Guyana Times, October 30, 2014

President stands by AG

APNU defends Glenn Lall’s illegal recording

Trade barriers stymieing expansion of export – Dr Ramsammy

‘Faceless’ man died by drowning autopsy Public consultation on Ebola set for today “We’re not afraid of Local Govt Elections,” Ramotar tells toshaos

Massy Group CEO Gervase Warner; Guyana CEO’s Deo Persaud; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and other company executives unveil the plaque declaring the distribution centre open on Wednesday (Carl Croker photo)

thursdAY, october 30, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Public consultation on Ebola set for today

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday announced that the Government plans to convene a public consultation to brainstorm anti-Ebola strategies.

Dr Luncheon, who was at the time speaking at a Post-Cabinet press briefing, said the “public consultation” will include all members of civil society.

The Cabinet Secretary underscored that the consultation is being done in an effort to ramp up Guyana’s preparedness strategy,

It was noted too that the consultation will see ideas being brainstormed for the “implementation of a menu of measure, comprehensive enough to ensure the health of Guyanese”.

The consultation session is set to commence today and will be chaired by President Donald Ramotar.

Amid criticism of the

work at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to keep out the deadly Ebola virus, President Ramotar on Monday visited the port of entry to check on the preparations to address the medical requirements of any air travelers suspected of being infected with the disease.

He also praised the efforts being made to address any possible Ebola cases locally.

The Head of State had a firsthand look at the CJIA preparations. He said he was constantly being briefed on developments in the health sector, and Ebola is a major concern for the Government. The health, transportation, and security sectors and other stakeholders are involved in the effort, the President said.

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

Recently, President

Cabinet Secretary,

Ramotar addressed the nation and called for broad based support from all stakeholders to help to prepare for the fight against any possible Ebola outbreak.

Many have heeded this call, the President said, including the political Opposition.

“I have had conversations with the Opposition Leader and he has assured

me of his full support in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the leader of the AFC (Alliance for Change) who also assured me of their support, and I plan to have meetings later this week with other stakeholders.”

The main purpose of his visit to the facility at the CJIA was to check the response of the Government structures to make sure they are fully ready and taking all precautions to try and keep this disease out of Guyana.

In terms of cost, the President said that Government will do whatever is necessary to protect citizens and expressed the hope that any requested budgetary allocations would not be cut by the political Opposition.

The ongoing preparations, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran stressed, were an “all-Guyana national effort”. Hundreds of persons have already received training to deal with

any suspected Ebola cases, he added.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said there has been a decline in the spread of Ebola in Liberia, the country hardest hit in the outbreak.

The WHO spokesman Bruce Aylward said he was

confident the response to the virus was now gaining the upper hand. But, he warned against any suggestion that the crisis is over.

He said the new number of cases globally was 13,703 and that the death toll, to be published later, would probably pass 5000.

Navy veteran dies after drinking Caribbean cocaine-laced drink

An inquest has been told that a Royal Navy veteran died after drinking a mouthful from a pear drink shipped from the Caribbean that contained cocaine in a concentration at least 20 times the lethal level.

Joromie Lewis, 33, originally from St Vincent and the Grenadines, became ill after trying the drink which he spat out because of its bitter taste.

Lewis, of Gosport, Hampshire, was working at a food import company when he consumed the drink on December 5 last year and died the same night at the Southampton General Hospital.

The inquest jury heard how tests showed that the

bottle was part of a consignment of 90 cases imported into the country and that the bottle had tested for dissolved cocaine – a smuggling method for the drug.

He said Lewis was a healthy man whose only medical issue had been a problem with his back which had led to him receiving a medical discharge from the Navy in 2012.

Stating that the cause of death was cocaine intoxication, Dr Purdue said toxicology tests showed that Lewis had a “very high” cocaine level of 21.3mg per litre of blood, with a fatal level being as low as 1mg. The drink would have contained one gramme of cocaine in 3ml of liquid. He compared the level to

drink, called “Pear D”, contained an “overwhelmingly high” concentration of cocaine.

“Joromie worked for a company which imported food and drink from the Caribbean and distributed them in this country. He was a driver and General Assistant working mainly on a part-time basis,” said Graham Short, Coroner for Central Hampshire.

He said on December 5 last year, Joromie drank from a bottle at his employer’s garage where he was unpacking a delivery of drinks. The bottle was labelled Pear D, a form of pear cordial not normally available in this country.

“He took only one mouthful, and he felt it tasted bitter and spat it out. After this, he started to feel unwell and he was taken to hospital by his friends. He died later the same day at Southampton General Hospital.

“Tests of the contents of the bottle showed it had a very high concentration of the drug cocaine in solution,” Short said.

Basil Purdue, a Home Office Pathologist, said the

that of a drug smuggler who died after four cocaine packages burst in his stomach, leaving him with a level of 4mg/l.

Carole Willis of Hampshire Scientific Services said an examination showed the bottle contained 189g of cocaine.

Juanette Allen, Company Secretary of Kelly’s Shipping UK Limited, said the firm imported drinks from the Caribbean at the request of customers.

“In this case, we didn’t source the drink, we just facilitated the process of bringing it from St Vincent to the UK,” she said.

She explained that the van-load of drinks arrived at Portsmouth docks on November 24 and, once duties had been paid, Lewis collected it two days later and took it to the garage at Allen’s home in Southampton where the company is based.

She said the company had not ordered any Pear D drink and she had not come across the brand before.

“I was familiar with a drink called Pear Drops and I assumed it was linked to this drink,” Allen said. (Caribbean 360)

Dr Roger Luncheon

The inquest jury heard how tests showed that the drink, called “Pear D”, contained an “overwhelmingly high” concentration of cocaine

Duty-free scam fallout President stands by AG

… as Opposition parties call for sacking

By Devina Samaroo

President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday maintained that Kaieteur News

Publisher Glenn Lall broke the law when he wiretapped a conversation between one of his reporters and the Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

“It was illegal,” President Ramotar said, referring to the recording which Lall has rendered in filing a complaint with the Police alleging that Nandlall made threats on his life and those of his staff.

Illegal

“Clearly what was done to the Attorney General was an illegal act to record him without telling him he would be recorded,” the President told reporters at the Guyana International

Conference Centre.

He said the conversation was not meant for the public’s ears and that “this serious breach exemplifies that persons do not respect the laws of the country”.

While the President repeatedly described the act as illegal, he said it was for the Police to take any enforcement action.

“The Police are sup-

posed to take legal actions, not me,” Ramotar said when asked. The President stressed that what was done was illegal: “You seem to be missing the point. It was illegal… That’s the first point we must deal with,” he said.

On Monday, hours after the recording was made public, Government said, in a statement, that the recorded conversation was manipulated and distorted by Lall.

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

President Ramotar clarified what was meant by the statement:

“It was taken out of context. What is being done is to take everything out of context, that’s why we talked about manipulation. We’re not talking about doctoring the tape. We’re saying it’s not contextual,” he noted.

In his Police complaint filed on Monday, the Kaieteur News own-

er claimed the Attorney General was aware of a scheme to destroy him and his newspaper.

Lall, in his short statement to the Police, further claimed that he received several warnings of the imminent danger that threatens his life, and this danger also encompasses the numerous staff at his Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown media house.

Meanwhile, the two parliamentary Opposition parties Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNC) have both defended Lall and called on Ramotar to sack Nandlall.

Ramjattan had accompanied Lall to the Police when the AG made the re-

port.

In its defence of Lall, APNU said the Attorney General as head of the Guyanese Bar and the Government’s legal adviser holds a pivotal position in the maintenance of law and order in this country.

“He has breached that trust reposed in that Office by the Guyanese people and must perforce pay the price. APNU calls for the imme-

diate resignation of Anil Nandlall from the Office of Attorney General of Guyana.”

Also defending Lall, for its part, the AFC said it was shocked beyond disbelief at the conversation between the AG and the reporter.

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) – a key part of APNU – also defended Lall in a separate statement, saying it was convinced that the recording was genuine and was appalled by the Government’s decision to question the authenticity and accuracy of the transcript and recording and to stand by Nandlall.

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

President Donald Ramotar

WPA Leader, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Illegally intercepting communications

With Internet Communications Technology (ICT) transforming the world as we know it, it is not surprising that the technology would be abused for purposes for which it is not intended. There will always be those who will seek to subvert mechanisms for their own gain and nefarious purposes. In the instance of intercepting communications, so as to gain an advantage in what economists call the information asymmetry, it probably began with eavesdropping at keyholes.

As the technology of communication moved from the oral to the written form, “steaming open” letters became common for the curious – even as various “seals” attempted to prevent this intrusion on privacy.

The telephone speeded up the communication cycle but also brought in the “wiretap”, in which a device “intercepted” the electrical pulse carrying the message and recorded it for later listening. In light of what had preceded it, the invention of wireless communication almost inevitably brought into being new ways of capturing the message unbeknownst to the sender.

In the United States, these interceptions received early legal censure as the US Supreme Court, from the “penumbra” of the US Constitutional Bill of Rights, created rights to “privacy” of individuals that were violated. These were severely punishable. In Guyana, as argued by Anil Nandlall, then a lawyer in private practice, Guyana did not have such laws of privacy on the books.

The comments were occasioned by calls from the People’s National Congress Opposition, because of an intercepted conversation between then Commissioner of Police (and now PNC MP) Winston Felix and PNC MP Basil Williams (now the PNC Chairman) in which the former was captured revealing very sensitive information to the latter, on a massacre in Agricola.

The subsequent debate on persons’ right of security in their communication and the Government’s need to intercept such communications for national security purposes was taken seriously by the Government when it passed the “Interception of Communications Act 2008”. The Act spelt out under which conditions the latter might be effectuated and violations of the former might be prohibited in Section 3.

Section 3(1) warns that “a person who intentionally intercepts a communication in the course of its transmission by means of a telecommunication system commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million dollars and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.”

This Monday, the owner of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, submitted a recording of a telephone conversation between the Attorney General and one of his senior reporters. In another section of the press, Lall is quoted as admitting, “Most of the reporters have equipment that has the capability of taping all incoming and outgoing calls.”

Since the reporter was acting as an agent of Lall, with equipment provided by Lall, Lall is unquestionably responsible for breaking the present law by “intentionally intercepting” a communication from another person.

In his newspaper, however, Lall claims that the “Interception of Communications Act 2008” has “no relevance since the communication (on his tape) was not intercepted.” This assertion, however, is clearly rebutted by Section 3(4): “For the purpose of subsection (1), a communication shall be taken to be in the course of transmission by means of a telecommunications system at any time when the system by means of which the communication is being or has been transmitted is used for storing the communication in a manner that enables the intended recipient to collect it or otherwise have access to it.”

Since Lall’s instrument was definitely part of a “telecommunications system” that was “transmitting” a communication” and also used for “storing the communication in a manner that enables the intended recipient to collect it or otherwise have access to it”, there is absolutely no ambiguity as far as the law of the land is concerned, that the owner of the Kaieteur News illegally intercepted a communication. And he should face the consequences.

Kaieteur News’ open agenda is to destabilise the PPP/C Government

Dear Editor,

Since its birth, the Kaieteur News has been bent on sensational journalism without any effort to ascertain the veracity of its publications.

The newspaper is hellbent on “being deliberately obtuse, appealing to emotions, being controversial, intentionally omitting facts and information, being loud and self-centred and acting to obtain attention.

“Trivial information and events are sometimes misrepresented and exaggerated as important and significant, and often include stories about the actions of individuals and small groups of people” the content of which is insignificant (Wikipedia’s definition of sensational journalism).

I guess some sections of the public are happy with this, since it ‘makes their day’. On the other hand, the majority of readers know for a fact that many times the source of information is so obscure that it must be concluded that they are non-existent.

Today, the newspaper’s open agenda is to destabilise the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, simply because its owner can no longer get what he wants from the Government. If I could recall the refusal of a radio licence was the last straw that broke Lall’s back.

His vengeance not only became personalised but his vicious attack on the Government and Ministers and the social and economic development of this country can only be regarded as unpatriotic. Lall has become

indistinguishable from people such as Ramjattan and Nagamootoo.

The present piece of Kaieteur News’ sensational journalism is with regard to the Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall. It is with much trepidation that I listened to the ‘doctored’ recording of an alleged conversation between a Senior Reporter and the AG,

Then recently, I was shocked by the extreme level that the Kaieteur News can go to sensationalise this alleged conversation between the AG and the Reporter. The headline reads, “Attorney General reveals plans to ‘hit’ Glenn Lall, KNews”.

When the transcript is read, any reasonable man will conclude that there was no such plan. All one can discern is a general statement hinting at the probability of a recurrence of what took place in August 2006 when some six workers were murdered in cold blood at the newspaper’s Printery.

It was alleged then that it was a drug deal that went sour. The purported hit plan is an assumption that if Lall continues to use his newspaper as a weapon, then someone may repeat what had happened before.

The person alleged to be the AG did not say that he will take a weapon and start to kill Lall and his workers. It is a severe strain on one’s intelligence to match the content of the article with the heading of that article. The content simply does not support such a heading.

This reminds me of what my grandfather used to say: “Goat s**t does wait fuh

breeze blow.”

Now I want any reasonable person to analyse the audio recording itself. The transcript itself given in the newspaper recorded numerous instances where the Reporter’s comment or reply was recorded as inaudible.

This is even more pronounced when the audio recording is heard – one can hardly discern what the Reporter is saying. The pertinent question here is: Why is it that the voice purported to be that of the AG is loud and clear as opposed to the voice of the Reporter?

This is deliberate doctoring so that only one side of the conversation is given so that listeners will be unable to understand why certain replies were purportedly made by the AG!

The entire dialogue should have been presented to the public. But this is how the newspaper deceives its gullible readers. It is also clear that the responses were carefully orchestrated and prompted by the Reporter to elicit the intended response and capitalise on it, having gained the confidence of the other party.

This is a heinous display of deceit and poor journalistic ethics and professionalism.

It was a private conversation and should not have been brought to the public’s attention and moreover it must be recalled that in any private conversation expletives are used and in this case it was the newspaper’s Reporter who began the use.

The use of expletives is quite normal; a daily interaction between people who

are quite familiar with each other. Therefore, I do not see the ‘holier than thou’ attitude of some people and the emphasis on the use of expletives in the article. It is also clear that the newspaper by the very content of its article on the alleged tax scam by Kamal Mangal viciously and intentionally provoked the Attorney General by continuing to address Mangal as the “AG’s uncle” and expressly trying to connect the AG with the alleged remigrant scam.

This was deliberate and wicked and it was meant to rile the AG and any reasonable man would have become angry at such insinuations. It is also evident that on many occasions the newspaper was used as a weapon to attack people personally and there is nothing patriotic about that.

A patriot should pay his taxes!

It is now evident that the newspaper has its own plan to destabilise this country and that plan began with a crusade against business and Government officials, and now the venom is spewing in all directions.

In this case, it is simply greed for material things! In Dr Ramayya’s words, “everyone should have a piece of the pie” (DTV Channel 8, Saturday, October 25). Just read between the lines!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

The sun sets over the rooftops of Georgetown (Marceano Narine photo)

The Kaieteur News dilemma

Dear Editor,

There are so many angles one can take from this taped cellphone conversation reportedly involving Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall and Reporter Leonard Gildharie, which is why mine will surely not be the first nor last.

After listening to the recording of the conversation, there are a few observations and several inconsistencies which lead me to believe that this conversation was made in jest.

It is actually the reporter who sets the tone by responding to a question with a question, “How the ***k I misquote the man?”

This tone and language would never occur in a professional conversation and I am inclined to believe that

it was a ‘gaff’ between two friends, even though they work in different settings and in varying positions.

The reporter not once referred to the AG in his official capacity but rather by his first name.

So how did a private conversation between two friends end up in the hands of Glenn Lall? The reporter did express concerns that contrary to the belief of the AG, Lall “has friends” who are capable of tapping someone’s phone and worriedly hinted that this could be the case during their discussion.

Currently, the only legal way to intercept a phone call is by the security agency, being the Guyana Police Force, requesting permission from a High Court Judge after providing enough reasons

why this should be the case.

So it appears that the AG was correct when he stated that “the man’s (Glenn Lall) view is that he is above everybody else, that he is above the law and that he own this newspaper and he could buse everybody”.

Now there is much emphasis being placed on the aspect of the conversation where the AG reportedly warns his friend of a scenario of what might possibly befall the news entity if it continues along its current path of creating stories based on lies.

While he pointed out that several former and current Government officials have stayed quiet against an onslaught of attacks against them by the Publisher of Kaieteur News, the paper/

publisher now shifting their attacks to persons outside the Government is an entirely different kettle of fish as not everyone will react the way the PPP/C Government has done for the past several years.

In fact, the AG is heard twice saying that he has spoken to both Glenn Lall and Adam Harris of such a possible scenario. So while the AG was warning the reporter, we must understand that he had warned the entire entity by relating his concerns to both the publisher and editor-in-chief. Hence, what he said in the conversation was simply a repetition of his earlier interactions with the two.

But how does that discount the fact that the AG is heard saying that “there

is a simple way of dealing with a situation, you know, I tell Glenn already…he knows my capacity and I know his…me nah got to go to court every day and issue press statement; I don’t have to revert to those methods”.

Some have jumped to surmise that this is a threat and is vindication of what Glenn has been contending and is currently contending.

A closer inspection of this particular quote would reveal that the AG is saying that he has already told Glenn of whatever he is specifically referring to.

If the publisher of Kaieteur News felt this was indeed a threat, he never made this public as all he has said to date is that ‘friends’ of his had warned

him of a possible plot. So why was no mention ever made by Glenn of both instances of such a conversation with the AG, if he took it as a threat?

Further, knowing that Lall was already told by the AG of such a possible scenario and of which was simply repeated in the conversation, why did Lall only choose to break down in tears while speaking to the media quite some time after?

Did he break down in tears during his conversations with the AG? It appears not, which simply adds to a growing perception that this incident was carefully stage- managed.

Sincerely,

Rommel Roopnarine

Demand for service determines sections in GRA that function during lunch hours

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken note of the letter written by Nicholas McDavid to the press on October 27, claiming that staff of the GRA were “out to lunch” when he went to transact business on October 24.

Mr McDavid acknowledged that he went to the office at the time of the lunch break, but did not specify the particular section in the GRA that was unavailable at the time.

The GRA appreciates the feedback and will continue to endeavour to institute change with the taxpayers’ comfort in mind.

It should be noted that management is serious about the rules and regulations governing the semi-autonomous body and would move with haste to launch an investigation, if warranted, into claims of misconduct by staff.

The GRA understands the importance of quality service, especially in an organisation that is responsible for tax administration, revenue collection and the promotion of voluntary compliance.

The GRA also shares Mr McDavid’s view about the need for the right business ethics and mentality.

At the same time, the GRA is concerned that Mr McDavid might have created a vague impression when he stated, “I have never been to any country, in all my travels, where you cannot make a business transaction because every single person has gone to lunch at the same time!”

The working hours are from 08:00h to 15:30h from Monday to Thursday and 08:00h to 14:30h on Fridays, with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00h to 13:00h.

It should be noted, however, that because of the proportionally large numbers of taxpayers at the GRA on a daily basis some sections like Registration, Licence

It is on this basis that the GRA is compelled to remind McDavid and all those who are ignorant of the rules, about its statutory work hours. These rules, I am sure Mr McDavid would agree, are common in several other institutions.

Revenue (Application and Renewal) and the Cashier Departments remain functional during the midday recess to expedite transactions.

Such a deliberate decision took into consideration, congestion, waiting time and the difficulty with parking on the busy Camp Street area, as Mr McDavid admitted to have experienced in his letter.

The GRA regrets the inconvenience Mr McDavid might have experienced and can only urge that he makes

a fervent effort to visit the agency during the normal working hours since the information contained in his letter indicates that the

transaction he wished to carry out was not one which is facilitated during the lunch hour.

As fear of Ebola spreads, becoming knowledgeable about the disease and how you can protect yourself and your community is necessary, particularly after the Ebola scare Guyana suffered when one person who travelled to a West African country where no Ebola cases have been reported returned home and visited a doctor complaining of joint pain. That person has been cleared by the authorities, and out of an abundance of caution, has been under monitoring since. Below are answers from the US

turned from a country where the Ebola outbreaks are happening?

Ebola is not contagious until symptoms appear. It is spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids (such as urine, saliva, sweat, faeces, vomit, and semen) of an infected person, or with objects like needles that have been contaminated with the virus. This includes through intimate contact, such as sex, since Ebola can still be found in semen for seven weeks after a person has recovered.

It is always good to avoid contact with anyone who is sick and

How long is the outbreak going to last?

Although it is impossible to predict with complete certainty, it could take a minimum of six months to get the outbreak under control. The Ministries of Health in the countries where the Ebola outbreaks are happening are working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO); CDC; and others to respond. However, due to the complicated nature of the outbreak, these countries face many challenges. Persons should consider the likeli-

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to frequently asked questions to Ebola What should I do to protect my health if I come in contact with people who have recently re-

to wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water if available or use hand sanitiser. Doing so can help you prevent getting sick from many different illnesses

hood that the outbreak could continue for months and that CDC’s recommendation to avoid non-essential travel may remain in place for as long as the outbreak lasts.

While Ebola poses little risk

to the population at this time, clinicians are advised to be alert for signs and symptoms of Ebola in patients who have a recent (within 21 days) travel history to countries where the outbreak is occurring or have had contact with a person infected with Ebola. In the event that a potential case is identified, clinicians should isolate the patient pending diagnostic testing.

Although not a full list of precautions, clinicians should be sure to follow these steps when caring for someone who is sick or may be sick with Ebola:

Separate patient in a private room with its own bathroom.

Use proper infection prevention and control measures; standard, contact, and droplet precautions are recommended if Ebola is suspected.

Wear the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, gowns, facemask and eye protection, when entering the patient care area. Before leaving the patient area, carefully remove PPE and make sure not to contaminate your skin and clothing. Dispose of PPE as biohazard waste.

After removing PPE, wash your hands using soap and water (preferred) or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60 per cent alcohol. Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.

Notify your local or state health department immediately if Ebola is suspected. The health department can provide additional guidance regarding medical evaluation or testing, if indicated.

Follow protocols for cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical equipment and proper disposal of needles and other disposable equipment. (Excerpted from CDC.gov)

Setting limits for difficult children: Are you too strict?

Continued from Wednesday

By Janet Lehman

Be matter-of-fact.Try not to personalise the misbehaviour. If your child starts to feel the power to “hurt” you with his misbehaviour, this can easily lead to manipulative behaviour. Instead, focus on the behaviour and your child’s need to change. Help them understand that the misbehaviour is hurtful to them and worth changing. If you are angry, wait to talk with your child until your anger has cooled. You can say, “I’m not ready to talk with you right now. I’ll talk with you when I am. Just wait”.

Be prepared. Do you sometimes just react to your child’s misbehaviour, handing down whatever punishment happens to come to mind? Instead, try sitting down and calmly thinking about what behaviour you are trying to target. Then you can think more clearly about what consequence would be most effective in promoting change. Develop a list of meaningful consequences in a quiet moment. You know your children best, what they hold near and dear. Consequences are most impactful when your child really cares either about avoiding the loss of something (computer time, going to her friends overnight, the car, the concert) or about gaining something (time with dad, a hiking trip with friends, an overnight, the car, a concert).

Remember, it’s important for both parents to share any plan that is developed and be on the same page, or at least be willing to support each other in the process. Consequences need time limits. You need to set limits and impose consequences that allow your child to grow and change. Part of this is setting limits with appropriate timeframes. Younger children have a very different sense of time than adults. A weeklong consequence for a six-year-old may feel never-ending to her, where your 10-year-old can more easily feel like there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. If you ground your teen for the rest of his life, (while you may definitely feel that way at the time), he will immediately know that you are setting a limit you can’t hold him to.

For some children, it’s helpful to set limits in small increments so they can experience success. “If you are able to make it through this evening without fighting with your brother, you will earn back 20 minutes of computer time tomorrow night.” Having do-able steps is especially important for children with moderate to severe behaviour problems as they can often experience failure and feelings of defeat.

Monitor yourself. Watch that you’re not falling into old patterns of screaming and yelling or ignoring misbehaviour. It’s difficult for us, too, as parents to change. Keep at it.

Start limit setting early. It’s much harder to begin setting limits for the first time when your child is a teenager whose “job” it is to push back on limits, especially those set by parents. But remember, you can start any time. (Excerpt from empoweringparents)

Glenn Lall's alleged tax fraud… Govt mulls extraditing couple in remigrant scam

AUS-based Guyanese couple who allegedly facilitated Glenn Lall defrauding State million in taxes through the importation of two luxury vehicles through the remigrant scheme could be extradited from the US, sources close to Government has said.

The couple Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan had fled the jurisdiction when word got out that a probe had been launched against Lall and despite them being charged on several counts of tax fraud, they were not present at the first hearing last month.

Guyana Times was told that authorities here have been trying to locate the couple and could move towards activating the extradition treaty Guyana has with the United States to have the couple brought back here and charged.

Sources at the GRA believe that the absent couple could possibly stall the case, which could temporarily let Lall off the hook. Lall and his wife, Bhena Lall are jointly charged with the couple.

“We are looking at ways in which we can get the couple stand in court and extradition is definitely an option,” a source said. Guyana has a valid extradition treaty with the United States, which was amended back in 2009 to correct a lacuna that had prevented Guyana from extraditing fugitives wanted in the United States. The case comes up back on November 24.

The tax regulatory body is claiming that remigrant couple, of Number 61 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had imported two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles into Guyana.

However, the two vehicles were not kept or used by the remigrants and Gharbassi reportedly does not have a driver's licence. This is in breach of the Customs Act and the conditions of the grant of the duty-free concession.

GRA has said that investigations had revealed that the vehicles were being driven by Lall and his wife and they were seized at a house in Nandy Park. The four persons are charged with two joint counts of knowingly committing fraudulent evasion of import duties.

The charge stated that between June 18, 2013 and September 21, 2013, together with others unknown at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, they knowingly aided and abetted each other, in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of customs due and payable to the Revenue Authority on one

Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle registration number PRR 8398 with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 and number JTJHY7AX6 D4096745.

The Lalls are charged jointly with two counts of knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties on the said motor vehicle.

The particulars of the offence read that between June 18, 2013 and August 30, 2014, at Lot 110 Regent Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, they knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties on one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle bearing registration number PRR 8399 with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 and number JTJHY7AX6 D4096745.

Additionally, the Brijnanans were jointly charged with the offences of making and subscribing to a false declaration. The charges alleged that between June 18, 2013 and September 20, 2013, at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, Demerara, a place in the Georgetown

Magisterial District, they made and subscribed to false declarations on one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4096745 to be US$44,158.00 and one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 to be US$44,158.00, contrary to Section 217(1)(a) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01.

Lall and his wife were also recently sued by acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council Carol Sooba for the sum of $ 5,660,142 and $60,142 for unpaid rates and taxes for the years 2004 to 2013 in relation to their property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, where Kaieteur News is located.

The case is currently being heard at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. In a defence filed by attorney at law Khemraj Ramjattan, the Lalls claim that they had a “set off” arrangement with the City Council and they are not indebted for the taxes and that they repaid these taxes by publication of advertisements in the Kaieteur News.

Major cases pile up on DPP

Several major criminal matters are still awaiting legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, even as the chambers could soon be called on to advise on two possible cases stemming from the Kaieteur News Publisher’s alleged illegal wiretapping of a conversation between one of his reporters and the Attorney General.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has already signalled his intention to test the strength of the 2008 Interception of

Communications Act as he moves against Glenn Lall who allegedly illegally recorded the private conversation he had with Kaieteur News Senior Reporter Leonard Gildharie last Saturday.

The gist of the conversation was evidently related to the $100 million duty-free scam in which Lall is presently enmeshed and before the courts. The Interception of Communications Act of 2008 prohibits the interception of communications unless a warrant is issued by a judge based on an applica-

tion.

The law is also clear that any recording or tapping of citizens’ private communication must be authorised by the Chief-of-Staff of the Army, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). However, these officers would first have to ap-

ply to a judge for a 90-day warrant to intercept communication, which will be illegal otherwise. According to the law, anyone found guilty of illegal wiretapping would be liable to a fine of $5 million and a jail term not ex-

ceeding three years. A judge, before granting the warrant, the law states, must be satisfied that the information obtained would likely assist investigations. There is also a proviso vesting authority in the Minister of Home Affairs in the case of national emergencies. Additionally, personnel acting in good faith under the ambit of law would be immune from liability for their actions.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, the Attorney General indicated that he was in discussion with his lawyer and will soon be making a complaint to the Police. He is confident that given the provision in the law, Lall was in serious breach. Once the case is investigated, DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack would be required to advise the Police on possible charges.

Lall himself had accompanied by Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan to file a complaint with the Guyana Police Force against Nandlall for alleged threats contained in the taped conversation. This too could reach the DPP chambers soon.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

Johnny Welshman GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

Businessman on $1M bail for causing death charge

Twenty-two-year-old Brandon Rahaman was placed on $1 million bail when he was called to answer a causing death by dangerous driving charge, on Tuesday morning.

The young businessman, of Lot 56 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman after the matter was transferred by the Chief Magistrate, Priya SewnarineBeharry.

It is alleged that on March 17, at Houston, East Bank Demerara, Rahaman drove motor pick-up GRR 4883 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Wazim Mohamad Hassan.

The matter was prosecuted by Inspector Joel Ricknauth who requested that the

Administration of Justice Act (AJA) be applied. The defendant, after taking advice from his attorney, Basil Williams, indicated to the court that he would like for his matter to be heard in the Magistrates’ Courts. With that, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Attorney Williams requested reasonable bail for his client. He told the court that his client has been reporting to the Police and assisting with the investigations, highlighting that he is not a flight risk.

Inspector Ricknauth told the court that he had no objections to bail, but asked that the defendant report to the Brickdam Police Station and lodge his passport.

No bail for mechanic accused of car-jacking, armed robbery

Amechanic was on Tuesday afternoon remanded to prison for three counts of robbery under arms by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Quacy Roberts pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is alleged that on October 18 at East La Penitence, Georgetown, being in the company of another person and armed with a gun, he robbed Teresa Fredericks of one Samsung cellular phone valued $53,000, a purse val-

ued $3000, and $10,000 cash. He is also accused of robbing Jermaine Knights on the same day at East La Penitence of one Primo motor car valued $2.8 million, property of Troy King.

The other offence alleged that on the same day, also at East La Penitence and in the company of others, armed with a gun, he also robbed Knights of one Samsung cellular phone valued $50,000 and $43,000 in cash.

Police Prosecutor,

Inspector Michael Grant told the court that Knights drove motor vehicle PRR 5944 to East La Penitence, parked the vehicle and was waiting on someone, when the defendant and his accomplice approached, relieved him and his passenger, Fredericks of their possessions and drove away in the vehicle.

The matter was reported to the Police and acting on information received, ranks went to the home of one of Roberts’ accomplices (who

was charged separately relating to this matter) who admitted receiving the stolen car’s engine.

The defendant was subsequently arrested in Albouystown. He told the Police that he had no knowledge of the offences and that he had never seen Knights before; claims he repeated in court.

The Prosecutor objected to bail, since a firearm was used, and the case was adjourned until November 17 for statements.

Man fined for simple larceny

Shafraz Hannif was on Wednesday morning fined $25,000, with an alternative of two weeks imprisonment, for committing larceny by Chief Magistrate

Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

On October 27 at Bounty Supermarket on Water Street, Georgetown, the court was told, he stole two bottles of Magnum Tonic and two bottles of Cream Liqueur, all valued $3010.

The unrepresented defendant admitted to the offence. The court heard that on the day of the incident, the defendant was seen by the security guard at the supermarket putting the said articles into his shirt. As he was making his way out of the supermarket, he was stopped and the security guard searched him. The articles were uncovered and a report was made to the Police. Hannif was subsequently arrested and charged.

T...going to slaughterhouse

here’s an old folk saying that describes to a “T” what’s going down with the Mook and his Muckraker rag: “When bull ah guh a slaughterhouse he ah shit anywhere”. Fact of the matter is the Mook’s been caught with his hand in the till. And for the first time in his life, he’s not being allowed to wriggle out of it by using either the stick (nasty, libellous articles in the Muckraker) or the carrot (payoffs and bribes).

He sees some serious jail time – the “slaughterhouse” – staring him in the face and man is he shitting bricks!! Look at the latest stunt he’s pulling to divert attention from the tax fraud case against him – coming up before the courts on November 24. Just a couple of years ago, the whale of the publishing world, Rupert Murdoch, had to close down his 168-year-old, biggest-selling paper in the UK – News of the World – after he hacked into people’s phones.

And here it is – just to get his tax case off the front pages, he goes and admits that he’s been doing the same thing all along. Hacking his reporters’ phones and merrily taping their conversations with innocent citizens.

In his fury and anger at the AG for exposing his avarice and greed – not to mention callousness to the fate of two old folks from the US – the Mook actually took the tape to the Police!! Didn’t he think they would ask him “where” and “how” the hell he got the taped conversation??

Or did he think the fried rice he buys for some Policemen will get him off again?? That would have to be one hell of a lotta fried rice!! But tapping telephone conversations isn’t like running a red light. Laws were drafted back in 2008, to make it illegal.

In a twist of irony, before that it was a case of “anything goes”. But when the PNC’s and the Muckraker’s security guru Felix was caught through a tap on his phone spilling his guts – and then some – the new law was pushed through and supported by the entire Opposition!

There’s this thing called “poetic justice”!! Or what goes around, comes around!! And this phone-tapping business has certainly come around to bite the Mook on his behind! But if history’s any guide, this blatant violation of the law – which’ll stretch his jail time at 12 Camp Street by another three years – won’t stop the Mook.

When the bull ah guh a slaughter, he na only shit anywhere – he does also bawl like a terrified little girl. Will somebody pass the Mook another face rag??

...excrement

In the misdirection the Mook seeks to divert from his rendezvous with 12 Camp Street, he’s had his house slave working overtime to blow smoke up the public’s collective behinds. In breaking the law against intercepting phone calls to save himself from the laws against defrauding the GRA he broke before, the Mook’s house slave had to’ve worked all night for the master.

He came up with the defence that the AG had once taken a contra position and supported a particular phone call interception!

Too bad it’s all completely irrelevant!! The AG had made his point in 2006 (which the house slave reprinted prominently) and the law was passed TWO YEARS LATER!! Does the house slave now want the present law to be scrapped to save his master’s derrière? Oops!! Too late. The law of the land says quite clearly (Interception of Communications Act 2008 - Section 3) that what the Mook did was unlawful.

And if he did the crime, he has to do the time.

...dozed

It’s a sad indictment on the UN, when 188 out of 193 countries voted to end the US Embargo on Cuba but were stymied by only the US and Israel and three Pacific micro-states.

Priya

The matter is to be recalled Friday for statements, and the commencement of trial on November 19.

Shafraz Hannif

Reconvening Parliament:

Clerk rejects Speaker’s flouting of Standing Orders

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman on Wednesday said that the country is faced with a “clear and unvarnished constitutional crisis” after the Clerk, Sherlock Isaacs defied his order to fix a date for the reconvening of Parliament.

Isaacs has insisted that the power to do so lay in the hands of the Government. But Trotman disagrees saying that “all stakeholders will have to work together to resolve it”.

He said, as the sitting Speaker, “I invite all well thinking Guyanese to join me in examining all viable options and avenues to break the impasse in the interest of our beloved nation.

"In this regard I stand ready to entertain all reasonable suggestions and anticipate an early closure of this unfortunate development,” Trotman said hours after Isaacs informed him via letter that he could not accede to his request.

Trotman had written Isaacs earlier this week instructing him to set November 6 as the date for the House to reconvene. The Clerk then consulted with his Caribbean colleagues and on Wednesday responded to Trotman.

He had held the same view earlier when Trotman had asked his opinion on the matter, citing two previous attempts when a similar was made and were turned down by the then clerks.

“Not for the first time in the forty-eight year history of the National Assembly, the Speaker and the Clerk are at odds over the power of the Speaker to convene the sittings of the National Assembly.

Today, October 29, 2014, I was formally notified by the Clerk of the National Assembly that after consideration, my request for the National Assembly to

be convened on Thursday, November 6, 2014, cannot be given effect to by him because he is of the view that the Speaker lacks the authority to convene sittings of National Assembly under Standing Order 8 (1) and (2).”

Trotman said in his statement that he will be writing to the Clerk to register his disagreement with his interpretation of the Standing Orders and his consequent position adopted.

“I will also so advise in writing, as well as to the Leaders of the political parties in the House. This is a most unfortunate position arrived at, and obviously arises out of a very narrow interpretation of the Standing Orders, and of the prevailing circumstances whereby the National Assembly entered into recess and has emerged from that recess, and a majority of Members desire to meet.”

Trotman insists that the National Assembly must resume sittings and cannot be bound by the whims of the Executive branch to have to await its consent before meeting.

He said such an interpretation flies in the face of the doctrine of separation of powers, and the constitutional right of the elected representatives to meet to

perform their functions.

“The roles of Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly are regulated by the Constitution and the Standing Orders.

"As constitutional officers, both are expected to work symbiotically for the National Assembly to be able to properly discharge its constitutional roles and functions. It is the duty of the Clerk to convene the sitting by making all arrangements including, summoning and ensuring the attendance of Members, and the preparation and circulation of the Order Paper.

"The Speaker performs the role of “Presiding Officer” once the Assembly is convened; whilst the function of convening National Assembly remains the sole preserve of the Clerk."

According to Trotman the effect of the Clerk’s decision not to convene the sitting has the effect of crippling the ability of the Members of Parliament to meet.

This in itself, he said brings the Constitution into derision and disregard and cannot be what the framers of our Constitution intended.

“As a majority of Members have indicated their desire for the National Assembly to meet, the nation is confronted with we have a Meanwhile, A

Suspect in $8.9M auto parts theft on bail

A20-year-old labourer was Wednesday placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of break and enter and larceny.

Mandela Phillips, of Kuru Kururu, SoesdykeLinden Highway, denied the allegation, which stated that on August 28 at Kwakwani Park, Upper Berbice River, he broke and entered the storeroom of the owners of Eldorado Mining Company, and stole one grease pump, four pairs of truck cap shocks, six pairs of Caterpillar headlamps, 14 truck fuel injectors, nine fuel pump elements, eight welding rods, two truck computer boxes, three truck supervision kits along with

other items, together valued $8.9 million.

Representing the defendant was Attorney-at-Law Sandy-Ford Thompson, who told the court that Phillips had worked with the Company for the past four years. She explained that on Saturday last, her client left to repair a truck at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and was contacted by a person named Chris Singh who instructed him to collect some things for his boss, following which he was arrested. She stated that it is normal for him to receive messages to pick up “stuff” for his boss, and explained that when the theft took place, Phillips was with a Manager in Linden.

The Attorney claimed that her client was locked

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has “strongly condemned any attempts to delay the reconvening of the National Assembly.”

APNU affirmed that the present ‘dilly-dallying’ is not in the best interest of the nation, demanding the convening of the National Assembly without any further delay.

After soliciting the advice of his CARICOM colleagues, Isaacs told Guyana Times prior to Trotman’s statement that his initial interpretation still stands. According to Isaacs when matters are not provided for in the Rules, reference is made to practice and precedents.

According to him the practice is that Sittings are requested by the Government. He added that the Parliament of Guyana there are two precedents one involving Frank A. Narain, C.C.H., former Clerk of the National Assembly and the other involving Elwyn Viapree, former Clerk of the Legislature.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has been urging the swift reconvening of Parliament particularly to deal with the No-Confidence Motion it tabled last August against the Government.

However, Trotman is proposing that the House should proceed with the matters that were on the agenda and if need be, add new ones.

In a letter to leaders of the three sides in the House Trotman on Monday outlined his interpretation of the Standing Order that deals with the reconvening of Parliament and also his instructions to the Clerk to fix the next sitting.

In his letter to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Leader of Government’s

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

He said recent communication with the Whips, and pronouncements in the media attributed to both, clear-

ly lend to the view that the positions are intractable and that the likelihood of a date been agreed upon soon is unlikely.

“There is gridlock, and we are faced with the untenable and unhealthy situation of the National Assembly not meeting since July 10, 2014. I am sure that you will agree with me that this cannot be allowed to continue any longer as there is no state of national emergency or otherwise that prevents the Assembly from not meeting.

"In fact, on the contrary, I make bold to say that there are myriad issues of national

import that require our immediate attention.”

Trotman said in his letter that notwithstanding the process in which the Whips were involved, “I chose to engage the Clerk and former Speakers of the National Assembly with a view to enquiring how best we can have the sittings resumed.

"I have received opinions from Mr Sherlock E Isaacs, and Messrs Sase Narine, OR, SC, and Ralph Ramkarran, SC. In the case of Isaacs, he is of the opinion that Standing Order 8 (2) does not authorise the Speaker to call a sitting where there is no fixed date for the next sitting; recall that on July 10, the House was adjourned to “a date to be fixed”.

Mr Isaacs’ opinion is in consonance with two previous opinions rendered on the very Standing Order, and I am, in fact, in complete agreement with him in so far as Standing Order 8 (2) is concerned.”

However, Trotman said that this cannot mean that the National Assembly cannot be convened unless by agreement; especially where such agreement appears elusive or even impossible.

“In this regard, I have found favour with the opinion rendered by the former Speakers of the National Assembly, which in effect states that the National Assembly shall meet “day by day”; unless otherwise decided by the National Assembly, and that as the Assembly automatically went into recess on August 10, so too did it automatically come out of recess on October 10, 2014. Therefore, the House should have been convened forthwith on the first working day thereafter.

up since Monday last at the Mahaica Police Station and was then taken to Mackenzie Police Station before he was brought to court. Thompson then requested bail in a reasonable sum, stating that her client has been cooperating with the Police.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not oppose bail, but asked that it be granted in a substantial amount and with the condition requested by the Police – that the defendant reports every fortnight commencing November 14 to law enforcement.

The matter was transferred to Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court for November 21.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

Clerk, Sherlock Isaacs

Massy Group opens $200M distribution centre

... as company is rebranded

By Jomo Paul

The Neal and Massy Group of Companies

which was an umbrella company for Geddes Grant Limited, Demerara Oxygen Company Limited, and CCS stores, was on Wednesday officially rebranded to Massy Industries- a move that will see all of the subsidiaries being changed to Massy.

The rebranding comes as the regional conglomerate opened a $200M distribution facility at Montrose, East Coast Demerara at what was once known as the Starlite Drive-In Complex and will serve as the company’s primary distribution center for all of products in Guyana.

Aside from those previously mentioned, those facilities and corporate services include Associated Industries Limited, now Massy Industries, NM Services Limited, now Massy Services Guyana Limited, NM Security Solution now Massy Security and Marketing and Distribution, now Massy Trading.

Massy Group of Companies offers services in the insurance industry, auto sales and rentals, pharmacy, distribution, supermarkets, and agricultural services, among others. All of these services will still be offered under the Massy brand which came complete with a soca-styled theme song “I am Massy”.

Massy Industries operates in Trinidad, Jamaica,

Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, Nederland Antilles, the USA, Canada, Columbia and Africa. It was explained that the rebranding process initiated in Trinidad

tion to its brand as a positive propellant for the company.

“Everything is now Massyfied” said Warner.

The company believes that redefining its brand will somewhat strengthen the co-

Massy was not a decision arrived at by him or any of the company executives but rather by a consulting firm. He pointed out that Neal and Massy was already commonly known as Massy. The

and Tobago, then Barbados, then Jamaica and it now arrives in Guyana, the country which holds a wide array of Massy subsidiaries.

Group Chief Executive Officer Gervasse Warner told the gathering of private sector and government officials that the decision to change the brand of the company came as a result of a widespread consultation, which also saw several other changes being made including the development of a company manifesto. Warner explained that the group which is over 90 years old has and will always be change-friendly and sees this historic modifica-

operation that is already evident throughout all of its subsidiaries. The company said that as the subsidiaries grew, the bond however weakened and all of the subsidiaries working under one unique brand will now reinvigorate that lost bond.

In addition, it will also provide customers with an enhanced sense of loyalty knowing that all of the companies are linked.

“The rebranding maximizes marketing efficacy by powerfully connecting the equity of strong subsidiary brands with the corporate brand vice versa.”

Warner explained that

company felt that Massy was a rather strong name that would translate across all borders without much difficulty.

Warner also informed the gathering that the Massy groups have major expansion plans for Guyana. He said that in 18 months, the Group is hoping to open its first supermarket chain in Guyana. This initiative will create hundreds of jobs, adding to the already 394 staff count at Massy.

Meanwhile, Massy Guyana Chief Executive Officer Deo Persaud said that the transformation is an exciting event for the team and the country. He said “From today we are Massy and all of our companies carry that brand…from today Neal and Massy will be known as Massy. One brand makes it easier.”

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh who declared the “Centralised Distribution Warehouse Facility open commended the executives for placing such confidence in Guyana’s sustainability by investing in the economy. The Finance Minister noted that the commissioning of the facility was a “tangible demonstration of confidence that was worked so hard for…a strong expression of confidence in Guyana.

He noted too that the company’s continued growth over the last seven years “pays testimony” to the growth of Guyana as an economy as a whole. Over the last eight years, Guyana has experienced uninterrupted economic growth which is the longest period the country has experienced consecutive growth for.

“To those who say that investor confidence is flagging or wavering in Guyana, this facility refutes that claim” said Dr Singh.

Whah ever happen wid Joe and de debate?

Along time now Joe de Hardmouth man had open he mouth and call fuh a debate. Well, he had choose de wrong limb to climb up on.

Even dem old monkeys whah leff in de zoo does know which limb to climb up on.

But not in de case of Joe de Hardmouth. Joe more old than dem monkeys, but old people seh age is a ting whah suppose to mek yuh wiser and smarter.

And all dem old monkeys in de zoo smarter now than when dem was younger.

However, in de case of Joe de Hardmouth, it ain't look like he gettin smarter wid age.

So Joe de Hardmouth choose a man who know every ting bout trees and limbs and branches to debate bout trees and limbs and branches.

And then Joe de Hardmouth had want de debate to tek place in a place whah got nuff trees and limbs and branches fuh de Pee-N-See.

Just that Joe de Hardmouth ain’t even realise that Green Jah cuttin down all of dem Pee-N-See trees and limbs and branches leff, right, and centre.

If yuh doubt that ask de kiss woman and de Plaisance man who Green Jah kick out from de Pee-NSee just because of Oscar de bite man.

In de case of Joe de Hardmouth, it look like age mek he more stupiddy, just like some people who do illegal phone tappin, then run to de Police wid a lawyer, who supposed to know that de ting is illegal in de first place.

But not in de case of Rum Jhaat. Yuh never know whah he know from whah he ain’t know.

In fact, he lucky de Pullice ain’t ketch he and he phone tappin pardna and lock both of dem up at de same time in de same place.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But then dem mighta like that, knowin dem is bamzee and po!

Woman

threw pot of boiling rice on another – court told

A43-year-old woman who allegedly threw a pot of boiling rice on another woman was placed on $25,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry on Wednesday.

Tracy Bobb, of Lot 7 New Market Street, Georgetown, on October 21, allegedly inflicted the grievous bodily harm on Tolesha Brazilo at her home.

Bobb denied the charge laid against her. She was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who requested reasonable bail for his client.

The facts of the case state that on the day in question, there was a misunderstanding between the two individuals and Bobb threw a pot of

boiling rice on Brazilo, who, as a result, sustained second-degree burns on her left hand and the left side of her body. The matter was reported to the Police who arrested and charged the defendant.

There were no objections to bail by the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant. The Chief Magistrate then asked Fung-A-Fat if his client could afford $50,000 bail and he responded in the negative. Bail was then reduced by half. Bobb will return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for her second hearing on November 24, but will appear before Magistrate Dylon Bess in Court Six.

The Massy Distribution facility at Montrose

APNU defends Glenn Lall’s illegal recording

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) on Wednesday said that it doesn’t matter how Attorney General Anil Nandlall was recorded in his conversation with Kaieteur News reporter, but rather the content of the discourse.

The comments were made at the coalition’s news conference where they defended the illegality of the act, which contravenes the Interception of Communication Act 2008. The law is clear that any recording or tapping of citizens’ private communication must be authorised by the Chief of Staff of the army, the Commissioner of Police, and the CommissionerGeneral of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

However, these officers

would first have to apply to a judge for a 90-day warrant to intercept communication, which will be illegal otherwise. According to the law anyone found guilty of illegal wiretapping would be liable to a fine of $5M and a jail term not exceeding three years.

A judge, before granting the warrant, the law states must be satisfied that the information obtained would likely assist investigations. There is also a proviso vesting authority in the Minister of Home Affairs in the case of national emergency. Additionally, personnel acting in good faith under the ambit of law would be immune from liability for their actions.

However, APNU Member of Parliament, Basil Williams who himself faced similar prob-

Major cases...

Paedophilia

And if those were not enough, the DPP is currently reviewing the file on the investigation into allegations that Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman sexually molested Johnny Welshman when he was 12. Police wrapped up their probe recently and sent the file for the DPP’s review. There has been no word yet on this.

Speaking to Guyana Times last week Wednesday, Crime Chief Leslie James revealed also that while the Police have not been able to contact the young man’s father, who is another of his alleged abusers, Trotman and another accused man, Colin Wilson, were interviewed by the Police.

Trotman has so far denied the allegations made by Welshman as “wicked assertions”, positing that they are being peddled by “an unstable young man, who appears to have a troubled mind”. He also claims that the allegations against him are politically motivated.

However, Welshman has alleged that years of being raped and physically abused as a child have left serious emotional scars. Depression, post traumatic stress disorder, behavioural problems, poor self-esteem and thoughts of suicide are the key psychological effects of childhood sexual abuse, and Welshman has evidently been through all of that. Welshman had detailed that he was first sexually molested by a close relative at the age of eight while he was a student at the St Agnes Primary School. But this, he said, was just the beginning, contending that the relative’s friend, from Yarrowkabra, used him as a “toy” for sexual gratification. He alleged that at the

lems when his conversation with Former Police Commissioner, Winston Felix was tapped said the Constitution had previously catered for the right to privacy but during the reform process it was deleted.

Williams said while the Interception of

FROM PAGE 7

age of 12 that Trotman sodomised him, after becoming knowledgeable of the acts committed on him by the close relative and the other man. The young man said that as a child he, along with his brother, was encouraged to visit Trotman’s office on South Road.

Threats against Sattaur

Additionally, the DPP is also yet to advise on whether Lall should face charges for allegedly using threatening language against GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur. The file on this case was initially sent to the DPP chambers on October 14 and returned to James on October 15.

Based on reports received, the DPP would have returned the file to the Police requesting clarifications on several aspects of the allegations. The Police, on the other hand, would have included that information requested by the DPP and resent the file to her chambers last Wednesday. With the necessary clarifications noted, the DPP will now decide if there is enough evidence to institute charges against the publisher of the newspaper.

Guyana Times understands that according to the Customs Act, Lall could spend up to three years in prison for attempting to impede Sattaur from the discharge of his mandate and issuing threats to him via the telephone in August. Sattaur had made a complaint to the Brickdam Police Station when the incident occurred. Up to last week, Sattaur told this newspaper that he was fearful for his life given recent revelations about Lall’s involvement in the vigilante-style killing of an East Bank Demerara resident years ago.

Communications Act provides for wiretapping to be done through a legal procedure, but the circumstances under which the Attorney General was recorded are totally different.

Joseph Harmon, another Attorney, also defended Glenn Lall’s wire tapping, despite the illegal circumstances in which the AG was recorded, he must be held accountable for his actions. But there was no similar call for Glenn Lall to be held accountable for his illegal actions.

According to the Interception of Communications Act any recording or tapping of citizen’s private communication must be authorized by the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue

Authority. However, these officers would first have to apply to a judge for a 90day warrant to intercept communication.

According to the law, anyone found guilty of illegal wiretapping would be liable to a fine of $5 million and a jail term not exceeding three years. A judge, before granting the warrant, the law states, must be satisfied that the information obtained would likely assist investigations.

There is also a proviso vesting authority in the Minister of Home Affairs in the case of national emergency. Additionally, personnel acting in good faith under the ambit of the law would be immune from liability for their actions.

On Tuesday, Nandlall sued Lall and Editor of Kaieatur News, Adam Harris for what he termed

libellous articles contained in their Tuesday’s edition. In his statement of claim Nandlall noted that in the 28th day of October, 2014, edition of the Kaieteur News, Publisher, Glenn Lall and Editor, Adam Harris falsely and maliciously published, in unusually large fonts: “Attorney General reveals plan to ‘HIT’ Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News”.

According to the court papers that the libel was calculated to cause and did cause Nandlall great public embarrassment, held him up to odium and ridicule and to disparage him as the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Member of Parliament, both nationally and internationally damages in excess of $10M was being sought from each defendant for libel.

Opposition Leader David Granger

Trade barriers stymieing expansion of exports– Dr Ramsammy

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said Guyana has been a victim of unfair trade practices as he looks to expand export of local agriculture produce and products.

He expressed the sentiments at a Guyana Marketing Corporation Export/Marketing Training workshop at the Guyana Forestry Commission multiplex building, Kingston, Georgetown on Tuesday.

The Minister said export markets have decreased significantly, mainly because of an unlevelled playing field when it comes to agricultural produce, not only with Europe and North America, but right in Caricom.

He said the National Agriculture Strategy has set out a number of major priorities to boost the Agriculture Sector, some of which include the increase of non-sugar, non-rice and non-fish export to the Caribbean and to countries in North America and Europe.

He said too that there is no doubt that Guyana has the capacity to increase exports by several folds; however, he added that they are

multiple non-tariff barriers which stymie increase of local export.

These barriers, he said does not affect only Guyana, but the world at large. On a brighter note, the Minister had announced last Tuesday that rice export exceeded 401,000 tonnes.

Minister Ramsammy said there are signed contracts for 137,000 tonnes more to be exported by the end of the year.

The export in October will exceed 70,000 tonnes which will be the highest single export month, he said.

Guyana’s rice export for 2013 amounted to about 395,000 tonnes. Approximately, 58 per cent of which was exported to Venezuela with other significant buyers being Europe, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries.

The sector continues to experience an annual increase and this is because more land is being put under cultivation.

Further, farmers are exposed to improved farming techniques and have access to better seed varieties. These in turn increase the harvest per hectare.

The workshop was organised by the Guyana Marketing Corporation and sought to ramp up export of local agriculture produce. It was attended by a number of farmers, exporters and potential exporters.

Lotto Company launches “Best of the Best” Promotion

The Guyana Lottery Company on Wednesday launched the “Best of the Best”, a new and exciting multimillion dollar promotion at its Robb Street, Georgetown headquarters, in the presence of scores of customers.

Speaking to Guyana Times at the launch, the company’s General Manager Tracy Lewis said the promotion is one of the largest the company has ever had, disclosing that

over $38 million in prizes are up for grabs.

Lewis added that the prizes include two 2014 model KIA Rio Sudans cars, two Samsung Curve television sets, two Bose Sound Systems, 10 Canon DSLR Digital cameras, Apple Iphones, Samsung Galaxy S5, Apple iPads, Play Station PS-4 and 10 consolation prizes of $100,000 in food vouchers.

The Manager said the company is pleased to give

back to the public, noting that the promotion is being done in recognition of their continued support over the years.

Persons entering the competition must be 18 years and over. She further explained that a person becomes eligible after purchasing $1000 in Lotto Super Six tickets.

Only a few months ago, the lottery company handed out two cars in its “In Lotto Promotion”.

Mexican Ambassador willing to facilitate major investors here

Mexico Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin on Monday paid a visit to Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Burrowes where they discussed investment in Guyana

According to a release, Olguin agreed to facilitate major investors who have an interest in Guyana. He also indicated that he will facilitate the development of relationship between GO-Invest and the Mexican Investment Agency in an effort to provide technical support to enhance the modernisation of GO-Invest.

Govt to announce date for House sitting this week

Government will be making a decision on what day the National Assembly will reconvene some time later this week. This comes on the same day when Clerk of the National Assembly advised the Speaker, Raphael Trotman that he could not carry out an instruction to convene parliament on November 6.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said when Cabinet met on Tuesday it was unable to arrive at consensus for a suitable date for the reconvening of Parliament. The Cabinet secretary said that

Cabinet “will be making a decision soon…by the end of the week.”

Further he chastised the Trotman for not adhering to the “fundamentals” of the National Assembly and ordering the Clerk set November 6, as the day the National Assembly returns from its almost 3 month hiatus. “The intention of the Speaker of the National Assembly to personally convene a sitting of the National Assembly is profoundly inconsistent with parliamentary fundamentals” said Luncheon.

He posited that the incessant changes in Trotman’s perspective on

the issue of parliamentary resumption has left the Speaker open to much criticism and has raised questions about his knowledge of the Parliamentary Standing Orders and their application.

Isaacs has sought the advice from his Caricom colleagues on whether he should heed to the Speaker’s request and fix a date for the sitting of the House on November 6. Trotman had said the November 6 date, will provide for the normal notice period for Members of Parliament (MPs) to be notified and for arrangements to be made for all to be present.

‘Faceless’ man died by drowning –

The cause of death of the ‘faceless body’ which was found at Onverwagt Village, West Coast Berbice a week ago has been given as drowning.

The cause was made know on Tuesday when an autopsy was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan.

The autopsy, which was conducted at the Fort Wellington Hospital Mortuary, revealed that 41-year-old Joseph Semple died as a result of asphyxiation, which was as a result of liquid entering the lungs and preventing the absorption of oxygen, leading to cerebralhypoxia and cardiac arrest.

Last Thursday, the body of Semple was fished out of

Joseph Semple

a canal in the backlands of Onverwagt Village. At the time of the discovery, all of the tissue around the face, the tongue, eyeballs and ears were missing.

It is believed that piranha may have feasted on his body.

The discovery was made

autopsy

by a group of boys who had gone to the canal to swim. Pictures of the body revealed that there was fresh blood on the throat.

Semple was last seen about 14:00h last Thursday, an hour before the discovery was made.

He had earlier in the day been imbibing and had left to go to his home which is about one mile into the backlands.

It is believed that Semple, who lived on the far side of the canal, crossed it on his way home when he fell face down, and was attacked by piranhas.

The canal in which his body surfaced had no bridge, forcing Semple to swim across daily to get to and from home.

GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Burrowes (left) shakes the hand of the Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Miss World Guyana commissions $3M outreach centre

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Mviolence.

Her goal was to raise US$10,000 to open an outreach centre in Region Two; however, she has surpassed the amount, acquiring an addition of $1.5 million, compliments of Mohammed Ramzan Ali Khan.

The beauty said the centre was built in memory of her grandfather’s legacy, the late Shaffeek Khan, who was once Regional Executive Officer of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Husain said the outreach centre will be empowering women and teenagers to curb social ills in society.

Giving an overview of the centre, she said it was founded by RIVAH- Rafieya International Vision and Hope, a Guyana-based nonprofit organisation.

She said the organisation is on a mission to instil strong values in young people.

cause she has a passion for improving lives and making a difference.

She said she is trying to help address the issue at an early stage by visiting secondary schools, meeting with teens and giving advice on how to deal with teen dating. She has also distributed phamplets and bracelets as part of the “I commit too” campaign.

According to Rafieya’s mother, Salena Khan, who is an executive member of the RIVAH Foundation, the centre will seek to establish and provide useful resources to circumvent circumstances that lead to violent outcomes.

The RIVAH Foundation has also partnered with other non-profit organisation, such as “Hope for All”, “Guyana Red Cross” and “Help and Shelter” to help facilitate a variety of empowerment programmes.

He said the centre was commissioned at an opportune time, noting that “suicide” is rapidly increasing in Region Two.

Baksh wished Husain well for the upcoming pageant slated for December 14 in London. He reminded Hussain that she has made Region Two as well as the entire Guyana proud and encouraged her to remain optimistic and bring the “Miss World” crown home to Guyana.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud also joined in wishing the beauty queen well. He said Miss Husain has his administration’s support throughout her career in pageantry. He said he is proud of her and is confident that she will make Guyana proud.

iss World Guyana Rafieya Husain on Diwali Day commissioned a spanking new $3 million outreach centre at Three Friends Village on the Essequibo Coast, to aide in the fight against domestic violence. The building was rehabilitated, repainted and toilet facilities were constructed through the kind sponsorship of Mohammed Ramzan Ali Khan, Torgional Paints, GuyAmerica Construction and Twins Manufacturing Chemist.

Miss Husain, who won the Miss World Guyana title on February 23, during her campaign to become queen had promise to establish an outreach centre to help in the fight against domestic

‘Hundred dollar car’ park to be relocated

‘Hundred dollar car’ drivers who ply the Wisroc and Amelia’s Ward routes in Linden will soon be expected to pay revenues for utilising the Wisroc-Amelia’s Ward Bus Park, effective November 1.

Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen stated that after much consideration, it was decided by the Council that the present parking areas for the cars, situated at Pine Street and Potaro Road, Mackenzie, will be relocated to the Wisroc-Amelia’s Ward Bus Park.

The decision caused some of the affected car drivers to walk out of a meeting which was held at the Linden Mayor and Town Council on Monday.

According to the drivers, only recently they were hit with toll increases at the Mackenzie –Wismar Bridge, and this will only add to the financial crisis.

However, Bowen has maintained that the drivers were given the opportunity to pay $200 per day for utilising the present location, but the majority had refused.

She stated that under the new system, the drivers will now be required to pay $40 each time they enter the new parking area and it is a decision supported by the Council.

This decision did not go down well with some drivers

who swarmed the Council after the announcement. Some drivers have indicated that they will not relocate, as a means to avoid paying for parking.

Bowen said the Council has been mandated to have the park relocated, as well as to allow for the increase in tolls and the present revenue collection.

Mandate

“Looking at the township holistically, we were mandated to raise and collect fees, but it was never done. At our last statutory meeting which was held on October 22, one of the things that we discussed was increases and the relocation of the taxi drivers from Pine Street and Potaro Road to the Amelia’s Ward Bus Park. The decision to do this would have been under consideration for some time now. It was decided about three months ago when discussions commenced. In fact, I had sent notices of invitations to persons on the park twice, including head of the Car Association group, Pastor Andrew Marks,” she said.

Bowen said the head of the Car Association left the meeting on Monday morning prematurely, after he stated that he believed that he was called for a consultation, including the proposed reduction for tolls at the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge.

“We proposed that he stay, but he refused. Some of his members also left prematurely. However, some of our Councillors, including Eon Halls, Orrin Wilson and Vice Chairman Eric Harry, who is also Chairman of the Parks Commission were present at the meeting, along with our administrative members. The meeting was called to relay what was discussed at the statutory meeting. They came expecting to hear about the bridge issue which was not on the agenda. The atmosphere presented was a very respectful one; however, it is sad that this has happened. I’m hoping for an amicable conclusion to this matter,” Bowen said.

Linden Mayor and Town Council Vice Chairman Eric Harry said the reason for the removal of the hundred dollar cabs to the WisrocAmelia’s Ward Park area is to eliminate traffic congestion, which is usually a feature in the area.

He also reiterated that many of the drivers had refused to pay for utilising the present roadway areas. Harry said in order to have a more organised setting, drivers will have to relocate.

“The reason is to take care of the congestion from the Pine Street area. We gave them the option (to pay), Council’s decision cannot be retracted,” he said.

Husain thanked the Region Two Administration for its support and the land that was given for the construction of the complex.

The young lady explained to the audience that she has chosen domestic violence as her platform, be-

Meanwhile, Ministry within the Agriculture Ministry Alli Baksh, who described Husain as a beauty with a purpose, commended her for being the first young lady to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

The Regional Chairman said the centre will go a far way in addressing suicide in Guyana and empowering youths to take charge of their lives.

Also attending the simple ceremony was Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, Husain’s aunty Zaleena Khan from New York, her father Jameel Husain, cousins and uncles.

No more Neal and Massy Group of Companies

What was formally Neal and Massy Group of Companies is no more and has been replaced by Massy Industries.

The re-branding of the conglomerate happened on Wednesday as the birth of the new company came into being.

In Berbice, workers of the former Geddes Grant Guyana Limited and those at Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) turned up to work on Wednesday, to start working with the new company.

Regional Manager Mark Roopnarine, speaking with this publication after the unveiling the new signboard and cutting of the cake, said none of the workers will lose their years of service.

“In terms of employee’s benefits and years of service, all of those will remain intact.

"The entire Neal and Massy Group has now gone Massy…. We are joining the other territories where there was Neal and Massy Group to identify ourselves commonly as Massy.”

The rebranding, he said will bind all of the groups as one, with one purpose and value.

“Our new vision is ‘force for good, creating value, transforming lives’. That is the vision that every employee will live by.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to customers, Roopnarine said the company will provide a whole new experience.

“With change, it should bring about good and a bet-

ter level of service and that is what we are seeking to do.

As identifying ourselves as Massy, we are now able to offer to the public all the services that we previously offered but under one umbrella.”

The Neil and Massy Group of Companies offered services in the insurance industry, auto sales and rentals, pharmacy, distribution, supermarkets, and agricultural services, among others. All these services will now be offered under Massy Industries. Massy Industries operates in Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, Nederland Antilles, the USA, Canada, Columbia and Africa.

Miss World Guyana Rafieya Husain with Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud (left), Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo (second left) and Minister within the Agriculture Ministry Alli Baksh

Staff of the new Massy Industries New Amsterdam Branch with Manager Mark Roopnarine (right)

Regional

Venezuela recalls Ambassador to Spain over Rajoy comments

The Venezuelan Government has recalled its Ambassador to Spain in protest at the support Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has voiced for a jailed Venezuelan Opposition leader.

Rajoy last week posted a Twitter message urging the release of Leopoldo Lopez, who was arrested in February for allegedly inciting violence. Lopez led mass protests against the social-

ist Government earlier this year.

Venezuela said it would “review” its relations with Spain. Venezuela and Spain have traded barbs before.

In 2007, the then King of Spain, Juan Carlos, told the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez to “shut up” during a summit in Chile.

On Tuesday, Venezuela accused Rajoy of “interfering” in Venezuelan affairs. Rajoy, of the conservative

People’s Party, met Lopez’s wife last week and posted a photo of the meeting on Twitter, along with a call for him to be freed and protests allowed.

The post elicited an angry response from Venezuela’s Socialist President, Nicolas Maduro, who said on state television that Rajoy “thinks he’s a king, the owner of the Americas”.

“You respect Venezuela, Mr Rajoy, as we respect the Spanish people,” he added.

President Maduro also accused Rajoy of trying to deflect attention from Spain’s economic troubles, telling the Spanish leader to “go talk about the disaster you’re creating for the Spanish people”.

Lopez’s wife, Lilian Tintori, says the Socialist Government is itself trying to shift attention away from Venezuela’s economic problems, such as its soaring inflation rate of more than 60 per cent. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Rains and winds lash Buenos Aires Province

Torrential rains and strong winds in central Argentina have caused severe flooding, damaged homes and forced dozens of people to evacuate.

The Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, was also affected, with flight delays and cancellations at its two airports.

The National Weather Service has maintained an alert throughout Buenos Aires province.

About 100 people were evacuated from the city of Bragado, 200 kilometres (124 miles) west of the capital, reports said. The city suffered power cuts and damage to property after roofs collapsed and trees fell.

The storm caused severe flooding, damaged homes and forced residents to evacuate

The authorities in the city of Lujan, near the capital, have called on residents to leave their homes because of rising water levels.

Holness

The violent storm affected several other towns and cities and caused chaos in transport systems, including the metro, commuter trains and buses in Buenos Aires.

In 2013, one of the heaviest storms recorded in Argentina killed dozens of people in the province and forced thousands more to evacuate. (Excerpt from BBC News)

blames politics for impeding fight against poverty

Jamaican Opposition

Leader Andrew Holness

has said that politics has thwarted the fight to lift the country out of poverty since Jamaica became independent 50 years ago.

Holness, who heads the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), made the comment while addressing members of the diaspora in New York last week during the Outlook for the Future public forum organised by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

He made the comment while speaking on the link between the inequity in the education system and poverty,

and its effect on the Jamaican economy.

Holness said that in order to overcome the major barriers to quality and equal education, there is need to remove the issue of politics from the discourse which has stymied the fight against poverty since independence.

The former Prime Minister, who was also an Education Minister, said too that the country’s deep-rooted income inequality was linked to the inequity in the education system, and that his party intends to fix that problem and ensure that all Jamaicans have access to the

same quality of education when it forms the next government.

“Jamaica has the second highest inequality in the Latin America and Caribbean Region and my thesis is that the basis of that inequality starts in the education system and I intend to change that. We have in Jamaica, what some say is ‘dog-eat-dog’ competition and that starts in the education system because of the GSAT system, where people who have good social and economic support lay claim to the better educational places,” he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Ship denied entry to St Vincent following report of crew exhibiting Ebola symptoms

St Vincent and the Grenadines denied an oil tanker entry into its territorial waters after being informed that two crewmembers were exhibiting symptoms of the deadly Ebola virus, Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves told Parliament that on October 14, he had received a call from the Permanent Secretary in the National Security Ministry, Godfred Pompey, indicating that the oil tanker, the Noble Spirit, had also been denied entry into Jamaica because two Filipino nation-

als, who boarded the tanker at Houston, Texas on October 10, had high fever and vomiting.

Health authorities warn that high fever and vomiting are among the symptoms of the Ebola virus which has killed nearly 5000 people in West Africa. There is no known cure.

Gonsalves, who is also Minister of National Security, said the tanker was scheduled to call at the port on October 14, and he had instructed the Coastguard, the Signal Station and all the relevant agencies that the ves-

sel would not be permitted to enter St Vincent and the Grenadines’ territorial waters.

“It turns out that when it came down from St Lucia, .... it changed its course and went to Barbados, and was not allowed to land in Barbados.”

Gonsalves told lawmakers that he didn’t consider it “necessary and desirable to talk to the people about that — certainly not at that time”. He said that from outside the waters of Barbados, the vessel went to Equatorial Guinea. (Excerpt from CMC)

LIAT plans to retrench staff

Twenty per cent of the 600 to 800 workers employed by LIAT could lose their jobs, if the airline goes ahead with a plan aimed at pulling the struggling company out of the financial doldrums.

Last week, LIAT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Evans spoke with the labour unions representing LIAT workers to lay out the airline’s plan.

OBSERVER media understands that during the call, the airline suggested it would retrench the workers. It was not made clear, however, which departments

would be affected or what employees would be let go.

In a release, LIAT explained that it was about to put together its operational plan for the New Year.

“As a result of the airline’s fleet transition programme, LIAT will be a smaller airline in 2015 than in 2014, operating a fleet of nine aircraft as opposed to 11 in 2014,” the release stated.

The airline’s public statement quotes Evans saying, as a responsible business, LIAT had to “examine our cost base” and that if it flew fewer aircraft

in 2015, it would have to reduce cost.

However, the airline did not directly address the layoff claims. The release only stated that LIAT had been mandated by its board of directors to ensure that its costs reflect the level of activity carried out.

“It is too early to say what impact there may be on jobs as a result of this and the company will consult with its staff and their representatives over its plans before making any announcement,” the statement read. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Trinidad Govt dismisses allegations it purposely sought to deport nationals from Africa

The Trinidad and Tobago Government has denied allegations that it was purposely seeking nationals from Africa to deport despite other nationals being held at the Detention Centre.

National Security Minister Gary Griffith dismissed a statement by the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) of Trinidad and Tobago that many of the 22 undocumented migrants from African countries currently detained have been incarcerated for “unconscionably long periods”.

“Seven (of them) have

been detained for more than one year, with the most extreme case being that of one Nigerian who has been detained for 34 months...,” the ESC said.

The ESC said it was “deeply disturbed” by reports that these persons will be deported to African countries on a specially chartered jet “within the next few days”.

ESC Chairman Khafra Kambon said this decision seemed to contradict statements by Griffith that an “amnesty” would be granted to undocumented migrants and that such migrants had a three-

month grace period in which to register with the Immigration Department.

But Griffith said that there was no discrimination in the treatment of African illegal immigrants, adding there was absolutely no degree of profiling or prejudice by the authorities.

“If you are an illegal immigrant, whether you are from Africa, the Caribbean or Mars, you are breaking the law and all I am doing as Minister is ensuring that the policy (with respect to illegal immigrants) is adhered to and enforced,” he said. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Venezuela said Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy had behaved like “the owner of the Americas”

The oil tanker in question, the Noble Spirit

Ebola crisis: Infections ‘slowing in Liberia’

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there has been a decline in the spread of Ebola in Liberia, the country hardest hit in the outbreak.

The WHO’s Bruce Aylward said it was confident the response to the virus was now gaining the upper hand.

But he warned against any suggestion that the crisis was over.

The WHO later said the number of cases globally had risen more than 3000 to 13,703 since its last report, but that this was due to reporting reasons.

The number of deaths was put at 4920, rough-

ly the same as the last report four days ago. All but 10 of the deaths have been in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

In other developments:

A US man sues after his daughter’s school in Connecticut bars her from attending amid fears she may have been exposed to Ebola

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel says US troops returning from Ebola missions will be kept in isolation for 21 days

US joins 30 other nations from the Americas at an Ebola conference in Cuba

In UK, an umbrella of charities – Disasters Emergency Committee – is

to launch an Ebola appeal

The latest WHO figure of 13,703 cases is a significant leap on its previous situation report on Saturday, which showed cases rising above 10,000 for the first time – to 10,141.

But Dr Aylward, the WHO’s Assistant Director General, said that this increase was due to data being updated with old cases, rather than new cases being reported.

Saturday’s situation report put the death toll at 4922.

The similar death toll in the latest report was mainly a result of a revision of the Liberian statistics. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Zambia’s President Michael Sata dies

Zambian President Michael Sata has died in London, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, the Government said.

Roland Msiska, secretary to the Zambian Cabinet, said in a statement on Wednesday that

Sata died late on Tuesday in London, where he was being treated.

“As you are aware the President was receiving medical attention in London,” Msiska told state television.

“The head of state passed on October 28.

President Sata’s demise is

Around the world

Antares rocket explosion cause sought in US

The builders of an unmanned supply rocket which exploded on the way to the International Space Station have vowed to find the cause of the failure.

Antares, built by Orbital Sciences Corp, combusted seconds after leaving a launch pad in the US state of Virginia.

The company has warned locals near the crash site to avoid hazardous wreckage.

Crews have accessed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration facility to search for debris, which may shed light on the incident.

"We will not fly until we understand the root cause," said Frank Culbertson, executive vice-president of Orbital Sciences, adding the top priority now was repairing the launch pad as "quickly and safely as possible". The investigation, he told the BBC, could take weeks.

The rocket, launched from Wallops Flight Facility, was due to carry nearly 5,000lb (2,200kgs) of supplies to six astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

It included equipment

amine the growth of pea shoots in orbit and how the body's immune system reacts to space travel.

More than 1,300lb (600kg) of food was on board, including pre-packaged meals and freeze-dried crab cakes.

The flight - expected to be the third contracted mission with NASA - was initially planned for Monday but was delayed due to a yacht in the surrounding danger zone.

Meanwhile, the Russian Space Agency launched its own supply rocket to the ISS early on Wednesday. It arrived successfully six hours later with a reported three tons of food aboard.

Following the failed launch of Atares, NASA's station programme manager Mike Suffredini told US

for astronauts to conduct tests on blood flow to the human brain and to analyse meteors.

There was also equipment for experiments to ex-

media all of the lost materials will be sent to the ISS at a later date. The six-person crew has enough supplies to last into next spring, he added.

Sri Lanka landslide: 100 feared dead

deeply regretted. The nation will be kept informed on burial arrangements.”

Msiska said Sata’s wife, Christine Kaseba, and other family members were with the 77-year-old President when he died.

An official told Al Jazeera that the death had been announced to the Cabinet on Wednesday morning.

Vice President Guy Scott has been named acting leader, Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu said.

“Dr Scott will act as President of the Republic of Zambia until the country goes for a presidential by election” said Lungu, announcing the appointment of Africa’s first white leader since South Africa’s FW de Klerk.

Under the Zambian Constitution, fresh elections would need to take place within three months for the country to select its new president. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Officials say an area of about two kilometres has been affected by the landslide

About 100 people are feared dead following a landslide in central Sri Lanka, the Government says. The landslide, which came after heavy monsoon rains, engulfed about 140 houses in Badulla district.

Ten bodies have so far been found, but the rescue efforts have been suspended for the night.

Bad weather is also hampering the rescue operations. Heavy rain has hit much of the country over the

past few weeks. Mudslide warnings had been issued for many areas.

The deadly mudslide hit the Meeriyabedda tea plantation near the town of Haldummulla, about 200 kilometres (120 miles) east of the capital Colombo, on Wednesday at 07:30 local time (02:30 GMT).

“More than 100 people are believed to have died,”

Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told Reuters

news agency. “We have suspended the rescue operations because of darkness and inclement weather. There is also a threat of further landslides.”

About 500 military personnel are said to be involved in the rescue operation.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted that heavy machinery had been deployed to speed up the efforts.

Health workers have been collecting fewer bodies in Liberia

Zambian President Michael Sata

(BBC)

The rocket explosion in Virginia

Antares rocket Medium expendable launcher

OECS considers Ebola SWAT team

ASpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is being considered in order to respond swiftly to any suspected case of Ebola in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) region should the need arise.

This was one of the proactive approaches outlined by the OECS Commission as the Director General, Dr Didacus Jules addressed a joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament last Thursday.

The urgent event was the first address by the OECS Commission to any joint meeting of Parliament in the region in recent memory.

The joint meeting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament heard from the OECS Commission on the region’s position regarding the threatening Ebola virus. This follows talks among health officials at the inaugural OECS Council of Ministers of Health meeting, which took place recently in St Vincent and the Grenadines and a special Havana summit meeting of members of the regional organisation ALBA.

The OECS Commission

used the opportunity to advise member states on the need to finalise their leadership teams for a technical preparatory meeting in Havana on October 29.

The Director General also spoke to the importance of managing public perception of Ebola, as well as initial plans for securing specific levels of support from development partners.

The head of the OECS Commission HIV/AIDS

Programme Unit, Dr James St Catherine accompanied and shared in the presentation by the OECS Director General.

The joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament also reiterated the need for householders, business houses and other places of social activity to apply basic hygiene practices such as the washing of hands in the ongoing battle against disease. (Caribbean News Now)

New automotive programme being developed here

Durham College is part of a partnership with an institute in Georgetown, Guyana, to help develop a new automotive electronics technician programme.

The programme initiative comes in response to the needs of the South American nation’s auto industry, which has seen a significant increase in the number of cars on the road with new electronic systems.

The new programme will use competency-based education practices where students learn by mastering skills as opposed to more abstract learning with students becoming competent in one skill before moving on to the next.

“The implementation of an automotive electronics technician programme is a true partnership, aligning with the goals of the Government Technical Institute in Georgetown,” stated Ann Marie Vaughan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the College of the North Atlantic, one of Durham College’s partners in the project.

“Our goal is to enhance the programme offering capability of the Guyanese institute and utilise the diverse experiences of College of the North Atlantic, the Marine Institute and Durham College in programme development and implementation to promote a skilled

workforce for the country.”

The Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) are also involved in the project.

The initiative is led by the international office at Durham College, facilitated by CICan and funded by the Canadian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. It is a threeyear endeavour worth Cdn$550,000.

“Our involvement in this (project) opens up numerous opportunities for Durham College faculty and staff to gain international experience and share their expertise with colleagues outside of Canada,” said Fiona Richards, Executive Director of International Education at Durham College.

“It also provides the opportunity for the college to engage globally in areas where it has proven to be a leader regionally, and among colleges across Canada.”

To date, there have been three inception trips to Guyana by Durham College administrators to establish the terms of the project and develop a project implementation plan.

(The Oshawa Express)

Review of Glimpses of a Global Life Sir Ramphal survived helicopter trip with Idi Amin as pilot

BY DAVID M KINCHEN

It occurred during Guyanaborn Ramphal’s tenure as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly the British Commonwealth, and commonly called the “Commonwealth”) during an official visit to the African nation.

He and his wife were treated to a helicopter ride with none other than the brutal dictator in the pilot’s seat. (I hope there was a Co-pilot, but there’s no mention of one!).

Ramphal was chosen by Amin to preside over the dedication of a paint factory.

Ramphal later learned that the factory had already been dedicated.

Amin, 1925-2003, was a former British colonial soldier, who was the third President of Independent Uganda, ruling from 1971-1979. He died in exile in Saudi Arabia.

Not long after the visit to the east African former British colony, Uganda was removed from the Commonwealth.

It has since been reinstated as a member, in spite of the fact that the country is ruled by another Dictator Yoweri Kaguta Musevenim, who came to power in a coup in 1986.

One of the reasons was the forcible ejection of Uganda’s Asian community that consisted of productive people from India. To me, that proves that blacks – Amin was a black, also a Muslim – can be as racist as whites.

Humble origins

Ramphal was born in what was then the British colony of British Guiana in 1928. His antecedents came from India as indentured workers, replacing the black slaves who laboured in the sugar cane fields of the future Guyana, enriching the white plantation owners who lived very comfortable lives in “England’s green and pleasant land”, to borrow a phrase from the poem “Jerusalem” by William Blake (1757-1827).

A lawyer and international diplomat, he rose from humble origins to become a key advisor to Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth. Leaders from every continent engaged with him as the longest serving Secretary General of the Commonwealth (1975–1990) and as the only person who served on all the independent international commissions that grappled with the world’s major issues.

Having been a key player in bringing an end to Ian Smith’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence and institutional racism in Southern Rhodesia, he spent much of his last five years as Secretary General, until 1990, in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa.

He had the satisfaction of playing a part in Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in February 1990, and Namibia’s Independence the

following month. Zimbabwe, formerly called Southern Rhodesia, is of course problematical, as it continues to be ruled by Robert Mugabe, who practices his own form of racism against the whites of the country and has turned the country into an economic basket case. Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth about a decade ago, although Ramphal puts it a different way: “One day, Zimbabwe will return to the Commonwealth –when it is recognised by all sides that Zimbabwe did not leave the Commonwealth, Mugabe did.”

Ramphal – just about everybody who knows him calls him “Sonny” – left the Commonwealth Secretariat as a still youthful 61. He was Chancellor of the Universities of Guyana and Warwick, and the University of the West

in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, in the news service’s announcement of the book launch of Glimpses of a Global Life Any memoir, as I’ve pointed out in my past reviews of the genre, is by its very nature subjective and subject to review by historians.

Toward the end of Ramphal’s tenure as Commonwealth Secretary General, his name came up as a possible Secretary General of the UN.

I think he would have made a much better Secretary General than the fourth man to serve in that position, Kurt J Waldheim (1918-2007), an Austrian who served as an Intelligence Officer in Hitler’s Army during WW II, when Austria was part of the Third Reich. Waldheim served in the UN post from 1972 to 1981

Indies, and he went on to chair the West Indian Commission which charted a future for the Caribbean region in the 21st century, and he headed the regional negotiating machinery which sought a unified Caribbean trading response to the European Community, the United States and the World Trade Organisation. At the age of 79, he successfully led Guyana’s legal team before a United Nations Law of the Sea Tribunal that peacefully settled the maritime boundary with Suriname.

More successful

In many ways, the oft-derided Commonwealth was more successful than the United Nations in bringing about majority rule in Africa, as evidenced by the instances of the former Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), the former Southwest Africa, now called Namibia, and, of course in the nation of South Africa itself. At least that’s my take after reading “Glimpses of a Global Life”.

I also saw some quite negative views of Ramphal by reader/ commentators on the Stabroek News site based

and was the recipient of a telegram from Idi Amin praising the slaughter of Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany in 1972. Waldheim protested that, despite being an Intelligence Officer in the Wehrmacht, he knew nothing about the Third Reich’s crimes against humanity.

Summing up Glimpses of a Global Life offers the reader a cast of the world’s leading characters and the central role Ramphal played alongside them in issues such as ending Apartheid in South Africa; laying the foundations for global concerns about the environment; the reform of global governance, and the resolution of conflicts.

It is an analysis of major problems and challenges that dominated the 20th century and continue to shape the contours of the 21st. Since the major news media rarely cover events in the Commonwealth – except in the cases of terrorist acts like the recent events in Canada, Glimpses of a Global Life will serve to educate readers interested – like the present reviewer –in history. (huntingtonnews.net)

OECS Director General, Dr Didacus Jules addressing a joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament last Thursday

President and Chief Executive Officer of the College of the North Atlantic, Ann Marie Vaughan

“We’re not afraid

of Local Govt Elections,” Ramotar tells toshaos

President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday told the opening of the National Toshaos Conference that his Government was not afraid of Local Government Elections and would win them the next time they are held.

To loud applause, the Head of State told the Amerindian leaders at the launch of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting that, “We are not afraid of any Local Government Election...”.

Local Government Elections are due under the law and the current government has stated and reiterated its commitment to holding same as early as is reasonably possible. Dismissing claims that Government was avoiding the constitutionally due elections, the President recalled that since 1994, the main political Opposition had up to 2010 requested adjournments. When the arithmetic changed, following the last General Elections, the political Opposition then reneged on some of the agreements that were in place.

In light of the fact that one Opposition party has called for a ‘no -confidence’ motion and the other has indicated its support for same, President Ramotar said that he would be “rightly ridiculed by any right-thinking person if, when faced by such a situation, to instruct the Minister to set a date for any Local Government Election. That is foolish to do something like that”.

That No-Confidence Motion if it is taken to its logical conclusion will mean that by virtue of the Constitution, Parliament will be dissolved, forcing the President and the Cabinet to resign, and elections to be held within three

months after the dissolution of Parliament. With this constitutional formulation, the holding of Local Government Elections will be highly improbable.

Very appropriate

Meanwhile, NTC Chairman Derrick John spoke of the progress that has been made over the past two decades, and highlighted that the 2014 NTC meeting was yet another manifestation of development. “We can come together under one roof to share our experiences and challenges and here we are this day, in this highest forum of our country to interact with His Excellency and other stakeholders,” John told over 200 Amerindian Leaders gathered at the Guyana International Conference Centre for the NTC meeting.

Referring to the theme of the conference “Harnessing the power of our leadership”, John said the forum comes at a very appropriate time in the country’s history. “When we look around us today, indeed our people here are among people of great minds, people are here who have dedicated themselves towards the betterment of their communities and villages and the country at large.”

John took the opportunity to thank the Government for making this year’s conference a reality, since at the beginning of the year, he noted, the Amerindian community had doubts. John further noted that, owing to the commitment of the Administration, the conference has materialised. “As we look at our theme this year, I want to stress on a couple of key things as leaders. I know that we have come a long way and it will take a lot of sacrifice, com-

Rodney CoI Bomb that killed Rodney was triggered outside of car – electronics expert

The three- Member Commission probing the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Walter Anthony Rodney was again on Wednesday told that the bomb, hidden in the Walkie Talkie device, which exploded and killed the historian, was triggered from an external source.

This is despite attempts by those who were said to have assassinated the historian, to lay the blame at his feet. Dr. Rodney was sitting in his brother’s car, a short distance away from the Camp Street Prison on June 13, 1980 when a package, handed to him by his younger brother Donald, exploded, mutilating his lower body in the process. That package was allegedly handed to Donald Rodney by a former army sergeant and electronics expert and now deceased William Gregory Smith, who had instructed that Dr. Rodney test the device close to the metal fence of the Georgetown Prison.

said the information is useful at many different levels, pointing out that the account painted by Gregory Smith that he did not set up any such system is totally untrue since, as simple as it may be, a “layman” would not be equipped to carry out such work.

Speaking directly the explosion which caused the death of Dr. Rodney, Kanhai said the fact that the antenna was inside the vehicle at the time imposed a severe limitation on accessing that device. Based on report, it was a metal box which was placed on the lap of Dr Rodney. According to him, the device was in the box. That device he explained was being shielded by a metal body, and in his approximation, was less than 30ninches from the ground, an extremely limited factor, he explained in terms of accessing the signal.

mitment and dedication as we lead our people.”

Be strong

He noted that even with the challenges leaders face, they need to be strong and demonstrate the characteristics of good community leaders. John underscored the importance of honesty in leadership which he noted was essential to any society. “I know we have all portrayed that honesty is a vital character trait for us; our people have confidence in us, and they believe in us, and we have to show that their choice of putting us where we are was not the wrong choice.”

He encouraged his fellow leaders to practise accountability, as it will earn respect from the people they lead. “Indeed the Government has invested a lot of resources in our communities, and they will continue to invest and we have to work in partnership, we are the guardians of these resources, so I want to encourage you my fellow Toshaos, that we continue to demonstrate strong leadership in being transparent and accountable to our people and the Government at large.”

The NTC Chairman also reminded his colleagues of the importance of humility and commitment as these too, he said, are vital to good leadership. “So there are times in our life that we will make mistakes and when we do make mistakes, we have to be humble enough to take advice and listen to our people,” the NTC Head said. “I know that we all have been doing this, but I want to encourage you to continue. We also need to focus on being committed to our community, people, and country.”

Reports are that Dr. Rodney might have caused his own demise after he triggered the explosive, but the forensic report presented by an English expert Dr Frank Skews proved that there was absolutely no way that bomb could have exploded in the way it was said to have been. Appearing before the commission on Wednesday and corroborating the evidence of Dr Skews, was Nirmal Rohit Khanai, a witness the commission’s counsel declared to have expertise in a wide range of electronics. The Guyanese Khanai, who has been living the United States for some time now, along with his education and practice in Guyana, had also received further training and experience in the area of electrical engineering in the USA.

Khanai told the commission that it was the careful perusal of Dr Skews’ report which had prompted him to carry out the 15 month long investigation of the components of the bomb and electronic device allegedly used to carry out the assassination on Dr. Rodney some 34 years ago and has thought that more could have been done by police to carry out a comprehensive investigation.

The absence of an apt investigation by police, it has been reported, had caused the wrongful arrest, charge and sentencing of Donald Rodney, the only known witness to the event. In Dr Skewes’ report, he had identified the frequency range of the communication device used to be that of 151.025 MHz. That device; a Harris PortaPhone, was the exact equipment identified by Smith in his book “ The Assassination cry of a failed Revolution” which he said was handed by Smith to Rodney. The frequency also fits that device which could only operate in that frequency range. The range for that device was limited to some 5.4 miles, Kanhai reported. He said communication with another individual on the Porto-phone device could extend within that proximity especially if the if the antennae used by both persons are hand held.

He related that the Harris Porto-Phone hand set, used by the Guyana Defense Force during that time, remains a delicate, yet intricate communication device. He noted that signal to the handset can be blocked by many things; including the physical environment which include metals and buildings, which, although they may not block, would weaken the signal. Any signal extended in the atmosphere weakens that signal, Kanhai said.

This revelation by the communication expert puts a damper on the claims made that Dr Rodney was about to blow up the Georgetown Prison. He said the crystal which was the most important component of the device was also verified. That particular radio set was capable of transmitting the frequency as was related in Dr. Skews report.

The manual he obtained showing the range covered the frequency between 148174 MHz and that a particular crystal has to be inserted to get the frequency desired. He

He said that would lead to the conclusion that whoever was transmitting that signal, whether from a hand held set, or a set mounted on a vehicle nearby, the range would have been within less than the 5.4 radius

He said very clearly from all technical

evidence someone had to be in close proximity to the scene of the explosion to trigger the device. He explained that triggering could not have been accidental as is related in Smith’s book. In reality, it is quite the opposite because according to him that kind of device has always been known the be “a top of the line device in the 80 decibel range”. It had a selectivity rating that could only be triggered by a special signal. He maintained that Dr Rodney touching the device could not have cause the explosion. According to him “whatever triggered the explosion was not found in the device”

The electronics expert also introduced the use of the Trinitrotoluene (TNT), the chemical compound found in explosives that is also used by the military. He said the chemical is very stable and does not explode by simply touching. All these were found during the post mortem examination of Dr Rodney. In his summation, Kanhai reiterated that Dr Skews report was most certainly accurate. He said too that given the fact the TNT and the Harris Porto- Phone were both used by the Guyana Defense Force, and that both device and chemical were found on Dr Rodney after the explosion, along with the fact that the former army sergeant had been implicated in the assassination, he would not rule out that the Guyana Defense Force played a part in the Rodney’s death.

Some of the Amerindian leaders at the National Toshaos Council meeting

Electronics expert Nirmal Rohit Kanhai speaking to the Commission on Wednesday

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

Think before you speak. If you are feeling overly sensitive, you may take something the wrong way. Listen carefully and refrain from making a lofty response.

Surround yourself with people who are encouraging and positive, and strive to be the same. The value of close, meaningful relationships cannot be denied or treated carelessly.

Touch up your surroundings. Renovations, remodelling or redecorating will add value to your property, or at the very least make you feel good. You can save money by doing the work yourself.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

This is not the best time to get into a deep conversation. Plan some solitary activity where you can collect your thoughts before you speak your mind.

It’s worth your while to go the extra mile at work. Dependable, hardworking people are not always easy to find, and your efforts will be noticed and rewarded.

An outgoing and colourful someone will take you by surprise. Don’t be too quick to think this person has all the answers. If something sounds too good to be true, it’s probably false.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Little problems can grow out of proportion quickly. Electrical, plumbing or equipment concerns should not be taken lightly. If you are in doubt, have someone check it out.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t judge others. You will receive valuable information from an unlikely source. A person who is often disagreeable will have the knowledge and answers you are looking for.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t offer to help a stranger with a good sob story. Allowing someone to take advantage of you will lead to regret and loss. Look out for your interests.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Your steady approach will be difficult to maintain. If you make a snap decision or change of plans, let your family know to avoid putting any of them in an awkward position.

Be cautious when sharing personal secrets. Private information has a way of becoming public knowledge if you confide in the wrong person. Be smart and avoid embarrassment.

Get involved with events or organisations that are close to your heart. The more you believe in something, the more enthusiasm and energy you will offer. Expect to meet people who share your ideals.

Peanuts archie

dilbert

AQUARIUS

CANCER

GEMINI

calvin and hobbes WEDNESDAY'S WORD

GT&T Indoor Hockey Championships...

Wins for Hikers and GCC Tigers

The Men’s first division battle between Old Fort and the National Under-19 squad capped off another highly entertaining Tuesday evening in the GT&T National Indoor Championships.

National defender

Aderemi “Dove” Simon produced an unstoppable per-

Just three minutes into the match, Simon roared down the pitch in a blistering counterattack move, completing it in fine fashion with a well-placed shot to give Old Fort the lead.

Although the Under-19s executed their game-plan with great discipline, the experienced Old Fort side

the half when Chris Low was able to convert his shot, giving Old Fort a 2-0 lead.

The Under-19s finally managed the breakthrough seven minutes into the second half when a well-executed attack was finished off by Leon Bacchus to finally beat goalkeeper Tony Cole, who was having a fine perfor-

formance for Old Fort, which was complimented by flashes of brilliance from Under19s, Aroydy Branford and Andrew Stewart.

managed to neutralise every attack, leaving them vulnerable to the counterattack. Old Fort would find the net again three minutes before

mance in the Old Fort net. With the match heading into the dying moments, the Under-19s would draw even with a bullet of a shot from

Permaul,

Surujnarine

steer Albion to final

Aroydy Branford through a penalty corner opportunity, leaving the final score at 2-2.

The Ladies competition saw the young Old Fort

The other ladies match of the evening saw tournament favourites the GCC Tigers, featuring a bevy of national players, crush defending champions Spice 5-2. The

success on the night when their Men’s second division side, unbeaten thus far in the competition, squeezed out an exuberant Saints by a 4-2 margin. GCC re-

Rising Stars continuing to build on their performances each tournament by holding the seasoned Hikers to within one. While the Hikers had the upper hand for most of the match, goalkeeper Sarafina Phillips had a fine performance in the Old Fort net and was beaten just once throughout the match by a Maria Munroe strike in the fifth minute.

outcome was all but over by the half as the Tigers scored four goals before Spice could muster a reply.

With the score line reading 4-1 at the half in favour of the Tigers, Spice would recuperate to produce a far more settled second half, which was split by one goal for either side, leaving the final score at 5-2.

GCC enjoyed further

turned in the Veterans category to face Old Old Fort and dominated the first half in scoring two goals, while Old Old Fort would match this feat in the second half to tie the game 2-2 at full time.

Matches will run from Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday with the four finals set for Sunday from 17:00 hours.

Defending champions

2014 Carib Beer T20 cricket competition... Shiv Chanderpaul defies...

Albion Community Centre have become the first team to reach the final of this year’s Carib Beer

First Division T20 cricket competition in the Ancient County of Berbice. They achieved the milestone for the second straight year after easily defeating D’Edward in the playoff encounter last Sunday and then benefitting from a bye, which sent them through.

In the match, which was played at Albion, D’Edward won the toss and elected to bat first. Romesh Boodram and former Berbice all-rounder Eon Abel did well to put on 25 for in four overs, but after that Guyana Under-19 offspinner Balchand Baldeo and former West Indies left-arm spinner picked up two wickets each to leave them tottering at 42-4.

It soon became 42-5, a po-

sition from which did not improve much upon, and then struggled to 74-9 from the 20 overs with Boodram top scoring with 24. Bowling for Albion, Permaul took 3-14 from four overs, Baldeo 2-10 from four overs and Narsingh Deonarine 2-20, also from four overs.

Albion Community

Centre, in their reply, was given a good start of 40 by openers, Guyana’s wicketkeeper/ batsman Anthony Bramble and Berbice opening batsman Kandasammy Surujnarine, before Bramble fell to medium-pacer Navin Rampersaud for 21. Bramble now has 282 runs at an average of 70.5 in the competition. Rampersaud picked up two more wickets; Deonarine for seven and former Guyana T20 batting sensation Jonathan Foo for five but by then it was too late as Albion coasted to 77-4 in 9.5 overs with Surujnarine steering them to victory with 38 not out. The team to challenge Albion in the final for this year’s championship is expected to be known on Sunday with the staging of the semifinal between Young Warriors and Universal Solutions Bermine at Port Mourant.

After the interval Foo (20) was removed by Khan (2-62) and Chanderpaul was trapped leg before wicket to left-arm spinner Anthony Adams (1-35). Anthony Bramble made a positive unbeaten 38 but Chanderpaul’s dismissal triggered the declaration at 287-8.

Play today, the final day continues from 09:30h. Admission to the venue is free. The game is the first of two practice games that will be use to select the Guyana Jaguars team for the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day Franchise Tournament which starts on November 14.

Tigers’ Tiffany Solomon scores a penalty corner for the Tigers against Spice

Kerensa Fernandes of the Tigers being pressured by Talia Fiedtkou and Sonia Jardine of Spice

Kandasammy Surujnarine

Jonathan Foo played fluently through the off-side

Davis goes berserk on Magic in NBA season opener

– defending champs edge Mavericks

Tony Parker made a clutch shot in the fourth quarter. Manu Ginobili had a big game, and Tim Duncan contributed with a doubledouble.

San Antonio’s efficient performance on opening night looked awfully familiar.

Parker made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining, and the Spurs began their title defense with a thrilling 101-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night in San Antonio.

Parker finished with 23 points and Ginobili scored 20 for San Antonio, which shot 53 percent from the field. Tim Duncan had 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 14th double-double in a season opener, the most by any player in NBA history, according to Elias Sports.

Dirk Nowitzki gave Dallas a 100-98 lead with a fadeaway jumper over Boris Diaw with 1:37 remaining, but Parker drained a 3-pointer 30 seconds later in front of the Mavericks’ bench off a feed from Diaw. Parker was 4 for 4 from long range, matching a career high for 3s in a game.

‘‘It was a great basketball game, you can’t kick off the season with a better game than this for the fans — there’s no way,’’ Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said.

‘‘Unfortunately, the slim margins of winning and losing are all that anybody remembers. If we get one more stop, one more basket than we’re all him here singing a different tune. That’s the world we live in the Western Conference.’’

Monta Ellis scored 26 points for Dallas, and Nowitzki had 18. Devin Harris finished with 17 points.

Chandler Parsons, who signed with the Mavericks in the offseason, missed a 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining. His shot hit the front of the rim.

When the competition gets underway, Arvinda Kishore dethroned his more illustrious brother Avinash Persaud in the male category. However, there was no such changing of the guard in the ladies segment as defending champion Christine Sukhram successfully defended her title to engrave her name on the trophy for the seventh time.

Playing off a five handicap, Kishore ended the tournament with a total gross 151 and a 141 net to hold off Patrick Persaud, who finished with a aggregate gross

of 153 and a net 137 playing off an eight handicap, while 2012 winner Avinash Persaud closed with a total 153 gross and a 147 net from a three handicap to occupy the third spot.

In the Ladies Division, Sukhram topped the field in both the total gross and net aggregates after registering 151 and 136 respectively to relegate long time rival Joann Deo to the runner-up position, while Shaunella Webster finished third.

Deo ended with a gross of 194 and a net of 150, while Webster closed on a 210 gross and a 144 net.

The miss extended San Antonio’s streak to five wins following a championship celebration, but it was the first since capturing its last title in 2007.

‘‘It’s special,’’ Ginobili said. ‘‘I think it helps you actually. Sometimes you don’t play that sharp because it’s the first game of the season. You have to move from the success of the previous season to the new beginning. But it all gets your emotions up so you want to get out on the court and do a lot of things, hustle, jump, run and win.’’

Following a video recap

Hof the 2014 season narrated by actor and Spurs fan Samuel L. Jackson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented San Antonio’s staff and players with their championship rings. The inscription inside the ring was ‘‘Good to Great,’’ which was coach Gregg Popovich’s mantra last season.

Pelicans 101, Magic 84 — Anthony Davis had 26 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 blocks, and host New Orleans opened with a victory over Orlando.

Ryan Anderson, coming back from surgery on a herniated disk that cost him more than half of last season, scored 22 points

The Pelicans’ new 7-foot center, Omer Asik, had 14 points and 17 rebounds.

The tandem of Davis and Asik dominated the interior. They combined for 16 offensive rebounds, and the Pelicans finished with 32 second-chance points.

Davis tied a career high for blocked shots, and Asik’s five blocks equaled his career best.

Tobias Harris scored 25 points for Orlando, while Nikola Vucevic added 15 points and 23 rebounds.

Davis could have had his first triple-double and set a franchise single-game high for blocks if he had gotten one more, but coach Monty Williams subbed Davis out — to a standing ovation — with 2:29 left.

olders Manchester City were knocked out of the League Cup as a youthful Newcastle side earned the club’s first win in 12 attempts at Etihad Stadium.

Teenage forward Rolando Aarons put the visitors ahead with an angled drive into the far corner.

Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot superbly denied Stevan Jovetic before his skipper Fabricio Coloccini sliced against the post before half-time.

Moussa Sissoko slid in the second as Newcastle reached the last eight.

Now they will travel to Premier League rivals Tottenham in the next round, bidding for a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1975-76.

Newcastle’s players embraced in a celebratory huddle at the final whistle after reaching the quarter-finals of a domestic cup competition for the first time under boss Alan Pardew.

Magpies supporters had called for Pardew to be sacked after a poor start to the campaign in which their team failed to win any of their first six Premier League matches.

But the pressure has been relieved after a recent revival with Newcastle earning three straight wins.

Pardew had been boosted by successive Premier League victories over Leicester and Spurs but decided to name a youthful and inexperienced side to face the Premier

World Cup boss believes Windies will be in 2015 WC

World Cup boss John Harnden says he is confident that former champions West Indies will appear at next year’s event in Australia and New Zealand.

Harnden offered his assurance as the cricketing world continues to debate the fallout from the West Indies decision to controversially cut short their tour of India.

The tour was aborted over a protracted pay dispute involving the West Indies players, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

“The cricket World Cup from a player’s perspective really is about the ultimate prize in cricket so you can see they are really going to want to play here,” said Harnden.

“They have got a unique team at the moment where they’ve got some great players and this could be a chance if they all band together and put this behind them, they will not want as players to miss out on this opportunity”.

Harnden admits there will be a contingency in place for a possible West Indies no-show next February, but insists he is confident the crisis in Caribbean cricket will be resolved before the tournament.

He said he doubts West Indies players would be

prepared to forsake a shot at cricket’s most prestigious global prize, and the prospect of missing out on participation fees is expected to serve as a powerful incentive.

“Everyone is disappointed with what happened in India but I have got no doubt that cool heads will prevail and everything will be sorted out well before the World Cup and in fact before the South African tour later this year,” Harnden said.

“Again, we are very confident that the West Indies will be here and they will play some fantastic cricket, and I’m sure the public around the world would love to see them do well.”

The players’ decision to abandon their tour of India is expected to dominate the agenda at an International Cricket Council meeting on November 10.

City in League Cup

League champions.

His decision was justified as Newcastle took a sixth-minute lead through the second goal of England Under-20 international Aarons’ fledgling career.

City enjoyed plenty of possession but lacked incision in the final third as Newcastle, whose performance showed a wonderful mixture of defensive resilience and attacking intent, clinched a deserved victory.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini watched his unbeaten record in the League Cup disappear with a whimper, but will be more concerned about

another limp performance from his side. His side have stuttered at home and abroad in the past week, having blown a two-goal lead to draw at Champions League opponents CSKA Moscow and then lost 2-1 at topflight rivals West Ham.

So they would have been keen for a morale-boosting performance before Sunday’s Manchester derby against United at the Etihad.

Instead, they were left rueing another disappointing defeat sealed by substitute Sissoko skipping through the defence before slotting in.

Arvinda Kishore (left) dethroned his more illustrious brother Avinash Persaud last year

From left: Tony Park, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili

Newcastle goes hard at Manchester City

John Harnden

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Djokovic returns to tennis with impressive win

Novak Djokovic returned to action for the first time since becoming a father with a straight-sets win over Philipp Kohlschreiber at the Paris Masters.

The Serb, 27, won 6-3 6-4 seven days after his wife Jelena gave birth to their first child, Stefan.

Djokovic is trying to protect his world number one ranking, with Roger Federer closing in on him following victory at the Swiss Indoors on Sunday.

Federer will open his campaign on Wednesday along with Andy Murray.

The 33-year-old Swiss, who like Djokovic and Murray had a first-round bye, faces France’s Jeremy Chardy in his opening match and needs to continue his fine run of form in Paris if he is to overtake Djokovic in the standings.

“I’m trying to take as much positive energy as I can from what’s happened in the past few weeks,” Djokovic said after his second-round win over Germany’s Kohlschreiber.

“I’m very proud to be a father and I’m very proud of my wife for handling the birth in a great way.

“She’s back home recov-

ering now, with our little boy. This was my first match as a father and it can only inspire me to play my best tennis.”

Murray will take on Frenchman Julien Benneteau on Wednesday (around 13:00 GMT), three days after winning an epic Valencia Open final against Tommy Robredo - the Scot’s third title in a punishing five-week period.

Murray is fifth in the race to qualify for next month’s ATP World Tour Finals, and needs to reach the quarterfinals to be certain of a place in London.

However, he would require an unlikely combination of results to deny him one of the four places still available.

“My expectations this week aren’t incredibly high,” Murray told BBC Sport.

“I have to try to be realistic. I’ve played a lot of tennis the last few weeks but I’ve recovered well from the tough matches, which I wasn’t doing earlier in the year. “London is close, it would be nice to get there, but if not we’ll get ready for 2015 and hopefully have a strong start there. We’ll see.” (BBC Sport)

Matthias talks GFF dilemma...

We fought against the GFF at the level of the GFA, questioning the authority to the GFF to impose an Interim Management Committee (IMC) on any member association and two to deny them the right to vote, in fact, we swore before the honourable court that it was our opinion that those measure were unconstitutional because the GFF’s constitution or no constitution in the GFF provided for IMC’s and also for you to take away the right to vote.

What was interesting enough is after we would have gotten the injunctions which we sought, the very same men who fought for those very injunctions turned around and attempted to exact the same measure on their sister associations, it was… ridiculously hypocritical and that was the issue of contention.

GTS: Could there have been a middle ground to solve the issue without the intervention of FIFA?

Here is a golden opportunity for people who don’t have a vested interest, no known vested interest in this sport who can bring in my opinion the level of corporate presence, professional presence, principle presence to football being developed… they will have to engage what we call two extremes; those who are intellectually arrogant, who are of the opinion that those offices belong to them and those who are intellectually naïve, who think that corporate people, professional people, principle people or what they would call in their layman’s language shirt and tie people should not run football and that embodies the makeup of the congress that the Normalisation Committee will have to speak and even the wider football diasporas.

football are now imposed upon you by FIFA and their advancing and instructing the same thing and FIFA further says, first you didn’t get a chance to appoint them, then FIFA further says if they fail Guyana will be sanctioned, if you fight them the way you fought Matthias Guyana will be sanctioned and more so the developmental funds that would have come to do the work will no longer come until you do the work.

CM: We did everything to create a middle ground, a platform of compromise… we went as far as extending the offer for Mr (Odinga) Lumumba to be a Vice-President and even that didn’t go down well with member of his own camp, so as to what would have been satisfactory middle ground for them, one is still left to wonder what it would have been.

GTS: Now, you are moving aside how do you see this new Normalisation Committee impacting football in Guyana?

It therefore means that this Normalisation Committee will have to be greatly astute in seeking to deal with both experiences; those who think that football should be run by footballers and those who think that football should only be run by them, they having described themselves as being the heirs to the throne so to speak and who think to themselves to be the only knowledgeable people in football.

Those gentlemen and I mean the faction would have insulted and embarrassed both themselves and this nation at large… in fact there is a name being given to them in the wider world of FIFA and their presently being called idiots to have had the mantle of football to shape it and structure it for developmental purpose and then to lose that opportunity and to have five persons who they can better instruct now having to instruct them as to what should happen… interesting (laughs).

GTS: Very interesting take but would you have wished that this dilemma had turned out differently?

CM: That the congress would have been more astute, then definitely I would have wished but it is my humble view that this is the best approach that was established by FIFA and agreed by the GFF even when we were in Brazil at the World Cup.

CM: I’ve always been an advocate that football needs much more of a professional, principle and a corporate presence at the level of its administrators, at the level of its executives and if possible the level of the secretariat.

GTS: From our conversation this Normalisation Committee is tasked to do what you were trying to do in terms of structure, do you see this faction trying to fight this structure they way they did with yours?

CM: It is insulting and embarrassing, for one president to advance constitutional reform, structure development and you fight him tooth and nail and then five individuals who have no knowledge about

GTS: The Normalisation Committee is expected to run for approximately a year, would you consider running for GFF President again?

CM: I’ll tell you the same thing I told FIFA; it’s now part of my consideration right now. (Laughs)

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Matthias talks GFF dilemma, as well as Normalisation Committee

By TreisTon Joseph

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport in Wednesday, former President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias opened up on his administration, the separate GFF faction while dishing on the Normalisation Committee which was handpicked to run the affairs of Guyana’s football by FIFA.

GTS: First of all Mr Matthias thank you for having this interview, however, some persons have classified your GFF presidency on the field as a failure and some structurally as a failure, how would you classify your presidency?

CM: One that was turbulent, those who might have said it was an on field failure would have to first establish what they mean by those words on field and those who would have said it was a structural failure would have to say what they mean by that term structural failure.

We had measures of both (pause) on field in the sense that many persons were of the opinion that much more football should have been played, there was some who felt that too much football being played... structurally; they are many individuals who would have indicated an unwillingness to have structural development in

“Comrade Navin had a sharp perspective on sport; he was not just an advocate, but he was also a man of action. He was also an ardent supporter of West Indies cricket,” Kumar reflected.

He added, “We worked together on many projects, from as early as the 1970s, and Comrade Navin was very positive about what sport can do for a nation. He knew the importance of sport and was willing to promote the disciplines at all levels, especially when it came to having youths being involved.” Kumar reminisced that it was Chandarpal who was instrumental in helping to stage the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) games across the country. The PYO, the youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, had a vibrant District, Regional, County and National championships, all geared at providing avenues for talents to be showcased.

The Director of Sport recalled that it was himself and Chandarpal, who birthed the annual Ballot Box Martyrs cycling road race in memory of two party members, Jagan Ramessar and Parmanand Bholanauth, who were

Guyana’s football, this is not is not only now but over the last 20 odd years.

When I first came into football my approach was, there needs to be constitutional change, there needs to be administrative soundness as well as technical and tactical correctness. There are many individuals even as we speak do not wish either of those things which raises concern for the work and the effort of the present Normalisation Committee.

GTS: Before we talk a bit about the Normalisation Committee, how did your administration see development and probably started to work towards it in spite of all the detractors?

CM: Classic example, we would have had a manifesto which said that one of the first things that has to change is the constitution, secondly we ought to have

gunned down on July 16, 1973, at Number 63 Village while transporting ballot boxes during the national elections.

Chandarpal was also a lead figure in the 1980s, partnering with Kumar, former president Cheddi Jagan and former Guyana Football Federation president Colin Klass, to stage knockout and league competitions, while he also aided in the organising of the Michael Forde cricket competition staged by the PYO.

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, in an invited comment, told this publication

the congress develop a collective conscientiousness, understanding and agreement as to what they ought to be doing for football.

We have a situation where the congress is not cognisant of their role and responsibility as administrators, so sadly enough for 20 odd years they have set no policies for Guyana’s football development, no sound development policies for Guyana’s football development…our efforts to ensure that they understood their role was met with continued competition for position and power and for finance, so they abandoned their role and responsibility to fight for the three things…position, power and money.

It was always our view that while the congress would be the policy makers and administrators, we the executives ought to be the managers of those policies and the secretariat ought to ensure that those policies are effective.

GTS: Now with the Normalisation Committee being installed and you stepping aside as president, what are some of the problems you probably foresee with the said faction that fought you?

CM: Again I would want to remind the people out there that there is a small group of people that controlled football for a number

of years and their interest was not the development of Guyana’s football… for football to develop, there ought to be knowledgeable coaches, quality players, lots of resources and proper playing surfaces, after almost two decades we would have had none of those things and would have spent in excess of one billion there about.

So it begs to question what really were we about? Was it really football development? The present few remain who do not wish to see football develop but many wish to fight for position, power and FIFA’s money.

FIFA, CONCACAF and CFU are fully aware of those individuals and know them by name as well as nature.

GTS: If we were to rewind to the first walkout would you say it was because of these very persons fighting for power and position that really caused the raucous or was there some amount of genuine dislike between the two factions?

CM: Well I won’t say there was a dislike between the two factions because the issue of contention was who had the right to vote which became an interesting issue because as you can recall while we had the matter with the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) versus the GFF , that was the issue of contention then.

that Chandarpal had an extraordinary passion for sport in general and cricket in particular.

“He was an avid cricket fan who knew the players, the matches they played, the runs they made and other interesting statistics. He was very fond of Guyanese cricketers and was always available to lend some friendly advice,” Dr Anthony shared.

Promoting sports

He added, “Beyond cricket, he supported many other sports. As the First Secretary of the Progressive Youth Organisation, he spent a lot of time promoting sports in Guyana. He was able to organise day of sports in many of the regions, so that PYO groups can engaged in friendly rivalry. During those times he was an avid promoter of chess. He would get party students studying overseas to buy chess sets and send them back for party and PYO groups. Through this programme, many ordinary persons were introduced to chess and some of them became very proficient at the game. He also promoted volleyball and was instrumental in setting up the Rick

Letter to the sport editor

Are Team Coco’s riders banned from the 2014 National School Championships?

Dear Editor,

Kindly permit me this correspondence to be considered for your letter column because it's a sensitive subject pertaining to the development of sports in Guyana.

I also hope that the office mentioned pays some keen attention because they are all stakeholders for the 2014 Guyana National Track and Field Championships which I understand is billed to held at the Guyana Defence Force ground.

Just recently, I stood independent and neutral on a subject where Team Coco’s riders are currently banned by the Guyana Cycling Federation.

Again, my position is an independent one and neutral and I sincerely hope that all parties involved in this current situation would make that special effort to simply put aside their differences and work together for the development of sport's in Guyana.

I knocked on the doors of Digicel Guyana Country Manager Jacqueline James, pleading with her to make that call at the last minute because it is my personal belief that any sponsor of any sports event possess that power.

Team Coco’s riders were not permitted to participate in that Global Cancer Awareness Campaign held on October 26.

Sackawhat Memorial volleyball co]mpetition. This competition helped to keep volleyball alive in Berbice.”

Minister Anthony also spoke on Chandarpal’s profound interest in the discipline of cycling, starting with the Ballot Box Martyrs race in honour of two of his fallen comrades.

“Today this race is now a fixture on the cycling calendar. And when his mentor Dr Jagan passed away, he also created a cycling event to memorialise Dr Jagan. This started in Region 6 and overtime it has grown into a three-stage event, covering all three counties. He

also created a cycle race for Comrade Janet Jagan, which has [also] become an annual event,” Dr Anthony said.

Sport enthusiast

Long-serving national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, who incidentally celebrated his 68th birthday on the day Chandarpal passed, said he worked closely with the former Agriculture Minister.

“He was a sport enthusiast, and ever since the passing of Comrade Cheddi we worked together because he was the Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee. Comrade Navin had a profound interest in sport and he was always in the forefront every year when we had the Jagan memorial cycling races in Berbice, West Demerara and Essequibo,” Mohamed commented.

Mohamed also spoke glowingly of Chandarpal’s interest in youths and their development through sport. “He was always happy to provide opportunities for youngsters to hone their skills, not just in cycling, but all other disciplines. His bigger contribution would have been in politics, but Comrade Navin also

I was on a social media forum literally begging on a humanatarian grounds to Marc Sonaram who I understand is affiliated to the Guyana Cycling Federation and I was informed that even with all my efforts, the decision will not be changed. I penned a correspondence to all four media houses suggesting that the Olive Branch play a pivotal role. Again, it didn't work. As it stands, Team Coco’s riders are currently banned. I will now inform everyone that Team Coco’s currently has at least two riders who are currently attached to Educational Institutions and could very well have ambitions of qualifying to participate at the 2014 National Championships. With this current ban they are facing with by the Guyana Cycling Federation, does it mean that they will not be allowed participation?

This is the point that I expect the Guyana Teacher's Union, Ministry of Education and The Ministry of Youth,Culture and Sports to respond and let us all have an understanding (via press release/press conference) of those riders fate. We don't need a drama scene at the starter's line of the cycle event of National 2014 Championships.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

had a solid impact on sport.” Back in July this year, Chandarpal, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, was taken overseas for treatment after his condition was said to be rapidly deteriorating. He, however, returned to Guyana and was being cared for at home. Regarded highly by the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for his statistical skills, Chandarpal entered politics while a student at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and quickly moved up through the ranks to lead the PYO. He is expected to be cremated on Sunday.

Former GFF President Christopher Matthias

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Director of Sport Neil Kumar

Hassan Mohamed

chandarpal

Participating teams to be briefed this evening

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Participating teams of Guyana Softball Cup

4 will this evening be made aware on the tournament’s playing conditions during a team briefing session at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Members Pavillion, commencing at 17:00 hours.

The three-day competition will bowl off on Friday and end on Sunday, however, this evening’s function is the teams’ final opportunity to clarify whatever misconceptions may exist with regards to the rules and regulations governing the tournament.

As was done during the first three years, team representatives will be equipped with the tournament booklet which clearly outlines the format of the competition, fixtures and prize money.

Association (GFSCA), Ricky Deonarain, said all systems are in place for a successful tournament, and he is enthused by what is in store for over the weekend.

Over the coming days, a total of 24 teams from Guyana and North America will do battle in two categories, the Men’s Open and the Masters.

The champion team in the Men’s Open is guaranteed a whopping $800,000 first prize and a huge trophy, while the losing finalist will have to settle for $200,000 and a trophy. In the Masters’ division, the winning team will pocket $600,000 with the runnerup assured of $150,000. The Man-of-the-Match in both finals will receive a trophy.

Jewellery. On the day of the final, apart from the trip to Aruba, there will be lots of hampers and giveaways for spectators.

Two dozen teams will compete in this year’s event, with 12 from Guyana, seven from New York, three from Florida and two from Canada. During the threeday championship, there will be a total of 36 preliminary games, followed by four semi-finals and two finals.

All systems set for Guyana Open golf tourney

- over 50 golfers confirmed participation so far; Friday is deadline for registration

By RAjiv BisnAuth

All systems are in place for this weekend’s Guyana Open golf tournament, at the country’s lone golf course at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

This was the assurance given by president of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), David Mohamad on Wednesday.

Over fifty local and overseas golfers have confirmed their participation so far, according to Mohamad.

He, however, indicated that the number is expected

to increase before Friday’s deadline for registration.

“Presently almost all the Guyanese golfers, along with golfers from Canada, Florida – United States of America and Barbados have confirmed their participation,” Mohamad said.

The LGC top brass also indicated that golfers from Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are also expected for the tournament.

the LGC has been working assiduously to get the course in top shape.

The course according to Mohamed is in excellent condition, “All the roughs, the fairways the Greens are in the best position. So in terms of the ground preparation, we have that under control,” he asserted.

“We want to give everybody a level playing field, so this year we have made a slight change with the overall champion in the men’s division will be judge come from the Best Gross, while on the distaff side the winner will come from the Best Net,” Mohamad disclosed. GFSCA/Guyana Softball Cup 4…

Vice-president of the organising body, the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket

As has been the case in the past, the Most Valuable Player of each category will become the proud owner of a softball bracelet, made of gold and diamond studs, compliments of Steve’s

Trophy Stall and New York Better are the defending champions of the Open and Masters categories respectively, while the previous champions were NYSCL New York (Open) and Savage Masters in 2012 and Cotton Field Wild Oats (Open) and Regal Seniors (Masters) in 2011.

According to information emanating from the GFSCA, this year’s tournament has an estimated budget of around $10 million.

French Guiana was part of last year’s tournament, but according to Mohamad the country has not yet indicated their participation.

With respect to ground preparation, Mohamad said

Apart from the playing area and club house, the environs have also received a facelift.

The LGC head said the organisers are anticipating a large turnout of competi-

tors on the nine-hole course, with heated rivalry in the First Flight (0-9 handicap), Second Flight (10-18), Third Flight (19-28) and single Ladies Flight.

Third Payless cycling billed for Saturday

Following battles on the roadways in the ‘Ride for Life’ FiveStage and the Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness races, local riders will return to the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday for the third annual Payless Variety Store’s 11-race programme.

The event is being organised by national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, who is nearing the completion of his annual list of activities, which will reach 31 with Saturday’s programme.

Saturday’s event will pedal off at 09:00 hours with rivalry among the youngsters competing in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open categories, followed by the Mountain Bikers, Juveniles and Veterans Under-50, Over-50 and Over-60.

All these races will set the stage for the grand showdown in the School Boys and Invitational 35lap, which is set to at-

tract the leading senior riders, as well as promis-

ing young talents. It is unclear if cyclists attached to

Team Coco’s will be given an opportunity to compete,

following their pullout of the Five-Stage and subsequent blockade from competing in the Breast Cancer race by the Guyana Cycling Federation.

Whatever the decision, one thing is for sure: Roraima Bikers Club’s leading wheeler Alanzo Greaves is set to defend the title he won in 2013. The dominant rider clocked one hour, 18 minutes, 07.05 seconds to win the feature race, while Hamzah Eastman won the Juveniles category.

Shameer Baksh (Veterans Under-50), Jamal John (BMX 12-14) and Richard Charles (Mountain Bikes) were some of the other winners last year. As has been the case over the past two years, representatives of Payless Variety Store will witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion. (Avenash Ramzan)

Flashback! Team representatives paying rapt attention at last year’s team briefing at the GCC pavillion

Flashback! Top performers of the 2013 programme pose with their trophies and prime prizes (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

Christine Sukhram

David Mohamad

Shiv Chanderpaul defies Singh’s

XI with another half-century

–

Singh’s XI set 334 for victory

By Rajiv Bisnauth

West Indies star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s second half-century of the match, propelled Leon Johnson’s X1 to a massive lead and left Vishual Singh’s X1 with a formidable task of saving the first fourday practice match at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground.

At the close of the penultimate day on Wednesday, Vishual Singh’s X1 were 29 without loss, replying to a winning target of 334.

Tagnarine Chanderpaul and Kandasammy Surujnarine will resume today on 14 and 13 respectively, with their team still 305 runs away from the winning target.

Once again, it was Chanderpaul who was at the heart of his team progress on the penultimate

Chandarpal had a passion for sport

– close associates pay tribute to fallen colleague

By avenash Ramzan

“H

e always advocated for young people to be involved in sport and for them to live a healthy lifestyle.”

That was the response from Director of Sport Neil Kumar when quizzed on the contributions made by the late politician Navin Chandarpal to the field of sport.

The 63-year-old Chandarpal, who passed away on Tuesday last at his Goedverwagting home after losing the battle with stage four stomach cancer, was a staunch supporter of sport and one who embraced the idea of using the disciplines to aid in nation building. turn to page 22

day, stroking an elegant 64 to follow up his half-century in the first innings.

Opener Rajendra Chandrika, who was the fulcrum of the Leon Johnson’s X1 batting effort during the final session on the second day, compiling an unbeaten 53, along with discarded West Indies middle-order batsman Narsingh Deonarine (8 not out), resumed on the penultimate day with an overall lead of 119 runs.

However, the spinners’ reaped considerable reward in the morning session with off-spinner Steven Jacobs (3-56) quickly removing the right-hander, Chandrika for 55.

Deonarine was joined by the talented Chanderpaul Hemraj, and the pair added 40 for the fourth wicket, before leg-spinner Amir Khan claimed the wicket of Deonarine to end a watchful

innings of 35 from the lefthander.

The 21-year-old Hemraj (25) then surrendered his wicket to off-spinner Royston Crandon (1-31) off the final ball before the break. Christopher Barnwell was the not out batsman on one, when lunch was taken at 137-5, an overall lead of 183.

Veteran West Indies batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul joined Barnwell, but the latter was unfortunately run out for 19. The left-hander Chanderpaul and Jonathan Foo came together mid-way through the pre-tea session and posed 56 runs by the time the session came to an end. Chanderpaul, West Indies’ most capped player on 55, while Foo on 19. It took the left-hander 70 balls to reach his half-century, inclusive of five fours and three sixes.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul on the attack during his innings

n an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport in Wednesday, former President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias opened up on his administration, the separate GFF faction while dishing on the Normalisation Committee which was handpicked to run the affairs of Guyana’s football by FIFA.

The late Navin Chandarpal presents a trophy to a young rider at the conclusion of the Cheddi Jagan memorial cycle race in Berbice (Avenash Ramzan file photo)