Guyana Times Daily 10th Nov 2013

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INSIDE Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1948 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

November 10, 2013

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Auditor general’s report erroneous, sloppy on pharmaceutical supply See story on page 7

GuyanaVenezuela fertiliser deal generates P2 positive competition

Industry man sets house ablaze, commits suicide See story on page 17

Kaieteur News P5 headline misleading Salvation P8 Army gets $5M more to aid drug rehab programme

Ramotar urges Muslim community to stand against injustice See story on page 10

Energy Week begins todayP8 Plane crash lands at P16 Kwakwani President Donald Ramotar addressing a gathering on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown on Saturday, to welcome the Islamic New Year 1435. The occasion was attended by several prominent public officials, including Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) executive member Sheik Moen ul-Hack, Opposition Leader David Granger, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

BK International rewards Two murders, two employees more fatal accidents for catching fuel thieves in past two days See story on page 19

See story on page 11

P17 King’s Jewellery duck curry competition set for coming Sunday

2 news

SUNday, november 10, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Guyana-Venezuela fertiliser deal generates positive competition

By Indrawattie Natram

T

housands of farmers throughout Guyana from the various rice growing areas are reaping the benefits of the Venezuela fertiliser deal that was made possible by the Agriculture Ministry through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producer’s Association (RPA).

Farmers are indeed thankful to the ministry and the major rice stakeholders for creating such a competitive market, one that has made the price for fertiliser dropped significantly.

They are very much thankful and expressed their gratitude at a farmers' meeting held on Friday in the GRDB boardroom at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

One farmer, from West Bury, John Goberdhan said the intervention was a timely one and has fostered much competition.

Goberdhan said fertilisers are now available cheaper than last year. Another farmer from Perservance, Prem Sukhai,

Farmers loading bags of fertilisers onto a bull cart

Farmers flock the Fairfield bond to purchase their fertiliser

said he is happy that an intervention has been made to address their problems. The farmers say often they are being ripped-off by local suppliers of fertiliser and they now feel a comfort receiving representation.

GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh called for cooperation from farmers to ensure the smooth flow of fertiliser distribution in the various regions. He made it known that fertilisers are available at different locations throughout rice grow-

Venezuela to farmers here is a “risk”, but the GRDB has the farmers’ interest at heart.

RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said farmers are being supplied with urea and fertiliser at a reduced cost for the current autumn crop. He urged farmers to make the most of the offer and reminded them that their interest will always be protected. Seeraj, using a practical example, said farmers will be saving $1500 per bag of fertiliser purchased, as compared to last year.

ing areas and at a reasonable price.

Same price Singh said farmers in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice have to pay the same price, despite more transportation is involved. He explained to farmers at a meeting that the intervention was made to help farmers reduce production cost.

Once production costs remain low, farmers will reap profits, he said, noting that bringing fertiliser from

According to Region Two GRDB superintendent, Deoram Prahalad, farmers are entitled to one bag of urea\fertiliser for each acre sown for up to 30 acres, while farmers with acreages above will not receive an additional amount.

Each farmer is being charged $5000 per bag for fertiliser\urea. The officer said the GRDB Extension Department will be responsible for facilitating the payment of fertiliser made by the farmers and the actual distribution. The senior officer said the sale of fertiliser has a procedure which is transparent and aims to help farmers.

Explaining the process as it relates to the uplifting of the fertiliser, the officer said the farmer has to present his/ her National Identification Card during the purchasing process. He then said the officer assigned to the fertilis-

er sales locations will verify the amount purchased by the farmer.

Also the date, account number and bank stamp will be verified before delivering the fertiliser to the farmer.

He said all fertiliser uplifted by farmers will be recorded in appropriate documentation, highlighting two categories: namely those between one to 30 acres and those above 30.

Farmers will sign in receipt of the fertiliser purchased.

Many farmers flocked the Fairfield bond to purchase their fertiliser.

It was noticed that due to the reduced cost of the commodity on the market, local suppliers would have significantly lowered their price.

The introduction of the sale of fertilisers and urea by the GRDB has boosted competition in the local market to the benefit of farmers.

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, November 10 from 09:50h to 11:20h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, November 10 from 10:30h to 12:00h.

WEATHER TODAY

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SUNday, november 10, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Apiculturists to enjoy greater market access for their products

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected during the day, with light rain showers in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly to easterly at 4.02 to 2.24 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:02h and 22:30h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.27 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:59h reaching a minimum height of 1.01 metres.

Beeswax candles and wine made of honey – Pandama products

Honey producers exhibiting their products

armers are soon to benefit from assistance in having their products and services marketed through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).

The Agriculture Ministry, through a collaborative approach with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), has been working to ensure farmers have access to market opportunities.

On Friday, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation held a “Honey Exposition”, allowing entrepreneurs from near and far to showcase their local products.

“This initiative has been

permarkets in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and 10, allowing persons to access local products. The exhibitors were also encouraged to work together, with the aim of further expanding the sector.

Meanwhile, IICA’s representative to Guyana, Wilmot Garnett spoke of the marketing aspect of which IICA has

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a tremendous one which has assisted not only my business to access market, but everyone else who has products out here… we have been able to sell our products as persons have been supporting this venture,” Apiculturist Linden Stewart said.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who visited the expo, committed to having the GMC on a monthly basis promote local products and services.

He lauded the agro-processors for being highly organised, alluding to the fact that much work has been put in this area, which has significantly aided them in accessing market opportunities. The Guyana Shop will soon partner with major su-

been playing a major role to have developed. He added that previously, the marketing aspect by farmers was significantly lacking; hence, IICA playing a role in working with the farmers to have this remedied.

The next event slated for December 6 will see pineapple producers showcasing their products.

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sunday, november 10, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Views Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231.

Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

International realpolitik A

s a “small state” by every definition of the term, Guyana’s survival depends on charting a course, politically and economically, between the larger powers as does a sardine swimming among sharks. Our policymakers need to appreciate the mindset of the sharks.

In the Nov-Dec issue of Foreign Affairs, Henry Farrell and Martha Finnemore offer an insight into the thinking of the U.S. in this area. The article is provocatively titled, “The End of Hypocrisy: American Foreign Policy in the Age of Leaks”.

The “leaks” alluded to are the release on the worldwide web of huge volumes of U.S. government top secret classified information first by Chelsea/Bradley Manning via WikiLeaks and more recently by Edward Snowden.

The first set of information, containing the contents of cables from U.S. embassies to the State Department, was quite embarrassing to a host of countries, including key allies of the U.S., on the candid appraisal of their domestic politics and personalities. The Snowden revelations of the actions of the National Security Agency (NSA) exposed the U.S.’s spying on its own allies in addition to conducting cyber warfare against China.

But the authors contend that almost all of this information would have been known to most of the other players in the global “great game”. This includes the fact that the U.S. and the UK have compromised most encryption programmes designed to counter exactly the kind of snooping that their surveillance agencies are conducting. They contend instead: “The deeper threat that leakers such as Manning and Snowden pose is more subtle than a direct assault on U.S. national security: they undermine Washington’s ability to act hypocritically and get away with it. Their danger lies not in the new information that they reveal but in the documented confirmation they provide of what the United States is actually doing and why.

“When these deeds turn out to clash with the government’s public rhetoric, as they so often do, it becomes harder for U.S. allies to overlook Washington’s covert behaviour and easier for U.S. adversaries to justify their own.

“Hypocrisy is central to Washington’s soft power – its ability to get other countries to accept the legitimacy of its actions – yet few Americans appreciate its role. Liberals tend to believe that other countries cooperate with the United States because American ideals are attractive and the U.S.-led international system is fair.

“Realists may be more cynical, yet if they think about Washington’s hypocrisy at all, they consider it irrelevant. For them, it is Washington’s cold, hard power, not its ideals, that encourages other countries to partner with the United States.”

The authors contend that, while the United States might not be the only hypocrite in international politics, its hypocrisy matters immensely.

“That’s because most of the world today lives within an order that the United States built, one that is both underwritten

by U.S. power and legitimated by liberal ideas. American commitments to the rule of law, democracy, and free trade are embedded in the multilateral institutions that the country helped establish after World War II, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, and later the World Trade Organisation. Despite recent challenges to U.S. pre-eminence, from the Iraq war to the financial crisis, the international order remains an American one.”

It is posited that for the present world order to be accepted by the other players, especially the less powerful ones such as Guyana, “U.S. officials must regularly promote and claim fealty to its core liberal principles” since force alone cannot maintain its dominance.

However, the leaks have exposed the gap between the reality and the rhetoric and there is now the possibility that the entire system might be delegitimised. The authors believe the leaks will have a positive effect: they may force the U.S. to abandon its “hypocrisy” and match its actions to its public rhetoric.

Police in the Philippines say they fear 10,000 people may have died on Leyte island, which bore the brunt of the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. Coastal communities in Iloilo suffered badly in the typhoon (BBC News)

Hajj 2013: A journey of love My name was written.

My invitation was called out by the angels. You are a guest of Allah. It is time for your pilgrimage.

My baby got sick. I moved residence four days before travel, but my heart beat anxiously, and I packed as lightly as I could, one black and red haversack on my back and one small grey bag in my hand, nothing to check in.

The 21-day journey beckoned. It’s time for changes in your life. We set out.

Labbaik allumma labbaik…Here I am at your service my Lord!

Nine and a half hours to London ,three and a half hours to Istanbul, three hours to Jeddah Airport waiting, sharing snacks, praying in corners… names of the East came to life as the group of pilgrims under Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) leadership arrived at the Holy City of Mecca to go visit the Holy Kabah for the first time.

The men were in their Ihraam, two pieces of unstitched white cotton and the women prepared in their best and humblest to stand before their Lord, to enter the Holiest place on Earth, to enter the Haram of the Holy Kabah.

We were well advised.

Duaas/prayers made at the sighting of the Holy Shrine are accepted.

Friends were helping with suggestions and in urgent quietness we entered, joining the throngs Already there, and, I looked… I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout.

There it is! There it is! It is the Holy Kabah! Just like in the books. It is that square brick structure draped in black and gold. It is where we are commanded to go around.

It is where our prayers are answered. It is where the prophets have stood and prayed. I was crying through my nose and my eyes and I felt humbled.

Bismillah Allahu Akbar! I raised my hand and shouted.

Bismillah Allahu Akbar!

Each heart has its own story to tell. We spent time

in Mecca where only Muslims are allowed to enter, walking its streets, being enticed by the bargains of beautiful clothes and jewellery and perfumes and ornaments, Being amazed by its brightness, its expansiveness, its beauty, its advancement in architecture and human management as it sits between mountains of dry white stone.

Then we entered Medina.

This was the city which accepted Prophet Mohammad (saw) and the Sahabahs when they had to migrate.

The city they lived in, the city they died in.

My visit to the Prophet’s masjid was, to use a cliché, “mind blowing”.

The city itself is warm and peaceful. The mountains are red and fertile.

I saw trees and date palm groves and flowers and people everywhere. I felt a happiness and ease I cannot explain. We waited our turn to go into the masjid to see where the Prophet and the two first caliphs are buried.

There I was, a simple woman from Guyana, standing on the Holy Rawdah giving salaam to the final Messenger of Islam. I cannot really explain how that felt.

From Medina, we went to Mina. There we lived in tents, 150 per tent, sharing facilities with sisters from around the world. We learned to find the bathrooms and wudu areas and sometimes we got lost and then we got found.

From Mina, it was on to Arafah, the place where the final sermon was done by the Prophet (SAW) Arafah is heavenly as it lies encircled by the watching mountains. We prayed in our tents and as the sun cooled, we raised our hands to the heavens and cried in silent beseeching duaas.

From Arafah to the plains of Muzdalifah, lying on the gravel and earth amongst the two and a half million present, looking up to the clear sky and again wrapped by those mountains.

I did not sleep that night.

I sat on my folded sheet and watched the buses come and the pilgrims trying to fit into

any space they could. Prayers made miracles that night as more hands and hearts and tears were raised to the Heavens.

From Muzdalifah to Mina and then to the stoning of the devil at the Jamrahs.

Nothing prepared me for the walking visits to the jamrahs.

We went as pilgrims to do our pilgrimage, to fulfil the pillar of Islam called the Hajj.

We took each ritual as it was done by those before us and commanded to be done by Almighty Allah.

Between visiting and praying and contemplation and zikr, we got to know the people in our group and around us and we made friends.

As my eight-year-old baby I left at home counted down the days, it was time for the farewell tawaaf, The farewell visit to the Holy Kabah.

It was one of the hardest rituals because of the immense crowd, but it was one of the most heart hurting things to do. We were leaving, not knowing if we would ever see it again. We were leaving truth and peace and history.

It was not easy but we had to say farewell.

In all the pushing and swaying and tumbling and heat, we moved and did our rounds It was after this that I was given a gift I had so wished for.

I was taken again through the crowds to the Holy Kabah that I may touch its warm bricks with the palm of my bare hand. I touched it!

I leaned forward and with both palms pressed to the wall, I prayed, for love and happiness and living the rest of my life more pleasing to Almighty Allah.

As we walked out to the courtyard and gathered around the Big Clock, we realised that our rituals had come to an end. Our Hajj was complete. Seven ladies and 21 men set out on September 28 as part of the CIOG Hajj group.

Early on the morning of Saturday, October 19, we hugged and cried and wished each other “Hajj Mabroor”!

May your Hajj be accepted!

We left after Fajr that same day to start our journey back to our homes. I am writing this as I sit on the nine -and-a-half-hour flight from London to Port of Spain.

It was an experience unlike any other to places unlike any other and it was a journey of love.

Love my Creator has for me and the two and a half million he called from among the billions of the world.

Love that I have for Almighty Allah, to obey his commands and try to please Him. Love that increased along the way in respect and tolerance and care for my fellow humans.

Make your intentions now! I invite the world to the Hajj. I invite my countrymen.

I invite my friends and family. Go put your footprints in the sands of Mecca, Medina, Mina, and Muzdalifah.

May Almighty Allah accept our Hajj. I especially want to send duas for Sheikh Moeen Hack and his wife Shalimar and the staff and extended family of CIOG who worked with steadfastness and kindness to make our Hajj a reality and enjoyable and understandable.

To Miss Rita and Sister Naz who unknowingly took away my shoes one night and made me walk the streets of Madina and into the Hyaat, barefoot. Thank you. And to Isha and the Wahabs and Aliya (My little busy body friend), I love you all. And to the menfolk who stood by us, especially Brother Wazir, may your lives be better and happier after this. Ameen.

And to my brother Hilary whose bags I left on the roof of the Kabah, and Candy who fetched my shoes and herself walked barefoot to Jamrah, and my dear sweet niece Zaki who kept me company most of the time and who could not believe she could wear unironed clothes among strangers for three weeks, I am glad you were all part of my Hajj.

May Almighty Allah be pleased with us all.

Ameen.

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sunday, november 10, 2013

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

Kaieteur News headline The garbage situation in Better Hope misleading Dear Editor, The administration of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security wishes to state emphatically that the front page headline of the November 9, 2013 edition of the Kaieteur News’ “Minister places ads exclusively in Guyana Times…” is misleading.

It is not the responsibility of the minister to place advertisements in the media. In this specific instance, the advertisement for the distribution of Old Age Pension Books was placed by the Probation and Social Services Department of the ministry.

It is regrettable, that the Kaieteur News would publish that the minister placed the ads. The minister was in no way involved in this process nor did she give any instructions regarding the placement of the advertisement.

It is government’s policy to place advertisements in all the newspapers. The ministry requested quotations from the four newspapers in September, 2013 to publicise the distribution schedule for the 2014 Old Age Pension Books as is done annually.

The practice is that government would solicit a

credit facility and request from entities their concurrence for payment within 30 days. In this instance, the newspapers expressed a desire that payment be made prior to publication. At no time did the administration take a decision not to place any advertisement in any particular newspaper.

A media release was issued to all media houses to notify the public that the pension books distribution exercise would commence on November 18, 2013.

Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security

Dreams come true for residents in Region Six Dear Editor, Housing development in Guyana has taken an impressive leap, as over 750 residents from Region Six have received house lots.

Residents who have been allotted land now need to make the necessary preparations as it relates to accumulating material for the construction of their new homes, while maintaining overall financial stability.

Additionally, housing de-

velopment projects and the construction industry holistically almost always results in spinoff employment opportunities for many, including carpenters, masons, and interior designers.

Under the theme, “Live the Guyanese dream, homeownership made easier”, the 2013 one stop shops has helped many Guyanese to acquire homes that they have dreamed of for some time.

The housing sector was this year allocated approximately $3.1 billion to aid in the development of roughly 6000 additional homes.

Stakeholders should take this initiative to readily be able to offer the materials and skills that housing development will continue to need.

Yours sincerely, Paul Wiggins

Street robbers must be dealt with

Dear Editor, Individuals who chose to commit unlawful acts against honest and innocent hardworking people whilst they carry out their daily duties should be caught and dealt with accordingly.

Just recently, a woman who came out of a bank was trailed and robbed of $180,000 in cash, in addition to other valuable items that she had in

her possession. After the incident, the assailant quickly got onto his accomplice’s motorcycle and sped off.

One approach of addressing this issue of day time robbery is to initiate the use of decoys. To have unidentifiable members of law enforcement among us will make assailants think twice before engaging in any unlawful act.

Too often, the average

person is afraid to wear expensive articles of jewellery or even carry any large sums of money on them. Guyanese should never have to walk the streets in fear of being ambushed by a thief. I urge the relevant authorities to look into ways of minimising street robberies.

Yours truly, Bhola Ramsingh

Dear Editor, The garbage situation in the Better Hope community, East Coast Demerara is raising many concerns for some residents. One woman complained that there is currently no arrangement for garbage collection in the area and, as such, some villagers resort to secretly disposing garbage just off the road side.

The dumping of garbage by road corners can result in a build-up that can eventually merge onto the road way and cause obstruction to traffic.

In the Charity/Urasara district, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is blaming the residents for the overflow of garbage in

the market area. They claim that the unfortunate situation is as a result of the misuse of the garbage system in place.

Garbage disposal seems to be a problem worldwide, but as people of Guyana, we need to take responsibility for keeping our country clean. People who litter should be scolded by those who see them in the act.

These individuals need to be confronted and corrected and if they refuse to change their bad habits they should be dealt with accordingly by the relevant authorities.

Littering and the improper disposal of garbage is a serious matter that needs to be addressed urgently.

During rainy seasons, the effects of poor garbage disposal are quite evident. Just recently, there was traffic congestion in town as a result of workers from the Mayor and City Council (M & CC) having to clear drains that were clogged with garbage.

The improper disposal and accumulation of garbage are two problems we need to monitor closely. It is time for the relevant authorities to put methods in place for dealing with people who contribute to the littering problem in Guyana.

Sincerely, Better Hope resident Name withheld by request

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sunday, november 10, 2013

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Anu Dev

W

ell it’s November again, and apart from being the month of my birth, November is also chockfull of other such important events. It’s Remembrance Day on Monday and I remember at QC there’s the Remembrance Day Ceremony where the Youngest Boy and Girl have to march down the aisle to lay wreaths in honour of those who have died for our freedom.

All too often, we forget that nations are built on the sacrifices of the generations who preceded us. And it’s for this reason I’ve always been quite teed off by Guyanese, especially fellow students, who’ve benefited from those sacrifices, yet so casually emigrate and forget their native land.

In Guyana, November is also set aside as “Tourism Month”. Living all my life in Guyana, I guess I’ve never been as appreciative of all the natural beauty and fantastic sights that we have in Guyana as I probably should

Foundation have been. But to be fair, it’s a little hard to walk around in perpetual awe over the beauty of your surroundings when the person walking right in front of you just dropped their empty Corn Curls bag right onto the street. We really need to cut down on littering – it really is pretty disgraceful – not to mention unhealthy.

But nonetheless, we have a beautiful country. I remember on our fifth form geography trip down to Lethem. All of us were awestruck by the mountains, the freshness of the air and the all-round good feeling we had just being there. If the Kanuku Mountains left me speechless, then the sunrise in Lethem took my breath away completely. Sure we had to ‘rough it’ and toughen up a bit, but it was worthwhile – I couldn’t ask for a better set of people to endure the 18-hour trip with!

And on my flight back to Trinidad on Monday, looking out of the window, I was awed by how Guyana looked just spread out below us, with its rivers just winding through the forested land. But also how fragile the coast was, protected as it was from the tumultuous Atlantic just by mangrove and that sliver of sea wall.

Guyana has so many beautiful sights to see and places to be – the land it-

self has done half of the work, all we Guyanese have to do is to market the beauty! Every year my family took a vacation in another part of Guyana.

Also, being abroad has given me a greater appreciation for Guyanese cooking. We really do have some of the best food in Guyana. And that’s something we really need to emphasise when persons visit Guyana. I do think we should stress our local foods much more – but surely our chefs can be a bit more creative. We might have to pander a bit to some unadventurous taste buds but I’m sure most tourists really want to experience authentic Guyanese culture. Then, of course, we’d be perking up our local farmers.

Being away from home has made me miss it of course, and it’s also allowed me to view Guyana through new eyes when I visit. I’m looking for the changes, for the improvements, I’m more

guyanatimesgy.com

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appreciative of this country that I grew up in. And imagine I’ve only been away for two months! I can only imagine what the feeling must be like for Guyanese that visit Guyana after living abroad for years.

After his first visit in seven years, my father kissed the ground on deplaning.

We have a glorious country, full of rich heritage and wonder. So let’s remember that this November, and this Tourism Month, maybe we can do a bit of touring and visit parts of our country that we’ve never visited before.

Happy November!

When children have trouble making friends

M

any children have trouble making friends or getting along with others at some point during their school years. Sometimes these problems go away by themselves over time. However, being ignored or teased by classmates can be painful for children. When problems with friends are long-lasting, children may need help from parents and teachers to find ways to improve their situation.

Often, it is difficult for parents to know who they can talk to or what they can do if they are worried about their child’s friendships. Some of the most common questions asked by parents are listed below.

Q: How can I find out if my child is getting along with others?

A: Sometimes children will talk to their parents if they are feeling lonely or if they are not getting along with others at school. But often parents have to seek out information to find out how friendships are going for children.

First, classroom teachers are often the best place to start for information. Teachers see children interacting with others in the classroom, at lunch, and at recess. Teachers also have a good sense of what is “normal” for children at different ages in terms of friendships and social behaviour. Teachers can often provide information about how your child behaves toward others and also about how other children treat your child at school. Teachers often can provide an informed opinion about how typical or unusual your child’s behaviour and friendship problems are compared to other children of the same age.

Teachers may not provide this information spontaneously, but will often share their opinions about a child’s behaviour and friendships if parents ask them directly. Other adults who see your child in a group setting (such as a scout leader, swimming instructor, day care provider) may also be able to answer questions about the social behaviours they have seen.

Second, parents can look for a chance to watch how their child behaves when he/she is with other children. Some schools will let parents visit for a day to see how their child is behaving and being treated at school. Parents can also pay attention to the behaviours they see when their child is with a playmate or at a group activity.

Are there behaviours that might annoy other children? Are there behaviours that would be pleasing to other children? How do other children respond to your child?

Third, parents can encourage their child to talk about how things are going with other children. For example, parents can ask their child about who he/she likes to play with and what they like to do together. Parents can ask whether the child feels comfortable with the friends he/she has at school or whether he/she

feels lonely sometimes. Showing interest and asking questions about how things are going with other children at school can help parents learn about possible problem areas.

Q: How can I tell what is causing my child’s friendship problems?

A: Children can have problems making friends and getting along with others for several reasons. Some of the more common reasons are listed below. Different types of friendship problems are also described.

One of the most common reasons for friendship problems is behaviour that annoys other children. Children, like adults, do not like behaviour that is bossy, self-centred, or disruptive. It is simply not fun to play with someone who doesn’t share or doesn’t follow the rules.

Sometimes children who have learning problems or attention problems can have trouble making friends because they find it hard to understand and follow the rules of games. Children who get angry easily and lose their temper when things don’t go their way can also have a hard time getting along with others.

Children can also have friendship problems because they are very shy and feel uncomfortable and unsure of themselves around others.

Sometimes children are ignored or teased by classmates because there is something “different” about them that sets them apart from the other children.

There is an important difference between not being “popular” and having friendship problems. Some children are outgoing and have many friends.

Other children are quite content with just a good friend or two. Either one of these friendship patterns is fine. Friendship problems are something to be concerned about when: * the teacher reports that your child is getting into trouble with other children or treating them poorly, * your child seems to be actively disliked by other children, and/or * when other children are teasing your child and making him/her feel lonely and upset.

Parents should also think about how long the problem has lasted. It is not unusual for children to worry about friends when they have moved into a new class or new school.

Sometimes children will show problems with friends when they are upset about another change in their lives, such as parental separation or divorce or the birth of a sibling. When friendship problems emerge during a “transition” time for the child, they may signal that the child needs extra support from the parent and teacher at that time. When friendship problems have been stable and have existed for a long time, however, children may need direct help to develop friendships.

(Fasttrackproject.org)

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SUNday, november 10, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Statement by NEW GPC INC

Auditor general’s report erroneous, sloppy on pharmaceutical supply T he NEW GPC INC has perused the “Report of the Auditor General” for

2012.

Because of the repeated media circuses that have been created in some previous reports in terms of the pharmaceuticals the corporation provides to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), the NEW GPC would like to clarify a number of completely erroneous statements contained in the report, especially as it relates to lack of documentation or deliveries.

We believe that this is due to sloppy fieldwork by junior officials in the Office of the Auditor General.

at the MoH and GPHC found gaps in the latter’s documentation as it relates to transactions with the NEW GPC, the auditors could contact NEW GPC officials to fill the lacuna, as we have done in the past.

Sadly, this was not done, and the corporation is willing to provide the missing documentation once again.

The NEW GPC would like to state that the auditor general’s report, as it concerns the corporation, appears to have been compiled on the basis of simplistic interactions with junior and non-technical personnel within the MoH and GPHC administrations and does not take full cognisance of the nature of the supply chain pro-

Auditor General: (1) Contracts, particularly the larger orders, sometimes overlap from a consumption point of view into the following financial year and, hence, it is not unusual that some items are not collected by the MoH at the end of the fiscal year.

(2) National budgets are approved sometime between March and July and hence the quantities being ordered sometimes cater for this overlap.

(3) The MoH takes in or receives goods based on their own predetermined consumption pattern and that means deliveries are staggered throughout the year.

(4) Staggering or phased delivery is also important and

NEW GPC’s storage facility at Ruimveldt, Georgetown

The chairman of NEW GPC is particularly disappointed that these statements, which once again tend to paint the corporation in a negative light, have been repeated after similar previous assertions were corrected to the satisfaction of the Office of the Auditor General.

In the course of providing information to a team from the Office of the Auditor General, the NEW GPC chairman had pointed out that if audit checks

cess for pharmaceuticals and related products and the environment in which we operate.

The NEW GPC is also concerned that there is still the lingering suggestion that the company has somehow not delivered items ordered several years back, when documentation was provided directly to the Office of the Auditor General to clarify this matter.

The following points appear to have escaped the auditors from the Office of the

specifically sought when items carry short shelf life. So, for example, if an item has less than a year’s shelf life, such as diagnostic test kits, it is counterproductive to deliver all of it in one batch unless it can be utilised within that limited timeframe.

(5) Contracts are signed at different times during the year, and so for those signed in the later months, deliveries are actually intended to roll over into the following year.

MoH/GPHC pharmaceuticals and medical supplies at the NEW GPC facility

(6) Bank guarantees are not meant to be valid for the original sum throughout the life of the contract. As deliveries are made, the risk is obviously decreasing and hence a bank guarantee can be, and is, often renewed for a lesser amount.

And with the added emphasis on bank guarantees these days, the NEW GPC sometimes has to provide bank guarantees for stocks that were already delivered or are on hand and cannot be taken in due to space and other limitations at the MoH. The NEW GPC has never defaulted on any of its contracts to the MoH and GPHC. (7) As a large supplier, there is always some amount of inventory on hand that is pending receipt by MoH personnel. The media often misinterprets and sometimes deliberately misrepresents the auditor general’s statements

and the NEW GPC gets condemnation while the stocks are sitting in the warehouse.

(8) The auditor general seems unaware that the MoH has written to the NEW GPC in the past to cease or delay deliveries on account of their Diamond warehouse transition.

On that score, the NEW GPC is still currently storing a very large volume of items for the MoH and GPHC which have been recorded as delivered based on the previous regime where the NEW GPC stored pharmaceuticals for them. These should have been removed, and several requests have been made, since the MoH constructed its new warehouse at Diamond.

Despite what was claimed by some, the NEW GPC never received rental for this service.

With this in mind, it is again calling on the MoH and GPHC to remove its goods from the

corporation's warehouses as soon as possible.

There are many instances when the NEW GPC gets paid long after delivery. Curiously, the auditor general’s reports never seems to mention this aspect. There have also been many cases whereby signed contracts are truncated due to lack of funds and the corporation is left holding the stocks.

The NEW GPC would like to reiterate that, if the Office of the Auditor General has concerns now or in the future, the corporation stands ready to provide whatever documentation or explanation is needed to bring clarity to the matter.

And it would appreciate if such clarification could be sought before the annual reports are produced.

This is important from the corporation’s perspective given that the media’s concerns are primarily with the NEW GPC contracts.

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Salvation Army gets $5M more to aid drug rehab programme

Eyew tness

When it rains... ...it pours (in cricket) f a gun is placed on your humble Eyewitness’ head and he’s forced to confess what’s more important to him, cricket or politics, he’d have to answer, “cricket”.

So imagine having to deal with an opposition willing to put their lust for power ahead of country on the same day the West Indies is crushed inside of three days in a test match! The flag in front of your Eyewitness’ home is flying at half mast.

So let’s deal with first things first – the debacle in our cricket. Did we crumble to an innings defeat as the result of a clever strategy – to deny Sachin Tendulkar another chance to bat and score a century? Well, farfetched as that might sound, we can’t think as to why our brain trust would play Shivnarine Chanderpaul at number five in the second innings when they witnessed the Mohammed Shami carnage in the first innings.

Shami was swinging the ball like he was doing the boogie woogie with it. And the best man to deal with spin and swing in the West Indies side is Chanderpaul. He showed that in the first innings. Yet our cricket geniuses, like the captain of the Titanic, yells, “Full steam ahead”, with the same batting line-up. Is he surprised our ship sunk? Very few West Indian fans are.

And the tragedy is that all of this was well ventilated before the team flew off to India. Every expert from Tony Cozier to the man in the corner bar pronounced the team had to bat around Chanderpaul under the Indian pitch conditions. And we send our best batsman (as Rahul Dravid exclaimed in amazement), to bat twice at number five! No wonder he was the last man standing at the end.

In the meantime, back at home, cricket intersected with politics as the cricket bill was deferred in Parliament.

And it pointed to the source of the ineptitude in West Indies cricket – its administration.

The local cricket mafia is resisting Guyana complying with the legal requirement that the local board becomes a corporate body so that their activities can have an impartial method to scrutinise them.

It’s not surprising that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) supports this stance. Why would they want to lose their gravy train?

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Prime Minister Samuel Hinds contributing to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle

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rime Minister Samuel Hinds and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh were among the first to make contributions to the Salvation Army’s kettle when the charity launched its annual Christmas appeal on Friday at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

In addition, the Salvation Army also received a $5 million cheque which will enable the organisation to efficiently execute its mandate, and to further continue the drug rehabilitation programme.

The government has over the years supported the drug rehab programme financially, and Prime Minister Hinds expressed satisfaction with the way the organisation has been sustaining the programme.

The prime minister,

speaking directly to beneficiaries of the rehab programme, some of whom were present at the launch, emphasised that focus needs to be placed on individual responsibility in the thrust for growth and development.

Minister Singh also acknowledged the partnership between the government and the Guyana Division of the Salvation Army and commended the organisation for the tremendous work it has been doing in rehabilitating drug addicts.

“I have no doubt that I speak on behalf of the president, prime minister and the entire Cabinet that the government is proud to have a partner like the Salvation Army… the $5 million subvention that is being given to you is one of the best spent money in the entire

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds handing over the cheque to the Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander, Major Emmerson Cumberbatch in the presence of Advisory Board Chairman Edward Boyer and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

annual budget,” he told those gathered at the event.

The drug rehab programme has seen an increase in young people over the past year. Minister Singh said that the programme has had a remarkable influence on the lives of many persons and urged the parents, religious bodies and community leaders to play their role in ensuring that the country’s youths are given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their country and their respective communities.

“If the parents do what they have to do, we would achieve what we want to achieve as a country… everyone has a role to play in the economic development of our country,” Minister Singh stressed.

He told the beneficiaries that government is awaiting their return to fulfil their mandate and make their full contribution to the development of Guyana. “If you are a student, a poet, a mechanic, an actor or a writer, get back to that person you can be… hurry up and return to your rightful place in society,” he urged.

Minister Singh also advised them to be ambassadors of the programme and pledged to continue to support the Salvation Army in its endeavours.

The launch coincided with similar activities by the Salvation Army’s divisions the world over, where the Christmas Kettle and the sound of the bell at street corners will seek to request donations for charitable causes.

Energy Week begins today G

uyana’s National Energy Week can be traced back to the 1980s during which it was an annual feature.

Promoted by enabling a week of activities that depicted various aspects of new and renewable sources of energy, the National Energy Week was once again revitalised in 2008 with support from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

In keeping with the promotion of sustainable energy development, this year’s Energy Week will be commemorated simultaneously across the Caribbean by Caricom member states from November 10 to 16 under the theme “A Secure and Sustainable Energy Future Begins Now!”.

Sustainable energy, which when defined means “the provision of energy that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations”, is an important aspect of Guyana’s Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS) and is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.

According to the International Energy Agency, improvements in energy efficiency can reduce the need for investment in energy infrastructure, cut energy bills, improve health, increase competitiveness and improve consumer welfare.

Additionally, there are also environmental benefits in the form of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Lower levels of energy consumption attained through energy efficiency measures can also assist in decreasing the reliance on imported fossil fuels and thus improve energy security.

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in a release said it has planned a week of activities which will focus on energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency while giving recognition to its importance in achieving a sustainable energy future.

Through art, media, essay writing and open discussions, the objective of the week of activities planned by the GEA is to sensitise

the Guyanese population on sustainable energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency.

The activities planned by the GEA for Energy Week 2013 are a Poster Board Project titled “Express Your Energy” targeting pupils in grades four to six on Tuesday; an energy forum on Friday; the launching of an Energy Activity Booklet prepared and designed for pupils in grades four to six; a national essay competition on targeting students in grades eight and nine; daily quiz and energy conservation measures; and school presentations.

The GEA, in the exercise of its mandate, continues to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development and utilisation of alternative sources of energy. Energy Week, consistent with Guyana’s energy trust and Low Carbon Development Strategy, serves as an annual feature in fulfilling part of the mandate of the GEA by disseminating information essential to improving public awareness on sustainable energy, conservation and overall efficiency.

...you get soaked (in politics) The storm and the fury has died down in Parliament now that the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Amendment Bill has been voted down by the opposition. But the storm and fury raised in the bosoms of the business community by the contemptuous treatment accorded them by the opposition rages on.

As the opposition will soon find out. Where in the name of democracy can a National Assembly, boasting that it contains all the “representatives of the people”, find it in their conscience to deny a petition from the group that will be most affected by the bill they were going to vote on?

Are these “representatives” so filled with omniscience that they don’t need to hear what those whom they purport to represent want to say? They know better than the people?

Well the Guyana opposition believes so. In fact, so convinced it was of its position to scuttle the bill, it dubbed the Private Sector Commission’s petition “ignorant”.

Even the Speaker Raphael Trotman, who’s normally about as partisan as you can get, was moved to point out that at least the petition should be heard. But the opposition showed its hand as to how they view dissenting opinions: they must be silenced.

The mark of the dictatorship lives on. ...money, you get a hat While as a columnist (and an anonymous one at that) your Eyewitness doesn’t get to hang with the everyday staff, he’s pleased the Guyana Times photographer walked away with the Courts $150,000. Even though that ridiculous pointy cap he had to wear must’ve put a damper on his spirits.

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Ramotar urges Muslim community to stand against injustice Fishy rights P resident Donald Ramotar has called on the Muslim community to stand up against the voting down of the anti-money laundering bill by the political opposition.

He issued the challenge while addressing a Muslim gathering on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown on Saturday, to welcome the Islamic New Year 1435.

The president said the values Islam teaches represent a pathway to a peaceful and progressive life. Ramotar also spoke of the importance of equality and sacrifice, contending that nothing can be achieved without the latter.

“In Egypt, many of the big powers that can help are taking their hands away,” he said, noting that

the destruction in Syria is one of the things Guyanese should reflect on because justice and equality are what the countries in the Middle East are fighting for.

At home, he said, Guyanese must reflect on their own struggles, such as the struggle to pass the anti-money laundering bill to avoid international blacklisting, which will hinder the poor in receiving their remittances.

The president said the voting down of the anti-money laundering bill is worse than the voting down of the Amaila Falls Project, and urged Guyanese to join the struggle to ensure their country does not go on a downward spiral because of the action of some.

Central Islamic

Organisation of Guyana executive member Sheik Moen ul-Hack endorsed the views of President Ramotar, while acknowledging that the government has given due respect to Islam and the Muslim community.

He said it was with the help of the government that the Muslim people of Guyana were able to attain visas to perform the tradition of Hajj and the country was able to get Muslim marriage officers.

The sheik noted that while himself and a few other members of the Muslim community were on their way to perform Hajj, a man came up to him and asked what country they are from because the congregation was so large, and when he said Guyana, the person was

surprised to know that democracy still prevails, and the government has so much respect for religions.

He added that the religion of Islam teaches peace and tolerance and the Muslim community of Guyana should work on making this country a role model for peace and tolerance on the international platform.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali also urged Muslims to play an active role in ensuring economic development continues.

He said given what took place on Thursday in Parliament, if a relative in the U.S. wants to send US$300, they now have to fill up a 27-page document and it will take seven days longer than usual to process, along with an additional cost of US$30.

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atiricus was pleased. At last people were realising they weren’t the only creatures on earth that had rights. Well, to say “people” was stretching things a bit...actually more than a bit. After all, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), which came out in defence of the fishes of Guyana, only has two “people” – McKormick and his wife – as members.

But heck... so what? Satiricus thought it’s progress if even a single fella from the Mother Country, who’d fallen in with the natives, spoke up for Guyanese fishes. Satiricus was of the opinion that we were all God’s creatures...even the fishes. Once you were living, you were a creature and, since God made us all, Satiricus concluded, “God’s creatures” it was.

When Satiricus read that the GHRA took up the cause of Guyanese fishes, he was touched. He wiped a tear from his eye, as he read a report in the newspaper, while on the minibus. He tried to wipe the tear away discreetly, since in Guyana people didn’t think much of fellas who let tears fall. Much less in public places.

It seemed that the minister in charge of fishes had given, or was about to give, permission for Chinese to fish in our waters. It’s obviously not easy feeding those billion+ Chinese when they have to be fishing 15,000 miles away from home. So here was the GHRA, in righteous indignation, blasting off often of their press releases (there’s not much more a two-person outfit can do, can they?) defending the rights of the fishes.

But as Satiricus read on, he realised the husband and wife tag team weren’t saying all killing of fishes must stop – like with seals and dolphins, for instance.

It was just Chinese fishing they were against.

It was OK for every other nation, like the U.S. and the Mother Country, to fish here – and they do – but Chinese? No! Nada! Nyet! Satiricus figured maybe the Chinese didn’t have a “humane” way of killing the fishes like the Mother Country did to make all those fish and chips. Ah.. those uncivilised Chinese.

But what touched Satiricus most of all about the “humanity” of the man and wife at the GHRA , was they’d forced themselves to put aside all the violations of the rights of humans (for which they rake in the foreign funding) in Guyana to speak up for those fishes. So what if so many women are battered daily?

At least some Kuma Kuma fish will be saved to “wuk am belly”.

“Police” jailed for stealing

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wo men, one of whom is called “Police”, were each jailed for three years for breaking into a house and stealing, while a third was placed on $25,000 bail for the same matter when they appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus imposed the sentenced on Kevin Dhanpat, also called “Kelly” and Demswrick Griffith called “Police” after they pleaded guilty to breaking into the dwelling house of Antonio Bissondyal of East Canefield, Canje on November 2, and stealing one flat screen television set valued at $125,000 and a DVD player valued $15,000. A third man, Vishal Ramlochan, who pleaded not guilty, was placed on bail.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Philip Sheriff told the court the defendants are known to each other and were in the same neighbourhood on November 1. He said on that night, about 23:30h, Bissondyal

secured his home and went to bed. At about 6:30h, on November 2, he discovered four louvre windows and his house door opened. “Upon checking, he discovered that the TV set and DVD player were missing.”

A report was made and an investigation carried out by the police led to the trio being arrested, and the recovery of the television set.

“Under caution, all of the defendants admitted that they went into Bissondyal’s home and removed the articles,” Sheriff said.

Dhanpat, 19, and of New Area, East Canfield, told the court that when he went into the house, the door was opened, “and I went into the house and took the items”.

When asked to tell his version of the story, Griffith, 19, also of New Area, said he went through the window and opened the door. Both are first time offenders.

Meanwhile, Ramlochan will have to return to court on December 11. The case has been transferred to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court.

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Simply the truth

By Professor Daizal Samad

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his new weekly column is meant to explore issues that concern Berbice and Guyana. While we shall focus on specific topical issues in Guyana, readers are assured that the topics shall be interesting and shall relate to all of the citizens of our nation. For what affects one citizen affects all citizens.

I also promise that my language shall be clear and simple, like all good language should be.

My opinions will not be guided by self-interest nor governed by a bloated ego. This column shall not be about gossip and who said what to me in private circumstances. And I shall be clear about my sources, without sacrificing confidentiality.

The one ruling principle in this column shall be to write the TRUTH at all times, regardless of the consequences. And truth always stops being the truth when it is twisted to fit some agenda, whether that agenda be personal or political. This column shall be about important issues affecting real people living real lives. It will deal with ideas as well.

What do real people think about things and issues? What ideas do we have to develop Berbice and all parts of Guyana?

How can these be implemented in lasting ways and in ways that give to Guyana and its citizens rather than take from Guyana and Guyanese? How may our leaders lead in better, more efficient and more conscientious ways? How may we as one people put aside our differences and speak with each other in polite tones rather than quarrel endlessly?

How do we heal our past

Professor Daizal Samad

wounds and relieve our current pains? How do we bring up our young to be respectful and thoughtful? How can we educate them not only in academic ways but also in the ways of the world? What examples are we setting for those that are to follow us in a short time? How do we show our young that which they MUST see: their own possibilities and potentials?

How do we create a system which yields great teachers and greater learners? How do we treat our talent in ways that make them want to stay and serve their nation while improving themselves and enriching their own lives? How can we assist our farmers to produce more while earning more for themselves? How can we make life better for those that anoint the backbone of our economy with their sweat: sugar cane harvesters?

How do we put in place educational and systematic plans to assist our police force to “serve and protect without fear or favour, malice or ill-will”? How do we reward all professions in monetary and other ways? How do we create law and order out of lawlessness and disorder? How

do we keep our roads, homes, and businesses safe from carelessness and crime?

How can we build better schools and better universities that our children may be better individuals and citizens? How can we become a nation of great sportsmen and women again?

How do we arrest the scourge of domestic violence, child abuse and drug abuse? How do we create a nation in which our most vulnerable – the disabled and aged and weak and wounded – find comfort and safe havens?

How do we exploit our enormous resources in sensible and sustainable ways, in order that we care for our environment while caring for ourselves?

How can we have better environments that encourage and attract better businessmen and women? In what business and research areas would our nation gain most for the betterment of all?

Above all, how can we create one nation under God and with the rule of law and the observance of those laws? A Republic of Guyana in which neighbour lives with neighbour, a nation in which there is respect and tolerance for all religions, and in which we live in harmony and celebrate the success of those near and far from us.

A nation in which racist sentiments are banished from our hearts and our thoughts. A Guyana in which we can all believe, and a nation that believes in each and every one of its lawabiding citizens. One in which each citizen is special and cherished.

These are important questions. We shall ask them and have them answered or try to answer them. These many questions lie at the heart of development for all regions, and for

Guyana as a whole entity.

To be sure, I will voice my opinions. But my opinions will be informed ones. I shall not compare Guyana with places to which I have never been or which I know nothing about.

And those opinions will not be based on what I see on television as small pictures – sound bites. My opinions will be based on reason, logic, deep reading, wide experience, and love for this nation.

I shall not speak about what I do not know nor about places that I have not been, nor work that I have not done. That would be shallow, empty and pretentious. I would not pretend to be an expert on things about which I have no experience or expertise or knowledge. And I shall not talk down to people.

If I have to seek opinions on matters, I shall do so from people who know. And I am aware that there are more people who know more things than I will ever know. But I will call upon so-called ordinary people who know more about pain and suffering than I ever will. And I will ask my many professorial colleagues on five continents to give of their experience and expertise.

This column will be calm and reasonable. And it will never be written in this column foolish things like, “Guyanese must be stupid if...” or “Berbicians are not foolish enough to think that...” That kind of looking down on people will not happen here! The reverse psychology is too primitive.

So I invite Berbice and Guyana to read and respond.

I invite our citizens to read, to speak and to be heard. And feel free to ask questions of me. Be assured you will get a truthful and straight-forward answer!

BK International rewards employees for catching fuel thieves

Holding their $250,000 cash each and champagne in hands, the two recipients are seen here with Brian Tiwarie (right) and two other employees (at left)

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K International Inc on Friday awarded two of its employees a sum of $500,000 for apprehending a truck driver and front end loader operator caught stealing fuel from a company truck at the Soesdyke sand pit on Wednesday.

Site supervisors Eustace Tucker and Teemal Umakant received their award at a simple presentation held at the company’s Water Street, Georgetown headquarters.

BK International in a release said it has been experiencing loss of fuel and spare parts amounting to millions of dollars on a weekly basis by way of theft.

“The constant loss of fuel by BK International has been a source of concern for the administration, as whenever the culprits are caught and taken before the courts, it is the view that the fines imposed are not stringent enough to serve as a

disincentive. BK Group of Companies is of the view that there should be a review of the penalties handed down by the courts for such acts,” the company said.

The local quarry giant said the appreciation award is to discourage similar malpractices and encourage managers and supervisors to be more vigilant and conscientious towards their duties.

“BK Group of Companies would therefore commend Mr Tucker & Mr Umakant for their commitment to the job in preventing further losses to the company. To this end, management is willing to reward other employees and public-spirited citizens in an effort to stem further thefts from the company. BK International Inc’s management would also like to commend the officers of the Timehri Police Station for their cooperation and quick response,” the release concluded.

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Plane crash lands at Kwakwani A

major plane crash was averted on Saturday after a tactical manoeuvre by the pilot to avoid hitting a man in Kwakwani, Region 10.

However, the Air Services Limited (ASL) aircraft sustained damage to its wing.

In a press statement, the Transport Ministry disclosed that approximately 10:17h on Saturday, a young man reportedly ran in the path of the aircraft when it was on the verge of landing on the airstrip. At the time, the pilot was conducting a training flight in the area.

No one was hurt; however, the right wing tip of the 8RA55 aircraft was damaged. According to the Transport Ministry, the in-

cident could have ended on a disastrous note had it not been for the vigilance of the pilot.

“The ministry continues to stress the importance that an aerodrome is only for the use intended (to land aircraft). We have been confronted with persons cutting the wires around the aerodromes to allow their animals to graze and roam free, and in many instances persons use them as roadways,” Transport Minister Robeson Benn said, noting that it is a critical issue still on the table to be addressed.

Safety inspectors from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Guyana Police Force are

The plane that was involved in the accident

currently conducting investigations into the incident.

According to the Assistant

Regional Officer (AREO) Leola Narine, the situation is under control, noting

that the trainee pilot left for Georgetown a few hours after the incident.

LIAT resumes operations

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IAT on Friday resumed operations following the end of industrial action by members of its pilots’ union.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Julie Reifer-Jones said full service has resumed throughout the LIAT network.

The airline in a statement said it acknowledges with regret the inconvenience and disruption passengers throughout the region have experienced over the past few days.

The airline pilots on Tuesday morning did not report for duty.

The company has not been provided with the required notification of industrial action as required under its agreement with the pilots, LIAT had said in a statement.

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King’s Jewellery duck GNBS certifies Quest Medical curry competition set Centre Laboratory for coming Sunday

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ing’s Jewellery World 13th Duck Curry Competition is set for November 17 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The competition titled “Clash of the Past Champions” will see participation from competitors from across the region and the United States.

In an interview with Guyana Times, King’s Jewellery World owner Looknauth Persaud said the competition was established as a way of giving persons a safe and comfortable environment for a family outing.

Persaud said when he was growing up, he would go to the backdam with family and friends to cook, but given the increase in crime rate in the country today, persons are too afraid to go out in numbers.

Persaud stated that for this year’s competition, there were no preliminary

King’s Jewellery World proprietor Looknauth Persaud

rounds, as it will be a clash of the champions. Five groups are coming from Trinidad, two from Suriname and there will be 13 local groups comprising of past winners, two of which are winners of the Digicel Curry Duck Competition.

Persaud said the competition will help boost the local tourism industry since

over 200 persons are expected to visit the country for the event.

Tassa and dance groups will be performing at the family event, along with the Caribbean Hot Shots and Guytones bands. The action is scheduled to commence at 14:00h and end at 22:00h. Judging will be done at 16:00h.

This year’s prize is a whopping one million dollars and there will be as many as 25 groups competing for the prize.

King’s Jewellery World 13th World Duck Curry Competition is sponsored by Digicel, Banks DIH Limited, Carib Foods, Radio Guyana Inc, Guyana Times, Queen’s Atlantic Inc, HJTV, Sujata, Maggie, Guyana Lottery Company, Rubigas and Star Party Rentals.

Members of the Guyanese community are encouraged to come out and support the event as all profits made will be given to charities.

Miss Venezuela crowned Miss Universe 2013

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler reacts after winning the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow (International Business Times photo)

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iss Venezuela Gabriela Isler won the coveted Miss Universe 2013 crown on Saturday, beating 85 other contenders from around the world at a glittering ceremony held in

Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia.

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo of U.S.A. crowned the new beauty queen Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler.

Miss Spain Patricia

Yurena Rodriguez was named runner-up, while Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez came third in the contest.

The top five finalists at the 62nd edition of Miss Universe beauty pageant were Miss Ecuador, Miss Brazil, Miss Venezuela, Miss Philippines and Miss Spain.

Miss India Manasi Moghe made it to the top 10 but failed to make it to the final five.

With the start of the finale, the top 16 finalists were announced, followed by top contestants walking the ramp in red and blackcolour swimsuits created

by Yamamay Swimwear.

The swimwear round was followed by announcement of top 10 contestants, who hit the ramp in their beautiful evening gown.

Last year’s winner Olivia Culpo dazzled on the stage, wearing the million dollar swimsuit made encrusted with emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The million dollar swimsuit by Yamamay has travelled from Milan to Moscow with armed guards.

The current Miss Universe title holder will also get an opportunity to wear Yamamay’s million dollar swimsuit.

The finale of the beauty pageant was hosted by Mel B (America’s Got Talent) and Thomas Roberts (MSNBC Live). (Excerpt from International Business Times)

Left to right: GNBS Director Evadnie Enniss presents the Certificate of Compliance to Laboratory Manager Kulwantie Mohabir at the simple ceremony on Friday, while Quest Medical Centre General Manager Ratna Budhu and Medical Director, Dr Chetram Budhu look on

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he Quest Medical Centre Laboratory was presented with a Certificate of Compliance by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Friday. GNBS staff, patients and friends attended the simple ceremony at the Queenstown, Georgetown location, to witness the presentation of the certificate, which fulfilled the requirements of the GYS 170:2009 standard.

According to a release, in the various presentations, the importance of quality, commitment and job satisfaction was re-emphasised. In presenting the Certificate of Compliance, GNBS Director Evadnie

Enniss expressed hearty congratulations to Quest Medical Centre Laboratory’s top management and staff for their hard work and achievement. She urged the centre to maintain certification and to improve by way of accreditation.

Quest Medical Centre, an out-patient facility, commenced operations in June 2012 and has taken the bold initiative to provide its patients with quality health care and support, using modern technology, training and research.

The scope of testing includes biochemistry, haematology, serology, microbiology, urinalysis and immunology.

Quest Medical Centre is also licensed by the Health Ministry as per The Health Facilities Licensing Act of 2007 that also encourages certification of laboratories by the GNBS. The centre’s owners and General Manager Ratna Budhu conveyed immense gratitude to GNBS Quality Manager Kulwantie Mohabir, physicians, suppliers, contractors and all staff for their discipline and commitment, in achieving the optimum standard, so as to be certified.

She pledged to maintain and improve a system of the highest quality that ensures patient satisfaction and reliance.

Industry man sets house ablaze, commits suicide

T

wo families are now contemplating their next move after their home was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday morning. The fire occurred sometime around 11:30h.

The two-storey, Lot 85 Fourth Street, Industry, East Coast Demerara house was reportedly set on fire by its owner Deoshan Narayan, who reportedly committed suicide after the act.

Narayan and his family of four were living in the upper flat of the house while another family resided in the lower flat.

Guyana Times understands that no one was at home when the fire started. The man’s wife, Nidira Krishna, said she was at work when her younger son informed her about the fire.

“When I reach here, the whole house was on fire and there was a big blaze.

The firefighters were try-

ing to out it but the fire had already destroyed everything,” the still traumatised woman stated.

The woman said she does not know anything about how the fire started and refused to speak about her husband. She and her two sons, ages 15 and 12, are now homeless.

Nalini Chintaman and her husband were living in the lower flat; howev-

er, neither of them was at home at the time of the fire.

Meanwhile, a neighbour who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that Narayan and his wife had a misunderstanding on Friday night during which he injured his wife and subsequently left, but returned home on Saturday morning and not long after, set the ablaze.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

sunday, november 10, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

By Bernice Bede Osol

archie

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Consistency will play a role in the outcome of a touchy situation. Look for an unusual solution to a problem, and you will realise that you have something special to offer.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Keep your emotions tucked away and your ears tuned in to what others do and say. If someone expects something unreasonable of you, make yourself scarce. Do your own thing.

PISCES (Feb.20March 20)

dilbert

Have your game plan ready to go, and you won’t lose a beat when it comes to gaining success and recognition. An opportunity to partner with someone could prove fortuitous.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t let changes made by others disturb you. If you follow through with your plans, you will find ways to move forward, alone or with someone you encounter along the way.

TAURUS (April 20May 20) Partnerships will make a difference in the way you move forward.

Keep your emotions hidden until you are positive about your feelings. A personal move will result in greater stability.

Peanuts

GEMINI (May 21June 20) Re-evaluate your current position and your reputation. You may want to make a couple of personal changes that enhance your popularity as well as your confidence.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Sharing is required today, bringing results that are far beyond your expectations. Socialise, enjoy interesting gatherings or visit a place that makes you feel at home.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Look over your investments or calculate your assets and liabilities. You will have to make some serious decisions regarding your generosity and those who are putting unreasonable demands on you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Maintain your schedule by clearing up unfinished business. Start the process now, so that you can enjoy a little downtime with friends or family. Romance is encouraged.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) Consider your situation and the people involved in your life. Make tough choices that will ease some of the problems you’ve been facing. Stop waffling and start moving forward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) A day off will do you good. Whether you read a good book or get out with friends or loved ones, the time spent will encourage you to be more productive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) You’ll be torn between what you want and what you can do. Be realistic and refrain from showing anger if you want to avoid discord.

19

YELLOW PAGES sunday, november 10, 2013

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

EDUCATION SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English classes, personalized tutoring. Phone: 6124821 after 4pm, 274-0437 after 7pm.

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

FOR SALE 60FT Antenna (Mass) for Radio, TV, Cellular, Taxi service with cables, brackets, sky light MAKE OFFER 2273939, 621-4000 73” 3D Mitsubishi TV, Like new built in surround sound recently imported VERY NICE MAKE OFFER 227-3939, 6214000 DIESEL Generator silent 28 kva SDMO with large storage tank, John Deere engine, missing Fuel Pump, Panel, Avr MAKE OFFER 227-3939, 6214000 CLARKE forklifts 2000, 3000, 4000 Lb lifting capacity, complete with forks and gas bottles, imported from U.S.A MAKE AN OFFER TEL: 227-3939, 6214000 Generac Generator 15 kva next to new, 120-240 volts, portable on wheels with exhaust extension $550,000 cash or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000 Diesel Generator, 3 cylinder Lister pitter (England) with exhaust and fuel tank on stand, key start, 15 kva, $750,000 cash or credit 227-3939, 621-4000 Chicken Hatchery (Robbins), 28,000 eggs capacity has all racks and trays electrical panel, water pipes etc, ready for operation, $6 million or CREDIT available TEL: 227-3939 621-4000 Spare parts for 1-2-3-4 and 6 cylinder diesel engines for Lister, Pieter, Kobota, Perkins, Veutz, Fiat, John Deer, Case IH, Cummings, Bedford and Leyland Daf . Phone 619-4483, 601-7883, 226-6325 Machinery 2 wheel and 4-wheel drive tractors; Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deer and New Holland.

Also available open air or super silence generators. Phone 619-4483, 601-7883, 226-6325 Tibertian terrior pups phone: 6196086, 699-7077.

Mercury in large quantity, 99.9999% purity. Call: 219-4535/693-5004/ 679-1985 Chicken Hatchery (Robbins), 28,000 eggs capacity fully ready, $ 6 million or CREDIT available TEL: 227-3939 621-4000 Diesel Generator, 3 cylinder Lister pitter (England) key start, 15 kva, $750,000 cash or credit Tel: 2273939, 621-4000 Generac Generator 15 kva, portable, $550,000 cash or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000 CLARKE forklifts 2000, 3000, 4000 Lb, lifting capacity MAKE AN OFFER TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000 DIESEL Generator silent 28 kva SDMO John Deere engine, missing Fuel Pump, Panel, Avr MAKE OFFER 2273939, 621-4000 73” 3D TV Mitsubishi Like new MAKE OFFER 227-3939, 621-4000 60FT Antenna (Mass) for Radio, TV, Cellular, with cables, brackets, sky light MAKE OFFER 227-3939, 6214000

GOLDSMITH R.Sookraj & Gift Shop for the best in hand made jewellery ,(made to order) Phone: 612-2125/223-6156

health Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592-621-0552.

12:00pm -6:00pm, Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

lAND FOR SALE Promising gold and diamond mining land for sale in different areas.

Phone: 699-3992.

MEDITATION Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress and anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase creativity and intelligence, focus and memory, be healthier & happier, increase energy, vitality and longevity, enjoy more success in life, improve relationships and develop higher states of consciousness. A technique that works for everyone. For the next introductory lecture, contact: Ashoke (certified TM teacher) Phone: 233-6921, 609-3701. Email kashokejp_68@yahoo.com.

One two storey house at lot 93 Atlantic Gardens, ECD; upperflat-3 bedrooms, kitchen and bath; lower flat-2 bedrooms, kitchen and bath.

Call 592-619-4483, 592-656-7471 EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230 Gas station land. Size: over one acre Phone Ms Liverpool on 625-7582, 681-9293.

1 three-building centrally located downtown in Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, recently renovated, fully air conditioned, ideal for office with spaces for boardroom, or any other business. Immediate possession. Phone: 609-2876.

PRIME BUSINESS SPOT, 3 LOTS, 2 BUILDINGS, BUSINESS FRONT, SOLD TOGETHER, FULLY FURNISHED, PRESENTLY GUYANA VARIETY STORE AND NUT CENTRE PRICE NEG. TEL 621-4000, 227-3939

services Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 662-1247.

spirituality Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer. The most powerful spiritualist in the world. Are you suffering from the following problems? (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10am - 4pm. Tel: 592690-1824. Email: anew-life@live. com Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 687-5653

optician

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

property for sale PRIME COMMERICAL PROPERTY, CUMMINGS AND MIDDLE STREETS, ALBERTOWN, 3 LOTS WITH BUSINESS, (NUT CENTRE) LICENCES FOR MULITPLE BUSINESSES 12 CARS PARKING SOLD FURNISHED PRICE NEG. TEL 621-4000, 227-3939 One- 5 bedroom, two family house in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Corner lot, owner migrating – $15.5M, non-negotiable. Call 6941384.

1 flat concrete house at Parfaite Harmonie. Phone: 643-4740 Lot 48 Light Street, Alberttown.

Contact Ram on 619-4483, 6017883 or 227-1454, 226-6325.

1 property at reasonable price, located in Bareroot, East Coast Demerara. Phone: 612-6417.

One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535

Mitsubishi 3000GT sports car, fully powered, $1.8 cash or credit available TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Trike Can-Am style motorcycle, 200cc new, unregistered $550,000 neg or credit TEL 227-3939, 6214000

Two-bedroom self contained apt.

Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 669-1954 Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water etc.

Call: 219-4535 Recently constructed bond with house and office space on the same lot, centrally located in Broad Street, ideal for business or manufacturing.

Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

VACANCIES One customs clerk with at least three subjects CXC including English Language, mathematics. Applicant must be computer literate. Please submit application before the October 11, 2013 to email: windsortechhomes@gmail.com or call 669-6874 or 682-3481

WANTED BODYWORK MAN to spray motorcycle, HANDYMAN to work in store, MAID cleaning only (UNDER 30 YRS) APPLY in person GUYANA VARIETY STORE 38 Cumming street, Albertown Tel 227-3939 Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292 One female babysitter, between 40 & 45 years, must be from Georgetown, be able to work flexible hours and some weekends, applicant with a sound secondary education may apply. Phone: 614-5711, 9am- 3pm

VEHICLES FOR SALE Trike Can- Am style motorcycle, 200cc new with reverse gear , Projection and LED lights unregistered $550,000 neg or credit, Bank financing also available TEL 2273939, 621-4000 Stretch limousine, Lincoln Town car seats 12 persons, fully powered lots of accessories $7 million or credit available must be sold Tel 227-3939, 621-4000 Mitsubishi 3000GT sports car,3000 cc, fully powered, 18” rims, CD player, leather interior, $1.8 cash or credit available TEL: 227-3939, 6214000 Nissan Maxima, fully powered needs repairs sold as is $375,000 cash 2273939, 621-4000 HILUX SURF 4 DOORS, 4 WD, needs alternator and starter, sold as is $800,000 PHH series TRANSFERABLE TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000 2010 LEROY TRIDENT car, 250 CC, 4 doors, CD player, power window, Sunroof, $750,000 cash or credit TEL 227-3939, 621-4000 Toyota Hilux extra cab, pick up $3.m.

Phone: 264-2682.

Small business space suitable for technician shop, taxi base, etc.

Phone: 691-7164, 231- 2619.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA ALLION; TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO; TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS 2-TON TRUCK.PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

Business place for rent , Plantain Walk ,Vreed –en Hoop.

Phone:649-0707.

House at Lamaha Gardens. Hot & cold water, AC, etc. Phone: 2194535.

Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water, etc Phone: 219-4535

Toyota Hilux 172 diesel extra-cab pick-up, 4x4 manual (5-speed transmission) a/c, p/s p/w p/l, winch, off road front bumper, KC lights, side baranka bars, bush-ready, Old Man Emu, rear leaf springs, lifted Old Man Emu shocks, snorkel, bed liner.

Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876 LEROY TRIDENT car 250 CC, 4 doors, power window, $750,000 cash or credit TEL 227-3939, 621-4000 Vehicle for sale HILUX SURF 4 DOORS, minor parts needed, sold as is $800,000 TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000 Nissan Maxima, fully powered needs repairs sold as is $375,000 cash 2273939, 621-4000

F

our persons have been killed in the past two days, the Guyana Police Force said on Saturday. According to a release, two were reportedly murder and the other two were killed in separate vehicular accidents.

The release said Anil France, 16, of Waramuri Mission, North West District (NWD), was allegedly struck down by a car on the Parika Public Road around 18:50h on Friday.

The teen at the time was attempting to cross the road. He was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the motor vehicle is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

In another matter, David Seelall, 18, of Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, was reportedly killed in an accident around 00:10h on Saturday at the Crabwood Creek Public Road, Corentyne, when the motor car in which he was travelling slammed into a utility pole after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital. Two other occupants of the vehicle have been admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital while the driver was treated and discharged. He is now in police custody assisting with investigations.

Murders

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg.

Phone: 691-9984

One 450 Honda ATV. Phone: 6263817

TO let

Two murders, two more fatal accidents in past two days

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

Meanwhile, police are investigating the murder of a Titus Sutton, 53, a farmer of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara. It is reported that Titus was involved in an argument when he was shot to the chest by a man. The incident occurred about 15:30h on Friday at Baracara, Canje River, Berbice.

Sherwin McAlmont, 34, also of Melanie Damishana, was also shot, but he survived his injuries. He was shot in his right thigh by the suspect, who made good his escape. McAlmont is currently a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

In another matter, Mulchand Munilall, 16, of Patwah Scheme, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara was allegedly stabbed to death by his brother-in-law in his home on Friday.

After committing the act, the murderer reportedly turned his attention to his reputed wife, but fortunately, she escaped unharmed with the help of residents.

The suspect escaped from the scene, but was arrested by the police at Springlands, Berbice, about 09:00h on Saturday.

20

november 10, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Unbeaten St Pius crowned Courts Pee Wee champs

By Avenash Ramzan

I

n a final befitting of the exciting rivalry that characterised this year’s tournament, St Pius Primary School’s young ballweavers maintained their unbeaten run to emerge champions of the Courts Pee Wee Under-11 football competition on Saturday at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park.

Witnessed by another large and colourful crowd of teachers, parents/guardians and ardent football enthusiasts, St Pius ended the 2013 installment of the tournament as the only team with an unblemished record, winning all their games, and inflicting a 2-1 defeat on a game West Ruimveldt.

Proceedings went horribly wrong for the West Ruimveldt lads early in the game when an own goal in the sixth minute pushed St Pius ahead 1-0. Two minutes later, eventual tournament MVP, Marcus Wilson, silenced West Ruimveldt’s supporters with a brilliant piece play to solidify St Pius’ position on the game.

West Ruimveldt fought hard and reduced the margin through a Ryan James’ goal in the 19th minute, but that was all they would get as St Pius went on the defensive for the remainder of the game to deny their opponents the equaliser.

Earlier, a Leroy Sealey Yaw 33rd minute strike was the winner for East La Penitence that emerged with a 1-0 win over last year’s runners-up Tucville, in the third place playoff.

In the other games, F.E.

Officials of Courts (Guyana) Inc, Banks DIH, Petra and the Education Ministry pose with the jubilant St Pius lads after their success on Saturday afternoon (Photos: Avenash Ramzan)

Pollard defeated St Gabriel’s 4-2 for positions five and six; Enterprise emerged 2-0 winners over St Margaret’s for positions seven and eight; North Georgetown swamped South Ruimveldt 6-0 for positions nine and 10; St Stephen’s won 3-2 on penalties after a nil-all draw with last year champs Marian Academy for positions 11 and 12; Ketley prevailed 3-0 over J.E. Burnham for positions 13-14; and St Ambrose gained a walkover from Redeemer in the game to decide positions 15 and 16.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, St Pius predictably copped the lion’s share of the individual prizes.

Apart from Wilson being named MVP, teammates Beveney Mark won the highest goalscorer award for net-

ting 13 goals and Shamatiel Nichols was adjudged the best goalkeeper accolade.

St Pius’ Wayne Ritchie was named the tournament’s best coach. The most disciplined school award went to St Stephen’s.

For the victory, St Pius received a 32” television set to aid visual sessions in the classrooms, while all the players received gold medals. West Ruimveldt, East La Penitence and Tucville also received a 32” television set for finishing among the top four schools.

The competition was a collaborative effort of Courts (Guyana) Inc., Banks DIH Limited, the Petra Organisation and the Education Ministry, and representatives of the various stakeholders agreed that the tournament was a

resounding success.

Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, commended all parties involved for putting together what he described as a highly successful competition.

“This is the essence of what the education system should be like…what these children would have learnt over the last two months would stand them in good stead as apart from playing football, they would have learnt important life skills,” Sam pointed out.

He also urged the schools and the relevant agencies to invest in sports in schools,

as the ultimate aim should be to produce quality students/athletes, who can serve a meaningful role in society in the future.

Banks DIH Nonalcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, echoed similar sentiments, adding that he was impressed with the talent shown by the youngsters during the last two months.

Courts’ representative, Molly Hassan, said her entity was extremely proud to sponsor to partner with the other agencies this year, noting that the support from parents and teachers was

quite encouraging.

Like McKenzie, Hassan also assured the organisers of their companies’ support for the 2014 competition.

Co-directors of the Petra Organisers, Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole, also praised Courts (Guyana) Inc. and Banks DIH Limited, stating that corporate support is crucial to the development of any sport. They also expressed gratitude to the organising committee and the media for playing important roles in ensuring the competition lived up to expectations.

Wolf Warriors, Trophy Stall contest Open final today at GCC – NY Better Hope, Industry square off for Over-45 title

W

olf Warriors and Trophy Stall will clash in the final of the Open category and New York Better Hope and Industry contest the Over45 division of the Guyana Softball Cup III today at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda, bringing the curtains down on the competition.

In the semi-final Wolf Warriors defeated Regal XI by five wickets at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Saturday. Regal XI batted first and recorded 187-8 off their allotted 20 overs with Ricardo Adams topscoring with 43; Richard Latiff supported with 41 and Safraz Esau made 30.

Amir Nizamuddeen snared 4-11 and Narine Bailey, 2-26.

Wolf Warriors, in reply, overhauled the target to reach 192-5 in 17.4 overs.

Safraz Karim led with 42, Amrit Rai made 40 while Azaad Azeez and Vishnu Tamichandra contributed 26 and 20 not out respectively; Khalid Haslim took 2-27.

In the second semi, Trophy Stall overcame Corriverton by 35 runs at the same venue. Trophy Stall made an imposing 1979 in 20 overs with Fazal Rafiek topscoring with 50, Krishna Deosarran supported with 30, Surajpaul

Deosarran made 29 and S. Ramnauth, 21.

Sherwin Murray claimed 3-25 and Alfred Garnett 2-29.

Corriverton were then bowled out for 162 in 17.5 overs in response.

Keifer Rose stroked 50 while Quadeer Khan made 22; Shilendra Ramnauth, Rafiek, Martin Dutchin and Seechand Budhan grabbed two wickets each for the winners.

In the Over-45 segment, Industry got the better of Ontario Softball League (OSL) by eight wickets in their semi final game at the Demerara Cricket Club.

OSL took first strike and managed 101 before they were bowled out in 14.5 overs. B. Harittar scored 31; Jai Persaud, Baldeo Basdeo and Jerald Persaud picked up 2 wickets each. Industry responded with 102-2 in 13.2 overs. David Harper led with 26, I. Persaud made 24, D. Hemraj 23 and Jai Persaud 21.

New York trounced Wellman by eight runs in the second semi final. NY Better Hope took fist strike and managed 162-4 in 20 overs. J. Arjune stroked 96; R. Sugrim made 32 and G. Gordon 21. Wellman were restricted for 154-8 in 20 overs in reply. M. Chumandath contributed 56, H. Wright made 33 and N. Samlall 21;

Ronald Evelyn claimed 3-30 and R. Etwaroo, 2-28.

Karibee Boyz went down hard to Trophy Stall by 114 runs in the preliminary round of the Open division.

Trophy Stall batted first and scored 235-7 in 20 overs.

Wasim Haslim led with 67, Surajpaul made 56 and Delroy Pereira 45; Waheid Edwards took 3-52. Karibee Boyz were skittled for 121 in 16.1 overs in reply. C. Veerasammy made 36 as Fazal Rafiek snared 4-19.

In the Over-45 division preliminary stage, Regal Masters lost to Industry by seven wickets. Regal took first strike and scored 169 all out in19.5 overs. Tony Ameerally cracked 46, Jagdesh Bhoj made 42 and Mahase Chunilall 22.

David Harper, Baldeo Basdeo and Jerald Prashad bagged 2 wickets apiece.

Industry replied with 170-4 in 20 overs. D. Hemraj topscored with 65, E. Persaud scored 49 and Jerald Prashad, 31.

New York Better Hope beat Brooklyn by seven wickets. Brooklyn batted first and scored 146-6 in 20 overs. G. Gowlarhan made 51 not out. NY Better Hope responded with 147-3 in 20 overs. J. Arjune scored 59 and K. Sanichar 54. E. Dodson and R. Etwaroo picked up two wickets each.

november 10, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

21

East Georgetown looking to find success at “Nationals” – Bartica striving for top four finish

East Georgetown during the march past last year at the Guyana National Stadium

By Treiston Joseph

W

ith little more than a week to go for the National

Schools’ Swimming, Cycling and Track & Field Championships set for November 19 at the Guyana National Stadium, most dis-

ECCCC, Fairfield clash in GT&T final today

The trophies that the ECCCC and Fairfield will be vying for today at Enmore

T

he Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) and Fairfield Sports Club will clash in the final of the ECCCC organised, GT&T sponsored 35-over hardball cricket competition today at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

The two teams earned the right to contest the final by virtue of winning their preliminary and semi-final matches of the eight-team competition.

Action will bowl off at 11:00h, and apart from the on-field action, the ECCCC will stage a fund-raising bar-b-que and beverage bar.

Admission to the venue is free and executives of the Enmore club have urged fans of the home team to wear blue apparel as a show of support. The winning team will receive $30,000 and a trophy, while the losing finalist will pocket $20,000 and a trophy.

Among the individual awards are trophies for the Man-of-the-Match in the final, most runs, most wickets and most catches. Senior executives of GT&T are expected to witness the match and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclu-

sion.

The ECCCC will depend on the like of former national wicketkeeper/ batsman Shiek Mohamed, first-class leg-spinner Amir Khan and skipper Bheemraj Ramkellawan, while Fairfield will look to Tyrone English and Richard Chatura to lead their challenge.

ECCCC squad: Bheemraj Ramkellawan, Chaitram Ramlall, Shiek Mohammed, Javed Mohamed, Vishwanauth Ramlakhan, Ranjeet Hiralall, Nandram Ganesh, Satesh Jainarine, Ramdeo Basdeo, Junior Moriah, Yuvraj Dyal, Amir Khan, David Mahase, Sanjay Jainarine and Shairaz Ali. Jacob Persaud is the manager/coach.

Fairfield squad: Sewedyal Naidu, Richard Chatura, Deonarine Chatura, Ramnarine Chatura, Walter Byrne, Tyrone English, Narine Mangal, Mustac Shaw, Wasim Mustapha, Denard Lovell, Alex Marshall, Leslie Tulsidass, Vishal Persaud, Troy Fazal, Karpaul George, Adrian Bandoo, Motelall Chatura, Prince Pompey, Mohan Bissoon and Leon Targoonchandra.

tricts are setting their teams to be in the running for the overall title.

With North Georgetown (District 11), Upper Demerara River/Kwakwani (District 10) and East Coast Demerara sharing 33 titles among them, East Georgetown (District 12)

and Bartica (District 7) are harbouring thoughts of winning their first title.

Talking with Guyana Times Sport in a telephone interview, manager of East Georgetown Rawle Duke highlighted his team’s strength: “Well we just managed to submit our team; we had some difficulties with certificates but we have strong teachers and cycling teams and we are strategically looking at the athletics and swimming.”

Duke also emphasised that hat most of his athletes will be prepared for the event because of their affiliation to various clubs.

“Most of the athletes are in clubs and they are training presently and so we are looking more to an overall championship. Next week we want to see if we can pull them together and iron out some of the ‘nitty gritties’ so that’s where we are,” Duke told this publication.

Meanwhile, Bartica’s

Leon Stewart

manager Leon Stewart expects his team to finish in the top four for the overall championships.

“For the past seven years we have placed in the top four. I expect us to improve and based on the performances of our athletes, I still expect to be in the top four,” he noted.

While Stewart has high expectations for his team, he revealed that North

Georgetown is still strong after the two sides clashed in a goodwill championship recently. He noted that the officials from that district used the event to assess where the athletes are in terms of preparedness.

“Over six years, for the first time we included and outside district (North Georgetown) at our school championships to compete against our athletes and they performed better than most of our athletes and they provided good competition. However, we looked at the performances of our athletes, looked at the weaknesses and the strengths and improved on that so most of our athletes are fully prepared and ready for the championships,” Stewart stated.

At the championships, the defending champions will have a huge target on their backs as most districts will be gunning for the top spot.

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november 10, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

C Deokie & Sons Contracting Service cycling…

Persaud cruises to comfortable win

Race officials pose with the outstanding performers of Saturday’s event

By Avenash Ramzan

R

obin Persaud summoned all his experience on Saturday

to cart off top honours in the feature race of the inaugural C. Deokie and Sons Contracting Service’s 11race programme at the inner

circuit of the National Park.

Competing in the gruelling 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, Persaud cruised to victory all alone,

winning comfortably from a field of 25 starters in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 32.13 seconds (01h: 18m: 32.13s).

The 38-year-old Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club rider took control of the race from as early as lap 18, pulling away from the peloton and never relinquishing his lead. The win was his sixth of the season, making him the second most successful rider for 2013 behind Alanzo

Rawle Small (BMX Open and BMX 12-14).

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, national coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, thanked C. Deokie and Sons Contracting Service for coming on board with cycling for the first time.

Mohamed also announced that the company has agreed to partner with the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club to provide shirts for riders attached to the club.

Meanwhile, the cyclists will be in action again today on the West Demerara roadway for the 14th annual Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile road race. The race will commence at 08:00h from the Wales Police Station, proceed to Bushy Park (Parika), East Bank Essequibo, before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

The Veteran, Mountain Bikers and Females will turn back at Uitvlugt Community Centre and finish at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The first six finishers

Robin Persaud is all alone as he cruises to victory in the 35-lap race on Saturday (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Greaves, who has notched up 18 local wins and four overseas.

Albert Philander was a distant second, followed

by Paul Choo Wee Nam, Godfrey Pollydore, Marlon Williams and Wasim Gafoor in that order.

Persaud captured four of the eight prime prizes, while Raynauth Jeffrey took three and Warren McKay one. Other winners included Romello Crawford (1214 Boys and Girls), Junior Niles (Veteran U-50), Linden Blackman (Veteran O-50), Maurice Fagundes (Veteran O-60), Mario King (Juveniles), Leamon Dick (Mountain Bike), Sherwin Sampson (BMX 6-9), Ammo Gomes (BMX 9-12) and

will receive prizes while there will also be awards for the first three juniors, veterans, upright cyclists and females. The first veteran over-60 finisher will also be awarded.

Eight prime prizes are up for the taking during the course of the race.

Representatives will be on hand to distribute the prizes to the respective winners at the conclusion of the race.

Last year’s senior winner was Paul DeNobrega in two hours, two minutes and eighteen seconds.

DeNobrega also won the juniors race while Junior Niles and Julio Melville won the veterans and upright races respectively.

23

SUNday, November 10, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

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

november 10, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com TOP SCORES

CRICKET: India 383-6 (Rohit 209, Dhoni 62, Dhawan 60) beat Australia 326 (Faulkner 116, Maxwell 60) by 57 runs

Unbeaten St Pius crowned Courts Pee Wee champs See story on page

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All smiles! The St Pius boys bask in the glory of their success

Guyana Softball Cup III…

Wolf Warriors, Trophy Stall contest Open final today at GCC See story on page

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– NY Better Hope, Industry square off for Over-45 title Fazal Rafiek

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