runs that included five fours and two sixes, the second of which could have done Watson proud for its disdain.

Watson joined Nair towards the end of the innings and hit a couple of sixes too, but his - or his team management’s - decision of send-

ing Bhatia ahead of better batsmen proved to be one of his more effective strokes.

Bhatia can bat, but he has never played as high as No. 4 in the IPL. His cross-batted slogs were not the most pleasing to the eye, but just like his bowling, his stand of 44 runs in five overs with Nair quickly deflated Daredevils bowling, especially with the danger of Watson looming.

Unlike Royals, Daredevils batting had been a three-part story, all quite different from each other, but adding up in the end to a fighting total. After being asked to bat, Quinton de Kock and M Vijay were not really fussed by the frequent change of bowlers by Royals and added a confident 33 runs for the first wicket before Vijay was caught at mid-off. The fall of wicket or the distractions involving the square-leg umpire, who let Kevin Pietersen off the hook by not reviewing a run-out call, didn’t affect de Kock’s approach as he went about picking his bounda-

ries at a regular pace.

Daredevils were 68-1 when Pravin Tambe removed both de Kock, who was out caught and bowled, and Pietersen, who holed out at long-on, in the same over to signal the start of a period of Royals dominance.

Only 32 runs came in the next six overs and it took an enterprising effort from JP Duminy and Kedar Jadhav to lift Delhi out from that hole.

Jadhav may have been lucky to get his first six - a top edge off James Faulkner - but none of his later shots were mis-hits. He finished the innings with a flourish, hitting one of the biggest sixes of the match in the last over and was unbeaten on 28 off 14 balls. Duminy as usual had played his part too in helping Delhi add 58 off the last five overs. It gave their bowlers a chance, but on a pitch that was a far cry from some of the slower surfaces Delhi has dished out in the past, it was always going to be a tough one to defend.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Delhi T20 innings (20 overs maximum) Q de Kock c & b Tambe M Vijay c Watson b Faulkner KP Pietersen* c Smith b Tambe KD Karthik† c Binny b Faulkner JP Duminy c Bhatia b Richardson KM Jadhav not out WD Parnell not out Extras: (lb-3, w-1) Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Vijay, 4.1 ov), 2-69 (Pietersen, 9.3 ov), 3-71 (de Kock, 9.6 ov), 4-95 (Karthik, 15.2 ov), 5-141 (Duminy, 19.3 ov) Bowling: STR Binny 1-0-90, KW Richardson 4-0-39-

42 13 14 12 39 28 4 152

1 (1-w), DS Kulkarni 3-0-180, SR Watson 1-0-11-0, JP Faulkner 4-0-26-2, PV Tambe 4-0-25-2, R Bhatia 3-0-21-0 Rajasthan T20 innings (target: 153 runs from 20 overs) AM Rahane c Vijay b Parnell 12 KK Nair not out 73 SV Samson† st †Karthik b Nadeem 34 R Bhatia b Mohammed Shami 17 SR Watson* not out 16 Extras: (lb-1, w-3) 4 Total:(3 wickets; 18.3 overs) 156 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Rahane, 2.5 ov), 2-71 (Samson, 9.6 ov), 3-115 (Bhatia, 14.6 ov) Bowling: S Nadeem 4-0-301, Mohammed Shami 4-022-1, WD Parnell 4-0-35-1 (2-w), JD Unadkat 3.3-0-360 (1-w), R Sharma 3-0-32-0

22

may 4, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

Digicel Schools Football…

2014 tournament set to be biggest ever

Anthony’s double-double leads Mackenzie High to fifth basketball title

The Digicel schools football championship is known for attracting large crowds (An Avenash Ramzan file photo)

A

rguably the leading schools football tournament in the country, the Digicel sponsored competition is envisaged to be the biggest ever when it kicks off later this year.

The competition was first staged in 2011 and has since attracted massive crowds and produced quality football by the country’s next generation of ballweavers.

According to coordinator Lavern Fraser-Thomas, the number of schools to have already submitted their registration forms hover in the vicinity of last year’s total, while there is still a large number who have expressed interest and expected to submit their registration forms in the coming week.

Speaking at a meeting of members of the Organising Committee recently, FraserThomas revealed the company’s desire to have games played at new locations, thereby offering communities the opportunity to showcase their culture, geography and diversity to participants in the competition.

“We’ve started our work very early, visiting several new locations and doing inspections of their facilities to verify their capability and readiness to host matches,”

Fraser-Thomas said.

The experienced coordinator, who has held the responsibility since the event was conceptualised, said that in addition to highlighting and developing the skills of the students, another aspect of the tournament is to showcase the diverse culture and geography of the country to the participants.

“Schools are basically getting an opportunity to benefit two-fold by participating in the biggest junior football tournament locally,” she stated.

Among the new places that they have visited with the hope of staging matches are Santa Rose in Region One; Wowetta in Region Nine; Siparuta and Orealla in Region Six and Hauraruni and St. Cuthbert Mission in Region Four.

Fraser-Thomas also disclosed that Digicel has already begun to host workshops for teachers and coaches with the first held at Wowetta and more scheduled to be staged before the commencement of competition.

Meanwhile, Sponsorship and Events Manager of Digicel, Gavin Hope, said he is elated with the positive growth of the tournament which, according to him,

has evolved into the premier schools football tournament in three short years.

This he attributed to a well put together Organising Committee and the company’s careful review after each edition which has allowed it to remedy any evident imperfections. “ I think I can safely say from a company’s perspective that the growth of the tournament over the past three years have been positive and we’ve managed to improve the organisational capability each time, especially taking all the feedback be it positive or negative into our discussions during our review,” Hope pointed out.

He said just as the company’s motto states ‘Bigger better network’ they have consistently strived to apply a similar quality to the tournament.

The launch is scheduled for June 6, and according to a member of the Organising Committee, the plan is to have it done outside of Georgetown which has hosted it since the start.

Christianburg /Wismar Secondary School has been the defending champions for the past two years, having defeated Waramadong on both occasions in the final.

The champion team with their trophies

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ackenize High School routed Linden Foundation Secondary 57-34 to win their fifth title in the final of the 10th edition of the Linden Secondary Schools

The Speed XI players with their trophies on Friday evening (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

in a rapid 72 not out.

Earlier, Enmore squandered a solid start by the top order, losing momentum in mid-innings to post what was eventually an inadequate total.

Opener Eon Abel stroked 48 (5x4s, 2x6s),

Ganeshram Emamally made 34 (3x4s, 1x6), while Hemraj Pillay chipped in with 24 and Sheik Mohamed scored 18. Bowling for Speed XI, Uniss Yousuf picked 4-11 from three overs, while Salman Ghanie had 2-16

With Anthony’s doubledouble performance crowning him Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Allister Lewis helped out with 16 points, while Ron Profit was a beast on the

a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds.

Linden Technical Institute came out blazing with Isaiah Semple leading the way with six points to catapult Linden Foundation to a 17-4 first quarter lead.

The second quarter saw Mackenzie turning on the defensive intensity to hold Linden Foundation to one point but only managed to score eight points in the quarter when the first ended 20-18.

The third quarter was much as the same as both teams found it hard to find the bottom of the net as Linden Foundation was held to five points in the quarter, while Mackenzie again only managed another eight point quarter that gave them a 28-23 lead heading into the final frame.

However, in the fourth quarter Mackenzie turned up their aggression on the offensive end of the ball, running the basketball and finishing at will on the inside that saw them outscore Linden 29-11 in the final period for the blowout win.

glass with 19 rebounds.

Semple was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points as he had little support from his teammates who struggled from the field.

Meanwhile, in the third place last year’s champs Christainburg Secondary romped their way to a 45-30 victory over New Silvercity Secondary School.

Akini Wilson had a game high 19 points for Christianburg, while Daniel Lee contributed 14 points of his own to the win.

No players on the New SIlvercity team dropped a double digit performance with the highest scorer being Cleveland Denny with nine points.

The All Star Five players were named as Terron Welch and Dennis Niles of Linden Technical Institute, Isaiah Semple of Linden Foundation Secondary, Amaniki Buntin of Christianburg Wismar Secondary and Daniel Anthony of Mackenzie High School and they received the All Star jerseys which were donated by United States based Louis Webster.

Part of the action during the final

Malone, Sahadeo outplay Enmore B elligerent half-centuries from Tulsie Sahadeo and Mark Malone powered Speed XI to what turned out to be an easy seven wicket win over Enmore in a friendly Over-40 softball match on Friday evening at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

Chasing 192 for victory after Enmore posted 191-9 from the allotted 25 overs, Speed XI found themselves in a wobbly position in the face of some tight bowling.

With the overs motoring along rapidly and three wickets down, the Enmore players were controlling proceedings, but once Malone strode to the crease to join Sahadeo, the complexion of the game changed dramatically.

The pair proceeded to add an unbroken century partnership to seal the victory at 195-3 in 20.2 overs.

Sahadeo blazed eight sixes and two fours in an unbeaten 81, while fellow righthander Malone counted four sixes and eight fours

Under-19 tournament on Monday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

Forward Daniel Anthony was very instrumental in the win, leading his Mackenzie High team with

from three overs.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Malone was named Manof-the-Match, Abel best batsman and Yousuf best bowler. They all received trophies, as did the winning and losing team.

may 4, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

Demerara Bank on board with Independence Cup T20

Mahendra Ramdihall (left), representative of the tournament, receives the cheque from Earlene Dawson, Branch Manager- Rose Hall branch in the presence of other staff members

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ne of the largest commercial banks in Guyana, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), has once again joined hands with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCC&DA) to host Independence T20 Cup 2014.

This is the third edition and promises to be the biggest ever, according to the organisers. It is expected to be played under international quality floodlights, the same as the Guyana National Stadium.

There will be two semi-finals with Berbice ‘A’ taking on East Coast Jaguars from 11:00 hours and Berbice ‘B’ taking on Georgetown Cricket Association XI three hours later.

The winners will battle in the final from 19:00 hours.

Preceding the final will be a winner-take-all softball match between archrivals Memorex and Universal DVD. Proceeds from this

event will go to many charitable organisations. The two cricket clubs identified for assistance this year are Blairmont Cricket Club and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association.

Last year Albion Cricket Club and Bermine Cricket Club were assisted with $100,000 each. In addition, three orphanages, two schools and the host venue Albion Cricket Ground are earmarked to gain from this mega event.

For the first time, funds will be put aside for health.

The BCB and BCC&DA, to assist in their work, will share the balance equally. This gala event will form part of the Region’s celebration for Independence.

At a simple ceremony held recently at the Rose Hall branch of DBL, Branch Manager Earlene Dawson, handed over a sponsorship cheque to tournament representative, Mahendra Ramdhall, in the presence of other staff members.

Dawson said that her company was pleased with what they saw last year and readily renewed its sponsorship for 2014. She indicated that the bank serves the people of Guyana with six branches across the country and wished the tournament success.

She was pleased to know that so many charitable organisations will benefit from the event. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the organisers, Ramdihall, thanked DBL for coming on board again and assured them that they will be satisfied with the mileage and the way the tournament will be conducted. Transparency and accountability has been the hallmark of the first two tournaments and this year will be no different, he highlighted.

The tournament is set for May 25, the Sunday before Independence Day. Incentives close to one million dollars and many gate prizes will be up for grabs.

GABA second division tournament…

Plaisance Guardians defeat Melanie Patriots in OT

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laisance Guardians pulled off a hardfought 73-69 victory in overtime against the Melanie Patriots in easily the best game of the evening on Friday when the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) second division tournament continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The game started with great intensity from the two sides on both ends of the floor as Melanie tried to establish presence on the inside with their big men in the middle that had them converting some tough shots at the rim.

However, the Guardians spread the floor and utilised the speed of their guards to make plays on the offensive end and ran the fast break effectively to keep them-

selves in the game.

W i t h the game tied on 61 and both teams un-

able to make shots down the stretch, Guardians punished the Patriots with their speed in overtime to take the win as Trenton Woolford dropped a game high 26 points, while Marvin King had 20 points in the win.

The Patriots had no player in double digits.

Meanwhile, the Eagles defeated the University of Guyana Trojans 64-54 in a game which they kept the UG players at bay for the most part as they contest never seemed too out of hand for the Eagles.

Travis Belgrave ended with a game high 21 points for the Eagles, while Godfrey LaRose had a team high 13 points for UG. Pacesetters gained a walkover to advance further in the tournament, which will end on Monday.

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

may 4, 2014

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CRICKET (PEPSI IPL): KINGS XI PUNJAB 168-5 V MUMBAI INDIANS 170-5; DELHI DAREDEVILS 152-5 V RAJASTHAN ROYALS 156-3

GCA/Brainstreet Under-15 Tournament…

TSC win Cup final in tense finish See story on page

19

─ GNIC take League trophy

National rifle shooters head to Jamaica today

G

Members of the successful Transport Sports Club team pose with their medals and trophies

INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

P 2014 tournament set to be biggest ever 22

Mahendra Persaud

Lennox Braithwaite

uyana’s national rifle shooting team will wing out this morning to compete in the 2014 West Indies Fullbore shooting championships (WIFSC) in Jamaica.

The championships will attract teams from Antigua/ Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago hosts Jamaica and a visiting Canadian team.

See full story on page 19

Baseball camp off to successful start

The Guyana Baseball League’s (GBL) three-day camp got off to a successful start on Saturday at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. The camp, which has attracted over 120 children from across the country, is being observed by Major League Baseball (MLB) coach Elias Sosa. At the conclusion of the first day, Sosa said he was very impressed with the discipline and enthusiasm on display. The camp will continue today and conclude on Monday with sessions from 09:00 hours to 16:30 hours. In photo, the participants strike a pose during a break on the first day

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