Guyana Times Daily 15th Sept 2013

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INSIDE Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1892 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

September 15, 2013

PRICE

NACTA poll finds

Guyanese overwhelmingly support Amaila project, subsidy to GPL See story on page 3

Health fair receives tremendous support

$100 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Diabetic P2 foot amputations reduce by 50 per cent

Housing P12 sector paving way for social, economic transformation

See story on page 17

Members of the public having their blood sugar tested at the Caribbean Wellness Day Health Fair organised by the Health Ministry at the Square of the Revolution on Saturday (Carl Croker Photo)

BK Int’l maintains stone supply adequate See story on page 16

– opens to verification exercise

Innovative energy saving technology coming to Guyana soon See story on page 2

Qualfon P17 motorcyclist killed in accident Slain biker P17 laid to rest

New P19 generators for Lethem to arrive by Christmas

2 news

SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Innovative energy saving technology Diabetic foot amputations coming to Guyana soon reduce by 50 per cent

Haier’s Vice Director Cong Taori and country representative Brian James display some of the equipment being offered by the company

C

hinese company Haier on Friday presented solar energy Light Emitting Diode (LED), a technology that will see Guyanese saving thousands of dollars.

During a PowerPoint presentation at the Private Sector Commission’s boardroom, it was highlighted that the equipment will be available on the local market in the next two months.

Giving a synopsis of what Haier is proposing to the public following the presentation done by Haier International Business Corporation Limited Vice Director Cong Taori, the

company’s country representative Brian James said energy from the sun is very applicable to Guyana, given its climatic conditions.

“We’re about five degrees north of the equator, we have no winter, no seasonal changes, we have about 12 hours of sunlight a year, we do have rainy seasons and days when you do not have sun, but essentially, the sun can give you free energy and all we’re trying to do is convert that energy through solar panels into energy to charge you computer, your cell phones etc.”

As such, Haier is proposing an array of products in

this regard, to be used in Guyana. The company presented a portable generation unit that when recharged with solar energy; it can last for up to 24 hours.

Giving a demonstration of the piece of equipment, James noted too that it can power four 60 watt bulbs.

“It has a radio, you can play music through a flash drive… so this could also be used as an emergency in your house because if you plug it in, it can recharge the battery to be used for when you have blackout.”

The company also had on display lamps that have the capacity to replace a street light. “It uses about a quarter of the energy of the street lamps while giving you the same light output, but more importantly, the life of this is about 50,000 hours.” For this, Haier offers a five year warranty.

“In the context of Guyana, the cost of electricity is very high and so regardless what the cost is, whether it goes up or down, these use one quarter of the electricity of a normal bulb,” James added.

He noted that while some of the equipment are currently available at the company’s Middle Street office, a full store will be available in the next two months. “We are hoping to expand the range into replacement florescent tubes and so forth,” he said.

T

he Diabetic Foot Centre of the Georgetown Public Hospital has recorded a 50 per cent decrease in amputations thus far in the year, head of the centre Dr Kumar Sukhraj said.

Speaking with Guyana Times in a recent interview, Dr Sukhraj said the achievement is commendable and is in keeping with its mandate of being a centre of excellence.

Operating under the umbrella of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the diabetic foot centre is managed by a trained team headed by Dr Sukhraj and comprising of four nurses and a clerk.

“The centre has adopted a multi-disciplinary approach in treating patients with diabetic foot complications, almost 90 per cent of our patients have seen improvements in healing,” said Sukraj. Noting that the GPHC is the main referral for diabetic foot cases, he disclosed that “We have seen 50 per cent reduction of amputation rate in patients, also two times a week, one of our staff would go on outreaches to the various health centres and would see about 20 to 25 patients.”

Revealing that the clinic is seeking to increase its patient load and care programmes, Sukraj stated that the facility has a mentorship programme, where

Dr Kumar Sukhraj attending to a patient of the diabetic foot centre

for one week persons are taught and trained in diabetic foot care. He further explained that all diabetic patients are treated with respect and care, noting that if a patient needs to be admitted to a ward, this is done directly from the centre.

“We take into consideration our patient entirely.

Thus, we ensure that the biological, physiological and social aspects of our patients are met.”

This newspaper understands that the centre comprises of two dressing rooms, a consultation, receptionist, and seating areas for patients. Sukhraj also placed emphasis on the need for diabetics to

take the necessary precautions to prevent foot complications. He stated that all diabetics should be encouraged to visit the diabetic foot centre to get the care they need.

Appealing to diabetics to examine their feet daily, he noted that once it is observed that discolouration, ingrown toenails and ulcers are present; they should visit the diabetic foot centre. Moreover, it was stated that diabetic patients usually have decreased blood flows and less sensation in their legs, as such, they should desist from walking around bare-footed when indoors and outdoors. turn to page 9

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, September 15 from 13:30h to 15:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, September 15 from 13:00h to 14:30h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly at 4.91 to 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:27h and 13:16h reaching a maximum height of 2.30 metres.

Low Tide: 06:39h and 19:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.91 metre respectively.

saturday, september 14, 2013

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

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n opinion survey conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) last month found that the overwhelming majority of the nation supports the Amalia Falls Hydro Electricity Project (AFHEP), subsidies to the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), and the recent introduction of the new minimum wage policy.

The poll interviewed voters to determine support on various government initiated projects as well as popular support for the parties should a snap election be called.

The poll randomly interviewed 520 voters to yield a demographically represen-

tative sample (44 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 16 per cent mixed, nine per cent Amerindians, and one per cent other races) of the population. The poll was conducted in face to face interviews and was coordinated

by Vishnu Bisram, pollster, newspaper columnist and educator in New York.

The results of the poll were analysed at a 95 per cent significance level and a statistical sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points was found. Sampling results based on sub-groups such as Indians or Africans have a larger sampling error.

Asked if they approve of the opposition’s rejection of the Amalia Falls hydro proj-

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ect, 67 per cent said no, with only 23 per cent backing the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for opposing the project. People feel the project will lead to cheaper electricity bills.

Parting

Even supporters of the Alliance For Change (AFC) overwhelmingly endorsed the Amalia Falls project with APNU supporters breaking with their party for its opposition to the project.

Asked if they support the opposition rejection of funding subsidy for GPL, 65 per cent said no, with 21 per cent saying yes and 14 per cent saying they are not sure. Asked if they agree with the opposition’s rejecDo you endorse the new minimum wage policy? tion of funds for the construction of Marriott Hotel, Yes No Not sure 41 per cent said yes, with 35 per cent saying no, and 24 88 7 5 per cent not sure.

Do you approve of the opposition’s rejection of Amalia Hydro projAsked if they approve ect? of the opposition’s decision to reject funding for the Yes No Not sure Specialty Hospital, 39 per cent said yes with 51 per 23 67 10 cent said no and 10 per cent Do you support the opposition’s rejection of funding subsidy to was not sure. Asked if they back the opposition’s posiGPL? tion against the airport expansion project, 37 per cent Yes No Not sure said yes, with 52 per cent 21 65 14 saying no, and 11 said they not sure.

Yes

No

Not sure

Marriott

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35

24

Hospital

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51

10

Airport

37

52

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Do you think the sugar industry can be rescued?

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Draw De Line 05

Guyanese overwhelmingly support Amaila project, subsidy to GPL

Project

LUCKY 3

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NACTA poll finds

Do you support the opposition’s rejection of funding for construction of the projects below?

Daily Millions

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SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Yes

No

47

44

Not sure 9

On the question of whether they endorse the increase in the minimum wage policy, a whopping 88 per cent said yes, seven per cent said no, and five per cent said not sure, with workers showering accolades on Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul for this initiative, although many feel the minimum wage needs to be much higher, given the country’s ever increasing cost of living.

This is the highest approval rating in support of any government project in recent times.

Asked if they think the sugar industry can be rescued, 44 per cent said no, with 47 per cent saying yes and nine per cent not offering a response. People feel the industry needs to undergo significant structural reform in order to save it.

The poll was conducted by Vishnu Bisram for NACTA, a New Yorkbased group founded by Dr Latchman Narain of Toronto and Vassan Ramracha of New York, all of whom were involved in the free and fair election movement in the diaspora. NACTA has no affiliation with any political party and has been involved in several community activities in America, Guyana and other countries.

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

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

Editorial

UG at 50 T

he University of Guyana (UG) was launched in October 1963 – its 50th anniversary is only days away. In the last few years, UG has become a fixture in the news – but sadly, almost never for reasons an institution of higher learning would not be proud about.

This suggests major problems for an institution that held out so much hope on the cusp of our independence.

To situate UG in its historical context, we have to appreciate the then Premier of Guyana Dr Cheddi Jagan’s commitment to higher education. He had returned from a trip to the U.S. after his electoral victory of 1961, not only empty-handed for developmental financing, but a secret American plan to oust him from office.

He made contact with Dr Harold Drayton, then teaching in Ghana, in January 1962 and asked him to discuss the formation of a local university with Dr William Edward Burghardt DuBois, the radical founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) in the U.S. Up to then, Guyana had been sending students who desired higher education to attend the University of the West Indies (UWI) that had been formed in 1948. But Dr Jagan was dissatisfied for two major reasons.

Firstly, he felt that the EC$1.8 million Guyana had contributed to the UWI between 1948-1963 to produce only 97 graduates, of whom only 40 returned home, was not cost effective. Secondly, and most importantly, as a trenchant critic of the then prevalent “colonial mentality” imparted by the educational system, he desired to have an institution that would educate Guyanese and hone their skills in areas that would be more beneficial to the country’s needs.

In the words of one of the first batch of graduates, Dr Odeen Ishmael, “The policy was also aimed at training middle-range technical cadres in large numbers, to train an adequate number of high level professionals to exercise intellectual leadership in Guyana and to man positions of high responsibility, and to undertake active research.”

Today, 50 years down the road, even as the role of the university is being debated in the developed countries, it is ample time that we reconsider whether UG has failed or succeeded in its mission and, if so, why?

Have we been “training middle-range technical cadres in large numbers”? We think not. This year we might be lucky if we graduate 10 individuals with a degree in electrical engineering. Yet we have been complaining since UG was formed that the country faces severe problems of technical competence in generating and transmitting electricity.

What about training “an adequate number of high level professionals to exercise intellectual leadership in Guyana”, which, since the days of Plato, has been the goal of institutions of higher learning?

If the truth be told, the Guyana of Dr Jagan in 1963 was infinitely more intellectually vibrant than it is today. The cliché of an “intellectual wasteland” springs vividly into life if it is concatenated with the “University of Guyana”.

The stymieing of the goal of “active research” is especially vexed at UG, located as it is in a poor developing country blessed with natural resources, but lacking massive capital to harness those resources through traditional means.

The problems with UG have their origins with the politicisation of the institution when it was shanghaied into “moulding the nation’s youths” in the personal idiosyncratic vision of the People’s National Congress (PNC) founderleader Forbes Burnham. The requirement that a stint in the Guyana National Service be a prerequisite for graduation was a case in point: its performative unfolding locked out a generation of Indian-Guyanese females from higher education. UG became a sinecure of the PNC’s elite.

Today, we have a vice chancellor who is sweeping very clean with his new broom. But until he confronts the concrete ways to implement a positive educational curriculum, he will inevitably be subverted for political reasons by some incumbents, and UG will continue to be in the news for the wrong reasons.

This frog got a close view of the Ladee Moon probe launch at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia (BBC Future)

We cannot attack our police officers Dear Editor, I will never push for violence in any form, but if and when our police officers are coming under attack, I believe that we must stand on their side. I believe that anyone who attacks a police is committing a serious crime.

That person is not attacking a mere man, but is going against that which is there for everybody’s protection.

The police transcend human beings. These officers represent state protection and that institution is most pivotal and must stay that way. I also think that we must move towards employing things like taser guns. These aggressive elements here in Guyana can get carried away and therefore they must be subdued before things are allowed to

get ugly.

Now I cannot understand what can get into somebody’s head to want to retaliate, where a police arrest is concerned. My hope is that people will quit this bad boy image. We have too many people who thrive and feel good in an atmosphere where people seem fearful of them.

I also am clamouring for more and more patrols

to be on the road. I believe in crime prevention. Just a few days ago, police shot and killed a man, who they said was stabbing a woman in front of her Maryland home, shortly after midnight. They had no choice. I doubt very much anyone of us would have done differently.

Yours faithfully, Dorothy Elphage

The panic button has been pressed already Dear Editor, The acting police commissioner is telling people not to panic where the crime situation is concerned. But is this really that easy? The rampage started in Berbice and now it is country wide. Still fresh in our minds are the brutal slayings of two businessmen, an elderly rice farmer, and a young son of a businessman.

The overall report is

that there is an increase of six per cent in serious crimes, inclusive of a few high-profile murders and robberies. So it is quite natural that there be some kind of reaction – the flight or fight syndrome is already here.

What I like is that some headway is definitely being made. As regards the two recent murders, a number of leads have been unearthed and it looks as if

the guilty will be nabbed.

I gather that we need this kind of attitude when it comes to fighting crime. The society needs a purging. All that we need sometimes is to cooperate with law enforcement – we need to take the initiative and tell when we see and what we know. The police badly need our help.

Some time ago, in China, there was a ceremony for good citizens to be honoured for helping to

fight crimes. More than 40 persons, who were arrested, for a variety of offences, were caught and prosecuted, all because of the good work of ordinary citizens – each of them received a certificate and a cheque of US$2000.

The cue from this is that the community can make a big contribution.

Yours sincerely, Everton Fredericks

The threat of Africanised bees Dear Editor, About one year ago, I read about a mother of eight, who was killed after a vicious attack by a swarm of Africanised bees.

Since then, Guyana has reported several fatal bee attacks.

I recall just in April, how classes at the Stella Maris Primary School and St Joseph High School had to

be suspended because of an infestation of bees. So I cannot really excuse this attack on a Berbice pensioner. A thing like this attack should have been pre-empted a long time ago.

I think that especially grass-cutters should investigate before doing any kind of yard work. They themselves must search the place and then go around asking

from other people: they need to ensure that their working environment is totally free of these insects. These bees are killers.

On the higher level, there must be some kind of plan of action to deal with these bees. For now, people can seek for them and then have them removed by trained people.

It is not every day that

we have an attack by bees.

However, I think that we should be prepared. Even if we look after the environment and make it free from these bees, a medical institution must be ready at all times – both in terms of equipment and available skills.

Yours truly, Trudy Beresford

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Helping the less fortunate Dear Editor, It is very touching to read about the work of the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre (RCAC).The organisation recently held a training seminar in the conference room of the National Library to prepare volunteers to teach special needs students.

At the session, it was pointed out that the children need to be gainfully engaged with things that are fun and educational. This is not just an offthe-cuff statement too. I remember attending a party for some special needs children, and I almost broke down.

It is no fun allowing special needs children to have fun. It calls for utter patience and it is good that these

volunteers are being told this. They must understand that it is by strong will they will have to perform, since it is very hard to interact with the students in this category and cope with difficult behaviour.

On another note, it is not difficult behaviour as such. However, it comes over like this as these children do not subscribe to logical reasoning and response. That is where the special needs idea comes in. This particular centre works to enable and empower disadvantaged children, through positive self-image, respect, rights and responsibility.

However, the testimony from many past volunteers is that the

work is very fulfilling. I urge more to come forward and be exposed to these children. They have lessons to teach us too, and they make us become ever so grateful. The centre is totally a volunteer and non-profit operation, and if nothing else, it needs at least our physical presence.

We need to remind ourselves that children special needs may have mild learning disabilities. Now we do not need expertise in these areas – we can be good volunteers even if we just ensure the children’s safety and win their trust.

Yours sincerely, Cynthia Bollers

The conflict of interest crusader Dear Editor, Please allow me to revisit the issue of conflict of interest in the Alliance For Change (AFC) in light of recent reports in the media that the party has formulated a code of conduct for its members. I would want to believe that conflict of interest is one of the issues addressed by the code.

You would rightly recall that Christopher Ram has been most vocal in and out of the media on the issue of conflict of interest in relation to the appointment of Geetangli Singh as deputy auditor general, a position in which she served for many years prior to her confirmation, and the Brassington brothers Winston and Jonathan). As you are aware both of these accusations were and remain baseless.

However, unlike Singh and the Brassington brothers, the conflict of interest position of the entire lead-

ership of the AFC has been exposed and proven by a mountain of undisputable facts, including their own admissions – Khemraj Ramjattan, Fedders Lloyd and the Specialty Hospital; Cathy Hughes and Amaila Falls Hydropower Inc; Nigel Hughes and Sithe Global; Moses Nagamottoo and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Yet Ram, the self-appointed crusader against conflict of interest, has been conveniently looking the other way. This silence of Ram is deafening. He should know that, as the selfappointed crusader against conflict of interest in Guyana, he does not enjoy the luxury of being selective.

By choosing to be selective, as in this case, he is simply being hypocritical. What is even more surprising is that the AFC, and more specifi-

cally, its leader Ramjattan, is calling on President Donald Ramotar to reward this hypocrisy with Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence (OE).

By simple logic, one is therefore forced to conclude that the AFC wants to reward Ram for ignoring the pandemic of conflict of interest within its leadership. Is there any limit to the AFC’s hypocrisy?

It is my understanding that Ram teaches company law at the University of Guyana (UG). This is interesting because conflict of interest is one of the main topics in company law. I am therefore recommending that, at a minimum, the cases of the Hughes be used as a case study in his tutorial class.

Yours faithfully, Reaz Holladar

The Guyana, Suriname operations Dear Editor, The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Surinamese National Army have renewed their commitment to combat trans-border crimes. I hope that both sides will stick with this collaborative effort.

Arrangements are likely to fall into place within the next six months when the anticipation is that the militaries through the GDF Coast Guard and the Surinamese Navy can move into visible operation in the Corentyne River.

Now I firmly believe that this partnership can really be effective to combat piracy, human trafficking, trafficking of drugs and firearms and illegal fishing. Too many lives have been lost already. I know that this will bring a lot of comfort to the fishermen who have been under threat of recent.

The matter still has some ironing out in some areas, as the attorney generals of both countries have to consult on who can execute arrests and where, what is to be done after arrests, and the roles of the GDF and the Surinamese National Army.

We need to understand here that the bottom line is safety for citizens of both Guyana and Suriname, and the practice of proper business. This is because a whole lot is at stake.

In excess of US$10 million in goods is being imported annually from Suriname, with collected taxes standing at US$5 million. This is

outside of the illegal happenings, where the report is that food smuggling actually runs into millions of dollars as well.

This is really a problem.

I know of our gold market over in Suriname and this area has some problems too, as there are a lot of illegal things happening. If I am to expect works in just three areas – food smuggling, gold transactions and piracy attacks – for now, then this is a whole lot, as it is a very good start.

It is a known fact that many big boats actually get loaded in Suriname but they have their goods transferred to small boats in the midstream, and this is where things happen – the transferred stuff can end up both in Guyana and in Suriname as smuggled items.

This has huge implications for business people. I know of one man right around my area.

He has a crew working on two good sized boats. They do not fish, but bring back all kinds of things from Suriname. They can undersell many locals and this is what must not happen.

We have been patient so far and now things are beginning to happen. I hope that those who have been involved in anything illegal will make that switch to being compliant with the law. It is the best way to go. Maybe as things are about to come to pass, there should be some information sessions.

Yours respectfully, Juanita Spooner

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Foundation Mountains, first week, and public buses

Anu Dev

W

ell I’ve survived my first week of actual schoolwork!

Can I still say schoolwork?

“University work” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.

Sure it’s only supposed to get even more intense from now, but for now I’m just relieved to have made it through my first week.

I’m also still adapting to living in Trinidad. Over here I’m definitely seeing why they came up with the phrase “as changeable as the weather”.

It’s really lovely dressing to deal with the morning’s heat and then coming out of class two hours later to be greeted by a sudden and quite violent downpour. The raindrops are really larger than ours!

One really nice thing about living on campus is that classes are literally five minutes walking-distance away.

That’s a pleasant change from having to leave home one and a half hours early to get to QC. And as all West Coast commuters know, the traffic at the bridge usually makes you want to pull your hair out. (I’ve been told it’s a sign of progress: we’re getting New York-style traffic jams.)

But another personal achievement for me is that on

guyanatimesgy.com

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience” – Eleanor Roosevelt Friday I used the public buses! (Hey! I only used a minibus a couple of time in the last term at QC – to prepare me for this!) And I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and efficient everything was: they’re big and air conditioned. (That’s a New York-like innovation I wouldn’t mind in Guyana!)

And Curepe Junction, where I had to go to buy my textbook, reminded me so much of

Regent Street.

I felt like someone teleported me back to Georgetown. But then I heard the sing-song Trini accent everywhere and I realised I was actually in Trinidad. I snuffed out the reflex to amble over to QC to check-out how things are going.

There I go again! Three

QC references so far. It’s hard to let go of somewhere you’ve spent seven years of your life at. Well, we have to move on, don’t we? But there will always be the old school ties: there are three other QC grads ahead of me and they’re been wonderful.

But university life’s quite different from high school life in so many ways. There’s no bell at

12 to let you out for lunch (freedom?). Classes start from eight and end at seven in the evening on some days.

But of everything, the biggest difference is freedom.

Freedom. There’s so much of it. It’s a bit frightening real-

ly. I keep getting that nagging feeling that I need to ask permission for more decisions.

There’s been no epiphany on how to deal being treated like an adult.

After all those years listening to adults, seeing them making their own decisions, having responsibilities, it’s a bit disconcerting knowing I’m at that stage of my life. Living on my own, cooking my own meals, doing my own laundry.

I can understand why someone once wrote about “Escape from Freedom”. It’s seductive having everything done for you. But ultimately debilitating.

At UWI med school, there’s a heavy emphasis on the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model of learning, where students when confronted with a problem have to come up with their own learning objectives for self-study.

With great power comes great responsibility (*dramatic music*).

But it’s only been two weeks. I’m enjoying it so far and I hope I’ll still be enjoying it when they start piling on even more work on us. As promised. They did say our university years will be the best years of our life, right?

Educare application – international and regional

A

t the present time, Educare is being implemented in 170 countries across the globe, in countries as far different from one another in culture, religion and ethnicity. It has also interested persons who do not actively practice any religion but who wish to improve the welfare of their fellow-men and society as a whole. Apart from being taught in schools, Educare is taught in community classes.

Europe – The United Kingdom, in 1981, was one of the first countries in Western Europe to embark on Educare. One of the first schools where it was implemented was Spencer Park in the Borough of Wandsworth, South London. This is an all-boys school where 28 different languages were spoken and where the boys came from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. The effect of the programme on their behaviour and academic performance was very positive, as reported by the Inner London Education Authority. At present, thousands of children are exposed to Educare in over 200 schools – both state and private. These schools draw favourable comment from OFSTED, the government schools inspection body.

The European Sathya Sai Education Institute was established in Denmark in 1978, and it has trained teachers throughout Europe: Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands, among others; this is in addition to some Eastern European countries.

North America – In 1983, the American Education in Human Values Foundation was formed. It has the distinction of developing the first Educare curriculum. More than 8000 children have been exposed to Educare, and 2000 teachers trained. Much training has been done in Canada as well.

Latin America – Across Latin America, there are 181 schools implementing Educare. These are kindergarten, primary, secondary and pre-university, public or private, using it either partially or totally, in any of its three methodologies. Complementary schools operate everyday of the week in some cities and they have programmes such as art, music, drama, manual arts, organic gardening, dance, computer skills, in addition to human values – using the direct method.

In Brazil, 22 years ago a teacher began Educare in Sao Paolo, and published two books which were adopted by primary schools, educational departments and universities in some of the main cities. The university in Curitiba – Parana – has written its own Educare programme. It is estimated that over 3000 teachers have been trained over the last 15 years in Brazil. Twentyfive schools are using Educare. Brazil boasts five Sai Schools – schools whose curriculum is permeated by the five human values and which serve disadvantaged students. The first one was established in a poor community in Vila Isabel in Rio de Janeiro. This school has served as an inspiration and a model for the founding of other schools at Recife, Goiana, Ribeirao Preto, Minas Gerais and Amparo. Also 300 children benefit from Educare community classes in poor districts.

In Venezuela, there is a school in Abejales in the State of Tachira. This school was inaugurated in 2002, and is run by a Sai foundation. In two short years, it was described by the Education Ministry as a “shining example”, “Rural Model School of Venezuela.” Indeed, the “Miracle School of Zambia” has become a model for the Venezuelan Education Ministry. The Sai Institute of Venezuela has been training teachers in various parts of the country, in addition to training college students who are preparing for a career in teaching. The Educare programme is also used in several schools in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Peru and Paraguay.

The Central American countries which use Educare are El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico. Mexico holds the distinction of being the Latin American country where Educare is most widely used – 128 schools.

Saudi Arabia and UAE – Apart from Indonesia, there are countries with largely Islamic populations which are showing great interest in Educare. A few hundred teachers were trained in Saudi Arabia; also fifteen hundred teachers were trained in The United Arab Emirates, 70 per cent of whom are Muslim.

Africa – An extensive 14-country governmental initiative through the UN (UN-HABITAT) utilises Educare to promote values- based water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Hundreds of children are exposed to Educare in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Mauritius. In 2005, the Sai School at Ndola in Zambia was awarded the International Gold Star Award for quality in terms of leadership, innovation, training and excellence in education at an international gala dinner in Paris. Chairman of the school board, Dr Victor Kanu, emphasised that education at the school is based on the principles of Educare which emphasise truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence – the five basic human values espoused by the Educare programme.

Author: ISSE – W I. For more info please call – (592) 226-2924, (592) 696-7344, (592) 642-1615.

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SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana takes centre stage Forensic laboratory expected to open by year-end at Global Youth Summit to achieving equity and improved access to education, information, the Internet and development.

Enlightened forum

Evening News Editor Micheal Younge at the Global Youth Summit in Costa Rica

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uyana took centre stage at the recently concluded Global Beyond 2015 Youth Summit in Costa Rica where it lobbied the United Nations and International Telecommunications Union to involve more youth in its decision-making processes while underscoring the importance of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in the development of the world.

As the Global Beyond 2015 Global Youth Summit came to an end on Wednesday, its youth declaration, setting priorities for the “Future We Want”, was presented to Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla, who will take the collective message of the world’s youth to the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

The summit was held from September 9 to 11 and Guyana’s representative was Evening News Editor and Journalist Michael Younge.

More than 180 countries fielded representatives who participated in several round table discussions, debates, competitions and discussions about the use of ICTs and their role in aiding the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals as well as other objectives related to sustainable development.

The summit themes were “Get Ahead”, “Be Healthy”, “Be Safe and Change your World”, all of which aimed at harnessing the collective creativity and concerns of the youths present in San Jose.

Younge speaking during the full session of the sum-

mit, reported on the outcome of one of the thematic workshops hosted on day one. In his address, he underscored the importance of negotiating for success and the need for the United Nations to work more closely with youths to remove the barriers that are restricting access to the Internet in countries that are hit by underdevelopment, poverty and affordability issues.

Humbled

Speaking with Guyana Times upon his return, Younge said that he was happy to have participated in the summit and was humbled by the declaration sent to the UN by the youths present at the forum, which he described as “remarkable”.

“I am proud to have echoed my views at the summit. I am also thankful that I had the opportunity to share with the summit some of the remarkable things that Guyana is doing in the area of ICTs like our One Laptop Per Family Project and several others that aim at increasing Internet connectivity here and access altogether.”

Younge has also reported that he had the opportunity to visit the Earth University in Costa Rica, listen to the first lady of Nigeria deliver an address at the summit and also meet some of the leading minds in ICTs from around the world.

At the summit, Costa Rica’s President Laura Chincilla congratulated the participants for sounding their voices and sharing their solutions for dealing with issues which are still critical

“I was surprised at how much I learnt at the summit about ICTs and my colleagues and I were appreciative that the ITU invited us to take part in the dialogue on the way forward. President Chinchilla’s commitment to youth and children is remarkable and I am happy that she will be lobbying the UN on our behalf,” Younge said.

Guyana’s representative said too that youths have to also understand the dangers of utilising the technology and should seek to do so with the aim of improving their marketability, building global and digital enterprises, improving the collective social and economic standing of their communities while assisting and influencing world leaders to advance progress and positive change.

Guyana was the only Caribbean country that participated fully and vocally in all of the sessions. The UN secretary general’s envoy on youth, Ahmad Alhendawi said he was committed to taking the message of youth to the United Nations, while urging young people to take responsibility to make their voices heard.

“The world we want will not be achieved unless we set our compromise to take every step possible to be part of the solution,” he said.

Guyana’s state-of-the-art forensic laboratory

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team from Barbados has been contracted to install the equipment to facilitate the smooth running of the forensic laboratory which is expected to come into operation before year-end.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee explained that the imported equipment had to be calibrated on arrival in Guyana before being installed.

“The security features have been already installed and by the third week in October, all the installation will be completed with respect to equipment which will see the facility being in full operation,” he added.

The Home Affairs Ministry has already hired staff and will soon sign their contacts for employment.

He said the Office of the President has requested that the lab be equipped to facilitate DNA testing.

“What we have decided to do is to complete what we have set out to do in accordance with the plan for the

completion of the lab because we don’t want to delay further commissioning of the facility… upon completion, we will look at way and means of incorporating in the functioning of the lab, DNA testing.”

The contract for the $840 million Police Forensic Lab falls under the Citizen Security Programme (CSP) initiated by the government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

This programme has three components: institutional modernisation of the Home Affairs Ministry, Community Action Component (CAC) and modernisation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which includes the strengthening of forensic capability.

The facility, when equipped, will be the best in the Caribbean and among the best in the world.

Former Police Commissioner Henry Greene had said the fight against crime cannot only be tackled with help of the public alone,

but also needs the support of forensic science.

“A forensic lab therefore is critical to the work of the Guyana Police Force,” he said, pointing out that the force inherited some elements of a forensic lab in 1987, but they were unable to achieve significant progress.

“We still have to depend largely on overseas for assistance for DNA,” he had said.

Green had contended that the force recognised that there is a need for the forensic lab to be equipped with upgraded facilities and a level of staff that will be competent enough “to lead us forward in the fight against crime”.

All of the equipment was due to be installed and tested by May, but there was a delay due to the unavailability of the equipment shipped from overseas.

Courtney Benn Construction was awarded the contract to construct the forensic laboratory on the University of Guyana Campus.

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SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Essequibo boat owner thankful to be alive

Amar Singh at home

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ssequibo Coast boat owner Amar Singh said he is thankful to God for sparing his life after his boat exploded from a strike by lightning on Tuesday.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, the 26-year-old young man

said though the incident is something he wants erased from his mind, God had to be with him to still be alive.

He suffered first degree burns to his feet and face during the incident.

The young man related that the lightning bolt sent his boat, engine and 12 gal-

lons of fuel up in flames, noting that his losses is in the vicinity of $5 million.

Still shaken by the incident, Singh said he had just dropped off passengers from Supenaam to Parika when the incident occurred.

The boat owner, who has been in the business for some four years, said he moored closed to the Parika stelling where he heard a loud noise, then he saw fire.

“I heard this alarming loud spattering noise then I felt my body burning, then it spread to the gasoline, I said to myself what is going on, I am not prepare for this,” the captain said.

At this point, he said the other captains rushed to his rescue with a fire extinguisher and put out the fire on him, but his boat was not spared.

Singh was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

Eyew tness

Hang ‘em high... ...for “thiefing current” The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has received quite a lot of flak – including from yours truly – for their pitiful service and outrageous charges. But today we have to talk about our own role in creating that pitiable condition. You must’ve read that in the first half of the year – from January to June – GPL removed 3921 illegal electricity connections! Now that’s a whole lot of electricity stolen – especially when you consider the anti-pilfering exercise was only around the environs of Georgetown.

Two thousand, six hundred and ten of those illegal connections were in Sophia alone! Can you believe it? Well, this Eyewitness can – he’s seen the newspaper photographs of the spaghetti-like wires pulled out. And from what he’s heard, as soon as the GPL workmen are gone – the illegal connections go right back into operation. But this is only one side of GPL’s frustrating and losing battle to stop the “thiefing” of electricity.

The report revealed that in 2007 alone, 2760 persons were arrested for the “thiefing” but of these 1490 of these cases are still languishing in the courts! And we bet that all 1490 are still “thiefing current” six years down the line. So what we have here is a no-win situation – not just for GPL but for all of us who stick to the straight and narrow and pay our “light bills”. Because of the 14 per cent of electricity that’s stolen countrywide, GPL has to recover it from us law abiding citizens.

And that’s how we have to begin to look at this electricity theft outrage: people taking money directly from our pockets. And we have to get angry. Sure GPL has to stop the line losses – that’s another 17 per cent – and we’ve all been expressing our anger about that. And it seems we’ve had some effect because they’re pouring a lot of money into this non-glamorous area of transmission.

But with the “thiefing of current” the government has to create special hearings to get rid of the court backlog. And we say – hang ‘em high!! – when it comes to sentencing. Make it non-discretionary for the magistrates – no fines – just jail time for “thiefing” current. And for us

upstanding citizens, let’s be honest, we all know someone who’s bilking GPL – and ourselves. Let’s turn them in.

It’s our patriotic duty. Not to mention giving some relief to our cheque books. ...for the missing stones This stones business is just not going away.

After the loud protestations by one quarry owner that rather than a shortage of stones, he has a surplus on his hands, the subject minister Robeson Benn came out swinging (with his stones). Waving some big ones as evidence, he reiterated there was a shortage.

Now whatever might be the merits or demerits of the charges and countercharges it still looks like we’re having an argument about who has the biggest stones rather than whether Guyana really has to import stones.

Now we might not be geologists, but even our Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) geography taught us that granite – being an igneous rock – is much harder than shale or any sedimentary rocks. The latter is simply the “sedimentation” and coalescing of sand and other particles and will consequently crumble much faster than granite.

Can’t the two sides sit down and settle this case? Guyana is already developing a positive reputation for supplying quality sand and stones.

And we certainly have enough of these products.

These public spats simply make buyers look elsewhere – and accept even far inferior products.

Maybe pressie can step in? ...for neglect of duties We’ve heard so much about us having checks and balances in our government. So how come the opposition critics haven’t come down on the opposition in the Natural Resources Committee for not “checking” on “missing” reports on the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA)? Didn’t they riot in the streets in 1998 to get this “check” on the executive? So where’s the “balance” with the perennial critics?

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SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

BBCI showcases opportunities Home Affairs Ministry carefully at career day fair monitoring implementation of strategic plan

BBCI Administrative Assistant Bibi Ali receives the certificate of participation from an official at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre

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he Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) on Thursday participated in a career day fair hosted by the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre where it used the opportunity to showcase the various careers

at the facility.

The BBCI in a release said its team of personnel including its operations manager and secretary/accountant spoke about the different job opportunities at the bridge.

Their presentation in-

cluded videos on the operation of various parts of the bridge, a PowerPoint presentation on the various jobs available and the qualification required.

The company said various questions were asked by students and were adequately answered its personnel.

At the conclusion of the event, the BBCI was awarded a certificate of participation from the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre.

The BBCI does not only play the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the retractor span and under the high span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities.

The company has also sponsored many events that benefited communities on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge, and many other regions such as Georgetown, Linden, Parika and the hinterland.

These include sponsorships of Mashramani 2013, horse racing events and donations of trophies to various non–profit organisations and educational institutions.

Diabetic foot amputations...

“I advise diabetics to control their blood sugar levels by taking their medications, consuming diabetic meals, exercising regularly, and having regular check-ups,” said Dr Sukhraj.

At the centre, Dr Sukhraj is assisted by Joanne Blenman and Melinda Thomas whom have received specialised training in wound care at the University

of Toronto in Canada.

Their work is also backed up by a team of professional surgeons, physiotherapists, social workers, a dietician, internal medicine doctors, among other personnel working to make the centre a place of excellence.

Most diabetic patients seen by the centre suffer from chronic ulcers, ingrown toenails, and necrotic digits

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(blackened toes). Since the establishment of the diabetic foot centre, based on feedbacks from patients, the centre has distinguished itself as a patient-friendly environment.

The centre was established in July 2008 to provide foot screening, treat diabetic foot complications and minimise amputations in diabetic patients.

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ome Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the implementation of the police force five-year strategic plan is a process that requires patience, and the ministry is meeting monthly to assess progress of its implementation.

“In fact, we have widened the process not only to include the Home Affairs Ministry, the Police Charge Team and the Implementation Unit, but the Strategic Management Department is also represented… when the Capita/ Symonds, people come on board, it will be five bodies sitting on the same table, working together to ensure that the strategic plan works,” he added.

Nevertheless, Rohee stated that progress has been made and much is expected to be achieved in the next few months.

Since it is a fairly new concept, the minster recognised that at the beginning

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

there will be “teething” problems and the ministry is working diligently to overcome those and is committed to seeing the plan being successfully implemented.

“With all the necessary stakeholders, we are engaged to ensure that the strategic plan does not get sidetracked or does not get laid away by persons who

don’t have interest to seeing it succeed,” Minister Rohee added.

The Strategic Management Department has oversight of the plan’s implementation.

This department is staffed by 10 high-level civilian professionals to ensure a high degree of professional technical inputs to guarantee the implementation of the plan. The strategic plan will cost some $35 million annually.

The plan focuses on four specific or critical areas of the Guyana Police Force.

These include strengthening the administration of the force, with particular reference to standards, recruitment and retention of staff and succession planning; integrity/probity aimed at improving the professionalism of the force through strengthening its accountability and instigating a more rigorous approach to development of integrity.

Spicy Dish to launch early Christmas promotion

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picy Dish Food Establishment is set to launch a grand promotion under the theme “Spicy Dish I Am Hungry Christmas” on Monday at its Spicy Dish, David Street, Kitty branch.

The promotion will result in weekly prize give aways that amount $50,000 weekly and on December 16, there will be a grand draw-

ing of a motor scooter valued $200,000.

“The management of Spicy Dish in collaboration with Vertex Inc Guy has decided to adopt The Joshua House Foundation.

Carefully designed programmes have been put in place to provide basic management skills training, quality customer care training and thereafter pro-

vide jobs for the kids of The Joshua House Foundation.

Spicy Dish takes great pride in serving with excellence and guarantees consistent delivery of great tasting food every time.

“We appreciate the ongoing support received from our customers over the last two decades and in appreciation of the sustained show of support,” the release said.

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SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Police to send file on murdered Diamond businesswoman to DPP

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lmost three weeks of continuous investigation into the murder of Sirmattie Ramnaress, 48, also called “Sabo” of Lot 2430 21 Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, the file is expected to be sent to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

According to acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, as soon as the incident occurred, the police commenced their investigations. The first person, he said that was questioned was her reputed husband, Police Sergeant Colin Bailey.

Guyana Times understands that a file is only sent to the DPP for advice once charges are to be instituted; hence, this publication understands that someone is expected to be charged.

However, the acting police commissioner could not have confirmed whether

Sirmattie Ramnaress

the CCTV footage along the East Bank and Georgetown corridors were viewed.

The objective of this exercise was to get a vision of the driver and occupants of the getaway car that was found abandoned at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

When asked if the cameras are working, Brumell stated “I should think

so” while Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, who was also at the press conference interjected and confirmed that all are in working order.

With a recorded six per cent increase in serious crimes for the year, the commissioner stated that recently a meeting was held with the head of the presidential secretariat and the Central Intelligence Committee to discuss ways and means of robustly tackling the situation.

Ramnaress was found about 10:00h on August 31 lying face down in her office area located close to her garage.

The entire bottom-flat of the house was completely drenched with kerosene oil while the woman’s head was bashed-in with a gaping wound to her throat. Her left hip was also dislocated and her house was ransacked.

The perpetrators also

set alight a bond aback the house which was completely destroyed. They then escaped in the woman’s motor car which was found abandoned on the Liliendaal Public Road.

It was reported that the recordings from the surveillance camera were missing which evidently points to an inside job. There were no signs of forced entry and the woman’s house is secured with high grilled fence and an alarm system, which, according to neighbours, did not go off.

More suspicious as it seemed, it was reported that only Ramnaress and her reputed husband knew the secret code to open the automatic gate; hence, it was speculated that the killing was an inside job.

It was also reported that the woman’s handyman discovered her lying face down on the tiled floor in her office and raised an alarm.

Initially, the boy thought that the woman had fallen and hit her head, but after neighbours rushed over, they realised that it was more than a fall, noting that there was a high scent of kero in the house.

From all indications, the woman was killed a few hours before her discovery.

Bloodstains in the house also suggested that she was dragged from inside of the house to the garage/office area which is separated by a glass door.

Nevertheless, a motive for the killing was not immediately established until after an overseas-based man turned up and claimed that he and Ramnaress were due to tie the knot in the U.S. later in the year.

Rodney lives!!!

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atiricus is a sucker for heroes. He took to hero worship like a duck to water. Among his heroes was the late, great Dr Walter Rodney. He hadn’t ever actually seen or heard Rodney. But by all accounts, the man was a true-blue Guyanese hero. Or, as his mother would say: a “true-true good man”. Satiricus had read everything Rodney had written or was written about him. With each bit of information he wished he could’ve met Rodney.

Then out of the blue – his problem was solved. A prolific letter writer wrote that Rodney had “risen” and was living right here in Guyana!! Satiricus’ heart skipped a beat when he heard that bit of wonderful news. This letter writer wasn’t one of those cynical writers – bit by bit his life virtuous story had unfolded in his stream of letters. Satiricus knew that this was not done out of vanity because the fellow – who went by the name of Pant-List – was quite god-fearing. He wouldn’t go in for vanity, would he?

Anyhow PantList actually identified the new body of Rodney by name. Purely by coincidence, the man, by the name of GEEK Loll, was also a returned Guyanese. And of the same faith as PantList. And more to the point – also a prolix letter writer who’d let the country know how he could solve every one of Guyana’s problems. Satiricus had also formed a mental image of Loll –but oddly enough the picture wasn’t one of Rodney.

But then Satiricus conceded that he wasn’t a very good visual inker – and so PantList must be correct. Satiricus considered PantList’s points. If Rodney had “risen” he had to have done so after 1980 when he’d been assassinated by the People’s National Congress (PNC). So the “risen” Rodney in the body of Loll must be around 33 years old. But Satiricus had seen a picture of Loll and he’d looked quite a few decades beyond 33. “Ah!” Satiricus had sighed: “The flesh probably retains the age of the original body. So that’s why Loll looks like he’s 70 – the age Rodney would’ve been if he was around in his original body.”

They’d both written books. That was a dead giveaway that Loll and Rodney were one and the same. Rodney’s academic works had been published and republished by some of the biggest names in publishing and were used by universities wherever the word “progressive” was used.

Loll’s books were self published and bore histrionic names like, “Guyana: A Cesspool of Greed, Corruption and Duplicity “.

But then Satiricus figured talent probably diminished after your head’s been blown apart.

Then came the clincher: Rodney was African and Loll was an Indian and they were both “colour blind”. But what bothered Satiricus was when PantList claimed “Rodney loved Guyana more than he loved his race”. Did he mean Rodney’s “race” wanted Burnham’s dictatorship and Rodney went against them? But that would mean that Rodney’s race were racists and Satiricus felt this was blasphemy.

But then again, wasn’t it also blasphemy to say that there can be another “rising”? Who then was Loll?

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SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Role of parliamentary UG Astronomical Society hosts opposition has not changed “Demonstration of the Night Sky” – attorney general

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall is of the view that the current majority held by the political opposition in the National Assembly, while it heralds a new constitutional reality, it is not anything mysterious or difficult to understand. The role of the parliamentary opposition, according to Minister Nandlall, has not changed in any significant manner compared to what obtained previously.

He said that all that has changed significantly is the fact that they have more votes than the executive in the National Assembly. “What has not changed or expanded is the scope of the power and responsibility which the opposition is expected to discharge in the National Assembly.”

The attorney general speaking during a recent programme on the National Communications Network said that while the executive has one seat less than the combined opposition, the actual power held by the executive has not diminished and its constitutional role and mandate have not changed.

“There is no corresponding diminution of power in any other sphere of influence so the executive remains an executive with all the powers and all the functional responsibilities, outside of the Parliament, unchanged.”

The opposition’s functions, he stressed remain the same, and they must act, like all members of Parliament, at all times in the best interest of Guyana. The parliamentary opposition has not done this, in his opinion, Minister Nandlall said.

Pointed question The attorney general posed the question to Guyanese, regardless of which political party they support or voted for during the last election, whether their lives have improved since the new dispensation in the National Assembly. “Let us examine what the opposition have done thus far. They have cut the 2012 budget, has that improved the life of any single citizen of this country? They have cut the 2013 budget, has

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

that improved the life of any citizen? They have gagged Minister (Clement) Rohee from speaking in the National Assembly, has that improved the life of any single person in this country? They have rejected several projects intended to transform the national landscape and the livelihood of the people of this country, has this improved the life of any single person?”

He further criticised the parliamentary opposition of the excessive and unnecessary number of parliamentary sittings. “For example, for about four months Parliament sat, only to deal with whether Minister Rohee should speak or not. That has cost the taxpayers of this country $1.7 million per sitting or $6.8 million. Has that improved the life of any single person in this country? In my view, it hasn’t, and I’m asking the people of this country to look at their own life, to look at their own home and identify what facet of their lives have improved, if any, as a result of the opposition exercising these powers in the Parliament.”

Withholding of support Minister Nandlall opined that the parliamentary opposition is attempting to run the government from the Parliament, and because this move has been resisted by the executive, they are withholding their support on matters of paramount national importance. “That is why I explained that while they have an increased number of votes their responsibilities and powers have not increased…

Additionally, those who are in the National Assembly are simply embarking on schemes of vendetta and vindictive-

ness. They don’t like you; they don’t like how you speak to them so they reject what you say and what you propose regardless of the fact that your proposal maybe something of pivotal importance to Guyana and the citizenry.”

This type of parliamentary behaviour has resulted in serious economic consequences to the country, said the attorney general, and the recent midyear report by the finance minister highlights the fact that the economy has contracted somewhat.

Consultations

There have been and continue to be consultations with the parliamentary opposition, but these engagements have borne little fruit thus far, said the minister. He pointed out that despite the continuous efforts by President Ramotar, to consult and share information on stymied transformational national projects such the Amaila Falls and the Airport Expansion Project, those efforts have been reduced to zero.

What the action of the parliamentary opposition has done, according to Minister Nandlall, is to condemn future generations of Guyanese who stand to reap the benefits of the major projects, to a life of poverty.

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he University of Guyana Astronomical Society on Tuesday held its first “Demonstration of the Night Sky” at the University Campus. According to one of the society’s members, Avinand Rampersaud, the event was the first held by the club since its informal establishment 10 years ago.

“Demonstration of the Night Sky” was an initiative aimed at teaching past and present students of the university the theoretical and practical aspects of astronomy so as to incorporate it into everyday campus life.

The group meets once every month to be taught the theoretical aspect of astronomy. Rampersuad noted that after a few meetings, members were able to identify a number of constellations in the night sky and became au fait with the theories explaining the movements of the heavenly objects.

“This allows us to understand how to observe objects, why is the sky blue during the day and red at sunset, what is a pink jump among other things.”

University lecturer Alfred Bhulai, one of Guyana’s leading astronomers, is a founding member of the society.

The society started around 1969 by two prominent staff members of the Faculty of Natural Science. These persons were later responsible

for the design of a flat section on the roof of the physics building to be used for observations.

During the 1980s, the society generated much interest and the university bought a seven inch Newtonian telescope which was used in 1985 to observe Halley’s Comet. Tracking Halley’s comet was a project undertaken by two physics students, with supervision from Bhulai. Rampersaud highlighted that the comet will not return until the year 2061.

It was noted that the event in 1985 attracted university students, staff and even locals from the neighbouring village Cummings Lodge.

Additionally, persons were able to see the Hayakutake Comet in 1996 and Hale-bopp Comet in 1997 as well as planets such as Venus and Saturn.

However, Rampersuad said “Observations became difficult after 2000 when the flat roof used for astronomy was converted to a computer science laboratory”.

After 2003, and the resignation of Bhulai from the uni-

versity, the society was kept alive by himself through publications of forecasts for eclipses, tidal activity among others in the local newspapers.

However, it was until 2010 that a few students including Suresh Charles and Avinand Rampersaud revamped the society.

The society noted that Bhulai also gave free astronomy lessons to interested students. Those classes were given an impetus in the summer of 2013 when a physics lecturer at the University of Guyana Samuel Lee, also an astronomy enthusiast, approached Bhulai to have a formal society established at the university.

All the while, the astronomical society was never incorporated into the university’s list of clubs, societies or extracurricular activities.

The society emphasised that their main goal is to grow its membership to gain public interest. As a result of his efforts, the society was able to have its first “Demonstration of the night sky” on Tuesday after about 10 years.

Rice farmers enlightened about productive farming technique

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undreds of rice farmers gathered at Johanna Cecila Village on the Essequibo Coast to exchange their views, observations and suggestions on the six-point management practice, a farming technique said to increase rice yield.

The farmer’s exchange programme/field day was organised by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to solicit their view on the farming technique.

According to GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh, the farmers’ exchange field day was successful and he was happy with the turn out. He posited that despite the many challenges faced by farmers during the spring crops, their participation

Farmers during the field visit

demonstrates a positive spirit of togetherness.

Singh said the exchange field day visit hosted at one of the farmers fields in Johanna Cecilia attracted participation from Regions Two, Three,

Four, Five and Six. The farmers were brought together to observe a 1.5 acres cultivated as an experimental plot under the six-point practices.

Singh explained during the field visit, farmers are giv-

en a field assessment form to note their observation on the farming technique.

The observation includes the amount of insect/pest in the field, disease, weeds, soil fertility, yield attributes and sanitation.

Singh explained that rice is being planted differently in today and it is more of a form of “management” for farmers. He said officers are working at the Burma Research Station to ensure that farmers are introduced to new varieties and there is a new “technological practices” available to farmers.

He said the GRDB has introduced new rice varieties to farmers which has triggered an increased in yields.

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sunDAY, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Housing sector paving way for social, economic transformation By: Chevon Singh

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rom foliage tip to beach, thousands of families across the length and breadth of the country have had their lives irrevocably altered as the housing programme sweeps the nation, paving the way for widespread social and economic transformation.

Holding back their tears of joy, the beneficiaries of the various programmes embrace their new station in lives with a sense of disbelief, but of worthiness, as they accept the keys to their homes and the beginnings of a new life, full of hope and endless possibilities.

Weather it is a three-bedroom bungalow on the outskirts of the city or a two room cottage thousands of miles across a river, individuals, families and a nation are

A family prepares to enter their new home

now finding greater appreciation for life and the many avenues for development now available.

Through the social fabric of life, one truth remains constantly interwoven, regardless of class, race or creed, all have the right to adequate

housing and shelter; the right to housing is recognised in a number of international human rights instruments Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises the right to housing as part of the right to an adequate standard of living, Article 11( One) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) also guarantees the right to housing as part of the right to an adequate standard of living.

Freestanding right

In international human rights law, the right to housing is regarded as a freestanding right; this was clarified in the 1991 general comment number four on adequate housing by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Further still, the right to ad-

equate housing was a key issue at the 1996 Habitat meeting in Istanbul and a main theme in the Istanbul Agreement and Habitat Agenda. Paragraph 61 of the agenda identifies the steps required by governments to “promote, protect and ensure the full and progressive realisation of the right to adequate housing”.

To say that this and more is not being fulfilled and delivered to Guyanese citizens throughout the length and breadth of the 10 regions is to deny oneself the truth.

To see men, women and children shed tears of appreciation, of elation and tremble with jubilation is a truth in itself and “Truth never damages a cause that is just,” Mahatma Gandhi once said.

Mere days ago and many miles up the Moruca River, across distance and space separated by meandering rivers, the truth for 22 families was made manifest, brought to the fore by the will to make a difference and the resilience to withstand challenges, come what may.

The families from Manawarin , in Region One (Barima/Waini) received keys to their new homes as part of the Housing Ministry’s Hinterland Housing Pilot Project, which is being implemented under the second Low Income Settlement Programme (LIS-2).

The government of Guyana has obtained funding from the Inter-American

Development Bank (IDB) for the implementation of this project, the primary aim of which is to improve the living conditions of low income families through access to housing.

Cascading emotions

Witnessing the cascade of emotions that overcame the beneficiaries as they grasped within their palms the proverbial keys to their future was surreal; Timothy Daniels, Deon Williams, John Oselmo, Gloria John, Verly Fredricks, Evadney John, Crawford Williams, Mabel Benjamin and their families for the first time in their lives can now elevate themselves from living in bungalows without walls to completed three bedroom homes.

This change will now bring about a domino effect as families relocate from remote parts of the region to take up residence in the community and have access to the most basic of services, education and health.

In this community, 18 families were initially identified for this intervention based on the project’s budget, the village council, however, was very proactive in negotiating, and they eventually managed to source materials such as wood, at cheaper rates and reached an accord with the contractor to supply labour at community rates.

Through this intervention, the programme was extended so that four more

families would be able to benefit, additionally three families were identified to receive complete roof replacement subsidies.

Changing lives

The overall project value in Manawarin was $34.6 million, an amount which contributed in no small way to altering the course of dozens of Caribs, Arawaks and Waraus lives, and in this Amerindian Heritage Month, lending hope to the indigenous peoples of this nation and reassuring them that they have not been forgotten and that their well-being and security are priority for this government.

This pilot project was designed in close collaboration with the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, respective village councils and the residents of the selected communities, and without a doubt, its success is irrefutable; given this fact, even more families from other communities including Oronoque, Whitewater, and Manawarin in Region One and Kwatamang, Annai Central, Apoteri, Massara, and Katoka in Region Nine can expect a breakthrough as the housing drive moves closer to their communities.

For each individual, a new home signals many new beginnings but for Riliegh Fredricks, his new home meant his daughter can now walk to school with ease rather than sailing miles up a river in a dugout canoe.

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SUNDAY, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

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SUNday, september 15, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy

I

n the previous article, we discussed the global and local frameworks for addressing climate change.

This week we will discuss Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) – one of the biggest steps taken in Guyana to address climate change and promote national development.

Developed countries have historically pursued a development pathway that involved energy-intensive industrialisation with heavy reliance on fossil fuels, and conversion of forests and other ecosystems to make way for agriculture, industry and human settle-

ments. These activities injected high levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere and contributed greatly to climate change.

Within recent years, many countries around the world have begun to recognise the important role of low carbon development as a means by which they can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and manage forests and other ecosystems sustainably, while still pursuing economic growth and development.

Guyana is one such country and has placed great emphasis on balancing economic development and environmental protection.

Guyana is highly endowed with vast forests resources which cover approximately 85 per cent of the country or approximately 18 million hectares. The country has maintained a low deforestation rate over the years attributed to the sustainable nature of forestry operations.

By opting to maintain its low rates of deforestation, Guyana has provided a great service to the world by helping to reduce the high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere – thereby reducing the threat of climate change.

Tropical deforestation con-

tributes to approximately 17 per cent of global GHG emissions and addressing this is-

sue has now become one of the global priorities to combat climate change.

Investment in low carbon economic infrastructure This includes: the development of hydropower systems to reduce reliance on petroleum based fuels; the upgrading of sea defences to protect against current and future impacts of sea level rise; improved roads and drainage and irrigation to unused, non-forested lands; and improved hi-tech telecommunications facilities to facilitate the development of low carbon businesses such as call centres.

Investment and employment in low carbon economic sectors This will target investment in commercial production of fruits and vegetables, particularly in areas such as the intermediate savannahs, aquaculture and the export of fresh and frozen seafood; sustainable forestry utilising the high internationally accepted standards of sustainable yield harvesting; and wood processing to produce high value products.

Investment in communities and human capital This will ensure that indigenous and other hinterland communities, as well as other citizens including the urban poor, will have expanded access to improved social services such as health, education/vocational training, low carbon electricity, clean water, and employment that does not threaten the sustainability of the forest resources.

The government of Guyana has been exploring avenues by which it can maintain its forests to help in the global fight against climate change while at the same time receive financial resources for doing so.

A study was subsequently conducted that estimated the Economic Value to the Nation (EVN) of Guyana’s forests, to be approximately US$580 million per annum.

This value is based on optimising the use of the forests for logging, mining and other extractive activities.

Based on the findings and national and international developments, Guyana proposed to pursue a new development pathway which balances economic development and sustainability and in the process transition towards a low carbon economy. This vision was outlined in its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) launched in 2009.

The LCDS is a national strategy which provides the over-arching framework for achieving Guyana’s longterm developmental goals, using nationally appropriate green growth strategies to achieve this transition.

It was developed through a national consultation exercise during which vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, forest users and dependent communities, women and youth were engaged in the development of the strategy. A Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) was established to oversee and guide the implementation of the LCDS. The strategy was revised in May 2010 after comments and feedback from extensive outreach sessions with a wide cross-section of stakeholder groups and communities were incorporated in the document. A further update to the LCDS was done in March, 2013.

The LCDS has three main components.

One of the key ways by which Guyana has been supporting the implementation of the LCDS is through its partnerships

with other countries. Funds earned from climate services that the forests provide to the world are invested to create a low deforestation, low carbon, climate resilient economy.

On November 9, 2009 Guyana and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in which Norway committed to providing Guyana up to US$250 million by 2015 for avoided deforestation.

Under the MOU, contributions from Norway are channeled towards supporting priority projects identified in the LCDS. To date, Guyana has earned three payments from Norway totalling US$115 million.

This agreement is the first international commitment of financial support to the LCDS. Guyana has made significant progress to date in the implementation of the LCDS. In 2009, eight priority projects were identified in the LCDS to serve as pilot projects and once implemented; the model and lessons learnt will be amplified to other areas within that specific sector.

Implementation of these projects commenced along with a number of new projects as identified in the LCDS Update.

Guyana’s LCDS can be seen as an innovative approach to combating climate change while simultaneously promoting economic growth and development. It is a workable model that could be adopted by many developing countries as they phase into a low carbon path of development.

Next week we will continue to discuss the LCDS and the major projects that are being implemented.

Prepared by the Office of Climate Change.

For additional information, please contact: Office of Climate Change, Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown Tel:+592-223-5205, Email: info@lcds.gov.gy , Website: www.lcds.gov.gy

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNday, september 15, 2013

15

News

Policy not making Barbados U.S., Russia agree on Syria chemical weapons deal in Geneva an “education island”

David Commissiong

T

o create a Barbados which can be considered the education island across the globe is the vision held by David Commissiong, however, he asserted that implementing a policy to see Barbadians

pay for tertiary education, is counter-productive and not in support of that dream.

Speaking on the steps below the statue of the Retired Excellent Sir Errol Walton Barrow in Independence Square, Commissiong said, “I

Four charged over alleged Santander bank cyber raid

F

our men have appeared in court over an alleged attempt to take control of computers at a Santander bank branch and steal millions of pounds. It is claimed one of the plotters posed as an engineer in an attempt to fit a computer in a London branch of Santander with a “keyboard video mouse” device that allowed them to transmit its desktop contents.

The gang allegedly tried to use the gadget to take control of computers at the branch in Surrey Quays shopping centre in southeast London. The attempt failed and the Spanish

bank said they were unable to steal any money.

Lanre MullinsAbudu, 25, from Putney, south-west London, Dean Outram, 34, from north-west London, Akash Vaghela, 27, from Hounslow, west London, and Asad Ali Qureshi, 35, from south-west London, spoke only to confirm their names and details at Westminister magistrates’ court charged with conspiracy to steal. MullinsAbudu, Outram and Quereshi were remanded in custody by District Judge Howard Riddle while Vaghela was granted conditional bail. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

fundamentally see Barbados as the education island. My vision for the Barbados of the future is the education society, the intelligent society, the wisdom society. I believe that our vision for Barbados should be of a country that sets out to be the most educationally and culturally advanced population on the face of this Earth.” But he contended, “That is the Barbados we must aspire to, and this policy implemented by this government, does not support that kind of vision for Barbados.”

Having seen the fruits of our university scholars, Commissiong held up Alan Emtage the man who created the first Internet search engine, “A young Barbadian student, went from Harrison College to University in Canada and as a university student invented the Internet search engine. The critical invention that has allowed multibillion-dollar companies like Google, Bing, Altavista to be created.” (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Sergei Lavrov: “The military scenario would be catastrophic for this region”

S

yria’s chemical weapons must be destroyed or removed by mid-2014, under an agreement between the U.S. and Russia. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry outlined a framework document under which Syria must hand over a full list of its stockpile within a week.

If Syria fails to comply, the deal could be enforced by a UN resolution backed by the threat of sanctions or military force. The U.S. says the Syrian regime killed hundreds in a gas attack last month. The government of Bashar al-Assad denies the allegations and has accused the rebels of

carrying out the attack on 21 August. In a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kerry called on the Assad government to live up to its public commitments.

“There can be no room for games. Or anything less than full compliance by the Assad regime,” he said. Kerry and Lavrov said if Syria failed to comply, then a UN resolution would be sought under Chapter VII of the UN charter, which allows for the use of force. Russia and the U.S. have agreed on an assessment that the Syrian government possesses 1000 tonnes of chemical agents and precursors, according to a U.S. official. It also stipulates that production equipment be destroyed by November, with “complete elimination of all chemical weapons material and equipment in the first half of 2014”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 NEWS BK Int’l maintains stone supply adequate SUNday, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

– opens to verification exercise

B

K International Inc is maintaining that the company’s stockpile and supply of stones are enough for the local construction sector.

On Friday, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said his ministry did a fly-over of a number of quarries and stated that it is clear that most of them have only a few days’ supply, including BK International’s operations.

However, during a media tour on Saturday of its Tiperu quarry, BK International owner Brian Tiwari said the minister’s claim about stock at his quarries are false, adding that he probably had the location of his quarry sites wrong. While on the tour, the company showed it has a large quantity of stone on the ground – in excess of 12,000 tonnes.

With regard to inferior quality of some of his products, Tiwari said the claim

Media operatives during the tour of BK International Tiperu quarry

could be a personal attack on him since, as from the inception, Benn appeared not too keen on him acquiring his quarry sites.

Additionally, amid complaints about contractors alleging that there is a stone shortage in the country, the businessman said his company requires some amount of payment first before it supplies orders.

At a recent press conference, the company’s Material Supplies Director Briony Tiwari revealed that the organisation has limited its credit to some customers, since for the past two years, its credit line has exceeded $50 million. She said persons must make some form of payment before materials are delivered.

In response to the min-

The operations at BK Tiperu quarry

ister’s claims that the price for stone locally is exorbitant, even though there is a chance for suppliers to lower their cost and still make a reasonable profit, the company’s material supplies director said it is currently charging $8500 per tonne.

“We are the monitoring market, we are watching

our expenses and trying to maintain an affordable price for local consumers, VAT inclusive,” she said, adding that the prices currently being examined are $7000, $7500 to $8500, which she further explained depends on several factors.

She maintained that the company is willing for the ministry to inspect its stone supplies whenever it sees fit in order to verify its good quality, and is even willing to pay the costs for such a verification exercise.

Increased production

Meanwhile, the company’s geologist Omar Persaud said the company can in-

crease its production overnight, if the demand is created and the payment is readily made for materials.

“It is not business smart or economical to subject our machines or staff to triple production to produce a stockpile here, which we cannot move or cannot sell,” said Persaud.

BK Quarries General Manager Dayaljee Persaud said currently the company’s quarries operate until midnight, using a shift system. “We produce an average of 280,000 aggregates per hour… we can produce more, but do not want to produce more unless the need arises,” he said.

First time ever blood bank realises 10,000 units – health minister

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran with the new board of governors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

H

ealth Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran and the out-going board of directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and some members of the new board met Friday evening for a social interaction, during which he related that for the first time ever the National Blood Transfusion Service or the Blood Bank has received 10,000 units.

During the event at the Hibiscus Restaurant and Lounge, Middle Street, the minister related that previously the Blood Bank would have obtained between 6000 and 7000 units.

Minister Ramsaran credits this achievement to head of the Blood Bank, Dr Nadia Liu, who has a very strong technical background. He expressed hope that by the end of the year, another 5000 units can be

achieved.

Minister Ramsaran explained that most of the blood will be for the maternal department where a lot of hemorrhaging occurs.

He also indicated that more blood is needed due to the increase in injuries that occur in the hinterland.

This year will see some additions to the blood bank as a National Chronic Disease Centre will be established at the facility and a management committee to further the work of the blood bank.

The minister also spoke on funding for the GPHC which he noted consumes up to 60 per cent of the budgetary allocations of the health sector.

A plaque and other tokens were presented to the outgoing board members for their contributions to the institution.

17

news

sundAy, september 15, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Slain biker laid to rest Qualfon motorcyclist killed in accident

– relatives vow not to take revenge

A

s hundreds flocked a small wooden church at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, to bid farewell to Kirk Davis who was gunned down on September 3 at his Eccles, East Bank Demerara home, his family vowed not to take revenge for his death.

These were the sentiments of an uncle who highlighted that they knew that the matter is in the Lord’s hands during the touching funeral service on Saturday afternoon.

The man firmly stated that while there are speculations in the air about the way his nephew met his demise, he encouraged young men and women to put their acts in order as the tragedy that cut down Davis can happen to anyone.

He called on other relatives to stand united and firm while urging them not to be led into temptation. “Kirk will be missed and remembered for the good things he did for his family… We know that he has gone to be with the Lord and saviour,” he said

Relatives Kirk Davis consoling each other at his funeral on Saturday

tearfully.

As friends and family expressed their sentiments, one young woman charged the family to take care of Davis’ son who is the spitting image of his father. She recalled that Davis was always a lover of bikes and would from time to time perform stunts for them. “He was an extraordinary young man who lived his life to the fullest,” she added.

The woman also described him as a role model to many young men in the village.

Davis was married at the age of 18 and was the third of four siblings who have always treated him with lots of love and affection.

Heartbroken

As the mother of the dead man stood at the podium to deliver her speech, it was obvious that she was heartbroken and fumbled a few times while reading from a piece of paper. She also described her son as a gem.

Davis’ childhood pas-

tor recalled teaching him at Sunday school when he was four years old, noting that he had grown into a fine young man, and was definitely loved by the ladies. He was a “show boy” and a stuntman who always thrilled his audience.

As the eulogy was being read by Aggrey Azore, a close relative, the congregation remained silent as he told a story of the young man from birth to death.

He recalled the fateful night when the young man was killed and asked the Lord to grant him eternal rest.

Davis was laid to rest in the church’s yard.

Davis, 30, was allegedly gunned down in front of his Eccles, East Bank Demerara home by his close associate and friend Rondy Jagdeo, who reportedly shot him several times. Jagdeo is now on the run and is believed to be hiding in Suriname.

As the family mourns, the Guyana Police Force is working with their counterparts in Suriname to apprehend the suspected killer.

Health fair receives tremendous support

A

two-day health fair, organised by the Health Ministry, as part of activities in observance of Caribbean Wellness Week celebrations under the theme “Safeguarding the Health of Our Youth for a Brighter Future”, was held on Friday at the Square of the Revolution.

The event is offering blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, a blood donation drive, HIV/AIDS testing and counselling done by the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), dental services offered by the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, test-

ing for and treatment of malaria, and eye screening services provided by Eye Care Guyana working along with the Health Ministry.

Eye Care Guyana also offered recommendations to those who needed spectacles to visit the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where they can obtain their lens and frames for only $10,000.

The fair was also used as an opportunity to announce the launching of the ministry’s health and wellness competition. The competition, which will run for three months, is

called “Weight No More”. It is a collaborative effort by the Health Ministry and Harris Arts to promote healthy lifestyles.

The main purpose of the competition is to promote the awareness of chronic diseases and the fact that it is preventable by simply adopting healthy lifestyles. Merundoi will also be onboard with the ministry for this competition by working along with a similar storyline to promote the prevention of these diseases.

It will also offer a reality television show where ordinary Guyanese will be followed

for three months; they will be interviewed and asked about their chronic diseases and how they have been dealing with them. It will also feature interviews with doctors and other public figures. A fashion event, which will allow the competitors to walk the run way in style and get advice on how to maintain their physique after losing weight, is another part of the promotion.

A

n information technology technician attached to the Qualfon Call Centre met his demise in the wee hours of Saturday morning after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a utility pole at Paradise, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Jeavous Sealey, 27, of Lot 1 Paradise Village, ECD reportedly sustained a fractured skull among other injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police in a release stated that they are investigating the accident which occurred at 02:00h on Saturday.

Investigations revealed that the technician was riding along the Paradise access road when he lost control of his bike and crashed into a utility pole.

At the home of the dead man on Saturday afternoon, family members converged to offer their condolence to the Sealey family. His sister, Marsha Abrams-Henry explained that they received a telephone call about 02:00h on Saturday, stating “you’ll come quick… Jeavous meet in an accident”.

The woman stated that the accident occurred a short distance away for her home and upon receiving the news, they ran to the scene.

Upon their arrival, they saw Sealey lying on the public road while his wrecked motorcycle was in a corner.

Guyana Times was told that the information technology technician was at a party earlier in the night

Dead: Jeavous Sealey

on the Paradise Public Road, but left to drop home a friend at Dazzel Housing Scheme and was on his way back to the party after collecting another friend.

“It was on his way, he apparently lost control of the motorcycle, slammed into the lamp post and ended up in a nearby trench,” Henry said, adding: “When we reach, he was bleeding from his ear and nose and his head was swollen.”

From information gathered, Sealey and his wife were at the same party, but when he left to drop home his friend, she left with her friends, and as he was heading back to the party, he passed her on the road in a speed.

Henry described her brother as a very dedicated and hardworking family member.

He leaves to mourn his wife, parents, three sisters and other relatives. A postmortem will be performed on his body on Monday. Sealey joined the Qualfon team on May 15, 2007.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

sunday, september 15, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

By Bernice Bede Osol

archie

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Initiate plans that will help you develop a product or service that could lead to a new revenue channel. You’ve got the skills to pay the bills, so put them to use.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) An emotional problem must not be allowed to consume you. Step back from any situation that is upsetting and you’ll see what you need to do to achieve happiness.

PISCES (Feb.20March 20)

dilbert

A solution can be found to a nettlesome business situation. Your distinct way of expressing your ideas will win approval and bring you rewards.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Take on a challenge that requires mental and physical agility. You’ll be able to cope with anything that fortune throws at you, and you’ll gain many plaudits.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Follow an unusual path and be open to new concepts. If you change your routine, Lady Luck could be willing to help. Love will take a positive turn.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Adventure and action will get the adrenaline flowing and your mind racing. Taking time to indulge in something utterly new and exciting will lead to a change in the way you think and live.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) A day trip could lead to all sorts of interesting ideas. You could learn something valuable that would rejuvenate your routine.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) Before you make a promise to someone find out what’s entailed. An emotional issue at home could lead to a no-win situation. Try to deal with problems before they get out of control.

Calvin and Hobbes

Peanuts

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

SCORPIO

Don’t let an important partnership depreciate due to emotional mishaps. Take a realistic look at the damage an argument could cause before you proceed. Find a way to avoid conflict if you can.

You’ll be attracted to the unusual and exotic.

Don’t be afraid to incorporate some things you learn into your life, but don’t ditch efficient routines just for the sake of change.

GEMINI (May 21June 20) Today will be all about your comfort. If you feel content, you will do better in both your personal and professional ventures. Try to find methods that minimise stress without sacrificing efficiency.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Make your home life more comfortable. Invest in your future and find ways to ease stress by having greater access to the things you enjoy most.

YELLOW PAGES sunday, september 15, 2013

ACCOMMODATION

TO let

Tourist villa apartments 1, 2 & 3 bedroom, long & short term, and car rental service. Phone: 227-2199, 227-2186

3 bedroom bottom flat for rental situated on the ECD. Phone: 6699384, available for viewing after September 27 after 4:00pm. No animals.

dentistry

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE Mixed breed pups. Phone: 253-3114, 692-0126 One 320 CL Excavator located at Mahdia; excellent working condition.

Owner migrating, call 682-0365 or 614-1669 Gold Land, excellent investment.

Priced to sell, call 682-0365, 614-1669 Wine vessel (jue) Shang dynasty, old Chinese painting, old Ming prints, Ming dynasty Chinese painting on bamboo, Qi Baishi orginal painting, rare bowls and pots, all Chinese antiques. Phone: 592-623-7029 Pure bred American Akita puppies for sale $200,000. Phone: 639-8924, 2274674 Mercury in large quantities 99.9999% purity. Call: 679-1985, 219-4535, 6935004

health Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationship and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses, and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointments only.

Clinic hours: 11:00 – 17:00h. Tel: 592621-0552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail. com Ayurvedic herbal treatment for all chronic genetical /none genetical and diseases, including, HIV, Cancer, diabetic, pregnancy, sexual (weakness) etc.

Phone: 685- 3220.

Are you pouring on pounds? Then call Raul /Carol Wilson: 660-6818, 641-5923, 216-3016, 216-3601 for your healthy eating package.

Stay healthy and flexible with yoga.

Phone: 693-2233

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK, Immigration and Visa matters. Self Sponsorships, Holiday/ Visitor’s Visas, Work Permits, Students Visas, Family, Class, Immigration Forms, Embassy Enquiries, Appeals for Refused Cases, U.S Green Card Lottery, Business Class Waivers, Pardons etc. Get your Visa approved. High Success Rate.

Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts.) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 2253923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

lAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie $1M and $1.2M phone: 675-7292 46 houselots in residential area between Charles & Peter Streets, Parika, EBE. Phone: 622-6971/6612289

TOURS

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

PENPAL Retired Engineer aged 66 would like to know a single female over the age of 50. Phone: 604-7022

property for sale One business property, Lamaha Street.

Phone: 669-3313, 231-4586, 695-4382.

Properties for sale. Phone: 642-2116 2-storey concrete house 32’x 55’, 4 bedrooms, block 8 Mon Repos, ECD, $35 million. Phone: 642-2116 EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 6968230

services Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 6621247.

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

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.

Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 6126417, 687-5653 Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592690-1824. Email: anew-life@live.com

Kaieteur Falls day tour, US$150.

Manaus-Brazil US$800 Phone: 2316663

VEHICLES FOR SALE One Honda Cappa (Yellow) ideal for taxi or private use. Leather seats and roof, reverse camera, DVD/TV/CD player, mag rims. Also Motorola Base Radio with Antennae. HC series; immaculate condition; give away price $1.2M. Call 647-2491.

One black scooter for sale, excellent condition. Phone: 602-7277, for information.

One new Yamaha R1 Motorcycle 1000cc (candy red & black) recently registered 2013. Latest double exhaust, bug lights, immaculate condition. Give away price, call 647-2491 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA SPACIO; TOYOTA VITZ (NEW SHAPE); TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318 I; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICKUP; TOYOTA HILUX; 3RZ & 5L; 4WD EXTRACAB PICKUPS; HIACE PITBULL 19-SEATER; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 3 TONS WITH TAILGATE HOIST; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP 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.

19 New generators for Lethem to arrive

by Christmas

R

esidents of Lethem and the surrounding Region Nine communities can expect an improvement in their electricity supply early next year and no rate increases will be considered until then either.

Lethem residents were informed of this by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds when he visited the community on Saturday.

The prime minister announced that the plans to purchase two new 750 Kva power generating sets, at a cost of $25 million each, have been concluded and the sets should be in Guyana by Christmas. However, it will take some time and work before they can be transported to Lethem, he observed.

He also pointed to the previous agreement made for a slight increase in tariffs and explained that the board of directors of the Lethem Power Company (LPC) had opted to hold this off until 2014. Hinds observed that the board was committed to the plans for a new power station.

The station will be sited on relatively high ground in the commercial/industrial area and will be constructed within a year. This decision was taken due to flooding in the community which often

affects the present power station, according to the prime minister.

He observed that the chairman and the board of directors of the company would give the steady attention which the LPC requires.

Speaking to the residents, PM Hinds noted that while citizens can work to build Guyana and Lethem, “we can see improved electricity in the same light.” He reflected on the partial supply of power to the community, pointing to the improvement that would come with the advent of the new plants.

The prime minister noted that one resident had promised to contribute 15 bags of cement to assist in building the base for the new generators. He urged other residents to respond similarly with whatever they could, pointing out that each contribution would help. “We need assistance, but we must never lose sight that the primary job of building Guyana is for us to do,” he said.

Hinds also explained a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Brazil for the provision of electricity to the Roraima state and Manaus, the Lethem to Linden Road and the deep water harbour.

Enmore packaging facility was a good decision – Minister Ramsammy

M

isinformation about the Enmore Packaging Plant continues to be peddled by political commentators, and in some sections of the media referring to the US$12.5 million facility as a “white elephant”.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy recently clarified that the Indian company, Surendra Engineering Corporation delivered to Guyana, a plant that functions in accordance with the design.

“It has the capacity to produce 40,000-50,000 tonnes of packaged sugar, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the plant,” the agriculture minister stated.

But has the plant produced to capacity? Minister Ramsammy said that the answer is no. He explained that the Enmore packaging plant worked all of last year and throughout the first and second crop this year. The reason it has not produced 40,00050,000 tonnes of sugar is simply because of low production, not because of any malfunction with the facility.

Guyana exports two forms of sugar, bulk and packaged.

However, the largest contract is for bulk sugar, which means that only what is remaining after the bulk market is satisfied, is packaged.

“We have two packaging plants, Blairmont which has a capacity for 10,000 tonnes and Enmore, and so far we have been between 10,000-20,000

tonnes because that is the amount of sugar that we have in excess of the bulk sugar to export,” Minister Ramsammy stated.

Guyana’s sugar is exported to Europe, North America and the Caribbean and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) prefers to export packaged instead of bulk sugar. However, because the company needs a fast turnover, it has to settle for exporting bulk sugar.

Guysuco is paid immediately after the bulk sugar is loaded on ships; whereas for packaged sugar, payment is made upon delivery. Despite, all the constraints, however, Minister Ramsammy said that, “Enmore was a good decision and we have received a good factory”.

At present, GuySuCo is looking to surpass the second crop target of 155,000 tonnes and remains hopeful of increased production in 2014, which in turn, will enable the production of more packaged sugar. The packaging facility, which was commissioned in 2011, is a manifestation of the government’s vision of where it wants the sugar industry to be with regards to value added. Sugar is the oldest industry that gave rise to many other industries in Guyana.

When the current administration assumed office, it shifted the focus from merely producing raw sugar to incorporating the concept of value added.

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Buttler helps hosts level one-day series J

Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten 65

os Buttler hit 65 not out off 48 balls to steer England to victory over Australia with three balls to spare and level the one-day series at 1-1.

Clint McKay’s hat-trick had England - chasing 228 to win - reeling on 8-3.

But a 108-run stand between Michael Carberry (63) and Eoin Morgan (53) revived them before Buttler finished it with a six and a four in the last over.

Australia had lost their last five wickets for 18 runs to fall to 227 all out, with James Tredwell taking 3-53.

The five-match series will now go to a decider in Southampton on Monday.

“Buttler is a very cool guy,” said England captain Morgan. “He practises so hard at hitting at the death and that’s where he comes into his own.

He’s one of the best in the world at it.

“Today was a great fighting win and Monday will be a final for us. It’s a great opportunity to win a series with a young side.” (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD Australia Innings Finch lbw b Finn 0 S Marsh c Buttler b Stokes 25 Watson c Buttler b Rankin 6 Clarke lbw b Finn 22 Bailey c Buttler b Rankin 87 Voges b Bopara 30 Wade c Carberry b Tredwell 36 Faulkner run out (Trott) 1 Johnson b Tredwell 4 Coulter-Nile not out 7 McKay b Tredwell 2 Extras (3-w 1-b 3-lb) 7 Total (all out; 48.2 overs) 227 Bowling: Finn 10-0-43-2, Rankin 10-1-31-2, Stokes 9-1-42-1, Bopara 10-0-45-1, Tredwell 8.2-0-53-3, Root 1-0-9-0 Fall of wickets: 1 (Finch), 11 (Watson), 51 (S Marsh), 57 (Clarke), 124 (Voges), 209 (Wade), 210 (Faulkner), 218 (Johnson), 218 (Bailey), 227 (McKay)

England Innings Carberry b Coulter-Nile 63 Pietersen lbw b McKay 5 Trott c Finch b McKay 0 Root c Watson b McKay 0 Morgan b Watson 53 Bopara lbw b Faulkner 7 Buttler not out 65 Stokes b McKay 25 Tredwell not out 1 Extras (4-w 8-lb) 12 Total (for seven wickets; 49.3 overs) 231 Bowling: McKay 10-3-39-4, Johnson 9.3-0-64-0, Faulkner 10-1-43-1, Watson 10-0-431, Coulter-Nile 10-0-34-1 Fall of wickets: 8 (Pietersen), 8 (Trott), 8 (Root), 112 (Morgan), 126 (Carberry), 144 (Bopara), 219 (Stokes)

GBL appoints new Vice-president

I

n an innovative move, the Guyana Baseball League has engaged the services of Mark Gafur of Worcester AcademyWorcester MA as Vicepresident with responsibil-

Mark Gafur observes a young player in action

ity for Development at the Guyana Baseball League Inc. Gafur is the highest achieving baseball player of Guyanese descent to date, with playing/coaching stints in US Minor league baseball, a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development and a way to prepare for Major League Baseball. Gafur has coached with the Florida Marlins as a minor league instructor, Harvard University, Bowdoin College and oth-

er institutions, in addition to his Bachelor of Arts: Psychology and Education attained at Roger Williams University, Bristol RI. He said, “It’s my pleasure to accept the position as Vicepresident of Development with the Guyana Baseball League. I am excited to help make Guyana’s footprint in the world of baseball a lasting one. Forty-five years ago, the Dominican Republic was very new to the world of baseball. They have since produced numerous stars in the world of baseball.

Today, the Guyana Baseball League stands at the threshold of the same opportunity.”

september 15, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Zimbabwe square series with historic win

Tendai Chatara was named man of the match for his five-wicket haul

I

t took a long time coming.

The last time Zimbabwe won a Test against a team other than Bangladesh was in 2001, but they stayed patient through the final day even as Misbah-ul-Haq threatened to dash their hopes to win the second Test and square the two-match series.

Zimbabwe began the day just five wickets away.

Pakistan weren’t too far either: they needed 106 with Misbah still around. By lunch it became two wickets and 47 runs with Misbah still fighting it out. However, despite some quick runs post lunch it took Zimbabwe just one over with the new ball to mop up the Pakistan

tail and spark wild celebrations in the ground, in the dressing room, and possibly all over Harare. Tendai Chatara bowled that over, completing his maiden Test five-for.

The celebration paled in comparison with the scenes the eventual win brought about. The magnitude of this win for a team that was not even ranked in the ICC Test team rankings before the series, in circumstances that were testing the fabric of the game in the country, is huge. The signs were there. The team won a match in the ODI series, and competed hard in the first Test only to lose it at the end to some individual brilliance. There was a bit of Cool Runnings about it; only that the Zimbabwe team went one better than the Jamaican bobsleigh team to emerge winners. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe 1st innings 294 Pakistan 1st innings 230 Zimbabwe 2nd innings 199 Pakistan 2nd innings Khurram Manzoor c Waller b Utseya 54 Mohammad Hafeez c Vitori b Chatara 16 Azhar Ali b Chatara 0 Younis Khan b Vitori 29 Misbah-ul-Haq* not out 79 Asad Shafiq c †Mutumbami b Utseya 14 Adnan Akmal† lbw b Chatara 20 Abdur Rehman c †Mutumbami b Panyangara 16 Saeed Ajmal lbw b Chatara 2 Junaid Khan c Waller b Chatara 1

Rahat Ali run out (Masakadza/ Panyangara) 1 Extras (lb-2, w-4, nb-1) 7 Total (all out; 81 overs; 361 mins) 239 Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Mohammad Hafeez, 7.4 ov), 2-46 (Azhar Ali, 11.2 ov), 3-90 (Khurram Manzoor, 22.2 ov), 4-100 (Younis Khan, 25.5 ov), 5-133 (Asad Shafiq, 39.2 ov), 6-163 (Adnan Akmal, 52.2 ov), 7-197 (Abdur Rehman, 68.4 ov), 8-214 (Saeed Ajmal, 74.1 ov), 9-238 (Junaid Khan, 80.4 ov), 10-239 (Rahat Ali, 80.6 ov) Bowling: T Panyangara 163-43-1, BV Vitori 22-5-69-1 (1-w), TL Chatara 23-2-61-5 (1-nb, 3-w), P Utseya 19-262-2, H Masakadza 1-0-2-0

Debutant Bale scores in Real Madrid draw

W

orld-record signing Gareth Bale scored on his Real Madrid debut but his new side were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal.

The Wales forward, an £85.3m summer signing from Tottenham, played 62 minutes before being replaced.

Bale, 24, levelled with a tap-in on 38 minutes after Cani had opened the scoring for the hosts.

Cristiano Ronaldo put Real ahead but Bale’s former Spurs team-mate Giovani Dos Santos equalised on 70 minutes.

Bale’s price tag meant he overtook new team-mate Ronaldo as the world’s most expensive footballer. The Portuguese joined

Gareth Bale

Real for £80m from Manchester United in 2009. (BBC Sport)

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Kumar throws out challenge to GSCL – wants to see international tournament in 2014

From left: Samuel Kingston, Calvin Roberts, Ralph Rafman, Neil Kumar and Telesha Ousman listen attentively as MC Inderjeet Persaud (not in picture) welcomes the teams at the opening ceremony on Saturday morning

D

irector of Sport Neil Kumar has challenged the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) to host a tri-nation softball series involving Guyana, United States of America and Canada next year.

He made the remark on Saturday while giving the opening remarks to herald the start of the GSCL Inc.’s second 12/12 softball tournament at the Everest Cricket Club ground, where 12 teams began a battle for the top prize of $600,000 and a trophy.

“The first tournament you had was indeed successful. I was following it in the press and definitely I know that this your second tournament will be a successful one as well and it says that the GSCL Inc. is setting a good example.

When I look at the list of sponsors you have sponsor-

ing this second tournament, it is indeed encouraging and it shows also that those persons are confident and have placed their trust in the executive members of the GSCL Inc., while the uniformity of the teams shows the growth of the sport,” Kumar observed.

He added, “I want to set you a challenge and that is to organise a softball tournament between the USA, Canada and Guyana and I wish for you to bear in mind, we are prepared to host that tournament next year, with a return series in 2016 in both countries.”

Kumar applauded the GSCL Inc. for organising the second tournament in such a short period of time, while he encouraged them to integrate a female category with the male. He also called on the teams that are competing for the top prize,

to play fair and observe the umpires’ decision.

Meanwhile, on the field of play, four teams, namely Trophy Stall and Regal XI of Group A and Wolf Warriors and Invaders of Group C, have booked a place in Saturday’s quarter-finals, following victories in their preliminary round action.

The action will continue today however, at the same venue from 10:00 hours, with six more teams competing for the final four quarterfinal spots out of two groups.

In Group B, Speedboat XI will oppose Better Hope in the first game, with Recharge taking on the loser of that encounter, followed by a clash with the winner, while in Group D, Universal DVD Titans and R1 will clash with the inaugural champions Memorex taking on the loser and then the winner.

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Cricketer given emotional send-off H

undreds of mourners turned out on Friday to pay their final respects to former Guyana and Essequibo cricketer, Shivanandan Madholall, who passed away a week ago following a brief period of illness.

The left-handed batsman, who represented Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels, as well as Essequibo at both the junior and senior levels, was 30.

At his home in Reliance on the Essequibo Coast, several persons paid tribute to the fallen cricketer, who was popularly known as “Rocky.”

During his time, Shivanandan played for the Reliance Sports Club, as well as the Cotton Field

Members of the Cotton Field Wild Oats softball team and Reliance Sports Club form a guard of honour as they pay their last respects to their late teammate, Shivanandan Madholall (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Wild Oats softball team.

Ato Christiani, representing the Essequibo Cricket Board, coach Vibert Johnson, Dianand Chetram of the Reliance Sports Club and former Essequibo batsman Elroy Stephney all made moving tributes, with the recurring theme being the shock passing of Shivanandan at such a young age.

They all reflected on his playing days, noting that he was a very good cricketer, who knew the game well.

The eulogy was delivered by elder brother and sports journalist, Ravendra Madholall, who reminisced on the life of Shivanandan, stating that he was both a brother and a friend.

Following those tributes, Shivanandan’s remains were taken to the La Union foreshore for cremation.

Prior to the lighting of the pyre, his teammates from Cotton Field Wild Oats and the Reliance Sports Club formed a guard of honour as they paid their last respects.

Shivnanand comes from a family with a rich cricketing history. His brothers Rovendra, Ravendra and Narendra all represented Essequibo at the InterCounty level. Rovendra went on to play for Guyana.

He leaves to mourn his father, mother, siblings, wife and two children, ages three years and four months.

13th DeSinco Trading 11-race cycle meet…

Fernandes wins feature 35-lap contest

Stephen Fernandes collects the winner’s trophy from DeSinco Trading Marketing Manager, Sarah Savory

By Rajiv Bisnauth

S

tephen Fernandes capitalised on the absence of some of the leading stars to claim victory in the feature 35-lap Schools Boys and Invitational race when the 13th annual DeSinco Trading sponsored 11-race cycle programme was staged on Saturday at the inner circuit of the National Park.

Fernandes’ winning time was one hour, 24 minutes, 17 seconds (01h: 24m: 13s).

The victory was his first in the feature event at the National Park.

He crossed the line ahead of defending champion Marlon Williams, Raymond Newton, Chris Persaud, Neil Reece and Alonzo Ambrose in that order for the top six positions.

Twenty-one (21) riders started the race and rode strategically in the first ten laps, but Fernandes was the one to launch the surprise attack when he emerged from within the pack and put some distance on the field for the remaining laps to win with ease.

Williams claimed three of the eight prime prizes with

Fernandes picking up two, while there was one each for Newton, Warren Mckay and Ambrose.

In the Juveniles category, Ray Rawle rode to victory ahead of Andrew Hicks and Cleveland King, who finished in second and third place respectively.

Newton took the winner’s trophy in the Veterans’ Under-50 race after he outpedaled second place finisher Talim Shaw and Sybourne Fernandes, who placed third, while Linden Blackman finished first in the Veterans’ Over-50 cate-

Stephen Fernandes crosses the finishing line with ease to win the feature 35-lap event

gory in front of Virgil Jones and Wilfred Thom, who placed second and third respectively.

The Veterans’ Over60 category was won by Montgomery Parris, who won ahead of Maurice Fagundes.

In the BMX Boys Open, Jamal John won ahead of Keron Rutherford (second) and Daniel Fraser (third).

Ammo Gomes won the BMX Boys 9-12 years category from Stephan Wilkinson and Taran Garbaran in second and third respectively, while Rawl Small rode

to victory in the Boys 1214 race which saw Deeraj Garbaran finishing second ahead of Jenelle Jackson.

Sherwin Sampson took the BMX 6-9 race from Alexander Leung and Jeremiah Harrison.

The consistent Alfie Soonoram topped the 1214 Boys and Girls race, finishing ahead of Jamal John and Andrew Hicks, while Richard Charles crossed the finishing line in the Mountain Bike category ahead of Keon Thomas and Clyde Jacobs.

At the presentation cer-

emony which followed, national coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, congraulated the winners and thanked DeSinco Trading for sponsoring the race for the 13th years.

Mohamed also stated that the riders will be in action again on Saturday when the second RRT Enterprise 11-race programme will be held at the National Park.

He also disclosed that riders with converge the following day for the Banks Malta 50mile cycle road race on the West Demerara roadway.

guyanatimesGY.com

september 15, 2013

23

Moore, Abbensetts capture sprint double at lackluster IGG trials of 17:37.0s. Kaiton was clocked at 17:54.5s.

Meanwhile, on the distaff side, Alita Moore produced some sensational sprinting, capturing a sprint double in the Women’s 100 metres in 11.8s and the 200 metres in 24.9s. Carifta 200 metres bronze medalist, Tirana Mitchell, was second in both events, clocking times of 12.2s in 100 metres and 25.5s in the 200 metres.

IGG 400 metres gold medalist, Jevina Sampson, returned to action and stated her intentions for the

Alita Moore was an easy winner in the Women’s 200 metres at the IGG trials at the Police Sports Club ground

By Treiston Joseph

D

espite being disorganised and lackluster, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) pulled off a less than mediocre Inter Guiana Games (IGG) trials on Saturday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

From having scratch start sprint events to using the whistle to start every race, in addition to having just one time keeper, the AAG couldn’t have done any worse to show disorganisation of trials to make a national team.

However, the performances by some of the athletes aided in overshad-

owing the downfall of the poorly organised meet.

The Boys 100 metres ended dreadfully for Tevin Garraway, who was suffering from some hamstring niggles. He aggravated the injury while ahead at the 90 metres mark, which allowed Kevin Abbensetts to dip for win in a time of 10.6s. Garraway clocked 10.8s for second despite the hamstring pull.

400 metres bronze medalist at Carifta, Jason Yaw, recovered from a bad start after being boxed in during the scratch start event to win the Boys 400 metres in 50.1s to outlast Quacey Simpson, who clocked 50.4s for second,

and Selwyn Foster, who was timed at 50.9s for third.

Abbensetts then returned to win the Boys 200 metres to capture the sprint double as he defeated Yaw, who placed second, and Vancooten third. No time were recorded for the event due to time keeping issues.

IGG 800 metres silver medalist, Ornesto Thomas, won the Boy’s 1500 metres, clocking 4:28.5s. Kevin Nicholas was second in 4:31.2s.

The Men’s 5000 metres saw top junior distance runner from the Rupununi, Samuel Kaiton, falling to second in the event as Nicholas returned to take the win in a time

International Six cart off Trophy Stall dominoes

Everest Cricket Club Junior Vice-president Karamchand Rambarran (third right) presents the winner’s trophy to International Six skipper Manniram “Packer” Shew, while other members of the team share the moment

L

ed by a flawless final sitting by skipper Manniram “Packer” Shew, Intikab “Karbi”Ali and Martin Permaul, International Six emerged winners of the Trophy Stall sponsored feature dominoes tournament, played on Friday night at the Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road.

It was anyone’s game at the end of the penultimate sitting of a very fierce contest with Wild Bunch leading the way with 65 games, while Canal Six and International

Six were locked on 63 games each.

However, the last sitting saw the eventual winners marking the maximum 18 games to finish on 81, while Wild Bunch and Canal Six could only manage eight and seven games respectively to end with 73 and 70.

Skipper “Shew” led the way for the winners with 16 games, while Ali and Permaul supported with 15 each and overseas-based Soomdat Jeet got 14.

Wild Bunch’s top scor-

er was Pete Charles with 17, while C. Seopaul and R. Sukhai were the top players for Canal with 16 each.

Trophies were presented to the winning and runnerup teams, the best player in each team and the player sharing the first love in the tournament.

The respective awardees for the top player prizes were Shew (International Six), Charles (Wildbunch) and Seopaul (Canal), while R. Sukhai (Canal) shared the lone love.

remainder of the year by comprehensively winning the 400 metres at the trials in a time of 59.9s defeating Mearisha Carter, who clocked 1:03.4 for second, while Shomane Daniels finished third in 1:04.4s.

Two-time Carifta gold medalist, Jevina Straker, dominated the middle distance event winning the Girls 800 metres in 2:20.5s and the 1500 metres in 4:58.6s.

Carifta gold medalist, Cassey George, who was suffering from a niggling

hip injury, finished second to the more experienced Straker in both events, clocking 2:25.s in the 800 metres, while turning in a time of 5:10.1s in the 1500 metres.

The Girls 3000 metres was won by Claudice McKoy in 11:26.4s, leaving Cassie Kirton to take second in 12:10.1s.

Linden’s multi-talented athlete, Parish Cadogan, captured a field double, easily winning the Boys high jump in 1.70 metres and the triple jump in 12.86 metres.

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

september 15, 2013

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CRICKET: ZIMBABWE 294 AND 199 VS PAKISTAN 230 AND 239; AUSTRALIA 227 VS ENGLAND 231-7; FOOTBALL: REAL MADRID 2-2 VS VILLARREAL

Moore, Abbensetts capture sprint double at lackluster IGG trials See story on page

23

CAREBACO gold for Priyanna in U-13 Singles Hail the champ! Priyanna Ramdhani is lifted by teammates after she copped gold in the Girls Under-13 Singles

P

henomenal young badminton player, Priyanna Ramdhani, copped gold on Friday evening in the Girls Under-13 Singles at the Caribbean International Junior Badminton Championships (CAREBACO) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, extending Guyana’s medal haul at the event to eight.

This is now the fifth year in a row Priyanna has medalled at the prestigious Caribbean Championships.

It was Guyana’s second gold medal at this year’s event.

Abosaide Cadogan won the

Tevin Garraway (extreme right) pulls up with a hamstring injury as Kevin Abbensetts (extreme left) dips to win the Boys 100 metres (Photos: Treiston Joseph)

Girls Under-11 Doublesm, defeating Erisa Bleau of Suriname 21-17, 21-11.

The diminutive Priyanna defeated Jamaican Shezelle McTyson of Jamaica 2111, 21-13 in the final, and also followed up with a silver medal in the Under-13 Mixed Doubles.

She teamed up with Leon Cassie of Trinidad and Tobago, but lost at the final hurdle to the Dominican Republic pair Edison Ramirez and Mileiki Munoz 21-17, 21-13. The presentation ceremony was slated for last evening.

INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

Cricketer given P22 emotional send-off

13th DeSinco Trading 11-race cycle meet…

Fernandes wins feature 35-lap contest

See story on page

22

Top performers pose with representatives of DeSinco Trading and race organisers following the presentation on Saturday at the National Park (Photos: Rajiv Bisnauth)

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