Guyana Times Daily 28th Dec 2013 by Gytimes

Guyana expresses sympathies to St Lucia P12

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 1995 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, December 28, 2013

PRICE

“Nasty” and “scandalous” – housing minister describes Kaieteur News report on Eccles-Providence housing project – calls on Khemraj Ramjattan to apologise for verbally abusing secretary

See story on page 3

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali displays a copy of an offensive email sent to his secretary by Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan at a press briefing at his office on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

Toddler Court quashes injunction to block critical after upgrade of ECD being mauled four-lane road by puma APNU MP Debra Backer hospitalised See story on page 7

See story on page 9

See story on page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Attorney general P9 spreads Christmas cheer to Enmore children

Islamic P10 rose-themed event set for January 11 Oswald P14 Singh to be laid to rest today

Student allegedly abused by male relative

P15

APNU wants better P working conditions for police 15

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News

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, December 28 from 13:30h-15:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, December 28 from 12:50h-14:20h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers are expected during the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius. Wind: East north-easterly between 1.94 and 2.5 metres per second. High Tide: 12:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres. Low Tide: 06:24h and 19:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.89 metre and 0.75 metre respectively.

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Police shoot down misleading Kaieteur News article

he Guyana Police Force has refuted claims in a Kaietuer News article headline “Chief librarian dies in smash up with police” published on Christmas Day as misleading. The article in question stated that according to reports, bandits were speeding away from the police (in the car that slammed into the bus that she [Chief Liberian Gillian Thompson] was in). “The Guyana Police Force wishes to emphatically state that no police vehicle or no vehicle in which there were police ranks was involved in the accident. “Also, the ensuing investigations did not unearth any information or evidence that the motor car involved in the accident was being pursued by the police.

“The police force is once more urging that in keeping with professional journalism, some clarification on such matters be sought before publication,” the police said a release. Meanwhile, investigations have resulted in Odedo Underwood, 24, of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, being charged with causing death by dangerous driving, breach of insurance, being an unlicensed driver and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. He appeared in court on Friday before Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Brharry where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving and guilty to the other charges. He has been placed on bail in the sum of $500,000 and the matters have been adjourned to December 31.

“Nasty” and “scandalous” – housing minister describes Kaieteur News report on Eccles-Providence housing project – calls on Khemraj Ramjattan to apologise for verbally abusing secretary

ousing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali has taken the Kaieteur News to task regarding an article published on Christmas Day headlined “Eccles to Providence hijacked by private developers”. Speaking at a press conference on Friday at his ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office, Ali said the news report is riddled with lies and designed to paint the Donald Ramotar administration in a bad light. The minister contended that the report sought to create a picture that government sold most of the land from the Eccles to Providence, East Bank Demerara, to private housing developers, instead of issuing it to the public.

Far from true

This, he said, is far from true, pointing out that these issues were addressed previously and the public-private partnership is aimed at ensuring that there is equal access to land ownership. On that note, the minister urged Kaieteur News to give up its scandalous and lawless approach to reporting, describing the article as a“nasty, nasty, nasty lie” that “makes one wonder what is hoped to be achieved by this disgusting, rotten piece of journalism… all morals and ethics are obsolete in this case.” Ali said that his min-

normal houselots. However, the minister said the policy for the housing programme is based on the development of the partnerships. The majority of the lots went to the public sector, he said. The minister stated that the map published in the Kaieteur News with the article is public information and was made available to the media since 2011. He said too that his ministry has nothing to fear, as it operates in a transparent and fair manner.

Disrespectful

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali making a point during his press briefing at his ministry on Friday

istry always operates in a transparent and fair manner. According to Ali, work in the area began after a public expression of interest was placed in the Guyana Chronicle during 2010. Contrary to the Kaieteur News report, he said that almost 4000 lots were distributed through the normal application process. In explaining how much money was paid for the lands by private developers within the East Bank area, Ali said the investment was from both the public and private sectors and the cost of land in the first phase ranged from $4 million to $6 million, plus infrastructural cost per acre, while the average investment service per acre of land is between $10 million to $15 million by the private sector.

Ramjattan was quoted as saying in the Kaieteur News, “We have in our possession a leaked document that maps out lands that were earmarked for housing….” The first phase of the East Bank Demerara development project was advertised on December 15, 2010. “So when he said people are working there a year ago, it was there since 2010, published in the Guyana Chronicle under the caption invitation for expression of interest for housing development at the proposed Eccles to Mocha Housing Development site; a total of 14 expressions was received,” explained the minister. There is also the perception that all of the lands between Eccles and Providence did not go to

The minister said after reading the article, he sent an email, through his secretary, to Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan, but instead got a response stating “tell him to haul his ass”. He said Ramjattan verbally abused his secretary, deeming his behaviour lawless and disgusting. According to Ali, Ramjattan said “how can that chap demand me to come to his press conference, tell him to haul his ass”. Ali is demanding a public apology from Ramjattan for being disrespectful to his secretary, whom he said is a simple public servant. “This was an ordinary public servant doing her work and unless Ramjattan offers an apology for the disrespect, it shows that he is just unethical…and this is a man with presidential aspirations,” Ali pointed out.

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

Editorial

Kwanzaa O

n “Boxing Day”, a public holiday in Guyana, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) observed the first day of Kwanzaa. The two commemorations are not entirely unrelated. The first came down from the British, who extended their upper class custom of handing out “boxes” of Christmas leftovers to the servants and serfs on their estates to their African slaves on their sugar plantations. The second, which celebrates unity, faith and African roots, was established in 1966, the year of our independence, in a conscious effort to honour African heritage. That heritage, of course, had been stripped from the Africans that had been dragged across the Atlantic to slave on the plantations of the Americas. It was launched by Maulana Karenga in the United States in the wave of the Civil Rights Movement in that country, which reverberated in the wider African diaspora. According to Karenga, “Kwanzaa was created to reaffirm and restore our rootedness in African culture.” It is a cultural rather than religious holiday, and can be celebrated regardless of a person’s faith tradition. It is celebrated between December 26 through January 1 and gets its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, which means “first fruits”. Swahili is a widely spoken African language. “First fruits” celebrations date back to ancient Egypt and Nubia, and commemorate the harvest. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, celebrated on each day of the holiday and known collectively as Nguzo Saba. They are African values which are named in both Swahili and English. Umoja – unity, Kujichagulia – self-determination, Ujima – collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa – cooperative economics, Nia – purpose, Kuumba – creativity, and Imani – faith. These principles serve to both give life to the standing libel, inculcated by the western educational system, that Africans were not “civilised” and that they did not have a culture. They also remind Africans in the present to slough off those dysfunctional values pushed into them during the period of slavery and to inculcate their named traditional values. In Guyana, the launching ceremony by commemorating “unity” was followed up with a second ceremony at Calcutta, Mahaicony centred around “self-determination”. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Celebrating and Living Kwanzaa: Sowing and Harvesting Seeds of Good.” Kwanzaa celebrations are suffused by the Pan African colours of black, red and green which are also the main colours on the Guyana and South African flags. Black represents the people, red is for the blood uniting all those with African ancestry, and green is for the lush land of Africa. Families gather during Kwanzaa to light the kinara, a candle holder with seven candles in the colours of red, black, and green. The black candle is placed in the centre and used to light the other flames from left to right. Together, the candles are called the mishuuma saba, and they represent the seven principles. Other traditions include the kikombe cha umoja, or unity cup, which is used to pour libations in honour of ancestors departed. Songs and dances are also popular ways of celebrating Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa greetings are in Swahili and English. “Habari gani” is a traditional Swahili greeting, and the response is each of the principles, depending on which day of Kwanzaa it is. Other greetings include “Heri za Kwanzaa,” or simply, “Happy Kwanzaa!” It was very fitting that in Guyana, on the first day of Kwanzaa, the memory of Nelson Mandela was acknowledged. Mandela represented the best of what African culture stands for – a willingness to look at the overall needs of all the peoples of the land and then to do that which promotes their unity and self-determination. In Guyana, the entire Christmas to New Year period is now dominated by the hedonistic carnival culture promulgated by the slave owners in the post, sugar-harvesting period. It was supposed to take the minds of the slaves off their exploitation. Kwanzaa posits a different mode of thinking.

Women pray after lighting candles during a prayer ceremony for the victims of the 2004 tsunami on the ninth anniversary of the disaster, at Marina beach in Chennai, India, December 26, 2013. Hundreds of memorial events were held across Asia in memory of the towering waves that crashed ashore with little warning on December 26, 2004, killing at least 226,000 people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and nine other countries. More than half the victims were Indonesians; with Sri Lanka and India next worst hit (Reuters/Babu)

The holiday in Italy compared with Guyana Dear Editor, I love studying and experiencing other people’s culture and so I travel whenever I get a break from teaching. The holiday in Italy is not very Christmasy, certainly not like New York or Paris or Trinidad or even like Guyana as it is lacking the glitter, glamour and music that I am so accustomed with in Guyana or Trinidad or the Big Apple. There was much sarcasm about blackouts in Guyana for the holidays. In Italy, people may wish to have blackouts so that they can save on light bills. The country is in bad economic shape with few splurging on extravagant lighting or eating at expensive restaurants or have fancy Christmas trees at home. It is the dullest Christmas I ever experienced and I celebrated the holidays in many countries including Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic and atheist ones. The celebration of the holidays in Rome, Florence, Naples and other Italian cities is no comparison to Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Monaco, Moscow and Singapore, among other cities. Italians commemorate the season for an entire month, beginning on December 8 and ending on January 6, a far more important holiday than December 25, similar to orthodox Greek and Russian celebrations. A celebration for a month but the season is not as impressive as in Guyana

or among Guyanese in New York. The Christmas holiday season is celebrated or observed by almost everyone (Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, included) in Italy just like in Guyana though non-Christians don’t go to church or pay heed to the pope’s mass. There are countless foreigners in Rome and they also complain about the paucity of lights and trees associated with the season; but they are satisfied that they celebrate the holiday at Vatican City in the huge crowd listening to mass. I was lucky in my visit to see Pope Francis as he delivered mass last Sunday noon though I did not understand what he said, I showed my respect. Christmas Mass at St Peter’s Square is not as brilliant or inspiring as in Georgetown or American cities (from a glamour perspective though in spirituality the Vatican may be ahead). I had expected to see Vatican City and St Peter’s Square, the home of Catholicism, very lit up with and glamorous with beautiful trees. But St Peter’s Square is not as ostentatious and glittering as some other locations in European cities or Georgetown. There is a relatively huge Christmas tree in Saint Peter’s Square and a life-size nativity but not much lighting and trimmings or buntings. Everything is very simple. Christmas in Italy is held to be sacred and there

isn’t much by way of exuberance and splendour and lavishness (wasting money) as say that characterise much of Manhattan. Tree decorations in front of churches and even around the city are usually fairly simple, often just a few lights or trimmings. The church considers as unholy to waste funds on extravagant ambience as we do in Guyana. Virtually none of the churches (some 600) is well decorated on the outside or even on the inside. But there are nativity scenes in every church and for some reason each major church has a stuffed dead body as a tribute to the holy person for his or her contributions to the church and or the community. The city of Rome, unlike the Vatican, offers some festivities but official government buildings don’t have many decorations like those of Guyana. The most prominent state buildings were not decorated at all, not even lights – nothing like the U.S. White House or State House in Guyana. Around cities, there are a few red and green window dressings on office buildings and homes as compared with New York but few Santa Clauses in the streets and virtually none in the shops. The streets and stores are also not as well decorated as say in Paris or in Guyana. A few shopping areas are ostentatiously decorated and even more brightly lit than New York but they are fewer and far between than

I am accustomed with back in Queens, New York. A few of Rome’s main streets are decorated with lights and often have entertainment by roving bands of musicians and vendors (immigrants) selling roasted chestnuts at every corner. The shopping district on the popular Via del Corso (equivalent of Regent Street) is lit up and jam packed with foreign shoppers and pedestrians – the equivalent of Champs Des Elysees for those who visited Paris. But shopping is very expensive, at least twice the price in New York and I did not see much takers even though there were discount bargains. Italians prefer to shop in New York. The Italian holiday celebration is steeped in tradition as in Guyana – people rest, eat and drink a lot. At home, Italians celebrate in much the same way we do in Guyana – bringing together family for a feast. It is a tradition to eat fish (no meat) on Christmas Eve and a piece of special cake on Christmas. As we do in Guyana, Italian children put stockings up expecting gifts. Like we do in Guyana, Italians have a family lunch and drink a lot and celebrate almost the entire afternoon till midnight and continuing the next day. The shopping districts and stores were closed for Christmas and Boxing Day. Season’s greetings, Vishnu Bisram

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PPP/C wants swift resolution to Overcrowding at CJIA electricity situation

Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is cognisant of the inconvenience the recent spate of power outages has caused many Guyanese, especially during this festive season. It is not unreasonable for consumers to expect the provision of uninterrupted power supply, the need for which becomes exacerbated at this time. While the party calls on the utility company to do its utmost to ensure that consumers are satisfied, it is not oblivious of the challenges faced by the entity. These challenges were compounded by the inexcusable act of the combined opposition to use its one-seat majority in the National

Assembly to slash subsidies provided by the government to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). These subsidies bring tremendous benefits to electricity consumers and help the utility company to mitigate some of the challenges it faces. As the season of goodwill is celebrated, the PPP/C would expect that with the dawning of a new year, the opposition would remain cognisant of the consequences of its action and the deprivation it imposes on citizens. The party is hopeful that the opposition would endeavour to be more responsible especially when the citizenry stand to be affected. Similarly, the party urges GPL to be mindful of the ex-

pectations of consumers and to work assiduously to deliver acceptable services. As Guyana continues to grow and its people prosper, the demand for the use of electricity increases. This is further compounded by the continuous and robust expansion of the housing sector and the enabling environment provided for Guyanese to continually improve their lifestyle. It is in this context that the PPP/C reiterates the need for the opposition to be responsive to the needs of Guyanese as the country continues along the path of development. Under the PPP/C administration, thousands of Guyanese from across the

country have been able to access electricity for the first time. As more consumers are added to the grid, it is the party’s fervent hope that GPL would keep in mind the country’s growth and expansion in its planning. Further, the party hopes that current circumstances would be mitigated and that the inconvenience being experienced by consumers would be corrected and not allowed to damper spirits. The party would like to take this opportunity to extend season’s greetings to all. Sincerely, Vickram Bharrat PPP/C – Freedom House

Education Ministry mourns passing of chief librarian Dear Editor, The Education Ministry expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends and staff of the National Library on the passing of the Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson. Gillian worked at the National Library for just over two decades, beginning on November 1, 1991. In 2004, she became the chief librarian and worked tirelessly until her untimely passing on December 24. A consummate professional who dedicated her

time, energy, and professional training in library science towards the advancement of reading in Guyana, Gillian would be dearly missed not only by her family, but by her colleagues and friends at the National Library and those from within the education fraternity. May her soul rest in peace.

The late Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson

Respectfully, Richard Francois Strategic Communications

Home Affairs Ministry expresses sadness at death of Godfrey Jhaggroo Dear Editor, The Home Affairs Ministry wishes to express profound regret at the death of Godfrey Jhaggroo, who was fatally shot recently in an incident involving members of the Belle Vue Community Policing Group (CPG). CPG members are trained by the police to engage members of their communities whenever breaches of the law are committed by such members, in a civil and polite manner. Training in the use of firearms is also given to the members, who are

Dead: Godfrey Jhaggroo

required to exercise restraint when armed, and must discharge a firearm in accordance with the

rules governing such action. The ministry stands completely adamant against any form of unprofessional conduct that besmirches the image of community policing in Guyana. The conduct demonstrated will be investigated with the expectation of having a satisfactory outcome. Sincere condolences go out to the aggrieved at this time of their grief and sorrow. Kind regards, Home Affairs Ministry

Consultant Education Ministry

Dear Editor, I arrived in the country two days before Christmas day and was shocked with what I saw at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). As a passenger on TravelSpan I could not enter the arrival lounge because of the overcrowding. You see, two Caribbean Airlines flights had arrived about 30 minutes before us. So in the rain my husband and I had to wait on the walkway for a painfully long time before we were able to enter the lounge. As a Guyanese visiting after 10 years, I found it utterly distasteful. Three and a half hours later, I vented my frustration to my relatives who informed me of the plan to expand the airport. While I dismissed what was said initially to catch up on family business, several days later I am penning my frustrations on paper. For the life of me I can’t imagine why there is so much resistance to expanding the airport. I read critics of the project support the runway extension but not the construction of a new terminal building! It makes

me wonder if these individuals have the interest of the country at heart. I was nearly soaked when I left the aircraft – an uncomfortable experience that could have been avoided if there were boarding bridges. I spent over an hour and a half in the immigration line (a larger immigration area would be nice), and what felt like entire day (one and three-quarter hours) to uplift our luggage – more carousals please! Ironically, those members of Parliament who are leading the charge to block the airport expansion would not feel the squeeze since they travel VIP style! They do not have to endure what we ordinary people go through. So it is my fervent hope that this letter sheds some light on our plight and that those stubborn politicians who have their heads buried in the sand wise up and do the right thing. 2014 is fast approaching. We need to see major developments in this country I am proud to call my home. Sincerely, Angela Johnson

saturday, december 28, 2013

Page

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Foundation

10 fun ways to celebrate with the family (even ones that are usually forbidden). Pick up a deck of cards and break out the board games. Cook one of your family’s favourite meals and eat it by candlelight in the living room. Then spend the evening watching movies and playing cards and board games. Spread pillows and sleeping bags or blankets on the floor and let the whole family camp out for the night. See how many family members are still awake at midnight!

New Year’s ball at home

hen the weather is chilly or rainy on New Year’s Eve, many of us opt to stay home and celebrate as a family. Here are some ideas to make your party special.

Homemade party supplies

What’s a New Year’s Eve party without the proper hats, noisemakers, poppers, and confetti? Get the children involved in making these fun accoutrements for your at-home celebration, and have everything ready and waiting when the clock strikes 12 .

Home movies: Dinner and a show

Most of us have hours of home videos, but how often do we look at them? Spend the last evening of the year

watching the movie of your family’s life with the people you love most. Depending on how many hours of footage you want to review, you may want to have an early and a late show. During intermission, serve the favourite family meal while sharing memories of favourite past experiences. And during the show, don’t forget the popcorn!

Try a different sort of meal

Cheese fondue is a fun, communal meal that everyone enjoys. You’ll need a heavy pot for the fondue, a hot plate or burner to keep the fondue warm on the table, some long forks, and a loaf of crusty bread. Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces, keeping some crust on each piece. When the fondue

is ready, gather everyone around the pot with individual forks. Take turns spearing the bread and swirling it in the melted cheese. If you lose your piece of bread in the pot, tradition says you may have to kiss the person on your left, kiss everyone at the table, or pay a forfeit devised by others at the table. Dessert fondue calls for melted chocolate and pieces of fruit. Both types of fondue go great with champagne (ginger ale for the children), making fondue the perfect dish for New Year’s Eve!

Family slumber party

Prepare for this activity on New Year’s Eve – that’s part of the fun! Visit the video store and rent any movies that the children want to watch. Shop for snacks

Turn your family room or heated garage into a ballroom with a disco ball, curtains, and strings of lights. Gather lots of different kinds of dance music, from oldies to current hits, so everyone can have fun dancing. Dress code can be casual or formal. Make your own disco ball out of paper mâché and glittery paper. Fill it with candy and small prizes (movie passes, kazoos, etc), and let it drop and break open at midnight.

Make your bad luck and faults disappear

Try a traditional New Year’s activity that comes from Colombia, South America. Build a dummy representing the Año Nuevo (the old year), using sturdy paper or cardboard. “Dress” it by drawing clothes on it

or gluing on scraps of old clothing from each family member. Ask everyone to write down their faults and bad luck on a piece of paper. Exactly at midnight, tear Año Nuevo into shreds. While Año Nuevo is being destroyed, read the list of faults and bad luck out loud, to make them vanish along with the old year.

Make a good luck cake

It’s a Greek tradition to serve Vasilopita (New Year’s Cake) at midnight. This special cake is baked with a coin or charm hidden inside. The head of the household cuts the cake exactly at midnight. Whoever receives the piece with the coin will have good fortune throughout the year. So spend the day baking Vasilopita with your children. At midnight, welcome in the New Year with a sweet treat and a bit of luck!

Midnight in another country

If your children are small, it’s hard to keep them up for midnight festivities. So celebrate midnight in another country, when it’s still early in your part of the world. Get in the spirit by playing music and serving food from that country. You could celebrate the New Year in Paris, Greenland, or even the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (with an underwater theme). It’s great fun and everyone is awake for the festivities! (Family Education)

Celebrate New Year’s Eve without alcohol BY KATIE JUST

elebrating the dawn of a new year is a longrunning tradition in many countries all over the world. More often than not, the event brings to mind wild parties with alcohol flowing freely. Many recovering alcoholics find that they have to stay home on New Year’s Eve, simply because the temptation to indulge in alcoholic beverages is overwhelming. Aside from recovering alcoholics, some people just don’t drink alcohol. Those that don’t partake in the bubbly find that being one of very few sober people in a room full of inebriated party-goers isn’t much fun, and usually duck out early, before they get bombarded with requests to chauffer home those that are too drunk to drive. Sadly, there will be many people that are oblivious to the fact that there is such a thing as being too drunk to drive, and they will do so. While staying home and watching the ball drop in Times Square on television seems to be a drag, keeping the party at home can be just as much fun as attending a brouhaha hosted by your intoxicated friends. Hosting your own alcoholfree party can also be a way to ensure your teenage children are safe and not drinking, and they can even invite a few friends to come as well. There are recipes on the Internet for non-alcoholic cocktails, called mocktails, which are as beautiful as they are delicious. The recipes even tell you what kind of glass to put the drinks in so they look authentic. Load the kitchen table down with buffet-style foods that everyone will love. Grocery stores sell pre-made Buffalo wings and other party foods that take just a few minutes in the oven to heat up, so no one is stuck in the kitchen all evening preparing. Use disposable plates and plastic cutlery for quick clean up. What’s a party without games? Games have come a long way in recent years with cool graphics and who-doneit themes like CSI and DVD Clue. They are group games that are not only fun, but they have the potential to bring out the inner detective in all of us. These games appeal to just about any age group, and require interaction. They can be found online or at any retail chain that sells board games. If there are teen guests at your party, it might be a wise idea to have them stay the night. After midnight, the chances of drunk drivers being on the road increases, and it may not be safe for teens to drive home. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and pillows for any guests that may not want to brave the drive home in fear they will be struck by a drunk driver, or if the roads get bad due to snow and ice. Laundering any sleeping bags from the garage in advance will help with the sleeping arrangements. (Yahoo! Voices)

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saturday, december 28, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

New technology for APNU MP Debra Backer hospitalised mining sector in 2014 D

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

Mining in Guyana

he local mining sector is set to benefit from new technology in 2014, geared at cutting down the use of mercury, Natural Resource and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said. He told Guyana times that the sector will receive a great boost with the introduction of more trained personnel and equipment. “We’ve looked in terms of introducing better technology and new technology to improve the recovery and less impact on the environment, more in terms of training in this regard.” The minister said discussions are currently underway with the Amerindians Affairs Ministry and the National Toshaos’ Council, which are expected to be among the first beneficiaries. Persaud said a reduction in the usage of mercury would result in the immediate reduction of a number of health problems and environmental concerns. This initiative would also facilitate Guyana’s transition to mercury free mining.

Cabinet recently had given its no-objection for the setting up of mercury-free technology fund to benefit small miners and Amerindian communities involved in mining. Efforts being made by government are to satisfy the requirements of the treaty signed by them at the Minamata Convention on Mercury held last October. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which is a global legally binding instrument on mercury, was adopted in Minamata, Japan on October 7 to 11. The treaty is named after Minamata city where its residents suffered mercury poisoning during the 1950s.

Should be proud

Persaud said Guyana should be proud since it is one of the first countries to sign the convention. This step has enabled Guyana to move from a position where many in the mining sector were resisting the elimination of mercury, to the phasing out of it. According to Persaud, some businesses in the min-

ing sector have already phased out the use of mercury. In addition, suppliers are including alternative technology on their inventories. “So the sector itself has started… GGDMA from time to time working with us would have demonstration activities,” he said. Another initiative by government to phase out mercury usage is the provision of equipment to miners. He explained that in this regard ‘Nelson Concentrators’ have been purchased and tendered to medium scale miners while other technologies are being procured for small miners. According to the minister, the minimisation of the use of mercury would help to reduce some of the difficulties in the mining sector such as contaminated water and the threat to miners’ health. However, there are other challenges facing the mining sector which are being combated through coordinated efforts of the various agencies under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

eputy speaker and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Debra Backer is hospitalised, but in stable condition, leader of the coalition David Granger said. Granger, who was at the time speaking at the APNU weekly press conference held at its headquarters on Hadfield Street, Geogetown, did not divulge details about her illness, stating that he does not want to speculate on her medical condition. He wished her a speedy recovery, noting that he hopes she gets well and can return upon the resumption of the National Assembly on January 16. When questioned about whether the party will contemplate replacing her as was the case earlier this year with member Richard Allen, Granger said the two situations cannot be compared. “Mr Allen fell during the

APNU MP Debra Backer

budget debate and there were some critical actions which had to be taken together with the Alliance For Change at that time and the budget scenario is quite different to what is taking place now. So situations are different and as I said you know Mrs Backer’s condition is stable and we don’t have any reason to speculate on her attendance,” he said. Backer reportedly fell ill

a few weeks ago and is resting at a private city hospital. Efforts to contact her family to get more details on her condition proved futile. The parliamentarian has been absent for the last two sittings of the National Assembly, which has caused the combined opposition to lose its one-seat majority. This year has been somewhat of an unhealthy one for parliamentarians. Earlier this year during the budget debates, AFC parliamentarian Richard Allen, collapsed in the chambers and had to be rushed to a medical facility. Allen subsequently resigned and was replaced by Renita Williams. Then Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee last month fell and was hospitalised for several days. Earlier this month, APNU’s Volda Lawrence fell ill and was out of chambers during a critical voting exercise.

Toddler critical after being mauled by puma

wo-year-old Jasmine Joseph of Isseneru Village, Mazaruni, Region Seven, is battling for her life at the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was mauled by a puma close to her home on Friday. According to officials at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the child was taken to the medical facility just after 15:00h and was being attended to by doctors and nurses at the Accident and Emergency Unit. The official stated that from all indications, the

child is suffering from excruciating pain from the injuries she received to her head and face. Most of the injuries, the official added is concentrated around the head, noting that doctors are trying everything to save the child’s life. Based on information received, the child was in the yard while her mother and other relative were attending to household chores when they heard the child screaming. As they looked out, they saw the animal dragging the child into the

bushes. An alarm was raised and members of the community went after the animal and shot it. The bloodied child was picked up and rushed to a nearby medical facility at Olive Creek but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. From reports received, the child thought that the puma was a friendly animal and might have attempted to play with it. Attempts to make contact with the child’s relatives proved futile.

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saturday, december 28, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Man remanded for miner’s murder

mine worker accused of killing miner Timothy Adams during the course of a robbery was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on Friday for the capital offence of murder. Marlon Freeman was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on Sunday, December 22,

at Turtle Creek, Five Star Backdam while committing a robbery, he murdered Adams. About 16:00 hours on the day in question, while en route to his mining camp from Powis Landing, some 500 feet away, Adams was attacked and robbed by Freeman, according to court documents. His body was found the following day with a wound to

the neck. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Pakera District Hospital. Police ranks from the area conducted an investigation which led to Freeman’s arrest and he later admitted to the robbery. The accused is set to make his next court appearance on February 3, 2014 at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Marlon Freeman

Eyew tness We’ve seen the future... ...and it's gridlocked traffic ne can say it’s a sign of progress, of course. We’re talking about the exponential rise in cars on the road. From 2000 imported per year back in the 1990s to us topping 12,000 this year...we’re not just talking about a “chicken in every pot” that President Franklin D Roosevelt promised Americans when they were down and out. This is a car in every driveway! Problem is, we just don’t have driveways...or roads for all these cars! No matter how you slice it, dice it or even purée it, we’re clinging on to a strip of real estate by the Atlantic that’s so narrow, there’s no way we’re really going to relieve the pressures in the short term. Your Eyewitness was stuck in two different traffic jams in the last two weeks on two different road systems – and each took an hour to traverse a mile! What made it more frustrating was to discover eventually that there were no accident or event that caused the jams. It was just slow moving vehicles on roadways that were chock-full of traffic in both directions. There was absolutely no way you could overtake by crossing into the oncoming lane...you were checkmated. What it did do was to cause some folks to take quite foolish chances...whether darting into oncoming traffic and causing outraged honking and flashing of bright lights, or driving on the parapets. The slow-moving vehicles just proved the axiom that on a full roadway traffic will move at the speed of the slowest vehicle. And with the tractors and sand trucks in Guyana, we’re talking a snail’s pace here. The East Bank Demerara roads, when completed, won’t help that much. There are just too many cars. Cutting a new road from the East Coast of Demerara to Timehri, parallel to the present road but further East, might help some...but bear in mind, most of the traffic is to and from Georgetown. In the mornings during this school holiday period, the traffic into Georgetown is noticeably less dense during rush hours. With some 20,000 schoolchildren bussed into Georgetown, we’re talking about a whole lotta buses that could be removed at that time, if we were to cascade Georgetown’s school hours downwards. Or maybe we might have to insist on car-pooling. Or insist the old train embankments on East and West Coasts Demerara become fully converted into roadways. We’re not sure...but we’d better do something fast. Or else we’ll all might have to work from home.

...and it’s also venal Why is it we aren’t surprised that Khemraj Ramjattan and the Alliance For Change (AFC) interrupted their Christmas merriment to endorse the U.S.’s unilateral intervention into Guyana’s affairs? (And we know that Ramjattan takes his spirituous merriment very seriously!) He who feeds the dog can sic the dog. Ramjattan (maybe because he was still under spirituous influence) brought up the request by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) during the 1980s for the U.S. to return democracy to Guyana! Can you imagine this historical ignorance? It was the U.S. that had backed the People’s National Congress (PNC) to seize power in Guyana. It was the U.S. that had given an annual grant US$5000 to the PNC to “build up their party structure”. Forbes Burnham had begged for $10,000. It was the U.S. that kept the PNC in office by organising the 1968 rigged elections. Burnham did well on his own later, thank you. And the U.S. coyly averred its eyes. So it’s only the U.S. that could’ve called off its dog... which they finally did when the USSR disintegrated. Ramjattan should know how it’s done – he was just summoned, wasn’t he? ...litigious So CGX is suing its erstwhile “partner” Repsol for its devious manoeuvre to lock it out from the oil exploring concession it pioneered. CGX even brought in Repsol. What’s the motto of business? Caveat Emptor? That’s “buyer beware” in case you’re still spirituously foggy.

news

saturday, december 28, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Court quashes injunction to Attorney general spreads Christmas block upgrade of ECD four- cheer to Enmore children lane road

– Public Works Ministry ready to break down illegal structures

cting Chief Justice Ian Chang has thrown out a case brought by the owner of BM Soat Auto Sales at Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD) against the Public Works Ministry on the upgrading of the fourlane road from Better Hope– Mahaica (ECD). According to a Public Works Ministry release, Justice Chang on December 20 dismissed the matter as “illegally misconceived”. The delays have cost the public purse tens of millions of dollars. “There are no legal impediments stopping the Ministry of Public Works from proceeding to demolish the illegal structure. The ministry would proceed with the construction of the four-lane upgrade project. We take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience with the judicial process. The completion of this four-lane extension is

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang

integral to our delivery as a ministry to the people of Guyana.” Owner of BM Soat Auto Sales at Success, Bashair Mohamed, through his attorneys Khemraj Ramjattan and Neil Persram had filed an application for constitutional redress and subsequently took the Public Works Ministry to court,

Home Affairs Ministry condemns killing of Belle Vue man

Dead: Godfrey Jhaggroo

ne week after the shooting to death of Godfrey Jhaggroo by a member of the Belle Vue Community Policing Group, the Home Affairs Ministry has condemned the action, while assuring the aggrieved family that the matter will be thoroughly investigated with the expectation of having a satisfactory outcome. The ministry in a release on Friday expressed profound regret at the death of Jhaggroo, who was fatally shot by a man who used a licensed firearm owned by the chairman of the Belle Vue Community Policing Group. “Community policing group members are trained by the police to engage members of their communities whenever breaches of the law are committed by such members, in a civil and polite manner,” the release added. The release added that

training in the use of firearms is also given to the members, who are required to exercise restraint when armed, and must discharge a firearm in accordance with the rules governing such action. The ministry further stated that it stands completely adamant against any form of unprofessional conduct that besmirches the image of community policing in Guyana. “Sincere condolences go out to the aggrieved at this time of their grief and sorrow.” Guyana Times was informed that three persons were charged for the murder. The shooter was remanded to prison until February. The owner of the gun and another man were granted bail when they made an appearance at the Wales Magistrate’s Court. When contact was made with the relatives of the dead man on Friday, they expressed their dissatisfaction in the manner the case was handled. A relative stated that while the post-mortem proved that the construction worker was shot to the chest and neck, they know otherwise. “We were there and we saw the holes in his back… we now hearing that they claiming that its self-defence but we know that they kill he… He didn’t attack nobody so how they go say that is self-defence.” turn to page 12

preventing the ministry from upgrading the said road. The ministry was represented by Attorney Eusi Anderson, principal legal advisor from the attorney general’s chambers. Dipcon Engineering Limited was contracted to upgrade the road to the tune $671,623,054. The contractor commenced works from October 3, 2011 and the proposed completion date was expected to be July 3, 2012. During construction, the contractor ceased operation because of an illegal construction which inhibited works. This illegal construction was on the government road reserve on the southern half of the public road at Success.

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall interacting with the children

s customary, President Donald Ramotar, represented by Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall has extended Christmas cheer to the children of Enmore and the Hope Children’s home. Minister Nandlall, on behalf of the president, the first lady, the government of Guyana and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee, who most unfortunately could not make it

to the event as a result of other engagements, expressed best wishes to the children. He outlined that “Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, especially in respect of those who may not be as fortunate as others and those who may not have their families with them”. “That is the spirit which inspired the visit to this orphanage,” he said. The children were treated to a lunch, ice cream and gifts which were contribut-

ed and financed by President Ramotar. Anita Persaud and Sahadeo Persaud also assisted in the activity by making personal donations to the children. Also present were the President’s Annual Christmas Party Coordinator Tulsidai Wizien and orphanage Director Kenneth Finlayson. The Christmas tradition at the home was first started by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2011.

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News

Islamic rose-themed event set for January 11

uyana, through the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex

(ACIC), will join Muslims the world over in an event themed “International

Mawlid in the City Event” for which the original inspiration was drawn from the

Rum Jhaat thought he was in a rum shop Maulana Muhammad Waffee

hugely successful event held a year ago outside Google’s London headquarters. “The portrayal of Muslims by the media as an angry, violent and bloodthirsty community must stop,” the ACIC in a release said. This year, rose-themed events are organised throughout the world. It is a very simple concept – offer a rose as a peaceful gesture to people and at the same time convey the true message of Islam. This can be viewed as an extension of giving the message of Islam, the celebration of mawlid or in many eyes, an extension to the substantial amount of work being done for upholding the honour of the prophet – by presenting the beauty of his teachings and overall, the positive message of true Islam. “Islam and Muslims are not represented by extremist Muslims and others, nor should they be given such a platform by the mainstream media. Islam is of the balanced middle way and always has been, and we need to reaffirm this position,” a release from the ACIC said. The rose-themed events seek to further isolate extremists of all kinds and to promote peace. Guyana’s event will be held on January 11, 2014 at 18.30h at the ACIC, West Coast Demerara and special guest for the programme is Maulana Muhammad Waffee of Trinidad and Tobago. It is obligatory for all Muslims to believe in and respect the prophethood of all prophets preceding Prophet Muhammad, the release said. A wide cross-section of Guyanese, including politicians, leaders of other religious groups, members of civil society and representatives of the print and electronic media have been invited to participate in the event. “The objective is to engage with our local community by promoting peaceful dialogue and spreading peace and understanding. Organisers are of the belief that our great country of Guyana can be an example to other countries on how to integrate, strengthen ties and live together as one community. Persons have been invited to receive the symbolic rose at the event,” the ACIC said.

uyanese and most people all over de world does tek a break from de eatin and de drinkin and de partyin after Boxin Day. De body does need a break de week between Christmas and New Year. And people does have to go back to wuk. Old people seh all play and no wuk is just as bad as all wuk and no play. So most people does wait till Old Year’s and New Year’s to drink and eat and party again. This might be true true story fuh some people some of de time, but it definitely not true fuh all de people all of de time. Some people does tek every day and mek it Christmas and Boxin Day and Old Year’s and New Year’s. Every day is like holiday fuh some a dem. De way de public servants does wuk (or don’t wuk), any body would tink Monday to Friday is Christmas Day or some kinda holiday. Who ain’t deh pun de phone, deh pun lunch. And who ain’t deh pun lunch ain’t come in yet. And who ain’t come in yet ain’t comin in at all. It got 3000 public servants in Barbados who gon be lookin fuh wuk soon. So dem not wukkin public servants hey in Guyana better watch dem selves before dem wuk get tek way – although if dem ones hey get fired, it wouldn’t mek a different to the amounta wuk gettin done in guvament. De guvament should send home 3000 a dem like Barbados and mek it a test case. Rum Jhaat is also one a dem who don’t tek a break from de rummin. As far as Rum Jhaat concern, is rum whole year, not just fuh Christmas and New Year. He thought he was in a rum shop when he tell somebody to haul dem a**. Well de minister just haul Rum Jhaat a** back to he senses! Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! That had to be a lotta haulin by de minister and a lotta bawlin by Rum Jhaat!

Man slapped with four charges for chief librarian’s death

wenty-four-year-old Odida Underwood appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday charged with dangerous driving which resulted in the death of Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson. Underwood was also slapped with three other charges: driving without a licence, without insurance and without the consent of the owner of the motor vehicle. Underwood, of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, who was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Tuesday, December 24 at North Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, he drove motor car PPP 8655 in a dangerous manner causing the death of Gillian Thompson. He entered a guilty plea for the other three charges read to him. A successful application for bail was made by Thompson, and his client was granted in the sum of $500,000 on the first charge. The accused was subsequently sentenced to pay fines of $20,000, $35,000, and $30,000 respectively for the second, third and final charge, with

alternative sentences of two weeks in jail for the second charge, one month imprisonment for the third charge and one month imprisonment for the final charge. He was also instructed to lodge his passport and report to the Brickdam Police Station on the second Friday of every month beginning January 10. Underwood is scheduled to make another appearance in court on January 31, 2014. Thompson sustained severe injuries after Underwood’s vehicle slammed into a National Library bus in which she was the front seat passenger. She was rushed to the hospital, but succumbed en route to the facility. Thompson, 44, was appointed chief librarian in 2004 after joining the entity in 1991. Both the government and opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed condolences to her family, while urging the need for more to be done to reduce the road carnage and bring “responsibility” to what is taking place on the roadways.

NEWS

saturday, December 28, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Fisheries chairman appeals for help in rebuilding shed

The shed that collapsed during heavy winds on Monday

Anilla Alfred resting at home

umber 66 Fisherman’s Co-op Complex Chairman Parvinchandra Deodat is appealing for government support to rebuild the 150x50 feet shed that was recently ripped apart by high winds. Deodat explained that after the incident on Monday, he sought assistance from the insurance company and was informed that the structure was not included in the policy. “They told me that no policy has been taken out on that particular structure so I am hoping that the government intervene and render some sort of assistance in rebuilding the shed,” he said. Deodat said former President Bharrat Jagdeo had played an integral role in confronting the global challenges affecting the fisheries sector, and would like the support to continue. “Everyone gets a minister or someone to represent them, even the Amerindians get their own minister, we too suffered from global warming and our lives are constantly at risk because we don’t know when pirates would strike,” he lamented. He lauded the former president for his initiative in providing substantial representation and addressing issues affecting

fisherfolk. Heavy winds about 05:45h on Monday ripped the structure apart as commuters were busy plying their trade. According to reports, it was raining when the wind suddenly increased in intensity, blowing off the roof of the shed. The roof subsequently landed flat on a concrete pavement adjacent to the complex building where approximately 100 persons were conducting business. Fifteen persons suffered multiple injuries to the head and chest and were rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. Some were treated and sent home while those who suffered major injuries were transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Anilla Alfred, 48, of Number 67 Village, the owner of a fishing vessel OMI was hospitalised, suffering a trauma to the head but was discharged. She is resting comfortably at home. Workers are currently clearing the debris from the structure and it is now clear when the shed would be replaced. However, he remains optimistic that government intervention would be forthcoming since fishermen too have contributed significantly to the country’s development. On that note, Deodat said the fishing sector should also benefit from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Funds. “President Jagdeo would have ensured we are taken care of because he always acknowledged the contributions made by fishermen under trying circumstances and the leading role the sector plays in Guyana’s low carbon vision,” the chairman said.

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saturday, December 28, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Guyana expresses sympathies to St Lucia – Christmas storm death toll rises to 22

President Donald Ramotar

resident Donald Ramotar has extended sympathies to St Lucian Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, on the loss of lives and damage to property and infrastructure caused by the severe rains and heavy winds which swept over the Eastern

Caribbean during the past two days. On account of communication difficulties, Ramotar was unable to reach St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, to convey similar sentiments. St Vincent and the Grenadines was also severely affected by the weather system with lives lost and several communities across the country affected by power outages and cut off by damaged bridges and blocked roads. The government in a release said it will continue to monitor the situation reports from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency with a view to supporting the recovery efforts of the affected member states of the Eastern Caribbean. Meanwhile, the confirmed death toll following severe rains and high

es, with downed trees and mud slides. Many bridges and roads are impassable. Power and water are unavailable for many and the Milton Cato Hospital, the only major hospital in the country, was flooded. In neighbouring Saint Lucia, the death toll now stands at five. Much of the southern and western sections of the island were left without water, electricity and telecommunications services. The Roseau River in Dominica swollen by floodwaters

winds generated by an unseasonally low level trough system that impacted the Eastern Caribbean islands of Dominica, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines over a 24-hour period from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day has now risen to 22. According to a Caribbean News Now report, the number of fa-

talities is expected to increase following reports of residents that are still unaccounted for. In St Vincent and the Grenadines, 17 people are reported dead as homes were destroyed and flooded, with residents being literally swept away by the dangerous floods. Rivers rose to dangerous levels and roads were blocked in many plac-

Areas without power

According to St Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), crews were working in areas that remained without power. Most of these areas are in the south of the island and include Daban, La Maze and Au Park, which are all supplied from the Saltibus Line (Choiseul), Vivancelle (a small area in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort), Valier (a small area in Banse, Laborie) and Roblot (Choiseul). L U C E L E C ’ s Transmission and Distribution Manager Gilroy Pultie said all these areas should be re-energised by the end of Thursday. Restoration of Hope Estate in Choiseul, which suffered extensive damage, continued to be a challenge due to difficulties with access. Similarly, access is hampering the restoration of Venus Road, the only area in the north that remains without power. Pultie said that, once LUCELEC crews can gain access to these two areas, the restoration work there should be completed fairly quickly. The George Charles Airport was reopened from 09:00h on Wednesday and operations are back to usual levels. However, Hewanorra International Airport was more extensively affected by the weather, which caused a significant amount of debris to settle on the runway and flooding in the terminal building.

Airport crews were working to accommodate safe landing of aircraft and passenger facilitation as of 15:00h Thursday. In Dominica, rockfalls and landslides occurred in the Roseau Valley area and flash flooding caused the temporary blockage of some roads. Roads leading to and from southern villages were blocked by debris and landslides. Electricity service was interrupted and intermittent through several parts of the island. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has requested that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) mobilise foodstuff and emergency supplies to be sent to St Lucia.

National warehouse

The ODPM has items in its national warehouse as well as five pre-positioned and pre-packed 40-foot containers. Items necessary for immediate mobilisation have been placed in these containers and warehouses. With the assistance of the Supermarkets Association, water manufacturers and other key suppliers of emergency goods and services, the ODPM is mobilising the necessary stuff to be sent to Saint Lucia in the shortest possible time. The Organisation of American States (OAS) Secretary General José Miguel Insulza expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life and severe damage. Commenting on the situation, Insulza stated, “This is very bad news, even more that it has occurred on Christmas Day. The unseasonable nature of the heavy rains and flooding raises once again the impact of climate change in the Caribbean region.” The secretary general added that he would convene other agencies within the Inter-American system to mobilise a hemispheric response.

Home Affairs Ministry... from page 9

While the relatives do not want to jump to conclusions, they felt that something was wrong and that the post-mortem report was altered to please the community policing group chairman and his cohorts. They have since consulted a lawyer for legal advice. Jhaggroo, 24, of Lot 31 Belle Vue, West Bank Demerera was shot at least three times in his back by a member of the community police group, who was under the influence of alcohol. According to information received, Jhaggroo was involved in an argument with his mother about 18:45h on the fateful night, but a neighbour who operates an off-licence liquor store, intervened and assaulted him

with a piece of wood. This spurred a verbal exchange and the young man reportedly left and was on his way to the Wales Police Station to make a report, but was confronted by three men, all of whom were above the prescribed alcohol level. During the confrontation, the CPG member reportedly pulled out a gun from his car and shot Jaggroo in the back. After receiving the blows, the young man attempted to escape, but collapsed next to a cane field. He was then picked up by the same men, thrown into a car and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

saturday, december 28, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, December 28, 2013

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News Oswald Singh to be laid to rest today P

opular radio announcer Oswald Singh, one of the great voices of Guyanese radio who died on Monday at the Woodlands Hospital after a brief illness, will be laid to rest today at the Good Hope Cemetery. His body will be at his 328 Fourth Street, Lusignan West, East Coast Demerara home from 12:30h for viewing. This will be followed by a funeral service at St Andrew's Lutheran Church, Chateau Margot at 14:00h, thence to the Good Hope Cemetery for burial. Singh at the time of his passing was employed at Radio Guyana Inc (RGI) headquartered at Camp and Quamina streets, Georgetown. Prior to his engagement at RGI, he was employed at the National Communications Network (NCN).

Tributes

As news spread about the passing of the popular radio personality, tributes continued to pour in from various personalities in and out of the broadcast arena.

Former RGI broadcaster Oswald Singh Guyana Times/TVG/RGI General Manager (GM) Daniel Singh expressed profound sadness on behalf of the media group at the news of his passing and said the radio fraternity and the country have lost a fine son of the soil. He added that apart from the broadcaster’s dedication, he was always willing to do more than is required of him. The GM said the broadcaster had even volunteered to worked on Christmas Day to do

a greetings show. He said Singh had developed a wide fan base here in Guyana and beyond and will surely be missed at RGI and by his listeners. Journalist Enrico Woolford said that he was deeply disturbed by the news of Singh’s passing. Woolford, who attended Queen’s College with Singh, said the latter has made a significant contribution to broadcasting. He said Singh had impressed him with the excellent broadcasting of cultural items. “He was that kind of person that brings people together in terms of music, in terms of language and in terms of culture,” Woolford said as he extended sympathy to the family and friends of the late Singh.

Inspiration RGI/TVG News presenter and sports journalist Avenash Ramzan, who worked with Singh at the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), noted that his passing is a blow to the media fraternity, especially in broadcast. The media have lost a giant

in broadcasting, said Ramzan, who remembered listening to Singh on the GBC. He also revealed that upon starting his journalistic career in 2005, he met Singh who had since been a role model and inspiration. Long-time broadcaster Ron Robinson said “Oswald always had a friendly manner and was always very pleasant.” Robinson recalled speaking to him a few days prior to his death. Former GBC Programme Manager Margaret Lawrence remembers Singh as very respectful, polite, eager, willing and possessing a distinctive voice with a resounding timbre. Singh hosted Lunch With The Mattai, Afternoon With Mattai, Ek Haseen Shamko (A Beautiful Evening) and Oriental Fiesta for Twins Manufacturing. He joined radio in the 1980s and was also a morning radio personality. The management and staff of Guyana Times/TVG/RGI have expressed sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of Singh.

Close friend of Dr Jagan passes on

Former Caribbean Labour Congress General Secretary Richard Hart

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has extended deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the late Richard Hart who passed away in the United Kingdom (UK) at the advanced age of 96 on Saturday. Hart was a close friend of former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan and the then PPP and played a key role in the rise of trade union militancy not only in his country of Jamaica, but the Caribbean as a whole. Indeed, Hart was one of the guiding lights in the struggle for national liberation and from the clutches of imperialist domination in the region. He became a natural ally of Dr Jagan and the PPP and one of those Carribbean luminaries in the working class struggle who inspired Dr Jagan in the struggle for national liberation and for a better quality of life for the Guyanese people and for that matter for the Caribbean working class as a whole, the PPP/C said in a statement.

Formation of the PPP

Hart’s relationship with Dr Jagan started even before the formation of the PPP. During a meeting of the West Indian Conference at the Georgetown Town Hall in 1945, Dr Jagan met for the first time persons whom he described as “stalwarts whom he admired” among whom was Richard Hart and Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. Out of that meeting was born the Caribbean Labour Congress in 1946 of which he served as its general secretary. In the same year, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) was formed with founding leaders Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, HJM Hubbard and Ashton Chase, aimed at raising the political and ideological consciousness of the Guyanese working class. Those were the days when the Cold War was raging intensely and several progressives and leftists including Dr Jagan and Hart became targets of the anti-communist witchhunt. Buckling under pressure from the U.S., several Caribbean leaders conspired to have Hart re-

moved as general secretary of the Caribbean Labour Congress in 1950 because of his militancy and pro-labour stance. Torrid time Ironically, it was under the Norman Manley leadership of the 1951-52 period that saw the Jamaica leftist-led Trade Union Congress (TUC) being forced to withdraw from the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and the expulsion of left-wingers, the so-called 4-Hs (Richard Hart, Ken Hill, Frank Hill and Arthur Henry). In addition, under the leadership of both Norman Manley and Grantley Adams, the militant leftist Caribbean Labour Congress (CLC) of which leftists Richard Hart was general secretary and Billy Strachan was secretary (London Branch) was disbanded. As noted by Dr Jagan in his book “The Caribbean: Whose Backyard?” the betrayal of the Caribbean national liberation movement was fully demonstrated during the 1953 crisis in British Guiana when the social democratic leadership applauded the bipartisan imperialist policies and actions of both the labour and conservative parties in Britain. Incidentally, it was during the same period the PPP was formed with Cheddi Jagan as party leader and Janet Jagan as general secretary. After the PPP was re-elected in the elections of 1962, Hart was invited by Dr Jagan to edit the party’s newspaper, the Mirror, which he did until 1965. The PPP, as is well known, was engineered out of office by Anglo-American vested interests in the 1964 elections because of its pro-working class leaning. Hart has undoubtedly made his mark on the political and trade union landscape in the Caribbean for which he will be long remembered. In addition to his role as a trade unionist/politician, Hart was also a prolific writer and the author of several books. “May his soul rest in peace!” the party statement concluded.

15 News

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2013 was “deeply harmful APNU wants better working to freedom of the press” conditions for police T – IAPA president

nter-American Press Association (IAPA) President Elizabeth Ballantine said 2013 “turned out to be deeply harmful to freedom of the press and journalism”. She added that no country in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, “was exempt from authoritarian action by those in government”. The following is the full text of her year-end message from the organisation’s website www.iapa.sipiapa. org: 2013 was a hard year for all of us. However, we welcome 2014, a year that marks the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Chapultepec that since its adoption in Mexico in March 1994, has been instrumental in identifying attacks upon press freedom and promoting freedom of expression in the Americas. In this spirit, commemoration of the 20 years of the Declaration of Chapultepec will form an important part of our next year’s General Assembly and Midyear Meeting. We will continue making awareness of the value of freedom of expression in democracy, whether it be inviting leaders and members of the public of each community to embrace it or educating them on the declaration’s principles at seminars and conferences. We will carry out these activities in order to leave behind 2013, which turned out to be deeply harmful to freedom of the press and journalism.

Violence against journalists

The problems will remain a memory that characterised the year that is coming to an end. Violence continues to be the principal scourge surrounding our problems, with 17 journalists murdered in Latin America. We will continue to urge governments to condemn and administer justice against all forms of aggression. While at the same time, we support the action plan drawn up by the United Nations to provide greater safety and protec-

Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) President Elizabeth Ballantine

tion for journalists throughout the world, and to fight against impunity. We regret that laws were enacted against media activity, with Ecuador being the country where the situation escalated to extremes. The Organic Communication Law passed under the justification that information is a public service, makes gagging official and creates a series of press offences that grant privileges to the authorities over members of the public. This legislation sets up new state bodies and makes official censorship legitimate, encouraging self-censorship. In reality, no country was exempt from authoritarian action by those in government. In Venezuela, they created a state body with the objective of censoring public information. At the same time, the government stepped up actions against newspapers through financial strangulation consisting of depriving them of acquiring foreign currency to purchase their production supplies.

Governmental abuse

In the United States, the government’s secret confiscation of the files of 21 telephone lines of Associated Press reporters was a clear violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. At the same time, the government is continuing to obstruct and maintain greater control over information, which has

given rise to recurring criticism over its lack of transparency. Along with various press organisations we have asked the federal government, including Congress, to work on the enactment of a federal law that protects the news’ sources. In Cuba, the authorities continue to maintain a monopoly of information and propaganda. At our recent General Assembly held in Denver, Colorado, we heard the complaints of our regional vice chair, Yoani Sánchez, who reported that attacks upon and repression of independent journalists have worsened.

Public information

All these developments, which are a brief summary of what has occurred in 2013, reflect the fact that the lack of access to public information continues to be a serious problem in the region, reducing transparency and accountability, essential elements to democracy. This is why, on repeated occasions, we insist on our call for compliance with the establishment of access laws, or that they be enacted, where needed, as in the cases of Argentina, Barbados, Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, Paraguay, and Venezuela. In our constant intent not only to defend but to promote press freedom, we have dedicated a great deal of effort to the professionalisation of media and journalists through seminars, conferences and webinars and by granting them scholarships and awards. We have maintained fruitful relations with press associations throughout the Americas and in recent visits to Brazil and Colombia we have directly involved our members in the sustainable progress of our institution. I take this opportunity to thank each one of our members and all journalists for their daily efforts on behalf of the public’s right to information. A well and freely informed public is a pillar of a solid democracy.

Student allegedly abused by male relative

female student of a West Demerara school has alleged that she has been molested by a male relative at home, possibly on a number of occasions. A teacher discovered the child crying in school and upon investigating was told about the incident.

The school administration immediately informed the child’s parents and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA). Guyana Times has been told that the alleged perpetrator has subsequently been charged and is to appear in court early

next month. According to information received by this publication, the alleged molester spent three years in prison on another matter. This publication understands that there are allegations of similar behaviour involving the man and other minors.

he opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling for better working conditions for members of the Guyana Police Force, saying this will inspire ranks to better perform their duties with diligence and integrity. At the party’s weekly press conference, its chairman, David Granger highlighted rising road fatality figures, pointing out the recent death of Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson. He said the force is “badly under strength, with some 200 officers leaving every year. “We are calling for increased enforcement so that we can save more lives. We do think that the Police Force can be brought up to the standard that is required but it calls for government policy, and to direct resources where they are needed. Too many people are dying”. The opposition leader recalled that a few years ago, it was recommended that police officers be given a higher level of remuneration in order to attract better recruits and retain those in service. “I think the absence of implementation of those recommendations is why over 200 persons leave the force today,” Granger stated. Corruption within the force is another factor that needs to be addressed urgently by the police authority, he added, noting that with a better paid and full-strength police force, there will be no

APNU Leader David Granger

President Donald Ramotar

such woes to worry about. Granger stressed that as long as the police force is understrength, those who remain in the service will have to do double the work and this may result in corruption.

when they would be tested and this is one of the ways to ensure that they keep their behaviour in check.” Felix pointed out that society too has a hand in the prevalence of bribery and corruption, noting that it is a “two-way street”. “If there is not a giver, there will not be a receiver so we have to look at the nature of how society works. Why some people prefer to pay a bribe and do the wrong thing? We pay a bribe so that somebody could turn a blind eye to what you are doing rather than keeping the money and doing what is right of you. These are social issues which the force has to deal with,” Felix said. Highlighting the behaviour of road users, he said the police are there as the coercive arm of the state to ensure that the laws are obeyed, but citizens want to break the law and not pay the penalty. Felix urged, in light of the shortage of senior officers, that every department of the force be balanced and none neglected.

Increase in remuneration APNU’s shadow home affairs minister and former police commissioner, Winston Felix, shared the same views on the increase in remuneration, stressing that the force needs to offer an attractive package so that persons would want to be employed there. “It’s not just about pay but conditions of services,” he stated. Felix pointed out that corruption is more prevalent when officers are on the road without any guidance or supervision by their seniors. He recalled a programme which was created years ago whereby senior officers would just show up on the road to assess the work of ranks, pushing policemen and women to behave professionally. “Ranks on the road would not know

UN forges links between researchers – farmers to promote food security

armers across Asia and the Pacific could soon have access to new and innovative technologies that would help them meet the region’s demand for increased food production and food security, a United Nationsconvened meeting announced recently. Leaders in agricultural research and extension services from across the AsiaPacific region and representatives from civil society, private sector, and international organisations today concluded an Expert Consultation on “Strengthening Linkages between Research and Extension to Promote Food and Nutrition Security”. The consultation, attended by more than 40 delegates from more than 10 countries, discussed ways to connect research results and new technologies on food and agriculture production with farmers on the front lines of Asia’s food production systems. The need for such transference of information is critical. By 2050, the FAO estimates that food production will need to increase by 60 per cent, a target that cannot be met unless the world harnesses research and transmits it to farmers’ practices.

The consultation was convened by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific) and the Centre for Alleviation of Poverty through Sustainable Agriculture (CAPSA), a regional institute of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The two-day meeting addressed the current challenges faced by farmers in the region who require stronger support to realise research results and new agricultural technologies for application in a practical and meaningful way. Knowledge transfer The meeting was co-sponsored by the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), and the “Network for Knowledge Transfer on Sustainable Agricultural Technologies and Improved Market Linkages in South and Southeast Asia” (SATNET Asia), a European Unionfunded project. An emerging and growing middle class in the AsiaPacific region, which co-exists with persistent hunger in many countries, is demand-

ing a system of more diverse and quality food production and processing. Meeting those demands will require more meat, dairy, fruit and vegetable products. In this context, it is important for farmers to adopt new agriculture technology, but they will require technical assistance in order to do so. Hiroyuki Konuma, FAO’s assistant director general and regional representative in Asia and the Pacific, notes that the promotion of agricultural research is important to enable future food production increases and attain food security for our future generations, even as arable lands are almost fully exploited in the region. “But agricultural research alone can’t produce more food, unless research results and technologies are effectively transmitted to farmers for practical application,” said Konuma. “Hence the importance of agricultural extension services, through an enhanced participatory approach, innovative technological application, such as ICT and increased involvement of the private sector. These approaches must be fully recognised and further promoted,” he added.

saturday, DECember 28, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Africa

Caribbean

Bahamas govt’s silence on Zimbabwe: Hwange may accept CLICO guarantee “a tragedy” US$50M bailout

ine months after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that The Bahamas government must “accelerate” the liquidation process, the government has been urged to bring a resolution to the CLICO (Bahamas) case as it said it would do before yearend 2013. Bishop Simeon Hall, a CLICO (Bahamas) policyholder and a former member of the creditors committee, who resigned in protest in

March of this year over the government’s failure to issue a guarantee of the liabilities of the insolvent insurer, said it is a “tragedy” that so many Bahamians continue to be “waylaid by this debacle”. “I think the government should be held accountable, particularly given that there are 30,000 people who have been waylaid by this. The government should find some money,” said Hall, adding that even up until last

Thursday he had received a call from a member of the public concerned over the status of the CLICO (Bahamas) liquidation.” “I know a lady who said she was putting this money aside for when she died, because she didn’t want to be a burden on her children. “She said she can’t die right now because she’s waiting for this thing to be fixed. The elderly and the poor are challenged. We should be more forthcoming.” (Caribbean News Now)

North America

wange Colliery Company Limited directors may accept shareholder Nick van Hoogstraten’s US$50 million bailout package provided the latter climbs down on his loan condition for management control. It has emerged that while the coal mining company was keen on the rescue package it was opposed to van Hoogstraten’s demand for total management control for a period of five years. Instead, HCC directors have proposed the set-

Asia

ting up of an executive committee comprising directors from HCCL and British business tycoon’s investment firm, Wilbough’s Consolidated. Sources said the directors proposed amendment of the offer conditions to the effect that instead of handing technical and management control to Van Hoogstraten, the committee would oversee draw downs on the loan and application of the funds over the five year period. The offer was in response

to a request for a US$20 million bailout by the cashstrapped company. But van Hoogstraten demanded exclusive control of the coal mining giant for five years in exchange for the US$50 million cash injection that would be availed through share transfers. HCCL has been on the market in and outside the country, sourcing funds for recapitalisation. The firm engaged the Industrial Development Bank of Zimbabwe to advise on the loan offer. (allAfrica)

Big year ends with Wall Street Japan moves close to beating 15 years of falling prices hopeful for 2014

s Wall Street’s best year in more than 15 draws to a close, few are expecting a repeat performance in 2014, though traders have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic. While the market will likely enter January quietly, with many traders still out for the holidays and few major catalysts, the upward trend is seen continuing next week, especially in some of 2013’s high-flying names.

Economic growth is expected to accelerate next year, boosting employment and consumer purchasing power. But with markets repeatedly notching all-time highs, that may not translate to market gains as dramatically as in 2013. “There’s a pervasive feeling that the economy is getting better, and the Fed is still on the market’s side after saying it would keep rates low,” said Donald Selkin, chief market strategist at National

Securities in New York. “However, while new money will still be flowing into stocks next year, probably we’ll see less money come in. There’s little chance of another 30 per cent gain or so next year.” The S&P has risen 29 per cent so far in 2013, its best annual performance since 1997. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI is up 26 per cent while the Nasdaq is up nearly 38 per cent. (Reuters)

Europe

apanese consumer prices have risen at the fastest pace in five years, showing government policies to end its deflation problem may be taking effect. Core inflation excluding food rose 1.2 per cent in November from the previous year, surpassing market expectations. Japan is now more than half-way towards meeting the central bank’s goal of achieving two per cent inflation by about 2015. This has been due

to a massive monetary stimulus policy aimed at weakening the currency and spurring more spending. Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said earlier this week that policymakers have been looking to break the country’s “deflation equilibrium”. Japan has faced nearly two decades of stagnant growth and falling prices because companies and households have held off on spending, based on the assumption

that prices will not rise. “The BoJ’s monetary policy differs from that of other central banks in that it focuses on changing public expectations,” Kuroda said on Wednesday. “We’re seeing broad improvements in the economy, markets, public sentiment. This is the best opportunity to end deflation.” Other economic data released on Friday added to signs that the recovery in Japan is gathering momentum under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (BBC News)

Middle East

Audi boosts investments through 2018 Emirates to launch A380 on London

ermany’s Audi said it would invest about 22 billion euros (£18.25 billion) in new models, plants and technology in the five years through 2018. That equates to 4.4 billion euros a year, compared with 2.6 billion in the carmaker’s budget of December 2011. People familiar with the matter told Reuters earlier this month that Audi planned to increase spending as the luxury carmaker steps up efforts to catch larger competi-

tor BMW. Audi, a division of Volkswagen, said in a statement on Friday that 70 per cent of its planned investment was earmarked for new models and technology, and more than half of the sum would go to its German sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Planned investments will sustain Audi’s foreign expansion as the carmaker sets up factories in Mexico and China and eyes production in Brazil. Audi for the first time next year

plans to build more cars outside Germany than at home. It also aims to boost vehicle sales to at least two million cars per year and overtake luxury-sales champion BMW by the end of the decade by expanding to 60 models from its current 49. “We had set a target of 1.5 million deliveries a year by 2015, but we already comfortably reached that target in 2013...” Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler said in the statement. (Reuters)

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

Fixed as at July 24, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$339.67

$343.92

CAN

$193.16

$195.39

USD

$205.73

$208.18

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on December 27, 2013 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1213.80

$1214.80

Low/High

$1209.90

$1220.40

Change

+2.60

+0.21

USD GBP EUR

Dec 24 USD GBP EUR

Last: 16478.41

1209.25 733.10 875.89

1214.50 735.13 880.33

1196.50 732.12 874.95

Price Silver

Platinum

London Gold Fix

Dec 24

Indicators Crude Oil

NA NA NA Changes: -1.47

Open: 16486.37

High:16529.01

% YTD: 25.76

52Wk Hi: 16174.51

US$ per barrel

$111.98 USD per Ounce

$20.08 $1372.00

Change %

0.07 Change %

+0.27 +16.00

Gatwick route

mirates Airline has announced plans to become the first carrier to operate a regularly scheduled A380 service to London Gatwick airport. From March 20 2014, the airline’s 489-seat A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER on EK flight 09/10, bringing a 36 per cent increase in capacity on one of its three dai-

ly flights, the carrier said in a statement. “London Gatwick was our first destination in the UK when we launched our services to the airport in 1987. It continues to be a strategic gateway not only into London but also into the regions of the Southeast and we are pleased to be the first airline to introduce a daily scheduled

A380 service to the airport,” said Thierry Antinori, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Emirates Airline. “Our support for London Gatwick’s long-term growth plans is aligned with our global strategy to optimise capacity on our major routes and to offer our passengers with ever more opportunities to fly on our A380s,” he added.

(Arabianbusiness)

Investors' guide Alternative career paths that will help you enjoy your job again

f you begin to realise that your chosen career is simply not all that you hoped it’d be, don’t despair. There are several lesser known career paths that dovetail nicely with your current work experience and education if you know where to look. Today we’re going to look at five variations of jobs which you may have never considered. If you are looking to start a new career or simply switch to a different position in the same field, then here are a few exciting alternative career paths that you can look into.

Corporate trainers

If your passion is teaching but would rather do without the unruly children and the temperamental teenagers, then working as a corporate trainer may just be the job you are looking for. You will be tasked as a corporate trainer to coach professionals and educate them about specific skills, technologies and protocols needed in order to adapt to a corporate environment.

Personal finance advisers

If you are good with numbers but tired of working in the cutthroat world of traders

and stock brokers then have we got a job for you! You have a head for math and an inclination to numbers and monitoring trade movements and investment opportunities, so you can undoubtedly fare well as a personal finance adviser or consultant. You will be able to enjoy a much more relaxed environment servicing clients who are in need of your specific expertise, rather than having to deal with very competitive co-workers. Although labouring at Wall Street may pay better, working as financial consultant also pays well. (Business Dictionary)

TO BE CONTINUED

Business concept – Attribute % Change: -0.01 Low: 16461.23 52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

Marketing: A characteristic or feature of a product that is thought to appeal to customers. Attributes usually represent a manufacturer’s or a seller’s perspective and not necessarily that of a customer. Attributes of instant coffee, for example, may include its aroma, flavour, colour, caffeine content, packaging and presentation, price, shelf-life, source, etc. Attributes have only two possible ratings (negative or positive) expressed as acceptable or unacceptable, desirable or undesirable, good or bad, etc.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 28, 2013

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) This will be an emotional period when secrets will surface. Avoid allowing impulsive reactions to ruin your plans. Talk matters over until you find a way to proceed. Freedom and equality are not negotiable.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) You need to stay active. Experimentation, love and self-improvement should be on the agenda. Inviting friends over will lead to a closer bond with the people who are most important to you.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) You’ll have an innovative concept that may lead to prosperity. Examine your options and make time to gather what you will require to proceed. Avoid excess and excessive people.

Peanuts

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22) Adhere to your plans regardless of added responsibilities. Taking challenges in stride will enhance your reputation and improve your self-esteem, paving the way for you to pursue new endeavours.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) Don’t be evasive about your feelings. Clear the air so that you can make changes and move in a better direction. Don’t allow someone else’s responsibilities to weigh you down.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Make an effort to help others. You will impress someone you want to get to know better. Don’t be discouraged by silly rules or general negativity. Concentrate on what you can contribute.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Domestic issues will shake your confidence. Have a night out and make new friends. Love is in the air and communicating openly will lead to an opportunity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Plan to travel or meet up with someone special. Examining family history will provide insight into the lifestyle you desire. Be open about your feelings, but accepting of how others respond.

Diplomacy will allow you to make your point without aggravation. Search for insights that will help you make a decision about your professional future or geographical location. Love is possible, but personal changes are required.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Learn through experience. Travel and research will help you make a decision. Your flirtation with an alternative lifestyle will point you in a new direction. Be honest about what you want.

Friday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20)

SAGITTARIUS

If you’re thinking of someone from your past, you should make contact with him or her. Plans to reunite may lead to answers. A current partnership will transform.

Prepare for the upcoming year. Changing your direction or appearance may lead to new partnerships and opportunities. Enjoy yourself without spending a lot. Simplify your life and don’t miss out on romance.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 28, 2013

Entertainment

Beenie Man

Denyque

Freddie Mc Gregor

ll arrangements are in place for the hosting of Conscious Minds’ “Captain meets King” concert featuring Jamaican Dancehall King Beenie Man, “Big Ship” singer Freddie McGregor, and upcoming Jamaican dancehall artiste Denyque at the Guyana National Stadium this evening. This is according to event promoter Lenox Lewis, who is expecting the usual turnout of Guyanese in their thousands to one of the more memorable concerts

from his promotion group. The artistes have arrived in Guyana and are ready to take to the stage this evening – rain or no rain. This show promises to be an affordable one, which allows locals and foreign-based Guyanese who are back home on holiday the opportunity to see two stalwarts of Jamaican music. The event is a follow-up to Conscious Minds’ “November to Remember – Night of the Divas”, which was held in November 2012 and featured Lady Saw,

Tanya Stephens, Spice, Pamputtae, soca sensation Destra Garcia, and Denise Belfon. Tickets are on sale at Moitori Boutique, Laing Avenue and This is IT Mini Mall, Robb Street at a cost of $10,000 for the stage front experience and $2000 for general admission. The event is sponsored by Banks DIH, Fly Jamaica and others. All the necessary permits have been issued to the promotional group.

he Red Earth Riders’ Club of Bartica will host its second grass track meet called “Go for Gold” at the Karrau ground on Sunday. It promises to be an exciting match-up as riders from Bartica and Georgetown go head to head. The event brings clean family fun and will see riders such as Stephen Vieira and Andy Rajkarran competing alongside Bartica riders Andrew Wong, Bobby Rasul, and Dave Younge on adrenaline-inducing race tracks. Gold medals and cash prizes are up for grabs in the 13 races scheduled. The categories include 125 fourstroke, 125 two-stroke, and All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV) sport

racing. Also in attendance will be Joel Neblett, the A Class superbike champion and Ricardo Fagundes, former B Class superbike champion along with other special guests. The Red Earth Riders’ Club has been hosting grass track meets in Karrau for a number of years, but club vice president and rider Dave Younge said meets were put on hold owing to the two regattas that are held yearly in Bartica. However, the club decided to resuscitate the Karrau Motocross last August and plans to make it an annual event every August. It is also expected to bring muchneeded tourism dollars to the

Beres Hammond

JMC3Veni

Bobby Rasul

Amerindian village of Karrau, which is located in the lower Cuyuni of Region Seven.

The event is sponsored by El Dorado Trading among others.

ith less than two weeks before the “Night of Love” concert slated for the Guyana National Stadium on January 4, featuring international R&B singer John Legend, the ticket price have been slashed. General admission for the show will now cost $4000 and the VIP experience, $23,000. These new prices will be available until 16:00h on January 4 after which tickets will return to the original prices. Apart from the headline act John Legend, Jamaican reggae artiste Beres Hammond and Trinidad’s number one crossover band JMC 3Veni and its lead singer Kris Persad,

he Texila American University held its inaugural cultural night and pageant on December 22 at the National Cultural Centre, which saw one female student and one male student being crowned Mr and Miss Texila American University. The event took off, with students displaying their talents, presenting invocative dances, playing the drums and the piano and more impressively showcasing their singing abilities. The pageant started off with a dance by the 15 contestants. They were judged on several categories including intelligence, poise, personality, use of stage, creativity, creative costume, sportswear, cultural wear and formal wear. After the evening wear segment, five contestants

Miss and Mr Texila America University Umadevi Bux and Bonaventure Atulomah strike a pose after being crowned the winners of the university’s inaugural pageants on Sunday, December 22 at the National Cultural Centre. Also in photo are male first and second runners up Manmeet Dhillon and Erastus Nwanekezi respectively, and female first and second runners up Stephanie Ezeweputa and Salma Khan in that order

proceeded to the final question-and-answer segment. Miss Umadevi Bux was crowned Miss Texila American University after she mastered her final question “If you wake

John Legend

up 20 years older, what would be your reaction?”, telling the audience: “In life, you have to always face it with ethics and principles and strength no matter the situation; therefore,

if I wake up 20 years older, I will always move forward with strength, confidence, integrity, despite the situation because no one knows what tomorrow holds for them in life.” Bonaventure Atulomah was

crowned Mr Texila American University after he was asked to define three qualities that a woman of the millennium should have. He said, “A woman of the millennium should have a humble and

popularly known as KI, will be featured. While the reggae and R&B superstars can be considered as geniuses of romance in their respective genres, the inclusion of chutney sensation KI injects a touch of pure energy. The artistes are expected to arrive in Guyana on January 3. There are a few pre-concert activities planned for the artistes after they touch down, including a tour of the city. The event is a collaboration of Hits and Jams Entertainment and McNeal Enterprises, which has brought Beres Hammond and KI and the JMC 3Veni band to Guyana before.

contrite heart; loving, caring and always willing to help people”. Throughout the event, students performed various dances from different cultures, including the Ganesh Dance, and to music from around the world like “Jai Ho”, and “Shake Your Bum Bum”. The Mr and Miss Photogenic awards went to Fabian Akpan and Valerie Atulomah, and the Mr and Miss Talented prizes went to Bonaventure Atulomah and Shyama Viswambharan, while Mr and Miss Creative Costume were Bonaventure Atulomah and Valerie Atulomah. Awards were also given to the best cricket, football and chess teams. A number of persons were also awarded for their academic achievement.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 28, 2013

Entertainment P

alm Court, Main Street, Georgetown is set to host its second New Years Eve Masquerade Ball. This will be held on Tuesday, December 31 at the party spot and patrons can expect big and greater things to happen this year. Since this event is an all night into morning one, there will also be a dinner buffet with Guyanese specials such as pepper pot, cook-up rice and garlic pork available. VIP tickets for the masquerade ball cost $25,000 and is inclusive of dinner and a premium bar while regular tickets cost $5000. Masks will be available for those in the VIP area, however, those desirous of bringing their own can do so. Also on that night, the New Year will be ushered in with a ball drop likened to the one at Times Square. Those who were at the ball last year

will reminisce on its magnificence. The ball will be dropped on the western side of Main and Middle streets.

The talented singer, Meghan Vieira, who will be performing.

t is all happening at the Monaco Night Club this Old Year’s Night with the masquerade ball. Ring in the New Year by partying to the best sound and at the best New Year’s Eve party this year. Entertainment will be provided by Gully Ras of Fusion International, entertainer Ryon and Selectors Carl and Diamond of 94.1 FM. Patron will receive complimentary masks, hats and noisemakers which will add to the celebration as we usher in 2014. Partyholics will also benefit from bottle specials all night where they can purchase any bottle of liquor and get the

ast year, Barbados soca sensation Rupee brought down the house when the Pegasus Hotel hosted its Old Year’s Night party and this year, partyholics especially chutney lovers, are expected to be thrilled, as two Trinidadian heartthrobs will be performing. Those to perform are Rick Ramoutar and De Hunter who promise to rock the house. Both are slated to perform for an hour each which will see them belching out some of their signature tunes that will definitely put patrons in the party mood. Also making an appearance is Deejay Sparks from Jamaica and Deejay Bevaughn. The event is called “2014 Live New Year’s Eve” and will be held at the Pegasus poolside. Apart from all the performances, there will be the breathtaking fireworks display that will last for at least 30 minutes and dinner. Patrons who want to be a part of the dinner and party can pay $13,000, but those who just want to boogie down at the party can pay $8000. Lighting and sounds will be provided by the Pegasus Hotel.

second at half price. Ladies will be admitted free until 23:00h. General admission costs $3000 while VIP will cost $4000. VIP cards will be valid for the evening. Confetti blasts and luxury topped with Guyana’s finest deejays will be on show. It’s a celebration… Toast to the New Year… The event is sponsored by Electronics City; Tropiclistings.com and Corona. Dress code will be in effect and remember what happens in Monaco stays in Monaco. Just follow the light in the sky and head to Monaco this Saturday.

Reigning Miss Guyana World Ruqayyah Boyer presenting a gift to a child

eigning Miss Guyana World, Ruqayyah Boyer on Christmas eve in collaboration with the Les Deux M (LDM) Jewellery store out of New York City spearheaded a surprise house to house toy drive in various neighbourhoods in Georgetown. These included the First Circle, East Ruimveldt area; Shell Road, Kitty; and C Field, Sophia. (LDM) is a jewellery retailer based in NYC. The founders, Antia McGill and Dyonne Wharton are equally passionate about their business and giving back to the community. Through their newly launched website (www.lesdeuxms.com), together with the reigning queen, they embarked on having the first annual toy drive. Throughout the month of December, US$1 from each purchase made at their store was donated to the toy drive. LDM also works in collaboration with well known Guyanese personalities/ designers Roger Gary of Aqua Couture; Michele Cole of Cole Facts; and Miss Guyana World and the Miss Guyana World franchise to collect toys and donations to benefit the toy drive.

On December 24, Boyer went to various households surprising the children and handing out toys which catered to both boys and girls, and treats much to the delight of the children. On Christmas day, she had having another gift sharing exercise in her hometown of Linden. The reigning queen extended heartfelt appreciation to McGill and Wharton for being a part of the initiative and contributing the toys for the drive, also Suzanne Cole who assisted with the distribution of presents. She commented that although she was not brought up in a family that celebrated Christmas due to religious beliefs, her grandfather is Christian, and as a result, she understands the joy of receiving presents this time of year and believes that as Guyanese, we all have a part to play in sharing the holiday spirit. The Les Deux is hoping to make further contributions as an ongoing yearround effort to benefit children in the Caribbean and plan to include Jamaica and Trinidad in 2014.

entertainment

YELLOW PAGES

saturDay, december 28, 2013

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

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

spirituality Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10am - 4pm. Tel: 592-690-1824. Email: anew-life@live.com Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 687-5653

FOR SALE 60FT Antenna (Mass) for Radio, TV, Cellular, with cables, brackets, sky light $400,000 227-3939, 621-4000

health

Jumo Primo

Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592621-0552. 12:00pm -6:00pm, Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

he 10th Carib Soca Monarch contest is here and will set the vibes and rhythms for Mashramani 2014. ANSA McAL has been receiving entries, but those who wish to participate in the competition have up to January 8, 2014 to register. This year is not expected to

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disappoint with exciting music, thrilling performances, and an explosion of fabulous lyrics promised, as contestants try to out-perform each other like they do every year. The 2013 competition proved to be one of the bestever held, and this year, the organisers will be aiming to

surpass that success, with the multitalented, vibrant artistes in our midst. On December 2 and 3, 2013 at the Sidewalk Cafe, Middle Street, Georgetown, ANSA McAL hosted a two-day music workshop to allow past participants of the Carib Soca Monarch contest, other

musicians and generally anyone interested in developing their musical skills the opportunity to boost their talents and enhance music in Guyana. The semi-finals are scheduled for February 8, 2014 in East Berbice and the finals for February 15, 2014 at the National Park, Georgetown.

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he “Boxing Night Chutney Celebration” which was scheduled for the Tuschen Community Centre ground this Thursday evening was postponed due to inclement weather. The event, which was promoted by Westsiderz Entertainment, would have featured live performances by Prince JP; Fiona Singh; Pooran Seeraj; Aamir Khan; Bunty Singh; Steven Ramphal; and Guyana Jingle Star, Halima Khan, as well as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) top five jingle stars. All tickets that were purchased for the event are still valid and can be used for “Indian Drums” at the same venue on January 25. That event will feature the same artistes. Music for “Indian Drums” will be provided by Power Sonic and 71 Sound System with emcee Deejay Golden Chyld. The event is exclusively sponsored by Carib Beer.

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he place to be this Old Year’s night to usher in 2014 is Buddy’s Night Club as they usher in the New Year with a grand affair called “Glitz and Glamour”. Ring in 2014 with the best deejays including TEAM MMR; Selector Andy of Mega Mix Reload and the Partyboss WR Reaz along with the in-house deejay

popping the most popular music which will have everyone on the dance floor. Enjoy the transformed atmosphere as patrons receive sparkle hats, beads and many more items that will definitely add to a magical night. Patrons will also receive complimentary shooters on entry before 23:00h. Tickets for the event cost $4500 for

regular admission and $7000 for the VIP. Tickets are available at Buddy’s Gym and Buddy’s Mei Tung Restaurant. It’s a night of unforgettable experiences at Buddy’s Night Club’s “Glitz & Glamour” Old Years night party. Be sure not to miss this one and ring in the New Year at Buddy’s Night Club.

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ravity will also be hosting its first New Years Eve party under the theme “This is London” on December 31 at the party spot at Regent and Camp streets, Georgetown. The cuisine and décor will all be centred on the theme and will see some gorgeous designs and fabulous settings that will leave you breathless. It will also be the first time that persons will be able to view patrons in the city breaking in the New Year with firecrackers from Gravity’s balcony. Tickets for the event will cost $15,000 for the Premium open bar and $25,000 for dinner, drinks and breakfast. Music will be provided by DJ Bevon and DJ Energy, and will satisfy everyone’s taste.

saturday, december 28, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

South Africa v India, 2nd Test, Durban, 2nd day…

Steyn six brings South Africa roaring back

he second day began with grey skies and a persistent rain that wiped out the morning session but when play began, more than three hours behind the scheduled start, it was in blazing sunshine with the fans reaching for the sunblock. Dale Steyn’s mood similarly brightened as he ended an unprecedented 69.2-over wait for a wicket with a triple-strike that brought South Africa right back after the first day was dominated by India’s batsmen. Steyn returned after tea to roll over the lower order in a pumped-up spell and finish with 6-100, his 22nd fivefor, as India ended on 334. It was a high-class display on a surface that offered little for quicks, and showed his adaptability. With his usual outswinger not working, he relied on express pace and hostile short balls. In between, India had a couple of sprightly partnerships involving Ajinkya Rahane, another young batsman whose reputation has been bolstered on this tour. First, he put on 66 with the in-form Virat Kohli and then 55 with MS Dhoni to ensure India didn’t keel over without resistance. M Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara, utterly in control all day yesterday to take India to 181-1, had a couple of nervy moments early on against Steyn as both batsmen edged past the staggered slip cordon. On the sixth over of the day, Steyn broke through. After a bunch of short balls, Pujara only went half-forward to a pitched-up delivery and nicked through to the keeper. For Vijay, the early

after the break with Dhoni in the middle and Rahane latching onto anything short. For the third innings in a row, India had batted out more than 100 overs, not something that was predicted before the tour began. The pair added 32 in five overs and just as India seemed to be taking a firm grip, Steyn returned. He had Dhoni chasing one outside off to nick to slip to break the stand, and expose India’s lower order. Ravindra Jadeja became the first victim of spin in the game, as he gave Jacques Kallis his 200th Test catch to exit for a duck. A leaping, acrobatic take from de Villiers to send back Zaheer Khan left Rahane wondering whether he would reach his maiden Test half-century. He got there but soon after the innings ended, with the final five wickets going down for 14 runs. South Africa’s batsmen had to negotiate 20 overs be-

SCOREBOARD Dale Steyn exults after claiming one of his six wickets

stumps yesterday came at the worst time, as he had a night to ruminate over a possible first century overseas. He spent 47 deliveries in the 90s - including that edge past slip for four - before a Steyn short ball had him gloving to the keeper, three short of a milestone to cherish. The next delivery was one that will likely haunt Rohit Sharma for a while. With Steyn reversing the ball in, Rohit had a brainfade and decided to not offer a stroke and lost his middle

stump. Cue a flood of Nohit jokes, a derisory nickname he’d thought he had left behind with the golden run back home leading up to this series. A fired-up Steyn kept up the short-ball onslaught, hitting Rahane twice with the second new ball, signalling to the batsman that he was keeping count. Virat Kohli was less troubled by that strategy, authoritatively pulling Steyn to midwicket for four. Kohli was in the form that brought him a century and 96 in the

Johannesburg Test, and he showed that off with a series of defensive pushes down the ground, several of which reached the rope. With Vernon Philander getting nothing from the new ball, Rahane was settling in, the partnership grew and India were slowly asserting themselves again. Morne Morkel, though, changed that with a short ball ten minutes before tea that Kohli guided to AB de Villiers, who reacted rapidly to collect that chance. The runs came quickly

Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 5th ODI, Abu Dhabi…

Chandimal, Mendis edge home in thriller

fore stumps and they began at a T20 pace. India’s newball bowlers couldn’t get the ball to deviate, and offered some easy putaways which Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen pounced on. Like Philander, Zaheer Khan was taken off after just three overs. The introduction of Ishant Sharma made it tougher for the batsmen, as both Smith and Petersen were left groping outside off. There was more excitement when Jadeja came on, as he first got appreciable turn off the footmarks when bowling to Smith and then off an unblemished surface to Petersen. There was no breakthrough, though, as Petersen kept dispatching the bad ball on offer and South Africa maintained a punishing pace. By stumps, South Africa’s openers had reduced the deficit to 252, and ensured their team dictated the second day as much as India had the first. (Cricinfo)

t had been widely noted that Dinesh Chandimal hadn’t made an ODI fifty in nearly a year. He chose a thriller to end the drought, guiding Sri Lanka home in the last over in the company of Ajantha Mendis. Sri Lanka went into the Tests with a scoreline of 2-3, but it could easily have been 1-4. Pakistan made the target of 233 look like 333, despite Kusal Perera’s blitzing 47 at the start. They absorbed those early blows, and came back with venom, their spinners tying Sri Lanka down and their fast bowlers taking crucial wickets. Chandimal and Mendis battled through all that pressure to engineer a win from 195-8, their unbroken stand of 40 coming in only 4.1 overs. It had looked all but over for Sri Lanka when Pakistan nipped out three wickets in three overs, and 38 were needed off 27. Saeed Ajmal, who taken two of those three wickets, then seemed to have effectively ended the game as Mendis was given out legbefore first ball in the 46th over. But even as Mendis started to walk away, Chandimal persuaded him to review. Over half of the ball was shown to have

landed outside leg stump, and Mendis survived. Chandimal then took nine off Junaid in the 47th over, continuing to hustle between the wickets and pulling a four. Next up was Ajmal’s last over. Sri Lanka could have opted to play safe and target the last 12 deliveries, but Mendis went after Ajmal. And then came the moment where Pakistan let it slip away. Mendis hit an airy drive to cover’s left, but Sohaib Maqsood could not hold on to the sharp chance. Not only did Mendis escape a second time, he ran two. He then opened up and cracked a reverse-sweep for four off the last ball of the over. Sri Lanka still needed 18 off 12, but the issue was to be sealed in the penultimate over itself. Chandimal got underneath Umar Gul’s first delivery of the over and swung it for six over deep midwicket. Not to be outdone, Mendis stepped out and lofted Gul for six over extra cover three balls later. Game over. With two needed off the final three balls, Mendis hit the winning runs with a slap over extra cover and Kusal Perera was aggressive at let out a scream. (Cricinfo) the start of the run chase

India 1st innings S Dhawan c Petersen b Morkel 29 M Vijay c †de Villiers b Steyn 97 CA Pujara c †de Villiers b Steyn 70 V Kohli c †de Villiers b Morkel 46 RG Sharma b Steyn 0 AM Rahane not out 51 MS Dhoni*† c Smith b Steyn 24 RA Jadeja c Kallis b Duminy 0 Z Khan c †de Villiers b Steyn 0 I Sharma c †de Villiers b Steyn 4 Mohammed Shami c Smith b Morkel 1 Extras (lb-7, w-4, nb-1) 12 Total (all out; 111.3 overs) 334 Fall of wicket: 1-41 (Dhawan, 13.1 ov), 2-198 (Pujara, 66.3 ov), 3-199 (Vijay, 68.5 ov), 4-199 (RG Sharma, 68.6 ov), 5-265 (Kohli,

92.3 ov), 6-320 (Dhoni, 106.4 ov), 7-321 (Jadeja, 107.5 ov), 8-322 (Khan, 108.2 ov), 9-330 (I Sharma, 108.5 ov), 10-334 (Mohammed Shami, 111.3 ov) Bowling: DW Steyn 30-9-1006 (2-w), VD Philander 21-656-0 (1-nb, 1-w), M Morkel 23.3-6-50-3 (1-w), JH Kallis 11-1-36-0, RJ Peterson 22-275-0, JP Duminy 4-0-10-1 South Africa 1st innings GC Smith* not out 35 AN Petersen not out 46 Extras (lb-1) 1 Total (for no wickets; 20 overs) 82 Bowling: Z Khan 4-0-200, Mohammed Shami 5-023-0, I Sharma 6-2-180, RA Jadeja 5-1-20-0

SCOREBOARD Pakistan innings (50 overs maximum) Sharjeel Khan c & b Malinga 18 Ahmed Shehzad c Priyanjan b Lakmal 17 Mohammad Hafeez b Mathews 41 Sohaib Maqsood c Dilshan b Malinga 7 Misbah-ul-Haq* c †Sangakkara b Malinga 51 Umar Akmal† c Dilshan b Mendis 20 Anwar Ali not out 41 Abdur Rehman lbw b Malinga 1 Umar Gul run out (Mendis/ Senanayake) 8 Saeed Ajmal lbw b Lakmal 8 Junaid Khan lbw b Lakmal 0 Extras (lb-10, w-10) 20 Total (all out; 49.3 overs) 232 Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Ahmed Shehzad, 5.3 ov), 2-54 (Sharjeel Khan, 12.4 ov), 3-70 (Sohaib Maqsood, 16.1 ov), 4-128 (Mohammad Hafeez, 28.3 ov), 5-169 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 38.2 ov), 6-173 (Umar Akmal, 39.3 ov), 7-176 (Abdur Rehman, 40.5 ov), 8-194 (Umar Gul, 45.3 ov), 9-232 (Saeed Ajmal, 49.2 ov), 10-232 (Junaid Khan, 49.3 ov) Bowling: AD Mathews 10-1-261 (1-w), RAS Lakmal 7.3-0-423, SMSM Senanayake 10-1-44-0 (3-w), SL Malinga 10-0-57-4 (2w), BAW Mendis 10-1-42-1 (3-

w), TM Dilshan 2-0-11-0 (1-w) Sri Lanka innings (target: 233 runs from 50 overs) MDKJ Perera lbw b Mohammad Hafeez 47 TM Dilshan c Saeed Ajmal b Junaid Khan 45 KC Sangakkara† b Junaid Khan 22 LD Chandimal not out 64 SMA Priyanjan c †Umar Akmal b Umar Gul 1 AD Mathews* c †Umar Akmal b Anwar Ali 8 KDK Vithanage b Saeed Ajmal 14 SMSM Senanayake c Mohammad Hafeez b Junaid Khan 3 SL Malinga b Saeed Ajmal 0 BAW Mendis not out 19 Extras (lb-7, w-5) 12 Total (8 wickets; 49.4 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-75 (Perera, 12.2 ov), 2-113 (Dilshan, 24.1 ov), 3-129 (Sangakkara, 28.5 ov), 4-137 (Priyanjan, 30.2 ov), 5-166 (Mathews, 40.2 ov), 6-189 (Vithanage, 43.4 ov), 7-194 (Senanayake, 44.6 ov), 8-195 (Malinga, 45.3 ov) Bowling: Umar Gul 7.5-0-441 (1-w), Anwar Ali 5.4-0-36-1 (1-w), Mohammad Hafeez 9-036-1 (2-w), Junaid Khan 7.1-031-3, Saeed Ajmal 10-0-43-2, Abdur Rehman 10-0-38-0 (1-w)

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, december 28, 2013

England fight back against Australia E

ngland produced their best bowling display of the series to reduce Australia to 1649, still 91 runs behind, on a dramatic second day at the MCG. Aided by a succession of wasteful shots from the Australian top six, England fought back superbly to at last give their beleaguered travelling support something to celebrate. Only Brad Haddin, who once again counter-attacked with aggression for an invaluable 43 not out, and the stodgy Chris Rogers (61) were able to flourish against tight, accurate bowling. In front of another huge crowd at the MCG of more than 78,000, Mitchell Johnson had earlier taken his third five-wicket haul of the series to help dismiss England for just 255. But James Anderson and Stuart Broad first slowed the Australian reply and then stopped it in its tracks, taking three wickets apiece. Not since the opening day at the Gabba have Alastair Cook’s men enjoyed such success, and with Australia having to bat last on this pitch England now have their best opportunity of the series to salvage a win from this unhappy tour. The tourists’ own innings had subsided in dismal fashion, the remaining four wickets adding just 29 more runs to the overnight 226-6 as Johnson once again smashed through the tail in a mere 50 minutes. The left-armer had Tim Bresnan caught at short leg from his first ball of the

Pietersen at mid off for 61. Australia were in trouble at 112-5 and the tourniquet tightened as George Bailey was given nothing in his favourite scoring area on the leg side. After 19 balls without a run he tried to force Anderson away off the back foot outside off stump and, despite initially being given not out by Aleem Dar, third umpire Billy Bowden heard a thin edge and reversed the decision. It brought together Haddin and Johnson, who had rescued their side from a near-identical position on the very first day of the series, and the wicketkeeper immediately went on the attack, launching a huge six off Stokes to break the world record for the number of six-

England bowlers were on target at the MCG

day and then took the prize wicket of Kevin Pietersen, clean bowled to a horrible slog for a stuttering 71. Pietersen had played with exaggerated caution on the first day, but abandoned that approach for something improbably ambitious despite having Broad at the other end and two further wickets with which to bat. Johnson, however, was in relentless form. He took his 28th wicket of the series when he had Broad trapped lbw for seven with a full inswinger, meaning his five wickets had come in 42 balls for the cost of just 14 runs. Monty Panesar shouldered arms to Nathan Lyon for two to leave Anderson unbeaten on 11, and at that stage Australia appeared to have a tight grip on the

match. But they then threw away that advantage with a series of rash strokes that began with the relentlessly aggressive David Warner, who aimed a needless hoick at Anderson to give Jonny Bairstow his first catch as a Test wicketkeeper. With the score on 36 Shane Watson followed suit with a characteristic strongarmed drive at Ben Stokes that took the inside edge to Bairstow, and suddenly England sensed an opportunity. Just as Australia’s bowlers had throttled England’s scoring rate on Boxing Day, so England’s tight attack cut out Rogers’ and Michael Clarke’s scoring opportunities. The Aussie captain averages only 12 against

England on this ground and he went for two runs fewer this time, misjudging a delivery from Anderson that clipped the top of his off stump as he held his bat high out of the way. Rogers was then clattered on the helmet by Broad before digging in with his usual diligence as the scoring rate dropped close to a run an over. His half-century took almost three hours but it took Australia past 100 before Steve Smith tried to break free of the shackles with an injudicious cut at Broad to be caught by new second slip Ian Bell for 19. It seemed to disturb Rogers’ equanimity, for just two runs later he tried to hoist Bresnan down the ground and holed out to

All set for Jumbo Jet horse race meet – venue, feature race among changes

espite the current inclement weather, principals of the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise have assured that all systems are in place for Sunday’s horse race meet, scheduled to be staged at the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC). According to coordinator Chattergoon Ramnauth, while the current rainy weather pattern has definitely affected most outdoor activities, the track at PMTC remains in an excellent condition. “The race is definitely on, the track is good and we have put all systems in place for the race meet come Sunday,” Ramnauth said on Friday. He further indicated that several changes have been made to the event. Top on the list is a change of venue from the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club to the PMTC at Corentyne, Berbice. The A Class event has been replaced by the D1 and Lower as the feature match up on the day for a winning prize of $1.5 mil-

The feature race will see the horses racing over 1600 metres

lion, while the E Class race has been dropped. The G2 event has been upgraded to a G1 clash. With entries reaching appoximately 80, the organisers have put together an impressive seven-race pro-

gramme for the meet. All the big names are set to be on show for what is expected to be a competitive day of racing. The organisers have also added a substantial amount of cash and other attrac-

tions to the day’s activities that total over $11 million in cash and trophies. The feature race will see the horses racing over 1600 metres. The Three-Yearold race for horses bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies has a winning tag of $1 million over 1600 meters. The Two-Year-Old Guyana and West Indies bred horses will gallop over 1200 metres for the $700,000 first prize on offer. The G1 Class horses will run also over 1200 metres and will see the champion horse taking home a winners money of $500,000. The race for Guyana bred Three-Year-Old horses has a winning purse of $400,000, also over 1200 metres. The I and Lower 1200 meters event has a winning prize of $250,000, while the other event is for animals classified J, K and L and Lower, which is also a 1200 metres affair for a winner’s pocket of $200,000. Race time is 12:30 hours. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

es hit in a Test series. On 35 he was given out lbw to Panesar, only to be reprieved on a curious balltracking review. Johnson too had a life on two when Anderson dropped a sitter at cover off Bresnan, but the same combination did for him in the same fashion two overs later without him adding another run. As the shadows lengthened in the Melbourne evening, Broad then had Harris caught fending a short ball to short-leg for six and Peter Siddle miscuing to cover for a five-ball duck. Despite that poor first hour it made it England’s best day of the series, and while the Ashes are long gone the much-feared 5-0 whitewash may yet be avoided. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD England 1st innings Cook c Clarke b Siddle 27 Carberry b Watson 38 Root c Haddin b Harris 24 Pietersen b Johnson 71 Bell c Haddin b Harris 27 Stokes c Watson b Johnson 14 Bairstow b Johnson 10 Bresnan c Bailey b Johnson 1 Broad lbw b Johnson 11 Anderson not out 11 Panesar b Lyon 2 Extras (1-nb, 1-w, 10-b, 7-lb) 19 Total (all out; 100 overs) 255 Bowling: Harris 24-8-47-2, Johnson 24-4-63-5, Siddle 23-7-50-1, Lyon 22.2-4-671, Watson 6.4-2-11-1 Fall of wickets: 48 (Cook), 96 (Carberry), 106 (Root), 173 (Bell), 202 (Stokes), 216 (Bairstow), 230 (Bresnan), 231 (Pietersen), 242 (Broad), 255 (Panesar)

Australia 1st innings Rogers c Pietersen b Bresnan 61 Warner c Bairstow b Anderson 9 Watson c Bairstow b Stokes 10 Clarke b Anderson 10 Smith c Bell b Broad 19 Bailey c Bairstow b Anderson 0 Haddin not out 43 Johnson c Anderson b Bresnan 2 Harris c Root b Broad 6 Siddle c Bresnan b Broad 0 Extras (4-lb) 4 Total (for 9 wickets; 73.3 overs) 164 Bowling: Anderson 16-4-503, Broad 16.3-5-30-3, Stokes 14-4-38-1, Bresnan 18-624-2, Panesar 9-2-18-0 Fall of wickets: 19 (Warner), 36 (Watson), 62 (Clarke), 110 (Smith), 112 (Rogers), 122 (Bailey), 151 (Johnson), 162 (Harris), 164 (Siddle)

Collingwood, Wright to lead Scotland in New Zealand

aul Collingwood will jointly lead Scotland’s coaching team with Craig Wright in next year’s World Cup qualifying event in New Zealand. The former England allrounder had been the Scots’ assistant coach. Peter Steindl is leaving his role as head coach after last month’s failure to qualify for the World Twenty20. After warm-up matches versus Papua New Guinea and Namibia, Scotland face Hong Kong, Nepal, United Arab Emirates and Canada in the qualifying event . It runs from January 13 to February 1, with two places at the finals in Australia and New Zealand up for grabs. Collingwood won the Ashes three times and is England’s most capped oneday international player. Wright is a former Scotland captain. A statement on Cricket Scotland’s website read: “The team will be managed

Paul Collingwood

by Euan McIntyre together with performance analyst/fielding coach Toby Bailey, strength and conditioning coach Simon Smith and physiotherapist Mhairi MacPhail. “All were part of the Scotland coaching and support team at the recent tournament in the United Arab Emirates, with Collingwood and Wright stepping up from their assistant coaching roles to lead the team.” (BBC Sport)

saturday, december 28, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Boxing coaches square off in Berbice T

he two most successful boxing coaches in Berbice, Jeff Roberts and Orlando “Pocket Rocket” Rodgers, are throwing verbal punches at each other and without a referee in the middle. Roberts is accusing Rodgers of trying to steal his boxers while Rodgers levels the same accusations against Roberts. The bout started when Rodgers appeared on a Berbice television station seeking funds from the business community to assist with transportation cost for a boxer to travel for a boxing engagement. Rodgers appeared as coach of the boxer. However,

Jeff Roberts

Roberts claims that he is the boxer’s coach. Shortly after the programmed was

Cardiff City sack manager

Malky Mackay

alky Mackay has been sacked as Cardiff City manager after a meeting of the club’s board of directors. Billionaire Malaysian owner Vincent Tan said the dismissal was “regretfully” necessary to be fair to the club and its fans. In a statement, Tan said: “Far too much dirty linen has been exposed to the public gaze but, I stress, not by me.” The move comes a day after a 3-0 home defeat by Southampton left Cardiff only one point above the relegation zone. Mackay said he could look back at his time at Cardiff with “immense pride.” “I leave with my head held high having gained a level of experience that, upon reflection, I suspect would have been difficult to find anywhere else in British football,” he said in a statement issued on his behalf by the League Managers’ Association. “The foundations laid at Cardiff City FC will provide a solid platform for my successor. And for the sake of the club, I hope that all of the progress that has been

made so far will not be impaired in any way by today’s enforced changes.” Mackay’s removal follows a public row with Tan, who wrote to the manager on December 16 asking him to resign or be sacked. Tan also accused Mackay of overspending in the transfer market and announced the manager would have nothing to spend in the January window. The 41-year-old Scotsman refused to resign, and subsequently led the team in Premier League matches against Liverpool and Southampton before his dismissal. Mackay’s assistant David Kerslake is expected to be in charge for the home match against Sunderland on Saturday. Mackay, who is the sixth Premier League boss to lose his job this season, had been in charge at Cardiff for twoand-a-half years after taking over from Dave Jones in June 2011. He guided the club back to the top flight of English football after a 52-year absence when they won the Championship in April. (BBC Sport)

Orland Rodgers

aired, the two coaches were involved in a heated argument. Roberts is claiming that the boxer had moved over to his gym. Over the past four

months the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym has been dormant as Rodgers left a job he had with the New Amsterdam Prison Service after a Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant for him. Most of the boxers who fought under that gym then aligned themselves with Roberts Champions Boxing Gym and started fighting out of that gym. Rodgers recently re-appeared in New Amsterdam while the boxers remained under coach Roberts, who recently staged a ‘Fight Nite‘ card in the town. The two coaches are also seeking the honour of having some of the best amateur boxers in the country along with some outstanding local professional boxers.

Murray claims first win after returning from injury

Andy Murray

ndy Murray has recorded his first victory since returning to tennis following a back operation. The Wimbledon champion and British number one beat Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3 6-4 at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Murray, 26, lost to JoWilfried Tsonga on Thursday

in his first match since having surgery in September. “It’s good to get two matches against top players,” said Murray. “It’s been a perfect start.” Murray, ranked fourth in the world, returns to competitive action in the Exxon Mobil Open in Qatar next week as part of his preparations for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 13. The 2013 BBC Sports Personality of the Year added, “I feel pretty good; a lot better than I did a few months ago. I just need to play more matches like this because the intensity’s a lot higher than you can get in practice. “It was good to get two matches against top players. Everyone needs matches at this stage, especially me. It’s been a perfect start and hopefully I’ll get better.” (BBC Sport)

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

saturday, december 28, 2013

TOP SCORES

CRICKET: ENGLAND 255 V AUSTRALIA 164-9; PAKISTAN 232 V SRI LANKA 235-8; INDIA 334 V SOUTH AFRICA 82-0

GCB to host fitness tests today

Boxing coaches square off in Berbice See story on page

he provisional squad of 37 players named by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for next year’s regional tournaments will undergo a number of fitness tests today from 09:00 hours at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The re-evaluation fitness tests will be conducted on the players before the selectors pick the touring squads for next year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional fourday and NAGICO Super50 tournaments. Chairman of the Senior Selection Panel of the GCB, Rayon Griffith, disclosed that the tests will play a big part in coming up with the players who will represent Guyana in the both competitions. The 37 players who were called are: Leon Johnson, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble, Robin Bacchus, Assad Fudadin, Zaheer Mohamed, Royston Crandon, Christopher Barnwell, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Vishal Singh, Ronsford Beaton, Rajiv Ivan, Amir Khan, Ramnaresh Sarwan, INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

South Africa v India, 2nd Test, Durban, 2nd day…

Steyn six brings South Africa roaring P21 back

Jeff Roberts Rayon Griffith

Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shaquille Williams, Jonathan Foo, Narsingh Deonarine, Steven Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Raun Johnson, Jason Sinclair, Paul Wintz, Anthony Adams, Rajendra Chandrika, Gudakesh Motie, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Stoll, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Ryan Ramdass, Trevon Griffith, Chris Pattadin, Royan Fredericks, Totaram Bishun and Collis Butts.

Orland Rodgers

All set for Jumbo Jet horse race meet See story on page

– venue, feature race among changes

Bowling gives us the edge, says Bravo D

wayne Bravo, West Indies’ ODI captain, believes his bowling attack will give his team the definitive edge in the fivematch ODI series against New Zealand. Following a tense two-wicket win to lead the series 1-0 at Eden Park, Bravo heaped praise on his new-ball attack of Ravi Rampaul and Jason Holder. “There’s a confidence in the bowlers and it showed. They put the pressure on the Kiwis and helped our fresh faces integrate into the line-up,” Bravo said. “I’ve had honest and open chats with them and as the frontline, it’s important to discuss our brand of bowling and the attitude out there. This is what I’d like to see as a leader. Our bowling from Ravi and Jason was tight and precise and factoring in

Sunil Narine, this gives us an advantage.” Bravo himself picked up 4-44 while his opening bowlers took two apiece. He indicated that their bowling was something he felt they underplayed in the recent Test display as well as the visit to India. “Over the past few years, we’ve always had strength in bowling and we must play to this. We made sure to execute our game plans with the ball against New Zealand and I, myself, had to improve after coming into question as a death bowler this year,” he said. “So we all knew we had to step it up. Our bowling and fielding were spot on and we still have to note that there’s room to improve with the bat. The pitch wasn’t the best to bat on but it was a

good one to deliver to.” While Darren Sammy (43*) and Lendl Simmons (34) shone with the bat, the captain reiterated that his bowling attack was one that could easily adapt and interchange among the various pitches in New Zealand. He added that while their batsmen may have a more testing time acclimatizing, his bowlers were quicker geared to adjust to different situations. “With our bowling display so far and our net sessions, I can see they’re (bowlers) all relaxed and definitely, after yesterday (Thursday), the morale is high. I will look to carry on my momentum also but as long as our bowlers keep at it like we did in the first ODI, we’ll stand a great chance of taking the series,” he concluded. (Cricinfo)

Darren Sammy took West Indies over the line after a good effort by the bowlers

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