Guyana Times Daily 11th Feb 2014

Terror warning fails to ground Caribbean P3 Airlines planes

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2039 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Light goes out on AML Bill

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

EU plugs $39.1M into Merundoi

P9

See story on page 7

‌Guyana likely to miss FATF deadline

Guyana among few countries open to diverse religious practices – Ramotar

P9 Fire guts Grove house, damages two other buildings

See story on page 13

AFC brushes aside P10 allegations against Hughes Gunmen invade Queenstown mining firm P17

President Donald Ramotar, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri and other officials at the Ninth Conference for Leaders of Islamic Cultural Centres in Latin America and the Caribbean pose for Guyana Times

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

OAS calls for timely passage of AML

... as AFC remains unmoved

O

rganisation of American States (OAS) Secretary General José Miguel Insulza on Monday called for the timely approval of the AntiMoney Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) Bill, which should bring the country up to standard on these matters.

The secretary general, who has been following events in Guyana relating to this legislation, also noted the legislation would make Guyana compliant with the requirements of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), thus preventing unnecessary damage to the country’s financial stature.

“The secretary general therefore calls upon the political parties and other stakeholders to exercise cooperation and understanding in bringing this issue to closure,” the OAS said in a statement.

Insulza mentioned that democracy and good governance are hallmarks of the organisation and therefore, “the OAS stands ready to support the Guyanese authorities in their pursuit of political di-

alogue and consensus building, especially on matters of national importance”.

Further, he offered the cooperation and support of the OAS, through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), to the process that is currently under way in the Parliament of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has reiterated its support for the bill but underlined that its support is hinged on the setting up of the constitutionally mandated Public Procurement Commission.

Implementation

The AFC maintains that passage of the bill on Monday without the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission is a halfbaked attempt to stem the flow of illicit gains.

“Apart from the proceeds from illicit drugs; bribery, kickbacks and payoffs form the main artery feeding corrupt officials and draining away the lifeblood of poor, ordinary taxpayers,” the AFC said.

According to the party, since

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza

the passage of the original antimoney laundering bill, there has been little or no implementation and there is no reason to believe that there will be any implementation of a revamped bill. “Amended AML legislation will be used by the PPP/C government as cosmetic to hide the truth that corrupt officials would continue to benefit from nefarious deals.

The AFC’s position is that the flow of illicit funds must be stemmed at its source; in the award of contracts, and this will only hap-

pen when the Public Procurement Commission is established. If the legislature wants to demonstrate its full commitment to stamping out money laundering it will act to ensure a fully functioning PPC.” A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Sunday tabled several amendments to the AML/ CFT Act of 2009 for the first time at the level of the parliamentary special select committee. The amendments dealt with the structure of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the seizure of suspicious cash by local police.

Unfortunate

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had told reporters it was quite an unfortunate situation when APNU members submitted two sets of contradicting amendments, attempting to address issues that were not the subject of the CFATF recommendations or the subject of the AML/CFT Bill of 2013.

He said the move by the opposition comes approximately eight months after it was encouraged by the ruling People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) and other stakeholders to submit its amendments to the special select committee.

“They have avoided, evaded and other wise failed completely to lay bare these proposed amendments until tonight (Sunday) when two separate pieces of paper were presented by two separate opposition members of Parliament and… were uncoordinated because they collided with each other.”

Due to the major collision in the proposals tabled by APNU, Dr Singh said the committee was forced to go to recess to allow the opposition members to consolidate the proposals into a single document. “But even at the end of our proceedings, it still proves to be an extremely flawed, disjointed proposal that has left us in something of a quandary.”

APNU in its proposed amendments addressed fundamental provisions relating to the appointment of the director for the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), removal of the FIU director and oversight of the FIU, thereby introducing another component of the FIU.

Some believe touts are useful ‘public servants’– minibus association president

W

Touts in action at the Route 32 bus park

hile some stakeholders see touting on the bus parks as a “cancer” that must be cured in order to regulate the public transportation sector, others believe that the profession is a necessary evil.

Though touting is outlawed in Guyana, the authorities have struggled to control this plague. Guyana Minibus Association President Eon Andrews said since touts gain money without having to pay taxes, this is one of many reasons the practice should be banned.

“It’s not a recognised job in the eyes of society. Many have their perceptions about touting, and describe them as a nuisance, while some think they are useful public servants, since they are seen in every bus park throughout the country,” Andrews said.

He estimated that there are close to six men and women on every bus park in the city who solicit money from minibus drivers and conductors for the act of filling their buses with passengers.

“Touting is an issue that every minibus passenger has to deal with on a daily basis. There are persons who would be shouting and getting in your face, jumping up and down like they are your

long lost pet; it is not something people like to have happen to them,” Andrews said.

The minibus association president stated that perhaps if these touts would carry themselves in a respectable manner and value their work, then they could actually be tolerated. In many ways, touting has become a job where some persons take this practice seriously.

A tout operating at the Route 47 bus park revealed that he saw his decision to move from a conductor to a tout as a promotion. “I set me own time and I choose how much I want to pay me self when de day come. Touts can make up to about $6000 or more from one day’s work, (tax free),” he said.

Helpful

One minibus driver on the Route 44 bus park, sought to explain the situation in more relatable terms. “Is like this: we can’t do everything, so we gaffa get help, so I am de president, de conductor is de prime minister and de tout is a minister,” he said. He added that touts are handy, especially on a dull day at the park.

When asked their opinion, many passengers, the major stakeholders in the transportation sector, seem to not mind the presence of

touts.

One female passenger said she does not have a problem with them, since they recognise her even from a distance, know where she is going and always point her to the right bus, so she can be on time for work in the mornings.

Another passenger related an incident where he was travelling home late from work and it was raining. He said that upon arriving at the bus park, the last bus was about to leave.

The passenger said that he almost gave up hope until a tout recognised him and signalled the bus to stop so he could get home.

With all the positives; however all the passengers agreed that touts should address passengers in a respectful manner, not tug on their clothing, or touch them without permission. They suggested that the minibus association or the “powers that be” should see that there are set rules on how these persons operate.

They believe that if rules can be set for the “new wave of transportation agents” telling them how to dress and behave in a certain manner that would reflect the job in a positive light, then it would be easier for people to see the necessity of having them there.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, February 11 from 14:30h-16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, February 11 from 14:05h-15:35h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers can be expected during the day with partly cloudy conditions in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly between 2.77 metres and 3.88 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:11h and 14:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 metres and 2.30 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:00h and 20:32h reaching minimum heights of 1.03 metres and 0.89 metre respectively.

Terror warning fails to ground Caribbean Airlines planes – only 13 ticket cancellations

By Bhisham Mohamed

T

he Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) said on Monday there were only 13 cancellations of flights in and out of Guyana following a warning by the United States of “unconfirmed threat information” relating to its flights destined for America.

“This is to confirm all our flights out of Guyana and into Guyana are operating on schedule. Our flight this morning to JFK Airport (New York) has already operated as scheduled," said CAL Communication Manager Clint Williams.

He said the airline was reminding the travelling public “that we do have in place all the necessary and appropriate security systems to address any issues being raised”.

Transport Minister Robeson Benn

ing to Caribbean Airlines flights destined for the United States departing on Monday, February 10, 2014.

Out of an abundance of cau-

The CAL spokesman confirmed that the threat was received on Friday and the authorities in Trinidad, Guyana, and the U.S. were immediately contacted resulting in a boost in security. The call, he said, originated out of Barbados and while he was not sure if it was a hoax or a ploy, the company has taken precautionary measures in order to keep its passengers safe. Williams said an investigation has been launched into the issue, which will see the involvement of the U.S., Trinidad, and Guyana.

He said this was not the first time the airlines has received such a threat and while he did not want to speculate otherwise, he believes that in the business anything is possible, noting that Caribbean Airlines remains one of the trusted carriers in the Caribbean and farther

Guyana were alerted.

“The highest level of the government was [also] and this matter was discussed on Saturday morning, but on Friday at 14:00h, a high-level security meeting – as is normal in these cases – was convened to assess the nature of the threat and put measures in place with respect to the matter,” he added.

As a result, strategic locations at the CJIA were screened and scrubbed to ensure that no sabotage occurred with respect to the targeted airline and any other flight that was scheduled to depart the country.

The minister reported that as a result of the heightened security arrangements, the targeted flight was delayed, but landed successfully at Miami. Addressing the National Assembly, Benn said heightened security will

afield.

He reiterated, however, that passengers will be subjected to additional security checks, all in an effort to be on the safe side.

remain in place for a number of days to ensure full protection.

“I want to assure the House, its honourable members, people at large, our travellers, both Guyanese nationals and others who may use the airport, that all steps will be taken to ensure that the environment is safe and that the airplanes are safe, both for those who are flying and those who work at the airport.”

Minister Benn, contrary to airline officials, stated that there was a 30 per cent reduction in persons flying as a result of cancellations and no-shows. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

Cancellations

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“I can also confirm there has been no specific rise in cancellations, Most of the people who were booked to fly on today’s flights have travelled, which of course is an indication of the assurance they have with our security and safety procedures,” Williams added.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) had said on Sunday that it has “adopted the highest security posture to protect passengers, crew, aircraft and airport employees and to ensure the continued smooth and safe operations at the airport”.

The CJIA said it was urging passengers and other airport users to be on the “lookout for any suspicious activities or occurrences and report same to an airport security official”, adding that the heightened security alert would remain in place until the threat is no longer deemed valid. The U.S. embassy in Guyana, in an advisory posted on its website Sunday, said: “The embassy has received unconfirmed threat information relat-

tion, the embassy advises all U.S. citizens in Guyana travelling on Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to the United States from Monday, February 10 through Wednesday, February 12, 2014, to make alternate travel arrangements.”

Williams, during a telephone interview, said there might have been three to four ticket cancellations which probably resulted from persons wanting to extend their visits and then there were some who did not show up.

Williams also added that there were no interruptions in scheduling for flights of Trinidad and Tobago to various Caribbean territories and North America.

Heightened security

Transport Minister Robeson Benn said the telephone threat was made to the Caribbean Airline offices in Barbados and directed to BW Flight 584 travelling out of Guyana on Monday.

Information reaching the minister revealed that the threat emanated from a Trinidadian who hung up immediately. Benn said that security personnel of Caribbean Airlines in Trinidad and in

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tuesday, february 11, 2014

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

Editorial

Drugs at Davos

E

very year, the rich and the powerful of the world gather at Davos, a ritzy resort in the Swiss Alps. This year, the meeting was held between January 22-25. The theme was neither modest nor bashful, but given their clout, it was realistic: “The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business”. Participating were over 2500 leaders from nearly 100 countries, including 300 public figures, 1500 business leaders, and representatives from civil society, academia, the media and arts.

In a sharp departure from their usually conservative agenda, a panel that included former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Texas Governor Rick Perry and the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch Ken Roth, gave fellow attendees a whiff at the heady topic of decriminalisation of drugs.

The same topic has also recently engaged our administration and it might be useful for them to consider how the “big ones” weighed in on the subject. Santos and Perry represented the present half-century old “war on drugs” line, while the others brought new evolving perspectives to the discussion. One summary identified five proposals from the panel: “First, focus on the destructive and devastating effects of misguided (drug) policy on people. The former UN secretary general spoke passionately about the ruinous impacts of the global war on drugs. He called for an updated approach based on promoting public health and education.

The criminalisation of small-time users, particularly poor African Americans and Latinos, is intolerable. Annan described how lives are destroyed, families are impoverished, prisons are packed to bursting point, and development is denied by wrong-headed efforts to crack down on drugs.

Second, make science central to debate and action on drugs. The lone dissenter on the Davos panel was the Texas governor. While signalling his staunch opposition to the legalisation of drugs, he seemed open to sensible decriminalisation. The governor also stressed the central place of evidence and data-driven approaches to dealing with narco-trafficking and consumption. His emphasis on evidence-based approaches was a surprising but welcome contribution.

Third, follow the money and crack down heavily on the illegal profits generated by drug cartels. One of the most articulate panelists was the executive director of Human Rights Watch, which only recently waded into the drug policy debate. A seasoned prosecutor in his own right, he admonished banks for not being more forthcoming in disclosing laundered assets. Along with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Roth also set out a reasoned case for regulating drugs, much like alcohol and tobacco, in order to eviscerate the hefty margins of drug traffickers.

Fourth, beware the “balloon effect” when seeking to curb the supply of illegal drugs. President Santos repeatedly highlighted the value of global and collaborative approaches.

At Davos, he drew attention to the ways in which seemingly ‘successful’ efforts to reduce the supply and trafficking of cocaine from Colombia have yielded disastrous outcomes in Central America and Mexico.

Fifth, start discriminating between different drugs when debating decriminalisation and regulation. The panelists made clear that the (false) prohibition-legalisation dichotomy invoked by anti-drug warriors is crumbling under the weight of public scrutiny. People everywhere are starting to recognise the nuances of the drug policy debate and the many options between these two extremes. But while almost everyone seems prepared to consider regulating marijuana, there are still lingering doubts when it comes to managing harder drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine or heroin.

There is a rare consensus emerging about the future direction of drug policy reform. Virtually everyone agrees that one size cannot and should not fit all. The Global Commission on Drug Policy raised all of these points in their seminal 2011 report. Back then, the commissioners’ views were considered heretical by the international elite.

Yet in Davos, their views were looking decidedly mainstream.”

National Assembly welcomes its newest parliamentarian. Dr Karen Cummings, who took the oath in Parliament on Monday, replaces Debra Backer, who resigned from the National Assembly last week due to ill health. Welcoming her to the House is Speaker Raphael Trotman. Also in a new capacity is Basil Williams, who was sworn in as Deputy Speaker (Carl Croker photo)

The ‘visionary’ value of Gandhi, King and Mandela Dear Editor, The great Mahatma Gandhi and his self-styled disciples, Reverend, Dr Martin Luther King and our beloved ‘Madeba’ Nelson Mandela, all of whose ‘visions’ served to transform their respective societies, and eventually the world, were unique ‘visionaries’ and transforma-

tional leaders par excellence!

There is no doubt about their self-less, almost ‘Godlike’ image and contribution to humanity which live on forever in the minds of people all over the world.

It is in that context that I was outraged when I became aware of a local advertisement by a merce-

nary company advertising “optical” supplies and services by using inappropriate metaphorical comparisons of their mundane, money-making ‘eye-correcting’ and ‘lens-crafting’ services with the immortal, virtually divine ‘visions’ of our three ‘prophets’, whose lifetime works enabled the world to see life differently.

This prostitution is blasphemous and should be roundly condemned in the same way we condemn those who recently ‘traded’ the Mandela name and image for cheap publicity and material gains.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

Optical cable was being carried on GPL poles Dear Editor, I would like to make some corrections and clarifications to avoid any reader being misled by the publication of an article in another section of the press, entitled “Incorrectly laid cables caused blackouts”, which appeared on February 10.

At the time of the telephone conversation, I

did not know what the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) Bharat Dindial had said publicly, and I was not responding to, or refuting, whatever he might have said. He was, indeed, my source of information.

What I did say, with some expansion for purposes of clarification, was

that it is common practice, recognised in our law, that other companies’ cables may be carried on Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc’s poles, and that whether the laying of this cable was legal or not, it was done incorrectly.

The optical cable was being carried on GPL poles, as distinct from piggy-backing on GPL Inc’s

lines.

The statement, “ACTN was granted approval for the works last year”, could be read by some as a statement made by me. It was not made by me, nor is not known to me, one way or the other.

Yours truly, Samuel Hinds Prime Minister

Challenges researching my family tree Dear Editor, I am very grateful to you for publishing my letter, but I failed to tell your readers how to contact me, if anyone has the information I seek.

One of the challenges, in my efforts to research my family tree, has been find-

ing the grave of my great uncle’s wife, who died in Demerara on September 7, 1888.

Her maiden name was Mary Peterson and she was born in Gloucestershire, England in 1837. Her husband was Louis Jessemy de Souza Leal Aranha, who

went by the name Louis de Souza (1858-1889).

I know that Mary was buried in Le Repentir Cemetery, but I have no further information.

I would be grateful for any information as to how I could learn the location of the grave and, if possible,

get a photograph of her inscription. Would you be so kind as to give me a little more space to say that I can be reached at captaina@coralwave.com.

Thank you, in advance.

Gratefully yours, Paul Aranha

guyanatimesgy.com

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Govt has kept its part of AFC, APNU will have to answer the bargain; citizens of for their actions on AML/CFT Bill Lethem should do no less (Part one)

Dear Editor, As Lethem has been growing, and as more households, businesses and institutions, such as the new hospital, have come on line, the demand for electricity has been growing. Electricity prices at Lethem were set, initially, to meet the operating costs of the Moco-Moco Hydro Power Plant, but since 2004, demand on the Lethem Power Company Inc (LMPCI) has increased three-fold and generation has been solely based on diesel-fuelled generating sets.

LMPCI has, thus, been experiencing more frequent and greater shortages of money. At times, LMPCI’s electricity supply has been curtailed because LMPCI did not have enough money to meet its operational and maintenance needs.

From early 2013, the very pressing need was evident that the prices, which were in place since 2007, needed to be reviewed. Even as 2012 ended, LMPCI was facing many challenges.

The Caterpillar generator set which Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) had loaned at no charge, in 2009 to LMPCI for the opening of the Takutu Bridge, failed, and other units failed apparently as a result of, among other things, dusty conditions and dirty fuel.

Uncertain supply

Electricity supply became uncertain, and availability was cut back. Governmentprovided emergency supplementary support was beyond that which was budgeted.

I travelled to the area on at least two occasions, and reviewed the situation at town meetings to which all were invited.

It was accepted that the pricing structure would need to be brought into accord with government’s policy, but that there should be a stay in implementation until it was evident that plans were rolling to restore the ‘24/7’ supply, by, in particular, the ordering of two new 750 kVa FG Wilson generators at a total cost of about $50 million.

The generators were ordered, and are now in Lethem. The existing site, set initially perhaps decades ago, to supply lights at night to government buildings, is prone to flooding, as is the adjacent telecoms exchange.

The new generators are being set up at a new site in the industrial area, high above any historical flooding.

Over the next year or two, the new site will be fully developed, and the existing site may be released.

The government has been more than keeping its part

of the bargain, and earnest, honest, responsible citizens of Lethem should be keeping their part of the bargain, no less. And, what is that bargain? The government’s policy in providing “a degree of electrification across our hinterland” is that government would put in the capital requirements, and expects the beneficiaries (the customers) to meet the recurring costs – operations and maintenance.

For most communities in the hinterland, buildings are 100 metres or more apart, and the provision of a grid network is uneconomical, hence this government’s acquisition, supply and installation of a total of about 13,500 photovoltaic solar home systems which, on average, provide about nine kWh per month.

We began pilot operations with a few hundred installations of 125-watt panels, but at about $325,000 per household, that was beyond our country’s means, at this time, given our commitment to bring a similar degree of electrification to every household.

We soon settled for 65watt installation, at costs averaging about $80,000 to $100,000 per household-installed. Each village/community has entered a covenant/ contract with us that households will put in a fund, an average of $500 per month, for sustainability – to replace lamps and batteries, from time to time.

We have embarked on acquiring some 6000 additional sets for near-hinterland, riverein homes that are beyond GPL, or any other network.

And, what has been the case with Lethem?

This government, recognising that Lethem ought be given as good an opportunity as we could provide to make itself into an important secondary town on our border with Brazil, directed an offer from the government of China of a small hydro-power plant to the Moco-Moco site at Lethem.

This 0.5 MW HydroPower Plant cost about G$700 million, inclusive of an initial network. At that time, without a continuous Linden-Lethem road, materials had to be transported via Venezuela and Brazil, and flown in from Georgetown.

Unfortunately, this station, which was started up in 1999, was put out of operation in 2004, after a massive landslide broke the penstock.

Over the four to five years of operation, we learnt that there would likely be a twoto four-month period before the May rains, when only a half, or no, electricity could be generated.

Full diesel back-up would be required if the electricity supply were to be maintained through to the end of the dry season, and as the demand grew, additional diesel generation would be required at all times to meet peak demands of more than 0.5 MW. Government granted the capital to meet the changed and growing needs.

The historical electricity prices at Lethem were set with the assumption that the majority of electricity required, would have been provided by Moco-Moco, but this has not been so since 2004.

Already by 2011, there was a subsidy to operating costs of more than $100 million per year – that is more than an average of $100,000 for each of LMPCI’s 1050 customers, but likely ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000 across the 1050 different households and businesses receiving electricity in Lethem.

Capital costs on which the government has been making good, would add onequarter to one-half more. The government, in 2009, invested $50 million in revamping and expanding the network, and has provided a number of gensets on an emergency basis. Carl A Parker Sr, in his recent letter demanding even increased subventions to Lethem, either has not taken time to learn the degree of support to customers in Lethem, or is being unconscionable. Now, for a consideration of the cost of electricity and structuring of the charges!

Electricity costs

Historical all-up costs for electricity, mostly for lighting in hinterland areas, using small gasoline- and diesel-engine sets, have been in the region of $150 to $200 per kWh, available over four to six hours. We hope to do better with our small grids, with diesel-generation in largersized units. At Lethem, running costs, so far, including operations and maintenance, and losses, have been averaging about $125 per kWh billed.

We believe that with experiences gained over time, ‘all-up’ running costs could be gradually reduced to about $100 per kWh billed.

So, in putting a cap on the cost-recovery charge at $100 per kWh billed, there is still a subsidy beyond capital costs. We have been involved in international discussions about how to subsidise and support (if at all) the supply of electricity (and water).

Sincerely, Samuel Hinds Prime Minister/Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Energy

Dear Editor, Despite the public urgency needed for the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, it was not surprising that the subcommittee assigned to draft the amendments to the bill was not ready for Monday’s sitting.

The opposition has once again acted against the development of Guyana and directly against the people of Guyana.

Last week, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Joe Harmon said in another section of the press that a “certain degree of progress” was achieved at Thursday’s meeting of the subcommittee, suggesting that his and colleague Basil Williams’ presence was the reason.

Later that week, Opposition Leader David Granger at a press conference said his coalition party will only support the legislation unless President Donald Ramotar assents to all four local government bills.

Essentially, the APNU and Alliance For Change (AFC) are bullying this government into submitting to the local government bills, instead of allowing the government to function within the purview of the Constitution and laws of Guyana; much the same as the opposition does not want to accept the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling that the opposition must accept or reject the entire National Budget, and not cherry pick at line items.

Talk is cheap when a person’s words have no weight, and both the AFC and the APNU’s words have no weight.

Allow me to explain.

The coalition party has long maintained that the

People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) government had years to remedy the AML/CFT bill and work to bring it into compliance with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.

Granted that the government should have acted sooner to address this process, the fact remains that they finally made an effort to correct their short comings. So when the bill was first tabled in Parliament on April 22, 2013 for a May 31 deadline, instead of the opposition acting in the interest of the nation, they claimed that they needed more time.

Government requested an extension from CFATF and it was granted. After an additional extension of the deadline, the AFC and the APNU had eight months to deliberate among themselves on possible amendments to the bill. They continued to claim that they needed more time and in a true showing of their original position, finally voted against the bill directly placing Guyana on the CFATF blacklist.

The bill is once again is before the subcommittee and was scheduled to be debated in Parliament on Monday. From April 2013 up to February 2014, not a single recommendation was made by the opposition that would have moved Guyana closer to seeing the bill pass in the National Assembly and comply with CFATF and FATF requirements.

Guyana is in a national economic crisis and leaders of the opposition parties cannot find the time to sit and discus this matter in the interest of nation building. They waited until the day before the bill was due in Parliament to make recommendations to the committee;

they walked out of the committee meeting on Tuesday because they did not want the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to observe, in silence, the committee meetings.

Are these the leaders who were asking Guyanese to vote for them in the last election?

Will these anti-development, non-patriotic so called leaders be asking Guyanese to vote for them in 2016?

Also, lets not forget that, on November 7 last year, the PSC, which represents 17 private associations and sectors that generate thousands of jobs for Guyanese, presented a petition to the National Assembly to be read. The AFC and the APNU voted to silence the reading of the petition.

Further evidence of their bully tactic is seen in their boycott from Wednesday’s committee meeting. By the third meeting, only 2 of the 5 members of the opposition members of the committee attended. Even Granger in a complete act of disrespect was absent from the meetings, and if reports are accurate, he did not even request an excuse.

Clearly, such persons who intentionally attempt to stall the progress of such an important national task will have to be held accountable as elected officials.

The bullyism tactics and contempt of the AFC and APNU toward the people of Guyana must be recorded in the history books. Come 2016, the electorate will be reminded that the AFC and APNU allowed Guyana to be blacklisted by a respected international body and doomed hundreds of thousands of Guyanese to unnecessary suffering.

Sincerely, Tamika Henry-Williams

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Foundation

How to prepare your teen for the real world

BY KORI ELLIS

Help your teen lead and succeed

O

ne of the most difficult things for teenagers is the transition from being completely dependent on their parents into the real world, where they need to act responsibly and maturely to be successful. Though much focus is on protecting our children as they grow up, we also must allow them to take calculated risks, learn to fail and do real-life problem solving.

We consulted speaker and author Tim Elmore, who specialises with what he calls “Generation Y” – current teenagers. He founded the international non-profit Growing Leaders to develop young leaders who will transform society. “The number one challenge students today face is what I call artificial maturity,” says Elmore.

“This challenge stems from the fact that children are consuming information far earlier than they are ready and gaining real life experience far later than they’re ready.”

Preparation for adulthood

Before teens enter the real world, we need to prepare them for what to expect.

Otherwise, they will encounter many obstacles. By instilling moral values, responsible behaviour and a strong work ethic in your teens, you will be doing all you can to prepare them for life after

high school or college.

Respect and responsibility. We all know that you have to give respect to get respect. And this is an important lesson for children of all ages. Teach your children as early as possible about the value of respect and responsibility. Hold them accountable for their actions with suitable consequences. Insist they participate in chores to keep the household running smoothly, and allow them to get a job to earn their own money.

Money management.

Make budgeting and money management a common topic in your household.

Handing your child a credit card or giving them unlimited funds to purchase clothes, games and other entertainment isn’t doing your teen any favours. Educate your family about the need for comparison shopping, how to avoid money scams, the costs of regular expenses (such as cell phones) and the importance of budgeting.

Community involvement. Successful people know and care about what’s going on in their community and around the world.

Watch the news with your teens. Discuss politics regularly and get them involved in community activities and charity opportunities.

parents help high schoolers capitalise on their strengths in order become successful leaders.

“Ultimately, people mature as both autonomy and responsibility are distributed evenly,” explains Elmore. “If a young person wants autonomy (to be free and independent), they must demonstrate an equal amount of responsibility to earn it. For instance, if my son wants the car keys, he cannot get them unless he agrees to buy the gas. It’s simple and life only works when the two go together.

When autonomy comes without responsibility, parents are doing too much protecting and not enough preparing.

“When a student learns what their primary strengths are, they can build on them and consequently bolster authentic self-esteem, a clear sense of unique identity and even a work ethic, as they labour passionately in an area of their giftedness. While I am far from perfect as a dad and an educator, my two children are realising this today, at 19 and 23 years old. When young people find and invest themselves in their strength area, they are more intuitive, passionate, natural, confident, comfortable and influential in that area.”

Armed for success

Teens today multi-task more than any other population of children in modern history. Many parents and teachers wonder: Is this good

Parents need to make an effort to put their children in the position to succeed in life.

Elmore discusses how can

Multi-tasking teens

for them or not? Does it increase their ability to take on more or does it simply dilute their focus?

“Thanks to the incredible brain research done over the last decade, we know more about the teen brain that’s still developing during these years. The effects this multitasking has on still-forming brains can be positive and negative,” says Elmore.

Elmore claims the key is balance. Here are some of his ideas to achieve that balance.

Help them balance screen time with face-to-face time with people. For every hour they spend in front of a screen, have them spend an hour with people.

Help them balance connected time with disconnected time – ask them to disconnect from phones and computers for two hours and focus on one important goal.

Help them balance sedentary time with active time. For each hour spent sitting still (often in front of a screen), engage them in physical activity.

Help them to balance trivial time with meaningful time. Especially for teens, they need to engage in meaningful work that contributes to a cause larger than themselves.

Help them balance passive stimulation time with personal creative time.

Provide project objectives that force them to create ideas that come from within, not from an external source.

(She Knows)

BY LEIGH WALKER

If you are a teen looking for a job, the thought of going through the job interview process may make you nervous. Whether you have been on numerous job interviews in the past or this is your first job interview, you can do some things to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Dress

While you may be tempted to act differently from the adult world, a job interview is when you should try to blend in with that world. You don’t have to wear a suit to most job interviews when you are a teenager, but you shouldn’t look like you are heading out to a rock concert. Avoid ripped shirts, T-shirts, shirts with writing/logos, bare midriffs, jeans, short skirts and wild hair. Teenage boys should consider wearing a pair of dress pans and a dress shirt. Teenage girls should wear dress pants or a dress skirt and a nice blouse.

Arrival time

A job interview is not the time to be tardy. Potential employers are looking for people who they can count on to arrive on time for work. When leaving for your job interview, allow an extra 15 minutes to accommodate traffic. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes prior to your interview time. This lets employers know you are punctual and eager for the interview.

Be ready to answer and ask questions

Thinking through the answers you’ll give to possible questions before the interview will make you better prepared. If you are asked a question that you weren’t expecting, don’t blurt out an answer. It’s acceptable to take a small pause before answering questions. Possible questions that you may be asked on a job interview include: * Why do you want to work for this company? * What are your strengths? * What are your weaknesses? * How would you describe your personality? * What makes you a better candidate for this job than someone else?

In addition to answering questions, you should also have questions ready that you can ask the potential employer. Asking questions shows employers that you have put a lot of thought into the position and that you really want the job. Possible questions include: * Will I be trained by another employee or by you? * What is the most important thing you look for in an employee? * What is the most important thing I need to know about this position? * Is there anything else that you’d like to know about me?

After the interview is complete, thank the interviewer for her time.

Thank you follow-up

If your application and interview opened the door for your employment, sending a thank-you letter after the interview may land you the job. Thank-you letters do not have to be lengthy. Simply thank the person again for the interview, let them know that you are very interested in the position you applied for and close by saying that you look forward to hearing from her. (eHow)

News

7

tuesDay, february 11, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Light goes out on AML Bill – Guyana likely to miss FATF deadline

The parliamentary opposition continues to play hard ball with the AML/CFT Bill

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

C

ritical amendments which could make Guyana compliant with its international obligations and possibly prevent the country’s blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for failure to update its anti-money laundering laws are “on pause”.

The situation has not changed drastically although Guyana is currently the subject of a stern and thorough review process at the level of the FATF in Paris, having failed twice to make the necessary changes.

Chairperson of the parliamentary special select committee which is

considering the amendments proposed to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, Gail Teixeira said the government’s best efforts to bring the substantive amendments, which were non-contentious from the level of the committee to the National Assembly, for consideration were rejected.

“We are now on pause for 24 hours or 48 hours,” she said, during an interview with Guyana Times on Monday in the corridors of the National Assembly.

She explained that the opposition voted down a motion proposed by the government to ensure that the February 13 deadline for the passage of the recom-

mendations made by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) is met.

Teixeira argued that the government members of the committee had even proposed that the amendments and recommendations made by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Sunday at the eleventh hour be brought as the subject of another bill to the House after they were fully considered by the committee.

Amendments

She pointed out that those amendments were not within the remit of the mandate given to the committee and were badly articulated and drafted by the opposition members.

“In some cases, they are

conflicting with the principal act and are clashing with each other,” she explained.

The draftsmen attached to the Legal Affairs Ministry could not have completed work on the amendments proposed by the opposition by the time the committee was scheduled to meet on Monday at noon.

They will have to report on the progress of the work being done on the APNU’s proposed amendments by Wednesday this week.

“So… the committee’s work is not finished. The committee’s work is expected to continue even though there is a consensus on the amendment bill, which has the CFATF recommendations… They [the opposition] will not allow that bill to be tabled in the House unless they include their amendments,” Teixeira reported.

signals its growth and expansion as an organisation.

According to a release from the organisation, some of the activities include a scaled up Annual Gala Dinner, a Distinguished Lecture Series in collaboration with the University of Guyana, the launching of

a new secretariat building, a commemorative booklet, a day of service, and the identification and recognition of 125 business persons who have contributed to the development of Guyana, among other initiatives.

“As we reflect on our past

economy and thereby bring hardships on the Guyanese people,” Dr Singh stressed.

Nonetheless, he said the government is once again appealing to the APNU and the AFC to act in the interest of the people of Guyana and work with the committee to complete the work and ultimately pass the AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill with the urgency required.

He noted that the com-

Frustrated

Appearing very frustrated yet patient, Teixeira, who is also chief whip of the governing party, did not appear convinced that the opposition members who were on the committee were serious about passing the bill, which was necessary for Guyana to avoid blacklisting.

However, Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan held firm to his position that there would be no support for the amendments unless the government agreed to operationalise and estab-

GCCI celebrating 125th anniversary T he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is observing its 125th anniversary this year. It will commemorate and celebrate this milestone with a series of events and activities, under the theme “Extension”, which

lish the Public Procurement Commission. He appeared indifferent and not bothered by the imminent blacklisting of Guyana.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has accused the opposition parties of engaging in delay tactics ahead of the official deadline. He recalled the many delays caused by either the absence of a majority of the opposition members, walk

with much affection and nostalgia, the GCCI cannot help but be excited and optimistic about its future, “the

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira in discussion during Parliament on Monday

outs, or other politically engineered conflict at the level of the committee.

“This refusal by the opposition to proceed with the amendments on which there is agreement and which would have addressed the CFATF recommendations discloses the true intent of the opposition all along, which is to frustrate passage of the bill beyond the deadline, with the aim of jeopardising Guyana’s

mittee is scheduled to meet on the eve of the deadline.

On Friday, Opposition Leader David Granger failed to address media questions on APNU’s support for the legislation despite public pressure for the coalition to do so.

He said the APNU would not be rushed into meeting any deadline and will work to ensure that the legislation put forward is of high a standard.

private sector body said.

Although the Georgetown chamber is the oldest and only statutory private sector representative organisation in the country, it is still one of the

most dynamic, respected and influential today.

The chamber remains a non-partisan organisation that is committed to Guyana’s social and economic development.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cocaine-in-achar accused remanded T

he couple who were apprehended at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with cocaine in achar appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday, charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

U.S. citizen Winston Blake, 77, and Guyanese Sadika Neola Odie, 38, of Lot 186 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on Saturday, February 8 at the CJIA, they attempted to traffic 20 kilograms of cocaine.

The anomalies were

spotted while their luggage was being scanned, prompting Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) ranks to question the man and woman, who were outgoing passengers on a U.S.-bound BW 526 flight to John F Kennedy Airport, New York.

This publication was told that upon the arrest of the couple, they told CANU ranks that someone had given them the achar as presents for persons in the U.S. The cocaine was wrapped in brown tape and shaped to mimic seeds in the tamarind achar. Blake was intercepted with 9.6kg, while Odie was intercepted

with 10.45kg, Guyana Times was informed.

CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah said Odie has a U.S. visa, and is well known for travelling. He added that, in a statement received, the defendant said she was offered the sum of US$10,000 to transport the substance, but was only given US$400 and the plane ticket which she accepted.

However, Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, defence counsel for Odie, said his client was asked to take the consumable food item to the U.S. and she could not have known it was cocaine since it was mixed with the achar.

He said that Odie, a mother of five and a model for the Burrowes School of Arts, cooperated with the investigators and gave them the name of the person who asked of her the favour.

In his application for bail, Fung-A-Fat added that his client has never been convicted of such an offence and asked for bail in a reasonable sum which was refused.

Attorney Mark Waldron, who represented Blake, asked for an early court date. The case was transferred from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for February 14.

Brazilian denied bail for three counts of armed robbery

A

Brazilian national on Monday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry slapped with three counts of robbery under arms.

Paulo Silva was not required to plead to the first charge, which alleged that on Wednesday, February 5 at Pacifico General Store, Lethem, he robbed Yon Fat Chung of US$340 and SRD (Suriname Dollars) $240.

The man stood grimly as

the second charge, to which he was also not required to plead, was read to him by the magistrate. That charge alleged that on December 4, armed with a shotgun he robbed She Shong of one laptop and a cellphone, collectively valued $188,000.

The third charge instituted against the defendant alleged that on December 4, he robbed Pacifico General Store of approximately $10.3 million in different currencies.

Attorney Peter Hugh,

who represented the defendant, told the court that his client should be granted bail.

He said his client was arrested based on the description given by the victims who told officers that their assailant was a “Brazilian man”.

Hugh also made reference to a clause in the Constitution of Guyana which stipulates that foreign nationals who are charged and appear in court can be granted bail but must remain in the country.

Prosecutor Michael Grant said the defendant was ar-

rested en route to neighbouring Brazil. He added that he was positively identified by the victims, and subsequent to an investigation, the man was charged. He further objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, as well as the possibility of the defendant fleeing justice, since he is a foreign national.

Bail was refused for Silva. His matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for March 3.

Alleged phone thief on bail

A

n excavator operator was on Monday brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged for robbery under arms.

Romanos Carmichael, 20, of Lot 69 Durban Street, Wortmanville, pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on Monday, January 27 at Freeman Street, Georgetown, he robbed Idelle Parris of one BlackBerry Curve smartphone worth $25,000, and one purse valued $8500 which contained $48,000 cash.

Prosecutor Michael Grant said the virtual complainant was walking along the said street around 00:25h on her way to purchase newspapers for vendors when the defendant appeared on foot, armed with a gun, which he placed to her head, and demanded the items mentioned. He then made good his escape.

Attorney Patrice Henry, who represented the defendant, said his client was arrested along with other persons during a raid the day after the crime. He stressed that his client, a father of one, had nothing to do with the crime and unsuccessfully pleaded with the magistrate to grant the defendant bail.

The matter is adjourned to February 28.

Eyew tness A whiter shade.... ...of (Trini) pale ometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Back in the day, a new rock band, calling themselves “Procol Harum”, burst onto the scene with a genre-bending single, “A whiter shade of pale”. Now don’t confuse Procol Harum with the group in Nigeria, Boko Haram, that’s been lopping people’s heads. That’s a band of a whole different colour. The song by Procol Harum was about a mermaid that was “a whiter shade of pale”; the music was set to Bach and the allusions were to Chaucer’s “A Miller’s Tale”.

Trinidad, we all know, is a real “la la” land, but the story coming out of there is even stranger than that of Procol Harum. And it also has to do with colour.

Last week, a former PNM Senator from their Upper House landed a real bombshell – at least to the ears of your Eyewitness, who’s always been told our politics here was “more racial”. Rather than being accused of exaggeration, we’ll give you the Express’ report of what a PNM bigwig told Senator Fitzgerald Hinds.

“He said to me that he had just come from a meeting with a couple of other former ministers and some businessmen, and they were all ’round the lunch table and agreed that (PNM leader) Dr Rowley had done an excellent job as political leader for the PNM for the last three years... They thought he did a great job. And told me, shockingly that the only issue that came up in objection was that we had never had such a darkskinned prime minister.”

Now can you imagine something like this happening in Guyana? And don’t think Hinds was exaggerating. In his national newspaper column, eminent UWI political scientist and pollster Selwyn Ryan had written as follows: “Some of Dr Rowley’s critics claim, sotto voce, that he is a tad too ‘black’ for a country that is ethnically structured in the way that Trinidad and Tobago is.

Trinidad being what it is, however, the view definitely exists both inside and outside the party that a paler face is required if the PNM is going to be regarded as being adequately diversified.”

Then lo and behold, this week came the announcement that Rowley is being challenged for the PNM’s leadership by Penelope Beckles-Robinson. She’s fair and lovely.

Now you don’t think that’s also why Granger narrowly pipped Greenidge for the leadership of the PNC, do you?

And here it is, your Eyewitness thought it was because Granger was a tad taller than Greenidge!

S

...of telecoms competition We’re so happy that the parliamentary Special Select Committee on telecoms reform will be taking submissions from the public. Isn’t democracy great?

Your Eyewitness is your typical consumer – not too technically savvy – but just raring at the bit to enjoy all those services his kin up in New York keep on flaunting whenever he calls. Especially those free minutes they collect with seeming abandon.

And then there’s all those “plans” that they sign up for and get iPhones for each member of their family – including the kids – for a song. Literally – since your Eyewitness thinks when someone can get something he has to shell out $160,000 for, and they only pay 99 cents (OK??? that’s $200) that’s a lovely song.

So your Eyewitness investigated what brought about such a happy state of affairs over in NY. It was because of COMPETITION!! With Verizon fighting AT&T and both of them fighting Sprint and a dozen aggressive smaller fishes, the prices just keep plummeting and the services just keep rising. And this is good.

So your Eyewitness hereby makes his submission to the committee: Ensure there’s as much competition as you can in our telecoms arena. ...in finance We hope that by today, we’re not blacklisted by FATF because of the opposition’s blackmail. In finance, it’s not even enough to be pale – you’ve got to be transparent!

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU plugs $39.1M into Merundoi abuse and protect themselves; and facilitate general dialogue leading to behaviour change.

“Work under EU funding will be done in the 10 administrative regions with in- and out-of-school females and males, current and former prisoners, men, parents. The general public will be, therefore, given a voice in preventing violence against women,” she said.

Objectives

EU Ambassador Robert Kopecký hands over the grant contract to Merundoi Inc Executive Director Margaret Lawrence in the presence of EU and Merundoi officials

E

uropean Union (EU) envoy Robert Kopecký and Merundoi Inc Executive Director Margaret Lawrence signed a grant contract to implement a project entitled, “Modelling and Reinforcement to Combat Domestic Violence’’.

The grant comes to a total of 137,222 euros ($39.1 million) and is funded from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) 20122013 country allocation for Guyana, the EU said in a statement.

“Not only does the EU advocate for better protection for victims of domestic violence, the EU also advocates

for the eradication of domestic violence in all forms. The rights of vulnerable persons, especially those subjected to the scourge of domestic violence, are particularly important and the Merundoi project seemed particularly appropriate in this regard.

"We look forward to an effective implementation of the project as it complements the existing work on the ground initiated by the government of Guyana and other civil society partners,” said Kopecký The head of the EU delegation here added that “on June 6, 2013, the EU adopted the European Protection Order (EPO) which will help to protect victims of crime

and victims of violence, wherever they go in Europe: the protection will travel with the citizen”.

The ambassador opined that the EPO could be looked at for best practices in combating domestic violence locally.

Lawrence said research shows that domestic violence crosses racial and socioeconomic lines with 31 women killed in 2012, 24 in 2013, and four in January 2014.

The project will sensitise men and young boys to the effects of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), encouraging them to adopt new behaviours; empower women and girls to identify all

The overall objectives of the Merundoi Inc project are to sensitise men and young boys about the effects of GBV, and encourage them to adopt new attitudes, behaviours and practices that will improve their lives; to educate young people about GBV as a preventive approach with education rooted in gender- and rightsbased approaches; and to empower women to identify all forms of abuse and to take action to protect themselves.

The aforementioned activities will all be implemented primarily via the utilisation of entertainment and education (edutainment) to raise general awareness leading to raising questions and fostering dialogue that will lead to attitude and behaviour changes.

The EIDHR is a selfstanding financing instrument that provides assistance for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide, and in Guyana, it specifically aims at assisting civil society to become an effective force for political reform and the defence of human rights. Since 2010, the EU delegation in Guyana has launched regular calls for proposals under this thematic line and to date has provided grant financial assistance to a total of 22 beneficiaries, totalling approximately 1.4 million euros ($399 million).

It is envisaged that the grant to Merundoi Inc will

supplement the work already undertaken by other grant beneficiaries locally, and the organisation will be working over the next 24 months towards the effective roll-out of the activities foreseen under the intervention.

Merundoi is an Amerindian (Akawaio) word which means strength, stamina, courage, and hope.

The organisation bearing that name is a non-governmental organisation, established in 2007, to work with its partners towards a Guyanese society where every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure family and community.

Ambassador Robert Kopecký and Margaret Lawrence sign the grant contract

Fire guts Grove house, damages two other buildings woman occupied the house with her husband, two children and another relative.

Kavita Lall, whose house is located at Lot 56 Public Road, East Bank Demerara home, recalled that she was at home when she was awakened by loud screams from persons on the road.

“All I hear was fire! fire!

And when I looked out, I see meh neighbour house on fire,” she said in tears.

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

A

fire suspected to be electrical in origin completely razed a Grove, East Bank Demerara house and caused severe damage to a nearby home and business.

The fire which started about 14:00h has left close to eight persons homeless, as it completely destroyed the Lot 55 Grove, Public Road residence, while scorching a building where Phoenix Water has operations.

At the time the fire started, no one was at home and it was impossible to get into the house to salvage any household items since the building was heavily grilled.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, firefighters had already extinguished the flames and were conducting their investigations.

Police presence

There was also a heavy police presence to maintain law and order as traffic was diverted along the East Bank Highway.

Vanessa Higgins, an occupant of the gutted house, explained that she was attending a funeral service on Monday afternoon at the Eccles Assembly of God church when she was contacted by a mechanic and informed that her house was

No water

The house occupied by the Higgins family after the blaze

on fire.

Higgins immediately rushed to the scene only to find the posts of her threebedroom wooden and concrete home standing and smoke bellowing from the building. Her Honda CRV was completely destroyed while a Toyota canter was partially damaged.

Sitting under her neighbour’s house, the woman said her life’s earnings went up in flames. She had been occupying the family home for the past 18 years.

Based on reports, the woman stated that sparks were seen on an electrical connection to her home, and shortly after, smoke was seen emanating from the building. Soon after, flames were seen and within minutes, the building was engulfed in fire.

She said that it was impossible for the fire to have started in her home since she did not cook for the day, reiterating that she turned off all her electrical appliances when she left for church. The woman said that after receiving the call, her mind ran to her mother who was preparing to head to Linden when she left home, but upon reaching the scene, she was told that her mother had left shortly after her.

Higgins said that she sells at the sea wall on weekends and her mother would normally travel from Linden to look after her children and she would leave on Monday to return home.

At ease, she added that her children, ages eight and 10 were at school at the time of the blaze. The distressed

The distraught woman said that she ran out of the house, leaving everything behind. Lall further stated that she ran to a neighbour’s home and soon after her house was on fire.

The fire tenders arrived on the scene but unfortunately, without water, she added. The items that were not burnt were water soaked.

Though she could not have estimated her losses, Lall said the fire was devastating.

Another occupant of the house, Lakeram Muniram said he was at work when he received a call from his wife’s friend informing him that the house next door was on fire.

He said that initially, he thought it was a joke and ignored the call, but soon after he saw a fire engine heading to Grove and became frightened.

Vanessa Higgins is being comforted by a relative

He followed the fire engine only to see his neighbour’s house engulfed in flames.

Muniram searched for his wife and found her at another neighbour’s house.

He said people in the neighbourhood came out and took out several pieces of household items in their reach.

As the heat intensified, they were forced to retreat.

He said that as a result of the fire, he and his family will now have to seek alternative living arrangements.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Water Manager Indal Singh said that he was not at work when the fire started, but his workers managed to save some of the water tanks while some were damaged along with sections of

the building. He estimated his losses to be in the millions.

A senior fire official told Guyana Times that upon receiving the report, fire tenders from Diamond responded but after they could not have handled the situation, another tender one from the West Ruimveldt Fire Station was summoned.

Two other tenders from the Central Fire Service later joined to render assistance.

The official could not confirm the time the fire started, but stated that firefighters had difficulty tapping a water source and this thwarted their effort to salvage the building. However, they managed to curtail the blaze to one building. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

10

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

News

AFC brushes aside allegations against Hughes – Ramjattan says party will not be affected Ramjattan responded in the negative, arguing that it is a purely personal matter.

He insisted that the party, as well as all Guyanese who may be concerned about the allegations, will have to await the conclusion of the matter in the court.

“There is nothing to be concerned about. I doubt whether… because of the fact that I am very certain that it will be a matter that he has an answer to and that will be resolved shortly,” he explained.

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

A

lliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan played down concerns being raised about the fresh allegations against his party’s chairman, Nigel Hughes following revelations that he had sold a property, which was mortgaged.

Ramjattan played a game of hopscotch as he tried to avoid expressing any real concern over what has been considered serious allegations against the AFC chairman, before telling reporters that he did not want to comment on the matter as it was before the courts.

“I am not going to say it’s any misconduct, because I don’t know. An action has been brought against him and it being a court matter, I don’t want to comment on it,” he said.

Hughes has remained tight-lipped over recent disclosures that he sold the property to Mae’s proprietor Mayfield French-Rodrigues without indicating that loan payments were still owed to the Hand-in-Hand Mutual Assurance Company Limited.

French-Rodrigues,

Alliance For Change leader Khemraj Ramjattan

through her attorney Maria Yvonne French, on January 17, filed an injunction to stop eviction proceedings for the property, which the insurance company foreclosed on, owing to Hughes’ failure to settle the debt.

More than 300 students gearing up for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations are at risk of displacement.

Asked whether he or the party’s executive has met with its chairman to discuss these new allegations,

'No more questions'

In the face of a media barrage, Ramjattan tried to avoid any other questions on the matter. When asked whether the party’s image is being hurt by the frequent scandals and allegations that have been brought to the fore involving Hughes, the AFC leader said he doubts it.

On Saturday, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) called for the resignation of the AFC chairman, citing the seriousness of the allegations made against the public official and his continued involvement in controversial

W

AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes

matters.

It said the AFC was doing itself a great injustice by continuing to remain silent on the matter, while seeking to chastise the government on issues of accountability and transparency.

“If the Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo-driven alliance has any integrity remaining, it must stop dodging the issue surrounding the constant controversies involving Hughes and lay their concerns bare before the public,” the party’s statement said.

Cheque distribution ongoing for setting up of OLPF hubs in hinterland

T

he Amerindian Affairs Ministry recently commenced the distribution of cheques for the construction and refurbishing of facilities to house information communication technology (ICT) hubs in hinterland communities.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai recently handed over cheques valued approximately

$800,000 each to the toshaos of several communities in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven. These communities include Kaikan, Jawalla, Waramadong, Kangaruma, Paruima, Phillipai, and Kanarang/Warwatta.

According to the minister, this distribution exercise is part of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project’s hinterland component. She added that

Nuff bottoms start fallin out

hen some body runnin around mekkin excuses, dem bound to run outta dem same excuses at some time. Old people seh, every day bucket a go good, but one day de bottom does fall out. And bucket bottom does only fall out when it got plenty weight. So it does fall out hard and spill every ting whah inside.

But is a good ting that is de bucket bottom whah does fall out, and not de person bottom who mekkin de excuses. That woulda leff a lotta bottoms pun de road, not countin Green Ham, de mayor-fuh-life. And if Green Ham top is nevah a good sight, imagine how bad is de bottom.

In any case, it look like nuff bottoms fall out at de *hitty kounce-il. And dem ain’t lookin like bucket bottoms. Dem bottoms at de kounce-il not only fall out in public, but dem also fall out wid one another. Every day is a different setta bottoms fallin out. That’s lotta bottoms in public!

Soloman is another one who runnin outta excuses.

Soloman believe he is de solo man to control de Linden people. He believe he is de solo man who open de town. That is why he tink he is de solo man who coulda shutdown de town.

But it turn out that he was de solo man who was lookin fuh excuses de whole time after he shutdown plan get shot down. And wid Soloman runnin outta excuses, soon he bottom might fall out too. Just wait till he blow he top.

Nuff a dem public servants does run outta excuses.

Whenever any body tryin to get some ting done in a guvament office, who ain’t out to lunch deh pun de phone. And who ain’t deh pun de phone ain’t come to wuk.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Even de Yarde Man run outta excuses fuh no body turnin up to join de protest. In fact, Yarde Man couldn’ta even find people, much less de excuse. So look out fuh he bottom fallin out too!

the completion of the first hub will be a historical day in the hinterland because it will mean that Amerindians will be a part of the extension of ICT development in Guyana and they will be able to participate in a computer literate society.

Minister Sukhai added that the government of Guyana believes that residents of the hinterland com-

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai handing over a cheque worth approximately $800,000 to Winston Anthon, toshao of Kaikan in Region Seven, as representatives of other hinterland communities and staff of the ministry look on

munities will benefit greatly from this exercise, as it will allow them to keep up with technological advancements.

The OLPF initiative

in Guyana was the brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. It began in 2011, with the aim of equipping 90,000 families with laptops and expanding the

use of ICT countrywide.

Thirty-nine communities in Region Nine (UpperEssequibo Upper-Takutu) are next in line to receive their cheques.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

Caribbean recorded significant Majority of Disciplined Forces Commission’s recommendations increase in tourist arrivals implemented – Rohee last year – CTO

T

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

A

Majority of the recommendations made by the Disciplined Forces Commission which was established back in 2004 have been implemented, as work continues on the modernisation and professionalisation of the country’s key security agencies.

In fact, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee speaking during an exclusive interview recently with Guyana Times disclosed that the agencies responsible for the implementation of the recommendations are now preparing to hold public meetings where they will make presentations on the progress made with respect to the recommendations.

He explained that he has benefited from presentations from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service over the past few years, which touched on the status of the implementation of various recommendations.

“I think a significant amount of work has taken place when I look at the presentations. It is clear that quite a number of these recommendations have been implemented and are being implemented. Some are a work in progress,” Rohee said during the interview.

He offered no clarity on those which were considered a work in progress, but explained that the meetings held with the hierarchy of the law enforcement agencies saw all of the recommendations being dealt with in detail and keenly scrutinised.

Importance

“It was a very painstaking exercise, but we had to do it. We discussed each recommendation and we also looked at what they were doing to implement them,” he reiterated.

Minister Rohee described those recommendations of the commission which have not yet been implemented by the agencies as being in the “minority”.

He said the government of Guyana has long understood the importance of these recommendations and the impact they would have on the modernisation process of the forces, while at the same time recognising that the implementation process would take some time.

Rohee said that a decision was taken to focus specifically on the status of these recommendations as the government pilots another regime of reforms that will complement the work already done.

The home affairs minister was referring to the

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

spate of reforms that he announced back in December 2012, which would see strategic plans being developed for the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service. These are funded largely by the government with assistance from the donor community and other agencies.

“What I recognise is that while these measures are being implemented to facilitate the modernisation of the services which fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs, we were not paying specific and sufficient attention to the recommendations that came out of the Disciplined Forces Commissions report,” Rohee admitted.

More effort

This, he said, sparked more effort to ensure that much ground was covered by all of the agencies.

Rohee said that he was not surprised that the recommendations were being acted upon by the relevant agencies, since he reminded that the parliamentary committee which he chaired did a significant portion of the work after reviewing the recommendations.

“In the matrix that we adopted, we didn’t only point to the recommendations but we also pointed to how (they) were to be implemented and who is responsible for implementing them,” Rohee said.

Minister Rohee said that he is looking forward to the publicly convened sessions that will take place, explaining that it was important given the amount of attention that was generated around the professionalisation of the security forces.

He said that the law enforcement agencies have come a long way and the benefits of the recommendations are evident across the administrative and management structures of these institutions.

Minister Rohee did not give any quantitative analyses as to what number of the 71 recommendations made were implemented, nor did he say what number constitutes the “minority” that are still to be implemented.

The Disciplined Forces Commission was constituted by the National Assembly under the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, with power to examine the structure and composition of the disciplined forces and to make recommendations generally with a view to promoting their greater efficiency, and giving effect to the need in the public interest that the composition of the disciplined forces take account of the ethnic constituents of the population.

Article 197, among others, was approved unanimously by all parties in the National Assembly in 2000.

he Caribbean is anticipating at least a three per cent increase in tourist arrivals in 2014, after recording a significant increase in overall arrivals last year.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Chairperson, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, delivering the annual “State of the Industry Report” in New York on Monday, said with the global economic crisis expected to improve in 2014, the demand for travel will remain buoyant.

“As a result, tourist arrivals to the Caribbean are expected to rise between two and three per cent in 2014,” she said, noting that it was evident that “the atmosphere of despair has lifted, and the Caribbean anticipates an improved performance in 2014”.

“Clearly, we continue to face challenges; therefore, we can be neither cocky, complacent or overconfident. We have to fight to boost arrivals, both from the traditional markets and new and emerging markets. The figures suggest that South America has immense potential,” she said.

CTO Chairman Beverly Nicholson-Doty said that with the global economic crisis expected to improve in 2014, the demand for travel will remain buoyant

Nicholson-Doty said cruise activity is also expected to pick up in 2014 with some of the new ships expected to be deployed in the region. “The CTO predicts that cruise passenger arrivals to the Caribbean will increase by about three per cent in 2014,” she added.

Nicholson-Doty said the regional tourist industry was showing signs of positive progress, adding “one of the most powerful signs of this progress is the rise in estimated visitor spend, with expenditure growing quicker than visitor ar-

rivals for the first time in three years” “We see this progress in the record number of overall arrivals in 2013. This progress is manifested in the rapid rise in the number of visitors from South America who are coming to the Caribbean in record numbers. You can tell there’s progress when a record number of Caribbean residents travelled within the region for touristic purposes, despite transportation challenges."

She said the strongest indicator of progress is the rate of visitor expenditure.

(CMC)

Lima farmer granted bail for simple larceny, threatening language

L

eslie Coway, 48, of Lima Village on the Essequibo Coast was on Monday granted bail for stealing a cutlass and a bottle containing kerosene oil when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of simple larceny, abusive and threatening language.

He was granted bail in the sum $20,000 for the

first offense. The police alleged that on January 20, Coway stole a cutlass and a bottle of kerosene oil from a woman in his village.

To that charge, he pleaded guilty, stating that the woman tasked him to chop a tree and gave him the cutlass and kerosene.

Coway was not represented by an attorney.

Police also alleged that on January, 23, Coway made use of threatening

language to another woman in the village. He pleaded guilty to this charge, contending that he sold her fish and when he went for the money, she did not pay him. He was placed on $15,000 bail on this charge.

Police also alleged that on January 22, on Lima Dam, Coway made use of abusive language to Selon Moore. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $5000.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Services at A&E Unit of Charity Hospital gets new ambulance GPHC being enhanced H

By Vahnu Manikchand

W

ith all the controversies surrounding medical care in Guyana, there are a few people who are determined to change the quality and efficiency of medical services.

One such person is emergency specialist and head of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit, Dr Zulfikar Bux. Dr Bux is Guyana’s first emergency specialist who envisions a bright future for the country in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The local Emergency Medical Programme is a collaboration between the Vanderbilt University and the government of Guyana through the Georgetown Pubic Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The training is mostly done here; however, there are courses that are done regionally and at the Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, U.S. The training lasts for some three years.

Since the Geogetown Public Hospital is the national referral centre, all the critical cases from around the country would go there.

“It has the most developed Emergency Room (ER) and emergency facilities; what we are trying to do is start to develop an improved emergency care here so we are tackling it from different level; pre-hospital, in hospital and out of hospital care.

Emergency medicine has that wide scope.”

Pilot project

To see this through, Dr Bux and his team has embarked on a pilot project of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), whereby a group of emergency professionals would be created to respond to emergency case, both in and out of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“It is important for people out there to know that it’s just a pilot project, it just started, it’s not going to save the entire Georgetown or the entire Guyana as yet,” he said.

The emergency specialist noted that while the plan is to eventually expand EMS, the pilot project is just a means of doing quality control as they serve the Georgetown area. “When they come here, we are trying to improve patient satisfaction and patient flow but you will never be able to please everybody.”

Dr Bux pointed out that one of the major issues facing the unit is dealing with impatient patients. He explained that waiting time in the emergency room in the U.S. is an average of four hours while in Guyana, it is three hours. “Waiting time will always be there is the Emergency Room, there will always be sicker patients coming in and we will have to take care of them and hold back on the not so severe patients, but we are try-

Dr Zulfikar Bux

ing to educate people more on what's going on because sometimes people may not know what is going on, so they would be angry about not getting care.”

A patient desk will be implemented to pacify edgy patients and a public announcement (PA) system will be installed in the emergency unit to enhance communications between staff whenever there is a crisis.

“When you have crisis, you obviously have to take care of those bad patients and sometimes those outside, not sure what’s going on, gets frustrated.”

Dr Bux noted that those patients who usually create a scene about delayed medical attention are the ones who are the least sick. “The ones that are very sick are the ones that we take care of and they are quiet cause they are in pain; is the one that had a little alteration with somebody and comes for a police medical, can’t wait three or four hours.

According to the emergency specialist, emergency medical specialists look at the critical cases first and may turn away those that are less severe; however, he is urging persons to utilise the health centres. “If you come with something and you can wait, we will take care of you but we will always give preference to those who are more sick. So what we advice is to utilise the health centres, utilise the outpatient departments and the ancillary services, so you won’t have to come wait here.”

Referral centres

In addition, Dr Bux pointed out that all the referral centres across the country sends cases they cannot handle to Georgetown Public Hospital, as such, the Emergency Room is constantly busy with a lot of life threatening cases.

He added that efforts are also being made to install a mini-laboratory in the room to speed up the process of patient flow.

A portable X-ray machine was also added for timely and more convenient treatments. According to Dr Bux, a computerised viewing system will be implemented to view X-rays on the monitor as oppose

to waiting until the film is printed.

Backlogging of patients is another issue that is being reviewed, Dr Bux said.

He stressed that more sick people are entering the room, which has only 17 beds.

“Most of the times we are packed to capacity, we realised we need to push to get patients disposed more properly, so we are trying to establish a discharge coordinator, who will manage patients admission and placements to the wards.”

According to Dr Bux, the room is being utilised to capacity and sometimes overutilised.

Dr Bux said he is also trying to address the issue of patients being seen by more than one doctors.

“What happens is that one doctor would see a patient, but because they have to wait so long for the lab, another doctor ends up seeing them and the problem with that is it takes double time, so we’re are trying to implement a process where doctors will try to see their patients from start, reviewing them and try to dispose of them and if they can’t by the end of their shift, then they hand them over properly to another doctor.”

As a result of collaborations with the Vanderbilt Emergency Centre and the quality improvement team, Dr Bux disclosed that several studies have been conducted on how to improve the efficiency of the human resource personnel.

“We are pushing them and they are really working hard in the department, a bit more and they are being receptive.”

Training programme

Over the past five years, the services of the Emergency Room have significantly improved. Dr Bux said that when he first started working there, his knowledge was limited and he had to refer specialised cases; however, this has changed over the years.

“With the emergency training programme that Vanderbilt is assisting us to have, we are specialists now. I’m the first and we are going to have more specialists in the programme.”

Currently, some 11 persons are being training to become emergency specialists, noting that their services will be a vital boost to the department.

“When a patient comes in, a general doctor will look at those who come first, but in emergency medicine, we look at the things that will kill you first, rule that out, then we think about the common things. So it actually helps to prevent unnecessary misses, diagnose patients faster and also help to manage the flow of patients while at the same time manage crisis situations.”

ealth services in Region Two recently received a boost with the acquisition of a new ambulance for the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital.

The $11 million vehicle was handed over to the hospital by Region Six Chairman Parmanand Persaud, who pointed out that it will significantly enhance response to emergency cases.

The new ambulance will compliment the one stationed at the Suddie Public Hospital and is the second to be delivered in the region within two weeks.

The keys of the vehicle were handed over to Regional Health Officer, Dr Allison Brown and Dr Afarah Khan of the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital during a simple presentation held in the Region Two administration’s compound.

The new ambulance acquired by the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital

Persaud called on the drivers of the ambulance to always exercise caution on the roadways when transporting patients.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was

Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh, who said the ambulance was purchased by the Region Two administration under the region’s 2013 capital works programme.

U.S. doctors busted in medical scam

I

t is not an uncommon scene: a waiting room filled with patients hoping to see a doctor. But the crowd of up to 100 people that gathered each day outside the Astramed clinic at 1228 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, clamouring to get a prescription for the painkiller oxycodone, was a different story, the authorities say.

The clinic was controlled by drug traffickers, and the patients, doctors, prescriptions – and even urine samples – were part of a vast and elaborate scheme to divert oxycodone for sale on the street, the authorities said on Wednesday.

A federal indictment charges that in the operation, corrupt doctors were paid US$300 in cash for fraudulent medical visits that lasted a minute or two, involved no physical examination and consistently led to the writing of prescriptions for large doses of oxycodone.

Over three years, Astramed doctors wrote about 31,500 medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone, encompassing about 5.5 million oxycodone tablets with a street value of up to US$550 million, a government court filing said.

Drug trafficking

“The world of prescription drug trafficking is looking more and more like the world of old-school trafficking in narcotics like heroin, cocaine and crack,” said Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, who added that more people have been dying from prescription drug abuse than heroin and cocaine combined.

Federal prosecutors also say that members of the oxycodone ring used threats, intimidation and violence to protect their access to the clinic and its doctors, and had armed bodyguards who remained near the clinic.

Oxycodone is a highly addictive, narcotic-strength

painkiller, and its prescriptions have enormous cash value to drug dealers, the indictment said.

A 30-milligram tablet has a street value of US$30 to US$40 in New York City, and a value as high as US$100 per tablet elsewhere in the country, the indictment added. It said a single prescription for 180 of those tablets can net a distributor as much as US$18,000 in cash.

James J Hunt, who heads the New York office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said the arrests were part of dismantling “the largest pill mill in the northeast”. Bharara announced the federal charges with Bridget G Brennan, the special narcotics prosecutor for the city; William J Bratton, the police commissioner; and Hunt. The investigation involved the use of at least a dozen cooperating sources, confidential informers and undercover agents, prosecutors said.

The federal indictment charges Dr Kevin Lowe, the owner of the clinic and others in the city, and 23 other people in connection with the scheme.

Dr Lowe alone collected nearly US$12 million in fees over three years in the scheme, prosecutors said.

Dr Lowe, who pleaded not guilty, was granted home detention if he meets certain conditions of a US$5 million bond. His lawyer, Robert W Dapelo, said, “His position is that he’s innocent and when the dust settles, you will see that the allegations made by the government are not true.”

Another clinic doctor, Robert Terdiman, faces state charges of conspiracy and illegal prescription sales filed by Brennan’s office.

Dr Terdiman’s lawyer, H Hershel Katz, said by phone that his client, who was ordered held without bond, entered a not guilty plea to the charges.

According to the indict-

ment, Dr Lowe occasionally saw purported patients and wrote unnecessary oxycodone prescriptions, but he also hired other doctors and directed them to write such prescriptions, and paid the doctors based on the number of prescriptions they wrote. Brennan’s office said that since June 2012, Dr Terdiman wrote about 18,700 prescriptions to over 4200 people. An analysis of Dr Terdiman’s records showed those prescriptions yielded about three million pills, with a street value of more than US$90 million, the office said.

Recruited

Most of the people who crowded outside the Astramed clinic in the Bronx had been recruited and paid by oxycodone distributors, known as crew chiefs, to pose as patients to receive the medically unnecessary prescriptions from doctors, the federal indictment said. As the indictment describes the scheme, these recruits were typically paid up to US$500 for obtaining and handing over the oxycodone tablets they obtained.

The crew chiefs also paid clinic employees hundreds of dollars in cash to get their recruits into the clinic to see a doctor. The “patients” could also pay extra to skip to the front of the line, the indictment said.

One crew chief recruited “patients” by targeting people who are HIV positive or who have AIDS and other illnesses and “who therefore were more likely to have established relationships with pharmacies that could fill prescriptions obtained at the clinic,” the indictment said.

The clinic also served people who were not part of the operation, like addicts and drug dealers, who could gain access to the clinic by paying an “admission” fee of US$1000 or more, the indictment charges. “This was an assembly line, not a medical clinic,” Bharara said.

news

13

tuesday, february 11, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana among few countries open to diverse religious practices – Ramotar

O

ver 28 leaders representing Islamic cultural centres and associations from around the Caribbean and Latin America on Sunday evening, congregated at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, to participate in the launching ceremony of a three-day conference for Islamic leaders in the region.

It was the first time for Guyana; the only Englishspeaking country in South America, to host the auspicious event.

The conference has as its objectives the promotion of the initiative of the two Holy Mosques in Dialogue between different faiths and cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. It will also consider the reports of the Islamic cultural centres and the implementation of strategies for Islamic cultures outside the faith. It is hoped too that religious and interfaith harmony would be had among all faith-based organisations.

President Donald Ramotar and his wife; Prime Minster Samuel Hinds; Culture Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; and Opposition Leader David Granger were among the officials present. Delivering the feature address to a packed audience of Muslim believers and other invitees, President Ramotar noted that Guyana is among the few countries in the region that is diverse in culture and religious practices.

He said that the country’s three main religions have positively impacted the Guyanese population, pointing out that there is a special connection between culture and religion.

“As we well know, religious belief and customs are popular components… religious beliefs and customs are an integral part of wholesomeness. Faith itself is not captured in isolation of culture. Faith exists between cultures,” the president said.

He expressed delight over the Islamic body choosing Guyana as the host country for the conference; pointing out that it will open new avenues for dialogue among leaders. Ramotar said the occasion can be used as an instrument to foster peace and solidarity among national leaders.

Muslims comprise

President Donald Ramotar speaking to delegates at the conference

a mere 12 per cent of Guyana’s population, and according to Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) President Fazeel Ferouz, the organisation has been at the forefront in promoting religious harmony and dialogue among the different faith-based groups.

He said he hoped that the congress would foster more passionate efforts to promote religious unity across the world.

The Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) Director General, Dr Abdul-Aziz Othman Altwarjiri in his address outlined the organisation’s ties to regional and international bodies around the world.

He said the organisation has been engaging in the promotion of a culture of peace and justice based on the values of dialogue, mutual understand-

ing and mutual respect, through its programmes, activities and strategies.

He pointed out that ISESCO has been involved in building channels of cooperation with parties sharing common interests. This, he continued will help assist in countering all forms of incitement to hatred, racism, violence and terrorism.

Addressing the theme of the conference, the director general explained that “This is in conformity with the relevant resolution of the Seven Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, held in Algiers in December 2011, which commended and adopted the document ISESCO prepared on the initiative, and invited the organisation to increase its efforts to put into effect the initiative’s constructive proposals and implementation mechanisms.”

In the same vein, he pointed out that the estab-

Participants of the congress at the Guyana International Conference Centre

ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri addressing the conference

lishment of the Viennabased King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue was a practical step towards the implementation of the initiative of the Custodian of the two holy mosques, particularly as the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers invited the centre to seek inspiration in the document and its recommendations in

discharging its functions as part of its role.

President Ramotar, Dr Altwaijri and Feroze were awarded by the organisation.

The programme continued on Monday with Dr Altwaijri paying a courtesy call on the Office of the President and attending a sod turning ceremony at the GIOG medical centre at Thomas Lands. The programme will end today.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

Regional

Caribbean students not ACP-EU officials ready for workplace meet in Mauritius C

aribbean employers are complaining that far too many University of the West Indies’ (UWI) graduates are leaving the classroom not entirely ready for the workplace.

And some of the students themselves are joining the chorus, asserting that the classroom training was excellent but the practical aspects of their preparation for the job market are insufficient.

In other words, the theoretical side of classroom training cannot be faulted but the problem comes when graduates seek to apply what they were taught in school to actual job situations.

That’s when they run into trouble, underscoring the need for more internships and work experience before they leave the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica,

Barbados and the Open Campus.

Actually, that’s what employers and students have told the UWI in some recent surveys conducted by the university. The findings are now being tabulated for internal and external evaluation before distribution.

“We surveyed employers and they continue to complain. There are positives about the students but they continue to complain about their practical knowledge, their work readiness and so on,” said Professor Nigel Harris, UWI vice-chancellor.

“In the surveys we have been doing, we have been polling our graduates, recent graduates of the university, asking them what skills they valued and what did we give them that was positive. There was a consensus that there needs to be more practical training, more internships and so on.” (Excerpt from

UWI vice-chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris

Nation News)

J

amaica’s representative to the African Caribbean and PacificEuropean (ACP-EU) Union Joint Assembly in Brussels, Fitz Jackson, will preside over 11th regional meeting of the -EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) that begins in Mauritius on Wednesday.

The ACP Secretariat said that it would be the first occasion that Jackson would be presiding over the meeting since becoming President of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly last November.

Jackson and EU CoPresident, Louis Michel of Belgium will address the conference. The three-day event will also be addressed by the Prime Minister of the

host country, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and the Speaker of the National Assembly Abdool Razak Peeroo.

The ACP Secretariat said that the key topics for discussions at the meeting include regional integration and cooperation, with a focus on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and financing from the European Development Fund (EDF).

Discussions on peace and security in the region with emphasis on piracy and the prevention of conflict and terrorism, will take place during the Mauritius meeting that will conclude with the adoption of the Port Louis communiqué. (Antigua Observer)

Mexico vigilantes EU agrees Brazil unrest: Cameraman parade through Knights Santiago Andrade ‘brain dead’ to launch negotiations Templar stronghold B

M

exican vigilante groups have paraded through a stronghold of the Knights Templar drug cartel in the troubled state of Michoacan.

The vigilantes had driven into Apatzingan on Saturday, backed by armoured vehicles and troops.

On Sunday, they drove round the town shouting slogans before convening at the city’s main square. The groups began an offensive last month aimed at ending the drug gang’s activities in Michoacan.

The government recently reached a pact with the groups, granting them temporary legal status by redefining them as Rural Defence Corps.

The Knights Templar cartel controls much of the drug trafficking in the area,

carrying out killings and kidnappings and extorting money from local people.

Hundreds of vigilantes, backed up by armoured vehicles and troops, had set up roadblocks around the western city before entering it on Saturday.

Dozens of people have been detained on suspicion of working for the cartel by police and vigilante forces. “I consider it a triumph, a triumph to be able to be here in Apatzingan,” said one leader, Hipolito Mora.

“Many thought it was impossible. Thank God they were wrong and we are here.

I feel calm.” Members of the patrols met government forces on the outskirts of the city to discuss their next steps following Sunday’s action, according to reports.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

razilian cameraman Santiago Andrade, who was injured in clashes between protesters and police last week in Rio de Janeiro, is brain dead, doctors say.

Andrade, 49, who works for the Band TV network, suffered a head injury while covering a protest against fare rises at Rio’s Central Station.

He had to undergo brain surgery after an explosive device, apparently lit by a protester, detonated behind his head. It is not clear whether Andrade’s life support has been turned off.

On Sunday, police arrested a protester in connection with the incident.

The man told local media that he had held the explosive device, but denied throwing it.

“Our main aim is to identify the person who’s respon-

with Cuba

T

A photographer captured the moment Santiago Andrade was hit by an explosive device

sible for setting off the device which hit Santiago,” police official Jose Pedro Costa told a news conference.

Costa said that the suspect in custody would be treated as a co-author of the alleged crime as “he knew it [the explosive device] would

be thrown when he handed it to another protester”.

Doctors declared Andrade brain dead on Monday morning. Hundreds of protesters clashed with police during the rally against increased public transport fares last Thursday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Barbados launches drug treatment court Jamaican-born sociologist Stuart Hall is dead

Countries that have introduced similar courts have seen a reduction in recidivism and in the backlog of the criminal justice system

B

arbados will launch a drug treatment court today against the background of countries that have introduced similar courts seeing a measurable reduction in the incidence of recidivism in the drug-abusing criminal population.

Home Affairs Minister

Adriel Brathwaite and Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Paul Simons, will address the opening ceremony where Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson will officially launch

the court.

Barbados signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2013 with CICAD to participate in a hemispheric project to promote drug treatment courts and similar court-supervised treatment alternatives to incarceration.

Drug treatment courts provide a structured, intensive and demanding intervention, in which drugabusing offenders are held accountable for their behaviour.

A joint statement from the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) and the OAS, said “drug treatment courts divert substanceabusing offenders from prison into treatment and rehabilitation programmes under judicial supervision.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

J

amaican-born cultural theorist and sociologist Stuart Hall has died. According to the UK’s Guardian newspaper, the “godfather of multiculturalism” passed away at age 82 following ill-health.

He is revered by many as one of Britain’s leading intellectuals. According to news agency, Hall’s “writing on race, gender, sexuality and identity, and the links between racial prejudice and the media in the 1970s, was considered groundbreaking”.

Hall was born in 1932 and won a scholarship to Oxford University in 1951.

“What can I really say about this man? I am very sad to hear of his

death,” Jamaican High Commissioner Aloun Ndombet-Assamba is quoted in UK media as saying.

“His work and observations in the areas of cultural identity and society in the UK speaks for itself. “At the time Hall came to Britain, most Jamaicans came to take up menial work. He came as a scholar. He offered Britain a different view of Jamaica, the learned side of Jamaica. He is a great loss to the Jamaican academic community.”

The Guardian said that a documentary about his life by the film-maker John Akomfrah, called The Stuart Hall Project, was shown in cinemas in September. (Jamaica Observer)

he European Union has agreed to launch negotiations with Cuba aimed at restoring full bilateral relations with the Communist-run island.

The talks, which could begin as soon as next month, will try to increase trade and investment, and include a dialogue on human rights, officials said.

Since 1996, the EU has restricted its ties with Cuba to encourage multiparty democracy and progress on human rights.

The bloc is Cuba’s second-biggest trading partner after Venezuela.

It represents a major source of investment, and hundreds of thousands of European tourists visit the island every year.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton stressed that human rights remained “at the core” of its dealings with Cuba. “These negotiations will help consolidate our engagement with Cuba,” she said. “I hope Cuba will take up this offer.”

The announcement comes with Cuba engaged in an economic and social reform process launched

by President Raul Castro.

The EU ambassador to Havana, Herman Portocarero, said the aim was to support and accompany “change on the island” while also promoting human rights.

A legal bilateral relationship would bring “more opportunities”, he added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 Around the world talks resume as Swollen River Thames Syria Homs mission continues floods homes S F TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

looded homes along the River Thames are being evacuated and thousands more are at risk, with water levels expected to rise further over the next 24 hours.

Residents in one Berkshire village say the scenes are from a “horror movie”.

Fourteen severe flood warnings are in place in Berkshire and Surrey, while two remain in Somerset.

Prime Minister David Cameron – who is in floodhit Dorset – said it was not the time to change personnel amid criticism of Environment Agency head Lord Smith.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has been answering an urgent question put by Labour in the Commons on the flooding crisis.

Stranded residents are rescued by fire crews

Homes, shops and businesses in the Berkshire village of Datchet are underwater and hundreds more along the lower River Thames, as far as Shepperton, are under threat, the Environment Agency said.

Several Thames gauges are showing their highest lev-

els since being installed in the 1980s and 90s.

Fire crews, who have been rescuing people from their homes in Staines, say they have never known waters so deep or a flood rescue operation on this scale.

In Windsor, Councillor Colin Rayner pleaded for the

police and Army for help.

“We’ve got 50 volunteers here, we’ve got the vulnerable people out of their homes, now we need to get everyone else out,” he said Nearby, in the Berkshire village of Colnbrook, resident Asif Khan said his whole street was under water, his house was flooded and his fridge “just went bang”.

“It’s something out of a horror movie,” he said, adding that he was now about to try to evacuate with his two small children.

Hurst village resident Paul Palmer said sewers there were blocked and they have been unable to use the toilet since Friday.

“It’s starting to back up into the toilet -- it’s like going back to the dark ages,” he told the BBC. (Excerpt from BBC News)

yrian government and opposition delegates have started a fresh round of UNbrokered peace talks, as hundreds of people continue to leave the city of Homs as part of a negotiated deal.

The first face-to-face meetings mediated by the UN-Arab League envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, adjourned 10 days ago with little progress other than a deal brokered by the UN to allow aid teams’ access to Homs.

Brahimi began holding separate closed-door meetings with the government and opposition delegations on Monday to try to set an agenda for the coming week. Prospects for common ground appear unlikely as the two sides continue to disagree on

the core issue of President Bashar al-Assad’s future.

The talks come as the UN and aid agencies continued their efforts to help thousands of people trapped in the besieged Old City area of Homs.

Six hundred people – mostly women, children and the elderly – were evacuated between Friday and Sunday, despite mortar attacks and shooting. A further 300 were evacuated on Monday, a number that could increase as rebels and the Assad government have extended the ceasefire for another three days.

The Syrian Red Crescent said on Facebook that “around 600 people evacuated today, registration is still ongoing. We managed to get 60 food parcels and 1500Kg of flour inside old city”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

DR Congo ex-rebel ordered killings Death threats aimed at zoo staff over giraffe killing

F

Bosco Ntaganda is widely known as “The Terminator”

ormer Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda ordered troops to kill and rape civilians, prosecutors say.

Judges at the International Criminal Court are deciding if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.

“He played a key role in

planning assaults against the civilian population,” Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the court.

Gen Ntaganda is accused of committing war crimes a decade ago. He is yet to enter a plea, but denies the charges.

General Ntaganda “persecuted civilians on ethnic

grounds, through deliberate attacks, forced displacement, murder, rape, sexual enslavement and pillaging,” Bensouda told pre-trial judges at The Hague.

“He personally used child soldiers in attacks,” she said.

She has five days to convince judges that he should be tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegedly committed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

He is not required to make a formal plea at this stage, but denies all 18 of the charges against him.

Earlier General Ntaganda, speaking in the Kinyarwanda language, told the court: “My name is Bosco Ntaganda. When I arrived at the ICC I was a soldier, but I’m no longer a soldier anymore.”

S

taff at a Danish zoo where a healthy giraffe was euthanised have received death threats as debate rages online over the killing, which took place despite a petition signed by thousands of animal lovers.

Several staff members were targeted after the animal, named Marius, was put down, Copenhagen Zoo spokesman Tobias Stenbaek Bro told CNN on Monday. He added that “Bengt Holst, director of Research and Conservation at Copenhagen Zoo received threats via telephone and emails”.

The zoo said it euthanised Marius on Sunday because of a duty to avoid inbreeding.

After an autopsy the giraffe was dismembered in front of an audience that included children, and fed to the zoo’s lions.

“Our giraffes are part of an

Danish zoo officials were heavily criticised for killing the giraffe

international breeding programme, which has a purpose of ensuring a sound and healthy population of giraffes,” Holst told CNN on Sunday. “It can only be done by matching the genetic composition of the various animals with the available space. ... When giraffes breed as well as they do now, then you will inevitably run into so-called surplus problems now and

then.”

The killing sparked outrage, with most people commenting on the zoo’s Facebook page expressing their revulsion. “I find the killing of innocent baby giraffe absolutely barbaric. And to do it in front of children just desensitises them to brutal killing of animals. Shame on you!” Hope Welch posted on Monday.

Indian student’s extrajudicial killing unravels Nine nabbed in NY cockfighting bust

S

Ishrat Jahan

hortly before dawn on June 15, 2004, a female Muslim student and three men were led to a deserted road in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad and shot dead by police officers, according to charges filed by India’s top investigation agency.

Initial news reports featured a shocking picture of Ishrat Jahan, the 19-yearold student, dressed in a traditional shalwar kameez, ly-

ing near a road divider next to the bloodied corpses of three other men.

Jahan and the three men, the early reports noted, were suspected members of the banned, Pakistanbased Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group on a mission to kill Narendra Modi, the chief minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat.

The police claimed they were shot in an armed exchange. But an enquiry by

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) found the four victims were picked up separately, killed in custody, and weapons were arranged to make it look like there was shooting on both sides.

Almost a decade later, “the Ishrat Jahan case” – as the high-profile investigation came to be called – inched a step further last week, when the CBI filed charges against four intelligence officials in connection with the extrajudicial killing.

The charges mark a symbolic step in a long-fought struggle by activists, victims’ families and legal professionals against extrajudicial killings in a country where “fake encounters” are all too common and security services are often protected by laws engendering a widespread culture of impunity.

(Excerpt from France24)

“

(Excerpt from CNN)

O

peration Angry Birds”: No, it is not a mission to beat your highest score in a phone game app.

Instead, it is the largest cockfighting bust in New York state history, resulting in more than 3000 seized birds, 70 people taken into custody and nine felony arrests by Attorney General Eric T Schneiderman’s Organised Crime Task Force.

The record-setting raid spanned two boroughs and upstate Ulster County.

A cockfight in Queens, a pet shop in Brooklyn, and a farm in upstate Plattekill were raided Saturday night into Sunday by the task force, with the help of New York State Police, the Homeland Security Department and the Ulster County sheriff’s office, according to a news release

“Operation Angry Birds”, the largest cockfighting bust in New York state history, resulted in more than 3000 seized birds, 70 people taken into custody and nine felony arrests

from Schneiderman’s office.

The Queens raid disrupted a 70-person event, which included bettors and spectators of the bimonthly fights, according to the news release.

Simultaneously in Brooklyn, law enforcement officials busted the owner of a pet shop called Pet NV after 50 fighting birds were

rescued from the basement, according to the statement.

The birds were found in poor condition inside metal cages. Cockfighting contraband -- including artificial spurs, candle wax, medical adhesive tape and syringes used to inject performanceenhancing drugs into the roosters -- was also found in the basement. (Excerpt from CNN)

16 news

tuesday, February 11, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Only one company has withdrawn from Mash vending agreement – Sooba

T

own Clerk Carol Sooba said only one company has withdrawn from the vending agreement with her office, noting that the allegations brought against her by Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green is nothing short of another attempt to stymie the development of the council.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Monday, Sooba confirmed that her office had indeed raised the price for some vendors within certain brackets. She also named the company which has withdrawn.

However, she said the fees are not as exorbitant as the mayor and councillors claim. She said the company was allowed to vend at the Vlissingen road area free of cost over the years and would only pay for two spots in front of the Merriman's Mall.

Town Clerk Carol Sooba

stating that it was no longer interested in the agreement.

Sooba said that the company has been vending for free over the years and she could not understand its mode of operation.

The town clerk said that the company, like every other major business, was required to pay $365,000 for the two vending spots in the city. She said her office recently raised the vending fee to $400,000 and this is another of the reasons the company has been unwilling to pay. “That is only one. It’s not fair to say in the media that all the businesses have pulled out, because that is not true,” she lamented.

Hindrance

She explained that the Mash committee had asked her office, which in part is responsible for Mash celebrations, to clear the Vlissingen road area, since it would be a hindrance to the parade.

Sooba said if the company was going to vend anywhere close to the area, it would have to pay. This new revelation made officials upset, she said.

“A guy from the company came into the office and he was told that company had to pay for the Vlissingen and Lamaha Street area, and he didn’t want to pay for that.” She explained that the man’s behaviour was unbecoming. She even tried explaining the situation with someone from the office, but was further abused.

She was later greeted by a letter from the company,

Unauthorised

Sooba said the Mashramani celebration in the city has always been a major economic activity for the council. She claims that officials from the mayor’s office have been working against her in this regard.

She said the town clerk’s office is the only authorised body within the council that should be issuing releases.

However, council mem-

bers from the Mayor’s office have been involved in the unacceptable practice and this must stop, she said.

“Any release made by the council has to be sanctioned by the town clerk before the public relations officer makes that release,” she said.

At a press conference held last week, Mayor Green told reporters that the Town Clerk’s Office had hiked the price for vendors utilising spots in various parts of the town during the Mashramani celebrations.

This action, he claimed, had forced a number of businesses to refuse to participate.

Green had said that it was reported that some major players are being asked to pay as much as three times the amount they were required to pay in previous years when all prices were sanctioned by the mayor’s office prior to 2013.

He had claimed also that Sooba continued to make executive decisions, without his consent or the approval of the council, lamenting that the hike was indeed exorbitant.

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board Fixed as at July 24, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Bank of Guyana Buying

Selling

GBP

$337.52

$341.75

CAN

$186.51

$188.66

USD

$205.98

$208.44

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on February 10, 2014 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1275.00

$1276.00

Low/High

$1272.20

$1278.50

+7.90

Change

+0.62

London Gold Fix

Feb 10 USD GBP EUR

Feb 7 USD GBP EUR

AM

PM

1273.50 776.95 933.86

1277.00 779.09 936.84

AM

PM

1260.00 771.16 928.72

1259.25 768.21 926.60

T

he Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has another task at hand as they were ordered to investigate a matter involving a rank at Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara and a resident who claimed that he was assaulted by the policeman on Sunday evening.

According to information, the victim, Michael Clarke was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing injuries to his head, hands, and feet.

Hospital officials confirmed that the man was admitted on Sunday evening suffering several injuries which he claimed were inflicted by a police rank in his village.

The official stated that Clarke is in stable condition but was expected to be dis-

charged on Monday afternoon.

However, police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker said about 20:00h on Sunday evening, a security guard at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company GT&T) Limited exchange in Cane Grove, informed police at the Cane Grove station that a man was in the compound behaving in a disorderly manner and was using threatening language against her.

As a result of the complaint, a male police constable went to the scene to investigate, and saw Clarke, who was under the influence of alcohol, was behaving in a disorderly manner.

After a warning from the police rank, Clarke left the compound but continued to behave in the same manner

Indicators Crude Oil

Price Silver

Platinum

US$ per barrel

$109.57 USD per Ounce

$20.08 $1383.00

Change %

+2.17 Change %

+0.07 +2.00

on the roadway. At this time, the rank learnt that Clarke was the father of the children of the security guard, Nicole Bobb, of Virginia Village, Cane Grove As Clarke continued his antics, the constable attempted to arrest him, but he resisted and pulled away from the policeman.

In the process, he fell to the ground and hit his head on the roadway. The policeman, Whittaker added, also received an injury to his left hand and did not proceed with the arrest.

Surprisingly, about 08:00h on Monday, the police ranks at Cane Grove were informed that Clarke had been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital and alleged that he was beaten by the police rank.

Woman charged for blackmail

A

woman appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with attempt to commit felony.

Fazila Khan, 26, of Lot 247 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge. It is alleged that on Friday, February 7 on Vlissengen Road, the accused attempted to defraud Tricia Persaud

of $40,000 by pretending that she was in possession of a DVD of sexual content featuring the victim’s husband.

Prosecutor Michael Grant said the defendant was well-known to the virtual complainant and told her that the DVD contained scenes of herself and the virtual complainant’s husband having sexual intercourse.

The prosecutor had no objections to bail.

Khan’s attorney told the

court that the defendant had no prior matters.

The lawyer claimed the defendant was in a taxi at the time and ranks of the Guyana Police Force searched the vehicle and found the DVD, but his client was framed by the taxi driver who said the accused had given the disc to him.

Bail was granted in the sum of $125,000. Khan is expected to make another court appearance on March 10.

Vendor nabbed for possession of narcotics

A

vendor accused of drug possession was arraigned on Monday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shantel Mansfield, 32, of Lot 191 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on Friday, February 7 at the Ogle International Airport, she had in her possession

517 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Michael Grant said the accused was an outgoing passenger on LIAT flight L1712 to Barbados when she went through a routine check by airport police. The illegal substance was discovered by a police rank who noticed an unusual image when scanning Mansfield’s luggage. A search was then carried out and the sub-

Investors' guide

Cambio Rates Cur

Cane Grove man allegedly beaten by police

stance was found, the defendant was subsequently arrested and taken to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

Reports reaching this newspaper claim that the defendant was previously charged for a similar offence, but the matter was called off for unknown reasons.

Bail was not granted Mansfield, who is expected to make another appearance on Monday, February 17.

How to qualify your sales leads

W

hatever sales industry you work in, the first step is always going to be the same: to qualify your sales leads to determine how good of a fit they are (or not).

This process requires taking the time to learn enough about them to figure out: How much of your time are they worth?

Not everyone is going to be a good fit, and figuring this out early on in the process will save you valuable time you could be spending with

other clients.

What elements of your offers would be the best fit for them? Do a quick scan of your available offers to see how you can best serve your prospective clients needs.

What does their budget look like? While it sometimes makes sense to work with prospective clients on a trial basis, making sure they can ultimately afford your services is a big consideration when qualifying a lead.

Do they have a good reputation? Clients with

a good history of payments who are easy to work with will save you time and stress down the road and make for a much better business relationship.

After reviewing these questions and deciding they are indeed a qualified lead, customise your response note based on the answers to these questions. You will not only appear informed, but you will be able to serve your clients more efficiently by delivering up offers that are truly right for them.

(Business Dictionary)

Business concept – Feedback

Last: 15801.79

Changes: +7.71

% Change: +0.05

Open:15793.63

High:15801.79

Low: 15733.69

% YTD: -4.67

52Wk Hi:16174.51

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

Process in which the effect or output of an action is ‘returned’ (fed-back) to modify the next action. Feedback is essential to the working and survival of all regulatory mechanisms found throughout living and non-living nature, and in man-made systems such as education system and economy. As a two-way flow, feedback is inherent to all interactions, whether human-to-human, human-to-machine, or machine-to-machine.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cummings sworn Local govt polls to be held by August 1 in as APNU MP T … her expertise will compensate for

By Michael Younge

Backer’s absence – Granger

Dr Karen Cummings being sworn in to the National Assembly as an APNU Member of Parliament on Monday by Clerk of the House Sherlock Isaacs

O

pposition Leader David Granger said Medical Doctor Karen Cummings’ expertise and commitment will compensate for the absence of Debra Backer, who resigned as a parliamentarian after falling ill.

Backer submitted her resignation to the National Assembly on Friday, February 7. “We are confident that even though the shoe of Debra John Backer is hard to fill, the expertise and the commitment of which we are aware will more than compensate.”

Those were the words of the opposition leader as he welcomed Dr Cummings to the National Assembly as an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP).

“She comes with considerable experience in the medical field,” he added, noting too that Dr Cummings has done a lot of work on the East Coast of Demerara. He expressed optimism that, in a similar fashion, the medical doctor will contribute significantly to the National Assembly and by extension, the people of Guyana.

Dr Cummings, a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), was sworn in as an APNU MP when the National Assembly convened on Monday. In accordance with Article 167 of the Constitution of Guyana, Dr Cummings took the oath in the National Assembly.

Shortly after her installation, she expressed optimism that she would be able to make significant contributions to the National Assembly.

“Well, I just thought that I can make an input. I want good governance and I just want to ensure that

Guyanese can enjoy a good life, at an individual level and at a national level,” Dr Cummings. She will also be pursuing issues of gender equity and women empowerment. As she takes up this new portfolio, Dr Cummings has received the support of her family members.

Significant contributions

In welcoming the new MP, the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman posited that Backer would be greatly missed, noting that she has made significant contributions to the House and by extension, the people of Guyana. It is

come the new MP. Meanwhile, APNU front bencher Basil Williams was nominated and subsequently elected to fill the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly post left vacant

by Backer. He was nominated by opposition Chief Whip Amna Ally and seconded by her colleague Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

Though loud heckling was heard from the government side of the House, there was no other nomination, hence Williams was confirmed as the Deputy Speaker.

Backer’s resignation also caused major shifts on the opposition side of the House. Backbencher shad-

he long overdue Local Government Elections will now have to be staged by August 1 this year after the opposition used its one-seat majority in the National Assembly to amend a bill tabled by the executive, which originally sought a year-long postponement of the critical elections.

The Local Authorities (Elections Amendment) Bill 2014 was tabled back in January by former Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud. It sought a postponement of the elections for members of the local democratic organs, scheduled to be held before December 1 this year. This would have been the 17th year that elections were postponed.

Acting Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker said the postponement was necessary to facilitate the ongoing preparatory work for the elections which were still incomplete.

Whittaker argued that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was committed to the hosting of these elections, which were critical towards returning democracy to local communities.

He underscored the importance of these elections towards ensuring that the concerns of grassroot people are addressed across the length and breadth of the country, regardless of their political affiliation.

He insisted that the ruling party has not been wasting any time in terms of working with all the exist-

ing Regional Democratic Councils to address the burning concerns of citizens.

He justified the ministry’s establishment of interim management committees (IMCs) in various communities after coming under severe criticism from members of the opposition who had accused the government of “watering down democracy” at the local level.

Minister Whittaker rejected the notion that the ruling party was unwilling to host Local Government Elections because defeat awaited it or because it lacked political will to operationalise the suite of legislation, which was passed by parliament and assented to by President Donald Ramotar.

Allegations

He made a concerted attempt to upbraid the members of the opposition, particularly A Partnership for National Unity’s newly-promoted frontbencher Ronald Bulkan who had made several damning allegations against the government’s stewardship of the local government system.

Bulkan made no bones in hurling allegations of mismanagement against the government while quoting a number of newspaper reports, which, he said, painted a grim picture of the state of affairs in specific regions where the ruling party was hard pressed to secure electoral support.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the Guyana Elections Commission was not prepared to host the elections and that this was an undis-

Acting Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker

puted fact.

He believed that the matter was simple and should not have evoked all of the controversy that it did in Parliament.

Nandlall was adamant that while it is possible for the constitutional entity which is responsible for the staging of the elections to host general elections if needs be this year, this was not the case for local and regional elections.

He maintained that the PPP/C- nominated commissioners of the elections commission have all explained that it was not ready for the elections unless a number of undertakings occur.

He gave a synopsis of the history and context under which a decision was made to postpone the elections constitutionally due since 1994. He did not waste any time in rebuffing any insinuation that the decisions to delay these elections were solely made by the ruling administration.

The amendments were not supported by the government.

Gunmen invade Queenstown mining firm

T

APNU’s Basil Williams is the new Deputy Speaker

the hope of the National Assembly that Backer soon recovers from her illness.

Trotman stated that on Monday he received a letter from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) stating that Dr Cummings would have been the replacement for Backer.

Dr Cummings received a warm welcome from both sides of the House with loud applause as she took her seat. In addition to the leader of the opposition, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also used the opportunity to wel-

ow local government minister Ronald Bulkan was promoted to the front row while Vanessa Kissoon has been placed on the back bench.

Dr Cummings has replaced her in the middle row.

On the government side of the House, Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster has been promoted to the front row, replacing the former Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud. It is unclear when the former local government minister will return to the House.

wo gunmen on Monday carried out a daring robbery on the HFD Mining Supplies Inc located at Forshaw and Oronoque streets, Queenstown, leaving staff members terrified as they carted off an undisclosed sum of cash and other items.

According to information received, the two men went to the business under the pretext of conducting business, but, as they were approached by an employee, they pulled out their guns and demanded cash.

After they were told that the company did not keep money at the office, they turned on the employees and relieved them of their personal belongings and mobile phones. They also ransacked the business place fruitlessly searching for money.

As they were leaving, they reportedly broke several valuable items in the store. They also damaged the security cameras that were mounted in and out of the building. They left in a waiting motor car.

HFD Mining Supplies Inc General Manager Stephon

HFD Mining Supplies Inc which was invaded by gunmen

Dawson, when contacted, said he was in Trinidad heading to Guyana, but he received the distress call earlier in the day. During the telephone interview, Dawson emphasised that his company did not keep a large sum of money at the store for that very same reason.

He was happy that none of his employees were injured, but noted they were

still shaken by the ordeal.

At the time of the incident, he said there were about five staff members whose mobile phones and personal items were taken away. Several surveillance cameras were destroyed by the men as they entered the business place.

The general manager said the police were summoned and are investigating the robbery.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ARCHIE

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Your heightened emotions may get out of control today. Keep your expectations realistic. Don’t cause unnecessary problems by forging ahead without considering alternatives. Think twice before taking action.

DILBERT

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Step back from stressful situations. Taking time to regroup will be beneficial. By putting your thoughts in order, you will find it easier to get back on the right track.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Ensure that you have all the tools required to make your ideas reality. If you get out and socialise, you’ll be admired for your unique contributions.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Lighten up and have some fun. Organise an entertainment with old friends. They will welcome the chance to share in your sparkling wit and excellent memory.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Be wary of people trying to coerce you into something you don’t agree with. Stand your ground, even if it means walking away from someone you thought was your friend.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) New connections can be made through groups or interests that you pursue. The approval you receive for your contributions will bring beneficial and long-lasting results.

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Apply yourself diligently, and communicate your intentions precisely.

Misunderstandings will develop if others feel you are neglecting your duties. Avoid a confrontation with someone who doesn’t share your priorities.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Planning short trips to new locations will help you discover different cultures. Interesting conversations will develop as you share your knowledge with acquaintances you make along the way.

Treat yourself to some personal pleasures. Take a walk, settle down with a good book or listen to your favourite music. Avoid interference by doing your own thing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Don’t be afraid to seek advice from people who can provide you with valuable information. Your intuition and memory are both highlighted today, putting you in a good position to negotiate.

Monday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) It would be a good idea to take stock of your financial situation. It may be necessary to make a change. An opportunity to improve your earning potential will develop if you put serious effort into learning new skills.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Watch your expenses. Ignore people who try to persuade you to overspend on items you don’t need. Don’t make hasty decisions that may cause personal, emotional or financial setbacks.

NEWS 19

YELLOW PAGES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

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

DRIVING SCHOOL Shalom Driving School. Lot 2 Croal Street. Call 227-3835, 227-3869, 622-8162 and enjoy 20% discount

FLOWERS It's a 'Once upon a time Valentine' at Nesha’s Flowerland. Order your Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty rose arrangements. We have roses in all colours; rainbow roses, sexy red; vendella white and much more.

Teddy bears and chocolates also available. Order before February 7, 2014 and get special discounts.

Delivery service available. Nesha’s Flowerland – A place where your fantasy becomes your reality.

Phone: 225-3315 or 227-3553

FOR SALE Agricultural tractors and machinery; single and 4-wheel drive: Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deer, New Holland and Fiat. Also available spares parts for these machines.

Phone: 619-4483, 601-7883, 2266325 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. Also all middles of diesel generators: super silence and open air from 3KVA- 600KVA. Contact Rams Auto Spares on telephone 226-6325, 227-1454, 6194483 and 685-3568 Cheap earth. Delivery available to spot - ECD and WBD. Call 627-9977 or 698-0182 Clean garden earth and builders waste. Also Bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling. Call 6160617 or 663-3285

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 from12:0018:00h 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: 2251540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

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

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249.

We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

LAND FOR SALE Section A Cumberland, East Bank Canjie Berbice; size 132x400. Call 226-0772/618-9186

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

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O

utside the Parliament Building on Monday, scores of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) supporters, drawn from all parts of the country, protested the delay in the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill 2013.

The PPP/C and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have been working assiduously to finetune the bill at the level of the parliamentary special select committee.

However, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall was unable to report to the National Assembly on Monday on the bill’s progress, as a result of the lastminute amendments made to the bill. It was only on Sunday night, APNU submitted its proposed amendments, so the work of the committee is not yet completed.

Amid loud chants, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee told reporters the protesters are simply venting their dissatisfaction with regard to the posture of the opposition in the National

Assembly. “This is a reflection of the dissatisfaction, the displeasure, and the anger of the people here who are protesting and picketing.”

The people, he said, are fully aware of the negative impacts that would be felt

by Guyana if the bill is not passed in a timely fashion.

Guyana at risk

A protesting resident of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara – Harnett Pilku, told Guyana Times that the passage of the bill would protect the commercial sector from money launderers.

It was also pointed out that if Guyana is further blacklisted, the country’s trade relations with other countries will suffer a major blow, as commercial entities will decline to do business with locals.

Another woman said it was time the members of the House cooperate, contending that the people of Guyana are suffering because of the rift among the political parties.

“Pass the bill! Things like this will throw us backward; we don’t want to go backward.”

Another man contended

that APNU was out to destroy Guyana.

“We need to put a stop to this, we want the bill to pass.” The passage of the bill, he argued, will benefit every single Guyanese, not only the PPP/C supporters.

However, it was clear that several of the protesters had no idea what the passage of the bill meant for the people of Guyana.

“We want the bill pass, man,” Zuphikar (only name given) lamented; however, when questioned about the significance of the bill he responded by saying “I ain’t know much, but I come fuh protest.”

Similar reactions were given by other protesters who subsequently declined to comment and directed this newspaper to the persons they deemed as their leaders.

Guyana has already been blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). The country could face further sanctions when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meets in Paris on February 12.

If Guyana is spared during this meeting, it is, nevertheless, mandated to report to CFATF in May 2014.

Guyanese captain on eight drug charges in Barbados

C

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PPP/C supporters protest hold-up of AML/CFT bill

aptain Winston Leslie Fitzgerald Phillips was scheduled to appear in court on Monday in Barbados to answer eight drugs charges.

The 48-year-old Guyanese national is captain of the ship Rudisa Global, which is berthed at the Bridgetown Port. Phillips will face charges of possession of two kilos of co-

caine, possession with intent to supply, and trafficking and importation of cocaine.

He is also facing similar charges of trafficking, importation and possession of 37 pounds of marijuana, as well as intent to supply.

He was scheduled to appear in the District A Magistrate's Court on

Monday. A joint operation by members of the Customs and Excise Department, Drug Squad, Police Canine Unit, Marine Unit and the Barbados Coast Guard was carried out last Friday.

This ship transports cement and the crew comprises Guyanese and Surinamese nationals.

Classified Ads Harding’s file being reviewed

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T

he investigation report into the Colwyn Harding case is before the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for recommendations on whether or not charges should be instituted, the DPP’s Communication Consultant Liz Rahaman confirmed on Monday.

According to Rahaman, the DPP chambers is currently looking at the file. “It is being given due attention,” she told Guyana Times.

Harding had alleged that he was baton-raped by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the Timehri Police Station last November.

The man claimed that he was also beaten and tortured by some ranks whom he named. Harding was subsequently hospitalised after he passed out from intense bleeding and was diagnosed with constipated hernia by doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The doctors claimed that they were not told that Harding was assaulted with a baton, and as such, could not have done any examinations to that effect.

A group of outraged Guyanese subsequently formed a committee to support the man and to protest against police brutality. Harding was taken to Jamaica about two weeks ago to be examined independently.

There have been rumours that the man has returned to Guyana but when contacted, members of the committee were tight-lipped. This publication was made to understand that persons close to Harding are afraid for his safety; hence, the secrecy of his location.

However, the man’s mother, Sharon Harding, told Guyana Times that he is not back in Guyana. When asked about the duration of Harding’s stay in Jamaica, the woman refused to give an exact date, but noted that he will be back in time for his next court date.

The woman, who returned from Jamaica about a week ago, said that her son is doing well and has been examined by doctors in Jamaica three times. Asked about the findings of these examinations, the woman directed all questions

to Attorney Nigel Hughes, who is handling the case.

One of the committee members related that a press briefing will be held soon to update the public on Harding’s condition and other events surrounding the matter.

Following the allegation, The Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) was tasked with investigating the matter, and its report was sent to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) for reviewed.

The review has been completed.

Head of the PCA, retired Justice Cecil Kennard in an interview with this newspaper last week said that he found no evidence of Harding being sexually assaulted.

However, he did recommend criminal charges against two officers for physically assaulting Harding, along with disciplinary charges against several other officers for neglect of duty.

When questioned about her views on these findings, Harding’s mother opted not to comment on the issue, noting that a response will be given by the committee.

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demolish Afghanistan Eoin Morgan withdraws U-19s in warm-up game from Indian Premier W League auction E oin Morgan has confirmed he will not be playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season.

Morgan was named as Middlesex’s one-day captain last week despite doubts whether he would be available for the start of the season, which he would have missed had he participated in the Twenty20 competition in India.

The left-hander and Ian Bell were the only two centrally contracted players in the IPL auction on Wednesday.

Morgan’s decision could indicate a push to get his place in England’s Test side back - he has not been part of their five-day plans since the Dubai matches against Pakistan in early 2012.

He said on Twitter: “I would like to thank @IPL for accepting my request to withdraw from this year’s auction. Good luck with the tournament.”

The auction takes place on Wednesday and Thursday in Bangalore and axed England star Kevin Pietersen is likely to draw plenty of interest.

Pietersen has played IPL cricket for the Bangalore Royal Challengers and Delhi Daredevils and both are likely to be in the bidding for the

est Indies Under 19s scored a comprehensive nine wicket victory over Afghanistan Under 19s on Monday in a warm-up game ahead of the ICC under 19 World Cup here.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 84 runs in 39.4 of the allotted 50 overs while the Caribbean side surpassed the target in 18.4 overs losing one wicket at ICC Academy Ground No.2.

Captain Ramaal Lewis, Ray Jordan and Jerome Jones grabbed three wickets each as the young Afghans crumbled without much of a fight.

Opener Usman Ghani top scored with 27, tailender Muslim Musa chipped in with 24 while

Shimron Hetmyer

the only other player to pass single digits was Nasir Ahmadzai with 12.

A solid opening partnership between Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul yielded 50 runs and carried West Indies within sight of victory.

It ended when Chanderpaul was caught on 19 after facing 32 balls and hitting three fours.

Jeremy Solozano joined Hetmyer and in a 35-run stand carried West Indies to victory with 188 balls remaining.

Hetmyer was not out on 46 which included six fours and Solozano who struck a boundary was unbeaten on 13.

West Indies begin their campaign in the ICC Under 19 World Cup against South Africa in Dubai on Friday. (WICB Media Release)

South Africa considers bid to host 2022 Commonwealth Games Eoin Morgan

destructive batsman who has a reserve price of 20 million rupees.

Mitchell Johnson, if he is not retained by Mumbai under the Right To Match rule, could also be subject of a number of bids while Australia team-mate David Warner and India legend Virender Sehwag are also

available.

But Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has pulled out of the auction citing family reasons, while paceman Ryan Harris has made himself unavailable.

South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris is also out of the running due to injury. (Sky

Sports)

Chelsea manager questions Manuel Pellegrini's maths

M

anchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini got his calculations wrong on Chelsea's spending during the January transfer window, according to Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho described his team as a "little horse" in the Premier League title race, while Pellegrini said Chelsea were a "rich little horse".

"Mata was sold for £37m and De Bruyne for £18m that's £55m," said Mourinho.

"Matic bought for £21m and Salah £11m. In this window, we are plus £23m."

Mourinho added: "We are building a team for the next decade and City have a team to win now.

"They have experience, potential, power and no worries about [Uefa cost control protocol] Financial Fair Play, because in summer they just spent. We don't need a calculator for this."

Chelsea lead the Premier League by a point following Saturday's 3-0 win over Newcastle. Arsenal are second and City third, two points behind Chelsea.

Mourinho has played down Chelsea's title chances in recent weeks and on Saturday, he described City

Jose Mourinho

as "a Jaguar" and said they are favourites for the title. He added that his concern was the gap between Chelsea and fifth place.

Former Malaga boss Pellegrini, who faced the Portuguese when Mourinho was coach of Real Madrid, questioned Mourinho's view and drew reference to Chelsea's spending over the last decade, since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club.

The Chilean said last week: "Maybe it is a small horse if the manager thinks like that.

"It can be a little horse but very rich. This is the

team that spends most money in the last 10 years, it is the team that spends most money this year and the team that spends the most money in the transfer window, so [it is a] little bit rich."

Chelsea's net spend during the previous two summer and winter transfer windows was approximately £49m.

In January, they bought Nemanja Matic, Mohamed Salah and a player Mourinho did not mention, Kurt Zouma (£12m), for a total of £54m.

But they made £55m from the sales of Juan Mata and Kevin de Bruyne.

City, on the other hand, did not change their squad during the winter window, but had a net spend of about £80m last summer.

Mourinho said of Pellegrini: "He has been speaking about winning four competitions, so there's no reason to change the speech.

"But the only thing that is funny [is] that he keeps saying he never responds to Mourinho; he never comments about Mourinho. He said that in Spain, too. So he's changed."

Chelsea travel to West Brom on Tuesday and Manchester City host Sunderland on Wednesday.

(BBC Sport)

South Africa is to consider a proposal to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. "The time is right for them [Africa] to host the Commonwealth Games," said president of the SASCOC Gideon Sam

T

he South African government is to consider a proposal to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Gideon Sam, president of the South African Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee (SASCOC), hopes to bring the Games to Africa for the first time.

"I do believe it is Africa's turn," Sam told the BBC. A spokesperson from the South African department of sport and recreation said sports minister Fikile Mbalula had received the application and backs it.

Speaking with the BBC's Queen's Baton Relay reporter Mark Beaumont, Sam added: "The time is right for them [Africa] to host the Commonwealth Games.

"In South Africa, we can host these games easily. Infrastructure is there.

The know-how is there after hosting so many international competitions.

"We have already submitted our documentation. Once they give the go ahead, it is all systems go."

The sports ministry will

now work with SASCOC before making a presentation to the South African cabinet, who will make the final decision.

Sam said an internal bidding process would determine which city is put forward, with Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg in the running.

Sam is also the vice president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the body with overall responsibility for running the Games.

In January, the CGF said it was concerned that no nation had registered a serious interest to host the 2022 Games yet, with an initial deadline in March.

A spokesman stressed the March date is for "expressions of interest", with submissions after this date also considered until the final deadline of March 2015.

Mike Hooper, the chief executive officer of the CGF, told the BBC: "We are confident that we'll see a candidate or candidates for the 2022 Games and it is encouraging to see the level of

interest at this stage."

Sam said the event should be held in Africa in 2022 even if the South Africans are unsuccessful, proposing Nigeria or Kenya as potential venues.

If South Africa was to host, it would be the biggest sporting event to be staged there since the football World Cup in 2010.

Glasgow hosts this year's Games after it defeated a bid from Abuja in Nigeria. In 2018, the event will be held in Gold Coast the fifth time Australia has held the event.

Canada, New Zealand, England, Wales, Jamaica, Malaysia and India are the other countries to have hosted the Games.

News of South Africa's possible bid was timed with the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay in the country.

The baton contains a message written by Queen Elizabeth II. It is travelling around the 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth before it takes a lead role in the opening ceremony in Glasgow on 23 July. (BBC Sport)

tuesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

Bulkan wins Citizens Bank Players Cup

21

Jesse Ryder dropped from New Zealand test squad after late night drinking

T

Jesse Ryder George Bulkan (with trophy) and members of the successful Underdogs team pose with Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao (right) and Citizens Bank Senior Credit and Marketing Manager Lindel Harlequin (left)

G

eorge Bulkan shot an impressive net 63 to win the Citizens Bank Players Cup and piloted his team the Underdogs to victory in the GT Beer Team Challenge in the Banks DIH Limited/Citizens Bank Inc. sponsored one-day golf tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club on Sunday.

Forty-four golfers braved tough conditions due to recent rainfall leading up to the LGC 2014 season opener, but Bulkan (net 63) and his teammates Troy Cadogan (68), Ronald Bulkan (86) and Kassin

Khan (74) had a combined best net of 291 in the closely contested four-member team match.

The best gross of the day 72 was recorded by former three-time Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud.

Jaguars, comprising Jerome Khan, Imran Khan, Jack Harry and Matti Wesselin, copped the second position with net 292, while Pasture Warriors, spearheaded by Hamesh Tewari, Ravi Persaud and David Harry, chalked up net 293 for third place.

Bulkan became the

fourth player to win the prestigious Citizens Bank Players Cup, joining previous winners Mohanlall Dinannauth, Andre Cummings and Patrick Prashad.

President of the Lusignan Golf Club Jerome Khan said the tournament was a great success and he thanked Citizens Bank and Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the event during the presentation ceremony.

He said the two companies have undertaken to sponsor the tournament annually.

Citizens Bank Senior Credit and Marketing Manager Lindel Harlequin said his company was pleased to be associated with the tournament, while Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters said the event provided the perfect start to the Lusignan Golf Club’s 2014 season.

The tee off was done by Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester, while Clifford Reis, Chairman of both Banks DIH and Citizens Bank were among the golfers in action.

Amir Khan could be closer to fighting Floyd Mayweather

A

mir Khan may have moved a step closer to securing a fight with Floyd Mayweather following the results of a recent poll set by the American.

Mayweather wanted his Twitter fans to help him decide whether to fight Khan or Marcos Maidana in his next fight this spring.

And while Maidana took an early lead, Khan appealed to his own followers and the Briton duly finished with a reported 60 percent of the vote.

Khan defeated Maidana in a humdinger in 2010 but while the former has been inactive since struggling to defeat Julio Diaz last April, Maidana is coming off a fabulous win over the previously undefeated Adrien Broner.

Khan pulled out of talks to fight Devon Alexander in December when it became clear he was in the running

Floyd Mayweather (left) and Amir Khan

to become Mayweather’s next opponent.

This despite his backto-back defeats to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia, the latter of which remains fresh in the mem-

ory.

However, many believe Khan’s notoriously fast hands could cause Mayweather more problems than the all-action Argentine.

Khan said last month that he had signed a contract to fight the world’s undisputed pound-forpound number one, and was awaiting Mayweather’s response. (Sky Sports)

roubled batsman Jesse Ryder has been dropped from New Zealand’s squad for the second test against India as New Zealand Cricket probes his involvement in late night drinking.

Ryder and fast bowler Doug Bracewell, who were both members of the firsttest squad, were reported to have been drinking at Auckland bars in the early hours of Thursday morning on the first day of the test match.

Bracewell arrived at Eden Park for the opening day with a broken bone in his foot and the cause of the injury occurred has yet to be explained. He has also been omitted from the second test squad on fitness grounds.

NZC was expected Monday to announce the outcome of its investigation into the drinking involving Bracewell and Ryder, but that has now been delayed.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson faced questions about Ryder and Bracewell at a press conference on Monday, a day after New Zealand completed a 40-run win over India in the first test at Eden Park.

The second test starts at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on Friday.

“The fact that we’ve won a test match yesterday and the fact the first few questions are based around offfield incidents is clearly an extreme disappointment for the team,” Hesson said. “It takes away from a superb effort over the last four days.

“We need to make sure that all our players prepare themselves accordingly for test cricket and at the moment we don’t have confidence that that’s the case.”

Hesson would not comment on the likely outcome

of the NZC investigation or any sanctions Ryder and Bracewell might face. The New Zealand coach is due to name a squad for the world Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh on Sunday but will have to await the outcome of the investigation before deciding whether Ryder will be included.

Thursday’s alleged late night infraction comes two years after Ryder and Bracewell were sanctioned after becoming involved in an altercation with bar patrons in Napier after a oneday international against South Africa.

Ryder made himself unavailable for New Zealand for the next 22 month as he tackled personal and fitness issues, including a continuing battle with alcohol.

During his absence from international cricket, Ryder was suspended for six months for failing a doping test after using a weight loss remedy which contained two banned substances.

In March last year he was assaulted outside a Christchurch bar and was placed an induced coma while recovering from serious head and lung injuries.

Ryder returned to the New Zealand team for its one-day series against the West Indies in December and January, and was widely praised for having turned his life around.

In 2008 he suffered a hand injury when he punched a toilet window in a Christchurch bar and he has been punished for arriving late for training sessions and team meetings.

Bracewell missed last year’s home test series against England after cutting his feet on broken glass while cleaning up at home after a party. (Cricket info)

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tuesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

“Become the standard bearer for other community centres”

– Sport minister charges ECCCC members during first awards ceremony

By Avenash Ramzan

“W

e have to constantly lift the bar and move it to higher standards.

Enmore can become the standard bearer for community centres, because the leadership is committed.”

Those were the words of Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony as he delivered feature remarks on Saturday when the recently resuscitated Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) hosted its first annual awards and presentation ceremony in the club’s auditorium.

Under the motto “Discipline is the pillar of success”, the club was re-

Community Centre Council.

Making reference to comments made by senior executives of the club prior to him taking to the podium, the minister encouraged members of the club to remain steadfast in the face of criticisms that have been thrown at them.

“Don’t allow the criticisms to deter you, but encourage you to move on,” he said.

Dr Anthony said he was pleased that the club was focussed on developing the youth population of the East Coast Demerara community by providing avenues for them to exert their energies.

He noted that communities must guard against youths turning to anti-social

Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony addresses the audience while officials of the head table pay rapt attention

Most Promising Player Gavin Moriah receives his trophy from Chairman of the Enmore Community Centre Council Desmond Mohamed

the club, pledging his ministry’s support in providing chess boards and pieces.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie, who also attended the ceremony, said he has been following the club’s progress closely over the last 10 months, noting that significant strides have been made.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director made a commitment to offer any support the GCB can offer, adding that the executives of the ECCCC have done well to promote not just cricket, but other disciplines since resuscitation.

Sanasie also called on administrators on the East Coast of Demerara to ensure more cricket is being played regularly, as he announced that the GCB has plans to expand the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence, located at La Bonne Intention.

launched in March last year and the minister expressed his delight at the progress made thus far by the bunch of executives, led

by Chairman Taajnauth Jadunauth.

Dr Anthony was particularly impressed by the pace at which the club was able to implement various plans, including expanding beyond cricket to include disciplines such as athletics, volleyball, karate, domino and table tennis, all of which fall under the ambit of the Enmore

Chairman of the ECCCC Taajnauth Jadunauth, in giving a review of the past year, lauded his executives, calling them “tough men”, who were able to effeciently execute the mandate of the club.

Jadunauth related that the club was able to carry out its functions through partnerships with individuals, businesses and organisations, as well as the hosting of fundraisers.

Among the ma-

behaviours, such as the use of drugs and the consumption of alcohol.

The minister, who also has responsibility for Youth and Culture, also urged the older folks in the community to be cognisant of their health, suggesting that they exercise for 30 minutes per day as he warned them against contracting chronic non-communicable diseases.

Dr Anthony also uged the ECCCC executives to introduce the game of chess at

Plans

jor achievements, the Chairman noted, were infrastructural works to the commentary booth, fence, ticket booth and a pavillion, hosting of two workshops conducted by umpire Daveteerth Anandjit and former West Indies Vicecaptain and coach, Roger Harper, the staging of a fundraising bar-b-que and the inaugural GT&T 35-over cricket competition, which was incidentally won by the ECCCC. In revealing plans for 2014, Jadunauth said the club will continue its development drive by sourcing three practice nets, develop a project for female members of the club and construct an indoor practice facility.

Finances

The chairman also reported that the club’s finances are in order, even as he reiterated the need for more committed members and supportive parents.

“Let’s make this club the envy of others,” Jadunauth concluded.

Vice-chairman of the ECCCC Shameer Shahib called on young persons in the area to take advantage of the support systems being created in the community to dissuade them from becoming delinquent.

He also urged the senior members of the society to grab the opportunity and try to make a difference

in the lives of youths since they are the future leaders.

Chairman of the Enmore Community Centre Council Desmond Mohamed said the establishment of a council, with support from the Sport Ministry and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, was “a dream come true.”

He said several plans are in the pipeline, among them the establishment of a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a library and an internet café. Mohamed noted that apart from fundraisers, the council will be seeking assistance from the Sport Ministry, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the diaspora.

Club captain Bheemraj Ramkellawan said that at a time when cricket on the East Coast has hit an “alltime low”, the ECCCC has been able to produce three teams in the space of 10 months.

“What we have done is create an atmosphere for youngsters to spend quality time after school,” Ramkellawan said, as he expressed gratitude to all those who supported their activities in 2013.

Awardees

Trophies were presented to the top cricketers of the year. They included Nicholas Ramsarran (Most Discipline Youth Player), Suresh Jainarine (Most Committed Member), Gavin

Moriah (Most Promising Player), Vishwanauth Ramlakhan (Most runs at the Under-19 level- 347), Satesh Jainarine (Most wickets at the Under-19 level and Most Improved Cricketer), David Mahase (Best bowling figures at the Under-19 level- 6-18), Anil Persaud (Best bowling figures in softball5-11), Chaitram Ramlall (Most wickets in softball), Bheemraj Ramkellawan (Most runs for the senior team and the softball team), Nandram Ganesh (Most wickets for the senior team- 16), Amir Khan (Best all-rounder), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (Most outstanding batting performance- 125*) and Yuvraj Paul Dyal (Most consistent player).

Corporate plaques were given to GT&T and Banks DIH Limited, while several junior members were given medals for their contributions to the club’s activities.

All members of the ECCCC team that won the GT&T 35-over competition were also presented with medals, while Deolall Rajkumar, Zaheed Mohamed, Usha Amin, Chandanee Ganesh, Sheik Mohamed, Rameshwar Dookoo, Avenash Ramzan, Roger Harper and Daveteerth Anandjit were recipients of Certificates of Appreciation for consistent contributions to the ECCCC activities.

Pacquiao: No more Mr Nice Guy M

anny Pacquiao has promised it will be no more Mr Nice Guy as he tries to exact revenge on Timothy Bradley who beat him in controversial circumstances in 2012.

The Filipino fighter lost his WBO welterweight title to Bradley in a highly contentious points decision at the MGM Grand almost two years ago.

That decision led Pacquiao’s promoter Bob

Arum to label the three ringside judges as "the three blind mice".

But Pacquiao says he will leave nothing to chance this time round ahead of his bout against the California man on April 12.

“I’m not predicting the fight but I just want to do my best,” he said. “Bradley is saying my killer instinct and aggressiveness is no longer - that I don’t have it

any more.

“That is what I will be trying to disprove in this fight on April 12. And I think he is right, maybe I’m just too kind and nice to my opponents sometimes in the ring.”

Perfect

Bradley, who has a perfect record of 31 fights and 31 wins, said he is going to keep doing what he has been doing his entire ca-

reer.

“I can’t wait - oh I can’t wait. Manny said he is going to be the aggressive destructive Manny Pacquiao of old times and I get excited because I embrace the challenge,” Bradley said.

“I love challenges and I love it when people say that I can’t do something because I love to prove them all wrong like I have been doing my whole career.”

Manny Pacquiao (left): Looking to set the record straight in his rematch with Timothy Bradley

tuesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

Vic Ouditt is new GHRA president

By Rajiv Bisnauth

R

etired Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard lost the presidency of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) on Sunday, when the body held its annual general meeting at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club pavilion.

Kennard, who was nominated President of the GHRA in January 2013, has been replaced by Vic Ouditt, who will serve in the post for one year until the next annual general meeting.

Ouditt, who was elected president when the sport was resuscitated, did not seek re-election at the 2011 elections after he expressed outrage with the attitude of some members of the GHRA. However, he got the biggest thumbs-up from members on Sunday with 11 votes, as against seven for Kennard.

Ouditt’s deputies will be Kennard, Fazal Habibulla

Cecil Kennard

and Roopnarine Matadial, while Zenzie Goring and Francis Chichester will continue to serve as secretary and treasurer respectively.

However, the other executives of the GHRA were not made available to Guyana Times Sport as of press time.

Meanwhile, Ouditt has vowed that his position as the head of the GHRA will see major changes forthcoming.

“My objective is to get Guyana rejoined to the Jockey Club, which is the international body that governs horse racing,” he said.

“Also I would like to unify the various factions within the horse racing fraternity, as we move to have the sport up to international level,” Ouditt said.

He also expressed the need for a speedy passage of the horse racing legislation.

To this end, the GHRA has appointed Rajendrad Punai as its legal advisor, Ouditt said.

Another hot topic that the body will address immediately will be the licensing of jockeys. There is a growing concern that requirements need to be put in place that will see the body registering all the previously interested jockeys.

New jockeys will now have to be recommended by an owner, trainer or stable and meet the age requirement of 15 years, providing they are still enrolled

in school. This is to prevent contravention of the labour laws.

The meeting was attended by six race tracks, along with horse owners, trainers and other stakeholders.

The Kennard Memorial, Port Mourant, Ryan Crawford, Budhan’s, Bush Lot and Rising Sun Turf clubs were allowed to engage in the voting process at Sunday’s general meeting.

Guyana’s last legitimate racing body was the Demerara Racing Authority, which was located in Durban Backlands.

The body once regularised horse racing and outlined parameters for trainers and owners of horses in Guyana, but it became defunct in 1972.

Dubbed the ‘Sport of Kings’, horse racing, since its resuscitation some six years ago, has been operating under a legal document that was registered under the Miscellaneous Deeds Act.

Anamayah Memorial Basketball…

Crandon shoots Warriors to victory

N

ew Amsterdam Warriors lived up to their name to beat Smithfield Rockers 42-32 at the Municipal Court in Vrymans Ervin, New Amsterdam, when the Anamayah Memorial Basketball tournament continued on Sunday.

Led by three-point specialist Carlos Crandon, who scored a game high 14 points, the Warriors capitalized on a 15-13 half time lead to secure their 10-point victory.

Playing on the court which is in need of a new surface, both teams started cautiously and finished the first quarter dead locked on five points each.

However, the host team went into the final session with a five-point advantage, as Crandon shot two three-

Part of the action on Sunday

pointers in the third session, in which he scored half of his total points.

He scored his third threepointer in the final session, as the Warriors took control of what was seemingly going to be a close game. Leroy Edwards offered good sup-

Martin Witherspoon uses his height advantage to score

port, scoring nine points for the Warriors.

In a losing effort, Hugh Author scored eight, while Martin Witherspoon, who failed to utilize his height advantage, and Robber Esseboom each scored seven points.

Meanwhile, the competition continues on Wednesday, when the Warriors take on Canje Nights in a crucial game.

A win for the Warriors will take them into the semifinals, while a win for the Nights will force organizers to go to previous score cards to determine which two teams go through.

The Nights had earlier lost to the Rockers 57-40, placing them in a position where they must win to be more that 18 points, if they are to make it through to the knock-out round.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rose Hall Town Jammers confirmed their semifinal spot when they over powered Rose Hall Town 6232 at the Guyana Sugar

Corporation (GuySuCo) Port Mourant Training School.

The Jammers finished on top of the points table with four points, while Fyrish Black Sharks took the other semifinal spot from that group with two points. Rose Hall Town lost both of their games.

After Sunday’s game, President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation Nigel Hinds, who was on hand to witness the game, presented Coach of the winning New Amsterdam Warriors Kirk Fraser with a pair of booths to give to a player of his choice.

Whistles were also presented to referees who officiated in the game. (Andrew Carmichael)

23

Four Under-15 cricketers to benefit from Basil Butcher trust fund

Former West Indies batsman Basil Butcher hands over the cheque to CEO/Secretary of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster

F

our Under-15 cricketers from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) will benefit from a collection of cricket gear and educational materials under the auspices of the Basil Butcher Berbice Cricket Development Trust Fund programme.

The kind gesture was made possible for the seventh year, when the former West Indies batsman handed over a cheque to Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Secretary of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster last Friday in the Boardroom of the Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company.

The four cricketers have not yet been selected by the RHTY&SC, but according to Foster, the club will make the selection prior to its 24th annual awards ceremony, which is slated for April 27. The presentation to the four cricketers will be done at the awards ceremony.

Meanwhile, Foster, in

his remarks expressed gratitude to Butcher for his support to the development of cricket at the RHTY&SC and in Berbice in general.

“The most important thing for any legend is to always remember where you came from and Butcher is a perfect example of that,” Foster said.

Foster stated that the RHTY&SC is committed to cricket development in Berbice and Guyana. “With this in the mind, the club has invested millions of dollars to assist clubs, young cricketers and cricket associations,” he said.

During his playing days, Butcher scored 3,104 Test runs at an average of 43.11 from 44 matches. He hit seven centuries and 16 half centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 209.

He also scored 31 centuries and 54 half centuries at the first class level, with an aggregate of 11,628 runs.

(Rajiv Bisnauth)

Vicram Suebarran is new president of PMCC

V

icram Suebarran is the new president of the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC). He was elected when the club held its elections for office bearers on February 5 at the Port Mourant Community Centre.

Suebarran, who owns the Universal Titans Cricket Club, is a newcomer to the club’s executives. Former President Gregory Persaud is now the new vice president, replacing Satynand Persaud.

Godwyn Allicock was returned as the secretary.

Two new faces on the exec-

utive are Treasurer Andrew Rahaman and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Mahendra Ramdihal.

Over the years, the PMCC has referred to itself a Berbice›s most famous cricket club and has produced outstanding Berbice, Guyana and West Indies cricketers, such as Basil Butcher, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Ivan Madray, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Joe Solomon and John Trim.

The famous Etwaroo brothers – Romain, Reginald and Tyrone – were also members of the PMCC. The club also boasts a

rich past and had a successful 2013. Among the success of PMCC is its production of numerous captains of the Guyana youth team.

These are Radhay Solomon – 1974; Deonarine Persaud – 1981; Arjune Nandu – 1991; Andre Percival – 199294, winning the regional title on each occasion; Mahendra Nagamootoo – 1995, when Guyana won the regional title; Vishal Nagamootoo – 1996, when Guyana again won the regional title; and Zamal Khan – 2004. (Andrew Carmichael)

tuesday, february 11, 2014

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

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“Become the standard bearer for other community centres”

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22

– Sport minister charges ECCCC members during first awards ceremony

Executives of the ECCCC (seated), along with GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie (seated second left), share a moment with the awardees at the conclusion of Saturday’s ceremony (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Wartsila launches lucrative 20k run

By Treiston Joseph

E

nergy and power company Wartsila launched their 20k road run on Monday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown.

The event is set for March 2, with the starting point at Paradise, and will be one of Guyana’s most lucrative athletics meet with a total of $3.3 million being up for grabs by the athletes that will be competing at the event.

At the press launching, Contract Manager of Wartsila and former national athlete Arron Fraser explained why Wartsila has chosen to hold such a lucrative meet.

“The genesis of this tournament came about because, as a company, we wanted to hold a relay for our 20th anniversary and, being a transnational company, we wanted to do things the way Wartsila knows how. So we decided to extend it to the

President of AAG Aubrey Hutson receives the sponsorship cheque from Contract Manager of Wartsila Arron Fraser in the presence of Technical Coordinator for the event Mayfield Taylor-Trim and Vice President of the AAG Gavin Hope (Treiston Jospeh photo)

national athletes and the international athletes to join in the fun,”Fraser said.

President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson was elated about the event, and said he believes that it is best for development, while

revealing that Wartsila will also be donating a state-ofthe-art time keeping clock for distance events.

“The prize is set to primarily attract the international athletes, because we are looking to develop the sport and that’s the direc-

tion we are headed in. We are happy that Wartsila has chosen to do it, and we will ensure that all the IAAF [International Association of Athletics Federations] rules will be met,” Huston stated.

While the event has not

been confirmed to be an annual event, Fraser said he envisions a 10k as a more manageable annual meet for Wartsila.

Meanwhile, Hutson revealed that athletes from Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago have indicated their interest in participating at the event.

Hutson gave assurance of the AAG’s commitment to ensuring the protection of the athletes along the roadways by having enough patrols to control traffic along the way. He assured that the athletes will have enough hydration stations, and that he has made a plea to the coaches to play fair.

“Sometimes it’s a difficult task, because the police can give their assurance, but thus far, they have done a fair job with us. It’s just up to the coaches and athletes to do the right things and not ride next to the athletes, or rehydrate them, because we have invested in enough hydration points, and we have officials to run

those stations. So again, it’s up to the athletes,”Hutson noted.

The event will have six categories, namely, male and female seniors, male and female juniors, masters age 35 and above (women), masters age 40-54 (men), masters age 55 and above (men, 5 km) and youths (5 km).

The event, set to start from 6:00hrs, will see the athletes begin in the Paradise community, proceed west along the East Coast Demerara Public Road, continue to Kitty Public Road, into Carifesta Avenue, before turning North into Upper Camp Road. The race will then move west into Battery Road, Kingston then South into upper Water Street before finishing in front of Wartsila’s head office.

All athletes are asked to register by February 26 and are expected to assemble at Wartsila by 5:00h on race day for transportation to the starting point in Paradise.

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