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PNCR says no to Walter Rodney Commission – Nandlall says party abandons opportunity to exonerate itself

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has announced that it will not be participating in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry; a move Attorney General Anil Nandlall said is an abandonment of a golden opportunity to exonerate itself from allegations that it played a role in the death of the historian.

The party in a terse statement on Friday said it made the decision not to participate in the inquiry at a recent Central Executive Committee.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Saturday, Nandlall pointed out that the Commission is long overdue, and the unease surrounding Rodney’s death needs to be put to rest, once and for all.

The establishment of the inquiry has received support from the Caribbean Community, North America and South Africa, which all applauded the Government for its attempt to shed light on that dark chapter of Guyana’s history.

Given the widespread assumption that it was the PNCR Government, under the stewardship of then President Forbes Burnham, that assassinated Rodney, Nandlall posited that the inquiry would have given the PNCR an opportunity to vindicate itself.

“One would think that were they unconnected to Rodney’s death, this would have given them an opportunity to vindicate themselves,” said Minister Nandlall.

The PNCR had expressed reservation on the appointment of Senior Counsel, Seenath Jairam as a Commissioner on the

three-man panel, a position that was supported by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a party founded by Dr Rodney.

Objection

“As you must be aware, Mr Jairam was the lead counsel representing the Government of Guyana in the recent budget cut case before the Chief Justice Ian Chang. While Mr Jairam is indisputably a highly placed and respected member of the Trinidad and Tobago Bar whose professionalism is not in question, we are of the view that, in these highly charged political issues, his past representations may not free him from the appearance of bias.”

The WPA had also said that though its members are free to participate in the inquiry, it had called on the Government to remove a paragraph from the terms of reference (ToR) into Dr Walter Rodney’s death, saying that it had nothing to do with the politician’s killing.

In a letter to President Donald Ramotar raising a number of concerns regard-

ing the inquiry, the WPA said “on the terms of reference proper, we have grave concerns that paragraph (iv) strays a considerable distance from the precisions of paragraph (i) that properly tasks the Commission with examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to the death of Dr Walter Rodney… how does the time period defined in paragraph a (iv) – 1 January 1978 to 31 December 1980” – qualify as being immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to the death of Dr Walter Rodney?" the WPA asked.

The party, which is a plank in the coalition, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) says: “We are of the view that the scope of paragraph (iv) goes well beyond what is required for the determination of responsibility as expressed clearly in para (i). Instead, para (iv) runs the risk of opening a Pandora’s Box that will guarantee an unwelcome poisoning of the political environment which, you will agree, is already toxic enough. We urge that paragraph (iv) be removed from the terms of reference,” the WPA said in the letter signed by its lead-

er, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Executive Member, Professor Clive Thomas.

President Donald Ramotar has assured the WPA that the inquiry has no ulterior motive.

“You have my fullest assurance that this Commission of Inquiry is not driven by a political agenda, neither is it inspired by a sinister motive. It is intended to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of one of Guyana’s brightest stars, a man who has won international acclaim for his prodigious scholarship as well as his social, political and working class activism, and coincidentally but fundamentally, one whom you once embraced as your leader, a brother and a comrade,” Ramotar told the WPA leaders in a letter.

Dr Rodney was killed on June 13, 1980 while sitting in his car on John Street outside the Georgetown Prison. His brother and other WPA activists at the time had accused former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) electronics expert, Sergeant Gregory Smith of giving Rodney a walkie-talkie to test against the metal fence of the jail. A bomb was planted in the communications device.

Dr Walter Rodney

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

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

Mailing address:

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Editorial

Standing for something

One of the most remarkable revelations from the budget debates was the complete lack of any overarching conceptual framework to analyse the budget estimates. We understand it might be foolhardy nowadays to assume an explicit ideological riposte to the prescribed neo-liberal economic shibboleths. But the political class will have to show they stand for something and they will not fall for everything just to secure state power.

This problem of seeking to effectuate change in a climate of intellectual ennui is not new: in fact, back in the 1950s, Daniel Bell analysed the phenomena in his book, “The End of Ideology”. Excerpts from his conclusion might serve our politicians well:

“The problem is that the old politico-economic radicalism...has lost its meaning, while the stultifying aspects of contemporary culture cannot be redressed in political terms. The irony, further, for those who seek ‘causes’ is that the workers, whose grievances were once the driving energy for social change, are more satisfied with the society than the intellectuals. The workers have not achieved utopia, but their expectations were less than those of the intellectuals, and the gains correspondingly larger.

“The end of ideology is not -- should not be -- the end of utopia as well. If anything, one can begin anew the discussion of utopia only by being aware of the trap of ideology. The point is that ideologists are ‘terrible simplifiers’. Ideology makes it unnecessary for people to confront individual issues on their individual merits. One simply turns to the ideological vending machine, and out comes the prepared formulae. And when these beliefs are suffused by apocalyptic fervour, ideas become weapons, and with dreadful results.

“There is now, more than ever, some need for utopia, in the sense that men need -- as they have always needed -- some vision of their potential, some manner of fusing passion with intelligence. Yet the ladder to the City of Heaven can no longer be a ‘faith ladder’, but an empirical one: a utopia has to specify where one wants to go, how to get there, the costs of the enterprise, and some realisation of, and justification for the determination of who is to pay.

“The end of ideology closes the book, intellectually speaking, on an era, the one of easy ‘Left’ formulae for social change. But to close the book is not to turn one’s back upon it. This is all the more important now when a ‘new left’, with few memories of the past, is emerging. This ‘new left’ has passion and energy, but little definition of the future. Its outriders exult that it is ‘on the move’. But where it is going, what it means by socialism, how to guard against bureaucratisation, what one means by democratic planning or workers’ control -- any of the questions that require hard thought, are only answered by bravura phrases.

“If the end of ideology has any meaning, it is to ask for the end of rhetoric, and rhetoricians, of ‘revolution’ of the day when the young French anarchist Vaillant tossed a bomb into the Chamber of Deputies, and the literary critic Laurent Tailhade declared in his defence: ‘What do a few human lives matter; it was a beau geste.’

“The problems which confront us at home and in the world are resistant to the old terms of ideological debate between ‘Left’ and ‘Right’, and if ‘ideology’ by now, and with good reason, is an irretrievably fallen word, it is not necessary that ‘utopia’ suffer the same fate. But it will if those who now call loudest for new utopias begin to justify degrading means in the name of some Utopian or revolutionary end, and forget the simple lessons that if the old debates are meaningless, some old verities are not.”

In Guyana, these verities have to include the traditional liberal political rights along with the economic ones: they are all the “rights of man”.

Ruling party heading for routing in India polls

Dear Editor,

An opinion poll being conducted into the ongoing general elections in India that began on April 7 and that will conclude on May 12 shows the ruling Congress party heading for a routing in the worst showing in its political history.

Five phases have been completed in voting with four phases to go. Although exit polls are not permitted until the completion of all nine phases of voting, all indications are that the Opposition BJP will form the Government. There is an anti-incumbency vote everywhere. Counting of votes will be held on May 16.

The famed Gandhi family associated with the Congress, led by its scion Rahul, is not having the pull it had in previous elections. There is a wave for the Opposition BJP whose Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi attracts hundreds of thousands at every stop.

Neither the beautiful Priyanka Gandhi Vadra nor her mother, the Italian born Sonia, is able to charm voters

to stop a Modi wave. People are fed up of broken Congress promises. Everywhere people were polled, there is an anti-Congress mood. People want change after what they describe as 10 years of failed policies and massive corruption.

Even Muslim voters, who have had serious issues with Modi and the BJP, have joined the bandwagon. The father of Bollywood icon, Salman Khan, urged Muslims to give Modi a chance and not allow other parties to continue to fool them.

Other prominent Muslim clerics have also come out in support of Modi saying they are tired of being electoral slaves for one party. Prominent Muslims, who in the past supported Congress and other parties, have turned their backs on Congress in spite of appeals to Bollywood Muslims stars to give Congress a lift.

Prominent cricketer Mohamed Kaif is contesting for the BJP as is former captain Mohammed Azharudeen and other prominent

Muslims in Muslim strongholds. All four Gandhis who are contesting seats – two for BJP and two for Congress –all in the huge state of Uttar Pradesh where most IndoTrinis and Indo-Guyanese trace their roots, will win.

Opinion polls in UP show BJP winning half the 80 seats – and this will make it the strongest contender to form a Government if it fails to get a majority of 272 (out of 545) seats. Modi, though he is from Gujarat, is also contesting in UP in the holy city of Varanasi and will prevail based on a small sample of people I interacted with.

He is going up against two very popular candidates, including the leader (Arvind Kejriwal) of the anti-corruption party, AAP, but people want to give Modi a chance.

Modi’s opponents are campaigning on religious appeal urging Muslims not to vote for Modi. But it is not working. Everywhere and among all religious groups, there is strong confidence that Modi will reduce corruption and enhance development bettering the lives of

all as opposed to only a small group heretofore under the Congress.

In Delhi, polls had BJP ahead in three seats but everywhere I travelled almost everyone said they will vote Modi. Similarly, in Mumbai, polls showed Congress retaining most of the seats. But everywhere I went, people say they are voting Modi though his BJP is not even in the race in Mumbai proper. Modi’s alliance partner Shiva Sena is contesting against Congress and although he had not planned to campaign in Mumbai, Modi has now decided to make a visit to the huge city to help his partner.

People are voting Modi (his alliance). In other mega cities (Chennai, Kolkota, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune, among others), it is also an anti-Congress feeling as a Modi-magic is expanding countrywide reducing the chances of a surprise Congress victory.

Respectfully submitted,

Vishnu Bisram

Easter affords Guyanese the opportunity of togetherness

Dear Editor, The celebration of this greatest Christian holiday of Easter usually affords us Guyanese the opportunity of making merry together, as we indulge in the customary picnicking, kiteflying and other activities in which we forget our differences in a spirit of unity and harmony.

We should be truly grateful that our history has gift-

ed us with a culture that embodies the three greatest religions of the world, and use this circumstance to enrich our national ethos so that we truly fulfil the motto of our country.

But, while I would encourage all my fellow Guyanese to practise their preferred religion, as this has the enormous potential of bringing us together as a community, I posit that the

Almighty Creator that we worship at our separate services resides in each of us, and we can do nothing more effective towards our salvation here and in the hereafter than to connect inwardly with Him each day of our lives, as we also need to do in the physical, mental and social spheres, and use His infinite power to enhance and maintain our well-being in all aspects of our living.

This would ensure that, no matter what the circumstances in which we find ourselves, we are always in a position to help ourselves and our fellowmen towards this salvation which we all seek as the true purpose of our lives. I wish all Guyanese a happy holiday!

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

Visitors ride a boat in the Chidorigafuchi moat, as they enjoy fully bloomed cherry blossoms, during spring in Tokyo (The Atlantic In Focus)

GVL’s familiarisation and sensitisation outreach programme

Dear Editor,

On April 13, the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) Executives visited the New Amsterdam Headquarters of the Guyana Legion, in addition to the Ex-GDF Association’s Berbice Branches, as part of their Familiarisation and Sensitisation Outreach Programme for the year 2014.

The visit coincided with the Election of Office Bearers, chosen from members of the respective Branches amalgamating to form one Guyana Veterans Legion, Berbice Branch. The Guyana Veterans Legion delegation included its President, George Gomes (LieutenantColonel retired), Vice-

President Frank Bishpam (Colonel retired) and two World War 2 Veterans, among other Executives.

There were more than seventy-five members present at the meeting; and from those eligible to vote, the following persons were elected to serve for the period 20142016.

Chairman – Carrol Haynes

Vice-Chairman –Anthony Crandon

Secretary – Gerald Young

Treasurer – Thomas Lovell

Secretary/Treasurer –Lydia Simon

The General Secretary of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Mr Kingsley Nelson performed the duties of

Returning Officer.

One of the many plans for the branch is to build their own Headquarters and a home for indigent members.

Donations were immediately made towards the Branch Building Fund by some members of the Guyana Veterans Legion Executive and members of the Branch.

It is the intention of the Members of the Guyana Veteran’s League to schedule their next visit to the town of Linden.

Yours Sincerely,

Eon Andrews Public Relations Officer

Guyana Veterans Legion

The conundrum of contextual

vs capricious management

Dear Editor,

While being inspired and thankful for the many positive reactions that I got, regarding the letter I wrote last week on the need for effective management, I thought I should also caution about the need for management to be contextual without being whimsical or unduly unpredictable.

Undoubtedly, management processes and systems must be adaptive to changing circumstances, must be flexible like the bamboo in windstorms lest damage occurs as typically happens with other stiff, unyielding trees.

Admittedly, these thoughts might appear confusing if not contradictory, but unfortunately, such is the true nature of effective change management, which is essentially what organisations like GuySuCo cannot escape.

The dynamics of the business world, in which organisations like GuySuCo operate, require wisdom and fortitude to deal with

apparent unpredictability and challenging inconsistencies without sacrificing basic principles of honesty, integrity, transparency and objective defensibility.

Anyone can deal with the automaticity and predictability of machines which operate on certain basic, pre-determined rules from which any variation can result in predictable consequences.

However, in the context of human behaviour, human systems and the management of human beings, any belief or attempt at the “one-size-fits-all” syndrome can be counter-productive, if not outright dangerous.

In this context, I think it would be useful also to refer to the excellent article in the Deloite University Press publication of November 11, 2013 titled, “Burdens of the Past”, in which the following points are succinctly made: Organisational structures that were built on the premise of control, hierarchy and tightly defined roles and processes pro-

Researching Abraham Lincoln’s influence in South America

Dear Editor,

My name is Stacy Boggs and I am a member of Association of Third World Studies, Inc and the Department Assistant of History and Social Sciences Department at LSUShreveport.

I am currently researching Abraham Lincoln’s influence in South America and specifically Guyana. I have already found a Lincoln Street in Demerara-

Mahaica as well as postage stamps that were released in 2010 with Lincoln’s portrait on them.

I was hoping you could lead me in the right direction to find more information about Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in Guyana.

It was mentioned by a professor at my university that there may be painted taxi-cabs in your country and possibly one might depict Lincoln.

Do you have any information on this subject or know of a person who would? I would appreciate if you or your readers could give any information on this topic. Any information, especially photographs, would be appreciated. I can be reached by e-mail, BoggsS@LSUS. edu.

Thank you, Stacy Boggs BoggsS@LSUS.edu

TAAMOG condemns 2014 budgetary disapprovals

Dear Editor, The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) vigorously condemns the cutting of the 2014 $220 billion national budget by the parliamentary Opposition as absolutely irresponsible, anti-national, anti-developmental and lawless with the deliberate misuse of their one-seat majority in Parliament.

It is once again a blatant display of unlawful and unconstitutional behaviour by the parliamentary Opposition in relation to budgets cuts.

mote status quo and discourage experimentation and change.

• As we move from the relative stability of the 20th century to the fluid 21st century, learning and adaptation are keys to success. Organisations must learn and evolve rapidly as changing paradigms and pragmatism dictate and resilience overtakes stability as key ingredients of progress.

• Resilient organisations learn to convert challenges into opportunities, but for this to happen they must access new knowledge and passionate individuals to connect with resources and capabilities in order to turn threats into opportunities, even in the old-fashioned SWOT analysis mode!

Sincerely, Nowrang

Persaud

The 2014 budget disapprovals by the parliamentary Opposition in the committee

of supply had nothing at all to do with sound reasoning despite all the explanations given to them by the Ministers of Government, but a politically partisan stance to deliberately frustrate and hinder Guyana’s continued development process.

Guyana’s indigenous peoples stand to terribly suffer in their communities with the slashing of the Amerindian Development Fund, compounded by the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) initiatives, which would have provided for their continued community development projects and the commencement of their land-ti-

tling projects. This clearly shows that the Parliamentary Opposition does not care about Guyana’s hinterland Amerindian communities and their talk about their “love” for Amerindians and their communities is simply bogus and hypocrisy.

TAAMOG will soon be visiting the Amerindian communities for further engagements on the 2014 budget where the parliamentary Opposition has voted against the development of the Amerindian peoples of Guyana.

Respectfully submitted, TAAMOG

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

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

My first exam is next Friday so of course, I’m starting to feel pretty stressed out. It’s the feeling that plagues most students – so much to do, so little time.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt in med school so far, it’s that stress is very, very bad for you. So far, whatever medical conditions we’ve covered, without fail, one of their underlying causes could be attributed to stress.

High blood pressure? That could be brought on by stress. Weird changes in your hormone levels? Again, one of the factors causing that could be stress.

So how does one deal with stress? Some might suggest meditation. Some might say going for a run or exercising is the best way to clear your mind. It really depends on you as an individual.

Whether you’re a student or an adult, everyday life can be very stressful. There are always deadlines to be met, orders to follow and responsibilities that we simply must fulfil. So it’s important then, to figure out what method of stress-relief is best for you – unless you want to suffer a heart attack or some other condition that could be brought on by stress.

Lots of people change their eating habits when they’re stressed. Some people stress-eat and eat pretty much whatever that they can get their hands on. And most times, the quickest snacks like a pack of Doritos or some French Fries aren’t very healthy for you. If you know that you tend to snack more when you’re stressed, why not stock up on healthier snacks? Things like apples and

carrot sticks could satisfy you without clogging up your arteries.

Some people, like me, completely lose their appetite when they’re stressed out – to the point where we’re nauseated at the prospect of having to eat an entire meal. One thing I’ve found to be helpful is to eat smaller portions more frequently. That way my brain doesn’t panic at the prospect of having to ingest an entire plate of food all at once, and I still get my recommended amount of calories per day.

So when you’re stressed out, remember to take some time to unwind. It might seem like you need to spend every last second working, but it isn’t worth it if you end up as a panicked bundle of nerves by the end of it all.

Easter:

Delicious vegan Easter eggs for the non-dairy family

These chocolate eggs are eco, kosher, animalfriendly and much cheaper than store-bought!

BY SaSSa MariS

As a lactose-intolerant and asthmatic, I’m always on the look-out for non-dairy substitutes for our favourite family treats. Nothing says “Easter” like a delicious chocolate egg but all too often they are filled with non animal-friendly gelatin sweets in a non-compostable plastic bag, as well as containing cow’s milk. They’re also insanely expensive when you think that most eggs are hollow, so what you are buying is a prettily wrapped, chocolateencased egg-shaped piece of air!

In order to maximise the

fun, I’ve included three variations to my vegan Easter eggs below, but first a note on one of my favourite things... chocolate.

Now, chocolate in itself is not actually that villainous, and the right kind of chocolate has been linked to all sorts of health perks from cardiovascular benefits to stress reduction – it can even help with weight loss! Unfortunately, the right kind of chocolate is dark chocolate made with pure cacao beans, some sugar and emulsifier, without the addition of milk solids. It is an acquired taste and can be quite bitter so many children

used to milk or white chocolate will not like it. You may wish to use non-dairy chocolate, much of which is also nut-free (sometimes even soyfree), instead. Just because it’s non-dairy doesn’t mean you can’t cook with it, and whichever route you go – dark or dairy-free – you will need to melt and temper the chocolate first. This sounds complicated but all you really need is a saucepan of hot water, a heat-proof bowl and (if you’re fancy, enjoy doing things right and wish to avoid dullness or streaks in your finished product) a cooking thermometer.

Preparing your chocolate (this one’s for the adults)

Place the cubed or chipped chocolate in the bowl and melt over the water until it reaches 43C (110F) and begins to look “glossy”, then allow to cool to 35C (95F). It should still be melted enough to pour. If you are using high-quality dark cooking chocolate you may find

that all you need to do is slowly melt it and it will keep its temper. Chocolate is shown to be tempered when it looks shiny and smooth after hardening. After melting and tempering your chocolate the fun can begin, and your children can help out (though adult supervision is definitely required).

Variation one – surprise filling with one of your five-a-day

Using a clean, non-stick mould available from kitchen stores (you can also save the plastic containers from storebought chocolate eggs and use them) pour in your deliciously melted, carefully tempered chocolate and allow to set. Scoop out the centre and fill with dried fruit (one of your five-a-day) or alternatively almond butter, which is a great source of protein and higher in fibre and calcium than peanut butter. Close the two halves together and place in the refrigerator until firm and fully joined together. Enjoy!

Variation two – rolled in goodness

Pour into the mould as before and allow to set, but don’t refrigerate just yet – first, carefully roll your chocolate eggs in your favourite toppings. Be creative; you might choose chopped nuts, sugared fruit flakes, flaked coconut (this can be dyed in different colours by soaking it in a mixture of water and food colouring, then allowing it to dry completely) or even edible flower petals! This is so much more bespoke and exciting than plain old milk chocolate, and if they’re anything like mine your children will love the rainbow colours!

Variation 3 – just like store-bought

If your child is desperate for a chocolate egg like the ones he sees in stores but cannot have dairy, nuts or gelatin, why not make him one? Pour into the mould, set and hollow out as before but then fill with kosher vegan sweets (these are becoming more mainstream but can be easily found at health food shops). Afterwards, you can cover the egg with your own holiday colour foil and you could even decorate a presentation box together too! (Yahoo!

Restoration of Sacred Heart Church halted

– funds dry up, church appeals for support

Work on the completion of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Main Street, Georgetown has come to a standstill as funds for the reconstruction of the building dwindle.

Speaking at the church’s annual cross buns sale on Thursday, Melissa De Santos, parishioner and member of the Sacred Heart Rebuilding Committee, said funds are very low, and as a result, work on the building’s reconstruction has stopped.

She said the committee is now considering approaching a commercial bank to secure additional funds and is also calling on the private sector to support the rebuilding efforts.

“We welcome more donations. To date, not too many commercial entities have donated so if they can come onboard that would be much appreciated,” she said.

The church was scheduled to be reopened in June of this year, but from all indications, De Santos said this will have to be pushed back to a later date in 2014.

To help in the rebuilding efforts, the church started an annual cross buns sale after a devastating fire completely destroyed the building on Christmas morning 2004. The cross buns sale usually attracts hundreds of people and was again successful this year with over 2800 bags being sold out by noon on Thursday.

Sixty-five parishioners were in the building when the fire began, but all managed to escape unhurt. The adjoining Sacred Heart Primary School was also destroyed.

Persons desirous of making donations towards the completion of the church’s reconstruction are asked to do so through Republic Bank Guyana Limited account

number 268-496-7; Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited account number CIDA 802530; The New Building Society Limited account number 134769; Scotiabank Guyana account number 10006626; or visit the church online at www.sacredheart.gy.

Years after a devastating fire destroyed the historic Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church; members are still struggling to rebuild the edifice.

And though they had raised an initial $90 million to carry the building to where it is currently, another $70 million is needed to complete the project.

Originally built by Father Schembri, a Madeiran who came to the then British Guiana in 1835, the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and Presbytery played an integral role in the historical and religious development of Catholism in Guyana.

The chapel was designed, built and established on a plot of land, now 67 Main Street, by Schembri and was opened on December 25, 1861.

It was built to accommodate the Portuguese indentured immigrants who had come to work on the sugar and cotton plantations in British Guiana.

It eventually became a church which not only catered for the Portuguese but large Guyanese society in general as well.

Stacy Ramcharran to represent Guyana at Miss Earth Pageant

In the past, Guyana has been represented at various international pageants by delegates who were either selected or chosen by the franchise holders and with the upcoming Miss Earth Pageant, it is no different.

The Guyana Indian Worldwide delegate, Katherina Roshana was selected by Chandini Rambalak to represent Guyana in Malaysia. She was chosen after an audition at the Princess Hotel and Casino.

Another delegate that was selected to represent Guyana in the said pageant a few years ago was Renata Rambalak. She too failed to bring home the crown.

Alana Seebarran, sponsored by NEW GPC INC, won the local leg of the competition in 2012, and subsequently won Guyana’s first international title, Miss India Worldwide.

Ruqayyah Boyer was in 2013 selected by the Miss World Guyana Committee to represent Guyana at the Miss World Pageant in Indonesia and again, she did not come close to winning the coveted title.

This year, Simpli Royal, the franchise holder for the Miss Guyana Earth Pageant, has selected a delegate to represent Guyana at the international pageant to be held in the Philippines.

There was no pageant to select the best to represent Guyana, but according to Pageant Coordinator Pamela Dillon, several persons were interviewed and Ramcharan was the best of the lot.

Recently, this newspaper made several attempts to interview the selected queen, but all proved futile.

The Earth Pageant is expected to draw scores of beauties from around the world, who will definitely showcase their curvy bodies, as they vie for the title. Due to time, the Committee’s last resort was to select Ramcharan whom they thought was the best.

She will be mandated to assist in helping to preserve and restore Mother Earth and to support Guyana’s role of raising awareness of climate change.

However, Ramcharan,

according to Simpli Royal is a motivated, focused young woman, who will fulfil the ideals of the competition and showcase Guyana’s stance on protection of the planet. She was selected on the basis of being a citizen of Guyana; being between the ages of 18 to 26; being between five feet tall, five inches and six feet tall, with weight in proportion to height; possessing beauty of face; and having an outgoing personality, among others.

The coronation of Miss Stacy Ramcharan will be held at the Umana Yana on Tuesday, April 22 at 19:00h.

The cross buns sale on Thursday was one of several initiatives to raise funds for the rebuilding of the church

Miss Guyana Earth, Stacy Ramcharan

GTUC calls for establishment of key commissions

The Guyana Trades Union Congress

(GTUC) is calling on the Government and the Opposition to put in place, without delay, mechanisms for the appointment of the Public Service, Public Service Appellate Tribunal and the Police Service Commissions.

These, the union said are constitutional bodies that are responsible for the appointment of public servants and police officers and addressing their grievances.

“These institutions are constitutionally mandated and the failure to institute these constitutional offices speaks to a flagrant violation of the Constitution of Guyana... all parliamentarians have a duty to and have sworn to uphold,” the

GTUC said in a release.

The union said it is alarmed at the disregard shown for establishing these bodies and the resultant impact of not having these in place since many workers are denied the opportunity to be in appointed positions they have been acting in.

“Workers continue to receive inappropriate remuneration for the jobs they do and are also denied the right to a hearing by the Public Service Appellate Tribunal in matters of discipline. This violates a fundamental right of workers and undermines democracy.”

In the meanwhile GTUC noted Government’s acceptance to put mechanisms in place to move closer to the constitutional mandate

of an independent judiciary, where money will now be directly drawn on the Consolidated Fund as will now become law with assent of the 2014 Appropriation Bill (Budget).

GTUC also notes the realisation of the financial restructuring came as a result of the Opposition’s activism in the House.

“This marks another milestone in the nation’s development as we move to strengthen and give true meaning to the independence (and checks and balances) of the three branches of Government.

This accomplishment also informs of the Opposition’s capability to oversee and ensure adherence to the Constitution,” the release said.

Wakenaam woman dies from snake bite

“Help!Help! Come see a snake bite me!” were reportedly the last words spoken by Deomattee Deodat, a mother of two and resident of Melville, Wakenaam, Essequibo Islands after she was bitten by a poisonous snake.

The 56-year-old woman, who was reportedly bit-

ten four times by a “labaria” on Monday around 19:30h, died before she could have reached the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital. According to information received, the mother went into her poultry pen to remove some bags, but did not notice the poisonous creature, which bit her on the right foot, four times.

Deomattee raised an alarm and her husband rushed to her aid, killed the reptile and cut it into several pieces.

According to the husband, his wife was helpless and in immense pain when he went into the pen.

He said he then called on a neighbour, who drove his wife to the hospital. However, she unfortunately died on her way. Meanwhile, the very next day, another snake of similar feature took up residence in the said pen, and was also disposed.

The woman’s death came as a shocker to the entire Island of Wakenaam. The mother leaves to mourn her reputed husband and two children.

Deomattee was said to be suffering from hypertension. She was an active member of the Melville Temple at Wakenaam.

Small fee for use of national parks on Monday

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in partnership with the Protected Areas/ National Parks Commission will be charging a small fee for the use of national parks for the Easter Holidays.

The fee will be charged for vendors and patrons wishing to take their vehicles (buses, cars, SUVs, motor-cycles) into the Botanical Gardens and the northern side of Joe Vieira Park.

Similarly, fees will be charged at the National Park by the duly authorised franchise holder.

These fees will primarily be used to offset the expenses incurred in cleaning

the Gardens and Parks of the usual garbage and debris left in the aftermath of kite flying and picnicking at these venues.

The Ministry in a release said at the Botanical Gardens and Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, Vlissingen Road gates will be open to vehicular traffic from 06:00h until 17:30h. All vehicles will have to exist using the Mandela Avenue Gates. ·

The Vlissingen Road Gates will be closed at 17:30h, and all vehicles must exit the Gardens via the Mandela Avenue Gates by 18:30h.

At the National Park, all events on Easter Day will be managed by an authorised franchise holder, while at Joe Vieira Park, West Coast Demerara, the gates will be opened to vehicular traffic from 07:30h.

“Additional trash receptacles and bags will be made available to the public at these locations. Patrons are asked to dispose of their waste in these receptacles. Park volunteers will be present to answer questions and provide garbage bags where available,” the release concluded.

The Mandela Avenue gates will not permit entrance of vehicles into the Gardens. Vehicles will not be allowed on or in front of the zoo’s access road.

A small fee will be charged for the use of national parks on Monday

The snake that was cut into several pieces

Reparations final salvation of freed Africans – Phillips

With just a few months to go before Guyana and other members of the Caribbean Community observe African Emancipation Day, Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman Eric Phillips said compensation from former enslaving nations is the last salvation of freed Africans.

Phillips in an interview with Guyana Times said the Committee is working to make this goal a reality.

The Guyana Reparations Committee was established in September 2013 following the mandate of the 34th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which was held in July 2013 in Trinidad and Tobago.

During the meeting, it was agreed by Caricom governments that National Committees on reparations should be established in member states.

The aim was to establish a Committee which would seek reconciliation between victims and beneficiaries without having an actual confrontation. It seeks to restore equity in social relations, equality before the law and justice within the fabric of human diversity which typifies humanity.

Phillips noted that reparation aspires to heal, atone and bring closure to the human tragedies of mass slavery and to restore a higher moral order by removing the shame and guilt that persistently poison the relations between descendants on all sides of the crime.

In presenting his case for the formation of the Reparation Committee, Phillips related that “the European governments were owners and traders of

enslaved Africans; had instructed genocidal actions upon indigenous communities; created legal, financial and fiscal policies necessary for the enslavement of Africans; defined and enforced African enslavement and native genocide as in their ‘national interests’; refused to give compensation to the enslaved at the end of this enslavement but compensated slave owners at emancipation for the loss of legal property rights of enslaved Africans, and has refused to acknowledge such crimes or to compensate the victims and their descendants”.

He noted that because of this, the need was seen by Caricom to present their case for reparation as Guyana was not the only country which was affected, as several countries, including Jamaica, Suriname and Barbados had experienced a similar history.

An entitlement

Asked if it was not too late to be talking about the days of slavery and compensation from the guilty parties, Phillips replied, “No”. In principle, he said, people

are entitled to reparation if they are suffering from the wrongs which were done to their ancestors. “Genocide and slavery are crimes against humanity.”

The Chairman related that though the period would have ended such a long time ago, it still had an effect on the country and its citizens.

“Racism and racial discrimination are legacies from slavery. These have become institutionalised through prejudices, practices and policies which have diminished and restricted the economic, cultural, social and political fortunes of the descendant of Africans and indigenous peoples today. We all know that it has been said over and over again that many persons in Guyana suffer from hypertension and type two diabetes. But what many people do not realise is that these diseases stemmed from the diets which were afforded to the enslaved people back in those days. The food they were given to eat caused these diseases to develop and it's genetic so it has passed on from one generation to the other,” Dr Phillips related.

Good case

He disclosed that reparations were made to several other countries, including Kenya and questioned why then should Guyana and the other Caribbean countries be exempted.

The mandate of the committee is to develop and implement a national strategy to pursue reparations. For this to be done, the Committee has to undertake the creation of a detailed historical narrative

of indigenous genocide and African slavery; link past discrimination to present day inequality; define and prove the nature of modern inequality and denote policies adopted by Europe to continue this process.

It also involves the development and recommendation of decisive political action at the national and regional levels; consultations to develop proposals on appropriate forms of redress through reparative programmes and projects; coordination and undertaking the preparation of a detailed brief on the cost of damages and current manifestations of the damages on indigenous and enslaved people and their descendants in economical, social, cultural, religious, medical and educational areas.

After these areas would have been thoroughly examined, the findings are expected to be placed in a detailed report by June month-end and sent to President Donald Ramotar, who will then forward the report to Caricom, Dr Phillips disclosed.

He noted that after the report would have been sent to Caricom, it would be looked at by the committee and re-sent to the Head of State, after which legal letters will be issued to the countries it is seeking compensation from.

Phillips said Great Britain has a policy which prevents persons from suing for reparation for incidents which had occurred in its colonies before 1974, but since the case was one of slavery and genocide, it took prevalence over the law.

Extending democracy

Satiricus was in awe. “Here it is,” he thought, “the U.S. is trying to teach us about “democracy” thinking we can’t do the job ourselves. But a local champion has risen to the challenge and pushed democracy to such a level, it’s going to take some doing for even the U.S. to catch up.” Satiricus hoped the fellas from the IRI in Guyana were taking notice.

Satiricus was covering the Parliamentary beat. He was bored to tears with the Opposition carrying on about “hacking and chopping”. It was getting quite fearsome but Satiricus knew the Opposition couldn’t help themselves. They were trying to impress their troops on the ground.

Their troops like to hear about “hacking and chopping”. But suddenly, from the Government benches rose that great crusader for democracy – Kneel-Moutar, brandishing The Times, the very paper Satiricus scribbled for.

You could tell Kneel-Moutar was rising in righteous indignation. His moustache was covered with spit from his sputtering. Seems The Times had confused him with that has-been cricketer Clyde Lord.

Even Satiricus was outraged. Kneel-Moutar was the driving force of not only cricket in Guyana – but of all sports. What the heck had Clyde Lord done outside of his miserable life in cricket?? “Jeez,” Satiricus ejaculated, “How could my editors at Times be so ridiculous? It’s like comparing Bradman to Panessar!”

Recognised by the Speaker of the House, KneelMoutar continued his denunciation of the Times for their dastardly, odious comparison. He wouldn’t accept the apology they’d printed!! And this was when KneelMoutar stood on the cusp of rising into the company of men like Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson to extend democracy.

The Speaker asked Kneel-Moutar if he wanted “to move a motion against The Times”. Satiricus knew that’s what MP’s rose to do – unless they were, of course, rising to complain about being associated with child-rapists. But from his smile and arched eyebrows, the Speaker was obviously being sarcastic – assuming that anyone with an iota of knowledge about Parliament knew you couldn’t move a motion against a private entity outside Parliament!

The Opposition benches were guffawing with gusto as they hurled words like “ignorant” and “countrybumpkin” at Kneel-Moutar.

Even his own party members were snickering as those close to him tugged at his shirt (which as usual was out of his pants. This was one great man who insisted on showing he was not only a “son-of-the-soil” but a “son-with-some-soil”) trying to get him to sit down. But Satiricus felt like he was the only person who understood Kneel-Moutar.

The great man wanted to extend democracy to ensure that motions could even be moved against the free press. How else could he ensure that no one would ever confuse him with Clyde Lord? That was an insult even Gandhi wouldn’t take.

Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman Eric Phillips

Truth Simply the

Having arrived and ‘you is who’

On May 5, there will the annual gathering to celebrate Indian Arrival Day. It will be held at Highbury on the East Bank of Berbice. In 2012, I was asked to deliver the keynote address.

There was no intention whatsoever to say the same things that were babbled year after year. Instead, I spoke briefly about miracles, asking those thousands in attendance one question: What is it that makes you, YOU?

Are you what you are because of what you do? Are you what you are because of the colour of your skin or the religion you follow? Or where you were born? Or into what family you were born, or how educated you are? Your gender or nationality?

And if you have never asked yourselves that question, why have you not done so? If you have not asked the question, then you cannot have found

the answer.

If, as individual human beings and individual Guyanese we have not asked and answered the question, then how can we then determine what Guyana itself is? What is it that makes Guyana, Guyana? It seems to me that a nation is the sum total of the miracles that make up that nation.

The miracle of a coconut tree swaying its grassy skirt in tune to the music of a Guyana breeze. A full-fleshed mango ripened on the limbs of a tree, its roots solidly planted in the earth of our nation.

The miracle of candle flies carpeting your backyard. The music of rain on zinc roofs. The inimitable cry of a new-born, the great cry of welcome into the world, into the nation. These are the miracles that make Guyana, GUYANA.

Guyana’s greatest miracle is the men, women and children of this land. When the Whitby landed in Highbury

Week of activities planned for World Safety Day

The Labour Ministry said a week of activities has been planned in observance of World Day for Safety and Health on April 28. World Day for Safety and Health will be held under the theme “Safety and health in the use of chemicals at work”.

Since 1996, the trades union movement worldwide started this commemoration as a day for deceased and injured workers. The Ministry in a release said it will focus on safety and health in proper handling, storage and use of chemicals.

“Emphasis will also be placed on highlighting the need for greater personal responsibility by employers and employees in ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place, as well as strict adherence to safety rules at all work places,” the Ministry said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1997 imposes obligations on employers; those self-employed, suppliers and employees, which are intended to ensure the health and safety of all those in workplaces including visitors.

“It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure proper storage and handling of all chemicals by trained persons and employees are obligated to wear the appropriate safety gear and equipment when handling chemicals to minimise the number of accidents, altogether eliminate the fatalities due to industrial accidents.

“Employers are also ob-

on May 5, 1838, 233 men, five women and six children from India changed this nation forever.

Those souls became part of the ancestry of this Guyana, participating in its creation and re-creation with those that came or were here before them: the first nations, the Europeans and the Africans, especially. But the bringing and carrying of people is no miracle – it happened in many places through the ages.

When our ancestors were placed alongside each other, they were made to be enemies of each other. It served the master’s purpose for them to fear and hate each other. They were not enemies, but were made to be so. It is not an easy thing to survive that. The true miracle is that the best of us have survived the hangman’s rope of hatred. And the best part of us comes out when we find in ourselves no hatred and no bitterness and no resentment.

It comes out when I know that I do not love my neighbour but that my neighbour IS me, and I am my neighbour. And when my neighbour passes to me a gift of fruit over a fence, then the fence exists no more. And when I pass to my neighbour a gift of freshly laid eggs or freshly baked bread I am passing to myself the gift of togetherness

and oneness.

And we eat at the same table as one family. We share with the simple sustenance of rice porridge – rice porridge with salt and onions. When I call out to my neighbour: “Maanin neighbour, I just call yuh to tell you maanin!” It is me calling out to myself that the new day is a good day and each dawn a new miracle.

When our ancestors came from Africa and India and Europe to meet our Amerindian ancestors who were here in the first place, there was every reason why we should not have survived as a nation of people. No reason!

We defied the odds to create a nation. We defied logic and reason to create this country. We defeated enmity with love, with respect. And we should not let those who are bitter and resentful and divisive undo all that has been done.

We shall survive, and this

country of ours shall honour all ancestors who have made us what we are, as we shall make our descendents what they can and must be. We should all celebrate the first landing of Indians to this soil. It is good and appropriate, but we should remember that they really did not come here to build a nation, but that this nation is the child born of their struggle to survive! The child may bear little or no resemblance to the parent, but we are their children nonetheless. We are their miracle child.

And as we celebrate one group of ancestors, we celebrate all ancestors. We celebrate the fact of our survival through flood and fire. We have survived: and behold what was created and what we betray: behold Guyana, our country under goodness and under God. And woe be onto those that would break us apart.

ligated to ensure that employees are educated and trained in safety practices, but these alone do not suffice, as personal responsibility is critical to giving weight to the training received,” the Ministry said.

Greater emphasis

The Ministry is calling on all employers, employees and trade unions to place greater emphasis on ensuring safety and health at work and to seek the services of the Labour Department whenever necessary for guidance and support in implementing safety measures.

Regulations are in the making to address the use of chemicals at work, as well as to regulate conditions of work in the mining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors. Regulations to address HIV/AIDs have already been tabled in the National Assembly.

“These will ensure penalties under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, but the Ministry prefers to work with employers and employees to correct defects, rather than penalise persons and companies.

Hence, as we observe World Day for Safety and Health, we appeal to all stakeholders to make a concerted effort to improve and prioritise safety and health at work.”

The public is invited to join the Health Walk, which will be held on April 27 and the fair on April 29 at the Miami Subs Parking Lot, Albert & Lamaha Streets, Georgetown.

The assembly point for the walk is at the Parade Ground from 06:30 am. There will also be regional fairs hosted in Linden, Berbice and Bartica on April 23, 25 and 30, respectively.

Professor Daizal Samad

sunDAY, April 20, 2014

The world has lost a great visionary – President Obama …tributes

pour in for Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Presidents and fellow writers have been paying tribute to Nobel prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez who has died in Mexico aged 87.

The author was considered one of the greatest Spanish-language writers, best known for his masterpiece of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and U.S. President Barack Obama were those among praising his legacy.

Obama said the world had “lost one of its greatest visionary writers”.

While, Santos took to Twitter to pay tribute to Marquez.

“A thousand years of solitude and sadness because of the death of the greatest Colombian of all time! Such giants never die,” he wrote.

Marquez had been ill and had made few public appearances recently. He was released from hospital in Mexico City last week following a lung and urinary tract infection, but was said to be “very fragile” because of his age.

He achieved fame for pioneering magical realism, a unique blending of the marvellous and the mundane in a way that made the extraordinary seem routine.

One Hundred Years of

Solitude sold more than 30 million copies and he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.

“A great artist is gone, but his grand art remains with us. Most authors are only shadows, but Gabriel Garcia Marquez belonged to those who cast a shadow, and he will continue to do so long after his death,” said Peter Englund, Permanent Secretary of the Nobel Prizeawarding Swedish Academy.

Greatest Colombian With his books, Marquez brought Latin America’s charm and teeming contradictions to life in the minds of millions of people. The news of his death was announced by a spokeswoman for the family, Fernanda

Familiar.

“Gabriel Garcia Marquez has died,” she said.

“[His wife] Mercedes and her sons, Rodrigo and Gonzalo, have authorised me to provide the information. Such deep sadness,” she added.

The family announced Marquez would be cremated in a private ceremony, and that a public memorial

thought, and emotional honesty. I was honoured to be his friend and to know his great heart and brilliant mind for more than 20 years.”

Peruvian Nobel prizewinning author Mario Vargas Llosa, with whom Marquez had a long-running feud which resulted in a street fight in 1976, called him a “great writer”.

“His works gave litera-

service would take place in Mexico City next Monday, at the Palacio de Bellas Artes Cultural Centre.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also said: “I was always amazed by his unique gifts of imagination, clarity of

plunge into literature. In his books I found my own family, my country, the people I have known all my life, the colour, the rhythm, and the abundance of my continent.”

The BBC’s Will Grant in Mexico City says his loss will be particularly felt in his native Colombia but in Mexico too, which for more than 30 years became his adopted home.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto tweeted: “On behalf of Mexico, I express sorrow over the death of one of the greatest writers of our time.”

Colombian pop star Shakira said “Gabo”, as the author was affectionately known, would “always be in my heart”.

“Your life, dear Gabo, will be remembered by all of us as

a unique and singular gift,” the singer said.

Marquez’s other works include Love in the Time of Cholera, Chronicle of a Death Foretold and The General in His Labyrinth

The novelist was also an accomplished journalist whose reporting shone in his work News of a Kidnapping.

The non-fiction book recounted high-profile abductions by the Medellin drug cartel run by Pablo Escobar, a notorious Colombian drug lord who died in 1993.

The novelist was at times a political figure too. His friendship with the former Cuban President Fidel Castro sparked some controversy among literary and political circles in Latin America.

ture great reach and prestige. His novels will survive and will continue to find new readers everywhere,” he told Peruvian media.

Chilean author Isabel Allende said: “I owe him the impulse and the freedom to

Garcia Marquez was considered one of the greatest Spanish-language authors

Bill Clinton said Garcia Marquez had “captured the pain and joy of our common humanity”

Garcia Marquez’s friendship with the former Cuban President, Fidel Castro, sparked some controversy

New Ukrainian authorities causing discontent – Russian Embassy … calls for meaningful dialogue

The Russian Embassy in Georgetown said the rapid growth of nationalist sentiments and threats by the new Ukrainian authorities have made citizens in eastern and south-eastern regions of the country worried about their future.

The embassy in a release said instead of starting a dialogue with these people, Kiev appointed new governors –oligarchs and billionaires – to these regions, adding to the public discontent.

“People chose their own leaders, but the new Government threw them into prison. Meanwhile, national-

gions are talking about federalisation, and Kiev has at long last started talking about decentralisation.

The Russian Embassy said in order to come to mutual understanding, they should sit down at the negotiating table and search for an acceptable solution.

Dialogue

“Order in the country can only be restored through dialogue and democratic procedures. This should not be a sham dialogue between representatives of the authorities, but a dialogue with the peo-

tion,” the Embassy said.

On a different note, it said the decision of ousted Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych to take time to analyse the proposed Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) and not to sign immediately was a prudent one.

The embassy contended that the agreement would have dramatically worsened the socioeconomic situation in Ukraine, much to the detriment of Ukrainians.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has said that operations against proRussian militants in the east

ist groups did not surrender their weapons, but threatened to use force in the eastern regions,” the embassy said.

People in the east started arming themselves. Refusing to see that something was badly wrong in the Ukrainian state and to start a dialogue, the Government threatened to use military force and even sent tanks and aircrafts against civilians.

The statements coming from both Kiev and the West about Russia being behind the protests in eastern Ukraine, allegedly staged and financed by “Moscow’s hand” are groundless, the embassy said, adding that there are no Russian units in eastern Ukraine – no special services, no tactical advisors.

People in the eastern re-

ple to find the compromise. What is happening now with the presidential candidates and the presidential race in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. Candidates from the east are being assaulted, spattered with ink and kept from meeting with voters,” the embassy said.

It added that without changes to the Constitution, the new election cannot be held because Yanukovych remains the incumbent president. According to the constitution, a new president cannot be elected if there is a living incumbent and legitimate President.

“So if the election is to be legitimate, the Constitution must be changed. Only then there can be talk about federalisation and decentralisa-

of the country have been suspended over Easter.

Andriy Deshchytsia told the BBC the security services would resume military action if the separatists continued to occupy Government offices.

They are refusing to leave buildings in several cities, defying an agreement reached on Thursday to ease the crisis.

The U.S. has threatened more sanctions if Russia fails to abide by the agreement.

The Kremlin responded by accusing the White House of treating Moscow like a “guilty schoolboy”.

In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would award medals to Russians who took part in the seizure of Crimea from Ukraine last month.

Younge’s take

Sooba’s challenge of the Greens’ supremacy

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council continues to defy logic and rationale when one takes a detailed look at some of the decisions and postures it takes on issues which have the potential of redefining its future.

On Monday, Mayor Hamilton Green allowed a motion to send Town Clerk Carol Sooba on administrative leave. This motion was tabled at an alleged “extraordinary” meeting of the Council.

Surprisingly, the media were informed of the meeting on Friday afternoon via a release signed by Customer Care Officer Debra Lewis as opposed to the Town Clerk or the Public Relations Officer, Royston King.

The motion was tabled on the heels of a High Court ruling which many of the Council members did not read or see.

Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled on Thursday that then Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud did not have the power to appoint Sooba substantively, given the criteria and process used after a legal challenge was mounted by Royston King, who was himself an applicant.

The Chief Justice’s ruling did not expressly quash her appointment nor did it prohibit her from acting in the Town Clerk position.

The ruling, dealt more so, with the process. The Council erred and breached its own rules and precedent by ignoring the relevant laws and legislation which clearly does not give it the authority to remove the Town Clerk, discipline her or send her on administrative leave.

Despite her best efforts to defend herself, notwithstanding her right to a fair and unbiased hearing, the Council without support from the PPP/C members passed the motion.

The truth is, Sooba will remain at the helm of the Council because in this case, it is the Local Government Minister’s decision to either send her on administrative leave or replace her.

It is unlikely that the Minister will panic and surrender to the politics being played by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor who have had issues with Sooba’s appointment since before she took up office.

What wrong has Sooba done while acting as Town Clerk apart from putting an end to the “runnings” of some of the senior politicians there? What wrong has she done apart from enforcing the laws and removing the politics of cronyism and nepotism which are undoubtedly entrenched in the political spine of the current Council?

What the Mayor and those who voted against Sooba would not admit is that she has removed the “sticky hands” of some of the Councillors and their agents as well as family members from the public purse of Georgetown. She has done an excellent job curtailing the Mayor’s political influence on the Council.

Sooba has also exposed major corrupt rings within the entity, while fighting to improve the efficiency and accountability of the city council.

The startling findings of the Keith Burrowes Report have joined several others on the dusty walls of the historic council.

Ramon Gaskin’s Inquiry findings have also been sent into oblivion. But the commonalities are striking and they appear to be saying that much is wrong with the Council and the manner in which business is done by some of the political elite there.

There is also evidence of attempts to grant illegal tax write offs by persons purporting to act as the Town Clerk and this matter will soon come to the fore. Sooba is running a knife through the underground economy that has long enjoyed the spoils of our taxes.

She is fighting an uphill battle against the supremacists that are holding onto control. Come what struggles she may face, Sooba must remain the thorn in their flesh and sooner or later, the status quo must change. But of course, age is not wisdom and neither is experience. One politician who self professes to be a peace lover has only waged war against the Office of Town Clerk.

Guyanese should brace themselves to hear more idle banter from this politician. In essence, the politician is saying blame everybody else for my endemic failure except me.

The “Donetsk People’s Republic” refuses to recognise the Kiev authorities

Guyanese journalist on fraud charges AFC says budget disapprovals prudent

Grenada police have formally charged a Guyanese-born journalist with two counts of stealing, forgery and uttering a forge document.

Police said that Rawle Nelson, who in July 2013, began working as a Consultant and Managing Editor with Moving Target, the compa-

ny which owns Meaningful Television and is also the publisher of the weekly Grenada Informer newspaper, had been charged following his detention earlier this week.

Nelson has been charged with two counts of stealing EC$15, 394.28 cents by reason of employment, forgery and uttering a false document.

Police said their investigations were continuing and that it is likely more charges would be laid against the Guyanese.

Nelson, who once worked in St Kitts-Nevis and is the managing director of the marketing company, Optimum Solutions, will make his first court appearance on Tuesday.

(Jamaica Observer)

Rawle Nelson

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has justified its action in Parliament to disapprove certain expenditures in Budget 2014, saying it was in keeping with its mandate to ensure prudent spending.

The combined Opposition disapproved allocations for several projects, including a hydro scheme, Specialty Hospital, the Amerindian Development Fund and subsidies for state-run news outlets.

The AFC, which has seven of the 65 seats in the National Assembly, said it had proposed reconsideration of the controversial allocations in tri-partite talks with Government and the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“These were scuttled after the first round was hosted by Speaker Raphael Trotman, but not before the combined Opposition signalled support to Government for a further $6 billion subsidy for the sugar industry in the interest of the welfare of the depressed workers,” the party said.

The AFC in a release reassured that the Government has seen the full measure of the combined Opposition and would no longer be allowed to get away with arbitrary spending.

“On Wednesday, the PPP/C Government was blocked from getting over $16 billion for the aborted $200 billion Amaila Hydro Project. AFC repeated that any further funding would be conditional to the release by Government of a technical due diligence evaluation of the project. The hydro project

was touted as a Low Carbon Development Strategy project for which Guyana has already put in equity to fund a road, but there has been no inflow from the so-called ‘Norway LCDS Fund’ for the hydro project,” the release said. The party said though it had and continues to demand the due diligence disclosure, it nevertheless gave Government partial support to raise the debt ceiling to allow the Government to cover loans as payment for purchase of power from the hydro scheme, upon its completion.

“But investors were not impressed and wanted all three parliamentary parties to underwrite the project. The investors have since walked from the hydro project which took a huge credibility hit when photos revealed that the falls that would channel water for hydro generation had dried up,” the party said. The AFC also said it is not afraid if the Government decides to call snap elections.

The world has lost...

from page 14

But he insisted their friendship was based on books.

“Fidel is a very cultured man,” he said in an interview. “When we’re together we talk about literature.”

Cuban author and essayist Miguel Barnet said: “Cuba suffers from this death, as do all readers of a writer who is an icon.”

Marquez was born in 1927 in the Colombian coast town of Aracataca, which experienced a boom after a U.S. fruit company arrived. In a 1984 interview with NPR, he said his writing was forever shaped by the grandparents who raised him as a young child:

“There was a real dichotomy in me because, on one hand... there was the world of my grandfather; a world of stark reality, of civil wars he told me about, since he had been a colonel in the last civil war. And then, on the other hand, there was the world of my grandmother, which was full of fantasy, completely out.”

Garcia Marquez’s grandfather, grandmother, their stories and their town became the raw material for his most famous work.

“One Hundred Years of Solitude is a towering book

of enormous influence worldwide. And it is also as close as one could get to a perfect book,” says Ilan Stavans, who wrote a biography of the author’s early years, including the time Marquez spent as a newspaper journalist.

“He was a nobody,” Stavans said. “He was really an unknown journalist and author of short stories, just beginning to make his career. He was, at that point, coming close to 40, and the fame and celebrity and this standing that he has as a literary giant of the 20th century really all coalesced in that particular moment when the book was published.”

It was a unique moment in time, and One Hundred Years of Solitude struck a chord, said Gerald Martin, another Marquez biographer.

“You had to be in the 1960s. You had to be in the world of the Beatles and Third World revolution, psychedelia, lots of things, to understand now what impact the first page of that book had,” Martin said.

“It seemed to be a kind of writing that everybody had been waiting for. They didn’t know they were waiting for it till it came. It was just one of those zeitgeist things.”

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan

CJIA giving visitors Easter treat

Over 200 kites will be distributed to arriving passengers, especially those travelling with children, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) over the weekend.

The gesture is part of the airport’s promotional drive to celebrate Easter.

The initiative, organised by the airport Commercial

Department, has been a yearly feature for over a decade.

“We are customer service oriented and it is a fitting gesture to welcome home visitors and Guyanese citizens,” said CJIA Commercial and Administration Manager (CAM) Dursatty DoodnauthMangru.

She revealed that a num-

ber of companies partner with CJIA to promote the country’s festivals/holidays, while simultaneously marketing their products. These include Edward Beharry, Windsor Estate, and DDL among others.

“In relation to distilleries serving rum punch and other concoctions, these beverages are only served to adults. That is the policy of CJIA and the beverage companies -- one that we will never compromise,” Doodnauth-Mangru emphasised.

“These gestures are usually well received by travellers who come here for the festive seasons.”

She added: “Guyana is revered for its world class rum and black cake… and periodically CJIA and its sponsors provide them to passengers.”

Samples of soft drinks and fruit juices are also offered to passengers.

Meanwhile, the CJIA Manager, on behalf of the airport’s management, took the opportunity to wish the staff and passengers a “happy and wonderful Easter”.

Guyana-New York airfares plunge

as Copa tickets go on sale

Star Alliance member, Copa Airlines, which is set to enter the Guyana market on July 11, began selling tickets a few days ago, which has led to lower airfares between Guyana and New York. However, airfares remain relatively high for peak season but at an all time low for non-peak.

One way fares from New York to Guyana start at US$325. However, economy class out of Guyana for the entire July and August period are sold out and the cheapest one way to New York from Guyana is US$1095, bringing the total to US$1420 for a roundtrip, according to Copa online booking.

However, during the low season from the end of August to November, and from January to February 2015, an average roundtrip ticket costs about US$500.

From the end of August to November, Copa is offering an unbelievable US$365 roundtrip from New York to Guyana, which could be just a one-time special introductory fare.

Some of these lower fares are offered by Cheapo Air, Orbitz and Priceline through Google Flight, which is a new and robust search engine.

Copa flies on Tuesdays and Fridays from Panama City to Guyana, using an Embraer 190 aircraft, which has the capacity to transport about 125 passengers.

This will still leave Caribbean Airlines (CAL) much in control of the New York market, and travellers should not expect a big relief during peak season (summer and Christmas).

CAL will continue to dominate the Guyana/New York market. Their average fare to Guyana is about US$750 roundtrip but during the July-August period, it is closer to US$800 and up, and in December during the Christmas season, it increases to US$900.

Eagerly booking

Last September, during a visit to Guyana, head of corporate communication of CAL, Clint Williams said, “What we saw for summer was that people booked very early and a lot of the lower fare ranges were picked up very early.”

He added that each flight has a different fare structure and that the cheaper fares were purchased early by travellers, leaving last-minute travellers with higher airfares.

Readers describe Backslider as “dark masterpiece”

Julia Theresa Kanhai’s novel, Backslider , was written over the Easter weekend of 2012 and tells a riveting story of rape, religion and revenge.

After its publication and release in the U.S. on January 7, the book was launched on February 22 at Envisage Marketing on Duncan Street where Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, congratulated the author on her achievements and applauded her willingness to lead a discourse on topical issues, many that are still deemed taboo.

Also speaking at the launch was University of Guyana, Dean of the School of Education and Humanities Alim Hosein where Kanhai works in

But this does not appear to be accurate because, monitoring CAL’s online bookings since January 2014, the average airfare to Guyana for the summer peak season was close to US$800 roundtrip from New York and was not last minute.

Since Copa began selling tickets to Guyana, CAL has dropped its prices about US$50.

Another airline, the Curacao-based Insel Air, is also set to enter the Guyana/ Miami market in June. But the future of Insel is still uncertain because of financial troubles the company is experiencing and it is seeking financial help from the Government of Curacao.

Surinam Airways (SLM) offers twice weekly non-stop Boeing 737-300 service on the same route as Caribbean Airlines via Port of Spain. However, the bulk of the market is the Guyana/New York route and that is still being underserved. CAL dominates this market after Delta pulled out last year and Copa’s twice weekly Embraer 190 service via Panama City will only transport about 500 people weekly. However, Copa has indicated that if the market demand increases, it will expand the service frequency or operate a Boeing 737-800 on the Guyana route, which can carry more passengers.

Copa is also offering a free stopover in Panama City and that includes hotel if the ticket is purchased directly from the airline. The airline also allows passengers two pieces of luggage at 50 pounds each without any additional charges. (Caribbean News Now)

the English Department, who noted the writer’s journey in the literary arts and her determination to chase her childhood dream of becoming a published author.

Kanhai then held her second book signing a week later at Chetson’s on Wellington Street where she was interviewed by Guyana Times

The novel was also cited in a New York paper, Daylight, under the caption “Backslider Becomes Famous”, and showcased at a March book fair in New Delhi, India. It was recently accepted by Kindle and is now available in softcopy via amazon.com.

In addition, the suspense-filled thriller is being housed at both University of Guyana’s libraries (Turkeyen and Tain campuses) and can be purchased from the author’s website at terryk.ws. Limited copies are available in Guyana at Austin’s Book Services on Church Street, EMTEC on Duncan Street and German’s Restaurant on New Market Street for $4200 each.

Backslider vividly captures the emotional, psychological and even spiritual damage born by victims of sex crimes and tells the story of a pastor’s daughter who is drugged and raped, then deviates from her moral teachings because of her obsession with revenge.

Eventually, Rachael Watts (the protagonist) must choose between drowning in her pain and resurfacing to face her God, but no one can guess what happens next.

One reader described Backslider as a “pulsating, provocative… and excellent read” while another said that, at the age of 35, it has rekindled his love for reading. The book is being called a “dark masterpiece” because of its explicit scenes which are intended.

A CJIA customer service representative with two young visitors

Mexico shaken by powerful earthquake

Apowerful earthquake has hit Mexico City, shaking buildings for at least 30 seconds and causing widespread panic.

The magnitude-7.2 quake was registered at a depth of 24km (15 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Its epicentre was in the western state of Guerrero, near the seaside resort of Acapulco There are no reports of casualties or significant damage,

but frightened residents across the Mexican capital fled their homes as the tremor began. The earthquake was felt in several southern and western Mexican states at 09:27h local time (14:27h GMT). Windows were broken and trees fell in Chilpancingo, capital of Guerrero.

In Acapulco, where many tourists were enjoying the Easter holiday, there were scenes of panic. “People

Grenada accountant defeats Prime Minister in court

Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell has lost his bid before the High Court in Grenada to have local chartered certified accountant Garvey Louison removed as liquidator of the Grenada Today newspaper. Mitchell had argued before that court that Louison had failed to comply with his duties, failed to indicate the location of assets, lost interest in the matter, and had caused undue delay in bringing the matter to a close.

In his defence, Louison argued that Mitchell had no evidence to support his claim, that Mitchell hid behind the frock of a legal secretary at

a law firm to bring his allegations before the court, that the legal secretary had no standing before the court and that he had complied with the duties set out in the liquidation order and that of the Companies Act. Justice Mohammed held that to remove the liquidator the applicant must have good standing, good grounds, and provide sufficient evidence to move to court. The judge questioned the legal standing of the secretary, one Uthlyn George, to make the accusations that she filed by way of affidavit. The law is clear regarding the production of an affidavit. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Reports of chikungunya in St Vincent and the Grenadines ‘untrue’ – Ministry

There are no confirmed cases of the mosquito borne chikungunya virus in St Vincent and the Grenadines contrary to reports being circulated via social media. In a release on Thursday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Luis de Shong, said through the National Surveillance Committee, the Ministry continues to monitor the situation and “is making huge efforts to detect and contain the virus”.

“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment urges all citizens to remain vigilant and to take all the

necessary precautions to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in and around homes,” he further said. Chikungunya is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever, which is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Persons manifesting signs and symptoms of the virus are advised to contact their healthcare providers or to seek immediate medical attention, de Shong said.

The disease has been spreading across the Caribbean since late last year.

(Caribbean360)

Trinidad: Vega de Oropouche residents beg for help as homes demolished

Several families in Vega de Oropouche, Sangre Grande, did not have a Good Friday, after their homes were demolished by agents of the State who claim the families were occupying State lands illegally. According to reports, the demolition of homes started on Thursday and ended Friday. Over 80 structures were demolished.

The residents who lost their homes said police officers and soldiers came and demolished their homes

around 09:00h Friday. They claimed they had not been notified that they were to move and none of them were given the opportunity to remove any valuables from the home.

One resident, Sherwin Jack, said he lost over TT$100,000 after his twobedroom home was destroyed. Jack said he now has to look for a place for his wife and four children, who range in ages from 18 months to 11 years. He added that he had been living

in the area for the past 12 years and had received no notice of eviction from the land. He said some time ago he received a house number, which was 23, from agents who represented themselves as acting on behalf of the Land Settlement Agency (LSA).

Another resident, Lisa Maharaj, said she lost everything, including her son’s belongings. She said she fled to the community from an abusive relationship, but now has nowhere to sleep.

ALP Chairman says repealing alcohol ban can be discussed

were turning over chairs in their desperation to get out, grabbing children, trampling people,’’ 59-year-old Enedina Ramirez Perez told the AP news agency.

Like many tourists, she was having breakfast when the quake struck. Mexico lies on top of three continental plates and is regularly shaken by tremors. In 1985, at least 10,000 people were killed in Mexico City by a magnitude-8.1 earthquake. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Amid debate on the relevance of laws banning alcohol sale during Good Friday and Christmas day, the Antigua Labour Party Chairman says repealing the ban is up for discussion. Paul “Chet” Greene says an ALP Government would seek consultation on the issue.

“We will tackle those kinds of issues at the level of the constituency,” he said.

“We will have cottage meetings, town hall meet-

ings to examine the impact of those kinds of things on the economy and on job creation.” Greene added that at the same time the tradition and norms of, what he called, our “Christian society” must also be evaluated.

“Do we continue to uphold this particular position because it’s part of our Christian tradition?” “Or do we pivot away from that to have it reflect our current day situation where a lot of jobs turn on it (alcohol sale),

where our visitors in this particular period (expect it),” Greene said. On Wednesday, John Duffy Commodore of the Yacht Club, called on tourism stakeholders to urge Government to repeal what he described as archaic laws banning liquor sale. Duffy said the ban was particularly worrying given that Antigua and Barbuda’s economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Cuba’s condom shortage raises fears of imminent health crisis

Cubans also use condoms for non-prophylactic purposes, such as baiting for fish and rum smuggling

From potatoes to deodorant, toilet paper and bottled beer, Cubans have come to accept chronic shortages as an inevitable part of life after more than half a century of communist rule. Now a

shrinking supply of condoms has upset residents of the Caribbean island nation and alarmed health officials who are worried by the possibility of an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

Pharmacies in the central province of Villa Clara began running out of condoms in the middle of last month, according to Cuban bloggers reporting on the crisis, with shortages spreading to other towns and villages, and suburbs of the capital Havana in recent weeks.

One of the worst affected areas, the observers say, is the city of Santa Clara, which already has one of the highest rates of HIV infection on the island. They say that Cenesex, the staterun Cuban national centre for sex education, which is headed by President Raul Castro’s daughter, Mariela, has ordered the dwindling supplies to be allocated to areas of greatest need, including known carriers of

HIV.

As a result, regular citizens visiting pharmacies in search of condoms are finding empty shelves, according to evidence collected by Havana blogger Polina Martínez Shvietsova, who conducted an ad-hoc survey. She said called a number of pharmacy owners in several areas, who all told her: “We don’t have any, and we don’t know when we’ll get some.” Other analysts warned of the health risk. “The people in the street, [those] making love in houses of rent, godforsaken corridors, in parks, these are sources of possible chains of infection,” said one anonymous man quoted by Cubanet, a Miami-based independent network of bloggers and dissidents. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Riverton, Jamaica dump fire under control – ODPEM

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Saturday issued a statement advising that the fire now burning at the Riverton City dump in Kingston, is under control. ODPEM said the fire, which is confined to the tipping face of the dump, extends across 15 acres of the dump and has been “contained”.

“Despite windy conditions and the prevailing water shortage that is being ex-

perienced in the Corporate area, the situation remains under control as a multi-agency coordinated response is currently in effect,” ODPEM said. The emergency organisation is advising those who generally use the area to avoid it where possible, or to “exercise extreme caution to mitigate against undue exposure”.

“The National and Parish response mechanisms remain on standby should conditions escalate,” ODPEM also said.

(Jamaica Observer)

Walls collapsed and trees fell in the Chilpancingo, near the quake’s epicentre

Everest avalanche death toll rises to 13

Rescuers have recovered the body of another mountain guide after an ice avalanche on the lower slopes of Mount Everest, bringing the death toll to at least 13 in the deadliest accident on the world’s highest mountain. Officials said that Saturday’s recovery of the body still left three Sherpas unaccounted for.

The avalanche struck a perilous passage called the Khumbu Icefall, which is riddled with crevasses and piled with serac or huge

chunks of ice – that can break free without warning. Ang Kami Sherpa, 25, one of at least three survivors told Reuters news agency the guides “couldn’t run away”, as ice from the mountain hurtled down at them.

Climbers declared a four-day halt to efforts to scale the 8848-metre summit and, while some decided to abandon their mission. Some others said they would go ahead after talking to their guides. All of the victims were

Sherpa mountain guides. “Everyone is shaken here at Base Camp. Some climbers are packing up and calling it quits, they want nothing to do with this,” Tim Rippel of Peak Freaks Expeditions wrote in a blog.

Shocked relatives wondered how they would cope without the men who take huge risks to earn up to US$5000 for a two-month expedition – around 10 times average annual pay in Nepal. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

French journalists abducted in Syria freed

Four French journalists were found by Turkish soldiers on the border with Syria on Saturday after being abducted by the rebel group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria last June. Journalists Nicolas Henin, Pierre Torres, Edouard Elias and Didier Francois were found in Sanliurfa province tiedup and blindfolded, the Dogan News Agency said.

“I am so happy to be free!” said Europe 1 radio journalist Didier François,

smiling broadly and sporting a long beard.

“We thank the Turkish authorities because they really helped us. It’s very nice to see the sky, to be able to walk and to speak freely.” he added outside a police station in the small Turkish town of Akcakle near the Syrian border. The office of French President François Hollande confirmed that the four journalists were “in good health, in spite of the very gruelling conditions of their captivity” and

that they were scheduled to return home to France early Sunday.

Hollande also said in a statement he felt “immense relief” after learning of their release. Francois, a veteran war correspondent working for Europe 1 radio, and Elias, a photographer, were abducted in early June on their way to Aleppo. Henin, who was working for Le Point magazine and Torres, reporting for French-German television channel Arte, were taken later that month.

(Excerpt from France24)

Deadly clash reported on border of China and Vietnam

Five Chinese civilians and two Vietnamese border guards died Friday during a clash between Vietnamese border guards and Chinese citizens who were trying to enter Vietnam illegally, according to official Vietnamese news reports on Friday and Saturday.

The confrontation began after the guards detained 16 Chinese around noon inside a border post with the intention of returning them to the Chinese authorities, the

reports said. Some of the detainees grabbed one or more AK-47 assault rifles from the guards and at some point began firing, the reports said. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday night on its microblog that a violent episode had taken place on the Vietnamese border but did not give details.

An online report from Vietnam citing the staterun newspaper Tien Phong said hundreds of police officers and border guards surrounded the building during the stand-

Around the World

Al Qaeda leader, Somalia-based terror group present new messages

Familiar terrorist groups, familiar threats, familiar boasts and grievances – all in new messages tied, either directly or indirectly, to al Qaeda.

Two videos and one audio link have come to light in recent days that suggest that the world’s most recognisable terrorist group is still active, at least in online postings.

The audio is a questionand-answer session purportedly involving al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri that was published Friday on the radical Islamist website Hanein. While CNN has not verified the authenticity of the tape, the voice is similar to al-Zawahiri’s from previously authenticated recordings.

In a wide-ranging, nearly hour-long interview with al Qaeda’s media arm, known as al-Sahab, al-Zawahiri

Ayman al-Zawahiri is the leader of al Qaeda. A reward up to $25 million has been offered by the U.S. Government

touches on everything from drones to Syria to Egypt. He insists that al Qaeda is holding strong 13 years after the United States launched its “war on terror” following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

“The upper hand is for the

one who does not withdraw from his land,” al-Zawahiri says. “Who has withdrawn from Iraq, and who has not? Who has withdrawn from Afghanistan and who has not?” Al-Zawahiri adds that even U.S. President Barack Obama knows al Qaeda “is expanding.” “Al Qaeda is scattered in all the Islamic world and among the oppressed,” he said. Members of the Somalia-based, al Qaedalinked militant group also used the video to reflect on one of its most memorable, deadliest attacks to date – the four-day siege last September of an upscale Nairobi, Kenya, indoor shopping centre that ended with at least 67 killed. That Westgate Mall attack may have been one of the bloodiest tied to Al-Shabaab, but it would not be the last, men featured on the video suggested. (Excerpt from CNN)

Korean divers remove first bodies from ferry

Divers have removed the first bodies from the South Korean ferry that capsized nearly four days ago, the coastguard has said.

“Divers broke through the window of a passenger cabin just before midnight and pulled out three bodies,” a coastguard official told AFP on Sunday. The official said they were the same three bodies that had been spotted, but not retrieved, during an earlier dive.

Rescue teams planned

to continue dive missions through the night to the ferry which capsized on Wednesday morning, he said. The confirmed death toll from the disaster now stands at 36 with 266 people still unaccounted for.

The ferry, carrying 476 passengers, many of them schoolchildren, and crew, capsized on Wednesday on a journey from the port of Incheon to the southern holiday island of Jeju.

Some 174 people have been rescued but hopes are

fading for those still missing. Shin Won-Nam, the head of the Emergency Management Centre, has told reporters that it could take weeks, if not months to complete the rescue operation. No sounds have been detected from within the capsized hull, the coastguard told reporters on Saturday.

Relatives of more than 200 missing children have supplied DNA samples to help identify bodies recovered from the water. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Strong 7.5 magnitude quake hits off Papua New Guinea

An earthquake with a magnitude 7.5 struck off Papua New Guinea on Saturday and a tsunami warning was briefly issued for the Pacific Island nation and neighbouring Solomon Islands, but there were no immediate reports of damage. The quake, at a depth of 10 km (6 miles), struck 68 km south-west of Panguna on the island of Bougainville, the U.S. Geological Survey said, revising down the magnitude from an initial 7.8.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre later cancelled a tsunami warning for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and there was no threat to neighbouring Australia or across the Pacific Ocean. At least six strong tremors have hit near Bougainville in the past week or so, including a magnitude 7.3 on April 11, but there have been no reports of major damage.

“Certainly it has been very active, more active than usual,” said Jonathan

Bathgate, a seismologist at Geoscience Australia. “(The spate of earthquakes) is relieving some pressure on this faultline, but we can’t rule out another large earthquake.”

The quake would have been felt strongly on Bougainville and nearby islands, but given its position on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire” where earthquakes are frequent, extensive damage was unlikely, Bathgate said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

off and urged the Chinese inside to surrender.

Some of the five Chinese who died committed suicide, while the others were shot dead by Vietnamese police officers and border guards, according to an Englishlanguage report on the website of Thanh Nien Daily, which is published by the Vietnam National Youth Federation, an official organisation. The report also said that three women in the group “armed themselves with knives.” (Excerpt from New York Times)

‘No vacancy’ for leadership role for Priyanka Gandhi in Congress – Shashi Tharoor

With Sonia and Rahul Gandhi at the top, Congress has “no vacancy” for a leadership role, party leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said amid speculation that Priyanka Gandhi could assume a bigger responsibility in the organisation.

“Congress has a president and a vice-president, who is not only functioning but also active. Off course, Priyanka Gandhi is campaigning in two Lok Sabha constituencies (Amethi and Rae Bareli),”

Tharoor, who is also a party spokesperson, told reporters, adding that she herself had restricted her role to the two seats.

Asked if this meant Priyanka was not required, Tharoor said “there is no vacancy at the moment. We have a President and a Vice President and they are doing a job”. The Congress leader, at the same time, said that there has been a “very positive impact” by the campaigning of Priyanka in the two parliamentary constituencies.

Earlier this week, Priyanka had said that her brother Rahul had expressed to her many times that he thinks she should contest. She had also said that no one in her family would ever stop her from contesting an election. “My brother, mother and husband would whole-heartedly support me if I wanted to contest. My decision not to contest is entirely my own. I will only change it when I feel from within I should,” she had said. (Excerpt from Times of India)

A major search operation continued on Saturday (BBC Photo)

Disapproval of fund for Integrity Commission disheartening—Ramotar

Adecision is still to be made on the way forward following the more than $5 billion in budgetary allocations being disapproved by the parliamentary Opposition to the Office of the President.

In a move described by President Donald Ramotar as “callous and unthinkable”, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) voted to remove some $5.2 billion in funds for his office’s operations.

The $245 million for Presidential Guard services, the $122 million for the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (IAST), $119 million for the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), $73.5 million for the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), $28.5 million for the Commissioner of Information’s Office, $17 million for the Integrity Commission, $95 million for the provision of developmental, other humanitarian aid and other initiatives, and $10 million for the Office of the First Lady have all been affected.

The funds for the Presidential Guard Services included sums to update its transportation fleet, including a new Presidential vehicle and communications equipment, all of which are vital to ensuring the president’s security.

Go-Invest is tasked with attracting potential investors and investments from both local and foreign entrepreneurs. The cessation of its funding puts at risk, not only the jobs of dozens of dedicated skilled personnel, but also its operations.

Among activities planned for this financial year was the attendance and participation of local

businesses and enterprises in international trade shows and expos.

These events have been critical in showcasing Guyana’s potential in various fields to the world at large, and indeed have resulted in several sizeable investments being made.

These investments have in turn benefitted thousands of Guyanese by providing jobs and business opportunities, in various sectors across the country.

Investments are needed to further drive and expand the economy, thus helping to maintain or exceed the average four per cent GDP growth rate needed to move local development forward.

The sums for the IAST were earmarked for furthering the University of Guyana-based agency’s efforts at advancing its research into bio-fuels and clean energy alternatives, as well as salaries for its dedicated team of staffers. The IAST is also leading research into the use of activated carbon for coconut shells, as a replacement for mercury in the gold recovery process. This is important and groundbreaking given the upcoming proposed ban by the year 2020 of the use of mercury in the mining sector.

GEA

The efforts of the GEA to enhance its monitoring and ensuring the sanctity of the nation’s imported fuel supplies will be curtailed. The agency has been spearheading the fight against fuel smugglers, with several arrests and prosecutions into this lucrative illegal trade. Fuel smuggling not only robs the nation’s coffers, but can also lead to substandard fuel being sold to innocent purchasers. This can result in damage to

machinery and vehicles, invalidating warranties and causing issues such as damaged motors and increased expenditure in the long term for repairs.

The denial of funding for the Integrity Commission and the Office of the Commissioner of Information is seen as another cause for concern, since both were called for by the political Opposition. According to Minister in the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill, the fact that they were demanded by the Opposition which then reversed their positions and denied them funding is “inexplicable”.

It should be noted that there are constant calls for alleged incidents of corruption to be investigated by stakeholders, including the same Opposition MPs who voted to “disapprove” funds to the Integrity Commission.

The funding for the First Lady’s Office was also cut by the controversial vote.

The funds which are used at the Head of State’s discretion were allocated under the $95 million allocation for the provision of developmental, humanitarian aid and other initiatives.

This fund, which has been a mainstay of every Guyanese President since the nation’s independence, is used to assist persons in need, any charitable initiative or cause, as the sitting President deems fit.

Politically regarded as sacrosanct, this fund has never been questioned or adjusted by previous parliaments during this or previous administrations.

Presidents have always been granted a sum of money to assist or contribute to any cause as they see fit.

Response to Project Impact Albouystown encouraging—Police

The Guyana Police Force said the response to Project Impact Albouystown has been overwhelming, and is optimistic that the initiative will create positive change in the community.

The Police Force has rejected some of the criticisms that have been levelled about its operations and presence in the crimeprone community, stating that it is encouraged by the developments since the project was launched.

With respect to a report carried in one of the daily newspapers, which stated that persons accused the police of searching the bags of children going to school, the police said the accusation is false.

The Police Force maintained that a significant part of its efforts in the initiative is aimed at empowering Albouystown youths to develop skills to become productive and meaningful contributors to society.

The Force said it did expect some resistance from persons who are benefitting from crime in the community.

In a statement to the media, the Police said since foot patrols and random search started in the community on April 12, seven men have been arrested and charged for being in possession of 188 grams of narcotics.

The law enforcement ranks have recovered one .45 pistol and have thawed

attempts to rob a business in the area, while noting that no serious crimes have occurred in the Albouystown community since the project was launched.

Training

Additionally, some 60 youth commenced a Foundation Course in Information Communication Technology at the Guyana Defence Force Zara Computer Centre at Eve Leary.

All arrangements were in place to collect the youths between the ages of seven and 16 from a strategic location in Albouystown and take them to the centre, and drop them home after the training session.

On Tuesday, a cosmetology training pro-

gramme will commence at the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship for a number of females, the Force announced.

It said that it was very appreciative of the support being offered via the business community since the conceptualisation and implementation of the Albouystown project.

One businessman has pledged to donate rice monthly to the feeding programme being conducted by the religious community in Albouystown, while another businessman has donated $200,000 worth of cosmetics to support the cosmetology training programme and other activities.

Project Impact Albouystown was made possible through the Guyana Police Force in partnership with a number of stakeholders, including the religious and community leaders of Albouystown.

The project seeks to make the community a safer environment.

One of the main focuses outlined by acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud is to address crime and disorder, with heavy emphasis on gun crimes. This is being done through foot patrols and stop and search operations, among other activities.

A Steering Committee, which includes senior police officers and community leaders, has been established and will be meeting on a monthly basis.

Craig teen shot during robbery

Ateenager is nursing a gunshot wound to his right elbow after three men invaded his Craig, East Bank Demerara home on Friday morning, during an attempted robbery. The incident occurred about 01:45h.

Amarnauth Ramdeen, 19, of Grant Scheme, Craig, East Bank Demerara was admitted to a private medical facility.

According to information received, Ramdeen was aroused by a noise in his home, and on checking, he was confronted by three men, two of whom were armed with firearms.

Guyana Times understands that the house was under construction and the men might have gone there to commit a robbery. The young man was reportedly home alone.

Based on reports, Ramdeen contacted his relatives after the incident, who took him to the hospital. Attempts to get a comment from the young man proved futile.

One of the men discharged a round that struck the teenager, hitting him to the right elbow. The men then made good their escape through a window.

BMGGI donates equipment to Linden Hospital

Bauxite mining company, Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) presented a high-powered Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) on Thursday.

At a simple presentation ceremony conducted at the health institution, BMGGI Vice General Manager Robert Shang handed over the equipment, which was

requested by the management of the hospital to serve as a back-up and protector for the new ecocardiography machine, used to perform ultrasounds to the heart.

It would now have to be connected to the machine before it is put into operation.

The trained staff at the hospital can now put the machine to use and perform the technical proce-

dure. Also present to witness the presentation was Bosai Health and Safety Officer Raymond Sanker and Community Relations Assistant Vanessa MitchellDavis.

Davis said the management of Bosai Minerals is pleased to be a contributor in such a significant way towards the health sector as this gesture will benefit a wide cross section of Region 10.

Acting Police commissioner Seelall Persaud

President Donald Ramotar

Five homeless after Nabaclis fire

Afire suspected to be arson on Saturday evening completely gutted a two-bedroom home at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara.

The fire which started about 17:00h has left Tonza Woolford and her four minor children contemplating alternative living arrangements.

According to information received, the wooden and concrete building has no electricity supply; hence, it was not electrical in origin.

Guyana Times understands that Woolford left home on Saturday morning for her place of employment at Nigel’s Supermarket on Robb Street, Georgetown at 08:00h, leaving her four children, aged four, nine, 12 and 13 reportedly left in the care of a cousin a few houses away.

At the scene of the tragedy, a distraught Woolford posited that she was at work when she received a call from a relative, informing her that her home was on fire.

She added that she immediately left work and rushed to the scene, but it was too late for her to salvage any household items

since the entire building was already engulfed in flames.

Woolford could not estimate her losses, but stated that her home was fully furnished with all modern amenities, to give her four children a comfortable life.

The mother said she will be seeking refuge at the home of a cousin and hopes to rebuild her life soon.

The woman explained that no one was at home at the time of the fire and suspects that the fire might have been deliberately set, since the house did not have any electricity.

“Is 11 years now the house without current, so we really can’t tell what started the fire, but nobody was home, meh daughter went to work and she children went at a cousin house, so is something suspicious,” said the woman.

This publication learnt that after the fire started, persons in the neighbourhood formed a bucket brigade in an effort to put out the blaze, but the heat was too intense, causing them to retreat.

The Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigation into the incident.

Big prizes for winners in LTW Pageant

Contestants vying for the crown this year in the annual Linden Town Week (LTW) Pageant can expect to be given more than just the title of queen.

De Sheriff’s Entertainment and Club is responsible for hosting the pageant for the second consecutive time around.

It will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, under the theme “Rebirth in stride”, and will mark the first event on the Linden Town Week (LTW) calendar of activities.

At a sashing ceremony conducted on Wednesday evening, attended by six of the seven contesting delegates, representative of De Sheriff Entertainment Lincoln Zephyr said the team is taking the pageant to a new level this year.

The simple ceremony was held inside the L&L Restaurant and Lounge at Mackenzie, Linden.

Vying for the crown are delegate Number One, Luela Figueira, representing the community of Canvas City; delegate Number Two, Wrenea Sidney, representing Half Mile; delegate Number Three, Manouska Vyfhuis, representing Nottinghamshire; dele-

gate Number Four, Chelsea Venture, representing Amelia’s Ward; Delegate Number Five, Keyana De’Souza, representing Block 22; delegate Number Six, Shanti Paul, who was absent, but is representing Retrieve; and delegate Number Seven, Jahvina Lam, representing the Wisroc community.

Zephyr said the successful queen is expected to be an ambassador to the community, especially youths. He said the prizes which will be handed over to the queen as well as winners in various categories are intended to enhance the participants’ quality of life.

Additions

Apart from the Linden Town Week queen, he said there will be three runner-ups in the competition. This year’s top four contenders will be competing for a plot of land, along with $150,000, a sponsored one-year paid tuition to attend the University of Guyana (UG) and a trip to a Caribbean destination, in addition to jewellery. Additionally, six individual prizes, including Miss Congeniality, Miss Best Body, Miss Best Smile, Miss Most intelligent, Most Improved and the designer who will cop the prize for the

Best Gown are all up for grabs. Miss Congeniality will walk away with U.S. $100 while Miss Best Body will take home US$50.

Miss Best smile will receive a digital camera, while Most Intelligent will win an electronic notebook. Miss Most Improved will walk away with a mobile phone.

The winner of the Best Gown prize will receive a trophy and US$50.

“We saw it fit that we can play some part in contributing to these persons’ dreams, so we saw it fit to muster up the prize basket this year,” Zephyr said.

He stressed that last year’s pageant was quite successful since the queen and other successful contestants were awarded their prizes. He assured that while some of the prizes were already on showcase around the same time last year, the contestants vying this year can look forward to be awarded their prizes in a timely manner.

Zephyr also thanked the pageant sponsors, which include Banks DIH, Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI), Caribbean Airlines, Bolo’s Variety Store and Fine’s Jewellery World.

The remains of Tonza Woolford’s home after the fire

Some of the delegates for the annual Linden Town Week (LTW) Pageant

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Refrain from putting demands on others. Selfishness and control issues on your part will damage relationships with people you care about. Consideration and mindfulness will be required.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

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(June 21July 22)

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(July 23Aug. 22)

(Feb.20March 20)

(March 21-April 19)

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Calvin and Hobbes dilbert

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CAPRICORN

“Candyman” floors Yusubov in round one

By Avenash Ramzan

Guyana’s knockout specialist Simeon

“Candyman” Hardy was at his explosive best on Friday night, annihilating Rahman Mustafa Yusubov in the first round to keep his unblemished record intact.

Fighting on the undercard of ESPN2’s presentation of Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York, the 26-year-old Hardy needed just two minutes, 36 seconds (02:36s) to stamp his authority, flooring Yusubov three times during the contest.

Halfway through the first round, Hardy landed a counter right hand that dropped Yusubov of Dallas to a seated position. Taking his time during the sixround fight, the undefeated junior middleweight then landed a triple left hook followed by a right to the top of the head of Yusubov that felled him for a second time.

Hardy went for the kill and landed a left hook that planted Yusubov flat on his back for the last time, second before the end of the opening round. With the win, Hardy improved to 12-0 (KO-9), while Yusubov, 30, slipped to 15 losses and nine wins.

The knockout was Hardy’s second in the space of two months. In February, he stopped American Chad Greenleaf in round five of an eight-rounder to begin his campaign in the USA where he migrated to last year. Currently under the

Cassey George, the 1500 metres gold medalist at Junior CARIFTA Games has done it again, taking gold at this year’s edition of the event in Martinique.

Teammate Kadecia Baird was also in fine form, blazing to gold in the Under-20 400 metres race.

George clocked a speedy

guidance of manager/ agent, Tim Gibson, Hardy told this publication from New York on Saturday after his latest win that his career is heading in the right direction.

“Presently, I feel great, not just about winning, but being recognised by some of the biggest persons in boxing...I had dinner with Mr. Harold Letterman after my victory and he said alot of meaningful things to me that I

needed to hear and there’s no doubt about where my future is in boxing,” Hardy intimated.

He added, “I’m moving up gradually and I’m appreciating each level that raises me up. I’m scheduled for the HBO Undercard on June 14 and that says it all. I’m focused and working to achieve my goals. One year ago my present actions were just thoughts.”

Hardy further revealed that he is comfortable with

CARIFTA gold for George, Baird

4:40s to win the gold, which was a bit slower than her gold medal run of last year, 4:36s. The phenomenal Baird clocked a winning time of 53.48 seconds.

Baird created history with her performance as it was the first-ever sprint medal for Guyana at the Junior CARIFTA Games.

Meanwhile, Jevina Sampson and Avon Samuels are through to the semis of the Under-18 400 metres, while Jason Yaw is through to the final of the Boys’ Under-18 400. Sampson clocked 55.99s, while Samuels qualified with 57.69s. Yaw ran 47.4s to reach the final.

the progress he has been made since campaigning in the USA.

“Each fight is another level up. I spar with world champions, top contenders and also future champs; that means I have something special to be standing in the ring on a daily basis.

I’m a signed fighter on the rise with a great fan base of people, who show genuine support. I respect it,” the aspiring world champion concluded.

By Avenash Ramzan

One hundred years of history have been packaged into a 100page souvenir magazine to commemorate the Everest Cricket Club’s centennial anniversary.

On Thursday, executives of the club, in the company of Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, unveiled the fullcolour magazine at the club’s pavillion, much to the appreciation and delight those present.

Dr. Anthony, who delivered feature remarks, lauded those affiliated with the publication for their sterling effort, noting that the documentation of history is critical if the next generation is to appreciate where they came from.

He noted that many young persons are not enlightened on the history of the club, hence the importance of having such a document printed.

Dr. Anthony, who also has ministerial responsibility for Youth and Culture, commended the club and its executives for standing strong over the years, adding that 100 years is a tremendous achievement.

He suggested that the club embark on a booklet that captures its history in photographs as that will also help to give society a better understanding on what transpired decades ago.

The minister also promised to work along with club, even as he called for strong club structure and leadership to ensure it achieves another 100 years.

President of the club, Stephen Lewis, said the realisation of such a magazine is just one of many activities the club has planned to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

“We have cultivated a rich and interesting history

over the years, and so this magazine is intended to expose you and other readers to an extract of that history, as is stated on the cover of the magazine, highlights of our history,” he said.

Publisher Vickram Singh explained the genesis of the magazine, which has on its cover three generations of cricketers from Everest, Rohan Kanhai, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

He said the idea was born out of a desire to have the club’s history documented in a chronological manner. He lauded all those who contributed to the compilation of the publication, pointing out that it was indeed a challenging task.

Petamber Persaud, one of the editors of the magazine, explained that there is much more to Everest history than what is captured in the publication, noting that many persons were reluctant to share whatever information they had on the club.

He stated that it was a challenging project, but the end product is surely one that should be cherished.

The magazine captures the history of the club in four parts: 1914 to 1959, 1960 to 1989, 1990 to 1999 and 2000 to 2014.

There are several interesting pieces in the magazine, which is thought to be a precursor to a book which the club has in mind to publish. Those who came in for high praises for contributing to the magazine were Persaud, Oscar Phillips, Rajesh Singh, Chris Persaud, Navin Chanderpaul, Calvin Roberts, Zaheer Mohamed, Selena Khan, Kenty Khan, Ronald Williams, Professor Clem Seecharran, Derek Kallicharran, Leana Bradshaw, Whitney Persaud, Kaycia Bower and Vanie Beepat.

Still undefeated! Simeon “Candyman” Hardy continued his rise with another knockout on Friday night

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony receives a copy of the magazine, which will be placed in the National Resource Centre, from Everest president, Stephen Lewis

Jason Yaw

Jamaica snatch honours as Barbados stumble

Jamaica defied a half-century from Shane Dowrich to grab an early advantage over Barbados in their Headley/Weekes Trophy semi-final on Saturday.

Left-arm fast bowler

Sheldon Cottrell grabbed 3-28 from 8.3 overs, leg-

spinner Damion Jacobs bagged 3-58 from 21 overs and Dave Bernard Jr took 2-32 from nine overs, as the Barbadians were dismissed for 245 in their first innings about an hour after tea on the opening day at Kensington Oval.

Windwards on top after Johnson rocks T&T

West Indies A pacer Delorn Johnson produced a sharp, late burst, to rock Trinidad and Tobago and give Windward Islands the advantage on the opening day of their Headley/ Weekes Trophy semi-final on

Saturday.

The left-armer finished with finished with 2-10 as T&T staggered to the close on 36-3, still 212 runs adrift of first innings lead in the crucial contest at Queen’s Park Oval.

SCOREBOARD SCOREBOARD

Windwards 1st Innings

D Smith b Gabriel 0

T Theophille c Gabriel

GABA shortlists 25-member squad

b Richards 30 +J Charles c Lewis b Gabriel 8

S Ambris run out 44

K Lesporis b Khan 39

R Currency lbw b Khan 68

*L Sebastien c DM Bravo

b Khan 40

M Mathew c Lewis b Khan 3

K Peters c Khan b Jaipaul 5

D Johnson c DM Bravo

b Jaipaul 8

TOTAL: (1 wkt, 12 overs) 52

Fall of wickets: 1-51

Bowling: F. Edwards 2-020-0; Cummins 2-0-15-0; Nurse 4-1-8-1; C. Brathwaite 2-0-2-0; Benn 2-1-6-0

Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-82, 3-92, 4-105, 5-128, 6-134, 7-235, 8-244, 9-245, 10-245 Bowling: Taylor 11-0-50-0 (nb3, w1); Cottrell 8.3-1-283; Bernard 9-2-32-2 (w2); Jacobs 21-8-58-3; Miller 276-56-0, Campbell 1-0-10-0 Jamaica 1st Innings N. Bonner lbw b Nurse 26 J. Campbell not out 25 D. Jacobs not out 0 Extras: (lb-1) 1

N Pascal not out 0

Extras: (lb-3) 3

TOTAL (all out, 73.4 overs) 248 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-30, 3-49, 4-112, 5-136, 6-226, 7-235, 8-240, 9-242, 10-248

Bowling: Gabriel 11-2-35-2, Emrit 11-1-42-0, Richards 7-030-1, Hosein 7-0-29-0, Khan 17-2-59-4, Jaipaul 17.4-6-342, Mohammed 3-0-16-0. T&T 1st Innings

L Simmons c Mathew b Johnson 19

E Lewis not out 10

DM Bravo c Lesporis b Johnson 0

M Richards c Theophille

b Sebastien 2 J Mohammed not out 0

Extras: (lb-5) 5

TOTAL (3 wkts, 14 overs) 36 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-33, 3-36

Bowling: Nelon Pascal 2-018-0, Johnson 5-2-10-2, Peters 3-1-2-0, Sebastien 2-1-1-1, Mathew 2-2-0-0

The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) has shortlisted a 25-member squad that will participate in the Inter-association tournament scheduled for May.

While the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) and the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) are yet to name their squads, Georgetown has led from the front by naming a strong squad.

The squad will include seven players from the Ravens in Rodwell Fortune (Point Guard- PG), Dominic Vincente (PG), Ryan Stephney (Shooting GuardSG), Ryan Gullen (Small Forward- SF), Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai (SF), Jermaine Slater (Centre- C) and Rudy James (C).

The Trinity Grid Holding Pacesetters will also have five players in Travis Burnett (SG), Stephon Gillis (SF), Randy Richardson (Forward- F), Joslyn Crawford (F) and Royston Siland (PF).

In addition, The Bounty Colts will have four players on the shortlisted team in Dave Causway (PG), Shelroy Thomas (SG), Nikkolai Smith (SG) and Niko Fraser (F).

The Pepsi Sonics will have three players in Jason Squires (SG), Collis Pluck (F) and Earl O’neil (PF), while the Plaisance Guardian will have two players on the team in Enoch Matthews (SF) and Ron Campbell (F).

The Republic Bank Nets will also have two players in Mortimer Williams (SG) and Fabian Johnson (C), while the Panthers will have two to round out the 25 players in Yannick December (SF) and Haslyn Hooper (C).

The team shortlisted will be eventually cut to a 12man squad and will take part in the Inter-association tournament against LABA and BABA, which will eventually name the national squad to take part in the Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC). Meanwhile, the team will have four coaches in Mark Agard (Pepsi Sonics), Darcel Harris (Dyna’s Ravens), Junior Hercules (Plaisance Guardians) and Brian Carter (The Guyana Defence Force).

Further, the team has already commenced training for the upcoming Interassociation tournament, set for May. (Treiston Joseph)

Akeem Kanhai Travis Burnett

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Daredevils v Knight Riders, IPL 2014, Dubai…

Karthik, Duminy end Delhi’s losing streak

The burning question for Delhi Daredevils was their mettle under pressure. They were on a losing streak that was now at seven matches across two seasons. They still had to contend with their biggest influence - Kevin Pietersen - being restricted to the bench. They had to best one of the wilier attacks in the IPL, which believed - at 167 - it had enough to defend. However, fifties from stand-in captain Dinesh Karthik and new recruit JP Duminy took them home in an emphatic flurry. The Daredevils captain was on the receiving end of a snorter from Albie Morkel in the last match, but today he was at his busy best. He nudged those singles and twos, his footwork against spin was precise and more importantly he held the chase together until Duminy arrived at No. 5 and took Morne Morkel for 21 runs in

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the 18th over to shift the balance. Sunil Narine was Knight Riders’ go-to man again, gamely delivering a 19th over that allowed only six runs to leave the equation at run-aball. The pressure shifted to Piyush Chawla who beat Jimmy Neesham with a legbreak that didn’t turn, and then snapped him up with a seam-up delivery. Duminy hared across to the other end so that he was on strike, and belted another quick delivery over square leg to take the honours with three balls to spare. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata T20 innings (20 overs maximum)

JH Kallis c Taylor

b Mohammed Shami 0 G Gambhir* c Duminy

b Coulter-Nile 0

MK Pandey b Nadeem 48

RV Uthappa† c Taylor

b Unadkat 55

Shakib Al Hasan not out 30 YK Pathan b Coulter-Nile 11

SA Yadav not out 8

Extras: (lb-1, w-12, nb-1) 14

Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 166

Fall of wickets 1-1 (Kallis, 0.1 ov), 2-11 (Gambhir, 1.4 ov), 3-75 (Pandey, 10.6 ov), 4-132 (Uthappa, 16.6 ov), 5-157 (Pathan, 19.4 ov)

Bowling: Mohammed Shami 4-0-33-1 (5-w), NM CoulterNile 4-0-27-2 (1-nb, 1-w), JD Unadkat 4-0-25-1, JDS Neesham 2-0-26-0 (2-w), S Nadeem 3-029-1, JP Duminy 3-0-25-0-

RCB v Mumbai, Dubai, IPL 2014…

Delhi T20 innings (target: 167 runs from 20 overs) M Vijay run out (Pandey) 0 MA Agarwal c Chawla b Morkel 26 KD Karthik*† lbw b Narine 56 LRPL Taylor b Kallis 6 JP Duminy not out 52 MK Tiwary c Narine b Morkel 8 JDS Neesham c Pathan b Chawla 8 NM Coulter-Nile not out 0 Extras: (lb-6, w-5) 11

Total: (6 wickets; 19.3 overs)167 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Vijay, 0.5 ov), 2-39 (Agarwal, 3.6 ov), 3-60 (Taylor, 6.6 ov), 4-118 (Karthik, 14.3 ov), 5-127 (Tiwary, 15.6 ov), 6-161 (Neesham, 19.2 ov)

Bowling: R Vinay Kumar 4-035-0, M Morkel 4-0-41-2 (2-w), Shakib Al Hasan 3-0-25-0 (1-w), JH Kallis 2-0-15-1, PP Chawla 2.3-0-27-1, SP Narine 4-0-18-1

All-round rcB swipe aside Mumbai

Mumbai Indians slumped to their second defeat in as many matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have now won two out of two. The defending champions struggled at the start, scratched around in the middle and crumbled at the death on a somewhat difficult surface seeing its first IPL match. For their opponents, it was the bowling again that set up the win, although their batsmen, minus the recovering Chris Gayle again, did not find it easy.

Mumbai were to collapse from 101-4 to 115-9 in the last four overs, batsman after batsman slogging and holing out in the deep.

Royal Challengers were to be reduced to 17-3 in the chase. Nic Maddinson could not keep out an inswinging Lasith Malinga yorker. Zaheer Khan then nipped out Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh in the space of three deliveries. AB de Villiers was the new batsman in. He had Parthiv Patel for company, but with only Albie Morkel, Sachin Rana and the bowlers to follow, Royal Challengers needed the pair in the middle to do the bulk of the job.

Which was exactly what de Villiers and Parthiv did, putting on an unbeaten 99 run-partnership that brought up the win in the 18th over. They had their nervy moments, but hung around to steer their side home. Parthiv seemed to have thin-edged Malinga to the keeper with 41 needed off the last seven overs, but Mumbai did not even appeal. It might have made a difference, it may not have, but in the end, Mumbai just did not have enough runs to push Royal Challengers. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Mumbai T20 innings (20 overs maximum) MEK Hussey c Chahal b Morkel 16 AP Tare† c Maddinson b Aaron 17 AT Rayudu c de Villiers

b Starc 35

RG Sharma* c de Villiers

b Chahal 2

KA Pollard c Rana b Chahal 3

CJ Anderson c Kohli b Starc 18

Harbhajan Singh b Aaron 8

Z Khan c Rana b Dinda 0

SL Malinga run out

(Yuvraj Singh) 2

PP Ojha not out 1

JJ Bumrah not out 1

Extras:(b-1, lb-3, w-7, nb-1) 12

Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 115

Fall of wickets 1-20 (Hussey, 3.5 ov), 2-52 (Tare, 6.5 ov), 3-60 (Sharma, 9.1 ov), 4-70 (Pollard, 11.2 ov), 5-101 (Rayudu, 16.3 ov), 6-101 (Anderson, 16.4 ov), 7-101 (Khan, 17.2 ov),

8-110 (Harbhajan Singh, 18.5 ov), 9-113 (Malinga, 19.4 ov)

Bowling: MA Starc 4-0-21-2, JA Morkel 3-0-23-1 (1-nb, 1-w), VR Aaron 4-0-30-2 (1-w), YS Chahal 4-0-17-2, AB Dinda 4-014-1, Yuvraj Singh 1-0-6-0 (1-w) Bangalore T20 innings (target: 116 runs from 20 overs) NJ Maddinson b Malinga 12 PA Patel† not out 57 V Kohli* c Harbhajan Singh b Khan 0 Yuvraj Singh lbw b Khan 0 AB

JP Duminy was at the end when victory was achieved

Lusignan crowned ECCB U-15 champs

Lusignan Cricket Club was crowned champions of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) 2014 Under-15 competition after they defeated Ogle Cricket Club by 17 runs on Sunday.

Lusignan won the toss and batted first, registering 191-8 from their allotted 40 overs. Opening batsmen Anil Singh (21) and Avin Gangadin (18) added 52 runs for thr first wicket. Lusignan, however, slipped to 79-4 in 22 overs before recovering to

reach their eventual score.

Robin Singh (32) and Mike Persaud (31) were the main scorers, while Vishal Moonchan and Bisham Mohabir were the chief wicket-takers with figures of 2-22 and 2-43 respectively.

In reply, the Ogle youngsters were bowled out for 174 in 35 overs with Nand Sanicharan hitting a topscore of 53. Bowling for Lusignan, Sean Persaud took 3-24, while Mike Persaud and Singh bagged two wickets each.

Speed XI beat Enmore at softball

Speed XI defeated Enmore by two wickets in a feature Over-40 softball game on Thursday evening at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.

Batting first in the 25over game, the Enmore lads were rocked by a few early wickets, before the middle and lower order rallied to post what turned out to be an inadequate 173-7.

Guest player Fidel Singh

led the way with a topscore of 67, an innings that included four sixes and three boundaries. Ganeshram Emamally supported with 30 (3x6s, 1x4), while Shameer Ali 18 (2x6s) and Bheemraj Ramkellawan 17 (1x4, 1x6) also chipped in.

Speed XI made a solid start to the chase, but lost a few wickets in the middle overs, before recovering to overhaul the target at 174-8 in 24 overs.

Asif Ali made a sol-

id 42 (4x6s, 2x4s), Dereck Ramotar 33 (3x4s, 2x6s), Fazleem Mohamed 26 and Uniss Yousuf 24 in a rounded team effort. Bowling for Enmore, another guest player Rawle Reid took 3-24.

Aftre the game, Speed XI received the winner’s trophy, while Enmore had to settle for the runnerup prize. Singh was voted Man-of-the-Match, Ali was named Best Batsman, while Reid was adjudged Best Bowler.

Bush Lot, Preysal play to thrilling tie

Bush Lot United and Preysal of Trinidad and Tobago played to an exciting tie in a feature Over-40 hardball match on Friday at the Bush Lot ground, West Berbice.

At the completion of the allotted 30 overs each, both teams ended on identical scores of 180-6.

In conditions ideal for cricket, Bush Lot United batted first and were given a solid start by openers Eon Abel and Sheik Mohamed.

The right-handed Abel counted three sixes and a similar number of fours in a topscore of 54, while the left-handed Mohamed, a former national wicketkeeper/ batsman, continued his fine form this year with a carefully constructed 45, which included three boundaries.

After the departure of the two openers, Bush Lot United suffered a mini-collapse, losing Kenjie Sedoc (15), Kris Ramnarine (06), Dennis Webster (00) and Corwin Wade (03) cheaply, before Martin Evans gave the innings late impetus with a breezy 30 not out.

Evans blasted three sixes and two fours in his knock. Rajendra Dilraj and Imraz Ali were the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with 2-29 and 2-32 respectively.

When Preysal batted, they were led by Rohan David, who smashed a bel-

ligerent 77 before falling in the final over with victory in sight.

With two runs required for victory off the final over bowled by Wade, Preysal lost David and mustered only a solitary run as the match ended in a thrilling tie.

David’s innings was punctuated with six sixes and six fours, but apart from Mathiew Alexander with 38 not out (3x6s), none of the other batsmen offered resistance. Bowling for Bush Lot United, Webster picked up 2-29.

Meanwhile, Preysal will be in action again today against hosts Everest Cricket Club, which is staging the game as part of activities to mark its 100th anniversary.

The 20/20 contest will bowl off at 13:00 hours.

Everest has named a

strong team for the game and will be led by former president of the club, Rajesh Singh.

Everest squad reads: Rajesh Singh (captain), Sheik Mohamed, Basil Persaud, Hemraj Garbarran, Rabindranauth Seeram, Lennox Cush, David Harper, Rakesh Gangaram, Ronald Jaisingh, Sudesh Persaud, Rohan Sarjoo, Jhonny Azeez, Asif Khan and Paul Parsram.

Preysal squad reads: Wazzard Ali (captain), Rajendra Dilraj, Ramesh Dookran, Ramesh Maharaj, Rohan David, Mathiew Alexander, Anthony Ragoo, Linton Ramdeen, Shiva Kanhai, Imraz Ali, Desmond Ramkissoon, Dilip Ramnath, Tyabali Khan, Naresh Ramkissoonsingh and Keetash Sookhai.

Sunderland dent Chelsea’s title bid

Bottom club Sunderland earned a stunning 2-1 win at Chelsea that severely dented the Blues’ title hopes and gave leaders Liverpool a major boost.

Connor Wickham followed up Marcos Alonso’s shot to equalise after Samuel Eto’o had given Chelsea the lead.

After several Chelsea chances, Sunderland were given a penalty when Cesar Azpilicueta fouled Jozy Altidore.

And Fabio Borini scored to inflict Jose Mourinho’s first home Premier League defeat

in 78 games as Chelsea manager.

The award of a marginal penalty so late in the game sparked anger on the Chelsea bench and Mourinho had to restrain assistant coach Rui Faria, who was seeking to confront referee Mike Dean.

Faria was sent to the stands to watch the final stages as the match - and quite possibly Chelsea’s chances of winning the league - fizzled out.

The shock result leaves the second-placed Blues two points behind Liverpool, who will play their game in hand

against Norwich on Sunday before hosting Chelsea a week later.

Meanwhile, Sunderland, who had secured a point at title-chasing Manchester City in midweek, closed to within three points of Norwich, who are occupying the final spot above the relegation zone. While the result was a huge coup for the Black Cats, it represents a devastating blow for Mourinho, who must rouse his men for their trip to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. (BBC Sport)

Members of the successful Lusignan team pose with officials of the club and the ECCB

Members of Speed XI pose with their trophies after Thursday’s game (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Fidel Singh (left) and Rawle Reid with their individual awards

Sheik Mohamed Eon Abel

Big money at stake in Guyana Cup Fever

Over $10 million dollars will be at stake today when the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) in collaboration with Jumbo Jet Auto Sales stages the seventh annual Guyana Cup Fever horse race meet.

The meet is slated for the club’s Port Mourant, Corentyne, headquarters from 12:30 hours.

Eight races are billed for the day with the ‘C’ and Lower Class being the marquee event over a distance of a mile. The top prize is $2 million. The runner-up will receive $1 million, third, $500,000, and fourth prize, $250,000.

The Three-year-old Guyana and West Indian bred event will have the winner taking away $1 million in the 1200 metre race. The second place prize is $500,000, third, $250,000, and fourth, $125,000.

The Four-year-old event for Guyana and West Indies bred horses, over 1600 metres, carries a winner’s prize of $700,000.

The E1 and Lower 1300 metres event carries a win-

ner’s prize of $600,000. The G3 and Lower race will gallop over a distance of 1300 metres and carry a winner’s prize of $500,000.

The I2 and Lower race will be run over 1000 metres and carries a first prize of $300,000, while the J2 and Lower winner will pocket $200,000 also over 100 metres.

The H and Lower will run over 1200 metres with the winner taking home $350,000.

The day’s activities will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and, according to organisers, those rules would be rigidly enforced.

Admission to the venue is $2000.

Meanwhile, secretary of the PMTC, Chattergoon Ramnauth told this publication on Saturday that the weather on the Corentyne is “excellent.”

Ramnauth stated that the meet will be of a high standard, especially since the majority of the country’s top horses will be participating. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Ravens to face all-star team on April 26

Dyna’s Ravens have been on an undefeated run over the past year and with their recent win in the Road to Mecca national club championship titling them as the best club in the nation, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will now give them the ultimate test.

Sampson and Steve Neils from Kings; Dave Causeway and Shelroy Thomas from Bounty Colts and Stephon Gillis, Travis Burnett and Randy Richardson from Pacesetters.

The coach for the team is Mark Agard.

26, the GABF will throw an allstar team com prising some of the best players from Georgetown, Linden and Berbice to face the Ravens in a test of their met tle at Anderson Sports Hall.

The all-star team was selected by a panel of coaches and includes the following players: Dwayne Roberts, Neil Marks and Lawrence DaCosta from Retrieve Raiders; Shane Webster and Alistair Webster from Amelia’s Ward Jets; Omally

Dyna’s Ravens will be led by national club basketball MVP Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai, along with Jermaine Slater, Ryan Stephney, Rodwell Fortune, Dominic Vincente, Ryan Gullen, Marlon Rodrigues, Winston Chapman, Dellon Davidson, Dorian Lewis, Winston Chapman, Rudy James and coach Darcel Harris. Meanwhile, the supporting games will pit the Republic Bank Nets against the Pepsi Sonics, while a Georgetown female team will battle a team made up of players from Linden and Kwakwani.

Entrance fee into the event is $1,000, while children under 16 years will be allowed to enter free with jump ball from 19:00h.

An electrifying day of racing is anticipated in today’s Guyana Cup Fever

Cassey George Kadecia Baird

Simeon “Candyman” Hardy (left) in action against Rahman Mustafa Yusubov on Friday night in New York

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (third right) and Everest President Stephen Lewis (centre) pose with some of the persons who contributed to the magazine (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)