Guyana Times Daily 13th Oct 2013

Scam of the millennium

GSL directors Glenn Lall, Tony Yassin skim off $602M

– NIS, 1561 shareholders get nothing – owe $354M in taxes

When Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) was privatised in 2000, Mohan Lall, also known as Glenn Lall, and Tony Yassin of Royal Investments Inc (RII), acquired 70 per cent, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) had 10 per cent, and employees and other small shareholders collectively owned the remaining 20 per cent of the company.

For the next decade, the company refused to hold annual general meetings, did not issue annual reports and simply declared every year that, since they did not make any profits, no dividend could be declared.

As such, the NIS, the employees and other small shareholders received not a penny. Yet it is now revealed, when GSL annual reports up to 2009 were recently compiled and hastily submitted, that during that time the directors, including Glenn Lall and Tony Yassin, skimmed off an astounding $602.9 million in “interest, consultancy fees, allowances and accommodation”.

The NIS, it was revealed in the press – and trumpeted in the Kaieteur News – is in danger of not having funds to meet its obligations to its subscribers who are overwhelmingly the poor and retired employees.

These subscribers, most of whom would be employees of the state, such as public servants, teachers and police officers, as well as of employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), would have had to work and contribute

at least 15 years to qualify for payments that are now in jeopardy because of the scam of Glenn Lall, Tony Yassin and company.

Quandary

Of the 1561 small GSL shareholders, about half are employees who had spent their hard earned salaries to purchase shares. Because GSL was in breach of the Companies Act through the dereliction of duty by Glenn Lall and Yassin; the small stockholders could not even sell off their shares.

They were stuck with pieces of worthless paper instead of receiving a steady stream of dividends to tide them through their retirement. Many might have already died as paupers.

The GSL annual reports, however, disclosed that Glenn Lall, Tony Yassin and other directors spent $126.507 million on allowances and accommoda-

tion alone. In light of the inability of the company to ever turn a profit, it is pertinent to ask of what use was the advice the $303.399 million paid as “consultancy fees” to the directors?

But the scam does not end with those payments. As the owner of the majority of shares in RII, Tony Yassin had promised to “inject equity” into GSL at the time of privatisation. But the reports show that he actually classified his “injection” as a “loan” for which he has been charging 19.5 per cent interest.

On the other hand, the millions of dollars that the government loaned have not only not been repaid, but they deny that any interest should be charged.

Looking at the figures from another angle, the financial statements of GSL shows that, in 1999, the NIS’s 10 per cent was worth some $32 million and the

small stockholders $64 million. In the following decade, through misappropriation, mismanagement and other financial skulduggery, the company moved from owning assets of $316 million to owing $847 million in liabilities.

Losses

This means that the book value of NIS’s 10 per cent equity stake is now a negative $85 million, and other shareholders, a negative $170 million.

In other words, if the GSL were to be liquidated today, and that is a foregone conclusion, given the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken them to court and won its case for $354 million in unpaid taxes, then the NIS will completely lose its 10 per cent investment in GSL and the small shareholders, including past employees, their 20 per cent.

In the U.S., citizens have seen and wondered at the greed and avarice of financial scammers such as Bernie Madoff, who bilked individuals of their hard earned money. He and some others were jailed for their scams.

In Guyana, several members of the business community have said that the laws have to be modified so that such individuals on the local scene can be brought to justice and jailed.

Information from this article was extracted from an audited report done by Ram and McRae accounting firm. It was provided by a source within the company.

Kaieteur News owner and publisher Mohan Lall, aka Glenn Lall

Owner of the majority shares in Royal Investment Inc, Tony Yassin

Ram does not understand the Constitution

Dear Editor, I have read with grave disappointment, and yet amusement, the letter penned by the very respectable Christopher Ram, entitled, “Neither the president nor the attorney general is the authority for the interpretation of the Constitution; that is the function of the courts” (Stabroek News, October 3). Ram was responding to a letter written by the attorney general (Stabroek News, September 30), which I have read and with which I completely agree.

Ram’s contention is that the attorney general is of the opinion that the president and the attorney general have the authority to interpret the Constitution. But the attorney general said no such thing. The attorney general’s argument is that the president, the attorney general and indeed every person has the authority to interpret the law and the Constitution but that the court is the final arbiter. He stated that in plain language in the section of his letter entitled, “Judiciary role remains intact”.

If the president assents to a bill that in his opinion is good and constitutional, the court is the final arbiter and only the court can decide whether in fact the bill, which becomes an Act of Parliament, is valid.

Ram himself sites several articles of the Constitution and tries to explain what they mean. Is he not in fact interpreting the Constitution? From whence did he derive the authority? Is he not usurping the functions of the court? I am shocked that such puerility can emanate from a trained legal mind such as his.

Ram next takes issue with the use of the adjective “untrammelled” in the attorney general’s writings, where he described the president’s power to withhold assent to bills. He contends that no power is untrammelled. Clearly Ram again misunderstands the context in which the attorney general makes use of that word.

The attorney general was responding to issues raised by Bryn Pollard that the president has no power to reject a bill on the ground of

“unconstitutionality”. I understand the attorney general to be saying that the president has untrammelled power to reject a bill on the ground of unconstitutionality, as well as a number of other reasons.

But rather than be guided by the learning of the authors quoted by the attorney general, Ram expressly disregards them and promises to focus only on Guyanese law, yet seeks to also quote other authors of his own choice.

It appears that Ram has not read the letter, or did not grasp its contents. If he did then it must be concluded that Ram’s rambling is yet another crack at remaining or indeed becoming relevant in legal and political factions.

His complete disregard for all the references that the attorney general makes to other similar constitutions and learned authors who have tread the terrain of this issue for years further solidifies this conclusion.

Sincerely,

John Milton Fraser,

LLB

Guyana needs to re-examine this taxi business

Dear Editor, Taxi drivers and criminal connections must be looked at more and more. I have read too many times about the fortuitous appearance of a taxi that came at the right time to whisk away persons engaged in some kind of foul deed.

I have also noted that on quite a few occasions, taxi drivers have been found with some kind of dangerous

weapon.

When it comes to being a taxi driver, I see that we are too willy-nilly. Just about anyone is doing this most important job. In fact, this rush to be a taxi driver created opportunities for backtrack issuance of drivers’ licences.

This has led to more chaos on the road, as many accidents could have been avoided, if only some of the driving

would have shown evidence of better skill, more maturity and longer duration of experience. There is too much youthful exuberance.

I cannot envisage a mature taxi driver colluding with criminals that easily. It is time we bring a measure of safety on and off the roads where taxis are concerned.

Sincerely,

Bazil Haynes

GuyExpo should inspire a deep re-thinking

Dear Editor,

A GuyExpo presentation on the opening night is still on my mind. One speaker opined that Guyana is spending a huge amount of money on training, yet loses many of those trained to greener pastures. So, according to the speaker, we, Guyana as such, have to find ways of keeping our people right here.

Let us face it and accept that Guyana is not a super rich nation. We are young –not even 50. We also had a lengthy period of sustained damage, and our return to democracy in 1992 does not mean automatic well-being.

I think that our mind-set must be changed. We leave too quickly. Now is investment time and we have to think long term. Take the analogy of a baby – it takes about two decades for one to be productive. There is joy in watching this baby grow and then greater joy as this child enters the work force.

Guyana, in many ways, was truly born in 1992. Let us face it again – we had no system, no voice among ourselves, and really nothing to be proud of. The get-away mentality became the domi-

nant motif during this dark period. Backtracking was the thing of the day. That running to North America, particularly to the U.S., is now affecting us.

The reason is very simple – the family members of many who made that dash, during the hard years are now waiting to go, and not because of hardships here. If we ask many of them why they are leaving, the reason is family based. Of course, many from this lot are well qualified.

On this note, it is not only Guyana that is suffering from this brain-drain crisis. In fact, Guyana is not even in the top 10 category. Malaysia has been steadily worsening, with the World Bank actually projecting it to intensify over the next few years.

Currently, two out of every 10 Malaysians, with higher education, seek employment elsewhere, accounting for about 305,000 in any given year. Malaysia made big economic strides in the 1990s, but growth has been halved in the past decade, slowing from 7.2 per cent to just 4.6 per cent. Experts believe this is large-

ly due to brain drain. England has seen a large number of its skilled professionals leaving for work abroad, with over 1.1 million university graduates living and working outside of the country. This accounts for almost one in 10 skilled citizens choosing to emigrate. This mass emigration of skilled professionals may have serious ramifications for the British economy, as professionals add to the workforce of nations like Australia, Canada, America, France and Spain, rather than at home. So, in many ways, no matter what we do, people will leave. Individuals have to take it upon themselves to stay and build. The problems we have here are not unique. We talk about corruption, but recently we read about what was said about Canada. Take transportation, and we will see that many people in the U.S. drive for around three hours round trip to and from work. Bottom line then is that we have to stay by choice and in time to come, we will reap great benefits.

Yours truly, Camille Ramsarran

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

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

I’ve been in school for the past 15 years of my life and having been in school for so long, I have a fair idea of what different types of teachers could be like. Some go about their jobs like they truly love what they’re doing, others seem to go through the day like teaching is an obligation. But no matter what their teaching attitudes or stance, we learn a lot from our teachers. Teachers teach more than just science and math and all the other “subjects” – they teach ethics as well. In addition to the weekly one hour of “Pastoral Care”, they do this generally through the most powerful medium – not through words but by their actions. Their behaviour impacts their students strongly. And of course, it’s always best to lead by example, so we’re most likely to do as our teachers do, rather than as

A solid foundation

they say.

Quite a bit of my personal values and sense of ethics is a product of the influence of my school teachers. Of course, the major chunk consists of values directly instilled into me by my parents, but on some level, we’ve all been

solid. What if I had teachers that throw things and scream at their students, calling them names, belittling them? If a student didn’t have a strong personal value system or positive role models, they could easily accept that sort of behaviour as being okay, or accept-

“A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world.” – Albert Camus

influenced by our teachers.

My current value system is a melange of what I’ve been taught at home and whatever modifications my experiences have forced me to make –with me spending a third of my time every day in school.

And I realised how damaging it could’ve been if I had teachers whose values and ethics standards were not that

able. And they might carry over that type of behaviour into adulthood in their professions and personal lives.

Our teachers as a consequence have great power; they have the most interaction with us, especially during our young, impressionable years, when we’re still forming our opinions of the things around us and deciding how we want to fit into society.

More emphasis should probably be placed, when training teachers, about their role in moulding the values of their students.

Values like the importance of confidentiality and the importance of privacy could be emphasised by the teachers so that when the students leave the school system, they’ll be able to function like adults that are capable of respecting the persons they interact with.

Others like the importance of accountability, punctuality should all be established as being important from a young age. Teachers that violate these tenets in their classes do damage beyond the details of the “subject” not being covered.

Our teachers can hold great sway over how we might turn out at the end of our tenure at school; they could be the difference between whether we become successful professionals, or whether we go about our jobs in a very unprofessional manner.

We need a solid foundation in professionalism, and our teachers can give us that, hopefully by their actions and not just their words.

Fun, fabulous activities for practising

BY SUSAN VERNER

Try these simple ideas to make work with adjectives thrilling.

Adjectives of a colour

This activity will help your students understand how similar adjectives can have different degrees of intensity. To prepare, take a trip to your local hardware store or anyplace else where they sell wall paint. Gather several paint sample cards which have two or more shades from the same family. In class, give your students a pair of adjectives which have similar meanings but are of different intensity. For example, you might use any of the following pairs: hungry/starving, angry/furious, tired/exhausted, small/tiny, big/ gigantic, sad/miserable, smart/ brilliant, or bad/horrible. Write the general adjective on the lighter end of the paint sample card and the more intense adjective on the darker end of the card. Then divide your students into groups of two or three to make their own set of cards with more pairs of adjectives. You may want to give them the general adjectives as a starting place and encourage them to use a thesaurus to find a match. Encourage students to come up with their own pairs as well. If you like, post these adjective pairs on a bulletin board decorated with a painter’s pallet. Encourage students to use more specific, intense adjectives in their speech and writing for more vivid and accurate descriptions.

Adjective dominoes

If you don’t make a display with the cards from the previous activity, use them to create a set of adjective dominoes. Have students cut each paint sample into two equal pieces so each adjective is on its own piece. Then, have students tape two pieces from different cards together domino style.

(Continued from Saturday)

Play a game of dominoes following the standard rules, but instead of matching numbers match each adjective to its more or less intense partner.

Expanding sentences

This simple activity not only reviews adjectives with your students but gives them practice putting them in the right order. Start by writing a simple sentence on the board. (The boy is holding a book.) Tell your students that adjectives make a sentence more interesting by giving details. Challenge your students to add adjectives to the sentence you have on the board, one at a time, to make a more interesting sentence. As they add adjectives, point out the correct order in which to place them. (For a simple summary of how to order adjectives, see this adjective lesson plan on learn4good.com.) Once students are familiar with the process, put them in pairs and give them some additional simple sentences. Give students a few minutes to expand their sentences as creatively as possible and then come back together as a class to share what students have written.

Adjective mix up

In this adjective activity, your students will have a chance to be creative and imaginative. Give each student two sticky notes. On one note they should write a noun and on the other an adjective. Encourage students to be creative. Then, have students mingle around the classroom. During this time, they should look at what every other student has written on his sticky notes. The challenge is to use either another student’s adjective with her noun or the other student’s noun with her adjective and put the two together in a creative sentence. Partners can work together to write one sentence when they are matched, and both should write it on their paper next to their partner’s name. Continue the mix up until every student has worked with every other student to write a sentence using these creative words. If you like, have individuals share their favourite sentences with the rest of the class before collecting and checking what students came up with.

(Busyteacher.org)

SUNday, october 13, 2013 | gUyaNatimeSgy.com

Inaugural Miss North Georgetown Secondary Pageant launched

The delegates vying for the coveted title of Miss North Georgetown Secondary (NGSS) were on Friday evening unveiled to the public at a simple ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel poolside, Kingston, Georgetown.

Dressed in pink satin gowns made with sparkling silver jewellery and high heeled black shoes, the delegates made their way to the centre of the stage to be sashed by the executives of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the school’s headteacher.

The delegates competing on pageant night are Jehoshebeth Ferdinand, 14; Jadhiel Harry, 15; Shania Olton, 13; Cindy Khan, 15; Johnali Stewart, 14; Zhoria Wilburg, 14; Yonella Burkett, 13; Niketa Bhoopa, 15; and Regena Lall, 14. The competition will feature introduction, talent, intelligence and evening gown segments.

The pageant is slated for Saturday, October 26 in the school’s auditorium.

The event is promoted by the North Georgetown Secondary School Old Student Association and

Alumni Association.

Alumni Association President Trevor Benn told Guyana Times that the association is made up of past students of the school who now reside in Canada and the U.S. and they have been contributing tremendously to the school’s development.

He noted that thus far the association has provided over 400 writing desks to the school and installed several electrical fans in the auditorium. He also praised the Education Ministry for erecting a spanking new

information technology laboratory for the school, noting that not everything is left to the ministry.

Benn said as a group, the association will continue to provide the necessary support that is needed for the school, with the aim of enhancing students’ learning capacity.

He said once the children are comfortable, they are at an advantage to perform better.

Coordinator of the pageant, Sunil Rasul promised to make the pageant a memorable event.

Guyanese drug mule gets 10 years in Dubai

A22-year-old Guyanese woman who was busted at the Dubai International airport on May 18 with 3.013kg of cocaine was on Thursday sentenced to 10 years and fined Dhs50, 000. The woman whose name was given as NR reportedly broke down in tears when the judgment was read to her.

According to the Gulf Today newspaper, the woman cried before Dubai International Airport officers when they checked her handbag and seized three plastic bags containing 3.013kg of cocaine on May 18. She was on her way from Brazil to South Africa.

On May 20, when she was referred to the Public Prosecution, she was quoted complaining: “I was sup-

posed to deliver cocaine to South Africa and receive US$3500 in reward.” When she was asked about the quantity of the contraband, she allegedly added that drug dealers fooled her: “I thought I was carrying only a kilogramme of cocaine. I did not know that they had given me three kilos.”

At the Dubai Criminal Court on September 30, she admitted to the charge before Judge Badr Eisa Al Samt. The woman will be deported after serving her jail term, the newspaper stated.

A Djiboutian police corporal testified that he had suspected NR in the airport’s transit hall. “She was carrying a men’s leather handbag. I asked her

the price at which she had bought her ticket but she could not tell.

“She could not even tell me the name of the hotel or place in Johannesburg where she was going to stay.”

Investigations revealed that a female Emirati corporal at the scanning device added that, “I opened NR’s handbag and seized three plastic bags containing a suspicious white powder. When I asked NR about the plastic bags, she burst into incessant tears.”

During interrogation, the woman reportedly claimed that while in her home country, a female friend called “Sofia” asked her whether she wanted to make money from a drug deal. Sofia introduced her to “Mike”, a Nigerian man residing in Brazil, who sent her a ticket to Sao Paulo.

From information gathered, Mike reportedly received her at the airport and took her to one of the hotels where she spent three days.

“On the date of my departure, I was inside a taxi when Mike gave me a handbag of drugs to be taken to Johannesburg. He requested that I deliver them to a man in South Africa and that the latter was waiting for me at the airport with a reward of $3500 if all went well,” the woman added.

Walking disaster

Satiricus is nothing if not a patriotic Guyanese. His navel-string is buried here and to-help-meGod, he would do anything to help his native land. And so it was, with today being “International Day for Disaster Reduction”, his furrowed brow was testimony to the deep thought he was applying to the question of how to reduce disaster in Guyana. He’d long realised that deep thinking didn’t come naturally to him and so, with discretion being the better part of valour, he retired to the back-street bar to discuss the matter with the boys.

“Guyana don’t have too many disasters like them Caribbean islands, you know,” pointed out Hari. “No volcanoes, no hurricanes, no earthquakes…”

“Hold it right deh!” exclaimed Suresh. “Like you sleep through the earthquake Friday night, or wha?”

“What earthquake?” snorted Hari. “Is the same thing I talking about...we don’t get disasters and we think a lil tremor is an earthquake!”

“Budday...two of me wife ware plates slip off she shelf and broke. Is a real disaster I got this morning.” Suresh did look harassed and he was putting away the beer quite faster than usual. “The woman crying she eye out and everything.”

“Well, me na know about alyou,” interrupted Cappo. “Dem islands got earthquake and so on...but we had de biggest disaster fuh ever hit de Caribbean – Burnham!”

“You, rite,” grinned his pal Bungi. “After Burnham done wid we, was worse than any hurricane!”

“But he dead now...,” pointed out Hari.

“Well you know what he said,” interjected Teacher Samad. “As soon as one Rasta dead another gon rise up to take his place.”

“An look who tek he place – Mook Lall!” Cappo rose from his chair. “Dat chap a wan mo big disaster fuh Guyana dan Burnham!”

“You got a point there,” said Teacher Samad. “Let us count the ways...backtracker?”

“Damn right!” agreed Kuldeep who had come in late. “His people beat me cousin black and blue when she lil late wid she payment.”

“He carry news pon he friends at de U.S. embassy,” added Cappo. “Dat is de lowest of de low. Mo low dan a snake belly!”

“The man stain Guyana name in he paper so much that people don’t want to come to Guyana to visit...much less live,” complained Hari.

“An now we hear he doan pay he tax to de city,” said Bungi. “Even doh he always complainin’ de city dirty.”

“Man, Mook Lall is a walking disaster. Maybe we should beg the U.S. embassy to give he back he visa, so he can move to New York,” said Satiricus. “They know how to deal with disasters.”

The Guyanaese woman who will serve jail time in Dubai

John Lewis Styles celebrates 10th anniversary

John Lewis Styles on Thursday celebrated its 10th anniversary and to mark the occasion, it made generous donations to several non-governmental (NGOs) organisations.

These NGOs include The Guyana Relief Council, Guyana Kids First Fund, NCN Radio’s Needy Children’s Fund, The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown.

The store’s proprietor John Lewis said in addition to increasing the donation amounts, it has added The Salvation Army and Help & Shelter as new recipients.

“We recognise the hard work and dedication each organisation exhibits on all projects and we are pleased to be associated with their efforts. This donation highlights our social and ethical responsibilities to society in

being a good corporate citizen.

“We have also continued to maintain the Waterloo Street Avenue between Quamina and Church streets as part of our beautification project. Landscaping, private garbage collection and street lights are ways in which we give back to the community,” Lewis said.

He noted that as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations, he thought the store’s year-end promotion should be something to remember, and has decided to give away 10 motorcycles over a 10-week period to 10 winners.

The prizes include seven 110cc Jailing bikes, a 125cc scooter, a 125cc Honda XR dirt bike and a 250cc Honda CBR Sports Bike.

The promotion runs from October 14 to December 27.

For every $5000 spent (VAT

inclusive) during this period, customers will receive one entry form to be correctly filled and dropped into a box provided.

There will be 10 weekly drawings commencing October 26 and concluding on December 28.

Lewis said a children’s department will open this December and in the near future, two more stories will be added to the store. This will see the store expanding its product line.

“On this occasion, we give thanks to God for making all things possible. To our customers, family and friends, we extend our sincere gratitude for their support over the years. To our staff, we are truly grateful for their honesty and hard work. We promise to continue offering quality and value and we look forward to serving all,” Lewis said.

Mahaica gets $83M market

Junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker on Friday officially handed over the $83 million Mahaica Market to the area’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette, local government officials, including Unity/Vereeniging NDC Chairperson Anoopwattie Veeren and dozens of vendors.

Minister Whittaker told the gathering that the market was another example of government’s support to bring order to the manner in which people vend and to provide healthy, safe and hygienic conditions for buyers and sellers.

Minister Whittaker challenged the appointed Market Committee, which comprises

vendors, and NDC, RDC and Local Government Ministry officials, to work along with the vendors to optimise the use of the market by encouraging them to vend within its boundaries and off the road sides.

He further emphasised the need for accountability with respect to the earnings realised from the use of the facilities.

The market, which was constructed by Dookie Contracting Services with washroom and water supply facilities, can accommodate 120 stalls on its ground floor and staffing facilities and a meeting room on the top floor. Corlette commended government for financing the project and urged the vendors to utilise and care the facility.

Efforts being made to control Haags Bosch landfill odour

Junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker noted that having received complaints from residents about the odour emanating from the Haags Bosch landfill, the ministry is working with BK International, the contractor of the site, to improve the manner in which things are done.

Minister Whittaker noted that after visiting the lo-

cation, it was identified that there was need for adequate spread and cover, and it needs to be done with some frequency.

Further, coming out of discourses with the contractor, the local government and finance ministries came up with a revised list of equipment and personnel to ensure this process.

The Haags Bosch landfill, aback of Eccles, East

Bank Demerara replaced the Mandela Avenue dump site in Le Repentir and was opened for use in 2011. The project is being funded by an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) US$18 million loan, and is intended to serve 15 surrounding neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) and to facilitate the disposal of health care discards and other hazardous materials.

The newly-constructed Mahaica Market

Some of the bikes on giveaway as part of John Lewis Styles’ 10th anniversary celebrations

sunDAY, october 13, 2013 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Guyana has greatest potential in agricultural production in American hemisphere – IICA director general

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) Director General Dr Victor Villalobos said Guyana is one of two countries in the American hemisphere with the greatest potential in agricultural production.

He made the remarks during a recent lecture titled “Emerging issues in agriculture” at the University of Guyana.

Dr Villalobos, a Mexican national with a doctorate from the University of Alberta, Canada, explained that agriculture, at this moment of human history, is experiencing a transition towards a new paradigm.

He indicated that population growth and higher standards of living are creating a greater demand for food, but warned that mankind cannot continue to produce agricultural goods at the high environmental cost of the past.

Referring to the green revolution which took place in the second half of the 20th century, he recognised its importance but pointed out that it mainly favoured the production of grains in flat and large fields with highly mechanised procedures and the production of fewer and selected varieties.

The new paradigm in agriculture has to overcome those limitations and include a social component that will translate in greater incentives to develop the country side, ensure biodiversity and protect the environment.

Standards of living and quality of life in the countryside should be at least

as high as those of the cities.

He said today about one billion people suffer from hunger and the world’s population will experience an increase of two billion more people in the next 40 years.

New challenges

Crop and livestock production face new challenges in the global scene that include not only recurrent economic and social crises, but also environment degradation and climate change.

“Therefore, we have to be able to become more efficient, more resilient, ensure sustainability and develop more inclusive forms of production,” he said.

Referring to the regions of the world, he pointed out that Europe has practically reached its potential for food production under the present state of scientific and technological development. Asia and Africa have

the possibility to increase their production but are experiencing high population growth and face various social, political, and economic difficulties that could take a generation to overcome.

“Latin America, therefore, is the only region with the capacity to respond immediately to the new demands. Five countries of the region are among the richest in biodiversity in the planet and therefore important in terms of food security.

They are endowed with a rich genetic base that holds hidden treasures to discover. Our continent has 24 per cent of the world’s forests, which are vital for ensuring the availability of fresh water. Not surprisingly, we hold 36 per cent of the reservoirs of fresh water of the globe. And two countries of our region, Paraguay (particularly the Chaco region) and Guyana have abundant water resources and a considerable

extension of land that has not been agriculturally developed.”

Rapid growth

Agricultural production has been growing faster than other sectors in the recent past, reaching more than 11 per cent in some years, but needs to satisfy some important needs and overcome some serious problems. Dr Villalobos referred to some of those needs, such as developing greater knowledge and technology. Unfortunately, he said, when “we experience economic crisis, budgets for research and education suffer cuts, which affects the development of our human resources. We need better markets to benefit from an increased production, and that includes means of transportation and fair access to world markets, which would translate in higher standards of living for all.

We need to increase quality of life and standards of living in rural areas to attract and retain qualified people. And we need an increasing effectiveness of international organisations to deal with the challenges of globalisation.”

Dr Villalobos said this is the best time for agriculture development in world history and this opportunity should not be lost. IICA is here to work at the regional level to help overcome the problems and foster development, he said, as he announced a joint Mexico/IICA scholarship programme that will yearly offer the opportunity for Guyanese students to take their knowledge and skills to a new level.

Harry Madramootoo’s scholarship to be implemented at GSA

The immediate family of the late Harry Madramootoo, a former dean of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) will soon be implementing the Harry Madramootoo Scholarship, as negotiations are currently in its final stage of completion.

This was recently announced by dean of McGill University, Dr Chanda Madramootoo, son of the later Harry Madramootoo.

“My father devoted his career to agriculture in Guyana. He was called in at the very last minute by the late Dr Cheddi Jagan to pay the role... He committed his heart and soul to the school, he wanted to see the school established to train the future generation of agricultural professionals; it is something that we had talked to the school about after my father died in 2001 as something to honour his contribution to agriculture in Guyana,” he said.

Presently, the negotiating aspect of the Harry

Madramootoo scholarship is being finalised. The annual scholarship will cater for students to complete a two-year diploma in agricultural science.

“I think my father will be proud to see how the school has grown and expanded, not only academically but when I looked around the room, I saw the number of students compared to when my father started at the school with only a handful of students in 1993. I think anybody would be proud of how the school has grown and expanded,” Dr Madramootoo said.

Dr Madramootoo expressed his delight at how the GSA has evolved over the years, and the contributions it continues to make.

“I was also impressed to see how big an impact the school has made on agriculture in Guyana. Every year, you go regionally or internationally you are seeing students who graduated from GSA and who are playing a big role,” he said.

Berbice pensioner found hanging in house

The lifeless body of a pensioner was on Friday night found hanging in his home at Glasgow Village, East Bank Berbice, leaving relatives to believe that he committed suicide.

Arthur Christopher, 62, a pensioner of Lot 58, Glasgow Village, has reportedly attempted to commit suicide on a number of occasions, but apparently succeeded on Friday evening when he was home alone. Christopher was reportedly both a drug and alcohol addict.

Based on reports received, he lived with his wife, Roselyn Christopher, 58, a market vendor.

Roselyn explained that about 07:30h on Friday, when she left home, her husband

was sitting in the yard after he had taken a few drinks earlier in the morning. The woman said when she returned home about 22:00h, she called out to her husband, but there was no answer, so she went into the house and was confronted by her worst fears. She found him hanging from a piece of white cloth tied around his neck which was attacked to the stairway. Christopher’s body was cut down and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Checks were made on his body but no mark of violence was seen. The body is at the said hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

IICA Director General Dr Victor Villalobos

SUNday, october 13, 2013 | gUyaNatimeSgy.com

“I lost everything I worked for” – Ogle fire victim

Firefighters worked around the clock on Friday evening into Saturday morning as they battled the small flames that intermittently sprung up following the massive fire at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, which completely razed a storage bond owned by M Beepat and Sons and a dwelling house nearby.

At the scene on Saturday morning, there was heavy smoke and several explosions were heard as tinned items went off as a result of the heat. The back of the building still had patches of fire which were quickly extinguished by the firemen.

One fireman explained that his team took over from another group that worked throughout Friday night, and they have been very busy since, putting out small pockets of fire.

As the firemen battled the flames, members of the Beepat family stood and watched but remained tightlipped about the disaster. While some reported that the fire stated from the back of the huge bond, some believe that it started from the front.

The upper flat of the treestorey multimillion bond, which was built of wood and concrete, was completely flattened as a result of the extent of the fire. Several cracks on the walls of the second flat were evident, and from all indications, it is on the verge of collapsing.

Debbie Williams, who rented the bottom flat of the

Lot 20, Temple Street property, said she lost everything that she has worked for her entire life. The distraught woman explained that as a result of the fire, she and her four children ages 21, 16, 15 and two are forced to stay at a friend’s home until she gets another place to rent.

Williams recalled that she was at work in Bel Air Park when she received a telephone call from a friend relating the bad news. Williams told Guyana Times that by the time she reached the scene, her apartment was in flames.

As she looked around, she saw her eldest son with their two rabbits and her dog standing besides him. The woman stated that her apartment had every convenience and she estimated her losses to be in the millions.

Williams has been renting the flat for the past three

years. This newspaper understands that no one occupies the upper flat of the house, since the owners of the property are overseas. The house is being taken care of by a relative.

In a solemn tone, the woman said that starting over will be extremely difficult, while noting that her friends and folks in the community have been very supportive. She has not heard from the Guyana Relief Council or any member of the Beepat family. With God’s grace, Williams is hoping to return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Angela Singh, who lives at Lot 21, Temple Street, Ogle, recalled that about 10:00h, she was at home alone when she heard her dogs barking and as she looked out, she heard some cracking sounds followed by loud explosions.

Singh said that she ignored the noise and went along her business, but within a few minutes, she heard her neighbours screaming, calling out to her. “It was then I realised that it was a fire but I panicked and ended up asking the neighbours to call my husband.”

The woman also stated that after a while, Fish Spray tins started to fly-in all direction with one ending up in her backyard among the wood and grass, and subsequently igniting. “I run and grabbed all our personal documents and secure them… by which time people started to remove the furniture and other materials.”

The woman went on to say that as people helped them to evacuate, a quantity of money and jewellery were missing.

By this time, the firefighters arrived, but had some difficulties in getting to the scene as vehicles were parked haphazardly on the access road. When the fire tenders arrived, they ran out of water and had to source water from a trench which was about 600 feet away from the blaze.

Singh commended the firemen, noting that they worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.

The fire devoured the Beepat bond on Friday, leaving millions of dollars in losses. From all indications, the fire might have been electrical in origin.

International Day for Disaster Reduction focuses on persons living with disability

International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) will be observed today , and to mark the event, the National Commission on Disability (NCD) in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held an observance on Friday, bringing awareness of disaster reduction and persons living with disabilities.

The focus of IDDR 2013 is on one billion people or onefifth of the world’s population living with some form of disability. The theme for this year’s event is “Living with Disability and Disasters”.

CDC Director General Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, pointed out that when disasters occur, persons living with disabilities are the most disadvantaged, and explained that IDDR will focus on how to cater for this category in a disaster.

This year’s theme is the third area focused on under the Step up Initiative that was developed in 2011, and which focuses on a different group of partners every year leading up to the World Conference for Disaster Reduction in 2015. These groups are children and

young people (2011), women and girls (2012), people living with disabilities (2013), and the ageing population (2014).

CDC Operations and Training Officer Major Kester Craig also said that persons living with disabilities are among the most excluded in society, and their plight is magnified when a disaster strikes. More often, their contribution to helping communities prepare for and respond to disasters is also often overlooked. These individuals are also the most vulnerable because they may not be able to respond in a timely manner during a disaster hence, special focus should be given to them.

The IDDR started in

1989 with approval of the United Nations General Assembly which views it as a means of promoting global disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Art and essay competition

Meanwhile, the NCD launched its In-School Art and Essay Competition as a part of IDDR observances. The competition is coordinated by Anita Wilson, a volunteer of the CDC volunteer corps to allow children to highlight key considerations for persons living with disabilities in disaster risk reduction.

It comprises a written essay and/or an art piece depicting the effects of flooding on the disabled. Flooding

was the topic chosen, because it is the biggest natural disaster that Guyana faces.

The participants are given two questions to choose from; how are persons with disabilities affected by disasters caused by flooding? And what actions can be taken to reduce impacts of persons with disability during disasters caused by flooding?

The participants may seek assistance from their teachers or relatives but the final piece presented must be theirs. They are asked to submit one piece for either category; however they can enter both categories.

The art category requires a drawing or painting that is relevant to the above mentioned questions. The contestants must submit their original piece, which should be created using crayons, pencils, markers or paint.

The essay category has a word limitation of 700 words and all essays must be original and unpublished.

The competition is open to students of all age groups that attend schools or institutions that cater for disabled persons. All finished pieces must be submitted by Friday, November 22.

Guyana, Venezuelan foreign ministers to meet on seizure of seismic vessel

The Foreign Affairs Ministry on Saturday stated that the government of Guyana is committed to working with the Venezuelan government to find a diplomatic solution to the current problem which has arisen.

Directed by President Donald Ramotar, Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett made contact on Friday with External Relations Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Elías Jaua, to discuss the matter of the seizure of the seismic vessel.

The ministers agreed that dialogue was essential in an effort to find a peaceful solution to this matter, as well as in preserving the relations which had developed between the two countries in recent years. In this regard, they agreed to meet in the coming week, said the Government Information Agency (GINA) in a release.

The government of Guyana was informed that approximately 16:00h on Friday, a Venezuelan Navy frigate, the Yakuana, was trailing the seismic vessel, the RV Teknik Perdana which is under contract with Anadarko.

The frigate obstructed the research vessel’s passage, request them to change course and stop surveying. As is known, Anadarko has a petroleum prospecting licence to search for hydrocarbons in the Roraima block offshore Guyana.

The crew of the RV Teknik Perdana had explained to the crew of the Venezuelan frigate that they were conducting a multi-beam survey of the seafloor in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.

The Venezuelan crew aboard the frigate insisted that the vessel was doing such work in Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone and instructed that the vessel switch off its engines and shut down its seismic equipment.

The Venezuelan Frigate subsequently ordered the RV Teknik Perdana , to sail to the island of Margarita in Venezuela. It was then clear that the vessel and its crew were not only being escorted out of Guyana’s waters, but were under arrest.

The government has stated clearly that firstly, the RV Teknik Perdana was in Guyana’s waters when this regrettable incident took place. In fact, Guyana has been exercising jurisdiction over the said area ever since the extension of the jurisdiction of coastal states was established under international law. This was in fact made clearer after the passage of the Maritime Boundaries Act of 1977, the GINA release said.

GINA said the Venezuelan navy vessel acted in contravention of the laws of Guyana and indeed international law when it entered Guyana’s waters and sought to intimidate the crew of the vessel and later ordered that vessel out of Guyana’s waters and escorted the vessel and crew to Venezuela.

“The government of Guyana has expressed to the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela its grave concern about the incident, and is of the firm belief that the actions taken by the Venezuelan navy vessel constitute a serious threat to the peace of this sub-region,” said GINA.

The release added that Guyana believes in the peaceful resolution of disagreements among states. “It is for that reason that Guyana maintains that since the vessel was merely collecting seismic data, and it will be some time before actual exploration for hydrocarbons could take place, there was and is ample time for Guyana and Venezuela to discuss any differences of view that may exist in relation to the provisional maritime boundary between the two States,” said GINA.

The house that was once occupied by Debbie Williams and her four children

A section of the gathering at the event

Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Venezuelan External Relations Minister Elías Jaua

City Hall on World Monuments Watch list

Tfor repairs at City Hall, and this had to be done in conjunction with the Georgetown City Council.

The minister said this is a positive for Guyana as it will generate publicity about this heritage site.

Guyana National Trust Chief Executive Officer Nirvana Persaud said, “This is more of an international promotion or advertisement at that level…The fund, while they have some amount of funds they dedicate in smaller sections to these sites.” City Hall will be on the list for the period 2014 – 2016.

mobilise awareness and would form groups so as to help safeguard it.”

“It is a prestigious opportunity for us to really work towards preservation of one of our most remarkable structures,

and it’s one of the most remarkable throughout the Caribbean,” Persaud said.

The WMF had received 248 nominations, from which 67 heritage sites from 41 countries were selected.

The 2014 watch list includes cultural landscapes, eastern urban areas, civic buildings, industrial heritage gardens, and religious structures.

At a press conference at his ministry, Minister Anthony said a broad stakeholder committee was needed to advocate

he National Trust of Guyana had submitted City Hall for nomination to the World Monuments Watch list and on Friday, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony announced that Guyana for the first time has been placed on the list.

She expressed hope that the site will attract the attention of local sponsors to assist in some aspects of City Hall’s restoration. “During this period it is expected that the local community, will

Finance ministers discuss economic outlook in Washington

Finance ministers from throughout the Americas and the Caribbean gathered Wednesday in Washington, DC to discuss ways to boost growth in the region to compensate for slowing overseas demand and uncertainty in international financial markets.

Representatives of 24 countries were joined by top officials from multilateral organisations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) for the Fifth Meeting of Finance Ministers of the Americas and the Caribbean (RFM Meeting), which this year was chaired by Mauricio Cardenas, finance minister of Colombia.

“We all know that the global tailwinds are decelerating, and that’s having an impact on our economies,” said Minister

Cardenas, in his opening remarks.

“That’s the result of changes in global liquidity, the expected tapering here in the United States, and the reduction in commodity prices that is resulting to a large extent to changes in economic growth from China.” This is the right time, he said, to discuss ways to boost productivity and reduce informality in the region’s economies, and to create strong engines of growth at home, which will help reduce inequality.

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, who also participated in the opening remarks, called on governments to work closely with the private sector through publicprivate partnerships and other means, to overcome the region’s infrastructure bottlenecks that have been a drag on growth.

“Given the magnitude of the effort required to overcome large infrastructure gaps in our countries, we all agree that private sector participation is absolutely necessary to take on this huge challenge,”

Moreno said. The challenges go beyond infrastructure, however. He added that “much work remains to be done to lower informality in labour markets, to improve education and innovation, to support healthy market competition and ensure equitable tax systems.”

During the rest of the half-day meeting, participants also heard from U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

The RFM annual meetings began shortly after the 2008 G20 summit, in response to the economic financial crisis, when leaders from the hemisphere agreed to hold an annual policy dialogue to discuss long-term development issues and promote economic integration and cooperation. Previous meetings were held in Mexico, Chile, Peru and Canada.

The IDB serves as technical secretary of the RFM meetings, providing logistical support and coordination, and this year provided the venue for the event.

The City Hall building

Productivity must not be squashed by an emotional outburst. Listen if someone has a complaint, but don’t let it slow your progress. Overreacting will result in a costly mistake.

By Bernice Bede Osol

Enjoyment is the name of the game. Try something new and exciting, and you will begin an adventure that could lead to great things. A philosophy you discover will fit your current needs.

(July 23Aug. 22)

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Listen to what’s being said and do your best to please and satisfy someone you love, but don’t let anyone restrict your freedom or limit what you can do. Follow your heart.

(Feb.20March 20)

An emotional situation will be expensive if you haven’t made the necessary adjustments to protect yourself. Underhandedness can be expected.

(March 21-April 19)

Getting together with old friends or colleagues will help put you back on track emotionally, mentally and physically. A favour will be granted and will greatly help your cause.

(April 20May 20)

Follow through with your long-held plans. A partnership will be enhanced if you discuss issues that could alter your lifestyle. An open house will lead to praise and compliments.

(May 21June 20)

Get the details concerning a job you are asked to do before you take on the task. You may not want to follow through. Make positive changes to your surroundings and personal appearance.

Arguments will be a waste of time. Keep a low profile and a tight grip on your wallet. Adventure and excitement may be enticing, but it will also be emotional and costly.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Stick to what and whom you know. An investment may sound good, but it isn’t likely to deliver what’s being promised. Do your research, and you’ll be praised for your findings.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A last-minute change of plans must not throw you off course. Follow through with your agenda and do your best to make your home and family life in tune with your pursuits.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Look at every angle before you make changes that may invite opposition. An emotional situation can stand between you and your destination. Make adjustments if you want to achieve your goals. Keep everything out in the open to avoid being blamed for something you didn’t do. A promise isn’t likely to be honoured. Get an agreement in writing. A domestic change looks promising.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Calvin and Hobbes dilbert

arCHie

CAPRICORN

DENtistry

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

EDuCatiON

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

Learn to play the guitar, keyboard, drums, and train your voice at Foundation 7. Phone: 225-1151 or 617-4200.

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

Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress and anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase 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 next introductory lecture on October 10, contact Ashoke (certified TM teacher) Phone: 233-6921, 6093701. Email kashokejp_68 2yahoo.com askgeneration

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.

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 & 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

U.S. Green Card Lottery 2013. We are now accepting entries for the Annual Green Card Lottery sponsored by the U.S. Government. Enter now for a chance to become a permanent resident of the USA. Closing date November 2, 2013. Contact Balwant Persaud Immigration and Visa Services 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings and Light Sts.) Tel: 225-1540, 655-3105, 622-8308

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

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

J Eastman & Associates

Financial Services: Taxation, VAT Compliance, Accounting & Consultancy, and Cash Flow Projection. Address: 190 Church St, S/Cburg (East of Austin’s Book Store) Phone: 662-7467, 223-2105 House plans starting at $9,000 Phone: 674-0725, 266-2154.

spirituality

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

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10AM - 4PM. Tel: 592-6901824. Email:anew-life@live.com

YELLOW PAGES

UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Two-bedroom self contained apt. Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 6691954

House at Lamaha Gardens, hot & cold water, A/C, etc. Call 219-4535

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

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

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg. Phone: 691-9984

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; 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. PRE-ORDER 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.

1 Bedford truck. Phone: 616:0617, 663-3285.

Vacancy exists for two cashiers/ office clerks and two porters, cashiers/clerks must be literate, apply in person with written application to May’s Shopping Centre, 98 Regent Street, Georgetown. Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292

Two dead, one critical in shootout with police

Two suspected bandits were shot dead while another is clinging to life in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) following a shootout with police on South Road, Georgetown on Saturday night.

The shooting occurred about 20:30h in the vicinity of K&VC Hotel, South Road, Georgetown. The police have alleged that the men were about to commit a robbery. It is alleged that the men opened fire on the police.

The dead men were identified as Jermaine Canterbury, 20, also called “Chow” and Mark Anthony Joseph, 19, also called “2grand”, both of Lot 17 Hogg Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. The injured man has since been identified as Mario Goueiva, 18, of James Street, Albouystown.

Based on reports, Canterbury was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital at about 20:45h, but Joseph succumbed while receiving medical attention. Their bodies re-

portedly bore multiple gunshot wounds from AK-47 rifles.

According to information received, three men along with another were in a motor car when they were intercepted by police attached to the Tactical Service Unit in the vicinity of the Tourism Ministry, South Road, Georgetown.

While information remains sketchy, the police reportedly opened fire on the car, causing it to stop. One of the men reportedly opened one of the back doors of the car and fled the scene. As the others were reportedly coming out of the car, they were riddled with bullets.

Carol Cox, the mother of Canterbury stated that she was at work, and upon returning home, she heard that her son was shot and killed. She explained that she last saw him on Saturday morning when she left for work. At the time she spoke with this publication, she could not confirm what exactly occurred.

On the other hand, June Ann Joseph, the mother of Mark Anthony Joseph, explained that after she heard of the shooting, she went to the hospital but by the time she arrived, her son was already dead.

“I didn’t get the courage to see his body… I hear that they proper shoot he up and he damage bad… I start feel weak and I left,” the woman cried. She disclosed that earlier in the night, her son left home in a hurry to meet Jermaine (only name given), his cousin who resides on James Street. And about an hour later, she received the devastating news. Guyana Times understands that Joseph was shot to his leg a few weeks ago during a similar incident.

The bodies of both men were taken to the hospital’s mortuary awaiting post-mortem examinations.

Libya’s prime minister has failed – Muslim Brotherhood leader

The leader of Libya’s Muslim Brotherhood has said the prime minister, who was briefly abducted by militia members this week, has failed and needs to be replaced.

Mohammed Sawan said on Saturday the Libyan parliament is “seriously searching for an alternative” to Ali Zidan, who was seized from his hotel room on Thursday.

Zidan has described the kidnapping as an attempted coup and warned that some of Libya’s many armed militias want to turn the country into “another Afghanistan or Somalia”.

“One hundred vehicles came with heavy and medium weapons,” he said in a speech. “This is a coup against legitimacy.”

Sawan said in reference to the kidnapping that mis-

management by Zidan’s government might have led to “irresponsible actions” by individuals. The abduction ended when local militias stormed the Tripoli police station where the prime minister was being held on Thursday afternoon.

Zidan has been facing mounting pressure from parliament for months, first by Islamist blocs including the Muslim Brotherhood and another group of ultra-conservative Salafis. Independents later joined the criticism of Zidan over allegations of corruption and wasting public funds, as well as the country’s deteriorating security. He has not named those who were behind his kidnapping, only referring to the Libyan Revolutionaries Operation Room, a militia umbrella group. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

VEHiClEs FOr salE

HEaltH

KEy CuttiNg

VaCaNCiEs

Dead: Mark Anthony Joseph

CSA introduce quota for black African players

Ablack African quota has been passed in South Africa, incentivising franchises to field at least one player from the country’s majority race group and amateur teams, two. Those franchises who have more than one black African in 70 per cent of their matches will be reimbursed an amount equivalent to the average contract cost of the qualified players. The new policy will take effect from October 16, 2013.

This comes after CSA held their first transformation indaba (conference) in over a decade and a proposal was drawn up to introduce a quota requiring franchises to play two black African players. At the organisation’s AGM, held Saturday, the board voted on an incentive-driven policy that expects the teams to include at least one black African player, with monetary benefit to franchises who exceed that.

“These new requirements are incentive based, not quota based,” Haroon Lorgat, the CSA chief executive, said. “We have a very talented population. We have all embraced the need to accelerate transformation.”

“The CSA Board has also supported a recommendation from the Cricket committee to implement a more flexible player loan agreement to facilitate the development of black African players. This is currently being drafted in consultation with the South African cricketers Association (SACA).”

The board will monitor the performance and progress made by the black African players in the do-

have

mestic competition in the coming season before considering any further proposals for the next season.

Since South Africa’s reintroduction to international cricket in 1991, only five black African players have made it to the Test level even though the group forms 80% of South Africa’s population.

Makhaya Ntini is the only one who has played more than 100 Tests, while Mfuneko Ngam, Thami Tsolekile, Monde Zondeki and Lonwabo Tsotsobe have appeared in only 17 matches in all. In contrast, 11 mixedrace players, including Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir, have made it to the South African side.

South Africa introduced a quota system in 1998 to address the racial discrimination caused by the Apartheid system. The stip-

Webber will not aid Vettel’s title bid

Mark Webber says he will race to win in Japan despite team-mate Sebastian Vettel being on the brink of the title.

Webber starts on pole ahead of Vettel, who will seal a fourth title if he wins with Fernando Alonso below eighth.

Webber said: “We’ll have a standard race. It’s everyone for themselves to get the maximum result they can.

“That means me winning and the rest is whatever. If Seb can get more points than Fernando, it’s good for him and the team.”

17

ulation then was that every team had to field four players of colour - a term which encompasses black Africans, mixed-race people and those of Asian descent. It was officially removed in 2007.

A recent report presented to CSA contained information that most black African players give up the game between the under-19 and provincial level, at an age at which, if they are not contracted, will need to find jobs. The report also revealed that when black African players do get into the system, they are often further sidelined.

Only two black African players turned out in more than 80 per cent of their franchises’ games last season and when they did, they bowled less overs and batted lower down than players of other races. (Cricinfo)

Federer splits from coach Annacone

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has ended his partnership with American Paul Annacone, his coach for more than three years. The pair teamed up in July 2010 and since then Federer has won 13 titles, including Wimbledon in 2012. However, the 32-yearold Swiss slipped to seventh in the world this week,

his lowest ranking since October 2002.

“After numerous conversations, we felt like this was the best time and path for both of us,” said Federer.

Federer added that when they started working together they aimed to win another Grand Slam and regain the world number one slot, both of which have been achieved.

The Swiss spent three

months at the top of the rankings from July 2012 in the wake of his win at the All England Club.

“Paul remains a dear friend,” Federer added.

Severin Luthi, who shared coaching duties with Annacone, attended the Shanghai Masters with Federer, where he was beaten in the third round by Gael Monfils on Thursday.

(BBC Sport)

The issue of team orders is a sensitive one at Red Bull after Vettel ignored a command not to pass Webber to win the Malaysian Grand Prix in March this year.

Vettel’s actions infuriated Webber and although the German initially apologised, two weeks later he said he would do the same again and that Webber did not “deserve” the victory.

Vettel also indicated that he felt he had lacked support from Webber in the past, a suggestion Webber has said he finds laughable.

The Australian was 0.174 seconds quicker than Vettel in qualifying, the German having suffered a

power-boost system failure that cost him in the region of 0.3secs a lap.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner left all options open when asked after qualifying whether the drivers would be free to race.

“They race for the team,” Horner said. “They’re free to race and the goal is to do the best they can for the team.”

Vettel added: “It’s unfortunate these things come up when it is the end of the season but these sorts of questions come up because one car is in a strong position.

“We will try our best. I’m sure we’ll try hard and race hard like we did in the past.”

Vettel has won eight of this season’s 14 grands prix, including the last four races in South Korea, Singapore, Italy and Belgium - a dominance Britain’s Lewis Hamilton has said risks driving fans away.

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso - who qualified in sixth and eighth respectively in Japan - have two wins apiece, while Webber has none to his name in 2013. Hamilton, one of the other two drivers to manage a race win this year, will start third on the grid on Sunday in his Mercedes, with fellow Briton Jenson Button of McLaren 10th.

Del Potro beats Nadal in Shanghai Masters

An inspired Juan Martin Del Potro beat world number one Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-4 to reach the Shanghai Masters final.

Nadal had not lost his serve in the tournament but was broken in his first service game as Del Potro moved 4-0 up.

The Argentine, 25, displayed majestic power and Nadal was unable to gain a single break as a high-class contest ended in an hour and 46 minutes.

Del Potro will play defending champion Novak Djokovic, who beat seventh seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 7-5.

It was only the second time during an incredible season in which he has won 10 titles that Nadal - the French and US Open champion - has failed to reach the final of a tournament he has entered. The only other occasion was his shock first-round exit from Wimbledon.

But the 13-time Grand Slam champion was given the run-around by the 2009 US Open champion, who launched a sustained allcourt attack, out-hitting his illustrious opponent to gasps from an enthralled crowd.

A rueful Nadal, who could not convert any of his six break-point opportunities, conceded Del Potro deserved victory.

Djokovic, 26, twice broke

to love in the first set against Tsonga and won it in 34 minutes.

The Frenchman was seeking to pass Roger Federer in the quest for an automatic spot in next month’s World Tour finals but was beaten in one hour 33 minutes.

Tsonga had already moved up from 11th to ninth in the race for the World Tour finals, which is effectively the last of the eight automatic places because of third-ranked Andy Murray’s withdrawal through injury.

He had not lost a set en route to the last four and was bidding to reach only his third Masters final, his first outside of his native France.

But he started slowly and two double faults led to him losing his opening service game as Djokovic, who lost

the world number one ranking to Nadal last week, raced 3-0 ahead.

Tsonga, whose sole Masters title came in Paris five years ago, broke back but lost the set after Djokovic’s third break.

The second set was more competitive and Tsonga levelled at 4-4 when, on the first of two break points, Djokovic allowed an attempted pass from Tsonga by. The ball was called out but the decision was reviewed and it was shown to have clipped the line, prompting an explosive outburst from the Serb.

Djokovic regained his composure to complete his 11th victory in 16 matches against Tsonga and reach his seventh final of the season, extending his winning run in China to 19 matches. (BBC Sport)

Makhaya Ntini played more that 100 Tests, but the other four black African players

featured in only

Tests between them

American Paul Annacone was Roger Federer’s coach for more than three years

Mark Webber (left) and Sebastian Vettel have not had the best of relationships

Juan Martin Del Potro

Bangladesh v NZ, 1st Test, Chittagong, 4th day…

Rain stops play with New Zealand ahead

Sohag Gazi’s maiden century had left the first Test in Chittagong nicely poised, but a passing shower drastically diminished chances of a result and New Zealand’s caution in their second innings, on a pitch that hardly turned, increased that probability.

Chittagong is within 600 km of the predicted path of Cyclone Phailin, and the 20-minute shower in the third session forced an early halt to play. There was more rain forecast in Chittagong on Sunday.

Before the weather took a turn for the worse, however, it was Bangladesh’s No. 8 Sohag Gazi who had the most impact on the play. Resuming on 28, Gazi brought out his favourite shots. The hard-hit cover drive, the upper cut and the late cut were eye catching but the slogs through midwicket and bludgeons down the ground were what demoralized the New Zealand attack.

Doug Bracewell was cut over the wicketkeeper’s head and then slammed over midwicket for Gazi’s first six, as he reached his fifty off 94 balls. Gazi was also severe on the spinners; he charged slow left-armer Bruce Martin and hit him over his head for his second six. The third came off part-time offspinner Kane Williamson and gave Bangladesh’s lead in the 140th over. Bangladesh went to lunch on 491-8, having scored 111 runs in the session, for the loss of only Abdur Razzak. Robiul Islam fell in the first over after the interval, leaving Gazi on 98 with only

Sohag Gazi’s maiden century helped Bangladesh take a firstinnings lead against New Zealand on a rain-curtailed day in Chittagong

No. 11 Rubel Hossain for company. There was no need for nerves though as Gazi cut a short ball over gully to record his maiden Test century. He celebrated gleefully by pumping his fists, as the home side continued to dominate in the early part of the second session.

Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 501 in the 149th over with a 32-run lead - the first time in five attempts that Bangladesh have overtaken New Zealand after batting second.

Gazi’s innings wasn’t shot-a-minute as one might expect from a batsman who has the country’s fastest first-class hundred. He left many balls outside off stump, though he had two reprieves - both caught-andbowled chances of varying difficulty. Martin spilled a sitter, but Trent Boult’s onehanded attempt was harder.

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1st innings 469

Bangladesh 1st innings

Tamim Iqbal c Williamson

b Boult 0

Anamul Haque lbw

b Bracewell 3

Marshall Ayub c †Watling

b Anderson 25

Mominul Haque lbw b Anderson 181

Shakib Al Hasan c †Watling

b Williamson 19

Mushfiqur Rahim*† c Taylor

b Bracewell 67

Nasir Hossain c Williamson

b Sodhi 46

Sohag Gazi not out 101

Abdur Razzak lbw b Boult 7

Robiul Islam c Taylor

b Bracewell 33

Rubel Hossain c Taylor

b Sodhi 4

Extras (b-5, lb-8, w-1, nb-1) 15

Total (all out; 148.5 overs; 637 mins) 501

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Tamim

Iqbal, 0.1 ov), 2-8 (Anamul

Haque, 3.3 ov), 3-134 (Marshall Ayub, 38.2 ov), 4-180 (Shakib Al Hasan, 56.6 ov), 5-301 (Mominul Haque, 92.6 ov), 6-301 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 93.5 ov), 7-371 (Nasir Hossain, 112.1 ov), 8-387 (Abdur Razzak, 120.4 ov), 9-492 (Robiul Islam, 145.6 ov), 10-501 (Rubel Hossain, 148.5 ov)

Bowling: TA Boult 24-9-502 (1-w), DAJ Bracewell 25-296-3 (1-nb), BP Martin 27-3113-0, IS Sodhi 28.5-3-112-2, Corey J Anderson 17-7-342, KS Williamson 27-4-83-1 New Zealand 2nd innings PG Fulton not out 44 HD Rutherford lbw b Nasir Hossain 32 KS Williamson not out 28

Extras (b-11, lb-2) 13

Total (1 wicket; 40 overs) 117 Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Rutherford, 15.5 ov)

Bowling: Abdur Razzak 7-213-0, Rubel Hossain 1-0-12-0, Sohag Gazi 6-0-21-0, Shakib Al Hasan 9-1-19-0, Nasir Hossain 9-4-20-1, Robiul Islam 4-1-90, Mominul Haque 4-0-10-0

Massive wins for St Pius, North Georgetown in Courts Pee Wee

By Avenash Ramzan

St Pius Primary and North Georgetown sent a strong message to the other schools in the Courts Pee Wee Under-11 football competition, trouncing their opponents by 5-0 margins when preliminary action culminated on Saturday at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park.

Also in winner’s row during the third weekend of action were J.E. Burnham, Enterprise, Tucville, St Stephen’s, East La Penitence, West Ruimveldt, Marian Academy and F.E. Pollard.

In game four of the day, a Beveney Mark helmettrick powered St Pius to a commanding win over Winfer Garden. The victory ensured St Pius maintain an unbeaten record, winning all three of their preliminary games.

Gazi finished with ten fours and three sixes, adding 105 runs with No. 10 Robiul, who also made his highest score of 33. Bracewell took three wickets while Boult, Corey Anderson and Ish Sodhi took two each.

New Zealand’s reply wasn’t too cautious to begin with, as Hamish Rutherford made a rapid 32 off 45 balls. But when he fell lbw to Nasir Hossain in the 16th over, Peter Fulton and Kane Williamson became more circumspect, as they slowly added 69 in an unbroken second-wicket stand. The visitors led by 85 runs, but they have to take a more positive approach for a result, weather permitting. (Cricinfo)

Mark opened the scoring in the eighth minute and never looked back, blasting in another three goals in the 11th, 25th and 28th minutes, while Kamacy Davis tucked in a consolation in the 14th minute.

While St Pius’ victory was more of a one-man show, North Georgetown’s success against South Ruimveldt came through a total team effort, as they also remained unbeaten after three matches.

Tyreek Saunders slotted home a double, scoring in the 11th and 14th minutes, while Joshua Denny (fourth), Oren Williams (sixth) and Michael Joseph

(15th) accounted for the other goals.

The other two unbeaten schools in the competitionEast La Penitence and F.E. Pollard- gained hard-fought wins to finish the preliminary phase of the competition with an unblemished record.

East La Penitence secured a 3-1 success over Sophia with Fabian Bollers (11th), Leroy Yaw (19th) and Andrew Hope (31st) on target for the victors and Travis Smith (22nd) scoring for the losers, while F.E. Pollard got past Ketley Primary 4-2.

Getting on the score sheets for F.E. Pollard were Quincy Williams (third), Makhaiya Jervis (eighth), Tramel McCurdy (33rd) and Cordell Charles (38th), while Jahima Messiah (sixth) and Kevo Mallin (20th) scored for Ketley.

Defending champions Marian Academy, through a Demetrius DeAbreau hattrick (13th, 15th and 32nd), overwhelmed Redeemer Primary 3-0, while a Ryan James’ 39th minute strike handed West Ruimveldt a 1-0 win over St Gabriel’s.

St Stephen’s emerged with a 2-0 victory over Stella Maris with Rondell Jordan and Mosea Parkison scoring in the 11th and 13th minutes respectively, while last year’s runners-up Tucville defeated St Sidwell’s 3-1.

Samano Williams in the opening minute, DeAndre Linton (15th) and Raheem Marques (27th) accounted for Tucville’s goals, while St Sidwell’s only response came off the boot of John Johnnie

in the 37th minute.

Rasheed Evans (second) and Jeffrey Blair (31st) scored for Enterprise in their 2-1 win over Green Acres, whose goal came from Sion Jeffers in the 34th minute, while J.E. Burnham gained a walkover from West Field.

Jermaine Padmore scored a hat-trick (12th, 26th and 28th) for St Ambrose, who drew 3-3 with St Margaret’s, whose goals were recorded by Diego Britton (22nd and 30th) and Malachi Edwards (29th), while Success and St Angela’s played to a nil-all stalemate.

Prizes

At the end of the competition, the top four schools will receive a 32-inch television set each to aid visual sessions in the classroom. In 2012, the four top schools were recipients of a laptop each.

All 24 teams will be given stationery vouchers and participation trophies from Courts (Guyana) Inc., while they have been provided with two footballs each and playing bibs, compliments of the Petra Organisation. The champion school will also receive a complete set of uniforms. Under the tournament format, the teams have been divided into six groups of four teams, where they will contest a round-robin.

The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third place finishers will advance to the Round of 16, after which the teams will battle for positions 1-16.

India A v WI A, 3rd unofficial Test, Hubli, 4th day…

Zaheer four-for helps secure innings win

Narsingh Deonarine resisted India A with a plucky 99 but the bowlers burst through to deliver a series-levelling innings win. Abhishek Nayar, that champion in domestic cricket, provided the only two wickets in the first session, ending an 82-run stand between Deonarine and Assad Fudadin. Deonarine’s vigil continued, in the company of Nikita Miller, until Zaheer Khan produced what seemed a magic delivery. With Jahmar Hamilton injured and unavailable to bat, the loss of the last four wickets for

SCOREBOARD

West Indies A first innings 268

India A 1st innings 564-9 declared

West Indies A 2nd innings

KC Brathwaite lbw b Pandey 21

KOA Powell* lbw b Khan 6

LR Johnson b Kulkarni 1 N Deonarine b Khan 99

AB Fudadin c †Kaul b Nayar 49

JL Carter b Nayar 12

NO Miller c Dogra b Bhatt 17

AR Nurse b Khan 0

DE Johnson not out 0

ML Cummins b Khan 4

JN Hamilton† absent hurt

Extras (b-16, lb-9, w-1, nb-7) 33

Total (all out; 73.5 overs; 337 mins) 242

Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Powell, 4.3 ov), 2-18 (LR Johnson, 5.1 ov), 3-57 (Brathwaite, 17.6 ov), 4-139 (Fudadin, 44.5 ov), 5-165 (Carter, 50.5 ov), 6-234 (Deonarine, 71.4 ov), 7-234 (Miller, 72.1 ov), 8-234 (Nurse, 73.1 ov), 9-242 (Cummins, 73.5 ov) Bowling: Z Khan 16.5-3-59-4 (3nb), DS Kulkarni 17-4-38-1 (4nb), AM Nayar 16-2-45-2 (1-w), IC Pandey 11-3-38-1, V Sehwag 9-1-28-0, BA Bhatt 4-2-9-1

eight runs signalled the end of the match minutes after the afternoon drinks break.

West Indies A began the day with seven wickets in hand and needing 180 to make India A bat again.

Deonarine and Fudadin seemed largely comfortable and even a longerthan-usual six-over first spell from Zaheer didn’t bring India any success. Then, Cheteshwar Pujara did what Mumbai captains often do at such times: get Nayar to bowl. And Nayar did what he does: bowl wide outside off, play on the batsman’s patience, and somehow the batsman follows one. Fudadin committed the mistake this time, edging to the keeper on 49.

Jonathan Carter, who had injured himself when filling in for the keeper Hamilton, came in to bat at No. 6, but fell to a special Nayar delivery.

It was short of a length, from round the stumps, pitched middle and off, beat the outside edge as it held its line, and sent the off stump cartwheeling.

Deonarine looked assured in his effort, not going after wide deliveries, driving and cutting the loose ones, while Miller gave him good support. The two went to lunch having put up

F&H Million Dollar domino competition…

Republic Bank, Guyana Gold Fields among zone winners

Republic Bank and Guyana Gold Fields emerged winners of their respective zones on Friday evening when action in the F&H Printing Establishment’s Million Dollar inter-corporation domino competition continued at the sponsor’s location in Campbellville.

In the final of Zone One, Republic Bank defeated KTS and Ivan’s Grocery by

quite a comfortable margin.

The bankers chalked up 91 games, leaving KTS with 72 to settle for second and Ivan’s Grocery with 61 games in the cellar position.

Anthony McFarlene led the champs to victory with 18 games, while John Fraser and Colin Abel marked 17 games each and Bevan Jeune had 15.

Guyana Gold Fields won

Zone Two with 76 games, ahead of Ministry of Health on 72 and All Season Pick Up on 67 games. John Freeman of All Season Pick Up was the lone lovebird. Meanwhile, the organisers are advising teams to take note of a change in venue for next Friday’s games. Double-six time is 19:00 hours and the venue is the Bank DIH Sports Club at Thirst Park.

Indian media reaction as ‘Little Master’ retires

Watching cricket will never be the same for millions of fans across the world after legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar plays his final and 200th Test match in November.

The right-hander’s decision to retire from all cricket after the upcoming series against West Indies was not unexpected, but it still took a while to accept that the “god of cricket” will not play for India after he appears in his final match.

a reassuring stand. After lunch, too, they carried on. Dhawal Kulkarni seemed to have taken Deonarine’s edge when he was on 94, but he had overstepped. It was the last over of his spell.

On came Zaheer, fitter, slowly raising his intensity after his first-class comeback in the previous match in Shimoga. In his second over, he pitched one on a length, seemingly angling in, enough to make Deonarine look to play to midwicket. However, he ended up losing his off stump. It had all the indications of the Zaheer legcutter, which leaves the left-hand batsmen.

With Deonarine gone, and one-and-a-half sessions to bat out, those who were fighting their natural attacking instincts let themselves go. And thus began a procession.

Miller stepped out to Bhargav Bhatt and gave an easy catch to mid-off. Ashley Nurse pushed forward to Zaheer and lost his off stump.

Miguel Cummins tried to swing hard at a few, and lost his off stump a ball after he had hit Zaheer for four. With so much time left in the day, it wouldn’t have been wise for Hamilton to further risk his injured hand.

West Indies A won the one-day series 2-1, lost the one-off T20, took the lead in the first-class series through their spinners, but couldn’t hold on to it. (Cricinfo)

And as the realisation begins to sink in, it is time to pay tribute to one of the greatest players in the history of cricket.

But then what is the best way to mark the retirement of a man who has carried the hopes of millions for more than two decades?

Newspapers and experts, too, seem to be grappling with the same question.

Pradeep Magazine, one of India’s best cricket writers, says it would be “pointless here to delve in detail about his genius, which even otherwise would be impossible to describe in words.”

When verse and prose fail to match the achievements of a genius - it is best to deliver the message in a simple way.

And the message from Indian newspapers to India is simple and clear: Let them say you lived in the times of Sachin Tendulkar but accept that his era is coming to an end.

“There will never be another you,” is how a frontpage banner headline in the Hindustan Times sums up the country’s sombre mood.

The legend has enthralled cricket fans all over the world with his elegant cover drives, smashing square cuts and a straight drive that matched the precision of a master craftsman.

Tendulkar’s artistry on the cricket field will remain etched in his fans’ collective memory, but they must, rather reluctantly, get ready for a life without him.

“The trouble we will face is to see cricket with Tendulkar permanently

missing... With Sachin’s retirement, a special, long stretch of cricket will now come to an end,” writes Indrajit Hazra in the Hindustan Times.

And Hazra is not alone is feeling that the world around him has changed.

The Hindu too says the world, as we knew it for close to 25 years, has changed forever after the master batsman’s retirement from all forms of the game.

“When Tendulkar leaves, his absence will be as keenly felt in spheres of the game quite removed from its runmaking aspect,” says the Indian Express

Tendulkar’s retirement also marks an end of the “fantastic four” batting lineup that included two former captains in elegant lefthander Sourav Ganguly and gritty number three Rahul Dravid, as well as the freescoring VVS Laxman.

The quartet earned India many memorable wins at home and abroad and also inspired the current generation of cricketers, including skipper Mahendra Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh.

“Everyone adores Sachin, the cricketer, but for me personally, having played with him for almost 16 years, I feel really privileged and honoured to have known him so closely,” Laxman told an Indian TV channel.

Ganguly still seems enamoured with his colleague’s achievements.

“It is impossible to emulate his feats. They are

so enormous that he will be talked about as long as cricket is played anywhere in the world,” he says.

How does Tendulkar handles the pressure of expectations and love from one billion people? And how does he manages to stay normal when his regular morning walk has the potential of causing a stampede in any Indian city?

A natural answer would be that he earns his fans’ admiration by winning matches for India. But that may be just oversimplification.

There is more behind the astonishing success of the maestro.

Many cricket pundits say it’s his mental strength and his ability to stay humble under a massive media spotlight and the glitz of modern-day cricket.

“He has been the sage voice in the dressing room... Tendulkar was, in a way, Indian cricket’s first celebrity. Largely staying away from controversy despite the singeing effects of media scrutiny, something that only increased in intensity towards the autumn of his career,” says the Indian Express.

Another paper says Tendulkar is not the only legend of the game, but others did not have to withstand the constant scrutiny of fans, and that too for 24 long years.

And whole of India and the world will be watching this champion when he takes a bow in his home city of Mumbai in November. (BBC Sport)

Captains Kirk Edwards and Cheteshwar Pujara with the trophy after the series ended 1-1

Sachin Tendulkar

Sport minister sees growth potential in golf

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Fifty-one (51) golfers took to the Lusignan Golf Course on Saturday after Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony performed the ceremonial swing to signal the start of the second annual President’s Cup golf tournament.

The annual tournament is a collaborative effort of the Guyana government through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The event adds to the list of tournaments being played at the venue and is being promoted by the Tourism Ministry in a way that seeks to lift the quality of the game, and at the same time, attract the high-end category of golf-loving tourists.

At the official opening, Dr Anthony said he was elated at the level of attention that was being given to the sport. The minister said golf is as good as any other sport and has the potential to grow into a big sporting activity.

“It’s one of those games where a lot of professional

and business persons easily gravitate towards and we thing this is good for the sport and Guyana. This is something that we should promote. It is a game that has a strong international recognition,” the minister pointed out.

Dr. Anthony assured the gathering of government’s unwavering support for the sport, adding that the administration will continue working to improve existing facilities and erect new ones, in order to have athletes train in the best possible environment. He added that the aim is to have more people visit Guyana to engage in the various sport disciplines.

“We in Guyana are right now building a lot of sporting infrastructure; one of the reasons we are doing so is not only about developing sport here in Guyana, but it is also about attracting people to come to Guyana to play in the different sporting disciplines. You would have seen our investments in cricket with the building of a National Stadium, and more recently we have started work on building a warmup pool and with the com-

pletion of that we will have a complete facility where we will be able to host regional and international swimming events,” Dr. Anthony explained.

He continued “We are also building the synthetic track and when completed that would ensure that we get international certification from the international athletics association and again records which would be broken there will be upheld around the world. So with these types of infrastructure what we have been able to do is to move Guyana up in terms of being a venue to host sport in the Caribbean.”

Minister Anthony also applauded the administrators of the Lusignan Golf Club and wished the participants best of luck.

Meanwhile, GTA’s Director, Indranauth Haralsingh, in his address, said he was thrilled that the sport was growing, since it has the potential to attract a vast number of tourists.

The tournament has become an annual feature on the calendar of events of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

Newcomer Webster wins President’s Cup golf tourney

Newcomer Shanella Webster copped top honours in the second annual President’s Cup golf tournament, the first female to win the prestigious tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

Playing off a 36 handicap, Webster finished on gross 78 and net 62, while

Chatterpaul Deo, with a 15 handicap, ended second with gross 81 and net 66.

Third place was taken by Andre Cummings, who shot an 83 gross and 67 net, playing off a 17 handicap, while Vijay Deo was fourth with 77 gross and 68 net, playing off a nine handicap.

William Walker, play-

Another win for dominant Greaves

By Avenash Ramzan

Any doubts about Alanzo Greaves being Guyana’s best cyclist in 2013 were put to rest on Saturday when the Roraima Bikers Club rider surged to another commanding victory, this time in the feature race of the ninth annual Hand-in-Hand Insurance Limited’s 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The victory in the gruelling 35-lap School Boys and Invitational event was Greaves’ 20th win across all competitions this year, by far the most wins by a single rider since the season started in January.

The 24-year-old Digicel sponsored rider crossed the finish line in a time of one hour, 21 minutes, 27 seconds (01h: 21m: 27s), in the process copping one of the eight prime prizes on offer.

Greaves’ nemesis Robin Persaud rode in second ahead of Hamzah Eastman, Michael Anthony, Paul DeNobrega and Albert Philander in that order.

DeNobrega and Godfrey Pollydore copped three prime prizes, while Philander claimed the other.

Prior to the main attraction, Rawle Small took top honours in the BMX Boys 12-14, beating off a challenge from Bryton John and Jaleel Jackson, who finished second and third respectively.

honours in the BMX Boys Open, leaving Daniel Fraser to settle for second and Deeraj Garbarran third.

In the 12-14 years Boys and Girls race, Alfie Soonoram took home the winner’s trophy, beating Romelo Crawford and Toshawnna Doris in the process.

Maurice Fagundes was the only rider in the Veterans Over-60, while Michael Anthony won the Junior race ahead of Mario King and Alonzo Ambrose in that order. Richard Charles, Ozia McUally and Stephano Husbands were 1-2-3 in the Mountain Bike event.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, na-

Meanwhile, as the season continues, heated rivalry is expected to be the recurring theme today when the Flying Star Cycle Club stages the second annual Kadir Mohamed memorial road race from Georgetown to Linden and back.

A large field of local riders is lining up to compete for the top prize of one ounce of gold, sponsored by the late Mohamed’s businessKadir Enterprise of Bartica. According to race organiser William Howard, the race is expected to attract a high level of competition as the riders are gearing up for several important events,

ing off a seven handicap, was fifth with a gross 76 and net 69.

Walker also won the best gross prize, while Mohanlall Dinanauth copped the Longest Drive and Patrick Prashad was Nearest-to-the-Pin.

The competition attracted 45 players, inclusive of five females.

The BMX Boys 9-12 years was won by Sherwin Sampson ahead of Thuran Garbarran and Stephan Wilkinson, while Sampson returned to beat the competition in the BMX Boys 6-9, winning ahead of Alexander Leung and Shane SueHang.

Junior Niles carted off the Veterans Under-50 race, beating defending champion Shameer Baksh into second and Kennard Lovell third, while Virgil Jones and Linden Blackman finished 1-2 in the Veterans Over-50 over.

Adrian Sharma took top

tional cycling coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, thanked Hand-in-Hand Insurance Limited for its continued support to cycling, noting that corporate sponsorship is critical to the sport.

The company was represented by Customer Service Representatives, LaShanna Thompson and Bonicka Gordon, who both expressed their entity’s delight to partner with the cycling fraternity.

The establishment also continued its tradition of presenting BMX bikes to three promising cyclists. The beneficiaries were

including the seventh annual ‘Ride for Life’ Five Stage.

The race will start on Homestretch Avenue at 07:30 hours, proceed to the Coca Cola sign at Dora on the Linden/Soesdyke highway, and return to the point of origin for the finish. It will cover an approximate distance of 80 miles.

The top ten finishers in the Open category will be handsomely rewarded with cash incentives, while the top three juniors and three leading veterans will also receive prizes.

Berbician Neil Reece of the Flying Ace Cycle Club is the defending champion of the Open category.

Bryton John, Jaleel Jackson and Thuran Garbarran.

All smiles! A beaming Alanzo Greaves receives the winner’s trophy and prime prize from Customer Service Representative of Hand-in-Hand Insurance Limited, Bonicka Gordon, in the presence of national coach Hassan Mohamed

New bikes! The three young riders with their newly acquired BMX cycles donated by Hand-in-Hand Insurance Limited

Winner Shanella Webster (centre) poses with other top performers and Guyana Tourism Authority Director, Indranauth Haralsingh (fourth from right), at the conclusion of Saturday’s tournament

Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony about

(Photo: Rajiv Bisnauth)