Guyana Times Daily 11th Nov 2013

First Leguan Nite P14 attracts large crowd

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1949 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Gold firm robbed – suspects arrested, of millions booty recovered Monday, November 11, 2013

PRICE

$60 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mining stifling biodiversity in Rupununi P7 – study finds

See story on page 7

Guyana remembers fallen soldiers See story on page 17

Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines destruction “absolute bedlam” See story on page 16

The death toll is mounting in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan tore across the country on Friday. Among the worst-hit areas is eastern Leyte island and the city of Tacloban where the devastation resembles the aftermath of a tsunami

As many as 10,000 people may have died in Tacloban alone, with hundreds more feared dead in the rest of Leyte and on neighbouring Samar island. Many survivors have no clean water, electricity or food (BBC photos)

Barber killed in hit-andrun accident See story on page 7

Govt struggles to recoup overpayments of salaries See story on page 2

Human rights body wants GRA to scrap car park deal with Bai P8 Shan Lin

P10 Guyana probes J$57M in cocaine seized in Jamaica

Drama P13 Festival opens today Guyoil’s profits declined last year

P17

City Hall P17 to tidy up Georgetown for Christmas – Sooba DAYS

6

2 news

monday, november 11, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Govt struggles to recoup overpayments of salaries

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

pproximately $37.3 million is still to be recovered by government for overpayment of salaries since 2007 to present, the auditor general said in his latest report on the Public Accounts of Guyana.

The report has indicated that overpayment of salaries remains a major concern and a poor recovery system has resulted in the funds being outstanding. “The slow process-

ing of pay change directives in several ministries and mainly in the regions resulted in overpayment of salaries, including deductions totalling $37.389 million still to be recovered for the years 2007-2012,” the report stated.

It was indicated that ministries, departments and regions continue to experience serious challenges in recovering the sums, mainly because banking institutions require the au-

A

thorisation of account holders and statutory agencies. “The Guyana Revenue Authority and National Insurance Scheme have not fully complied with requests to refund sums overpaid,” the auditor general report pointed out.

The Health Ministry has not been able to recover the outstanding amounts totalling $1.6 million, which were overpaid to employees during 2007 and 2011. In 2012, the report said five transactions relating to pay change directives for dismissals and resignations were forwarded subsequent to the deadline, resulting in overpayments of salaries totalling $604, 925.

Defence

In its defence, the Health Ministry indicated that letters were issued requesting refunds from the various agencies. “The National Insurance Scheme requested more information for the year which we were unable to provide because our records were destroyed by the fire in 2009. We had to seek alternative source like the Public Service Commission for

Year

Net Salaries (A) $

Deductions (B)

Total (A+B)

2007

-

476,158

476,158

2011

795,107

345,867

1,140,974

2012

512,969

91,956

604,925

Total

1,308,076

913,981

2,222,057

more information,” the subject ministry explained.

The Audit Office recommended that the head of the budget agency of the Health Ministry renews effort to engage deduction agencies, with the hope of recovering the amounts overpaid.

Overpayment to contractors was another issue highlighted by the Audit Office.

According to the report, ministries, departments and regions have been overpaying contractors for projects that were measured. It comes at a time when these organs are facing serious challenges in the recovery process. “Some of these ministries and regions continued to have overpayments on various contracts − 2012 and prior years.”

According to the report,

the Health Ministry overpaid $15.7 million for a single contract. It was explained that the contract for the construction of an Acute Psychiatric Hospital in Region Six was awarded in 2011 at the cost of $112.739 million. However, by the end of 2011, the contractor received approximately $80.168 million, while other amounts totalling $11.755 million were paid in 2012. In total, $91.923 million was issued for the stalled project. The auditor general, however, expressed dissatisfaction in a number of areas, pointing out that overpayment remains an issue.

“The works appear to have been abandoned for a prolonged period of time. No personnel or equipment from the contractor was on the site and it was overgrown with vegetation. Termite nests were also noted on various areas of the building,” the report stated in an effort to paint a vivid picture of the stalled work.

Incomplete work

Additionally, May 18, 2012 was set as the completion date for the Acute Psychiatric Hospital; however, on September 13, the works remain incomplete. “At this date, a total of 16 months had elapsed from the contractual completion date.” Notably, no approval was given for an extension of the project deadline.

It was also pointed out that the value of the works completed at the time of the visit was $92.079 million, based on payment certificate number eight, dated July 30, 2012. “However, an examination of the works revealed 34 instances where

totalling $15.7222 million was paid in relation to unexecuted works. It was, therefore, clear that the consultants had overstated the actual value of works completed by the contractor.”

According to the Health Ministry’s budget agency head, the matter is being investigated.

Unwarranted funds

In a similar scenario, $10.7 million in unwarranted funds was issued for a contract executed under the Guyana Police Force. In Region One, $8.3 million in overpayments was made during the processing of three contracts, while in Region Eight, the auditor general recorded 10 instances, totalling $3.2 million in which overpayments, were made. In 2012, Region 10 issued more monies required for 25 contracts, resulting in overpayments to the tune of $6.8 million.

“This continued trend coupled with no evidence to suggest that disciplinary action of any kind had been meted out to engineering or other staffs involved in the assessment works in progress and the certification of progress of payments is troubling and hints at management’s perceived inaction to remedy the current situation,” the report stated.

Additionally, the continued lack of reporting and accounting for all gifts to ministries, departments and regions resulted in miscellaneous receipts of $4.284 billion as at December 31, 2011, being understated by an undetermined amount.

News

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 11 from 12:00h to 13:30h. 11:10h to 12:40h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 11 from 11:10h to 12:40h.

WEATHER TODAY Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected during the day, with partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 11:19h and 23:49h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.27 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 17:18h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.

saturday, november 9, 2013

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

04 07 10 15 23 26 17

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

01

07 08 15 19

LUCKY 3

9

8

8

Draw De Line 04

05

06

13

16

17

19

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

3

monday, november 11, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Opposition had no intention of supporting anti-laundering bill – Teixeira

T

he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) voted down the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill of 2013 in a move that lacks merit, government’s chief whip Gail Teixeira said.

According to Teixeira, the opposition had no intention of supporting the bill in which Guyana’s financial future lies, noting that neither the APNU nor the AFC capitalised on the opportunity to table amendments to the bill at the level of the parliamentary special select committee.

Fail to propose Chronicling the life of the bill before it was killed by the APNU and the AFC on November 7, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian pointed out that the opposition members – Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Debra Backer, Basil Williams, Joseph Harmon, Carl Greenidge and AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan were present at 14 of the 17 meetings held between May 8 and October 22, but failed to propose any amendments.

“They did not bring one amendment to the discussions on the bill. They said they had amendments to bring and they were encouraged to bring them so that they could be discussed. But nothing was produced. Not even on November 7 where they could have demonstrated their sincerity by tabling further amendments to the bill as amended in committee, but did not use that option,” Teixeira explained.

Government’s chief whip Gail Teixeira

Rather than tabling their concerns at the special select committee, she noted that both the APNU and the AFC took their concerns to the press.

AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo had said “the government is wholly and solely to be blamed for the fiasco,” noting that it “could have heeded to the opposition’s calls to recommit the bill to the parliamentary special select committee”, but Teixeira said Nagamootoo must not forget his party’s position that the bill will not receive its support unless the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is established.

Correct deficiencies Earlier in the year, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force/Financial Action Task Force (CFATF/ FATF) had advised Guyana to correct deficiencies within the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 to war against evolving criminal activities. “The March

2013 assessment of Guyana included 56 recommendations to bring Guyana’s legislative framework in line with international standards and requirements,” the PPP parliamentarian recalled.

According to her, it was during the 2013 budget debate that President Donald Ramotar met with the APNU and the AFC to notify them of the requisite amendments, which were required by a May 28 deadline set by CFATF. “This meeting took place prior to the tabling of the bill, and copies were shared with them prior to its tabling in the House.”

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill was first tabled in the National Assembly on April 22, 2013 and subsequently on May 2.

It was during the second reading that the APNU moved a motion for the bill to be sent to the parliamentary special select committee. The motion had won the support of the majority of the House.

Delaying tactics On May 8, the first meeting of the committee was held with Teixeira serving as the chairperson of the committee. Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee represented the ruling party, while five members sat on the opposition side.

Teixeira recalled that on numerous occasions the opposition had employed delaying tactics to prevent the committee from advancing its work. The July

22 meeting was among examples cited by the PPP member of parliament.

“At the 12th meeting held on 22nd July, 2013, members of the opposition again withdrew from participating in further deliberations of the committee.

Members of the opposition at that meeting expressed concerns over a statement allegedly made by His Excellency, President Ramotar, which referred to members of the opposition as terrorists.”

In the absence of the opposition, the PPP/C concluded the work of the committee on October 22, making more than 80 amendments to the bill in keeping with the CFATF recommendations.

Amendments “In fact throughout the process, the CFATF was receiving copies of the amendments to ensure that what the committee was doing was in compliance with their recommendations,” she posited.

Despite all attempts by the government and the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the opposition once again used its one-seat majority on November 7 to vote down the bill. If the November 18 deadline is missed, Guyana will have missed three deadlines given by CFATF. “In my mind, from the inception, the APNU and the AFC had no intention of supporting this bill and the record of their participation in the committee proves that. The opposition gleefully saw this as an opportunity to harm the government and if it cost Guyana, its economy and the well-being of its people, then so be it.”

4

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 11, 2013

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

The Ecuador experience

E

arlier this year, Ecuador announced it would begin drilling for oil in forested areas it had previously designated for protection, citing the lack of interest in the country’s offer that international donors pay for the forest to remain intact rather than pay for the oil extracted from within the forest.

It appears that more countries prefer to pay for the oil at the expense of the forests, and highlights the insincerity of nations that spout rhetoric about preserving the environment, while preferring instead to encourage its destruction. Though some US$300 million was pledged – much less than the expected US$3.6 billion – Ecuador received only US$13 million.

Ecuador, and countries like it, which would include Guyana, has vast amounts of carbon stored within its forests. According to reports, some 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere just from that one area of Ecuador’s forests alone – the Yasuni National Park – when the oil has been extracted, since the country has no other alternative resource to provide for a population in which more than a quarter live below the poverty line.

The idea of money for leaving the forests (and oil) intact is not a new one, and has long been proposed by academics and environmentalists. There have been some major companies seeing the benefits of this proposal to tackle the environmental crisis, but as Ecuador has proved, not enough to avoid the current situation in which the country finds itself.

On the other hand, some, including politicians, believe such an idea smacks of environmental blackmail as it basically amounts to paying for not drilling, and is a poor answer to solving the climate dilemma. Germany’s ministry for economic cooperation and development told one media house plainly: “We don’t pay for not drilling for oil.”

In another media, Germany’s development minister pointed out that compensation payments have little prospect of success in climate protection measures – the country’s main argument being that it doesn’t want to pay another state for not doing something, but rather for doing something such as sustainable development, which would include ecotourism, and initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Those among the few international donors, which included states like Indonesia, France, Spain and Italy, are now expressing concern for the environmental degradation the oil drilling will inflict on the area which more than 1000 different animals and birds inhabit along with several traditional indigenous tribes.

Ecuador has already agreed to return donor monies, kept in a trust fund, since the US$13 million it raised out of the expected US$3.6 billion proved insufficient to sustain its economy.

The biggest losers are, of course, the inhabitants of the forested area, Ecuador and the world, as more greenhouses gases will be released into the atmosphere and areas of rich biodiversity will be destroyed and degraded as other countries learn from the failed Ecuadorean experience and begin exploiting their own natural resources.

The world lost a golden opportunity to try an experiment that would have at the very least proved or disproved the theory of paying poorer nations to keep their fossil fuels intact as a cost-effective solution to tackling the environmental crisis, thus making it clearer how to progress in a world threatened by global climate change and disappearing biodiversities.

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama dancing at Diwali celebration she recently hosted at the White House

Freddie and India’s non support of Indo-Guyanese Dear Editor, In his column, “What is wrong with Non-Western Civilisation” (Kaieteur News, October 24), Freddie Kissoon chastised Indo-Guyanese for retaining “an undying admiration for India even though India never raised a voice at the UN or elsewhere against their ethnic persecution in Guyana”. India spoke out against ethnic persecution of Indians in Fiji, Africa, etc and racism against Africans in southern Africa but did not publicly support IndoGuyanese politically though she provided cultural and financial support to all Guyanese.

India gave tens of millions of U.S. dollars to African freedom fighters battling apartheid in South Africa and racism in Rhodesia, Namibia, etc. In addition, India took the lead at international forums advocating for oppressed Africans in freedom struggles in southern Africa. India did support the independence struggle for Guyana from colonial rule and the nationalists (Gandhi, Nehru, others) led the campaign against indentured slavery that brought an end to that inhumane economic system in 1917.

Also, after obtaining her own independence, as it did in several colonies that had large numbers of people of Indian descent, India posted a resident Commissioner in British Guiana (Shri Santosham John Wilfred who later was upgraded to high commissioner status when Guyana was born). But as Freddie reminds us, India did not offer much support to the Guyanese freedom fighters during the struggle against the PNC ethnic dictatorship. As it did for people of southern Africa, India should have advocated for Indo-Guyanese at international forums.

When Baytoram Ramharack, Vassan Ramracha and myself were students at CCNY, we met with Indian diplomats and discussed this issue and obtained much sympathy. When the India Day Parade began in 1980, we were supported by AIA organisers in our anti-dictatorial struggle allowing us to march on Madison Avenue annually to highlight persecution of Guyanese. Also, Indian MPs supported us though they did not raise the issue of Guyanese persecution in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha or with the Congress government.

In India, the Congress Party (that dominated politics) was not very supportive, though sympathetic, of the struggle by the Guyanese opposition for free and fair elections. The BJP (Jan Sangh and Janata) and its affiliates were more committed to our struggle.

Thus, Indo-Guyanese were more friendly and had greater interactions with BJP and Jan Sangh politicians. We wrote to the Janata party Prime Minister Morarji Desai (who had toppled Indira Gandhi as prime minister in 1978) about persecution in Guyana. We also raised the issue with

several prominent Indians including Dr Mukund Modi (BJP) at Madison Square Garden during the International Hindu Conference in 1984.

I raised the issue of ethnic persecution with Indian politicians when I visited Delhi in August 1985 and with Dr Karan Singh (Maharaja of Kashmir) and other Indian politicians. The issue was also raised by us with eminent jurist Dr LM Singhvi who served as High Commissioner to UK. My group also raised this matter with several Indian academics and media personnel. Ramracha hosted Indian academics and media personnel at his home during the 1980s where we held interactive sessions and they agreed to pen commentaries in Indian publications on human rights abuses in Guyana.

Also, we met with Indian high commissioners to Guyana (Wakankar, Atuk, Rajagoplan, Singh, etc) and all of them were quietly supportive of our struggle. I recall one Indian diplomat (from the UN Indian Mission) encouraged us to distribute photocopies of an editorial in the Wall Street Journal (in 1985) titled “Apartheid in Guyana”.

I met Indian politicians all the time in New York and in India since the late 1970s when I attended a public meeting with Atal Bihari Vajpayee (at a public meeting near the UN) when he was foreign minister under the first non-Congress government.

When he became prime minister, Atalji met with New York Indo-Guyanese annually on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and he was very supportive of our requests increasing the number of scholarships to Guyana and cultural exchanges; our lobbying paid handsome dividends culturally and financially.

In my discussions with Indian officials (including high commissioners in Guyana like Rajagopalan and Wakankar) and politicians (in India) during the anti-dictatorial struggle, several reasons were offered for India’s non-intervention in Guyana during the struggle for free and fair elections.

But the main reason was India was asked by Indo-Guyanese politicians (in the PNC) not to raise the matter of ethnic or political persecution in Guyana. LK Advani told me that the Indo-Guyanese leaders told him that India’s intervention will worsen the persecution of IndoGuyanese. So the Indian government held back.

Since the Indian government dealt with officials of the PNC government, the PPP opposition was ignored. Several Indian politicians (including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, etc) told me that they were urged by Indo-Guyanese politicians (associated with the PNC) not to get involved in Guyana’s affairs as “such intervention and raising the issue at forums would make matters worse for IndoGuyanese”.

Those Indian politicians (affiliated with the PNC) assured Indian government officials that the issue of persecution was handled internally in the PNC. That response was repeated numerous times whenever Dr Ravi Dev, Ramharack, Dharamdatt Sukhai, Pandit Ramlall, Kali, and I met with Indian government officials, members of parliament, and diplomats (including those posted in Guyana).

Dr Jagan lobbied Indian politicians for assistance in the struggle for democracy in Guyana. I was present at the Sheraton Hotel in July 1989 and at the India Consulate when I accompanied Basdeo Panday to a session with Minister Mahadev Rao Scindia at the Indian Consulate where Jagan and other IndoCaribbean leaders were present.

Dr Jagan, accompanied with Karshan, requested help from India through the minister to take up the issue of fraudulent elections in Guyana. Dr Jagan referred to Guyana as a mini-apartheid state. The minister took note of the issue. Dr Ravi Dev was also at the convention.

Aside from the request by selfish IndoGuyanese politicians not to intervene in Guyana’s affairs, India had its own internal problems and did not have resources or wherewithal to intervene in Guyana. Also, Indira Gandhi (Congress) visited Guyana as did other prominent Indian politicians and were supportive of and impressed with Burnham’s socialist rhetoric. India did not wish to rock the boat.

As leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, India did not want to embarrass Burnham at global forums by exposing his authoritarian rule and his racism. When Vice President Shankar Deyal Sharma visited Guyana in 1988, persecution of Indians was raised by Indian political activists.

But by this time, Hoyte had already decided to reverse discriminatory policies – removing the ban and ending the criminalisation of consumption of flour roti, channa, alou, prasad (mohanbhog), sirni, etc. Kick-down the door banditry was ending as Hoyte jailed Rabbi Washington and other bandits who preyed on Indians.

And shortly thereafter democratic elections were held ending PNC misrule that was followed by a burst of financial assistance for Guyana including cancellation of loans that Burnham and Hoyte never repaid for Tata and Ashok buses, etc.

So the Indian government did not actively intervened in Guyana’s political affairs during the dictatorship but sympathy for the oppressed Guyanese people was evident by the huge amounts of aid Guyana received from India that benefited all ethnic groups – non-Indians more than Indians. Freddie should examine why those Indians affiliated with the PNC did not want India to take up the persecution of Indians.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 11, 2013

5

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

Tribute to Anoopwattie Veeren Dear Editor, It cannot be denied that the reputable community of Mahaica lost a daughter, mother, teacher and most of all a significant community leader with the passing of the truly great comrade Anoopwattie Veeren.

Ms Vereen was born on the October 5, 1945.

During her childhood she was a student who had a positive attitude towards learning and a sincere interest in education. She was destined to become an educator of genuine quality.

This wonderful teacher was in the school system for more than 50 years. As a teacher she had a significant impact on countless lives.

At her funeral, the quiet and solemn remark “Ms Veeren is the person who made me what I am” was often heard from both emi-

nent and ordinary mourners.

She was responsible for laying the foundation for hundreds of people who received tertiary and university education. There could not be a more splendid legacy.

Ms Veeren received the Teacher of the Year Award for Region Four from the Education Ministry in 1989.

She also received the Bahai Woman of Distinction Award for laudable and selfless service to society, in 1999.

Anoopwattie Veeren may not have been a declared politician, but she was certainly an undeclared politician. I could vividly recall serving as a regional democratic councillor in Region Four with her.

While I was “red hot” and ready for all the challenges to get things right in the region, Councillor Veeren, like a genuine sister, would look at me sending the message to “cool

Anoopwattie Veeren

out”.

At our caucus meetings, she was full of confidence that the PPP/C councillors would win out eventually.

She was always that quiet and unassuming person who had an eye for detail and believed in fair play. One who never exaggerated a situation.

However, she was always with the collective. Because of her quality work in the Region Four Regional Democratic Council, she was elected as a member to the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

I recall her telling me that the PPP leadership is very thorough and indeed loves Guyana.

Because of her exceptional qualities, Ms Veeren was elected/appointed and served with distinction, as member, of the following: • The Central Board of Health • Regional Democratic Council of Region Four • Chairman of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute • The University of Guyana Council • Board member of the Hindu College

Watch that Glenn Lall offer!

Dear Editor, I read with keen interest the offer by Glenn Lall, the owner and publisher of the Kaieteur News that he was prepared to publish all government ads for free.

That was in Saturday’s publication of his own newspaper, when he complained bitterly about a government ministry sending ads only to Guyana Times. But the same article states that the ads were going to be sent to all the newspapers, albeit on different days.

In the very next day, the ads in question appeared in three of the dailies, includ-

ing the Kaieteur News. And there was another article in which Glenn Lall changed his mouth.

He said he was offering free ads only to the Human Services Ministry and only for a certain period.

The government was too slow. It should have taken up Glenn Lall’s offer immediately after it was reported that he would do all government ads for free. That way we would have seen whether or not Glenn Lall was willing to put his money where his mouth is.

But then, maybe the government knew what it was

doing. If government were to take up Glenn Lall on his offer of free ads, he might want the overall cost written off against more of his outstanding taxes.

After all, isn’t that what he is claiming for the millions of dollars in outstanding taxes he owes to the City Council? What about the hundreds of millions he owes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)?

Glenn Lall’s plan is to offer free services to the government only to claim later that the equivalent must be written off against his taxes. Or he may want other fa-

Possession of weapons is a cause for concern

Dear Editor, Many individuals, including minibus drivers and conductors often have some form of weapon in their possession that they can use to inflict pain or seriously wound others. The seriousness of this issue needs to be addressed urgently.

In many countries, the possession of any offensive weapon, including knives and ice picks is almost always considered as a serious offence. The unlawful

provision and possession of any weapons encourages violence and can cause serious injury and death in addition to facilitating other criminal offences.

Recently, there has been a worldwide interest to deter the carrying and use of knives and other offensive weapons. Additionally, the provision of sufficient evidence against an individual can further result in a realistic case of conviction for unlawful possession and

use of an offensive weapon.

In Guyana, many fish vendors and coconut vendors require the use of a blade of some sort. I urge the police to exercise vigilance as it relates to these individuals who may have such weapons in their possession, whether it’s as result of the nature of their work or for unlawful reasons.

Sincerely, Imtyaz Ali

We should anticipate criminal acts Dear Editor, It has been evident that criminals have taken a new route in approaching their victims. Many people have been accosted in their yards or homes by criminal elements that have lurked around the neighbourhood in anticipation of their victim’s arrival.

Just recently, there have been about three incidents where individuals were ambushed in their yards. In one incident, a businessman stepped out

of a taxi in front his home, and upon entering his yard, he was pounced upon. The individual was robbed of $300,000 and was subsequently stabbed by his assailant. He is currently nursing his wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Due to the resent ongoing crime wave, individuals; particularly businessmen and women should take necessary precautions to protect themselves. They should desist from carrying

large sums of money with them, and if possible they should exercise some form of firearm protection.

With Christmas just around the corner, we need to exercise adequate vigilance, not only at our homes and but also while carrying out our daily duties. It is important for individuals to always be aware of their environment and the people around them.

Sincerely, Shailender Samaroo

vours in return!

Sincerely, Annalisa Ally

• Board member of President’s College • Member of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child This reputable woman of integrity was appointed as Justice of Peace/ Commissioner of Oaths and her service to her community in this capacity was greatly appreciated.

Comrade Veeren went home to the Lord while serving as: • Chairman of the Unity Vereeniging NDC • Teaching Service Commissioner • Chairman of the Upper East Coast Local Board of Guardians • Chairman of the

Mahaica WPO • Central Committee Member of the WPO • Member of the Project Steering Committee of Basic Needs Trust Fund • Education secretary of the PPP Upper East Demerara Region.

Ms Veeren lived a highly respectable life that should be an inspiration to us all.

She was a loving woman who leaves her loving children, grandchildren and people a rich legacy.

A legacy of what an eminent mother must be. Her life will be celebrated for all that is bright and beautiful.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

6

monday, November 11, 2013

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Parenting For Success

Single-parent households and financial stress – ChildLinK’s vision is a Guyanese society where every child enjoys the right to a childhood in a safe and caring family, free from poverty, violence and exploitation

W

ithin our country, it is recognised that the majority of the single-parent families are headed by mothers.

Consequently, a large number of these mothers struggle daily to acquire funds to purchase food, pay bills, and meet the basic needs of the family.

Whether it is by choice or the result of an unfortunate circumstance, single motherhood brings about its own unique set of joys and challenges. Understanding the challenges that are faced by single mothers can propel us to lend a helping hand to those that we come into contact with. Sometimes, it is as simple as listening to their challenges, or more in-depth encouragement to find proactive solutions and equip them with the tools needed to make the most of their single-parenting experience.

This article examines the financial struggles of a single mother and the effects it had on her children.

Successful intervention

Case study – Names and places have been changed to protect persons’ privacy.

Rosemary is a single

mother struggling to support her three children, 12-yearold Jonathon, 10-year-old Sabrina, and one-year-old Ravi. Each of these children has a different father, unfortunately the eldest boy’s father died several years ago and of the two fathers who are still alive, neither is in a relationship with Rosemary and do not provide support for their children.

Rosemary is employed as a domestic worker to support her family; however, her income has not been adequate for the family of four.

Rosemary’s monthly rent is more than her monthly salary and this often leaves her with not enough money to adequately feed the family.

The children often did not attend school, because there was no money for school uniforms and bus fare. The two older children stayed at home to care for their younger brother so their mother could keep her domestic job.

Jonathon was often sent by Rosemary out into the community to carry out odd jobs in exchange for money. A concerned neighbour who observed the family’s situation reported the case to a ChildLinK counsellor. The

neighbour urged the counsellor to help Rosemary’s children, expressing deep concern for their health and education.

Assessment

An investigation was done to aid in the assessment of the family’s situation. The family of four was living in a small shack with an outside toilet and bathroom and the yard was grassy and swampy. The one-room house was unkempt, unhealthy, poorly furnished with a small stove, an old chair, and only one bed in the corner which Rosemary shared with the children. The house had electricity; however, the landlady rarely let them use electricity and there was no running water, so the family had to fetch water every day from their neighbours.

Jonathon had not been at school for over a year and had been working with fisherman down at the river, giving his mother everything he earned to help to support the family. During the assessment period, the counsellor observed that Sabrina was not making eye contact, so the counsellor began to work with Sabrina regularly. One

afternoon, Sabrina shared that she had been sexually abused by her uncle when she was younger. Further inquiries into the incident were made by the counsellor, who discovered that Rosemary had known about the abuse but had never reported it.

The sexual abuse was immediately reported and work continued with Sabrina to help her overcome the trauma.

Community’s help

The counsellor accompanied Rosemary to the Education Ministry to apply for a transfer for the children to attend a school closer to their home. This meant they would no longer need bus fares; the children could simply walk to and from school.

In addition, Rosemary and the counsellor were able to find neighbours in their community who were happy to assist in buying the children school supplies. The counsellor made contact with Ravi’s father who agreed to start supporting the child financially.

Rosemary needed to find a better paying job and the counsellor supported her in the search. After two months, she was able to find a babysit-

ting live-in job. After explaining her situation to her employer, her employer agreed to have Rosemary and her children move in to a small house in her yard. This new situation allowed the older children to attend school regularly, and Rosemary could look after Ravi along with her employer's children.

Jonathon was also not burdened with odd jobs in the community to support his mother financially.

The family had made significant progress; however the children were not progressing in the academic environment after being away from school for such a long time. Jonathon had stopped attending school, because he was embarrassed by how far behind he was and Sabrina was struggling to catch up with the schoolwork. In order to assist the children, the counsellor enrolled them in free weekly numeracy and literacy lessons, as well as a

support group where they received help with homework and assignments.

Several sessions were conducted with Sabrina to help her through the trauma caused by abuse and to teach her how to protect herself.

To build her self-esteem, the ‘Hero book’ was introduced which allowed Sabrina to open up about what happened to her and to see herself as a hero for overcoming the hurt. The counsellor repeatedly told Sabrina that it was not her fault. “Feelings Cards” were also used to help the young girl express her feelings and connect with them. The sessions continued until Sabrina’s behaviour began to change; soon she became more confident and happier with herself.

Rewarding

At present, both Jonathon and Sabrina are attending school regularly. Jonathon has developed a strong interest in skills training, and Sabrina has an active social life. Rosemary has a better paying job which includes accommodation for her and her children in a much more pleasant environment. Her children no longer have to support her in running the house and she is proud to say that she is now able to provide substantially for her family.

Being a single parent can be both challenging and rewarding. When it comes to raising children, we could all use a bit of support. Whether it is financial, emotional or you simply need assistance with your children’s homework. Do not hesitate to get yourself some support. The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) are collaborating with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like ChildLinK to provide vulnerable families with the different types of support they need. You may be a single parent, but you are not alone.

Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or at programmes.childlink@ networksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and any other challenges that you may be experiencing with your children.

news

7

monday, november 11, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Gold firm robbed Barber killed in hit-and-run accident A of millions

– suspects arrested, booty recovered

P

olice have arrested several men for a multimillion-dollar robbery on a gold mining firm at Port Kaituma, North West District last Friday.

Guyana Times was told that bandits escaped with more than $50 million in cash and a large quantity of gold when they held up workers at the mining firm.

This newspaper was told that police might have recovered part of the loot at the home of one of the sus-

pects on the West Coast Berbice.

According to reports, two workers were at the company’s mining office Friday evening and fell asleep. Subsequently, officials at the company’s office in Georgetown tried making contact with them, but could not contact anyone.

Shortly after, workers nearby were sent to the office where they discovered the two men unconscious.

“They were tied up and

looked unconscious,” a source told Guyana Times.

Both men were also bleeding from the face and appeared to have been beaten.

They were taken to the Port Kaituma Regional Hospital.

It was reported that around seven men were arrested between Saturday and Sunday, among them a number of Brazilians and a boat captain whom police believe may have driven a high-speed boat from the scene on Friday night.

Mining stifling biodiversity in Rupununi – study finds

W

orld Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) has unearthed a high level of biodiversity in the South Rupununi, Region Nine, but mining activity in the area is a major threat, Global Wildlife Conservation’s ant specialist Leanne Alonzo said.

Alonzo explained that the South Rupununi population is increasing gradually with residents from the coast and investors mainly in mining. She contended that the demand for natural resources there is becoming greater.

She posited that negative impacts are already evident, but said with effective planning, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry can avert any major loss to the high level of biodiversity in the sub-district.

“Already you can see it... we saw it on the water quality results, that the rivers are getting turbid, there were a lot of sediments, there is also the possibility of mercury contamination,” the Global Wildlife Conservation representative told Guyana Times.

She said South Rupununi residents depend heavily on the natural resources, and as such, preventative measures should be taken to ensure that their lives are not affected. The South Rupununi Savannah is home to over 5000 indigenous people.

BAT had conducted an expedition in Kusad and Parabara, South Rupununi, with preliminary results indicating a high biodiversity level, with 150 species of fish, more than 300 species of birds and 145 species of water beetles.

The high biodiversity of the areas are as a result of the mixing of the Amazonian and Guiana Shield fauna, high habitat diversity and marked seasonal flooding. The findings will help decision-makers, regulatory bodies, the government and conservation organisations to make more informed decisions.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud and other senior officials recently met with residents of Aishalton, Region Nine, to provide an update on mining policies and other aspects of national development, in keeping with the ministry’s

Global Wildlife Conservation’s ant specialist, Leanne Alonzo

continuing engagement and consultation on mining within Amerindian communities.

In May, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) cancelled its mining lottery for South Rupununi after it was rejected by residents of Aishalton, Maruranau, Achiwib, Shea and other communities within the sub-district.

Minister Persaud at the time had vowed to continue consultations with stakeholders within South Rupununi to enhance natural resources management.

35-year-old father of one was reportedly killed on the spot when a car ran over him as he was crossing the Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara Public Road. The accident occurred around 02:00h on Sunday morning.

Reports say Gopaulram “Tony” Das, a barber of Lot 77 Tyman Street, North Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was at the Jameel’s Night Spot minutes before the accident occurred.

Tony’s father, Tullahram Das, told Guyana Times that his son left home around 21:00h on Sunday evening and never returned.

According to Das senior, his son was about to cross the road when the vehicle struck him.

The now dead man’s car was apparently parked across the road and he was on his way home.

Das senior said from all indications, the driver was speeding and could not have come to a halt. He was told by eyewitnesses that when the car collided with his son, his body was flung a few feet in the air before landing face down on the public road. This caused him to receive a broken leg and a fractured skull.

“He apparently died on the spot, but they still carry him to the hospital,” the father said.

The grieving father said when he heard the news; he rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital as he though his son’s body was there,

Gopaulram “Tony” Das, his wife Rosita Das and their eight-yearold son in happier times

but when he checked, there was no body matching his description.

He eventually found the body at the Woodlands Hospital.

“When I get there, he was there lying down and I could see from his look alone he was already dead.”

The man said he and his son worked as barbers at Light Street, Albertown, Georgetown.

The father explained that they both went to work on Saturday and when they returned home; his son decided to go out for a lime and never returned. He said he is still shocked by the accident and is struggling to come to grips with the loss.

Meanwhile, Tony’s widow, Rosita Das could not control her tears as she spoke with this newspaper. The woman said she was contacted by her husband 15 minutes before the tragic accident. According to her, Das

had called to say he will be leaving shortly for home.

The two were married for 11 years and had an eight-yearold son together. “My husband has a heart of gold, he is so good,” the grieving widow said.

The deceased man’s mother was also in tears. She said Das is her only son and was loved by all in the family.

“Ah can’t help it, mah only son gone… Owh how ah gun live… he is everything to me… Owh mah son yah gone and leave me.” Neighbours and close relatives described Tony, also known as “Flash”, as a peaceful individual who was involved in a number of sporting activities.

He leaves to mourn his wife, eight-year-old son, mother, father and a sister.

The police have recovered a number plate from the accident scene and have since launched a search for the driver.

8 news

monday, november 11, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Human rights body wants GRA to scrap car park deal with Bai Shan Lin

T

he Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has called on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to scrap the deal it struck with Chinese conglomerate Bai Shan Lin (BSL) to build a car park for its staff, saying that the agreement reeks of impropriety and should be terminated.

In a statement, the rights group said the incident is yet another revealing glimpse into the ethical confusion surrounding so much of upper echelon decision-making in Guyana.

Much of the background to the GRA occupancy of its new premises is puzzling, the human rights body said.

“What, in the first place, possessed the GRA to rent an apartment building reportedly for some $10 million per month that also required $227 million to convert into an office block and has no parking space.

“Given that the building was rented from the NIS, which inherited it as a result of what proved to be reckless investment in the failed Trinidadian financial conglomerate Clico, the answer to that question would seem to involve further murkiness.”

renting of the reserve to private businessmen and who exactly are they to be so privileged?” GHRA asked.

City Hall in coma

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

The GHRA said apart from the fact that all of this is using taxpayers’ money, public interest arises from the problems created by an almost permanent traffic jam over a four-block area throughout the working day, creating a general nightmare for vehicles and pedestrians.

“The parking issue wasn’t an oversight. GRA, by its own estimates of staff and customers with vehicles, requires over 500 parking spaces on a daily basis.”

Moreover, the GHRA said

six months ago, the Works Ministry informed the public that the government had scrapped plans for the GRA to use the Lamaha reserve as a car park, which gives rise to a second question. In one of his statements, the commissioner claims that Bai Shan Lin was building the car park for GRA, as if GRA still had a lien on the reserve. Later, it seemed as if GRA were renting the space from Bai Shan Lin. What is the background to the decisions, both with respect to the GRA and the

The GHRA said it should be pointed out in GRA’s favour that it attempted to get the cooperation of City Hall to convert the median down Waterloo Street into parking spaces. This would be a good environmental move in a number of city streets if the trench were first palledoff to prevent erosion.

Unfortunately, City Hall remains in a coma.

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur had said that such a partnership initiative is worthy of emulation as it augurs well for development. Sattaur said given the nightmarish plight GRA faces to find parking for staff and customers at its headquarters on Camp Street, Bai Shan Lin has seized the opportunity to demonstrate its corporate social responsibility by constructing a parking area on the portion of the reserve granted to the GRA for such use by the government.

Cost

As such, the GRA will not have to bear the total heavy cost of constructing the facility.

“The work is being carried out by equipment owned by the company. As such, no government funds are being disbursed as the facility is not built on transported land but rather government reserve,” Sattaur said. He said the gesture is also one in recognition of the government of Guyana’s benevolence to the company in allowing it to engage in many economic ventures that have mutual benefit for the country and the company, particularly in economically depressed Region 10.

“This company wants to be known as having a caring and good corporate image. It does not only want to be seen as receiving from the state benefits in terms of millions of dollars in concessions in forestry equipment, but in honouring its social and moral obligation to the community and country that it serves,” the commissioner general said.

He further stated that the organisation welcomes similar economic or social ventures that result in rendering some form of benefit to the citizens of this country through a state agency.

“The GRA does not consider such demonstrations of social legitimacy by businesses a conflict of interest, as the organisation maintains a professional relationship with all the businesses it contracts to undertake various works,” Sattaur said.

Eyew tness Hypocrites...

M

...about media ethics oses Nagamootoo weighed in on the resignations of the three Guyana Times reporters over the refusal of one of them to read a news item because of fear of reprisals. The item concerned Glenn Lall, publisher of the MuckrakerKN. We don’t wish to go over the details because we sympathise with the young journalists’ stated wish to get on with their lives. Fear is a paralysing emotion and it can scar permanently.

While he didn’t use the same vulgarisms he’d deployed against his own grandson (“Shut yuh so-and-so mouth”!!), his attack on Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, the owner of the media house, was no less crude. Looks like he forgot all of Janet Jagan’s advice between 1972 and 1992 on the need to “also hear and report the other side”. In his missive to the Stabber News, not once did Nagamootoo even allude to the contention by this newspaper that the reporter’s action was precipitated by fear.

Nagamootoo is willing to exploit the reporters’ fear to score cheap political points. The man would sink lower than a snake’s belly to get his name in a newspaper. He glibly talks about “journalistic ethics” and for media operatives not to be “manipulated”.

But what’s he doing if not manipulating the sentiments of his readers and abusing the space provided to him by the Stabber News when he silences the views of the “other”?

What do they call this? “Stacking the deck” against one’s opponents? Is this what his oft self-proclaimed “50 years in journalism” taught him?

But more to the point, never once in that journalistic life did Nagamootoo even display any respect for journalistic independence. Whenever placed in a position of authority in a media situation, he invariably insisted the media operatives toe the line only he could draw.

Check the record at the Mirror, the Chronicle, and the National Communications Network (NCN)...and you’ll find a trail of humiliations after his rants and raves against journalists for trying to push the envelope of journalistic independence.

In these matters, sometimes readers might feel we’re also being unfair. So we’ll cite the experience of a now fervent supporter of Nagamootoo – Freddy Kissoon.

Kissoon has written ad nauseam about how after the 1992 elections, Nagamootoo got him (Kissoon) a job as a commentator on an NCN talk show. Kissoon dared to say something critical about Dr Henry Jeffrey (sweet irony!!), then a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) minister.

In less than the time you take to say “Boo!!!”’

Kissoon was gone. Fired by Nagamootoo. So much for Nagamootoo’s “journalistic ethics”. ...about exploiting the past The crossover to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) from the Alliance For Change (AFC) – Tarron Khemraj – of “donkey cart” economics fame, is sadly playing the fool about David Granger’s thrust in his revisionist writing of history. A Harry Hergash took Granger to task for first being the one to bring the memorial of the Son Chapman’s victims from the spot on the Demerara River where the tragedy occurred to its present location at Linden.

Khemraj turns a blind eye to context. The move was done by Granger (who’d participated in the commemoration for years without comment much less criticism) right after the death of three protesters in the APNU/AFC conflagration in Linden. First, there was a monument made to those three. We already knew about the monument in Buxton to the bandits and others killed by the phantoms and the police post 2002 “Freedom Struggle”.

And now Khemraj rejects Hergash’s call for a monument to the Lusignan victims and supports Granger’s call for an inquiry. Well, Granger got an inquiry on Linden and still built a monument. ...on economics Fella takes out a $100,000 loan in 1998, can’t pay back 15 years later and now complains about the interest rate!

Yet he’s an executive of a party criticising the government on economics when the latter has consistently produced a five per cent growth rate. So that it can easily service its debts. Go figure.

9

monday, november 11, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

10

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 11, 2013

News

Guyana probes J$57M in cocaine seized in Jamaica

L

ocal authorities have launched an investigation into the interception of 57.5 kilograms of cocaine in teabags by the Jamaica Customs and the Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division (TCND).

The drug was found in 52 packets at the Jam King Building in the Kingston Freezone, the Jamaican Gleaner said on Friday.

According to the Gleaner, “the contraband was found wrapped in brown masking tape in a 40-foot import container with commodities declared as tea bags from Guyana”.

The drug, which weighs 126 pounds, is said to have an estimated street value of J$57 million, US$57,000 and G$11.6 million.

When contacted, head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, James Singh confirmed the interception and disclosed that investigations are currently ongoing as they work along with their Jamaican counterparts.

Guyana Times understands that CANU was contacted on Friday about the interception. The agency is currently awaiting some documents from the Jamaican authorities.

This newspaper was told that the container was loaded onto the vessel from the John Fernandes Wharf. So far, no arrests have been made in Jamaica or in Guyana.

Meanwhile, this incident has raised concerns about the US$1 million contain-

er scanner acquired by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The recently commissioned scanner is rumoured not to be working; however, when contacted, GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur dismissed the claim, saying that it is in operation.

“It is working, I don’t know why people saying that. The scanner is working, we are experiencing some problems, but it is in a working condition, just like every system, there are problems,” he stated.

This bust follows the interception of 73.34 kg of cocaine in 69 packages of brown rice destined for neighbouring Venezuela.

The drug was intercepted in

The Dominica Republic. The shipment had left Guyana on August 2 and docked in Jamaica before going to The Dominica Republic.

In June 2011, a shipment of cocaine from Guyana en route to the U.S. was intercepted in Jamaica. Some 13kg of cocaine, valued J$32 million and G$77 million, was discovered.

As the years progress and law enforcers continue to increase security to prevent narcotics trafficking, traffickers have continued to find the most innovative and extreme means to transport these narcotics.

So far, cocaine has been found in items such as coconut milk, pepper sauce, fruits, vegetables, and sea food, among others.

Grove resident celebrates 100th birthday with Quran reading

B

ackridan Hassan, of Lot 133 Saran Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara celebrated her 100th birthday by hosting a reading of the Quran at her home on Tuesday.

Hassan, also called “Nani” by the residents of the community, was born on November 5, 1913 and has been an exemplary member of the Grove community for over 80 years.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Hassan said she had

three brothers and six sisters and life was good growing up.

She said her father did not send her and her sisters to school because he feared that they would have gotten involved with the boys.

“Meh fada seh, ayuh gun geh boyfriend,” Hassan said.

Though she could not remember much, she spoke of her late husband and two sons, one of whom resides in the U.S. and the other in England. The centenarian Backridan Hassan

said during the Christmas season, she cooks lots of food for her family and have a good time.

Although she is suffering from what appears to be arthritis and loss of hearing, Hassan is still alert to her surroundings and is not a bother to her caregiver. She also suffers from insomnia.

Her neighbours spoke very well of her, saying she is always pleasant to be around and does not think twice before she gives to those in need.

Mook Lall wanna play mek up

A

s a old-time backtracker, Mook Lall now want to play mek up fuh all de people who he rob when he promise dem he gon get U.S. visa fuh dem. Some of de people spend all dem savins to pay de Mook. Some of dem even borrow money to pay de Mook. Some of dem pay de Mook in de States wid US$20 bills, which he put in suitcase and buy property in Miami, New York and on Regent Street.

De Mook don’t give credit fuh he backtackin, but he now claim he gon give credit to de guvament fuh ads. De Mook even claim he gon give free ads to de guvament. But de Mook don’t give nutten free. De headitor thought he was gettin a free house a long time now. But he had to give up he bamzee. He soul had done gone to Burnt Ham and de Height Man so de Mook couldn’t get that.

Now de whole of Guyana know that Mook Lall does seh one ting wid he mouth and another ting wid he bamzee. But because de Mook mouth resemble he bamzee, some people does get ketch and don’t pick up de difference. That is how de Mook does fool dem.

And that is how de Mook fool dem reporters whah send email and seh that dem friken he kill dem, and then tell de Mook that dem ain’t seh so when he promise to pay dem fuh dem story. But de Mook still ain’t pay dem because that is how de Mook does change he mouth. That is why dem all over lookin fuh wuk.

De Human Service Ministry does help to look after de victims of human smugglin so is no wonder de Mook sayin that he gon give de ministry free ads. That is how de Mook tryin to mek up, because de lil bit conscience whah he got leff now ketchin up wid he.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But de Mook sayin one ting in he own mud paper and another ting to he marketin people. De people tell So Hodra that de ministry gotta pay up front. Then de Mook tell de soup drinkin, bamzee lickin headitor to write that he gon give free ads.

De headitor don’t wanna lose he house so he had to write whah de bass wid out de “b” seh.

Feature

11

monday, November 11, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Times Notebook Sabotaging Guyana’s democracy …an assault on free speech

N

ovember 7, 2013 will now always be an important date for Guyanese to remember.

Guyana’s Parliament, became an instrument to deny people freedom of speech and expression. It will always be remembered as a day when elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the opposition repeatedly voted against the interest of the Guyanese people and against the interest of our beautiful country.

Times Notebook highlights a particularly disgraceful assault on free speech that was evident during the parliamentary sessions on Thursday. It was a day in which elected MPs from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) launched a vicious assault on citizens’ right to free speech and expression.

Parliaments are supreme institutions in any true democracy. It is where the people’s voices resonate through their elected representatives. Periodically, Guyanese, as individuals or as groups, petition Parliament. Earlier this year, some staff members of the University of Guyana (UG) petitioned Parliament. The right to petition the parliament is sacrosanct in any democracy.

MPs are legitimately-elected representatives of the people. These MPs are supposed to look after, and promote the interests of the people of Guyana.

On Thursday, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) exercised its fundamental right to present a petition to the Parliament of Guyana.

In the petition, they sought to express their views and to request the MPs in Guyana’s Parliament promote the interest of the country by passing the anti-money laundering amendment bill.

Sacrosanct

The private sector’s right to approach Parliament is sacrosanct, as Gail Teixeira reminded everyone in Parliament. It should have been an occasion of pride that the private sector seized the opportunity to directly speak to our MPs. The MPs did not have to agree with the views and the recommendations.

They did not have to acquiesce to the request made by the private sector in their petition. But the right of the private sector to petition Parliament must be respected and honoured.

The MPs from the APNU and the AFC snuffed

out that right of the private sector from presenting their petition. The petitioners were denied the fundamental right guaranteed in our Constitution to speak to their MPs in a formal way.

Because some MPs did not agree with the views of the private sector, these MPs used their numerical advantage to trample on a right that is ancient and fundamental.

Derailing democracy

When the private sector was denied an opportunity to present a petition to their MPs, it was a sabotage of

Guyana’s democracy. It is actions like these that accumulate to derail a country’s democracy. Parliament did not have to agree with the views, but they have to preserve the right of the citizens to their views. Times Notebook is sad that the numerical advantage of the opposition has been used to restrict Guyana’s democracy, rather than promote a more robust democracy.

The private sector was merely availing itself of a fundamental right. To deny them that right and denounce them as malicious, vexatious and propagan-

dist, as Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan called them, is clearly sabotaging the growth of Guyana’s democracy.

What is frightening is that Greenidge belongs to a party and was a Cabinet member in the then-authoritarian rule that stripped Guyana of all democratic practices.

These are the persons who want to become the government of Guyana.

Their natural inclination is to restrict freedom. For almost three decades after independence, Guyana suffered economic decline and

dictatorship because those in charge had a natural inclination towards prohibition of freedom.

Today, in circumstances where Guyana is a free country, with a democracy that has grown and where our economy is now undergoing continuous growth, at levels better than most countries in the Caribbean community (Caricom), those who took away our freedom have raised their heads again. Make no mistake, their intentions are not hidden – take power and restrict the freedom of our people!

12

monday, november 11, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

13

MONday, NOVEMBER 11 , 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Drama Festival opens today

– four plays to kick off week-long event

T

he National Drama Festival opens this afternoon at the National Cultural Centre with four plays on the schedule – one from the Ascension Secondary School and another from a church group, the Bethel Gospel Hall Youth Group.

According to organisers, the

festival is an open one with no restrictions on age, gender, religion or otherwise. You just have to be a Guyanese, portraying a situation.

The festival has the distinguished patronage of Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, “whose idea it was and drive that has pushed us to this good place in our cultural history”,

Today’s plays The first play slated for this afternoon at 13:00h is titled: “A Flower Without Petals”, which will be performed by the Ascension Secondary School. The play was written by Jean Kingston and will also be directed by Kingston. Andre Singh is listed as the stage manager.

“A Flower Without Petals” Actor

Character

Demi Roach

Daughter [Jewel]

Ezekiel Fraser

Son [Sean]

Donovan Kingston

Father [Wilbert]

Erica Fazarally

Mother [Pam]

Crystal Edwards

Aunt [Dawn]

Hilton La Cruz

Jewel’s friend [Kendra]

Shemroy Reynolds

Jewel’s friend [Brian]

Samuel Bristol

Policeman

The group comprises level 7 and 10 students and was formed for the purpose of the Ministry of Education festival.

The play features Jewel, a 14-year-old school girl who lives with her abusive stepfather and pregnant mother, along with her brother. Domestic violence is within the home. Both Jewel and her brother are forced to work to bring in income. As a result, her brother seldom goes to school. Jewel goes to school late and sleeps in class and becomes withdrawn. She eventually reveals to her friend that she is sexually abused by her stepfather, and her friend noticed marks on her neck at dance practice.

The friend encourages her to tell her aunt while she thinks of something.

“Mara’s Faith” The second play by the Bethel Gospel Hall Youth Group (Jesus People) will be staged at 18:00h. Titled “Mara’s Faith”, the play was written by the group. The play is being directed

by Roseanna Taitt with the stage manager being Clint Scotland.

organisers said.

The competition takes place in four categories with one category subdivided. There are the secondary schools category, the debutante category, which is set aside for the first-timers in festival and the junior category where the participants are judged to be in transition to the top

The play begins as Miss Delight meets up with Petal – a younger woman who she mentored in the past. Miss Delight tells Petal the story about Mara – her former Sunday school student – to encourage her because of her broken spirit in the face of difficult times. The play centres on the faith, perseverance and strength displayed by Mara in spite of the tragic circumstances she finds herself in. It shows Mara’s exceptional character despite pressure in school from her friends to lie, forsake church, party or have a boyfriend. It also shows her resilience and her faith despite the situation at home. Her faith and trust in God pay off at the end as the relationship with her father is restored. He experiences a change of heart after he realises that the things he was focusing on: money, women and material things left him a bitter, empty person. This change is triggered as the relationship between himself and Mara reaches its breaking point when he hits her, but miraculously his late wife’s words find their way back to him through her Bible which falls to the floor when he strikes Mara and opens to the exact scripture she last uttered to him. The play ends with Mara forgiving her father and Miss D encouraging Petal to keep the faith as God works everything out!

“Bamboo Alley” The third play “Bamboo Alley” will feature the Emeralds Drama Club. The play was written by Beverley Cyrus who will also perform stage management duties.

level.

The open category is divided into short and full length plays. The full length plays have the incentive of a million-dollar top prize. “We continue to see the emergence of a wide array of new talent and the reemergence of stalwarts of the recent past,” according to organisers.

Violence is a sensitive issue that provokes anxiety. And because it arouses emotions and has negative connotations, it requires courage to face it squarely. It is a natural human reaction to avoid unpleasant and painful experiences, but the reality is that both in society and schools, violence is increasing at an alarming rate, with a devastating impact on all sectors of society. Therefore, it is time for us to confront the violence issue because it cannot be overcome by avoiding it, or simply condemning it as immoral; it can only be coped with by managing the problem.

“The Farepicker” The Theatre Guild of Guyana will bring the curtains down this evening with their play “The Farepicker”, written by Kenn Danns and directed by Sonia Yarde. Melika Edmonds will be the stage manager.

Actor

Character

Actor

Character

Kefa Smith

Headteacher

Colleen Humphrey

Norma “Sweet Poo”

Tevin Tanner

Sir Jerome

Nickose Layne

Carl

Lisa Punch

Ms Tracy Scott

Kescia Branche

Liz

Mark Kazim

Tony

Keon Haywood

Frank

Paul Budnah

Greek

Actor

Character

Lucretia Hubbard

Marcia Small

Roseanna Taitt

Miss Delight (Miss D)

Carla Prescott

Petal

Colin Primus

Keon Saul

Keishaun Griffith

Dianne/Shaquita

Keon Douglas

Kevin

Leon Allen

“Boo Boo”

Joshua Griffith

David

Keneshia Stewart

Secretary

Nicola Moonsammy

“Saga Puss”

Zion Ramsay/Christine Calder

Ms Phillips

Nirmala Narine

Bibi

Saevion David-Longe

Grandpa

Yonnel Armstrong

Grandma

Head Prefect

“Cookies & Cream”

Obstetrician

Jamal Young

Latoya Kellman

Christopher Heywood Damali Chance

Midwife/Monique

Ayanna Waddell

“Bubbles”

Darren Prescott

Marvin

Adacie Fanfair

Cherese

Jenell Dalgetty

Liggy

Shantavia Daniels

Trisha

James Ramprahad

Kayda

Kevin Kellman

Man

Roshanna Rollins

Chantel

Angelique Ries

Ken

Sarah David Longe

Mara

Larissa Glen

Mara at 5

Loreen Warde

Ms Isaacs

Ryan Rollins

Bartender

Donelle Greaves

Waitress

Keane Bobb

Ms Crandon

“The Farepicker” brings to mind the hardship of a single parent having to raise two teenagers within the pressure of society.

She decides to live a double life. As a farepicker or prostitute at night under the guise of doing night work. The children are left at home at the mercy of a stepfather who eventually rapes the daughter. This causes many issues to be confronted.

14

monday, november 11, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

News

First Leguan Nite attracts large crowd P

resident Donald Ramotar, accompanied by acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali and Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj last evening livened up the inau-

Orchestra entertained the crowd. Leguan Nite is the brainchild of Minister Irfaan Ali, a native of the island whose idea it is to build a unique tourism product in an area that has made a significant contribution to Guyana’s economy in the productive sector.

and a panel of judges, introducing themselves, their platforms and proud sponsors. President Ramotar, who frequented the island in the company of his father on business ventures as a young boy, was pleased with the hosting of an event that is aimed at promoting

able electricity, the government is intending to expedite the process by which Guyana can further develop.

Challenge

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali

ticularly those with potential tourism hotspots to adopt, given its appeal to nature lovers from abroad who have grown too accustomed to sand and sea.

Model

gural Leguan Nite, singing two songs, one of which was “Leguan Baboo”.

Along the edges of the venue were booths to interest patrons while lucky ticket patrons won various prizes. The Shakti Strings

A committee was subsequently formed comprising various stakeholders and planning of the event got underway. Included on the agenda was a pageant contested by nine delegates who appeared before the audience

community-based tourism.

An almost identical event is hosted yearly on the nearby Wakenaam Island, attracting many over the years.

It is an initiative the government continues to encourage in rural areas, par-

The Rew Eco Lodge in the north Rupununi is a model example of a communitybased tourism product managed by residents of the area where fishing, hiking, birding and other adventures are enjoyed by many tourists.

In his address at the opening night, President Ramotar explained the new course on which the econo-

my is heading, and the role the tourism sector is already playing.

“The base of our economy is now much broader; not only do we depend on sugar, rice and bauxite, but many other sectors have become important contributors… and have become new areas of growth and development in our society,” President Ramotar said.

With the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the construction of the Marriott International Hotel in the making and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project for cheaper and reli-

However, this process is being challenged by the political opposition exploiting its one-seat majority in Parliament. President Ramotar used the occasion to voice his disappointment over the vote against the anti-money laundering amendment bill, and the implications that will follow.

The opportunities Guyana may lose as a result of setbacks in the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project following the political opposition’s rejection of key pieces of legislation were also highlighted. Nevertheless, the residents were encouraged to look forward to a bright future and amid problems, be proud of the contribution the island has been making in the agriculture sector.

Leguan Secondary School made it in the category of top performing schools at the last Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations with Alana Babulall copping 11 subjects, 10 of which were distinctions, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

guyanatimesgy.com

15 News

monday, november 11, 2013

First Leguan Nite attracts large crowd

16 news

monday, november 11, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines destruction “absolute bedlam”

T

he head of the Red Cross in the Philippines has described the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan as “absolute bedlam”.

Up to 10,000 people are believed to have died in Tacloban city and hundreds elsewhere.

Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced. The typhoon flattened homes, schools and an airport.

It has since made landfall in northern Vietnam, close to the China border, as a weaker Category One

tropical storm.

Four million people have been affected in the Philippines, and many are now struggling to survive without food, shelter, or clean drinking water.

A huge international relief effort is underway, but rescue workers have struggled to reach some towns and villages cut off since the storm.

“There’s an awful lot of casualties, a lot of people dead all over the place, a lot of destruction,” Richard Gordon, head of the Philippine Red Cross,

told the BBC. “It’s absolute bedlam right now, but hopefully it will turn out better as more and more supplies get into the area.”

He said roads had now been cleared to allow relief workers to get to the hardest hit areas, but that they expected to find many more casualties.

“It’s only now that they were able to get in and we’re beginning just to bring in the necessary food items... as well as water and other things that they need.” (BBC News)

Devastation: Debris which was washed in by the storm litters the road by the coastal village in Legazpi city. Residents now face a long clean up operation

International Financial and Economic Report Chairman, Guyana Americas Merchant Bank

BY GEOFFREY BELL

T

he employment numbers for October were released Friday by the Department of Labour showing an addition of 204,000 workers to the labour force which was more than forecast and a revised 163,000 gain in September which was higher than the 148,000 initially reported.

The median forecast by economists was for a 120,000 advance suggesting companies were not influenced in their hiring plans by the government shutdown. The unemployment rate rose to 7.3 per cent from 7.2 per cent in September and average hourly earnings increased by 0.1 per cent and increased 2.2 per cent over the past 12 months.

The advanced estimate for the third quarter in gross domestic product (GDP) growth was released yesterday [Thursday] by Bureau of Economic Analysis. It shows an increase of 2.8 per cent after a 2.5 per cent gain in the prior three months and which was a good deal higher than the consensus forecast of economists which was for a two per cent rise.

However, consumer spending only rose by 1.5 per cent, the smallest increase since 2011, while inventories had the biggest gain since the first quarter of 2012 leading economists to revise down their fourth quarter estimate of growth from two per cent to 1.5 per cent.

Inventories added 0.8 per cent to third quarter growth which is not anticipated to be repeated as the bulk of this increase was unwanted. Final sales, which exclude inventories, rose two per cent in the third quarter after 2.1 per cent gain in the previous three months.

The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its benchmark interest rate yesterday [Thursday] to a record low of 0.25 per cent after infla-

tion in the Eurozone fell to 0.7 per cent in October, the slowest pace in four years.

Interestingly, Federal Reserve has the federal funds rate at 0.125 per cent, the Bank of Japan at 0.05 per cent, the ECB at 0.25 per cent and with the Bank of England has the highest interest rate amongst this group at 0.5 per cent.

Germany was criticised strongly last week by the United States which argued that its large current account surplus was inhibiting growth in the Eurozone.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Germany will have a current account surplus of US$215 billion in 2013 or about six per cent of GDP. None of the other big countries like France and Italy have a surplus but the Eurozone has a total of US$295 billion with the most of that accounted for by Germany and the Netherlands. The UK will have a deficit of US$69 bil-

lion this year while that of the United States will total US$451 billion or three per cent of GDP. The U.S. view is that because Germany is part of the Eurozone and so cannot devalue its currency (if Germany still had the deutschemark it would soar) then it is wrong to orient economic policy to maintaining a major balance of payments surplus.

Germany should use fiscal policy (now running at zero per cent of GDP) to run a deficit in the budget and reduce exports and increase domestic spending.

This will reduce the surplus and help the Eurozone and the rest of the world.

However, Germany is not likely to do this preferring a modest growth rate with strong exports and the U.S. budget deficit is coming down from 10 per cent in 2010 to four per cent this fiscal year which reduces the positive stimulus to the economy of the government spending even if it is under-

standable.

The reality is that policies, whether they are in Germany, UK or the U.S., are domestically oriented.

Thus, criticising another county invites retaliation (at least orally) with the counter-argument that the U.S. should be expanding more rapidly to take care of its own problems.

Oil prices have fallen sharply in the last few weeks with WTI hitting a record of US$110.5 a barrel on September 6 when turmoil in the Middle East was at its high and now oil is at US$94 a barrel. This drop is partly because of more optimism about the Middle East and because U.S. is demanding less imports of oil with oil supplies increasing.

The authorities in Switzerland are thinking about toughening leverage rules for banks with some officials taking the view that 4.5 per cent by 2019 is too low. Behind this thinking is the fact that UBS and Credit Suisse (the two biggest banks in the country) are a multiple of Switzerland’s GDP. There were a number of economic announcements this week. Last Monday, it was reported that orders to U.S. factories rose 1.7 per cent in September but that this was due to a big jump in

commercial aircraft which is highly volatile.

“Core” capital goods fell 1.3 per cent and the demand for machinery plummeted 23.6 per cent with big declines in construction machinery, electric turbines and generators. On Tuesday, the ISM non-manufacturing index increased to 55.4 from 54.4 in October and on Wednesday the Conference Board’s index of U.S. leading indicators increased 0.7 per cent in September. On Thursday, initial jobless claims decreased by 9000 to 345,000 in the week ended November 2.

On Friday, the consumer sentiment survey was released and dipped to a near two-year low in November according to Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey at 72.0 as opposed to October’s final reading of 73.2.

In overseas news, the Bank of England on Thursday kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 0.5 per cent and its bond-buying programme remained at £375 billion. UK industrial production rose 0.9 per cent in September but German industrial production fell 0.9 per cent signalling that growth has probably cooled in Europe’s largest economies in the third quarter.

China’s exports rose 5.6 per

cent in October from a year earlier after falling 0.3 per cent in September which was much better than expected.

Interest rates rose over the week especially after Friday’s jobs report. 10-year U.S. treasuries rose in yield from 2.60 per cent to 2.74 per cent and 30-year bonds from 3.67 per cent to 3.82 per cent. This is almost certainly due to increased expectations of “tapering” starting at the next Federal Open Marker Committee (FOMC) meeting on December 17 and 18.

By the same token, currency values fell against the dollar this morning but only a small amount. For example, the euro is US$1.34 as compared with US$1.35 last Friday, the pound sterling is US$1.60 which is actually up from US$1.59, the Swiss franc fell from 0.91 to 0.92 and the yen was virtually unchanged.

Similarly, emerging markets currencies fell with the Indian rupee going from 61.84 to 62.50 and the Brazilian real from 2.26 to 2.33. WTI oil prices were US$94.52 a barrel this morning gold was US$1284 an ounce at 10:30h as compared with US$1323 the end of trading last Friday. The Dow Jones was again flat for the week.

news

17

monday, november 11, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana remembers fallen soldiers G uyana joined the rest of the world in observing Remembrance Day (Armistice Day) Sunday, with leaders laying wreaths at the Cenotaph and observing two minutes of silence dedicated to World Wars I and II victims and other fallen soldiers.

President Donald Ramotar led the way by laying a wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph monument in Georgetown. He was followed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Mark Phillips; Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell; Leader of the Opposition, David Granger; President of the Guyana Legion, retired Colonel Carl Morgan; the Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green; as well as the heads of mission of the diplomatic corps, a representative of the Guyana ex-Soldiers’ Benevolent Association and a representative of the X-GDF Association of Guyana.

“On this Sunday of Remembrance Day, we meet again to remember all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in

two world wars. We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.

“We also recall with gratitude those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice, and freedom from all forms of oppression, wherever these exist,” President Ramotar said in his Remembrance Day statement.

He urged that the example of the fallen soldiers should strengthen the world’s resolve to maintain efforts for world peace.

“On this solemn occasion, we, the citizens of the Republic of Guyana, re-dedicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere, and renew our commitment to the development and well-being of our beloved country.”

March past The ceremony was marked as well by a march past at the corner of Main and New Market streets, where the president was given a military salute. And there were prayers by the three main reli-

In Linden, a number of persons congregated at the cenotaph at Mackenzie to pay their tributes. Among those in attendance at the simple ceremony were Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, Linden Town Council Interim Management Committee (IMC) Vice Chairman Eric Harry, military personnel, police ranks, members of the Central Mackenzie Scout Association and Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen. According to tradition, wreaths were laid on the cenotaph followed by two minutes of silence.

Nation reflects

President Donald Ramotar laying a wreath at the Cenotaph during Sunday’s ceremony gious groups.

The Cenotaph war memorial commemorates Guyanese soldiers who lost their lives in the world wars.

November 11 marks the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. After the end of World War II in 1945, Armistice

Members of the diplomatic corps paying tribute to the fallen on Sunday

Day was renamed Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday, and observed on the first or second Sunday of November. Since 1956, it was internationally agreed to observe Remembrance Day on the second Sunday of November.

In Guyana, Remembrance Day is observed on the Sunday closest to November 11 – usually the second Sunday. The day is marked by parades in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Vreed-en-Hoop, Linden, Anna Regina, Bartica, Lethem and other towns around the country. After the parade at the Cenotaph, the British and Canadian high commissioners and the general secretary of the Guyana Legion laid wreaths in the Military Cemetery at Eve Leary.

This was followed by a reception at the Legion’s Headquarters, Coghlan House.

Addressing the gathering, Solomon said Remembrance Day was one on which the nation reflected on those who laid down their lives for their countries, in an effort to attain peace and freedom. “… We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.

We also recall with gratitude those who, throughout the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all sorts of oppression... their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace, with justice and prosperity for all peoples.

“On this solemn occasion we, the citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, rededicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere and renew our commitment to the development and the well-being of our beloved country,” he said.

City Hall to tidy up Georgetown Guyoil’s profits for Christmas – Sooba declined last year T T he acting town clerk of Georgetown, Carol Sooba said that steps would be taken soon to tidy up the city, with the aim of maintaining this, in light of the upcoming Christmas season.

Solid waste in the city is expected to increase by some 60 per cent during the Christmas season. Sooba said the council acquired $1.6 million from the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry to address the garbage issue in the city.

Complaints

They will be moving to purchase at least 20 large bins, which will be placed at strategic points around the city.

The town clerk had terminated the contracts of garbage disposal companies Cevons Waste Management and Dartmouth Skips.

She explained that management of the two main markets under the now terminated contractors cost the council in excess of $40 million per year. This move, she said, was made as a result of the build-up in garbage in several parts of the city.

A popular spot for garbage dumping − behind the Guyana Fire Service at Stabroek Market square

According to Sooba, the council had received several complaints about the management of the markets. “People had to even pay additional money to have their waste thrown into the compactors; those were some of our complaints,” she explained.

She noted that the government subvention made provision for the council to acquire additional equipment to manage the garbage.

Sooba said the Bourda compactors are now in operation to remove 25 tonnes of compacted garbage per trip, and in a few weeks

Acting town clerk of Georgetown, Carol Sooba

from now, the Stabroek Market compactor will be

in operation.

The council is again urging the general public to take precautionary measures to prevent a health pandemic in the city.

Persons are also urged to purchase containers to dispose rubbish, to sprinkle disinfectant on their rubbish and to ensure that they secure the garbage containers so that refuse will not be exposed to vermin and dogs.

Garbage, however, continues to be dumped in the streets of Georgetown and in front of the entrance to the Bourda and Stabroek markets.

he state-run Guyana Oil Company Limited (Guyoil) saw a 4.9 per cent decline in its profits last year when compared to 2011’s figures.

Guyoil’s 2012 Report, which was recently tabled in Parliament, revealed that the net profits after taxation were $0.951 billion, compared to $1.0 billion in 2011, a decrease of $0.049 billion.

Guyoil, however, recorded a net profit before taxation of $2.026 billion, as against $1.823 billion in 2011, an increase of 11.14 per cent.

Gross profit achieved in 2012 was a whopping $3.264 billion, compared to $2.893 billion in 2011, an increase of 12.82 per cent.

In the report, it was pointed that sales jumped by 7.08 per cent, moving from $41.213 billion in 2011 to $44.130 billion in 2012. “The cost of sales was $40.867 billion compared to $38.320 billion in 2011, an increase of $2.547 billion or 6.65 per cent.”

Approximately 1,334,910 barrels of fuel were sold in 2012 as against 1,277,380 barrels in 2011, an increase of 4.50 per cent. Guyoil’s operations include the importation, storage, distribution, and marketing of motor gasoline, gas oil, kerosene, fuel oil, Castrol lubricants, and

bituminous products. The company continues to distribute products through the largest distribution network in the petroleum business in Guyana, consisting of 36 dealer-owned and seven company-owned service stations, all serviced by its three terminals located in Regions Two, Four and Six. Guyoil Chairman Dr Keshav Mangal said the “fuel business in Guyana continued to be characterised by high acquisition prices, aggressive competition and low margins”. It was pointed out that acquisition prices for refined petroleum products fluctuated between US$109.18 and US$141.13 per barrel during the year.

“An aggressive competition and low margins imposed great challenges on the company’s profitability during the year,” he added.

Guyoil acquires fuel under the PetroCaribe Agreement between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela, while other supplies are obtained from Trinidad and Tobago. In keeping with its corporate responsibility, the fuel company contributed $2.07 million to community-based organisations and institutions to aid in sport, education, culture, religious, and charitable activities.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, November 11, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Put your money on the line. Indulge in a venture that could change the way you live and the people you associate with. Reach for the stars; they’re within your reach.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Learn from your mistakes. New avenues or ideas now may not pay off immediately, but given time you will find a way to make them do so.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Call up friends or make arrangements that favour love, romance or family fun. Entertaining your peers or a client will boost your professional and financial status.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Enjoy getting out and taking part in activities and events that allow you to use your skills and display your talents.

Networking will lead to an unusual but fruitful proposal.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Don’t hem or haw when asked what you are up to. Keep your answers concise and your questions direct. Dealing with home improvements can be costly. Cut your losses and don’t go over budget.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) A problem or confusion situation can be cleared up with honest and freewheeling communication.

Love is in the stars, as well as a great deal of small but positive change.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Buckle down and make every move count.

Watch out for pitfalls or traps that might land you in trouble. Keep a close watch over your possessions and avoid excess.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Get into the swing of things. Indulge in activities that allow you to show off. Romance is on the rise, and specials plans on your part will meet with a warm reception.

Complete whatever job you’ve been given without complaint. If you are feeling restless and want to make a change, find a way to alleviate impulsivity by staying physically active.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Changes at home will inspire you to take on a new project. You may have to work on your presentation skills. Improvements to your methods will pay off handsomely.

Saturday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Make your daily round carefully. Expect someone to lead you astray or put blame on you. Protect your position and your reputation. Honest communication will help you avoid trouble.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Outsiders won’t see things the same way you do. Stick close to home and make significant changes that will improve your life and your surroundings.

Don’t get angry; get moving.

news 19

YELLOW PAGES

“Picture Boy” case’s final hearing

monDay, november 11, 2013

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE Spare parts for 1-2-3-4 and 6 cylinder diesel engines for Lister, Pieter, Kobota, Perkins, Veutz, Fiat, John Deer, Case IH, Cummings, Bedford and Leyland Daf . Phone 619-4483, 601-7883, 226-6325 Machinery 2 wheel and 4-wheel drive tractors; Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deer and New Holland.

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

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

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

health Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems?

For appointments call 592-621-0552.

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

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc.

Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

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

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

Phone: 699-3992.

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

services

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

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

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

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

One 450 Honda ATV. Phone: 626-3817 Toyota Hilux 172 diesel extra-cab pick-up, 4x4 manual (5-speed transmission) a/c, p/s p/w p/l, winch, off road front bumper, KC lights, side baranka bars, bush-ready, Old Man Emu, rear leaf springs, lifted Old Man Emu shocks, snorkel, bed liner.

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

Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292

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

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

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

WANTED

Lot 48 Light Street, Alberttown.

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

Gas station land. Size: over one acre Phone Ms Liverpool on 625-7582, 681-9293.

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg.

Phone: 691-9984

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

1 flat concrete house at Parfaite Harmonie. Phone: 643-4740

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

Toyota Hilux extra cab, pick up $3.m.

Phone: 264-2682.

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

property for sale

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

Call 592-619-4483, 592-656-7471

VEHICLES FOR SALE

TO let

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

Phone: 691-7164, 231- 2619.

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

Phone:649-0707.

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

Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water, etc Phone: 219-4535 One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535 EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230 Two-bedroom self contained apt.

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

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

Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

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

One female babysitter, between 40 & 45 years, must be from Georgetown, be able to work flexible hours and some weekends, applicant with a sound secondary education may apply. Phone: 614-5711, 9am- 3pm

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

Accused’s hydrocele causes stir – to know fate today

D

ouble murder accused Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier will know his fate today when the jury panel will be sent to deliberate on a verdict after the judge completes his summation of the evidence presented throughout the trial.

Collier is indicted with the murder of two Victoria Village brothers, 34-year-old Ray Walcott called “Sugar”, and 31-year-old Carl Andrews, called “Alo”, on September 23, 2006, at Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara.

This is the second trial of the accused for the double murder after the first, which ran from October to December last year, resulted in a hung jury after six hours of deliberation.

This trial began on October 18 before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court. Senior State Counsel Judith GildarieMursalin, the prosecuting official, called several witnesses to testify against the accused, after which she closed her case on Wednesday. Then on Thursday, the defence’s case was heard.

Medical condition Defence Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam called his only witness, Dr Dalgleish Joseph, who testified about the causes and effects of hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum): the alleged torture of the accused – upon which his defence hinges – reportedly caused this condition.

The doctor was also questioned about the post-mortem reports of the deceased.

Under cross-examination, the senior state counsel asked the doctor whether he had examined Collier to determine if the kicks that were reportedly meted out to him could have caused the hydrocele. The doctor responded that during the first trial, the presiding judge did not grant permission for him to examine the accused.

The defence then closed its case after which Collier was called upon to lead his defence and he elected to do so by giving an unsworn statement from the dock, claiming that he is “inno-

cent of this crime”. The accused claimed that he was in Linden when the two brothers were killed. He reiterated his claims that he was kicked repeatedly to his scrotum, causing him to suffer from hydrocele, and forced to confess to the crime which he knew nothing about.

On Friday, the prosecutor and the defence made their closing arguments to the jury.

Attorney Amsterdam indulged in several hours of final submissions, arguing at length about the various holes in the prosecution’s case. He told the jury not to consider the evidence of the state witnesses, because there was a high level of inconsistency, so a prima facie was not made out against his client; hence, they should acquit him.

He also turned to the allegation that his client was forced to admit to the crime because he was kicked to his scrotum.

Overwhelming evidence Meanwhile in her closing argument, Gildarie-Mursalin said the prosecution has presented overwhelming evidence to substantiate its case that it was the accused who shot the two brothers to death on that fateful night seven years ago.

She pointed out that after six years, the accused fabricated the tale that he was beaten by the police, causing his scrotum to swell.

The prosecutor urged the jury to dismiss the “unreal” contention of the defence that the state witnesses’ testimony should not be considered because of inconsistency. In closing, she directed the jury not to be guided from the path of justice or to show any sympathy towards the accused or the deceased, but to deliver unanimous, fair and impartial verdicts.

The jury panel can either find the accused guilty of both murders or not guilty, or guilty of one murder and not guilty of the other. The verdicts will have to be unanimous, otherwise there will be a hung jury and the accused will have to undergo another retrial.

Woman chopped by reputed husband in serious condition

A

Jamaican national is in a serious condition at the Mahdia Hospital after she was severely chopped by her reputed husband in Mahdia, Region Eight on Sunday.

A rural constable (RC) attached to the Mahdia Police Station told Guyana Times that the incident occurred around 17:00h. According to the RC, the victim who was only identified as “Pauline”, a cook at Paul Young Camp, Salbora Backdam, was lured to the crime scene before the horrendous act was staged.

“He called she and seh he want talk but the closer he get to she, the more he backed into the bushes,” the RC reported. The name of the attacker who operates at Campton Young Camp was given only as “Mark”. According to reports, he was armed with a knife and cutlass at the time of the incident. The motive for the attack remains sketchy, but reports seem to indicate that it

stemmed from a love affair.

Realising that Mark was armed, the Jamaican national attempted to run, but was snatched and severely chopped.

She reportedly warded off the chops with her hands, which suffered the majority of the injuries sustained.

Loud screams had filled the air, attracting miners from both Campton Young and Paul Young Camps, who rushed to her rescue. Mark reported escaped into the deep jungle and up to press time, ranks attached to the Mahdia Police Station were still looking for him.

Pauline was rushed to the Mahdia Hospital, where she was treated. The hospital wanted to transport the victim to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but pilots warned that the weather was not conducive to entertain late night flights out of the interior to the city.

According to reports, Pauline will be transported to the city this morning.

20 Rain ends contest after Sri Lanka post 288

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, november 11, 2013

Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 81 in his first international match after calling time on his Test career (Associated Press)

I

n the first encounter of the annual tussle between Sri Lanka’s cricket schedule and the elements, rain came away the winner again, ending the match after 54.2 overs of play in Hambantota on Sunday.

October and November are wet months for almost every region in the country, and just as New Zealand’s last limited-overs series in the country was heavily affected by the weather, this one has begun in familiar fashion.

Before the heavens opened up, Sri Lanka had hit a daunting 288 for 9 thanks to an effortless 79 from Kumar Sangakkara,

and Angelo Mathews’ business-like 74 not out from 64.

Tillakaratne Dilshan topscored with 81, after he had lost his opening partner first ball, but his 137-run partnership with Sangakkara provided the hosts with an excellent foundation for the consummate finish that followed, as acting captain Kyle Mills marshaled a green New Zealand attack prone to indiscipline.

A searing opening spell from Lasith Malinga had already accounted for Anton Devcich by the time the rain came down, and the match was called off after a couple of hours of incessant rain, with the visitors on 13 for 1.

Sri Lanka’s focus in 2013

has been an earnest, sometimes frenzied, quest for regeneration in anticipation of the senior batsmen’s retirement, but neither Sangakkara’s skill nor his hunger seems to have abated. Having top-scored in Sri Lanka’s previous ODI series in July, Sangakkara played a series of crisp drives and concise pulls early in his innings, demonstrating he had lost none of his touch during the international hiatus.

More than his swift rate of scoring - an ODI virtue that largely eluded him until this year - the most striking aspect of Sangakkara’s innings was the ease with which he progressed.

Having arrived to face the second ball of the innings, he seemed to be cruising in third gear throughout as he rarely dipped below a run-aball.

Dilshan had just returned from a finger injury, but despite being compelled into defence by his own lack of fluency, the dot balls did not incite panic in his approach, with Sangakkara ensuring the score sped along.

Dilshan was not so out of touch that he could not whip bad balls through cover, nor did he shelve the scoop, which appeared as early as the seventh over, but the bludgeoned pulls and violent cuts that routinely populate a Dilshan innings were notable in their relative absence.

His eventual score, though, revealed his own increasing versatility and appetite for runs. After Sangakkara, Dilshan had been the top ODI run-scorer in both this calendar year, and in Sri Lanka’s last series.

Mitchell McClenaghan was among Sangakkara’s early victims, as the bowler strayed either side of the wicket in his opening spell to concede four boundaries two through square leg, and two on the off side. A hundred seemed almost inevitable when he reached his halfcentury off 51 balls, but the flat left-arm spin of Anton Devcich stemmed the runflow after the field had gone back, and Sangakkara eventually chipped him to midwicket, cursing himself for getting out needlessly. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka innings F Karunaratne lbw b Mills 0 T Dilshan c †Ronchi b Anderson 81 K Sangakkara c McCullum b Devcich 79 M Jayawardene c Nicol b Devcich 1 A Mathews* not out 74 H Thirimanne c & b McCullum 2 L Chandimal† b McClenaghan 9 K Kulasekara c McCullum b Mills 12 L Malinga b Mills 0 S Senanayake b McClenaghan 14 H Herath not out 0 Extras: (lb 7, w 8, nb 1) 16 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 288

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-137, 3-139, 4-197, 5-216, 6-240, 7-267, 8-268, 9-283 Bowling: K Mills 9-0-49-3, M McClenaghan 8-0-74-2, A Milne 8-0-41-0, A Devcich 10-1-33-2, N McCullum 9-0-38-1, C Anderson 4-0-32-1, R Nicol 2-0-14-0 New Zealand innings A Devcich b Malinga T Latham not out R Nicol not out Extras: (lb 2, w 6) Total: (1 wkt, 4.2 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-7 Bowling: L Malinga 2.2-08-1, K Kulasekara 2-1-3-0

0 4 1 8 13

Van Persie sinks leaders Arsenal

R

obin van Persie punished his former club once more with the winner as Manchester United came out on top in the battle with Premier League leaders Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Van Persie, who scored for United against Arsenal in both games last season following his £24m move, gave United a precious three points with a fine 27th-minute header from Wayne Rooney’s corner.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger insisted before the game that Van Persie was still “an Arsenal man” but the Dutch striker showed no hesitation in celebrating the goal that pushed United up to fifth in the table and to within five points of their opponents.

United boss David Moyes knew defeat would have left them 11 points adrift in the title race, a gap which might have proved beyond

Robin van Persie

even the reigning champions.

Wenger revealed sickness in his camp had deprived him of defender Per Mertesacker and midfielder Tomas Rosicky, while Mikel Arteta was fit to start despite also feeling unwell.

This may have contributed towards a decidedly flat first 45 minutes.

And despite a much-improved second half, which included two perfect cross-

es from full-back Bacary Sagna that somehow went untouched, it was United’s fans who were celebrating a win of great significance at the final whistle.

It was a disappointing end to a week in which Arsenal made major statements of intent against Liverpool in the Premier League and away to Dortmund in the Champions League.

The Gunners will still be

delighted with their start to the season but this was United’s day and Moyes will now feel they are building momentum after a third successive league win.

It was the familiar figure of Van Persie who decided the destiny of this game, getting away from Olivier Giroud to meet Rooney’s delivery and direct a fine header over Kieran Gibbs on the line.

Play was held up twice before half-time for head injuries to Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny and Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic.

In a week when much debate has centred on Tottenham’s decision to allow goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to continue after his collision with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku at Goodison Park, Szczesny required lengthy treatment following a clash of heads with United’s Phil Jones. (BBC Sport)

Sunderland stun Manchester City

M

anchester City suffered their fourth Premier League defeat of the season as Sunderland’s revival under Gus Poyet gathered pace.

Phil Bardsley scored the only goal in the first half when he shrugged off James Milner and curled in a low shot.

City dominated thereafter but were thwarted by a well-organised Sunderland defence and goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

Sergio Aguero headed wide from close range and had a shot palmed away by Mannone as the Black Cats held on.

By the end of the match, as the hosts soaked up incessant City pressure, every Sunderland touch was greeted with a roar by the home fans.

It was the Black Cats’ third win in four games in all competitions and Poyet’s third in as many home games since he succeeded Paolo Di Canio as manager.

In just over a month at the helm, the Uruguayan appears to have instilled a confidence and composure in his team.

With Wes Brown making his first Premier League start in 22 months, the defence carried a steeliness that has been missing for most of a miserable start to the season as they registered their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Brown and his former Manchester United teammate John O’Shea were outstanding as they tamed City’s prolific strikers Aguero and Alvaro Negredo,

and largely restricted their visitors to speculative shots from distance.

Even at this early stage of the season, a dangerous pattern is emerging for City, whose 100% home league record contrasts starkly with their performances away from the Etihad Stadium, where they have four defeats and just one win in six games.

It is an alarming weakness, and one that manager Manuel Pellegrini will have to address immediately if his team is to maintain hope of wresting the title back from Manchester United.

City were punished for a slow start as the home side seized the early initiative.

They created the first opening when Sebastian Larsson’s cross from the right picked out Steven Fletcher, whose header from the penalty spot lacked power and drifted wide.

Soon afterwards, Larsson was extremely fortunate to escape punishment when his studs connected with Javi Garcia’s ankle in midfield.

Referee Mike Dean’s leniency was on display once again in the build-up to the opening goal.

The official opted not to penalise Bardsley when he appeared to bundle over Milner, allowing the full-back to race on to Brown’s long pass and curl a precise finish past Costel Pantilimon.

Aguero had a clear chance to level on the half hour, but he headed wide from close range after some slick City build-up.

Gibson expects better in second Test

M

UMBAI, India – Head coach Ottis Gibson challenged the West Indies’ batsmen to leave their stamp of authenticity on the second Test against India which opens on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium.

The Windies had a full training session in steamy conditions on Sunday morning at the venue where they hope to level the twoTest series, following a gut-wrenching innings and 51-run defeat inside three days in the first Test, which ended last Friday at Eden Gardens in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata.

The visitors flew into this west coast city on Saturday evening, and Gibson said they were using the training session on Sunday to knock some more of the rust off their game and get into the right frame of mind to put up a stronger challenge the second time around.

“There is only so much talking any coach can do,” the West Indies head coach said. “When you play five batsmen, and you sit down and stress the importance of those five batsmen batting long, and you set your-

self a challenge of batting a day and a half in the first innings, it is then up to those five batsmen to negotiate whatever the opposition bowlers throw at them and hang around for five days.

“When you have a runout and a couple of soft dismissals within those five batsmen then it puts pressure on everybody else.

That is exactly what happened. We have to get better. We have to learn from those mistakes and try not to repeat them – but we were a bit rusty coming and I expect to see a much better showing from this West Indies team in the next Test.”

On how the Windies batting can improve, Gibson said: “Try and bat for three days. We won the toss in good batting conditions and we batted 70-odd overs in the first innings. That is just not good enough. We know in India you have to bat long, put runs on the board, 400 minimum in the first innings really. So the 234 that we made was pretty average and that’s why you see us trying to get into the nets [on Sunday]. (WICB)

21 Spurs crush Knicks 120-89, win fourth straight D monday, november 11, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

anny Green had 24 points and a careerhigh 10 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs pounded the New York Knicks 120-89 on Sunday for their fourth straight victory.

Kawhi Leonard scored 18 points and Tony Parker had 17 in a game that was close for about 3 minutes. San Antonio scored the first 10 points, led by as many as 37, and was in complete control in between.

Tim Duncan took just four shots but finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds as San Antonio shot 54 percent.

The Spurs spoiled the season debut of Knicks guard J.R. Smith, last season’s Sixth Man of the Year.

Suspended the first five games of the season for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program, Smith shot 1 of 9 and scored five points in 20 minutes.

Carmelo Anthony and Andrea Bargnani both scored 16 for the Knicks.

Though San Antonio leads the Western Conference with a 6-1 re-

Danny Green

Djokovic win sets up Nadal final

N

ovak Djokovic beat Stanislas Wawrinka at the World Tour Finals to take his winning run to 21 matches and set up a final against Rafael Nadal.

The defending champion outplayed finals debutant Wawrinka to win the second semi-final 6-3 6-3 in London.

Djokovic did not hit a winner until the final game of the opening set but he was in top form by the closing stages.

The Serb will play Nadal for the title today as the world’s top two meet for the sixth time in 2013.

“It’s going to be a great final,” said Djokovic. “I hope all the crowd will enjoy it because we definitely do on the court.

“It’s always a thrilling competition between me and

Rafael Nadal

as though it might be factor after back-to-back weeks in Paris and London.

A stunning cross-court backhand winner helped Wawrinka to break in game three, but the seventh seed Novak Djokovic

Rafa. Let’s say we know each other quite well. There’ll be no secret between us on the court.”

Nadal earlier beat Roger Federer 7-5 6-3 to close in on the one significant prize he has yet to win.

The Spaniard will face a tough task against the inform Djokovic, who has not lost since his US Open final defeat by Nadal in September and has dominated the indoor season.

Djokovic went into Sunday’s match at the O2 having not lost to Wawrinka since 2006, although he started slowly and fatigue looked

could not back it up and framed a forehand to make it 2-2.

Djokovic, 26, was playing well within himself but his accuracy was in marked contrast to the blizzard of winners and errors coming at him.

Wawrinka saved another break point in a pulsating 24-stroke rally in game eight, but then slapped a regulation forehand into the net to fall 5-3 behind.

Djokovic finally hit his first winner of the night with a sweeping drive volley and then saw off a third Wawrinka break point of the

set with a heavy serve, before firing down another to seal the set.

With two wins in their 16 previous matches, it was no surprise that Wawrinka did not exactly exude belief as the second set began.

There was a sense of inevitability when the Swiss pulled a backhand wide to drop serve straight away and lose a fifth game in succession.

Djokovic’s return is arguably the best in the game and Wawrinka simply was not making enough first serves to keep an increasingly dominant opponent at bay.

One outrageous forehand pass on the stretch summed up Djokovic’s appetite for the contest, and the champion took apart the Wawrinka service game one final time to wrap up victory.

“I had the feeling that I was playing good, hitting well the ball,” said Wawrinka. “But I think I don’t have enough energy today (Sunday). Against him, that makes a big difference.

“I’m disappointed with myself because I had the feeling that I could have done something better, but I really think that today (Sunday) I was not fresh enough to do something.”

Kawhi Leonard shoots over J.R. Smith

cord, coach Gregg Popovich said before the game the Spurs were playing C+ or B- basketball, adding there was “not much” he liked about the Spurs’ start.

Well, hard to give this performance anything but an A+.

Green hit two 3-pointers in the 10-0 start, Marco

Belinelli’s 3 made it 17-4, and the Spurs hit 13 of 18 shots while opening a 3517 lead after one quarter, matching their highest-scoring period of the season.

The lead grew to 24 points in the second, the Spurs repeatedly moving the ball to an open player before the Knicks knew what was

happening. San Antonio was making roughly two of every three shots for much of the first half and took a 61-45 lead into the locker room after shooting 62 percent.

Smith, who ended the postseason in a miserable shooting slump, opened this season the same way. He missed all five shots in the first half, unable to shake the rust after appearing in just one preseason game following summer knee surgery.

By the time he made a 3-pointer with 8:43 left in the third quarter for his first basket, the Knicks trailed by 26 points. The Spurs went up by 30 a few minutes later on another 3 by Green, and fans loudly booed when Amare Stoudemire missed both free throws with a little less than 3 minutes left in the period.

The Knicks won both meetings last season, sweeping the Spurs for the first time in 10 years. But with center Tyson Chandler sidelined with a broken leg, New York looked defenseless against the Western Conference champions.

It was such a laugher that Popovich had Duncan, a career 69 percent free throw shooter, take the shot when Knicks coach Mike Woodson was called for a technical foul in the third quarter. Naturally, the way this one went, Duncan made it. (ABC News)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, november 11, 2013

‘Ride for Life’ Five-stage cycle race...

Registration closes today

R

egistration for the seventh annual ‘Ride for Life’ Five-Stage cycle road race closes today at the national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed’s Middle Street office.

The event pedals off on Thursday and ends on Sunday.

After travelling to the Berbice on Wednesday, the opening stage will be held the following day from Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46.6 miles) from 07:30h; Stage Two will be on the same day from Rosignol to Georgetown (60.4 miles) from 14:00h.

Stage Three will take place on Friday from Wales to Parika (35 miles) from 09:00h, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07:30h the following day from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles. The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08:30h and finish on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown on Sunday, covering a distance of 62 miles.

As was the case in previous years, the event will be held with the objectives of increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants and the public, and increasing HIV/ AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the event has attracted a large amount of overseas riders, and this year it is hoped the trend remains the same.

Team Coco’s Jaime

Hassan Mohamed

Ramirez, of Columbia, is the defending champion, but Guyanese Paul DeNobrega stole the spotlight on the final stage from Linden to Georgetown. Ramirez recorded victory in record time while DeNobrega, also riding with Team Coco, copped the Junior title.

Ramirez, who won the

seconds (10h: 29m: 39s), achieved in 2011 by another Team Coco rider, Michael Larsen.

DeNobrega finished in the runner-up spot with a time of nine hours, 57 minutes, 01 second (09h: 57m: 01s), while Antonio Alarton copped third spot in a time of nine hours, 58 minutes, 07 seconds (09h: 58m: 07s).

Rounding off the top ten were Guyana’s Raynauth Jeffrey (09h: 59m: 59s); Team Coco’s Darren Matthews (10h: 00m: 42s); Aruba’s Gino Hodge (10h: 05m: 19s); Guyana’s Eric Sankar (10h: 05m: 25s); overseas-based Guyanese Paul Choo Wee Nam (10h: 05m: 36s); and the Suriname duo of Murvim Arumjo (10h: 05m: 37s) and Moses Ricketts (10h: 06m: 02s).

In the Junior division, DeNobrega won ahead of

Suknanan wins MACORP Invitational golf tournament

C

anadian-based golfer Jaipaul Suknanan was precise with his drives as he chipped with purpose and putted with confidence. The result: 14 pars, a birdie and the top prize in this year’s edition of the MACORP Invitational golf tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The 2007 Guyana Open winner shot two over par on Saturday to finish with a net score of 65 (playing with a handicap of seven); he won on a count-back against Dave Mohamad (with a handicap of 25) who had also finished with a net score of 65.

Archbishop Dr Philbert London (28 handicap) placed third, as his last nine holes proved better than two other

performers, Mattie Wesslin and R. Persaud, with similar scores of net 67.

In the ladies’ category, it was all Christine Sukhram as she walked away with both the net score and gross score trophies. Sukhram, who is the country’s most dominant female player, ended with net 73 playing with a handicap of 10.

The MACORP tournament, highly regarded on the golf calendar, was also played by brothers: Avinda Kishore and Avinash Persaud. The former, who won the prestigious Guyana Open title the week prior, could not replicate his winning feat.

The five-handicapper made consecutive birdies early in the back nine,

but faltered towards the end to finish with a gross score of 76. His older brother Persaud, who won the Guyana Open four times, made two under in his back nine to win on a count-back against Suknanan in the gross scoring department; both had finished with a 72.

The closest to the pin award was won by Robert Hanuman while the longest drive prize went to Roger Rajkumar.

Managing Director of MACORP, Jorge Medina, a player himself, spoke about the importance of golf and tourism at the presentation ceremony.

Along with the trophies the players were treated to several prizes from a free raffle.

DCB trial matches set for Tuesday and Wednesday

T

Riders at the Abary Bridge during last year’s ‘Ride for Life’ fivestage race

first stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, clocked nine hours, 46 minutes, 51 seconds (09h: 46m: 51s) to erase the previous record of 10 hours, 29 minutes, 39

Jeffrey and Raul Leal, who occupied second and third spots respectively. The top Veteran rider was Kennard Lovell, with Junior Niles in second and Ian Jackson third.

he Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has organised two senior trial matches as part of preparations for the upcoming Inter-County four-day competition.

The matches are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.

The two teams selected will be led by West Indies A middle-order batsman Leon Johnson and West Indies all-rounder Christopher Barnwell.

Play is expected to get underway from 09:00h each day and the DCB has asked the players selected to be on time.

Johnson XI: Leon Johnson (Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shemroy Barrington,

Leon Johnson

Christopher Barnwell

Balwinda Shivpersaud, Zaheer Mohamed, Vishal Singh, Amir Khan, Joseph Perry, Randy Knights, Shaquille Williams, Andre Stoll, Paul Wintz and Totaram Bishun.

Barnwell XI: Christopher Barnwell (Captain),Rajendra

Chandrika Chanderpaul Hemraj, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs, Arvin Seepersaud, Kemol Savoury, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Pattadin, Carl Rambarose, Trevor Benn, Kellon Carmichael and Anthony Atwell.

WI need to convert starts, says Williams

Some West Indies batsmen have had starts but failed to convert them

P

ort of Spain, Trinidad - Trinidad and Tobago cricket coach David Williams blamed the West Indies’s batting for their failure by an innings and 51 runs inside three days in the first Test against India in Kolkata.

But the former West Indies assistant coach said even though the visitors performed poorly with the bat,

all was not lost for the regional side.

“The pluses are that they keep getting starts. Look down the line in both innings, Bravo getting a start, Samuels getting a start, Chris Gayle getting a start... we’re seeing a number of starts and none able to carry on,” Williams told the Express yesterday. “That’s

the difference with the Indian team and our team.

You can’t get 20 and 30 and get out in soft dismissals. We just need to carry one.

“Partnerships are the key. When you get in there you stay in there and carry one, get a big score for the team. The highest score in the Test match for us was 60odd by Samuels. The bowling, the guys tried, the pitches were very flat, but bowlers did their part. I still think we could have been a little bit better with the ball.”

When asked where the match was lost, Williams said: “I thought that Sammy hit the nail on the head. He said they got themselves in good positions and weren’t able to capitalise on it. In Test match cricket, you can lose it it in an hour or half an hour. It’s very important that whatever you’re doing, you keep your focus and keep your thinking cap on. I thought they did very well to restrict India to 85 for five.

Maybe we could have been a bit more patient with the ball.” (First published in the Trinidad Express)

monday, november 11, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

23

McKay takes Diamond Mineral Water cycling event

The winners pose for a group photo after the presentation ceremony. (Treiston Joseph photo)

By Treiston Joseph

W

arren McKay sprinted away with the 14th annual Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile cycle road race on Sunday at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, West Coast Demerara.

McKay, also known as “Forty”, crossed the finish line in one hour, 54 minutes, eight seconds ahead of Akeem Wilkinson and Hamza Eastman respectively. Mark Harris finished fourth while Delroy Hinds took the fifth spot; Gerron Williams rounded out the top six finishers in the event.

The race, which started at Wales, quickly broke up into two packs by the Bushy Park turning point.

Another breakaway took place at Vreed-en-Hoop before McKay’s sprint-to-thefinish in the final 300m.

The junior category was won by Eastman While Mario King took second and Stephano Husbands, third.

Esau O’Selmo took the Veterans’ category ahead of Marc Sonoram while Linden Blackman finished third in the event.

Ozia Macaulay once again ruled the roost in the Mountain Bike category, finishing ahead of Clyde

Jacobs in one hour, 25 minutes, two seconds. Michael Holder finished third in the event.

The mixed female event was won by Jamal John who topped Altie Sonoram and Toshwanna Doris, who came in second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, at the presentation ceremony held immediately after the event national cycling coach Hassan Mohammed thanked the cyclists for coming out and putting on a show. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the event, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

NATI takes home Wilbur Hope football title

The winning NATI team, along with officials of Wilbur Hope foundation

N

ew Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) became the Wilbur Hope Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools football champions on Friday when they beat Berbice High School (BHS) 2-0.

After a goal-less first half that saw NATI having more that 50 percent of ball possession, Steffon Hinds scored the first goal in the 51st minute, much to the delight of the spectators at the All Saints ground in New Amsterdam.

Six minutes later it became 2-0 when Jermaine Samuels scored, leaving BHS to finish the competi-

tion in the runner-up spot for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, in the playoff for third place, defending champions Tutorial Academy (TASS) won on sudden death penalty afterVryman’s Ervin Secondary (VESS) held them at nil at the end of regulation time.

The MVP of the tournament was Hinds of NATI while his team mate Steffon Boucher, with six goals, took the best striker and most goals awards.

Renson Mitchell, also of NATI, was awarded with the best midfielder prize.

The best defender was Randy Arrendell of BHS.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, vice president of the Hope Foundation, Mark Adams expressed gratitude on behalf of president, Kevin Henry to the schools, teachers and staff that participated in the competition.

He also thanked the Hearts of Oak Masters FC for organising the competition.

On the other hand, Coordinator Neil Humphrey expressed his disappointment with the standard of play and some schools attitude towards the game.

Wilbur Hope was a national footballer, athlete, cricketer, coach and referee.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Warren McKay crosses the finish line ahead of his competitors to win the Diamond 50-mile cycle race. (Treiston Joseph photo)

monday, november 11, 2013

TOP SCORES

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

Match abandoned Sri Lanka 288-9 (Dilshan 81, Sangakkara 79, Mathews 74*, Mills 3-49) v New Zealand 13-1 in 4.2 overs

Trophy Stall crowned Guyana Cup champs Trophy Stall emerged champions of the Open category of the Guyana Softball Cup III on Sunday evening at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. They defeated Wolf’s Warriors in the grand final. Full details of the final and other games in Tuesday’s edition (Photo: Avenash Ramzan) INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

McKay takes Diamond P23 Mineral Water cycling event

Suknanan wins MACORP Invitational golf tournament

See story on page

MACORP Invitational golf tournament winner Jaipaul Suknanan (fifth from right) poses with the other winners and MACORP representatives

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, Tel: 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230, 223-7231, Editor - 225-5128 Fax: 227-0685 - CONSULTING EDITORS: Dr I Rampersaud, Dr Kim Johnson - SALES AND MARKETING - sales@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

22