guyanatimesgy.com
saturday, december 7, 2013
5
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Mandela has left us richer A sport academy in Guyana is a step in the right direction than anything money can buy
Dear Editor, The world has lost a great freedom fighter and statesman with the death of South Africa’s first black President Nelson Mandela. All is not lost, however, for he has left us with a great legacy and left us richer than anything money can buy. He lived his life by virtues of truth, honesty, knowledge, caring and sharing with peace. We are indeed saddened by his passing but he lived a great life, touching the world with his genuine love, kindness and compassion, having taught us much, so let’s celebrate his life. Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the age of 95. The world has lost democracy’s
most loyal friend and advocate for freedom and justice. Mandela was the 20th century’s icon of freedom and liberty. He inspired us to believe that no obstacle is too large, no walk is too long, and no enemy of freedom is so powerful, that we should ever consider giving in. He has lived a life not only for himself and the people of South Africa, but the entire world. He has lit the candle for the world to see freedom. His life will surely become one of the most epic stories in world history, of the true depth and strength of the human spirit. He inspired us with his life, his words, his work and his triumph. Mandela will forever be remembered as a man who fought for freedom and won it for millions, around the world, without once com-
promising his beliefs or his principles. He has sacrificed his life for freedom. The legacy he has left us is one we shall always celebrate and we shall always thank God for Mandela. The prayers, love and support of the board of directors, executives and members of the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc, its Guyana and Toronto Chapters, are with his family and those dear to him. May he rest in peace knowing that he leaves behind many who will continue his fight and carry on his legacy. Sincerely, Pandit Suresh Sugrim Humanitarian Mission of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc
Promotion of e-billing services in Guyana Dear Editor, I must commend those who are contributing to the overall improvement of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. However, we all play a role in ensuring efficiency and as good Samaritans, we must continue to report any matters that can affect the performance of GPL. In return, it is GPL’s responsibility to ensure that all matters of urgency are addressed, particularly in cases where poles or trees threaten to burst power lines. In a technologically-ad-
vancing world, it is evident that GPL is undertaking several initiatives to improve its customer service countrywide, including the newlyimplemented electronic billing (e-billing) service. The new initiative is expected to make paying bills easier, faster and hassle free. E-billing offers a paperless mode of transaction, which is not only environmentally friendly but also clutter-free for both the receiver and the sender of electronic billing. It minimises the inconvenience of paper-
work and having to worry about accidentally misplacing a bill. With e-billing there is no need to join a long line to pay processing fees. Bills are instantly emailed and queried if necessary. All it calls for is basic computer proficiency. E-billing is being used by many businesses all around the world and it is time for us Guyanese to embrace this essential, hassle-free concept. Yours sincerely, Kenrick Niles
Dear Editor, Guyana was not fortunate to benefit from its colonial masters or the previous government of any world class stadium or real international sport facilities. Mere words will never be enough to praise the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government under the astute leadership of former President Bharrat Jagdeo for this country’s achievements in building world class and international sport facilities for our people. We must never forget that when the International Cricket Council (ICC) took the decision to allow the Caribbean to host the World Cup in 2007, the Bourda Cricket Ground was described as obsolete. There were serious discussions between the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) for them to merge and make one international facility. Those in charge never agreed. Hence, no merger and both facilities are now not capable or appropriate for hosting world class cricket or football matches. Clive Hubert Lloyd, one of our greatest cricketers, is today championing the cause for the merger of the two facilities. Lloyd believes that such a merger has the potential of creating one of the top stadia in the Caribbean, equipped with a cycling velodrome, football ground and tennis courts.
With all of this, we could have the return of international cricket at Bourda. Lloyd said “as a nation, we must seek to create such an environment and provide opportunities and facilities for purposeful and meaningful participation by our youths and students in the various disciplines in sport”. It cannot be denied that the NEW GPC INC/CPL OPCO, through the acquisition of the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the massive investment in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL), brought back cricket to the people of Guyana. The NEW GPC INC/CPL OPCO must be extremely proud that they ran off a highly successful professional T-20 cricket tournament in the Caribbean. There were many who doubted the tournament would have been successful. However, the massive crowd and world class performances along with the high level of competent organisers certainly recorded a massive success for the LCPL. I recalled vividly how sections of the press were writing negatively during the construction of the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. The naysayers could not accept that we in Guyana could have completed our stadium in time for the World Cup. Let me remind them that the Brian Lara Stadium is yet to be completed. Further, the
facility in Kingston, Jamaica is without lights – no night cricket to date. I am extremely hurt to read the December 4 column “Peeping Tom” in the Kaieteur News and I quote, “Training facilities do not cost a fortune and a sport academy can operate out of any makeshift bond”. What a shame of a statement! In this modern world, raw talent and potential is not enough to compete at the highest level. Our sportsmen and sportswomen are indeed great people. We must provide our youth and students with the best that we could offer them. The NEW GPC INC/CPL OPCO is all about action and is a success story. Please do not follow those who choose to invest outside of Guyana after they accumulate richness. Please look at our sons and daughters. Let us have a multi-sport complex. A sport academy in Guyana is a step in the right direction. Guyana’s sons and daughters will forever remember you with such a choice. Sad! Guyanese must not allow this facility to move to another country. A reliable source has informed that the project will now be built in another country in the Caribbean. Let us as Guyanese be the winners. Let us benefit from this investment. Sincerely, Neil Kumar