Guyana Times Daily

“PNC surveillance state”

saturday, june 7, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Shipment of ‘fake’ goods headed for Guyana

– Food and Drug Department tipped off

The Food and Drug Department (F&DD) is reporting that it is in the process of intercepting a shipment of counterfeit products headed for these shores.

This comes in the wake of ANSA McAL bringing to the public’s attention that new counterfeit products have surfaced since the first set was discovered approximately three months ago.

During a news conference on Wednesday, the Trinidadian conglomerate disclosed that counterfeit Always Sanitary Pads, Ariel Soap Powder and the sports drink Lucozade have been unearthed, adding to the batch of bogus Head and Shoulders, Pantene and Olay products discovered by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department in March.

Director of the Department Marlan Cole told Guyana Times on Friday that the recent discovery of fake items in circulation on the market was just “the tip of the iceberg” and noted that more counterfeit products are surfacing on the market.

“Right now we are making arrangements to intercept a container of counterfeit goods being shipped to Guyana.”

Cole further stated that the container of goods, which originated from China, was rejected by a certain Caribbean country and the department has acknowledged that it was put on a ship for Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Director disclosed that his department will be embarking on several initiatives to sensitise consumers and stakeholders on the issue of bogus products entering the local market.

“We are finding a lot more counterfeit products on the market, including Fabuloso and Aji-no-moto so we cannot afford to remain indifferent, but have to act before this situation gets out of hand.”

It was noted by Cole that bogus goods are not only coming in from China, but other parts of Asia as well as the Middle East.

Another issue the Director spoke about was goods entering Guyana from Latin and North America without the proper labelling.

“Some of these products have their labels in foreign languages and so consumers are sometimes unable to read the health and safety precautions.”

Cole said the Food and Drug Department and the Guyana Revenue Authority

(GRA) need to collaborate more to protect consumers as well as legitimate traders.

“While Guyana needs the revenue, we have to ensure that what is coming into this country is safe.”

ANSA McAL had also recently shared those sentiments.

“What is also disturbing is that there are those who manufacture and distribute counterfeit goods/drugs without any reservations; this shows that apart from ignoring the health risk, they are defrauding consumers, as well as preventing consumers from receiving a safe, effective product that was supposed to help them; whether it be pharmaceutical to improve their health or a shampoo to keep their hair clean,”

ANSA McAL had said in a statement last month.

Despite the challenges faced, the company said it is determined to raise awareness on the issue by edifying consumers on the dangers of using bogus products.

The Food and Drug Department is also advising the consuming public to be vigilant of fake products on the market, and to report any such discovery to the department.

Officer who shot teen to make court appearance on Monday

Cadet Officer Franz Paul, who was accused of shooting 15-year-old Alex Griffith in the mouth at East La Penitence a few weeks ago, is expected to be slapped with a criminal charge when he makes an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

According to information

received, the officer was due to make a court appearance on Friday, but Crime Chief Leslie James said the Police are in the final stages of addressing the matter.

He said the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Chairman, Justice Cecil Kennard would have made his recommendations, and so did the Director of Public

Prosecutions (DPP), and the file is back with the Police.

Another source told Guyana Times that Paul was initially supposed to make a court appearance on Friday, but the Police were still to determine if charges will be instituted against the others who were with him at the time of the shooting incident.

Guyana declares war against Chikungunya

Guyana has declared war against the chikungunya disease ever since its discovery in Region Six, Health Ministry’s Vector Control Services Department Director, Dr Reyaud Rahaman said.

The declaration comes amid reports of 15 confirmed cases of the virus in the Ancient County.

According to Dr Rahaman, a massive fogging and spraying exercise has commenced in the region and New Amsterdam, East Canje have been targeted first.

“We have conducted fogging exercises in the Vryman’s Erven area, Stanleytown, Central New Amsterdam and Canje.”

Dr Rahaman was at the time addressing a national symposium hosted by the Environmental Department of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA)

He said the department had responded to a call of mosquito nuisance in New Amsterdam and found an infestation of the pest there.

“What we found [is] that there are plenty of breathing grounds… People have tyres and other receptacles in their yards which have been collecting water and helping the mosquitoes to breed,” he said.

The Vector Control Services Director is encouraging persons to burry cans, bottles and other containers that can collect water, and advised that reservoirs

should be covered.

“A simple zinc or a piece of mesh that mosquitoes can’t pass through could be put over. And if you have plant pots, they should be put under a shaded area,” he said.

The virus was first discovered in the Caribbean on December 23 last year in St Martin and has since become a worry for the Caribbean.

Since then, local transmission has been identified in 17 countries or territories in the Caribbean or South America, namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana (South America), Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Maarten.

Discovery

As of May 30, a total of 103,018 suspected and 4406 laboratory confirmed chikungunya cases had been reported from these areas.

More than 95 per cent of the cases have been reported from five jurisdictions: The Dominican Republic (38,656 cases); Martinique (30,715); Guadeloupe (24,428); Haiti (6,318); and Saint Martin (4,113)

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran on Wednesday reported that the discovery in Berbice

was made after 130 blood samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in Trinidad, for testing.

Apart from the positive samples which have been returned, an additional 82 suspected cases have been identified by the New Amsterdam Hospital and have been sent for testing.

Meanwhile, scores of persons have been visiting hospitals in the region with symptoms similar to those of chikungunya. At the New Amsterdam Hospital, dozens of persons complained of feeling unwell and claimed to have symptoms similar to those associated with chikungunya.

Dr Rahman said the patient must have severe symptoms to be admitted into a hospital, pointing out that doctors have been trained to detect the virus.

“It is impossible to take a sample from everyone that comes in with fever and other similar symptoms.”

These symptoms include high fever, intense joint pains, headaches, muscle pains, swollen joints and nausea. The symptoms last for one to three weeks, but may go for months or even years.

BRHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo said the chikungunya outbreak comes at a time when the seasonal flu is around.

“These have similar symptoms to the chikungunya,” he said.

According to Dr Rahaman, there is no specific drug treatment for chikungunya.

“A patient can use panadol for the fever and joint pains…. There is no commercial vaccine available,” he said.

Admitting that some private doctors have been prescribing antibiotics and administering vaccines, Dr Rahman said on most occasions, the doctors will give the patient a B complex injection.

He is advising persons with chikungunya symptoms to drink plenty of water.

Vector Control Services Department Director, Dr Reyaud Rahaman

A Vector Control Services Department team in New Amsterdam ready for action

“PNC surveillance state” ...WPA

By Alexis Rodney

infiltrated by Police/Army double-agent assassins

Congress is concerned.”

Amid threats to his grip on power posed by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), former President Forbes Burnham had employed an elaborate surveillance network here during the 1980s, with undercover cops being set upon political activists, some with instructions to kill, the Commission of Inquiry probing the death of Dr Walter Rodney heard on Friday.

Guyana Times was told that State surveillance during that era was so pervasive that ordinary citizens were spied on, creating an atmosphere of tension across the country, which reached its apex following the July 1979 burning down of the National Development Building, that had also housed the Secretariat of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Burnham himself had declared publicly at the party’s Third Biennial Congress in August of 1979 that the arson happened because “We had not activated our full intelligence services that are part of the State Apparatus.”

Both Dr Rodney and Dr Rupert Roopnaraine along with other WPA activists were arrested and thrown in lock-ups for the incident. Addressing party faithful at the August 22-26 Congress, Burnham said: “While we number thousands, they number at most a few hundreds.

Must be suspicious

Therefore, we should be in a position to have a proper intelligence service which I shall discuss with you at a group level.” He continued: “We have already infiltrated them, so much that the Dr Walter Rodney does not sleep in the same place any two nights in succession; so much so that when he has his conspiratorial meetings, he shifts from downstairs to upstairs, but let him know that walls have ears where the People’s National

Burnham had charged his members then to be vigilant. “We must be suspicious and all details must be reported. Up to now I would say that about 75 per cent of the WPA consists of PNC members, I do not want any more. But that 75 per cent there plus others must be reporting from time to time and we must ferret these mice out of their holes.”

It was also around this same time following the burning down of the PNC headquarters that Norman McLean was moved from being Director General of the Guyana National Service

(GNS) to head the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), an appointment which shocked many. It was widely believed that due to reported family relations, McLean got the nod as Burnham had become distrustful of the high command in the GDF, as it was around the same time the WPA had begun to make significant inroads into the army. Current PNCR Leader, Brigadier David Granger was also appointed Commander of the GDF in that same year. Asked about this on Thursday when he testified at the inquiry, McLean said while he was surprised at Burnham’s move to make him Chief-ofStaff and knowing that the office of the PNC General Secretary was burnt down, he did not connect his ap-

pointment to that incident.

He said he was not sure about the reason for his appointment but disclosed that the head at that time, Colonel Price had passed the age of retirement. He said too that many senior officers were disgruntled as they had expected to be promoted.

Double-agent Gates

It is against this background that former Policeman Allan Robert Gates, who was used as a double-agent for both the WPA and the State, gave his testimony at the inquiry on Friday. Gates, who holds himself out as security expert, told the Commission that he was a bodyguard for Dr Roopnaraine, while at the same time working as a spy agent for the State. He told the inquiry at one time he was given overpacked ammunitions by his superiors whom he named as Laurie Lewis and Police Officer “Chico” to kill Dr Roopnaraine, but because of his love for the WPA Coleader, he opted to abscond from the Force and instead disposed of the ammunition in the Berbice River during his escape to Sand Hills, Upper Berbice River.

He shared that he first met Dr Roopnaraine while the WPA co-leader was in the lock-ups for the burning of

the PNC Secretariat. Allan Robert Gates alias Clive De Nobrega Gibbs , who is currently serving a 48-month sentence at the Camp Street Prison, for allegedly obtaining money by false pretence, said he was paid an extra $500 dollars on his monthly salary of $365 back in 1979 by the Guyana Police Force, to work as an undercover agent in the WPA. His role was to survey the activities of the political party, while being bodyguard to Dr Roopnaraine.

A section of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry’s Terms of Reference speaks to the involvement of all security forces during late 1970s and early 1980s in surveillance of the political Opposition. Gates said he was told by his superiors also that he needed to take notes of all Dr Roopnaraine’s movements. “Wherever he went, whoever spoke to him,” Gates said. He told the inquiry that his involvement in the surveillance activity came at a time when members of the WPA were going through a difficult period. He said following the burning of the building sometime on July 11, 1979, the morning after the fire, Dr Roopnaraine found himself in custody, sitting before him at a unit at CID headquarters.

Allan Gates during his testimony

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

The Re-migrant Scheme

Government, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has revoked the re-migrant status of several persons under the re-migrant programme, as many of them were abusing the facility, some to the extent of committing fraud. It was revealed that some of these re-migrants are using the scheme to import luxury vehicles and other items under the guise that they intend to resettle here.

This practice is quite disturbing, as it is clearly not what the programme was intended to be. We applaud the Government for taking such firm action as the situation demands an urgent review. This firm stance by the authorities will send a strong signal to persons who are bent on being dishonest and who want to beat the system.

There are thousands of Guyanese settled outside of Guyana; some with the kind of expertise that would be extremely useful to the development of this country. Some of them also have accumulated huge savings which they would like to invest in their home country.

This mass exodus had started in the early 1960s under the Forbes Burnham dictatorship when the economy was facing total collapse; there were no proper jobs, social services were almost non-existent and there was a sense of hopelessness in every corner of the country. And of course that pattern of migration continued under successive PNC, and to a lesser extent, PPP/C regimes.

When it took political power in 1992, the PPP/C Government was very cognizant of the situation and the damaging effects it was having on the country’s future; and over time got engaged in a series of measures aimed at wooing some of these persons to return home and settle.

There is much the Guyanese Diaspora can do to help in moving our country forward once the necessary systems are put in place for them to do so. Hence, the Re-migrant Scheme which is administered by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in conjunction with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is an excellent initiative, as it seeks to create a framework for overseas-based Guyanese to come back and make meaningful contributions to their birth land.

Under the Re-migrant Scheme, a Guyanese who is 18 years and above, who has been residing legally overseas for a minimum of five consecutive years and is now returning to Guyana, can benefit. Also, Guyanese students/graduates who have attended or are attending a training institution and have been residing overseas for a minimum of four years and are now returning to Guyana, can also benefit.

While it is unfortunate that some have used the scheme to commit fraud, many have taken advantage of the facility by returning home to serve in various capacities and by investing in various businesses. The scheme therefore should not be viewed as a failure. What is indeed lacking is monitoring and oversight of the entire programme in terms of its implementation.

There is an entire network of persons from various agencies, who work in collusion with the re-migrants to engage in these activities. The authorities must dig deep to break up the ‘gang’ involved and to hold them accountable for their actions.

The Auditor General’s Office is conducting an investigation into a scam involving senior GRA officials and some remigrants regarding the misuse of the scheme. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett had said that initially, the probe was to look into that specific aspect of the fraud, but has since asked that it be widened to incorporate whether persons who applied and were granted re-migrant status, actually live in the country.

It would certainly not come as a surprise if it is found that many of these persons who claim that they are now residing permanently in Guyana actually spend more time abroad. They just want to enjoy the benefits of the programme even though they do not meet the criteria. The Government is therefore on target in bringing a halt to those who seek to misuse the scheme.

Hug a tree, save a tree

5. More

2000

Claims of Police brutality are indeed troubling

Dear Editor,

Recently, one newspaper carried a story of one Junior Torrington who was allegedly tortured by the Police with both of his hands burnt in the process; yet another alleged case of Police brutality to hit the headlines.

In this latest case, the victim claims to have been detained for 72 hours at the Sparendaam lockups during which time Policemen there soaked his hands in methylated spirits then lit it afire. These were the gory details of his torturous week, counting from the time of the news report, after his release from detention.

Interestingly enough, one newspaper failed to give the reason for Torrington’s detention, but in its usual dramatic style, went on to detail the supposed acts of torture. Now, red lights in my head started to flash and certain salient questions immediately surfaced. What were the reasons for his de-

tention? Why did the victim wait an entire week before reporting the matter?

Is he taking full advantage of the opportunistic political climate in place at the moment? Is he being facilitated through dubious agendas? What is it? Searching questions for which there are no answers.

This latest matter comes on the heels of another matter in which a 15-year-old claims to have been tortured and shot in his mouth by a Police officer. Even as we speak, a court has begun proceedings into the matter. Then there is the Colwyn Harding matter; another case of alleged torture, this one coming some two months after the fact.

What is interesting to know is that in all of these cases, there seems to be a troubling effect of a lapse in time from when the incident took place and the time when the victim was willing to come forward with his

claims.

With all of the above information at your fingertips, the authorities responsible, like the Police Commissioner and the Home Affairs Minister must put measures in place to avoid this confusing nonsense. Quick action is needed to safeguard Police action. Systems must be implemented to ensure above-board Police action.

In this regard, I call on the powers that be to install cameras at Police stations to videotape all interrogation proceedings. It is something that would go a far way in preventing frivolous lawsuits. In the Harding case in particular, video of the interrogation process would have been a valuable tool in this matter.

What I am saying is that armed with video footage, the facts of the case would have been solidified. Many cases involving murder would also be solved.

High-profile murder cases in which confession statements were made would indeed be upheld in court. The demeanour of the detainee can be verified in a court of law, thus bringing to a successful end many cases involving capital offences. In the present system of things, confession statements are not admissible evidence and murderers go scot-free because confession statements are deemed to be coerced. However, verifiable evidence or footage of the proceedings would go a far way in bringing closure to these matters as well. So, while some elements in society might seek innovative ways to beat the system, governments must seek out ways in curbing it. Government must step up to the plate and set systems in place to deal with this rising tide of lawlessness.

Sincerely,

Neil Adams

Route 31 bus operators have been plagued by touts for many years

Dear Editor,

The minibus operators of the La Parfaite Harmony Park that ply Route 31 have been plagued by touts for many years. These touts have been demanding $2000 and $3000 as a daily fee, in addition to $200 per trip. I have also noticed recent letters in the media drawing attention to this scourge. These letters, I am sure, have contributed to raids by members of the Police Traffic Department and the

City Constabulary. This has had the effect of driving these individuals into hiding, but at the same time, making them more desperate in their mode of operation.

These criminals are now hiding out between the law abiding citizens and demanding that they pay up amounts whether they fill a bus or not. In essence, they are extracting a toll for operators using the park provided.

These individuals, who can be seen drinking and on occasion smoking drugs, are driving fear into the operators that use this park. In one case, an operator was threatened by a gun-toting tout. These individuals who go by names such as ‘The King’, ‘Monkey Taurus’, and ‘Big Bambi’ are driving fear into all the operators that use this park.

In one instance, operators had to listen to a lecture from ‘Monkey Taurus’

on how well connected he is and the futility of trying to report or take action against him or fellow gang members.

I am appealing to the authorities, to take a serious look at this park and lend us a helping hand in removing these criminal elements.

Yours sincerely, Bus operator (Name withheld by request)

Nepalese students hug trees during a mass tree hugging on the World Environment Day on the outskirts of Katmandu, Nepal, Thursday, June

than

people gathered in Nepal’s capital on Thursday in a bid to set a world record for the largest tree hug (Yahoo! News)

Caricom, CLE, and legal education reforms

Dear Editor,

I am a proponent for a local law school. At one of the penultimate Caricom meetings of his tenure, then President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo made a profound comment about the institution. Jagdeo said, “Caricom needs to move from identifying problems to solving them”.

I use Jagdeo’s remarks for two reasons. The Chairman of the Caricom Heads of Government Conference, Dr Ralph Gonsalves at the end of their last meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines instructed the Council of Legal Education (CLE) to undertake an assessment of the delivery of legal education in the region.

And Jagdeo is credited with mooting the idea of a law school in Guyana in 2002, which led to a task force being set up on the subject matter. The construct of a local law school enjoyed both the CLE’s and Cabinet’s blessings at that time.

In 1996, the Review Committee of the Council of Legal Education published a report, “The Barnett Report”; prima facie it’s the culmination of the work a committee established in 1991 and a 1992 Interim Report, including a review of subsequent development, leading up to 1996.

The thrust of the Committee’s work is explained in the Report’s introduction at 1.A.2.: “At the inception, the Committee was established because of concern over the number of graduates who were seeking admission to the law schools

and the limited capacity of the schools to meet the demand.”

This is the present engagement Dr Gonsalves hopes the Council undertakes. (Note: I have discovered no such report before or after in my research but that is not to say such does not exist.) I will only point out a few of the findings which are instructive for our purposes here, persons desirous of reading the full report can find it here (www.clecaribbean.com/barnett.php).

Under a section labelled “JD Physical and Financial Constraints”, pages 39-40, three immediate subsections stand out.

3.D.1: Initially it appears to have been thought that the Faculty of Law, UWI would be able to accommodate most persons wishing to study law with a view to practising as lawyers in the Caribbean. The Faculty was so designed that it is unable to take in more than approximately 120 students per annum.

Since it was also anticipated that entrants to the law schools would predominantly be UWI law graduates, the law schools were designed with a similarly low projection for expansion. While the numbers admitted to the faculty after nearly three decades have only marginally increased, the numbers admitted to the law schools have been increasing steadily.

3.D.2: The probability is that the number of non-UWI graduates who seek admission to the law schools will continue to increase for the

foreseeable future. The Hugh Wooding Law School was designed and constructed to accommodate 180 students and the Norman Manley Law School to accommodate 105 students.

Accordingly, if 120 persons graduate from the UWI each year and seek entry into the law schools, the potential population of the law schools for first and second year students from this source alone is 240 students, leaving only 22 places for admission of other persons in anyone year.

3.D.3: There have been modest extensions to sections of the Hugh Wooding Law School but these were limited to optimising the capacity of the existing structure so as to cope with the existing population and the legal aid facility.

There has been no extension to the Norman Manley Law School and any expansion will require extensive structural additions and high capital expenditure. It is not known whether the competing demands on the host governments will permit them to provide such funds within the foreseeable future. So far, no source of funding for this purpose has been identified.

3.D.4. Since it is clear that any significant increase in the capacity of the law schools can only come from the provision of additional capital funds, it is worthy of note that there has been consistent default by governments in the payment of their contributions to the recurrent expenditure of the Council.

The result has been that

the Council has routinely fallen into indebtedness to the University which administers its finances. The Council has not been able to build up any capital reserve fund, although this is an idea which should not be overlooked. It is also important to bear in mind that any expansion of the law schools to increase the student intake will cause consequential increases in recurrent expenditure, as there would be need to increase personnel, equipment and materials.

I took the liberty of quoting the section of the 122page Barnett Report which took five years to produce, and submit here that 18 years later, not much seems to have changed besides the fact that Caricom has been sitting on this document. Statistically speaking, another report should be ready by 2019 which will basically regurgitate what we already know, thanks to the reality of current final year law students of the University of Guyana (UG) and the Barnett Report. It brings me to Jagdeo’s remarks.

Six years after the Barnett Report, in 2002 Jagdeo set in motion bringing the idea of a local law school to reality in an era with much of the pervading circumstances of today as regards the delivery of legal education. I repose every confidence that his successor President Donald Ramotar will finish this great work.

The more I speak with our UG law students on this matter, the more sixth form law students share their concerns, the more I feel the

Scotiabank is hard to reach

Dear Editor,

I wish to give credit to the fact that Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in the world and is known for excellent service, mostly in foreign countries. As a customer, albeit, at a small level, I wish to raise public concern about certain experiences I have had with the bank, as a regular customer and also as a security service provider.

I must state also that over the years, this bank and some others have had several cases of dishonesty involving their staff, some of whom were placed before the court and some matters that were settled quietly, according to information.

All employers could expect some dishonest employees. As it is known, financial institutions, as a result of the business of handling people’s money entrusted to them, like to keep certain matters private, so as not the create fear among customers, so as to keep them.

I am asking Scotiabank publicly these questions so that it may give answers

publicly, to clear certain difficulties I have.

Why does Scotiabank only use easily torn plastic bags for night deposits? It is noticed that a pen or finger nail can damage a night deposit bag used to hold cash, which has to be transported and even sent down a chute into the bank’s lodgement area. In the process, the bag can be torn. It is known that in the past, they used heavy canvas bags for the purpose, which were numbered.

What procedures they have in place that if monies are sent in this bag or any to account for them. For example, do they have a camera system that photographs each bag deposited, or a video which is installed nearby to ensure that bags can be counted as they are dropped in the chute?

Do they have any counting devices installed, whether operated by infra red light or a mechanical counter to account for the number of bags deposited in the chute per day or per hour? If not, why have

they not thought of installing such a device? People have a right to ask; as it is their money.

What is done to the plastic bag after the cash is retrieved from it? Are bags sent to customers to verify their deposit and to keep for a few months or years for collation and evidence in case of needed accountability or investigations by the Police or customer?

How long does it take to dispatch reports to the customer as to deposits. In my opinion, this should be done the very next day, and emails dispatched can be sent initially and hard copies dispatched later. Any delay could compromise the integrity of the system and the bank. If delays are apparent and continuous, as an investigator and security person, I would say something sinister is afoot.

The bank should invite its customers and customers’ security service providers to witness the process of what happens to cash after lodgement in what is referred to as “Night Deposit”.

On numerous occasions, I tried to call management of Scotiabank on the phone without success. They have an automated answering system, without the joy of the human voice. The system gives three options, but every time I call, the voice mail asks for a message, no one is ever available.

Holding on hoping for a Receptionist or operator, never happens, as another option provided by some companies local and overseas. I have been trying to get their Legal Manager, or Properties Manager, or Administrative manager on a particular important issue. My advice to Scotiabank and banks in general is to never get so big that you lose the human touch. Losing the human touch in business and industry is the beginning of the end to my opinion.

Sincerely,

Roshan Khan RK’s Guyana Security

Services

weight of the generations to follow who will seek a place in this noble profession, it is the more I am convinced that the idea of a local law school

is an idea whose time has come.

Sincerely, Sherod Avery Duncan

New York Guyanese observe Indian Arrival Day

Guyanese in the greater New York metro area will observe Indian Arrival Day on June 8 at the Smokey Park, Richmond Hill, Queens.

The celebration is being hosted and organized by the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) led by Ralph Tamesh of East Coast Demerara. This is the 29th Annual Indian Arrival Day at Smokey Park hosted by the ICF.

This annual congregation represents many things, but most importantly it teaches us how rich and beautiful the culture really is. From the hard work ethic, to the respect of elderly, our ancestors have instilled great values that have lasted throughout time.

One thing that is recognizable within the West Indian community is that we hold our culture in high regard”.

There will be a cultural variety concert and a singing and dancing competition as well as brief speeches, free handouts, medical check ups, etc. Prominent artistes and musicians will display their talent.

Indian Arrival is a

day of reflection for IndoCaribbean and the community at large in the greater New York metro area. IndoCaribbeans are an integral part of America’s rich cultural diversity and the community contributes to the economic, cultural and social life of the metro area.

According to the organizers,the celebration is meant to honour the hard work and sacrifices made by the foreparents of Indians who built a life for us in a new land distant from their motherland of India. They have handed down a rich treasure of cultural values and traditions that have lived on and have helped their descendants to deal with their many challenges.

The celebration will begin at 14:00hand conclude at 19:00h. Drinks will be available to the public for free. The public is urged to come out and cheer the artistes and show their appreciation to the organizers celebrating the contributions made by the Indian ancestors.

Submitted by Vishnu

Bisram

Following technical challenges, Scotiabank recently replaced its telephone system

Dear Editor, Thank you for affording us the opportunity to respond to Mr Roshan Khan’s letter to the Editor, with the subject, “Scotiabank is hard to reach”.

We have noted Mr Khan’s concerns about the security of our night deposit service and wish to assure him that Scotiabank has measures in place to ensure the integrity of the service.

We acknowledge his specific questions with regard to our process. However, to ensure that our process remains secure, we do not comment on specific security measures taken by the bank. What we can say is that we continuously review our processes to ensure the safety of our customers and the security of their deposits.

Regarding Mr Khan’s

comment about not being able to contact the bank via telephone, we acknowledge that we have had technical challenges with our telephone service at some of our branches. We have since replaced our telephone system in a bid to improve on this aspect of our service delivery.

We have now installed a voice message system to ensure that customers can leave a message with us and we can call them back. Customers can also reach Scotiabank via its website using email at bns.guyana@ scotiabank.com.

Our Senior Manager, Operations and Administration will contact Mr Khan in due course.

Yours truly, Jennifer Cipriani Manager, Marketing

Page Foundation

BY KATHY EUGSTER

The wish of basically all children is that their parents do not argue or fight with each other and can, in some way, work out difficulties in a mature fashion without resorting to hurtful comments and behaviours. This wish has a strong basis in reality as ongoing, unresolved, chronic conflict between parents, whether living together or separated, has an extremely negative impact on the current and future mental health of their children.

What is chronic parental conflict?

It is common and normal for two parents to have different ideas, opinions, values, and priorities. Part of being successful in a relationship with another person is being able to use appropriate communication skills so that ideas and opinions can be expressed and received with respect and differences of opinion can be worked out using healthy conflict resolution strategies.

If parents do not communicate respectfully with each other and do not have a good strategy for resolving conflicts, the result is chronic, unresolved conflict between the parents. There is an ongoing hostile emotional tone between the parents that continues to erupt over time and in the same patterns. Conflict never seems to get resolved. The same patterns of angry confrontations are repeated over and over again with only temporary or often no resolution or changes taking place between the parents.

This harmful conflict can range on a continuum from yelling, criticising, blaming, put-downs, mocking, sarcasm and ignoring at one end of the spectrum, through intimidation and threats of harm,

to actual physical violence such as throwing or destroying things, or grabbing, shoving, slapping, hitting, kicking, or any other form of physical assault at the other end of the spectrum. Chronic parental conflict can take place not only in intact families but also in families where parents have separated or divorced, or have never been married or lived together.

conflict between parents, whether the parents live together or not.

The longer parental conflict continues and the greater the tension between the parents, the greater the likelihood that psychological difficulties will result for children such as emotional and behaviour problems, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, low self-esteem, school problems and a number of

How is chronic parental conflict harmful to children?

Negative impact on children’s mental health

What is very destructive psychologically for children is for them to experience their parents’ continuing, unresolved, hostile conflicts. Research indicates that children are resilient and highly adaptive in general and can usually cope with and adapt to difficult situations such as separation and divorce. What severely damages children emotionally is bitter, long-lasting, ongoing

other difficulties.

Children feel unsafe

Chronic parental conflict creates a climate of tension, chaos, disruption and unpredictability in the family environment that is meant to be safe and secure and comfortable to grow up in. Children feel anxious, frightened, and helpless. They may worry about their own safety and their parents’ safety even if there has been no actual or threatened violence. Children’s imaginations are powerful and they may imagine harm coming to themselves or to one of their fam-

ily members. If parents are still together, there is also worry about divorce and the family being split up.

Children worry about taking sides

Children worry that they have to take sides in the conflict. They generally want to please both parents but this becomes impossible and creates stress for children. Children become caught in the middle. Or they may align with one parent against the other, which can be very destructive and unhealthy for all family members.

Children feel guilty

Children often believe they are responsible for the fighting that goes on between their parents. This is especially true if children hear arguments related to different parenting styles, school issues, or financial issues related to them. This guilt from feeling responsible for their parents’ conflict causes much emotional distress for children.

Poor role modelling for children

Children learn lessons about how to get along with others from how their parents get along with each other. If parents only model unhealthy ways to communicate and resolve problems, most likely that is how their children will communicate and solve problems with others when they grow up to be adults.

Quality of parenting decreases

Chronic parental conflict increases stress on parents, which can result in the decreased use of effective parenting skills over time, with a resulting negative impact on the children.

Parent-child relationships may suffer

In the absence of severe problems, it is healthy for children and they need to be allowed to develop a relationship with both parents,

regardless of how the parents feel about each other.

If a child constantly hears bad things about one parent from another parent, the danger is that the parent-child relationship of the criticised parent may weaken. This can also work in the opposite direction, since a child can resent a parent who criticises and refuses to respect the other parent, especially as the child grows older.

What can you do about chronic parental conflict?

Shield your child from destructive parental conflict

It is important to protect and shield your child from being exposed to conflicts between you and your child’s other parent.

Verbal hostilities between parents can affect children in extremely negative ways. Your child should be shielded from hostile interactions that include the following: yelling and screaming; put-downs, name-calling and harsh criticism; blaming; mocking and sarcastic remarks; hostile and aggressive facial expressions; and threats of harm and intimidation. Be aware that phone conversations between parents can also get very hostile, your child needs to be shielded from these as well.

Of course, children should never be exposed to any physical violence such as parents throwing things or damaging things, or physical violence between parents such as grabbing, shoving, slapping, hitting, kicking or any other form of physical assault. This is very damaging for children to be exposed to.

It is imperative that parents learn to restrain themselves and to control their emotions when the children are present or within hearing distance. This can be a very difficult task and may require professional help. Sensitive and difficult issues between parents should always be discussed at private meetings, or in the presence of others such as counsellors, mediators or lawyers if necessary.

Learn and practise healthy communication skills

Differences of opinion between people are part of normal everyday life and there are healthy ways to deal with these differences and not so healthy ways. There are many resources available on developing and using healthy communication skills, which include expressing ideas and feelings, active listening, problem solving, and negotiation and conflict resolution strategies. By applying these new ways of communicating to relationships in your life, you are modelling healthy communication and conflict resolution strategies for your child. These new strategies will change the emotional tone in your family from one of hostility and conflict to one of respect and cooperation.

Remember, differences of opinion are okay as long as they are handled constructively. Modelling respect for others, compromising, and cooperation are invaluable learning experiences you can provide for your child.

(kathyeugster.com)

Normalcy returns to City Hall – Sooba

Acting Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Carol Sooba said that normalcy is gradually being restored to the City Hall after weeks of conflict and upheaval caused by the Mayor and his Councillors.

Sooba made this statement at a hastily called press conference on Friday afternoon in the Council’s meeting chambers, which she said was to update the citizens on what was being done at the Council.

According to the acting Town Clerk, despite persistent efforts by the Mayor and his confederates to stymie and hinder progress at the Council, they [herself and officers] have persisted and are progressing well.

Sooba noted too that the road to normalcy was one which was filled with major obstacles and disturbances, but she and her supportive, unbending staff are determined to succeed and overcome those stumbling blocks.

“I would like to thank all of my officers who have been working most assiduously given the circumstances of the Council and you must understand how difficult their jobs had become, but they stood firmly and with the strength of character, they cooperated and bonded with me to do the work they were employed to do. Through the difficult circumstances, they survived,” she said.

The acting Town Clerk said with the rumblings in City Hall, the work of the Council had been affected and citizens were left to suffer tremendously. She noted that the work of the Council was stymied due to the Mayor and his illegal activities, but she will be actively working to ensure that all works and pending issues are addressed by the beginning of the next week.

Sooba related that works, which will be commencing

around the city, will include the clearance of garbage around the city and the issuance of certificates and permission for erection of buildings to contractors.

In addition, City Hall is slated to undergo rehabilitation which will be undertaken by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, while the Stabroek Market Wharf will be rehabilitated.

“I have been looking at some estimates and I have spoken to the Engineer and he has advised that public tenders should be issued,” the acting Town Clerk told media operatives.

Unaddressed

She explained that the past five statutory meetings which were cancelled, called off or hindered due to the conflict existing between the Mayor, acting Town Clerk and the Public Relations Officer Royston King, have left several issues, include financial matters, documents, Town Clerk Certificates and dozens of building plans which the Council has to approve unaddressed.

She added that the nonconsideration of these documents has caused businessmen and women to be affected financially since

many of them would have had various deadlines with the banks to provide certain documents.

On this note, she pleaded with businessmen and women and all other citizens of Georgetown to have patience with the Council’s slowness for just a while longer.

“I am pleading with the citizens to just be patient with us. The way this Council is structured had some delays since our hands were tied by the illegal actions of the Mayor and his cabal, but by early next week we should be able to begin the clearance of garbage and address other pressing matters. We are moving to have the machineries and everything else in order,” Sooba disclosed.

On the note that normalcy has been restored to the Council, Sooba was asked whether her bodyguard Sean Hinds was needed and whether she had no- confidence in the City Constabulary and its officers, to which she responded: “I have confidence in the city Constabulary and my bodyguard is a personal choice, that’s a personal decision.”

She refused to answer any further questions on the matter.

New category of passports prevents forgery

The Home Affairs Ministry said following the introduction of the machine-readable passport system in 2007, plans were in train to have a new category of passports that would be less susceptible to forgery.

The Ministry in a release explained that built into that arrangement was a requirement by the Ministry that the Guyana

Police Force (GPF)would ensure that the birth certificates for first time applicants for passports were issued not more than six months prior to the date of application.

“The Ministry in an effort to preserve the integrity of the system is now reinforcing its policy directive originally given to the GPF.

“This process is necessary to enable Guyana to comply with international

best practices and prevent the illegal use of travel documents.

The Ministry is conscious of the temporary inconvenience members of the public will suffer and expects that the Guyana Police Force will take all necessary steps to negate any difficulties that members of the public, especially those who need special assistance, may experience,” the release said.

"PNC surveillance...

According to him, his instructions were “not to allow him (Dr Roopnaraine) any phone calls”. Gates said he was surprised, since it was not the normal trend of the Police Force to refuse anyone in custody phone calls unless they were considered a threat to national security. He said he found himself in conversation with Dr Roopnaraine and it was then that he found out that the politician was in search of a bodyguard. The former Police Officer told the inquiry that he accepted the offer and had made plans to remove himself from the Police Force. However, that decision was shortlived, since, instead of him getting out, he was pushed in deeper.

Resignation letter

He related that he went to the Head Office to hand in his resignation letter. After a brief interrogation by the Commander Cecile “Skip” Roberts, he said he was told “You are the man we want”. That was a changing point in his life, Gates told the Commission. He was briefed on his responsibility and went ahead as Dr Roopnaraine’s bodyguard. He made the choice because of the “lucrative offer”.

He reminded the Commission on Friday that his role in the surveillance he was carrying out these functions at the behest of

the Police Force, whose head Cecile “Skip” Roberts, was closely connected to the Army Chief Mc CLean. Gates told the Commission that Dr Roopnaraine must have been a target of the PNC Government.

He recalled being taken to a white wooden building in the compound of the Ogle Airport, where he met former Police Commissioner Laurie Lewis, Inspector Henry Chester and the officer he referred to as Chichester also know as "Chico". It was there he related that he was instructed to make notes of persons Dr Roopnaraine would make contact with, where he goes daily and who he meets.

WPA wanted arms and ammunition

Gates told the Commission also of his efforts to enlist more supporters for the WPA. He said his eyes fell on Dr Rodney’s personal bodyguard Bonny Skeet, a young man he described as a rogue. Another young man who also “hung” around the office had also fallen into the trap and was providing information on who were the daily visitors to the office. Gates revealed further information, stating that the WPA was procuring for itself arms and ammunition.

He confessed that he was sent by Dr Roopnaraine

on several occasions to collect ammunition. He posited that the reason might have been that the party was probably planning some action against the Government, which had become a sore point for the political party. This, however, was never communicated to him directly.

Gates recalled one occasion when Dr Roopnaraine had requested some ammunition. He said this was communicated to his superiors in the Police Force. He said he took the rounds to his superiors who told him that they were going to do “stuff to it, before giving it back to him”. He noted that the rounds were overpacked. Dr Roopnaraine, he said too, was also interested in G3 Submachine guns. He said his superiors took that opportunity to try to kill Dr Roopnaraine.

He said he was instructed to go with Dr Roopnaraine on his trip to Corentyne and offer to demonstrate the use of the gun. He said the plan was for him to fire the first seven rounds then hand over the gun to Dr Roopnaraine. If successful, the plan would have seen Dr Roopnaraine “blowing his head off”. He said Dr Roopnaraine was a good man, so instead of following those instructions, he went home to the Berbice River, where he dumped the machine gun into the river. from page 3

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

Orchid Foundation empowering women – 20 graduate from skills courses

With the aim of empowering women, the Orchid Foundation has embarked on an initiative to provide women with employable skills. It recently graduated about 20 students who pursued courses in cosmetology, cake and pastry making, floral arranging, and guidance counselling.

Foundation President, Dr Mark Constantine explained that he and his wife, Indra, who is the brains behind of the Foundation, are striving to achieve the or-

ganisation’s mission and are making good progress on that front. Some of the courses are free, but most of them are offered at affordable prices compared to other institutions that offer similar courses.

In explaining her motivation in conceiving the idea of the Foundation, Mrs Constantine said she has always felt the need to help persons in any way possible and after seeing how women are treated at times in society, she created this foundation with her husband, in an

effort to better the lives of the struggling women in today’s society.

Initially, the foundation served the community of Parfaite Harmonie, as it started as a women’s group, but the Constantines later saw the need to expand their efforts to other communities and eventually welcomed men who needed counselling.

At the small graduation ceremony held at the National Library on Friday evening, a number of graduates expressed their grat-

itude to the Constantines, who have helped them better their lives. They added that their experiences of doing these courses have been life-changing.

A member of the Guyana Relief Council since 2005, Mrs Constantine is passionate about giving back to her community, which also contributed to her drive to start the Foundation. Dr Constantine is hoping that the Orchid Foundation attracts more persons, so that he can help as many persons as possible.

Ship runs aground in Berbice River

AGuyana-registered ship ran aground while entering the Berbice River around 20:15h on Thursday. According to the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the vessel is currently aground outside of the main ship’s channel at the entrance to the river and every effort is being made to free it.

The ship’s crew members were rescued from the vessel and officials from MARAD are monitoring the situation. The owner of the vessel is also in contact with the relevant authorities and is also assessing the situation. MARAD has launched an investigation into the incident.

Another maritime situation occurred some two years ago when a 65-foot cargo vessel destined for Trinidad and Tobago capsized in the Demerara River, about a quarter mile offshore. Seven crewmen were on board.

To date, 63-year-old Gerald Da Silva, the cook onboard the vessel, is still missing and is feared dead.

The other crew members were rescued. At the time of the incident, an excavator was aboard the vessel.

It was reported that while the boat was turning, the excavator began sliding toward one side of the vessel which resulted in the unfortunate incident. The ship was subsequently pulled in shallow waters.

Eyew tness

Blind, deaf and mute...

...at Rodney CoI

We all know the story of the three monkeys who could “see no evil, hear no evil or speak no evil”. Guyana got a chance to see the story play out for real at the Rodney CoI, when Major General (as he insisted he be addressed) Norman Mc Lean took the stand. Now Norman Mc Lean wasn’t your regular, off the street bystander when Rodney was snuffed out. The ex-Traffic Police Chief Mc Lean had been Director of the Guyana National Service (GNS) since 1974.

The very next day after Walter Rodney and seven others were arrested and charged for burning down Congress Place on Camp Street on July 11, Burnham made him Chief-of-Staff of the entire Disciplined Forces!!! The fella in charge – the most professional Colonel Clarence Price, whom the British had left as head of the Army –was shunted aside. Why this sudden shakeup? Mc cLean is deaf, dumb and blind. Could it be Burnham wanted a loyalist who wouldn’t question his (mis)use of the Army? Naaaaah, says Mc Lean.

For good measure, a month later, Burnham placed then Colonel David Granger, as head of the GDF after firing his seniors, Colonel Ulric Pilgrim and Colonel Carl Morgan. And while the Armed Forces suddenly shifted into higher gear in taking on Rodney and the WPA, on the stand this week, Mc Lean would have us believe he was completely oblivious to all of this. Blind and deaf then – and now completely mute!

The Police, he said, might’ve done some work – but he didn’t get involved. Granger and McPherson were the liaison between the Police and Army. Burnham just picked Mc Lean because of his “boyish” good looks! Blind, deaf and mute.

G3 rifles transferred to House of Israel? Blind, deaf and mute. Not only did Mc Lean deny knowledge – he had the temerity to question the signature on the form that showed one of his subordinates (McPherson) did the transferring! McPherson would be later drummed out from the Force for various frauds on the GDF totalling over US$2 million, so one can understand Mc Lean’s familiarity with his signature. Mc Lean’s nickname while he was in the Police Traffic Department, was “Car Parts” – for obvious reasons.

Did he know that Gregory Smith was whisked away from Georgetown to Kwakwani in a GDF plane? Deaf, blind and mute. Never mind the pilot Gerry Gouveia –who he described as having “mentored” – needed to be a trusted man.

...media

Your Eyewitness was struck by a Reuters headline: “India’s Modi hopes to meet Obama in Washington in fall...source”. Now what do you get from that line? That Modi would like to meet Obama? And hopes he does, no? Well if you read the story, it’s actually the very opposite. Before the elections, you dear readers would remember that the US State Department, under Hillary Clinton, had run a “Get Modi” campaign. Even banned him from receiving a visa!

But after Modi’s election to the Prime Ministership, the US was now caught between a rock and hard place. How the heck do they ignore the leader of the largest democracy in the world, when the US is the biggest pusher of democracy in the same world? And more importantly that democracy can be a counterweight to the rising Chinese Dragon?

Well, Obama distanced himself from his now departed Secretary of State, swallowed a piece of humble pie and called Modi to offer “congratulations”. He also slipped in an invitation to come up and see him sometime.

In any case Modi, will be attending the UNS General Assembly opening in September. It’s actually Obama who hopes he can meet Modi – and spare the US some blushes.

...on equality

Reuters, like most of the western media, of course, cannot conceive that leaders from the Third World mightn’t be hanging their tongues out to visit Washington. Remember Brazil’s Rousseff?

Bina Hill Institute staff sent home

– as budget bites deeper

Staff members of the Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning Centre in the North Rupununi, Region Nine have been sent home since they are unable to receive pay, North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) Chairman Michael Williams said.

Williams said the Bina Hill Institute receives a Government subvention of $500,000 monthly, but this ceased since the 2014 budget cut.

He added that since then, it has been a struggle to pay the staff members of the vocational institution. “We have reached a stage where we can’t maintain staff anymore,” he lamented.

Williams is thankful

that some of the workers have volunteered their services to see classes through.

The Bina Hill Institute’s focus it to build the capacity of indigenous youth in the North Rupununi, devel-

oping leadership skills and preparing them for life in a changing world.

The centre was established in 2007 to build their capacity to face the challenges of the present society with emphasis on natural resource management, business development and leadership skills and agriculture. Since then, the centre has also been admitting youths from other districts in the Rupununi and even from other regions.

It is also a place where young people who did not have the opportunity to complete either primary or secondary education are afforded a chance of further training and education. With the advent of the Low Carbon Development Strategy Programme, this

was also seen as a place where training in this particular area, especially as it relates to use of the natural resources, can contribute to the understanding and development of this in the communities.

Since its establishment, some graduates of the centre have gone on to higher institutions of learning like the Guyana School of Agriculture, some have gone on to receive further training and to work with the Iwokrama International Centre, while others have returned to their communities.

The political Opposition in the 2014 Budget voted down funding for several entities, leaving their staff unpaid and affecting services they provide.

Sisters Village teen stabbed 10 times – autopsy

The 14-year-old school who was murdered behind her home at Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice on Wednesday evening was stabbed 10 times.

This is according to a post-mortem examination performed on the body by Government Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan on Friday.

Tamesha Adams died of shock and hemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds. The autopsy report revealed that Adams received five stabs to the left side of her neck, one to the upper back, three to the throat and one to the abdomen.

Adams was discovered by her mother on Thursday morning lying on an empty plot of land behind her home with a knife stuck in her throat.

A 23-year-old man with whom the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) Third Form student shared a relationship was moments before found hanging from a mango three behind his home.

An autopsy performed

on the body of Kellon Sam, also by Dr Bridgemohan on Friday, revealed that he died from affixation as a result of self-suspension.

Police are working on a theory that Sam murdered Adams before taking his own life.

Meanwhile, an autop-

sy report from a post-mortem examination on Robert Sandy of Angoy’s Avenue said he died from suspected consumption of organza phosphate.

Sandy died on May 27 at the New Amsterdam Prison, one day after he was charged with the alleged murder of Onicia Greaves, 18, of Caracas Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.

Greaves was allegedly murdered on May 20 by Sandy after the two had an altercation. After committing the act, Sandy made good his escape and then allegedly consumed the pesticide. He was hospitalised for a week at the New Amsterdam Hospital before being discharged and charged by the Police.

Mon Repos residents get 800 laptops

Eight hundred residents of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara received laptops, as the Government of Guyana continues its quest to equip every household with a computer under the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Project.

The residents, who turned out in their numbers to welcome the initiative, expressed their gratitude as the OLPF continued its distribution and training in the village.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs have been set

up at the Mon Repos Health Centre and the Phoenix Recovery Project rehabilitation building for training to commence in the use of the devices.

A mutually convenient time was decided upon by recipients for further training in use and maintenance of the laptops if necessary, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Under the current distribution phase, some 17,000 laptops will given out in 2014, which will be account for approximately 50 per cent of the

Govt to re-table Customs Bill – in light of recent CCJ ruling

Government nervous that it will have to foot another hefty bill thanks to the Opposition's non-approval of the Customs (Amendment) Bill, after the Caribbean Court of Justice’s $1.2 billion judgement against Guyana, will be re-tabling the legislation and hoping for a different outcome.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made the announcement of the re-tabling of the bill on June 19 in the National Assembly at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President on Thursday.

The Caribbean Court of Justice ordered Guyana to pay Surinamese beverage company Rudisa and its local distributor, Caribbean International Distributors Inc (CIDI), the US$6 million for imposing an ‘unfair’ environmental tax on each non-returnable bottle imported into the country, ruling that the tax is against the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Government is now fearful Trinidadian company Busta, which also imports beverages into Guyana, will sued over the same tax.

In 2005, Caricom looked at the environmental tax which is implemented in

entire OLPF Project quota. This distribution phase began in May and will run until September in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

The residents were very grateful for the laptops, and shared how they stand to benefit. They said benefits ranged from communication with relatives to academic assistance.

”It will benefit me a lot for my daughter, especially now that she’s writing CSEC, the demand is there for information technology,” Yolanda Stewart said.

Gelien Thomas plans to utilise her laptop to stay connected to relatives abroad. “I have my sisters, brothers and daughter overseas and it would be less expensive than the phone to communicate by.”

Elderly recipients received their laptops and training at home, as staff of the OLPF Secretariat offered a special service to seniors.

The OLPF Project began in 2011 with a view to, through the Government, bridge the digital divide by providing access to information technology and the Internet, while providing the training and skills to utilise them to families across Guyana.

It will provide a total of 90,000 laptops to Guyanese, and many thousands are already benefiting from the devices.

nine member states, and during that review, it was found that six member states, including Guyana, were applying the tax on a discriminatory basis. As a result, last year, the Government tabled the Customs (Amendment) Bill, which was voted down by the combined Opposition. The enactment of this legislation would have seen Guyana being in compliance with its obligations under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and World Trade Organisation rules.

That Bill sought to amend Section 7A, inserted in the Customs Act in 1995 which imposed an environmental tax only on taxable goods imported into Guyana.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stressed that the issue is not about removing the tax but making it non-discriminatory. “Everybody must pay or nobody must pay,” stated the Minister as she pointed out that this policy is also adopted in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and not only in Caricom.

Dr Luncheon said the focus of the Bill was to address the country’s treaty obligations and as such, it should not be confused with other environmental issues, and highlighted the Opposition’s denial of being responsible for Guyana having lost the legal battle with Rudisa.

“Cabinet insisted that that cannot be and ought not to be, the Bill ought not to be used for any purpose other than to correct the discriminatory nature of tax laws with regard to our obligations under the revised treaty of Chaguaramas.”

NRDDB Chairman Michael Williams

Kellon Sam Tamesha Adams

OLPF staff processing documents before presenting laptops to Mon Repos residents

Dr Roger Luncheon

Guyana Festival receives $3M – “Vanilla” joins Generation Next Concert line-up

As the countdown to the Guyana Festival, which is set to showcase the cultural riches of this beautiful country, winds down, support from corporate entitie operating here continues to pour in.

The Guyana Festival Committee on Friday received $3 million in total from Chinese logging company Bai Shan Lin and real estate developers Windsor Estates to help offset expenses for the event scheduled for August 8-10 at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The simple handing over ceremony and press briefing took place at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister

Irfaan Ali stated that he is very pleased to be receiving the cheques from the two company that are helping to build the local economy.

He said the money will go a very long way and he hopes that more businesses will come in stream for the Guyana Festival, pointing out that in the coming weeks, they will announce more of the sponsors that are already on board for the event.

Bai Shan Lin representative Lun Weikang, in brief remarks, said the Guyanese community has been very supportive of the company and it is their social duty to give back to the community, so they have chosen to do so via the Guyana Festival.

Danny Sawh, on handing over the cheque to Minister Ali on behalf of Windsor Estates, stated that he and

his company are very happy to be part of such an event. He explained that they are trying their best to participate in things and events that are Guyanese, so they can help give back to the economy and people who have showed them tremendous support.

Meanwhile, it was announced that one of the mega-concerts of the Festival, the ‘young people’s concert’ – “Concert Next”, set for August 10, will see the reigning Road March Queen “Vanilla” performing.

Minister Ali said “Generation Next Concert”, is mostly geared for young people, but nevertheless everyone is welcome.

“Vanilla”, who was in attendance at the press briefing, stated that an event of this nature is most welcomed and asked why it was

so long in the making. She will be debuting her latest single “Digadee Wine” at the concert.

Three exciting days

The three-day festival will see exciting events that will celebrate sport legends, culture, art, entertainment, food, music, and much more.

On Day One, there will be an air show, followed by an international concert with drumming and lots of food. Day Two will commence with the Festival Games –where the Master XI will take on the President’s XI in football and cricket. Famous names on the rosters include Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Carl Hooper, Lennox Cush, Mahendra Nagamotoo, Clive Lloyd, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, and Trevon Griffith. An unforgettable night of legends on stage, including Eddy Grant and Dave Martins, at the “Night of Legends” Concert follows this day of activities.

Day Three will see the electrifying National Cook-off with food from every corner and every culture of Guyana represented at the Guyana National Stadium. Then, it’s time for “Generation Next Concert” with other local artistes such as Adrian Dutchin and Jumo Primo.

Every evening of the Festival, there will be Coney Island rides for the entire family, an arts and craft exhibition and sale, and a wide variety of food and drinks on sale.

Festival Passports will be available to commemorate the event, and will contain discount coupons from the sponsors; autographs from Clive Lloyd, Dave Martins and other stars as well as President Donald Ramotar; and the entire programme. It is something that can be kept as a souvenir and will cost US$15 or G$3000. A Festival Coin designed by Kings’ Jewellery to commemorate the event will also be available at the jewellers.

McClean ain’t clean, but he playin dumb

As de Bell Crier point out only yesterday, it got people who does talk fuh talkin sake. Well, on de other hand it also got people who don’t talk when dem supposed to talk. Like de man who sit down and wait four years to talk that some body visa get deny.

And that is a man who like to talk, but he mouth wasn’t wukkin fuh four years, just like how he brains ain’t wukkin fuh life. Who know he, know he could never keep he mouth shut fuh four seconds, much less four years. So who he expect to believe he now four years after, except See-N, Kiss Man and Ben Cup, who does gobble up any ting anyway?

Well, another man was supposed to do some talkin de other day, but he keep he mouth shut. It got to be that he read de Bell Crier talkin bout mouth open story jump out, and he didn’t want any story jump out, so he stitch up he mouth. De only time he mouth open was when he get vex wid some body.

In any case, is a long time now people know that Mc CLean ain’t clean. In fact, hardly any ting in dem times was clean, once it had to do wid Burnt Ham. That is because Burnt Ham never do any ting clean. Any ting that Burnt Ham had to do wid clean, was only a clean up job!

That is why Burnt Ham clean up Rodney and leff people like Mc Clean to clean up after de fact of de original clean up. And so all dem Pee-N-C skalliwags had end up tinkin that dem woulda be clean fuh life. But this Rodney CoI gon clean all a dem up one by one.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie. De only ting of course whah ain’t gettin clean up is Green Ham and dem skalliwags at de s.ity council. Right now, it look like even de C-Jay and de High Court can’t clean dem up. That gotta be a lotta mess to clean up!

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, Guyana Festival Coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo- Singh and Representatives of Windsor Estates and Bai Shan Lin, Danny Sawh and Lun Weikang, at the handing over ceremony

Minister Benn hands over motorcycles to GPF

The operational capacity of the A Division Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been bolstered, with the addition of eight motorcycles to its fleet.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn on Friday officially handed over the motorcycles to his colleague Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud in front of Stabroek Market, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The special Honda motorcycles (two 500cc and six 250 cc) and spare parts were purchased for approximately $15 million through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Minister Benn said the latest acquisition is reflective of his Ministry’s efforts to help the Police with the

tools needed to maintain law and order. The motorcycles, he added, will increase the presence of the Police on the roads and enhance their ability to deter crime and traffic offences.

“Each year, approximately 10,000 vehicles are registered, and that poses a challenge for the GPF in terms of road safety,” he said. “We have a lot of laws, but not enough order. These motorcycles will help to enforce the laws.”

Benn, who has responsibility for the public road networks, also pointed to the massive investment being made to improve and make roads safer for motorists and pedestrians.

In his remarks at the handing over ceremony, Minister Rohee emphasised that the motorcycles will promote more visibility of officers who will track down traffic violators.

“….we have persons who run the red and amber lights, which put persons in danger. We will go after those who violate the traffic laws. This city needs order which has to be controlled by the GPF through effective law enforcement,” he stated.

For his part, Commissioner Persaud expressed his gratitude for the new motorcycles, which will alleviate the pressure on Traffic Department. He noted that with the increasing number of regional meetings being held in Guyana, the demand is high for outriders.

“I want to assure both Ministers that the motorcycles will be fully utilised,” he said.

This is the second batch of motorcycles being handed over to the Police Force by the Public Works Ministry after the first in 2011.

Probe launched into Paramakatoi plane crash

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is currently conducting an investigation into an accident which occurred on Monday last at the Paramakatoi Airstrip involving a Cessna 206 aircraft, bearing registration number 8R-SUP.

The aircraft, which is owned and operated by Air Services Limited, reportedly veered off the runway and crashed through a fence upon landing at the facility.

The aircraft was at the time transporting foodstuff from Mahdia, Region Seven to Paramakatoi, Region Eight for the school dormitory when it encountered difficulties.

It was reported that on approaching Paramakatoi Airstrip, the pilot of the aircraft encountered a strong cross-wind. The situation was worsened by the presence of cows in the vicinity of the runway.

In attempting to avert a collision with the animals, the pilot swerved but instead ran off the runway. He was not hurt. The Aircraft

Air Services Limited General Manager Annette

Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) on Tuesday expressed grave concern about the security and maintenance of airstrips, in wake of an aircraft running off the very runway earlier in the week.

In a release issued by the GCAA, it refuted claims that there were cattle on or in the vicinity of the airstrip at the time of the incident.

“The authority wishes to make clear that there are established procedures which govern operation into and out of uncontrolled aero-

Land Reclamation Project lagging – Williams

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Chairman Clinton Williams says much work is not being done on the highly-publicised Land Reclamation Project.

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud had announced the $500 million Project under which his Ministry would clean up the many minedout and stripped areas in the hinterland. Focus would be placed on reclaiming forested land and engaging in reforestation activities in areas that are affected as a result of mining and timber extraction.

Speaking at a forum last week, Minister Persaud said the initiative is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to sustainable forestry management and helps maintain its outstanding track record in this regard.

However, Williams, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times , pointed out that there is “minimal land reclamation and/or rehabilitation and remediation of activities” on the land after it is mined out by gold miners.

In that regard, he related that the GGMC and Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) are in talks over the drafting of “modified regulations”, to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2014.

Environmental stewardship

The GGMC Chairman stated that the Commission recognises that there is “much work to be done in environmental stewardship of the sector”, pointing out that environmental bonds bear little relationship to the true cost of reclamation and remediation.

These remarks by Williams come even after Persaud commissioned the Geospatial Information Management Unit (GIMU) of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission in April, saying that the Unit will aid in the Land Reclamation Project.

GIMU, Williams explained, was supposed to serve as a critical advancement in the area of monitoring deforestation rates.

mined-out pits in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni )and has been conducting studies and surveys in the most recent mined-out areas while replanting trees and other protective vegetation in stripped areas.

Efforts had recently focused on replanting some 10 hectares of minedout white sand covered land in Mahdia, Region Eight with the Acacia mangium , a multi-purpose plant.

Replanting efforts are also ongoing at Isseneru, Noitgedacht, Aranka, and Arakaka in Region Eight, while plans are in train to soon commence planting in Region Seven. In relation to the exercise at Noitgedacht, it was reported that the GGMC has been utilising the minedout land for three purposes.

Minister Persaud, while announcing the Land Reclamation Project, had lamented that, regrettably, there is still no commitment, financial or otherwise, from the international community to provide the necessary framework to transform the ideas discussed and agreed on since 2007 on a global scale.

dromes such as Paramakatoi that require the pilot to pass over in the vicinity of the aerodrome to ensure that the runway is clear of all obstacles prior to landing.”

The released added that the most recent Advisory Circular on Standard Operating Procedures at Uncontrolled Aerodromes was issued to the industry in September 2013 and describes actions to be taken by a pilot to ensure that a proper assessment of conditions at the airstrip was made before landing.

In light of the complaints of animals on runways, Air Services Limited General Manager Annette Arjoon recently made an appeal to captains and other community leaders to take urgent steps to avoid a recurrence.

Guyana Times understands that the wired fences are destroyed to create shortcuts for animals to move to and fro the pastures.

The fences around various airstrips are being constructed by the Public Works Ministry.

He stressed that there is “inadequate compliance to agreed Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of environmental management regulations as it relates to deforestation and degradation in addition to pollution in our rivers”.

The GGMC has been accessing the

Despite this, Guyana continues to advance on several innovative fronts, promoting its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to show the world how low deforestation and climate-resilient development can be achieved without slowing economic growth.

Officers from the Police Traffic Department on their new motorcycles

Arjoon

GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams

saturday, june 7, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

Media fraternity remembers veteran broadcaster Roger Moore

Veteran broadcaster Roger Moore passed away at age 54 on Friday morning at his United Kingdom home after suffering a prolonged illness.

Moore was diagnosed with several chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure among others. Guyana Times understands that he died at his London home around 01:53h surrounded by close relatives and a friend.

Roger Eamonn Floyd Moore began his broadcasting career at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in 1982, where he worked until 1995 before moving on to HBTV Channel 9 station. During his 10-year tenure at the television station, Moore did work such as live programmes, talk shows, interviews, and anchored the news, along with producing documentaries.

The broadcaster was popularly known for his television talk show: “At Home with Roger”. He worked at the station up until 2005, when he migrated to the UK.

Guyana Times caught up with some of the veterans in the media fraternity who had worked with Moore and they shared their experiences and fondest thoughts of him.

Basil Bradshaw, said that Moore was a stalwart in Guyana’s broadcasting fraternity and took his work very seriously. He noted that while he was outspoken in his radio programmes, he became even more candid after getting into television broadcasting.

Bradshaw noted that Moore had a magnificent and attractive voice which made him a unique character within the broadcasting fraternity.

Enrico Woolford, expressed his sadness at the passing of Moore. He explained that Moore got into broadcasting because of his interests. Woolford noted that he took his impending demise with great courage as he had done with issues in Guyana.

Woolford said that Moore was never afraid to see or say things that people were afraid to talk about. He added that

the late broadcaster also had a humorous side which persons were not aware of.

According to Denis Chabrol, Moore was an excellent radio broadcaster, who not only paid attention to details, but was also very versatile when it came to programming.

“He was also willing to offer advice and share his thoughts constructively with his colleagues and friends in the broadcasting fraternity. He was always very easy-going and had a good relationship with everyone at Broadcasting House,” Chabrol stated.

Gordon Moseley, also joined in expressing his condolences on the death of the late broadcaster. He said that Moore stood out as one of the most outstanding young broadcasters who quickly proved his ability to develop himself in the field.

“He would have moved on to become one of the most recognised voices on radio and a household name even after he moved on from GBC and started private projects; he stood out as a professional and always offered advice to new and emerging talent in the broadcasting field,” Moseley said.

Republic Bank graduates sixth batch of apprentices

The Republic Bank Youth Link

Apprenticeship Programme graduated its sixth batch of participants on Friday, at a small ceremony held at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.

The apprentices were assigned across the bank’s network of branches and benefited from professional development in office procedures, personal development, banking operations, customer service, and computing.

The insight into the world of work, coupled with their newly garnered skills, is expected to boost their marketability and capability as they embark on their individual careers.

During the feature address at Friday’s cere -

mony, given by Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, the graduates were urged to maintain the right attitude, understand their uniqueness, welcome challenges, maintain their integrity, and to think big. Minister Edghill also encouraged the youths to make use of opportunities given to them, such as the one they are currently moving on from.

In concluding his remarks, after relaying stories about his school days to the audience, Edghill told the apprentices to never feel that they are too old to stop learning and to be open minded, as in doing so, they will achieve their greatest goals.

During the Youth Link

Programme, which commenced on November 1, 2013 and came to an end on June 1, the organisers also sought to expose students to the world beyond work.

The group took part in a community outreach project, which enabled them to experience a period of care giving with the children at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, and an interactive session on First Aid facilitated by the Guyana Red Cross Society.

Additionally, there was also time for group interaction and the development of social skills during a day of fun and relaxation, with a guided tour along the Essequibo River that featured stops at Fort Island and the Baganara Island Resort.

Energy enabler of national development — GEA CEO

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mahender Sharma has underscored the importance of energy to economic growth and development as Guyana joins the rest of the world on Monday in celebrating World Accreditation Day.

This year, the day is observed under the theme “Accreditation: Delivering confidence in the provision of energy”.

Dr Sharma in a release said the GEA wholeheartedly embraces and applauds the theme; owing to the fact that it focusses on the role that accreditation plays in providing confidence in the provision of energy.

The global event was established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise global awareness, regarding accreditationrelated activities. Accreditation speaks to evaluation, endorsement, approval, certification, authorisation and recognition of organisations, businesses and individuals against standards, whether national or international, to carry out specific activities. The intended aim is to ensure the integrity, impartiality and competence of the said activities.

“Energy is integral to our country’s economic growth and development and is essential for our daily routines. It powers diverse economic activities such as transportation, agriculture and manufacturing, all of which undoubtedly are key sectors of development. Energy is a major contributor to health and well-being, providing essential services such as heating, lighting, transportation and cooling.

“Products and services must conform to international best practice and standards. Accreditation, through testing, inspection and certification seeks to assess these product and services, in this case energy, for conformity against these standards,” Dr Sharma said.

Tighter control

The GEA Act 1997 was amended in 2004 (with further amendments in 2005 and 2011) to provide specifically for licensing of the different classes of fuel dealers and for the marking and testing of all legitimately imported fuel.

Subsidiary legislation in the form of the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations 2004 was also created to regularise fuel operations.

“Testing of fuel is not only critical in ensuring revenue collection but it also ensures

that consumers receive quality products. The Fuel Marking Programme, implemented in 2003, is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all gasoline, diesel and kerosene are properly ‘marked’ at a known concentration, at all legitimate import points; as well as collecting and testing samples of fuel from various parts of the country including wholesalers, retailers, distributors, transporters, commercial consumers and any person in possession of fuel,” the GEA CEO said.

Prior to its implementation, non-taxed fuel was being smuggled into the country, sold illegally and quite often of a poor quality. Through the licensing component of the GEA, providers of petroleum and petroleum products are required to comply with standards approved by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). As part of the licensing process by the GEA, operators are required to demonstrate compliance with the relevant standards and regulations to ensure that they have the appropriate processes and procedures in place to legally deliver fuel to their consumers.

The Licensing Division and the Fuel Marking Programme of the Guyana Energy Agency ensure improved and sustained sales of legitimate diesel and gasoline, improved and sustained collection of excise tax, assurance of fuel quality, and in the ability of the regulatory/enforcement Agencies to stamp out illegal activity. These activities and initiatives provide confidence in the industry and in the provision of energy that is not only reliable but also economically, environmentally and socially sustainable for all in Guyana.

Food For The Poor donates paint to Hope Estate residents

Food Tor The Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFTP), donated a quantity of paint to 20 recipients of homes donated by FFP at a simple ceremony on the tarmac of the organisation’s premises, as part of its 23rd anniversary celebrations on June 4.

Chief Executive Officer

of FFTP, Kent Vincent, said that the donation was a humanitarian gesture by the organisation to repaint the homes of the 20 families of Hope Estate, so as to enhance the appearance of the village. He further stated that the charitable organisation always remembers the per-

sons they assist and would occasionally revisit the many areas they help to conduct public distributions. Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Serene Locknauth, a resident, expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the non-governmental organisation for their benevolence.

Recipients of the paint at the FFTP office on Wednesday

GEA CEO, Dr Mahender Sharma

Roger Moore

GuyExpo 2014 launched

– President, Tourism Minister call for more private sector investments

Cops and Faith Community Network working to reduce youth crime

The Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN) has been working to reduce youth criminality, with a total of 55 interventions undertaken by the Guyana Police Force, supported by members of the religious community.

Guyana’s premier trade fair, GuyExpo, was launched at the Georgetown International Conference Centre with President Donald Ramotar and acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, urging sustained growth and development in core areas from Guyana’s private sector.

Addressing the gathering of entrepreneurs and potential exhibitors at the launching ceremony, President Ramotar underscored the need for the private sector to invest in Guyana’s tourism and natural resources sectors, noting that the private sector plays a pivotal role in Guyana’s economic well-being.

said President Ramotar.

Further, the President urged continued partnerships between the government and the private sector in tackling projects that would be of benefit to Guyana.

Private Public Partnership

He noted that the government is in pursuit of more areas to develop Private Public Partnerships (PPPs), much like the Berbice Bridge Company which has been a resounding success according to the president.

He noted too that another Private Public Partnership project was the controversial Marriott Hotel project which

Guyana on the front page of the Copa Airline in-flight magazine which is touted to be seen by millions of persons since the airline flies to over 180 destinations in the Caribbean, Latin America and other parts of the globe.

“If we had to pay advertising dollars to put Guyana on the front page of the COPA magazine touching more than 180 destinations it would be....when Guyana is placed in the Marriott International Magazine... we cannot put a value to that” said the Tourism Minister(ag).

Ali, who also serves as Minister of Housing and Water contended that in-

The president further related that the government will continue to be unyielding in its pursuit of cheaper energy via the Amaila Falls Hydropower project.

He said that it would be remiss of the government to urge private sector investment and further development in the manufacturing sector with the current high costs of energy.

“We will never have a strong manufacturing and industrial sector unless we have a cheap source of energy” noted the President.

It was with that mindset, he contended, that the Amaila Falls Project would bring much needed change to Guyana’s energy sector not only for businesses, but also for citizens who will benefit from the availability of a cheaper source of energy.

“It is very important a very important infrastructure and that is why we have been working so hard to get the Amaila Falls project” off the ground and operational

is scheduled for completion in the latter part of this year.

The president said that he is sure that the Marriott Project will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor in the PPP arrangement, that is, the Berbice Bridge Company.

This advent, he stressed will increase Guyana’s capacity to develop as a nation.

Meanwhile, Acting Tourism Minister Ali also underlined the need for private sector investments and partnerships to maximise capacity and production out of resources available.

These investments, he stressed, will “capture what is taking place in Guyana... changing the outlook of Guyana, changing the outlook of business and change business standards” said Ali. Ali contended that the government has a vested belief in partnerships and it was with that in mind, it was making further strides in that regard.

It was those partnerships, he noted, that has landed

vestment in the housing sector was vital, since development in such an area would be of immense benefit to a large amount of other sectors including the security and tourism sectors.

“These investments are not confined to the public sector” said Minister Ali, adding that “the private sector must play a peak and pivotal role in the housing sector.”

This year’s GuyExpo is being held under the theme: “Transformation: Partnering For A Better Guyana” and will follow the trend of a long history of successful trade expositions.

It was noted at the opening ceremony however that this year, less emphasis will be placed on the entertainment aspect of the trade exposition as was the case in the previous years.

Emphasis will be placed on small businesses and its exhibits. It is expected that this year will see the largest number of exhibitors in comparison to the other years.

The interventions involved 31 female and 24 male juveniles between the ages of 10 and 16 years and the offences for which they were detained included assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, throwing missiles, simple larceny, wandering, use of indecent language and abusive language, and threatening behaviour.

In all cases, the youths were counselled by the religious leaders and following the involvement of parents/guardians, the majority were warned and sent away. Charges were made in four instances, but the matters were dismissed after the victims offered no evidence.

The CFCN was launched

by the Home Affairs Ministry on April 30, 2013, as a pilot project in 10 communities in which the Community Action component of the Citizens’ Security Programme was implemented: Sophia, Agricola/Mc Doom, Plaisance, Buxton/ Friendship, Annandale/ Lusignan, Angoy’s Avenue, Overwinning/Glasgow/ Edinburgh, Port Mourant, Rose Hall and Kilcoy/ Chesney/Fyrish.

This network is yet another crime prevention effort, the Home Affairs Ministry) said in a release, and is intended to deal with youths who come into conflict with the law for the first time for minor offences.

Promoting peace

The CFCN aims to bring peace within communities by eliminating minor offences among youths such as cruelty to animals, threatening behaviour, damage to property, abusive language, and throw-

ing of missiles among others, while seeking to ensure that other options can be utilised to deal with youths who commit such offences, via counselling sessions rather than having them passing through the penal system.

The objectives of the programme include the creation of a mechanism for community problem-solving, which as an extension may lead to community building and improved Police-community relations. The religious leaders provide mediatory functions and mentorship to the firsttime offenders as a pre-emptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) and provide chaplaincy and counselling to law enforcement officers who may require such services.

An assessment and evaluation of the CFCN is currently being conducted with a view to determining whether it should be extended to other communities throughout the Policing Divisions.

Trace of another world found on Moon

Researchers have found evidence of the world that crashed into the Earth billions of years ago to form the Moon.

Analysis of lunar rock brought back by Apollo astronauts shows traces of the “planet” called Theia.

The researchers claim that their discovery confirms the theory that the Moon was created by just such a cataclysmic collision.

The study has been published in the journal Science.

The accepted theory since the 1980s is that the Moon arose as a result of a collision between the Earth and Theia 4.5 billion years ago.

Theia was named after a goddess in Greek mythology who was said to be the mother of Selene, goddess of the Moon. It is thought to have disintegrated on impact with the resulting debris mingling with that from the Earth and coalescing into the Moon.

It is the simplest explanation, and fits in well with computer simulations. The main drawback with the theory is that no-one had found any evidence of Theia

in lunar rock samples.

Earlier analyses had shown Moon rock to have originated entirely from the Earth whereas computer simulations had shown that the Moon ought to have been mostly derived from Theia.

Alien origin

Now a more refined analysis of Moon rock has found evidence of material thought to have an alien origin.

According to the lead researcher, Dr Daniel Herwartz, from the University of Goettingen, no-one has found definitive evidence for the collision theory, until now.

“It was getting to the stage where some people were suggesting that the collision had not taken place,” he told BBC News.

“But we have now discovered small differences between the Earth and the Moon. This confirms the giant impact hypothesis.”

But the difference, some say, could be explained by material absorbed by the Earth after the Moon formed.

And Prof Alex Halliday of Oxford University, is among

many scientists who are surprised that the difference between the Theian material found in the Moon rock and the Earth is so small.

“What you are looking for is a much bigger difference, because that is what the rest of the Solar System looks like based on meteorite measurements,” he said.

Dr Herwartz measured the difference in what is called the isotopic composition of the oxygen contained in rocks on Earth and Moon rock. This is the ratio of different forms of oxygen.

Studies of meteorites from Mars and the outer solar system show that these ratios are markedly different - rather like a fingerprint. So Prof Halliday and others are puzzled by the fact that the fingerprints of Earth and Theia seem almost identical.

Similar composition

One possibility is that Theia was formed very close to the Earth and so had a similar composition. If that was the case, it raises the possibility that the assumption that each planet in the current Solar System has a markedly different fingerprint needs to be revisited, according to Prof Halliday.

“It raises the question of how well the meteorites from Mars and the asteroid belt in the outer Solar System are representative of the inner Solar System? We do not have samples from Mercury or Venus.

“They may well be similar to the Earth. If that is the case then all the arguments over the similarities of the Earth and the Moon fall away,” he told BBC News.

A section of the gathering at the launch of GuyExpo 2014

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering

President Donald Ramotar addressing the launch

One mystery replaced by another: Traces of Theia have been found on the Moon but its composition is very similar to that of the Earth

Infant son of TT footballer dies after choking on car seat straps PM Gonsalves defends proposed passport law changes

The 10-month-old son of a member of the Soca Warrior squad now in Brazil died on Friday morning, moments after being dropped off at a daycare centre at Cicada Street, Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas.

The grandparents of Maitai Phillip said the child was dropped off at the daycare shortly after 06:00h. The child’s father is goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, who is expected back in Trinidad today. Less than an hour

later they received a message from staff at Anointed Angels saying the child was at the Chaguanas Health Facility and they needed to get there as soon as possible.

The child, they said, choked on the car seat straps. Relatives said they want a full investigation into the death. A release issued by the TTFA said Phillip was told of his son’s death shortly after 10:00h.

Phillip is now scheduled to leave for home this evening with Assistant Manager Peter Rampersad and is expected to arrive at Piarco at around midday today.

The Point Fortin Civic Centre custodian was the reserve goalkeeper in Wednesday’s friendly international against Argentina. He has been a member of TT Under 17, Under 20 Under 23 and Senior Teams. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Buggery could dominate

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has said that proposed changes to the Passport Act to be brought to Parliament next Tuesday will not protect persons who illegally issued travel documents.

The Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) had objected to the proposed changes, saying they, “appear to remove the possibility of bringing legal action against corrupt and unscrupulous passport officers who may have mis-conducted themselves over the past five years”.

But Gonsalves said this is not the case, adding, “The objects and reasons of this bill [are] to amend certain provisions of the existing law to effect better administration of the issuance of passports and to validate certain passport fees”.

Speaking on radio this week, Gonsalves explained that while Cabinet on February 26 approved fees for the e-passport and those charges came into effect on March 3, the legal provisions were not put in place.

“As happens from time to time, the new fees were not published or gazetted, so you had to validate them,” said Gonsalves, who has ministerial responsibilities for passports and legal affairs.

review of sex laws in Jamaica

Jamaica’s Government is about to start a review of the Sexual Offences Act, which is likely to affect other legislation and raise questions about how the Buggery Act will be treated in the process.

Gordon House announced on Thursday that a joint select committee of Parliament will begin taking form in the Senate today to review the Sexual Offences Act and “other pieces of leg-

islation which protect special groups”.

Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday night that although it is very likely that issues such as the buggery law will be highlighted during the discussions, the intention is not to introduce changes to the buggery law through the back door.

“There is a provision for reviewing the Sexual

Offences Act every five years, and the Act was promulgated in 2009,” Senator Golding explained.

He said that it was always his intention to have the review started this year. He added that when Opposition Senator Kamina Johnson Smith’s motion, seeking to have the legislation covering sexual offences against women and children was passed by the Senate recently, he was convinced

that it was the right time to do the review required under the law.

But the Minister acknowledged that since the review would be open to public submission it is likely that issues like repealing the buggery law, as well as the treatment of what he called “sexual minorities”, including lesbian, gay, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBTs), would dominate much of the deliberations. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Dutch Caribbean islands get more say in foreign affairs

The Netherlands will involve three islands in the Caribbean in the foreign policy of the Dutch Kingdom, it was agreed during the Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister's visit to Curacao, Aruba and St Maarten. Frans Timmermans’ visit to the Dutch Caribbean was to participate in the Kingdom Consultations on

Foreign Relations, which is a joint conference on the foreign policy of the Kingdom. The prime ministers of each island are also in charge of foreign relations in their respective governments.

In the Kingdom, defence and foreign affairs are the responsibility of the Netherlands. Timmermans agreed this week to consult

formally with the prime ministers of the three countries on an annual basis. In that discussion, the islands can present their priorities in the field of Dutch foreign policy.

One of these priorities is a relaxation of visa policy towards Colombians who want to visit Curacao. Now citizens of this country have to apply for a visa in

The Hague. Timmermans has committed to the abolition of the visa requirement.

The four countries have also agreed to start a campaign to make the Dutch Kingdom a temporary member of the UN Security Council. The three countries would then play an active role in this campaign. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Guatemala ex-Police Chief jailed for life by Swiss court

Guatemala’s ex-Police Chief Erwin Sperisen has been sentenced to life in prison in Switzerland over the deaths of seven prisoners in 2006. He was found guilty of involvement in extra-judicial killings committed during a police raid on the El Pavon prison outside Guatemala City. The 43-year-old was

tried in Geneva because he could not be extradited as he holds Swiss citizenship. His arrest in 2012 followed UN efforts to crack down on impunity in Guatemala.

The court found Sperisen had been involved in the deaths of seven inmates who were shot dead after security forces stormed the El Pavon prison and took back control from criminal gangs.

It said he was “jointly responsible” for six murders and was “directly responsible” for one. The former Police Chief has denied the charges. One of his lawyers said the ruling was “shocking” and announced that his client would appeal, AFP news agency reports.

Sperisen was acquitted in Geneva of charges relat-

ing to the deaths of three escaped prisoners in 2005. Appointed Guatemala Police Chief in 2004, he fled to Switzerland in 2007. Sperisen was tried under a law allowing Swiss nationals to be tried in their own country for crimes committed abroad. Corruption, violence and organised crime are rife in Guatemala. (Excerpt from BBC News)

(One

while

pay

Barbados economy continues to face “considerable economic challenges” – IMF

Ateam from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday continued talks with island officials as part of a monitoring programme on fiscal measures aimed at restructuring Government finances, agreed to last year.

Headed by Deputy Division Chief, of the Western Hemisphere, Nicole Laframboise, IMF representatives are meeting persons from the Finance Ministry, after having talks with Chamber of Commerce and Central Bank officials separately on Wednesday, and private bankers Tuesday.

The IMF visit is seen as a follow-up to a February consultation report when it stated that the island was suffering from a weak macroeconomic performance that began since 2008 and a contraction of the economy in 2013 by 0.7 per cent.

Chairman of the Private

Sector Agency, Alex McDonald, who participated in the Wednesday talks with the IMF told local media, “The talks were wide-ranging and informative on both sides”.

The IMF representatives reportedly told stake holders in the meetings so far, that they wanted direct feedback on the performance of Barbados’ fiscal and economic strategies.

The IMF February report followed a December visit by a team, also led by Laframboise.

At the end of that visit, the team stated, “The Barbados economy continues to face considerable economic challenges. The authorities agreed with staff on the need for urgent policy adjustments and deeper reforms over an extended period to restore fiscal and external sustainability…”

(Excerpt from Caribban360)

He noted that Vincentians applying for passports in St Vincent will pay EC$150

EC dollar = US$0.37 cents)

those applying in the United States will

US$150. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Soca Warriors goalkeeper Marvin Phillip with his baby son Maitai, who reportedly choked to death on Friday morning

Weak exports and tourism arrivals, slow growth, and expansive fiscal policy have led to a sharp increase in public debt and fiscal financing pressures

Hollande calls for “D-Day spirit”

speech, scenes from the invasion were re-enacted.

The 1944 landings – involving 156,000 troops –were the first stage of the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe.

By the end of D-Day on June 6, 1944, the Allies had established a foothold in France – an event that would eventually help bring the war to an end.

More than 4000 British, American and Canadian troops lost their lives on that first day of the battle.

Honouring the sacrifices of those who fought on D-Day, Francois Hollande has urged people to fight today’s threats to peace with equal vision and courage.

The French President was addressing world leaders and almost 2000 veterans in Normandy on the 70th anniversary of the momentous World War Two mission.

Around

BJP veteran elected Parliament Speaker

SThe Queen said the day was filled with “sorrow and regret” as well as “pride”. Earlier, the monarch laid a wreath at a military cemetery in Bayeux.

The main ceremony took place on the French northern coast at Sword Beach, the code name for one of the Allies’ five landing points where, following Hollande’s

Hollande said today’s threats included terrorism, global warming and mass unemployment.

Scores of migrants drown off Yemeni coast

At least 60 migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia along with two Yemeni crew members drowned on May 31 in the worst such tragedy off the coast of Yemen this year, the United Nations has said.

“The tragedy is the largest single loss of life of migrants and refugees attempting to reach Yemen via the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden this year,” Adrian Edwards, spokesman for the refugee agency UNHCR, said on Friday.

The UN Agency said it was still seeking information about the tragedy, but had confirmed that the boat sank last Saturday.

“The victims were reportedly buried by local residents after their bodies washed ashore near the Bab El Mandeb area off Yemen’s coast,” Edwards said, add-

ing that the UNHCR did not know where the boat began its journey.

The agency said they were working on measures to prevent the loss of life at sea and called on governments in the region to strengthen their search-and-rescue capacities.

AFP news agency reported that bad weather conditions off Dhubab, at the entrance to the Bab El Mandeb waterway between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea had caused the accident.

The UNHCR points out that at least 121 people have died so far this year trying to reach Yemen.

The agency said it had documented the arrival of 16,500 refugees and migrants on the Yemeni coast during the first four months of 2014 alone. At least 35,000 people had arrived in Yemen during the same period last year. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Speaking at the sundrenched event, and in the face of high temperatures, Hollande said: “It’s up to us to have the same vision, the same courage, to be just as bright and have the same determination as those who came to these beaches 70 years ago.”

The President also hailed “the courage of all these young men who came from all over the world to conquer – metre after metre, inch after inch – the beaches and the dunes”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

enior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Leader Sumitra Mahajan has been unanimously elected the Speaker of India’s Parliament, officials say.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Members of Parliament from all parties proposed her name in the Lok Sabha (the lower house) on Thursday.

Mahajan, 72, is an eightterm MP from Indore in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. A week-long session of the new Parliament began on Wednesday.

Ahead of Friday’s election, Mahajan told BBC Hindi that

Zimbabwe’s Mugabe calls Information Minister “devil incarnate”

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday branded his Information Minister a “devil incarnate”, accusing him of appointing editors of state-owned newspapers who were sympathetic to the Opposition.

Zimbabwe’s private media say an intense battle to succeed the 90-year-old Mugabe has sucked in the state-owned press.

Vice President Joice Mujuru and Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangangwa are seen as the frontrunners, while the veteran leader, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, has said the contest is open to other ZANU-PF leaders as well.

Mugabe said Jonathan Moyo, appointed Information Minister last year, was using the Government-controlled newspapers to sow divisions.

“I am saying this in light of what is happening now. When you have our Minister of Information wanting to pit people one against another, you don’t do things like that,” Mugabe said in remarks broadcast on stateowned radio.

Moyo was a strong critic of Mugabe’s rule while lecturing at the University of Zimbabwe before his first appointment as Information Minister in 2002. He was fired from the post by Mugabe in 2005 for standing as an independent candidate in parliamentary elections that year.

Moyo was withering in his criticism of Mugabe, calling him a “national security threat” in 2008, before he rejoined ZANU-PF in 2009 and became one of the major architects of Mugabe’s landslide victory in last July’s elections. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China says still no compensation from Vietnam for riot victims

China said on Friday it had received no compensation from Vietnam for losses inflicted by anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam last month, demanding that Hanoi pay up and punish assailants responsible for the widespread damage.

A flare-up in strained ties over disputed sovereignty in the South China Sea sparked last month’s protests after China towed an oil rig to an area claimed

by both sides. The issue triggered a rampage of arson, destruction and looting of Chinese-owned factories and businesses mistaken for being Chinese.

At least four people died. China has repeatedly pressed Vietnam to compensate its citizens and companies.

“As of today, Vietnam has not provided any compensation at all,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily

news briefing.

“We demand that Vietnam take earnest steps to guarantee the safety of Chinese bodies and personnel in Vietnam, severely punish the assailants who created the disturbances and fully compensate the losses of Chinese companies and individuals.”

Fighting between Vietnamese and Chinese workers broke out in central Ha Tinh province, killing at least four peo-

ple and wounding at least 100. About 4000 Chinese workers subsequently left Vietnam.

Chinese state energy firm CNOOC deployed dozens of ships in towing the US$1 billion oil rig to a spot 240 kilometres (150 miles) off Vietnam’s coast. Vietnam and China traded accusations last week over the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat not far from where the oil rig was parked. (Excerpt from Reuters)

she will work to ensure the Lok Sabha performs its legislative duties.

“I’ll stress on more work in the Lok Sabha. There should be good coordination between the treasury and Opposition benches to complete the agenda. People have great expectations, we have to increase work hours.”

Business was laboured in the last few sessions of the outgoing Parliament with unruly MPs often holding noisy protests. On one occasion, an MP even managed to smuggle in pepper spray and use it on some of his unsuspecting colleagues.

But Mahajan says she knows how to deal with such incidents. “Sometimes when children fight the mother scolds them with love, when they fight I might use this motherly attitude.” Lovingly called “Tai” –elder sister in Marathi –Mahajan is known for her amicable nature and has friends and admirers in all parties, says the Press Trust of India. The first day of the new Parliament was adjourned after a brief sitting which paid tribute to Rural Development Minister Gopinath Munde who died in a car crash on Tuesday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia and Ukraine discuss ceasefire

The American, Russian and incoming Ukrainian leaders have discussed, in separate meetings in France, a ceasefire and other possible steps to de-escalate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, reports said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held brief one-on-one talks on Friday with his US counterpart Barack Obama and Ukraine’s Petro Poroshenko, in a possible diplomatic breakthrough that played out amid continuing violence in eastern Ukraine.

In remarks to reporters, Putin said the meetings with Poroshenko and other Western leaders were positive, and described talks with Obama as “substantial”.

“I think the exchange of views was very positive,” he said after attending the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day alongside US, British, French and German leaders.

Putin, however, said that Poroshenko, who will take his oath as President of Ukraine on Saturday, must first stop “punitive” operations in the eastern part of his country.

“Ukraine must demonstrate its goodwill. The repressive operation must be stopped.”

It was the first meeting between the two men since pro-Western chocolate tycoon Poroshenko won Ukraine’s presidential election on May 25.

Poroshenko welcomed the start of a dialogue with Putin and said it has “a good chance” of succeeding.

“The dialogue has begun, and that’s a good thing,” he said on Ukrainian television.

“A Russian representative will travel to Ukraine, and we will discuss with him the first steps towards a plan [to resolve] the situation... We have a good chance of implementing it.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

By the end of D-Day on June 6, 1944, the Allies had established a foothold in France – an event that would eventually help bring the war to an end

Sumitra Mahajan (second from left) has been an MP for eight terms

US President Barack Obama and Russia’s Vladimir Putin also talked at the sideline of the D-Day commemoration (Reuters)

saturday, june 7, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

Gregory Smith was offered $1M to kill Rodney

ex spy says accused had reported to Mc Lean

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Despite claims by former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major General (retired) Norman Mc Lean that he had never met accused killer of Dr Walter Rodney, William “Gregory” Smith during his stint at as head of the Army, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Friday learnt that Smith was in fact reporting to the former Army number one.

Mc Lean on Thursday had told the Commission investigating the death of Rodney that Smith was at that time a deserter of the Force. He sought to convince the Commission that he never met Smith, while he headed the Force.

And that after Rodney’s death on June 13, 1980, and with the news spreading that Smith, a member of the GDF was implicated, he did not find it necessary to investigate a “sergeant allegedly involved in the killing”.

The Commission’s Counsel and other legal representatives at the CoI, found it hard to believe.

But Former Police Corporal Allan Robert Gates, who joined the Police Force back in 1977, said he

was informed by Smith himself that he was still a serving member of the Force. The two had met at the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Tiger Bay Office in February of 1980. He said Smith’s appearance at that time assumed to him that he might have been playing an undercover role for the GDF as well. Gates told the inquiry that he was being used by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to spy on the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

He described Smith’s appearance, noting that his face was bearded and hair “afro-like”. He said he came to the conclusion that Smith “was probably doing the same thing I am doing”, since it was not a norm for a serving member of the Army to “be like that”, unless they had a medical condition or working undercover.

Gates related that he immediately pulled Smith at the side of the building, finding out his reason for being there. He said Smith’s response was short and simple, since like him, Smith did not want to say too much at that stage. He said Smith told him that he was doing some “technical stuff” for Dr Walter Rodney, while he disclosed that he was working

undercover. That “technical stuff”, he said he later learnt was the assembling of walkie-talkies.

Three persons Gates said he enquired from Smith who he was reporting to. His response was that he was reporting to three persons: Norman Mc Lean from the GDF, Laurie Lewis from the GPF and an officer he referred to only as Chichester aka “Chico”.

He said they met several times after that at various bars around the city to

discuss their plans. They had also on one occasion met together with former KGB agent Brazhned – he was introduced by Officer Chichester. According to him, Smith was also introduced to the Russian technician as well since he too was receiving technical advice at the expense of the GDF. It was at one of their several meetings, Gates said that Smith related to him that he was being offered $1 million and free passage out of Guyana to give Dr Rodney an explosive device. He said

prior to that information, Smith had indicated that Dr Rodney had wanted him to build a “high profile” walkie-talkie. However, he disclosed that he did not have the expertise. Gates said that Smith told him that he turned to his superiors who had offered to assist him.

According to Smith, his superiors said that they would have the walkie-talkie made in Russia, since it could not be made here.

Devious plan

However, their plan was to instead of giving him a walkie-talkie, to give him an explosive. Gates said the plan was detailed to him by Smith and he tried to dissuade him from carrying out such acts, warning him that he would be killed anyhow. He said that was the last time he spoke with Smith until sometime after Dr Rodney’s death. He said at the time of Rodney’s death, he was already in Sand Hills, a village up the Berbice River. He said that Smith grew up with his uncle in a village a few miles from where he lived. Gates said he had ventured back up the riverine village to

seek refuge, since he himself was expected to participate in the death of another WPA activist, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. (See story on page3)

He said he was fearful for his life after he did not carry out the request and said some days after Dr Rodney’s death, a yellow Bell 6, a helicopter used by the GDF, was seen hovering over his village. He said his first thought was that he was being sought after. He said he did not pay too much attention anyhow, since he was trying to hide away. That same day he said he saw Gregory Smith’s cousin. He said he asked him when was the last time he saw Smith. Gates said the man’s reply was that Smith was in the area a few days before and had appeared “nervous”, relating that the Police “were looking for me to kill me”, Gates said he was told by the cousin. Gregory Smith grew up in the riverine community of De Veldt, some 50 miles up the Berbice River from New Amsterdam, Gates related. According to Gates, he grew up with his uncle, before leaving the village to join the GDF.

Dr Ramsammy lauds IICA’s support to Guyana

Leslie Ramsammy delivering the feature address at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture’s accountability seminar

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Friday hosted its accountability seminar to review the activities that were executed in Guyana during 2013 to date, and to discuss the new medium-term plan and its priority areas.

Delivering the feature address at the seminar at the Regency Hotel, Agriculture Minister, Dr

Leslie Ramsammy expressed gratitude to IICA for the support it has been giving Guyana in the area of agriculture.

The organisation’s work in Guyana has had a significant impact on the growth of the agriculture sector, Minister Ramsammy said while underscoring that the work of ICCA in Guyana is multifaceted.

The Minister spoke of the importance of partnership

and criticised the way some organisations have been operating in terms of partnering in this very important sector.

Food and nutrition security is very important, he said, and should be a priority of every Government in the region, in order to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty by 2020.

The Agriculture Minister used the opportunity to urge ICCA and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to develop stronger partnerships with countries like Guyana and work together to achieve this common goal.

Speaking on the issue of climate change, Minister Ramsammy also called on ICCA to assist Guyana in working to address this issue, as Guyana continues to strive in the area of agriculture and becoming the bread basket of the Caribbean.

“One of the impediments we may address is to how we can manage water… water management is a global priority and it is critical to agriculture,” Minister Ramsammy pointed out. The most successful agriculture areas in Guyana are sugar and rice, and Minister Ramsammy explained that the reason these two crops have been doing well is because of the value chain,

which is lacking in other areas.

“The talk of increased productivity is an idle talk if there isn’t a value chain… We have to work more closely…We have done a tremendous job in developing the Agriculture Sector in Guyana when compared to other countries, but we have failed to develop the value chains,” he said.

Food import bill

Minister Ramsammy called on all stakeholders within the sector to play their part if the region is to reduce its food importation

bill which currently stands at a whopping US$5.2 billion.

Meanwhile, IICA representative Wilmot Garnett highlighted the agency’s technical cooperation agreement over the last two years and its new mediumterm plan and the many successful collaborative efforts to boost the agriculture sector in Guyana.

Over the years, farmers across the country have benefited significantly through collaboration with IICA and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute

(NAREI). Notable is the collaboration with several local organisations and rural groups which would have benefited from projects. President of the Guyana Apiculture Association, Linden Stewart; Administrator of the Women’s Agroprocessors Development Network, Lolita Williams; and Doreen Jacobis of Tapakuma, Region Two, who spoke of the transformation which has occurred and has aided in the advancement of their respective groups.

Agriculture Minister, Dr

A section of the gathering at the seminar

Former GDF Chief-of-Staff, Major General (retired) Norman

McLean on the stand on Thursday

GuySuCo workers not reinstated

... still no tribunal monies

After several days of industrial action by sugar workers under representation by the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and inaction by Guyana Sugar Company (GuySuCo), NAACIE is preparing to take its case to the higher authorities.

When Guyana Times spoke with General Secretary of NAACIE Kenneth Joseph on Monday, he said that the union has had several unfruitful deliberations with the management of GuySuCo and as such, plans are now in train to meet with the Labour Ministry in pursuit of a resolution to the issue.

Uitvlugt sugar workers from GuySuCo are demanding the complete reinstatement of three workers who were summarily dismissed by GuySuCo earlier this month, after allegedly and subsequently failing to adhere to specific instructions.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Tuesday afternoon, registered his disgust with the way the workers were dismissed, noting that procedure was not followed when the workers were relieved of their positions.

He said “GuySuCo has no interest in due process” as he explained that strike action by the workers will continue, possibly until their colleagues are reinstated.

It was explained that prior to the workers being dismissed, they were supposed to be given a warning letter to provide explanation on the matter. Subsequent to that, the workers were supposed to be provided with an opportunity to explain themselves.

This procedure was indeed not followed as the workers were dismissed after receiving the letters and failing to respond in writing. Joseph contended that “there were instructions for the workers to be dismissed” from the “higher-ups” in the company.

He said that it would appear as though GuySuCo has taken the position of trying to “show who’s stronger” when the company took action to dismiss the workers and subsequently refusing to reinstate them.

“They just stick behind it whether they are right or wrong” said Joseph.

According to Joseph, the men are contending that they are not guilty of the offences that were levelled against them.

However, the sugar company in a

statement to the media said that the workers were also found to be guilty of “serious misconduct” as they also collected more monies that they should have for the work done.

GuySuCo claimed two field foremen and a field supervisor were dismissed on May 13 after they failed to respond in writing to the charges against them by the stipulated time frame.

The company pointed out that it would have dispatched the letters to the workers on February 8 and February 27 respectively with the expectation of receiving a reply.

However no reply was given and the men were dismissed.

“The corporation deems the infraction as allegedly committed by the foremen as serious misconduct, which in accordance with the disciplinary code is treated with summary dismissal” said GuySuCo in the statement as it further defended its reasons for the dismissal of the workers.

Joseph had also posited that there was a stalemate between the union and GuySuCo over the payout of monies awarded in a recently concluded tribunal and the union is now deliberating the way forward.

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul, had called on the corporation to honour its obligation and pay the workers.

He said there should be no reason why the corporation should not pay the NAACIE workers.

Dr Gopaul told Guyana Times that his Ministry had met with both parties, and while the Ministry cannot command GuySuCo to pay the monies, it had suggested that the sugar company consider meeting the demands of the union.

However, the Labour Minister maintained that his Ministry cannot make “pronouncements” on the issue between the two bodies, but can offer suggestions, and that is what it has done.

Dr Gopaul also explained that the decision was arrived at after carefully examining the outcome of the tribunal.

GuySuCo employees represented by NAACIE had downed tools, protesting unpaid salaries.

The union in a release had said workers were protesting the non-payment of salaries that were supposed to be paid to 137 workers, in a move to have irregularities in the salary structure rectified.

“The issue has been the result of a very long battle by NAACIE to cause the anomalies that were created by the across-the-board payment made to all workers, regardless of their responsibilities to work, their productivity and importance of their jobs to the corporation,” the release said.

However, just a few hours after the strike action ensued, GuySuCo’s Human Resources Director Jairam Petam had issued a release stating that the strike action was unofficial, and in violation of existing grievance procedures.

While he maintained that the operations of the sugar company were not significantly compromised as a result of the industrial action, Petam posited that at the Blairmont Estate where 39 staff members had downed tools, the payroll for that estate had been affected .

It explained that the tribunal made its award, after presentations by the union and GuySuCo, April last. Subsequently, the award which was within the terms of reference, rectified the anomalies the union had objected to.

FAO Food Price Index down for second consecutive month

TheFoodand Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index was down for the second consecutive month in May, continuing its retreat from the 10-month high it experienced in March. Prices fell as generally ample supplies weighed on international prices for most commodities included in the Index.

Meanwhile, a companion monthly report, the FAO Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, shows the outlook for the global cereal supply in the 2014/15 marketing season has improved considerably since the previous report in May.

The Food Price Index, based on the prices of a basket of internationally-traded food commodities, averaged 207.8 points in May 2014, down 2.5 points (or 1.2 per cent) from April, and nearly seven points, or 3.2 per cent, below the May 2013 level.

The index had risen to a 10-month high of 213 points in March, but fell in April and May amid lower dairy, cereal and vegetable oil prices. Sugar prices went against the trend, making strong gains in May, while meat remained firm.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 204.4 points in May, down 2.4 points (or 1.2 per cent) from April and 30 points (or 13 per cent) below last year. The decline in May was mostly triggered by maize prices, which fell in response to favourable growing conditions and good supply prospects in 2014/15. Wheat

prices, which had contributed to price increases in previous months, partly amid fears of disruptions to trade flows from Ukraine, also fell, while rice prices saw little change.

“We went into May with concerns over unfavourable weather conditions, especially in the US, and geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region, but towards the second half of May, we began to see lower wheat prices following improved weather conditions and the continuation of regular shipping patterns from the Ukraine,” said FAO Senior Economist Abdolreza Abbassian.

Vegetable oils averaged 195.3 points in May, down 3.7 points (or 1.8 per cent) from April, reflecting lower quotations of palm, soy and rapeseed oils.

Some adjustments

Following a period of limited export supplies and exceptionally high prices in 2013 and early 2014, the market for dairy commodities is undergoing some adjustment as the production outlook improves. The FAO Dairy Price Index averaged 238.9 points in May, representing a second sharp monthly fall, and a decline of 12 points (or five per cent) over April.

Meat prices averaged 189.1 points in May, nearly unchanged from April.

Sugar was up, averaging 259.2 points in May, up 9.3 points (or 3.7 per cent), from April, amid early forecasts

of a possible production deficit for the 2014/15 season and El Niño-related weather concerns.

FAO’s monthly update on the world cereal market, the Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, puts world cereal production in 2014 at nearly 2480 million tonnes (including rice in milled terms), almost one per cent (21.5 million tonnes) higher than was reported in May, though still 1.4 per cent down from 2013.

Global production of coarse grains stands at 1274 million tonnes, 18.6 million tonnes higher than reported in May, with most of the upward adjustment reflecting improved outlook for maize crops in the US and bigger than earlier anticipated maize harvests in Argentina and Brazil.

World wheat production in 2014 is forecast at nearly 703 million tonnes, up marginally from the May forecast, though down from the previous year. Rice production in 2014 is expected to reach about 503 million tonnes (milled basis), 1.9 million more than foreseen last month, and 1.2 per cent more than in 2013.

The forecast for world cereal stocks by the close of crop seasons ending in 2015 has been raised by almost 10 million tonnes since May, to 576 million tonnes. Based on the latest forecast, the global cereal stocks-to-use ratio could reach a 10-year high of 23.1 per cent, up marginally from 2013/14.

Businessman jailed for fraud

ACraig businessman was slapped with a prison sentence of three years for nine counts of fraud when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Gopaul Tiwarie, 46, had pleaded guilty to eight counts of false pretence and one count of fraudulent conversion.

On May 31, Tiwarie, with intent to defraud, obtained $200,000 from Christopher Daniels by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell a Land Cruiser, and $4.6 million from Rodwell Chillcott by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell one excavator. The third charge stated that between February 1 and 28, he obtained $7 million from Ryan Aldolphus by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell a parcel of commercial land at Eccles Industrial Site, Greater Georgetown.

The fourth charge stated that on March 7, Tiwarie obtained $400,000 from Basil Bhagwandin by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell a motor car, while the fifth charge noted that on April 4, being

solely entrusted with the sum of US$2000 by Richard Austin, to buy windows and building materials, he fraudulently converted same to his own use.

Also on May 31, the defendant obtained $100,000 from Jagdatt Ramsaywack to purchase 50 tyres and pretended that he was in a position to sell a motor car. The seventh offence noted that between May 21 and 23, he obtained $400,000, from Maureen Gomes by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell one minibus.

The eighth charge said between January 1 and April 30, Tiwarie obtained money from Ezel Prescott to sell a house lot at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The last charge stated that between January 1 and April 30, Tiwarie obtained $2.5 million from Oswin Adolphus for two house lots at Eccles and a Bedford Truck, by falsely pretending that he was in position to sell same.

Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who appeared on the defendant’s behalf, told the Court that his client is married with three children and has a sick mother and a brother suffering with cancer to take care of.

Cereal prices are down and forecasts for production have been revised upward

General Secretary of NAACIE Kenneth Joseph

SUDOKU

22Jan. 19)

You can’t get rid of insecurities by spending on luxury items. Make a list of your good qualities, and you will discover that you have a lot going for you.

20Feb. 19)

You may be missing a vital piece of information. If the answer is not clear, ask questions until you have a better understanding. Don’t be tempted to blow your budget with extensive home improvements.

20-March 20)

You’ll have second thoughts and will feel growing uncertainty regarding a partnership. Honour the time you’ve invested and see matters through to the end. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

It’s time to tie up loose ends. Finish pending projects and organise your personal papers. You will be satisfied with what you accomplish, leaving you room to take on a new challenge.

Contractual agreements or legal decisions should be put on hold for the moment. Take the time to do your research carefully, or you may put yourself in financial jeopardy.

(May 21June 20)

Make sure your intentions are clear. You will lose valuable allies if you are too vague or wishywashy. Take a stand and stick to your plans.

By Bernice Bede Osol

21July 22)

You can make meaningful advances in your career. Feel out the situation and consider asking for a promotion. Make a point to draw attention to your positive work habits.

(July 23Aug. 22)

You will be faced with a variety of conflicting emotions. Love and romance will be on your mind, but keep both feet on the ground. Your work will suffer if you become distracted.

23Sept. 22)

Keep your priorities straight. Don’t let your desire to have fun cause you to become lax in your responsibilities. You don’t want your reputation to take a hit.

23Oct. 23)

Don’t allow others to take advantage of your good nature. If you are faced with someone else’s personal problem, don’t meddle; just suggest that he or she find a qualified counsellor.

24Nov. 22)

A donation or fee may have strings attached. It may be difficult to say no, but you will be disappointed and short of funds if you don’t get what you expect in return.

23Dec. 21)

You’ll have a problem separating reality from fantasy. All is not as it seems. Take a closer look at the situation before you make a commitment.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Fourth Annual Digicel Schools Football Tournament launched

Participants in this year's Digicel schools' football championships can expect to walk away with bigger, better prizes, aimed at school enhancement. Already in its fourth year, the tournament which draws the participation of several secondary schools country-wide, was officially launched on Friday, inside the auditorium of the Christianburg Wismar Secondary school (CWSS) in Linden. The tournament which was launched under the theme 'Unite, Develop, Excel' will see schools participating for the grand prize of a million dollars in cash, bragging trophies and other prizes. The launch of the event saw the attendance of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel Guyana, Gregory Deane, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, Linden InterimManagement Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon, CWSS Headmaster Cleveland Thomas and defending champions of the CWSS football team, among others.

In an address to the gathering, Digicel representative Laverne Fraser said through the sport, the company has provided youths with the opportunity to develop, participate and compete meaningfully.

"Digicel doesn't see football as just a 'game' or 'sport,'they see it as an opportunity for the youths participating to be able to grow,"she outlined.

Solomon, in his address, thanked the company for

its corporate involvement in sports throughout Guyana and challenged it to provide similar equal opportunities for female footballers.

Thomas, in his address to the gathering thanked the major sponsor of the championships for chosing the venue to launch the tournament, noting that he was pleased to have it held eld at the institution. He maintained that the winning trophy will return to the CWSS defending champions this year. Thomas noted that football has been able to provide an enabling environment for students to improve their attitudes. He charged the students to aim for greatness, noting that the sport may create greater avenues for them to develop.

"Through this tournament, the head-teacher and staff, we have seen great improvement in the children under comradry...that is why I looked forward with great anticipation to this year's tournament, be-

cause this beautiful trophy will no longer wander out of the Christianburg Wismar Secondary school,"Thomas said.

Digicel representative Jacqueline James told those present that the tournament is aimed at uniting communities, friends, families and students who share common passion in football. She said it also aims at making students improved, stronger, focused individuals, through creating stronger bonds, friendships and team spirit. In addition, she related that several students who participated in the championships over the years were drafted under the Guyana junior national football team, while also emphasizing that Digicel has a continued commitment to the development of sports.

"Of course you have to be disciplined to excel, and these students have done their best, all students who participate have done their best to show their talents

and skills...have developed self esteem and become more disciplined."

Some new venues including areas in Regions 1,3, 6,7 and 9 have been added this year. Over 124 schools have been confirmed to participate in the championships. Twelve new schools from Region 1 have been added to the list of schools competing in this year's tournament. Some participating teams include Buxton Youth Development, Waramadong, Marcia Craig Institute, Woodly Park Secondary, Sand Creek, among others. All Regional finalists will be rewarded and the top school in each Region will receive $100,000 to go towards school enhancement projects. All teams advancing to the quarter finals will be rewarded with a smart phone compliments of Digicel. The fourth place team will receive $250,000, third place $400,000, while the prize for the school placing second place will be $600,000.

Bolt skips Golden Spike, Paris

Diamond League meets

– world’s fastest man unsure when he’ll resume competing

Usain Bolt said he will skip the Golden Spike meet in the Czech Republic city of Ostrava and a Diamond League meet in Paris because he is behind with his training following a foot injury.

"I had to miss some training in late March and early April due to a foot injury," Bolt said in a message to the organizers on Friday. "Thankfully, my

foot is 100 per cent healthy now and I am back in full training."

But, "due to the training that I missed I am behind where I am at normally at this time of year and will not be ready to race in the Ostrava Golden Spike meet or Meeting Areva in Paris."

The Golden Spike is scheduled for June 17, and the six-time Olympic champion was to race for the seventh time there. US sprint -

er Justin Gatlin, who set a year-leading time of 9.87 seconds last month, will replace Bolt in Ostrava, organizers said.

The Paris meet is on July 5.

Bolt said it was not clear yet when he might return to competing.

"It is important for me to take my time this year as I have three tough years ahead in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as I attempt to defend

Chris Gayle "excited" for Limacol CPL 2014

With just five weeks before the start of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014, Jamaica Tallawahs Captain, Christopher Henry Gayle, had a chat with the Limacol CPL team yesterday about his thoughts going into The Biggest Party in Sport.

The 6 feet 4 inch hardhitting opening Batsman was speaking at the Lucas Cricket Club Ground in Kingston, Jamaica where he launched his Chris Gayle Academy. The Academy in Jamaica is aimed to "transform the lives of disadvantaged children in Jamaica by improving access to good quality education, training and employment".

"Cramps" - as he is more affectionately called - is known for his gratitude to Lucas Cricket Club as he said; "Lucas saved me" and continued by saying; "Without Lucas, I don't know where I would be today…maybe on the streets."

my world and Olympic titles," he said. "I definitely plan to compete this season."

Bolt previously said his goal for 2014 was to break his own 200-metre world record of 19.19.

Last year, Bolt won the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay at the world championships. He won the same three races at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the 2009 Worlds. (AP)

Looking ahead to this year’s Limacol CPL which is just five weeks away, the only batsman to hit a six off the first ball of a test match, has upbeat comments ahead of the second staging of the tournament.

"I feel very excited and honoured to play in the Limacol CPL once again. As defending Champions, a lot of pressure will be on us, but I feel that we have

the strength to do very well this season". Gayle who has the fastest 100 in T20 History commented; " With 11 Jamaicans in our 15 man squad chemistry, cohesion won’t be an issue and, as Jamaicans, we are warm people, so our four overseas players will feel right at home".

Chris Gayle is still suffering from a back strain that he picked up a few months ago prior to the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh but he says he will be fine heading into his 100th test match against New Zealand on Sunday. "Put percentages of how fit I am aside, no matter what, I will be fit, ready and raring to go, I would like to make the fans at Sabina Park happy and that will be my aim for this landmark occasion".

The Jamaica Tallawahs are the defending Champions of the Limacol CPL as they won seven of their nine games in the inaugural season. Interestingly, the Jamaica Tallawahs are the only team to beat all five other franchises in the 2013 edition. Chris Gayle, alongside his 14 Tallawahs will be hoping for glory come July; "I would just like to say to the Tallawah Fans to come out in your numbers at Sabina Park, we promise to give a good account of ourselves and expect nothing less than the best - Wi Likkle But Wi Tallawah".

Chris Gayle

Defending champs Christianburg Wismar Secondary school at the launch

Nadal and Djokovic set up Sunday scorcher

The belated appearance of the blazing sun at what had been a cold and chilly French Open until Friday allowed Rafa Nadal to scorch past Andy Murray and set up a hotlyanticipated final with Novak Djokovic.

Murray's bid to become the first British man in 77 years to reach the Roland Garros showpiece wilted away in a 6-3 6-2 6-1 pasting by the world number one who now stands just one win away from lifting the Musketeers' Cup for a ninth time.

To do that he will need to beat his great Serbian rival, who showed Ernests Gulbis that a French Open final is no place for a tennis wild child as he beat the Latvian 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-3 to keep alive his dreams of completing a career grand slam.

While Djokovic spent some of his youth honing his world-beating tennis skills in a drained swimming pool in Belgrade, Gulbis, the son of one of Latvia's richest men, was busy enjoying the high life.

Djokovic's two-decade long dedication to his craft

was clear for all to see on Friday as despite struggling with the heat late in the third set, he hung in there to finish off the match in four sets and spare his reddening coach Boris Becker from opening up a second bottle of sunblock.

"I'm glad I won in four sets because if it went to a fifth, God knows in which direction the match could go," the six-times grand slam champion said after beating his childhood friend.

"Suddenly midway through the third set I started to feel physically fatigued a little bit. You could see that both me and him, we struggled on the court."

Nowhere was that struggle more evident than in the fourth set because after Gulbis had broken back in the third game, Djokovic's anger boiled over.

He smashed his racket on the red dirt and left it a mangled mess. With the crowd loudly whistling at his petulance, he raised his arms to apologize before giving the racket another bashing by slamming it to the ground behind his bench.

Becker, who spent the

changeovers applying more and more sunblock on his arms and face, gestured to his charge from the stands to put an iced towel around his neck.

Djokovic heeded the German's advice and also donned a baseball cap before he returned to the task in hand and eventually broke for a 5-3 lead before sealing victory.

Gulbis produced some nonchalant dropshots, crafty angles and thunder-

ous backhands but never really threatened to stop Djokovic from setting up a 42nd meeting with Nadal.

Djokovic rattled through the final game to love, sealing the match with a bonecrunching forehand that left Gulbis stirred and shaken following his first foray into a grand slam semi. "I'm not used to playing these kind of big matches. It's just normal I felt extra nervous and extra tense ... it was a struggle out there,"

Six-goal Germany crush Armenia in final warmup

Germany produced a dazzling display of attacking football to thrash Armenia 6-1 in their last World Cup warmup on Friday but Marco Reus could be in doubt for the finals after twisting his ankle.

The Germans, looking to end an 18-year wait for an international title, scored all their goals in the second half after midfielder Reus was taken to hospital for checks after being injured in the 43rd minute.

Mario Goetze struck twice and Lukas Podolski, Andre Schuerrle, Benedikt Hoewedes and Miroslav Klose, who became his country's alltime top scorer with 69 goals, were also on target as the hosts hit five goals in 18 minutes.

"It was obvious we were much fresher today," coach Joachim Loew told reporters, referring to Sunday's 2-2 draw with Cameroon. "In the second half we upped the tempo as well.

"When we switch on that turbo my team can do a lot of things. I am looking forward to the tournament."

Germany, who take on Portugal, Ghana and United States in World Cup Group G later this month, were without first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer who is recovering from a shoulder injury.

Neuer, expected to be fit for the group opener against Portugal, was replaced by Borussia Dortmund's Roman Weidenfeller for the second consecutive international.

The deputy keeper was rarely called into action as Germany took the initiative from the start. They missed early chances through Reus and Thomas Mueller, starting as the only forward with Klose on the bench.

Reus missed several good chances before he was hurt, an injury that instantly silenced the 27,000 crowd.

Germany's Jerome Boateng (R) challenges Armenia's Ghazaryan during their international friendly soccer match in Mainz

Schuerrle, who also scored on Sunday, gave the fans something to cheer when he drilled the ball in after 52 minutes following good work from Podolski.

Mesut Ozil, a second-half substitute after recent below-par performances, rattled the post with a low drive before Armenia levelled when Henrikh Mkhitaryan beat Dortmund team mate Weidenfeller with a 69thminute penalty.

Germany then put their foot on the gas to fire five goals in an explosive finish.

Podolski, hitting top form at just the right time, picked up a clever

pass from Ozil to score in the 71st minute before Hoewedes added another goal two minutes later.

"We have to be ready from the very first game," said Podolski after claiming his first international goal for more than a year. "That is where it counts because if you win that first game then you can benefit from a big tailwind."

Klose, who came on as a substitute, broke Gerd Mueller's 40-year Germany record by notching a 69th goal on his 132nd appearance with a diving header.

Goetze completed the rout with a late double. (Reuters)

said Gulbis, who is said to have traveled to junior matches on his father's private jet and helicopters.

Murray will also be jetting out of Paris earlier than he would have wanted after being subjected to a 100-minute mauling on Nadal's personal playground, with the Scot winning just 10 points on the Spaniard's serve.

There had been much talk of whether Murray's new-found confidence after winning two grand slam titles since the last time they met at Roland Garros, in the 2011 semi-finals, would allow him to break Nadal's 5-0 claycourt hold over him.

But the Spaniard took all of 10 minutes to snuff out those ambitions as he romped to a 3-0 lead and from there on there was an air of doom hanging over the British camp.

Nadal simply did not allow the match to become a real contest on the hottest day of the championships, with the mercury touching 28 degrees Celsius, and a rip-roaring smash ended Murray's misery.

Not much went Murray's way on Friday but if there

was one statistic that summed up his forgettable afternoon - Nadal won six out of six break points while the Wimbledon champion won none from none.

"That's the toughest match I have played against him," Murray said after losing for the 15th time in 20 meetings against the champion.

"He served well and I didn't return well. Simple. He was just battering the next ball into the corner.

"It was a bad, bad day." For Nadal, it was a brilliant day.

The top seed's Roland Garros win-loss record now stands at 65-1 and only the brave would bet against Nadal becoming the first man to win five successive titles at the home of claycourt tennis when he takes on Djokovic on Sunday.

"As a kid it was my dream to play here at Roland Garros, after 10 years of coming here to be playing in my ninth final is unbelievable," the Spaniard said after chalking up his 34th consecutive victory on the Paris clay. (Reuters)

Justin Rose drawn with Phil Mickelson in US Open defence

England's Justin Rose has been drawn to play with Phil Mickelson as he begins the defence of his US Open title at Pinehurst on 12 June.

Open champion Mickelson finished joint second at Merion 12 months ago in the only Major the American has not won.

The pair will play with Sheffield's US Amateur Champion Matt Fitzpatrick.

Irishman Rory McIlroy tees off from the 10th with 2010 winner and fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell and 2012 champion Webb Simpson.

The US Open provided McIlroy with his first Major title when he won at Congressional in 2011.

For the first time in four years, organisers avoided the temptation to put the top three players in the

world rankings together, a popular ploy that had generated plenty of hype and attracted huge galleries during previous US Opens.

While world number one Adam Scott and third ranked Bubba Watson have been grouped together with 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel, world number two Swede Henrik Stenson will play in the company of American Matt Kuchar and England’s Lee Westwood.

Spain’s Sergio Garcia begins his bid for a first major title alongside Australia’s Jason Day and American Brandt Snedeker.

Three of golf’s youngest stars have also been drawn together, the grouping of Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama and Rickie Fowler having a combined age of just 67. (BBC Sport)

Rafael Nadal

Phil Mickelson

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

Large two-flat house at Richmond Hill Linden. Phone: 226-9424, 662-0094, 609-6327 or 673-4516.

Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592621-0552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:00-6:00PM. Mondays-Fridays. Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

& Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

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

PAGES

Cooltech Repair Service and Sales. All types of air conditioning, refrigeration, washing machine etc. Call 233-2008, 675-4959

Repairs and parts for fridges, freezers, AC, washers and gas stoves. Phone: 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick)

Cheap earth; delivery to spot; ECD, EBD, WBD and WCD. Phone 627-9977 or 698-0182 Garden earth and builder's waste; also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling. Call 616-0617,663-3285

Get your home or business spiritually clean to enhance good luck and prosperity. Telephone: 687-5653

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:00-16:00h

Email:anew-life@live.com

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirits, bad luck, evil, sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to businesses. Call: 612-6417, 2200708, 687-5653.

Suriname Astrology Palmist and Djuka Healing, the most powerful spiritualist in the world. Are you suffering from the following problems (any religion) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband & wife relationship, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking? Also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeah, etc and give powerful protection. We also do upliftment for clearing of land, dredging operations strictly in the interior. For private and confidential service call 674-2112.

Spiritualist loves your problem! Love, prosperity, business, illness, removes bad luck & evil. Removal of black magic etc. Phone: 674-8603.

One furnished house in immaculate condition at Lamaha Gardens suitable for residence and office. US$2,500 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One modern 3 bedroom apartment at Campbellville US$1,300 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One bond 135,000 square foot at Beterverwagting, ECD US$10,000. Call 219-4535 or 661-7169

Spacious 8-bedroom top flat; 3 bathrooms; 2 balconies; light & water negotiable. US$2,500 monthly. Lot 3233 Dr Miller Street, Triumph, ECD next to Republic Bank proposed building site. Phone: 220-2254/220-2130/6247111.

Seven-room bungalow. Ideal for students, groups, short & long term rental - Triumph, ECD. Phone: 2202130/624-7111/622-7097. Self contained apartments, fully furnished. Phone: 220-2130/6247111/622-7097.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L

SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 622-7740

Nissan Titan, very good condition leather interior, fully loaded $2.5M negotiable. Call: 620-1026.

BMW 525i, M body kit, excellent condition, low mileage, price negotiable. Call: 620-1026

One female babysitter to work in Georgetown and must be from Georgetown. Age 40-45. Must be willing to work late. Call 614-5711 between 9am - 5pm. Bedford truck, bobcat and excavators. Phone: 627-9977 or 698-0182

Emotional Gayle delivers cryptic message during academy launch

Emotional and tearyeyed as his academy was launched yesterday at Lucas Cricket Club, West Indies player Christopher Gayle, known for his hard-hitting style when batting, aimed a few mysterious blows in the direction of the Jamaica government.

Near the tail-end of a substantial speech, relating boyhood stories and his early years at Lucas CC, the Jamaican left-handed opener, who is on the verge of playing his hundredth Test match, changed the pace of proceedings with a cryptic message.

"I've only asked my country for two things ever. I've asked for two simple, simple things from the government and they told me 'no'... and I'm not going to get into details of what it is," the 34-year-old told those in attendance.

Continuing, Gayle, said he will not make a third request, while adding that the late West Indies and Jamaica all-rounder Laurie Williams had also been refused a favour before he died in a car crash at age 33 in 2002.

"I've done so much for hospitals here, schools and everything, and I ask my country for a small favour.

"I remember another national cricketer, Laurie

Williams asked for a favour from the government, he died and didn't get it, and that's a man who represented his country.

"I've seen people who haven't done much or anything at all for the country getting a lot of privilege, and that's very, very disappointing. And I'm saying this now, it's for all you bigger heads [those in charge] out there. I'm disappointed in you all."

Jamaica Observer spoke to Gayle after the launch, he again refused to say what requests were turned down.

Asked if he believes the Government has done enough for sport persons in Jamaica, Gayle's response was quick:

"Yes, they have, honestly. They are making progress, it would be unfair to come here and say they haven't done things to help sports."

Persons close to the big left-hander also appeared unwilling or unable to explain the reason for the unusual outburst from the normally laid-back Gayle.

Efforts to contact Minister with Responsibility for Sports Natalie Neita Headley proved futile up to press time yesterday.

The Chris Gayle Academy, in association with the England-based charity organisation Cricket

For Change (C4C), was launched through a 28,000 pounds scholarship from the British Airways' Community and Conservation Bursary Programme, and additional support from bat-maker Spartan.

The resources will be used to train young people, using sport as a development tool in communication and leadership skills.

The three programmes to be run over the next three years through the academy are the Gayle Academy Team, Gayle's Big 6 Schools Programme and Gayle's Big 6 Club Programme.

"Giving back in this sense is fantastic because last year's launch was overseas and I had to get one here where it all began. I'm really happy with how things panned out today and I hope the guys put it to good use and hopefully they'll respect each other and coaches can guide them," Gayle said.

Andy Sellins, the chief executive officer of C4C said "the plan is to engage at-risk youth" in aiding them to be employment prospects.

The first Chris Gayle Academy rolled out in London in 2013 in partnership with charity entity Comic Relief, British Airways and Spartan.

In 2012, Gayle had unveiled a nursery in his name at Lucas CC. (Jamaica

Diego Costa: Chelsea want to sign player before the World Cup

71 goals in the Premier League this season, 31 fewer than champions Manchester City, who finished four points ahead of them.

Chelsea are keen to complete the £32m signing of Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa before the start of the World Cup next Thursday.

Chelsea have met the buyout clause in the 25-year-old's contract but are understood to be frustrated at a lack of progress.

A club source said: "Chelsea look forward to entering into formal transfer documentation with Atletico Madrid as soon as possible so that the player can concentrate on the World Cup."

Chelsea want to complete the deal over the weekend or very early next week, at the latest, to avoid the player facing distraction during the World Cup.

The source added: "Chelsea have made an of-

fer to Atletico Madrid in compliance with the buyout terms in Diego Costa's contract.

"We have been advised that the player has invoked a buyout clause and directed the club to accept Chelsea's offer."

Costa scored 36 goals in 52 games for Atletico last season as they won their first La Liga title since 1996 and reached the Champions League final.

The Brazil-born forward is in Spain's World Cup squad and could feature in their opening game against the Netherlands on Friday 13 June.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said in May that the addition of a "killer" striker would be a key priority during the summer.

The London club scored

Chelsea strikers Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba contributed a total of 19 of those in the league, with 33-yearold Eto'o, now a free agent, scoring nine of them.

"We have to try to win as a team, to improve as a team, but also add the attacking player with that killer instinct," Mourinho said last month.

Mourinho will hope that Costa will go some way towards addressing that problem having enjoyed a prolific campaign with Atletico. Costa scored 27 goals in La Liga and only finished third behind Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (31) and Barcelona's Lionel Messi (28) on the list of top goalscorers.

The striker also scored against Chelsea from the penalty spot in the semifinals of the Champions League, one of his eight goals in the tournament, as Atletico came from behind to win 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Costa was born and raised in Brazil and made two friendly appearances for them last year before he became a naturalised Spaniard.

FlOWeRS

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa

Observer)

Overseas-based Guyanese donates gear to Media XI

Impressed by the Media XI’s 27run win over Enmore Over-40 team in a feature 20/20 match last Sunday, an overseas-based Guyanese has willingly provided a quantity of gear to the Media men as they travel around the country competing against different clubs and organisations.

Ravi Etwaroo, the proprietor of Cricket Zone USA, said he’s very pleased to support the Media boys, whose victory against Enmore was preceeded by a no-result in a rain-affected game against the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association at the GCC ground, Bourda, on Independence Day.

A product of the Enmore village, East Coast Demerara, Etwaroo, an active softball player, presented an AS bat, a pair of wicketkeeping and batting gloves and a pair of batting pads to the Media players.

Receiving on behalf of the Media XI was middle-order batsman Avenash Ramzan, who expressed gratitude to Etwaroo and his business establishment, which is based in New York, for the kind gesture.

Ramzan said the Media XI is forever grateful to such persons as Etwaroo and the other persons/businesses who have so far offered support, noting that the equipment would be used for their intended purposes.

Weather permitting, the Media boys will be back in action on June 22 against an East Berbice team, while CARICOM Day has been tentatively set as the date for the match against the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association.

ICC committee mulls better methods to detect flex

The ICC's cricket committee has stated that the methods currently in use to detect illegal bowling actions are imperfect. The committee, which discussed the issue during a two-day meeting in Bangalore on June 3 and 4, said that numerous international bowlers with "suspect" actions were continuing to bowl undetected, and hence it was important that match officials get support from biomechanists to identify the illegal actions with "more confidence".

"The committee discussed the issue of illegal bowling actions, and believed that there are a number of bowlers currently employing suspect actions in international cricket, and that the ICC's reporting and testing procedures are not adequately scrutinising these bowlers," the ICC said in a release. "It recommended that changes be considered to encourage umpires and referees to identify suspect bowlers with greater confidence, to use the expertise of the biomechanists working in this area to assume a greater role during

the assessment process, and to allow for ongoing scrutiny of bowlers once they have been identified under the ICC procedures."

To make the process more robust, the ICC has decided to open illegal-action testing centres in more countries. Until now, bowlers had to travel to the laboratories at the Universtiy of Western Australia in Perth to undergo testing, but the committee was informed of additional centres being accredited by the ICC.

"Members of the committee were also updated on the project to increase the number of illegal-action testing centres around the cricketing world, noting that Cardiff Metropolitan University was now accredited to conduct illegal action testing for the ICC, and that other facilities in India, Australia, England and South Africa were likely to be accredited over coming months," the release said.

Last week, during the Lord's ODI, Sri Lanka offspinner Sachithra Senanayake was reported by match officials for delivering with an illegal ac-

tion. Sri Lanka Cricket officials were surprised by the decision, even though Senanayake had been reported while touring England with the Sri Lanka A team in 2011. At the time, Senanayake worked on his action and subsequent tests found his bowling within the prescribed limits.

Currently, bowlers whose actions are considered suspect are required to attend ICC-approved biomechanics laboratory tests to assess the amount of elbow extension (flex) in their bowling action. In November 2004, the ICC set a uniform 15-degree limit on elbow extension.

Under the existing procedure, Senanayake, who finished as the second highest wicket-taker in the series, will be scrutinised in a closed-door environment within 21 days of his being reported. During this time he is allowed to play, until the test results are declared.

In another incident, last month, Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal had sought an explanation from the ECB after England fast bowler Stuart Broad appeared

Need to bat well twice –Darren Bravo

West Indies batsman Darren Bravo has said the team needs to bat well twice in a Test more consistently, if they are to improve their faltering Test record. Bravo said the upcoming home Tests against New Zealand presents a chance for their batsmen to maintain that intensity.

Bravo was speaking after winning the Cricketer of the Year Award and the Caribbean T20 MVP Award at the WICB/WIPA awards on Thursday in Kingston.

"Their (New Zealand) bowling attack has been doing very well over the last couple of years. We don't normally bat well twice in a Test," Bravo told WICB Media. "At times we tend to get a decent score in the first innings and falter in the second or the other way around. That is something we need to rectify. When our batsmen get starts we need to carry on and get big scores."

to suggest Ajmal bowled with an illegal action. West Indies offspinners Shane Shillingford and Marlon Samuels, too, have been hauled up for suspect actions more than once.

In order to help bowlers correct their flawed actions, the ICC tied up with a consortium of Australian cricket, sports science and sports engineering institutions in 2012 to develop wearable sensor technology that would allow the legality of bowlers' actions to be assessed during matches and training sessions. The ICC revealed that the technology was tested on 70 players in training sessions during the Under-19 World Cup held in UAE earlier this year.

"The results of the trials were very encouraging, with the final stage of the project expected to conclude in 2016," the ICC's release said, without elaborating on any details of the findings. The cricket committee's recommendations will be tabled at the ICC chief executives meeting scheduled to be held before the annual conference between June 2228 in Melbourne. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Bravo was part of the preparatory camp in Barbados where he spent time with the West Indies legend Garry Sobers. One of the things he picked up from Sobers was the importance of creating scoring opportunities, instead of letting the opposition bowlers take control.

"He singled out that I

should be able to play all around the wicket," Bravo said. "At times the opposition will block your strong area. So you could take those same deliveries and play it through midwicket. You set the field for yourself, rather than let the opposition dictate your pace. I will be looking to do that in this series.

He added that the time spent with Sobers was invaluable. "It's something I will cherish for the rest of my life. When he left the camp I really started missing him. He eased my mind as much as possible and he was in the nets working on some technical areas and also sharing a laugh. Wonderful sharing a week and a half with him."

Bravo scored a matchsaving 218 in the Dunedin Test against New Zealand late last year. It was Bravo's highest Test score, coming when West Indies were faced with a massive firstinnings deficit of 396. West Indies lost the second Test by an innings and with it the series 1-0.

"It was a great innings down in New Zealand, my first time there," he said. "We were staring at the jaws of defeat and I went out there and put up my hand and did the job for my team. That was something to feel good about." (ESPN

Holder added to Windies First Test squad

The WICB Selection Panel has added fast bowler Jason Holder to the squad for the First Test Match against New Zealand.

The tall 22-year-old travelled to Jamaica following the two-week camp in Barbados. The opening Test match will be played at Sabina Park from Sunday, June 8 to Thursday, June 12.

Holder made his ODI

debut against Australia at Perth in February 2013. He has so far played 17 ODIs and one T20 International.

Full squd: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Shane Shillingford, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor. (WICB Media)

Media XI player Avenash Ramzan (left) receives the gear from proprietor of Cricket Zone USA, Ravi Etwaroo

Bravo: When he (Sobers) left the camp I really started missing him (WICB Media)

Matthias still open to dialogue

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Christopher Matthias, has left the door open for aggrieved members to engage him in dialogue, even as their no-confidence motion against him has been given the cold shoulder by football’s world governing body, FIFA.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at ‘football house’ in Campbellville, Matthias invited all Guyanese, including the aggrieved members, to work in the interest of football development in Guyana.

“We at the GFF have forgiven you [aggrieved members] for the measures of lies which you would have told to this nation, and let me assure you that if our efforts are directed as regards the development of football our nation would be a better place in which to live,” he said.

Matthias, who has faced stern opposition since taking over the helm of the GFF in April 2013, said he is still open to dialogue to forge a way forward for the game.

“We have been reaching out to them. On May 12 we invited them to a meet-

ing in this very room. They are the ones with the issues and they have not adopted a posture which indicates that they are interested in resolving any issue whatsoever. In fact, we cannot forget that a motion was moved against the president and an executive member and no reason was given in that motion. To date we don’t know the reason or reasons for the motion of no-confidence,” Matthias explained.

Quizzed on if the aggrieved members fail to cooperate and shun his request

to have dialogue, Matthias said, “May I assure you that if they are unwilling, the business of football, which is the development of football, will happen.”

Remaining resolute in his pursuit of football development, Matthias also used the opportunity to restate his purpose as head of the GFF.

“My mandate is clear: to develop, to improve, to promote, regulate and control and there’s no condition attached to that if there are two or three persons or five persons who are uncomfortable or disgruntled as regards you fulfilling your objectives,” Matthias declared.

On Thursday, football’s world governing body FIFA broke its silence on the ongoing football saga in Guyana, stating that it does not recognise the no-confidence motion filed by a group of aggrieved members against Matthias at the aborted Ordinary Congress on April 26.

In a correspondence, which was seen by this media house, FIFA also deemed all the decisions taken at the “reconvened” GFF Congress on May 31 to be invalid.

ECI chess tournament set for Sunday

Engineering and Construction Inc.

(ECI) will sponsor a one-day rapid chess tournament set for Sunday at the company’s Sports Club at Friendship, East Bank Demerara.

The tournament will be played according to the Swiss System and will con-

sist of seven rounds, with a time control of 20 minutes per player. According to a release from the Guyana Chess Federation, the registration process will start at 09:30 hours, with the first move being made an hour later.

The entrance fee to the competition is $500 per per-

Mackeson ‘Keep your five Alive’…

Quarter-finals on tonight at Sports Hall tarmac

The battle to ‘Keep your five Alive’ in the fourth edition of the tournament, which is being sponsored by Ansa McAL’s Mackeson Stout, has reached the quarter-final stage, which will kick off at 20:00 hours at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) tarmac tonight.

Being played under the slogan ‘Your Style, Your Five, Your Stout Mackeson Keep Your Five Alive’, eight sensational matches in the round of 16 stage are expected to thrill at the Homestretch Avenue based venue.

With over $500,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, teams during the first three nights of the preliminary round in which 16 of them were given their marching orders, were doing their best to keep their five alive.

Tonight’s action will see Albouystown B going up against Texas, West Front Road taking on Sophia, Melanie and La Parfaite Harmony doing battle and Upsetters looking to get past Alexander Village.

After the usual Mackeson half-time break, where spectators will have the opportunity of winning prizes whilst competing in the Axe ‘Take and Shoot’ competition, for which fabulous prizes will be up for grabs compliments of DeSinco Trading along with the regular Mackeson giveaways, the action will continue with the final four matches for the evening.

Tiger Bay will meet Leopold Street, defending champions Sparta Boss will put their title on the line against Castello Housing Scheme, North East La Penitence and Broad Street

will engage each other before Albouystown ‘A’ and Back Circle culminate the night’s action with their clash.

Teams are asked to note carefully, that only those who have been registered on the registration form provided will be allowed to compete, with no alterations being allowed during the course of the tournament, only in the case of injury which must occur during the playing of the competition.

Apart from Ansa McAL and DeSinco Trading, some other sponsors of the tournament, which has three playing days remaining after tonight, are: Colors Boutique, Clairann’s Boutique, Clear Water, Star Party Rentals, White Castle Fish Shop, and HJTV and its 94.1 Boom FM, just to name a few.

Toussaint added to Banks DIH Ambassador programme

Promising female cricketer Lashuna Toussaint has joined Banks DIH Limited Sports Brand Ambassador programme following an induction ceremony at Thirst Park on Thursday.

son. The company will be providing transportation for all interested players from Georgetown and the pickup point will the Linden car park at 09:00 hours.

Interested players are advised to contact Ronuel Greenidge on 657-7543 or Irshad Mohamed on 6641650.

The 20-year-old wicketkeeper/batter has represented Demerara at the Under-19 andsenior levels and was a standby on the national senior team last year.

Her mission is to represent Guyana and the West Indies at the senior level. She has hit top score of 81 runs during trials last year and is looking forward to being called up for national duties this year.

The former South Ruimveldt Secondary School student started playing cricket in 2009 when she participated in the Scotia Bank Kiddies Cricket programme after being encouraged by her mother Sandra, an ardent cricket fan.

Due to the limited number of female players in Demerara, Lashuna trains with the Gandhi Youth Club (GYO) male players and plays for its second division team in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) competitions.

She has credited her development to national coach Orin Bailey and other cricket officials at GYO, Everest Cricket Club and GNIC.

Lashuna will be sponsored under the Tropical Mist brand. The presentation was made by Tropical Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson. Troy Peters, Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager welcomed Lashuna to the Sports Brand Ambassador programme and encouraged her to strive for excellence. He said the Sports Brand Ambassadors programme, which started in October last year, has seen six promising young athletes being sponsored by the company in pursuit of their goals in the field of sports under the I-CEE, Malta Supreme and Tropical Mist brands.

GCF Executive Wayne Browne collects the sponsorship cheque from ECI representative, Naiomie Williams

Christopher Matthias

Lashuna Toussaint receives her sponsorship package from Tropical Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson, while Communications Manager Troy Peters looks on

Fourth Annual Digicel Schools Football Tournament launched

See story on page19

Guyanese to witness Ecuador/France game live

Six Guyanese will soon travel to Brazil to view the football World Cup finals, compliments of an all expense paid trip by Banks DIH Limited, the local distributor of the tournament’s main sponsor, Coca Cola.

The drawing to decide the three lucky winners took place on Friday morning at Banks DIH location on Brickdam in the presence of curious Guyanese.

Set to enjoy the World

Cup experience, free of cost, compliments of Banks DIH Limited and Coca Cola, are Jaimattie Ramlakhan of Coglan Dam, Pouderoyen, Lawrence Brisport of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, and Yomattie Prashad of Fort Ordinance, Berbice. The three winners are allowed one guest each.

According to Communications Manager, Troy Peters, this is just one of the many promotions Banks DIH has hosted

ahead of the World Cup finals in neighbouring Brazil.

He said the company also allowed consumers to redeem Coca Cola labels for World Cup memorabalias, such as balls and Coca Cola glasses

Sales and Marketing Executive, Carlton Joao, congratulated the winners and also highlighted which match they will be fortunate to view live.

He pointed out that tick-

ets for the Group E game, Ecuador versus France, on June 25 in Rio de Janiero have been secured for the Guyanese.

Coca Cola has been involved in football since 1974 when it first linked up with FIFA, before coming on board as a full-time sponsor of the World Cup finals four years later. This year, the World Cup will be held from June 12 to July 13 with 32 countries competing.

Christopher Henry Gayle

Christianburg Wismar Secondary school Headmaster Cleveland Thomas with the winners trophy, Digicel Chief Executive Officer Gregory Deane to his right, and Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon to his left flanked by Christianburg Wismar Secondary school team and Digicel officials