Guyana Times Daily 17th Nov 2013

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INSIDE Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1955 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Guyana continues to get poor TIP ratings November 17, 2013

See story on page 3

– Glenn Lall’s connections cited

1376 graduate from UG

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Rockstone gets new minibus P9 Geddes P10 Grant introducing products to halt pest infestation

See story on page 15

Industry P11 woman busted with cocaine at CJIA Komal Samaroo to assume chairmanship of DDL P15 A section of the students who graduated when the University of Guyana (UG) hosted its 47th convocation exercise at the Turkeyen Campus on Saturday (Carl Croker photo)

East Bank Demerara developing into a thriving urban centre See story on page 2

Former GDF rank gunned down execution-style outside night club

See story on page 17

P17 King’s Duck Curry Competition is today!

2 news

SUNday, november17, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

PPP/C long-standing member East Bank Demerara developing into a thriving urban centre Pooran Persaud passes on

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edicated and longstanding member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Pooran Persaud of Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast passed away on Thursday.

He reportedly died around 16:00h at a private city hospital after a brief illness.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Persaud underwent surgery at a private hospital and succumbed several hours after the operation.

Persaud at the time of his death was employed at GECOM’s office at Anna Regina, looking after the party’s interest as it relates to the registration process for new voters.

Persaud served as a councillor on the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Anna Regina Town Council and as chairman of the Works Committee.

He was also a member of the

Pooran Persaud

Social Development committee.

At the time of his death, he also served on the PPP/C district and regional committees in the Essequibo district and was the chairman of the Devonshire Castle PPP/C group.

Persaud also served on the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) as a PPP/C councillor under the chairmanship of for-

mer Region Two chairman, Ali Baksh, now junior Minister of Agriculture.

He also served as chairman and member of several RDC sub-committees and played an instrumental role in the development of the rice industry on the Essequibo Coast.

Persaud, a vibrant and outspoken councillor, worked tirelessly for the development of Anna Regina, and was awarded the Medal of Service for his contribution towards the development of Guyana; Region Two in particular.

The late Persaud also paid a keen interest in sport and contributed immensely to the development of sport on the Essequibo Coast.

He was a member of the Devonshire Castle Cricket Club and was integrally involved in the development and management of the Walton Hall Sports Ground and the Essequibo Cricket Board. Persaud also served as an executive member of the Devonshire Castle Land Coop Society and was the recording secretary at the time of his death.

During his years of work, he also served as a clerk II at the Regional Administrative Office and supervisor at the Sea Defence Department before serving as National Union of Public Service Employees (NUPSE) vice president.

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is spending a grand total of $5.8 billion on the East Bank Demerara for this year, with $3.8 billion on ongoing projects and another $1.5 billion on projects that are at the tender stage.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, at the penultimate One Stop Shop on Friday, told the media that the ongoing projects are: Providence Phase Three, that encompasses an investment of $731 million for 558 new lots; Farm where $1.4 billion will be spent for 1695 lots; Plantation Perseverance, $90 million for 200 lots; and Plantation Eccles, $40 million for 70 lots.

It also includes the Farm to Diamond Access Road ($680 million), the construction of 120 single flat homes at Providence ($450 million), upgrading of roads at Great Diamond and Golden Grove ($154 million) that will benefit 1000 lots in these schemes) and grading to asphaltic surface the Cacique Entrance and Greenfield Park Entrance ($544 million).

Minister Ali explained that these are the second and third entrances to the main alternative access road that would link the East Coast and East Bank.

The projects that are at tender stage include the upgrading of roads at Great Diamond and Golden Grove (an estimated $255 million investment that will bene-

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

fit another 1000 lots in the area); upgrading of roads at Eccles, ($244 million for 600 lots); and infrastructural development at Little Diamond and Great Diamond, an investment of $950 million that will open up 300 acres of land for industrial and commercial purposes, Minister Ali said.

Investment

The minister as well noted that from 2000 to 2012, investments on the East Bank Demerara totalled $17 billion and this sum has created 13,000 new lots in areas including Great Diamond, Golden Grove, Little Diamond, Mocha, Eccles, Herstelling and Kaneville.

More than 54,000 people have benefited, Minister Ali said.

Other programmes supervised by the housing sector from which the East Bank has benefited include the upgrade to existing community roads under the Community Road Improvement Programme,

an investment of $70 million and upgrade to roads in existing communities under the Miscellaneous Road Programme to the value of $147 million.

“These are some of the investments and works that we have done in terms of bringing development and enhancing the prospects of the East Bank, which is definitely going to be one of the dynamic urban centres of our country,” the minister noted.

During his interaction with the media, the minister also praised the staff of the sector, disclosing that their efforts allowed the housing sector to surpass prior achievements with regards to the planning and execution of its yearly budgeted programmes.

According to Minister Ali, as of November 14, the sector completed its entire capital programme, covered under Budget 2013. He noted too that the financial statement and records for the sector up to 2012 have been laid in the National Assembly.

“So I think the housing sector has transformed itself tremendously, not only in delivering service to the people, but in terms of our governance structure, it terms of our management structure and in terms of institutional capacity and capability, and I want to recognise the hardworking staff who have committed themselves as a team in accomplishing this,” he said.

3 Guyana continues to get poor TIP ratings NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, November 17 from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, November 17from

15:50h-17:20h.

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers are expected to prevail during the day, giving way to partly cloudy skies in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to east south-easterly between 1.79 and 2.24 metres per second.

High Tide: 16:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.71 metres.

Low Tide: 09:42h and 22:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.50 metre respectively.

saturday, november 16, 2013

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

SUNday, november 17, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

– Glenn Lall’s connections cited

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uyana has been repeatedly receiving negative ratings from the United States government and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the area of human smuggling, commonly referred to as trafficking in persons (TIP), and the failure of local law enforcement authorities to aggresively track down perpretrators could be the major contributing factor.

Moreover, with the U.S. State Department, through the American embassy here in Guyana, pinpointing owner and publisher of the Kaieteur News Glenn Lall as an alleged mastermind in the illegal scheme, questions have repeatedly surfaced on both sides of the political landscape as to why he has not yet been thoroughly investigated.

Several politicians, including two opposition members and at least one government representative, have called for Lall to be investigated, expressing grave concern as to why his alleged illegal acts are being ignored.

In light of the recent rescue missions for trafficked victims, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has called on the government to accelerate the fight against TIP, in particular, the apparent sex slave trade. AFC parliamentarian Cathy Hughes made this call during a recent interview with Guyana Times.

Disappointed with govt

Hughes stated that she was disappointed with the way government has been addressing TIP, but said she is happy about the work being done by the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO). “I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” she told this publication.

Hughes said she understands that the GWMO will soon be launching an aggressive public relations campaign to bring awareness to the issues. The AFC parliamentarian believes that more NGOs and private sector companies should get on board.

The Trinidad Express reported recently that there is a multi-million-dollar sex slave trade taking place between Trinidad and Tobago and South America where persons are being held against their will, forced into prostitution and threatened with death.

Government ministers from the twin-island republic and Venezuela met recently to discuss initiatives to crack down on the illegal trafficking of humans, drugs and guns

Glenn Lall proudly poses with a Lexus SUV. President Donald Ramotar in remarks earlier this year referred to a corrupt individual who owns a media house. He said human smugglers made money at a time when Guyana was going through tough economic times. “They were the smugglers and backtrackers...who today have a lot of money,” he said

and protecting the borders of both countries. Those familiar with the discussions say Lall’s name has surfaced as a suspected major player.

President Donald Ramotar, in remarks earlier this year, described the principal of a media house as one of the many suspected backtrackers and human smugglers in Guyana. The president was at the time speaking at Babu John, Port Mourant on the Corentyne, Berbice.

Corrupt individual

Ramotar said there is a corrupt individual who owns a media house. He said government is hated because he and other human smugglers made money at a time when Guyana was going through tough economic times. “They were the smugglers and backtrackers...who today have a lot of money,” he said.

A senior official in government said the president was clearly sending a warning to Lall. “Ramotar was sending Lall, who was reportedly involved in backtracking, a very important subliminal message. We know what his plans are and we know that he is anti-development and pro-opposition,” the official said.

It is widely believed that the backtrack trade to the U.S., Canada and elsewehere has plummeted the Kaieteur News owner to super-billionaire status in Guyana. Lall started out as a vendor in Stabroek Market and reportedly found a lucrative hold on

backtrack activities through which he was paid as much as US$20,000 per person at that time to allegedly smuggle illegal aliens to the U.S.

Backtrack trade

At the time, Lall largely is believed to have capitalised on the hardships of poor Guyanese and reportedly ran amok of mostly East Indians in the suspected backtrack trade. He then acquired enough wealth that allowed him to buy several residential and business properties in Guyana, Trinidad, Canada and the U.S., reportedly paying for them with hard cash in suitcases.

The State Department cables on Guyana leaked by WikiLeaks identified Lall as “having his finger on the pulse of Guyana’s underworld which serves his media enterprise well ”, according to then Political Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown Benjamin Canavan, who spoke with Lall prior to the writing of the cable.

Lall's U.S. visa was revoked in 2006 and it is said that he was since re-issued one because of his alleged “informant” status.

Today, Lall pretends to be an angel, a guardian of honesty, truth and righteousness even in the face of mounting evidence of his suspected illegal operations. He uses the Kaieteur News to attack and intimidate those who dare to challenge him, those he does not find favour with, those he wants to control and those capable of exposing his suspected illegal activities.

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

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

Editorial

China reloaded I

n December 1978, at the end of the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Communist Party of the China Central Committee (CCC), Deng Xioping became the de facto paramount leader of China. He proceeded to launch the “Reform and Opening Up” policy which catapulted the country from the depths of poverty into becoming the second largest economy in the world by 2011.

This was accomplished through industrialisation and export-led growth. Last week, the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CCC, under the leadership of recently installed President Xi Jinping, unveiled plans to perpetuate their dizzying growth rates to make them number one.

Many western observers expected that after the creation of such a vast middle class, political liberalisation would follow as had occurred in other developing economies. After the meeting, President Xi, whose position was strengthened tremendously, made a direct reference to Deng’s reforms.

But while it is clear there will be some fairly radical changes in the economic system, the political system will retain the concentration of power in the hands of the top leadership. The experiment in building a politically controlled capitalist economy – the Chinese Way – will continue.

The new phase of economic reforms stated clearly: “The core issue is... giving markets a decisive role in the allocation of resources while better applying the role of government.”

This market primacy was explained as necessary since China is still in the “primary stage of socialism”.

There was concern abroad about the actual economic reforms that would be unleashed and for good reason. At present, China alone generates 27 per cent of the growth rate of the entire global economy from its internal growth rate of 7.7 per cent. No one wants to have that engine sputter. But this goes precisely to the heart of China’s present challenge.

The success from Deng’s reforms was achieved in the wake of the Western neo-liberal revolution from the 1980s that saw the West, especially the U.S., willing and able to finance the massive production from China that earned it the sobriquet “factory of the world” by the 1990s.

However, the West is now in the midst of a prolonged downturn that shows no sign of a sustained recovery which would enable it to keep up its high rate of imports without falling deeper into debt. There is also the question of whether China would be willing to keep accepting greenbacks when they are sitting on US$3.5 trillion in reserves.

Xi, then, will only be able to keep up China’s high growth rates by stimulating greater domestic consumption. To accomplish this goal, the financial markets will have to be deregulated since a market-driven financial sector is vital to support the social model and consumption-led growth.

Foreign banks will be encouraged to expand and it is expected that the renminbi will become fully convertible and a world reserve currency.

While the private sector will be strengthened, this will be done gradually since it was made clear that the state-owned enterprises will simultaneously be reformed and would be accepting private capital which signals they would also be influenced by market forces.

Many experts expect the Xi regime to liberalise interest rates and, eventually, currency exchange rates. This could have the effects of reducing excessive lending for poor investments and of bolstering consumerism.

Politically, two new groups were introduced – one “leading group” will be in charge of “overall deepening of reforms, responsible for the comprehensive design of reforms”, that is, the control of their application and implementation. The other group, including both military and civilian elements, would be overlooking national security.

While not explicitly stated, Xi should be in both groups.

Directly after the Plenum, he promised China would accelerate the development of a socialist market economy, democracy, cultural development, social harmony and ecological progress.

Guyanese leaders should note the clear articulation of goals, strategy and philosophy of development by the Chinese Communist Party.

Heads of government, including President Donald Ramotar, and other officials from the Commonwealth member states pay homage to the National Anthem of Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting website photo)

Rex McKay has done what the judge intended to prohibit Dear Editor, Rex McKay, SC, responded to my last letter published in the press. Expectedly, he was even more virulent than before. Rarely, can reason survive in such venomous environs.

In his letter, McKay felt it necessary to detail “the factual matrix of the case” for the “benefit of the public”. He then proceeds to essay a most jaundiced narration of personal information regarding the parties in the matter, injecting as he merrily goes along, his own invectives, drawing his own biased inferences and arriving at his own prejudicial conclusions.

In so doing, the learned senior counsel, wittingly or unwittingly, has done precisely that which the learned judge intended to prohibit, “trial by newspapers”, and, indeed, has contradicted if not undermined, the very foundation of his entire argumentation. How the eminent senior counsel could have made such a rudimentary blunder is indeed mindboggling.

Notably, the learned senior counsel finally concedes that the order of the learned judge was made in chambers and in his absence. The contention that I was not there and therefore ought not to comment upon the said order is simply devoid of any logic.

The assertion of mine that the attorney general is the protector of the public’s interest and defender of the Constitution has caused McKay some unusual disquiet. He referred to it once in his first letter and twice in his second.

At first, I thought it was inspired by vitriol. But after its emphatic return in the second letter, I realise that there may be a genuine

case of unfamiliarity with the concept. It would be simply wrong for me not to shed some light where such darkness abounds.

The role, functions and responsibilities of an attorney general in a legal system like ours is the subject of discussion by many text writers and the dicta of numerous decided cases. I will refer to only but a few.

In the Belizean case of Attorney General v Marin [2011] 2 LRC, the President of the Court of Appeal of Belize, posits thus at p 471: “The Attorney General as the guardian of the public rights is the person entitled to institute proceedings where a public right has been infringed. In Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers [1977] 3ALL ER 70 at 80 Lord Wilberforce said: “It can be properly said to be a fundamental principle of English law that private rights can be asserted by individuals, but that public rights can only be asserted by the Attorney General as representing the public.

In terms of the constitutional law, the rights of the public are vested in the Crown, and Attorney General enforces them as an officer of the Crown.”

These sentiments of and concerning the attorney general were endorsed, upon appeal, by our own Madame Justice Desiree Bernard, sitting in the Caribbean Court of Justice (see Marin v AG [2011] 5 LRC p. 209 at p.

244). In De Smith, Woolf and Jowell’s Judicial Review of Administrative Actions 5th ed, (1991), the learned authors observe at para 2-087: “Whenever a public right is infringed or threatened with infringement the Attorney General may institute proceedings to protect the right. What exactly

are the interests of the public, which may and should be protected by the Attorney General, is purely a matter for his judgment which on this question, is not subject to review by the courts. This was made clear in LCC vA-G [1902] AC 165.”

In Gouriet v Union of the Post Office Workers [1977] 3 ALL ER p 70 at p 83, Lord Wilberforce said: “That it is the exclusive right of the Attorney General to represent the public interest, even where the individuals might be interested in a larger view of the matter, it is not technical, not procedural, nor fictional. It is constitutional. I agree with Lord Westbury LC that it is also wise.”

And of even greater relevance, in the very case upon which Mr McKay has placed exceptional reliance, AG v Times Newspapers Ltd. [1973] 3 ALL ER 54, Lord Reid, whose judgment was quoted, ad nauseam, by the senior counsel, at p 59 stated: “I agree with your Lordships that the Attorney General has a right to bring before the Court any matter which he thinks may amount to contempt of court and which he considers should, in the public interest, be brought before the court.”

And in that very case, Lord Diplock, referring to the role of the attorney general, enunciated: “He is the appropriate public officer to represent the public interest in the administration of justice. In doing so, he acts in constitutional theory on behalf of the Crown as “the fountain of justice” and not in the exercise of its executive functions.”

I hope those authorities shall put McKay’s obvious

unease to rest. The majesty of the law always reminds us that it is never too late to learn.

McKay makes great weather of a statement I made that the European Court of Human Rights decision in the Times Newspapers v AG, inferentially, overturned the cases he relied upon. I was simply paraphrasing the view of the illustrious Lord Denning in his book, Due Process of the Law. For the avoidance of doubt I will set out His Lordship’s verbatim language at p 49: “The European Court of Human Rights by a majority of 11 to 9, upheld the claim of the Sunday Times. It had a right to impart information about the Thalidomide case.

Inferentially they thought that the House of Lords was wrong and that the Court of Appeal was right. Three cheers for the European Court. But what will the House of Lords do now? Will they still regard themselves as infallible?”

The reading public will decide whose opinion they wish to accept on this issue: that of Lord Denning, universally acclaimed as one of the greatest legal minds that ever lived or that of our McKay, whose office, incidentally, bears the appellation “Denning Chambers”.

McKay next accuses me of attempting to scandalise the court in my writing.

It would simply be improper for me to dignify such intemperate accusation with a response.

This will be my last retort on this matter.

Yours faithfully, Mohabir Anil Nandlall Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

guyanatimesgy.com

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

Continuous support for Combating malaria in Guyana agriculture stakeholders in Guyana Dear Editor, The agricultural sector is about to take an additional step forward as a state-of-the-art soil testing laboratory is expected to be launched in approximately six months.

Many farmers can soon expect to benefit from this initiative.

Soils rich in minerals help to produce healthy crops that are often more resistant to the adversity of plant diseases.

Preliminary soil testing will ultimately determine the quality of potential farming soils and will further help farmers

to save money, time and energy.

The establishment of the laboratory will further require and offer numerous job opportunities to individuals.

The analysis will determine the mineral component of the soil and will further conclude which

fertilisers need to be applied to the soil in order to make it suitable for crop cultivation.

Agriculture contributes approximately a quarter of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product.

The availability of rich soils throughout Guyana makes it almost unbelievably necessary for the nation to take the opportunity to maximise on this prosperous industry.

Sincerely, Aaron Ramkissoon

Dear Editor, Health care workers are individuals who are trained to look after the ill and the weak. They are essential health professionals who are expected to exercise a positive attitude towards patients at all times. Their profession demands great patience and compassion to those in need of medical attention.

Malaria is a mosquitoborne infectious disease that affects the immune system of those infected. The Health Ministry has, over the years, taken numerous approaches to eliminate the spread of the disease countrywide.

However, interior locations have continued to remain prone to infections due to the existence of numerous mosquito breeding grounds.

Additionally, many people working in the interior become infected because of their negligence and disre-

The importance of flood alerts Dear Editor, I commend the efforts of those who strive to maintain Guyana’s drainage and irrigation system. City Council workers can often be seen doing their best to unclog and remove garbage and sediments from drains and trenches particularly during the rainy seasons to minimise the occurrence of floods.

Just recently, the Albouystown area was under water causing inconvenience to many residents when heavy rainfall caused

the community to flood.

Reports are that a koker was broken and the matter was never addressed by the relevant authorities.

This resulted in the heavy downpour having nowhere to drain off.

The rainy season has begun and it is time for us to start taking necessary precautions. Flooding is a natural disaster that can bring many potential devastating health problems. Many water-borne diseases, including typhoid, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A,

are prevalent during floods.

Additionally, large masses of stagnant water can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and can increase the risk of parasitic diseases such as malaria and dengue. This is a serious matter considering that outbreaks have already been reported in places where stagnant water is little found.

Floodwaters are often contaminated and it is, therefore, unhygienic and not recommended for individuals, particularly chil-

dren to wade aimlessly in them. Many bacterial infections can be caught, in addition to other illnesses such as dermatitis, conjunctivitis and other infections.

There is, therefore, urgent need for a flood alert system in Guyana.

Regards, Udal Persaud

gard to take protective measures and precautions such as sleeping with mosquito nets and using insect repellents.

Several measures have been taken by the government to combat malaria in Guyana. Public hospitals and clinics offer testing facilities and treatment for those infected. Additionally, multiple efforts have been made to distribute insecticide treated nets to many malaria endemic regions.

Guyana continues to

spread awareness and means of minimising the spread of malaria. People are urged to make use of the testing facilities available countrywide and obtain the correct treatment that they require.

Furthermore, people need to make an additional effort to help to minimise areas where stagnant water can become potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Sincerely, Xavier DeSantos

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Foundation

Passing Fresh tips to make holiday food healthy judgement

By Marshall O’Brien

Anu Dev

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ost of us do it every day – we judge the people around us. And we do so through the lenses of whatever prejudices and perceptions we might have of that person.

We really don’t take the time to put ourselves into their shoes. Even Simba couldn’t help but leap to conclusions about Kovu in “The Lion King 2”.

We had a class this week about empathy, what it means to be empathetic and the neuroscience behind empathy. It was an amazing lecture; it really gave me a lot to think about. It made me wonder about whether in my everyday life, how much time I actually take to put myself into other people’s shoes.

And it made me think back to the times that the people around me were empathetic to what I was going through.

As far as classes go, it was a thought-provoking one. Seeing videos of little babies displaying empathy, MRIs of persons feeling

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

- Carl Gustav Jung pain when someone they’re close to is in pain really kinda drove home the message that empathy is something innate within us.

Why then, do so many of us still walk around preoccupied in our own little bubbles?

As a society, we can be pretty quick to judge people based on their clothes, their house, their car or their phones before getting the chance to see what kind of decisions they make, what type of actions they take.

And there are just so many misconceptions about everyone floating around.

If there’s someone sitting off to the side by himself, obviously you judge him as being snobbish, when actually, he’s just extremely shy. We’ve all had these ‘shy moments’ and we should be able to at least remember them when seeing someone behaving just as we did during those moments instead of leaping to the conclusion that the person is standoffish.

Yes, it’s true, some people are more intuitive and

more perceptive than others and they’ll be better at showing empathy, but we’re all capable of empathy and we should try to be empathetic to the best of our ability.

It’s easier to just pass off someone as being lazy or a slob just because they’re dressed a bit sloppily. But the thing is they could just be having a really bad day.

They could be a hard worker, they’re usually impeccably dressed, it’s just that today was an ‘off day’ for them.

We need to remember to empathise with the people close to us. Too often we miss the people right in front of us, and we gloss over the things that might be going on with them. We have to start being there for them and taking the time to just listen.

We can’t always empathise with every single person around us – we don’t know everyone nearly half as well enough, but we can at least try to be more considerate, to be more human.

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here are two things I love about the holidays: family and food. And I definitely get plenty of both. Most of us get involved in the cooking experience, and we prepare our meal in a light and healthy fashion.

Yes, light and healthy, and it tastes delicious.

Holiday dishes don’t have to be heavy and fattening to taste great. Not only can your families’ favourite dishes be nutritious and delicious, but they can be easy enough to make so that everyone, including your children, will want to participate.

Children’s eyes will light up when you show them how they can take fresh ingredients and transform them into vibrant and flavourful dishes that taste fantastic and are healthy too!

Below are a handful of simple tips that you and your family can use, so you can continue to enjoy your holiday dishes together for years to come.

Go for fresh: Go with fresh items whenever possible such as green beans,

sweet potatoes/yams, and cranberries. For a healthy spin on green bean casserole, try the one in the Holiday Stuffed Turkey recipe.

Cranberries:Fresh cranberries, a Thanksgiving staple, are tart as ever. If you want to sweeten them, use honey or agave nectar. Or add some diced or chopped naturally sweet fruit. Cranberries can also make great outdoor and indoor decorations.

Using fishing string, have your children string them together with popped corn to spruce up trees and feed the birds.

Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are as good as it gets but sometimes they’re a miss because they can be heavy, especially with gravy. To keep them light, substitute half the potatoes with fresh cauliflower. Children will love mashing the ingredients, then spooning up a taste of their creation.

Yams: When it comes to vegetable dishes, candied yams are popular.

Have your children help you peel those fresh vegetables. Yams are naturally sweet, so take advantage of that and add just a bit of honey, agave nectar or turbinado (unrefined) sugar.

Stuffing: Stuffing is a staple on my plate for Thanksgiving. Take old bread (your favourite preferred) and cut into bitesized pieces, like large

croutons. Then mix them in a bowl with sage, parsley, oregano, celery, mushrooms, eggs, etc…

This is a perfect dish to introduce children to a variety of ingredients, and show them how to cut and chop.

Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and mint can be more than just garnishes. Try using herbs as greens in a salad. Tear up bite-sized pieces of fresh basil and toss into a bowl with spinach, pomegranate, toasted pecans, thinly sliced red onion and a light dressing.

Popping out pomegranate seeds is definitely a child’s activity, as they’ll love seeing and tasting the ruby red treats hidden within the white pith of the fruit.

Carefully cut the pomegranate into four pieces, then place in a large bowl of water (this will help minimise the juicy mess) and peel away. The white stuff will float to the top, separating the ruby jewels.

I’ve just offered some practical and easy tips on how to add more flavour, more health and more fun when it comes to preparing great-tasting holiday dishes.

There is so much opportunity to involve your family in the cooking process during the holidays.

Just give them an apron, and your family will be set to get cooking together in the kitchen this holiday season! (Produceforkids.com)

news

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SUNday, november 17, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Courts ushers in the New book on Guyanese literature to be launched Christmas spirit

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Petamber Persaud Prime Minister Samuel Hinds activates an electronic gadget to illuminate the lights on the trees on Main Street

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mid a very festive atmosphere, the trees on Main Street, Georgetown were illuminated with colourful lights, in what has become an annual Courts Guyana Incorporated light up. Thousands of people flocked to witness the event in the vicinity of the furniture giant.

Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is performing the duties of president, his wife Yvonne Hinds; acting Tourism, Industry and Commence Minister Irfaan Ali; Courts Guyana executive officials; and other invited guests.

Minister Ali, during brief remarks, took the opportunity to thank Courts for their continued investment in Guyanese and for ushering in the feeling of Christmas.

He further pointed out that Courts should be congratulated for continuously sponsoring the event yearly.

“This is the time when we reflect, it’s a time when we look forward, it’s a time when we come together to celebrate, come together to share the love, the joy, come together to bring hope, to the less fortunate, to share with them and give them the opportunity to experience the beauty of Christmas,” Minister Ali

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said.

He urged that as Guyanese celebrate Christmas this year, that they pay respects to the persons who have lost their families as a result of the recent shooting incident on Middle and East streets, Georgetown, and to also reflect on what is happening in the Philippines as they endure hardships caused by a recent typhoon that left massive damage and many deaths.

Taking Guyana forward

“We as a people must continue to work to unite ourselves, to bring ourselves together to celebrate and to ensure that we commit ourselves to taking Guyana forward,” added Minister Ali. “Let us commit ourselves to a Christmas that would see no domestic violence, let us commit ourselves to loving each other, to looking out for each other, to protecting each other and to safe guarding our beautiful country Guyana,” Minister Ali concluded.

Courts Managing Director Clyde de Haas pointed out that this event signals the start of the festive season for the company and the Guyanese community. He expressed gratitude to all the customers who have been

patronising the company throughout the year.

“For this Christmas season, we have made available all that you need for your home. Our local manufacturers have been working overtime to develop the best quality designs at the most affordable prices, our buyers have ordered the latest Internet styles and models for your satisfaction to give you the best shopping experience,” added Haas.

He further pointed out that the store has been upgraded with the latest display because he believes that the customers deserve the best.

Courts will also be showcasing a gallery which will cover an exclusive collection of furniture and carefully arranged room sets at affordable prices, a Government Information Agency (GINA) release said.

The “Buy now and Pay Nothing until next Year 2014” promotion will also commence tomorrow.

The tree was lit as Prime Minster Hinds activated an electronic gadget. During the programme, the large gathering was entertained with Christmas songs, dances done by the National School of Dance and Classique Dance Troupe, and a steel pan performance.

It's Nabi Oil and Gas Inc

n the story headlined “Hydrocarbon traces being mapped at Mahaica” disseminated by the Government Information

Agency (GINA) and carried by Guyana Times on Saturday, November 16, the company contracted to conduct the mapping exer-

cise was referred to S NABI and Sons. This in inaccurate, the company is NABI Oil and Gas Inc. We sincerely regret the error.

he National Library in its 104th year of service to the nation will be launching a book

by Petamber Persaud on November 22.

According to a release, the book titled An Introduction to Guyanese Literature is an upto-date guide featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th century to the new millennium.

This 150-page book includes over 100 photographs and is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts

about lesser known aspects of Guyanese literature. The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese literature are also featured.

Persaud has authored and edited numerous publications, including “The Balgobin Saga”, and “An Anthology of Caribbean Poetry”. His compilation of “Anthology of Contemporary Guyanese Verse” is due to be released soon. Persaud is the current editor of The Guyana Annual magazine.

Region Two begins preparations for Mash 2014

T

he Region Two administration has started preparations for Mash celebrations 2014. A Planning Committee has been established to coordinate the smooth execution of the activity scheduled for next February.

The committee has already met and planning for the mega event has commenced. The event and parade will be held at the Anna Regina Car Park.

Planning Committee Chairman Humace Oditt said the opening of the event will commence with an inter-faith service, with reciting of prayers from the three major religions.

According to Oditt, who is also a Region Two, regional democratic councillor, some of the activities for Mash will include the chil-

A scene from Mashramani celebrations on the Essequibo Coast

dren’s costume, masquerade and calypso competitions, cultural show, decorated buildings, essay competitions, float parade and colourful road show.

Oditt said the main focus for Mash activities is to get everyone involved in the

celebrations. Oditt said he wanted the activities to be celebrated in an atmosphere of joy, togetherness, peace and brotherhood. He noted that all nine Amerindian communities in Region Two will be involved in the activities.

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SUNday, november 17, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

President attends Commonwealth heads meeting in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaska welcomes President Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar at the opening of the CHOGM 2013 (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting website photo)

P

resident Donald Ramotar joined other heads of state and government representatives in Sri Lanka on Friday for the opening ceremony of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo.

The Guyanese head of state and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar were seen greeting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaska who assumed duties as chairman of the summit.

Under the theme “Growth with Equity: Inclusive Development”, the high-level meeting will

conclude on November 17.

According to Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, the meeting’s agenda will address debt management, solvency and resilience in small member states; climate finance for small and vulnerable states; practical trade measures to help increase exports, including finance and advocacy that can help shape the global trade agenda; unlocking the potential for member governments to assist each other directly, giving fuller meaning to the notion of our commonwealth; and a proposed Commonwealth plan for broadband inclu-

sion, among others.

“Deep awareness that our destinies are joined drives us forward in seeking togetherness for practical solutions to the many great tasks before the Commonwealth, and the world at large. In these times of flux and rapid alteration, a shared vision of our collective striving and resolve are needed more than ever. That is the role of all CHOGMs – to bring us closer as a family and to move us forward together.

We turn... our heads gathered here to lead us forward in that spirit and purpose. We are the world’s north, south, east and west. And we illustrate to the wider world that the Commonwealth closes the distance between them,” Sharma said.

Greater cooperation Prince Charles, who is standing in for Queen Elizabeth, head of the Commonwealth, called on the member states to heighten cooperation to deal with challenges including fighting climate change, poverty and promoting equitable development and technological connectivity. turn to page 11

Eyew tness

Milestones...

T

...in cricket

here were three milestones reached over in Mumbai last week. There were, of course, those by Sachin Tendulkar (200 test matches) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (150 test matches)... but the level of mediocrity reached by the hapless West Indian Team also has to be a milestone.

If you have milestones on your way up, surely there have to be milestones on the way down. The only question left is whether West Indies cricket can fall lower before somebody, somewhere decides to do something about it.

Maybe they can retire after the Mumbai disaster, like Tendukkar? Nah...teams can’t retire.

But certainly the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) ought to do the decent thing and say goodbye. After all this is supposed to be cricket – the “gentleman’s game”.

But we’ll tell you one thing – there’s few gentlemen left in cricket nowadays. Especially now that Tendulkar has retired and Chanderpaul can see the exit door not too far away in the horizon.

Just like the fish starts to stink at the head, in organisations this is where the rot also mostly begins. The WICB has been and continues to be bad news for our cricket. We don’t have to list the board members’ penchant for enjoying the high life even as the team languishes in the basement or even their disastrous selection “decisions”.

We can look right here in Guyana and judge them by their rejection of the cricket bill, which is just designed to facilitate the local boards having their responsibilities clearly spelled out.

Now this is precisely what the WICB mandarins fear as much as Dracula fears sunlight. If the cricket administration is straightened out in Guyana, the writing on the wall will be clear for the WICB – “pack up your traps and close the door behind you”.

The Patterson Report, compiled by the ex-Prime Minister from Jamaica P J Patterson, Ian Mc Donald from Guyana and Professor Hilary Beckles from the University of the West Indies (UWI), is gathering dust on some shelf in a WICB cupboard, while the team the WICB is supposed to be in charge of, can’t

even survive three days of test cricket.

Guyana has to take the lead and show the rest of the territories that cricket administration can be professionalised and doesn’t have to be a gravy train of a few avaricious hucksters. The cricket bill must be given bi-partisan priority in this parliamentary session. Others will have to follow suit.

In the meantime, our caps off to Tendulkar, the Little Master, and Chanderpaul, the Tiger.

...in money

The phrase “gimme five” just took on a whole new meaning: we’re getting a $5000 bill in time for Christmas. No – we’re not all getting $5000 for Christmas – even though that’d be nice: just the bill will be introduced into circulation. As explained (conceded?) the bill is expected to speed up transactions since we wouldn’t have to count up so many $1000 bills – or walk around with such bulky pockets.

But while this may be all well and good for convenience, it doesn’t say too much about our banking system. All it concedes is that people are using cash as much as always – even as the rest of the world has moved on to plastic (credit cards) as even electronic transfers through the Internet.

While we’ve had some movement to facilitate this switch in the local banking sector, they’ve been much too laid back – even as their profits soar.

The speeding up of the circulation of money has direct positive benefits for the entire economic sector – and the credit cards do this in addition to eliminating walking around with wads of paper. It’s also more secure. The government has to put some pressure on the banks and not just create bigger notes.

...in garbage

With all the money being tossed around to recycle garbage you’d think there’s gold being dumped by some citizens along with their trash.

NEWS

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Guyana taking serious steps to Rockstone gets new minibus promote energy conservation R

T

he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is spearheading several energy audits on government buildings to determine their levels of electricity consumption and tailor conservation practices that can be adopted.

Head of the GEA Dr Mahender Sharma said that audits have been conducted on over 30 buildings and made reference to the agency’s strategic plan that speaks specifically to such undertakings.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) will be undertaking a similar programme with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), targeting private businesses.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who spoke about this development at an energy forum organised by the GEA on Friday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, highlighted the fact that the latter intervention is still in its fledgling stages.

Only recently a threemember technical team of specialists from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Delhi, India came to Guyana to examine a best practices manual to promote energy management and conservation of rice mills, a technical study to improve sugar production energy efficiency, investments in Guyana Water Incorporated

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds assisting in the unveiling of the e-booklet cover during an energy forum

(GWI), and demand management and gasifier technology application for sawmills.

In the process they worked along with agencies such as the Guyana Rice Development Board, GEA and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and brainstormed collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental sectors, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The energy forum coincided with a series of activities organised by the GEA to observe energy week and promote public awareness on sustainable energy.

As part of the activity, an energy booklet (e-book) was launched and the winners of a schools’ nationwide essay writing competition on the topic, “The Role Sustainable Energy Plays

in the Progress of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy”, were announced.

Ruth Manbodh and Jennifer Alley of the Bishops' High copped the first and second prize respectively while Macalia Griffith of Brickdam Secondary came in third.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds highlighted the need for citizens to make use of renewable energy and wiser use of energy. He also highlighted the prevailing circumstances with the country’s electricity sector that warranted cheap and reliable energy.

The GEA has been focusing on the potential to develop several renewable energy initiatives. Among them are, solar and wind power, a bio-ethanol plant, bio gas and solar water heaters, to name a few.

esidents of Rockstone, Region 10, a small community located 18 miles from Linden, are the recipients of a new minibus valued $3 million which will ensure the community’s health services are improved and schoolchildren are transported to and from school.

The vehicle was handed over to Toshao Rudolph Simon on Friday by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, who visited the community along with liaison to her ministry, Yvonne Pearson, District Development Officer Tessa Ragbeer and other ministry officials.

“My association with this village goes back quite a long time… I have always stood at the side of the villagers, the council, and by doing so, I’ve stood by you on behalf of the government of Guyana,” Minister Sukhai told the residents during a simple handing over ceremony.

The Amerindian affairs minister said over the years, the Rockstone Village Council has been engaging government on projects the community would like to embark on. She assured the residents that once funding is available, those projects will be supported and pledged government’s continued support to further develop the community.

In addition to providing guidance, advice and support, Minister Sukhai said that the government has made interventions in Rockstone which have been successful.

In 2007, a presidential grant was allocated for the construction of a guest house; in 2008, support was provided for agriculture tools; in 2009, a fuel dump was construct-

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai hands over the vehicle to Rockstone’s Toshao Rudolph Simon in the presence of the ministry’s liaison officer, Yvonne Pearson and District Development Officer Tessa Ragbeer

ed; in 2010/2011, a boat and engine were provided; and in 2013, financial support was granted to support the community’s tourism drive. Those initiatives were complemented by infrastructural works that were done in the areas of health and education.

Role to play Minister Sukhai added that even as government continues to invest in the development of the hinterland communities and Guyana as a whole, the residents have a very important role to play to ensure those investments are preserved. “You are responsible for your development… you need to work in unity to ensure that these interventions are maintained,” she stressed.

Minister Sukhai urged the residents to ensure the bus is used for the benefit of the community, and advised that the council work out a schedule so that the vehicle can sustain itself.

Toshao Simon outlined some of the developments that have been occurring in Rockstone over the years and

expressed gratitude to the government for yet another investment into the community, one that will assist in the community’s tourism drive.

Rockstone is quite exceptional in that it has the very best fishing grounds; it also has a rich population of birds, and is a natural habitat for Giant Otters, Howler monkeys, Labbas, Iguanas, Bush Hogs and Black Caimans. It is host to the annual Fish Festival that attracts many to the community.

On Thursday, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four, also received a new Hilux pick-up valued $5 million, which will see the community moving ahead with its development.

Over the years, government has been assisting communities with the means of transportation so that their living standard would improve. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), boats and engines, minibuses and pickups are among the modes of transportation from which Amerindian communities have benefited.

Permanent secretaries urged to manage more effectively – at monitoring and evaluation workshop

Dr Ray Rist making a point to permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and heads of budget agencies during the monitoring and evaluation workshop

F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Friday called on to focus on more effective management permanent secretaries, their deputies and other heads of budget agencies of resources given their vital roles in the process of ensuring value for money in the delivery of their programmes.

He noted that every sector has an essential role to play in contributing to national development, regardless of their size or call on budget resources, said the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The minister issued the call at the Finance Ministry’s

Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop held at the Guyana International Conference Centre on Friday. The workshop focused on results-based management and the 10 steps of building and designing a results-based monitoring and evaluation (M & E) system.

“As senior administrators, you have an obligation to constantly examine ways in which your sectors can be managed more effectively and efficiently, and achieve the outcomes that we have set ourselves and to set ambitious targets and work to achieve those targets set,”

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh addressing participants during the monitoring and evaluation workshop

Minister Singh stated.

He, however, warned that achieving those ambitions cannot be done in an ad hoc manner, but by a systematic and structured approach to management.

Dr Singh emphasised that confronting the questions of where to allocate resources across competing objectives and determining the best way to allocate resources has led to the conclusion that the need for a robust system for evidence-based policy making was essential in ensuring optimal use of finite resources.

He highlighted that this must include strong systems

for capturing data which will in the end serve to provide a rigorous basis for decision making.

The finance minister observed that the workshop’s agenda was comprehensive, and focused on how to meet the targets set amid the constraints which surround the sectors, and how these achievements can be made using alternative methods given finite, but competing resources.

He explained that the recognition of this had led the administration to put in place the framework for achieving greater effectiveness in

government. This, he said, was done through the parliamentary procedure, with legislative changes in the Constitution.

Dr Singh noted that the call for greater effectiveness was from every sector, whether it was in greater competiveness in tourism, more effective policing, or improved student performance in the education sector, to name a few. He said the call is for results-based management, a call to monitor and measure performance.

Minister Singh stressed that it was not sufficient to keep the wheels turning.

Instead, “we should be asking ourselves if we are doing things the way they should be done and it was important to take time to pause to consider how to do it more effectively”.

The workshop was conducted by Dr Ray Rist, a renowned world authority on developing monitoring and evaluation systems and cofounder of the International Programme for Development Evaluation Training.

(IPDET) Dr Rist focused on topics which covered the 10 steps

to building and designing an M & E system.

Those are: conducting a readiness assessment, agreeing on outcomes to monitor and evaluate, selecting key indicators to monitor outcomes, baseline data on indicators, planning for improvement, monitoring for results, the role of evaluations, reporting findings, using findings and sustaining the M & E system within the organisation.

This is part of an ongoing series of capacity building initiatives on monitoring and evaluation across government which is being led by the Finance Ministry.

IPDET is an executive training programme that aims to provide managers and practitioners with the generic tools required to evaluate development policies, programmes, and projects at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

The programme features in-depth workshops, taught by renowned international faculty members drawn from southern and northern organisations.

10 news

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Geddes Grant introducing products to halt pest infestation Sweating it out

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Farmers at the field day held at the Neal and Massy plant at Land of Plenty, Essequibo Coast on Saturday

Some of the products to be introduced in Guyana

eddes Grant is partnering with Parijat Industries Limited, an Indian-based pesticide company, to introduce a new line of products to help rice farmers ward off pest infestation.

Speaking at an agriculture exhibition and field day demonstration at the Neal and Massy plant at Land of Plenty, Essequibo Coast on Saturday, Geddes Grant Chief Executive Officer Roy Persaud said the new products will soon be on the market, but farmers need to support the initiative.

Some of the products to be introduced include Locslay 5 Ec\ Karatex, Karate, Lujat Se\ Match, Medal 25 WG and Cruiser. The brands are Patan 80DF- Diaron, Sultan

from machinery to fertilisers.

Persaud said Geddes Grant wants to reach out to farmers, and is proud to provide all services available in Georgetown to Essequibo.

“Where ever we go and make business, we set up business and is here to stay, we are here to partner and making sure that there is not additional pricing as compare in Georgetown, extra cost for products to come Essequibo remains the same,” the CEO noted.

Parijat Director, Dr Amita Sachan, who was present at the field day, explained to farmers the importance of the chemicals.

Dr Sachan, who hails from India, said the chemicals have generated an increase in rice yield, and are being ex-

G

20sl, Vital 70ws and Aim 10 EC. The products should be available in Essequibo in about three weeks, and according to Persaud, several farmers will be selected to use the products before it is introduced to all farmers.

He said the products were tested and have proven to be excellent remedies for pest infestation. The CEO said agriculture today has become a challenging business, and as such, farmers need to be technologically advanced to stay in business.

He explained that Geddes Grant’s Agriculture Division recognising this need, has restructured its operations to help farmers reduce production costs and earn more, by providing a range of products,

ported to 70 countries.

The plant pathologist said the agriculture climatic conditions in India are similar to Guyana, and as such; the crops are affected with similar pests as in India.

The drugs to be introduced in Guyana have proven effective in these circumstances and have also been tested on animals.

Parijat has been in operations for 25 years and specialises in the manufacturing of agro-chemicals. During the meeting, farmers were told that Geddes Grant’s staff is available to deliver spare parts at their door steps.

Farmers were also sensitised on fertiliser applications and were given a Power Point presentation on machinery and spare parts.

The field day was attended by Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud and Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo.

atiricus had missed Lilawatee, his wife’s niece. Well, he’d missed the diaries she would filch from the opposition’s drawers (!) for him to peruse. She was the maid that came with the big bucks now funding the “Office of the Opposition”.

Satiricus, like the old newspaper hound he was, liked to know what made these fellas tick. Lilawatee had been on vacation – she got the same three months vacation with salary as the opposition members. She was a contract worker.

But she was back and here it was Satiricus had the diary of Duvid GrainJa in his sweaty palms. He looked at the last page: Dear Diary, I don’t know what the heck I let Short Man GreenRidge push me into. Imagine the man mek we tek on the whole business class and cuss them out to boot. About the money laundering bill.

Well he didn’t really push me...but how could I let such a swingey, prune-faced old man look more radical than me? I am the leader...and everybody got to “follow de leader” – not the leader following them.

Dear Diary, all them businessmen carrying on about how I should be thinking about the country. And how it gon get squeeze. Well excuse me...I been getting squeeze inside the party – right in the nuts! Nobody talking about that. They say I soft. How could I take that? In the army they used to call me “Dagger”. Tell me, is “dagger” soft, Dear Diary?

But now that I show them I ain’t soft, I waiting for the businessmen to soften me up. I hope that Ramo don’t call election now. For the PNCEE it going to be like jumping out of the plane without your parachute.

That happened to me once when I was training in the jungle. I landed on my head and that is why I have this blank look on my face all the time and don’t smile much. I don’t even mek joke with you, Dear Diary.

Even though we does talk about support from “the people”, when it come to paying for the campaign, you know is only the businessmen does pick up the tab. The “people” does just shake you hand. But right now the only “picking up” the businessmen will be doing is picking up a piece of wood to hit we over we head.

And I can’t tek more hits on me head, Dear Diary. Bye for now.

Tourism Ministry conducting restaurant survey

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he Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority in celebrating Tourism Awareness Month, will be observing Restaurant Week and is conducting a restaurant survey on the public perception of quality, services and cleanliness of restaurants in Georgetown.

The ministry in urging persons to fill

out the survey when visiting city restaurants.

“Your feedback will assist us in raising the quality and service provided by these establishments. Survey can be found on the link below: http://freeonlinesurveys.com/s. asp?sid=ypg5htic615pmfv371285,” the ministry said in a release.

news

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Industry woman busted Stitching the with cocaine at CJIA Simply the truth

moral fabric A

By Professor Daizal Samad

I

n the last column, we named several problems afflicting Guyana that have been identified by Guyanese inside and outside the country.

The problems include poor policing, poor teaching and poor learning, corruption in all places, drinking, crime, poor roads, no job creation for youths, etc.

I ventured that these are all symptoms of one problem: that the moral fabric of this nation has been torn to shreds. Even if we are all right, all we have are endless complaints. No solutions. We need to ask this simple question: How can we stitch back the moral fabric of this nation, thread by thread? How do we get better teachers and better learners, better business environments, better leaders who set better examples, better policemen and women?

The needle that will stitch back the moral fabric of this nation is EDUCATION! But that is almost too easy. Everyone says this, but what does this mean? In the first place, no one has defined in intelligent ways what it means to be educated.

I offer this definition: To be educated means having the ability to measure one’s own ignorance. The two key words are “ignorance” and “measure”. Those of us who are humble enough to know would know that we do not know much. But to measure one’s ignorance is another thing.

Certainly being educated has nothing at all to do with the number of subjects we have at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. It has nothing to do with the number of degrees we have acquired.

I have a doctorate. I can hardly remember when I got that degree. But I am a full professor internationally. Does any of this make me educated?

I do not think so. And yet, I cannot count the number of people in Guyana who have demonstrated arrogance at having a simple first degree or master's

Professor Daizal Samad

degree. And some of the biggest fools I have known on five continents have doctorates. The most educated are the most humble, those who are still willing to learn.

We have offered a definition of education, and that is a good place to start. But we need more. The first way to reassemble the moral fabric may be to envision education as a whole thing. We need to stop compartmentalising education into distinct categories.

We separate education into levels and professions. There is kindergarten, primary, secondary and tertiary; private and public. Then we have the Cyril Potter College of Education and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education. Then we have police training, nursing, and sports coaching. And then we have farmers and fishermen and cane harvesters in some kind of different stream.

If we see it all as one enterprise, we shall get somewhere.

We tend to teach our children simply to pass exams. They take this attitude into university, and they care only for grades. It was this way since I was a child. But while the A is got, the whole person gets an F. Our teachers and lecturers merely teach what they were taught. The same old books taught in the same old way.

So it is the same old thing over and over. It is just the names and faces that change. And the whole nation is paralysed while the world zooms forward with the speed of light. Poor teach-

ing crushes thought, condemns critical thinking, and murders innovativeness.

We have no way to measure excellence in teaching, except examination results of students and primitive student evaluation forms at the University of Guyana (UG), so we cannot determine any degree of excellence or poor teaching performance.

As long ago as 2008, I submitted a system that would measure effective teaching and learning. I developed this in my capacity of senior adviser in higher education in the Sultanate of Oman. I adjusted it for the Guyana context.

To date, no action from those bright fellows at UG. If you have no mechanism to measure teaching and learning effectiveness, you cannot reward nor correct poor or mediocre teaching and learning. Excellence needs to be rewarded, and ineptitude corrected. We do not reward excellent teachers, but we are quick to say that they are the keepers of the future: our youths.

Same for our police! We pay them a pittance, but we expect them to stand between us and criminals. We need to see the police as fathers and mothers and sons and daughters. As people with families that need as much protection as we and our own families do.

Let us not train them in skill at arms and vehicular training and drills alone. But teach them in such ways that would bring the best out in them. And reward the good ones so that others may see good examples being rewarded and follow those examples. And we need to open up educational opportunities for those who want to be better than what they are.

I have designed and submitted a full degree programme on senior police management with the help of senior police officers. I submitted this; nothing happened. Law enforcement officers have lost while time is wasted. When they lose, we are less safe.

Guyanese woman was busted on Saturday morning with cocaine in a false wall of her suitcase at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.

Shellon Kandhai, 32, of Industry, East Coast Demerara, was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airlines flight 524 destined for New York.

The bust was made sometime around 05:30h during routine checks. The woman was taken into custody as she was about to board her flight.

Guyana Times understands that the woman’s suitcase was being scanned when Customs Anti-

Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks observed a strange object in it and became suspicious. The woman was detained and upon checks, the ranks found a parcel hidden in a false wall of the luggage.

Further checks revealed a quantity of transparent packages which contained a white powdery substance. The drug was extracted and tested positive as cocaine. When weighed, it amounted to 2.7 kilogrammes.

Kandhai was subsequently arrested and handed over to CANU ranks for questioning. This newspaper understands that the woman has denied any knowledge of the drug.

The 32-year-old woman will be charged with trafficking in narcotics and is expected to be taken to court on Monday.

The bust came on the heels of another Guyanese who was busted in New York with a quantity of cocaine stashed away in pepper sauce.

Joseph Alpha Lewis was busted at the John F Kennedy Airport in Queens, New York on Tuesday. He was immediately charged with trafficking narcotics after he admitted to being the owner of the pepper sauce, in which some 6589.1 grammes of cocaine was found.

President attends Commonwealth...

from page 8

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa, who also spoke of the challenges facing Commonwealth countries said, “As a matter of priority, we, in the Commonwealth, should focus on development challenges, confronting the majority of our member nations.

I see a compelling need for those who guide the destiny of the Commonwealth to give serious thought to practical modalities, focusing on social and economic issues. This will greatly enhance the relevance and value of the Commonwealth,” he stated.

He urged that particu-

lar emphasis be placed on the well-being of women and children and pointed to the acute need for awareness of both the potential and the risks attendant on information technology.

“Although economic priorities take centre stage, let us not forget that people are the greatest wealth of our nations. Strengthening the quality of human capital will help countries to achieve sustained growth.

Greater people-to-people contact within the nations of the Commonwealth, as well as taking the objectives of the Commonwealth to the most remote sections of our

populations, is also important,” President Rajapaksa stated.

Guyana’s association with the Commonwealth dates back to 1966 when it became a member and the period 1975 to 1990 when esteemed Guyanese, Sir Shridath Ramphal served as secretary general.

There are 53 member countries of the Commonwealth that endeavour to cooperate, promote international understanding and world peace, all in the interest of their citizens, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

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Drama making a difference A

nd the drama keeps going as the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s National Drama Festival continues at the National Cultural Centre today, with two plays scheduled. The Crystallite Drama Group will first take the stage at 14:00h, with their play titled “Be M.A.D. (Making A Difference)”. The evening will be crowned by the Theatre Guild’s “Anybody See Brenda” commencing at 20:00h.

Name of group: Name of play: Playwright: Director: Stage manager:

Theatre Guild “Anybody See Brenda” Dr Paloma Mohamed TG workshop team Tashandra Inniss

Actor

Character

Clinton Duncan Aubrey Mark Luke-Edwards Herbie Leslyn Fraser Jill Synopsis

“Anybody See Brenda” is a situational comedy in two acts. It centres on the homophobic “Herbie” played by Mark Luke-Edwards who must impersonate a gay man in order to be able to rent a room in the home of the quirky and very gay “Aubrey”, played by Clinton Duncan. The situation is further complicated when “Jill”, played by Leslyn Lashley, the second boarder in Aubrey’s house, begins to have feelings for Herbie and goes all out to “turn him back into a straight man”. What ensues is a rollicking three way non-romantic tryst that leads Herbie back to his true self and love. “Anybody See Brenda” was written 15 years ago by prizewinning Guyanese playwright Dr Paloma Mohamed. It is being directed and presented as a Theatre Guild workshop production. Crew members are Tashandra Inniss – stage, props and costumes; Tivia Collins – production manager, Malcom Defreitas – set, Dr Paloma Mohamed – production design.

National Drama Festival 2013 highlights

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SUNday, november 17, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Guyana in cold as opposition flirts with money laundering bill

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he opposition in the National Assembly on November 7, by way of vote, rejected the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill.

They also rejected the petition presented to the House by the Private Sector Commission. Additionally, they rejected the calls from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, Rice Producers Association and the “man in the street”.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall is now left with the task of facing the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to explain why the bill has not been passed into law.

The CFATF meeting takes place from November 18 to 21 in Freeport, The Bahamas.

He observed that in May during the Nicaragua meeting, he had been granted six months to do so. “Not in my wildest imagination did I predict that the opposition would have behaved the way that they have done,” he said.

Report

Nandlall will have to report to a group of approximately 40 persons representing the interest of 26 countries. He noted that he has no sensible reason to put forward as to why the bill was rejected by the parliamentary opposition.

The attorney general said the reasons put forward by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would be reflected in the parliamentary proceedings and meetings which would be presented to CFATF. The

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

AFC’s call for a procurement commission does not link to the AMLCFT Bill, while the APNU’s call for the return of the bill to the select committee would see minutes reflecting that the bill had already been there.

National asylum?

“I may very well be asked ‘are you speaking of a National Assembly or are you speaking of a national asylum?” he noted wryly.

Nandlall expressed interest in the reaction of Guyanese when the consequences of the sanctions would have to be borne by all persons on the social and economic ladder.

“Guyana is now left at the mercy of the discretion of the CFATF,” the attorney general said bluntly.

He noted that the opposition has put Guyana’s future in that position, “it is out of my hands”.

Nandlall reminded that the draft report that has already been prepared declares Guyana non-compliant and countries have been invited to adopt coun-

ter measures to protect themselves from the risks of money laundering and financing terrorism emanating from Guyana.

The recommendations from CFATF are in two sections: legislative (the bill) and non-legislative (the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)), he pointed out, and added that while CFATF is already aware of this; the bill would allow the agencies to exercise their mandate.

Government is trying to put in place some of the recommendations contained in the bill, through mechanisms that will not require parliamentary intervention or will minimise it, “since the National Assembly has become a hazardous place.

CFATF will be informed that their recommendations have been rejected by the parliamentary opposition”, the attorney general stated. He added that CFATF had reviewed and approved the bill.

Bizarre

Nandlall said the situation with respect to the non-passage of the bill was bizarre and questioned whose interest the opposition was representing.

The AFC had signalled its willingness to support the re-tabling of the money laundering bill, but maintained that the operationalisation of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is a prerequisite.

The CFATF has already prepared a draft report, which will constitute the evaluation report of Guyana.

In the conclusion of that report, Guyana is scheduled to be declared a non-compliant jurisdiction and member states worldwide are invited to implement against Guyana such countermeasures that they deem necessary to protect themselves and their business entities within their respective jurisdictions from the money laundering and terrorism risks which Guyana will pose.

Govt delivers on promise to Region Seven communities

Riverview Toshao Melena Pollard is all smiles after collecting a new solar panel system for her village’s health centre from Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud (centre) and the ministry’s permanent secretary, Collin Croal

R

esidents of Batavia, Region Seven, will soon begin benefiting from improved delivery of health services after the community was presented with a new outboard engine valued $460,000 for

its health centre by Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud.

The engine was among several items handed over during a simple ceremony on Thursday, in the compound of the Regional

Democratic Council (RDC), Region Seven.

Batavia has already received a mist blower (fogging pump), along with control treatment to deal with the issue of acoushi ants that have been plaguing the community.

Also receiving items were the communities of Kartabo, Riverview and Agatash.

Kartabo received a brush cutter valued $90,000 to maintain the compounds of its educational and health buildings while Riverview got a complete solar panel system, which costs $255,000, for its health centre. Agatash received a mist blower.

The items are the ministry’s response to requests made during outreaches to the community, through letters to the ministry at the recent hosting of the National Toshaos Council Meeting.

Several pieces of selected writing were presented to the Region Seven Department of Education.

Aid effort gathers pace in the Philippines

U.S. Navy helicopters are now delivering relief supplies to many

Typhoon Haiyan was one of the most powerful typhoons ever to hit land, leaving thousands dead and hundreds of thousands homeless

U

.S. Navy helicopters are now delivering relief supplies to many

victims The international aid effort in parts of the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Haiyan is starting to have a major impact, with tens of thousands of victims of receiving supplies. Medical teams are operating in the worst-affected areas and U.S. helicopters flying aid to isolated settlements.

The United Nations (UN) says it and its partners hope to provide enough aid for six months. Haiyan, which hit eight days ago, has killed more than 3600 people and left about half a million homeless.

Both the Red Cross and the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said they would have mobile surgical units up and running in Tacloban by the end of the weekend. U.S. Navy helicopters have been dropping food, water and other supplies from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which arrived off the coast on Thursday. turn to page 19

news

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SUNDAY, november 17, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

1376 Komal Samaroo to assume graduate chairmanship of DDL from UG

O

ne thousand, three hundred and seventy-six students on Saturday graduated when the University of Guyana (UG) hosted it 47th convocation exercises at the Turkeyen Campus.

The graduates were drawn from the faculties of agriculture and forestry, health sciences, natural sciences and social sciences; the Schools of Education and Humanities; Earth and Environmental Sciences; and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education.

Fort Valley State University, Georgia, U.S.A. President, Dr Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, a graduate from the University of Guyana, delivered the feature address.

Quoting Isaac Newton, Griffith said “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” explaining that graduates must not fail to acknowledge the giants in their lives, who would have made significant contributions to their successes.

He stressed that no one accomplishment is selfbased, positing that the giants or contributors may be biological and or sociological members.

On this score, he encouraged the graduates who were well deck in their predominantly green or white and black attire to make a list of their 12 giants and display gratitude during the next 30 days.

“Graduands, you are to be congratulated; you have completed notable educational journeys, whether you’ll be getting certificates, diplomas and degrees; irrespective of whether they are first degrees or higher ones, regardless of whether they are research degrees or

professional degrees and no matter what field.

“Your accomplishments are much deserved... your dreams have come true.”

This year marks the golden jubilee for the University of Guyana, and Dr Griffith noted that while it is an opportune moment for Guyanese to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of “yesterdays”, they must ponder the prospects for “the tomorrow”.

“For the University of Guyana to have salutary ‘tomorrow’ that go beyond crisis management survival and that avoids its leaders being practitioners of the science of muddling through, I see the necessity for the following three maturation imperatives: an economic viability imperative, an academic credibility imperative and a disapora engagement imperative.”

Meanwhile, Eileen Selina Marray from the Faculty of Social Sciences copped the President’s Medal for the best graduating bachelor’s degree student.

Felina Sarah Maikoo, also of the Faculty of Social Sciences, walked away with the Chancellor’s Medal for being the second best graduating bachelor’s degree student.

Notably present at the convocation were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin and City Mayor Hamilton Green.

The procession was declared opened by ProChancellor, Professor Prem Misir in the presence of Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Registrar Vincent Alexander and deans of the various faculties.

turer and exporter of bulk rum, to building a global brand, El Dorado Rums.

Additionally, he has led the way in corporate expansion and aided in the development and acquisition of several subsidiaries in the areas of financial services, food processing, distribution and shipping.

Top awards

Dr Yesu Persaud

D

emerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman, Dr Yesu Persaud has retired after close to five decades of unwavering dedication to the company.

The revelation was made

by DDL Director Rudy Collins at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday. Dr Persaud, 85, has served DDL for more than 48 years. His retirement will take effect on December 31, paving the way for Komal Samaroo to assume the chairmanship of the company.

In delivering his final address as DDL chairman, the iconic businessman spoke about salvaging the company which was on the brink of collapse, transforming it into an internationally-recognised entity today.

In 1975, Dr Persaud took control of the company, which was then called Diamond Liquor Liquid (DLL). Reflecting on his appointment, the 85-year-old industrialist said he was challenged by then Agriculture Minister Gavin Kennard to take up the chairmanship of DLL, Sandbach Parker Group and the sugar estates at Diamond and Leonora.

“So I said to him, ‘sir you want me to take over all of this from tomorrow’, I said ‘sir, this is an impossibility’,” he said, reflecting on the conversation between himself and the then agriculture minister.

Nevertheless, he opted for the position, following a discussion with his wife.

His decision was a lifechanging one, as he transformed the industry.

Subsequent to his appointment, he held meetings with the various companies and appointed managers as he underscored the importance of collaborating at all levels of the workforce, creating a sense of inclusiveness.

Forty-eight years after occupying the post as chairman, Dr Persaud said, “I stand here very proud to be leaving companies that were almost bankrupt and seeing it to where it is, not only profitable, but the best in the world.”

Under the stewardship of Dr Persaud, DDL grew from being only a manufac-

In an effort to paint a vivid picture of DDL’s success, Dr Persaud pointed out that the company has been making strides on the international scenes, copping top awards in the renowned International Wine and Spirit Competition.

According to him, DDL has not only copped the Gold Medal Award in the International Wine and Spirit Competition, but has walked away with the trophy for the 8 year old El Dorado Rum. “Eight year is a unique product in its own right... In addition to that, DDL has also won the gold medal… for the 21 year old,

Komal Samaroo

15 year and the 12 year old. Never in the history of this competition, had one company taken almost all the awards. This indeed is something historic; it’s not for DDL but the whole of Guyana.”

Collins said DDL’s board of directors on Friday formally accepted Dr Persaud’s retirement letter.

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News

SUNday, november 17, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

18 nurses complete training in neonatal, fetal care

Keep your surroundings clean – GTA director urges

A cleanup exercise at South Road, Georgetown on Saturday

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Instructor, Nurse Vernie Ally (left) with GPHC and Guyana Burns and Health Care Charitable Foundation officials and the graduating nurses

E

ighteen nurses from hospitals across the country are now certified in neonatal and fetal care after successfully completing training in these areas.

The training was done in two programmes: neonatal resuscitation and fetal health surveillance in labour; both are accredited by Canada. The sessions were provided by the Guyana Burns and Health Care Charitable Foundation, which is managed by a Guyanese-born Canadian couple.

The training lasted for a few months, during which the nurses were given materials to read in preparation for the online examinations, which was done last week.

At the graduation ceremony held at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Multipurpose Hall, facilitator of the training, Canadian nurse, Vernie Ally said it was an honour to share her knowledge with the nurses who proved their worth by performing exceptionally at the examinations.

She noted that despite

the various personalities, the nurses managed to work as a cohesive team.

“We need to keep the two programmes going to enhance the knowledge and skills of the nurses… it is always an ongoing process, it’s not just a one-time thing to do,” she stated.

Empowering nurses Ally encouraged the nurses to take a step upward and become instructors. “We also have to work towards empowering the nurses to become instructors of the programme because I can’t be the only one doing it… so I would like to hear from people who would like to start doing it with me,” she said.

The Canadian nurse urged the locals to keep upgrading their skills in order to keep up with the advancements in the profession.

Meanwhile, coordinator of the training, Guyana Burns and Health Care Charitable Foundation Vice President Pamela Harakh said her foundation is proud to provide the training and to know that the nurses are capitalising on the opportunity.

“This is the third time we are doing the neonatal resuscitation programme and it is the third time we have had a 100 per cent off all the nurses passing,” she said.

Harakh pledged her foundation’s continuous involvement in the training programmes.

The foundation’s vice president stated that they come to Guyana approximately three to four times every year to do what they promise to do.

GPHC’s Senior Departmental Supervisor June Cato expressed her happiness at the continuous success of the nurses.

She acknowledged that the nurses had to apply what they learnt during the examinations.

Cato charged the nurses to practise all that they have learnt. “… put into practise, the things you have been taught and share with your colleagues… we can’t have everyone attend the training”.

The newly-certified nurses are from the Linden, Suddie, New Amsterdam, Skeldon and Georgetown hospitals.

uyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh is calling on residents, particularly those in Georgetown, to keep their surroundings clean.

He made the appeal on Saturday when the Tourism Ministry hosted an environmental project as part of the 19th Tourism Awareness Month.

The South Road Enhancement Project is one of 20 initiatives planned by the ministry, focusing on beautifying some of the physical infrastructure and surroundings

within the city.

On South Road, weeding and cleaning was done along the canal there.

Haralsingh stated that the project was set to be completed within three days and trees will be planted to enhance the environment.

He added that equipment to aid the execution of the project was supplied by the Mayor and City Council, which also provided some workmen.

Over 70 volunteers from the Progressive Youth Organisation and President’s College were seen picking up trash, and weeding on both sides of the

South Road parapet.

The project is part of a wider initiative to beautify South Road. The Tourism Ministry is partnering with Harris Paint, Demerara Bank and Banks DIH to repair and repaint all the bridges along South Road.

Several homeless persons and junkies were paid to do the job.

Haralsingh said the plans for next year are coming along smoothly, and remains hopeful that 2014 will be a better year for the tourism industry. He noted that greater focus will be placed on familiarisation tours and tourism marketing to enhance community-based tourism.

The tourism and education ministries also are working to establish the first hospitality institute in Guyana. Haralsingh said one of the ministry’s goals for next year is to make Guyana an events capital of the Caribbean.

Tourism Awareness Month 2014 is being observed under the theme “Communication and Information Sharing for Tourism Development”.

IDB launches call for proposals for cultural projects

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he Cultural Centre of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a call for proposals addressed to arts and cultural institutions of the civil society to fund cultural development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean through its Cultural Development Grant programme.

Artistic and cultural institutions from the bank’s 26 borrowing member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean may send their applications for funding through the new online platform before February 28, 2014. This platform will help speed up the pro-

cess providing a form with a clear design, easy to use and with a higher level of confidence and security for all users. For information and contest guidelines, visit the Cultural Development Programme IDB-2014.

The projects are evaluated for their viability, educational scope, effective use of resources, ability to mobilise additional financial resources, and the long-term impact on the community.

The IDB may approve between US$3000 and US$7000 per project. The organisations are responsible for providing additional resources to support the project on an ongoing basis.

Through the Cultural Development Programme, the IDB has partnered with over 600 institutions promoting the preservation and recovery of traditions and cultural heritage conservation to contribute to community development through economic and social activities in a sustainable manner.

The IDB Cultural Centre, of the Cultural, Solidarity and Creativity Affairs Division of the Office of External Relations officially launched the call for proposals for the entire region during the 13th IDBCivil Society meeting, taking place in Cali, Colombia on November 14–15

Cows continue to be major road nuisance

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he Home Affairs Ministry has reported that the stray catching units across the country have impounded some 482 animals in September, 148 more than the previous month.

According to a release, of the 482 animals found wandering on the roadways, 192 were cows, 105 were goats, 95 were horses and 90 were sheep.

“The Georgetown Unit which operated on the East Bank Demerara, the East Coast Demarara and the West Coast Demerara accounted for one hundred and seventy-seven (177) animals, comprising forty-one (41) cows, seventyfive (75) goats and sixtyone (61) sheep, whilst the Berbice Unit which operates on West Coast Berbice and Corentyne areas, accounted

Cows continue to be a major road nuisance, the Home Affairs Ministry says

for one hundred and ninety-two (192) cows, one hundred and five (105) goats and ninety (90) sheep,” the release said.

The Home Affairs

Ministry is advising cattle owners to ensure that their animals are branded and the brand is clearly visible so as to facilitate the process of redemption.

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news

sundAy, november 17, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

King’s Duck Curry Competition is today!

Former GDF rank gunned down execution-style outside night club

Dead: Denzil Mingo

A

young ex-army officer was gunned down executionstyle early Saturday morning while in his car outside of a city night club on Main Street. The shooting occurred sometime around 04:00h.

The dead man has been identified as Denzil Mingo, 21, a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Second Lieutenant of Lot 393 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that Mingo was in a night club on Main Street with some friends when he left to go outside with two of them. As the men stepped out of the night club, they headed to the car and as soon as they got in, shots began firing.

Grief-stricken Upon hearing of his death, the sister and mother of Mingo wept uncontrollable. When this newspaper and reporters from other media houses visited the home of the young man, relatives were too grief-stricken to talk about the incident.

According to a police release, Denzil Mingo was hit several times about the body and was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC (Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation), while Joseph Barker was struck about the body and has been admitted to hospital.

Their motor vehicle which was damaged by the gunfire has been detained by the police. Investigations are ongoing.

One eyewitness said there were about three men standing near the white Toyota Allion motor car and one, armed with an assault rifle, began firing, shattering the windows while pumping bullets into

Mingo’s body.

The men then crossed over to the western side of Main Street where they entered a car and drove north, turning into Middle Street.

By this time, the police arrived on scene and were shown the direction the shooters went. However, they did not give chase.

As the day began to break, more investigators flocked the scene. Mingo’s bulletriddled body was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. It is believed that the young man sustained some 20 gunshot wounds about his body.

Multiple wounds During the incident, two of his friends were also in the car. Joseph Barker of Fifth Street, Alberttown was shot multiple times about his body and was taken to the Woodlands Hospital where he underwent surgery on Saturday morning.

He is still said to be in a critical condition, while another friend, Earlson Murray, 23, of Norton Street, Wortmanville, managed to get out of the car when the guns began firing.

He did not sustain any serious injuries but suffered a bullet graze on the neck.

There are a lot of speculations surrounding Mingo’s death. Reports received indicate that Mingo was allegedly involved in an argument with a man in the night club and the man left the club shortly after. It is believed the man was the one who ordered the hit on Mingo.

Others claim that the execution might be drugrelated and linked to the death of a Jamaican man, Patrick Forbes, who was shot on Orange Walk, Bourda on Tuesday night and succumbed to his injuries two days later.

According to eyewitnesses, when the guns went off, there was chaos inside and outside of the night club.

Those who were outside of the club rushed into the club to seek cover as those inside rushed to the back of the night club.

Mingo was charged on separate occasions in 2010 and 2011 for assault. Some who knew him desribed him as "hot headed" and "short tempered".

Some of the artistes set to perform today at the 13th King’s Duck Curry Competition

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ll roads lead to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara today for the 13th King’s Jewellery World Duck Curry Competition.

Organisers have promised a memorable and entertaining show, with lots of prizes and giveaways, not only for the participants, but for patrons as well.

The members of the Guyatones Band out of Trinidad arrived on Saturday morning, along with 250

Trinidadians who have come to support the five TT groups participating in the duck curry competition.

Also participating are two groups from Suriname, which will be joined by 100 Surinamese here to lend their support.

14 local teams comprising of past first and second place winners will be competing against the seven regional teams. There will be $1.5 million up for grabs, with the first-place winner taking away $1 million. Local chut-

ney queen, Fiona Singh will grace the occasion. In addition, patrons will get to see performances from a new upcoming local band, along with a few surprises.

The competition starts at 14:00h and judging will commence at 16:00h. Admission is free.

Owner of King’s Jewellery World, Looknauth Persaud, is encouraging Guyanese to come out and support their local teams. “Over the past five years, we won four competitions in Trinidad; in particular, this year we won both competitions so they are coming here with the expectations of taking the trophy back and we don’t want them to do that. We encourage supporters to come out and wear your yellow and let us drown the red, white and black,” Persaud stated.

Meanwhile, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh said the King’s Duck Curry competitions have gained important recognition over the years, not-

ing that it was named the Duck Curry Olympics by a German journalist, who had the opportunity to witness it.

He noted that competitions of the sort go a far way in improving Guyana’s culinary image.

“Competitions like these are similar to the food festivals other countries have, so food tourism is something the CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organisation) is working on.

We are trying to promote the Caribbean as a food destination,” Haralsingh noted The GTA director explained that with the participation of Trinidad and Suriname, the competition is promoting domestic and regional tourism.

This, he said is a good way to bring out the competitive spirit in Guyanese to do their best.

Haralsingh pointed out that events such as these are important on the tourism calendar and lauded King’s Jewellery World for the excellent work they have been doing for the past 13 years.

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guyanatimesgy.com

sunday, november 17, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

By Bernice Bede Osol

archie

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Make plans with the older or younger people in your life. Activities that include the whole family will improve relationships and bring you all closer together.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) Keep a smile on your face and a positive attitude. Don’t worry about what others do or say. A decision and a new beginning will help you get back on track.

PISCES (Feb.20March 20)

dilbert

Find a way to make changes to the way you handle your cash, deal with your creditors or handle the debt owed to you. A joint venture will turn into a profit.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Spice things up and change them around.

Update your look or make a vow to achieve your dreams. Set your mind on your destination and don’t look back.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Travel to a place that promises to be entertaining. Enjoying time with friends and relatives or meeting new people will brighten your day and help you make an important personal decision.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Take control of your life and change whatever is necessary to build confidence and obtain greater security. Don’t wait for someone else to make choices for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Put your mind at rest and your heart on the line.

Discuss your likes, dislikes and plans for the future. Concentrate on personal gains and forming a close bond with someone special.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) Keep an open mind when offered suggestions.

Taking an overall view of a situation and using a variety of ideas will bring you closer to a workable solution.

Calvin and Hobbes TAURUS (April 20May 20) Put your attention on what matters the most to you. A relationship will get a pick-me-up if you are affectionate and attentive.

What you put out, you will get in return.

Peanuts

GEMINI (May 21June 20) Don’t rely on someone else to take care of your chores.

Disappointment will surface and complaints will be made if you shirk your duties. Once the work is done, you’ll be free to do as you please.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Make it your business to coordinate events and set plans. Please the people you love most by showing how much you care.

You can improve your love life by expressing your feelings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Get your priorities straight and keep your promises. Do whatever it takes to avoid an encounter with someone in an authoritative position.

A domestic change looks promising.

YELLOW PAGES sunday, november 17, 2013

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

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

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

Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

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

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

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

HILUX SURF 4 DOORS, minor parts needed, sold as is $750,000 TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000 Nissan Maxima, fully powered needs repairs sold as is $300,000 cash 227-3939, 621-4000 Stretch limousine, Lincoln Town car, fully powered $6.5 million or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000 Mitsubishi 3000 GT sports car, fully powered, $1.7 cash or credit available TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000 Toyota Hilux extra cab, pick up $3.m. Phone: 264-2682.

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg.

Phone: 691-9984 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA ALLION; TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO; TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS 2-TON TRUCK. 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. 6240762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST. One 450 Honda ATV. Phone: 6263817 Toyota Hilux 172 diesel extra-cab pick-up, 4x4 manual (5-speed transmission) a/c, p/s p/w p/l, winch, off road front bumper, KC lights, side baranka bars, bush-ready, Old Man Emu, rear leaf springs, lifted Old Man Emu shocks, snorkel, bed liner.

Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

One experienced production manager to work in Furniture Factory and one AutoCAD/draft person.

Contact 657-1414

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

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

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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

LEROY TRIDENT car 250 CC, 4 doors, power window, $495,000 cash or credit TEL 227-3939, 621-4000

BODYWORK MAN TO SPARY MOTORCYCLE, HANDYMAN TO WORK IN STORE, MAID GO AND COME CLEANING ONLY (UNDER 30 YRS) APPLY GUYANA VARIETY STORE Tel 227-3939

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

services

Trike Can-Am style motorcycle, 200cc new, unregistered $450,000 neg or credit TEL 227-3939, 6214000

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

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

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

19 Man impregnates 13-year-old daughter

P

olice are investigating reports of a man from Corentyne, Berbice, impregnated his 13-year-old daughter after sexually molesting her for more than two years.

The child has been complaining to her mother about the abuse since it began, but was reportedly told to keep it a secret.

Guyana Times understands that the child collapsed in school on Friday after complaining of feeling unwell. Her younger brother who noticed what happened, broke his silence informing teachers at the secondary school of his sister’s state.

Checks by teachers and a medical doctor confirmed their fears, as the child was said to be three months pregnant.

Investigations are contnuing.

Aid effort...

from page 14

The carrier is also expanding search-and-rescue operations. The U.S. military said it would send about 1000 more troops along with additional ships and aircraft to join the aid effort.

Britain will give an extra £30 million (US$50 million) in emergency aid, bringing UK assistance to £50 million, Prime Minister David Cameron announced. The UK Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said donations from the public had reached £33 million.

Although a huge international aid effort is under way, widespread infrastructure damage is hampering efforts to distribute it to some areas.

Desperate survivors are still trying to leave the coastal city of Ormoc, 105 km (65 miles) west of Tacloban, Reuters news agency reports.

Typhoon Haiyan was one of the most powerful typhoons ever to hit land, leaving thousands dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.

The city of Tacloban has been virtually flattened U.S. soldiers are now flying in supplies to the Tacloban area. Hundreds of thousands of people have been made homeless by the storm Philippine Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman acknowledged in a radio interview that the national relief response had been too slow to reach many areas.

“We will double our efforts to distribute relief goods because we’ve been hearing complaints that a lot of people have yet to receive relief goods,” she said.

About 11 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, according to UN estimates. It was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded on land, with winds exceeding 320km/h (200 mph) unleashing massive waves. Tacloban’s airport was left in ruins.

Health experts have warned that the worst-affected areas are entering a peak danger period for the spread of infectious diseases.

The Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that as of 10:00 GMT on Saturday, 3637 people had been reported dead, 12,501 injured and 1186 missing. The death toll is expected to rise as further assessments are made. (Excerpt from BBC news)

20

november 17, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Bolt named World Athlete Tendulkar era ends of the Year for fifth time India v West Indies, 2nd Test, Mumbai, 3rd day…

with 2-0 sweep T

he curtain came down on Sachin Tendulkar’s storied Test career with one of India’s most comprehensive victories, as a hapless West Indies crumbled on the third morning in Mumbai. Tendulkar walked off the field with a tear in his eye and to a fluid guard of honour from his teammates, soaking in the cheers of the Wankhede crowd one last time.

Pragyan Ojha took his second five-for of the match, and Ashwin finished with seven in the match, but the only spin bowling Indian fans wanted to see was the all-sorts of Tendulkar. Ten minutes before the scheduled close of the first session, by when West Indies had lost eight wickets in another inept batting performance, Tendulkar was brought into the attack. Though the crowd was desperate for a wicket, Tendulkar’s final two overs produced no breakthrough.

MS Dhoni brought back his main bowlers and within a handful of overs, the Test was brought to an end with Mohammed Shami flattening the middle stump of the West Indies No. 11 Shannon Gabriel.

West Indies’ batsmen hadn’t shown much aptitude for a fight earlier in the day either, as the spinners enjoyed the bounce and turn on offer. In the sixth over of the morning, Marlon Samuels

charged out to Ojha, was nowhere near the pitch of the ball, and was yards out of the crease when Dhoni took the bails off. Soon after, another player who has had a rough series, Chris Gayle, was caught-behind for 35 off Ojha and West Indies were five down. With those two big wickets, the question was whether West Indies would last the session.

The man brought in to strengthen the batting in this Test, Narsingh Deonarine, fell for a duck, bringing in another player whose critics will only get louder after this game.

Darren Sammy had played an atrocious shot in the first innings to bag a duck and he nearly fell first ball this time, a leading edge just landing short of mid-off. The relief for Sammy didn’t last long, though, as after an over in which he was tormented by Ojha, he missed an arm ball to be trapped lbw.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the only West Indies batsman to have shown the wherewithal to grit it out consistently this series, resisted with 41, and Denesh Ramdin went on to a halfcentury but given the mammoth lead India had, it was only a matter of time.

Chanderpaul was the man to depart, with Ashwin getting him lbw and running off in celebration.

West Indies may have

come into the series on the back of six victories, but the pitiful challenge they put up shows that they have regressed in the last two years. In those two years, the Indian team has undergone a major overhaul, and while the verdict on their performance will have to wait till they are tested overseas, they have done enough to send off Tendulkar with a record six Test wins. (Cricinfo)

SCORE BOARD West Indies 1st innings 182 India 1st innings 495 West Indies 2nd innings Gayle c Dhoni b Ojha 35 K Powell c Ahmed b Ashwin 9 Best lbw b Ojha 9 Darren Bravo c Vijay b Ashwin 11 Samuels st Dhoni b Ojha 11 Chanderpaul lbw b Ashwin 41 Deonarine c and b Ojha 0 Ramdin not out 53 Sammy lbw b Ojha 1 Shillingford lbw b Ashwin 8 Gabriel b Ahmed 0 Extras (4-b, 5-lb) 9 Total (all out; 47 overs) 187 Bowling: B Kumar 3-0-40, Ahmed 7-0-28-1, Ashwin 17-4-89-4, Ojha 18-6-495, Tendulkar 2-0-8-0 Fall of wickets: 15 (K Powell), 28 (Best), 43 (Darren Bravo), 74 (Samuels), 87 (Gayle), 89 (Deonarine), 157 (Chanderpaul), 162 (Sammy), 185 (Shillingford), 187 (Gabriel)

Usain Bolt with the award

U

sain Bolt has been named male World Athlete of the Year for a fifth time.

The 27-year-old Jamaican, who also won last year, clinched 100m, 200m and 100m relay gold in the World Championships in Moscow in August.

Fellow Jamaican ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce took the women’s award after winning the same three golds as Bolt in Russia.

Earlier this week, the 27-year-old said she will refuse to run in major events unless Jamaica’s athletics authorities “stand by” their athletes.

Bolt, who beat Britain’s double world champion from Moscow Mo Farah to the award, became the

most successful athlete in the history of the World Championships this year with his eighth gold and 10th medal in total.

At the awards ceremony in Monaco, he said his 2014 target was to beat his 200m world record of 19.19 seconds.

“That has always been my dream; that has always been my aim,” he said.

“This season will be the season when I will be going for world records because there are no major [outdoor] championships.

“The 200m is much easier than the 100m to try for a record and that would be my main focus this season.”

Bolt has previously said he could retire after the 2016 Olympics - but he add-

ed he might yet compete at the World Championships in London the following year.

“I was having some talk about this with my coach, and he was saying people had said I should go for another year,” he said.

Fraser-Pryce has now won seven medals at World Championships to add to her four Olympic medals.

Men’s finalists: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, sprinter), Bohdan Bondarenko (Ukraine, high jumper), Mo Farah (GB, distance runner).

Women’s finalists: Valerie Adams (New Zealand, shot put), ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica, sprinter), Zuzana Hejnova (Czech Republic, 400m hurdles). (BBC Sport)

november 17, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

21

GPF athletes outstanding as Police land ISAC title

By Treiston Joseph

Quincy Clarke dips ahead of Trevor Benn to win the men’s NCO 100 metres final at the ISAC on Friday

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) emerged victorious with 639 points on the final day of the 2013 edition of the Inter Services Athletics Championships (ISAC) at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, on Friday.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), despite their best efforts, finished second with 543 points, while the Guyana Fire Service was third with 103 points. The Guyana Prison Service finished fourth with 75 points, while City Constabulary managed a mere 41 points.

Alita Moore was the pick of the athletes with her farewell performance, breaking two records in the process.

Moore, who will be off to the ASA college on a twoyear scholarship, won a

sprint triple in the women’s 100 metres (11.8s new record), the women’s 200 metres (24.6s new record) and the women’s 400 metres (59.2s).

Compatriot and Olympian Winston George also stood out, winning a sprint triple as well, in the men’s 100 metres (10.0s new record), the men’s 200 metres (20.5s new record) and the men’s 400 metres (49.1s).

Meanwhile, GDF’s Cleveland Forde broke the men’s 1500 metres record with a time of 4:07.5s, defeating Tyshon Bentick, who got second in 4:09s, and Nathaniel Giddings, who finished third in 4:11s.

Leslain Baird, also out of GDF, was phenomenal in the men’s high jump, win-

Leslain Baird clears the high jump bar easily on his way to the win

ning the event with a 1.95 metres leap to top Jabari Joseph for second with 1.85 metres and Kevin Maynard 1.80 metres.

Quincy Clarke also made his return to the track after a year break, winning the men’s NCO 100 metres in 10.7s to defeat Trevor Benn, who finished in 11.2s.

Cleveland O’Brien was third in 11.5s However, it was the Police Force ending the day on a high note, sweeping all of the relays in both the male and female 4x100 and 4x400 metres events, while capturing the male champion athlete (Winston George) along with a four-way tie for the female champion athlete all from the GPF in Natasha Alder, Moore, Tracy Moses and Jonella Jonas.

Alita Moore ran away with the female 200 metres (Treiston Joseph photos)

22

november 17, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Jeffrey wins penultimate stage Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar – maintains lead in “Ride for Life 7”

G

uyanese Raynauth Jeffery won a thrilling penultimate stage of the seventh “Ride for Life” five-stage cycle road race, which took place on the Essequibo Coast on Saturday.

The 62-mile contest saw Jeffrey, who is riding as a member of the Miami-based Team Coco, winning in two hours, 29 minutes, 55 seconds (02: 29m: 55s).

The fourth stage of the race began at Supenaam and ended at Suddie, with Jeffrey winning ahead of Alanzo Greaves, Orville Hinds, Godfrey Pollydore, Darren Matthews and Paul DeNobrega in that order.

Jeffrey, since winning

the first stage on Thursday, has maintained the overall lead with a time of seven hours, 27 minutes, 45 seconds (07h: 27m: 42s), 47 seconds ahead of Greaves, who has a time of seven hours, 28 minutes, 29 seconds (07: 28m: 29s).

Matthews (07h: 28m: 49s), Pollydore (07h: 29m: 10s), Geron Williams (07h: 29m: 13s), Hinds (07h: 30m: 37s), DeNobrega (07h: 31m: 01s), Junior Niles (07h: 31m: 34s), Robin Persaud (07h:31m: 36s) and defending champion Jaime Ramirez (07h: 31m: 44s) round off the top ten positions.

Today’s final stage will pedal off from Cara Cara

in the bauxite mining town of Linden at 08:30 hours and finish on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.

The hilly terrain of the Linden Soesdyke Highway will make the difference in who finishes as the champion of this seventh annual spectacle.

Other stage winners this year were Team Coco’s Darren Matthews of Barbados (stage two) and Robin Persaud (stage three).

Team Coco’s Ramirez, who is the defending champion, holds the record for the event, having completed last year’s race in a time of nine hours, 46 minutes, 51 seconds (09h: 46m: 51s).

Sachin Tendulkar has become the youngest person to be conferred the Bharat Ratna

S

achin Tendulkar will become the first sportsperson to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement hours after Tendulkar brought down the curtains on a 24-year international career.

“Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly an outstanding cricketer - a living legend who has inspired millions across the globe,” a PMO release said. “During the last 24 years,

since the young age of 16 years, Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for our country. He has been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports.

His achievements in cricket are unparalleled, the records set by him unmatched, and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by him exemplary. That he has been honoured with several awards is testimony to his extraordinary brilliance as a sportsman.”

Speculation about Tendulkar getting the award has been around for years, and peaked in 2011 when the eligibility criteria for the award was broadened. Originally, the honour was for excellence in “art, literature, science and public services” but was amended to recognise “performance of highest order in any field of human endeavour”.

In 2008, Tendulkar became the first sportsperson, along with chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, to receive the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. Tendulkar received the Arjuna Award (a national award for distinguished sports persons) in 1994, and in 1998 he received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country’s highest sporting honour. The next year, he was the recipient of the Padma Shri (the fourth-highest civilian award).

Previous recipients of the Bharat Ratna include Nobel laureates Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. (Cricinfo)

Ivory Coast through to Brazil 2014

I

vory Coast qualified for their third World Cup in a row by drawing 1-1 with Senegal in Casablanca, Morocco.

The Ivorians emerged as 4-2 aggregate winners, but it took a Salomon Kalou goal deep into stoppage time to make sure of their place in Brazil.

A Moussa Sow penalty late in the game had put Senegal within one strike of taking the place themselves.

The 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists missed a

golden chance seconds before Kalou struck on the counterattack.

The equaliser was barely deserved but Ivorians will give that little thought as they begin to make plans for next summer’s tournament in Brazil.

In both 2006 and 2010, the Elephants were placed in tough groups so they will be hoping for kinder opposition when the draw for the finals is made on December 6.

They qualify unbeaten but that record was in se-

rious danger after a largely lifeless display by Sabri Lamouchi’s side. The match was played in Morocco after Senegal were barred from playing in Dakar following a riot at a Nations Cup qualifier against the Ivorians last year.

Denied home advantage, the 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists nevertheless forced much of the play, after coach Alain Giresse made five changes to the side that lost 3-1 in last month’s opening leg in Abidjan. (BBC Sport)

november 17, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Second Berbice table Former national player impressed with softball talents tennis championship “ on today T

By Avenash Ramzan

here is an abundance of softball talent in Guyana that is incomparable to the rest of the world.”

That is the contention of former national softball player, Mahendranauth Parasnauth, who, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, also spoke highly of the level of attention that is being given to the game of softball here in Guyana.

Parasnauth, popularly called “Bobby” was a devastating player during the 90s, whether he had the ball or bat in hand.

During his time, he would have rubbed shoulders with some local giants of softball, winning numerous trophies and accolades, both at the team and individual level.

Now harnessing his skills in Ontario, Canada,

Gibran Hussain

Godfrey Munroe

he second edition of the Berbice table tennis sub-association one-day open championship is slated to serve off at 09:00 hours today at the Port Mourant Training Centre, Corentyne, Berbice.

The competition is open to persons living and working in Berbice for the last three years and will be played in both the male and female categories, including the Under-11, 13, 15, 18 and novices categories.

The top three players in the respective categories are expected to join their open counterparts in contesting the Berbice Open, which will be played immediately after.

Throughout the past week racquet wielders in the Ancient County were busy fine tuning their skills at all available venues for the big day.

Over 75 entries have been received, including players such as Gibran Hussein, Floyd Conway, Richard Bacchus, Levi Nedd, Omraj Singh, Rono Joseph, Ryan Alexander, Michael Newland, Brentnol Richards, Sherwin Sahadeo, Briton Murray, Joshua Lalbachan, Jadon Conway, Julian Haniff, Nicolas Lawrence, Stephen Sankar and top female players Desiree Lancaster and Petal Bennett.

Incentives will be presented to the top three finishers in each division, while

prizes will also be awarded to the most outstanding player, most promising, and most improved player.

Transportation will be provided for players, and the bus is expected to leave the Shell Gas Station in New Amsterdam at 08:00 hours to take players to the venue.

Officials from the Guyana Table Tennis Association, including president Godfrey Munroe and General Secretary Linden Johnson are expected to be on hand to help oversee the proceedings and distribution of the prizes.

The tournament is being sponsored by overseas based Guyanese, Berbician Souvenir Ramdyal, with assistance from two other overseas based Guyanese, Patrick Narine and Lanny Anthony.

The sponsors are expected to be on hand to meet the players, declare the competition open and distribute the prizes at the end of the competition.

Interesting persons can still make contact with any of the following persons: Floyd Conway in New Amsterdam/ Canje on 623-8481; Gibran Hussein in Skeldon on 6284248; Richard Bacchus on 673-9112; Johnny Persaud on 333-2869; Stanley Lawrence on 686-6431; Levi Nedd on 641-9592 or Rono Joseph on 644-2249 for more information.

T

Vettel snatches US GP pole from Webber

R

ed Bull’s Sebastian Vettel snatched pole position from teammate Mark Webber with the last lap of qualifying at the United States Grand Prix.

Lotus’s Romain Grosjean took third ahead of Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso sealed his best grid position for four races with sixth ahead of McLaren’s Sergio Perez.

McLaren’s Jenson Button was 13th and will drop to 14th after a penalty for ignoring red flags in Friday practice.

Heikki Kovalainen was an impressive eighth for Lotus in his first of two races as a stand-in for Kimi

Raikkonen, who ended his season two races early to have back surgery.

Williams’s Valtteri Bottas was an excellent ninth, a career-best performance in the dry in his rookie season, with Sauber’s Esteban Gutierrez in 10th.

Mexican Gutierrez was later given a 10-place grid penalty for impeding Williams’s Pastor Maldonado during the first session.

Gutierrez will now start 20th and Maldonado 17th.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg was eliminated in the second knock-out session, in which he was 14th fastest.

He will move up a spot as a result of Button’s penalty.

(BBC Sport)

where he has been residing for close to a decade, Parasnauth said he is impressed with the level of talent here in Guyana, noting that little has changed from the 90s as the players still play the game in a competitive spirit.

“When I look at these guys [the current crop] play, you can see the competitiveness in them, much like the same way we did back in the days. Not much has changed, because just like our time, you’re constantly seeing 18 and 20-yearold players popping up from all over the place and playing the game real hard,” Parasnauth, who was part of the Ontario Masters team at last week’s Guyana Softball Cup III, reasoned.

He added that while softball cricket is rapidly gaining popularity in North America, what exists in Guyana is incomparable to the rest of the world, since the game had its roots here.

Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parasnauth

“North America is different in the sense that here [Guyana] has more talent and it is here where the game has constantly evolved over the years. The standard

here is much higher than what is in North America,” he said.

Meanwhile, Parasnauth also endorsed the Guyana Softball Cup III, which concluded last Sunday at the GCC ground, Bourda, with Trophy Stall and New York Better Hope winning the Open and Masters segment respectively.

He said the tournament was well organised and fiercely competitive, taking time out to recognise the efforts of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) and the players of the 26 local and foreign teams for doing a splendid job during the November 8-10 tournament.

While in Canada, Parasnauth plays for the Sunrise Cricket Club. In 13 matches this season, he made 163 runs at a remarkable average of 54.33 and also picked up 22 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 3.96.

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

november 17, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com TOP SCORES

CRICKET: WEST INDIES 182 AND 187 LOSE BY AN INNINGS AND 126 RUNS TO INDIA 495; SRI LANKA 211-8 VERSUS NEW ZEALAND 126-6

India v West Indies, 2nd Test, Mumbai, 3rd day…

Tendulkar era ends with 2-0 sweep See story on page

20

Samuels, Shillingford reported for suspect actions W

est Indies’ Marlon Samuels and Shane Shillingford have been reported for suspect bowling actions by the ICC and are required to get their actions independently tested within the next 21 days. The bowlers are also required to submit the results of the tests within a further 14 days failing which both could be suspended from bowling in international cricket till remedial action has been taken.

The two can, however, continue bowling in international cricket during this period.

The bowlers’ actions were reported at the end of the second day’s play of the Mumbai Test by umpires Nigel Llong, Richard Kettleborough, Vineet Kulkarni and match referee Andy Pycroft, with particu-

Marlon Samuels

lar references to the quicker deliveries and the doosras.

Both bowlers have been suspended from bowling in international cricket because of illegal actions in the past. Samuels was first reported in 2008 after which he didn’t bowl for the next three years. Shillingford was also banned from bowl-

Shane Shillingford

ing in 2010 but returned to bowl in 2011 after undergoing remedial work. (Cricinfo)

Jeffrey wins penultimate stage

– maintains lead in “Ride for Life 7”

See sto ry on page

22

Sachin Tendulkar was given a lap of honour on the shoulders of his team-mates

Raynauth Jeffrey

Alanzo Greaves

Paul DeNobrega

Young Orderson breaks world record H

istory was created on Friday when nine-yearold Tyler Orderson of the Guyana Karate College and Marian Academy broke another world record by becoming the youngest Shotokan Karateka globally to achieve the Nidan ranking or what is better known as the second degree Black Belt rank.

Young Tyler, though suffering from a severe attack of the flu, showed determination and strength of charac-

Tyler Orderson

ter to achieve the historic landmark at the Guyana Karate College grading examinations.

Mickelly Rahaman, Rabecca Ramlal, Rachael Ramlal, Rajiv Lee, Khalid Adams, Zane Low and Arvin Seelall all undertook a gruelling examination to earn their shodan (black belt) rankings.

Moving from 10th kyu to 9th kyu were Daniel Denny, Damale Denny, Clide Sampson, Akil Sampson and Ezkiel Poulis. Moving from 10th kyu to 8th

were Bibi Mohamed, Kyle Chung, Kellisha Jupiter, Dana Persaud, Lana Persaud, Mario Dos Santos, Chrisann Newton, Rayden Persaud, Danielle Khan, Lemuel Scott, Jonathan Robinson and Eaton Low. Graduating from 9th kyu to 7th kyu were Aditya Seetaram, Jonathan Niranyan and Kenrick Narine, while Alexander Persaud moved from 8th kyu to 7B kyu.

Aron Hendricks, Demetri Lowe, and Kiefer Barker, Destinny Cao,

Bruce Yong, Rudy Austin, Seon Poulis and Thamika Wong moved from 8th kyu to 7th kyu, while Jun Mikami, William Escarraga, Alyssa Singh, Nizi Realine, Krystal Realine, Jonathan Ramlal, Vickram Thani all moved from 7th kyu to 6th kyu.

Among the others who moved up in rankings were Faraud Mohamed, Jeremiah Poulis, Ethan Jones, Motilall Mattadin, Anish Sharma, Joshua Zaman, Daniel Lowe, Dominick Johnson, Aiden

Singh, Ronaldo Persaud, Michael Alphonso, Scott Habibullah, Jayden Harry , Deron Austin, Daniel Hing, Basilia Bettencourt, Samuel Munroe, Ian Boller, Stefon Smith, Brittney Bettencourt, Daequan Burnett, Rayad Boyceo, Aron Connelly, Nigel Roberts, Jayz Halley, Princess Charles , Reba Ramlall, Carmalita Byrne, Navinda Soodoo, Otho Harris, Rhea Connelly, Jonathan Connelly and Ryan Sarjoo.

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