Digicel completes phase two of major expansion
GRA to implement antismuggling markers on cigarettes,
Edghill urges collective action to move Guyana forward
Man critical after being shot
SASOD remembers HIV/AIDS victims
Lumumba tells Berbicians opposition holding back development
monday, may 27, 2013 |
Residents of Lethem and the surrounding Region Nine communities can expect an improvement in their electricity supply within a year, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told residents as he held a meeting at the Arapaima Primary School on Friday.
The prime minister announced plans to purchase two new 750kVA power generating sets, at a cost of $25 million each, along with plans for a new power station. The station will be sited on relatively high ground in the commercial/industrial area and will be constructed within a year. This decision was taken due to flooding in the community which often affects the present power station, according to the prime minister.
Owing to steadily increasing costs, electricity consumers will pay an increase in tariffs, Prime Minister Hinds said.
“Presently, if tariffs are calculated, the cost is way below what the actual costs are, and this gap, as the region develops more, it’s a cost that will increase as more persons demand electrical power.”
It was acknowledged that while persons have the right to self-generate power; it is
felt that the Lethem Power Company Inc can generate electricity more cheaply to supply the community.
Currently, according to the prime minister, residents get the first 15 kilowatts free every month, then they pay $45 for the next 45 kilowatts used versus an actual cost of $90 with the next 55 kilowatts charged at $55 per kilowatt.
It has been suggested that residents continue to get the electricity “lifeline” of the first 15 kilowatts free then pay $52 for the next 45 kilowatts and $65 for the next 55 kilowatts thereafter. Prime Minister Hinds noted, “We must appreciate the fact that rates have not been increased since 2008 and costs of spares and fuel have been increasing over
the years.”
Government subsidises approximately 1000 residents to the tune of $18 million per year and gives a grant of $105 million to the power company for its operations. About 80 per cent of the grant package is spent on fuel alone, and according to the prime minister, this percentage is similar to what is obtained by other electrical power companies such as the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.
Lethem’s power supply has steadily increased from an average of six hours per day to approximately 22 hours per day, and the prime minister said this has been one of the factors behind the continuing growth of the community, said the Government Information
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said the agency is scrutinising the possibility of employing a stamp and marker system on alcoholic and cigarette products to cut down on the rampant smuggling of these in the country.
Annually, the GRA estimates billions of dollars in losses occur due to smuggling; hence, the system will be put in place to deal with this situation.
Agency (GINA). “One of the ladies who plant cassava told me, that previously she had to hurry home before nightfall to process her harvest, but now she can spend more time in the fields, on the farms then return to her home where she can use the light from electricity to process her cassava or whatever she harvests.”
He also reminded residents that as the area continues to expand and develop, more persons will want to access electricity, and more output will be needed to cope with the demand. It was reiterated to residents that government has taken a policy decision to ensure that as much as possible, Guyanese can have access to electricity, and as such, has installed solar panels in 13,000 homes in approximately 188 communities countrywide. Government also subsidises the electricity costs for communities throughout the country.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Sattaur noted that currently the GRA is engaged in discussions with the Canadian Bank Note and DeLaRue on either of their systems being used in Guyana.
He stated that the country lacks sophisticated equipment and systems to help it identify which items are subject to be taxed and which are not, and what is illegally acquired and what is legally acquired. The new system, he said, will address this problem.
“I am hoping we can embrace these modern technologies that are available out there.”
Sattaur highlighted that the GRA will have to invest tremendously in its enforcement activities and equipment; however, in the end, it will pay off since there will be a significant increase in the revenues collected. In 2012, the GRA collected $1.3 billion in tobacco taxes while it col-
lected $1.1 billion from foreign alcohol importation and $3.1 billion in domestic alcohol taxes. It is estimated that with the marker system in place, it could see a 10 per cent increase in revenue collection.
He stated that the government is onboard with the new system recommended.
“It is very much keen on having any system that I recommend that would seek to not only stem corrupt practices… but stem smuggling which directly contributes to the increase of revenue.”
The commissioner disclosed that a senior official from Canada Bank Note will be shortly visiting the GRA to further discuss the implementation of the marker system. Sattaur stated that currently the GRA is examining the cost of implementing this system; however, he was unable to disclose the amount, adding that discussions and cost are still in the process.
Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill said an “all hands on deck” approach is vital for Guyana to achieve further economic development. Edghill was at the time addressing residents at Worrel’s Park Pavilion, Kwakwani, in a message to mark Guyana’s 47th independence anniversary.
He said every citizen must commit to make a positive contribution to national progress; and towards this vision of economic growth and prosperity for all, leaders in the country must act responsibly, and work to guide their constituents along this enlightened path.
“Whatever happens in Guyana, the destiny of this country is now in the hands of Guyanese. We cannot blame foreigners. We cannot blame outside forces, and that is why as Guyanese we all should strive to recognise that if we do not work together, we are doing so at our own peril. We must also recognise that when we work together, we are doing so for our own good, our own advantage,” Edghill stated.
The minister urged the residents to, as they celebrate the occasion, remember with pride, the nationalism and patriotism that inspired Guyana’s founding fathers, who together in unity secured the independence of the country.
“Thinking about what they were feeling, what they were thinking and let us ask ourselves if we are still on the right path, and are doing what we ought to be do-
ing, and we need to leave here with a great commitment towards ensuring the national ideal of independence is one that is grounded and founded in mutual strength, one that all Guyanese can be proud of realising in this Guyana,” he posited.
Edghill said in order for Guyana to get to this point, the country needs its leaders to be responsible. “If we do not have responsible leaders, we cannot have responsible citizenry, we have to work together to build the nation. If we cannot have responsible citizens, we cannot have development,” he emphasised.
Guyana’s development, he said, is not for one group but needs the resolve and commitment from all stakeholders, working together.
Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon was absent from the event, but his independence message to the residents was delivered by Mackenzie High School student Carissa Blair.
In his message, Solomon reaffirmed the
region’s determination to ensure residents are allowed their many constitutional protective rights − “rights fought for and guaranteed by our nation’s successful bid for independence,” he said.
Solomon urged residents to push for the self-sustainability of the region in the coming years. He assured of the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) commitment to promote mining, agriculture, manufacturing, wood processing and tourism, while emphasising that it welcomes investors, both national and international, but not at the expense of the residents.
Regional Vice Chairman Bryon Lewis, in his brief message,
urged the people to put away petty differences, refrain from criticism just for the sake of criticism, and instead put all their energies towards working with each other for sustainable development in their community and the region.
Also in attendance at the independence anniversary observance were A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Yonette Hillman and Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Maylene Stephens.
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com
For years now, stakeholders have been belabouring the point of the need to clean up our capital city Georgetown. Certain parts of the city are littered with garbage, there are clogged drains and canals; pavements are blocked due to illegal vending, preventing persons from walking freely, dilapidated structures could be seen in some areas, there is no order and decency at the bus parks and the list goes on.
Despite huge investments in garbage collection, public awareness, new landfills and the prosecution of litter-bugs, the general appearance of the city continues to embarrass residents who are disgusted with the situation. Tourists visiting our country also leave with a bad impression of the city and this is certainly what they will tell others when they get back to their homes.
The single most worrying challenge for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) remains solid waste management. Data from the council in 2009 shows that approximately 83,000 tonnes of waste is generated annually in Georgetown. Of this, about 50 per cent is organic food and garden waste; 21 per cent comprises plastic bags and 10 per cent other plastic containers; three per cent plastic bottles; six per cent disposable diapers and two per cent Styrofoam. Waste is collected from approximately 42,400 households and about 2000 institutions and retail businesses.
While there is no quick fix to the problems of the city, there must be a starting point. First of all, there needs to be a national policy on the issue of plastics. Plastic shopping bags, carrier bags, or plastic grocery bags are made from various kinds of plastic. These bags, sometimes called single-use bags, have been used mostly to carry items from a store or market to a home for over 50 years worldwide. Also, there are many plastic bottles that are thrown all around the place. They clog up drains, collect water, provide breeding places for mosquitoes and have a wider environmental impact.
Several countries, regions and cities have enacted legislation to ban or severely reduce the use of disposable plastic bags. Outright bans have been introduced in only a few countries, notably China, which banned very thin plastic bags in 2008.
In 2009, the United States International Trade Commission reported that 102 billion plastic bags are used annually in the U.S. alone. Of these, it is estimated that the majority are not recycled and are disposed of after a single use. This disposal after only one use is seen as equivalent to dumping nearly 12 million barrels of oil.
A stark reality is that in countries, such as Guyana, where there is no systematic sorting, collection and recycling of plastic bags, the millions discarded become an environmental hazard and a major challenge to drainage and sanitation, among other issues.
The Guyana Consumers’ Association (GCA) had started some work in bringing together stakeholders to chart a way forward in relation to the disposal of plastics. The organisation had also started some lobbying efforts to have government seriously consider banning the use of plastic bags and to look at alternatives. Certainly, the time has come to seriously consider alternatives such as the use of paper bags, baskets and other cloth material bags to carry foodstuffs etc.
Secondly, the issue of recycling would also need to be looked at. The government has indicated a willingness to provide concessions to persons who import machinery for the purpose of recycling plastics. Unfortunately, the response has not been that favourable. However, we believe that given the apparent lack of widespread interest in the recycling initiative, government should lead the way in this regard and promote a recycling initiative of its own and hopefully, the private sector will join in. This was the path undertaken by other countries with similar experiences.
In the meantime, we hope that the politicking at City Hall will cease and serious work will commence as it relates to the proper and effective management of the city in the interest of the nation. In particular, one wonders what it would take for the mayor, largely seen as ineffective and incompetent, to get up out of his slumber and work in a bipartisan manner with the other stakeholders to restore Georgetown to what it once was.
Dear Editor, For anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV, there is the need for support and compassion. All too often HIVpositive people become targets of AIDS discrimination and stigma. On top of handling new health challenges, they sometimes face rejection by family and friends. They may be forced out of homes, lose jobs, or even become victims of violence.
HIV/AIDS is seri ous business, and many factors can lead to discrimina tion and stigma. HIV is a deadly dis ease that many peo ple fear; some adults still wrongly believe that they can catch HIV through ca sual contact, such as shar ing a drink ing glass or touching a toilet seat;
and many people connect HIV and AIDS with behaviours that are already stigmatised, such as sex between men or injecting drugs. These kinds of misconceptions prevent people from talking about their HIV status. Fear of rejection and worries about confidentiality also prevent
many from getting tested for HIV. This means they may spread HIV to others without knowing it. A recent event demonstrated that the fight against HIV/AIDS is being supported by many big-name companies in Guyana. I encourage more involvement from leaders of all types and as many companies as possible.
Yours faithfully, Kurt Wills
Dear Editor,
The three abducted women in Cleveland, Ohio were rescued with the intervention of neighbours and police. It shows that if people take an active interest, crime can be successfully fought. In Guyana, people don't offer much assistance to the police.
In fact, in some communities, people collaborate with criminals because they are beneficiaries of the largesse taken from hard-working people.
CBS News reported that about 45 per cent of kidnapped victims have been
found or rescued. That is a relatively high success rate compared say with Guyana where few, if any, are freed after being victims of kidnapping or disappearance. So many cases of disappearance have gone unanswered in Guyana for decades especially under the dictatorship.
In the U.S., hundreds disappear every year, whereas in Guyana, only a handful are reported missing and fewer kidnapped. Yet the Americans have a significant success rate compared with Guyana's. Guyanese police need to
do a better job in finding the disappeared and kidnapped. And people in Guyana need to cooperate with police to solve crimes. We are a small society and have an idea of who are committing the major crimes, preying on hardworking people.
Guyana needs to emulate the American model, as exemplified in the Cleveland rescue case, when neighbours heard screams and rushed to free the hapless victims while calling in police support. Police quickly moved in to rescue the victims who were held in confinement for 10 years.
Guyanese need to stop taking this hands-off approach.They should keep a watchful eye on their surroundings for criminal activities and call in the police for help.
Teamwork and cooperation between people and the police will help to bring down crime in our country. Also, instead of sensationalising criminal activities to sell newspapers, the media should help the authority to solve crimes.
Yours truly, Vishnu
Bisram
Dear Editor, I almost always buy gas from the Guyoil Gas Station on Sheriff Street at the junction of the embankment road. The service is excellent, albeit the place is always busy, and the lights at the intersection only make matters worse. However, kudos are in order, and not only for the good service, but for what I deem to be a most honest practice.
Now, a few times, I had to get my gas out of necessity elsewhere, and guess what, the reading on my tank for the same number of gallons did not match what normally obtains at the Sheriff Street Guyoil Gas Station.
The first time this happened, I was curious, but then I got really angry when I again noticed it, and from the said gas station. I did ask an attendant at the Sheriff Street location why this was so, and she smiled and then told me that there are ways to make one gallon in reading, but not necessarily in quantity. So I join the chorus of all drivers who have been victims of this ongoing scam.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) said it has received numerous complaints from motorists, all complaining
about alleged short measurement of gas purchased at some gas stations. The agency said that its own investigations have proven that no such fraud might be taking place.
Now we need to be careful. According to the GNBS, many drivers have been claiming that they are receiving less fuel from some service stations when compared with others for a specified sum of money paid.
Gas stations, as was pointed out by the GNBS, are not standardised in terms of price. The dollars per gallon can vary. So the same monetary value will not mean the same amount of fuel. This is so even in well-developed countries. Now it may be true that all the fuel pumps were verified, were fitted with security seals, were placed on the meters by the GNBS to prevent tampering, and were checked and found to be intact.
But then, how come these drivers are complaining? How come I got different quantities? These are questions that must be answered. Can drivers be fooled that easily?
Yours faithfully, Rickford Benjamin Taxi driver
Dear Editor,
I applaud Terrence Campbell, chief executive officer, Camex Restaurants Inc. He convincingly debunked Freddie Kissoon, exposed his fabrications, and added to his legacy on incredulity. I remember his wild assumptions about Mario’s pizza establishment. His insinuations were most outrageous and uncalled for. I will never believe even a modicum of good regarding Freddie.
Here again, in his Mario’s outburst, he is
making wild accusations and casting aspersions. What is so ludicrous is that he thinks he can intimidate. To an extent, this kind of thing will work, but not with the mature and intelligent.
Kissoon’s inability to manifest temperance must become a matter of concern for his few friends. They must help him. His uncontrollable anger has led to adverse consequences too many times.
Tyler Woods of the American Psychological
Association in her article, “The Effects of Anger”, states that medical and psychological research has shown that no matter how much you exercise or eat correctly, you are putting yourself at risk if you do not manage your anger. This epitomises Kissoon.
Many victims of anger explain its arousal as a result of what has happened to them, and psychologists point out that an angry person can very well be mistaken, because anger causes a loss in self-mon-
itoring capacity and objective observability. Again, this describes Kissoon.
When did Mario’s opening take place and who attended? If Mario’s establishment is one that pushes drugs and is involved in money laundering, then bring the evidence. Am I to believe a congenital liar?
May the few friends that Freddie Kissoon has get some serious psychological help for him.
Yours faithfully, Annalisa Ally
Dear Editor,
The details show that a conductor was caught soliciting passengers for a bus, and when he was approached by the police, he resisted arrest. The police placed him in the van and he kicked the windscreen and damaged it. The man, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter will surface again in the near future and brings several issues to the fore.
Firstly, there is no need to solicit passengers. I blame the system for creating this kind of scenario. If there is an enforced turn system at the bus parks, then there will be no chaos and rush. Touts
will be eliminated and commuters will not be harassed.
Dear Editor, Any seminar on Guyanese oral literature is important. Sometimes the participants are few and many times the event is simply abandoned. Well, I am glad that the University of Guyana is pushing oral literature –through holiday sessions with children, courses, seminars and workshops, among other activities.
The importance of any oral tradition must never be slighted.
I am wondering what do we have left of the many stories that Guyanese wrote and were read by the late Wordworth McAndrew. His skill in telling these stories was legendary. I remember quite a few of my own, told to me by many friends and adults.
We had the practice of telling one another stories.
We need to take the initiative. The material will add to the storehouse of Guyanese folklore, traditions, and oral literature, and will help to preserve the country’s heritage.
Yours respectfully, Bertrum McBean
Secondly, I find it strange that they put up with this craze of the touts and conductors. The thing resembles a scene where people are trying to catch animals. It is so primitive. If police go to the the parks and ensure a turn system, then two other matters will be tended to – overloading and noise nuisance from the buses.
Thirdly, how did the police allow for this man to smash the windscreen?
It shows the very nature of these conductors. I get the idea, at times, that there is no care from those in authority, where the minibus situation is concerned. I am still awaiting answers. Is touting legal? I find public transportation in Guyana, at times, to be on par with moving animals from one place to the next. We can and should do better.
Yours sincerely, Rolston Drummond
This is a case study. Names and places have been changed to protect the persons’ privacy.
Nine-year-old Julian did not know what it was like to spend more than six months in one home environment, for the past three years of his life. From the time he was six years old, his mother and father were separat ed, which caused his life to become unstable. After the separation of his par ents, Julian went back and forth between the two parents, until unsat isfactory housing prevent ed him from staying with his father. Subsequently, his mother began to make herself less and less avail able to care for him. For a while, he was caring for his newborn baby brother, in stead of attending school, while his mother was busy working and was preoccupied with other activities.
Julian moved from place to place − to his grandmother, a friend of his mother,
ChildLink’s vision is a Guyanese society where every child enjoys the right to a childhood in a safe and caring family, free from poverty, violence, and exploitation
home.
The lack of a stable, consistent environment with guidance and boundaries for the child manifested itself in aggressive behaviour and difficulty listening
instructions at home and school. Additionally, Julian arrived at school in unkempt and unclean clothing. And he attended whichever class he pleased, on any given day.
After noticing Julian’s
school’s counsellor on this matter and related all of her concerns about Julian’s situation. The counsellor began working with Julian immediately. Several visits were made to the homes
of Julian’s mother and father to highlight the importance of proper care for the child, given the family’s limited resources.
Over the course of several months, the counsellor continued to work with Julian via individual and group sessions. By listening and being available, the counsellor demonstrated to Julian that it is possible for adults to care for him. This was necessary since Julian felt his parents did not love or want him. Several techniques were used while working
I
ly to help Julian to express his emotions and feelings. In the beginning, this was difficult for him, and then it became easier for him to talk freely about his feelings towards his family.
In spite of the many efforts by the counsellor to contact and work with Julian’s parents, they did not make themselves available or make decisions in the best interest of Julian. In addition, the family members were not willing to invest time into caring for the child, to ensure that proper boundaries were put in place to ensure that he developed
looked on childrearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully interesting and challenging as any honourable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it. – Rose Kennedy
with Julian, such as drawing and colouring his fami-
positive behaviours.
Julian’s case is a work in progress as behaviour change will occur over a period of time, especially in situations of prolonged neglect. However, the ChildLinK counsellor responding to this case is committed to seeing Julian’s full recovery.
An unstable home environment can have many effects on a child such as feelings of rejection, insecurity, feeling like they are the source of all the problems in the family, and feeling that they have disappointed their parents and everyone else they come into contact with. It is important for parents to recognise how much their actions can affect their children and remain with them for the rest of their lives. Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or email us at programmes. childlink@networksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and other challenges you are experiencing with your children.
The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) was on Saturday saluted by President Donald Ramotar during a cultural ceremony to mark its 60th anniversary.
In the presence of a packed audience at the Natural Cultural Centre, President Ramotar hailed the WPO for its outstanding contributions to the lives of Guyanese women and the integral role it played in the economic, political, social and educational development of the country.
“They were a part of the struggle for independence, the women’s movement for independence and they were a part of the fight not only for independence, but even in the conditions of colonialism, led the fight for social improvement and economic gains.”
He said the WPO fought vigorously against prejudice and inequality, not only for its members, but women across the country. He singled out former President Janet Jagan for her sterling contributions in the fight for democracy and equality. Reflecting on the past, President Ramotar said Jagan faced many challenges and attacks, first from the colonial powers at the time.
“Unfortunately, she was demonised by the same people she fought for, but indeed, she was a force for the PPP.”
The hardship endured by the WPO’s founders and members during the mid-50s did not go in vain as today, 60 years after, women have progressed in all aspect sof society. He said the conditions for the advancement of women are far more favourable with all being granted the opportunity to be educated, noting that more women are graduating from the University of Guyana than men. It was also pointed out that in an effort to empower women in Guyana, the Housing and Water Ministry has allocated 15 per cent
of the houselots distributed over the past five years to single mothers. Although women are no longer sitting as 'back burners' in the house, but are now opting for high office and continuing to work side by side with men, President Ramotar said prejudices still exist and must be rooted out. “We must not rest until all prejudice and inequality are totally eradicated from this land.”
WPO President Indra Chandarpal in her lengthy presentation reflected on the history of the organisation, and emphasised its achievements.
Positive change
She said prior to the formation of the WPO, its forerunner, the Women Political and Economic Organisation (WPEO) was formed in 1946
Burnham. “Members of the WPO exposed the living conditions of the lower income bracket people in Georgetown. They held meetings to focus on women problems and began the dis-
that meetings were conducted with the aim of informing women, so that they would understand the importance of education in their daughters’ lives, and most importantly, the valuable contri-
before the advent of the first political party; the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). “Even though it lasted two years, it had already provided a catalyst for women, especially for those who were living in the city in abject poverty.”
Following the staging of the first elections held under adult suffrage in April 1953, the WPO was formed 26 days after, notably by the first three women parliamentarians, Janet Jagan, Jane Phillips-Gay and Jessie
course on women’s suffrage,” Chandarpal lamented.
At the time of the formation, many women were uneducated because many of them had dropped out of the school at an early age to care for their families. However, realising the importance of education in development, the organisation initially lobbied for all girls to complete school.
“This was done through the medium of newspaper articles and various types of meeting.” It was explained
butions they could make once educated. “Secondly, we believed that an educated daughter would be able to educate her family as well.” Like the president, Chandarpal believes that the WPO’s commitment to the development of women has paid off. The ceremony at the National Cultural Centre marked the beginning of one year of activities to celebrate the WPO’s jubilee anniversary. The organisation currently boasts a membership of approximately 5000 persons.
monday, may 27, 2013
ACorriverton murder accused has been set free by Magistrate Khrishendat Persaud after the magistrate upheld a nocase submission made by defence lawyer Marceline Bacchus that there was insufficient evidence to commit the accused to stand trial.
The 38-year-old Robert Rollins, called “Bully” of Kingston, Corriverton, Corentyne was accused of the killing of Kumar Singh on August 22, 2012. The 49-year-old Singh, a furniture maker who lived alone at Line Path, Corriverton, was discovered in an unconscious state shortly after 01:00h on Wednesday, August 22, after a neighbour observed that three wooden paling staves from his fence were missing and his front door was ajar. An alarm was raised and villagers upon entering Singh’s home, saw him lying motionless on the ground. He was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Rollins was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. During the
Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in the magistrate’s court, the police called six witnesses, including one who told the court that he saw Rollins going into Singh’s yard and in front of his home a few hours before his lifeless body was discovered.
In his submission, Bacchus argued that the identification parade was poorly conducted. He also used the evidence of the chief witness to his advantage. He argued that the witness said that he only saw the accused twice, once from the side and once from the back, and that was in a poorly-lit area. He said that the police were depending on circumstantial evidence.
“By his own evidence the witness stated that he could not see the accused’s face.” Bacchus also noted that Singh was found several hours after the accused was seen going into his yard.
“Nobody knows what happened between the time the accused was seen going into the yard and the time Kumar Singh was discovered lying on the floor,” the attorney told the court.
By Danielle CampBell-lowe
Prominent Guyanese child psychologist Dr Faith Harding said maternal healthcare workers are still in the habit of spanking newborns to check their breathing, even as strides are being made to promote peace during the birthing process.
During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Dr Harding noted that gynaecologists began a peace movement in the 1970s to prevent newborns from being introduced to a harsh environment.
Dr Faith Harding
“They started looking at how they can promote peace during the birth process, and
they introduced several nonviolent methods so that there is no need to bring the child out in a harsh way. A number of countries have tried them with great success, but many persons have still not adopted it,” the child psychologist said.
Alternative methods
She pointed out that with the emergence of the Lamaze and Leboyer methods, which have placed focus on peaceful births, there is no need to slap or pinch a child on the buttocks after the child emerges from the womb.
Dr Harding lamented that many babies are also born in delivery rooms with bright lights which can destroy a child’s brain and advocated that the lights be adjusted to mimic that of the situation in the womb. “Lowering the lights would send a softer message from the eye to the brain” she said.
The Leboyer childbirth method, sometimes termed as “birth without violence”, views birth as a stressful experience on the newborn. The focus of this method is to improve the birth experience for the baby. The childbirth method was introduced by Frederick Leboyer, a French obstetrician, who believed that the traditional hospital births at the time were traumatic on the infant.
In 1975, he published a book entitled “Birth without Violence”, where the depth of a newborn’s sensitivity and the importance of the baby being properly handled by the people around him were emphasised. He found that babies born in a less stressful environment were more content. Leboyer
postulated that moving from a warm, fluid-filled intrauterine environment to a noisy, airfilled, brightly lit extra-uterine environment creates major distress on a newborn. He also believed that holding a newborn upside-down at birth and cutting his/her umbilical cord immediately is not beneficial to the baby.
Minimum stress for baby
In Leboyer’s view, the newborn's senses are intact at birth and intense sensations such as those created by slapping the baby’s buttocks are vividly perceived. He emphasised that a sensitive, unobtrusive technique of care, respecting the natural process and promoting a peaceful atmosphere at birth did assist in creating an atmosphere of minimum stress for the child.
He suggested several techniques to aid this process, including the dimming or darkening the lights in the birthing room. Doing so prevents a sudden contrast of light that might distress the newborn. Leboyer also thought that this is less shocking for the neonate’s eyes that have been in semi-darkness for several months.
He suggested that soft music is played or at least harsh noises are kept to a minimum and that all talking inside the delivery room is done in whispers. The room, he said, must be kept pleasantly warm and not chilled, to aid in the newborn’s comfort in a new environment and adapt more easily to extra-uterine life.
Delayed cutting of umbilical cord
He added that newborns must be handled gently and carefully and health-care professionals must desist from tugging at the baby’s head in an effort to aid its delivery rather allowing a natural childbirth. Leboyer also recommends that the umbilical cord is cut at a later stage after it would have ceased pulsating. According to Leboyer, this allows the newborn to continue receiving the maternal hormones and oxygen-carrying red blood cells. This is also done to allow the baby to breathe unassisted when he is ready to do so.
He also proposed that the infant receives a warm bath immediately after birth to help the child relax and before maternal and newborn bonding is initiated, the infant should be massaged to relieve crying. Since fewer drugs are given to the mother during delivery with this method, babies are typically more alert and need less invasive measures to help them breathe and the infant is placed on the mother’s abdomen for maternal-neonate bonding.
However, opponents to the Leboyer method have questioned the principle of warm baths because, doing so, can reduce spontaneous respiration and allows a high level of acidosis to occur. These critics also believe that cutting of the cord when it stops pulsating can result in excess RBC in the neonate’s circulatory system that could lead to extra blood viscosity and increased risk of jaundice.
One of the reasons why Guyana’s progress is so slow is the abysmal ignorance about our history by some of those that have a bully-pulpit to shape opinions. Take the case of that poseur Freddie Kissoon over at the MuckrakerKN, who claims to have a degree in history. He quit claiming the degree was a Ph D after he was outed.
On Independence Day, he made some mind-boggling claims about history. First, he said people don’t believe politicians who blame the colonials for what they did to us. Why? Well, believe it or not, because Guyanese have travelled abroad and they see how well those countries are progressing! Well, of course, they’re progressing... on the profits they accumulated when they enslaved our ancestors. Does he know why we’re calling for “reparations”?
Did he even read Eric Williams’ “Capitalism and Slavery”? Or Dr Walter Rodney’s “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”, since he claims to admire Rodney? Did he just admire Dr Rodney’s good looks or his work which shows how the European imposed underdevelopment structurally recreates itself? Then the so-called historian challenged ex-President Bharrat Jagdeo’s statement “that the colonials were so contemptuous of the locals that they encouraged them not to send their children to school”.
In parting, he challenged: “Jagdeo cannot produce a history book to bolster his nonsensical claim that the colonials instructed Guyanese parents not to send their children to school.” Is this fella for real, or as President Donald Ramotar said, he is “sick” in his head. Surely, he’s read about the “Swettenham Circular”? He’s claimed to like Professor Clement Seecharan’s works...well Seecharan’s written about this insidious governmental policy document. Professor Zinul Bacchus and every Guyanese historian has also written about it...including Dr Rodney!!
Fact of the matter is that, in 1876, education was made compulsory up to the age of 12 in rural areas (14 in urban ones). But Indians objected, because all the government-funded schools insisted that students become Christian. So rather than funding Indian schools, in 1902 Governor James Swettenham issued his circular instructing education officials that Indian children were exempted from the Educational Ordinance of 1876. This exemption, of course, pleased the planters no end...since Indian children could labour in the fields.
And to buttress Jagdeo’s point about Indians not supposed to be in the Civil Service, the same year Swettenham exempted Indian children from attending school, he instituted competitive examinations for employment into the Civil Service. Break the Indian (educational) leg and then tell him to run the race!!!
...dream
President Ramotar returned with his olive branch to the opposition in his independence speech. “I implore all of our political leaders to join me in working to build a grand future for all of our people,” pleaded the president. “In any society, there will be differences of opinions and differences in approaches to various issues. These differences, however, should not be used as a roadblock to stymie progress nor is to jeopardise Guyana’s standing nationally, regionally, or internationally.”
We hope the president isn’t holding his breath for a positive response from these jokers. In his speech he mentioned his unprecedented “apology” to them – hoping that they wouldn’t make Guyana into a rogue state to be blacklisted or face sanctions. Didn’t cut any ice, did it?
And that’s because, unlike Dr Cheddi Jagan who gave “critical support” to the People’s National Congress (PNC) when Guyana under the PNC was facing international pressure, these wankers in the opposition don’t have Guyana’s interest at heart. Just their unbridled hunger for power.
...lowered standards
In all of the responses to Professor David Dabydeen’s criticisms about the “doggerel and puppyrel” that’s produced by local writers such as Ruel Johnson and Barrington Braithwaite, the criticism is that the professor should’ve emphasised the need for training. But these arrogant, so-called “writers” aren’t talking about that, are they? They simply want to feed off the public trough without doing any work. Which real writing demands.
Guyana has earned favourable reviews by the United Nations and developed countries around the world for its work in the area of advocating gender equality among its citizenry.
The nation has ranked high among the first 20 countries to attain positive feedback from international and long-established organisations fighting feverishly for gender equality. This is according to Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) Chairperson Indra Chandarpal.
She recalled her time as human services and social security minister, and pointed out that when Guyana had to present its report at the fourth world congress on gender equality, it was quite a difficult task.
Chandarpal said the country has seen a drastic improvement in this regard.
“The Women and Gender Equality Commission is always promoting gender in that sense, and people got to understand that we are talking about access to opportunity that irrespective of colour, creed, and gender – whoever you are – opportunity must be made available to you and not because you are a woman, you must not get equal pay or you should not get a job or make less money than a man. Women should not be treated in no way different from their male colleagues,” she insisted.
She said gender equality is alive in Guyana, but admitted that there are in-
stances where some sections of society fall short in this regard. However, efforts are in train to make sure gender inequality is rooted out and exposed at all costs.
“There will always be problems that will arise and we will have to deal with them, so as a country, I think, we are doing well and the WGEC have programmes all over the country to look at how these systems are benefiting women and to ensure that they have equal access to justice,” she stated.
An empowered woman can do wonders Chandarpal said persons must be aware that an empowered woman can do wonders for a developing economy in various capacities.
In Guyana, there have been improvements in maternal health, life expectancy and access to quality
healthcare as gender specific services available to women.
She pointed out that the historical socioeconomic disparity between men and women, which is necessary for the advancement of inequality has evolved.
She reiterated that people must overcome the relics of the past to begin seeing women as equal to men, since tradition holds true and the challenge is for men to find newly-defined relationships in which both genders can exist.
Recognising that there have been performance gaps in its work, the WGEC has come up with a five-year strategic plan, which it hopes would chart a course for it to monitor and protect the human rights of women and guard against discrimination.
The compilation of the WGEC’s five-year strategic plan aimed at promoting human rights and respect for gender equality followed a three-month consultation process. The plan, which was launched this April, runs from 2013 to 2018, and has four priorities.The four areas of focus are: organisational and institutional strengthening of the commission, women leadership and governance, women economic empowerment, and gender-based violence. It is believed the plan will significantly supplement the measures already instituted to ensure the advancement of the commission. The WGEC was established in 2009 and began working the following year.
The bodies of William Patois and Junior Bandhu of Tuschen, two of the four men who had vanished after the boat they were in capsized in Matuk Falls, Cuyuni on Saturday were recovered between Saturday night and late Sunday afternoon, police have confirmed.
The search continues for the two other miners who fell into the river when their ration boat capsized while going through the rapids. Shawn Robinson and Clive Welcome of First Avenue, Bartica are the missing men. Both of the engines of the vessel reportedly failed and due to the rough waters, the boat subsequently capsized.
Captain Stephen Thomas of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) told Guyana Times on Sunday that relatives of the missing men joined the search and rescue team that went into the area with the hope of finding the men alive. He added that the Guyana Defence Force has also pitched in their support with a helicopter as they continue their search.
Captain Junior Lyte remains in police custo-
dy assisting with investigations. He reportedly told investigators that they were on their way to Bartica when the outboard engines started to encounter mechanical problems. The water was rough and within minutes, the boat capsized leaving the men scampering to safety. Three of the men reportedly held onto the boat while the others were carried away by the current. They were not seen since despite searches by the boat that rescued the others.
Police in a release stated the boat was captained by Lyte of Batavia assisted by Welcome. Junior Lyte, David Prass and Maurice Hopkinson were all rescued by another boat. In less than a year, there have been multiple boat accidents and mishaps on the waterways. In January, 10 persons perished after the boat they were in collided with another at Crab Falls, Mazaruni River, Region Seven.
According to reports, two boats were travelling in the opposite direction just below Crab Falls, 25 miles upstream from Bartica when tragedy struck. All of the passengers onboard the two ves-
sels were tossed into the deep waters. The boat was travelling out of Puruni and had 12 passengers, 10 of whom were discovered dead. The vessel was propelled by a 200-horsepower outboard engine and was reportedly split in two.
Those who perished in the boat collision were Deon Moses, Kevon Ambrose, Olivera Alves, Christopher Ramnarain, Zahir Baksh, Jewan Seeram, Ulrick Grimes, Jermaine Calistro, Ricky Bobb and Kenau Amsterdam.
Those who survived the accident were Aubrey Bowen, Donita Daniels, Devon Thomas, Juliet Webber and Francisca Helena. In December 2012, six persons met their demise after two passenger boats collided in the middle of the Pomeroon River. The boats collided in the vicinity of Siriki, Upper Pomeroon River. Six occupants of one boat lost their lives, while two escaped serious injuries. Those who perished were Bhagwandin, Velda Rodrigues, Shawn Anthony, Rajkumar Singh, Amerita Singh and Vincent Singh.
An early morning shooting at Orange Walk, Georgetown has left one man battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being shot once to his head by an assailant, believed to be a young cricketer who plays for a club in the city.
Shawn Nelson, 39, an employee of Eagle’s Bar and of Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown is conscious, but doctors are monitoring his condition. Nelson and the cricketer are believed to have been friends. This publication also understands that the cricketer was out partying on Saturday night.
Nelson was reportedly walking along Orange Walk after purchasing a drink from a bar when a white Toyota Carina AT 212 motor car pulled up alongside him and the driver disembarked, shot him and then fled the scene.
The vehicle was subsequently found abandoned in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown with its registration plates missing.
An eyewitness said he was in his yard when he heard a single gunshot, prompting him to look out, and when he did, he saw a man entering his vehicle, after which he drove away. Upon
seeing the commotion, he knew something was wrong and as he got closer, he saw Nelson lying on the roadway.
A hospital official who was heading to work around the same time, noticed a crowd, and as she looked, she saw the man lying on the roadway, the eyewitness reported.
A taxi and several other vehicles reportedly refused to take the injured man to the hospital, but the hospital who was at the scene contacted an ambulance and within minutes took the man to the hospital.
Nelson’s reputed wife, Karen (only name given), who was at the hospital, said Nelson is conscious, but disclosed that he was taken to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital where he underwent a CT scan. She said she was told his condition remains critical and doctors are working to save his life.
Nelson, who is employed as a maintenance worker at the Eagle s Bar, was late Sunday taken into theatre for operation. Doctors confirmed that the bullet entered through his forehead and exited. He is a patient in the High Dependency Unit of the hospital.
Family members at the hospi-
tal were clueless as to what really transpired and are not clear on the motive behind the shooting. The injured man’s father, Allan Nelson, was still in a state of shock and could not believe that his son was actually shot by someone he knew.
As the father was rushing into the emergency room, he reportedly collapsed. After regaining his composure, he broke into tears, saying he is praying for his son to be safe.
Another relative explained that he was at the man’s house when Nelson left for work. He said Nelson did not take his breakfast, and when he enquired, Nelson said, “It’s okay, I will get something on my way.” Moments later, he said he received the shocking news that Nelson was shot and is at the hospital.
Meanwhile, at the scene, members of the public were tightlipped about the shooting incident, but slammed the Guyana Police Force’s response to the incident. One man said that he called the 911 emergency line several times but no one answered. The man ’s alleged assailant has since turned himself in to police who have launched an investigation.
Freddie Kissmansoon seh he never lose a bet yet in he life. Not that de Man Kisser got much of a life anyway, but he tell de whole of Guyana that he so good that he don’t ever lose anyting. Well, clearly de Man Kisser don’t consider pride and dignity anyting worthwhile, because he done lose these a long time ago.
And if yuh count de number of times de Man Kisser thief books at UG and in Canada, yuh would have to believe that he right, because he never get ketch wid all dem thiefin books. Not to mention de number of times he get kick out from writin fuh all dem newspapers in Guyana, and then get kick out from UG too.
De only paper fuh which de Man Kisser can still write all dem fartics les is, of course, de Kocheur mud paper, because de Kocheur mud paper does print any and every piece of **it.
Now, after de Man Kisser try to bum an extra big pizza at de Mario’s, and dem tell he that he gotta pay fuh it, he get vex and cuss up every, and then deny that he cuss up everybody. De Man Kisser so spunctious that he believe he can do anyting any where any how and no body could tell he anyting.
But de Mario’s owner Mr Camp Bell and all de waitresses ketch de Man Kisser lyin, and de Man Kisser had promise to stop writin all dem farticles if anybody ketch he lyin, but he still writin. It look like what de Man Kisser mean is that unless somebody ketch he tellin de truth, that is when he gon stop writin, because he tellin so much lie, he don’t know de truth anymore.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And if yuh don’t believe, ask de Man Kisser bout de time when a guy name Hemraj Munitam kissed he pun he lips. And he had like it!
Times Notebook is of the view that religious leadership around the world has often been an inexcusable source of discrimination and bigotry. The latest example of religious bigotry comes from the world-famous televangelist, Pat Robertson.
His church movement, called the 700 Club, is presently on a robust damage control initiative to stem the whirlwind of criticism emanating from a statement he made that “males have a tendency to wander a little bit, and what you want to do is make the home so wonderful that he doesn’t want to wander”.
He made this statement in response to a woman whose husband had cheated on her. The woman wrote to the 700 Club asking for advice because in spite of going to counselling, saying “I can’t seem to forgive, nor can I trust. How do you let go of the anger? How do I trust again?”
Robertson suggested she forget the incident and focus on why she married her husband in the first place. The famous televangelist asked the woman, “Does he provide a home for you to live in? Does he provide food for you to eat?”
The question is, what would have been his position were it the woman who cheated?
Defending immorality
Robertson is a religious leader and has often paraded himself and his faith as a paragon of morality and
the world, there is a deafening silence. While waiting for global religious leaders to address the issue, Times Notebook is wondering what has happened to the voices of Guyanese religious leaders?
Clearly, too, Robertson should be in hot water with women everywhere. It’s more than two weeks since Robertson made his statement on global television. Times Notebook has yet to see any objection being raised by women’s groups in Guyana and, while there is some controversy in the U.S., I am yet to see the global outrage Robertson deserves.
self-righteousness. It is his religion that has as one of its 10 commandments that adultery is a sin. Clearly, Robertson is defending immorality and abandoning one of the sacred commandments of his faith.
Robertson has taken this position, not for the first time. Recall when General Petraeus, the famous U.S. army general who became the head of the CIA, admitted to an adulterous affair, it was Robertson who defended him. And earlier this year, the same Mr Robertson asserted that a woman who had complained that her husband drank too much was to be blamed because she was “awful looking”.
Clearly, Robertson should be condemned by religious leaders everywhere. Some religious leaders have, indeed, roundly criticised Robertson. But at the leadership level of religion across
We have men’s groups in Guyana and around the world who must not be silent on the double standards of Robertson. The silence exposes our double standards when it comes to religion.
Religious leaders have taken some positions that are contrary to what they preach. Surely we are all brothers and sisters and, surely, we must be forgiving. But we must ensure people take responsibility for their action and women must not be blamed for indiscretion by their male partners.
On paedophiles
For years, the Catholic Church not only remained silent, but failed to do anything about paedophiles in the church among its own priests. Not only were the Catholic leaders silent, its followers remained silent. Worst yet, other religious leaders failed to take a position on this issue. Even more repugnant was a quiet
promotion of the idea that it was the children who were at fault.
The same kind of bigotry is seen when we address other moral and ethical issues. The church has largely stayed on the periphery when it comes to the transmission of HIV. Many church leaders take the view that HIV is a punishment from God for immorality.
The church’s position on homosexuality and abortion are prime examples of bigotry by religious leaders. Religious leaders still have the tendency to exclude God’s children, men and women, from being part of the human community because they make a choice of living a lifestyle that is not in keeping with the edict of religion. Many church leaders openly defend their discrimination against homosexual men and lesbian women by stating that God made “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve”.
But Times Notebook is not dwelling on the matters of homosexuality, sexual orientation, and abortion as much today. We will leave those arguments for another time. Times Notebook is
moved to comment on the bigotry of religious leaders globally that corporal punishment of children is acceptable. Religious leaders have argued the notion of “spare the rod and spoil the child”.
How can religious leaders defend this position? Times Notebook asks that religious leaders play a pivotal role and be a catalyst for the Parliament of Guyana to end corporal punishment of children in Guyana and everywhere.
Condemnation of a community, based on actions of a few
The growing resort of radical groups towards global terrorism has seen condemnation of the whole Islamic community by many groups around the world. Yet few world religious leaders have stood in defence of the Islamic community. Crazy people have been running amok around the world, creating havoc and bringing misery to thousands of people around the world.
We all know that these crazy zealots are not representative of the global Islamic movement. But few
religious leaders have openly stood with the global Islamic family.
When a lead pastor of a church in Florida led a movement to burn the Quran, the holy book of the Muslim faith, few religious leaders anywhere in the world openly chastised him and his movement. Many people are afraid to come to the defence of the Muslim religion and would prefer to allow radical zealots to hijack a whole religion and to make bigots of religious leaders worldwide. These are only some examples of the bigotry that permeates throughout the religious community. Religion, in all forms, has played a positive role in the development of the world. But religion throughout history has not been perfect, and there are many instances where religion can only hang its head in shame. There are far too many examples of bigotry practised by religious leaders. The many good things that religion can claim are diminished by these glaring examples of bigotry.
Readers are invited to comment on this article via email (times.notebook@ gmail.com) and on Facebook.
Digicel on Sunday announced that it has switched on its state-of-the-art service in Jumbie Creek in the PotaroSiparuni region, bringing an end to the second phase of the company’s major service expansion project.
The completion of this phase which included six new site launches and service upgrades, now brings Digicel closer to achieving its 98 per cent population coverage target by year-end, the company said in a statement.
The Jumbie Creek site came on air in April, and residents have since enjoyed one month of service. Digicel’s launch in Jumbie Creek now gives coverage throughout the trail from 47 Miles to Mahdia. Residents in areas such as Tumatumari, Micobie, Cassava Hill and Mousie now have access to first world mobile service. The 400-foot tower which is located on Look Out Mountain is to date, Digicel’s highest tower point, overtaking Matthews Ridge. The tower sits on a 344-foot hill and is referred to as “the tower in the clouds”. This is also
the latest in the line of solar towers to be rolled out by the company and was by far the company’s most difficult installation due to the gradient and access to the hill.
Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean underscored the company’s significant contribution to propelling Guyana into the mobile communications era. “With greater demands for Internet and social media on the go, mobile communications are critical. We have given thousands of residents in remote communities, access to the latest mobile devices, innovative promotions and first world
communication services,” Dean commented.
New sites completed in the just-concluded roll out phase include Omai, Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Matthews Ridge and a second Lethem site. Some heavily utilised sites in Georgetown were also upgraded. The new phase will also include upgrades to existing sites.
Despite being the newer entrant in the Guyana market, Digicel was able to exceed its competitor‘s coverage after only three years of service in Guyana. Digicel has coverage in a number of remote communities across Guyana, including Red Hill, Wakapau, Santa Rosa, Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge, Mabaruma, Mahdia, Kwakwani, 58 Miles, Ituni, Omai, Jumbie Creek, Kwebana, and Lethem.
“We have already begun work on the next phase of this year’s expansion project. This phase includes the launch of seven new sites, which will bring the population coverage to 98 per cent and also see major upgrades of several key sites to meet the growing service demands,” Dean concluded.
In keeping with its promise five years ago to promote family-oriented activities, the Princess Hotel and Casino on Friday opened a state-of-art multimillion-dollar entertainment complex at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The entertainment centre comprises a “Kid’s City”, with a number of video games and movie theatres. The games arcade will leave kids mesmerised with more than one hundred arcade games spread across a section of the hotel. The space is colourfully decorated and will leave patrons wanting more.
The Kid’s City moves away from the normal gaming consoles and arcade rides, and introduces the latest in children’s entertainment. Most games and rides cost $100 and scores of children and their parents have been flocking to the new facility even before its official opening on Friday last.
The Princess Hotel also boasts two modern 93-seat movie theatres which feature the latest Hollywood and Bollywood movies on full digital screens. For the patrons who want to explore and experiment in the digital world, a smaller 7-D theatre is also available. The
hotel’s General Manager Muharrem Kulekci explained that the hotel is keeping its promise to revolutionise the entertainment offered in Guyana while at the same time keeping families in mind.
He expressed excitement to have offered such services to the general public and from all indications, people have been visiting the theatres and kids corner in their numbers. Prior to the official opening, Kulekci told Guyana Times that the theatres were opened for a week to determine its effectiveness and he feels that the time is ripe to officially open the facility to the public.
“Sounds are in order, lighting is in order, the movies are here and we are ready to excite Guyanese,” he added.
He said his management team will continue to provide community services to Guyana and the Guyanese people, because the Princess Hotel has become a part of the local community. The Turkish hotel chain took over the former Buddy’s International Hotel a few years ago with many challenges, but over the years, it has managed to bring things under control and has grown tremendously.
The facility had lacked
sophistication and modern amenities to create a standard in the hotel industry and with the opening of the casino and now the kids' arcade and movie theatres; he feels that they are on the right path.
He added that the chain of hotels has erected arcades before in various countries and felt the need to establish one in Guyana since the market has become highly competitive. The general manager also disclosed that in addition to the theatres, there is also the nightclub for the partyholics.
Club Next is a modern European influenced nightclub that offers the best in music, drinks and cocktails and a first class environment that is located in the upper floor of the hotel. The club is also opened every day of the week. The hotel has also recently redesigned its large pool and poolside. Over the past three years, several major entertainment events, including pageants and international boxing matches have been hosted at the poolside.
He also disclosed that occupancy is very high and the other departments and operations including the casino are doing extremely well.
The night sky was illuminated with a spectacular fireworks display by the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) symbolising the dawn of Guyana’s 47th Independence celebration, minutes after the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted Sunday morning.
This was only one of the many other side attractions witnessed by President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hind, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, members of the diplomatic community and thousands of Guyanese from all walks
of life at the National Park Saturday night.
Prior to the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead, the nation heard a message from a GDF officer who led a team to Mount Ayanganna; the highest point in the country to hoist the country’s flag at 00:00h to mark the 47th independence anniversary.
The hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and the magnificent fireworks had left the huge crowd in awe, but before that, the National Park was made a lively theatre with five hours of cultural extravaganza.
The annual celebration kicked off with a mu-
sical instrumental rendition by the National Steel Orchestra and was subsequently followed by some very energetic stage performances by the Nrityageet dancers. Captivating the crowd’s attention were the talented Randolph Critchlow and his colleague who through poetry addressed not only the road to Guyana’s Independence, but also highlighted the challenges Guyana still faces as a nation. Dressed in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s reigning chutney/soca monarch and three-time calypso king, Young Bill Rogers graced the stage and dished out one of his favourite songs from his collection of calypso music.
This was followed by an interlude of dance and then a march past by the Guyana Defence Force. Members of the Guyana Police Force also put on a spectacular physical display show. The National Steel Band and Choir belted out several national songs, including “O Beautiful Guyana” and others. Soca artistes Roger Bowen and Kwesi Edmonson were among the other performers who graced the occasion as they usher in the country’s independence.
On May 26, 1966, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time signalling the end of colonialism in Guyana and simultaneously paved for the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead, which marked the birth of a new nation; an independent nation. Independence brought an end to centuries of struggles by the inhabitants of the country at
the time, unforgettably the slaves, the indentured labourers and subsequently the working people and leaders who fought strenuously to end colonial domination.
“Tonight, we recall May 26, 1966 and the soaring hopes and intense pride it brought to us as a people. Independence meant that at last we had created the most fundamental condi-
tion necessary to pursue the aspirations of those who came before us, those who dreamt of building and living in a free and prosperous country,” President Donald said in his address.
Guyana has been benefitting significantly as a Petrocaribe member state, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said during a special programme on the National Communications Network (NCN), the Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.
Petrocaribe, the brainchild of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, is an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. It was launched in June 2005.
The prime minister, under whose purview the energy sector falls, explained that this initiative came at a time when many Caribbean countries were having difficulties in purchasing petroleum. At that time, crude oil prices on the world market was moving up from US$30 per barrel and peaked at about $150 per barrel.
A table was established at a certain price for petroleum. The government of Venezuela will offer a portion on credit (co-financing) and a portion that will have to be paid for in cash immediately. Through this mechanism, a 50 per cent co-financing is offered for oil sold at US$80 per barrel, US$100 per barrel -- 60 per cent co-financing, and over $150 per barrel -- 70 per cent of co-financing.
According to the prime minister, Petrocaribe was established to be a cushion; giving countries time to adjust their rates of consumption, make lifestyle changes, and move towards renewable energy sources. It also created a mechanism, whereby a fund could be established to be used for the development of the energy sector as well as other areas.
“Our total fuel bill was about $400 million per year and at 50 per cent co-financing, we could be developing a debt of about US$200 million per year. So we took the position that for every shipment, payment has to be made available in full. The fuel company that is
buying has to pay the full price to the Guyana Energy Agency, which acts as the agent to purchase and at the level of the government, we put aside the financed portion in a special account and the Ministry of Finance issues a promissory note,” the prime minister outlined.
The money that accumulated in this account has been used to finance two power plants for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated; while some went towards the financing of the Hope Canal. The intention behind Petrocaribe was also to promote trade among member countries; whereby some of the fuel cost would be met by supplying goods and services. This led to Guyana’s rice trade agreement with Venezuela.
Only recently, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy signed the official 2013 agreement in Venezuela, which will see the continued export of rice and paddy. The prime minister explained that the rice and paddy supplied to Venezuela is discounted against what Guyana owes on fuel.
Chevon Wood, an economist attached to the GEA said under the first round of agreement signed with Venezuela, Guyana was able to cancel over US $100 million of fuel debt; this was completed in December 2012. In the coming months, it is envisioned that a similar amount will be negated through this export agreement.
Wood said “fuel is a
very important input in any economy, and given that Guyana’s economy is rapidly expanding, there is a greater need for fuel. Petrocaribe provides a significant opportunity for South to South relationships and it also provides a unique mechanism in order to pay for the fuel.”
At the recently held Ministerial Meeting of Petrocaribe and the Summit of Heads, Venezuela proposed the establishment of a Petrocaribe Economic Zone (PEZ) through an alliance with the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA). ALBA is an international cooperation organisation based on the idea of the social, political and economic integration of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The PEZ is intended to deepen the progress made by the organisation, with a view to developing the production sectors of member states, based on the linkage of production chains which would generate economic surplus, and would make co-operation sustainable in the context of Petrocaribe.
It is designed to boost regional development between Petrocaribe member states by promoting joint investments in trade, tourism, industry, and agriculture. Wood said that, “with the introduction of an economic zone, there are many opportunities to get into greater markets… it is a good area to venture into, not only because you are able to reduce the amount of oil debt periodically, but you are also able to expand your market, introduce economies of scale in terms of technology, increase job creation and many other benefits.”
Petrocaribe now consists of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Venezuela.
Police in Barbados have arrested and charged Terrence Caswell Meusa, 43, a Guyanese national, for the offence of arson, in relation to a fire which occurred at the Rio Guest House, St Lawrence, Christ Church on September 17, 2012.
Meusa arrived in Barbados on September 9, 2012 and checked in at the guest house. A fire occurred about 2:00h on September 17, which damaged the downstairs and upstairs sections of the building. Meusa left the island sometime later. Investigators have identified him as a person of interest in this matter. He returned to Barbados in May and was subsequently interviewed and charged for the offence. Meusa is expected to appear at the District A Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 27. (Barbados Nation)
Habitat For Humanity Guyana Inc (HfHG) and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Guyana (ADRA) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cement a partnership aimed at enhancing the well-being of underprivileged communities around Guyana.
The signing, which took place at the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists headquarters in Queenstown, signals the continuation of a relationship which began at the regional level of both organisations in 2010.
Habitat’s Communications and Resource Development Manager Colette Hytmiah revealed that the two organisations will collaborate to design and implement programmes in various areas, inclusive of housing con-
struction, disaster risk reduction and management, advocacy, and community development.
Habitat For Humanity Guyana and the Adventist Relief Agency, both expressed a deep dedication to helping the less fortunate. “With Habitat For Humanity working in the area of housing and shelter and ADRA focusing on development and relief, this partnership will enable both organisations to impact the lives of people at the community and national level,” Hytmiah said.
She added that this will be facilitated through research, training, and implementation of programmes designed to address livelihood challenges in underprivileged communities.
Habitat For Humanity Guyana Inc began its work in Guyana in 1994 following an invitation from then
President Dr Cheddi Jagan and was officially registered in 1995. Since then, the organisation has supported over 3000 families within the country’s 10 administrative regions, through partnership with affiliates, home partners, volunteers, and sponsors to build simple, decent and affordable housing for low income earners.
Also, the organisation has undertaken home repairs, rehabilitation works, and assisted in accessing secure tenure. According to Hytmiah, with a new programme direction, added focus will be placed on community development, disaster risk reduction, and social action and awareness. Through resource centres, the organisation seeks to make a stronger impact on communities through training, mobilisation and planning of various community driven projects.
President Donald Ramotar said government is keenly examining the possibility of reopening the Del Conte trail via a road link between Parika and communities around the Bartica region.
Addressing hundreds at the National Park in his independence speech, the president said, “This road has the possibility of opening up thousands of acres of new lands for agricultural cultivation, thereby increasing food production and securing greater economic opportunities for farmers by providing a much needed road link to areas formerly only accessible by river.”
He noted the area is one of two possible new agricul-
tural frontiers the government is seeking to open.
He also revealed that there is already a multimillion dollar investment by a Caribbean investor that will boost the production of rice and other agricultural produce in that region. During the 1960s, the Cheddi Jagan administration had invested in developing the road link. This project was called the Del Conte Project, which was named after a Venezuelan company which acquired the contract. Unfortunately, the project was abandoned after a small portion of work was completed.
Ramotar also spoke about the fiber-optic cable project, noting that it will revolutionise Information
Communication Technology (ICT) in Guyana.
“In the world we live in today, things are changing rapidly… science and technology are the engines behind this rapid change… that is why we cannot afford to be left behind in relation to ICT,” he said.
According to President Ramotar, the ICT project will supplement the One Laptop Per Family Programme in ensuring that no one is left behind in this the information and technological age. The president also cautioned leaders of Guyana to work together in order for the country to enjoy continuous sustainable growth.
AU.S.-based Guyanese businessman, Lilaahar (Sammy) Bical, owner of Kristal Auto Mall, one of the biggest Cadillac dealers on the East Coast is embroiled in a new scandal that hit U.S. State Senator John Sampson who is now being investigated by the FBI for demanding retainers from businessmen with whom he helped secure land.
For elected officials, it is part of the job: assisting constituents with problems, but when some people sought the help of Sampson, he allegedly demanded that they hire him as their lawyer, the New York Daily News reported on Sunday.
The FBI is investigating whether Sampson broke the law by seeking and receiving retainer fees from at least two businessmen who sought his assistance in dealing with the government, the Daily News has learned. In both cases, the FBI taped the businessmen discussing their involvement with Sampson, sources say. Three weeks ago, the FBI busted Sampson, 47, on unrelated charges of embezzling US$440,000 in escrow funds from foreclosure sales to help finance his failed 2005 campaign for Brooklyn District Attorney. It was the latest in a stunning parade of arrests of state lawmakers for alleged wrongdoing.
Investigation
At the time, Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch made a point of noting that her investigation of Sampson was ongoing. Sources familiar with the investigation say a focus of their inquiry is the “retainer fees” Sampson has demanded for the kind of work that other elected officials typically perform as part of their jobs.
Sampson was once one of Albany’s most powerful politicians, rising to the top of the Senate’s leadership in 2009 after Democrats became a majority in the chamber. He lost power two years later when Democrats lost their control of the Senate. And like dozens of other state legislators, Sampson works on the side as an attorney. His Senate biography notes he represents clients in “real estate, criminal and election matters”.
Neither Sampson nor his lawyer, Zachary Carter, responded to written questions
about the retainer fees. One of those questioned by the FBI, sources say, is Brooklyn auto dealer Bical.
Last year, the FBI confronted Bical about Sampson’s role in helping him eliminate hurdles blocking Bical’s plan to buy a city-owned plot on Flatbush Avenue near the Belt Parkway. Bical wanted the land to expand his dealership. But he faced opposition from some local politicians, including then Senator Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn), who was trying to help developer Bruce Ratner build a shopping mall on the same property (Kruger was later indicted in an unrelated case and is now in prison).
Seeking help, Bical turned to Sampson. The senator requested a US$10,000 “retainer fee” up front, and Bical wrote the cheque, sources say. Soon after, Sampson arranged a sit-down with Bloomberg administration officials at City Hall.
A spokesman for the city Economic Development Corporation, which oversaw the land sale, confirmed that Sampson “provided legal counsel to Mr Bical at a certain point and did meet with EDC a few times”. A city official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the meetings as “an awkward situation because he’s not just a lawyer − he’s also a senator”.
Questionable deal
The meetings occurred in early 2012, and in February, the city sold Bical the land he had long sought. Bical paid US$4.2 million, US$200,000 less than the city’s own appraisers said it was worth. When the FBI questioned Bical about this, agents played a recording of him talking to Sampson about obtaining the city land for the bigger dealership, sources said. On Friday, the Guyanese-born Bical declined to come out of his office at Kristal Motors, on Kings Highway, to speak with a Daily News reporter. His attorney did not return calls. Another businessman who paid Sampson’s fee is Roopnarine (Rudy) Singh, owner of MSN Air Service, a company that hauls freight for airlines at JFK International Airport.
For years, Singh tried un-
successfully to get the Port Authority, which runs the airport, to lease him more space so he could expand MSN’s business. He appealed to several local politicians for help, without success. So last year, Singh reached out to Sampson, and even though JFK is outside Sampson’s Brooklyn district, the senator promised to handle the situation − for a US$10,000 “retainer fee”, sources said.
There was no written retainer agreement and Sampson was vague about exactly what he would do for the money, one source said. Sampson eventually arranged a meeting with a colleague, then state Senator Shirley Huntley (D-Queens), whose district included JFK, according to sources.
Singh met with Sampson at Huntley’s modest red-sided home in Jamaica, Queens.
Conversation
What Sampson and Singh did not know is that Huntley recorded their conversation at the request of the FBI, under an arrangement that she hoped would lead to leniency at her sentencing for an unrelated charge of stealing US$88,000 from a taxpayerfunded charity she controlled. According to prosecutors, Huntley demanded US$1000 from Singh in return for her help, even though the FBI was listening in.
Singh’s attorney, Ron Kuby, said Friday his client “retained John Sampson as an attorney to assist him in expanding his business and renting additional space from the Port Authority. Mr Singh never engaged in any unlawful transactions nor did he pay a bribe to any official”.
Last week, the FBI also questioned the owner of a liquor store on Fulton Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, about Sampson’s financial ties to the establishment, sources said. The partner, Jaichand Singh, was secretly recorded by the bureau discussing the store’s finances, the sources said. Sampson listed himself as a “shareholder” in the store, Gateway Wines & Spirits, on his 2011 financial disclosure form. Yet Sampson is not listed as a principal on Gateway’s state liquor licence.
After Sampson’s May 6 arrests on the embezzlement charges, prosecutors said they offered him a deal to plead guilty to one count each of embezzlement and obstruction of justice that would allow him slightly less prison time. Sampson’s lawyer, Carter has said he discussed settling the foreclosure charges with the U.S. attorney for months, but both sides could not come to acceptable terms. Now, sources say, Sampson could be facing additional charges.
The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) on Sunday observed the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in commemoration of persons living with the HIV/AIDS disease and those who have died from it.
This is the third year SASOD is observing the candlelight memorial, which began in 1983 at a time of confusion in the United States of America about a mysterious disease that was sweeping the gay community. With no political support and knowledge that they would die, four young men, Bobbi Campbell, Bobby Reynolds, Dan Turner and Mark Feldman decided to put a “face to the disease” by organising a small vigil behind a banner reading
“Fighting For Our Lives”.
On Sunday afternoon, members of SASOD, Red Thread, along with other groups, created the HIV/ AIDS symbol on the steps of the St George’s Cathedral and lit candles in remembrance of those HIV infected persons. At the simple ceremony, persons were urged not to discriminate against HIV victims and to lend support and comfort to them.
Guest speaker Pandit Deodat Tillack charged SASOD to implement education programmes that will change society from stereotyping homosexuals with HIV/AIDS. There were also recitals of poems and a song about HIV/ AIDS victims. The first candle was lit by head of Red Thread Karen De Souza after which the candles were lit and placed on the sym-
bol.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, which is celebrated every third Sunday in May, is being observed this year under the theme “In solidarity”.
Grassroots organisations worldwide will commemorate this day by raising awareness about HIV, stand together with people living with the disease and remembering the loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS.
The theme “In solidarity” emphasises the need for people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and work together in response to HIV. Solidarity in communities is essential to reduce stigma and promote the involvement of people living with HIV in order to ensure that there is a more effective HIV response.
Aman was stabbed to death Sunday evening while excessively praising his pitbull that mauled another dog in a brutal showdown held at Industry, East Coast Demerara.
The incident occurred sometime around 18:30h. Dead is Adrian Richmond, 31, of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara. He succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital sometime around 19:55h.
According to information received, Richmond, along with several other persons, was at a dogfight event where his pitbull won one of the bloody matches. The owners of the dogs reportedly made huge bets and there was an argument over payments. Guyana Times understands that Richmond was boasting about his dog’s performance and
reportedly told his competitor to “put yuh money where yuh mouth dah”, which annoyed him
and an argument started. The heated argument reportedly turned into a “fistic fury”, during which Richmond’s opponent pulled out an icepick and stabbed him several times.
He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where died shortly after from his injuries.
The matter was reported to the police and the suspect was identified. Reports indicate that after stabbing Richmond, the perpetrator escaped from the scene and went into hiding.
Up to press time, the police were trying to locate him. Richmond leaves to mourn his three children, his parents and siblings. The man’s body is at the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem, which is expected to be performed on Wednesday.
ull Circle Animation
Studio Managing Director Jason Lindsay said the animation film the company is working on is an example of how the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) has helped local businesses.
Full Circle Animation Studio took part in CIF 2012 and is now producing a 25-minute animation film with the help of a Trinidadborn Los Angeles producer.
“Noka Wheel” is the title of the film being developed
and it will be directed by Los Angeles-based Trinidadian Shaun Escayg of the Shaun Escayg Film Company, which will also use local and American actors and animators.
Lindsay said some of Escayg’s credits include such Hollywood films as “Transformers”.
“I am the evidence of this investment forum. I benefited from some of the relationships that came out of that. It has been an effective platform for
Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is to open a chain of 15 mobile phone stores in the United States targeted at Latinos.
The “Jenny From The Block” performer is majority owner of Viva Movil as well as its “chief creative officer” and marketing face of the brand.
The company promises a “culturally relevant” experi-
Directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland have held recent talks on identifying a replacement for its chief executive Stephen Hester, Sky News said on Sunday citing sources.
Sky News said Philip Hampton, chairman of the state-backed lender, called a meeting of the bank’s nonexecutive directors earlier this month to inform them he was drawing up a list of potential replacements for
ence with bilingual staff. Lopez – also known as J-Lo – is the latest in a growing line of celebrities getting involved in technology retail.
Performers such as Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas have shown keen involvement – taking on roles as “creative figureheads” in companies looking to expand their target market.
More recently, singer Alicia Keys has been the
local businesses looking to innovate and develop their business models and to have that opportunity to access investment opportunities.”
He spoke at the May 7 launch of CIF at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel, Port of Spain.
Lindsay, who participated in CIF 2012, showed excerpts from “Noka Wheel” at the CIF launch and used the Harry Potter series as a reference for the kind of film being developed. (Trinidad Guardian)
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will provide a US$3 million loan to the Republic of Seychelles to help revive the agriculture sector, strengthen small-scale artisanal fisheries and promote rural microenterprises on the islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. The financing agreement for the Competitive Local
Innovations for Small-scale Agriculture Project was signed by Finance, Trade and Investment Ministry Principal Secretary Steve Dave Carl Fanny, and IFAD President Kanayo F Nwanze.
Since its independence in 1976, Seychelles has steadily moved into the upper-middle income group of countries. Although the tourist sector – which employs about 30
per cent of the labour force and provides more than 70 per cent of the country gross domestic product (GDP) –has led economic growth, the country’s economy is extremely vulnerable to external shocks, such as food price volatility and financial crisis. The agriculture sector contributes only 3.2 per cent of GDP and employs three per cent of the population. (allAfrica)
Tata’s Mistry man tightening belts as more frugal era begins
Reuters.
public face of Blackberry, an image that slipped slightly when she was seen to tweet not from the firm’s new smartphone, but from an iPhone instead. She blamed the tweet on “hackers”.
Most notably, Beats By Dre headphones – endorsed and part-designed by rapper Dr Dre – have been a runaway success, bringing in revenues into the hundreds of millions. ( BBC News)
As Ratan Tata strode the halls of the Geneva Motor Show in March, joking with journalists and chatting with auto industry leaders, his successor at the helm of India’s biggest business group stood silently on the sidelines.
Shunning the spotlight since taking charge of the US$100 billion Tata group in December, 44-year-old
Cyrus Mistry has focused on belt-tightening at a conglomerate left bloated by explosive growth under his predecessor.
“Ratan was much more ... strategic, more overarching. Mistry’s much more focused. The CFOs, as well as the business heads, are going to find it a much more rigorous exercise,” a director who sits on multiple Tata company boards told
In early February, at his first Tata Chemicals board meeting as group chairman, Mistry sat quietly as directors debated efforts to find synergies between interests dotted around the globe, from Wyoming to Gabon. Bringing the discussion to a halt, Mistry politely but firmly outlined that further consolidation was the only way forward. (Reuters)
Hester, including Standard Chartered finance director Richard Meddings.
RBS declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Sky News said there was no suggestion that any of Hampton’s candidates had been approached about replacing Hester and cited sources saying it was prudent for RBS’s board to be examining options for the leadership of the company through what is expected to be a lengthy re-privatisation
process.
The report said that UK Financial Investments, the body that manages Britain’s stakes in RBS and Lloyds Banking Group, were involved in the consideration of potential successors for Hester.
Hester has previously indicated that he expected to stay at RBS to steer the bank through the process of the government beginning to sell off its 81 per cent stake. (Reuters)
United States Secretary of State John Kerry says a plan to increase investment in the Palestinian economy could boost it by 50 per cent in three years.
He was speaking at the World Economic Forum, being held in Jordan. Kerry said the “transformative” plan could also drastically reduce unemployment and raise average wages by some 40 per cent.
But he also said the
proposal would depend on progress on a peace deal between the Palestinians and Israel. Israeli President Shimon Peres was among those attending the conference, in the Jordanian town of al-Shunah, along with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Kerry is on his fourth visit to the region since taking office in February. On Friday, following two days of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abbas, he
said that “hard decisions” would be needed for peace. Kerry and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair have been working with business leaders to boost the Palestinian economy.
On Sunday, Kerry said the new plan was “different than anything we’ve done before”.
He said he hoped there would be US$4 billion in investment, to expand the economy by up to 50 per cent in the next three years. (BBC News)
As evidence mounts that a mid-year slowdown is taking place in the world economy, the next few days will offer a clearer glimpse of how that will impinge on policymaking and buoyant financial markets.
Global stocks stumbled last Thursday in one of the few times the grey economic reality cut through this year’s reverie in financial markets.
And that could mark the start of a trend, after Federal Reserve Chairman, Dr Ben Bernanke last week hinted the U.S. central bank could soon scale back its month-
ly bond purchases that have flooded stock markets with new cash.
Some poor business surveys from China have also had an impact, suggesting the world’s number two economy is struggling for momentum.
While there is little in the way of major economic data this week that will send chills through stock markets as happened on Thursday, there is a renewed sense of caution in the market.
“The underlying momentum in the global economy is weaker than it should be at
this point of the economic cycle, five years after the global crisis,” said Lena Komileva, director of G+ Economics consultancy in London.
“We have yet to see evidence of a convincing, selfsustained positive feedback loop between real growth and market value inflation.”
Hope that market confidence would filter through to the real economy was memorably described as “positive contagion” by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi in January –in hindsight perhaps more in hope than expectation.
By Andrew CArmiChAel
Independence represents freedom for persons to make decisions for themselves and on what is best for the development of a country, “but it does not mean that they have the right to abuse each other, make bad decisions and mismanage society”. This was the message of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian Odinga Lumumba as he addressed hundreds at State House in New Amsterdam Saturday evening at a flagraising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 47th independence anniversary.
The parliamentarian and presidential adviser noted that today Guyana is different from what it was 46 years ago, noting that the issues today are of a different nature. Among the issues that leaders in Guyana are forced to deal with is global warming.
“When the tides rise, we flood because we are below sea level and it puts more pressure on the drainage and irrigation system. This puts more pressure on government’s resources.” Lumumba said Guyana is currently battling an upsurge of illegal drugs and money laundering. This, he noted, is being addressed by the current administration, and congratulated the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for supporting the money laundering bill before the National Assembly, but questioned the Alliance for Charge (AFC) on its reason for not supporting the legislation.
Lumumba also addressed the need for cheaper electricity which he said could become possible if the Amaila Falls project comes on stream. He added that Guyana has come a far way since obtaining its independents from Britain, and 47 years later, is on the threshold of overcoming some major challenges, which will allow Guyana more opportunities for investment.
“We want to improve our transportation system by having a modern airport. This will allow bigger planes; better planes and longer flying planes could come to our country.”
Good plans, but little support
This project is on stream while roads are being widened. The presidential adviser said some of the plans the administration has in stream have been receiving little support from the joint parliamentary opposition.
“This government deals with challenges by conducting implementation plans. For example, we are focusing on the Specialty Hospital… many of us are not rich and if our hearts, lungs or other parts of the body go bad, we must be able to repair it here.
"Now with the Specialty Hospital, all these special surgeries that you have to go to the U.S., Canada, Trinidad could be done right here at a subsidised cost, and that is what the opposition is against… the AFC say that they are concerned because the wrong person got the contract.”
Meanwhile, Lumumba also spoke of plans to further im-
prove the housing sector. He told the gathering that even though some persons were given houselots in areas without proper infrastructure, they should not complain. “This is so because we don’t want to wait until we have the money to build the road and to put in the water than to give you the houselot. We allow you the opportunity to start to build even though we are not ready to develop that area.”
Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman David Armogan noted that a people without a history are a lost people.
He said it is important to reflect on conditions that existed under British rule.
“Back then, all decisions that were made, were made in the interest of Britain. Then you had to own property to vote. There were very few schools, those who were educated and were not Christians could not get jobs in the public sector; there were communal pipes, roads were in a deplorable state, and there were not many play grounds in the country.”
The struggle
The regional chairman noted that it was when Dr Cheddi Jagan returned to Guyana in 1945 and saw the conditions under which Guyanese were living, he started the fight for independence and was later joined by LFS Burnham who returned after studying law in England.
“What you fight for you must always preserve. Today, we have the Guyanese identity in which poor people are allowed to
vote even though they do not own property.
“Today, houses can be seen going up everywhere and the housing project in Guyana which was started after independence is probably the biggest project since independence.”
Health and education have also improved since Guyana attained her independence from Britain.
“Back then in the British time, there were few hospitals and it was difficult for ordinary people to access those facilities.” Armogan noted that although Guyana has obtained its political independence, there is a big question of economic independence.
“Today, we are still very much dependent economically and that is so because we have not been able to diversify our economic base. We are still concentrating very heavily on raw materials production and that has to change. If we want to become independent economically, we have to diversify our economic base. We have to produce more of the things that we consume. One of the big factors that prevent us from competing with the rest of the world is the whole question of electricity cost.”
He said the Amaila Falls Project is geared at ensuring that Guyana produces cheap and reliable electricity.
“This project is essential for Guyana and it must become a reality. If not, we will not be able to compete with the rest of the world in terms of cost.”
He noted that since independence, Guyana has moved from being a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPIC) to a Middle Income Developing Country. Despite this, the chairman said Guyana still has many problems. “While government has a responsibility and obligations to you, citizens also have an equal obligation and responsibility to their country.”
The programme was packed with cultural items that all exemplified the sentiments of independence. New Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Harold Dabydeen in a brief address admonished the youths to work hard if they want to see Guyana continue along the path of development.
Aman who told Berbice Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo that he was once a patient at the National Psychiatric Hospital at Canje was on Friday granted bail in the sum of $30,000 when he appeared in court on a charge of robbery under arms. Lenox Bobb, of Adelphi Village, East Canje, is accused of robbing Peter Fernandes of one BMX bicycle and $4000 cash on May17. Police Prosecutor Corporal Phillip Sherriff told the court that Bobb was
armed with a knife when he robbed Fernandes at Strand, New Amsterdam. He referred to the knife as a dangerous weapon.
The 35-year-old Bobb, who opted to be tried in the magistrate’s court rather than the High Court, plead-
– told scourge not part of God’s plans
By VAhnu mAnikChAnd
The Roman Catholic Church here has been rallied to take the fight against domestic violence in all its forms, and was reminded that the social problem was not part of God’s plans for humankind.
Last Thursday, the church, in association with the Caribbean Bishops’ Conference, held a public forum on domestic violence and the church’s role in eradicating that scourge in society at the Marian Academy. The panel consisted of Jamaican Bishop Neil Tiedemann, Trinidadian Attorney Leela Ramdeen, and Guyanese Bishop Emmanuel Lafont, Attorney Gino Persaud and socialist Vidyaratha Kissoon. Attorney Ramdeen said that too often persons hear the words “domestic violence” and do not reflect on how widespread it is or what role Catholics have to play in eliminating the scourge from society. “Domestic violence is not part of God’s plans for us… the heart of our social justice teachings as a church is the dignity of a human person and the sanctity of life, which we are all made to protect and defend at all stages and in all circumstances,” she noted.
The Trinidadian attorney added that everyone was made in God’s image and to preserve that sanctity, “we all have to stand up in the face of injustice”. She also stated that Catholics should be truthful to their faith by promoting integral human development, while noting that “domestic violence is an all-probative social problem that affects all aspect of society”.
Bishop Tiedemann told the gathering that one of the first things he learnt in theology is that the glory of God is humans being fully alive, and Catholics believe that God resides in every human life, so the church should play a role in preserving those lives.
Domestic violence is the antithesis of our faith
He noted that Catholicism is sacramental especially on the institution of marriage, adding that violence and destruction in homes and communities separate persons and instil fear and violence in them, which is against everything the church stands for.
The bishop said: “If we fully believe in being alive in the glory for God, domestic violence is the antithesis of our faith.”
bring hope, love and comfort to them; that is why we are here,” the bishop said.
Meanwhile, Attorney Persaud, who is the acting chairman of the Justice and Peace Commission, said the commission felt the need to turn their attention to social ills, noting that domestic violence was seen as the most urgent and pressing one. He said a six-month project was developed with the goal of reducing domestic violence through public education and providing support for survivors and perpetrators. He disclosed that while the project was not as successful as the commission would have like, since it is the first time the church has participated. However, it was able to reach 380 persons within that period during 15 to 20 meetings. The attorney added that the commission was also called on by other denominations and the Humans Services Ministry to spread word on the issue. Persaud went on to say that the project was an eyeopener for the commission and the church. “It exposed us to the gravity of the problem not only internationally, but in our own church and also in the sense that the little we have done was just skimming the surface of the scourge in Guyana.”
In his address, Kissoon told the gathering about changing the culture that forms the foundation for domestic violence in society. “We need to move away from the development of awareness to the actual provision of services and advocacy for justice.”
He noted that survivors must play a part and be involved in finding solutions to this problem.
ed not guilty and told the court that he is currently on medication. He said that when he was hospitalised, he also suffered a broken arm. The magistrate set a trial date of August 23 when Bobb is expected to be in court.
Bishop Lafont spoke briefly about the role of the church in transforming the lives of people around the world. He said that he has heard stories of persons being abused from infancy to marriage and companionship and the despair those persons face because they do not have anywhere or anyone to turn to.
“The church cannot close its ear or eyes to the suffering, as well to joy of this world. We have to serve the people and
He continued that the church should play its part in changing cultural factors, which facilitate the violence such as alcohol consumption, the tendency to “shame and blame” victims, and failure to hold abusers accountable for their actions. Kissoon added that the church should also take a stand against beating children as a form of discipline and gender and homosexual-base abuses which are all forms of domestic violence. After the panel spoke, they engaged in a discussion with the gathering about issues plaguing victims of domestic violence and possible solutions. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)
By being indifferent about money matters, you are likely to let a huge opportunity slip right past you. It will cause you much regret.
By Bernice Bede Osol
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
It’s not like you to be gabby, so don’t start now. If you can’t put a lid on your lips, you could easily blurt out something that should be kept confidential.
You take pride in your strong, independent nature. That won’t stop you, however, from being persuaded to follow some bad advice.
Try to be patient and tolerant with those who don’t grasp an idea as quickly as you do. Be sure to explain things as much as necessary, and don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)
If for some strange reason you’re attracted to unusual gadgets and/or merchandise, be exceptionally careful. You could buy something expensive that you’d never use.
(March 21-April 19)
Usually, when you get a bee in your bonnet, you can’t think of anything else. But today, however, your focus will spread too thin.
Any problem you encounter is likely to be of your own making, owing to erratic or impulsive thinking. Make up your mind and stick to it.
There are times when it’s not only advisable but also kind to be patient with those who are having trouble keeping up. Someday, you’ll be in the same position.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Although it’s sometimes necessary to take a calculated risk to advance your interests, you should always tread carefully. Don’t be too eager to depart from traditional methods.
(April 20-May 20) SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) GEMINI (May 21June 20)
Don’t take on a new financial obligation if you haven’t yet paid off old bills. Don’t let a sudden whim put you in the hole.
Don’t make a major domestic decision without first discussing it with a significant other. If things go wrong, it could cause trouble down the line.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Don’t try to get by with a “lick and a promise” when it comes to your work. If what you do isn’t up to snuff, it could quickly put your career in jeopardy.
AccOMMODATiON
Furnished rooms and apartments; 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments- long & short term rental. Affordable rates Call: 227-2199, 227-2186, 227-2189
cAR RENTAl
Journey Inn Apartments & car
rental. Rooms & car to rent from $3000 Premio, Vitz. Phone: 6896668, 639-4452.
Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte Street, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034
Electronic course- practical, beginning June 3, limited space available, Abdu l Electronics. Phone: 226-6551.
WHERE CAN YOU GET A BOOK FOR $40? THE MASSIVE BOOKSALE, NOW ON AT BOOKLAND, ABOVE MATTS RECORD BAR (226-2874). BOOKLAND, ON A SAL MISSION “ TO GET BOOKS IN EVERY HOUSHOLD”.
Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315
monday, may 27, 2013
Along the public road , with one complete metal workshop on 5.5 acres land suitable for any type of business, for more information. Phone: 335-3347.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Silver, Fully Equipped. Excellent Condition. Tel: 624-5838
Are you selling your land in Parfaite Harmonie? Phone: 675-7292
Setting up of point sales services, for only $12,000. Phone: 669-9342
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Brazil has announced that it will cancel or restructure almost US$900 million worth of debt with Africa. Oil- and gas-rich Congo-Brazzaville, Tanzania, and Zambia are among the 12 African countries to benefit.
The move is seen as an effort to boost economic ties between the world’s seventh largest economy and the African continent.
Official data in Brazil show that its trade with Africa has increased fivefold in the past decade. The debt announcement was made during the third visit in three months to Africa by Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff, who attended the
African Union summit in Ethiopia.
“Almost all (aid) is cancellation,” Rousseff’s spokesman, Thomas Traumann, told reporters.
“To maintain a special relationship with Africa is strategic for Brazil’s foreign policy.”
He added that most of the debt was accumulated in the 1970s and had been renegotiated before.
A spokesman for Brazil’s Foreign Ministry told Efe news agency that the debt restructuring for some countries would consist of more favourable interest rates and longer repayment terms.
Congo-Brazzaville
owes the most to Brazil –$352 million – followed by Tanzania ($237 million) and Zambia ($113.4 million).
The other countries to benefit are Ivory Coast, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, and Sudan.
Brazil has been increasingly expanding its economic ties with resourcerich Africa as part of the so-called South-South cooperation.
Trade between the two blocs went from US$5 billion in 2000 to US$26.5 billion in 2012. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The president of India’s Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, has said she is “devastated” by Saturday’s attack on party officials in Chhattisgarh state.
At least 24 people were killed, including Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nandkumar Patel, his son, and local leader Mahendra Karma, when suspected Maoist rebels ambushed their convoy.
Mrs Gandhi visited some of the wounded with PM Manmohan Singh on Sunday. The prime minister said India would “never bow down” before the rebels.
He denounced the “barbaric attack” which he said should be an inspiration in the fight against extremism and violence.
Unconfirmed reports said they were unable to visit the scene of the attack because of security concerns.
Firm action
The convoy carrying state Congress leaders and party workers was am-
bushed at around 17:30 (10:00 GMT) on Saturday, as it travelled through the Darba Ghati valley, in the Sukma area about 345 kilometres (215 miles) south of Raipur, following a campaign rally.
Police said the convoy was first forced to stop by felled trees on the road. At least one vehicle at the front of the convoy was then hit by a land-mine blast before as many as 200 suspected rebels opened fire, they added.
The main target of the attack is believed to have been Nandkumar Patel, who witnesses said jumped into a ditch with his son, Dinesh, to take shelter before they were abducted. Their bodies were later found nearby; the Congress chief was reportedly mutilated.
Karma was found dead at the scene. A former home minister in Chhattisgarh, he founded the Salwa Judum, a local militia given the task of fighting the Maoists which has been ac-
cused of abuses.
Former Federal Minister Vidya Charan Shukla was among the 32 people wounded in the ambush, many of them seriously, police said.
He was taken to hospital outside Delhi where his condition was described as stable. Mrs Gandhi denounced the “dastardly attack” on India’s democratic values, words reiterated by the prime minister as they visited Raipur.
“Those who have lost their lives in this barbaric attack are martyrs of democracy,” Singh tweeted from Raipur, where many of the wounded are being treated.
Maoist rebels, also known as “Naxalites”, have been operating in central and eastern India for the past four decades. They demand land and jobs for the poor, and ultimately want to establish a “communist society” by overthrowing India’s “semi-colonial, semi-feudal” form of rule. (BBC News)
England all but guaranteed a series victory by dominating New Zealand on the third day of the second Test at Headingley, even as opener Nick Compton failed again.
The hosts bowled out the Black Caps for 174 in 43 overs for a first innings lead of 180, with Graeme Swann taking 4-42, before captain Alastair Cook surprisingly opted not to enforce the follow-on.
Cook then struck a breezy 88 not out as England – 354 all out in their first innings – reached 116-1 by the close, stretching their lead to 296.
But the skipper’s fluency bore stark contrast to the painstaking efforts of his opening partner Compton, who fell to part-time spinner Kane Williamson for a 45-ball seven to give more ammunition to those calling for him to be dropped for the Ashes.
Compton – who had scored 54 runs in his last six Test innings – had been granted another chance to find his touch by Cook’s decision not to enforce the follow-on despite New Zealand falling 24 runs short of a target deficit reduced from 200 to 150 because of Friday’s washout.
Compton appeared riddled with tension as he struggled to get the ball off the square.
And after being stuck on seven runs for 22 balls, he prodded forward to Williamson and was caught at short leg.
Kept alive by Kieron Pollard’s fighting 60 off 32, the Mumbai Indians bowlers attacked their way to a first IPL title on Sunday.
out taking risks. His countryman, Dwayne Bravo, though, threatened to ruin his plans.
length, and Pollard dismissed it out of his presence.
Pollard had taken Mumbai to 129 for 6 after 18 overs, and would have been looking for 40 more.
Cook then batted with great freedom to reach his 30th Test fifty off 63 balls, helping himself to four fours in the space of seven balls from left-arm seamer Neil Wagner.
Jonathan Trott added a rather painstaking 11 from 69 balls.
Despite a side strain ruling out strike bowler Trent Boult after just two overs,
Umpire Steve Davis granted Compton a stay of execution by failing to spot a thick edge onto the pad, but New Zealand successfully reviewed the decision and Compton traipsed off rubbing his eyes in anguish.
The Somerset batsman will now watch anxiously today to see if Jonny Bairstow can produce another innings of substance to add to his first innings 64.
Should Kevin Pietersen make his expected return from injury for the Ashes series, starting on July 10, either Compton or Bairstow will have to make way.
At the start of the day, England had lost their final three wickets for the addition of only 17 runs, with Boult completing a fivewicket haul. (BBC Sport)
New Zealand 1st innings
P Fulton c & b Finn 28
H Rutherford c Bell b Finn 27
K Williamson lbw b Swann 13
R Taylor b Finn 6
D Brownlie b Swann 2 M Guptill b Swann 1
B McCullum*† c †Prior b Broad 20
T Southee lbw b Broad 19
D Bracewell c Bell b Swann 1
N Wagner b Anderson 27
T Boult not out 24
Extras: (lb 5, w 1) 6
Total: (all out, 43.4 overs) 174
Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-62, 3-72, 4-79, 5-81, 6-82, 7-119,
With more rain expected on Tuesday, Cook might have been expected to ask the tourists to bat again to boost his team’s chances of victory but with the hosts already 1-0 ahead in the twomatch series, he chose the safer option.
8-122, 9-122, 10-174
Bowling: J Anderson 7.4-2-341, S Broad 15-2-57-2, S Finn 12-3-36-3, G Swann 9-1-42-4,
England 2nd innings
A Cook* not out 88
N Compton c Rutherford b Williamson 7
J Trott not out 11
Extras: (b 8, lb 1, w 1) 10
Total: (1 wkt, 41 overs) 116
Fall of wickets: 1-72
Bowling: T Boult 2-1-2-0, T Southee 9-3-30-0, N Wagner 9-2-31-0, K Williamson 15-432-1, D Bracewell 6-3-12-0
Mumbai were struggling at 52 for 4 in the 10th over, but Pollard batted through the innings to take them to 148 even as wickets kept falling at the other end. Lasith Malinga and Mitchell Johnson then were too good for the Chennai Super Kings batsmen, yorking and bouncing them out.
Super Kings’ two big Indian batsmen fell to bouncers, their best batsman was done in by a perfect Malinga yorker, and the rest fell under the weight of the pressure and their own conservatism. MS Dhoni came in to bat at No 7, and Albie Morkel at 8.
Wickets were there aplenty for Super Kings too. There were three in the first four overs as the ball seamed, and Mohit Sharma and Morkel bowled smartly and steadily. When Dinesh Karthik fell in the 10th over, Super Kings were arguably one big wicket away from killing the game. That one big wicket never came.
The first ball Pollard faced he defended away for four. That was sweetly played. He just pushed at a shortish delivery, but the ball scurried along between the bowler and mid-off. He lost Ambati Rayudu after a 48-run fifth-wicket stand, but kept bringing up fours and sixes with -
A tight Chris Morris over later, Bravo kept Pollard away from the strike through two wickets off the first three balls of the last over.
Pollard took the risk fourth ball and ran even though the ball had reached the slip straight on a half-volley. Now Pollard had two balls to do something about the score that read only 136.
And do something Pollard did. The first of the two balls was a low full toss and he flicked it for a straight six. Then came a slower ball, which pitched on a
Twelve runs taken off the last two balls, Mumbai were reminded by their analyst that they had scored 148 in their first match against Super Kings too. Pollard had scored 57 not out then too. They won by nine back then.
This time, though, they would need something special. Malinga, asked to bowl the first over, delivered nothing less than special. A swinging yorker first squeezed under Michael Hussey’s bat. Out came Suresh Raina. In came a backward short leg. Out came an accurate bouncer. Raina fended at it while looking towards third man. Backward short leg took the catch (Cricinfo)
Mumbai Indians innings
D Smith lbw b Sharma 4
A Tare b Morkel 0
D Karthik† b Morris 21
R Sharma* c & b Morkel 2 A Rayudu b Bravo 37
K Pollard not out 60
Harbhajan Singh c Hussey b Bravo 14
R Dhawan run out (Sharma/ Morris) 3
M Johnson c †Dhoni b Bravo 1
L Malinga c †Dhoni b Bravo 0
P Ojha not out 1
Extras: (lb 2, w 3) 5
Total: (9 wkts, 20 overs) 148
Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-8, 3-16, 4-52, 5-100, 6-125, 7-133, 8-135, 9-135
Bowling: M Sharma 4-026-1, J Morkel 3-0-12-2, C Morris 4-0-25-1, R Ashwin 3-0-22-0, R Jadeja 2-019-0, D Bravo 4-0-42-4
Chennai Super Kings innings
M Hussey b Malinga 1
M Vijay c Sharma b Johnson 18 S Raina c Smith b Malinga 0 S Badrinath c †Karthik b Johnson 0 D Bravo c Johnson b Dhawan 15 R Jadeja c Pollard b Harbhajan Singh 0 MS Dhoni*† not out 63 J Morkel b Ojha 10 C Morris c †Karthik b Harbhajan Singh 0 R Ashwin c sub (AR Patel) b Pollard 9 M Sharma not out 0
Extras: (lb 2, w 7) 9
Total: (9 wkts, 20 overs) 125
Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-2, 3-3, 4-35, 5-36, 6-39, 7-57, 8-58, 9-99
Bowling: L Malinga 4-0-222, M Johnson 4-0-19-2, P Ojha 4-0-28-1, R Dhawan 1-06-1, Harbhajan Singh 3-014-2, K Pollard 4-0-34-1
Nico Rosberg controlled a crashstrewn Monaco Grand Prix to take his first win of 2013 ahead of Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
The Mercedes driver led throughout as the race was interrupted by a safety-car period and a red-flag stoppage following two heavy accidents.
Rosberg’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton dropped from second to fourth after losing out through the safety car.
Force India’s Adrian Sutil took fifth from McLaren’s Jenson Button.
The Englishman’s team-mate Sergio Perez was running fifth but retired with five laps to go following damage caused in a collision with Lotus’s
Kimi Raikkonen, which gave the Finn a puncture and forced him to stop for fresh tyres.
In a chaotic final lap, Raikkonen moved up to 10th from 13th to take the final point.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was seventh after a poor afternoon in which he lost places in a series of passing moves by Perez, Sutil and Button.
Toro Rosso’s JeanEric Vergne was eighth from Force India’s Paul di Resta.
The difficulties for Raikkonen and Alonso were a boost to Vettel’s lead at the head of the championship, which is now 21 points from Raikkonen and 31 over Alonso.
The race featured two safety car periods and a
red flag stoppage following a series of crashes and collisions precipitated by the bunching of the field, caused by drivers measuring their pace to ensure their tyres last -
ed sufficiently to allow them the optimum strategy.
Rosberg kept his head throughout all the chaos to pace himself to the second win of his career.
“It’s amazing,” said Rosberg. “This is my home, I’ve grown up here all my life and it’s really special. The whole weekend went perfectly. I had a terrible start and I was
close with Sebastian and Lewis but after that I controlled the pace.
“The car was really good, the tyres held on OK and that was really the key, so a massive thanks to the team. I’m ecstatic.”
Hamilton followed him through the first part of the race ahead of the Red Bulls but dropped to fourth when he was forced to make his pit stop on the same lap as Rosberg because neither had stopped by the time the safety car came out.
World champion Vettel said he was pleased with gaining second place from Hamilton. “Overall I’m happy. We know it’s difficult to overtake here.
Congratulations to Nico, he had the pace and the tyres. (BBC Sport)
Serena Williams laid the ghost of Roland Garros 2012 in emphatic style by powering through this year’s opening match against Anna Tatishvili.
The world number one needed just 51 minutes to beat the Georgian, ranked 83rd, 6-0 6-1 on an autumnal Court Philippe Chatrier.
She was followed onto the stadium court by Roger Federer, who swept aside Spanish Grand Slam debutant Pablo Carreno-Busta 6-2 6-2 6-3.
The 21-year-old qualifier went into the match on the back of seven titles this year on the satellite ITF Tour, five of them on clay, but he found the 17-time Grand Slam champion an altogether different test.
Federer raced into a 4-0 lead and was broken just once as he began his bid for a second French Open title with victory in one hour and 20 minutes.
“I thought it was a good match for me,” said Federer, who will play India’s Somdev Devvarman in the second round.
“He’s played that many matches and won a lot this year – that really helps your confidence – and he’s played a lot of matches on clay, in comparison with me.
“I knew it could be tricky if I don’t sustain a certain level of play and certain aggressiveness, get caught up maybe in long rallies, maybe what he’s looking for.”
Williams suffered her only first-round defeat at a Grand Slam when she lost to world number 111 Virginie Razzano 12 months ago and was in no mood to suffer a repeat performance.
The American, 31, has admitted that loss was a huge blow which sparked a stunning run of form as she won Wimbledon, the Olympics, the U.S. Open and this year has racked up a career-best winning run of
Ireland suffered a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the second oneday international between the sides at Clontarf.
Ed Joyce scored an unbeaten 116 as the Irish accumulated 229-9 off 50 overs.
25 matches.
Tatishvili became the latest victim in the most brutal fashion, taking 33 minutes to get on the scoreboard as Williams dominated in all areas.
A screaming backhand winner gave Williams an eighth straight game and the fist pump that followed showed just how much winning a second French Open title, 11 years after her first, is motivating her.
Tatishvili, who has won just two matches in 2013, did at least slow the top seed’s progress in the second set but Williams completed the job well short of the hour mark.
Moving superbly and still unbeaten on the clay this year, the 15-time Grand Slam champion then impressed the crowd with her French in the post-match interview – rarely has she looked so comfortable in Paris.
Meanwhile, Venus Williams exited in the first round of the French Open for only the second time as Urszula Radwanska beat the American 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-4.
Pole Radwanska, 22, defeated the seven-time Grand Slam champion, 32, in three hours and 20 minutes, despite blowing a 4-0 lead in the second-set tie-break.
She will face German qualifier Dinah Pfizenmaier in the next round. (BBC Sport)
Mercedes face an investigation by Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA after being accused of taking part in an illegal tyre test.
Red Bull and Ferrari lodged an official protest at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday after discovering tyre supplier Pirelli used Mercedes to do a three-day test.
In-season testing in F1 is forbidden. Pirelli says it has a contract with the FIA allowing limited testing.
The Monaco GP stewards are to prepare a report for the FIA.
A statement said the governing body “may bring the matter before the International Tribunal”.
The body, effectively for these purposes the FIA’s court, can impose any number of penalties, ranging from exclusion from the world championship to a fine.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said: “As it is to do with the sporting regulations, you might
expect a sporting penalty, but because it is not really clear what could be the effect on the race weekend, it is maybe bigger than that.
“I honestly don’t know what should be the solution. Because there is no precedent, I have no idea what should happen.”
Red Bull and Ferrari have accused Mercedes of breaking article 22.4 of the sporting regulations, which forbids in-season testing other than a single threeday young driver test or very limited straight-line aerodynamic tests.
Pirelli say they are allowed to ask teams to do up to 1000km of testing, which was as much as Mercedes did over three days at the Circuit de Catalunya in the immediate aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix, the race before Monaco.
But Red Bull and Ferrari say the rules state this must only be with a car that is at least two years old. Mercedes used their 2013 car.
Rival teams were not informed about the test, which
not only involved Mercedes’ 2013 car but also race drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Rival teams are angry because extra testing could give Mercedes a technical advantage. Mercedes say they sought permission from the FIA, which approved the test.
Mercedes have been struggling with heavy tyre usage this season.
The tyres used were development designs for next season and a new tyre Pirelli wants to introduce at the Canadian Grand Prix, the next event after Monaco.
Pirelli is aiming to introduce rear tyres that are less vulnerable to delamination following a series of failures. But the plan is in dispute – Ferrari, Lotus and Force India have yet to approve it.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said he had only learnt about the test on Saturday night.
“I can understand Pirelli wanting to test the tyres,” he said. (BBC Sport)
Pakistan collapsed to 17-4 early in their innings but rallied with the help of Kamran Akmal, who scored 81, and Wahab Riaz, who ended on 47 not out.
Ireland will be disappointed to have squandered such a strong position, having tied the first game on Thursday.
The result leaves the Irish still searching for their first victory over a Test playing nation on home soil.
Pakistan won the toss and their decision to field appeared justified as they reduced Ireland to 4-2.
Captain William Porterfield was out for one, while his opening partner Paul Stirling, who scored a century on Thursday, returned to the pavilion with a duck.
Joyce salvaged the Irish innings as he hit 12 fours and a six in his score of 116 off 132 balls, to follow Eoin Morgan as only the second player to score a century for different countries in a oneday international.
Joyce’s fifth-wicket partnership with Kevin O’Brien, who contributed 38, gave the Irish a major boost.
Abdul Rehman was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with figures of 4-48 while Junaid Khan returned 2-59.
In reply, the visitors were in serious trouble as their first four batsmen contributed just 11 runs between them.
Kamran Akmal produced the decisive innings, with Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik (43) also playing major parts in their side’s dramatic revival.
With the match hanging in the balance, Akmal struck 24 off the 47th over bowled by Tim Murtagh,
including a six, four fours and a two.
Murtagh, Trent Johnston and Alex Cusack took two wickets apiece, while O’Brien and George Dockrell both grabbed one wicket each.
“It was nice to score a hundred and help build what should have been a winning total, but their later order batsmen played really well and hit some spe-
cial shots,” said Joyce after the game.
Pakistan win the twomatch series then and now move on to England to compete in the Champions Trophy.
Ireland play Australia A in a four-day friendly international in mid June, before resuming their Intercontinental Cup campaign against the Netherlands in July. (BBC Sport)
Ireland innings
W Porterfield* c †Kamran Akmal
b Asad Ali 1
P Stirling c Asad Shafiq b Junaid Khan 0
E Joyce not out 116
N O’Brien c †Kamran Akmal b Wahab Riaz 29
G Wilson† c Mohammad Hafeez
b Abdur Rehman 5
K O’Brien c Nasir Jamshed b Abdur Rehman 38
J Shannon b Mohammad Hafeez 2
D Johnston lbw b Abdur Rehman 1
A Cusack c Asad Shafiq b Abdur Rehman 0
T Murtagh c Misbah-ul-Haq b Junaid Khan 8
G Dockrell not out 3
Extras: (lb 7, w 17, nb 2) 26
Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 229
Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-4, 3-69, 4-84, 5-178, 6-186, 7-189, 8-189, 9-222
Bowling: Junaid Khan 9-0-59-2, Asad Ali 10-4-22-1, Wahab Riaz 7-0-45-1, Mohammad Hafeez
10-0-33-1, Abdur Rehman 101-48-4, Shoaib Malik 4-1-15-0
Pakistan innings Imran Farhat c K O’Brien b Johnston 5 Nasir Jamshed lbw b Murtagh 0 Mohammad Hafeez c †Wilson b Murtagh 2 Asad Shafiq c KJ O’Brien b Johnston 4 Misbah-ul-Haq* c & b Cusack 24 Shoaib Malik lbw b Dockrell 43 Kamran Akmal† c Porterfield b KJ O’Brien 81 Abdur Rehman c KJ O’Brien b Cusack 7 Wahab Riaz not out 47 Junaid Khan not out 2
Extras: (b 1, lb 5, w 9) 15
Total: (8 wkts, 48.4 overs) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-10, 3-13, 4-17, 5-60, 6-112, 7-133, 8-226 Bowling: T Murtagh 10-2-542, D Johnston 9.4-0-35-2, K O’Brien 8-0-39-1, A Cusack 9-0-48-2, G Dockrell 10-1-
Cardiff, Wales – West Indies will fine-tune their preparations for the Champions Trophy when they open a training camp here today, their second in as many weeks.
The regional side arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday and took a threehour drive to the Welsh capital where they were welcomed by lovely sunny weather.
Showers have been forecast for the next few days, however.
The squad will have their first training session today at 2 pm (9 am Eastern Caribbean time) at the SWALEC Stadium.
Captain Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, both of whom contested the final of the Indian Premier League on Sunday, are expected to join the camp shortly along with off-spinner Sunil Narine who played in the final of the national Twenty20 Championship in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday night. West Indies flew out of the Caribbean on Saturday evening following a five-day camp at the 3W’s Oval at the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. They will play two official warm-up matches, against Australia here next Saturday and Sri
Lanka three days later in Birmingham, before opening their campaign in Group B of the competition against Pakistan on June 6 at the Oval in London. West Indies will also face reigning World champions India and South Africa, in the preliminary round.
SQUAD – Dwayne Bravo (captain), Denesh Ramdin (vice captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, and Devon Smith.
Kingston, Jamaica –Digicel, proud sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL T20), has launched an exciting new marketing campaign in support of its sponsorship of the new T20 cricket tournament.
The new campaign went live last week with the launch of Digicel’s “Play Your Part” Facebook competition where fans can win the chance to either present the “Man of the Match” award or conduct the coin toss for the opening CPL T20 games which will be held in the six host countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, the leading communications provider will also be flying the winners of the competition to the CPL T20 finals in Trinidad and Tobago.
Inspired by the “Carnival T20” theme for the new tournament, Digicel’s marketing campaign will include its extensive “We’ve Come to Play” advertising campaign, promotions, PR and a packed schedule of social media and online activity across its Facebook, Twitter and www.digicelcricket.com online platforms. In the coming days,
Digicel and CPL T20 will be rolling out its “Name the Mascot” campaign which will invite fans to submit a creative and exciting name for the iconic character that is featured in the CPL T20 tournament logo. The winning entry will be adopted as the official name of the mascot for the lifetime of the tournament.
To help its fans get access to the unique carnival atmosphere of CPL T20, Digicel will also launch a “Text to Win” competition where fans can win an exclusive “Party Pass” that will grant them access to CPL T20 matches – including limo transfers to the stadium and access to the party stand for the winner and 10 of his friends.
that will be show - cased at the sta- diums across the re- gion.
Fans can also get closer to the action by engaging in live chats with some of the superstars of CPL T20 – including Digicel brand ambassadors Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels – by visiting its Facebook page and the www.digicelcricket.com website.
Digicel will also lend its weight to match days so that fans can enjoy the very best of Caribbean entertainment
Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship, James Wynne, said; “The build-up to CPL T20 is very much underway and we at Digicel are hugely excited about the upcoming campaign to promote our sponsorship of what will be the biggest sports tournament in the region this summer.
“CPL T20 is all about the merging of sports and entertainment and so it’s a tournament for everyone to enjoy and we’re hoping to bring our customers and cricket fans as close to the action as possible.
“We love the idea of
the “Carnival T20” theme for the tournament as it is something that is unique to the Caribbean people. No other region in the world could attempt to so naturally present a spectacle of world-class cricket and world-class entertainment to a global audience in such a fantastic way. We just can’t wait for the first ball to be bowled in Barbados on 30th July!”
A number of international cricket stars will be taking part in the tournament. These include Adam Gilchrist, Herschelle Gibbs, Ricky Ponting, Mohammad Hafeez, Muttiah Muralitharan and Ross Taylor who will join West Indies superstars Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Marlon Samuels and Sunil Narine along with the best cricketing talent the region has to offer.
Action begins with the first of 24 matches on July 30 as six franchise teams from Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia will play exciting and entertaining matches in the hopes of reaching the finals in Port of Spain on August 24 and be crowned CPL T20 champions. (WICB)
Wismar Secondary School (CWSS)
thrashed New Silvercity Secondary (NSS) to earn the Edward “Screw” Richmond Under-19 football title when the tournament concluded at the Wisburg Secondary School ground on Thursday evening.
The match-up saw both teams playing quite defensively; however, in the second half of the game, Marmarlaque Davidson of the winning unit netted the lone goal of the match in the 70th minute.
In the curtain raiser, Linden Technical Institute
(LTI) defeated Harmony Secondary School for the third position 5-3 on penalties after regulation time ended at nil-all. Individual prizes were handed over to successful players after the matches. The best defender award was presented to Travis Dryden; the best midfielder was Anthony Lane, while Davidson was awarded for the most goals scored in the tournament and also Most Valuable Player (MVP). The best coach was Dwaylon Farrel, while Harmony Secondary was rewarded for being the most disciplined team in the competition.
By Treiston Joseph
With 200 metres left to go, Cleveland Forde sprinted past Kelvin Johnson to take his second straight Independence Day half marathon on Sunday morning when the event concluded in front of the Sport Ministry on Main Street.
The event, which started at Paradise, East Coast Demerara, quickly saw the leaders separating themselves early, as Forde, Johnson, Cleveland Thomas, Lionel D’Andrade and Kevin Bailey set a fast pace.
However, Forde, Johnson and Thomas separated themselves at Buxton before Thomas was dropped somewhere at Lusignan.
Forde and Johnson continued to tussle for position but Johnson held a slight 10-metre advantage from the University of Guyana access road head until the final 200 metres. Forde displayed his superior sprinting ability to clock a winning time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, 37 seconds (1:14:37s) to claim the $75,000 first prize for the gruelling 13mile event.
Johnson registered a time of 1:14:43s for the second position to outlast D’Andrade who finished third with a time of 1:15:13. Thomas was fourth with a time of 1:15:32s while Dennis Horatio, who fell off the pace early, finished fifth in 1:18:44s.
distance queen Alika Morgan was absent from the field but was present to witness the event. Adama Roberts finished third in a time of 1:46:56s while Jevina Straker took fourth in 1:52:46s, leaving Samantha Williams in fifth with a time of 2:25:49s. In the master’s event, Surinamese Guillermo Udenhout took the top prize of $50,000, finishing the event in a time of 1:24:42s while Ian Archibald placed second in a time of 1:28:25s. Orin Jossiah was third in a time of 1:32:55s.
“It was around the pace I expected but I felt a bit pressured although I was running reserved because I have been doing a lot of races and I’m dealing with a groin injury.
“I still expected a more comfortable race be he (Johnson) seemed to be more comfortable than I was and I had a good finish, but my focus now is to get healed up because I can’t continue like this and do more damage to myself,” Forde told Guyana Times Sport after the race.
Meanwhile USA-based Euleen Jossiah-Tanner easily ran away with the women’s version of the event with a time of 1:30:07s.
Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Ashanti Scott was second in a time of 1:39:51s; local
In the women’s version of the masters category, multidiscipline athlete Alisha Fortune had to make use of her 100m speed in the final metres of the event to take the top prize of $50,000 ahead of Cyrleen Phillips in a time of 2:04:16s. Phillips finished the event in second with a time of 2:04:19s while June Joseph was third in a time of 3:02:12s.
The 55 and over masters category was won by Lleweden Gardner in a time of 1:32:52s. He finished ahead of Maurice Fergundes who clocked 1:50:11s; Carlton Stephenson was third with a time of 2:01:24s.
Meanwhile, officials of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Sport Ministry promised to make the event bigger and better in 2014 at the presentation ceremony held after the event.
By Treiston Joseph
Olympian Britany Van Lange dipped under the 30s barrier to win the girls’ 15-17 long course 50 metres freestyle event on the final day of the Independence Swimming Championships at the National Aquatic Centre.
Van Lange faced a fierce challenge from Athena Gaskin midway through the event but pulled three quarter of a body length away to win her only event of the meet in a time of 29.31s. Gaskin who lost her only event of the meet registered a time of 31.09s to take the second spot.
“Well it was a good swim, I haven’t been training because of exams…it’s a new challenge but I’m enjoying
it,” Van Lange told Guyana Times Sport Omar Adams edged favourite Hannibal Gaskin in the boys’ 15-17 50m freestyle event.
After a close race, Adams pipped Gaskin for the win registering a time of 27.75s; Gaskin took second in a time of 27.80s while Andy Yansen was third in a time of 30.34s.
Amy Grant got the better of Sarah King on the final day in the 50m freestyle event in what is turning into an exciting rivalry in the girls’ 11-12 category. Grant registered a time of 35.02s to take the top spot while King was second in a time of 35.53s, leaving Alyssa Nurse who had her
fair share of the spotlight in third with a time of 37.16s.
However, King’s little sister Naomi won the girls’ 9-10 50m freestyle event easily registering a time of 40.22s for the win. Donna Carter was second in 43.34s while Deborah Scott picked up third in a time of 44.78s. The boys’ 13-14 50 metres freestyle event saw Dylan Burse swimming away with the event in a time of 28.78s, finishing way ahead of Nicholas Persaud who finished second in 35.12s. Reynard Ramsaroop was third in 48.77s.
Meanwhile Olympian Niall Roberts swam the boys’ 18-and-over 50 metres freestyle event alone, registering a time of 24.84s.
