10th August 2013

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, August 10 from 05:30h to 07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, August 10 from 06:00h to 07:30h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to east south-easterly at 3.12 to 2.68 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:27h and 18:45h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:01h and 12:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metre and 0.54 metre respectively.

saturday, august 10, 2013

Sithe Global pulls out of Amaila project

By Leana Bradshaw

Developer of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project – Sithe Global has decided to pull out from the more than US$800 million initiative that has been dogged by political brinkmanship and a lack of consensus in the National Assembly.

Sithe Global had previously stressed that consensus was a key prerequisite to moving forward. According to reports, the New York-based company said the support of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), minority opposition party the Alliance For Change (AFC) and non-partisan organisations and stakeholders was not enough for the project to receive international development funds critical to its completion.

“It was not supported by all three political parties… thus, the project cannot move forward, despite 16 years of work and over US$16 million of independent Sithe Global expenditures and more than US$15 million of government expenditures,” company sources have said.

The main opposition A

Partnership For National Unity APNU) is the only political party that did not support the passage of the Hydro-Electric Amendment Bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, not all parties were willing to set aside politics for the broader public good and, as a result, we today reluctantly announce our withdrawal from the project,” a company source said. Sithe Global and government on a number of occasions had sought

to convince Guyanese and more importantly, the parliamentary opposition of the benefits of the hydroelectric project, in order to pursue its development.

Sensitisation campaigns on the project were intensified after the combined opposition voted down the hydro-electric bill on July 18. Since then, the developers, government and other stakeholders only managed to secure the backing of the AFC to pass one of the pieces of legislation to continue the development of the facility.

Saving project

“We had hoped that the project’s 40-91 per cent reduction to power prices for consumers, its significant environmental benefits and material positive to impact

on the economy via access to low-cost reliable power would have been sufficient for all political parties to support such a non-partisan project that would have served as a catalyst for growth for generations to come,” Sithe Global sources said.

Earlier on Friday, President Donald Ramotar, in an interview, said despite the passage of the bill, the project remained in jeopardy. “We have been warning about this all along the way; we have ensured that everything was given to parliamentary parties, the private sector; and we engaged everyone on this issue,” the president reminded, as he reiterated the significance of the project to Guyana’s future development.

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

Businesses and environmental sustainability

When the 43rd World Economic Forum was held early this year, one of the reports coming out of the forum looked at a survey of global risks and its impact on businesses. Rising greenhouse gas emissions were considered the third most likely risk overall, and highlight the growing importance and recognition of the state of the environment as a factor that can affect world businesses and economy.

In other words, environmental sustainability has reached the focus of global corporations that have now apparently realised the relationship between a better environment and a better business. Such words were seldom, if ever before, included in global economics, much less at the Global Economic Forum.

In fact, the conversation is now often not about “if” global climate is changing but rather how much and how quickly, bringing the failure to adapt to climate change to the forefront of the focus on global risk and its impact on businesses.

The impact of changing global temperatures to businesses is evident in the increasingly stronger and more devastating natural disasters that lead to billions of dollars in loss for companies worldwide, sometimes sending a business into bankruptcy or negative growth for years to come. Even companies unaffected by natural disasters find their profits dented or eaten up by rising import or export costs and insurance costs, as part of the climate change consequence.

At the forum, Chief Executive Officer and chair royal of DSM Netherlands Feije Sijbesna noted that businesses possess more power and money than ever before and can destroy large parts of the planet. “If your impact is high, your responsibility is high,” Sijbesna added in his address.

Companies that receive their profits from natural resources must be aware of their impact on the environment when that resource is removed, and companies that build on or require these resources must realise their impact when that resource is utilised.

Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, noted in the report that “we now know that extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change will not limit their effects to countries that are major greenhouse gas emitters”, making whatever dire environmental practices carried out by businesses in one country a risk factor on a global scale.

Even small businesses should understand the need for a sustainable environment to stay in business. Rising energy prices, frequent disruptions to supply chains because of weather, water scarcity adding to increased costs, and frequent loss of profits from natural disasters, ultimately exacerbated by climate change, all have devastating effects on small businesses – not to ignore consumers who must bear the end cost.

The various concerns for businesses include water, often with which to manufacture or produce goods, sea level rise that would impact their investment infrastructure, and energy costs. These are all affected by climate change: water scarcity, flooding and high energy bills caused by limited supply.

Businesses need to look at the long-term picture for their business. One example is the head of the Timberland shoe company, who aims to steer the company toward a more ecofriendly enterprise. When told by his financial advisers that to switch to solar power would mean a longer payback, he is reported to have replied that he was in the business for the long term so what is a three-year wait for the return?

But even small businesses can play a role in environmental sustainability today. Ensuring adequate and efficient drainage and adequate storage of pollutants like chemicals or oils to reduce polluting waterway; efficient and safe waste disposal capabilities; and paying attention to the importation, production or use of packaging are just some of the better business practices necessary to ensure a better environment.

The need for economic development and the necessity for environmental sustainability are extremely challenging pillars for both emergent and developed businesses. How companies manage this dilemma remains more of an experiment to date, since only recently have these become a global business focus.

Worshippers break fast at Queenstown masjid

Police can track criminals by observing their trends

Dear Editor,

The trend is quite evident as regards crimes taking place around the country. The time is usually mid-morning, as most people go to bed close to or after midnight. It means that around three to five, the slumber is really on. A few police raids got a lot of young men on the roads at this time too.

So there must be constant patrols, and when picked up, these loiterers

should be charged. They need to explain what they are doing at that hour on the road. If they have nothing to do, then let them sleep off in jail for the next night too.

The thing to do as well is to check on the background of them, their families and their friends. Then when it comes to the items, as soon as things like cellphones, laptops, bicycles and other easy-to-move stuff are intercepted, the

carriers must say where they came from and where they were being taken to.

There are many criminal rings in Guyana. For example, parked motor vehicles get their mirrors stolen. These mirrors are available from many unregistered sellers, and for next-to-nothing. These sellers must also be targeted. They must say where they are getting these mirrors from. The same ruling goes for

anything that is bought off the streets. Fighting crime must be holistic and intense. Eventually the hard work will pay off. These days, burglaries are so frequent that they are making citizens think of strategising for their own safety. Should this happen, we can have very unpleasant situations wherever crime is perpetuated.

Yours truly, Kamini Jaimangal

The Guyana Amazon Warriors’ visit to the Children’s Convalescent Home

Dear Editor,

It is very noble that the Guyana Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home was visited by the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The timeliness and importance of such a visit cannot be minimised in any way at all. Many of these children may never get the chance to visit a stadium or even watch a game on television, so having the chance to actually interact with these known stars has to be very fulfilling.

The members of the

Guyana Amazon Warriors shared out goodies to the children and made them feel very much at home.

The financial donation comprised fines imposed on the players in keeping with rules laid down by the management team along with other donations from the players. The part about using the funds from fines made me smile – what an innovative way to exact disciplinary measures!

Overall, participation in sports is important for the physical and emotion -

al health of the physically challenged children. We all agree that sports can improve strength, endurance and cardiopulmonary fitness, while providing companionship, a sense of achievement and heightened self-esteem.

However, when this is not possible – maybe due to the nature of various disabilities or lack of facilities – then to me, the next best thing is to have some interaction with sports people. Children with physical challenges often have difficulty with

relationships because of their physical limitations.

In fact, moving through each stage of development, including social, emotional, intellectual and physical development, it is much harder for them.

So this puts into perspective this visit by the team I see it as a very mature move. The challenge now is for other sports to come on board.

Yours faithfully, Terry Knight

send your

PYO demonstrated how protests should be conducted

Dear Editor, Whenever we do, we must protest very peacefully. I am seeing this in the actions of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), as it is continuing its protests against the parliamentary opposition’s actions to stifle key projects to develop Guyana’s economy.

I was passing by one

day and PYO groups were all the on the sea wall opposite Sheriff Street. The protesters were displaying placards, and from what I gathered, the two groups will continue with weekly protests in order to demonstrate their firm stand against the actions of the opposition parties.

The important lesson I got from this is that there

is a need to voice opinions in a visible manner and this can be done with order and decency. I will never be a part of anything that is belligerent and unlawful. This protest did not impede anyone and there was no need for police confrontation.

This is so dissimilar to what took place recently in front of the acting town

clerk’s home. We have to make sure that when we protest, we do not disturb the peace, intimidate nor frighten others and become unruly and threatening. Protesting is a choice and no one must be frightened into it. We must not destroy public property too.

Yours sincerely, Brian Francis

Potable water is costly to provide

Dear Editor,

We all love the slogan:

“Water is life so save it.” I am thinking about this even as I am happy for the residents of Mabaruma. A potable water well is to be drilled and they will have drinking water shortly.

If all goes well, the pilot project for the water well, once successfully complet-

ed, will provide the entire community with increased hours of service. The hope is to complete everything by the end of the year. This is a massive venture, costing time, effort and money. So there is need for proper stewardship at all times.

As for other investments, where water is concerned, the input is quite massive.

For example, in 2012, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) provided several hinterland communities with adequate water supply by upgrading their facilities at a cost of some $100 million. I have noticed the wanton waste of water in Guyana. Many people do not want to pay their water bills and many people do even worse –

they allow their taps to run all day. There must be an intense campaign against this. GWI must go after the delinquent customers who are refusing to pay their rates, and GWI must also be on the lookout for water wasters.

Yours truly, Vishaul

Maraj

Looking out for children

Dear Editor,

If we want heroes and heroines, we must go to our children. They are sweet, innocent and very grateful. The sporting heroes and screen stars are great; they can inspire and motivate. But as for children, when we embrace them, making a little investment in their

lives, we are doing a great good.

The Neal and Massy Guyana Group of Companies presented bursaries to 21 children of their employees. It should be noted that this kind of investment in employees’ children has been going on for some 30 years. It proves that, as

far as the company is concerned, education is very vital. We do not have to be a company to help our children. If the more fortunate can just aid with things like a backpack or stationery, this will be so good. Many of us dump some good stuff too. We need to be careful

and conservative. If we value our children, we will be supportive of government’s bid to help them through school. The children are truly our heritage. We build the future by investing in them.

Yours sincerely, Jonathan Crombley

Proactive police work paying great dividends

Dear Editor

The Guyana Police Force said a number of persons were arrested and are in custody following sting operations conducted by its various ranks in several areas in and around Georgetown over the past two days, during which stolen items were seized and two revolvers and a quantity of ammunition recov-

ered. Personally, this makes me feel so much better. I always believe in this approach. As for sting operations, 79 quack contractors were arrested in California – they had no licence, and this is required by law. I think we have to use decoys where pick-pocket and other street crimes are concerned, such as selling

of stolen property.

Many have been calling for more police presence more action. These successes are very encouraging when it comes to these pro-active moves. Only bad people react negatively to police. This good work must be maintained.

Yours faithfully,

Dharmendra Moses

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Another case of wasting the court’s time

Dear Editor, I am getting the impression that when we are forgiven by a victim, the criminal act we had committed is null and void. Many men are getting this idea. Then, I am noticing that when these relate to abuse of women, it comes over as endorsing the crime. I actually hear this kind of talk on the street.

Honestly, logic tells us that it clearly gives more impetus to this scourge we are fighting so hard against. The past two weeks or so have been hellish on women and children – it was all about their violent abuse.

Now imagine how I am feeling reading about a mechanic who was cleared of assault and larceny charges all because the ex-girlfriend declined to testify. This is a serious blow to what we are fighting against, that is, the very safety of our women and conversely, campaigning for the just dealings to their abusers.

Why should the court’s time be wasted? Will police be motivated to go after women abusers? It seems very likely that there was incontrovertible evidence against the accuser.

Most times, the trapped victim is either coerced or cajoled into dropping the matter. So the court must guard against this. Then, if such a strong stand is taken by the courts, potential abusers will seek to stay far away from any possible allegation of abuse. The situation is so bad that it demands these extra-intense efforts.

I believe that if this practice of dropping charges against men abusing women continues, then it will be most subversive to efforts against this crime. If abuse can be established by credible witnesses and medical evidence, then the abuser should be prosecuted.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy McAllister

Page Foundation

steps to better5handwriting

You’ve been writing since you were a little child. It started with scribbles and crayons and now it’s pens, pencils, and cursive with all those swooping, swirling letters. Some children love handwriting and others hate when it’s time to put pencil to paper. Why?

Maybe a parent or teacher has complained about your handwriting: “Be neater!” “Too messy!” “I can’t read this!” Oh dear, that’s no fun. You’re trying to get it right, but you can’t get your thoughts down neatly.

The good news is that just about everyone can improve

their handwriting. But first, let’s take a moment to think about just how complicated writing really is. It’s not like sneezing or breathing, which your body does for you without you even thinking about it.

How handwriting works

With handwriting, your body and mind need to do many different things all together and in the right order. Your shoulder needs to stay steady while your wrist and elbow move in just the right way. Did we mention your eyes have to follow what your hand is doing? And that’s not all. You need the brainpower

to know how words and letters are supposed to look and make decisions about what you want to write – Is the answer to Question Four “flipper” or “flapper”?

So with all that going on, you can imagine that different children have different problems when it comes to handwriting. Sometimes a medical problem is a reason that children struggle with writing. For example, children who have attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD) find it hard to sit still and focus on what they need to do. They might write too fast or start answering a question and forget to finish

it. Children who have trouble with their muscles, like those with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, also could have difficulty writing.

But lots of other children have writing woes, too. Are you one of them? Or maybe you would just like to make your already-OK handwriting a little bit better.

Here are five steps that really work!

Get a great grasp

Try this – hold your pencil at the top near the eraser and try to write your name. Pretty tough, huh? But when you hold your pencil the correct way, writing is much easier. The best way to hold a pen or pencil is to let it rest next to the base of your thumb. Hold it in place with your thumb, and your index and middle fingers. See drawing.

Let the lines be your guide

Lined paper is your friend! Those lines can help you create letters that are the right size and proportion. Proportion means that one thing is the right size compared with the other. So your lowercase “a” should be half the height of a capital “A.”

Be sure to fill up the lined space completely. Those capital letters should

stretch from the bottom line to the top one. Lines also can keep you writing straight instead of uphill or downhill. When you don’t have lines, like when you’re creating a poster, you can use a ruler and draw light pencil lines so your title will be the right size and look perfectly straight.

Slow down

If your writing is hard to read or you erase a lot, try slowing down a little. For some children, going slower solves the problem. If you rush, it’s hard to control where you stop and start your letters, and you end up making more mistakes. Did you ever erase so hard it ripped a hole in the paper? We hate that!

Lower the pressure

Some children press down really hard when they write. That makes it harder to make the smooth lines needed for writing, especially cursive. Try easing up, don’t grip the pencil as tightly, and let your pencil mark the paper without going all the way through. You’ll break fewer pencil points, too!

Play games

Say what? You heard us right. Games can improve your handwriting. Lots of games require you to write or draw pictures. So even though it’s not official schoolwork, you’re still using the skills you need to control your pencil better. To have better control of how your hands move, try games like Jenga or Don’t Spill the Beans. And if you want to strengthen the muscles you need for writing, you can also do that while you’re playing board games. How? Use a clothespin instead of your fingers to pick up your game piece and move it around the board.

After a long board game, how about some imaginative play? Pretend you’re a movie star or famous athlete. Now, what do you do when your fans rush up to meet you? Give them your autograph, of course!

You might need

extra help

If you try these tips and still aren’t seeing improvement, you can always ask for help. Tell your teacher and your mom or dad that you’re having trouble. Some children have occupational therapy to help them with handwriting skills. But many children can improve their handwriting if they work at it with the help of a grownup.

Adults can encourage you and give you fun ways to practice, practice, practice. Your parent or teacher can be a kind of coach, cheering you on. And when you notice your handwriting is getting better, what should you do? Use that wonderful writing to write your coach a thankyou note! (Kids Health)

Women groups sign pact to empower teenage mothers

CUSO International and Women Across Differences (WAD) on Friday signed a partnership agreement to reduce gender discrimination through economic and social employment of teenage mothers.

Signing the agreement at CUSO headquarters were WAD’s Coordinator Clonel Samuels-Boston and CUSO Country Representative Tara Persaud.

During the signing ceremony, the CUSO country representative said the partnership, which will aid in national development was birthed out of mutual interest, as she pointed to the goals, vision and values of both organisations.

“The partnership will see an increase in the capacity of WAD to expand a teenage mothers’ programme and the development/implementation of other initiatives that would reduce gender discrimination,” Persaud explained.

The programme was designed to reduce unplanned pregnancies, build self-confidence of teenage mothers, provide entrepreneurial knowledge and skills and promote positive lifestyles.

“Failure to invest in teenage mothers will only result in a continuous cycle of poverty and increased incidences of unplanned pregnancies, exploitation of young women and increase their vulnerability.”

While major emphasis has been placed on teenage mothers, the CUSO country

representative disclosed that men and boys have not been forgotten. Through the partnership, WAD will receive support in the form of human resources (professional volunteers) that will build the organisation’s capacity to secure funding to expand the project.

“Our programmes are developed in collaboration with local partner agencies and are rooted in knowledge; lasting change requires not just a financial investment, but also a human investment,” she posited.

Meanwhile, Boston said the partnership is a welcome initiative and would aid the non-governmental organisation fulfilling its mandate to empower women in Guyana. “WAD is honour and grateful for this partnership, that is formally being established with CUSO International. As together, we will strive to make a difference in the lives of our people.”

The partnership between CUSO and WAD has been long in the making. CUSO is an international development organisation that has been working earnestly to reduce poverty and inequality. The strategic plan of the Caribbean region strives to enhance youths’ contribution to economic development and security in selected Caricom countries. Its objective will be acquired through improving the aptitude of tradition and alternative systems of justice to sustain the rights of youths at risk of being offenders or victims.

Literary prize shortlist to be announced next week Caribbean prize suspended due to lack of funds

Ashortlist of the 2012 Guyana Prize for Literature awardees could be made next week, even as the committee managing the affairs has announced the suspension of the Caribbean aspect of the prize owing to lack of funding.

In a release on Friday, the Guyana Prize for Literature Committee announced the panel of judges reviewing the various entries. These include Professor Jane Bryce, Brendan de Caires (chairman), Dr Louis Regis, Professor Daizal Samad and Lori Shelbourn.

According to the committee, the judges have read the entries and are ready to meet to discuss them and arrive at decisions for the awards. Besides, the committee said the announcement of the Guyana Prize 2012 shortlist is ex-

CSEC results likely to be released online on Monday

Students who wrote the May-June sitting of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations will soon be able to access their results online.

According to information received, the results most likely will be available from 23:59h on Friday, August 9 for Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examinations (CAPE); Monday, August 12 for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CAPE) and Tuesday, August 13 for Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC).

Students will need to go the website ors.cxc.org/student portal with their registration number which is the same as their candidate number. The site will ask for the centre number which is the first six digits of the candidate number. Candidates would need to be patient as numerous candidates will be accessing the student portal at the same time.

pected between August 15 and August 19, while the awards ceremony will be held in September.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, members of the jury will deliver public lectures, the committee said, noting that the 2013 Martin Carter Memorial Lecture Series will be given by Dr Louis Regis on August 13 and the 2013 Edgar Mittelholzer Lecture Series will be delivered by Professor Jane Bryce in September.

According to Al Creighton, secretary of the Management Committee: “These outreach activities are designed to carry out the developmental objectives of the Guyana prize – that at the end of each cycle, the prize would have contributed to the development of local creative writers and national literature

in general. They include public lectures by judges and prize-winners, such as those mentioned above, and a wide programme of training.”

Meanwhile, Creighton also stated that The Caribbean prize has been suspended for 2012 because of the lack of funding. The Guyana prize initiated a Caribbean Award in 2010, which further extended the reach of the prize and of Guyanese literature. The Guyana Prize for Literature Caribbean Award was won by Myriam Chancy of Haiti for fiction and Mark McWatt of Guyana for poetry, while the prize for drama was deferred. The Achievement Award went to Sir Wilson Harris.

Creighton also said, “This was the only Caribbean prize in all these disciplines. It helped to put Guyana on the international literary map, widened

the audience for Guyanese literature and win honour and respect for the nation as a Caribbean capital for literary achievement.” The distinguished jury was Dr Stewart Brown (chairman), Professor Funso Aiyejina and Rawle Gibbons.

The Guyana Prize for Literature started in 1987, with a view to promote the development of local literature. It is managed by a committee consisting of a number of university personnel. The Guyana Prize for Literature, through its awards ceremony, aims to further provide focus for the recognition of the creative writing of Guyanese at home and abroad. It also seeks to stimulate interest in and provide encouragement for the development of creative writing among Guyanese in particular, and Caribbean writers in general.

saturday, august 10, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Female miners urge swift alternative to mercury

Agroup of women miners are petitioning the government to ensure a speedy alternative to mercury is introduced and put into effect as the harmful effects have begun to take a toll on their health.

The group disclosed that several women have been miscarrying while others are running the risk of delivering babies with long-term health complications.

Dr Vivienne MitchellAmata, who shared her experience with the media, disclosed that she has recently been encountering persons with mercury poisoning.

Dr Mitchell-Amata said during last year, a distraught young professional was forced to abort her baby because she had chronic high mercury levels as a result of her work. The medical expert explained that the woman was well aware of the high risk of delivering an infant with severe developmental and neurological abnormalities and took the precautions to avoid this.

She disclosed that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) would routinely check the mercury levels of employees. However, there was no treatment or antidote available and no effective preventative measures at the time.

Dr Mitchell-Amata recalled that the following month, the toddler of a city jeweller died, as a result of severe mercury poisoning. The doctor revealed that contact was made with various agencies for treatment in a desperate attempt to save the child, but none was available.

According to Dr MitchellAmata, foetuses, infants and young children are most vulnerable to mercury poisoning. She is joining the call for the relevant authorities to immediately take the requisite steps to implement alternative and eco-friendly methods of gold mining.

“I urge the minister of natural resources to converse with the minister of health before, asserting that it will take 10 years to implement a ban on mercury poisoning.”

Vigilant

Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who has been vigilant in cases of mercury poisoning in Guyana, recently engaged almost 200 doctors on the effects of mercury. Responding to the call for a ban, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud explained that the ministry is working on a 10-year reduction strategy on the use of mercury in the mining sector.

“We don’t believe that we can afford to have an immediate and total ban, it is important when we look particularly at alluvial mining, but we believe and we have seen that we can use it in a very safe and environmentally-friendly way,” he said.

The Natural Resources Ministry has been engaging international agencies in an effort to develop a programme which caters for the gradual reduction of mercury use, and increasing capacity in terms of new mercury-free technologies. Persaud said a multistakeholder group has commenced work in developing this initiative.

The ministry has also been providing incentives for mercury-free technology and this is expected to result in a shift from mercury to more nonmercury mining. “We have to continue to look at training and technology transfer; we have also been exploring a programme which will see government and the miners’ association setting up a revolving fund,” he added.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Country Manager Patrick Williams pointed out that the organisation is also engaging a number of stakeholders globally to examine the attempt to ban mercury mining internationally.

Eyew tness

The plot thickens...

...after Thomas Lands palaver

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) shed some light as to what went on (went down?) at the one-race conclave (they called it a “conversation”) held at the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) headquarters over the Emancipation Day weekend. As we said when we heard of the plans, we had absolutely no problems with the notion of people who identify as a group sitting down as such, to palaver.

What we said, however, is that when they live in a society with other groups it would be nice if they could start some “conversations” with those other groups. To let them know if they’ll be affected. With our history of ethnic hostilities, you can’t really blame people for becoming a bit skittish, if not downright paranoid, about these matters.

Well, it doesn’t seem that any “crossconversation” is going to be started soon. But from MoHA’s revelation, that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t be hearing from the Thomas Lands crowd – who claim to represent the “interests” of African Guyanese. We will...but it won’t be a “conversation”. It seems that “the presentations were laced with racial hostility towards the government of the day, selfflagellations, attacks against the Guyana Police Force and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Above all, the conference formulated a series of protest actions aimed at creating public disorder and disharmony in the country.” Sounds like 2001? What do you say to this nihilistic provocation of people with real problems. We can’t do worse than repeat the 2001 words of Dr David Hinds, one of the present inciters, to African Guyanese, about the dangers and folly of the path now being advocated:

“Your protests and resistance have degenerated into unreason and hate. Why? Because you have (1) been dishonest; (2) allowed yourself to be abused by your political party (PNC); (3) refused to sanction your party for its inability to effectively represent your interests ; (4) stopped believing in yourself and believing that the party will solve all your

problems; (5) mistakenly believed that Indians are responsible for your plight; (6) selfishly believed that Guyana belongs to your race alone; and (7) fought for the party rather than fighting for yourself.”

We would like to ask the advisers exactly what will protests do this time for African Guyanese? The political system has shown that since 2001, it is even more favourable. Why go down the old road of street protests that have never delivered anything of substance to them?

...on vendors

A subset of the group being riled up to act as cannon fodder to fulfil the ambitions of individuals they consider to be “their politicians” are the vendors of Georgetown. Now it’s no secret that as a group, Africans are underrepresented in the world of business. Vending, however, will not rectify this. But whose fault is this? Why haven’t their leaders focused on overcoming the barriers from within rather than attacking existing businesses? Dr Hinds also had an answer to this question:

“After 28 years in office, your party left you poorer and less educated than you were when it took office in 1964. It did not facilitate or encourage your entry into the business sector. It gave you jobs, but did not encourage you to accumulate wealth. In fact, by its policies, it pushed you out of the businesses it met you with – pig farming, poultry farming, cash crop farming, small and medium size cake shops and groceries, and pork knocking. You were forced to be totally dependent on the government for work, so when the government ran out of money and decided to downsize, you were downsized.” Case closed.

...on Hughes In the wake of information that he was the company secretary of Amaila Falls Hydro Inc (AFHI), Nigel Hughes, resigned from the chairmanship of the Alliance For Change (AFC) to resolve the “seeming” conflict of interest. The question is, why didn’t he resign from AFHI?

Jagdeo, worshippers break fast at Queenstown masjid

As the Muslim community observed the last day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, former President Bharrat Jagdeo sat with Muslim brothers and sisters at the Queenstown mosque as they broke their fast on Thursday evening.

Also present were Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) President Fazeel Ferouz, spiritual adviser Shaikh-Moeen-Ul-Hack and Housing Minister Irfaan Ali along with other executive members of the CIOG and the Queenstown mosque.

The former president of Guyana was at the recently constructed mosque when the Muslim members broke their fast sometime around 18:15h.

In a brief address, Jagdeo talked about the

important role Muslims play in the development of the country while recognising the challenges and the opportunities faced by Muslims. He encouraged them to continue their work and activism as it relates to the development of Guyana.

Jagdeo cautioned those gathered not to let the lessons learnt and sacrifices made during the month of Ramadan to be forgotten, as they should be reflected in everything they do. He urged those gathered to let the sacrifices undergone during Ramadan not only serve as spiritual upliftment, but as upliftment for Guyana as a whole.

The former president encouraged the congregation to use the lessons of their sacrifices to build a strong society based on good morals and social consciousness. He further

U.S. airlines oppose Caribbean carriers’ Guyana service

The U.S. airline industry and its largest pilots union have stepped forward at the Transportation Department to oppose efforts by two small Caribbean airlines to operate between New York and Georgetown, Guyana, Travel Weekly reported.

According to papers filed by Airlines for America and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the two carriers – Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica – are not entitled to serve a route between the U.S. and Guyana because they are based in third countries – Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, respectively.

At issue is a pending application by Caribbean Airlines to drop the unprofitable short segment of its Trinidad-GeorgetownNew York route and operate strictly between the U.S. and Guyana. Separately, Fly Jamaica, a new entrant that is offering New YorkKingston service, has filed for rights to operate New York-Georgetown, a route that Delta abandoned several months ago.

Airlines for America said in a legal pleading that the two applications raise “serious and troubling issues for consumers” and for the industry, which traditionally takes a bilateral approach to international routes.

That means the traffic rights between Country A and Country B are generally reserved for the airlines of those countries rather than carriers from third countries.

Airlines for America said Caribbean Airlines’ third-

country operations are responsible for “forcing the cancellation” of Delta’s Guyana service and said socalled “doing business issues” such as fuel subsidies from Trinidad and Tobago, and “excessive taxes” in some countries make it difficult for U.S. carriers to compete.

In such an environment, Airlines for America said the Transportation Department should be working on “clearing away” these impediments rather than granting special favours to the region’s carriers.

In the same vein, ALPA said neither of the Caribbean carriers “can point to any compelling U.S. public interest that would be served” by their proposed operations, especially since “a U.S. carrier has just surrendered its service in the market”.

Fly Jamaica, after getting the go ahead by the government of Guyana to operate directly between the route, went to the U.S. authorities to finalise the deal so that it could begin operations.

On Wednesday, Guyana Times was told by acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali that local authorities were still awaiting an update from Fly Jamaica, but operations are expected to start shortly.

asked that they continue their contributions towards building Guyana.

Jagdeo was lauded by officials for the active role he played in various aspects of development and advancement of the Muslim community, more specifically, his involvement and support in the rehabilitation of the Queenstown masjid.

The holy month of Ramadan began on July 9 and ended on August 8, when the moon was sighted, marking the auspicious day of Eid-ul-Fitr (Friday). During Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims observed a daily fast for 29 or 30 days by abstaining from food, liquids, smoking and sexual relations. Muslims observing this fast can eat and drink only before sunset and after sunrise.

saturday, august 10, 2013 |

Habitat targets youth in low-income housing drive

In its mission to support the development of communities and mobilise resources to enable access to adequate housing for low-income families, Habitat for Humanity Guyana (HfHG) has engaged the support of youths from various communities.

Habitat’s Communications and Resource Development Manager Colette Hytmiah disclosed on Thursday that the organisation intends to build impact with youths through participation in the International Youth Day observance.

Hytmiah highlighted that in observance of International Youth Day, Habitat for Humanity will be hosting a “youth build” activity on Saturday, August 10.

The activity will be held in Parfaite Harmonie, Region Three and Sophia, Region Four.

According to Hytmiah, the observance on Saturday forms part of the Habitat for Humanity International

Latin America and Caribbean regional observance.

“On this day, nine countries in the region namely Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Guyana, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Mexico will be hosting youth events.”

She noted that various activities will be conducted in each country, ranging from construction crews working on homes for Habitat partner families to awareness-raising walks to promote collaboration of social agencies and entities closer to the problem.

Habitat for Humanity Regional volunteer coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mitssy Rovira said in a region full of need and disparity such as Latin America and the Caribbean, young people not only have to fight for better conditions for themselves and their families, but for a suitable place to live and grow.

“Therefore, this August 10, we want all young peo-

ple in Latin America and the Caribbean to join the cause of adequate shelter for all and have it proclaim a universal right to break the cycle of poverty,” Rovira added.

Inadequate housing

According to UN figures, today about 1.6 million people worldwide live in inadequate housing, one billion of those living in informal settlements.

It is estimated that by 2030, this number is likely to increase to two billion.

The observance of International Youth Day seeks to encourage young people to become active partners of Habitat for Humanity, to bring a message of hope and love in action to thousands of families through the construction of housing solutions and to share information and training for families who live in marginalised areas of the region.

Habitat for Humanity Guyana began its work since 1994 following an invita-

tion from then President Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Habitat for Humanity Guyana was officially registered in Guyana in 1995 and since then the organisation has supported over 3000 families within the country’s 10 administrative regions.

Through partnership with affiliates, home partners, volunteers, and sponsors, the organisation has managed to build simple, decent and affordable housing for low income earners.

The organisation has also undertaken home repairs, rehabilitation works, and assisted in accessing secure tenure for citizens.

With a new programme direction, added focus will be placed on community development, disaster risk reduction, and social action and awareness. Through resource centres, the organisation seeks to make a stronger impact on communities through training, mobilisation, and planning of various community driven projects.

Taxi driver remanded for attempted murder

Ataxi driver was brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged with attempted murder.

It is alleged on December 20, 2012 at Sheriff Street, Charles Telford unlawfully and maliciously wounded Chetram Persaud with intent to murder. He was not required to plead to the charge.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who stated that his 26-year-old client has a wife and one small child, and has a fixed address at 222 BB Eccles. Fung-A-Fat added that Telford was being attacked by a man with a cutlass when the virtual complainant intervened and sustained injuries, and they have witnesses. FungA-Fat said his client was in the interior and would have

no problem lodging his passport and reporting to the police station.

The virtual complainant, however, said on the day in question, the defendant reversed and hit another car. He left for about 10 minutes before returning with a cutlass and chopping him several times. Persaud sustained injuries to his abdomen, head, and right arm. He added that he travelled to the U.S. to have surgery

on his hand. He also said that the defendant’s mother approached him the previous morning and apologised.

The prosecution objected to bail on grounds that since the incident occurred, the defendant has been evading police custody and if granted bail, he may not return to court for trial.

Telford was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to Court One for September 6.

De mayor can’t stand up to de town clerk

De mayor-fuh-life Green Ham is a man from de old school. Now that it ain’t mean that de mayorfuh-life been to school in he old age. Is only one of de Old Rams and de Nagga Man been to school in dem old age, not Green Ham. In fact, de way de mayorfuh-life talkin and behavin, it ain’t even look like he been to school fuh very long, or at all.

De Bell Crier find that out because de other day when de mayor-fuh-life was tryin to knock off de town clerk Carol Sober, he end up mekkin a big mistake. Green Ham ask Sober fuh she qualifications and when Sober ask he back fuh he own, Sober find out that de mayor-fuh-life ain’t got none.

And imagine this was a man who was PEE-M fuh a very long time. That was a time when people in Guyana was going through de dark ages because of people like Green Ham. But then again, in dem dark days, any body coulda hold very high office once dem was very high wid Green Ham and Burn Ham. And de two Hams was always high wid one another.

So ever since de mayor-fuh-life couldn’t produce he qualifications, he realise he can’t stand up to Sober. De woman stand up back strong to he. One of de councillors at de **ity council seh that de mayor-fuhlife can’t stand up at all. He even try a couple of tablets from de pharmacy that don’t pay taxes, but dem didn’t wuk wid he.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So is no wonder de mayor-fuh-life sendin street vendors and usin de council vehicle to stand up fuh he. But tings so bad wid Green Ham that no matter what he try, nuttin ain’t standin up fuh he!

saturday, august 10, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits continue to burglarise Corentyne homes

In recent weeks, there have been several burglaries on in Berbice with million missing in cash and jewellery and while police are investigating some of the cases, another was committed on Naimoon Amad of Lot 17 F Yank Dam, De Edward Village, West Coast Berbice.

One Thursday, bandits broke into the home of the housewife and removed two gold chains valued $80,000 each, two gold bangles valued $24,000 each, one gold bracelet valued $40,000, eight gold finger rings estimated to be $176,000, one BlackBerry curve mobile phone valued $30,000, one cellular phone valued $25,000, a quantity of silver jewellery valued $130,000, US$500 and TT$1000.

According to information received, the victim secured her home and went

about her business, but upon her return, she discovered the padlocks on a door at the bottom flat ripped. This prompted her to search her premises and upon doing so, she realised that the articles were missing.

An alarm was raised and the matter was reported to the police who questioned several persons, but no one was arrested. In another incident, the police are investigating the alleged break and enter and larceny committed on the dwelling house of a pensioner, Godfrey Darlington of Lot 146 Smithfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice, who recently returned from the U.S.

Reports suggested that between 19:00h on Wednesday and 06:00h on Thursday, bandits escaped with one electric water

pump, a quantity of kitchen utensils, one television monitor and one bottle cooking gas. Investigations revealed that Darlington is presently residing in New York and left a caretaker to maintain the two-storey wooden and concrete house for him.

On Wednesday afternoon, the woman secured the house and went home. About 06:00h the next day, she returned only to find the wooden entrance door wrenched open and upon making checks, she discovered the articles mentioned missing.

She reported the matter to the New Amsterdam Police Station and a team of police ranks visited the scene, dusted for fingerprints, but none were uplifted. Several persons were questioned, but no arrest was made.

Labourer killed after losing control of motorcycle

Alabourer of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate met his demise on Thursday after he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and ended up in a trench at Speculation, East Canje, Berbice.

The body of Garvin Albert Newyear, 38, of Goed Bananen Land, East Canje was pulled from the trench in the village about 06:45h. Information reaching this newspaper revealed that Newyear left home on Wednesday morning about 06:00h for work, after which he was seen about 16:30h with his brother George Newyear in Betsy Ground, East Canje.

He slept at his brother’s house.

Guyana Times understands that the man left his brother’s home in the

wee hours of Thursday morning without the knowledge of his brother on his Jialing 110 motorcycle.

About 06:30h the next morning, George received a message that his brother was found in a trench in Speculation. Upon receiving the news, the man left for the scene and found his brother in a crumbled position. His body was pulled and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital and is awaiting a post-mortem.

It is suspected that Newyear lost control of his motorcycle and rode off the road, ending up in a nearby heavily-vegetated trench. The possibility exists that he might have drowned.

Newyear was described as a good person who was never abusive to his family members.

The man, who has been working at the Rose Hall Estate for the past 14 years, leaves to mourn his wife and three children.

Guyana joins in celebrating Int’l Day of Indigenous People

Guyana has joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on Friday.

The day helps to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population and recognises the achievements and contributions that indigenous peoples have made to improve and address world issues such as natural resources and environmental protection.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in 1982. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: “Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements”.

Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud in a message to mark the occasion said the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana have seized opportunities in the tourism industry, forestry, mining, agriculture and land management through protected areas. He said too that the indigenous sector has contributed to Guyana’s economic and social development in partnership with the government and related agencies. Most recently, he said recognition has been directed towards the indigenous peoples for preserving Guyana’s forests, thus making the Low Carbon Development Strategy which focuses on economic development while combating climate change, a possibility.

“Through numerous contributions and achievements, the indigenous peoples in Guyana have demonstrated their aptitude to partner and integrate in moving Guyana forward and it is only through such actions the full developmental potential of Guyana can be realised,” Persaud said.

He added that his ministry remains committed to the protection of the rights of in-

digenous peoples under the laws of Guyana while it cooperates in pursuit of common goals. This will contribute to building a society with guaranteed security for the country and its population.

“It’s in this regard that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment joins in observing World Indigenous Peoples Day – 2013.”

Support

The European Union (EU) Delegation in Guyana in a message to mark the occasion said, “Today, as we celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we reaffirm the EU’s support to them across the globe. We join them in celebrating their rich cultural heritage, and pay tribute to the enormous contribution their traditions and knowledge have made to the world’s cultural heritage.”

The EU said it has always been a staunch supporter of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “The declaration is a key tool for promoting human rights, but the challenge remains in putting it into practice. Regrettably, discrimination against and unequal treatment of indigenous peoples continues around the world.

The EU pays tribute to defenders of indigenous peoples’ rights, who in many countries are exposed to particular risks and acute repression, as shown by numerous international reports, including reports by the UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders.”

According to the EU, it is seeking to integrate human rights into all aspects of its

external policies, noting that it raises the rights of indigenous peoples wherever relevant in its political dialogues with countries and regional organisations, and at multilateral forums such as the United Nations.

The EU also gives financial support to civil society projects, to indigenous peoples’ delegates at UN bodies and relevant activities of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

This year, the EU has launched a call for proposals under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), with the aim of promoting rights of indigenous peoples. It is also committed to review and further develop its policy in the run-up to the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

The EIDHR call has also been launched locally in Guyana and advertisements have been published calling on interested civil society parties to submit proposals by October 21. The EU Delegation in Guyana will host an information session on the guidelines for application on August 15 from 10:00h at 11 Sendall Place Stabroek, Georgetown.

Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký has also called on eligible civil society partners to grab the opportunity under this latest EIDHR call for proposals, remarking that, ‘’it is an excellent way to build capacity in promoting democracy and human rights’’.

He outlined that the common objectives are to pursue common agendas for human rights and democratic reform; build towards consensus on disputed or controversial areas of policy; enhance political representation and participation; enhance the inclusiveness and pluralism of civil society; and support activities aimed at promoting the issues covered by EU guidelines on human rights. He also hails the unique existence of the Amerindian Act and is ready to complement governmental, civil societies, Guyanese businesses and the very indigenous groups’ efforts regarding its implementation.

Chinese nationals arrested for gun, ammunition

Three Chinese nationals were on Thursday taken into police custody after a Mada .32 EAA Corp Pistol along with a magazine and six live rounds were found at their premises at Kildonan, Corentyne, Berbice.

The three were Tao Jing Yuan, 32, Li Yan Ru, 27, and their 14 year-old nephew, all of Lot 15 B Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Police, acting on information received, went to the home of the teenager and in the presence of his uncle Tao Jing Yuan and Li Yan Ru, questioned him about allegedly discharging a loaded firearm.

This prompted the police to conduct a search on

the premises in their presence and the pistol with registration number F31996, along with a magazine and six live rounds were found in a southern bedroom of the upper flat. The gun and ammunition were shown to the teenager who claimed that it belonged to his father Ye Jui Rong, who was in Georgetown conducting business.

Upon interrogation, the teen claimed that a customer went into the restaurant located at the lower flat, and ordered a serving of chicken and after receiving same along with his change; he proceeded to order a half fried rice, but this time he did not pay for it. As a result, an argument

ensued between the two men.

The customer, the teenager claimed, started to break Guinness bottles and pelted him and a worker. In retaliation, the teenager reportedly went upstairs and collected the gun, ran behind the customer who had already left the premises and discharged a round in the air.

At the same time, a police patrol was passing and upon recognising them, the teen hid the gun in the toilet and later took it to his room. The three men were taken to the Whim Police Station as police continue their investigations. The firearm along with rounds of ammunition has been lodged at the said station.

UG to host international research confab next week

The University of Guyana’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, in collaboration with the Education Ministry, will be hosting its first International Research Conference next week.

The initiative will be held under the theme “Sustainable Development: Science Education, Research, and Innovation & Enterprise” on August 12, the university said in a release.

The conference will serve as a conduit for the delivery and documentation of the indigenous and collaborative research in sustainable science.

These deliveries will be used to articulate the paradigm to guide the future of Guyanese scientific endeavour: policy, education, practice, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Among the key facilitators are Professor Arnoldo

Ventura, Dr Betty McDonald, Professor Ulric Trotz, professors Rory Fraser and Lee Wilson.

Plenary presentations will be made by a team of experts on the subject of sustainable development through science. The conference will also serve as a platform for the hosting of a biennial research conference in the natural sciences, as well as to commemorate the University of Guyana’s 50th anniversary.

saturday, august 10, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

GTA welcomes Dutch tourists at Moleson Creek

More than 300 Dutch tourists were on Thursday given a royal welcome on their arrival at Moleson Creek, Berbice.

The tourists hail from Suriname and Holland. While some of the tourists had been brought into the country through the Garage Tour Company from Suriname and are expected to spend three days, another group came from the country to participate in the InterGuyana Games.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh said the num-

ber of tourists entering the country will have a positive impact on Guyana’s economy. “From transportation, fuel, hotels, tourists will go shopping and will be visiting most of the sites around Georgetown and Splashmins among other places… and when they shop… and dine, travel around, it is bringing a lot of benefits to Guyana and will bring benefits to the Guyanese people,” he noted.

He said the Tourism Ministry is also working with the tour company to promote tours in the country,

especially since the annual Jamzone Summer Break is right around the corner.

“There will be a large contingent coming in from Suriname for the R Kelly Show,” he pointed out. The GTA director stated that his organisation is pleased to be partnering with Suriname to ensure that on a consistent basis there is a large influx of visitors since this would be great for Guyana, especially since this is the influx season for the country.

Haralsingh also disclosed

that GTA will also be recording crossings from Moleson Creek, the Lethem border, and the Ogle International Airport; hence, it is looking forward to record an additional amount of tourists into the country this year.

He added that both the GTA and the private sector will continue to partner to promote tourism since thus far it has resulted in many persons travelling into the country. “This is healthy for Guyana’s tourism as this sector continues to grow in Guyana, as visitor’s satisfaction continues to improve and as Guyana continues to do well at the international and regional scene.”

He said GTA is currently working with Suriname through the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) level to establish a tourism manual between Guyana, Suriname and Brazil to promote cross border and multi-destination tourism. As part of its mandate, GTA also welcomed a group from three communities in New York visiting Berbice.

Man remanded for causing death of Chinese national

Ataxi driver charged with dangerous driving appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

It is alleged that on May 31, on Mandela Avenue, Leron Griffith drove motorcar HC 4208 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Xuesang Seng.

The defendant pleaded guilty, but when Magistrate Latchman told him the penalty of such an offence is three years imprisonment, he asked for some time to think.

The matter was stood down and later recalled. When the magistrate recalled the matter, Griffith changed his plea to not guilty. Griffith, who was unrepresented, told the court that he is 24 years old, single, and unemployed at the moment. He stated that he has a fixed place of abode at 1809 Festival City, North Ruimveldt.

The accident occurred

on May 31 around 15:00h in the vicinity of AgriParts, Mandela Avenue. Xuesang was struck down by the defendant, who was employed by Green Ice Taxi Service, moments after she left her restaurant. According to some eyewitnesses, her body was flung into the air and landed several feet away from the car.

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence, the penalty for such an offence and the fact that if granted bail, there is a likelihood the defendant will not return to court for trial. He also made an application, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and section 112 of the traffic offences act, for both of the defendant’s licences to be suspended.

Griffith was remanded and both of his licences are to be sent to the police station. The matter is set to return to Court One on September 10.

Sithe Global pulls out...

“I will exhort all my ministers and the Cabinet as a whole, we will work hard to try to do what we can to save this project and also to try to get this project on stream because of its importance to the development of the country,” Ramotar added.

Deep sense of loss

Head of the National Industrial Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington is quoted in another section of the media confirming that Sithe Global has pulled out of the project. “I feel a deep sense of loss,” he said, adding that Guyana’s investment climate has suffered severe damage.

He noted that Sithe Global has already closed its Guyana offices after investing at least U$16 million on preparatory work for the project. “It sends a shock to anyone else who is looking to contemplate investing in Guyana. Investor confidence is very much affected by this,” Brassington added. As its operations come to a close, Sithe Global has extended thanks to the people of Guyana for their comprehensive consideration of the project to push for its continuation. The Hydro-Electric Bill was on Thursday morning passed in the National Assembly with the support of the AFC, after lengthy deliberations. An accompanying legislation – the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Bill, which sought to lift the debt ceiling was also passed with the AFC’s support. The APNU voted against both mea-

from page 3

sures. Government had initially proposed to raise the debt ceiling from $1 billion to $150 billion, but later reduced the figure to $130 billion. However, during the debate, the AFC reduced it to $50 billion.

One day before the convening of Parliament on August 7, when the hydro bill was up for discussion and debate, Sithe Global President Brian Kubeck, via a letter to the media, reemphasised the need for a consensus in Parliament by all political parties, to continue the company’s investment into the development of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project.

He cautioned that without an equal level of commitment from local stakeholders, his company would be forced to withdraw its services.

Kubeck also stated that this was not only a waste of resources and efforts for his company but an unfortunate scenario for Guyanese. The non-existence of the hydropower facility would see Guyana paying 19 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour for power, which is among the highest prices in the world.

The firm reiterated that within the first 12 years of the hydro facility’s operation, it was expected to generate savings of approximately US$1 billion, and after 20 years, ownership would have been transferred to Guyana. This would assure Guyanese of over 90 per cent in savings, ensuring fuel costs remained stable for the next 100 years. (leanab@guyanatimesgy. com)

NAPS launches ambitious anti-HIV strategy

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) on Thursday launched Guyana’s National HIV Strategic Plan 2013-2020 at the Grand Coastal Inn with UNAIDS Guyana calling for the Health Ministry to waste no time in implementing the ambitious project.

The project dubbed “HIVision 2020” was crafted to reduce the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS on individuals and communities and simultaneously reduce the spread of HIV. Additionally, it seeks to improve the quality of life of persons living with HIV.

Project Manager Dr Shanti Singh in a detailed presentation said the project was designed to place Guyana on a trajectory to eliminate HIV.

HIV control

“This plan takes into consideration the priorities for national development and specifically for the prevention and control of HIV, the regional priorities as guided by the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) and the international commitments to the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS and the Millennium Development Goals.”

HIVision 2020 comprises five priority areas: coordination, prevention, treatment, care and support, integration and strategic information.

Five strategic objectives were incorporated under coordination to “ensure a coordinated multi-sectoral response, mainstream HIV services into the programmes and services provided by the non-health, line ministries;

create and strengthen strong and sustainable partnership... and mobilise, harmonise and align resources,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, under prevention, the Health Ministry through NAPS is anticipating that they will accomplish a zero new HIV infections, zero-discrimination and zero-AIDS-related deaths by 2020. It was explained that the strategic plan will create social, economic, legal and institutional environment for unhindered HIV prevention. Turning her attention to “treatment, care and support”, the programme manager said improving the quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality for persons living with HIV were placed high on the agenda.

Priority area

“The overall aim of this priority area is to strengthen the health system to create the conditions necessary for universal access through the simplification of highquality treatment and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment and care delivery.”

Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of Sexual

ly Transmitted Infections (STIs), maternal, newborn and child health have been closely linked to HIV, and as such, the strategic plan strives to integrate the coordination and implementation levels, national primary health care and public health programmes.

Under the “strategic information”, HIVision 2020 will enhance the ministry’s capacity to translate data into strategic information that will be subsequently

used as the basis for action.

UNAIDS Country Coordinator Dr Roberto Brant Campos applauded the Health Ministry for the gigantic step taken to combat HIV/AIDS, but said work has just begun.

“So the challenge now, is to make it real, make it come alive. This is not a document to put on the shelf, this is a document to be part of our daily lives, and use as a reference for the future and as a reference for AIDS

in Guyana.”

Dr Campos joined with USAID Population Health and Nutrition Officer Oleksander Cherkas for not only compiling the strategic plan, but for consulting with local and international organisations, in particular the international donor agencies to ensure thoroughness.

HIVision 2020

The HIVision 2020 replaces the 2007-2011 strategic plan and was designed by a Steering Committee headed by Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran using data from NAPS annual reports from 2007-2011, the World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in addition to other local and international agencies.

National consultations were held with the government agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society, policymakers and international donors such as

USAID before the document was finalised.

Even as some international donors gear to withdraw or reduce their financial support for AIDS programmes in the Caribbean, Dr Ramsaran said critical HIV/AIDS programmes are being placed under the ambit of the ministry, thereby increasing the need for governmental support. However, he said Guyana still requires the assistance of international donor agencies if it is to achieve the 2020 vision.

The President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Bank, the Canadian International Development Agency, UNAIDS, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations (UN) were applauded for their financial and technical assistance offered in the fight to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Guyana. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Labourer charged for Woodley Park murder

wo weeks after

TJaipaul Sampuran, a truck driver of Bath Settlement was discovered dead in a yard at Woodley Park, Corentyne, Berbice, a labourer was on Wednesday charged for his murder.

Bheem Evans, 53, of Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice (ECD) made his appearance at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Rhondel Weaver. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on July 29, he mur-

dered Jaipaul Sampuran.

One day after committing the act, Evans was taken into custody and confessed to the crime. Sampuran was found dead in a yard at Number 11 Village with blood oozing from his eyes and ears.

Evans had given a written statement under caution, confessing to the crime According to information reaching Guyana Times, Sampuran went to a wedding house at Number 11 Village, WCB with his bicycle and about 03:30h; he made checks for the said bi-

cycle and discovered it was missing. He later received information that the suspect, Evans, a labourer of Number 11 Village, stole the bicycle.

In an effort to retrieve the bicycle, Sampuran reportedly contacted Evans and while in the process of taking back his bicycle, a scuffle ensued resulting in the victim hitting Evans to his head and back with a piece of wood. Evans in return, went into a yard, Lot 147 Number 11 Village, armed himself with a 2x4 piece of wood and dealt

Sampuran several blows to his head and back.

The victim subsequently fell to the ground. The injured man was later found under a house lying motionless in a pool of blood. Closer checks revealed that the blood was coming from a wound to the right ear and eye. The wood used as the murder weapon was also found close to the deceased. He was picked up and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was seen, examined and certified dead.

Brumell tells campers to shun crime

By IndrawattIe natram

Acting Commissioner Leroy Brumell has called on youths to stay away from crime as he delivered closing remarks at the 22nd Police Wives Association/Guyana Police Force annual youth camp, in the auditorium of the Aurora Secondary School, Essequibo Coast.

Addressing scores of youths along with police officers and caregivers, the acting commissioner urged the youths to be true ambassador and patriots of Guyana.

The acting commissioner, who inspected the work of the campers, said he is impressed with the handicraft put together during the camp. He deemed the camp a great success for the Guyana Police Force and praised the organisers.

He urged the youths to practice what they learn during the camp and always keep a cool head.

“You must be committed

to what you are doing, you must think sensibly, you have to be positive always,” Brumell said.

Also addressing campers was Police Wives Association President Grace Brumell, who said the activity was a resounding success.

The camp was held under the theme” Youths leading our nation”, and attracted over 176 children, the largest thus far.

Outlining what transpired at the camp, Brumell said youths throughout Guyana spent six days and nights at the Aurora Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast where they were taught different craft.

She said the children were taught fabric painting, frame decoration, bride mails, bouquets, wall papers, floral decoration among others.

The youths during the

camp were supervised by caregivers.

Brumell commended the efforts of the caregivers for the patience and courage exercise throughout the camp and extended gratitude to the Guyana Police Force for supporting the initiative.

Prizes were awarded to campers who performed well during the closing ceremony. During the ceremony, campers took the opportunity to display some of their works to the audience. They were involved in skits, drama, fashion display and poetry.

Kevin Reid, who was awarded best camper, said he is now more knowledgeable in making handicraft. Reid, who hails from New Amsterdam, Berbice said it was his first visit to the Essequibo Coast and described his trip as memorable.

Also in attendance were G Division Commander Dale Alves, Police Public Relation Officer Ivelaw Whittaker and other senior ranks.

Muslims urged to help unify Guyanese

Religious adviser of Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG), Sheikh Moen ulHack has urged Muslims to use the just concluded Ramadan fast to strengthen the ties of kinship among the brotherhood and the country.

He was at the time addressing a large gathering at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) traditional Eid Salaat ceremony.

Ul-Hack said the fast seeks to give persons strength of diversity, whether in race, gender or language.

“Nothing is wrong with diversity , it is the plan for us by God Almighty as his creation… he said I made mankind into a single nation and the morality and moral upright does not view these differences as wrong, but opportunities of cooperation,” he added.

Ul-Hack maintained that those who are devoid of morality see the differences in race and religion. He said this kind of behaviour and attitude lead to oppression and enslavement of humans by humans, which should not be.

Token appreciation

He also spoke on the importance of the 40 day fast during the holy month. UlHack said fasting is celebrated as a token of appreciation to Allah, God Almighty.

In addition, it is thanksgiving for a great reward that Allah has promised to distribute with his own hands to faithful servants.

“He will distribute a reward with his own hands to those who observe the ridged moral discipline… it is written in the Quran that this fast is for me and I will give reward to the doer of it.”

The great sacrifice is about attaining purity, spiritual cleansing of the soul and inculcation of good morals by depriving the body for the upliftment of the soul.

“Being aware of the real truth beyond this façade of this worldly delight and temptations… the awareness and of the

presence and delight of the Almighty which motivates us to make the right choices in life and avoid sinning,” he explained.

Ul-Hack said sin is the misuse of one’s choices and the fast allows Muslims to maintain the status of God’s best creation.

He asked the gathering. “Are we behaving like God’s best creation?” He said most time the answer is no and this is because the spirit within people has become corrupted and the mind is prone to sin.

This, he said is the main reason people tend to make the wrong choices and succumb to temptation.

“Instead of guiding our emotions, we are being guided by our emotions and we have reduced the status and position in God’s eyes to the lowest of creation,” he added.

Best gift

He said there are numerous examples of such in this country. Ul-Hack told the gathering that the best gift that can be given to children and the younger generation is the teachings of morality as purity in the heart and action will be preserved even when the elders pass on.

“This fast should help us to strengthen the ties of kinship among the Muslim community and Guyana by extension.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar during his address to hundreds of Muslims gathered at the MYO tarmac said the lessons of the month of Ramadan are universal.

He said these expectations apply to every religion in Guyana. Ramotar also spoke about the importance of sacrifices and being pure in heart.

The president said people must be ready to be unselfish and forget their own personal egos and ambitions for the benefit of each other.

“It reminds us also that to achieve lofty goals and to achieve things that are worthy in this life, it is necessary to make sacrifices,” Ramotar said.

El Dorado maintains supremacy at international competition

The El Dorado 8 Year Old Rum has surprised its competitors by winning the Best Rum Trophy at the annual International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

At the 2013 IWSC, held in London, the El Dorado 8 Year Old was awarded the Best Rum Trophy while its more popular counterparts, the El Dorado Special Reserve 15 Year Old Rum and the El Dorado 12 Year Old, both won Gold Outstanding trophies. The El Dorado 21 Year Old won the Gold Trophy while the El Dorado 5 Year Old and the El Dorado 3 Year Old won Silver Outstanding, a release from the Demerara Distillers Limited said.

In judging the El Dorado 8 Year Old, the judges described the product as “amber gold. Very complex aromas combining orange pekoe tea, roasting nuts (brazil, walnut and pecan) and smooth caramel. This complexity rolls around

in the mouth, achieving a wonderful balance of aged richness, and a superb integrated sweet/bitter balance that is outstanding. The finish is long and evolves beautifully”.

The El Dorado 15 Year Old, the flagship brand of Demerara Distillers Limited, also boasts the distinction of being the only rum ever to have won the title Best Rum in the World, a record 8 times since 1998 at the IWSC.

The rum has also won the IWSC Gold Medal a remarkable 12 times during the years 1998 to 2013. It was also adjudged the Best Spirit of the Caribbean at the Caribbean Rum Fest for four years with outstanding recognition as the Best Spirit of 2001. In addition, the Eldorado 15 Year Old was awarded the Platinum Medal by the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute in 2001 and the Gold Medal at the 2003 Rum Fest held in Newfoundland.

The judges described

the El Dorado 15 Year Old as “Deep bronze amber colour. Crêpe Suzette aromas waft, sprinkled with dots of barley sugar and dried pineapple, coconut and papaya. This is sipping rum, a thinking not drinking glass, pensive, pervasive and ultimately satisfying”.

The El Dorado 21 Year Old evoked the following response from the judges: “Dark bronze amber colour. Molasses, smoke, syrup and mocha on the nose.

There is a quite pronounced oak influence evident, both on the nose and in the mouth, but this does not detract from the wonderful character of this product. Enjoy”.

According to DDL, it has always been committed to producing the finest quality products for its customers the world over. It said the fact that its rums have gained sustained international acclaim is testimony to the company’s commitment to quality and excellence.

Police seize guns, arrest 24 during raids

Police on Wednesday and Thursday arrested a number of men pending investigations into robberies and drug trafficking as well seizing two guns during raids across the city.

In a statement, police said about 14:15h Thursday, ranks conducted a search on a house at Bel Air Street, Albouystown, during which a .38 Taurus revolver with six rounds and a .357 Magnum revolver with three rounds were recovered. A man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Also on Thursday, ranks conducted cordon and search operations in Sophia, Greater Georgetown during which 10 men were arrested pending investigations into burglaries and armed robberies. A laptop computer that was reported stolen was recovered. On Wednesday, similar searches were conducted in Kitty, Leopold Street and East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, during which 24 men were arrested for possession and trafficking in narcotics and pending investigations into armed robberies.

Two motorcycles that are suspected to have been stolen were seized by the police.

saturday, august 10, 2013

Berbice pensioner found dead in yard

ABerbice pensioner was on Wednesday morning found dead in his yard minutes after he left his house to go and use the outdoor washroom.

The discovery was made by his daughter when she got up to prepare meals for her husband. The dead man was identified as Dhanraj Ram called “Jairam”, 65, of Lot 233 Belvedere New Scheme, Corentyne Berbice.

Guyana Times understands that Ram went to collect his NIS pension and returned home. Mala Devi Ram, the dead man’s daughter stated that she retired to bed about midnight Tuesday, leaving him in the living room.

About 04:50h, the woman got up to cook for her

husband and went into the yard to pick a pepper, but saw her father in a stooping position by the fence.

The woman told this publication that she called out to her father, but there was no response and she thought that he was urinating, thus went back into the house.

She further stated that she lit the gas stove and opened a window and again saw her father and called out to him, but got no response. It was then she decided to check on him.

The woman disclosed that as she touched her father, he fell to the ground and at that point she realised that something was wrong. She went back into the house and alerted her

husband who in turn summoned the police.

Upon checking the man’s body, the police discovered a few bruises. Statements were taken from members of the household and the body was escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where it was examined by a doctor and certified dead.

A subsequent post-mortem performed on the man gave the cause of death as suffocation. The autopsy was performed by Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary.

Police have since handed over the body to the family for burial and launched on investigation into the matter.

Fireman suffered fractured skull, spine – autopsy

The autopsy performed on the remains of Linden Mc Calmon who died in the wee hours of August 2 in an accident at Bath Settlement Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCD) has given the cause of death as cerebral haemorrhage, fractured skull and fractured spine.

The autopsy was performed by local pathologist Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan at New Amsterdam Hospital on Wednesday. Mc Calmon met his demise minutes after leaving the soiree celebrations at Hopetown, West

Coast Berbice when the car in which he was travelling slammed into a utility pole in the vicinity of Bath Settlement Public Road, WCB.

The 48-year-old formerly of Linden and Hopetown, West Coast Berbice died on the spot, but was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington Hospital. According to information received, the driver of motor car PRR 1656 was speeding along the roadway with Mc Calmon in the left passenger seat at the back of the vehicle and Keith

Bond, 56, of Grove, East Bank Demerara was sitting at the left side front seat. Both of Mc Calmon and Bond were asleep when a cellphone rang causing Keith to wake up and reportedly bump the driver’s hand away from the steering wheel, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle ended up on a parapet and collided with a concrete lamp post. Mc Calmon and Bond were rushed to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital.

SUDOKU

thursday's solution

Don’t get upset if your ears start burning, because it’s likely that if you could hear all the things being said about you, it would make you happy, not upset.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

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Be sure to compliment someone who deserves praise for a job well done. As long as you’re sincere, it will be far more important to that person than you might realise.

Your prospects for material acquisition look to be especially encouraging, especially in situations where you are doing business with someone of the opposite gender.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

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(March 21-April 19)

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If you’re an unattached Taurus who would like to find a special someone, it might be a better-thanaverage day in terms of meeting promising new prospects.

(May 21June 20)

There’s a good chance that you’ll have a knack for finalising contentious matters to the satisfaction of everyone. Speak up to get your ideas across.

It could be a mistake to delegate a critical assignment to someone who has yet to be tested. If you can’t give the job to anyone else, you’d be better off doing it yourself.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If you feel compelled to do something for another without any thought of what’s in it for you, it could turn out to be a beautiful experience. Follow your instincts.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Go out of your way to express your gratitude to someone who has been quite kind to you lately. Everyone likes to know that he or she is appreciated. It’ll mean a lot.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Situations that have strong elements of friendly competition are always your cup of tea, and today could offer you just such an arrangement. Win or lose, do it with grace, and everyone benefits.

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Team Guyana wins...

On the other hand, Suriname gained the maximum 11 points for winning the chess and football, but had to settle for nine each after being beaten in male and female cycling and table-tennis.

Cycling and Table-tennis

The male cyclists commenced their journey at Nismes, West Bank Demerara, and pedalled to Vergenoegen on the West

Coast of Demerara before returning to the place of origin, while the females also commenced their journey in Nismes and proceeded to Leonora before also culminating their journey at the start point.

The Guyanese duo, Hamzah Eastman and Shaquille Agard, both crossed the finishing line in one hour, 39 minutes, 42 seconds (01h: 39m: 42s) ahead of teammate Akeem

Arthur as the Guyanese secured the top three spots in the male category.

Junior Sportsman-of-theYear Paul DeNobrega, who was part of team Guyana prior to the race, had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.

Meanwhile, the female Guyanese riders, Marica Dick and Toshanna Doris, placed first and second respectively in their leg of the race. Dick finished the race

in one hour, 18 minutes, 34 seconds (01h :18m :34s).

The Guyana male team entered the road race with a massive boost from having won the Team Time Trial earlier in the day in 12 minutes, 22 seconds at the inner circuit of the National Park.

However, the Suriname female team won the Team Time Trial on the distaff side in eight minutes, 22 seconds, but could not seize

the advantage during the road race.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport after the team’s exciting win, national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, praised the cyclists for sticking to the “game plan” and more so, executing what was discussed prior to the start of the race.

Meanwhile, after a brilliant opening ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports

Hall, the Guyanese lined up to do battle with the Surinamese in table-tennis.

The superior skill set of the local players dominated their counterparts from Suriname as both male and female teams secured wins for the nation to capture the table-tennis title.

Guyana’s female A team, consisting of Akeicia Nedd and Priscilla Greaves, dominated their opponents in single’s action as both won their matches 3-0, while they also topped the Suriname girls Afielle Hooghart and Zoue Hooghart in double’s action 3-0.

Guyana’s female B of Anna Joao and Jewel Todd also topped the Suriname girls in 3-0 fashion in both single’s and double’s action, but lost to Guyana A team to place second, while Suriname took third.

The Guyana males also emulated the girls in their encounter with the Surinamese. The local male A and B teams finished first and second respectively, despite dropping some games to the Suriname players who finished third.

Football and Chess

While the Guyanese prevailed in cycling and tabletennis, the Surinamese carted off the football and chess titles. In the football match, Suriname won 2-1 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Guyana squandered two early shots in the opening minutes of the game before Suriname struck twice in the 23rd and 43rd minutes from J. Sasfra and S. Edwards respectively. Guyana’s lone goal came from Jamal Henry in the 77th minute as they tried to equalise in the latter stages of the game but to no avail.

In the chess event at the Ocean View International Hotel, the two countries played to a draw after the stipulated rounds, prompting the use of the blitz format to separate them.

After the five-minute blitz, the countries were still locked in a draw, leaving the organisers to employ a three-minute blitz, which the Suriname players won 2-1.

The second leg of the IGG will take place in Suriname in October, with action in male and female volleyball, basketball, swimming and athletics.

Lara could play spin blindfolded, says Afridi

There has been the most arresting rivalry in world cricket during the 90s, and long after two of the greatest ever batsmen have bid adieu to limited overs cricket, Sachin Tendulkar versus Brian Lara still generates awe, and opinion.

The recent to join the debate is flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder

Shahid Afridi, who has rated the West Indian great above Tendulkar and Aussie Ricky Ponting.

"Lara was the best batsman I have seen in my entire career spanning 16 years better. Personally I found him to be a class above the two other greats of this era, Tendulkar and (Ricky) Pointing," Afridi said in an interview.

"He was the most difficult batsman I have bowled to in every format of the game. He could play and hit boundaries at will. Especially against the spinners he produced boundaries out of the hat, a superb player and I enjoyed watching him bat," Afridi said while talking about the greatest players of his era.

Afridi said there were times when he felt that Lara could play blindfolded.

"At times, I felt he was so good at playing spin he could even bat well against them blindfolded. Tendulkar and Ponting are also greats but I thought Lara was a cut above them," he said. Talking about the greatest bowlers of his time, Afridi praised Australian, Glenn McGrath and compatriot Mohammad Asif who could swing the new ball both ways at will.

"They were the only bowlers who I felt knew when they were going to bowl inswing or outswing and that is a big quality in any bowl-

er," he explained. Afridi also talked about his comeback and a resurgence in his career.

"Now whenever I get out, I talk to myself and I curse myself for not finishing off a match if I am batting. It has helped me a lot this self assessment therapy," he said. Afridi admitted he didn't think much about his batting after getting out or didn't do enough post-examination.

"But now when I am batting I am eager to finish off matches myself. I keep on talking to myself and even if I get out, I keep on analysing myself."

The flamboyant allrounder said he was keen to keep on playing for Pakistan but with self-respect.

"I have seen the fate of some of our former greats and how they went out. I don't want to go through that phase. I can say this safely I will know when the time is right for me to go. Right now the time is good for me and I can carry on performing in Twenty20 and ODI cricket," he said.

Afridi conceded that in the past he had made mistakes in his career but insisted he never compromised on self-respect.

"I am that sort of a person if I feel I am not wanted or I don't get along with someone I will not play. I couldn't get along with Waqar Younis when he was captain so I decided not to play and stepped aside."

He also described Misbahul-Haq as a good captain who was a good planner. "He is an excellent planner but unfortunately not everything you plan is executed all the time. And one can't expect him to treat other players like schoolchildren," he said. (windiescricket)

Young Shewdas set to become world champion

Guyana’s latest powerlifting prodigy, 18-year-old Gumendra Shewdas, is set to create history by becoming the nation’s youngest ever world champion at the International Powerlifting Federation’s World Sub-junior and Junior Championships.

The event is billed for Killeen, Texas, USA, from August 25-31, and the young Shewdas will be accompanied on the journey by a manager and coach.

The 2012 Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year (Runner-up) powered his way to gold in the overall Sub-junior 53kg/117lb to 105kg/232lb combined weight class at the recently concluded Pan American Powerlifting Championships held in Orlando, Florida, in July, despite being the lightest male lifter with a bodyweight of 52.8kg/116.42lb.

The Berbician came out on top with the highest total of 485.26 Wilkes points to cop gold from Carson Dougall of Canada and

Austin Gauldin of the USA in second and third positions respectively.

According to a release from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF), “It has now been confirmed that in powering his way to the gold, young Shewdas has smashed the existing Commonwealth records in 53kg/117lb weight class for the squat with official lifts of Squat 197.5kg/435.48lb (old 177.5kg), Deadlift 207.5kg/457.53lb (old 185kg) and total of 497.5kg/1,096.98lb (old 460kg).”

The GAPF said while the Pan American records have not yet been confirmed, it is equally confident that the results will be similar to that of the Commonwealth’s.

Meanwhile, according to the final nominations for the upcoming event in Texas, Shewdas is the favourite to capture gold and the world title with an established total of 497.5kg from nearest challenger Dalton La Coe (455kg) of the USA, Kazuma Arai (435kg) of Japan, Alexei Kulakov (432.5kg) of Russia, Tetsuharu Katsuta (405kg) of Japan and Erick Aguilar (377.5kg) of Ecuador.

Shewdas and the manager and coach are slated to depart Guyana on August 24, and the GAPF is urging individuals/businesses to come on board and support the young lifter in his quest to create history.

Persons/entities desirous of assisting can contact the GAPF office on 225-0115 or president of the association, Peter Green, on 647-5375.

Scores graduate from baseball coaching course

Baseball in Guyana took a giant leap forward with the graduation of 25 certified coaches of a Nobel House Seafoodsponsored coaching course.

All of the graduating coaches were presented with a complete coaching bag, each containing bats, gloves, balls, safety equipment and other coaching aids to enable them to spread the game nationally.

The course was provided by USA Baseball through its partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), for its coaching education programme, “Fundamentals of Coaching Baseball.”

The programme, which was announced in December 2012, is part of USA Baseball’s emphasis on coaching education and growing the game of baseball both domestically and internationally.

“USA Baseball, through its partnership with the NFHS, is proud to pre-

sent this opportunity to the coaches of Guyana,” said USA Baseball Senior Director of Development, Rick Riccobono.

He added, “As baseball continues to grow both in Guyana and around the

world, we are confident that the ‘Fundamentals of Coaching Baseball’ can be a tremendous resource for coaches, and by extension, their players.”

Robin Singh, president of the Guyana Baseball

League - the national governing body for baseball in Guyana - echoed Riccobono’s sentiment.

“The NFHS coaching education course developed by USA Baseball and sponsored locally by Nobel House

Seafood is the cornerstone upon which baseball in Guyana will be built,” Singh said. “It is a vital resource needed to provide quality coaches with requisite knowledge and recognised certification to coach our nation’s youth.”

As USA Baseball and the NFHS continue to grow their coaches education programme with the emphasis on providing the best resources to those cultivating the game at the grassroots level, Guyana is beginning to develop the game with a similar process.

“The majority of the participants in the course are young school teachers,” Singh explained. “A recognised coaching certificate is important to these young pioneers and an asset to their schools and community.”

The sponsor for this programme, Nobel House Seafood, expressed their appreciation to the GBL for providing this opportunity to the youth of Guyana and urged participants to put the knowledge gained to good use.

Providing the programme to Guyana is the first step in growing the game here, and another step in USA Baseball’s continued emphasis on growing the game at the grassroots level in the United States and across the globe.

The course is divided into five units: Coaching Philosophy, Offense, Defense, Pitching and Team Strategies. These units teach the basics of catching and throwing, offensive skills and defensive tactics; offer an overview of each position’s role on the field; show coaches how to develop a practice plan and provide additional coaching tips.

Equipment was donated by the United States Embassy here in Guyana, in collaboration with Pony Baseball Organisation, Baseball Guyana’s Youth affiliate and Pitch in for Baseball, a charitable organisation that works to spread the American pastime to kids all over the world.

Persons interested in becoming part of the GBL and beneficiaries of its programmes can contact the president at admin@baseballguyana.com or on 6144862 for information on getting started in baseball or softball.

Amazon Warriors go down to Red Steel

All-rounder James Franklin stroked a defiant half-century, but could not prevent the Guyana Amazon Warriors losing to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel by three runs in match 11 of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League at the Queen’s Park Oval on Friday evening.

the latter was dismissed for a 31-ball 29 (3x4s).

Chasing 160 for victory after the Red Steel posted 159-4, the Amazon Warriors slipped to 93-4 from 15 overs, needing 67 from 30 balls for their third win from four matches in the tournament.

Franklin and Christopher Barnwell, who came together at 78-4 from 13.3 overs, tried desperately to keep the Amazon Warriors in the hunt, but fell agonisingly short at 156-4.

The partnership of 78 in 6.3 overs had given the Amazon Warriors a real chance of victory after the innings stalled in the mid-overs.

Franklin’s 60 not out from 34 balls included three sixes and five fours, while Barnwell ended on 23 from 18 deliveries. Opener Lendl Simmons started the chase with a first ball six off Fidel Edwards, but apart from his 18 off 10, Mohammad Hafeez (35 off 38 balls) was the only other batsman to get into double-figures.

The Red Steel had earlier won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that paid great dividends as openers Kevin O’Brien and Adrian Barath added 95 in 11.4 overs before

Irishman O’Brien was the aggressor, latching on to anything loose, as he smashed six sixes and two fours in a blistering 70 from 47 balls.

After his dismissal at 1252 in 15.5 overs, the Guyana Amazon Warriors crawled back into contention, limiting the Red Steel to just 34 runs in the final four overs, while picking up two more wickets.

New Zealand’s Ross Taylor kept the Red Steel innings go-

ing in the latter half, finishing on 39 from 27 balls. His innings included two sixes and three fours.

Bowling for the Amazon Warriors, Krishmar Santokie had 2-25, while Steven Jacobs and Christopher Barnwell ended with 1-10 and 1-22 respectively.

O’Brien received the Manof-the-Match and Limacol Super Six awards, while Simmons collected the Digicel 4G Fastest Scorer accolade.

The Amazon Warriors next game is against tournament leaders, the Barbados Tridents, at 15:00 hours on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Oval.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Amazon Warriors innings (target: 160 runs from 20 overs) LMP Simmons c †Pooran b Edwards 18

MJ Guptill c Benn b Johnson 6 Mohammad Hafeez c †Pooran b DJ Bravo 35 RR Sarwan* c †Pooran b DJ Bravo 4

JEC Franklin not out 60

CD Barnwell not out 23

Extras (b 2, lb 3, w 5) 10

Total (4 wickets; 20 overs) 156

(Pooran, 16.4 ov), 4-147 (DJ Bravo, 18.5 ov) Bowling: CD Barnwell 3-0-221 (2-w), K Santokie 4-0-252, Mohammad Hafeez 2-011-0, SP Narine 4-0-35-0, JEC Franklin 2-0-25-0, V Permaul

4-0-30-0, SA Jacobs 1-0-10-1

Fall of wickets 1-22 (Simmons, 2.5 ov), 2-41 (Guptill, 5.6 ov), 3-47 (Sarwan, 7.5 ov), 4-78 (Mohammad Hafeez, 13.3 ov) Bowling: FH Edwards 4-0-47-1, DE Johnson 4-0-25-1, K Cooper 4-0-35-0, SJ Benn 4-0-230, DJ Bravo 4-0-21-2

Team Guyana wins IGG first leg

By Rajiv Bisnauth, Treiston Joseph and Avenash Ramzan

Team Guyana won the opening leg of the 2013 Inter Guiana Games (IGG), defeating Suriname 62-58 after competing in four disciplines on Saturday in Guyana.

The two countries participated in cycling and tabletennis, which Guyana won, and football and chess, which were won by Suriname.

In the cycling competi-

tion on the West Demerara, Guyana’s five-member team made a clean sweep of the male and female categories, while in table-tennis at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana’s male and female teams dominated their Surinamese counterpart to lift that title.

The tourists however, won the male football match at the Police Sports

Club ground, Eve Leary, by a 2-1 margin, while they prevailed over the locals in chess at the Ocean View International Hotel. Guyana earned the maximum 11 points each for winning the male and female cycling and table-tennis and nine points each for finishing second best in football and chess.