Guyana Times Daily

Bandits kill businessman, injure wife

GFC stands by Finance Minister’s report on forestry sector

Hugo Chávez Centre to be operational month-end

Lusignan Prison to get trade shop, new block

4% rice farmers' payments outstanding

Silva surges in Brazil election poll, runoff looks certain

tuesDAY, August 19, 2014

10 graduate from GDF Senior Command Course

Ten officers, including one from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), graduated today from the Guyana Defence Force Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) Number 13, the military said in a release on Monday.

Lieutenant Commander Roger Nurse gained top honours as Best Graduating Student and also copped the award for presenting the best research paper. Major Kester Craig was the runner-up.

Congratulating the graduating officers, Chief-

Having successfully completed the course, the 10 officers are now equipped to command units and sub-units and perform staff duties at senior levels of the GDF and the SKNDF.

of-Staff (COS), Brigadier Mark Phillips emphasised that leadership is about responsibility.

“When you are in command, command!” he charged, “Performance, professionalism, uphold-

ing the values and standards of the GDF are very important, as you leave this course”.

“This course is the most senior course of the GDF and it brings together the triumvirate of defence, development and diplomacy as it pertains to Guyana. You have been immersed in content that has broadened your knowledge and you ought now and always to be able to speak with confidence on issues. If you are to lead, you must master the ability to research, analyse and communicate effectively,” he said

Reminding the officers that they were now moving into another phase of their careers, the COS entreated them to adapt their minds to higher levels of strategic and operational thinking.

He explained that this was critical, since the contemporary operating environment of the GDF was evolving and the threats to Guyana’s development were becoming more diverse.

“We must continue inter-agency cooperation by refining existing protocols, by investing in the design

of new mechanisms for continuous collaboration and by formulating more coherent policies to better coordinate the work of our defence and security agencies, in order to achieve better operational results,” he said.

“Our future plans, will be the fruits of your labour as you apply critical thinking techniques to solve the problems associated with the uncertainties of our contemporary operating environment.”

The 16-week course covered areas such as military law, command and

leadership, intelligence and security and peace operations, along with other related military modules. Each officer was required to prepare, present and defend a research paper as a requirement for graduation. The officers visited several Guyanese state and non-state agencies including the Civil Defence Commission, the Private Sector Commission and the Natural resources and Environment Ministry and also paid a visit to the Brazilian Army’s Amazon Command.

Major Kester Craig (left) and Lieutenant Commander Roger Nurse

The graduates of the SCSC Number 13 with the COS, Deputy COS, senior officers and course staff following their graduation ceremony

Bandits kill businessman, injure wife − two suspects arrested

BY JOMO PAUL

A43-year-old businessman is now dead and his wife nursing a gunshot wound to her foot after gunmen opened fire on them at the Vlissingen Road and Regent Street traffic lights, in front of the Botanical Gardens.

Guyana Times understands that Ashok Raghu and his wife Shayrazadi Raghu of Corentyne, Berbice were in town transacting business when the incident occurred. Police said one of the bandits discharged rounds at the victims, fatally wounding Ashook Rahgghu to his chest and injuring Shyrazabin Ragghu to her right foot. The perpetrators escaped with a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash and a licensed firearm and ammunition. Shyrazabin Raggjhu has been admitted to hospital for medical treatment.

According to his daughter, who declined to give her name, her parents had travelled to a city bank to withdraw a large sum of money to pay workers and buy groceries.

The distraught young woman explained that her father has a business in the interior and would usually come to the city to transact business.

Eyewitness reports indicate that the two had just stopped at the traffic lights when the two men rode up on a CG motorcycle, whip out handguns and held the couple at gunpoint, demanding that they hand over the bag containing the money.

The man refused and put up a fight with the two men, but his efforts were in vain as he was shot and

pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

His wife was also shot during the scuffle and was admitted to the hospital where she is being treated for injuries. The men flee the crime scene on their motorbikes.

Two arrested

But Police sources have confirmed that two men have been arrested in connection with the gruesome robbery/murder. According to Police, the men were arrested and their motorcycles seized. One of the men arrested by Police officers in connection with the shooting has been identified as Patrick Chase, who hails from Agricola, while the identity of the other man is yet to be confirmed.

There have been a number of murders in recent

weeks across the country. Only last Friday, Police conducted massive raids in Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, Berbice and on the East Coast, arresting 75 people and seizing a quantity of drugs as well as guns and two motorcycles.

Friday’s raids had come on the heels of an increase in murders and gun crimes. For this week, there have been several murders across the country as well as a number of gun robberies.

Earlier this month, the Police had reported that there has been an eight per cent drop in serious crimes for the first seven months of the year.

According to the Police Force, the total number of reports of serious crimes made between January 01 and July 31 was 2134 compared to 2317 for the same period in 2013. However, by the end of July, over 80

murders had been recorded which represents a 10 per cent increase in the murder rate over the same period for the previous year.

“Of the 80 murders committed unto July 2014, three were of the execution type, 16 were committed during robberies, 21 were domestic related, 17 were of the disorderly type and 23 are so far undetermined,” the Police Force said in a statement.

Additionally, at the end of July, robbery under arms saw an increased by 16 per cent with 679 reports compared to 585 for the same period in 2013.

The Police statement said “the statistics indicate an increase of 27 per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms and a two per cent decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators”.

Ashok Raghu’s car about to be towed away from the crime scene by Police

Weather: Thundery showers are expected to prevail during the day with heavy rain showers in the afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-westerly between zero and 1.34 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:29h and 23:56h reaching maximum heights of 2.09 metres and 2.16 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 04:53h and 17:22h reaching minimum heights of 1.02 metres and 1.14 metres respectively.

Monday, August 18, 2014

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

Health ResearchPractice Gap

Even in the more developed countries, there exists what has been called a "Health Research-Practice Gap" (HRP-Gap). As one of the accepted "basic needs" for humanity, the improvement of the health or "well being" of a country's population is one of the goals of every Government in the world.

In fact, several specific aspects of the health spectrum, such as maximum allowable levels of maternal deaths and child mortality are two of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) established by the UN to be achieved by 2015.

This HRP-Gap was very evident in the poorer countries that attempted to achieve the MMG and struggled to touch their targets in the specified areas. It also became obvious that the phenomenon was not even confined just to the health sector. The gap can be illustrated by reference to the efforts to get a handle on deaths by suicide in our country. For almost two decades now, there have been persistent outcries for "something to be done" to bring down the suicide rate, which is one of the highest in the world.

Several research projects, beginning with one by Dr Frank Beckles in 2000 and followed up by others privately and by the Health Ministry were conducted. But just this week there has been another initiative launched by a private group to deal with the scourge that takes over 200 lives every year in the country.

The Health Ministry had collaborated with PAHO and Dalhousie University in Canada five years ago to launch a "Gatekeepers' Programme" as an intervention in what was defined by then as a "mental health issue".

While there has been no definitive analysis as to why the programme petered out and must be seen as a "failure" - at least in implementation, one reason was that it was not explicitly tied to research in the subject done in this country.

In one of the WHO designated World Suicide Prevention Day, the specific role of culture was highlighted and this is obvious in the statistics in Guyana: the suicide rate amongst Indian Guyanese is at least four times that of other ethnic groups.

Dr Beckles' research paper of almost a decade and a half ago stressed this point - yet in all the dozen or so initiatives launched since then - both public and private - there has been no connection to this research find and a linked implementation strategy. This is a paradigmatic example of the HRP-Gap.

What this lacuna highlights is that the formulation of health policy must be a much more dynamic and iterative process that it is now between those in charge of that area in Government and researchers in the field.

The question is why this is not done more than it is at present: why our HRP-Gap? One reason is that some researchers do not work directly with policy makers, but see themselves as simply "seeking knowledge". On the other hand, policy makers also seem to prefer to work in a vacuum, ignoring local researchers and simply imitate foreign practices that may not be applicable to the local reality.

It is our considered judgement that we can begin to bridge this gap between practitioners and researchers in our country by bringing together researchers, activists and Health Ministry workers together on this particular health problem that presently confronts our society.

In the last week there have been at least two suicides that were reported in the press and the announcement by at least one new private group of an initiative on suicide prevention. The Health Ministry can begin the process of instituting a cultural shift in how we address health problems in Guyana now.

World Suicide Prevention Day falls on September 10 and this would a good time to start bridging the HRP-Gap. The approach can then be used as a model in other areas as the relationships between the two groups become formalised.

Qualification or experience?

Dear Editor, Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Carol Sooba, the acting Town Clerk. I feel obligated to clear up some of the misleading arguments of the opponents. It is unfair to discriminate against someone and predict how they will react, especially without anything to back up their argument.

Currently, this woman is living her life just as anyone else. How well do you know Sooba that you malign her in such a nasty way? Well, for starters, I’m sure she’s an honourable citizen of Guyana.

This means no violent misdemeanours, no felonies and no drug offences. How many of the Opposition and

Kaieteur News can produce a clean slate? How many of them are likely to obey laws than the general public?

Education is a serious issue in our country and something invaluable. So let me be clear that I’m in no way questioning the value and importance of education of the lower and higher levels.

However, the role that a university degree is playing in today’s world has changed. The old motto that just getting a degree showed you were responsible enough and ready for the real world because you made it through four years of classes and completed something challenging is gone.

That doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is get-

ting degrees in certain fields that require an exact knowledge that will leave you with an exact skill-set. A degree is extremely priceless and important in law, medicine, engineering, education, science and sometimes business, among other exact skill focused education.

I must again reiterate that I’m writing specifically about the Sooba saga. You could spend the four years you would in university creating your own voice and presence, but experience is more needed. I’m not leaning towards one side here.

This is what I do believe, this is what I would say regardless of what degree you are going for, because that route won’t plague you with

debt for life, and you get the experience. What do you think? In today’s world, is experience more important than education?

From my research, Sooba is an exceptional Town Clerk. I was once a senior officer at one of the leading companies in Guyana, holding six Caribbean Secondary Education Certificates. Point is I did a great job for seven years; and I deserved every promotion I received. I worked hard and diligently and I’m sure Sooba is doing the same. There are many who are qualified and inexperienced, I’m sure the Mayor is au fait.

Sincerely, R Persaud

Make the effort to secure a better life for all of

Dear Editor, Having lived, travelled extensively and worked at various occupations in four different countries, and in four of the most explosive and turbulent generations in the history of mankind, I have developed the firm conviction that the fate of every human being is inextricably bound up with every other of our fellowmen on this earth.

This means that none of us on this earth, no matter of what race, country, religion, and political persuasion, will enjoy true freedom, peaceful existence, and even physical fulfilment unless all others are free, living peacefully and with all basic physical needs satisfied. This is just as true for members of a family, community and state. When we apply this to

our own situation of Guyana, it follows that whenever we think and act selfishly, whether as members of a family, racial group, community or political party, we are moving further and further away from real progress and peaceful coexistence of all our citizens, no matter how much we seem to gain for ourselves.

In short, none of us Guyanese will ever be able

us

to enjoy life as it should be lived unless we think and act unselfishly and join hands together to advance the cause of all of us. I pray that all in this great country of ours will appreciate this and really start making the effort to secure a better life for all of us.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-regional Office Director for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean Sheila Roseau is greeted by President Donald Ramotar during a courtesy call to him on Monday (GINA photo)

Attack on Chinese is an attack on all Guyanese

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has noted with grave concern the sustained and calculated attacks by the Opposition and two media houses, namely the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, perpetrated on foreign investors, especially those of Chinese origin.

The party is convinced that these targeted attacks are directed at the Chinese people in spite of their industrious predisposition, which is evident throughout the world.

This industrious nature of the Chinese people has redounded beneficially to the economies of many nations and has impacted positively on the lives of many. Our party wishes to remind the Opposition, the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News that we live in a multi-ethnic so-

ciety with our peoples cohabiting in harmony, sharing and celebrating each other’s cultures and traditions.

This is evident through all of our national festivals, everyday way of life and events that serve to bring our people together.

The Chinese remain an integral part of this country’s identity, sharing common bonds of indenturehip with other ethnic groups. Their contributions to our nation since setting foot on these shores, like all others, have been immeasurable and invaluable.

As we are all aware, the Chinese who have made this land their home are Guyanese first and foremost. Those Chinese who have demonstrated confidence and the will to contribute to the development of Guyana must be encouraged and must not be victims of hostile political and

media propaganda, bordering on xenophobia.

Our party believes that an attack on one ethnic group is an attack on all Guyanese. We call for an immediate halt to such unwarranted attacks which run counter to the hospitable characteristic our nation and can only damage and disgrace our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

Moreover, these attacks are in blatant contradiction to the call for investments. There must be no discrimination against Chinese investors. The Opposition, the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News have persistently accused the PPP/C Administration of not doing enough to encourage foreign investors which according to them is badly needed to create jobs and bolster the economy.

During the last election campaign, the Opposition

Bulkan is uninformed about Guyana’s forestry sector

Dear Editor,

Permit me to respond to Janette Bulkan’s recent letter, “Why is the GFC not monitoring the export of high-value logs by Asian companies?”

Zero marks to some sections of the media for the publication of misleading, unsubstantiated, irresponsible and unprofessional information regarding the Bai Shan Lin (BSL) logging company, which forms the basis for Bulkan’s letter after her emergence from oblivion.

Bulkan in her letter has given Kaieteur News full marks for the publication of wicked and erroneous information to the public about BSL, which is a Chinese logging company investing in our forest sector. But this is not surprising, since both the Kaieteur News and Bulkan are known anti-government people who do not

want to see Guyana’s development through foreign investments.

It is publicly known that they are fighting a losing battle, hence they are only wasting their time writing and publishing misleading and bogus claims about the Government, its ministers, and state agencies where the sustainable management of Guyana’s forestry sector is concerned.

Bulkan wants to know why the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is not monitoring, reporting and verifying (MRV) the haemorrhage of high-value logs by Bai Shan Lin and other Asian log traders. This is simply an example of one of Bulkan’s claims in her letter and more so that she is absolutely uninformed about Guyana’s forest situation which is effectively and sustainably managed by the GFC.

In this regard, the use of the word “haemorrhage”

by Bulkan is totally not relevant and is therefore misleading. But for Bulkan’s information Guyana’s MRV system is currently in progress, according to its road map for Guyana’s forest assessments.

Bulkan’s as usual is saturated with lies and assumptions in relation to Guyana’s forest sector and its management. I will not deal with these bogus claims. James Singh, Forest Export and Commissioner of Forests of the GFC has already adequately, competently and professionally dealt with them in the media.

Bulkan’s letter in relation to BSL was therefore nothing but an absolute unqualified generalisation of her own contentions about Guyana’s forestry sector under the pretext of forest expertise.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

spared no effort to convince Guyanese that foreign investors would be welcomed were they to be elected to office and that the PPP/C Government has not done enough to make Guyana an investment hub.

True to their nature and attempts at hoodwinking the nation, the Opposition has not only endeavoured to discourage and chase away foreign investors, they have whipped up media frenzy and a conduit for such attacks. The Kaieteur News willingly agreed to be the hand maiden of the political Opposition’s campaign.

Guyanese must remain cognisant of the numerous attempts by the Opposition pre- and post-“mo-fyah, slow fire” era to destabilise this nation, stymie business enthusiasm and bring harm to the economy.

It must be recalled that every single protest they mounted in the City targeted the business community directly. Many businesses were burnt and innocent Guyanese beaten and robbed whenever such protests took place.

The intention was to bring Guyana to its knees so that companies and individuals contemplating opportunities for invest-

ments in Guyana would seek alternative destinations.

The PPP/C wishes to remind that the Opposition, aided by sections of the media, has made no meaningful contribution in working with the Government to implement projects funded by local and foreign investment.

Guyanese must never forget the extent to which the Opposition and their media cohorts went to discourage the foreign investors – the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Specialty Hospital and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion, to name a few. Their anti-investment actions coupled with the unconscionable cuts to the country’s annual budgets are designed to harm the economy and deprive Guyanese of a more modern nation and a brighter future.

The PPP/C is convinced that these anti-business and anti-development actions by the Opposition are nothing but attempts to return this now prosperous nation to a state of bankruptcy – a hallmark of their weak administration.

As regards the Bai Shan Lin issue, the

Opposition and Kaieteur News’ constant attacks, the PPP/C stands guided by the pronouncements of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), which reiterated that the company has not exceeded its harvest level and that their operations confirm to guidelines based on international best practices and conservative extraction.

In this context, we call on the Kaieteur News’ and the Opposition’s unfounded, unwarranted and profit circulation oriented attacks on Bai Shan Lin to work toward encouraging foreign investments to invest in our country so that all our people would benefit from the related economic prosperity.

In this now global competitive environment, our country can afford nothing less than all hands on deck in an effort to create and secure a brighter future for all.

Our party remains committed to this cause and urge Guyanese to reject all attempts to disparage any ethnic group and to deter much needed foreign investments for our country.

Submitted by, PPP/C, Freedom House

Politics today in Guyana

Dear Editor

Politics today has become so extreme and bought by corporate interests that we should be near-universally protesting the decay of our political system. Unfortunately, corrupt practices in our Opposition have become as common and widespread as to be the new political norm, thus people fail to see just how severe the problem is.

Politicians in both major opposition parties, and on all levels, have become so indebted to special interests that the will of the people is no longer the deciding factor on how the Government should run this nation and has not recognized just how bad things have gotten.

I see this situation as the political analog to the

proverb that “if you put a frog in boiling water, it will jump out, but if you slowly boil the water around the frog, it will stay in the pot until it is dead”.

This is an unfortunate saying, particularly considering that we – the Guyanese people – are the frogs who have failed to save ourselves. We must recognize that the water (Opposition) is boiling around us, and unless we take pro-active action in order to save ourselves, we will be in for a great deal of pain.

Even though we have recognized a problem in our political system, yet we and the Government are both in the minority and have been unable to combat the problem of corruption on a large scale. Hoping to fight and hold so-

cially conservative views, which are beneficial to the general public, the oppositions are unable to achieve and make Guyana a better place.

Despite the wide variations between the ideologies of AFC and APNU, they are both identified as corrupt. Legalized bribery, crony capitalism, and the political revolving door are not the political norm –they are a complete perversion of our political system. We, as a country, must recognize just how serious our plight is. The first, and arguably the most important, step to achieve real political reform is to get corrupt politicians out of politics.

Sincerely, R Persaud

Page Foundation

Pushing too hard too young

− Take away the fun factor in sports and children can burn out

BY JACQUELINE STENSON

Intense training sched-

ules. Pressure to win and be the best. Painful injuries. Given all these factors, it’s not surprising that some athletes simply burn out on their sport. But what is shocking to many in the field are the young ages at which this is increasingly happening – sometimes as early as nine or 10.

The scenario often goes something like this: Eager to nurture the next A-Rod or Michelle Kwan, parents enroll their five- or six-yearolds in a competitive sport league or programme. Over the next few years, training intensifies and expands to the off-season, making practice essentially yearround. Youngsters may join more than one league or a travelling team. They may have to sacrifice other interests and give up most of the down time that allows them to just be children.

Soon the stakes get higher because many parents and coaches play to win. Winning means recognition and that could lead to lucrative opportunities –high school championships then college scholarships and perhaps a shot at the pros.

“Children sports have become much more competitive,” says Dr Jordan Metzl, Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Institute for Young Athletes at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

“And in general, highlevel competition for young children is not a great thing,” says Metzl, co-author of The Young Athlete: A Sports Doctor’s Complete Guide for Parents With more children than ever in organised sports, an estimated 30 million of them up through high school, Metzl and other experts in sports medicine and youth athletics say they are in-

may give up on sport – and exercise – altogether.

‘It’s not fun anymore’

Children with a strong internal drive may thrive on the competition. But the pressure can be too much for others, particularly primary school students who aren’t as equipped to deal with the stress as older ath-

Massachusetts in Boston.

“Most children would rather play on a losing team than sit on the bench of a winning team,” he says. When Faigenbaum asks children who’ve quit why they’re no longer interested in sport, their typical response: “It’s not fun anymore.” They wanted to have a good time, make friends and learn something new, he says. But make the game

creasingly concerned about the pressures put on some children to excel. Not only are these youngsters at risk for emotional burnout, they may also develop injuries that plague them for a lifetime. Some will turn to steroids or other performanceenhancing substances to try to gain an edge. And some

letes.

And the goals of sport for young children can differ dramatically from those of their parents and coaches, says youth fitness researcher Avery Faigenbaum, an Associate Professor of exercise science at the University of

all about hard-core training and the final score, and many children will sideline themselves.

“They’re getting turned off of sportsat a young age –and that’s a sad tale,” says Faigenbaum.

There’s ample evidence that sport participation can have important bene-

fits for children, including improved physical health and emotional well-being. Hopefully, they’ll also learn life lessons in teamwork, discipline, leadership and time management. But children can’t profit from these benefits if they’re quitting sports early on.

A new ball game

While parents may have spent much of their early childhoods riding bikes around the neighbourhood, playing pick-up games of baseball or basketball with the local children and maybe joining Little League, today’s youngsters often fall into two disparate groups: those who sit inside playing video games and those who participate in organised competitive sport like soccer, table tennis and basketball.

A big difference today is that children involved in sport play harder and younger than ever, says Steve Marshall, an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Orthopedics at the Injury Prevention Research Centre at the University of North Carolina. And with dreams of college scholarships and multimillion-dollar professional contracts, the competition can get out of hand, he says.

“Youth sports have become about more than children having fun,” says Marshall. “Frankly it’s beginning to get out of control. It’s almost a national obsession.”

Certainly coaches who treat young athletes like military recruits can be a big problem. So can athletes who take the game too seriously and play when they’re injured or, as they enter the teen years, turn to performance-enhancing substances that they hear of their idols in the big leagues using.

Parents the prime culprits

But experts in the field mostly point to parents as the prime culprits in promoting a competition-crazed environment in youth sports.

“Parents tend to think everyone’s going to the Olympics,” says Patrick Mediate, a physical education teacher and coordinator of the strength and conditioning programme at Greenwich High School in Greenwich, Conn.

Of course, many parents are a positive force, supporting their children and making sport participation possible by taking the time to drive children to and from practise and games. But parents who live vicariously through their children can be problematic, experts say.

It’s one thing for children to dream of Olympic gold medals and to work toward those goals. But it’s another matter if parents are pushing their children to do something they don’t want or pressuring them to succeed in a way that’s hurtful.

Marilyn Enmark, a youth soccer coach in Detroit, says she’s seen her share of overbearing parents.

Recently, one of her players, a seven-year-old boy, hit the boards during an indoor game and was holding his head. His father, a former soccer player himself, went over to the boy but rather than asking him how he was feeling, scolded him for playing poorly. A week later, his mother called him over after a play and she, too, sharply criticised him. “He was sobbing,” Enmark says. Parents – and coaches – who push too hard too young, particularly when they emphasise winning above all else, can easily wipe out a child’s motivation to play, says Dr Henry Goitz, chief of sport medicine at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo.

“They may be preventing the next Michael Jordan from coming to be,” says Goitz, a team physician for the Toledo high schools and a former team doctor for the Detroit Lions. “They can take the heart out of a child.” (footy4children.co.uk)

CGX ties up helicopter deal for drilling in October

Canadian oil exploration company, CGX Energy has entered into a definitive agreement for the provision of helicopter services for use in the drilling of its first commitment well on its Corentyne Block, scheduled to be spudded before October 31, 2015.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company has procured the services of Bristow Helicopters (International) Limited, a corporation organised and acting under the laws of England and having its registered office in England.

Additionally, the CGX has completed a shallow hazard survey in order to acquire seabed conditions and drilling hazard information surrounding the location of its first commitment well on the Corentyne Block.

The survey, performed by the MV Sea Surveyor of Guardline Marine Sciences (South America) Limited,

comprised an area of 3.5km X 4.5km. Soil boring samples will be taken in October 2014 to predict leg penetration for the HAKURYU-12 jack-up drilling rig.

CGX Energy is a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin. Bristow Group Inc, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated, and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations. Bristow has proudly served the offshore oil transport industry in major exploration and production arenas for more than 50 years and has been responsible for many industry-leading technological innovations.

Back in June, the

Canadian oil explorer had announced that it received a five-month extension to begin drilling for oil at its Corentyne Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) Block following approval by the Guyana Government.

“The Government of Guyana granted approval of an extension on the spud date on the first commitment well from May 31, 2015 to October 31, 2015,” CGX said in a statement. It added that the extension was required to ensure that the HAKURYU-12 rig would have sufficient time to arrive in Guyana prior to the commencement of the weather window.

CGX Co-Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine had stated then that the company was deeply appreciative for the cooperation of the Government of Guyana in granting the extension. He said then that the procuring of the HAKURYU-12

Canadian oil exploration company, CGX Energy has entered into a definitive agreement for the provision of helicopter services for use in the drilling of its first commitment well on its Corentyne Block scheduled

drilling rig along with this extension significantly enables the company to address its work obligations under the Corentyne PPL with confidence.

“CGX Energy, being one of the long-standing operators in the basin, is delighted to affirm its continued commitment to Guyana and to exploration of the Guyana-Suriname Basin. The company’s current drilling obligations tangibly demonstrate this commitment, even as it is engaged in actively planning for the spudding of its next well within the Corentyne PPL within the revised timeframe.”

CGX Energy had commenced the procurement process in order to complete its 2014 work commitments on its 100 per centowned offshore Demerara PPL. The company continues to examine methods to reduce the costs associated with the Demerara PPL’s seismic survey and expects to be able to share these costs with other companies operating in the GuyanaSuriname basin.

Miners urged to rid sector of TIP stigma

BY JOMO PAUL

Natural Resources and Environment Minister

Robert Persaud has urged miners to rid the sector of the prostitution tag it carries and work to preserve the environment even as they pursue their fortunes.

He was at the time addressing the opening of a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) mining permit lottery at the Bartica Community Centre ground. Prostitution and allegations of human trafficking is rampant in the mining community.

Delivering the feature address at the opening of the lottery at the Bartica Community Centre, the Minister said it was important that miners remain cognisant of the ecological effects of mining, noting that they should in the pursuit of riches.

He also pointed to the stigma of prostitution and trafficking in persons (TIP) that is predominantly attached to the mining sector, and urged that miners take this into account and work to eliminate the stigma attached to mining.

The Minister said: “I want you to recognise your environment and social responsibilities… we want to encourage you as much as we want to support you to be engaged in environmentally responsi-

ble mining. The utilisation of our natural resource could be done in a way that takes into account the possible impact it could have on environmental degradation, the impact it could have on the long-term viability of our eco-system.”

The Minister pointed out that each miner has a committed responsibility to see that the eco-system is protected when mining and illegal activities are at a minimum in the industry. This way, he highlighted, the industry will be moving from strength to strength on the social and ecological front.

Still on the issue of mining illegalities, the Minister made reference to the occurrence of illegal mining, noting that with the current initiatives in place by the Government, no miner should have a reason to be engaged in illegal mining.

He urged that miners take full advantage of the opportunities offered to them and mine in a manner that is in accordance with Guyana’s laws.

“We also know that the lack of access has caused some persons to engage in the illegal process of raiding, and we want to make it clear that we have zero tolerance for raiding, so we don’t want to give anyone an excuse whereby they cannot claim that they have no access to legal property and that is why they have to

recourse and going and work someone’s property illegally”

Minister Persaud said.

Further, he reminded the small gathering at the community centre that the laws make provisions that afford Guyanese exponential opportunities in the mining sector and they should make use of them.

He said the Government wishes to make it absolutely clear that it allows the legal provisions and safeguards for Guyanese in the mining sector.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that our laws protect Guyanese, our laws protect access, and our laws allow that they participate as much as they want to and to the extent that they want to in the development and utilisation of natural resources,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams noted that the land being offered in the lottery is of the same quality as those offered in the auctions last week.

Williams pointed out that miners had a legitimate concern about the economic viability of land being offered. But, he said they should not be concerned because in organising the lottery, certain measures were put in place to ensure that the small miners are given land adjacent to those that

were auctioned.

“In the past, you had some problems, you had some problems with the lands that were given with locations, we are fixing this to ensure that you get a claim, whatever that claim is… if we auctioned a lot, the lot that it adjacent to the lot is offered in the lottery,” the GGMC Chairman explained.

Small miners have complained that all of the mineralrich lands are being snapped up by medium-and large-scale miners at the current auction

and they are left with next-tonothing blocks during the lottery phase of the exercise.

But the GGMC in a statement said the hosting of the auction and lottery by the Commission is done to ensure that mining lands are continuously made available to miners so that gold declaration levels can be maintained to promote the development of the sector and the country. These auctions and lotteries are a common occurrence and are done under the Closed Area.

“Committee Regulations which was enacted to ensure that the process of allocation of cancelled lands is as transparent and fair as possible. One may recall that in past years, the position of the industry was that only selected persons were able to access lands that were cancelled. Given this assertion, the Closed Area Committee was established via regulations to govern the reallocation of cancelled lands,” said the GGMC.

Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud addressing the gathering at the lottery in Bartica

Tucville man gets bail on simple larceny charge

Twenty-four-yearold Kevon Jordon of Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to face a simple larceny charge on Monday morning.

The charge, read by Magistrate Azore, alleged that between May 8 and 28 at East La Penitence, Georgetown, he stole one

CG motorcycle 285 valued $325,000, property of Leon Smartt.

According to the Police Prosecutor Adduni Innis, on May 8 around 08:00h, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was riding to Linden. His motorcycle experienced mechanical difficulties, resulting in the VC leaving the motorcycle in his friend’s yard.

Later that day, Police on patrol arrested three men

who were gambling in the friend’s yard. While there, the officers noticed a bike and asked whose bike it was, but none of the three men responded, so the motorcycle was taken to the Police station.

On May 28, the VC said he took all necessary documents to claim his motorcycle when he discovered that it was missing. An investigation was carried out, and the defendant took the

Police to a house in Sophia after which he admitted to stealing the motorcycle.

The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Police Prosecutor told the Court that Jordon has no previous convictions. He was then placed on $75,000 bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore and will return on October 3 before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Caneville resident fined for narcotics possession

AEyew tness Showdown...

...over FDIs

The Muckraker’s created a feeding frenzy created over Chinese investment in our forest sector –and the question’s been asked to serve whose interests?? Most observers have dismissed the thought that it could be just more “sensationalism” to sell a few more papers. This is someone else’s axe the Muckraker’s been grinding. Or more likely some COUNTRY’s axe.One that’s threatened by Chinese ascendancy??

And has been the pattern, Joseph Harmon is the Opposition’s go-to guy for the Muckraker whenever it wants to “legitimise” its vendettas. Want to go after the Marriott?? Get a quote from Harmon. Stab the Finance Minister in the back? Harmon’s the guy. The supply of pharmaceuticals?? Why!! Who else but Harmon to put in his two cents??

ppearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore was a 27-year-old Caneville resident who was facing a charge for narcotics possession.

grams of cannabis.

Shawn Padmoore pleaded not guilty to the charge which allegedly stated that on August 14 at Caneville, he had in his possession four

There were no facts given nor were there any previous convictions according to the Prosecutor Dineshwar Mahindranauth.

However, Padmoore was fined $5000 along with three months community service at the Golden Grove Police Station or an alternative of three months imprisonment.

(And his opinions aren’t worth a penny more than that!!) Of course, for a bit of variety, the Muckraker sometimes plays the tag-team game and writes up a quote for Ramjattan– as they do for Harmon when they’re in a hurry.

Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. But that’s part of the problem, isn’t it? What exactly IS the subject? Is it the Chinese people in general? The Muckraker and the Opposition over the years have gone after Chinese with a vengeance – their stores in the city, their restaurants, theirefforts to prevent pilferage. Their “Dem Boys Seh” column routinely refers to them as “Chinee” - the “N” word equivalent.

Is it Chinese investment?? We don’t see the Muckraker going after other Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) – few and far between as that might be?? Is the colour of their money different?? How’s Barama been doing? They were brought in by the PNC. Are they any different from Bai Shan Lin?? Why aren’t they under the gun? So do we keep our “potential” under wraps?? For whom to ravish?? The Americans aren’t exactly beating an investment path to our door.

Now don’t get your Eyewitness wrong. We hold no brief for the Chinese investors. Like any other investor, from any part of the world – including our home grown ones – they’re going to try to get the most for the least. We have to try to get the best deal for our people and our country. And that’s where the Forestry Commission comes in – that’s their mandate. (See more below). Developments like making an omelette – a few shells will have to be broken – especially at the beginning of the process.

At our stage of development, it doesn’t matter which area we look to exploit – be it gold, bauxite, agriculture (where’s the investment from TT?) – we’re going to be competing against other countries for the FDIs. We have to give incentives.

Let’s not have the Muckraker drive them away.

...in the forest

In the wake of the aforementioned feeding frenzy, comes news that Commissioner of Forests James Singh, taken aback by the disinformation, innuendos, out of context pictures and outright lies published by the MuckrakerKN – with the StabberNews as usual following in its slimy trail – challenged leader of the Opposition, Brigadier General David Granger’s Aide-de-camp Joseph Harmon to a showdown. No, it’s not going to be with axes drawn at 20 paces.

Harmon has accepted – but with a list of conditions that’s so long and so full of caveats, it looks the addendum to Israel “acceptance” to a ceasefire in Gaza! One of the conditions is that the debate should be held where the trees are being cut. In our book, that’s in the forest – and not in Linden as Harmon specifies. Is Harmon saying that Linden is “jungle”?

Or is this just because they have a “thing” with Vanessa Kissoon, or what??

...on no-confidence motion

The Parliamentary recess gave APNU a way out from telling the AFC they’re in no shape to go along with snap elections. But sooner rather than later, the sh*t’s going to hit the fan. It ain’tgonna be pretty.

Jagdeo Foundation building broken into, ransacked

– electronic equipment missing

The newly renovated headquarters of the Bharrat Jagdeo Foundation, located on Lot 300 New Garden Street in Georgetown, was broken into and ransacked over the weekend. Former President Jagdeo was out of the country at the time.

This newspaper understands that a number of electronic devices, including computers, laptops and a television set, are among the missing equipment.

These are equipment

which would have been acquired as resources for the Foundation, which was opened under the auspices of the former President.

In addition, to electronic equipment being stolen, initial reports indicate that a number of documents and files may have also gone missing from the Foundation.

The discovery was made when staff turned up to work on Monday to find the building completely ransacked and items missing.

The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into the incident with a view of ensuring that the items are returned and the perpetrators caught.

A source close to the investigation told this newspaper that police were following a few leads after the report was made by an official affiliated with the Foundation.

The Foundation’s work focuses on, among other things, policy issues and climate change.

Media campaign destroying forestry sector− GFC

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The peddling of misinformation by sections of the media has done a disservice to the forestry sector, Forestry Commissioner James Singh said as he debunked numerous claims that have been made in recent days.

In a series of articles, the Kaieteur Newspaper has attempted to discredit the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), claiming that due to poor monitoring, Bai Shan Lin has been “raping” the country of its forestry resources.

On Monday, a high-level delegation led by Singh had a more than two-hour long press conference, as the GFC sought to set the record straight on the issue.

Shares transferred

It was explained that Haimorakabra was subject to a Joint Venture Arrangement in 2006 between Danny Chan and the original holder Roy Kharie; however, by July 2007, Chan transferred all the shares in Haimorakabra to the Chairman of Bai Shan Lin, Chu Wenze. These transactions were conducted prior to the Forest Act of 2009, which now requires companies to seek GFC’s approval before entering into joint venture arrangements or transfers.

But subsequent to the enactment of the 2009 Forest Act, three Joint Ventures were approved for the

Chinese-owned company. Wood Associated Industries Company (WAICO) Joint Venture was approved in April 2009 with Bai Shan Lin and by August that year, the Chinese-owned company entered another agreement with Sherwood Forrest Inc. Kwebanna Wood Products

legal access to a total of 627,072 hectares. “Of these, 344,849 hectares are State Forest Exploratory Permits (SFEP). They have to complete an ESIA, a Forestry Inventory and a Business Plan to the satisfaction of the EPA and the GFC before these are recommended for

Ventures Agreements and 8170 hectares has been issued as State Forest Permissions. Contrary to some articles published in the media of wide-scale overharvesting by Bai Shan Lin, Singh said the logging company has unutilised quota in several of the con-

Wood Productions Inc, Puruni Wood Products Inc and the Wood Associated Industries, did not utilised 59 per cent of the allotted quota, while the unutilised quota for 2014 stands at 83 per cent.

The National Log Policy 2009 reflects a progressively higher rate of export commission, but it does not prohibit the exploration of logs, including Crabwood and Locust. “There is no ban on the export of Crabwood and Locust,” he explained.

Kaieteur News has capitalised on the use of pictures to support its arguments. Using several of those same pictures, the Commissioner of Forestry separated the facts from the myths.

Alluding to a picture which showed a long line of Bai Shan Lin trucks parked along one of the trails in Kwakwani, Singh explained that logging trucks are usually parked along the roadside during rainfall until the road is reasonably dry

Inc Joint Ventures was approved in April 2014 with Bai Shan Lin. The Commissioner of Forestry confirmed that the logging company has

a conversion of a Transfer Sales Agreement (TSA),” Singh explained. It was further explained that 274,053 hectares was issued as TSAs under Joint

cessions in 2013 and 2014. It was explained that in 2013, Bai Shan Lin in collaboration with its Joint Ventures partners; Haimorakabra Logging Company, Kwebana

before continuing its journey. He added too that logs are transported at nights as well not because a company is engaging in any form of il-

legality, but because there is often reduced traffic and less wear and tear.

“Anyone who is familiar with forestry and forestry operations, this is going to absolutely be no surprise to them. This is normal for the forestry sector,” he posited. He made it clear that the logs being transported were harvested within the approved areas in 2012 and 2013.

Singh said too that other pictures depicted approved camp site and road network. “These are standard requirements for any forest operation. The presence of logging equipment is not evidence of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) not being practiced.”

He said too that some of the pictures showed logs that do not belong to Bai Shan Lin while in other cases; pictures depicted thousands of logs that belonged not only to Bai Shan Lin through Joint Ventures arrangements, but other companies.

Regulations

Questioned whether Bai Shan Lin had breached laws or regulations governing the forestry sector, Singh said infractions were primarily procedural ones that had no effect on the environment.

According to him, there is a robust monitoring system in place with 39 forest stations established throughout the country, equipped with 220 forest rangers. While admitting that some forest rangers would have become errant, Singh said the majority of the forestry officers conduct themselves in a professional manner as they enforce the laws governing the sector.

He said too that independent Auditors (2013/2014) verified compliance with GFC guidelines for harvesting, processing and expert. “Satellite imagery of the entire country at 5m resolution showed that deforestation/ forest degradation due to forestry activities was 353 hectares out of a total of 16,618 hectares for the country,” he further pointed out. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Table showing companies with which Bai Shan Lin has joint ventures, along with the maximum sustainable harvest level versus the unutilised quota

GFC Commissioner James Singh at the Press Conference on Monday along with his high-level forestry delegation

The newly renovated headquarters of the Bharrat Jagdeo Foundation

Claims of Padded Voters' List

PPP/C uncovers 18 persons with same GT address

elections is a Voters List that is aboveboard

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) is calling on all Guyanese to expose any type of discrepancies that may surface during the current Claims and Objections period in order to ensure there is a clean, accurate and credible Voters List.

The party in a statement said the first ingredient for the holding of free and fair elections is a Voters List that is aboveboard.

“We call on all Guyana to support the PPP/C’s concerns with respect to discrepancies arising out of the registration process and the production of a Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). GECOM should be reminded that political parties were given copies of the Preliminary Voters List to scrutinise. Further, it is the prerogative of political parties to monitor the current Claims and Objections exercise and to report its findings of malpractices to GECOM for their corrective action.

“It is GECOM’s responsibility to inform the public that political parties are currently carrying out house

to house work to check for discrepancies on the PLE 2014. This exercise of house to house checking of the list by political parties is a right that parties have over the years.”

Given a mandate by the electorate to represent almost half of the country’s population, the PPP/C intends to ensure that there is complete transparency during the registration process and at GECOM itself. The party had cause to write GECOM only last Thursday after its field operatives found 18 persons on the PLE with the same Georgetown address.

At the said address, they found one of the 18 people with a prepared list of the 18 that were listed. “The PPP/C find this very unusual; while it may be possible that these 18 persons are living at that address, we call on GECOM to physically verify these persons existence and their place of residence. The PPP/C has been submitting irregularities to GECOM on an ongoing basis rather than wait until the Claims and Objections period concludes since this

period last for only 28 days and we are only 10 days away from its conclusion,” the party said.

The PPP/C is calling on GECOM to explain in clear terms: The drastic increase in new registrants (over 78,000) when the average annual increase of New Registrants is usually just over 11,000; what quality control mechanism was used for inputting data from the NRRD into the PLE and who did it?; why weren’t critical vacancies including those yet to be filled at the IT Department not filled and was only acted upon after questions were raised by the PPP/C?; and when will GECOM put an International Monitoring Unit (IMU) or Joint International Technical Assistance (JITA) in place to over look the inputting of critical and important data and the evaluation of such data as well?”

Lack of preparation

The PPP/C said it remains convinced that GECOM is better prepared for General Elections and not Local Government Elections, especially since GECOM’s total lack of preparations for the holding of Local Government Elections under the new electoral system.

“The PPP/C stands by its claims of list padding. GECOM must produce the evidence about impersonators posing as GECOM officials in Region One. The PPP/C found it was quite extraordinary that on the very day GECOM claimed there were GECOM impersonators on the ground at Region One, soon after APNU made the same allegations. This hasty and unfounded claim by GECOM about impostors was made before checking the accuracy of the allegation, put the lives of PPP/C activists at risk.

“We reiterate our call for more diligent work to be done by GECOM in keeping with its Standard Operational Procedures. In the meanwhile the PPP/C will remain vigilant in its efforts to ensure that GECOM generates a clean and acceptable Voters List,” the release said.

Joe does talk before he tink

Joe de Hard Mouth fella ain’t only gotta hard mouth. He gotta big mouth too. Very big, if yuh ask dem folks down by Church Street, not too far from de National Library, right wheh people does go and pray. But Hard Mouth does ignore that de name “Church Street” is fuh a reason.

It gotta lotta other words to describe Joe mouth. But it might be a too big mouthful fuh this column alone to print. De Hard Mouth man is always de one who always talkin some ting. Even when he ain’t talkin, some people does seh he talkin.

Not too long ago a reporter expose de whole plot. One newspaper seh Hard Mouth seh and when de reporter call, Hard Mouth seh he never seh. De newspaper man had fuhget to call Hard Mouth ahead of time, or Hard Mouth had fuhget that he was supposed to seh that he seh whah ever de newspaper seh.

It ain’t got no need to even bother to ask whah de newspaper name. If any body wanna hear whah Hard Mouth seh, or what he ain’t seh, just pick up that same paper and it gon seh whah Hard Mouth seh or supposed to seh.

And somehow Hard Mouth can talk bout any ting under de sun. If is finance, Hard Mouth bound to talk. If is roads, Hard Mouth gon seh some ting. If is garbage, Hard Mouth done seh something.

Most people does tink before dem talk, but Hard Mouth is a back to front man, so he does talk then tink. Old people does call that puttin de cart before de horse, although in this case it ain’t got nutten to do wid cart or horse.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! After all, is only de other day Hard Mouth open he mouth and tek on a challenge to a debate. It was only after that, that he start to beg fuh de relevant information...but long before that he had done come to a conclusion!

ILO says LDCs should focus on jobs, decent work

As part of global discussions on the post-2015 development agenda, ministers and senior government officials from the world’s 48 least developed countries (LDC) recently gathered in Cotonou, Benin, to discuss concrete initiatives to enhance productive capacities and build innovative partnerships to help transform their economies.

The meeting of LDCs, hosted by Benin in close collaboration with the UN Office for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS) and UNDP, was held from 28-31 July 2014. The ambitious agenda tackled a broad menu of social and economic issues including effective policy frameworks and institutions, developing globalised value

chains, building infrastructure, and increasing access to energy as well as women’s empowerment, quality job creation and sustainable development.

Speaking about the challenges facing LDCs, Aeneas Chuma, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Regional Director for Africa, stated that “skills development plays a crucial role for LDCs to seize opportunities to develop markets for new technologies, to attract investments and to create sustainable, decent and green jobs for a growing labour force.”

Policy prescriptions

These policy prescriptions, supported by recent ILO research, look to overcome the continued impact of the economic crisis which exposed LDCs’ weakness in relying heavily on commodity exports at the expense of manufacturing and economic diversification.

through the crisis made long-term investments in education and skills-training, implemented robust social protection schemes, and promoted public infrastructure and employment programmes as a pathway to decent work and inclusive growth. Conference participants coalesced around the idea that increasing productive capacities in LDCs is not only a defining challenge but also an opportunity to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development in the coming decades. They discussed proposals to enhance the ability of poor countries to overcome structural constraints, especially in the UN post-2015 development agenda.

Furthermore, the research showed that LDCs who succeeded in maintaining high levels of growth

Addressing the means by which to effect these needed changes, the UN High Representative for UNOHRLLS, Gyan Chandra

Acharya, told the assembled delegates that “development partners should be encouraged to do more by channelling aid to support productive capacity building in the LDCs, leveraging aid to encourage investment flows and facilitating trade and promoting technology transfer in a coherent manner.”

He added, “As we prepare to embark upon the post2015 development agenda, we have heard a clarion call from all the participants for priority focus on these issues in the LDCs.”

Human capital is crucial

The conference deliberations show a growing consensus of the importance of investing in human capital for economic diversification, as well as the catalytic role of social protection floors and improving working conditions for increased productivity and competi-

tiveness as essential to sustainable economic and social development. In a call for inclusive and peoplecentered development in the LDCs, Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa Director said that LDCs need to “diversify into new, sustainable, job-rich, productive sectors so as to transform the structure of their economies, while building an environment in which development gains are broadly shared.”

As this meeting and other Post-2015 discussions increase the sense of urgency for a universally applicable development agenda, the move towards sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth has shifted the international communities’ attention to the importance of full and productive employment and decent work for all.

The PPP/C says the first ingredient for the holding of free and fair

ILO Regional Director for Africa, Aeneas Chuma

Fishermen must install monitoring systems or be refused a licence –Minister Ramsammy

Minister of Agriculture, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said trawler owners will be denied a fishing licence unless they are in possession of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), while in 2015, artisanal fishermen will have to be in possession of a Global Positioning System (GPS) in order to be granted a licence.

This, Dr Ramsammy explained will also help to solve a bigger problem. “There is the allegation that big boats come and meet the fishermen and trawlers out at sea to take away the fish so Guyana does not benefit.”

He however, added that the extent of this alleged act is not known, but will be with the installation of the VMS tracking device. In addition, installation of VMS will also solve the problem of trawlers getting into the track of the artisanal fishermen and destroying their fish nets.

Further, the Ministry of Agriculture will work along with the Ministry of Home Affairs on an aggressive anti-piracy programme. The minister urged that all fish-

ermen get licenced, and explained that though they ask for increased coast guard presence, they are not happy when coast guards ask to look at their licence to ensure they are fishing legally.

He stated that some fishermen fish without a licence and practice illegal methods of fishing. Dr. Ramsammy further explained that coast guards will not only be present at sea to help prevent piracy, but will also check with fishermen for their licence to ensure they are fishing legally.

“Only about one – third of artisanal (the most targeted group of fishermen for piracy) fishermen are licenced.” he said, while adding that of 87 trawlers operating at sea, more than half have the VMS system. He urged that artisanal fishermen install GPS systems in their vessels. He said while GPS will be an additional cost to fishermen, he believes it is necessary to save lives and though it will not completely get rid of piracy, it will make the act less frequent. (GINA)

Canada warns citizens against Chikungunya spread in Caribbean

Canada has warned travellers to the Caribbean to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the spread of the Chikungunya disease continues across the Region.

“Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel,” said the Public Health Agency of Canada in its latest travel update on the virus.

In Guyana, the virus continues to spread and a number of persons have been confirmed with the illness. The Vector Control Services Director has been encouraging persons to burry cans, bottles and other containers that can collect water, and advised that reservoirs should be covered.

The virus was first discovered in the Caribbean on December 23, 2013 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,

Decriminalising marijuana

– has the time come to make changes?

BY LAURA CHAPMAN

Guyana still holds firm with its stance to keep marijuana illegal. This is in line with many other South American states like Suriname, Argentina and Bolivia.

However, in Central America, places like Mexico and Costa Rica have made the step forward to decriminalise and just in the last few months 23 other US states have pledged to make it legal. In fact, recently month New York became the latest to do so.

There are many doctors and psychologists who think that the drug should be permanently decriminalised for recreational and for medicinal use. One of these is Professor Mark Kleimann who argues passionately for pot being properly grown,

manufactured and sold responsibly within a legal system that ensures standardisation of plants, making it a safer and more trustworthy drug to imbibe.

Professor Kleimann argues that if this happens, it becomes much easier to con-

trol. He points out a similar system in Utah, which requires that liquor is only sold in state controlled, operated units.

Such a force has actually led to a reduction in crime and less alcohol related problems. His stance is the same for pot – bringing into play the same kind of idea here would hopefully mean the same kind of thing would happen. Major newspapers such as the New York Times have surprisingly come out in favour of legalising. However, the Government on the whole is against it and is refusing to wholly commit to a blanket lifting of the law.

Across the states in which it has been decriminalised, “pot shops” are being set up, with owners being allowed to purchase safe licences which enable them to grow properly controlled plants to sell - usually for medicinal purposes. It’s been said that under the Barack Obama administration there have been more marijuana related arrests and sentences given than under any other previous Government. However, even with these measures in place, the US is still way behind other countries in terms of its stance on the legalisation of such drugs. Professor Kleimann’s arguments hold firm and his belief that the people in charge in Washington need to do something, isn’t changing. Edited from a discussion by Professor Mark Kleiman of UCLA Larkin School of Public Affairs, on the general move toward marijuana legalization in the US (www. rehabs.com).

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.

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 (6318); and Saint Martin (4113).

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.

Professor Mark Kleimann

421 Essequibo Coast residents receive OLPF laptops

Anna Regina residents were overwhelmed with joy after receiving their laptops, compliments of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Programme.

Many were in loud praise of the Government for the kind gesture, which was witnessed by Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud.

Persaud told residents that the distribution process is a fulfilment of the Government’s promise to the people of Guyana.

A total of 421 persons received laptops at the Anna Regina Multilateral

Secondary School and thus far, 841 persons on the Essequibo Coast have benefited from the programme.

The distribution commenced on June 19 and will continue throughout the coast with residents from Charity to Bounty Hall benefiting. Recipients also received on the spot training by OLPF trainers. The next distribution exercise is scheduled at the Essequibo Technical Institute on August 27. According to one recipient, Rudolph John James, who is from Anna Regina, he has three children and all are at-

tending secondary school. John said he is very thankful to the Government for the instrument, explaining that his children were in need of one.

Another recipient, Roopnarine (only name given), from Anna Regina said all he wanted for Christmas is a laptop and is lucky to have received his gift before Christmas. Roopnarine said he has four children and all are attending school.

The OLPF Programme aims to equip families throughout Guyana with access to digital information to aid in their development.

OECS resumes talks aimed at developing marine managed areas

The St Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has started a series of meetings aimed at further developing and sustaining marine managed areas and their associated livelihoods in the sub-region.

The meetings, which began in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, are being facilitated through the Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network (ECMMAN) project, in collaboration with the German Government and coordinated by The Nature Conservancy.

An OECS statement said that the meetings are to assess the status of the socioeconomic and managementeffectiveness of the targeted Marine Managed Areas of The Tobago Cays Marine

Park and South Coast areas in St Vincent, the Point Sables area in St Lucia, The North East area in Antigua, specific areas of Barbuda and marine managed areas of interest in Grenada.

An official of the OECS Commission, Joan Norville, said the updates on the “Socio Economic and Management Effectiveness Assessments” will guide the implementation of selected projects to further preserve the targeted marine managed areas and associated livelihoods.

She told the meeting that enhanced marine managed areas contributes to sustained livelihoods, provision of community and family needs as well as economic development.

Meanwhile, a Livelihoods Support Fund (LSF) has been estab-

Hugo Chávez Centre to be operational month-end

Human Services and Social Security

Minister Jenifer Webster has said that with all systems in place and the final approval given, the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration should begin operations by month-end.

Speaking with Guyana Times during a telephone interview on Monday, Minister Webster said the Ministry is currently awaiting approval from Government to hire 10 orderlies for the centre located at Onverwagt Village, West Coast Berbice.

She noted that operations cannot commence without the presence of those individuals. She related too that the Ministry was able to appoint an administrator, and as soon as further approval is given by Government – which she hopes could happen by month-end – the 80 persons identified will be able to move into the centre.

Minister Webster said her Ministry was able to work along with the Health Ministry to evaluate the persons identified. That process has been completed and each prospective resident has a personal file, she explained.

She said too that some remedial modifications are currently ongoing and will soon be completed.

Homeless persons

lished under the ECMMAN Project.

“The LSF is a small grants facility aimed at assisting coastal communities to undertake actions in support of sustainable livelihood programmes and enterprises. Priority will be given to livelihood activities that will impact positively on the identified marine managed areas,” the OECS Commission said.

It said the fund would also consider applications from individuals, small and micro-businesses, and groups and that the “small grants fund is to finance interventions that will successfully demonstrate innovative and sustainable livelihood opportunities within coastal communities, and impact positively on the coastal resources”.

Cabinet has granted its no-objection to the sum of $52.8 million to be spent on the construction of a new prison block at the Lusignan Prison Complex, East Coast Demerara.

The sum is to be spent on phase three of the construction of the three flat structure at the Lusignan Prison Complex. These ongoing works will include the construction of a security fence and commencement of foundation works.

The Home Affairs

from across Guyana will be housed at the centre, which has separate dorm for males and females, a kitchen, recreational, medical, training and dining facilities and conference rooms.

South American Nations (UNASUR).

The centre has the capacity to hold 200 males and 100 females and stands on 7.30 acres of land. Some of the land has been set aside for residents to engage in agriculture.

Construction on the $402.8 million facility, a gift from the Venezuelan Government to the people of Guyana, began in January 2010.

Guyana shares a friendly relationship with its western neighbour at the bilateral level and through the Union of

Meanwhile, Minister Webster was unable to give this publication an update on the Soup Kitchen initiative. Sources within the Bakewell Group of Companies had earlier this year informed this publication that they were still awaiting a meeting with the Human Services Ministry before the project could begin.

But when asked about this, Minister Webster said she was unable to provide any information.

The source related that after the death of Nasir in October 2012, construction on the building came to a standstill since the family was in mourning. The kitchen was scheduled to be opened since August 2011.

The Human Services Ministry has collaborated with the management of Bakewell to construct the facility in Brickdam, next to the Palms.

The kitchen is aimed at providing free daily meals between 11:00h and 15:00h for 2500 persons, including persons who may find themselves displaced and on the streets.

It is expected that beneficiaries will also have access to bathroom and shower facilities, personal assistance, and a fresh change of clothing.

Ministry in a release said the project is aimed at providing better accommodation facilities for prisoners in keeping with the Ministry’s policy of having a secure environment for prisoners while at the same time protecting their human rights.

The Cabinet has also granted a no-objection for the award of a contract for construction works to be done at the Lusignan Prison Trade Shop.

The works to be done in this phase of the construc-

tion will include the erection of a security fence.

The sum to be awarded is $26.2 million, and it is envisaged that at the end of the project, the trade shop will house a carpentry shop, a mechanic shop, a joinery shop and facilities for barbering and sewing. This project forms part of the thrust of the Home Affairs Ministry and the Guyana Prison Service to place more focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.

The Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster

The OECS Commission has started a series of meetings aimed at further developing and sustaining marine managed areas in the sub-region

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud distributing a laptop to a resident in the presence of other recipients

4% rice farmers' payments outstanding

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said Government is holding strongly to the view that all outstanding payment to rice farmers must be paid on a timely basis, fully and fairly.

“We concede that farmers are not being paid on a timely basis. Part of the problem is the phenomenal increase in cash flow because while farmers harvest twice per year and expect their payment during that period, the millers sell over 12 months so they receive their payment over that same period, so therefore the cash flow becomes a problem,” the Minister explained.

To aid in the payment of rice farmers, the Government has extended a revolving fund of $2-$5 billion and hopes that all farmers will be paid before the next rice harvest.

He added that in the year 2000, the cash flow between millers and farmers was $8 billion and it is now $46 billion. He explained that, meeting the huge increase in cash flow is challenging to millers and thus the Government assists.

He further said there is talk about a revolving fund of a couple hundred million dollars and noted that millers and banks have not been able to meet the $46 billion. He cited 2010 as the year where there was a similar problem.

The Minister said it is no secret that Agriculture banks are very skeptical about lending large amounts of money because of the high risk factor. He stated that the Government at various times makes available between $2 to 5 billion to bridge the gap to allow farmers to be paid during crops, though payment may not be very timely.

“I heard while I was away (in Colombia) that a group of farmers met with various people who should have been more responsible because they were told that 25 per cent of farmers have not been paid,” Dr Ramsammy said.

Further, he said he was told the same figure by a group representing the farm-

ers and urged that the group ask farmers for the evidence to prove their claims.

On Saturday, he said three to four per cent of farmers are yet to receive payment and vowed that the Government intends to ensure all are paid. Of the approximately $22 billion paid to farmers by millers at various points during this year, over $4 billion came from the Government which in turn rotates payments received to continue paying farmers.

“I have had meetings with the banks asking that they invest their money with the millers and the banks have expressed fear that they have already invested money, when you are dealing with 300,000 tonnes of rice for the year versus 600,000 tonnes, the accommodation of storage and drying of paddy has to be increased, and the millers have invested in this increase, thus they already have significant loans at the bank,” Dr Ramsammy said while making clear that he is not justifying the actions of the millers.

The Minister added that he plans to meet with bankers and millers this week, but said the bankers have agreed to loan the money to the millers under the condition that the Government guarantees the loans.

GRDB steps up campaign against paddy bug

The Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) campaign against the paddy bug invasion in Region Two has intensified with sensitisation programmes, training and demonstrations throughout the rice growing area.

The GRDB office at Anna Regina has distributed several “sweeping” nets to help in the monitoring process. It is intended that farmers share the nets and help in the monitoring process.

According to GRDB Essequibo Branch Supervisor Deoram Prahalad, though the situation is not alarming; the rice board will not be complacent.

Prahalad said the nets are an effective solution to get rid of the bugs, but noted that farmers have to do their sweeping early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Along with the sweeping, he said, the fields have to be monitored from sowing until 10 days before harvesting or as often as possible.

The demonstration and distribution of the nets came

at an opportune as crops are in the flowering stage.

On Saturday, a farmers’ training session was conducted by extension staff of the GRDB, Anna Regina in the boardroom. Farmers were given sweeping nets to assist them in monitoring the paddy bugs.

Several sweeping nets were distributed to farmers

At the interactive sessions, Entomologist, Dr Viviane Bharally held detailed discussions on the life cycle, monitoring and demonstration techniques to keep the bugs at bay. Dr Bharally has been deployed in Region Two to work with farmers to eliminate the pest.

GFC stands by Finance Minister’s report on forestry sector

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) says total production volume of logs, primary lumber and Roundwood increased from 151,151m³ in 2013 to 238,411m³ in the second half of 2014.

According to a release, log production reflected a 77 per cent increase in production and Roundwood (comprising mainly of piles, poles and posts) increasing by 81.27 per cent over the January to June 2013 period.

The increase in log production was driven in not only the Prime Species Categories (Special Category and Class One) where species such as Greenheart and Wamara are recorded, but also in all other categories where lesser utilised species are recorded.

That is, in Class Two, total log production increased over 100 per cent in production volume and Class Three logs recorded a 31 per cent increase.

The Roundwood Category which is used primarily in the local building and construction sector and utilities sub-sector, recorded strong performance in the first half of 2014, which speaks to the forestry sector’s strong contribution to the local economy.

The GFC said in the first half of 2014, total piles in-

creased by over 90 per cent and poles increased by some 36 per cent over 2013. These contributed to an overall Roundwood category increase over 2013 by 81.27 per cent.

In the added value category of forest produce production level, mainly plywood and veneer, January to June 2014 recorded significant increases over the corresponding period of January to June 2103. In the 2014 period, plywood recorded a 65 per cent increase in production volume, and veneer recorded an increase of 71 per cent.

Growth Growth of the forestry sector, reported as Gross Domestic Product and other indicators, is primarily informed by production levels. With plywood and veneer accounting for a significant growth percentage of the sector’s strong performance in the first half of 2014, this directly substantiates the Finance Ministry’s report that the plywood and Added Value sub-sector of the forestry sector was one of the main drivers of the sector’s improved performance.

Increase in the forest products exports also contributed to the strong performance of the forestry sector in January to June 2014.

As the Finance Ministry reported, the timber and Plywood sub-category of forest product, recorded an increase in export volume of some 53 per cent and a corresponding increase in export value of 30 per cent when compared to the first half of 2013.

“The Finance Ministry Report is therefore corroborated by the GFC’s statistics and as reported by ITTO, which shows that the subcategory of timber and plywood showed strong performance in 2014.

“The sub-categories of logs, sawn wood and plywood all contributed to the increase in some 30 per cent of export value of the forest sector in the first half of 2014.

One of the main products which showed significant improvement over 2013 was Greenheart piles under the Roundwood sub-category,” the GFC said.

It noted that for 2014, Greenheart piles recorded a 25 per cent increase in export volume and a 65 per cent increase in export value when compared to the first half of 2013.

“The forest sector has showed strong performance so far in 2014. As reported by the Finance Ministry in the half year summary, this provides strong basis for revising the projected increase in forest sector growth for 2014.

“Further, as noted in the Ministry’s half yearly report, Plywood production indeed is one of the main drivers for the growth in the sector with a 65 per cent increase in production recorded in the first half of 2014.” Additionally, export volume and value performance which contributed to the improved 2014 performance, saw increases in a range of forest products in the timber ad plywood sub-categories.

EU bemoans attack on humanitarian workers

European Commissioner for International Cooperation Kristalina Georgieva has bemoaned the attacks of humanitarian workers in a message to mark World Humanitarian Day 2014.

World Humanitarian Day is observed on August 19 in memory of the victims of the attack on the United Nations’ headquarters in Baghdad in 2003 which caused the deaths of 22 people, including the UN Special Representative in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Georgieva, who is in Iraq where the European Commission is providing vital assistance to hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped by the fighting, made the following statement:

“World Humanitarian Day is an occasion to pay tribute to the people who risk their lives every day to help

of help. But reaching them is being made all the more difficult by an escalating conflict. It’s no longer business as usual for humanitarian workers – not here nor anywhere else.

the victims of war and disasters around the world and an opportunity to highlight the humanitarian challenges we are facing. These challenges are all too evident here in Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of people are in desperate need

The rising number and the evolving nature of conflicts is making our world ever more fragile. In the Middle East, we are witnessing horrific levels of violence in which there is no end in sight for the suffering of innocent civilians. Across Africa, from Mali in the West to Somalia in the East, stretching across Northern Nigeria, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, there are millions of civilians squeezed inside a belt of conflict fuelled in part by ethnic and religious hatred. Bringing relief and assistance to vulnerable children, women and the elderly is becoming more and more difficult.

And these challenges are

making it more dangerous for humanitarian workers to do their jobs. The number of attacks against them has quadrupled since 2003. Last year an average of 12 humanitarian workers were killed and more than 10 were kidnapped every month. Every week three humanitarians were attacked and wounded.

“With the combined impact of climate change, rapid population growth in places like the Sahel and a rising tide of extremism we will inevitably see more conflict, more hunger and more people forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

“We live in a world of enormous fragility and because of this we need to focus more on the challenges we face: for the sake of the victims of war and disasters and also for the sake of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to help them.”

Roundwood (comprising mainly of piles, poles and posts) increased by 81.27 per cent over the period January to June 2013

European Commissioner for International Cooperation Kristalina Georgieva

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Farmers at a field demonstration

Regional

Jamaica’s Prime Minister speaks out on controversial death of prisoner

rime Minister Portia

PSimpson Miller has declared that her Administration will not allow the rights of the Jamaican people “to be trampled on, even when they have run afoul of the law.”

Simpson Miller, for the first time spoke about circumstances that led to the death of Mario Deane who was beaten while being held at a Police station lock up in the western city of Montego Bay.

“As a Government with our historical mission from 1938 until now, we have no intention of allowing the rights of the Jamaican people to be trampled on even when they have run afoul of the law. The Jamaican peo-

ple have a right even when they are in the custody of the Police,” she said.

The Prime Minister made the statement at a meeting in the northern parish of St Ann late Sunday. She

Julian Assange speaks of "leaving" Ecuador embassy

ikiLeaks found-

Wer Julian Assange has suggested he will be leaving London’s Ecuadorean embassy “soon”. He said he understood from WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson he would be “leaving the embassy” after two years’ refuge but gave no more details. Assange is wanted for questioning over alleged sex assaults in Sweden and faces arrest if he leaves the embassy.

Hrafnsson later said the plan “as always” was for Assange to depart when the UK “calls off the siege”. “The world is not coming to an end,” Hrafnsson told reporters inside the embassy.

“The plan, as always, is to leave as soon as the UK Government decides to hon-

our its obligations in relation to international agreements.” Assange, 43, faces questioning by prosecutors in Stockholm over claims made by two women in 2010. He denies the allegations and sought refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in June 2012 shortly after the UK’s Supreme Court dismissed his efforts to block his extradition.

Since then, Police have maintained a round-theclock presence outside the building, in London’s Knightsbridge, at a cost of £6.4 million. Clive Coleman, the BBC’s legal correspondent, said that nothing had changed since 2012 and Assange would be arrested and extradited if he left the embassy. (Excerpt from BBC News)

also said that she requested an update on the probe into the Deane’s death and this should have been submitted on Monday.

A report on the matter was also expected at Monday’s

meeting of the Cabinet.

The Prime Minister has been criticised by the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for being silent following Deane’s death but she sought to clear the air saying she declined to speak publicly as the matter is being investigated.

Deane who was arrested for possession of a marijuana cigarette, was denied bail, and while in custody, was badly beaten. He later died from his injuries at hospital.

The Police subsequently charged three men, who were in custody at the time, with the murder of Deane. Six Police officers have also been interdicted or suspended with immediate effect.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Show your weapons, says TT’s National Security Minister

In the aftermath of the discovery of 42 guns stolen from the ballistics room of the Forensic Science Centre (FSC), National Security Minister Gary Griffith on Sunday advised that effective immediately the Police will do random checks at all private security firms and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that all weapons are accounted for.

Griffith, who returned to the country following a series of meetings with US law enforcement agen-

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados more prepared for disaster

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has received at least Bdn$12,000 in radio equipment from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to boost its telecommunications capabilities.

Director of the DEM Judy Thomas said the 13 mobile radios will allow the health care institution to communicate directly with the DEM in the event of an emergency.

Chief Executive Officer of the QEH Dr Dexter James said the hospital had to respond to all disasters in the island and had been working very closely with the DEM as well as support agencies in recent times.

He said the hospital’s main board room was outfit-

ted to be used as an incident command centre and it had been upgraded with telephone lines, white boards, and a projector.

He said this provided a

Silva surges in Brazil election poll, runoff looks certain

Marina Silva’s entry into Brazil’s presidential race will almost certainly force the October election into a second-round runoff and the environmentalist could even unseat President Dilma Rousseff, according to a poll released on Monday.

It showed Silva with the support of 21 per cent of voters, almost three times more than centre-left candidate Eduardo Campos, who she is poised to replace on the Brazilian Socialist Party’s ticket after his death last week in a plane crash. Support for Rousseff in the survey by polling firm Datafolha was unchanged from last month at 36 per

cent and remained at 20 per cent for centrist and market favourite Aecio Neves, showing that Silva’s surge came among voters who were previously undecided.

The poll showed Silva depriving Rousseff of the votes she needs to win the election outright in the first round of voting on October 5. It also showed Silva ahead of Rousseff by four percentage points if there is a runoff between the two.

If Silva can sustain that momentum, she could pose the biggest threat to the ruling Workers’ Party since it was voted in under Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva almost 12 years ago. (Excerpt from Reuters)

fairly good infrastructure to allow for communication and the new radios would enhance what was already in place. (Nation News)

cies to partner in the fight against the importation of illegal drugs into this country and the Caribbean, said based on information received, the criminal elements are now finding it extremely difficult to secure illegal weapons because of the renewed agreement between this country and Venezuela and Colombia. He said the theft of the guns from the FSC is a strong indication that the criminal elements will now be targeting other agencies in the country where guns

are stored and he has decided that effective immediately, new measures will be put in place to prevent this from happening.

He noted all private security firms will receive visits from Police officers at random periods to display their records to ensure that all weapons are accounted for and that these weapons are not being rented out or are in the hands of persons who are using the guns for criminal activity.

Griffith said he is not making accusations or pointing fingers at anyone but the time has reached to put certain measures in place to deal swiftly with any planned criminal activities. Asked by Newsday if the Police will also be subjected to these checks, the Minister said that no one will be spared including the Police themselves, the Defence Force and other law enforcement agencies where weapons are stored. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Students lost during hike to volcanic crater rescued by St Kitts Police

Security personnel rescued two students on who were lost during a hike to the volcanic crater of Mount Liamigua on the weekend.

The Police report that Marco Thiery and Uzair Ali of Windsor University set off on the hike on Saturday morning without a guide. Later that afternoon, the students realised that they were far from reaching the top of Mount Liamigua and decided to turn back, however they became confused and descended into a gaunt where visibility was reduced due to fog. The students called for help and a search party including members of the Police Force, the Defence Force and two civilian guides was dispatched. They were located at 01:00h and a few hours later started their descent and returned to the Dieppe Bay Police Station at about 08:00h. Thiery and Ali were examined by medics from the St Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services who found only a few bruises and scratches. (Caribbean360)

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

Brazilian politician Marina Silva (C), former Environment Minister under the Government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, grabs the hand of Renata de Andrade Lima, widow of late presidential candidate Eduardo Campos, during the wake at the Pernambuco Government Palace in Recife, August 17

Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite (left) and Chief Executive Officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Dr Dexter James with one of the new radios

Around the world

Ebola crisis: Liberia confirms West Point patients missing

Following earlier deni-

als, Liberia has admitted that 17 suspected Ebola patients are “missing” after a health centre in the capital was looted.

The Government had sought to reassure people, saying all the patients had been moved to another health facility. But Information Minister Lewis Brown told the BBC that 17 patients had gone “back into their communities”.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for exit screenings on all travellers from affected countries. It wants checks at airports, sea ports and major land crossings.

Several airlines have already stopped flying to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – the countries worst affected by the world’s most deadly outbreak of Ebola, which has no known cure.

India calls off diplomatic talks with Pakistan

Cameroon has closed its land, sea and air borders with Nigeria, which also has several cases of Ebola, reports said. The virus has killed 1145 people this year, the World Health Organisation says. Meanwhile, the UN’s chief coordinator in Sierra Leone, David McLachlanKarr, told the BBC that Ebola had spread to 12 out of 13 of the country’s districts.

After autopsy, Mike Brown’s parents call for officer’s

Aretired medical examiner from New York City announced on Monday the findings of an independent autopsy he conducted on slain teen Mike Brown, saying the victim was shot at least six times and showed no signs of physical struggle.

While Michael Baden’s findings contradicted some aspects of eyewitness accounts, it corroborated others, and Mr. Brown’s parents and their legal representatives argued that the autopsy provided more than enough evidence to arrest officer Darren Wilson for Brown’s murder.

“It verifies the worst that the family thinks happened – that he was executed,” Benjamin Crump, the parents’ chief lawyer, told USA Today.

“It confirms what the witnesses said, that this was an execution. That’s what

arrest

the witnesses said from Day one.”

Dr Baden, who was commissioned by the Brown family to conduct the autopsy, said the final gunshot indicated the victim was either facing downward or charging Wilson. He also said that Brown’s death was probably relatively painless and that he probably could have survived the first five bullet wounds.

Another key finding – or lack thereof – was the absence of gunshot residue on Brown’s body, which indicated that the victim was at least one foot away from Wilson’s weapon every time it was fired.

Baden said at the Monday press conference that he’d need to examine Brown’s clothes, which were unavailable, to make a more conclusive determination regarding the absence of the residue.(Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

“While Sierra Leone was the last affected of the three Mano River countries

to have confirmed [cases] of Ebola, now it’s the country with the most cases,” he said. There have been at least 810 cases of Ebola reported in Sierra Leone, including 348 deaths, according to WHO figures. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian choppers in China for multinational drills

Russian Army helicopters have landed in northern China to take part in multinational anti-terrorism drills, underscoring continuing close ties between Beijing and Moscow despite tensions with the West over Ukraine.

Eight transport choppers landed Sunday night at Zhurihe, China’s largest and most modern training base, located in the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China’s official Xinhua News Agency said Monday.

China and Russia have set aside their former Cold War rivalry and competition for regional influence to challenge the global order dominated by the United States and its allies in the West.

Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its annexation of Crimea and support for insurgents in eastern Ukraine are seen

as drawing Moscow and Beijing closer, providing Russia with diplomatic cover and China with stronger leverage to acquire Russian natural resources.

Symbolic of Moscow’s moves toward Beijing is a US$400 billion deal signed in June to supply China with natural gas through a new pipeline.

The deal came after decades of negotiations that went nowhere, with China reportedly receiving more favourable financial terms than Russia had initially been prepared to offer.

While urging negotiations to settle the Ukraine crisis, China has refrained from joining in the criticisms of Russia levelled by Washington and its European allies, including over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in July. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

Israeli wedding of Jew, Muslim draws protesters amid war tensions

Israeli Police on Sunday blocked more than 200 far-right Israeli protesters from rushing guests at a wedding of a Jewish woman and Muslim man as they shouted “death to the Arabs” in a sign of tensions stoked by the Gaza war.

Several dozen Police, including members of the Force’s most elite units, formed human chains to keep the protesters from the wedding hall’s gates and chased after many who defied them. Four protesters were arrested, and there were no injuries.

A lawyer for the couple, Maral Malka, 23, and

The protest highlighted a rise in tensions between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel in the past two months amid a month long Gaza war, the kidnap and slaying of three Israeli teens in June followed by a revenge choking and torching to death of a Palestinian teen in the Jerusalem area.

A group called Lehava, which organised the wedding demonstration, has harassed Jewish-Arab couples in the past, often citing religious grounds for their objections to intermarriage. But they have rarely protested at the site of a wedding. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India called off on Monday peace talks with Pakistan, giving a jolt to renewed diplomatic efforts between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and adding to the troubles of Pakistan’s beleaguered Government.

The move came nearly three months after Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the inauguration of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the pair shaking hands in a gesture that had raised hopes of warmer ties between the two nations.

India said it would not attend talks involving the foreign secretaries of the two countries, which had been set to take place on August 25 in Islamabad, because of plans by Pakistan to consult Kashmiri separatists ahead

of the meeting. India’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin called the invite an “unacceptable” attempt to “interfere” in domestic affairs, adding that the talks had been “cancelled”. Pakistan deplored India’s move, calling it a “setback” in efforts to promote good neighbourly relations.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since both gained independence in 1947.

The two nations have fought three wars and came close to a fourth war in 2001 and there have been regular clashes on the heavily militarised Line of Control that divides Indian- and Pakistancontrolled Kashmir. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Dozens killed in attack on convoy, Ukraine says; rebels deny firing rocket

Dozens of people, including women and children, were killed fleeing fighting in eastern Ukraine on Monday when their convoy of buses was hit by rocket fire, military spokesmen said.

Ukraine accused proRussian rebels of targeting the convoy, which it said was bearing white flags when it was hit near the eastern city of Luhansk. The separatists denied responsibility for the attack and one rebel leader suggested the incident might never have taken place.

“The rebels were expecting the convoy and destroyed it entirely,” military spokesman Andriy Lysenko told journalists. “We haven’t been able to count the number of victims... dozens (were killed).”

The convoy had been in an area of fierce fighting between Government forces and the separatists when it came under fire from rebel Grad and mortar launchers, the spokesmen said.

“A powerful artillery strike hit a refugee convoy near the area of Khryashchuvatye and Novosvitlivka. The force of the blow on the convoy was so strong that people were burned alive in the vehicles – they weren’t able to get themselves out,” military spokesman Anatoly Proshin told Ukrainian news channel 112.ua.

Describing the attack as a “bloody crime”, Lysenko, said: “A lot of people have been killed including women and children. The number of the dead is being established.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

This man carried a young girl out of the West Point health facility on Saturday

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif smile before the start of their bilateral meeting in New Delhi May 27

Mahmoud Mansour, 26, both from the Jaffa section of Tel Aviv, had unsuccessfully sought a court order to bar the protest. He obtained

backing for Police to keep protesters 200 metres (218 yards) from the wedding hall in the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Lezion.

Groom Mahmoud Mansour, 26, (centre) and his bride Maral Malka, 23, celebrate with friends and family before their wedding in Mahmoud’s family house in Jaffa, south of Tel Aviv August 17

tuesDAY, August 19, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Construction of new GGMC office in Bartica behind schedule

The construction of the new Guyana Geology and Mines Commission office in Bartica, Region Seven is behind the September completion date.

The building was scheduled to be completed in September, but at its current construction stage, it is way behind that schedule and the contractor Eustace Lowe has blamed the unavailability of material and inclement weather on the delays.

Lowe explained that the project started in March and maintains that he will be able to meet a mid-September deadline for the completion of the job.

He explained that the wood used to construct the building – Greenheart is unavailable in Bartica; hence, there is a major issue with transporting the wood to the construction facility from Parika.

When Guyana Times visited the construction site on Monday, workers were seen mixing cement and engaged in other forms of construction of the building at Seventh Avenue Bartica, adjacent to the beach.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister

Robert Persaud who was at the said time touring the facility, expressed disappointment at the slow rate of construction.

He said over the weeks, he has received positive reports, but the reports do not correspond with the amount of work being done at the site. He said he will be instructing the GGMC to review the process and

set a new date for the completion of the regional suboffice.

Meanwhile, GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams was also concerned that the works are behind schedule. The regional sub-office plays a major role in the gold industry and is strategically located in the mining town, which sits at the entrance to Guyana’s ma-

jor mining districts.

In April of this year, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) Bartica’s sub-office was closed after a multimilliondollar fraud was unearthed at the facility. So far, seven persons have been questioned by the Police in connection with the fraud discovery, but it is not sure whether any arrests were made.

GBCHA to award businesses for HIV/ AIDS advocacy

Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS (GBCHA) will host its Annual Awards for Business Excellence on August 29, 2014 at the Pegasus Hotel.

The Awards is an unparalleled opportunity to publicly recog nise the unique and vital con tributions made by the Business Community to wards health and wellness. According to a release from the coalition awardees will be highlighted for their efforts in the workplace and commu nity through categories Advocacy and Leadership, Community Investment, Workplace Programme and Media Action.

emony and will be attended by representatives of the business community, diplomatic corps and developmental partners.

In addition to the presentation of prizes to winners, the event will recognise companies which supported the GBCHA over the year.

The event will consist of a dinner and awards cer-

Attendees will be treated to top local entertainers and speakers for the evening include the Minister of Health and Canadian High Commissioner. Sponsors for the seventh Awards for Business Excellence include Kissoon’s Group of Companies, Continental Group of Companies, GT&T, Guyana Lottery Company and Scotiabank. GBCHA celebrated 6 years on May 23, 2014 as a istered profit ortion which the Business Sector, the Ministry of Health, International Partners and Community Based Organizations to mobilize resources to assist in the National HIV/AIDS response. Since launching in 2008, GBCHA expanded its mandate to address general health and wellness including Gender Based Violence.

Felix urges fortifying of borders in wake of narco-sub find

Following the discovery of the self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) craft in Region One on Thursday last, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Security Spokesperson Winston Felix is calling on Government to strengthen the presence of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the country’s borders.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Monday, Felix said such a vessel points to the presence of international drug mafias here. He said Government needs to strengthen border security.

“The GDF [Guyana Defence Force] should have been deployed there, but they weren’t, so there was a gap available and enough space for these people to engage in such illegal activities,” he stated.

The former Police Commissioner pointed out that Government should have recognised that the North West District is probably the country’s most vulnerable area; hence, they should implement systems to have GDF presence there, along with the necessary resources to strengthen their operations.

“Government needs to pay attention to the porous borders,” he said.

Felix opined that such a submersible vessel is only used to conceal the shipment

of narcotics, particularly cocaine around the region. He lauded the organisations for their diligent work in incepting the vessel; however, he noted that there is no telling of how long the illegal activity has been going on there or whether any such craft was built before.

The APNU Member of Parliament (MP) said since the interception of the cocaine in coconut milk by Malaysian authorities, his party had maintained that there are high profile drug trafficking activities in Guyana and added that the discovery of this vessel only confirms this.

“The submersible vessel means the bad company is still with us…”

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) in a

release last week said that the craft found in Region One was blue and was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable. However, no contraband was onboard the SPSS.

CANU, along with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps, acting on intelligence from an ongoing investigation, conducted an operation along the Waini River.

Camp

During a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini, the vessel was discovered about two miles in, along with a camp consisting of three structures – accommodation, workshop area and generator. The accommodation had the capacity to sleep approximately 12 persons.

In addition, there was also a kitchen area located within the accommodation. The workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fibre glass materials. Based on the items present, it is believed that the SPSS found in the creek was built in the area.

The vessel is the latest innovation in the decadesold drug war and President Donald Ramotar has announced that agents of

the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will help local sleuths probe the discovery, which presents one of the biggest challenges to this country in its counternarcotics efforts.

With the use of these craft on the rise, US officials have said that they fear that the trafficking networks are moving away from so-called fast boats, the high-powered fishing and leisure boats that can carry about a tonne of cocaine and are easier to spot, to semi-submersible

and fully submersible vessels that can surreptitiously carry many more tonnes of drugs, which are unloaded in shallow waters or transported to shore by small boats.

Briefing members of the media at his office last Friday afternoon, Ramotar, who is also Commander-inChief of the armed forces, said lawmen have already secured the area and will be moving in with “our experts and DEA people to examine so we can have a better

picture of what is there and have more information in the near future on this matter.” He said the Administration will spend whatever is necessary. “We can’t spend unlimited amounts because we have limited resources and we have competing areas that we want to put our money into, but certainly, already we are spending quite a bit on security,” the President remarked in response to a question by a reporter.

The construction of the new GGMC Bartica sub-office is behind schedule

APNU Member of Parliament Winston Felix

The submersible craft found in Region One

PAHO urges Caribbean to prepare for Ebola

The Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is urging the countries of the Americas to be vigilant and prepared for a potential introduction of the Ebola virus in the Region.

The recommendation comes following a statement by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan that the outbreak in West Africa constitutes a “public health emergency of international

borders with affected countries; and all States.

Within this context, the following recommendations by the WHO IHR Emergency Committee apply to the countries of the Americas: there should be no general ban on international travel or trade; although the restrictions outlined in these recommendations regarding the travel of EVD cases and contacts should be implemented; WHO Member States should provide trav-

concern” (PHEIC). The current Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013. This outbreak now involves transmission in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. As of 6 August 2014, countries have reported 1,779 cases, including 961 deaths. This is currently the largest EVD outbreak ever recorded.

The PHEIC determination was made by Chan based on recommendations from WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, which suggested temporary measures to reduce the international spread of the virus for three different groups of WHO Member States: those with Ebola transmission; those with a potential or confirmed Ebola case, and unaffected States with land

elers to Ebola-affected and at-risk areas with relevant information on risks, measures to minimize those risks, and advice for managing a potential exposure; States should be prepared to detect, investigate, and manage Ebola cases; this should include assured access to a qualified diagnostic laboratory for EVD and, where appropriate, the capacity to manage travelers originating from known Ebola-infected areas who arrive at international airports or major land crossing points with unexplained febrile illness; the general public should be provided with accurate and relevant information on the Ebola outbreak and measures to reduce the risk of exposure and states should be prepared to facilitate the evac-

Wildlife and ecotourism

Wildlife is any noncultivated or nondomestic organism in the kingdom of animals, plants, protista[SR1], prokaryota and fungi.

Ecotourism is the “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the

air and water purifiers and materials for building and construction.

With advances in transportation and information technology, even the most remote places on Earth are within reach of the traveller. In fact, tourism is now the world’s largest indus-

lead to significant environmental degrada- tion. Likewise, local communities and indigenous cultures can be harmed in numerous ways by an influx of

uation and repatriation of nationals (e.g. health workers) who have been exposed to Ebola.

“At this time, all actions in the Americas should be oriented toward preventing the establishment of local transmission before the introduction of a possible imported case,” noted Marcos Espinal, Director of PAHO/WHO’s Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis.

Within this framework, national authorities of the countries of the Region should put into practice the capacities that have been developed as part of the IHR’s implementation.

Awareness

These include: detection of cases compatible with Ebola among travelers; isolation of Ebola-compatible or -confirmed cases in hospitals that have been designated and prepared for this purpose, following standard infection prevention and control precautions; identification and follow up on contacts of cases compatible with Ebola; raising awareness of the general population about the virus and communication of risk information to all stakeholders in society

In the Americas, the only laboratories that can assist national authorities by providing diagnosis confirmation are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC) and the National Microbiology Laboratory of the Canadian Public Health Agency. PAHO was founded in 1902 and is the oldest continuing international public health organization in the world.

It works with its member countries to improve the health and quality of life of the people of the Americas. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and the specialized health agency within the inter-American system.

well-being of local people. It is to allow for people to enjoy and appreciate nature, promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.”

try, with nature tourism the fastest growing segment.

Most tourism in natural areas today is not ecotourism and is not, therefore, sustainable. Ecotourism is distinguished by its emphasis on conservation, educa-

Boasting some 75 per cent pristine rainforest, Guyana is a collective of complex biomes of[SR2] more than 8000 species. Guyana is a biologically diverse country where an abundance of wildlife can be discovered especially in pristine areas such as Kaieteur National Parks, Kanuku Mountains, Shell Beach and Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve among others.

Why conserve and protect our wildlife?

We are all connected in a chain and each link is important to the other for survival. The forest provides food (wildlife), medicine, building materials, etc, so loss of the forest or animals that live in it means loss of natural habits and ecosystems, ecotourism, carbon sinks, natural

tion, traveller responsibility and active community participation. Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics:

* Conscientious, low-impact visitor behaviour

* Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity

* Support for local conservation efforts

* Sustainable benefits to local communities

* Local participation in decision-making

* Educational components for both the traveller and local communities

Increased tourism to sensitive natural areas without appropriate planning and management can threaten the integrity of ecosystems and local cultures. The increase of visitors to ecologically sensitive areas can

foreign visitors and wealth. Additionally, fluctuations in climate, currency exchange rates, and political and social conditions can make over-dependence upon tourism a risky business. However, this same growth creates significant opportunities for both conservation and local communities. Ecotourism can provide much-needed revenues for the protection of national parks and other natural areas – revenues that might not be available from other sources. Additionally, ecotourism can provide a viable economic development alternative for local communities with few other income-generating options. Moreover, ecotourism can increase the level of education and activism among travellers, making them more enthusiastic and effective agents of conservation.

We all want to experience nature and the world, but we should try to do so in a way that doesn’t impact the natural environment.

Sources: http://www.nature.org www.ecotourism.org

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com

[SR1]common name in brackets e.g. single-celled organism; bacteria etc. [SR2]see previous comment

Marcos Espinal Director of PAHO/WHO’s Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis

SUDOKU

22Jan. 19)

A business acquaintance will need a helping hand. The assistance you offer will be appreciated and rewarded, but make sure you take time out to nurture your own needs, as well.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Getting out of the house to attend an inspirational or stimulating event will allow you to meet new people and form lasting friendships. A joint venture looks promising.

You can get a lot accomplished if you tackle your tasks head-on. Find a quiet place conducive to finishing what you start. Collaborative efforts will not be in your best interest.

This is a particularly good time for collaborations or partnerships. You will get a helping hand from an unexpected source, and will move much closer to achieving a long-term goal.

(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)

You may feel laden with responsibilities. Strive for balance between your work and personal duties. Find a calm place where you can relax and let your imagination entertain you.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Keep your personal life out of your workplace. If your domestic affairs are dominating your thoughts, your productivity will suffer and career woes are likely to develop.

(March 21-April 19)

You have a remarkable capacity for knowledge. Keep well-informed by participating in intellectually oriented groups. By expanding your expertise, you can make great strides toward your future goals.

(April 20-May 20)

Don’t be nonchalant about your achievements. Speak up and make sure that your accomplishments are noticed. Selfpromotion is necessary to let others know what you have to offer.

21June 20)

It’s best to deal with personal matters on your own. Don’t let misunderstandings fester. Be the first to offer a compromise. Professionalism will speak volumes about your ability to lead.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Make a move toward greater independence. A business of your own, no matter how small in the beginning, will give you an outlet for your creative talent that will prove very lucrative.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t let your head rule your heart. Remember to share your feelings with those you care about. The response you get will put you at ease and encourage a closer bond.

23Dec. 21)

Your fight for what is right will continue. If you see someone treated unfairly, take a stand. You will gain respect, support and an invitation to work collectively toward a worthy cause.

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dilbert

AINLIM 10k set for August 31

The Neal and Massy Group of Companies under its subsidiary brand AINLIM launched the 2014 edition of their now annual 10k on Monday at the company’s headquarters on Mandela Avenue.

The 10k, which is set for August 31 with the starting point at Vreed-en-Hoop, is expected to give away around 2.5 million dollars in cash and prizes as well as other logistics for the event.

At the launching, CEO of

the Neal and Massy Group of Companies Deo Persaud was in good spirit for the fourth edition of the event.

“This is the fourth year and I want to say we intend to do so for the foreseeable future because it is a part of giving back to the community.

“This is important to us because it promotes health and fitness… it is something we encourage with our employees and by extension we want a fit and healthy com-

munity,” Persaud stated at the launching.

First Vice President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Gavin Hope was grateful for Neal and Massy’s continued interest in sports.

“It’s an event we normally look out for on our calendar and it’s an opportunity to give our athletes an opportunity to perform and we must congratulate and thank Neal and Massy for their continuity with the

Guyana Cup Horse Race Meet…

An award will be given to the champion jockey of the feature race of the lucrative Guyana Cup in Berbice on Sunday August 24.

The annual Guyana Cup has a mammoth $25M and over sponsorship package this year, including a record $4M for the animal that wins the C1 and Lower race.

On Saturday, horse racing entrepreneur Aubrey Elcock, also called ‘Pat’, of the Delmur Racing Stable, presented a beautiful trophy to organisers of the event for the jockey that wins the much anticipated race.

A number of jockeys from overseas including, Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad, USA and Barbados, along with a number of overseas based riders, will be making the trek home to be a part of the event, with some already in the country.

Most of the top horses in the country have already signed up for the feature C1

and Lower event. Nine races are carded for the day and more than sixty of the country’s best horses have been registered for the biggest sporting event in horse racing in Guyana

while several new imports are expected to take to the track in their quest for the big money on offer. The top jockey, along with the runner up, the top stable and champion train-

10k,” Hope noted. Registration will open today at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters in Kingston and Hope urged all athletes to register early for the event so as to have a smoother process come race day.

Five categories will be contested, including juniors, seniors, masters 35-54 and masters 55 and over. There will also be a 5k walk/jog for members of the public.

(Treiston Joseph)

Top jockey of feature race to be rewarded

er will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organisers.

Entries closed on Saturday August 16.

The organisers have also have put together some interesting incentives for lucky patrons and participants that will be unveiled later.

Apart from the riveting horse racing action expected on the track, there will also be a lot of added attraction for both adults and children.

The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

For more information contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 3220369), Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Ramnauth 3375311, Romel Jagroop (6241798) and Sancho 690-0569. Race time is 12:30 h.

The event is being coordinated by Nasrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohamed.

Table tennis player

Chelsea Edghill was unable to change her fortunes in the group stage of the Women’s Singles table tennis tournament at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China on Monday as she lost her final group game to crash out without a win.

Edghill was defeated 114, 11-6, 11-2 by Rea Rakovac of Croatia.

Competing in the Women’s Singles in Group F on Sunday, Edghill lost in three sets, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 to Natalia Bajor of Polana during the morning session. Returning in the afternoon to play her second group game, the Guyanese fell 3-0 to Karoline Mischek of Austria, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6.

Meanwhile, Britany Van Lange took to the pool today in the Girls 100 metres Freestyle but failed to make a qualifying time. She will hope for better results in the 50 metres Fly on Thursday.

Swimmer Hannibal Gaskin will compete in the Boys 50 metres Fly on Wednesday and the 100 metres Freestyle on Thursday. Track athlete Jason Yaw gets into action in the 400 metres on Wednesday.

“Team spirit was good and continues to be quite good, but of course Chelsea is disappointed with her results so far,” Chef de Mission Dr Karen Pilgrim had commented to Guyana Times Sport via email on Sunday.

India fined for slow over-rate after defeat by England

India have been fined for a slow over-rate during the fifth-Test defeat by England at The Oval.

Captain Mahendra Dhoni, 33, has been fined 60% of his match fee, while the rest of the team have been fined 30%.

Dhoni faces a onematch ban if found guilty of another over-rate offence in Test cricket during the next 12 months.

“Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side were ruled to be three overs short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

“In accordance with ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel regulations governing minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10% of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.”

India, who did not contest the ruling by the International Cricket Council, lost the Test by an innings and 244 runs and the series 3-1. An ICC statement said:

Deo Persaud (middle) poses with some athletes as well as Gavin Hope (4th from left) at the launching

Chelsea Edghill

Aubrey Elcock (right) of Delmur Racing Stable hands over the trophy for the jockey of the winning horse for the C1 and Lower feature event

Captain Mahendra Dhoni has been fined 60% of his match fee

tuesDay august 19, 2014

Herath scripts perfect farewell for Jayawardene

It took Sri Lanka just under an hour on the fifth morning to wrap up the Pakistan innings and kick off the celebrations at the SSC. A 2-0 win in his final series in the presence of his family, fans and team-mates - current and former, a silken-shot laden final inningsMahela Jayawardene could not have asked for a better farewell after a glittering 17-year-old career. The firecrackers were set alight the moment Wahab Riaz topedged a sweep off Rangana Herath to become the bowler’s 14th wicket in the match.

Emotions ran high as Jayawardene was carried around the ground by his team-mates on their shoulders, the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa among the hordes of fans who had come over to say their goodbyes to the legend. The Pakistan team, led by their coach Waqar Younis, joined in congratulating the batsman.

The result of the match was not in doubt once Pakistan had lost seven wickets in the last session

of the fourth day but heavy showers on the fifth morning had threatened a delayed start. The clouds parted just in time for the groundstaff to get the ground ready but it still took 40 minutes for Sri Lanka to break a stub-

born stand between Sarfraz Ahmed and Wahab.

Sarfraz, Pakistan’s best batsman in the series with a half-century in each innings, swept Chanaka Welegedara’s first ball in the 10th over of the day straight

to deep square leg and, with Junaid Khan unavailable, it was a matter of time before Sri Lanka closed the game. Fittingly, it was Herath who picked the last wicket to complete yet another fivewicket haul and make it 23

Emotional Mahela remembers the good times

“It’s been an emotional day but I promise I won’t cry,” were Mahela Jayawardene’s first words when he took the podium following his final Test. His voice cracked on occasion. Sadness was writ on his face. But most memories of his final day in Tests will be happy ones. Sri Lanka had swept the series “for Mahela”, fans had shown up in force, and the institutions that had helped make himNalanda College and SSCwere present in numbers to celebrate his final moments as a Test cricketer.

Jayawardene thanked his school and club following the match, as well as Sri Lanka Cricket, teammates, family members and fans. He spoke lightheartedly about not pursuing a life in politics following retirement, largely because his wife would kick him out if he did. He joked about his tussles with media and the board over the years as well.

But his most sentimental words were about the fans who have supported him, and the faded Sri Lanka cap that has been his companion for 15 years. “My most valued day in Tests is the day I got my cap,” Jayawardene said. “To walk into that dressing room and be with that group of players on Test debut, and to receive my cap from captain Arjuna Ranatunga, with all the other guys being there - it was

probably the best day in my life, and something I will never forget.

“I’ve stitched up this cap and managed to wear it for a long time. It’s been with me for almost 15 years now - the first few years we had a different cap. It will go in my trophy cabinet, right at the top. I’ve already planned that. You can’t even touch Sanga’s cap, it’s in such a bad state, but he still plays with it. I feel very honoured to wear it. It’s not easy to let it go, but there will be a lot of young talent waiting to wear this cap, and that’s a great thing. I’m still wearing it on my head, because it’s the last time I can do that.”

Among the highlights of Jayawardene’s Test career are his 19 century stands with close friend Kumar Sangakkara. In their last partnership, they made 107

to help set up a competitive target for Pakistan. Sangakkara was dismissed first, hitting Saeed Ajmal to short leg.

“I really value my friendship with Kumar. It’s something that has been built over a long time. When we play together, we’ve done it with a lot of enjoyment. In that last innings, when Sanga got out, I did feel quite sad. That was our last innings in Tests. But we both know that we’ve only got a short time left in the game. I’m very happy that I got to play with him for such a long time. Out of players that I’ve seen over the past six years, he’s the no. 1 batsman. As a friend I’m so proud of what he has achieved.”

Jayawardene said the away Test victories - particularly the recent win at Headingley, and the victo-

ry in Durban in 2012 - were the sweetest of his career. Although he allowed his average to slip below 50 in his final Test, the team’s victory was more important, he said.

“Coming into this game, I was pretty determined to try and keep my average up over 50 - that was one of my challenges. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. I can’t lament on that, and it’s not something that I will lose sleep on.”?

Jayawardene has been an advocate for developing young talent in the latter half of his career, and suggested he would be keen to work with players in the Sri Lanka school cricket system, of which he had been a successful product. Several Sri Lanka players now vie to replace him in the XI, but whoever takes his place must be given time and trust in order to succeed, Jayawardene said.

“If you take a player like Angelo Mathews, he has been able to play six or so years, and now he’s successful. Some players can have ups and downs, but we need to be patient with them. Some players maybe haven’t coped mentally, but they have time to correct those things. We have a lot of faith in the players that are there now, and that’s why we give them a lot of encouragement.”

wickets in the two Tests - a record for a two-match series. His 14-184 were also the second-best figures by a bowler against Pakistan.

From a Pakistan perspective, the margin of defeat in the series was not a true reflection of how close the matches were. Playing their first Test in seven months, the team fought hard both in Galle and Colombo, but suffered second-innings col-

lapses. The series loss meant they also dropped from third to sixth position in the ICC Test rankings.

Summarised scores: Sri Lanka 320 (Tharanga 92, Junaid 5-87) and 282 (Sangakkara 59, Jayawardene 54, Wahab 3-76, Ajmal 3-89) beat Pakistan 332 (Sarfraz 103, Herath 9-127) and 165 (Sarfraz 55, Herath 5-57) by 105 runs (espncricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan 2nd innings (target: 271 runs) Khurram Manzoor c †Dickwella b Prasad 10 Ahmed Shehzad lbw b Prasad 8 Azhar Ali c Jayawardene b Herath 10 Younis Khan lbw b Herath 8 Misbah-ul-Haq* c Jayawardene b Herath 3 Asad Shafiq st †Dickwella b Herath 32 Sarfraz Ahmed† c Sangakkara b Welegedara 55 Abdur Rehman lbw b Perera 5 Wahab Riaz c Silva b Herath 17 Saeed Ajmal not out 3 Junaid Khan absent hurt -

(Misbahul-Haq, 14.3 ov), 5-50 (Younis Khan, 18.1 ov), 6-105 (Asad Shafiq, 34.4 ov), 7-122 (Abdur Rehman, 37.5 ov), 8-151 (Sarfraz

Luis suarez makes debut in friendly at nou camp

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez made his Barcelona debut as a late substitute in their 6-0 victory over Mexican side Club Leon in a friendly on Monday. Suarez’s four-month ban for biting was upheld last week but has been relaxed to allow the 27-year-old to train and play in friendly matches.

Barca coach Luis Enrique waited until the 75th minute to give the Nou Camp their first glimpse of Suarez. Neymar scored twice and Lionel Messi also netted in an easy Barca win.

Suarez wore the number nine shirt and was given a rapturous reception by the Barcelona fans when he was introduced. The striker, who joined Barcelona for £75m from Liverpool, showed some nice touches during the cameo appearance. Barcelona fans will

have to wait a little longer for Suarez’s competitive Barcelona debut, which is likely to be at Real Madrid on 26 October in the El Clasico.

The Catalan club cruised to victory against Club Leon to win the Joan Gamper Cup after Argentina international Messi opened the scoring in the second minute. Brazilian Neymar then scored twice before half-time to give Barca a comfortable advantage.

Teenage striker Munir El Haddadi also netted a brace - the second goal coming moments after Suarez’s introduction - before 19-year-old Sandro rounded off the scoring with another two minutes from time.

Suarez was given his suspension for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup group match

in Brazil in June

Fans congratulate Mahela Jayawardene after the Test, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 2nd Test, SSC, 5th day, August 18, 2014. Photo: AFP

Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene posed for one last photo in whites. Photo: AFP

Suarez only made a 15-minute cameo as Barcelona eased to a 6-0 win over Mexican outfit Club Leon

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Football future looks bright as Heart of Oak starts them off young

More than sixty youths are being exposed to the basics of football while also learning essential life stills in the Heart of Oak “Teach Them Young” football camp now in its third week.

The annual camp caters for beginners of the

room and when they go to work they will have to be disciplined if they are to be successful,” Humphrey noted.

During the five weeks of instructional activity, participants are being exposed to lectures on life skills, HIV/AIDS, the laws of football and eti-

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Among those who have provided sponsorship for the successful running of the camp are are Yikes Depot, Republic Bank, Stretch D Dollar, J’s

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game and exposes them to the rules, techniques and exercises.

Organiser and facilitator Neil Humphrey said the main focus is discipline. “In any sport that one wants to get involved in there is need for discipline. Even in the class-

quette in the home. They have already received lectures from medical personnel.

Heart of Oak Football Club’s annual “Teach Them Young” football camp is being held at the All Saints ground and is open to boys and girls be-

The camp concludes on August 22. (Andrew Carmichael)

Shalom Enterprise Driving School, Lot

Croal Street, Stabroek. Obtain an International

Supermarket, A Ally and Sons, The Candy Shop, Gilgers First Choice Pawn Shop, Kirk Alphanso, Keith Humphrey and Wayne Seymour.

Learning the fundamentals of “the beautiful game” at a very early age

The Heart of Oak ‘Teach them Young’ football camp is now in its third week

Both male and female players are involved in the programme

WICB praises Guyana’s Under-19 double

All round praises are in store for Guyana as two weeks after winning their 3-Day title, they were just crowned Regional Under-19 OneDay winners.

President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dave Cameron is urging every member of the winning team to chase their dreams with lots of effort and passion.

“The dominance of Guyana at this level is encouraging and we are hoping these players will grow into becoming some of our better players at the senior level,” said Cameron.

The President in congratulating the team praised winners of individual awards and emphasised the importance of the tournaments of this kind as they help towards identifying players that may have the ability to play at the

highest levels of the game and help restore the rich legacy of West Indies cricket.

“On behalf of the directors, management and staff of the WICB, congratulations to the Guyana Under-19 team at this wonderful moment of success,” said Cameron.

“We commend each member of the team for their personal commitment and sacrifice to play their part in this memorable achievement. May this success inspire you and other young players to push for greater accomplishments in time to come.”

Cameron also took the opportunity to thank the Guyana Cricket Board for their sterling work organising the Tournament without major incident.

titles this year

“There is always an additional responsibility when you are entrusted with the care of young people and the GCB has shown enormous vigilance in ensuring that they were

Guyana Sport Shooting Federation launched

The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation is now duly sanctioned as a sporting federation by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports

Commission pursuant to its incorporation under the Laws of Guyana. Since its incorporation and electoral process, the Board has been working to put things in place to facil-

itate taking sport shooting to a new level in Guyana, a press release from the newly formed body stated.

Members of the Board of Executives elected to serve for the period 2014-

2015 are: President Ms Vidushi Persaud, VicePresident Mr Michael Blake, Secretary Mr Steve Ninvalle, Treasurer Mr Rohandev Persaud, Assistant Secretary

and Treasurer Mr Ryan McKinnon, Internal Auditor Dr Bhiro Harry, Committee Member (Practical Shooting) Mr Pravesh Harry, Committee Member (Steel Challenge) Mr RoulBhudu.

On Monday, members of the Board of Executives met the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, at the Ministry’s Boardroom.

Newly elected President, Ms Vidushi Persaud noted that the GSSF has been established with the vision of promoting all types of sport shooting in keeping with all international standards. She stated: “Our focus on competitive shooting will include areas never before focused on so as to place Guyana strongly in the international arena. Areas will include Olympic shotgun, air rifle, and archery together with other regulated shooting sports. We will also be seeking affiliation to other sporting associations and regulatory

bodies both locally and internationally.”

Vice-President Blake urged all Guyanese to come on board in order to achieve and promote the goals of the GSSF. Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the GSSF, Mr McKinnon explained that according to the GSSF’s Constitution, the general objects and goals of the federation are to encourage skill in sport shooting by providing instruction and practice in the safe use of firearms and bows amongst members, to establish sport shooting on solid foundations, to promote its growth and safeguard its principles and to regulate its conduct throughout the country.

The federation’s website will be online soon and membership forms will be made available.

The Honourable Minister congratulated the members of the Executive for their drive and initiative to further establish various sport shooting disciplines to Guyana’s sport portfolio.

Sonics to play Pacesetters in Trifecta final

Pepsi Sonics will face off with Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters in the final of the Trifecta basketball tournament set for next weekend at the Burnham Hard Court after both teams won their respective semi-finals on Sunday evening.

Pepsi Sonics got past Bounty Colts 70-66 to advance to the finals of the tournament with their

typical run and gun style of basketball.

Jason Squires unloaded a game high 37 points to lead the way while Trevor Smith had 14 and Earl O’Neal 10 points for the win.

The all-round offensive game of the Colts was unable to hold off the Sonics with Nikkoloi Smith leading the way for Colts with a team high 18 points.

Sheldon Thomas had 14 while Rayon Cummings and Dave Causway had 11 and 10 points respectively in the loss.

Meanwhile, TGH Pacesetters dismantled the Republic Bank Nets 81-50 to make their way to the final of the tournament.

Travis Burnett was a nuisance to the defence of the Nets, constantly

getting to rack for easy points to end his night with a game high 34 points. Joslyn Crawford was the next best scorer for the Pacesetters with 12 points. On the losing side, Drumson McCully was the only player for his team to accumulate a double digit score. He netted 18 points.

safe, comfortable and were able to focus on the purpose for which they came,” said Cameron. (WICB)

Guyana made a clean sweep of the Regional Under-19 cricket

Travis Burnett Jason Squires

From left: Dr Bhiro Harry, Mr RoulBhudu, Mr Michael Blake, Honourable Minister Dr Anthony, Ms Vidushi Persaud, Mr Ryan McKinnon and Mr Pravesh Harry

Thompson, George put on classic sprint show at Boyce/Jefford Classic

– wins also for Cleveland Forde, Kevin Bayley

Police Sports Club are now the champions of the Boyce/ Jefford Track and Field Classic after winning by a landslide on Sunday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden.

However, the action on the day was nonstop with overseas-based Guyanese Brenessa Thompson putting on a phenomenal show of sprinting to break the women’s 100 metres meet record with a new time of 11.90s.

Thompson, after a sluggish start, had a sensational acceleration phase after the first 50 metres that completely blew her competition away, quelling any noise as to who the top female sprinter is in the country.

Last year’s defending champion Alita Moore finished second in the event with a time of 12.10s while Surinamese sprinter Danielle Clark was third in 12.20s. Thompson returned

later in the day to take the women’s 200 metres in 24.90s while Tiffany Carto was second in 25.30s and Clark third in 25.50s.

Olympian Winston George is probably the most complete sprinter to ever grace Guyana,

Webster surges back to top spot in LGC Club Tournament

Guyana Open female golf champion of 2013, Shanella Webster, displayed some fine performances as she rose to the top spot in Saturday’s medal-play Club Tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club.

Fulfilling her promise of last week to win this week’s competition, Webster delivered a gross 91, resulting in a net 66 from her handicap of 25. The mental approach and encouragement from club Vice President, Dr Philbert London, inspired and encouraged her to succeed. “I will win next week,” she had said at the end of the previous competition, on Saturday August 9, even

though she did not place among the winners then. But her prophetic words came to pass.

Webster’s previous victory was on Saturday, March 29, 2014 when she won the Torginol Paints sponsored medal-play tournament with a net 64, then edging out veteran player Kalyan Tiwari on a back-nine count since he also fielded a net 64.

Meanwhile, the previous week’s second place winner, Juliet Prince, who also gave credit to Vice President Dr London’s mental coaching and encouragement, indicated that it was a 5 bogey at one particular hole that forced her in to second, as she too was determined to take top honours. Prince re-

turned a gross of 103, which gave her a net 67 from her 36 handicap.

Other winners in last Saturday’s tournament were; 3rd placeFazil Haniff, handicap 11, net 72; 4th place and Best Gross – Mohanlall ‘Santo’ Dinanauth, handicap 3, gross 75, net 72; and Nearest To the Pin – Patrick Prashad.

Vice President Dr Philbert London, in congratulating the winners, expressed his encouragement that all players would maintain their enthusiasm and continue to compete and produce even better performances.

winning the men’s 100 metres in a meet record equaling run of 10.4s, a meet record breaking run of 21.10s in the men’s 200 metres and easily cruising to win the men’s 400 metres in 50.90s.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s “Little Kenyan” Cleveland Forde delivered a top performance in the men’s 1500 metres, once again ending any doubts about who Guyana’s best middle distance athlete is, with

a time of 4:16.20s. Kevin Bayley finish second in the race in 4:19.90s while Tyshon Bentick was third with a time of 4:20.20s.

Bayley returned later in the day to take the men’s 800 metres by beating Trinidad’s Mark London in a time of 1:57.00s. London was second in 1:59.50s while Ornesto Thomas finished third in 2:00.20s. Trinidad’s Tonya Nero ran a masterful 1500

metres, increasing her pace with each lap to finish ahead of Greneda’s Kenisha Pascal in a time of 5:07.90s. Pascal was second in 5:14.50s while Jonella Jonas was third in 5:46.70s.

The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) men, consisting of Davin Fraser, Akeem Stewart, Leon Bishop and Patrick King, shattered the men’s 4x100 metres relay games record with a time of 42.90s. The old record held by GDF stood at 44.20.

GDF were also able to run away with the men’s 4x400 metres in a time of 3:35.70s to win the event while Police Sports Club were second in 3:41.40s. Mercury Fast Laners were third in 3:44.70s. On the distaff side, Police Sports Club took the women’s 4x100 metres in 50.80s while the Mercury Fast Laners Club took the women’s 4x400 metres in 4:31.60s.

EBFA/MCYS U-14 Academy

kicks off at Grove Playfield

Close to 100 youths drawn from Agricola, East Bank Demerara to Kuru Kururu on the Linden Soesdyke Highway on Monday commenced a one-week Academy at the Grove Playfield, East Bank Demerara, organised by the East Bank Football Association (EDFA).

Being held under the

theme, “Success is no accident, it is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”, a quote from the great Edison Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele, the players would be exposed to the fundamentals of the game and a number of topical issues.

The programme is be-

ing sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and will see the Under-14 players being better equipped to be more effective at the club level and in their communities.

Commander of Police ‘A’ Division (Georgetown), Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken is slated to address the youngsters at 11:00h today.

overseas-based Guyanese Brenessa Thompson Olympian Winston GeorgeCleveland Forde Kevin Bayley

From right: Patrick Prashad, Shanella Webster, Juliet Prince and Avinda Kishore for Mohanlall Dinanauth

Participants and resource persons attending the EBFA, MCYS U-14 Academy take time out for a photo during the first day, Monday, at the Grove Playfield.

TOP SCORES

40 and still roaring!

Milestones are nothing new to Shivnarine Chanderpaul. They have come aplenty in a glittering career that any young cricketer can draw inspiration from.

Just last Saturday, the indomitable, dogged and diminutive West Indies left-handed middle-order batsman celebrated his 40th birth anniversary, and quite fittingly observed the milestone in the land of his birth.

With the West Indies/

reer at 41 years, 129 days, was the oldest Guyanese to do so, while the inspirational Captain Clive Lloyd of the Land of Many Waters played 124 days after his 40th birthday.

Without a doubt, Headley, Gibbs and Lloyd are not just giants of West Indies cricket, but are also names that would feature in any conversation on the game across the globe.

Chanderpaul can also lay claim to such monumental recognition, given his exemplary achievements and proof of longevity through two dec -

numerous records during an illustrious career.

Twenty years after his entry to international cricket, the left-hander from Unity village on the East Coast of Demerara, has appeared in 446 games, scoring over 20,500 runs with 40 hundreds and 122 scores over 50.

With Lloyd being the new Convenor of Selectors of the West Indies Cricket Board, it is left to be seen if Chanderpaul will get the opportunity to add to his 268 One Day Internationals, 8778 runs, 11 centuries and 59 half-

Bangladesh series looming, Chanderpaul, who has been limited to being a Test specialist ever since Coach Ottis Gibson unceremoniously went on a crusade against the “senior players” after the 2011 50-over World Cup, is destined to be the ninth West Indian and third Guyanese to play international cricket beyond age 40.

The incomparable Jamaican George Headley was the oldest West Indian to have played the game, ending a 24-year career at the age of 44. The legendary spinner Lance Gibbs, who called time on his ca -

ades of brilliance at the pinnacle of the game.

A stranger to controversy, the “Tiger”, as he is affectionately known, has quietly gone about his business like a shrewd tactician, demonstrating a high level of consistency that has placed him alongside the modern day greats.

The promising 19-yearold who walked out at Bourda on March 17, 1994, and announced himself to the world with a classy 62 on debut against England, has evolved into one of the most reliable batsmen of world cricket, achieving

centuries.

West Indies have failed to consistently last 50 overs, yet Chanderpaul, by far the most productive batsman of the current generation, has found himself on the sidelines during the 50-over format.

Appearing in the most Test matches by a West Indian, the former captain has amassed 11,414 runs from 156 games, including 29 hundreds and 63 fifties. An average of 51.88 is a clear indication of his consistency.

The Bangladesh series will provide an opportunity for the “Tiger” to

leapfrog long-time teammate, batting partner and that mystical genius from Trinidad and Tobago, Brian Lara, who is the leading West Indian runscorer with 11,953.

At the rate Chanderpaul has been scoring over the last decade, overhauling Lara’s aggregate is just a matter of time, unless his Test career suffers a similar fate as the one that has befallen him in ODIs.

Statistically the greatest Guyanese batsman, Chanderpaul is all too aware of the operations of West Indies cricket and what obtains in the hierarchy of the game in this part of the globe, hence extending his purple patch since the exit of Lara in 2007 would be the only sure way of securing his place in the side.

It’s the type of situation that has given the “Tiger” an insatiable appetite for runs, one that seems even stronger than when he started out two decades ago.

It is anyone’s guess how long Chanderpaul will carry on before he lifts the bails on his career. What is for certain, the name Chanderpaul will continue

–

Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s international career may be nearing its end, but his appetite for runs is stronger than when he started out two decades ago

to grace the gentleman’s game as young Tagenarine is keen on following in his father’s footsteps.

Tagenarine’s youth career concluded last Friday,

and judging from his sound technique, huge appetite for runs and willingness to learn, there is no respite for bowlers anytime soon.

The nightmare for bowlers is far from over. Shivnarine’s son Tagenarine is keen on following his father’s footsteps. So far, he is destined for such glory