Guyana Times Daily

No word on Foulis kidnap victim P9

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2095 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

PRICE

Manickchand tells House

$60 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Over 60% of nursery students don’t know ABC See stories on pages 2 and 7

– Opposition walks out during presentation

P9 Canje residents praise police for killing wanted man

Qualfon P10 employee drowns at Blue Water Lake Hicken to head A Division

P10

Dhurjon P12 working on third draft of AML Bill

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman briefs students of Camille's Institute for Business and Science Studies on the operations of the House and duties of his Chair during a courtesy call on Monday

Wanted man “Popcorn” shot dead by police

See story on page 8

U.S.-bound passenger nabbed with cocaine in pastries

Success of rice industry was not P12 automatic – Jagnarine Singh

See story on page 13

P13 Hinds upbeat about freeing up of telecoms sector

2 news

tuesday, april 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Opposition walks out on Manickchand

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

M

embers of the combined Opposition on Monday walked out of the National Assembly when Education Minister Priya Manickchand stood up to make her contribution to the 2014 National Budget debates.

The action was expected given the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change's (AFC) stance against Manickchand ever since she refused to give a direct apology to Jaipaul Sharma after heckling about his father’s rape allegations. The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) has since resigned.

Before the walkout, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman expressed disappointment over Friday’s incident, which brought an abrupt end of the sitting.

The Opposition had banged on the desks, drowning out the Education Minister as she attempted to make her contribution.

But the Speaker said he was under the impression that the matter had been resolved during a meeting held last Wednesday in his office with the Education Minister, acting APNU Chief Whip Joseph Harmon and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

“It was believed and perhaps mistakenly so, at that meeting we arrived at an understanding which included the statement made

by Ms Manickchand at the commencement at last Wednesday’s sitting.”

He said Friday’s event had caused some “pain and anguish”, noting that he had never envisaged that would have happened.

Nevertheless, the Speaker said he firmly believes that between the Opposition and

APNU Chief Whip Amna Ally seated in the House in the absence of her Opposition colleagues who walked out as Education Minister Priya Manickchand stood up to speak

the ruling party, there is more than an ample share of decency and responsibility to do what is right to resolve the issue.

Dissatisfaction

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also used the opportunity to vent his dissatisfaction, arguing too that the PPP/C and the APNU had arrived at a consensus on the Manickchand/ Sharma saga.

He said much to the surprise and astonishment of the Government, the coalition drowned out the Minister as she attempted to contribute to the debate, by striking their tables.

“A set of words were drawn up for the Honourable Member Priya Manickchand to say which she honourably did… on Wednesday afternoon,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that the Government proceeded with business as usual with the understanding that the problem had been settled, only to face

the Opposition’s objection on Friday. He told the House that the settlement reached on Wednesday was breached by the Opposition although Manickchand upheld her side of the bargain.

But Harmon said APNU during the meeting with the PPP/C and Speaker never agreed to any set of words. “At the end of that discussion, the decision was that there would have been a form of words used by the Minister which will give the impression that she was apologising.” According to him, APNU and the PPP/C had not agreed on any form of words before the end of the meeting.

“Whatever form of words was used was done after the meeting and I suppose it was given to the Honorable Minister to read.”

But Teixeira immediately refuted the claims made

by Harmon. “Sir, if it pleases you, Mr Speaker, I made a remark while Ms Lawrence was speaking and I want to make it clear that, that remark was not intended to

disrupt Ms Lawrence…,” Teixeira said as she quoted the Education Minister in her address to the House last Wednesday.

She said during the meeting prior to the sitting,

the Chief Whip maintained that what both parties discussed was acceptable, noting that an apology was not an issue because of what was actually said by the Education Minister.

She maintained that all had found it to be acceptable. Harmon did not pronounce on the matter, but said it was clear that there was no word written. “There was no clear direction in respect to what form of word the apology would take.”

During last Tuesday’s budget debates, Manickchand had heckled from across the room “Ask your APNU Member Sharma” as APNU’s Volda Lawrence was championing the cause for actions to be taken against men who often get away with statuary rape. Manickchand initially was banned from speaking by the Speaker after she refused to apologise.

The apology was made to the House on Wednesday after the meeting and the ban was lifted on Thursday.

However, Sharma tendered his resignation, demanding an apology. Sharma had also told Guyana Times that he was left out in the cold because no one stood up from the Opposition benches in his defence.

To signal its support; APNU struck the tables

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand makes her presentation despite the absence of the Opposition MPs on Monday

“At the end of the meeting, it was read out and repeated… the Honorable Mr Harmon was asked three times by you Sir, three times…. Do you find this acceptable? Yes! Do you find this acceptable? Yes! Do you find it acceptable?

Yes!”

on Friday night even as Manickchand was attempting to deliver her presentation. The AFC had walked out.

That session came to an abrupt end after the Opposition and the ruling PPP/C failed to meet a compromise.

News

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tuesDay, April 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, April 8 from 11:30h-13:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, April 8 from 10:35h-12:05h

WEATHER TODAY Countrywide: Thundery showers can be expected during the day and into the afternoon with clear to cloudy skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north easterly between zero and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:53h and 23:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.07 metres and 2.05 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:20h and 17:07h reaching minimum heights of 1.21 metre and 1.12 metre respectively.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

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Guyana, Venezuela to meet in two months on border issue F

oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett on Monday told the National Assembly during her budget debate presentation that she is expected to meet with her Venezuelan counterpart within the next two months to discuss the controversial issue of maritime boundaries.

According to the Minister, she was supposed to meet with Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Elías Jaua; however, due to events arising in that country, the meeting was pushed back.

Nevertheless, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett noted that her Venezuelan counterpart has indicated that they are working to arrange a meeting within the next two months during which the technical team from both countries will discuss maritime boundaries issues.

Exclusive Economic Zone The meeting was prompted by an incident last year where a research vessel RC Teknik Perdana was intercepted by the Venezuela Navy, which claimed that it was in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

However, Guyana has maintained that the vessel was in its own EEZ since it was conducting a multi-beam survey of its seafloor.

Continuing her budget presentation, the Foreign Affairs Minister went on to say that the GuyanaVenezuela relationship has remained strong in other areas, including the PetroCaribe arrangement under which Guyana continues to purchase oil from the neighbouring country.

However, she noted that efforts are being undertaken to explore other markets to acquire oil.

She added that the countries have enjoyed many benefits from trade. “Venezuela has remained a very good

trade partner and we want to preserve that relationship even as we look at other countries to sell our rice and purchase fuel, because our needs are expanding in terms of the fuel we need. With the development in Guyana and even as we explore for oil, we have to look at other parties for us to purchase oil from as well,” she said.

The Minister highlighted the excellent relationship shared with other neighbouring countries such as Brazil and Suriname. With regard to Brazil, she stressed that the bilateral relationship is being strengthened through several cooperation programmes, with emphasis being placed more recently on major infrastructural projects.

“As Members of this House are aware, we have established a Joint Commission dedicated to addressing the paving of the Linden-Lethem Road by firstly completing an engineering design of the road; development of hydropower, which, if feasible, will see the export of excess energy to Brazil and a new source of revenue for our country, and the development of a deepwater port. Mr Speaker, I will continue to update this National Assembly on the progress of the work of the Joint Commission at appropriate intervals,” RodriguesBirkett stated.

As it relates to Suriname, the Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that since Guyana and Suriname are the only Caricom countries to share contiguous borders, it further strengthens the relationship between them. She noted that both Caricom countries are also members of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and associate members of MERCOSUR. “It makes sense, therefore, for Guyana to develop the kinds of relations with the Republic of Suriname to not only ensure that the op-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett portunities of such memberships are exploited, but also to create a good link between those mechanisms and the other states of the Caribbean Community. We will use the geostrategic relationship with the Republic of Suriname to foster and nurture deeper relations with the abovementioned mechanism,” she noted.

Regional integration

Minister RodriguesBirkett then spoke about Guyana’s Caricom relationships, specifically focusing on regional integration movements, a commitment that she said Guyana continues to honour. She further highlighted that Guyana is chairing the Intergovernmental Task Force which is tasked with the responsibility of examining issues related to the Revised Draft Protocol on Contingent Rights.

On this note, the Foreign Affairs Minister referred to an article published in the local media in which the Trinidadian Health Minister is reported to be saying that they should consider implementing a rule for persons to present their medical insurance upon entry in the country. This, according to

Rodrigues-Birkett, will have to be clarified, since it will have serious implications on the whole Caribbean Single Market and Economy agreement.

Meanwhile, in rebuttal to the Minister’s presentation, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian and Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Africo Selman, said this year’s budget allocations of $3.5 billion to the Foreign Affairs Ministry is inadequate to properly sustain the Ministry’s work of protecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She noted that the implementation of a country’s foreign policy is primarily based on its obligation to foster and protect its national interests.

“Guyana’s foreign policy objectives are grounded in safeguarding the country’s political sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she stated.

Selman pointed out that the country seems to be lacking in protecting its sovereignty as she referred to the research vessel incident, adding that progress on that front was unsatisfactory, referencing the hosting of meetings between the two countries, since the incident in October last.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, april 8, 2014

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

Editorial

Undermining Parliament

P

arliament is one of the key institutions of our system of governance. Nowadays, people seem to have forgotten the distinction and difference between an “institution” and an “organisation” and maybe because of that lapse of collective memory, there is not a greater public outcry in the steady undermining of the institution of Parliament by the Opposition.

Even an elementary definition of “institution” such as provided by Wikipedia advises: “An institution is any structure or mechanism of social order governing the behaviour of a set of individuals within a given community... Institutions are identified with a social purpose, transcending individuals and intentions by mediating the rules that govern living behaviour.”

Institutions, then are characterised by the rules or regime that govern the behaviour of the organisation (people) or the larger collective, as the case may be, towards fulfilling a “social purpose”.

The rules, then, are larger than the individuals that occupy the institution for the moment and if those individuals desecrate those rules, they are destroying the institution’s capacity to achieve its social purpose. The “social purpose” of Parliament was to create an effective forum for the representatives of the country to deliberate on the affairs of the country to as to further the collective “good”.

The rules of Parliament were designed so as to facilitate that deliberation. For instance, Members of Parliament (MP’s) cannot be sued for slander for words uttered during debates. This rule obviously allows the MP’s to “speak their minds” without fear or favour.

On the other hand, there are also rules to ensure that the remarks by speakers do not get too “personal”, since this would lead to loss of objectivity as recipients of barbs seek to defend their “honour”.

But what we are witnessing unfolding in Parliament traduces the rules of Parliament and insidiously undermines them. What are the undisputed facts? Minister Manickchand spontaneously made a retort alluding to a point made by an Opposition speaker.

This falls under the rubric of “heckling”, which covered a wide list of insults, some of which were covered by the authoritative Erskine May: “pharisee, swine, jackass, hooligan, blackguard, cad, ruffian and insulting dog”.

Since the Opposition member was speaking of “rapists”, Minister Manickchand’s repartee, which in the judgment of the Speaker unacceptably maligned a sitting member, was ruled out of order and an apology was demanded by him.

However, the following day, when it was clarified that in point of fact the Minister was referring to the aggrieved Opposition member’s father, who was before the courts charged with statutory rape, the Speaker withdrew his gag order. And this is where we arrive at the Opposition stepping over the boundaries of civilised parliamentary behaviour and threatening our descent into anarchy.

After the ruling by the Speaker, the Minister attempted to deliver her comments on the budget but was prevented from doing so by the Opposition which precipitated a cacophony of noise by banging their desks. Rather than sanctioning the Opposition en bloc for denying the Minister her fundamental guaranteed right to speech in Parliament, the Speaker adjourned the body for the weekend.

We believe this was an error on the Speaker’s part, because just as he imposed a sanction when he thought the Minister had violated a convention, he should have done the same when the Opposition broke an even graver rule on Parliament’s “social purpose”.

Yesterday, the Opposition walked out of Parliament when the Minister made her speech. This is their right but we wish to inform the Speaker that he is on the edge of a slippery slope. Soon he will have to decide whether he will allow the Opposition to go against the ruling of the courts, which forbade them from imposing cuts on the budget.

This will not just undermine the institution of Parliament but the entire edifice of Government that has been empowered by the Constitution to steer our ship of state. He should thread carefully.

Photographer Jeffrey Haines has a close encounter with a tiger shark while diving in the Caribbean off the Bahamas coast (The Telegraph)

The champion Parker did not of champions state why his invitation was rejected Hats off! Whether high or low, To Champion of the Earth Bharrat Jagdeo.

He came as a mercy to mankind, influential to our world, About strategies, awareness, and low carbon initiative.

His career began, as an economist, finance minister, and eventually an elected President of Guyana.

No other president, has done more to satisfy our souls.

From mud bottom, on the calendar, To top of the social ladder. How did he do it?

After Janet Jagan won the 1998 Election the then Opposition, fought fire with mo fire.

It was their desire.

To chant, who must go? – Janet must go!

And so she bravely installed, Bharrat Jagdeo, Who won a landslide election, and thus he became a foe, to the opposition.

Other heads of governments Hailed him as a true majestic leader, And a president for all Guyana, There are many things too numerous to mention, As I need to bring this poem to a conclusion.

The great Bob Marley serenades you, that some will love you, while some will eliminate you.

As they did Jesus Christ, whom they crucified.

So my dear Beloved Bharrat Jagdeo, It burns my heart To see you humbled by falsifying remarks, Instead of giving you, your decorated jacket, They burnt and disfigured it, because you earned it.

I pity those, who are so opposed, But the history will vindicate you.

As one of the greatest presidents of this nation.

Your name will forever be placed In the record book of politics.

Take comfort from those of the past, John F Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and the Great Mahatma, Who represented their countries to the best of their abilities, with dignity.

Take time, Sir, our son of the soil, Your contributions to this nation Are enormous and ambitious, Placing Guyana on the road to development Prosperity and global upliftment.

Your honourable doctorates are not in vain, You have fought a fight to ease our pain.

So take note, Mr Jagdeo, You’re the best of the rest, We need you! Please stay! Don’t go!

Bravo! To our dearest and the best.

A bestowed champion of the earth below.

Composed by Oswald Gunraj

Dear Editor, I read Carl Parker’s letter in another section of the press on April 6 talking about PPP/C members not attending a Rupununi democracy workshop.

Carl Parker, the PNC/ APNU’s voice of oblivion in the Rupununi, stated in his letter that very prominent residents in the Rupununi and PPP/C members, whom he invited to attend a workshop on democracy on April 4, rejected his invitation.

Parker in his letter did not state the reason or reasons why his invitation was rejected by the persons whom he invited to attend the workshop.

In his letter as well, Parker did not say who sponsored or organised the workshop on democracy in the Rupununi.

He never even mentioned its overall attendance, its success or failure, yet he was asked to get persons to attend, as he claimed in his letter. But the question is, who sponsored this democracy workshop in the Rupununi?

Is it the PNC/APNU or AFC? I am of the impression from Parker’s letter that the so-called workshop was an anti-government forum, which is the reason why his invitation was rejected by prominent and well-thinking residents of the Rupununi.

Keep it up, residents.

In his letter, Parker wrongfully accused the PPP/C of being undemocrat-

ic and manipulative just because the residents whom he invited to attend the democracy workshop refused his invitation.

Is this not the democratic right of the Rupununi residents to participate or not to participate in the workshop? Yes, it is, and I hope that Parker himself attended the workshop with his PNC/APNU cabal at Lethem to absorb the basic tenets of democracy and will become a practitioner of democracy and not autocracy.

But Parker is new to democracy, since he belongs to the PNC, which rigged elections from 1968 to 1985 until it was voted out from Government in 1992 as a result of free and fair elections.

So who is Parker trying to fool about democracy in the Rupununi? He should be ashamed to even speak about democracy, which he knows nothing about.

Let him ask APNU’s MP Sydney Allicock who was disgracefully bullied off a live NCN Budget programme by APNU. Is this democracy, Mr Parker?

Finally, I am calling on the residents of the Rupununi region to seriously watch Parker and note his anti-government agenda, which is destructive. In this regard, do not allow him into your communities.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

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

The idea of law school Dear Editor, The ‘on-again off-again’ idea of a local law school is an idea whose time has long come. This has only been made absolutely clear and fiercely urgent with the advent of the “impasse” between the Government of Guyana and the Council for Legal Education (CLE).

We have a most egregious situation here but one which offers us a unique opportunity and with it perhaps the chance of something great.

This singular moment can impact generations to come of students in Guyana and in the Caribbean who enjoy our education at the University of Guyana.

Head of the Department of Law Sheldon McDonald often says that, “Law is the interstitial fluid of society; it is the bone marrow of society.” Indeed without the law society descends into anarchy.

Hence a proper legal education has its fitting purpose and place. Those who articulate, negotiate and interpret the law have value to any society intent on the rule of law, and law and order.

That being said I am currently a final year student reading for my Legum Baccalaureus (LLB), our last exams should conclude at the end of May 2014.

What happens next is anybody’s guess since the cur-

rent impasse seems only to escalate with time.

I feel deeply aggrieved by the decision to suspend the 25 automatic placements at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS). It would seem that the decision to do same was taken some time before the application process was opened.

I cannot fathom the reason the CLE knowing that its own LLB programmes have more than enough students to satiate its HWLS quota still opened the application process for entry into HWLS delivering false hopes of admittance.

The cost of applying, postage inclusive in addition to the cost for the entrance examination for persons who chose that option combined is above the domestic minimum wage. And what cost do we put on our present psychological frustrations?

Our students engaged a process only to be told a short time later that both avenues of entry were no longer viable options. Presently, most if not all other avenues would be closed as well and so we are all but stranded.

We were advised that the Eugene Depuch Law School in the Bahamas has spaces available but the fees are twice that of HWLS. I know I speak for many when I say that we do not

have an extra US$20,000 per year knocking around for tuition and equal amount for yearly living expenses. The idea of a local law school is an idea whose time has come.

The benefits of a local law school have been enumerated eloquently in our dailies’ editorials, articles and columns so I will not rehearse them here.

Suffice to say that the psychological and physical frustrations of trying to make the grades for entry into law school and an opened, tedious, perhaps futile application process demand justice of their own.

The idea of a local law school is an idea whose time has come.

Additionally, there are perhaps thousands of students across Guyana with dreams of pursuing law who are presently at the high school level applying themselves to rigorous studies to get into the Department of Law, UG, in hopes of pursing the noble career of an Attorney-at-Law and who presently may themselves be in a quandary.

The idea of a local law school is an idea whose time has come.

Sherod Avery Duncan, Student-at-Law, Class of 2014 President, UGSS, 2009-2010

Apologise and get on with the important business of education Dear Editor, Education Minister Priya Manickchand needs to apologise to the offending former parliamentarian so that we can get on with the important business of education that the Minister is so enthusiastic to bring to a waiting people.

We can ill afford the time wasting that the Opposition is well trained for – they are into the wasting of taxpayers’ money in an endless circus that this parliament has become – so apologise and let’s move on.

In my humble opinion the Education Minister needs to make an apology to Mr Jaipaul Sharma for embarrassing him by exposing his father’s alleged deeds. I want the honourable Minister to put that in all the flowery language that the English Language affords and with all the finesse a trained attorney can muster.

The Opposition asked for an apology and an apology they’ll get. They can’t tell her what to say in her apology or how to best craft her missive, but I warn you, be prepared for the onslaught when she makes her presentation.

Then when it’s my turn to speak they will have to be silent and civil in their behaviour when I will make mention of some serious matters

of rape and sodomy.

For the record this is an area that falls under the jurisdiction of the honourable Minister, that is the protection of the rights of the child, so, I will broaden the scope of my presentation to include acts of child molestation where young boys are concerned.

It is a well known fact where grown men go around driving in heavily tinted windows soliciting sex from hapless street children. As the story goes one “prominent citizen” shot someone and wounded him when he failed to comply with his sexual desires.

Yet another, he has a supermarket where most of his employees are “boys” and sure enough he prides himself in saying that he is landing jobs for the nation’s underprivileged youths.

But talk to the “boys” there and you get the true picture of a perverted man who is known to having orgies with his male workers.

This is the Guyana we live in.

I had the privilege in raising this conversation with a devout PNC/APNU devotee here – mentioning names and all which I cannot do here – about the horrible skeletons they have in their cupboards.

He was quick to respond with names in Government

circles with deviant behaviour also. Of one of the names he mentioned, I responded with the statement about where he learnt his sexual perversions.

Further to it, the individual in question was 17 years old so technically he cannot be called a paedophile. But, be that as it may all of them are in the same bracket none better than the other.

You see, the Opposition is quick to point an accusing finger when it is someone on the Government side but when it happens to be members of their own party they become fiercely defensive, rant, rave and demand apologies. They suddenly lose their minds and act stupid.

They’ve asked for it and they will get it a real dirty discussion on closeted matters that should not have been exposed in the first place but seeing it is in the open let us take off our shoes and get down in the gutter... together.

The English proverb says “those in glass houses must not throw stones” this is what the Opposition needs to know, but I’d rather put it in Guyanese creole “dem tory real dutty over deh oh.”

Sincerely, Neil Adams

We hope justice will prevail and bring closure for the farmers Dear Editor, I would appreciate it if you would kindly publish my letter, hoping it will open the eyes and ears of our Government, nongovernment organisations and citizens of what might very well be a trend going here in Guyana, and what I will prefer to called a corrupt judiciary system that involves many people.

Who may know, the people of (village name given) on the Essequibo Coast have lived and farmed for at least three generations without disturbance. That’s until 2010, when someone (name given) returned with transports that he obtained somehow.

This transport was apparently granted because he was in sole and undisturbed possession for more than 30 years. How could one man have lived and farmed an estate alone, especially one that contains 500 acres?

I believe someone overlooked the law – notices must be sent to all neighbours at the time of surveying and another within the first seven days of the first public publication.

There should have been

questions for not obeying the rules of serving notices to all neighbours prior to surveying, for not mentioning the true occupant, and for not mentioning erections and buildings on the plan.

I guess someone knew certain details about the estate, because he was not on the ground doing work to alert anyone. This alert would have brought the estate records up for scrutiny and the court would have learnt that some of the 500 acres was already transported out More closely, it would have become known that the land is owned by the Government of Guyana, where a primary school was built for more than 30 years now – land where we lived and farmed all our lives and are paying utility.

The same land was resurveyed in 2009 at the request of the farmers. There was a vast discrepancy of the amount of untransported land in the estate. Where is the land that was granted transport?

There was so much red alert in this case, but it was apparently ignored. I feel someone should have been in jail for committing fraud,

but instead it has continued to make a mockery of our judicial system.

We have since been granted an injunction, but I feel this is not enough. We should be awarded the land without prejudice, because we had sole and undisturbed possession of the land for more than three generations. I hope the truth prevails and we can put all this aside and move forward with our lives soon.

Mr President, this one is for you, just to let you know we are still waiting for a response from the Attorney General’s Office since November 27, 2013.

Also this message is for the Opposition parties, nongovernmental organisations, religious groups and the general public, it is time you speak up.

Finally, I hope the Attorney General’s office can investigate any wrongdoing in this case, and assign a judge to finish this case ASAP. We hope justice will prevail in this case and bring closure soon for the farmers.

Yours faithfully, Name and address provided

Bad roads and a few other things make us angry Dear Editor, The current situation at Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara is similar to the one at the new housing scheme at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Residents are burdened with broken and pothole-filled roads, which get worse during the rainy period.

I have visited both Canal Numbers One and Two, and I am left to assume that development must be seriously stymied in these communities because of the poor infrastructure.

It was quite a treacherous drive to my destination and I was actually forced to short-

en my visit, as I didn’t want to be caught on that particular road at night. Additionally, many residents have claimed that this particular stretch has been prone to robberies.

Road construction is a task that requires great investment of money and time and it is important that something of such relevance and importance be done properly. Ideally, contractors should be dealt with accordingly for their incompetence.

Additionally, I strongly suggest that we make more use of speed bumps particularly in villages where the roads have been recently constructed. Too often, people

abuse these new and smaller roads by speeding and frequently traversing them with heavy vehicles which eventually cause damage.

Personally, I believe that many of us love our country, and it is things like poor road construction, increase in criminal activities, and poor response from the police and other services that cause people to want to leave Guyana.

We must all learn to be responsible people and it is important that those who err be accountable for their actions.

Sincerely, Yuvraj Nauth

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Foundation

Parenting: Ineffective things to avoid doing

By Megan Devine

A

t Empowering Parents, we talk a lot about “effective” versus “ineffective” parenting styles. In fact, James Lehman reminds us that it’s not about whether your parenting style is right or wrong, it’s about whether it’s effective.

The good news is that if you aren’t getting the results you want – for example, a less mouthy child, or a teen that follows through on her responsibilities more consistently – you aren’t doing anything wrong. You simply need to change your strategy.

Struggling is how children learn to solve the bigger problems that will come their way without falling apart as they grow into adults.

Today, I’d like to explore some parenting strategies that aren’t effective. While many of these may seem harmless, they can actually subtly keep you from seeing the results you want.

“Here, let me help you with that.” It’s so frustrating when your children take forever to do the task you’ve asked to him. It’s also tough when you see your teen struggling with something, knowing you could fix it easily.

In both cases, it can be

guyanatimesgy.com

tempting to jump in and help, or to just do the task for your child. Helicopter parenting is when parents do too much for their children on a regular basis, but many of us are guilty of jumping in when we should let our teens fend for themselves, even if we’re not always hovering.

Unfortunately, what this teaches your child is that he doesn’t need to struggle through the tough stuff; he never has to push through anything hard, because the hard things are always solved for him.

This can turn into learned helplessness – when your child learns that any time things get too tough, he can give up.

A side effect of this is that he learns that he doesn’t need to form his own problem solving skills if he can always borrow yours.

If you jump in every time your child takes too long or struggles with something, it can also send the message that you don’t believe he’s capable of doing the task.

What to do instead: As uncomfortable as it is to watch your child wrestle with a problem or task, let him know you believe in his ability to work through it. Offer your support, but don’t do the job for him.

“A house divided against itself…” If you

Today’s children need a work-life balance – teachers are parenting with a spouse or partner, don’t get stuck in good cop/bad cop roles, where one parent is always enforcing the rules and boundaries and the other is not.

Aside from causing tension in your relationship, splitting your authority like this gives your teen the message that consequences are all about the “tough” parent being, well, tough.

It takes the focus off of his self-responsibility and pits one parent against the other.

What to do instead: Work on one or two core behavioural issues with your teen, rather than trying to tackle several at once. If you find that you and your partner don’t agree on key issues, take some time to discuss places you might agree. Find one or two behaviours you both want your child to improve. Then decide together on a clear, consistent way of addressing these issues.

Most importantly, agree to present a united front to your child. Let her know that she can’t get around the rules by appealing to one “My kid’s having a tough time right now. I need to make things easier on him.” If your teen

is going through a rough period in his life, whether because of school issues, a difficult life event or emotional challenges, it can be tempting to let the normal rules slide. Unfortunately, this approach can backfire.

Instead of being the comforting, low stress time you might hope for, your child may revert to poor behavioural choices, or even adopt some new “bad habits”.

What to do instead: While you do want to show compassion and empathy toward your child, stick to the routine and the rules, as much as possible. Allow him to pay the natural consequences for his actions.

And let your teen know that no matter what’s going on, the rules still apply.

You can help by having a problem-solving conversation with your child, “I know you’re having a tough time right now. You still need to do your chores and get home by your curfew.

What can you do to make sure you do those things?”

By holding your child accountable for his normal responsibilities, you’re helping him learn to manage his emotional world, no matter what. That’s a skill he’ll need throughout his life.

Help him practise it. (empower-

ingparents.com)

… youngsters are not spending enough time with parents

C

hildren are being ‘institutionalised’ too young and need a decent balance between time at nursery and school and being at home with their parents, a teachers’ leader suggested.

Parents and young children have a right to get to know each other and should have time to do so, according to Dr Mary Bousted, General Secretary of England’s Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

She warned that the UK is the ‘poor man of Europe’ in terms of long working hours and that more needs to be done to support family life.

Dr Bousted’s comments came as Education Minister Elizabeth Truss said that in the past, many school nurseries could only offer standard time slots for families, making it difficult for parents trying to combine childcare with work.

Action has been taken to allow all schools to cater to younger children and to open for longer hours to give families more flexibility, she add-

ed.

At its annual conference in Manchester next week, ATL is due to debate a motion raising concerns that calls for youngsters to start school at an earlier age, along with proposals for longer school days and shorter holidays do not put children first.

Strong families It says that strong families are the “bedrock of a strong and stable society” and that families need a work-life balance that allows them to spend time together.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Dr Bousted said: “Obviously, children need a work life balance, just like their parents do.

“And for children, if you are in a childcare setting, or in a nursery, or in a school, in a sense, for them that’s work, because it is time away from home which is where they are most relaxed.

“I think the motion speaks to the concern that we institutionalise our children too young, and that our children need to know their parents and parents need to know their children.”

She added: ‘That’s not to say that we are against mothers working full time, that’s not to say we’re against very good childcare facilities for young people, but we do work the longest hours in Europe and there is a massive pressure on family life, both parents really juggling childcare and working life.

“We are the poor man of Europe when it comes to unpaid overtime and there is a massive pressure to be present in the workplace and there is not a culture in the UK as there is in other European countries, particularly Scandinavian countries, which understand that raising a family is hard work and that if we’re going to have a healthy next generation and if we’re going to make family life do-able and if we’re going to do something about the breakdown in families, the incidence of divorce and family break up then we have to do more to support family life, whether that’s both parents working, one parent working or no parents working.”

(Excerpt from Daily Mail)

news

7

tuesDay, april 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Over 60 per cent of nursery WPA leader willing to testify at Rodney students don’t know ABC inquiry

– Manickchand tells House

E

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand said some 710 children are set to enter the Nursery Education System this year; however, statistical data shows that an alarming number of them do not know their alphabet.

The minister made the comments during her contribution to the budget debate.

Her presentation was boycotted by the Opposition. The Education Minister explained that only 32 per cent of the 710 children set to enter the nursery system (at the age of three years six months) know their ABC and basic biographical information.

But all hope is not lost, she noted, stating that under the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, systems will be implemented to assist parents in helping their children when they are away from school.

Manickchand told the House that the education sector has evolved significantly in Guyana due to consistent investment. Pointing to the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), she boasts about Guyana’s move from an overall pass rate of five per cent in 1992 to 66 per cent by 2010. She also alluded to the country copping five of the eight Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) awards in 2013.

Yogeeta Persaud of Anna Regina Secondary School received the Overall Outstanding Achievement Award, while Rafena Mustapha of Saraswati Vidya Niketan was awarded for being the most outstanding student in the area of humanities.

Cecil Cox of Queen’s College walked away with the Most Outstanding in Sciences Award while Sasha Woodroffe, also of Queen’s College, was deemed the most outstanding student in business studies. The last award went to Zimeena Rasheed of Anna Regina Secondary for her outstanding performance in the technical vocational field.

Prizes Manickchand told the House that in coming years Guyana will cop the remaining awards including the Most Outstanding Candidate in Visual Arts and Most Outstanding Candidate in Short Story Writing.

“With money comes growth. Growth means our children are doing better,” Minister Manickchand said, noting that Guyana’s children are being better prepared for the world of work.

According to the Minister, the 2014 Budget comes at a pivotal time, noting that the Education Ministry will soon launch its Five Year Strategic Plan targeting both teachers and students. “We want 50 per cent of our children reading at the Grade Four Level, we want to see universal secondary education…achieved in Guyana,” she said, providing a sneak peek of the plan.

Manickchand told the House that the 2014 Budget

– says he hasn’t been approached

ers who have breached their contract with Government are now returning home. The Ministry is reportedly working to reintegrate these teachers back into the system.

Meanwhile at UG, US$10 million is being used to revise curriculums for 15 areas of study and renovate 14 buildings. Monies have also been made available to facilitate research activities.

Nothing new – Ally

Education Minister Priya Manickchand will help the Education Ministry to achieve universal secondary education, pointing out that Region One will receive a significant boost in the transportation sector through the provision of boats and engines to ensure that children are transported to school when necessary.

While Region Two is on the verge of attaining universal secondary education status, the reconstruction of the Zeeburg Secondary School and the construction of a 1000-student secondary school at Parfaite Harmonie will put Region Three on stream to achieving that status. While schools will either be built or expanded in other regions, putting them closer to achieving universal secondary education, the possibility of Region Seven attaining this status seems dim. The construction of a secondary school in the Mazaruni area is not on the cards for this year, but will hopefully be placed on the agenda for 2015.

Meanwhile, in the tertiary education system, the Education Minister told the House 23 lecturers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana are currently doing their Master’s while two lecturers are doing their doctorates. Over at CPCE, the Ministry has taken a decision to deny access to students who have failed three or more subjects. These students are asked to reapply to the institution.

Manickchand also refuted claims that within the education sector, teachers are migrating by the hundreds. She told the House this is contrary to the fact, noting that the Education Ministry is faced with a situation where teach-

APNU’s Chief Whip Amna Ally said, on the contrary, the new Education Strategic Plan 2014-2018 has nothing new for the education system. This year, Government budgeted $2.9 billion for infrastructural development within the education sector, but Ally said there are many questions surrounding the expenditure of the $2.7 billion in 2013.

“In 2013, we had pupils of Santa Rosa Primary, for example, fetching water for use, cleaning school….we had children fetching wood in Kato and spending a lot of time out of the formal learning system,” Ally said.

It was further pointed out that in Region Eight, $438 million was budgeted for education; however, Chenapou and Toesnang schools went without proper furniture.

Additionally, the teachers’ quarters that house two VSOs from the UK do not have any furniture, toilet and bathroom facilities and light.

“Can somebody tell me what happened to the $438 million for Education in Region Eight?” she asked the House. The Opposition’s chief whip suggested to the House that discrimination might be at work. “Can this Government tell this National Assembly whether it is because Region Eight is under the political leadership of the AFC that they are stifling the people of that region?”

According to Ally, Minister within the Finance Ministry, Bishop Juan Edghill’s pronouncement that Guyana has achieved 100 per cent universal secondary education is laughable, pointing out that while Information Technology labs have popped up around the country, they are useless without teachers and electricity.

Turning her attention to tertiary education, she contended that the $1.4 billion

APNU’s Chief Whip Amna Ally budgeted for the University’s campuses is ridiculous. “The University of Guyana can’t pay their electricity bills, doesn’t have proper chalk boards, has inadequate projectors and poor toilet facilities,” she pointed out, arguing that the Government is spending limited funds on the University and spending large sums on unimportant projects.

Grant

The $10,000 grant to parents of school age children was also criticised by the Opposition Member of Parliament. According to her, parents of children would welcome this money “because the Government has plunged the country into a state of depression that any little pittance will be used to fill a hole for survival.

A child travelling from West Coast Berbice to a school in New Amsterdam via the Berbice River Bridge must pay no less than $1000 per child (transport) so this $10,000 is for two weeks.” She then asked what will happen during the other 50 weeks in the year.

Ally contended that this year’s budget was nothing but a “spend and hope budget”, arguing that there is no certainty about the effectiveness of the education programme.

WPA Leader, Dr Ruper Roopnaraine

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

L

eader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said he would freely participate in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), should he be approached by the Secretariat.

However, the party leader has revealed that he has not yet received an invitation from any member of the Secretariat in this regard.

Dr Roopnaraine, speaking with this publication on Monday, said his position remains the same, noting that party members are afforded free will to participate in the inquiry.

When contacted, head of the Walter Rodney Secretariat Hugh Denbow said that witnesses are still approaching with their statements. Asked if any witnesses from the WPA have approached the secretariat, Denbow related that he could not say, since he is not fully aware of the party members.

Recently, WPA Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye when asked if he felt a sense of moral obligation to testi-

fy at the inquiry, had said that he would follow his party’s line. However, if he was forced by law, he may very well have to.

The WPA had early last month, raised concerns over a number of issues regarding the inquiry and had written President Donald Ramotar on the matter. The President in his reply assured the party that there was no ulterior motive behind the inquiry. Ramotar had maintained that the decisions to establish the Commission and the drafting of the Terms of Reference (ToR) were made primarily by Rodney’s family members, particularly by his wife Patricia.

“In the exercise of my deliberate judgment, I accepted her request. In the circumstances and for those reasons, I tasked the Head of the Presidential Secretariat and the Attorney General with the responsibility to liaise with the Rodney family in respect of the formulation of the Terms of Reference.

I am aware that the said Terms of Reference were crafted after weeks of consultations with the Rodney family,” the President had said.

8 News

tuesday, april 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Wanted man “Popcorn” shot dead by police

W

anted man Deodat Seecharran was late Sunday night shot dead after a confrontation with police ranks in Berbice.

Seecharran, also called “Popcorn”, of Edinburgh Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice (EBB), was shot in the vicinity of a mandir in Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice.

According to reports, police ranks confronted Seecharran after acting on a tip from unknown sources regarding the suspicious behaviour of persons in the mandir.

On arrival at the scene, ranks parked their vehicle some distance away and cautiously proceeded on foot. Upon gaining entry to the place of worship, a number of cellular phones were discovered at electrical outlets charging.

On checking the phones, police discovered the image of the wanted man on one of the phones’ screen. While scouting the area, they were confronted by two armed men. Police commanded them to halt; however, one of the men opened fire upon the ranks, so they

returned fire. The encounter lasted for approximately 15 minutes.

At the end of the exchange, the wanted man had sustained two gunshot wounds, dying on the spot. According to reports, another criminal known to the police managed to escape, although he was reportedly injured during the shooting.

Long rap sheet The deceased had been charged for two murders and several robberies under arms.

More recently, he was positively identified by the survivor of the gunning down of Patricia Samaroo, 64, of Fyrish Village on the Corentyne. The woman was shot at point blank range to her head.

Additionally, Seecharran was implicated for another murder on the Corentyne – that of Devendra “Dave” Deodat, 34, of Lot 72 Hampshire Squatting Area.

Deodat, the owner of Cool Runnings Trucking Service, was brutally gunned down in December 2013. The man’s wife sustained several chops to

Deodat “Popcorn” Seecharran the head during the incident.

Seecharran was also facing charges for two counts of robbery under arms committed in 2012 on Inderjeet Persaud, of 26 Cumberland Public Road, East Canje and his wife, Melissa Fernandes.

Seecharran had appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court in August 2012 and was placed on $300,000 bail for each count of robbery.

On December 2012, he was allegedly involved in a shoot-

out with the police ranks in Berbice while attempting to break into the home of Rajesh Parasram of Betsy Ground.

The encounter allegedly lasted for a period of three and a half hours. After being injured by the police, he was arrested the very day for being in possession of firearms and ammunition without having a valid licence, attempted burglary, and discharging of a firearm with intent.

He also was charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Doodnauth Moses of the said area and several police ranks in the three-hour standoff at Betsy Ground.

In August of 2013, he was placed on $100,000 bail for each offence by Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo when he appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court; however, when he made his next court appearance in September of 2013, Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs reduced bail to $50,000 for each charge each.

Bail was posted and that was the last time Seecharran attended court.

Eyew tness Singing like a...

...kiskadee alph Ramkarran’s determined to sing, as the Americans say, like a canary. That’s to say...spilling his guts. The Yanks also say canary yellow is the sign of cowardice. But we wouldn’t want to say that about our ex-Speaker. We’ll just say he’s singing more like the local kiskadee...creating more noise than music. But like most people who sing for their supper, Ramkarran’s rather selective with his recital.

Harking back to the bad old days (well, not so “old” when you consider he’s talking about less than a decade ago) Ramkarran refers to himself hauling “Gail” – presumably Texiera – over the coals for not giving him and the other PPP comrades on the Ex-co a detailed analysis of the then current Agricola Massacre. Now, nothing’s wrong about this demand. Gail, after all, was Home Affairs Minister.

Hey!! It wasn’t only Ramkarran shaking in his boots, we bet there were quite a few others who might’ve also soiled their pants.

But we’re a bit taken aback that in his raising the issue in the present, he disingenuously leaves out the reason why Gail could furnish no analysis: Winston Felix. In Guyana the Home Affairs Minister doesn’t have a set of private eyes to do his investigation and analysis of any crime or situation.

S/he depends on the police to do so. And Ramkarran knows fully well – through a very highly publicised tape recording after the Agricola Massacre – that Winston Felix was working as an agent of the PNC and explicitly admitted that he “deliberately turn the thing away” from the PPP. In his words, “I made a firm decision that me ain’t saying nothin, but THEM people I turnin away.” Remember who was “them people, Bannuh?” Gail and the rest of the PPP. So how the heck can Ramkarran still believe that Gail was holding back on him and the comrades when Felix was singing even more like a canary to Basil Williams? Felix was concerned about why the PNC wasn’t “de fust people’ in Agricola to clean up things. But Ramkarran is probably hoping that people would’ve forgotten about that piece of infamy. What it signals, however, is Comrade Ralph, is going to do his darnedest to take others down as he sinks into oblivion.

Now that the heat is over Ramkarran and others can talk fat. Everybody’s vision is 20/20 with hindsight. What we would like to know is when there was nothing but Jagdeo between protection of the state and its overthrow, where was Ramkarran and his ilk? Those who have ears let them hear.

Beware the fire next time. And who encouraged its spark.

R

...a fox The Opposition has this thing for GINA. Seems they feel they were previously ignored by GINA. Hey! We know what it is to be slighted. Gives a fella low self-esteem. Is it one’s breath? So from the drop of the hat in the first budget, it was payback time for GINA. And we all know, as the kids say, “payback’s a bitch!”

So the Opposition cut GINA’s salaries...not a black cent, they screamed!! GINA would have to walk the streets. And we all know what that can lead to. Especially when Parliament’s so close to Lombard Street. But the Government intervened, scraped together some pennies and saved GINA’s honour. Then the second budget rolled around and the Opposition repeated their spite so as to embarrass GINA. Once again, the Government came to its rescue.

But GINA now tried to make amends – and invited an APNU member to be interviewed. He was jerked off the floor so violently, he’s suffering whiplash.

Seems the Opposition will never forget its early slight from GINA. ...rat In the wake of the Guyanese being turned away from a hospital in Trinidad, their Health Minister confirmed they were working to prevent the free treatment of foreigners.

Who’s going to finesse emergencies and regular treatment?

9 Canje residents praise police for killing wanted man news

tuesDay, april 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

eral robberies. "Popcorn", has been engaging the attention of the police since he was a teenager. At age 19, he was remanded for allegedly robbing two East Canje residents of a total of $1.8 million in valuables. December 9, 2012, he and two others were injured during a shootout with police at Betsy Ground after a failed attempt to break into a home in that community. All

of Number Two Village, East Canje.

Police, in a release, on Monday said shortly before midnight on Sunday, acting on information, ranks went to Back Street, Betsy Ground, where two men were seen on bicycles.

“As the police approached, one of the men opened fire on them and the police returned fire. During the exchange,

The mandir at Betsy Ground, East Canje, where "Popcorn" was moments before his death The roof the men were on before opening fire on the police

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

N

otorious criminal Deodat Seecharran also called “Popcorn”, who was on the police wanted list, was killed during a shootout with the lawmen in Berbice Sunday night.

Reports are that Seecharran was part of a gang of four in Betsy Ground Village, East Canje, that opened fire on police after residents had reported seeing the men.

During the exchange, Seecharran was fatally shot.

News of the death of Seecharran was greeted with joy by residents of the community.

“I am very happy… Ah mean you gon get fo sleep lil

Betsy Ground residents early Monday morning gathered at the scene where "Popcorn" was shot

mo comfortable now,” one resident said. The residents referred to the now dead man as a plague and were high in praise of the police.

“Is every night the police in here and the last time when they shoot him, the Sergeant from the station do ah good job, but dis time dem gee am good… It’s too overbearing,” a businessman told Guyana Times.

Seecharran had been wanted by police in connection with two murders and was before the court for sev-

three were later charged and subsequently granted bail.

Police have been on the hunt for Seecharran since October 2012 following the murder of Hampshire, Corentyne businessman Davindra “Dave” Deodat.

Deodat was shot dead and his wife and father-in-law wounded after bandits invaded their home.

Seecharran was also wanted in connection with the March 7 murder of 64-year-old Patricia Samaroo

No word on Foulis kidnap victim

R

elatives as well as the police remain tightlipped on any development regarding the kidnapping of Foulis, East Coast Demerara businessman, Rajendra Singh.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Monday told media operatives that the matter is a sensitive one and the police will not divulge any information since it can put the businessman’s life and that of his family at risk.

Persaud stated that while the police force is cognisant that the media has a role to play in disseminating information to the public, the man’s life is at risk and any unwarranted information may trigger a reaction from the kidnappers.

Thus far, Guyana Times understands that the kidnappers would have contacted the family on Monday morning about 05:00h, requesting the money to be dropped off at a certain location and more importantly, demanded they hand over the surveillance footage of the incident when it unfolded.

Contacted to shed some light as to how the Police Force should handle the case, Former Police Commissioner Winston Felix said confidentiality plays an important role in any kidnapping matter.

He added that once the police would have established a contact between them and the kidnappers,

Kidnap victim Rajendra Singh

they would negotiate for the safe return of the businessman.

Felix stated that once information is leaked to the media, it could jeopardise the police’s effort, explaining that the police should not at any time update the media on what is happening.

He said in this case, the police would have initiated contact with the media as is the norm regarding incidents of this nature. He recalled during his time as commissioner, there were specially trained officers to deal with the issue of kidnapping, but he was not sure what protocol the police are following in this instance.

On Monday, it was reported that the ransom was

reduced from $50 million to $25 million. The kidnappers had telephoned the businessman’s wife, requesting $25 million instead after the initial amount could not have been arranged.

Initially, the men had given the family up to midnight on Saturday to hand over the ransom which they failed to do, hence, the businessman was reportedly shot in the leg, according to reports circulating in the village when this newspaper visited the area.

Police in a release stated that they are investigating the reported kidnapping of the businessman which occurred about 18:45h on Saturday.

Investigations thus far revealed that Singh was in his motor car in front of his business place when his wife saw two men entering the vehicle, and driving off with him in it. After a few minutes, the woman received a phone call demanding the sum of $50 million for the safe return of her husband.

However, the businessman’s car, vehicle PFF 982 was found by members of the Cummings Lodge Community Policing Group along the Goedverwagting Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara. It has been handed over to the police at Sparendaam, who have joined the search for the missing man.

The Police Force, nevertheless, is continuing their investigations.

Seecharran was shot and later pronounced dead on arrival at the New Amsterdam Hospital. His accomplice managed to escape.”

The release noted that a haversack containing 10 .32 rounds, a stocking mask and a pair of camouflage pants, along with the two bicycles were recovered. According to the police release, Seecharran had skipped bail and “failed to return to court on the charges which were consequently being proceeded with ex parte”.

Meanwhile, residents say that three men were seen in the Betsy Ground Mandir compound about 22:00h on Sunday and appeared to be charging their cellular phones. “By the time the police come, they de done gone already, but the police go in and find three cellphones…” one eyewitness said.

The men subsequently returned to the mandir compound, but did not find the phones and then went into Back Street. According to Dalip Narine, who was chopped in January 2011 when four armed men entered his home, about 23:30h Sunday, he heard the sound of footsteps running on his roof.

He said he could not identify how many persons were there and did not attempt to find out. Shortly after shots started to ring out. He said he counted seven shoots; two

of them being louder than the other five. Another resident who lives about 100 metres from where the shooting occurred, said after the shooting, he opened his window and saw three men walking pass. One of them, he said was carrying what appeared to be a shot gun. The resident noted that shortly after a party of police officers came towards his house, but by then, the men had already disappeared into the backlands.

Residents also showed this publication where the wanted man had been hiding out. It was an area concealed by thick overgrowth, a track led to what one resident said was a daytime home for criminals.

According to the residents, police removed a crow bar, cigarettes and empty salt bags which were used as mattresses.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

t uesday, APRIL 8, 2014

News

Hicken to head A Division De Greens in GT don’t like hard wuk

S Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine

New A Division Commander Clifton Hicken

New Special Branch head Winston Cosbert

ollowing the appointment of Seelall Persaud as acting Police Commissioner and the retirement of Assistant Commissioner George Vyphius, several postings of officers have been made with effect from April 8.

The Police Public Relations Department on Monday confirmed the changes which will see Assistant Commissioner Winston Cosbert, who served as Deputy Crime Chief to Persaud named as head of Special Branch while Senior Superintendent Leslie James has been appointed Crime Chief with Senior Superintendent Marlon Chapman as Second-inCommand.

Superintendent Brian Eastman has been posted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Senior Police Superintendent Clifton Hicken was named A Division Commander while Superintendent Dion Moore was listed as Secondin-Command of the said division.

Superintendent Calvin Brutus was named Traffic Officer of the division.

A Division will also see some new faces such as Deputy Superintendent Khali Pareshram, Detective Deputy Superintendent Michael Kingston, Deputy Superintendent Wayne De Hearte, Assistant Superintendent Althea

Scipio, Cadet Officer Anthony Austin and Inspector Brian Lowenfield.

Deputy Superintendent Linden Isles was posted at B Division while Detective Superintendent Wendell Blanhum was transferred to C Division.

Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam will now command D Division with Superintendent Rishi Das as Second-in-Command.

Cadet Officer Ganesh Puran will also take up position at D Division.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Sutton will take up the post as Second-inCommand of E Division with effect from April 21.

A s s i s t a n t Superintendent Rudolph Banwarie was posted at F Division while Assistant Superintendent Walter Stanton will be Second-inCommand of G Division.

Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh will now become Personal Assistant to the acting Commissioner and Inspector Myrna Halley was also posted at the Commissioner’s office.

The Felix Austin Police College will now be headed by Superintendent Adrian Simon while Superintendent Errol Watts will oversee the operations of the Tactical Services Unit (TSC).

Meanwhile, with the new appointments, it has sparked controversy, especially with regards to the nonappointment of

Winston Cosbert as Crime Chief.

Cosbert has been Deputy Crime Chief for a number of years under the command of the incumbent commissioner, and some see his new posting with some unease.

There are rumours that Cosbert might have secrets for several high-ranking officials in the Guyana Police Force; thus, his confirmation as Crime Chief was undermined.

Another major blow was the undermining of Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, who is the most senior police officer after Persaud, but again, he was not considered for any new placements.

One senior police rank told Guyana Times that Ramnarine was the most suitable candidate to fill

the position as A Division Commander.

The source added that Ramnarine is a solid candidate for the post of Deputy Commissioner, but this appointment will have to be done through the Police Service Commission.

The officer added that what was also striking was the fact that Hicken, who is junior to B Division Commander Brian Joseph and C Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith, was given the post.

Another rank said he was surprised with the placements and thought that with the recent controversy with Hicken in the Linden fiasco, he would have been overlooked as the Commander of one of the most important divisions.

F

ome people gettin life easy and some people gettin life hard. It got people who does wuk hard fuh a small livin and it got other people who does hardly wuk fuh a big livin. But big livin or small livin, some people like all de livin with no kinda wuk at all.

De public servants is one setta people who don’t like any hard wuk, but dem like to live big. That was since in Burnt Ham days, but although Burnt Ham dead and gone, dem public servants ways ain’t dead and gone no way.

It start wid dem Em-Pees who gettin big livin fuh little or no wuk. De budget debate does happen at de right time of de day when mosta dem ready fuh tek dem afternoon siesta. But somma dem does tek some damn long siestas and does only wake up when is time fuh eat, talk or bang pun de table.

And wid that amounta sleepin whah does go on in Parliament, dem MPs musbe involved in a lotta bangin when dem should be sleepin, which explain de real reason why dem does be so sleepy when dem should be awake.

Rum Jhaat might wake up when is time fuh use he scissors. Slypaul wake up and resign. Mannish Chand wake up and bawl fuh some ting, but Slypaul seh wasn’t he. De Speaker does nod off one and two time too. Last time he wake up he fuhget that he had ban Mannish Chand from talkin.

Although she not a Em-Pee, another big one who gettin away wid big livin and no wuk is de Green Woman at de s*ity council. She definitely tek after she boss-fuhlife who is another big-livin not-wukkin Guyanese.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, de Green Woman finally speak she mind and seh GT de garbage town don’t need a cleanup, although every body who pass thru GT gon seh de opposite. But de Green Woman don’t like no hard wuk. And de Green Man is de same.

Qualfon employee drowns at Blue Water Lake

A

n outing at Blue Water Lake, Wismar, Linden turned tragic on Sunday afternoon after a Qualfon Call Centre employee drowned while trying to save a colleague.

The dead man was identified as 22-year-old Jemel Thompson also called “JJ” and “Sexy” of Lot 129 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

According to information received, the young man was in the company of workmates when he met his demise.

This newspaper understands that Thompson might have seen one of his female colleagues going under the water and went to save her.

He was reportedly pulled to safety, but he did not make it. His relatives are not buying into the stories told, thus, are calling on the police to facilitate a full probe into the issue.

Marsha Thompson, the mother of the dead man, told Guyana Times that her son left home on Sunday morning about 09:00h,

ing a set of strange questions… asking me if I know where JJ is… or who he left with… then they tell me that they have something to tell me and they will come by the next morning to tell me.”

She noted that it could not have been her son’s girlfriend since the young lady was at work.

Conflicting story

Dead: Jemel Thompson

without telling her where he was heading.

The devastated mother explained that she was under the impression that Jemel was with his cousins at Regent Street, Georgetown, playing video games until she received a strange telephone call.

“It was like four O’clock, two girls use his phone, pretending to be his girlfriend and call me and ask-

The woman said soon after, she received another call from a staff member of Qualfon, who told her that her son was pulled from the water in an unconscious state and they were transporting him to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Thompson added that she started to enquire as to what really occurred, but was told several conflicting stories.

“I was told that he was going to save a young lady and instead he drown… then they tell me that they bring him to Georgetown but he never came…”

However, she learnt the

at least three bus loads of Qualfon workers went on an outing and her son was with them.

This was not the first time that her son went with his colleagues on an outing but his mother is furious that he did not inform her.

The aggrieved mother stated that her eldest daughter travelled to Linden on Monday morning, but was told that Thompson’s body was already transferred to Lyken’s Funeral Home.

The police, she noted, have taken statements from staff members who were detained in the mining town.

The former Government Technical Institute (GTI) student had recently told his mother that he wanted to continue his education.

He has been working at the Qualfon Call Centre for the past three years.

Jemel leaves to mourn his parents and three siblings. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed shortly.

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tuesday, april 8, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

12 news Success of rice industry Hindus observe New Year was not automatic – Jagnarine Singh tuesday, april 8, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

By: Indrawattie Natram

Jagnarine Singh

T

he rice industry is the pinnacle of agri-business today, having started from a humble beginning, working its way to become one of the largest enterprises in Guyana.

This is according to Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh, who said he cannot be more proud to know that production, productivity, exports and export earnings have reached an all time high.

He said all Guyanese should be proud that for the first time in the history of the rice sector, the industry has managed to surpassed half-a -million tonnes of rice.

“This was the dream for many, a dream we believe we will achieve in 2018. But despite the critics, despite the challenges, this dream has been realised five years before the expected time,” Singh said.

explained.

He said the 10,000 farming families are today enjoying a better standard of living, thanks to the support from Government through the Agriculture Ministry.

Speaking of the fields, Singh said rice production needs lots of water, but at the same time cannot tolerate long periods of flooding.

Balance needs to be maintained, thus, the management of drainage and irrigation canals is important.

Substantial investment in drainage and irrigation infrastructure by the present Government has contributed to the success story of the rice industry.

opment of the research facility; both physical and technical, has contributed to the success of rice.

He said 2014 will see the return of a second staff member with a PhD and a third one has successfully completed his first year. To date, the GRDB has trained and have been training more than eight members of staff in post-graduate degrees. This is in addition to the many who have received training at the diploma and first degree level.

The last four varieties released in the past three years

by GRDB accounted for more than 60 per cent of cultivation of new varieties.

A combine in an Essequibo Coast rice field

He noted that cleaning, maintenance and establishment of new drainage and irrigation channels by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Mahaica, Mahaicony,

The four high yielding rice varieties (GRDB 09, 10, 11 and12) have gained countrywide acceptance by farmers because the reported yields are as high as 60 bags per acre.

Dominant variety

Farmers loading fertiliser onto a bull car

The success story of rice, he said, was not without many challenges, just as life itself.

The rice industry, deemed one of the largest private sector entities, had experienced some difficult times in 2013.

Some of which include paddy bug infestation, flooding, lack of water and high cost of imported inputs.

Resilience

According to Singh, the defining factor of success is always when one overcomes challenges faced.

“The fact that the rice industry is successful is testimony to the resilience of rice farmers and other rice stakeholders who are always steadfast and resolute in their mission of rice production,” Singh

Abary/Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has resulted in less losses during the rainy season as adequate water is available during the dry season.

No loss

“As a matter of fact, no rice was loss in the field due to flooding or drought in 2013,” he outlined.

After a very long time, Guyana is benefiting from improve technology provided by the Burma Rice Research Station. New improved, higher yielding varieties have become a regular feature at the GRDB Rice Research Station. The devel-

The most dominant variety in the country is GRDB 10, which accounts for 35 per cent of national acreage. The research staffers continue to search for new and improve areas, and as a result, they have introduced an aromatic variety. Some 500 acres of this variety is being cultivated.

On marketing, according to Singh, Government’s initiative in marketing Guyana’s rice, coupled with its successful stewardship of the industry, has resulted in favourable market prices, providing attractive returns on investments for stakeholders.

This has enabled farmers and millers to replace old equipment and introduce new technologies as GRDB seeks to enhance productivity.

Within the last four years, millers have invested $10 billion of private capital to upgrade their mills, bringing them to a state of improved efficiency.

Farmers have used the favourable price for paddy to move forward with mechanisation. The growing use of fertiliser spreader and boom sprayers has addressed the significant cost of labour in these operations. Work on development in this area continues, Singh noted.

Worshippers during Navaratri at a temple on the Essequibo Coast

T

housands of Hindus on the Essequibo Coast ushered in the Hindu New Year 2071 by fasting and observing the celebration of Navaratri.

The Hindu New Year began on March 31 and it commenced the festival of Navaratri (nine nights dedicated for the worship of the female goddess, Durga, Lakshmi and Swarswattie).

Thousands of Hindus flock various temples throughout the Essequibo Coast in observance of the festival.

Many Hindu homes, temples and even businesses were cleaned and polished weeks in advance in preparation for the auspicious occasion.

Many housewives stocked their kitchen with scrumptious vegetarian recipe for the festival. During the celebration of fasting for nine days, Hindu’s abstain from indulging in any untoward deeds.

During this time, many

charitable donations are made and children fed.

Many families also plan religious functions, praising the goddess and at the end, serving seven curry.

In practice of Sanatan Dharma, commonly called Hinduism, emphasis is placed on the commencement of every event and undertaking.

It is believed that if one is to commence any deliberation with the right mental, physical and spiritual condition, success as well as sustained good fortune will be evident.

The start of the New Year is fundamental in establishing a firm foundation from which one can build, develop and be elevated in achieving all noble aspirations.

The period of Navaratri facilitates that process and through fasting and discipline, one is able to refocus and clearly redefine ones personal vision as well as seeking self-empowerment in every aspect of life. It en-

ables one to reflect on the past, praying and fasting to redirect and recommit oneself to the higher ideals of life.

During the Navaratri period, three concepts or manifestations of the Goddess Mother is worshipped and glorified. Various articles of devotion are used in the ritualistic offerings, the most common being “the offering of dhar,” or specially grounded herbs, poured at the rise of the sun from a brass cup or “lotaa”, with the chanting of mantras or sacred formulas.

The three-fold concept of the goddess acts as a mirror that reflects the ideals and perfections of man.

The three-fold concept is: “Mother Durga”, the remover of fear, doubt and personal strength; “Mother Lakshmi” who personifies unlimited potential to self-elevation; and “Mother Saraswati”, the embodiment of wisdom, discipline and knowledge.

Dhurjon working on third draft of AML Bill

By Svetlana Marshall

P

residential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira said the Special Select Committee on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 will meet once Chief Parliamentary Counsel (CPC) Cecil Dhurjon completes the reformulation of the third draft of the Opposition’s amendments.

Teixeira, who heads the committee, said the weekly meetings have been suspended to facilitate the 2014 Budget Debates, which commenced on March 31 as customary.

However, she explained that members have agreed to meet once the CPC completes his work on the drafted amendments.

The Parliament Select Committee last met on March 25. It was during that meeting that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge made further adjustments to the coalition’s proposed amendments.

At the previous meeting, the draft amendments

Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira

were looked at by the committee, but Greenidge asked for some time to reformulate the proposed amendments and submit such to the CPC. Government has since tagged the Opposition’s proposed amendments as problematic.

But even when the CPC completes his work and the work of the special select committee comes to an end, there is still a major obstacle in way that can prevent the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill.

Both the APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have indicated that they will not support the bill if the Donald Ramotar administration does not accede to their demands.

The AFC remains firm on its position that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) must be put into operation and equipped with the requisite human and financial resources to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.

But the alliance has also joined with the APNU in its call for President Ramotar to assent to key Opposition bills that were passed in the National Assembly, but were rejected by the President.

President Ramotar has refused to assent to the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2012; the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2013; the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2013 and the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2012, contending that based on the advice of the Attorney General Anil Nandlall, the bills are unconstitutional.

news

13

tuesday, April 8, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

U.S.-bound passenger Hinds upbeat about freeing nabbed with cocaine up of telecoms sector in pastries P A U.S.-bound passenger was on Sunday evening nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) while attempting to smuggle out 7.5 kilograms of cocaine in pastries.

Nicholas Harinand, 37, of Canje, Berbice was intercepted by ranks of the Custom Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU). He was due to board a BW 526 Flight to John F Kennedy Airport (JFK).

According to information received, the man was taken into custody about 20:30h with a quantity of cheese rolls, pine tarts and mithais in his suitcase.

The amount drew some suspicions, resulting in members of the drug enforcement unit requesting additional searches to be conducted.

It was while the pastries were inspected, the cocaine was unearthed. The illegal substance was reportedly baked within them.

Individual pieces were broken and checked carefully

by CANU ranks, who cautioned the passenger and took him into custody.

The cocaine was extracted and weighed amounting to 7.5 kilograms. Harinand is expected to be charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking when he makes an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Only last week, a shipper

The pastries found with cocaine

and a customs broker were arrested as they attempted to ship six kilogrammes of cocaine in fake awaras at the CJIA. They were subsequently released as CANU hunts for a third person who might have been the mastermind in the matter.

The cocaine was wrapped in plastic in the shape of awaras and sprayed with a similar colour as the fruit.

Stems were then glued on to the fake awaras to make them look real.

CANU ranks made the discovery as they were checking the fruits at CAMEX, a shipping company. As they searched the awaras, the ranks reportedly felt a difference in texture; thus, a decision was taken to examine the fruits thoroughly.

As they examined them, they realised that the fake

awaras were placed among the real ones with the intention of shipping the cocaine. CANU’s head James Singh told this newspaper that the drug was destined for Canada and was supposed to be loaded onto a Caribbean Airlines flight.

He added that during the examination of the awaras, one was ripped open and a whitish substance was seen.

The shipper and the broker were questioned about the cargo which was registered in the shipper’s name.

In the past, there have been many instances where drugs were intercepted by CANU hidden in pepper sauce, achar, star apple, pumpkin, cabbage and chowmein, among other items. In 2013, CANU seized in excess of 90 kilograms of cocaine, with most of them being intercepted at the CJIA.

Sex workers shot on North Road

T

hree commercial sex workers were on Monday night shot by unknown men in a car while they plied their trade in the vicinity of the St George’s Cathedral, Georgetown.

Guyana Times was unable to verify the names of the injured victims, but had seen them seeking medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Sex workers here have increasingly come under attacks.

Recently the Guyana Sex Work Coalition had called for more rights among the sex workers, stating that they are denied access to basic medical, legal and financial services. The organisation’s Executive Director Mariam Edwards said sex workers respect themselves and sex workers’ civil rights “are being undermined”.

Guyana Sex Work Coalition Co-chair Cracey Fernandes pointed to the United Nations Declaration under which sex workers are protected and noted that they are deprived of many things. He also spoke of the religious neglect faced by commercial sex workers. He went on to say that instead of “harmonising and working with us, the religious community spreads hate against us”.

Caribbean Sex Worker Coalition, of which Guyana is a member, called on regional governments to give recognition to their work, so that they can be on par with other professions where labour conditions are just.

rime Minister Samuel Hinds said he is hoping that the second draft of the Telecommunications Bill that is currently before a Special Select Committee in Parliament would be sorted out before the August, 2014 recess of the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister, who is tasked with overlooking the Telecommunications Sector, told Guyana Times recently, that the liberalisation of the sector would help to “free up” it for all Guyanese. “I know that this would be a good thing for all,” he said.

Prime Minister Hinds moved the motions on the liberalisation of the sector late last year in the National Assembly. It is hoped that with its passage, the bill will see an end to the mo-

GT&T CEO Radha Khrishna Sharma

nopoly held by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

GT&T is Guyana’s premier telecommunications provider, coming into existence some 23 years ago.

Chief Executive Officer Radha Khrishna Sharma had stated recently that the company was prepared for Government’s plans to liber-

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

alise the sector, pointing out that the company was looking forward to contributing to the refinement of the legislation.

He categorically stated that there were tremendous opportunities within a “liberalised” sector. The move, he said, would afford the company the opportunity to speed up planning, to focus on business strategic decisions, which include capital allocations.

Giant mobile phone company and rival Digicel had said also that it was looking forward to the early passage of the Telecommunications Bill, which, according to it, will help pave the way for the ending of the monopoly of the sector.

GT&T currently has a monopoly on all landline and international services, which was supposed to expire after 20 years.

The Telecommunications Bill had been on Parliament’s agenda since 2012, the Prime Minister reminded.

The Telecommunications Bill 2011 allows for the establishment of the telecommunications agency as well

as a regular, coordinated, open and competitive telecommunications sector.

Having such a bill en-

Digicel Guyana CEO Gregory Dean

acted would provide for an open, liberalised and competitive telecommunications sector that would be attractive to new entrants as well as investors, while sustaining the active players within the sector.

Additionally, the bill would allow for amendments to be made to the Public Utilities Commission Act 1999.

U.S. deports numerous Caribbean nationals for minor offences – report

A

One of the injured sex workers awaiting medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Fernandes said sex workers are members of families and also represent communities and even though persons believe sex workers to be ignorant, they “have a voice and are to come to the bar and represent ourselves”. He reiterated the coalition’s call for persons to stop treating sex workers differently, stating that they are people too.

Late last year, the

significant number of Caribbean nationals had been deported after committing minor infractions, including traffic violations, according to an analysis of internal U.S. Government records since President Barack Obama assumed office.

The figures showed that two-thirds of the nearly two million deportation cases involved Caribbean and other immigrants.

The study conducted by the New York Times found that 20 per cent, or about 394,000 of the cases involved immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including drug-related offenses.

The paper said an exam-

ination of the Obama administration’s record shows how the disconnect evolved between the President’s stated goal of blunting what he called the harsh edge of immigration enforcement and the reality that has played out.

Obama came to office promising comprehensive immigration reform, but lacking sufficient support, the administration took steps it portrayed as narrowing the focus of enforcement efforts on serious criminals.

Yet the records show that the enforcement net actually grew, said the newspaper, adding that its analysis is based on Government

data covering more than 3.2 million deportations over 10 years, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. According to the records, the largest increases were in deportations involving illegal immigrants, whose most serious offense was listed as a traffic violation, including driving under the influence.

“For years, the Obama administration’s spin has been that they are simply deporting so-called ‘criminal aliens’, but the numbers speak for themselves,” said National Immigration Law Centre Executive Director Marielena Hincapié.

“In truth, this adminis-

tration, more than any other, has devastated immigrant communities across the country, tearing families away from loved ones, simply because they drove without a licence, or re-entered the country desperately trying to be reunited with their family members,” she added.

But Obama administration officials say the deportations are a result of a decade in which the U.S. Congress has passed tougher immigration laws, increased funding for enforcement and stymied efforts to lay out a path to legal residency for the bulk of the nation’s 11.5 million illegal immigrants. (Caribbean360)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, april 8, 2014

Regional

Naughty ‘corner’ St Lucia braces for increase in for noisy TT MPs chikungunya disease cases H M embers of Parliament (MPs) who interrupt speakers on the floor will face the penance of being ordered to retire to the Members’ Lounge for three hours, a stern Speaker Wade Mark announced in the House on Friday.

There was dead silence after that. People’s National Movement MP Colm Imbert, known for his frequent crosstalk, got up after a short while and retired on his own accord. “I am going to retire.

I can’t talk,” he said, walking out the chamber.

His colleagues were forced to remain silent while Works Minister, Dr Suruj Rambachan gleefully boasted of the Government’s good

works. Mark’s announcement came after a particularly noisy session of crosstalk from the PNM benches while Rambachan was on his feet.

Mark rose and said while MPs can sometimes engage in light banter, they cannot disrespect the rules of civility. “I am going to be invoking the Standing Orders,” he said, his voice rising.

“Any MP who interrupts a speaker while he is on his legs will be asked to retire to the Members’ Lounge for three hours. I am getting fed up of this. It can’t continue,” Mark barked.

There was an unaccustomed silence in the House for about 10 minutes, un-

til Imbert, unable to contain himself any longer, shot something across at Rambachan.

Mark jumped to his feet, saying, “If you continue to interrupt the member, I will have to ask you to leave the chamber. This is my final warning.”

Somebody from the Government benches said, “Put him out!” It was not long after that, when Rambachan was talking about the Bank Village Empowerment Centre the Government had built, that Imbert voluntarily retired to the Members’ Lounge.

Imbert returned to the chamber less than an hour later and, grinning, took his seat. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Luis Solis wins Costa Rica election

Luis Guillermo Solis campaigned on a promise to root out corruption

L

uis Guillermo Solis of the centre-left Citizen Action Party (PAC) has won the presidential election in Costa Rica.

With almost all the votes counted, Solis had 78 per cent.

He had been expected to win after his rival – governing party candidate Johnny Araya – had stopped campaigning after opinion polls suggested Solis had an unassailable lead.

Solis’s win breaks with the traditional two-party system which has dominated in Costa Rica for decades.

Araya, whose name remained on the ballot even after he pulled out, got 22 per cent.

Forty-three per cent of the electorate abstained, the highest rate in the past 60 years.

Nevertheless, Solis – who had appealed for a solid voter turnout – surpassed

by more than 300,000 votes his own goal of getting more than a million people to cast their ballot for him.

Solis, a 55-year-old historian and former diplomat, had started campaigning in October to raise his profile, which was rather low at the time.

His PAC party, which was founded in 2000, has never before been in power.

The PAC’s narrow victory in the first round on February 2 against the well-established governing National Liberation Party came as a surprise.

Analysts say Solis’s campaign promise to tackle corruption and poverty in the Central American nation won over many undecided voters.

On March 5, an opinion poll suggested Solis had the support of 64 per cent of voters with his rival lagging behind with 21 per cent.

This prompted Araya to give up his presidential bid.

He said proceeding would be a waste of money. (Excerpt

ealth authorities say there could be more cases of the chikungunya disease in St Lucia, after the island earlier this week announced the confirmation of its first case of the mosquito-borne disease.

“There is a possibility that other persons on the island may actually have the disease,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Merlene Frederick.

Dr Frederick said there is a spectrum in terms of the clinical presentation of the disease with some people actually contracting it without symptoms of fever and just mild joint pain.

“We know chickungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes so as long as we have an infected person and mosquitoes are around and bite them, there is a possibility of transmission,” the CMO noted.

She said if St Lucia has a low mosquito population it is likely that the island would have a small chikungunya problem and conversely a high mosquito population would result in a “more serious outbreak”.

The first case of the disease in the Caribbean was reported in the French island of St Martin last year

Dr Frederick said it was for that reason that the Health Ministry is encouraging citizens to ensure that they start eliminating breeding places for mosquitoes.

“If we can keep the mosquito population down there’s a good chance we can have a low impact in terms of the chikungunya virus,” the CMO said, adding that the Health Ministry was “in a good place” in terms of its public awareness, which intensified after the severe weather disaster in December last year.

In announcing that a 63-year-old man had contracted the disease, the national epidemiologist in the Health Ministry, Nehum Jn Baptiste, said the authorities were urging the public not to panic.

“We do not want to create any panic. It is because of our efforts with respect to strengthening the surveillance that we are now able to detect much quicker, not only chikungunya but dengue, leptospirosis and some of the other diseases that present with similar symptoms,” Jn Baptiste said.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Venezuela journalist Pinto kidnapped

from BBC News)

Jamaica: Rage in Tivoli T T

Nairobi Pinto’s kidnapping came amid continuing protests against, among other things, crime and insecurity

he ongoing deadly conflict in West Kingston triggered an angry protest on Sunday by Tivoli Gardens residents who burnt T-shirts bearing the image of their Member of Parliament (MP) Desmond McKenzie and demanded that he leaves the constituency.

According to the residents, McKenzie was taking sides in the feud which claimed its latest victims Friday night — 12-year-old Kawayne ‘Timo’ McNuff and 28-year-old Ricardo Lowe — in Denham Town.

Ten other persons, in-

cluding Kawayne’s nineyear-old brother, were injured in Friday night’s incident which saw gunmen spraying a group of persons standing at the intersection of Chestnut Lane and Charles Street.

“Desmond McKenzie must go. We are giving him 48 hours to leave the constituency,” shouted one woman.

She was among a group of men, women and children — some wearing orange coloured clothing in an apparent show of their disfavour with the MP whose Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) uses the colour green.

The ruling People’s National Party’s colour is orange. In addition to torching green T-shirts with McKenzie’s image, the protesters also spray-painted walls in the JLP-controlled community in orange.

“People are dying but the Member of Parliament is taking sides and that is not fair,” said one man who accused McKenzie of only identifying suspects from Tivoli Gardens and not those from other areas.

However, when the Jamaica Observer contacted McKenzie, he rubbished the protesters’ claims. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

he assignment editor of the Venezuelan TV news network Globovision has been kidnapped, according to her father.

Nairobi Pinto was seized by two masked gunmen at her home in the capital Caracas, her father Luis said.

He asked the kidnappers to “see sense” and release his daughter.

Kidnappings, especially for ransom, are not uncommon in Venezuela, and a number of diplomats, as well as businessmen and athletes, have been abducted over the past years.

While the majority of those kidnapped for ransom are released hours or days after they were taken, some kidnap victims have been killed or died from injuries sustained during their ordeal.

In February, former Venezuelan boxing world champion Antonio Cermeno was killed after being kidnapped in Caracas.

His body was discovered with gunshot wounds on a roadside in the state of Miranda.

In 2012, the trade attache at the Costa Rican embassy in Caracas was abducted and later released.

It is not clear if a ransom demand was met.

Also in 2012, the Mexican ambassador Carlos Pujalte and his wife were briefly kidnapped in Caracas before being released. And in 2011, the Chilean consul in Caracas was abducted, beaten and shot in the leg before being released.

In the same year, baseball player Wilson Ramos, who plays for the Washington Nationals in the U.S., was also kidnapped from his family home in the city of Valencia before being rescued by the security forces. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

15 Around the world tuesday, april 8, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Ukraine fears ‘Crimea India begins giant general election scenario’ in east I

U

Ukraine warns Russia: Don’t invade

kraine’s acting President has pledged “anti-terrorist measures” as the Government declared the actions of pro-Russian protesters in the country east a “second stage” of special operations by Russia under way to break up the troubled state.

Oleksander Turchinov, in a televised appeal on Monday, said the action in the cities of Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk showed that Russia was

“playing out the Crimean scenario” − a reference to the pro-Russian takeover of the peninsula and its annexation by Russia.

“We will not allow this,” he said. Warning that some activists had taken up arms, Turchinov said: “Anti-terrorist measures will be carried out against those who had taken up weapons.”

Earlier on Monday, proMoscow protesters occupying a regional administration building in Donetsk

Supreme Court declines free speech, gay marriage case

The U.S. Supreme Court building seen in Washington May 20, 2009

T

he U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider whether a New Mexico photography company had free speech grounds to refuse to shoot the commitment ceremony of a same-sex couple.

The court’s refusal to intervene means an August 2013 New Mexico Supreme Court decision against the company remains intact.

Albuquerque-based Elane Photography had said its free speech rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution should be a valid defence to the state’s finding that it violated the New Mexico Human Rights Act. The law, similar to laws in 20 other U.S. states, bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The company’s owners, Elaine and Jonathan Huguenin, are Christians who oppose gay marriage.

Because taking photographs can be seen as a form of speech, the First Amendment protects them from being required to “express messages that conflict with their religious beliefs”, their attorneys said in court papers. Elane Photography has previous-

ly declined requests to take nude maternity pictures and images depicting violence, its lawyers said.

The dispute arose in 2006 when Vanessa Willock asked the company if it would photograph the commitment ceremony between her and her partner, Misti Collinsworth.

When Elane Photography declined, Willock filed a successful complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Commission.

Willock and her partner had their commitment ceremony in 2007, using a different photographer.

Elane Photography appealed the commission’s decision, raising objections under both the First Amendment and a state law protecting religious freedom. The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled for the state in an August 2013 decision. The company’s Supreme Court appeal was limited to the First Amendment question.

Attitudes toward gay relationships have changed rapidly in the U.S. in recent years. New Mexico is one of the 17 states where gay marriage is now legal. (Excerpt from Reuters)

declared the creation of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” as an independent state.

“In the event of aggressive action from the illegitimate Kiev authorities, we will appeal to the Russian Federation to bring in a peacekeeping contingent,” said the proclamation, voiced by an unidentified bearded man.

The activists later read out the text by loud hailer to a cheering crowd of about 1000 people outside the building.

Ukraine already said it will not allow further foreign troops to enter its borders.

“An anti-Ukrainian plan is being put into operation... under which foreign troops will cross the border and seize the territory of the country,” Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk told a Cabinet meeting in Kiev. “We will not allow this.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ndians have voted in the first phase of a general election which pits the governing Congress party against the Hindu nationalist BJP Opposition.

The nine-phase vote got under way in the northeastern states of Assam and Tripura and will conclude on May 12. Votes will be counted on May 16.

More than 814 million Indians are eligible to vote in a poll dominated by corruption and high inflation.

An anti-corruption party the AAP offers another challenge to the main parties.

The Aam Aadmi (Common Man’s) party secured a spectacular result in local polls in Delhi last autumn and is fielding candidates in all of Parliament’s 543 elected seats.

Several smaller regional parties are also in the fray and if no single party wins a clear majority, they could play a crucial role in Government formation.

India’s marathon vote

Many of the voters were women, dressed in colourful saris and some draped in Assamese shawls

is being staged over more than a month for security and logistical reasons.

On the first day of voting, polling took place in six constituencies in two states in the north-east, five in Assam and one in Tripura.

Voters began queuing up outside the polling centres even before voting began in the morning, the BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder in Assam says.

A large number of the voters who turned up were women, dressed in colourful saris and some draped in Assamese shawls.

Many smiled happily after they had voted, holding up their fingers stained with indelible ink, a sign that they had exercised their right.

“We need good people in Government,” said one of them. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Signal ‘sounds like’ plane’s beacon

A

fter weeks of searching vast swaths of ocean, the chief of the Australian agency coordinating the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 said Monday that searchers have their “most promising” lead yet.

And it could not come soon enough -- Monday marks the 31st day of the hunt for the plane that carried 239 people.

Time could be running out in the hunt for the jetliner’s cockpit recorder and flight data recorder.

In a few hours or days, the pingers on those recorders could stop transmitting for good, as the batteries inside them, which are designed to start sending signals when a plane crashes into water, last about 30 days after the devices are activated.

On Sunday, a pinger lo-

cator in the Indian Ocean detected signals that were consistent with those sent by a flight data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder, retired Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said at a news conference.

The signals were picked up by the Ocean Shield, an Australian navy ship that is towing a sophisticated U.S. pinger locator through an area about 1,750 kilometers

(1100 miles) northwest of Perth, Australia.

The first detection lasted for more than two hours; a second lasted for about 13 minutes.

Houston called the signals the “most promising” lead, then said it was the most promising “probably in the search so far; it’s probably the best information that we have had”. (Excerpt

from CNN)

Peaches Geldof Al Jazeera dies aged 25 journalists spend 100 days in jail

A

P

Peaches Geldof

eaches Geldof, second daughter of musician Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates, has died aged 25, leaving a husband and two sons.

“We are beyond pain,” said her father, confirming her death. “She was the wildest, funniest, cleverest, wittiest and the most bonkers of all of us.”

Police, who were called to an address in Kent around lunchtime on Monday, say the death is currently being treated as “unexplained and sudden”.

Geldof was 11 when her own mother died.

TV presenter Yates died of an accidental drug overdose in September 2000. In September 2012 Geldof said she did not come to terms with her mother’s death for several years.

Her final tweet, posted on Sunday, linked to an Instagram picture of her, as a baby, in her mother’s arms.

The caption simply read: “Me and my mum”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

l Jazeera English journalists Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy, and Baher Mohamed have been held in jail in Egypt for 100 days.

On Monday, the network urged the international community to support its call for their release by sending their own personal messages on social media using the campaign hashtag, #FreeAJStaff.

A fourth Al Jazeera journalist, Abdullah al-Shami, has been held in Egypt for more than six months and has been on hunger strike since January 23. His detention was extended for an additional 45 days on March 13.

Al Jazeera strongly rejects the charges and calls for the immediate release of its staff.

Another Al Jazeera journalist, Mohamed Badr, was

arrested on July 15 and released on February 5, when he was acquitted of a series of charges including being involved in the protests in Cairo’s Ramses Square.

Al Anstey, the Managing Director of Al Jazeera English said: “Mohamed, Baher, and Peter have now been behind bars in Egypt for 100 days for simply doing their job, and for carrying out the highest quality journalism.

“The charges against them are false and baseless, so there is no justification whatsoever in the detention of innocent journalists for such an outrageous amount of time. We continue to call for their immediate release and for the release of our colleague from Al Jazeera Arabic, Abdullah Al Shamy, who has been behind bars for 236 days.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

tuesday, april 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Region 10 wants establishment of Regional Health Authority S

everal issues affecting the quality of healthcare delivery in Linden and areas across Region 10 have led to a call by Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon for the setting up of a Regional Health Authority (RHA).

A call was also made by Regional Councillor Maurice Butters, who also serves as Region 10 Health Committee Chairman, for the resuscitation of the Region 10 Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

These matters were discussed and brought to the forefront as the Region 10, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) conducted its monthly statutory meeting for the month of April.

to date, is not given the consideration for the Regional Health Authority. The people have their own concerns about it... I think Region 10 should have a Regional Health Authority to bring healthcare delivery under one umbrella. Rather than us having a parallel healthcare system of the region with an RHO [Regional Health Officer], then a board running the hospital through a CEO [Chief Executive Officer] and the Ministry of Health.

Who is accountable to the region in the absence of these things? Whether it’s an ambulance or drugs? More than that, I would go even further to ask for the co-operation of the hospital too,” he said.

Current issues

The Regional Chairman added that the RDC is becoming more concerned about healthcare delivery since it is tasked with some major responsibilities under that bracket.

“It comes back to the parallel healthcare delivery system within the region, where we have the region with the RHO, who can be directly held accountable by the region, for healthcare delivery at the level of our healthcare facilities.

Addressing current issues affecting the region such as the shortage of medical drugs and the recent absence of an ambulance at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) and its sister hospitals, Solomon said there is need for the body to be set up, which will be tasked with the responsibility of firmly addressing such issues.

“I would echo the call again, just like Region Six, I don’t know why Region 10,

Parallel healthcare system

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

Then there are the hospitals which are run through the Health Ministry, but yet still the people of this region are looking forward to ensure that their representation for proper healthcare is through this council. So that is our concern.”

In wake of a drug countrywide drug shortage at various medical institutions, Region 10 RHO, Dr Pansy Armstrong upon the request of the RDC, provided the most recent update for Region 10.

It was noted that of 360 drugs which were ordered to be supplied to the LHC, 320 were received.

However, according to Dr Armstrong’s report, LHC CEO, Dr Farouk Riyasat has indicated that there are no emergency drugs. A request has since been made by the RDC for a list of the names of the drugs which are on the drug shortage list.

There was also reportedly a shortage of gauzes which were expected to be made

available recently. However, Solomon argued that all drugs on the request list should be seen as a priority.

“All drugs requested should be made available at the hospital; no drug should be more or less important. There’s no excuse as to whether it’s emergency or not, due to the fact that the request was made. There are persons who go to the hospital with different ailments and I believe it is only right that they should be taken care of effectively,” he said.

He added: “Stakeholders have demonstrated a willingness to supply drugs to the hospital.”

Recently, a donation of painkillers and other drugs was made to various hospitals and health centres across Region 10 by overseasbased Guyanese, Dr Wayne Sampson and Dr Collie Oudkerk.

Concerns

Councillors added that there is growing concerns by residents over not being able to have free access to some drugs. At the meeting, it was noted that a possible reason for expired drugs at the hospitals in the region may be because often times they have a short shelf life upon

delivery.

“We live in a community where some people’s financial situation is not as healthy as it should be and sometimes you may not understand how rough it is until you get sick.

The fact of the matter is it (drugs) may not be of emergency, but with the hospital not having it and someone not being able to find an alternative, it can become an emergency to those people,” Solomon reiterated.

These sentiments were also echoed by Councillor Leslie Gonsalves, who stated: “Whatever drug should be available must be made available. The reason is that this is a very large region, it crosses into rivers and some interior locations,” he said.

In addition, it was noted that the ultrasound machine at the LHC is currently not functioning, which has resulted in some difficulty for patients who require the service.

Speaking on the need to have a functioning Occupational Health and Safety Committee within Region 10, Butters said the first task is to look at how the committee should be established and how it should function.

APNU backbenchers give budget thumbs down

A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) backbenchers, Joan Baveghems and Pastor Renis Morian last Friday told the National Assembly that the budget presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh leaves much to be desired by the Guyanese population.

Making her contribution to the debate on the 2014 National Budget, Baveghems took her first shot at the allocation made for the elderly, citing it as one of gross disrespect for old age pensioners in the country.

Comfort and dignity

“Mr Speaker, I would love to see the Minister of Finance treat the pensioners as if they were his parents. What can $600 do for them? The pensioners have to pay for proper medical care; they have to purchase medication, drinking water and personal products.

This is not cheap, I assure you. Pensioners and our senior citizens need assisted living facilities. They have worked hard and given their services to this country and it is only fitting that we show our appreciation to them by having them spend the remainder of their lives in some degree of comfort and dignity,” the APNU MP said.

APNU MP Joan Baveghems

Turning to the education sector, Baveghems wasted no time in blasting the Education Minister and her Ministry for the conditions in which teachers and educators have to perform their duties, with no provisions being made for them in the budget.

“Every year we hear about the billions of dollars that is allocated to the education sector, But, Mr Speaker, I wonder who benefits. Teachers are major stakeholders in the delivery of education but we do not hear anything in the budget to improve the welfare of teachers. I still hear of teachers having to work under conditions that the Honorable Minister and her officials would absolutely refuse to work under,” the MP related.

The Opposition MP not stop there, but continued in her quest to point out

APNU MP Pastor Renis Morian

the deficiencies which exist in the school system, while officials and staff at the Education Ministry dwell in comfort and luxury.

“Teachers complain everyday of dust falling on them while teaching; inadequate or poor accommodation; poor sanitary facilities for themselves and students; classes being disrupted whenever it rains are among some of the many issues faced by teachers. And it would appear to me that the welfare of the officials and staff of the Ministry of Education are more important than those of the teachers and students,” the APNU MP stated.

Morian for his part, told the House that the indigenous people of Guyana are tired of being their “rent a crowd” to cheer their Ministers when they visit the hinterland regions, noting that better opportuni-

ties should be afforded to them.

Speaking on the matter, Morian noted that Amerindians were only being used by the administration as election statistics and crowds for their own agenda, but were not considered in the developmental plans of the Government.

According to Morian, there is no proper roadmap for the indigenous people which will place them on the same level as coastlanders.

Framework

On this note, he suggested the establishment a National Amerindian Development Programme where broad objectives for holistic development, strategies for success, impacts, measurable indicators, programme framework, etcetera can be identified.

Further, he disclosed that the programme’s output can and should include measures for poverty alleviation, access to easy credit and venture capital and food security, which are all crucial to the development of Amerindians and their villages.

“Mr Speaker, my call is not an outlandish one.

Several countries including the U.S.A., Brazil, India, and Australia just to name a few, have this programme.

The indigenous peoples of Guyana need to see their

living standards rise to be on par with the rest of the country,” he noted.

The APNU MP told the House that while it is widely said that the Amerindian Affairs Ministry continuously work to assist Amerindians, their approaches have since become anachronistic and offers no real effort to indigenous development.

However, he opined that it was not too late to implement strategies for the improvement of the lives of Amerindians since it will ease the burden of the communities and benefit the many youths who are being pressured to leave their traditional homes at a tender age and venture to other regions to find employment opportunities.

Man remanded on armed robbery charge

A

19-year-old Charlestown resident was remanded to prison on Monday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of robbery under arms.

Ron Collins, of Lot 6 Ketley Street, C h a r l e s t o w n , Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by the Chief Magistrate.

It is alleged that on April 4 at Lombard Street, Georgetown, the defendant being in possession of a knife robbed Molly Culpepper of one cellphone valued $80,000, $60,000 in cash, one leather purse valued $6000 and one pair of Guess sunglasses valued $20,000, a total value of

$166,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question at 13:00, the virtual complainant (VC) was coming out of Ramroop Furniture Store when the defendant approached, placed a knife to her neck, and demanded the said articles.

The VC handed over the items and the defendant made good his escape. The matter was subsequently reported, and upon investigation, the defendant was arrested. Prosecutor Grant objected to bail, citing the seriousness and the prevalence of the offence.

Bail was refused by the Chief Magistrate.

The accused is expected to make another court appearance on April 22 for statements.

news

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tuesday, april 8, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Curtains drawn on IDB US$22M U.S. Embassy’s Military Liaison Citizens’ Security Programme Office supports life saving training

A section of those gathered at the exit workshop of the CSP at the Grand Coastal Inn

T

he Home Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Police Force, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Monday brought their seven-year Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP) to an end with the holding of an exit workshop at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

Present were officials from the IDB, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and other stakeholders.

The programme was launched some seven years ago with the aim of affording citizens the opportunity to have an input in the welfare and development of the Police Force while developing themselves and their communities. The programme employed a multi-dimensional approach aimed at preventing, reducing, and fighting crime. It targeted disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Regions Four and Six, catering for capacity-building of the Police Force and the Home Affairs Ministry and the Force’s modernisation.

Rohee, speaking at the event, noted that even though the programme has ended, it was not the final chapter of the book since it was filled with successes.

“This programme can be considered as a success, since an aspect of it sought to place the students at various places of employment. It aided them to find work for themselves or to practise youth entrepreneurship. The Inter-American Development Bank has realised that this programme was a highly successful one and that is the reason we are being invited to other countries to share our experiences. The programme sought to place public security

in the hands of its own citizens to ensure that it is fully embraced and successful. It was a plan which was physiologically sound and politically correct. No Police Force should remain still while the world changes, and this assists the Police Force to go through changes which it needs.

Though the depth and scope of the changes remain to be seen, I am positive that it will be one of great magnitude”, Rohee disclosed.

Reducing crime

He related that the programme was one of the many plans which were launched to reform the security sector.

The objective of the programme was to enhance citizens’ security and co-existence by contributing to the reduction in levels of crime, violence, and insecurity.

Since its launch, a remarkable 308 instructors of the Guyana Police Force have been trained in crime investigation and detection, information management, recruitment training, case management, ethnic and human rights, and strengthening of internal and external accountability mechanisms, and a strategic plan has been developed.

Additionally, some 1000 youths have been trained in personal development, youth violence prevention and youth life skills, while 1000 adults benefited from training programmes on intimate partner violence prevention, youth violence prevention, and child abuse prevention.

Several Crime Observatory systems have been developed and residents taught in various communities across the country; eight new crime strategies and an institutional modernisation plan have been implement-

ed. One hundred per cent of the GPF has been trained in crime prevention, human rights protection, conflict resolution, handling domestic violence and child abuse; 12 police stations rehabilitated, with that of six currently in progress; a police training facility built; eight violence reduction programmes implemented; 20 socio-cognitive skills programmes implemented; and 61 per cent of citizens in Regions Five and Six trained in anger management.

Second phase

The Citizens’ Security Programme was supported by the IDB, which provided financial support to the tune of US$19.8 million, while counterpart funding of US$2.2 million was provided by the Government of Guyana.

Community Action Assistant Sydartha Anandjit noted that the project was sub-divided into three stages. Stage one saw the training of school dropouts between the ages of 14 and 25 to have them acquire a skill which can make them employable or possibly lead to youth entrepreneurship among themselves.

The skills taught included masonry, carpentry, cosmetology, and catering.

Stage two saw community residents who wanted to become involved in the reformation process being given resources, training and guidance to upgrade several police stations and outposts around the country, to enable efficiency, with the third stage leading to the construction by the same citizens of a forensic lab at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The lab is slated to be opened later this year after which a second phase of the programme is expected to be launched.

Police rank in shooting incident on bail

A

Guyana Police Force rank was placed on bail on Monday after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with felonious wounding.

Atlyn Browne, of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on October 18, 2013 at Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown the defendant assaulted Maurice Porter so as to cause him actual bodily harm.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant had no objections to bail and told the court that on the day in question the defendant was on police patrol duties along with other ranks. The patrol was stopped by the virtual complainant (VC), and during a conversation, the defendant’s police service revolver went off and the bullet struck the VC in the abdomen and exited his back. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.

The VC was later discharged after treatment. The matter was subsequently sent to the Director

of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. The DPP then advised that charges be laid against the defendant for the offence.

Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat told the court that the VC no longer wished to proceed with the matter and wanted the charge dropped. The Chief Magistrate stated that she cannot drop the charge, owing to the nature of the offence.

Bail was granted in the sum of $250,000. The defendant is expected to make another court appearance on April 30 when statements will be filed.

GDF ranks going through a drill as part of the training

T

he U.S. Embassy’s Military Liaison Office, together with representatives from the Florida National Guard, sponsored a training course in Guyana on Tactical Life Saver (TLS) skills.

This is the second time this life-saving course has been offered in Guyana, the local U.S . Embassy said in a release.

The hands-on training, which took place at Camp Ayanganna from March 25-27, targeted medical first responders in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Twenty-five members of the GDF Medical Corps benefited from the exchange of best practices and tactics to provide health service support for armed forces engaged in operations.

Participants engaged in discussions and demonstrations on contemporary combat life-saving techniques, first response, self-aid, and buddy aid. Both the United States and Guyana were able to benefit from the exchange by sharing lessons learned and methods to better support natural disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations.

The course training materials left over from the Tactical Life Saver training will

be used again in the future to train additional members of the GDF Medical Corps.

The Tactical Life Saver skills course is part of a longstanding relationship between the GDF and the Florida National Guard through the State Partnership Programme (SPP).

Members of the Florida National Guard have had several opportunities to share skills, experience, and information in the context of bilateral exchanges with Guyana to enhance military capacity and capability. United States National Guards enjoy such partnerships with 65 other countries worldwide.

Among the activities undertaken through the SPP over the years are an Officer Candidate Development School Visit, a Water Purification Assessment, and performances and subject-matter exchanges by a U.S. Military Band.

Other programmes include integration of counter-illicit trafficking into GDF training, assessments of tactical communications, search and rescue skills and techniques, medical waste management, and emergency disaster management planning.

TT Minister says Guyanese was not denied medical care

H

ealth Minister, Dr Fuad Khan said Guyanese national Jeetindra Sookram was never denied medical care at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope last Thursday.

Sookram, a 35-year-old farmer on holiday in Trinidad, died while en route to another medical institution. Khan has ordered North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) chairman Shehenaz Mohammed to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sookram’s death. The minister made the comments on Sunday at a press conference at the Health Ministry, Park Street, Port of Spain.

Khan also said “pink forms” were not necessary in emergency situations, but they were mandatory for chronic situations like cancer treatment. In light of Sookram’s passing, Khan said he asked the regional health authorities to cease the requirement of the filling out of the financial obligation statement at the time of accessing emergency care.

Ernie Ross, honorary consul for Guyana in Trinidad and Tobago, has requested Khan investigate the incident. In a prepared speech, Khan said: “The circumstances and events leading to his passing were tragic and rendered more painful considering the fact they were holidaying here. I want to express my condolences. It is material to note that at no time was the relative advised a failure to pay would result in a denial of further treatment of the patient. Consequently, since 2004, all foreign nationals who are assessing care at EWMSC were asked to sign the financial obligation statement known as the ‘pink form’.

“I have directed the chairman (Mohammed) to immediately conduct an investigation into the incident and urgently submit a report on the same. Upon receipt of this report, any further action deemed necessary will be taken.” Khan then outlined the information he had received from the head consultant at the Accident and Emergency Department. “He said during the triage process, Sookram’s vitals were checked, blood was taken and dispatched to the lab for testing and an electrocardiogram (ECG) was requested for the patient.

“While the patient was receiving care and awaiting the ECG, Sookram’s wife Vidya Baichu was asked to register the patient at the registration area. She presented a Guyanese passport to the clerk in the registration area. “The relative was asked to fill in the ‘pink form’, which is a financial obligation statement. The relative enquired the cost of the procedure and the clerk advised she could not give the cost at the time. She refused to sign and left, indicating to the clerk she would come back later.

“From the information received, the patient was attended to and treatment commenced in accordance with our established policy and procedures regarding the treatment of people presenting themselves with chest pains,” said Khan.

In keeping with international standards, Khan said: “Any person, whether resident or non-resident, who presents himself before an Accident and Emergency Department in any public health care institution locally, will be treated. There is no policy denying emergency medical treatment to visitors to our shores.” (Trinidad

Express)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, april 8, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Your personal life has been overlooked while you’ve been following your professional dreams.

You need to remind your loved ones how much you care and how much you appreciate their support.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Make use of an opportunity to share your ideas and intentions with established individuals. A career move you initiate will set the stage for more achievements in the future.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Creativity and romance go hand in hand.

Put your mate’s desires ahead of your own and plan a day of memorable activities, or socialize and meet someone new if you are single.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22) Stop punishing yourself by reliving past mistakes or disappointments.

Be rational and resilient, and prove to yourself and others that you are willing and able to move forward and be successful.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Someone having health issues will need assistance. Be available to lend a helping hand.

Practicing sound money management will help you improve your financial and domestic situations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Don’t let anyone convince you to part with your money. You will not get the rewards you have been promised. Spend your dollars wisely by investing in your future.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You should take the time to comfort someone in need. Relax and avoid getting upset at minor irritations. Take one step at a time to achieve your goal and feel satisfied with what you’ve accomplished.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Get involved in neighborhood or district activities. You will be proud of your contribution and will be helping the community, to boot. Along the way, you will make interesting acquaintances.

Monday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Professional gain is in the stars. Prepare to take on additional responsibilities and assignments.

Someone prominent will notice you if you are dedicated and show attention to detail.

Don’t let issues with a loved one prevent you from living up to your responsibilities. Be cautious about revealing too many personal details. A rival may attempt to destroy your integrity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Your ingenuity will inspire others to follow your example. Brainstorming with compatible colleagues will provide ideas for many new and exciting ventures. Explore new avenues.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Financial dealings look promising. An older relative may be a burden, but you will rest easy knowing that you have done everything in your power to help out.

tuesday, April 8, 2014

19

‘To be selected by my country is something special’ Premier League (CPL), batsman Leon Johnson, said it is something special to be selected in the league, moreso by his home country.

The

By Avenash Ramzan

O

ne of five newcomers in the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ line-up for the upcoming Limacol Caribbean

left-handed middle-order batsman, who played three One Day Internationals for the West Indies against Canada in August 2008, has joined the hard-hitting New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson, fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, opening batsman

Robin Bacchus and all-rounder Navin Stewart in the 15-member squad selected by the franchise at last Thursday’s draft in Jamaica.

Speaking to this publication from Antigua where he is leading Guyana’s team in the sixth round West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Four-day game against the Leeward Islands, the 26-year-old Johnson related his enthusiasm upon being selected for the league, which is set for July/August at venues across the region.

“Well, I’m very happy to have been selected. I was looking forward to gaining selection, but to be picked up by the franchise based in Guyana is something special,” the West Indies ‘A’ team player stated.

Johnson reasoned that the Guyana Amazon Warriors have

a “great combination” of players, and is optimistic the team will do well again. In the highly successful inaugural tournament in 2013, the Warriors finished runners-up to the Jamaica Tallawahs, losing the final by seven wickets at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

“The combination of the squad is great, since 10 players from last year’s runners-up side have been selected again,” Johnson opined.

He added, “I think it’s a bit too early to be making assumptions on chances, but with the quality of players in the squad I’m optimistic about [us] doing well this year again.”

Second edition Apart from the 15 players chosen by the six franchises at Thursday’s draft, four Under-19 players will be added to the

squads and will be chosen by the respective territorial boards.

The Limacol CPL, which was played in front of sold- out crowds at all the venues in the Caribbean, will be hosted during July/August with Chris Gayle’s Jamaica Tallawahs set to defend their title against last-year runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad is: Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Martin Guptill, Krishmar Santokie, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Navin Stewart, Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus, Corey Anderson and Trevon Griffith.

RHTGG takes Busta ‘Champion of Champions’ title

– beat Albion CC by 25 runs

Rajiv Ivan

R

ose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTGG) produced a fantastic allround performance to decimate Albion Cricket Club by 25 runs in the final and lift the 10th Annual Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club/Busta ‘Champion of Champions’ tournament trophy on Sunday at the Port Mourant

ground.

Deciding to bat first, RHTGG colts made 203-8 in 46 overs after the game was reduced due to pitch moisture. They then bundled out their archrivals for 178 in 43.1 overs.

Discarded national batsman Rajiv Ivan starred for the winners with 80 and a wicket to his credit.

It was a perfect performance by the Gadgets from the outset with openers Dominic Rikhi (25) and Delbert Hicks (24) added 46 for the first wicket.

However, their dismissal did little to unsettle the eventual winners, who then relied on a 60run third- wicket partnership between Ivan and Jason Sinclair, who made 26.

Ivan played an innings of substance, rotating the strike regularly and in the process collecting six fours and two sixes.

For ACC, Jonathan Foo and West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner Gudekash Motie were the most successful bowlers with 2-25 and 2-37 respectively.

At the start of the chase, ACC lost three quick wickets, but Jonathan Foo, however, batted resolutely and found an able ally in David Latchaya as the duo resurrected the innings somewhat.

Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTGG) captain Shawn Pereira collects the winners’ trophy

The pair batted sensibly and shared a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but finally, once the partnership was broken; Devendra Bishoo (22) was the only other batsman to offer further support.

Foo ended with 70, inclusive of five boundaries off 91 balls, while Latchaya made 31.

Off-spinner Troy Mathieson had a decent outing with the ball as he took three for 27 from his nine overs.

Managing Director of Guyana Beverage Company, the sole producer of Busta products, Robert Selman, and Marketing Manager Shameiza Yadram were part of the large crowd that witnessed the game.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

Tuesday, april 8, 2014

tumble and so do Warrican, Austin Wickets Jamaica on Day 3 bowl CCC to victory J three for 37 from 16 overs, writing his name in the record books, as Windwards were bowled out for 101 in their second innings in pursuit of 184, to win the sixth round match.

Opener Tyrone Theophile hit the top score of 31 and Keddy Lesporis made 23, but no other Windwards batsman reached 20, as Warrican, Austin and legspinner Akeem Dewar, to a lesser extent, benefitted from appreciable turn and bounce from the Arnos Vale Multiplex pitch to weave a web around the home team’s batsmen.

Warrican formalised the result about 20 minutes past the scheduled tea break, when he deceived tail-ender Nelon Pascal with a deliv-

ery that spun sharply and bowled him for three, sparking on-field celebrations by the visitors.

The victory meant that CCC, who started the match in fifth place, earned 16 points – moving them to an aggregate of 46 – and Windwards, who were second in the table, gained three points – increasing their tally to 65, drawing them level with reigning champions and current leaders Barbados, who drew a bye for this round of matches.

This was the Windwards’ final match of the preliminary competition. They are still highly likely to earn a spot in semi-finals, but they may have frittered away home advantage with this defeat.(Windiescricket)

amaica shockingly tumbled to their third consecutive loss of their Regional FourDay campaign, when they crashed to a 145-run defeat to Trinidad and Tobago here Sunday.

On a day when 19 wickets fell at Queen’s Park Oval, the Jamaicans found themselves unable to arrest their alarming slide, surrendering late on the third day of the sixth round match, after being set 244 for victory.

Once again, only Andre McCarthy showed any mettle, top scoring with 42 to follow up his first innings 45, as Jamaica could muster only a mere 98 all out.

Pacer Marlon Richards, with three for 15, and leg-spinner Imran Khan, with three for 21, led the Trinidadian attack admirably. (Windiescricket)

SCOREBOARD

Jomel Warrican

S

pinners Jomel Warrican and Ryan Austin kept Combined Campuses and Colleges’ semi-final aspirations alive, bowling them to an 82run victory over Windward Islands in the Regional Four-Day Championship inside three days here Sunday.

Warrican, a former West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner, grabbed five for 34 from 20.1 overs and veteran off-spinner Austin captured

Combined Campuses & Colleges 1st Innings 225 Windward Islands 1st Innings 157 Combined Campuses & Colleges 2nd Innings (Lead; 68) S Thomas LBW Sebastien 19 P Palmer c James b Matthew 7 K Corbin LBW Matthew 10 K Hodge c Bobb b Sebastien 12 C Walton c Theophile b Mathew 15 F Reifer c & b Sebastien 4 S Jacobs* c Ambris b Sebastien 2 J Greaves c James b Bobb 11 A Dewar not out 22 J Warrican st James b Bobb 4 R Austin timed out 0 Total: (58.5 Overs) 115 Extras: (b7, lb1, nb1) 9 Fall of Wickets: 1-28, 2-32, 3-45, 4-55, 5-69, 6-71, 7-79, 8-97, 9-115, 10-115.

Bowling: N Pascal 5-1-22-0, D Johnson 2-0-10-0, L Sebastien 27-7-40-4, A Bobb 11.5-3-212, M Matthew 13-6-40-3.

Windward Islands 2nd Innings (Target; 184) D Smith c Thomas b Warrican 16 T Theophile c Jacobs b Dewar 31 S Ambris c Jacobs b Warrican 8 K Lesporis run out (Walton/ Palmer) 23 R Currency c Corbin b Warrican 1 L Sebastien* b Austin 6 L James+ c and b Austin 3 M Mathew c Walton b Warrican 3 A Bobb not out 1 D Johnson c Corbin b Austin 2 N Pascal b Warrican 3 Total: (44.1 Overs) 101 Extras: (lb1, nb3) 4 Fall of Wickets: 1-22, 2-42, 3-62, 4-65, 5-82, 6-85, 7-92, 8-92, 9-95, 10-101.

Bowling: J Greaves 2-0-9-0, R Austin 16-5-37-3, J Warrican 20.1-5-34-5, A Dewar 6-0-20-1.

Corey Anderson fit in time for IPL

N

ew Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson is expected to join his IPL team, Mumbai Indians, later this week, with his finger injury having healed well.

Anderson had cut and dislocated the little finger of his of his right hand during the World T20.

“There’s no fracture, no break and we’re very happy with how the injury is going,” Anderson said, according to Fairfax NZ News, after seeing a specialist in Auckland on Friday. “The ligaments are all fine too; everything else is good to go. Everything went well and the news was all positive.”

Anderson was bought for US$750,000 at the IPL auction in February, after

Corey Anderson was bought for US$750,000

by Mumbai Indians (AFP photo)

an impressive few months in international cricket, during which he broke the long-standing record for the fastest ODI century. His participation in the tournament, however, was in doubt, after he hurt himself

while attempting a catch against Sri Lanka.

The IPL begins on April 16, in the UAE, with defending champions Mumbai Indians playing the opener against Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi. (Cricinfo)

Imran Khan

SCOREBOARD Trinidad & Tobago 1st Innings 244 Jamaica 1st Innings 180 Trinidad & Tobago 2nd Innings (Lead; 64) A Barath LBW Taylor E Lewis LBW Miller D Bravo b Buchanan J Mohammed c Jon Ross Campbell b Miller K Pollard LBW Miller R Emrit* LBW Buchanan S Katwaroo+ c Baugh Jr b Taylor I Khan not out M Richards b Taylor S Gabriel LBW Miller

2 43 45 9 0 0 12 56 5 1

R Jaipaul c Baugh Jr b Buchanan 1 Extras: (0nb, 0w, 1lb, 4b) 5 Total: (66.2 Overs) 170 Fall of Wickets: 1-6, 2-94, 3-98, 4-98, 5-99, 6-111, 7-119, 8-155, 9-174, 10-179.

Bowling: J Taylor 13-1-503, B Buchanan 12.2-3-34-3, T Lambert 8-2-21-0, N Miller 2512-40-4, D Jacobs 8-3-29-0.

Jamaica 2nd Innings (Target; 244) Jon Ross Campbell c Katwaroo b Richards 11 John Campbell c Gabriel b Emrit 0 N Bonner c Khan b Gabriel 10 J Blackwood c Lewis b Richards 0 T Lambert* c Katwaroo

b Richards 0 A McCarthy c Katwaroo b Khan 42 C Baugh Jr+ LBW Khan 14 N Miller c Katwaroo b Khan 2 D Jacobs run out (Richards) 7 J Taylor c Richards b Mohammed 4 B Buchanan not out 0 Extras: (0nb, 2w, 2lb ,4b) 8 Total: (33.3 Overs) 98 Fall of Wickets: 1-6, 2-94, 3-20, 4-20, 5-28, 6-52, 7-58, 8-89, 9-94, 10-98.

Bowling: S Gabriel 8-1-23-1, R Emrit 5-1-11-1, M Richards 7-115-3, I Khan 8.3-1-22-3, R Jaipaul 4-0-18-0, J Mohammed 1-0-3-1.

Brazil falling short in rush to overhaul World Cup airports

W

ith less than 10 weeks until the start of the World Cup, work on crucial new airport terminals has fallen behind in most of the dozen Brazilian host cities, heightening the risk of overcrowding and confusion during the tournament.

A temporary canvas terminal will be used instead of a planned airport expansion to receive fans in Fortaleza, which will host six matches including Brazil’s game against Mexico and a quarter-final. Officials are already preparing alternatives for other cities.

“Other airports have not said anything yet, but they will probably have to come up with contingencies,” said Carlos Ozores, a principal at aviation consultancy ICF International who has consulted for Brazilian airlines and airport operators.

Concern over Brazil’s airports is especially acute since they represent some of the tournament’s most lasting investments. A host of other transportation pro-

A worker carries a rock at the site of the delayed construction of a new terminal at the Pinto Martins international Airport that is supposed to help with increased traffic during the 2014 World Cup

jects have been scrapped or postponed, adding to criticism that the World Cup will leave few long-term benefits for ordinary Brazilians.

Quick fixes and lastminute deliveries are a recipe for chaos in the complex aviation industry, analysts say. Bungled openings of terminals from London to Denver took months to straighten out.

The stakes will be high in Brazil as more than 600,000

visitors arrive for the World Cup starting in June, one of the biggest sudden influxes the country has ever seen.

“People coming to Brazil are going to be shocked, especially Americans, by the how bad the airports are,” said Paul Irvine, who runs travel agency Dehouche in Rio de Janeiro.

“There won’t be any catastrophic issues ... but they will be chaotic and ugly as heck,” he said. (Reuters)

YELLOW PAGES

SPORTS

Durant scores 38 but Suns beat Thunder 122-115 F

tuesday, april 8, 2014

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or the 41st game in a row, Kevin Durant scored at least 25 points. Not even Michael Jordan ever did that.

Even so, Durant would probably trade his 38 points for a win.

P.J. Tucker, who had to guard Durant most of Sunday night, scored 11 of his career-high 22 points in the fourth quarter and Phoenix beat the Thunder 122-115, giving the Suns a critical victory in their drive to make the playoffs and dealing a blow to Oklahoma City’s tenuous hold on the No. 2 spot in the West.

Goran Dragic scored 26 points, Gerald Green 24 and Eric Bledsoe 18 for the Suns, who shot a season-best 58.4 percent.

With Memphis’ loss to San Antonio, the Suns are a game ahead of the Grizzlies for the No. 8 spot in the West and a half-game behind No. 7

Kevin Durant

Dallas.

Durant’s streak surpassed Jordan’s 40 in a row of 25 or more and is the longest since Oscar Robertson did it for 46 straight games in 1963-64.

Wilt Chamberlain did it in all

80 regular-season games in the 1961-62 season.

And Durant is totally unimpressed his streak. ‘’I don’t really care about it,’’ he said. ‘’I can’t wait until it’s over.’’

Shoaib Akhtar set to start coaching career

S

hoaib Akhtar is likely to start his coaching career with State Bank of Pakistan for the coming season, the Dawn has reported. According to Zaheerul-Hassan, the department’s team manager, Shoaib has agreed to take up the role of the head coach and is awaiting a clearance from the bank’s sports committee.

“It will be a huge bonus for us to have a cricketer of his stature in the support staff as the head coach.

We are extremely happy that Shoaib has expressed his desire to play his role in uplifting the State Bank cricket team,” Zaheer told the Dawn.

“Shoaib has shown deep interest when we approached him.

At the moment, we are in the process of formalising the contract details.”

State Bank of Pakistan avoided relegation from the departmental first-class competition after they finished tenth in the 11-team competition. Zaheer said that the team was looking to beef up

Shoaib Akhtar the support staff to improve the performances in the coming season.

“Yeah, it was a very close call [to avert relegation] last season,” he said. “At times the entire squad was under great pressure to survive the drop.

Had that been the case, it would have been pretty hard for us to run the team because a colossal amount is spent each season.

Considered one of the fastest bowlers of his era, Shoaib made his debut in November 1997 and retired after the 2011 World Cup in a career marred with controversy and injuries. He had expressed in 2012 his interest in taking up the role of bowling coach in the Pakistan national team set-up, under Dav Whatmore, but such a deal never materialised. (Cricinfo)

Fernando Alonso worried at lack of Ferrari speed

F

ernando Alonso admits Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness is “not good” after he and team-mate Kimi Raikkonen finished ninth and 10th in Bahrain.

Ferrari’s lack of traction, heavy tyre usage and poor straight-line speed were exposed at Sakhir.

“We would like to have extra speed and to be able to battle with anyone,” Alonso said.

“But at the moment it seems we miss on that aspect.

We have some strong points that some other circuits will show.”

Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo was in Bahrain for the race and admitted it was “painful” to see the team struggling so badly.

Fernando Alonso

“I don’t like seeing Ferrari in this condition,” he said.

“The engine people at the factory need to work to make a big leap forward in quality.

“I didn’t expect much

from this race, but I did expect a bit more than this. To see a Ferrari this slow on the straights is very painful.”

Despite the poor performance, Alonso slipped only one place to fourth in the drivers’ standings.

He is 35 points behind leader Nico Rosberg of Mercedes, who leads teammate Lewis Hamilton by 11 points after the team dominated the first three races of the season.

Alonso is two points behind Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg, but insists he is still confident Ferrari can improve their car sufficiently to enable him to fight for the championship. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

Tuesday, april 8, 2014

Tonge, Thomas lead Leewards to victory

BVA to host school tournament on Wednesday

T

Devon Thomas

A

brilliant, unbroken century stand between Gavin Tonge and Yannick Leonard helped Leeward Islands pull off a thrilling run chase and beat Guyana by five wickets here Monday.

Chasing 279 for victory, the Leewards reached their target for the loss of five wickets, late in the second session on the final day of their sixth-round contest in the Regional Four-Day Championship.

Tonge, more known for his right-arm seam, stroked a gutsy, unbeaten 57 while

he Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) in its continuing efforts to promote and develop volleyball in schools across the county, will be hosting a volleyball tournament for Primary and Secondary schools in Berbice on Wednesday April 9 at the GTC/PM Courts on the Corentyne.

The competition will feature Primary School teams (male & female) that participated in mini-Volleyball festivals held by the BVA in 2012 and 2013 and Secondary schools that normally participate in competitions organised by the BVA. According to the compe-

Gavin Tonge

Leonard, a specialist leftarm spinner, supported with 37 not out, in a sixth wicket partnership worth 101.

It carried the Leewards from what looked like certain defeat at 178 for five to an unlikely victory a few hours later at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

The run chase was, however, set up by Devon Thomas who stroked a superb 90 while Jahmar Hamilton got 54, in a 140-run, fourth wicket stand. When both fell, the Leewards still had much to do to avoid their fourth de-

feat of the season, but Tonge and Leonard crowned themselves heroes.

The win was only their

second in five outings in the tournament, moving them to 40 points. They remain fifth in the standings, however.

SCOREBOARD Guyana 1st Innings 240 Leeward Islands 1st Innings 174 Guyana 2nd Innings 212 Leeward Islands 2nd Innings (Target; 279) K Powell* c Bramble b Joseph 7 J Liburd LBW Joseph 11 O Peters b Beaton 7 D Thomas+ c Johnson b Permaul 90 J Hamilton c Bramble b Shadir 54 G Tonge not out 57

Y Leonard not out 37 Extras: (b12, lb3, nb1) 16 Total: (5 wickets; 86 Overs) 279 Fall of Wickets: 1-17, 2-24, 3-28, 4-168, 5-178.

Did not Bat: K Walters, Q Boatswain, A Martin, T Willett.

Bowling: R Beaton 16-254-1, K Joseph 13-2-46-2, Z Shadir 18-4-54-1, V Permaul 22-5-61-1, A Khan 15-345-0, T Griffith 2-1-4-0

ICC announces Team of the Tournament

T

he International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the men’s Team of the Tournament of the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014, with India’s MS Dhoni named captain.

The team includes four players from India, two from both South Africa and West Indies, and one representative each from Australia, Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

Chosen by a select group of experts,* the team was aimed at being suited for Bangladesh conditions, on the basis of performances in the tournament only.

Statistics were used but were not the sole basis for selections.

Selection Panel Chairman and member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, David Boon, said of the selection: “It was a very difficult task for the panel to pick a team of 11 from the exciting players who featured in this tournament.

“As the selection criteria for the Team of the Tournament are the performances of players in the

Samuel Badree

Darren Sammy

conditions during the ICC World Twenty20 2014, some of the best players in world cricket had to be left out of the team.

“Bowlers in particular performed strongly throughout this tournament, and the side we have selected includes three of the most impressive bowlers in Dale Steyn, Samuel Badree and Lasith Malinga. The team also contains six specialist batsmen, including Stephan Myburgh from the Netherlands as an opening batsman, as well as three all-rounders, including MS Dhoni as a wicket-keeper

batsman.”

The panel faced a difficult choice for a number of positions, and players who were considered but who did not ultimately make the team included India’s Amit Mishra, Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad, the South Africa duo of AB de Villiers and Imran Tahir, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Rangana Herath, and West Indies’ Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine.

ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 Men’s Team of the Tournament (in batting order): Rohit Sharma (India) – 200

runs; Stephan Myburgh (Netherlands) – 224 runs; Virat Kohli (India) – 319 runs; JP Duminy (South Africa) – 187 runs; Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 147 runs; MS Dhoni (India captain, wicketkeeper) – 50 runs, six dismissals; Darren Sammy (West Indies) – 101 runs; Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 11 wickets; Dale Steyn (South Africa) – nine wickets; Samuel Badree (West Indies) – 11 wickets; Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – five wickets; 12th Player: Krishmar Santokie (West Indies) – eight wickets. *David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees was the chairman of the independent jury that selected the Men’s Team of the Tournament.

Other members of the panel included Marais Erasmus of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, ex-England captain Nasser Hussain, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop and Utpal Shuvro, one of Bangladesh’s seniormost cricket correspondents. (ICC Media Release)

tition co-ordinator, Godwyn Allicock, several schools have already confirmed their participation, among them being All Saints Primary, St Aloysius Primary, Rose Hall Town Primary, Belvedere Primary, Cropper Primary, Tain Primary, Berbice High School, N/A Multilateral, Canje Secondary, JC Chandisingh Secondary and Lower Corentyne Secondary.

The action is scheduled to commence at 09:30h.

Trophies and prizes will be presented to the winners and runners- up in each category.

For more information kindly contact BVA Secretary on 336-6264 or Godwyn Allicock on 3374774.

Rain stops play in Mecca to Mackenzie b/ball tourney – Linden tops Georgetown in pre-games

D

ynas Ravens were on their way to a dominant victory before rain ended the game in a draw on Saturday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard Court in Linden.

With 34s left in the third quarter, and Ravens up 42-30, a heavy downpour stopped the remainder of the game that saw Ravens on course to a blowout win.

However, the prize money was split down the middle by both teams as the game was deemed a draw.

Meanwhile, in the games leading up to the feature d game, Linden dominated their Georgetown counterparts.

Kashif and Shanghai Kings got the ball rolling with a 53-51 win over the Pacesetters who could not make the crunch- time plays to win.

Abdulla Hamid came up big for the Kings with 15 points while Steve Neils Jr. added 13 points Omally Sampson also dropped 11 points in the win.

Travis Burnett was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points, while Randy Richardson scored 13 points in the effort that fell just short for the win.

In the rematch that featured the teams that played

for third in the Road to Mecca, the result proved to be different when Amelia’s Ward Jets defeated Bounty Colts 68-62.

Point man for the Jets, Emmanuel Archibald, led from the front with 16 points displaying tremendous finesse around the rim that brought high reactions from the large Linden crowd.

Archibald took over the final three minutes after the game was tied 55 to lead the team to victory with a 13-7 run.

Alistair Webster scored 15 points and Shane Webster 13 points in the winning effort to give Linden two in two for the night before the heavy downpour.

Colts’ big three of Shelroy Thomas, Nikkoloi Smith and Dave Causway would all drop in double digit performances of 14, 14 and 16 points respectively in the loss.

Sports Management Inc. who planned and managed the event, was sponsored

by AnsaMcAl under its Stag Beer brand, Paladin Security and Michael Singh, Haslyn Graham, President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, Nigel Hinds, Troy Mendonca, Lennox Cush, Courts and Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

Tuesday, april 8, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Chanderpaul leads ECCCC to victory Hetmyer, Grant

Elizabeth Styles U-19, 50-over cricket…

Members of the ECCCC U-19 team moments after beating East Bank on Sunday

N

ational first-class batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul was in superb form recently, stroking a solid half-century to lead Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) to a five-wicket victory over Vergenoegen in a re-

turn match at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

Chasing 165 for victory off 35 overs, ECCCC rallied to 165-5 with four overs to spare with the young left-hander striking an unbeaten 75.

Skipper Bheemraj Ramkellawan and all-rounder

Ranjeet Heeralall chipped in with 20 apiece. K Bascombe took 2-27 from seven overs for Vergenoegen, who made 164 all out after being inserted to take first strike.

T Drakes topscored with 47 and A Cameron made 34, while Gavin Moriah and

Rudolph Singh were the pick of the bowlers for ECCCC with 2-15 and 2-9 respectively.

Meanwhile, the ECCCC Under-19 team chalked up an impressive five-wicket win over East Bank Demerara Under-19 side on Sunday last.

Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, the East Bank unit batted first after winning the toss, posting a challenging 180 off the allotted 40 overs.

Ryan Singh led all scorers with 59, while V Rampersaud made 33. K Sukhai took 2-12 for ECCCC, who cruised to victory at 182-5 from 35 overs.

Rudolph Singh made 36, Navindra Gobin 35 not out and Heeralall 33. Bowling for East Bank, D Seegobin clained 3-40 from six overs.

The ECCCC senior side will travel to Rose Hall this Sunday to play the Rose Hall Estate Sports Club in a return game. The ECCCC won the first game played at Enmore last month. (Avenash Ramzan)

highlight latest round

Grisean Grant

Shimron Hetmyer

uyana first-class selectee Shimron Hetmyer hit his second consecutive half century for Young Warriors in the ongoing 2014 Elizabeth Styles Under-19, 50-over cricket competition in Berbice

when he slammed 92 against Edinburgh in Zone ‘B’.

His knock, which included 10 fours and two sixes, together with 84 (9x4s, 4x6s) from Zachery Persaud, enabled Warriors to reach 274 in 38.1 overs.

When Edinburgh replied, Joseph Giddings made 65 (7x4s, 1x6) and Jerome Andrews 50 (10x4s), but they could reply with only 186 in 35 overs.

In Zone ‘A’, after the Cotton Tree Die Hard bowlers did reasonably well to bowl out Acheivers ‘A’ for 113 in 13.3 overs, the Acheivers opening bowlers, Guyana Under-17 pacer Grisean Grant and offspinner Lawrence Sears returned identical bowling figures of 5-9 each to collectively bowl out Cotton Tree for just 18 runs in 5.4 overs.

Below are the summarised scores from the game.

At Edinburgh, Young Warriors beat Edinburgh by 95 runs, Young Warriors 274 in 38.1 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 92, Z. Persaud 84, Videshwar Mangra 3-31, Wally Latif 3-65, Joseph Giddlings 2-45, Clifford Welcome 2-51) Edinburgh 186 in 35 overs (Joseph Giddings 65, Jerome Andrews 50, Royden Phil 3-24, Kassim Khan 3-26).

At Cotton Tree, Acheivers ‘A’ beat Cotton Tree Die Hard by 95 runs. Acheivers ‘A’ 113 in 13.3 overs (Rennison Mitchell 28, Randy Wade 24, Leonard Seetayah 4-19, Ajai Hemraj 3-14, Hemchan Singh 2-11) Cotton Tree Die Hard 18 all out in 5.4 overs (Grisean Grant 5-9, Lawerence Sears 5-9).

G

Diamond Fire & General Insurance Inc aboard with DCB U-19 Inter-Zone competition

D

iamond Fire and General Insurance Inc is officially aboard with the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) for the 2014 Under-19 Inter-Zone 50-Over Competition.

This insurance company opened its doors for business on 1st December 2000 and is located at 44 B High Street, Kingston, Georgetown. It is registered to underwrite Property, Accident and Liability, Motor and Marine Insurance.

In addition to providing Insurance services to the general public, it has been contributing over the years to the sponsorship of cricket for youths in Guyana.

While handing over the sponsorship cheque, Assistant Manager of Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc, Rabindranauth Basil, told DCB’s President, Raj Singh, and Treasurer, Anand Kalladeen that they are pleased to associate themselves with the Under-19 Inter-Zone competition. And they are keenly looking forward to a competitive and successful contest.

Raj Singh expressed his gratitude to the company for noticing the need to sup-

DFGI Accountant, Rabindra Budhai handing over the sponsorship cheque to DCB’s Treasurer, Anand Kalladeen

port the Under-19 boys in Demerara. He promised that everything will be put in place to make the competition a success, and added that he is hoping that Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc stays with the competition in the years to come.

The competition bowls off tomorrow with East Coast going up against West Demerara at the Georgetown Cricket Club, and Georgetown against East Bank at the

Demerara Cricket Club.

Then, in the second round on Thursday 10thApril, East Coast and East Bank will battle at the Enmore Community Centre ground, while Georgetown and West Demerara will clash at Wales Community Centre ground.

And in the third and final round on 12thApril, West Demerara and East Bank will meet at the Wales Community Centre ground, while East Coast and Georgetown will

be in contest at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The teams are as follows: East Bank Demerara: Daniel Barker, Deonarine Seegobin, Ryan Shun, Shelon Chapman, Asif Alli, Michael Sultan, Andrew Chung, Suraj Sankar, Vinesh Rampersaud, Ricky Debidial, Daren John, Airshad Alli, Delon Peroune, Abdel Bacchus, Stephon Browne, Julian fortune. The Manager is Johnny Azeez and the Coach is Godfrey

Edwards.

Georgetown: Michael Shalin, Sunil Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Tiven Imlach, Clitus Johnson, Cleon McEwan, Hakeem Davi, Keon Morris, Yekini Favourite, Carlton Jacques, Rajendra Danraj, Steven Sankar, Kemal Savoury, Tariq Dharamlall. The Manager is Robert Adonis nd the Coach is Quason Nedd.

West Demerara: Travis Persaud, Ronaldo Renee, Kevin Paul, Malcom Hubbard, Kelvin Sewpersaud, RichieLooknauth, Narendra Persaud, Avenash Dhaniram, Keshram Seyhodan, Vickram Talmkund, Ewart Samuels, Chaitnarine Pooran, Rabindra Rooplall, Nicoli Reddy. The Manager is Omar Hussain and the Coach is Dhanpaul.

East Coast Demerara: Brian Sattaur, Rudolph Singh, Devraj Chunilall, Vishwanath Ramlakhan, Gavin Moriah, Irfaan Ali, Damian Walrond, Shanerick DaSilva, Satesh Jainarine, Sahadeo Ramkhelawan, Mathew Shivtahal, Ramnarine Chetura, Travis Marcellino, Vivian Albert. The Manager is Richard Albert and the Coach is Latchman Yadram.

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

tuesday, April 8, 2014

TOP SCORES

‘To be selected by my country is something special’ See story on page

19

The winning Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTGG) team pose with Managing Director Robert Selman, Marketing Manager Shameiz Yadram and other staff members of the Guyana Beverage Company

RHTGG takes Busta ‘Champion of Champions’ title Leon Johnson is set to make his maiden appearance in the Limacol CPL this year

– beat Albion CC by 25 runs

See story on page

19

NSC annual badminton tourney concludes

T

he respective winners in the various categories of the National Sports Commission’s annual age group singles badminton tournament were recently rewarded for their efforts during the presentation ceremony held at Queen’s College.

In addressing the winners, president of the Guyana Badminton Association and national coach, Gokarn Ramdhani, congratulated them on their achievements. He also encouraged the players to continue working hard on their game.

Elan Rahaman, Vikash Mootoo and Omar Samad finished 1-23 in the Under-11 Boys’ competition, while Sarah Samad won the Under-11 Girls from Jayde DaSilva and Reanna Persaud.

Elan Rahaman and Priyanna Ramdhani were the Under-13 Boys and Girls champions respectively, while Hemraj Beharry won the Under-15 Boys and Priyanna Ramdhani took the Under-15 Girls

The respective winners in the various categories proudly display their medals

title.

Narayan Ramdhani emerged champion of the Under-17 Boys division, while his sister Priyanna won on the distaff side in the Under-17 category.

Narayan Ramdhani also claimed top honours in the Under-19 segment, leaving Jonathan Mangra to occupy second and Omar Abdelbari and Noel Shewjattan to share third spot.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Badminton Association has announced that it will be sending a team to the Suriname International Easter tournament during the Easter weekend.

The Guyanese will participate in the Under-15 and Under-19 Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with some senior players competing in the Invitational Singles.

At last year’s championships, the Guyanese copped eight medals.

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