Guyana times sunday 08 03 14

McAllister to PNCR: Stop rigging internal elections

The management of Guyana Times notes with concern two articles published by Stabroek News and Kaieteur News on August 2 in relation to the distribution of Government’s print advertisements.

Although specific reference was made to advertisements from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), both articles, as well as several others before, appear to assert that Guyana Times gets preferential treatment from Government where allocation of advertisements is concerned.

The articles clearly conclude that this publication gets a superior volume of advertisements from the Government.

The reality, however, is quite far from that conclusion. A content analysis of Government advertisements distributed, for instance, during the month of May shows that three of the four daily newspapers (Guyana Times, Stabroek News and Kaieteur News) get statistically equal amounts of advertisements, with only marginal difference among the three.

In fact, the Government-owned Guyana Chronicle received the lion’s share of State advertisements.

This child, although with family members, seems to look on in fear at an anaconda during a visit to the National Zoological Park on Saturday

Weather: Thundery showers are expected during the day with light rain showers in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 24.1 degrees and 29.2 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 4.92 metres and 5.38 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:19h and 20:43h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.46 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:49h and 14:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.71 metre and 0.75 metre respectively.

McAllister to PNCR: Stop rigging internal elections – details rigging process, Granger's ineptitude

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive Member and Parliamentarian, James McAllister, said that the party needs to put systems in place that would see an end to the continued rigging of its internal leadership elections.

McAllister expressed profound concerns over the impact of the party’s 18th Biennial Congress which ended in chaos, bitter divisions and amid gunshots in July. Speaking with Guyana Times during an exclusive interview on Saturday, McAllister, who resides overseas, said the process and system for electing party office bearers remain unfair and biased.

Undemocratic

“Once the contest becomes one for [the] party leader, then the entire system becomes highly undemocratic. In this case, Mr Granger’s team was responsible for processing members’ applications and compiling the Voter’s List,” he explained.

For the first, McAllister explained how the system is rigged in favour of whomever is the party leader, especially if there is a serious challenge to his post during a congress.

“Imagine if the PPP had the authority to identify and appoint all GECOM Commissioners and could change the Voters’ List at their whim, would Mr Granger call that a fair process? How would he deem an election help under such conditions,” McAllister asked.

He said there is urgent need for the party to look at

reforming how it conducts its elections so as to strengthen its viability and democracy. “It is clear that the process was not fair,” he said, referring to last month’s Congress. “For them to arrogantly maintain it was fair and flawless would suggest to some that they are people who once given power would hold onto it at all cost.”

McAllister asserted that the problem lies with the Constitution of the party which is premised on there being a maximum leader that oversees the process and ensures fairness.

Rigging

Using the Linden debacle as an example, he said groups would submit their membership, which is accepted. They would then submit the nominations and once a majority was for Norton, “then the profiling started”.

“Then based on the distribution of nominations across the country, membership numbers were adjusted... to ensure that groups that nominated Mr Granger were entitled to more delegates than the total that of the groups that nominated Norton were entitled to,” he said.

He said Norton would

have anticipated this, having been in the system for a while.

“So some of his (Norton) supporters were advised to nominate Granger to avoid the administrative backlash that normally follows submission of nominations not favoured by the status quo.

“As a result, changes were continually being made to the list during the Congress as supposedly Norton supporters were identified,” McAllister contended. He said those who form the Accreditation Committee should be internal and not consist of people selected by the incumbent leader.

Way forward

“They need to accept that leadership challenges are here to stay and adjust the rules to ensure fairness and transparency where an impartial committee takes over membership as soon as enrolment closes... nominations should be submitted to the Committee and should remain confidential to avoid targeting and intimidation of groups by party officials,” he insisted.

He also recommended that on the day that membership closes, the Secretariat must provide the Committee

with the membership broken down by groups across the country. He said the Secretariat should not make changes to the declared numbers, for the purpose of the elections, unless approved by the Accreditation Committee.

McAllister strongly believes too that the Secretariat must produce to the Committee the financials, showing that all memberships were paid for. He said he made these very recommendations back in 2004 when he was a member of the Accreditation Committee for the PNCR.

Granger’s inadequacies

Asked whether he was initially supporting Norton’s candidacy to become the new PNCR Leader, McAllister said that he has not been a member since 2007. He, however, said that he respected Norton’s contributions and his political abilities, adding that he would have brought a new vision to the party’s leadership.

Opposition Leader David Granger

Former PNCR Parliamentarian James McAllister

Former PNCR General Secretary Aubrey Norton

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

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Editorial

Fake drugs

The saying the “health of a nation is the wealth of the nation” largely speaks to the need for the citizenry to be fit and eating healthy, but the idiom could also be extended to the availability of genuine medical drugs on the market, as the problems posed by imitations can be both grievous and costly.

Oftentimes counterfeit drugs are difficult to detect and control, and as such, the quantity on the market is a challenge to determine. Recently, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Government Food and Drug Analyst Department joined some 111 countries in an international week of action, titled “Operation PANGEA”, which had targeted the online sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines.

This newspaper has reported that the first phase of Operation PANGEA, an approximate 9,482,646 units of potentially dangerous medication were seized. The earnings from the sales of fake pharmaceuticals vary from sources to sources, but reach billions of dollars globally, and Guyana is flooded by the illegal trade, with Third World countries overall the most affected.

No one knows for certain the costs of the trade in illegal pharmaceuticals here, but the situation has not escaped the attention of the local health authorities. Only recently, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran expressed grave concern over the influx of counterfeit products on the local market, pointing out that the trade, which has been spreading like a virus, has reached the hinterland.

It was reported that anti-malarial drugs are sold at shops in hinterland communities. Naturally, consumers purchase the drugs, trusting the ‘reliability’ of the vendor to deliver safe and wholesome products. In most cases, the purchase is influenced by low cost, ready availability and poor public awareness of the consumer, who is looking for some relief from an illness.

The back-firing effect of the purchase is two-fold. One, the purchase made by the consumer is a loss, as no benefit is derived from the purchase, and two, even though the consumer pays less for the drug, he ends up spending more to recover from a product that he invested in to help heal him. This problem points to the need for greater public awareness by the Health Ministry on the authenticity of basic drugs and the prosecution of vendors of counterfeit drugs.

It is a bit odd that the health authorities are aware of the prevalence of counterfeit drugs on the market, but no one yet has been charged and placed before the court. The consumers, who look to the health authorities for guidance on matters of this nature, would want to see the Government’s grave concern translated into serious action.

Prosecution of rogue vendors for swindling unsuspecting consumers and endangering their lives would be a progressive step to arrest the problem and send a strong message to those involved in the illegal trade here.

In Guyana, the battle against illegal pharmaceuticals remains a problem, with illegal dealers trying to steal market shares from legitimate suppliers. The struggle has seen salient issues such as quality, standards and reputable track records being buried by spurious claims of an “unfair” procurement process. Notwithstanding this sideshow, the need for supply for genuine pharmaceuticals cannot be overstated as the health and lives of the populace are at stake.

The criticism therefore of the granting of the NEW GPC INC pre-qualification status to supply pharmaceuticals, a company which has met all the rigorous criteria set out by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) - including manufacturers’ authorisation - can only be viewed as uninformed, convenient or mischievous.

The frustration of purchasing faked drugs was well ventilated by former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy when he said: “We don’t want to buy medicine from companies that are manufacturing fake medicine. In the last five years, out of the 74 times that we went into the private sector to test malaria medicine, 54 times they failed, so we have to be careful.”

Reparations compensation a cure for Prof Thomas’ socialism disease

Dear Editor, Will reparations billions be shared in “equality” with all Guyanese regardless of race? The PNC government seized the Indian Immigration Fund and built a single National Cultural Center in Georgetown, far from the reach of Indo Guyanese.

Dr Cheddi Jagan’s opposition PPP at that time gave support in conformity with their ideology. During that same 20th century, the PNC government of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham insisted it was ensuring all Guyanese must benefit regardless of race.

However one century later, UG’s Prof Clive Thomas emphatically does not believe anymore in the “equality” of all races sharing the national bounty. His bravery finally admits and affirms with clear public reasons that which totally rejects the “equality” of entitlement based on sharing by race .

His drastic “change” is shocking, because he surprisingly now insists that governments must not, by best practice, control, supervise or regulate reparations bounty; ipso facto one

Prof Thomas can so easily turn race “equality” into garbage by reparations promise. Three centuries after slavery was abolished (1838), our many doubting Thomas have actually found emancipation from government handouts.

With his old wine re-

packaged in new giant overflowing bottles, he has fully armed one race for excellent economic development. Sooner is certainly better and all good wishes are certainly in order. Why wait? Federalism here we come!

In one of his columns, Prof Thomas, makes a quick about turn from his lofty ideological posturing which previously fully embraced Dr Walter Rodney’s bosom buddy advocacy of class subsuming race. Thomas does not have to justify why they totally abandoned their assassinated leader, considering the current WPA has absolutely lost its moral compass.

This blazing masterstroke of his hidden ace of spades race card being played completely grabs the entire “bountiful and beautiful” billions. No soup for Indians at all. Prof Thomas gives specific reasons all right. He wants it all. But only for black people’s exclusive benefit.

Ideology means nothing to the WPA’s UG economics professor anymore. What subliminal truth could so swiftly swing an alleged “socialist” advocate’s personal trajectory to abandon “shared governance” by its many flavors?

His complete ideological metamorphosis to capitalism quickly protects total black entitlement of reparations bounty - like it is a secret we do not know why. If it is the surgical means for assured black individual economic triumphalism

- to be free at last - under Prof Thomas’ accomplished genius, it is still without anyone required billboard signature. How is this to be achieved if not under federalism?

The UG professor is absolutely not under obligation or required to proclaim “no Indians or dogs” allowed. But it may be very indicative of a naiveté , passivity and absence of Indian intellect among themselves, awaiting only more effective violent porknocker probing for their own collective treasure to be realized.

Thomas’s new race biased economics course actually wraps and securely safeguards the massive reservoir for black people before the bounty begins to flow. While it’s not the first time Prof Thomas has betrayed a race bias unlike Guyana’s celebrated Dr Rodney, it’s certainly the highlight of a hypocrisy which he himself finally could not contain.

As an ACDA founding father, its primary colors have completely cured him of his socialist ideological disease. Dr Thomas’ new profound wisdom is the best case why federalism is inevitable. His born again baptismal thinking, whether temporary amnesia or not, is only open confirmation why black magnificence will reassert itself best done by their excellent wealth of talent and expertise within federalism.

To his credit, Prof

Thomas simply could not hide his phoniness and race biases anymore. Not with the billions which reparations promise. Even with no practical experience in managing a business, not even selling fried plantains, he weakly attacked the viability of the sugar industry like he bears some personal vendetta.

Revenge is what best describes his arbitration award - a 25 per cent pay increase - to Guyana’s predominantly black civil service, subsequently after Mrs Janet Jagan was overwhelmingly elected President at the 1997 elections.

Sworn in at a private ceremony, she thwarted a rowdy court injunction served at the public State House event. You can bet Prof Thomas will quietly sit out the Rodney COI to escape complicity like it is totally irrelevant and being held in a land far away. What is pitiful are those Indian WPA lost sheep that are yet to arrest their irrelevance, but more so the PPP/C leadership inabilities to extend an olive branch of rescue.

Burnham was a master craftsman who would have made barrels of lemonade with such lemons. But while cool aid was the old deliverance, now nationwide crimes and suicides jostle for dominance

Sincerely, Sultan Mohamed

A World War One battlefield 100 years on: On June 7, 1917, the British Second Army, under the command of General Herbert Plumer, launched the Battle of Messines, one of the bloodiest clashes of World War One. The battle had been months in the planning, and centred on the strategically important Messines Ridge in Belgium (BBC Photo)

Will PNCR rigging change people’s views of the party?

Dear Editor,

Will the PNCR rigging of its own internal elections hurt it at the next general election? That is a key question that analysts will examine before the nation goes to the polls (due in two years).

Early elections are not expected this year as the PNCR does not want an election and neither does the AFC (in spite of its huffing and puffing of a no-confidence vote). None of the three parties wants an election because all three are unsure of the outcome.

One outcome is sure – the PNCR is certain to retain its base as that has been the pattern of voting of its traditional supporters since 1957 and may even improve on it. They have not gravitated from that position, except briefly in 2006, when some abandoned the PNCR and voted for the AFC.

They returned to the base in 2011. In spite of all the rigging between 1964 and 1992, the party kept its base and the leadership always unites regardless of rigging or killing of opponents, as happened during the 1980s with Rodney, Father Darke, Ohene Koama, Edward

Dublin, etc.

So the rigging last week will not affect the outcome of the support of the PNCR. If anything, it may lead to increased support for the party. The anti-PNCR support is divided. Early elections could hurt the AFC and the quite possibly the PPP/C also, because the latter’s supporters continue to complain that they are being neglected in favor PNCR supporters.

Many PPP/C supporters plan to boycott the polls as they did in 2011 in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. When I was in Essequibo to conduct a NACTA survey last month, right after the rice farmers’ protest, I chatted with several people about the protest and of complaints of the rice farmers (unfair pricing of dhan/rice and late delivery of their money from the sale of dhan/chaaor).

To say the farmers were/ are angry with the PPP/C is an understatement. They blame the PPP/C for their lack of payment or the low price for their products –whether the PPP/C is responsible for the money issue is an altogether different

matter. The farmers believe the PPP/C is responsible for their ills. Thus, the trip by Ministers and the President to calm the farmers and light a fire on the behind of the rice millers to effect fair pricing and payment to the farmers.

The farmers plan to teach a lesson to the PPP/C by withholding their votes or casting ballot for another party as the sugar workers did in 2011 when the PPP/C neglected its supporters favor of PNCR supporters (as claimed by PPP/C supporters).

When I asked traditional PPP/C supporters if they would boycott the polls, many answered in the affirmative with some saying they would vote AFC. When I asked if they would vote PNCR, they answered in the negative; they do not view that party as an option although some said the PPP/C would be surprised to find out how many have left it in favor of the PNCR or AFC.

The AFC has been courting disenchanted PPP/C supporters with AFC leaders telling them that the PPP/C has been neglecting them in favor of PNCR sup-

porters as AFC leaders did in the 2011 elections. They point to how Linden is getting free or subsidized electricity while they (others) have to pay the full price for electricity.

The AFC has succeeded in its propaganda because former PPP/C supporters now say the PPP/C leadership should go to Linden and Buxton and other PNCR supported communities to get votes since they get the bulk of the resources and the PPP/C has traditionally neglected its base – (the PPP/ C’s supporters view).

Asked if they were concerned, should PNCR return to power, that the PNCR would return to its old ways of rigging elections and restoring dictatorial rule, national service, kick down door banditry, banning of essential foods, etc, as happened between 1965 and 1992, PPP/C supporters say the world has changed and that the PNCR will not return to abusing human rights as it did for 28 years.

But will the PNCR rigging of its own elections last week change people’s views of what has been an increasingly positive view of that

party by some PPP/C supporters since Granger became leader three years ago?

That is the key question.

Recently, the PNCR has stated that it plans to restore national service and it also stated that Guyanese can return to consumption of local products -- a hint it could return to banning flour, potatoes, etc. What message is the PNCR sending with the rigging of an election when it was clear that Granger was not under threat of being defeated by the announced opponents?

If PNCR wins the next election, will it be the last election in Guyana? The PNCR would have boosted its image and won over PPP/C supporters by allowing delegates to be freely selected by party members and by holding a free and fair election at its convention instead of stacking the delegates for an expected outcome.

Granger would have won hands down in a fair vote because his opponents were not attractive to the PNCR members. Now that the sordid discredited affair is over, the PNCR should immediately consider reholding another election in which all its mem-

bers would be given the right to vote to choose the leader and other executives.

This would show the party is not afraid of democracy setting an unprecedented situation that would shame the other two parties that have also been criticized for not holding free internal elections. Note that the other two parties have not criticized the PNCR for rigging its internal election. Granger would most certainly win a fair internal election and even win over many disenchanted PPP/C supporters (by such an action). But will the PNCR take the risk of a free and fair vote, something it has never done in its history?

People have pointed out that all the PNCR defenders - Tarron Khemraj, Asquith Rose, Haresh Singh, Mahadeo Persaud, Malcolm Harripaul, Freddie Kissoon, etc have been quiet on the PNCR rigging.

Will they call on the PNCR to hold a democratic election or have they accepted the rigging?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GO-Invest recognises that there are critical issues to be addressed

Dear Editor,

For the purpose of public education certain aspects needs to be clarified with regard to the article published in the July 30 issue of the Kaietuer News, headlined, “Guyana grants $$B in concessions, but unable to track benefits”.

Kaietuer News was advised that some of the information requested required a meeting in order to truly ascertain the line of questioning.

A more precise measure-

ment to be used to calculate the contribution of concessions (granted through Investment Agreements) to the GDP to Guyana’s economy is currently being developed. However, an economic analysis and due diligence is done in every project reviewed by GOInvest. The current factors used (namely employment and taxes) provides substantive information that can be used in assessing economic development.

In the future, we are

looking to compile information in a more consolidated manner across agencies since there are other agencies and ministries which are involved in the dissemination of concessions and investment promotion.

For example, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recently held a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) workshop, which sought to enhance the skills of their staff and other crucial per-

World more engulfed with violence

Dear Editor,

The world is now more and more being engulfed in violence at all levels, and we can envisage no end to this in the foreseeable future. On the international scene, we are now witnessing the most inhumane acts between people of opposing countries, mostly with the excuse of defending their territorial dignity or the safety of their citizens.

There are also those who are standing on the sidelines and imposing sanctions and other measures with the excuse of trying to maintain justice, when we all know that they are really working for the narrow interests of their own people.

The fact is that violence,

injustice, hunger and suffering will always prevail on this earth as long as we human beings continue to act from the position of prejudice of the various kinds –gender, race, religion, lineage and community. Add to this the more easily acceptable one of nationality. The nature of human beings is that we have been created to search and find ways in which we can break down all the barriers that separate us at these various levels, and truly love and seek to help one another. That is maybe the very reason we have been cast together on this planet, as this is the way to our own salvation, now and in the hereafter.

Just as in our personal lives we find that we have to forget our differences and truly think of the good of our spouses, relatives, community members and compatriots, we are faced with the challenge of doing the same for all other human beings, in whatever region or country, or we are doomed to the same seemingly endless conflict and suffering.

It is time we Guyanese realise this in our own sphere, and do our part by forgetting our own selfish interests and working within the situations in which we operate towards real peace and love among our citizens.

Yours sincerely, Roy

Paul

sonnel on the issue of FDIs. GO-Invest view such initiatives as positive activities and we are working to strengthen collaborations with such key partners.

Where GO-Invest is concerned, we have complied with our mandate thus far. However, we rec -

ognize that there are arising issues and needs which are becoming critical. A presentation will be made to the President in relation to the way forward for GOInvest.

With the necessary approval, we will be disseminating information on the critical changes which will be made in order to enhance the support rendered to our clients and partners.

Keith Burrowes Chief Executive Officer GO-Invest

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

August Holidays!

IDis is the beginning ah de endless Summer – Kestheband

t’s summer! The endless sun-filled holidays, that glorious time of the year when lazy days are the norm, you gorge yourself on junk-food and bathing is optional (Kidding! Or am I? No, I really am kidding. We love lolling in our bathtubs).

The holidays have always held that special allure. I guess because they’re like weekends, all stacked together, back-to-back for two whole months. It’s like TGIF times infinity.

And yes, the holidays are that time when you can run, jump, play cricket, climb trees. That time when you get to release all of that pent-up exuberance that you had to keep in while you slaved away at your desk during school.

But that doesn’t mean that as kids you should take ridiculous, life-threatening risks. There can be accidents, you know. Have fun in safer ways. You don’t have to swim in the deepest water to still have fun.

And for goodness sake, the Kerb Drill wasn’t taught to you in Primary School as just some cute rhyme. You need to observe it. Too often, during the holidays, I would see kids just darting across the road without even looking to see whether there’s any oncoming traffic.

When I started driving I noticed the carelessness of pedestrians even more, I guess because I have to be constantly alert to make sure I don’t knock over one

of them casually drifting across the road. “Constant vigilance!” as Mad-Eye Moody would say.

But maybe their parents are giving them free rein to do as they please, to get their kids out of their hair for a few minutes. Maybe the parents are thinking about their childhood when they could freely play in the streets or climb trees relatively frequently. But times have changed; there are so many vehicles now that within minutes of you setting up the wickets, you have to clear them off the street for some car to pass.

It’s a bit more dangerous on the roads than in the ‘good old days’, so parents, give your kids freedom to have fun, but within reason.

You should seize the moment, don’t wait for tomorrow, do it today. Live in the moment. And no, I don’t mean you should go out partying wildly and getting wasted and emulating those people who justify it all by shouting ‘YOLO’.

What I mean is, kids, don’t waste your entire holiday sitting at the computer glued to Reddit or 9GAGthere’s a whole world out there.

And when you decide to venture outside, don’t go out with your ears plugged up with earphones as you walk down the street, trapped in your own music-bubble, bobbing your head to whatever tune you’re listening to. I know I’m guilty of hav-

ing my ears plugged up on the bus, in the car, wherever and never bothering to unplug, even when someone is trying to speak to me- I just usually smile and nod to whatever they’re saying. And that’s not something that I’m proud of.

Basically what I’m saying is to form or intensify your relationships – with family, friends or neighbours – by doing things together.

And besides, when the holiday is over and it’s time to return to school in September, you’ll probably wish you had done something fun during the holiday. Plus, you’ll need something interesting to write about for those ‘How I spent my Summer Holidays’ essays you’re bound to be given by some incredibly imaginative teacher as soon as school re-opens.

And parents, your children will be home for the next two months, take time off from work and take them out on holiday somewhere. The holiday doesn’t have to be the South of France, it could be around Guyanajust spend time as a family. How many of you guys have seen the interior of Guyana, or Kaieteur Falls, or scaled a Guyanese mountain? As I’ve written before, Guyana is a wonderful place to touryou just need to give it a chance.

And most importantly for this holiday, JUST. HAVE.FUN!!!

Another expression of confidence in economy – as new banquet hall opens in Linden

The J & C Renaissance Banquet Hall, which is located in Ameila’s Ward, Linden on Saturday opened its doors, another testimony to investors’ confidence in the local economy.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who commissioned the building, said the initiative also bears evidence that Linden is progressing and is on par with other regions of the country in terms of development.

“It brings great pleasure to us in Government to see progress taking place, an event such as this, it shows that someone has made a judgment and has made an investment after seeing that Linden is advancing and progressing and not too far behind compared to other parts of the country.”

Prime Minister Hinds said as a Government, working to improve standards of living in the country is a priority and will always be the end point to which the administration works.

“We recognised that the achievements are firstly that of people, you may think of Government handing out monies, but we only hand out what we receive in taxes, so the role of Government on receiving revenue is to try to put in the infrastructure and the general condition that would encourage persons to see opportunity and make investments such as this one.”

The banquet hall has been deemed by the Prime Minister as a good example of development for the mining town.

Acknowledging the fact that Linden has had its share of challenges like the

rest of the country, he noted that the community has withstood the tests and continued to progress.

“We have moved on from those days of being a company town, this is a transformation that communities face all over the world. Most communities start on a single activity, but all situations change and after some time the conditions change and the initial activity is no longer profitable and there is the challenge of moving on and developing new activities.”

The Prime Minister cited the Amelia’s Ward community as a sign of development in Linden and considered it “a match for similar communities across the coast”.

“We in Government have been paying attention to Linden and we believe that Linden should share equally in what we have, and overall we are pleased with the developments that have been occurring in Linden. We would like to see some more economic activities; it’s a job for both of us, making it attractive for investors to come.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that these investments seek to build the economic base of the community, which it serves while at the same time creating employment opportunities.

“Some of us provide different services that are needed and this activity here exemplifies what we need to do. We Guyanese want a better life; we have to look at needs in our community, regions and look to satisfy those needs in an excellent way.”

Hinds also took the opportunity to congratulate the proprietors of the Banquet Hall, Janice and Carlson Mc Almont on the venture.

The new facility will serve the community and moreso the youths as Mrs Mc Almont has indicated that soon a programme targeting youths would be launched. She explained that there will be session on etiquette, proper dress codes, catering and craft sessions will be offered at the facility. (GINA)

The J&C Renaissance Banquet Hall in Linden

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and proprietress of J&C Renaissance Banquet Hall Janice Mc Almont sharing a light moment during the opening ceremony

Tapakuma women equipped to bolster agri production

Amerindian women residing at the farming community of Tapakuma Village (located 14 miles in the forest) in Region Two will no longer have to endure the arduous task of tree-cutting and manually tilling the land.

These tasks have been rendered unneccessary with the donation of farming equipment to the community.

The community has been gifted with a brand new 45 horse power new John Deer tractor with disc plough, four chain saws (large and small) and four knapsack sprayers, compliments of Caribbean Local Economic Development Programme (CARILED).

The donation was made possible through the Local Government Ministry in partnership with CARILED and the Region Two Administration.

The machinery was donated to the Tapakuma Women’s Agricultural Diversification Project (TWADP).

According to CARILED National Coordinator Dhanraj Singh, the project with the Tapakuma women is a $42 million initiative. The six-year programme is being fund-

ed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and is being implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Singh in an overview said the project commenced a year ago with initial consultations with residents from the com-

munity. He said based on the consultations, he found that the community lacks equipment and most of the work was done by manual labour.

He said that it was realised that a tractor, chainsaws and spray cans could be used to improve largescale agriculture.

The equipment, Singh said, would be used to ramp up peanuts, citrus, plantain and pineapple production.

The project also seeks to increase agricultural production and encourage diversification.

Addressing the occasion, Local Government

Minister Norman Whittaker said Guyana has always been deemed as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, noting that the country provides the Caribbean with vegetables.

According to Whittaker, indigenous persons play a pivotal role in food production in Guyana and noted that the women from the Tapakuma community play their part.

Heavy investment

He said the Government through the Agriculture Ministry has invested heavily in helping farmers to diversify cultivation as well as increase production.

“The machines allow you to prepare a larger proportion of land, this will prompt you to cultivate more, the Amerindian people always sustains projects,” Whittaker said.

The Minister used the opportunity to thank the Canadian Government for supporting the project, which will improve the livelihoods of local farmers.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said the region is very supportive of community projects, and he is proud of the

women in the community.

On that note, the Regional Chairman called on other groups to emulate their partnership model of development.

He said Government cannot employ everyone; however, there are lands in abundance and persons can be involved in farming.

Toshao of the community, Doreen Jacobis, said the 128-year-old community depends heavily on farming.

The community has a population of 500 residents, with 114 families.

She welcomed the good gesture by CARILED.

“Our dream has become a reality, chainsaws, spray cans, we are so happy these equipment will help, we can do more with them. I am extremely happy as a Toshoa, I can ensure you that the equipment will be taken care of; I will work side and side with residents to maintain and put in full use,” Jacobis said.

The occasion was attended by Region Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh and other Government officials.

Farmers expressed gratitude for the kind gesture.

Tapakuma Toshao Doreen Jacobis proudly displays the keys to the tractor in the presence of Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker (left), the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Collin Croal (right) and other regional officials

Policeman, security guard killed in Diamond accident

Apolice constable and a security guard were on Friday evening killed following a head-on collision in the vicinity of 2nd Avenue, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD)

Dead are Constable Andrew ‘Bubbles’ Forde, 21, of Lot 194 Second C Block Y, Diamond, EBD and Stanley Adams, 48, of Lot 480 Golden Grove, Housing Scheme, EBD. Both men were on motorcycles.

Hospital sources confirmed that Forde who is attached to the Brickdam Police Station died while receiving medical treatment at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, while Adams who is employed with the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.

Adams reportedly sustained severe body injuries, including a big gash to the head while Forde is believed

to have suffered from head and other internal injuries.

According to reports, Forde was heading home when in the vicinity of the Diamond Secondary School, he attempted to overtake a motor vehicle and ended up in the path of Adams, who was approaching from the opposite direction.

At the home of Forde, his mother, Denise Bristol, a teacher attached to the Richard Ishmael Secondary

School, sat in a plastic chair with dark sun shades as tears trickled down her cheeks.

She recalled receiving the devastating news about 1:00h on Saturday morning from a few Police ranks who visited her home. The aggrieved woman told Guyana Times that Forde, her only child, was stationed at the Brickdam Police Station for the past three years and would travel every day to

work.

Bristol said her son returned home about 20:30h, and as a norm, they spoke about his day’s work and he told her that he had shot a prisoner who was trying to escape.

“I question him whether or not he will be charged for discharging his firearm, but he told me he was not sure until he reaches into work in the morning.”

He left home and with the intention of purchasing plantains after which, his mother went to bed. It was not until she heard noise at the door that she woke up only to be told the dreaded news.

In blood

As she rushed to the hospital, she saw him lying on the bed, covered in blood.

Forde attended the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and joined the Police Force upon completion of his secondary education.

“I expect someone to tell me that my son was killed in the line of duty but not in an accident,” the mother cried.

She described Forde as a very jovial and loving son, who always puts his job before anything else.

However, a few streets away from where Forde resided were the grieving relatives of Adams, who were making preparation for wake. Pamela Adams, the dead man’s wife said her husband left home about 20:55h for work. She said after a few minutes, his colleagues contacted her and inquired about Adams, claiming that he was not at work.

After time elapsed, she recalled receiving another call about 22:10h with the person on the other end of the line informing her that her husband was involved in an accident and did not make it.

“I went straight to the hospital but they tell me the he arrived dead,” the woman said with tears in her eyes. She said while information about the accident remains sketchy, she was told that her husband was heading to work when the collision occurred.

She said that he left home of Friday evening in good spirits as normal and was shocked when she received the news of his death.

Mary Tilackdari, the mother of the dead man, said she was at her home at Friendship, EBD when she received a call from her daughter-in-law who related the bad news. She immediately left home and went to the hospital where she saw her son’s motionless body.

Adams leaves to mourn his wife, two children, mother and seven other siblings.

The bodies of Forde and Adams are at the Lyken Funeral Home, awaiting post- mortem examinations on Monday. The Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

Eyew tness Emancipation...

...denied

Aaah...what a wonderful Emancipation Day it was!!

With all that Metemgee to put away (and Conkie to round it off), pulsating drumming as background beat ...and those Angolan lovelies to show how you should move to that beat - what better way to enjoy this landmark historical day?? Well, there could've been an announcement by those old slave-owning nations like Britain that they'll be granting reparations!!!

But those nations are going to hunker down to fend off justice in that area. And that's why Emancipation celebrations for this Eyewitness has always been tinged with regret. John Lennon sang the hauntingly evocative "Imagine", asking us to "imagine all the people/sharing all the world...". But how can some share...when they've never been given the opportunity to HAVE??

Imagine African slaves working for free for hundreds of years to have all that wealth sent to develop Britain. But when they're finally set "free", the SLAVE OWNERS are paid compensation!! Not the ones who were exploited. It's those slave owners who were really "emancipated" and most of them took the money and ran!! That's why you had abandoned plantations like Buxton and Victoria. They ran back to Britain where they could invest all that money on top of their previous loot - to live even higher off the hog. Take the fella who owned Plantation Vreed en Hoop. His son was to become Prime Minister of Britain! Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money!! So imagine if you would, what life could've been like if the freed slaves had received that £20 million pounds - billions in today's money!! Now you're talking about REAL emancipation. But we'll tell you where there's never been any emancipation - over at the MuckrakerKN where even in his dotage, Adam Harris is still held in bondage. He's complaining something fierce about the things his "boss man" is forcing him to write as "Dem Boys Seh". But we know he's full of sh*t. His previous owner (you can sell slaves or even give them away as "gifts") had taught him well to slander and libel...he just loves his ball and chain - and venomous pen.

But slavery's against the law, even if the slave likes to be cursed and whipped - it's called "involuntary servitude. And that's why our Ministry of Legal Affairs was taking photographs of the slave-house. They'll be bringing charges against the Mook.

We don't have orange jump suits here: just becoming a "boy-toy" at Camp Street!! Aaaaaaaahhh!!!

...damaged

The winner of the PNC's leadership beauty contestby a vicious low blow - David Granger, says he "sees no damage to PNCR’s image" after the fraudulent poll. But of course he does: the PNC's image matches the reality - it's always been a most disreputable outfit. He knows after a month or two, most folks will just shake their head and mutter, "That PNC!!!"

But Granger's damaging the legacy of AfricanGuyanese. These are the people who gave us democracy when they formed the Village Movement right after the abolition of slavery. And now for Granger and his troops (literally) to deny the descendants the right to choose their own leader, is the unkindest cut of all. After "emancipation", the British denied them that right for 112 years - and now Granger's taken even that from them.

Burnham used to justify his rigging of national elections by telling his supporters - "If I don't rig then "THEY" will rule us." Not nice - but that's realpolitik. But what's Granger's excuse?? That you can't have "people like Norton rule us"?? But most "PNC people" ARE like Norton, no??

...avoided

Emancipation at least offered the opportunity for Guyanese to learn the English language. You'd never suspect this if you read the outpourings of Tony Vieira. He wrote recently, "The constitution does not say that there cannot be collations after an election". COLLATION???

That's assembling data, orderly. You mean COALITION dolt!!

The motorcycles that were involved in the accident

Dead: Police Constable Andrew Forde

Dead: Security guard Stanley Adams

Albouystown businessman shot during attempted robbery

An Albouystown businessman is now nursing gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen following a robbery on Friday evening at his business place.

Joel Sullivan, 35, of James and Cooper Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, is currently in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital and is said to be in critical condition.

According to information received, about 22:30h, the businessman had just locked up his business when he was confronted by two young men, one of whom was armed with a gun.

During the commotion, the bandits whose faces were covered demanded that Sullivan hand over his valuables, but he resisted.

It was at this time that the man took out a gun from his pocket and shot the businessman twice. He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

At the scene on Saturday, the man’s businessplace was tightly locked. A female neighbour told Guyana Times that this was not the first time bandits attempted to rob the businessman.

A while back, bandits had attempted to break the window of the man’s apartment, but the security alarm went off.

Sullivan, according to

the woman, lived alone and was carrying on the business that was handed over to him by his mother who now resides on the East Coast of Demerara.

She explained that the man would normally close his shop about 22:00h and recalled on the night of the shooting, he had just closed the shutters and was walking through a passageway when he was attacked.

He managed to slam one of the men into a nearby fence, but it was at this time that the bandit whose face was covered shot him.

After the sounds of the gunshots, the bandits escaped, but were unable to relieve the man of his valuables.

The neighbour went on to say that she had spoken to the man’s mother earlier in the day and was told that he was coming around. The doctors, she noted managed to remove the bullets, but he is is still in a serious condition, the woman stated.

Sullivan has been living in the area for a while and is known to almost everyone; hence, the shooting has left persons in the area surprised. Although there is a heavy Police presence in the area, there still seems to be some destructive elements, one man observed

The Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, but no one has yet been arrested.

GDF impacting Cashew Island through education

Continuing on its mission of service to the nation, the Guyana Defence Force, has over the years, been impacting the lives of members of a small Amerindian community in Region Six, in a way that will have lasting benefits.

Cashew Island, located in New River, approximately two and a half miles from Base Camp Jaguar, is a community with an average population of 80 persons, including children.

Prior to 2011, there was no school in the community and the persons there spoke their traditional languages , Trio and Wai- Wai. The Toshao of the community, Kenke Yiamo ,who has functioned as a guide for GDF personnel during patrols, requested the

Force’s assistance in teaching his people.

Retired

Major Ivan McNaughton and his wife, Yvette McNaughton, a trained teacher, were employed by the Force to teach the children of that community.

They are being taught reading, basic Mathematical and composition skills.

“When we first started, it was very difficult for us to communicate with them. Language was the major barrier. Today, even the little five year olds understand English. Those who have absorbed the language faster, help each other during test time with translations. The parents are also very eager to have their children learn,”

Major Mc Naughton stated.

He added that even though the school population is small, the work is substantial.

Four of the older children have since been brought to Georgetown to pursue vocational training. The teachers have since implemented evening classes at the school for several parents who are being taught Reading and Basic Mathematics.

“Our biggest wish is for the children in particular, to learn to read and write properly so that they can come out to further their studies. It is my hope that they will return to their communities to help out as skilled people are really needed there,” he added.

The GDF has been the driving Force in contributing to the welfare of this community, from the provision of employment and infrastructure to medical care.

McAllister to PNCR: Stop rigging... FROM PAGE 3

McAllister admitted that he did work with Granger once on a Committee to document the PNCR’s history, but could not recall Granger playing any significant role in the building of the party.

He said Granger was “a man with good intentios who lacks what it takes to do what is to be done. I believe he always availed himself to do specialised tasks... but never political work in the communities”.

Asked too, whether he believes Granger should use his second term to fight for

shared governance as past PNCR leaders did, Norton responded “I don’t know because to be honest, I have no idea what he believes in (or) what is his political platform.”

Thrown out

McAllister said he was thrown out of the PNCR after he joined team (Vincent) Alexander to fight to remove Corbin from the helm of the party back in 2007. He recalled the team being taken before a Disciplinary Committee and

charged with several offences. He said that the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) intervened and charges were dropped against the team, but Corbin was out to have his head. He said he was made to face trumped-up charges and was suspended as well as recalled from the National Assembly. Asked if he would return, he said that he believes in speaking freely in and out of the party and his understanding is that the party’s pledge debars that.

The shop where the shooting occurred

Police ‘B’ Division honours senior citizens

Many of them might be forgotten even though they have made marked contributions to the development of this country, they tell stories that bring goose pimples to listeners and are well deserving of high honour.

The 10 most senior citizens in East Canje were on Saturday honoured by Police ‘B’ Division as part of the organisation’s outreach programme.

The Police, who recently formed a Youth Club in the Lower East Canje area, on Saturday teamed up with the East Canje Humanitarian Council to bring joy to the elderly citizens of East Canje.

The activity was held at the Goed Bananen Land Community Centre, East Canje, Berbice.

One of the recipients at Saturday’s ceremony was a retired World War 11 veteran while another was a centenarian.

They are centenarian Phulkalie Benni of

Number Two Village; war veteran James Daniels, 95, of Goed Bananen Land; Rachel Michael, 95, of Betsy Ground; Harold Bisssoon, 94, of Goed Bananen Land; Mangru Seeperasud, 94, of Canefield; Alma Victor, 93, of Goed Bananen Land; Myra Grant, 88, of Canefield; Sukhdya Ramdehol, 86, of Betsy Ground; Surujdai Tullakarnum, 86, of Canefield; and Gladys Sancharie, 80, of Reliance.

The group was presented with goodies, including nutrients and delicacies specially manufactured for senior citizens.

Speaking at the simple ceremony, Officerin-Charge of Number One Sub-Division,

Post-elections peace

Satiricus breathed a sigh of relief. Even since he was a boy in the 1970s, he’d developed a fear of elections. Electionaphobia, he was told it was called. It was a fear that was peculiar to his dear land of Guyana. After every election, there’d be all kind of “bad talk” thrown around about the elections being rigged or something. And then would come the marches followed by some beatings - and even some burning. “Of buildings, thank goodness,” thought Satiricus. The last time, GrainJa and his troops from the Pee-an-See, had even marched in front of the fella who counted all the ballots - SurujaBallsy. GrainJa said that Ballsy was taking too long with the counting. And Boy was the fella Ballsy!! Name and nature and all that stuff.

The poor chap had been sipping his red wine and nipping his cheese, like most Guyanese do when they’re relaxing, and here came this rambunctious bunch of greenshirted youths holding lighted candles. Satiricus winced as he remembered the scenes on TV. How uncultured if they were going to hold a vigil! At least they’d could’ve belted out some carols, or lullabies even.

Assistant Superintendent Guy Nurse congratulated the elders and wished them continued good health on behalf of the Force.

“The Police are not only about locking up persons, solving crimes, making cases and going after criminals, but looking after people’s welfare.”

He urged the elders to share tips of their longevity with the younger generation, pointing out that society cannot be more proud of them.

Chief Inspector Gregory Springer, who has responsibility for East Canje and Corporal Randy Hamilton, the Officer-in-Charge of the Reliance Police Station, also

Satiricus was scarred for life. You had to draw the line somewhere, no?? A man’s home was his castle - and his verandah, his cafe, no?? If you can’t sip your red wine there, what next?? The end of civilisation as we know it. But now all was well for any snap elections that might be called. SurujaBallsy had said he was ready to do the count. Bur Satiricus had detected a note of panic in his voice. Satiricus was sure it was because he was afraid these barbarians would intrude on his wine-and-cheese ritual on his verandah. And so Satiricus smiled again to Cappo who’d joined him. “Now it was all, ‘Why worry’?? Be happy!” chuckled Satiricus. “No more Electionaphobia!

“Suh wha change dis time?” asked Cappo.

“Budday!!! GrainJa now know how hard SurujBallsy work is,” answered Satiricus.

“Ah wha yuh mean??” replied Calpo.

“Well, if GrainJa and his people can’t count less than 800 votes correctly in one day. How can he buss SurujaBallsy balls for not counting 400,000 votes in three days??”

“Leh we drink to da,” said Cappo. “Ah only who know, does feel!”

spoke at the occasion.

Nurse pledged the Police Force’s commitment to continue working with other organisations in helping not only the elderly, but vulnerable youths.

The senior citizens thanked the Police ‘B’ Division Administration for having them at heart, noting that the treat was the best that they have received thus far in the year.

OPR investigating alleged assault of Essequibo Coast resident

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into reports of assault committed on an Essequibo Coast resident by members of the Guyana Police Force.

The complainant, Deon Gherow, 47, of Onderneeming Village, Essequibo Coast, who was arrested on Friday on the basis of a report of break and enter and larceny, claimed that he was assaulted by Police ranks while being taken to the Anna Regina Police Station.

According to information received, the man had sever-

al marks about his body that are consistent with physical assault and was taken to the Suddie Hospital where he was admitted for medical treatment.

As of recent, several cases of physical assault have been levelled against members of the Force.

There was recent an incident in which Alex Griffith, 15, of East La Penitence Squatting Area was shot in the mouth by a Policeman who was reportedly playing Russian roulette.

After a thorough investigation, the rank was charged and place dbefore the court.

Again, ranks at

Sparendaam were in hot water after they allegedly torched the hands of Junior Thornton, at the Sparendaam Police Station on May 28. It was alleged that Thornton had been detained by Police for loitering and was kept for a few days. The teen reportedly behaved disorderly and the irate rank doused the man’s hand with a flammable liquid before setting it ablaze.

Two Police ranks, including the inspector at the time were charged for the offence after an investigation was carried out by the OPR.

The officers with the senior citizens of East Canje

Assistant Superintendent Guy Nurse presents a hamper to one of the elders

LGBT community protests discrimination

Ahate crime is usually defined by State law as one that involves “threats, harassment, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone’s race, colour, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability”.

In this instance, the focus is on sexual orientation and the numerous challenges faced by individuals, whether they are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or trans-sexual (LGBT).

The situation around the world is heartrending. Reports say because of their sexual orientation and heavy condemnation, these persons are fearful to “come out clean” for fear of victimisation.

The first ever United Nations (UN) report on the human rights of the LGBT community details how around the world persons are killed or are forced to endure hate-motivated violence, torture, detention, criminalisation and discrimination in jobs, health care and education because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

The situation is Guyana is no different. Members of the LGBT community continue to cry for help as they believe their rights are oftentimes overlooked by leaders and society as a whole.

The recent deaths of two

homosexuals early last week was said to be an eye opener for persons in the LGBT community.

Jason John, 23, called “Jada”, of Lamaha Street Alberttown, and Carlyle Sinclair, 24, called “Tyra Banks”, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, were murdered by Samuel Bristol, 31, of Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara.

Bristol set himself ablaze and died after committing the act.

Members of the LGBT community were completely torn by the heinous act, and had even stormed the streets, protesting against persons who had allegedly aided the murderer, saying they must be brought to justice.

The two homosexuals were reportedly murdered because they had encouraged Bristol's 20-year-old partner to become a Commercial Sex Worker (CSW).

Based on reports, very few persons knew that Bristol, whose reputation portrayed him as a “church goer”, was ever engaged in such activities.

His mother, speaking to the media a day after the incident, had informed reporters that her son had “a lot of women” and was never perceived as a man with homosexual partners.

The new revelation had come as a shock to her, she related.

But members of the LGBT community said otherwise. During the first pro-

test, the day after the incident, it was related that Bristol was in fact a “member of the homosexual community”.

The question asked is why was he afraid to say who he really was.

Some members of the LGBT community were eager to answer this question when it was posed to them by Guyana Times

They did not in fact answer the question relating to Bristol, but, using their own experiences, shared how difficult it was for them to “come out clean”.

Collin Solomon, 22, of South Georgetown, said he knew that he was a homosexual ever since he was young. He told Guyana Times on Friday that while his now deceased mother was very supportive of his lifestyle, his father, becoming aware, flew into a rage, and this caused a rift in their relationship.

Seemingly pained by the strained relationship with his father, Solomon maintained that he has to be just who he is.

While the discrimination against him from fam-

ily members was at a minimum, Solomon said society is cruel.

“Peaches Carlina”, 24, said he is being discriminated against at his workplace. He related that he was forced to “put on a show” when seeking employment. He noted that he was sent home, after his “true identity” was revealed, since according to him, he could not hold in who he was.

Another homosexual “Jessica”, 29, said he was beaten by his father and teachers at school “to walk straight like a man, but none of that changed who I was”.

He disclosed that the discrimination was heavy, as persons would throw stones at his home, which he shared with his grandmother. He too said that he had to put on a show to work. He resigned and left Guyana for Barbados. Returning to Guyana, he said he faced the same discrimination.

Thirty-three-year-old Clarke, aka “Angel” said there is no victory for the LGBT community. “No matter who you are, if you are gay, nobody respects you,” he said.

In 76 countries around the world, it remains illegal to engage in same-sex relationships, and in at least five countries – Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen – the death penalty for such conduct prevails.

Mexican media denounces ‘gag law’

Journalists in Mexico have criticised a new law that restricts crime reporting in north-western Sinaloa state.

The legislation bans journalists from taking pictures and recording video or audio at a crime scene.

Journalists will have to rely on official information approved by the Prosecutor’s Office to report on crime.

Media organisations, journalist unions and campaign groups have denounced the law as a serious threat to press freedom in Mexico.

Sinaloa state authorities say it is aimed at preserving crime scenes for police investigation.

“There will be many changes in the roles of each one of us,” said Sinaloa state Prosecutor Marco Antonio

Higuera Gomez.

“But there will be no restriction to the work of the media.”

‘Shorty Guzman’

The bill was proposed by Governor Mario Lopez Valdez and unanimously approved by state legislators on Wednesday night.

“The media will have access to information on the crime investigations through the press releases prepared by the official public information department,” establishes the law.

The legislation is due to come into effect on October 15, but journalists - who refer to it as a “gag law” - say they will try to stop it being enforced.

“What’s going to happen to media and journal-

ists who get information and publish it?” questioned Gabriel Mercado, head of the June 7 Journalists and Communicators Association,

speaking to the Agence France-Presse news agency.

“Will they be detained?” he asked.

In February Mexico’s

most wanted man, Joaquin “Shorty” Guzman, was arrested in Sinaloa. He was the leader of the powerful Sinaloa drug car-

Samuel Bristol

Some members of the LGBT community during a recent protest in Georgetown

Guzman was arrested in Sinaloa’s beach resort of Mazatlan, after 13 years on the run

tel, which controls much of the drug traffic to the United States via Mexico’s Pacific coast. (BBC News)

The education platform

It must be realized that any political vision platform should be created with the singular view of accommodating real people living real lives. The planks that are used to build that platform must be carefully identified, and made to fit the dreams and aspirations of the people.

We have put forward several key planks that are essential for Guyana’s development. These include education, job creation, medicine and medical delivery, internal and external security, investment/business, infrastructure, research and development, international relations, the utilities sector, agriculture and post-agriculture sectors, sports; youth projects, and social wellness and security.

Education. First, we need to find ways to reform our education system and bring it in line with the best proven practices employed elsewhere. This takes a change from our old mind-set, which compels us to do things in the same old ways or to emulate systems that have failed everywhere else.

Our vision must reach beyond other poor West Indian nations. We must move beyond the simplistic assessment of our education system by counting how much money we spend on education and how well we do at exams. Education must be measured by the quality of citizens we produce.

We can, for instance, send a small team of leading educators to Finland and Norway for a week each to see and learn about the education systems of these two nations that are ranked one and two in the

world. The term “experts” means people who have the highest qualifications and have published on education.

Second, the team will return to Guyana, report to the people, and set about adopting those systems to the Guyanese context. Their report shall not sit on some shelf gathering dust, as has been the fate of too many reports to count. The team will also suggest ways to implement, develop, finance and sustain the reforms.

Third, a broader representative task force must identify intersections in teaching and learning at all levels: kindergarten, primary, secondary, technical education, teacher education, sports coaching, police other professional training, and university.

There should be core academic areas identified and the teaching and learning made to fit for purpose. Special accent should be placed on English and Mathematics as well as the sciences. However, to neglect the arts would render us impoverished of spirit.

A different but equal accent must be placed on “fun” activities or play. The number one nation in education is Finland. They place the greatest emphasis on creativity and play, for play refreshes the mind while creativity deepens and expands it. For this reason alone, each kindergarten should be furnished with laptops as much for play as for “regular” class work.

Fourth, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) must be created and each teaching/

learning entity must submit completed forms with verifiable information to the relevant Ministry, especially the Ministry of Education.

I have already created a onepage KPI for the Sultanate of Oman and this was used to good purpose by several other nations. The results can be programmed into a database which would provide performance charts for each entity, clusters of entities, regional entities, and the country as a whole. This will also give us an idea of comparative analysis.

Fifth, the other use of KPIs is that they offer an immediate idea of needs, weaknesses and strengths. The needs, modifications and changes can be made quickly. There would be little need for eight years of “consultations”, years of meetings, piles of paper, and other bureaucratic nonsense.

All of this offers us speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Additionally, the KPIs can be used for tangible rewards to teachers, students, administrators, and other categories of workers. They may also be used to have corrective or disciplinary measures in place.

Sixth, teacher education must be reformed if our children at school are to be rounded citizens. I have not read one single “teaching philosophy” from anyone involved in teaching in Guyana. For teachers and lecturers this should be a must! It should be an entry requirement into Cyril Potter, for instance.

The exit interview (we don’t have that in Guyana, of course!) before graduation must involve a new version of the teaching philosophy. If you do not know why you want to teach, then you should not be teaching at any level.

Seven, University of Guyana is a state onto itself, although it demands money from the people the government. UG must change its entire attitude by erasing this sense of entitlement that infests the place like a parasite. We need more competition at the university level (or it could be that the whole world is wrong and UG Guyana is right).

The university at this point must be made to fall in line with national needs and aspirations. If not, there should be no funding. On the other hand, students could be given tangible help if they enroll in areas of national need.

This is very brief, but with a good work, we can flesh it all out. This is how we begin to rebuild education in Guyana.

Balwant Singh Hospital successfully performs six cornea transplant operations

The Balwant Singh Hospital on Saturday reported that it has successfully undertaken six cornea transplant operations since it recently began offering the service.

Corneal transplant, also known as corneal grafting, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissues in its entirety or in part.

The graft is taken from a recently deceased individual with no known diseases or other factors that may affect the viability of the donated tissue or the health of the recipient.

The six patients, including one female, successfully underwent surgery on July 26 and 27.

Preceding this surgery, all of these patients were at the time waiting to go overseas for treatment as it was not readily available locally.

The hospital reported that all the patients were released between 24 to 48 hours and are recovering satisfactorily thus far.

Balwant Singh Hospital Administrator, Dr Madhu Singh, stated that preparations for this process have been ongoing for the last six months, and the hospital is pleased to report on the success.

She stated that the Balwant Singh Hospital is now offering the sur-

gery, which was done at the Georgetown Public Hospital some time ago. Singh, at Saturday’s press conference, explained that several persons are faced with both financial and visa limitations, and as such, it was fitting for them to do this procedure here in Guyana.

All the corneas were obtained from three different eye banks located in the USA, and Dr Singh called for greater awareness in Guyana.

He said Dr Stephen Waller, who was responsible for arranging the corneas and bringing them to Guyana, has many years of experience in setting up eye banks and cornea donations around the world, and is actively working to set up Guyana’s first eye bank. He called on eligible Guyanese to pledge their eyes for donation as the hospital is working to widen its own donation programme.

Meanwhile, Operating Surgeon, Dr Neeraj Jain, explained that there is a list of about 25 persons waiting to undergo the surgery, which will see the replacement of the superficial layer of the eye or the replacement of the entire eye.

With the cornea transplant procedure now being offered here, it will be more beneficial and less costly for Guyanese patients.

Professor Daizal Samad

Cherish education – Malala urges TT students

Seventeen-year-old Pakistani student, Malala Yousafzai, who has been an internationally known activist for rights to education and for women since she was 12, was in Trinidad and Tobago this week talking to young people about the importance of education.

In early 2009, Malala wrote a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC detailing her life under Taliban rule and her views on promoting education for girls. The following summer, a New York Times documentary was filmed about her life.

Malala rose in prominence, giving interviews in print and on television, and she was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize by South African activist Desmond Tutu.

Campaign

Malala and her father Ziauddin Yousafzai started their worldwide campaign for children, girls and women in particular to be formally educated after Taliban militants tried to kill the courageous teen for speaking up for girls’ education in Pakistan.

In the afternoon of October 9, 2012, two young boys boarded the school bus Malala was travelling in. One of them asked for Malala by name, then pulled out a Colt 45 and fired three

shots at her. One bullet hit the left side of Malala’s forehead, travelled under her skin the length of her face and then into her shoulder.

In the days immediately following the attack, she remained unconscious and in critical condition, but later her condition improved enough for her to be sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, for intensive rehabilitation.

On 12 October, a group of 50 Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a fatw? against those who tried to kill her, but the Taliban reiterated its intent to kill Malala and her father.

The assassination attempt sparked a national and international outpouring of support for Malala.

When Malala landed on the twin-island republic last Sunday, she was quick to note the privilege Trinidad and Tobago nationals have in access to free education from primary to tertiary level.

“In this country, you get quality education that is free from the primary level up to the tertiary level and even up to the post-graduate level they also help you. You are really lucky that you have free education and I tell you, this is a great opportunity

for you to focus more on your education and to continue it,” she said.

Malala came to Trinidad and Tobago on the invitation of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Minister Fazal Kharim, who pursued this effort over a year ago to bring her to Trinidad for the education activist to speak to the nation’s students about the importance of education.

“On the day I was shot my weakness failed and hopelessness died, strength, power and courage was born,” Malala said to rapturous applause from secondary school students and younger children who filled the

National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) to listen to her message.

She told the NAPA audience of students that the Malala Fund was set up “for advocating and work on the ground.”

“We did projects in Jordan and Pakistan for children who are out of school,” she noted.

“I went to Nigeria on my 17th birthday, “I’m quite old now,” she joked to laughter from the audience.

The joke aside, however, she was concerned about her trip to Nigeria recently where over 200 girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram

Younge’s take Cutting the nose to spoil the face

The 18th Biennial Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has left a deep scar on the party’s image and membership that will not heal anytime soon. It has exposed the party’s unwillingness to practise what it preaches and demands of the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

The events which unfolded at the party’s highest decisionmaking forum have unintentionally exposed the deteriorating bill of health of the PNCR. No amount of public relations gimmickry by Mark Archer and Malika Ramsay will undo the damage that the party members have inflicted on the major arteries of the PNCR.

Surely, all that David Granger tried to conceal during his tenure was exposed and laid bare for Guyana to see. But what exactly did the country see? It saw one of the oldest political parties in Guyana marred by divisions, infighting and chaos.

The same party which preaches accountability and transparency could not even manage its own electoral affairs credibly. There were allegations of vote “fixing” and “rigging”. Its own members accused those in charge of the process of “padding the list” and creating “phantom groups” to muster up support for Granger.

Admittedly, those allegations are too familiar as the PNCR is said to have a history of rigging local,

– that they did not believe girls should be formally educated.

“I went to Nigeria and I spoke up for girls, more than 200 girls abducted by Boko Haram, which is just like a militant group just like the Taliban and they do not believe in any rights for women and they do not believe in education for women and for equality… I made a wish there on my birthday, that my Nigerian sisters will return to their homes safely, and we have started projects there as well for those girls who escaped from their abduction,” she said.

Now)

regional and national elections.

That aside, one must ask where were the elders of the party and its incumbent leader at the time? Some say the elders refused to align themselves with the chaos which characterised the Congress. Others say that they were absent from the Congress in protest over Granger’s leadership of the party and disregard for grassroots representatives.

Interestingly, while Rome burned and disenfranchised voters protested, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Clarissa Rheil reported that Granger was sipping ice-water on the sideline. Maybe he was too “aloof” and “stiff” to intervene, but many believe that he should bear responsibility for allowing the ruckus to reach such an alarming level.

If it is true, that Granger did nothing, then maybe he was happy with the outcome of the process. After all he was reelected unopposed after a justifiably frustrated Aubrey Norton pulled out of the race.

But who are the real losers? Contrary to the feelings of Granger’s supporters, it is not the Lindeners nor Norton and his supporters, but rather it is democracy and good governance, because neither prevailed in adequate proportions throughout the three-day exercise.

The real losers are those who banked their future in the PNC/R and who laboured in the vine

yard, hoping that the party had turned a new leaf in its history; hoping that Granger was the right candidate who would respect his grassroots party comrades; and hoping that he would respect democracy.

The failure of Granger and his General Secretary Oscar Clarke to quell and resolve all of the concerns raised by the protestors, whether legitimate or not, ahead of the congress despite adequate warning is criminal. They have weakened the image of the party, de-motivated thousands of potential voters, and chased away critical Linden support.

The dust is settling and the Alliance For Change (AFC) smells blood. It is “sharking”. No gunshot will detract it from taking political casualties on to its ship, as there is much space there after it lost so many of its own members.

More interestingly, the PPP/C’s position on the PNCR and its ethics has been vindicated again. There is a silent victory taking place at Freedom House as the PPP/C continues to enjoy higher levels of electoral support and smooth internal affairs.

Granger is no seasoned politician and is in unfamiliar territory. Soon, his legacy will see the PNCR and APNU enjoying golden years in opposition if the younger members of his party do not seize the opportunity to remove the wool from their eyes. That excludes James Bond, for he is politically blind and will remain so, until a new leader emerges from the grassroots.

(Caribbean News

Malala Yousafzai addressing students at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Trinidad and Tobago

Israel PM: Gaza operation to go on

Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin

Netanyahu has said the operation in Gaza will continue according to Israel’s security needs, even after Hamas tunnels are destroyed.

Netanyahu said the militant group would pay an “intolerable price” for attacks on Israel.

His words came as hopes faded for talks on a truce going ahead in Egypt.

Some 1670 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 65 Israelis, all but two soldiers, have died since the conflict began more than three weeks ago.

A Thai worker was also killed in Israel. Some 8,900 Palestinians have also been injured, the health ministry in Gaza says.

Exchanges of fire are continuing in Gaza, as Israel continues to hunt for a soldier, Hadar Goldin, who went missing on Friday.

Israel began an aerial campaign on July 8 with the intention of halting rocket attacks from Gaza.

It later launched ground operations to target rocket launching sites and tunnels used by militants to infiltrate Israel.

There have been numerous attempts to arrange ceasefires, but none have lasted.

Both sides have repeatedly accused the other of breaking truce agreements.

Israel’s military said earlier on Saturday that it was close to its objective of destroying the Hamas tunnels.

And unnamed Israeli officials suggested that Israel might make a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza after

the tunnels were destroyed.

But speaking at a televised news conference, Netanyahu said that this would not be the end of the Gaza campaign.

“After completing the anti-tunnel operation, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will act and continue to act, in accordance with our security needs and only according to our defence needs, until we achieve our objective of restoring security to you, Israel’s citizens,” he said.

within just a few hours on Friday, many of them in a series of air strikes on the southern town of Rafah.

Israel blames Hamas for the breakdown of the ceasefire, saying militants ambushed its troops leading to the capture of Second Lieutenant Goldin. Hamas maintains the incident happened before the ceasefire began.

Israel is searching for the missing soldier, but Hamas military wing the Qassam

He said Israel would not accept continued attacks on its citizens from Gaza.

“Hamas again mistakenly believes that the people of Israel do not have the will and determination to fight them and Hamas again will learn the hard way that Israel will do whatever it must do to protect its people,” he said.

However, in an apparent response to Netanyahu, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the Islamist movement would “continue our resistance until we achieve our goals”, reports said.

Palestinian health officials say that about 200 people have died since a humanitarian truce broke down

Brigades said it believed he had been killed.

In a news conference on Saturday, Lieutenant Goldin’s family appealed to the military not to leave Gaza without finding him.

The Israeli military said that 74 rockets were fired into Israel on Saturday, including at Tel Aviv.

The Cairo talks had been billed as the best chance yet to bring warring parties in Gaza to the table for a sustainable solution. But in the end, Israel will not send a delegation to Cairo.

Even without Israel’s attendance, talks will be complicated by a host of conflicting sympathies and regional tensions.

Since the Muslim

Brotherhood was overthrown and Mohammed Morsi deposed last year, the Egyptian Government of Abdul Fattah al-Sisi sees Hamas, an offshoot of the Brotherhood, as a terrorist

organisation.

Turkey and Qatar, the two regional negotiators, now have poor relations with Egypt due to their support for the Brotherhood.

And of course, the US

refuses to talk directly to Hamas. Amid this complex atmosphere full of animosity, it is unsurprising that there’s little optimism about a diplomatic end to this crisis.

A Palestinian man inspects damage from an Israeli air strike in Jabalia, northern Gaza

Missing soldier Hadar Goldin’s sister and fiancee appealed for his return

Israeli tanks were involved in Gaza operations on Saturday

Caricom calls for ceasefire between Israel and Palestine

The Caribbean Community (Caricom)

has reiterated its call for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza to bring an end to the hostilities and the appalling bloodshed being caused by the bombardments, shelling and ground invasion.

Caricom in a release said with the toll of civilian deaths and wounded mounting incrementally in Gaza, the vast majority being in particular women and children; with hundreds of

homes and civilian buildings such as schools destroyed or severely damaged; with few if any safe havens for the thousands of displaced Palestinians, the question must be raised as to whether the principles of proportionality and the norms of international humanitarian law and of international human rights are being respected in the assault on Gaza.

“In like manner, the continuing launching of rockets from Gaza targeting the Israeli civilian population is in breach of these norms, as

is the location of firing sites and weapons close to United Nations schools used as shelters as well as close to concentrations of civilians.

“As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens dramatically, the Caribbean Community joins its collective voice to the calls coming from many quarters in the international community for all the parties involved to cease hostilities and end the intolerable escalation of death, destruction and violence,” the release concluded.

Professor Kumar in Guyana to spread message of Sai Baba

Botanist, Professor Anil Kumar is in Guyana on a mission to continue to spread the message of love and harmony, the universal message of the late Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba was an Indian guru and spiritual leader. He is said to have been the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, who was also considered by his followers to be an avatar, saint and miracle worker, and who died in 1918.

The 'materialisations' of vibhuti (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces, and watches by Sathya Sai Baba along with reports of miraculous healings, resurrections, clairvoyance, and omnipotence and omniscience were a source of fame.

of Bio Sciences, Sri Sathya Sai University, Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

Professor Anil Kumar has served the beloved Swami in various capacities since 1980. He was appointed as a Zonal Convener of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations of Andhra Pradesh in 1980, Vice President in 1984 and finally served as the State President from 1985 to 1989. He was then appointed Principal, Sri Sathya Sai University, Whitefield Campus, Bangalore.

Devotees considered them signs of divinity, while skeptics viewed them differently.

Professor Kumar, who arrived in Guyana on Saturday morning, is best known the world over as the translator of Sri Sathya Sai’s discourses from Telugu to English.

Kumar is also internationally known as the author of many books on Swami’s message, mission and teachings for leading an ideal human life.

Currently, his publi-

cations include 20 books in English and six in the Telugu language.

Professor Kumar received his undergraduate degree from AC College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and his Master’s Degree from Andhra University, Waltair, Andhra Pradesh. He was a lecturer in Botany, AC College, Guntur from 1963 to 1989 before starting his service at Sri Sathya Sai University.

Since 1995 to now, he is serving as the Professor

Professor Kumar travels extensively to give talks on Swami’s message and mission. In addition to giving talks in the various states of India, he has also travelled to Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, USA, UK, Canada, Argentina, Mexico and Brazil to speak to the devotees in these countries, and now, he has set foot in Guyana.

On his visit to Guyana, Professor Kumar met with youths in Vreed-en-Hoop on Saturday evening to address them of the teachings of Sai Baba. He will also hold a general meeting at the 'Love all Serve All' Building, 102 Laluni Street, between New Garden and Ornoque Steet, Georgetown.

Guyanese receives life-saving brain surgery at Maine Medical Centre

Ayoung woman from Guyana in South America is lucky to be alive, thanks to a medical team in Portland, Maine, USA.

After two years of chronic headaches, Melissa Williams was diagnosed with a brain tumour. But Guyana does not have any neurosurgeons, and doctors in nearby Jamaica and

Trinidad were too busy to take her case.

Dr Nadia Ramdin of Pen Bay Medical Centre in Rockport was visiting Guyana and heard about Melissa’s story. She connected her with a neurosurgeon at Maine Medical Centre just in time.

“This tumour was killing her” said Maine Medical Centre’s head

of Neurosurgery Jeffrey Florman. “This tumour had buildup of fluid in the head and was threatening her life. Had we not intervened, there’s no question this would’ve killed her in relatively short order.” Dr Jeffrey Florman was able to remove the tumour, which was benign. Williams is expected to make a full recovery. (Portland, Maine News Centre)

Doctors say Melissa Williams of Guyana had only about a week to live when she arrived in Maine

The late Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Professor Anil Kumar

Zoon Online Shipping celebrates third anniversary

Phase two of IDB’s Investigation Mechanism Policy launched

Zoon Online Shipping, reportedly the largest online shipping company in the Caribbean on Saturday celebrated its third anniversary.

The idea of the company came about when its now Chief Executive Officers Jason Singh and Fabian Shaw had had a bad experience with a shipping company, which they believed were overcharging customers.

The experience evoked in them the need for a differ-

ent kind of business, where customers’ satisfaction is the first priority, which led to the establishment of “Zoon Online Shipping”.

Apart from air freight shipping, the company has recently partnered with Four Star Cargo, a company located in Miami and they are now able to provide shipping for containers at the best local rates.

Zoon is also one of the companies that offer tracking and shipping, allowing

consumers at any point to see where their package is, be it by air or sea.

Customers can buy anything online from any website with or without the use of a credit card and have it delivered by using the services of Zoon Online.

The company, which will soon be erecting a new building in Georgetown, is currently offering a 30 per cent reduction in service charge.

NASA rover to make oxygen on Mars

NASA’s next Martian rover will attempt to make oxygen on the surface of the red planet when it lands there in 2021.

The rover will carry seven scientific projects, aimed at paving the way for future manned missions, seeking evidence of life and storing samples to be brought back in the future.

Among them is a device for turning the CO2 that dominates the thin Martian air into oxygen.

This could support human life or make rocket fuel for return missions.

The rover will also carry two cameras and an experimental weather station among its 88lb (40kg) of instruments.

“This is a really exciting day for us,” said astronaut and NASA Administrator John Grunsfeld, announcing the Mars 2020 scientific payload in Washington DC.

The one-tonne, US$1.9 billion (£1.12 billion) vehicle will be closely modelled on Curiosity, the rover that touched down on the red planet in August 2012.

Its suite of instruments is downsized compared to Curiosity, which is carrying 165lb (75kg) of scientific kit. Some of that space will be used to package up cylindrical rock samples drilled from the planet’s surface.

NASA hopes these can be shipped home by future re-

turn flights.

Being able to produce oxygen could help with that ambition, since transporting fuel is heavy and expensive.

Other NASA spacecraft can already produce oxygen from CO2 but the new “MOXIE” device will test this capability in the Martian atmosphere, for the first time.

An oxygen supply would also be essential if people were to land on the planet.

Immersive images

This change in focus was described as a “shift in gears” by Professor Tom Pike from Imperial College, London, the co-investigator of the “MOXIE” instrument.

“It is very much about the old Star Trek ‘boldly going’, the real focus of this payload is exploration rather than science,” he told BBC News.

“There are not very many places that humans can go

after the Moon. I would say it’s practically a list of one and Mars is it!”

Also on board the 2020 rover will be a ground-penetrating radar for analysing the planet’s geology, two arm-mounted gadgets for analysing the chemistry and structure of soil and rocks, and two cameras.

In another first, the cameras are designed so that in a particular configuration they will be able to record 3D movies.

“You’re going to feel like you’re on Mars,” said Bill Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator of the human exploration directorate at NASA.

The announcement comes in the same week that NASA’s earlier Mars rover, Opportunity, clocked up a record-breaking total of 20 miles (40km) of extra-terrestrial driving since its landing in 2004. (BBC News)

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a public consultation process beginning Friday for key stakeholders, experts and interested parties to submit views on the IDB’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM) Revised Policy Proposal.

Since September 2010, the ICIM has been operating under the policy approved in February of that year by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors. The policy provides a forum for addressing claims made by parties that have been or may be affected adversely by IDB operations resulting from a failure by the bank to adhere to its own policies.

An evaluation conducted by the IDB’s Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE) in December of 2012, which took into account the operations of the ICIM to date, identified a number of areas in need of improve-

ment, both in the ICIM’s policy and operations. Based on that review, the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors mandated a restructuring of the ICIM system and a revision of its policy to improve its operation and effectiveness.

In June 2013, an independent consultant was commissioned to work with the board on a proposal for the revision of the ICIM’s structure and policy in order to strengthen the following areas: clarity of mandate, accessibility, independence, efficiency and capacity to respond.

As part of that process, in August 2013, the first phase of public consultation was launched to invite comments regarding the policy in force at the time. In that first phase, comments from over 200 interested stakeholders were received from requesters, academia, civil society organisations from the Region and others interested in the operation of these mechanisms, execut-

ing agencies, bank officials and peer institutions. At the end of the first phase, a compilation of written comments received was published.

The second phase will be open from August 1 to September 15, to receive written comments on the draft revised ICIM policy proposal. All interested individuals and organisations may send their comments to consultamici@iadb.org. Copies of the current policy, the proposed revised policy and a summary of the proposed changes are available at the ICIM website. At the conclusion of the second phase, a compilation of comments received will be presented to the board.

After board consideration and approval of the final policy proposal, a report on the public consultation process will be published. The new policy, once approved, will replace the independent consultation and investigation mechanism policy now in force.

Zoon Online Chief Executive Officers Fabian Shaw (far left) and Jason Singh (far right) with their staff

Could Mars support human life?

SUNDAY

Barbados Tridents’ Shoaib Malik bracing for Tallawahs test

Malik

The Barbados Tridents presently sit in fourth place in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) standings having secured four wins from six games. Their final encounter before they head to St Kitts is against the Jamaica Tallawahs - the team that beat them twice last season and denied them a spot in the final.

Tridents all-rounder Shoaib Malik from Pakistan sat down with www.cplt20. com and gave his thoughts ahead of the encounter at Sabina Park today.

“Playing against the Jamaica Tallawahs, especially in Jamaica, is going to be very challenging. They have strong support and their fans are very loud and passionate about their cricket. Sabina Park has not changed; I came here in 2007 for the Cricket World Cup and the patriotism and passion is still there for the sport. That crowd can truly inspire a team to success.”

Usain Bolt brought the Commonwealth Games athletics to a fitting finale in Glasgow as he anchored Jamaica to 4x100m relay gold and then partied with the thrilled Hampden crowd.

Bolt took the baton for the final leg level with England’s Danny Talbot and, despite it being only his second competitive outing of the season, accelerated away in classic style as Talbot hung on for silver.

Malik, who was the leading run scorer in CPL last season with 272 runs and averaging 34 runs per match, also spoke about the Tridents chances this season; “I believe we have a balanced squad with a mix between experienced veterans and young mercurial talents in the team. It was unfortunate that we didn’t win all our home games this season, but that result versus Guyana will make us stronger and more prepared in the future. We have a solid chance of winning the title but we are going to have to play as a team; each member of the team has a role to chip in”.

The 32 year old who won the 2009 T20 World Cup with Pakistan in England sent a message to the Barbados Tridents fans; “We vow to do our best and do everything we can to make you proud, all we ask is you stick behind us and give us the necessary support.”

Guyana topple French Guiana in basketball –

French Guiana rout Suriname in female encounter

By TreisTon Joseph

Guyana delivered a lesson in three-point shooting to French Guiana to walk away with a 79-68 points win on Friday evening when the basketball component of the Inter Guiana Games commenced at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The pace of the game started at fever pitch as both teams looked to run the basketball for easy buckets. However, as the game slowed, The Guyanese were marred with a lot of turnovers but kept themselves in the game with their abil-

ity to rebound.

The teams exchanged leads a few times in the first half as the game remained close with Guyana gaining the advantage after the first half with a 36-34 lead.

Guyana started to play better basketball in the second half with better ball movement but still had instances where they committed unforced errors which resulted in turnovers and easy points for Suriname.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Guyana’s Shafeeq Thomas got hot from beyond the arc especially after hitting a hesitation right to left crossover

Trinidad and Tobago took bronze, but it was Bolt’s display that lit up a cold and wet stadium as he proved once again the great performer and showman of his

and losing his defender before pulling up for Guyana’s 10th three pointer.

Thomas, a couple plays after, drained another dagger form beyond the arc to extend Guyana’s lead before the final buzzer of the game.

Thomas ended with 17 points with 15 of those points coming from behind the three point line while Terron Welch dropped 14 points for Guyana as well.

Yaan Mande was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points for French Guiana while his teammate Klay Zephhirin-Henry-Leo contributed 10 in the losing ef-

start - having been switched from the anchor leg he ran so well in the heats - and an impressive top bend from world indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty gave Talbot a chance, in theory at least, down the home straight.

But Bolt - who only began training six weeks ago after a serious knee injury - was never going to be upstaged, and he blasted away to cross the line five metres clear in a new Games record of 37.58 seconds. Bolt had come on to the track before the race and danced ostentatiously as the Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna

fort.

Meanwhile, French Guiana’s women enjoyed a 62-41 win against the Suriname ladies to make up for what their men were unable to do.

Catherina Desir of French Guiana was impressive and played like a beast, especially from the post, dropping a game high 17 points. Elyne Cretus was the next best scorer on the team with 10 points in the lopsided win.

Janine Tuart was the leading scorer for Suriname with 11 points as the Dutch girls struggled on the offensive side of the basketball.

Be (500 Miles), the constant soundtrack to these Commonwealths, once again blasted out. And when the gold medal was secured he embarked on a lap of honour so prolonged that, after half an hour, he had still not reached his original starting point at the top of the home straight. It was quintessential Bolt - not a high five left hanging, barely a selfie request left unfilled. It is in these moments, almost as much as his extraordinary deeds on the track, that Bolt’s instinctive genius becomes apparent.

medallist Adam Gemili had given England a brilliant

Shoaib

Inter GuIana Games 2014…

Terron Welch puts up a tough shot against the defence of French Guiana

Jamaica’s victory earns Bolt (left) the Commonweath gold medal he craved

Chanderpaul and Sarwan confirmed for Guyana Festival 20/20 cricket

– Arjune Nandu also included

Prolific West Indies batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, along with former national youth captain Arjune Nandu, have been confirmed for the inaugural Guyana Festival 20/20 Cricket match.

The game is slated for August 9 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence and will feature some of the best Guyanese cricketers past and present.

The lineup includes; Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kallicharran, Lennox Cush, Reon King, Colin Stuart, Esuan Crandon Sudesh Dhaniram Assad Fudadin,,

Devendra Bishoo, Derwin Christian, Travis Dowlin, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Ryan Ramdass, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Vishal Nagamootoo, Kevin Darlington, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Vishaul Singh, Faoud Bacchus, Amir Khan, Keon Joseph, Clayton Lambert, Zaheer Haniff, Azeemul Haniff, Zaheer Mohamed, Anthony Bramble, Shimron Hetmeyer, Raun Johnson, Neil McGarrell, Jeremy Gordon, Damodar Daesrath, Royston Crandon, Shiek Mohamed, Ravindra Seeram, Clyde Butts, Narsingh Deonarine,

Lucrative Kmtc post-emancipation horse race meet on today

By Rajiv Bisnauth

MDerrick Kallicharran, and Steve Massiah.

In addition to this, on the same day, there will be the spectacular Night of Legends Concert which will see renowned local artistes such as Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh, Terry Gajraj, the Yoruba Singers, Mighty Rebel, Sash Persaud, Celia Samaroo, Teddy Jones, Johnny Braff, Glenn Miller, Hilton Hemerding, Winston Caesar and Aubrey Mann performing.

On Sunday, August 10, a next generation concert will be held to help develop new/ young talents in the music industry. It will be followed by a cook-off competition of traditional local cuisine, such as duck curry, cookup, pepperpot, metemgee and black cake, among others. That activity will be organised by King’s Jewellery World.

The fundamental objective of the Guyana Festival set for August 8 to10 is to showcase Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage, local manufactured products and services, and to celebrate local celebrities. The Guyana Festival is the brainchild of the Ministry of Tourism.

Berbice cyclists receive gear from overseas-based guyanese

F

ormer Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC)

rider and now UKbased businessman Franco Crawford has seen potential in two FACC members and has reached out to assist them in the sport.

The two, Ray Millington and Steffon Reece, were presented with shoes and other cycling paraphernalia on Friday. Crawford, after seeing Millington participate in the recent Grenville Felix Memorial race, announced

that he would be sponsoring the cyclist since he had shown “great potential”.

Millington has been riding for the FACC for two years, while Reece started to pedal just two months ago.

According to Crawford, the young athletes could go a far way in the sport and thought it fitting to make an early contribution to them in order to lead successful careers in cycling. “I would not like these young men to give up on the sport due to the lack of equipment, I see

a bright future ahead for them and, as they progress and become more competitive…”

Coach of FACC, Randolph Roberts was instrumental in the donation becoming a reality and is forever grateful to Crawford who he says has his old club at heart.

“…I coached him and made him into a competitive rider many years ago and, today he is showing his gratitude,” Roberts said.

(Andrew Carmichael)

ore than $7 million in cash and trophies will be at stake when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) stages the post-Emancipation horse race meet today at the club’s track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

The A and Lower class will be the marque event of the day with the winner pocketing $1 million. Competitors will go headto-head over a distance of one mile.

With entries confirmed for over 70 of the country’s top horses, the organisers have put together an impressive seven-race programme for the meet.

All the big names are set

to be on show for what is expected to be a competitive day of racing.

Retired Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard, told Guyana Times Sport on Saturday that all systems are in place for the race meet.

A competitive day of racing is anticipated

“We have put all systems in place and, apart from that, the weather has been excellent for the past days, resulting in the track being in tip top shape,” he said. He further indicated that all the big names are set to be on show, adding that a competitive day of racing is definitely in the making.

Other events billed for the day are the D’3’ nonwinner in 2014 and H and Lower Open over a distance of 1700 metres with the winner carting off $500,000. The J ‘1’ will see the animals running over a distance of 1000 metres. The winner will receive $180,000.

Other races include the J ‘3’& Lower, G ‘1’ & Lower, I & Lower, J3 Maiden event and there is a race for K Class animals.

The race is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and those rules would be rigidly enforced.

Those horses not properly registered will not be allowed to participate in the day’s proceedings. Horse owners are asked to have their animals examined by the veterinarian by 11:00hrs.

Admission to the venue is $1200 for adults and $600 for children. Car park and programme cost $300 each. Race time is 12:30 hours.

WICB hails Guyana’s youth cricket success

President of the West Indies Cricket Board

Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron hailed the double success for Guyana in regional youth competitions over the past three days and praised the country’s cricket authorities for their resilience.

The Guyanese won the Regional Under-15 Tournament for the third time when they held their nerve in the final round of matches and finished with an 11-run victory over hosts Jamaica last Wednesday at the famous Melbourne Oval in the Jamaican capital of Kingston.

Bhaskar Yadram’s side won all but one of their five round-robin matches to top the points table with 25 points and clinch the title they had previously won in 1998 and 1999.

Two days later, Guyana had another reason to celebrate, when they won the 3-Day competition of the Regional Under-19 Tournament for the 12th time.

This victory was an extra special for Brian Sattaur’s side, considering they are playing on home soil and it broke a dry spell of seven years.

“On behalf of the directors, management and staff of the WICB, heartiest congratulations to the Guyana Under-15 and Under-19

teams on their victory in their respective regional youth tournaments,” said Cameron.

“We are proud of all of these young men setting themselves goals and making every effort to achieve them. They have all worked hard and proved to themselves and everyone what can be achieved with the right level of determination and commitment. We wish them all the best for continued success in the future.”

Cameron added: “We would also like to recognise the work of the respective coaches Julian Moore and Andy Amsterdam, as well as managers Andy Ramnarine and David Black for moulding these players into winning units.

“Recognition must also be given to the two young captains Bhaskar Yadram and Brian Sattaur for the leadership they showed on the field. With their combined efforts and hard work, they and every member of the team have contributed to success.”

Cameron said the result on the field exemplified the work which the Guyana Cricket Board did to overcome a number of hiccups prior to the tournaments.

“The news of Guyana’s achievement has come as a great delight to all of us at the WICB,” he said.

“We would like to congratulate the GCB for pro-

ducing these two winning teams, as well as rising to the challenge of hosting the Regional Under-19 tournament, despite all the challenges they have faced recently. This is testimony to their perseverance, and determination to succeed and restore the game to its pride of place in the country.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Billy Heaven and his team at the Jamaica Cricket Association for their efforts in organising the Regional Under-15 tournament as smoothly as possible.”

Cameron said the two tournaments again highlighted the rich talent among the young players throughout the region who aspire to greatness in the future.

“These two tournaments are very important for us and helps to identify at an early age players that may have the ability to play at the highest levels of the game and help restore the rich legacy of West Indies cricket,” he said.

“We urge not just the winning Guyana teams, but every player on every team to continue striving for excellence with the understanding that there are no shortcuts to success and only hard work and the willingness to learn will bring them the rewards which they now enjoy in the future.”

Shivnarine Chanderpaul Ramnaresh Sarwan

Franco Crawford (right) making the presentation to Ray Millington while FACC Coach Randolph Roberts (2nd from right) and Steffon Reece look on

Cecil Kennard

Woon-A-Tai grades 111 karate students at YMCA

th Dan Shuseki

Shihan Frank WoonA-Tai, founder of the International Karate Daigaku, graded more than 100 karatekas of the ASK-Guyana at the YMCA Thomas Lands on Friday. He was assisted by 6th Dan Sensei Amir Khouri.

ASK-G students from Wowetta - Annai, Linden, Albion, Anna Regina, Land of Canaan and Georgetown (West Field, North Georgetown and YMCA) were graded by Shuseki Woon-A-Tai.

Those gaining 1st Dan promotions were Keenan Naraine, Ronaldo Lowe, Tiffany Andrews, Nicole Hohenkirk, Joshua D’Ornellas all of YMCA and Dev Persaud of Land of Canaan.

Those receiving Outstanding Kyu Grades promotions were: 10 Kyu to 8 Kyu- Safira Williams, Cassandra Asweem, Nathalia Thomas, Mortimer Giddings, Safeya Baksh, Naveed Baksh

and Javed Baksh; 7 Kyu to 5 Kyu- Akily venture; 6 Kyu to 4 Kyu- Ravindra Jagmohan, Stephen Lewis and Joshua Stuart; 4 Kyu to 2 Kyu- Raphael Hohenkirk.

Total Kyu Grades

Promotions: 11 students to White/Yellow Stripe Belt (9kyu); 12 students to Yellow belt (8kyu); 7

students to Orange Belt (7kyu); 35 students to Green Belt (6kyu); 4 students to Blue Belt (5kyu); 16 students to Purple Belt (4kyu); 7 students to Brown Belt (3kyu); 8 students to Brown Belt (2kyu); 5students to Brown Belt (1kyu)

Total-105

Shuseki Woon-A-

Shuseki Woon-A-Tai will be holding a special training session at the YMCA on Tuesday August 05, 2014 from 17:30h to 19:30h.

Tai also presented Dan Diplomas to students who were successful at the previous examination. Congratulations were extended to all the students who worked hard to become successful, under the instructions and guidance of instructors John Fernandes (WowettaDojo), Nathalie Gibson (Linden), Clintion Moriah (New Amsterdam Berbice), Hazrat Ali (Albion and Tain University), Bhagwandin Persaud (Lusignan), Laurence Lowe (North Georgetown Secondary and West Field Schools), Amir Khouri, Nathalie Gibson and Roger Peroune (YMCA), Parmeshwar Persaud (Land of Canaan and Camille’s Institute) and Amir Khouri (Anna Regina and GIA).

National chess team in Norway for 41st Chess Olympiad

– top player Taffin Khan denied visa

The Guyana national chess team departed Guyana last Wednesday for the 41st Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway for the two-week long tournament.

The team, however, had a minor setback as Taffin Khan was denied a visa. The reason given by the Dutch Embassy was that the name Taffin Khan is on a terrorist watch list. It also matched his date of birth and as such they were unable to grant him a visa.

The Guyana Chess Federation said it requested a review, which was granted but was met by the same result. “The team is saddened with the loss of Taffin Khan as he is one of the stronger players the country has presently,” a release from the Federation stated.

Nevertheless, the other team members departed Guyana for Norway via Suriname and Amsterdam. “They have assured that they will give a good account for themselves and do Guyana proud.” Guyanese can follow all the game live via the following website: https://chess24. com/en/olympiad2014/ games/pairings. All games will be broadcast live on a daily basis.

The Guyana Chess Federation has expressed a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who made the trip possible. The sponsors include Office of the President, Guyana Telephone & Telegraph, National Sports Commission, Caribbean Container Inc, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Oasis Café and Café Bean.

Some 111 karatekas were graded by 9th Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai

From left: Anthony Drayton, Haifeng Su, spectator and chess fan Yolander Persaud, Coach/Manager Wendell Meusa, Maria Thomas and Ronuel Greenidge

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Guyana lead in athletics after first day

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Kevin Abbensetts won the men’s 100 mteres by the slightest of margins to register a time of 10.5s while Surinamese Romario Pansa registered 10.6s. Guyana’s Tevin Garraway, who had the race under control in the final metres, eased as both Abbensetts and Pansa came flying to dip ahead of the relaxed Garraway who ended third in 10.7s.

The men’s 400 metres saw Jason Yaw running away with a comfortable win after fellow countryman Quacy Simpson false started. Yaw clocked 49.60s while Uracio Seedorf (50.60s) and Miquel Shepper (50.80s) of Suriname finished second and third respectively.

Avon Samuels ran away with the girls 400 metres ahead of teammate Jevina Sampson in a time of 57.60s. Sampson, who finished closely behind, ran 57.90s for second while Carine Pavion of Suriname was third in 1:06.70s.

Carifta gold medalist Cassey George easily won her 1500 metres race, making a loud statement with a fast time of 4:44.90s to completely outclass her competition.

Carifta bronze medal winner Andrea Foster made it a Guyanese one-two as she clocked 5:06.90s for second while Esmeralda Amania was third in 5:24.90s.

The men’s 1500 metres was no different as Ornesto Thomas proved too much for the competition with a 4:15.20 performance to win

the event ahead of countryman Grivon Grant who registered 4:19.50s for second. Gilberto Aloeboetoe of Suriname was third in 4:38.00s.

In the field events, Guyana’s Kade Pearce registered a jump of 1.65 metres to win the male long jump ahead of teammate Jbari Joseph who jumped 1.55 metres for second. Tumane Doekoe was third in 1.50 metres for Suriname.

Guyana’s Natricia Hooper is already a double champion at the Inter Guyana Games after winning both the female high and triple jumps with leaps of 1.45 metres and 11.50 metres respectively.

Suriname dominated the male triple jump as Dave Pika took the top spot with a jump of 14.35 metres while teammate Clifton Olymph was second in 14.23 metres.

Guyana’s Clarence Green was third with a jump of 13.41 metres. Suriname also dominated the female Javelin as Charissa Doeglas threw way the Javelin with a throw of 42.97 metres while her countrywoman Sabea Steenberg was second with a throw 33.05 metres. Guyana’s Trystal McAllister was only able manage 19.79 metres for third place. Meanwhile, Guyana ended the day on a high note by stamping their authority in both the 4x100 metres male and female relays. They beat the girls from Suriname by at least 30 metres to register a first place time of 50.60s while the men mirrored the females to win in 43.30s. Day two of the IGG athletics championships will continue today from 10:00h at the Camp Ayanganna ground.

alpha set for COnCaCaF Champions league clash

– to battle with Olimpia of Honduras on Tuesday

By TreisTon Joseph

Alpha United are set for their clash with Olimpia Football Club from Honduras on Tuesday evening when the CONCACAF Club Champions League continues at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

At a press conference on Saturday, Alpha United Club President Odinga Lumumba assured that all systems are in place for the event that begins from 19:00h. “Everything is set, the people from Fox Sports are already here, most of their equipment has arrived and we are ready,” Lumumba noted.

Lumumba also believes that his team is ready take on the visiting side come game night, “The team has been in camp for three and a half weeks, we think that the team is at full strength and they seem to have great condition and chemistry among the players,” Lumumba shared. The 30-man squad being coached by Wayne Dover will have a point to prove as this is the second time the club has reached to this stage in the high profile tournament.

However, Lumumba was peeved with the lack of sponsorship. “We can point out the level of backwardness to sponsor the team

and there is no sense of nationalism.

“Why is it such a burden, a country cannot move forward unless youths develop, there is so much the government can do but all over the world it is the private sector that really helps,” Lumumba pointed out.

Lumumba also highlighted that there was no problem with facilities to train as he thanked a number of persons for their assistance in helping the team improve their chances of winning the game.

Meanwhile, Lumumba took time to thank his sponsors that included Limacol, Ansa McAl and Cummings Electrical.

Avon Samuels (left) and Jevina Sampson sweeps female 400 metres for Guyana

Inter GuIana Games 2014…

T&T Red Steel beat St Lucia Zouks by 8 wickets to go top of table – Zouks out of reckoning for knock-out stages

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel recorded an 8-wicket victory at Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia that saw them go clear at the top of the table in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL). They brushed aside the St Lucia Zouks who remain winless in this year’s tournament.

Fantastic quick bowling from Shannon Gabriel restricted the Zouks to just 117, and then yet another half century from Evin Lewis saw the Red Steel beat the home side by eight wickets. The loss leaves the Zouks rooted to the bottom of the table and qualification for the knockout stag-

es is now impossible for the side from St Lucia.

Gabriel marked his first game in this year’s tournament with a spell that saw him pick up three wickets, including those of Johnson Charles and Henry Davids inside the Powerplay, with both men caught in the cordon. The catch to remove Charles from Ross Taylor one handed was spectacular and gave his team an excellent start. As the Zouks found themselves two wickets down for five runs in the third over there was a familiar feel to this innings to previous matches. As it was, Keddy Lesporis and Andre Fletcher attempted a rebuilding job, when pre-

SCOREBOARD

St Lucia Zouks innings (20 overs maximum)

J Charles c Taylor b Gabriel 0

H Davids c †Pooran b Gabriel 2

ADS Fletcher† c Taylor b Cooper24

K Lesporis c & b Gabriel 22

DJG Sammy* c Taylor b DJ Bravo 5

RE van der Merwe b Cooper 1

Sohail Tanvir c Taylor b DJ Bravo 18

M Mathew c O'Brien b Benn 7

LAS Sebastien not out 3

TL Best c DM Bravo b DJ Bravo 11

ROO Jordan b Cooper 9

Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 7) 15

Total: (all out; 19.5 overs)

117 (5.89 runs per over)

Fall of wickets 1-0 (Charles, 0.5 ov), 2-5 (Davids, 2.6 ov), 3-49 (Fletcher, 10.4 ov), 4-63 (Sammy, 11.6 ov), 5-65 (van der Merwe, 12.4 ov), 6-67 (Lesporis, 13.2 ov), 7-88 (Sohail Tanvir, 15.3 ov), 8-95 (Mathew, 16.4 ov), 9-108 (Best, 18.5 ov), 10-117 (Jordan, 19.5 ov)

Bowling: ST Gabriel 4-0-20-3, S

Badree 4-0-10-0, SJ Benn 4-020-1, DJ Bravo 4-0-33-3, KK Cooper 3.5-0-26-3

Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel innings (target: 118 runs from 20 overs)

KJ O'Brien c Sammy b Jordan 9 E Lewis c Charles b Jordan 59 LRPL Taylor not out 35 N Pooran† not out 7 Extras: (w 8, nb 1) 9

Total: (2 wickets; 14.5 overs) 119 (8.02 runs per over) Did not bat DM Bravo, DJ Bravo*, JPR Scantlebury-Searles, KK Cooper, SJ Benn, S Badree, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets 1-19 (O'Brien, 2.5 ov), 2-108 (Lewis, 13.3 ov) Bowling: Sohail Tanvir 2-0-110, TL Best 2-0-20-0, ROO Jordan 3-0-25-2, M Mathew 3.5-021-0, LAS Sebastien 3-0-30-0, RE van der Merwe 1-0-12-0

viously they have tried to blast their way at of trouble. This patient approach couldn’t last forever though if they wanted to set a challenging target, but the attempt to accelerate the score only brought yet more wickets.

Fletcher went for 24, mistiming a drive into the waiting hands of Taylor. Darren Sammy became the third man to be out caught by Taylor when he tried an ambitious shot across the line from the bowling of Dwayne Bravo. Lesporis looked to be standing firm, although he could have been caught in the deep by Gabriel, but the big fast bowler didn’t make an attempt to take what looked like a relatively straight forward chance. Gabriel made up for that mistake when he returned to bowl his last over, taking a superb return catch to see Lesporis on his way back to the dressing room for 22. He finished with figures of 3-20.

The leading run scorer for the Zouks this tournament is Sohail Tanvir. As a man that has been batting at six or lower throughout the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, it says a lot about how things have gone for the St Lucia Zouks. Even he could not rescue his team here though as he fell for 18, going to Taylor’s fourth catch. Dwayne Bravo was the man to claim the wicket, and he could have made it two in two as Kevin O’Brien dropped a sharp chance when Mervin Mathew cut the ball to him at extra cover. He made amends in the very next over

when he caught Mathew on the square leg boundary off Sulieman Benn.

The Zouks managed to creep up to 117 all out, but that was nowhere near enough. Having come so close to their maiden win in their last match against the Barbados Tridents, this poor performance will have been even more dispiriting for Darren Sammy’s team.

That left the in-form Red Steel openers with a small target, and with the Zouks missing the experience of Shane Shillingford to tie things up in the middle overs. They picked up the wicket of Kevin O’Brien, the Red Steel’s leading run scorer going into this match,

with a top edge from Ray Jordan as the 19 year old continued to impress. While he is still capable of the odd bad ball, for a man so young, he has shown some real skill and temperament.

The 22 year old Evin Lewis overtook O’Brien as the top scorer for the Red Steel as he put together another telling performance. Since a failure in his first knock of this tournament, he has scored 247 runs in four innings, passing fifty on his last three visits to the crease. If Lewis continues with this form, international recognition will not be far away.

The result was never really in doubt after the sub-

Andre Russell’s last ball six...

Mohammad Hafeez joined Lendl Simmons and was off the mark with a boundary off Vettori before he edged a Bennard delivery that didn’t swing as much as he expected and managed to gift a dolly to wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton.

The Trinidadian Simmons opened up his shoulders to hit Bernard for two consecutive sixes and then took 14 runs off the ninth over bowled by Rusty Theron.

However, the dismissal of Denesh Ramdin left the Warriors at 63-3 after the 10th over.

A measure of the superb control of the Tallawahs bowling attack saw Nikita Miller accounting for Simmons in his first over, Russell the super-man again, holding on to a diving catch at long-on. Simmons hit his way to a run-a-ball 34, inclusive of three sixes and a four.

Leon Johnson’s stay at the wicket was short but New Zealander James Neesham and Christopher Barnwell found momentum and provided a late flurry to add 40 runs for the sixth wicket.

Barnwell (23) smashed two fours and a massive six off 18 balls, while Neesham hit a top score of 35 just off 26 balls with two fours and a six to force the scoring, but the dismissal of Barnwell in the 18th over did not help the Warriors’ cause.

Veerasammy Permaul and Steven Jacobs both failed to make any impact. Apart from the standout performances of Jerome Taylor (3-14) and Rusty Theron (238), Bernard, Vettori, Miller and Russell chipped in with a wicket each.

Guyana Amazon Warriors’ next match is against Antigua Hawksbills at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia.

Guyana Amazon Warriors innings

LMP Simmons c Russell b Miller 34

MJ Guptill b Vettori 15

Mohammad Hafeez c †Walton b Bernard 5

D Ramdin*† c Russell b Taylor 3

JDS Neesham c Russell b Taylor 35

LR Johnson c Shah b Russell 3

CD Barnwell c †Walton b Taylor 23

V Permaul b Theron 1

SA Jacobs b Theron 0 K Santokie not out 5

RR Beaton not out 0

Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 4, nb 1) 13

Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 137 (6.85 runs per over)

Fall of wickets 1-18 (Guptill, 3.3 ov), 2-23 (Mohammad Hafeez, 4.1 ov), 3-59 (Ramdin, 9.2 ov), 4-65 (Simmons, 10.5 ov), 5-77 (Johnson, 12.3 ov), 6-117 (Barnwell, 17.2 ov), 7-126 (Permaul, 18.4 ov), 8-130 (Jacobs, 18.6 ov), 9-132 (Neesham, 19.3 ov) Bowling: DE Bernard 3-0-25-1, DL

par batting from the Zouks, but the ease with which victory was achieved was impressive. Taylor did not really have to get into high gear as he finished with 35 not out.

The Red Steel will want to maintain this form going into their last two matches with the prize of automatic qualification for the final within their grasp. The Zouks will take on the other side who are yet to record a win when they play the Antigua Hawksbills today.

With Kevin Pietersen arriving next week, they will be hopeful of some consolation victories before their involvement in the tournament comes to an end.

Vettori 4-0-16-1, J Theron 4-0-38-2, JE Taylor 4-0-14-3, NO Miller 2-017-1, CH Gayle 1-0-9-0, AD Russell 2-0-10-1

Jamaica Tallawahs innings (target: 138 runs from 20 overs) CAK Walton† c & b Santokie 5 CH Gayle* b Mohammad Hafeez 22 J Blackwood b Mohammad Hafeez 6 AC Voges c Simmons b Jacobs 12 OA Shah not out 21 AD Russell not out 58 Extras (lb 4, w 10) 14

Total (4 wickets;

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel won the toss and chose to bowl first (Photo: cplt20)

Andre Russell turned out to be the hero in match 18 of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tourna-

ment on Saturday at Sabina Park in Jamaica. He hit a stunning six off the last delivery of the match to power the Jamaica

Tallawahs to a six-wicket win over the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

With a six needed off James Neesham's last de-

livery of the match, Russell, with that huge backlift and clean striking of the ball, waited for the delivery and swung it over mid-wicket as

the Amazon Warriors players watched in dismay.

The Warriors had scored a decent 137-9 in 20 overs, but it took some power hitting from Russell during the latter stage of the innings to complete the win, a completely unlikely scenario after the Tallawahs were 46-3 half way through the innings.

With 75 needed at the start of the 15th over and the required run rate already over 12, the Tallawahs did not have the luxury of playing out a few overs to consolidate.

Russell, however, paced himself well, finding the boundary in nearly every over. The 15th over of the innings cost 16 runs and marked the turnaround of the chase.

Between the 15th and 19th overs, Russell and Owais Shah went on to hit 62 runs, dragging the equation down to 13 runs off the last over.

The first four deliveries brought just 3 but Russell smashed a full toss from Neesham in the penultimate delivery to the cover boundary before hitting the last ball for a six.

Russell was left unbeaten on 58 off 24 balls with six

sixes and three fours, while Shah made 21 off 28 deliveries.

The Amazon Warriors innings had the same pattern as the Tallawahs; early wickets, and quick runs at the end.

Earlier, the visitors tied themselves into knots against a disciplined bowling attack after being asked to make first use of the surface. Lendl Simmons, Martin Guptill, James Neesham and Christopher Barnwell were the batsmen to reach double digits. The Amazon Warriors batting never clicked as they lost wickets at crucial points.

All seven Tallawahs’ bowlers played their part well. The seam/spin combination of David Bernard and Daniel Vettori bowled brilliantly and prevented the Amazon Warriors batsmen from playing big shots in the early overs of the innings.

However, Guptill broke the shackles in the third over, hitting Bernard for a maximum over long-on but Vettori, who bowled with guile and economy, provided the first breakthrough when he bowled Guptill for 15.

Andre Russell (2nd from left) celebrates a wicket with his Jamaica Tallawahs teammates