23rd june 2013 daily

No maternal deaths at Linden Hospital during 2012-13

Second rice shipment to Venezuela to commence soon – GRDB general manager

sunday, june 23, 2013|

BRIDGE OPENING

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, June 23 from 14:30h to 16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, June 23 from 16:25h to 17:55h.

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 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly at 3.12 to 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:04h and 16:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.81 metres and 2.66 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:08h and 22:25h reaching minimum heights of 0.38 metres and 0.54 metres respectively.

New York, Toronto expositions to showcase Guyana as a major vacation destination

The Tourism Ministry will be hosting separate trade shows and tourism expositions in New York and Toronto with the hope of attracting more visitors to Guyana.

Addressing the media on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said the ministry is host-

ing the events to ensure the word is out that Guyana is an excellent vacation destination and is pregnant with investment and business opportunities.

The exposition in Toronto is slated for this weekend while the exposition in New York is set for next weekend.

“We are trying to create the awareness and ensure the negative perception that is out there is corrected to a large extent and the opportunity that resides in Guyana is exposed to these persons over the next two weekends.” He said the expositions will be targeting the Guyanese diaspora, a market that offers tremendous opportunities for Guyana.

The ministry is targeting about 35,000 persons at each event. He disclosed that the expositions have been well supported by the public and private sectors,

notably agencies such as GoInvest, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and several financial institutions.

The minister said in Toronto this weekend, a large team comprising more than 35 local companies will be in Canada exhibiting their products, especially in the area of tourism.

He said while in Toronto, the ministry will be meeting with all the tour operators and tour companies to further expand the relationship and develop packages, specifically designed for Guyana.

“Packages whereby tour companies operating out of Toronto can collaborate with tour companies operating out of Guyana and similarly, with companies in the tourism sector business to be able to collaborate with companies from both countries

No maternal deaths at Linden Hospital during 2012-13

Sister of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) Charlene Sampson said there was no maternal death at the hospital during 2012 to 2013.

She made the disclosure during a recent staff review of the LHC, the Upper Demerara and the Kwakwani hospitals held at the Egbert Benjamin Hall and Conference Centre, Linden.

In her report on the Maternity Ward for the said period, Sampson noted that quality obstetric care was rendered to patients, and this resulted in zero maternal death at the hospital.

Sampson also said there was an adequate supply of vaccines and some contraceptives. In her projections for 2013, she noted that her department intends to advocate for a suitable AnteNatal Care Unit catering for women throughout the process of pregnancy.

Reporting on the Imaging Department which includes radiology and ultrasound, Upper Demerara Hospital radiographer Brian Claxton said part-time ultrasound services have now become full-time operations.

He said there is need for proper infrastructure, noting that problems were encoun-

tered with some equipment and accessing certain materials such as x-ray films.

Claxton noted that the projections for 2013 include having x-ray services provided at all three of the hospitals, and having full-time ultrasound services accessible to all.

“Not just to provide the services but to improve the quality, the end result, it is our hope that the quality will improve,” he noted.

Reports were also given on the dentistry, rehabilitation services, social work, medical services and other departments of the Linden hospitals.

in expanding their business here in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, in New York, more than 40 companies have registered to be a part of the expo. “This is the first time we are trying to bring the entire Guyanese community together in New York in the same auditorium to be aware of the opportunities available in Guyana… the business opportunities and tourism.”

He noted over one million potential customers of Guyanese background reside in Canada and the U.S. and the ministry would like to create opportunities for these persons to invest in Guyana.

“If these persons can have a business connection in Guyana of a minimum US$100, you can imagine the impact it can have on our economy.”

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

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

Brazil’s unrest

For the last week, more than a dozen Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, the capital Brasilia and São Paulo, have been roiled by massive protests that had swelled to hundreds of thousands of participants. For a country with almost 200 million citizens, the number might not appear large, but since they are the largest protests since the military dictatorship of 19641985, there has to be serious introspection by Brazilian leaders on the unfolding dynamics.

Considering the increasing level of contacts and cooperation between our two countries, there has been a surprising lack of discussion in Guyana about the situation in Brazil. Since the removal of that country’s dictatorship and its successive democratic rule, first by an administration that honed to the neo-liberal prescriptions, then one with a leftward tilt, Brazil has emerged as the undisputed leader in South America and, indeed, as a member of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) bloc, a key player in the evolving new world order.

As part of the initiative undertaken during the earlier administration for the facilitation of free trade in the Americas – at that time Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) – we are poised to become increasingly integrated into the infrastructure of that country. The successor government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, while never enamoured that a U.S.-led initiative has pushed for our country to become even more interlinked by not only completing the highway from the Takatu Bridge to Georgetown/Berbice, but to also collaborate on development of our hydroelectric and agriculture potential of our interior. It would appear that the Brazilian government conceives of Guyana/Suriname linkages as facilitating its push to boost its northern trade routes.

For these reasons and others, the form and philosophy of the government in Brasilia is of extreme importance to our hope of developing into a “first world” country. This newspaper has always stressed our strategic location “atop” Brazil as one of our greatest assets. Two facts stand out in the Brazilian protests: while based in the cities, they have no significant participation by inhabitants of the “favelas” or slums in which there has been a significant rise in crime and in which the army had to be inserted.

Also, the protests, comprised primarily of the new “middle class” that was created in the last two decades, has not targeted the central government in this heavily federalised republic. The protests were triggered on June 8 by a less than 10 per cent increase in the public transportation (bus and subway) fare in Sao Paolo. In the fast growing cities, transportation costs consume a substantial portion of the wages of the lower middle class. But the value for the fare is very unsatisfactory, with traffic jams of two hours becoming routine and placing great pressures on workers to reach their jobs on time.

There has actually been a group agitating for over five years now for free public transportation but in the previous protests they were unable to garner much support. In this incarnation, the protests caught the wave of dissatisfaction that had mushroomed over the tremendous cost overruns and charges of “corruption” in the construction of stadiums and other facilities to host next year’s soccer World Cup. But the actual spark was provided when inexperienced police used disproportionate force in dispelling the early protesters in Sao Paolo.

For us in Guyana, there is a lesson in the Brazilian experience. We have allowed the City of Georgetown, with a quarter of our population, to sink into absolute squalor under the administration of Mayor Hamilton Green since 1994. Even though, as in Brazil, our living standards have risen under the present administration, we do not have a federalised system and as a result Green and the other members of the opposition have successfully redirected the dissatisfaction of our growing middle class onto the central government. Green must be voted out.

“A hint to Beneba mek Quashiba tek notice.”

Khemraj Ramjattan is allowing Granger to influence his behaviour

Dear Editor,

Since the Linden uprising, Guyana’s minority opposition party, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has been aggressively opposing government’s policies and programmes, taking the fight to the Donald Ramotar Administration while the more senior parliamentary opposition, People's National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU), seems to be docile. But don’t be fooled by this seemingly passive approach taken by David Granger... It bears the hallmark of a very effective military strategy known as Psychological Operations (PSYOP). Although some within his own party seriously question Granger’s political astuteness, it begs the question: Is PSYOP being used to destabilise the democratically elected government of Guyana?

Since his ascension to the leadership of PNC/APNU, Granger has surrounded himself with former military men, some of whom received specialised training in PSYOP: A means of intentionally deceiving targeted individuals and the population through a variety of sophisticated methods to accomplish specified objectives. In the case of PNC/ APNU, the objective would be to disrupt the economy through budget cuts and protests, and ultimately force the president to include them in a government of national unity. People perceive things that make sense within the context of their beliefs, values, attitudes, and experiences. Our perceptions are highly selective and subjective; we see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear. Further, if we do not like what we perceive, we often distort or modify it. Behavioural change is at the root of any PSYOP mission.

A person’s behaviour is

motivated by needs, wants, motives, and self-concepts. All of these influence one’s acceptance of an idea. People have a need when they lack something useful, required or desired. When a few needs are fairly well satisfied, others emerge. Because needs are insatiable, incapable of ever being fully satisfied, PSYOP planners do not have to satisfy one need before progressing on to other needs. Hence the old saying, “The more you get is the more you want.” Although evidence of the use of PSYOP is difficult to prove, it can be deducted by the strategy employed in a variety of attacks and demonstrations against the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration that would normally be considered non-issues:

* After the PPP/C victory at the polls in the last general election, APNU tried to force the administration to include them and the AFC in a government of national unity… something they would not have even considered had they been victorious.

* The increase in salary for public servants and benefits for old-age pensioners may be inadequate but fair when one considers the state of the economy; the ongoing national development projects; and the many social programmes being funded by government, including health care and education.

* The One Laptop Per Family programme; a novel idea to educate our youth with modern technology was demonised by the opposition.

* Making land available to all Guyanese, especially those single parents and low-income families, to build a home of their own.

* Providing subsidy to Guyana Power and Light in order to avoid an increase in electricity rates to consumers.

* The building of the Amalia Falls Hydro Electric

Project that is expected to alleviate our electricity woes, and

* The building of the Marriott Hotel and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion to boost air travel and accommodation, making Guyana more marketable for tourism.

All of the above projects have been viciously attacked by the APNU-led opposition. A close advisor to David Granger, former brigadier general of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Edward Collins received extensive training in the use of PSYOP, and former GDF officers Malcolm Harripaul and Mark Archer seemed to have taken over Granger’s public relations campaign, distorting the administration’s achievements in the local press and social networks. The controversial former Police Commissioner Winston Felix is also a trusted Granger adviser and APNU parliamentarian.

Creating dissent among our people that led to protest and anarchy in Linden is a perfect example of PSYOP in action. Granger must have known, like the rest of Guyana, that removing the electricity subsidy from the town of Linden was long overdue and unattainable given the budget cuts he spearheaded. Yet, instead of convincing its supporters to pay their fair share of the electricity they’re using like the rest of the country, APNU was able to convince Lindeners that the government, who had generously subsidised their abusive use of electricity for years, were the bad guys, and not the joint opposition who took away the subsidy by butchering the 2012 National Budget. The same strategy is now being repeated against Guyana Power and Light that seeks to implement a rate increase after the government assistance programme was cut by the joint

opposition in the 2013 budget. Another example of the use of PSYOP is the reckless and irresponsible blockage of four pieces of proposed legislative amendments by the opposition, that were designed to reform the Guyana Police Force, an institution that everyone agrees needs a major overhaul. Any responsible lawmaker would have voted for passage of these amendments, but the opposition was able to justify the risk to our national security and avoid national condemnation by blaming the sponsor of the bill, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee for lack of passage. APNU is intentionally deceiving the Guyanese people through a variety of sophisticated methods aimed at discrediting the government, making it difficult for them to remain in office without compromising on much of their demands.

I am convinced that the AFC is also a victim of APNU’s PSYOP strategy. Why else would Khemraj Ramjattan betray the people who voted for AFC based on his pronouncement that the AFC will never join with APNU? Why else would they join with APNU to impede our nation’s progress by voting down every piece of legislation the government proposed? Why else would he risk denying progress to his constituency by being the pit bull of the opposition attacks against the very administration he depends on to bring development to his constituency? By taking actions favourable to APNU, Khemraj Ramjattan is allowing Granger to influence his behaviour. The objective of psychological operations. He is being used much to the disgust of those who voted for “change”.

Yours, Harry Gill

Support events at the Sports Hall Kampta Karran made tangible contributions in his writings

Dear Editor,

I would like to express sincere condolences to the family of Shri Kampta Karran, an excellent writer, social thinker and literary figure, whose passing comes as a shock to me and those of us in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana who know him. He contributed a lot towards the freedom struggle and the self-respect of Guyanese during the darkest days of the dictatorship.

I know of Kampta through his writings in the media, as well as his publications, and met him several times in Guyana during the struggle against the dictatorship, as well as after the restoration of democracy. However, it was in Trinidad, where we developed a greater association and had more lengthy interaction and discussion on Guyanese affairs.

I used to travel frequently from New York to Trinidad from the late 1980s through 1992 during my teaching holidays to strengthen the fraternal support among teaching colleagues and University of the West Indies (UWI) students during the struggle for the liberation of Guyana.

Kampta worked closely with a group of North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) affiliated Trinidadian teachers like Rajnie Ramlakhan, Kamal Persad, Samaroo Siewah, Ashram Maharaj and Kumar Mahabir, among others. These were also writers who published books and booklets, some on Guyana, and all of whom assisted us in our struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana as well as NACTA’s surveys in Trinidad.

Kampta was closest with Kumar and later Rajnie who provided a lot of sup-

port for his works and for our Guyana’s struggle. Rajnie herself spent several weeks in Guyana experiencing firsthand the sufferings (food shortages, press censorship and human rights abuses, among other injustices) of Guyanese about which she wrote. Guyanese owe Rajnie, Siewah, Kamal, Mahabir, Ashram and others a debt of gratitude for their activism against the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship.

I remember well their picketing exercises against then UWI Chancellor Shridat Ramphal and other officials of the dictatorship whenever they visited Trinidad. The UWI administration under Ramphal’s tenure moved to expel Rajnie and Siewah (both in degree programmes) from the campus for their protests in support of the restoration of democracy in Guyana.

In Trinidad, Kampta won several tributes in his decades-long writing career. Young writers and teachers lavished praises on the richness of his works. He gave me a collection of his works, and one of them on race was re-published in Trinidad, which he also shared with me.

Kampta was praiseworthy of the polling work of the Turkeyen Research and Polling Institute (TRPI) led by Dr Baytoram Ramharack

and NACTA in Guyana and in Trinidad, saying they were needed in order to record the opinions and views of people toward their government. He spoke glowingly of the activism of Ravi Dev, Ramharack, Vassan Ramracha and Vishnu Bisram, among others, praising their pioneering work in the field of survey techniques and for keeping the torch of the antidictatorial struggle alive in Trinidad and in New York.

Dr Kumar Mahabir and Ashram visited Guyana and held discussions on Kampta’s writings and discourses in Trinidad and lectures in Guyana, which all showed that he was a kind of revolutionary against Burnhamism. He was an outstanding and prolific writer, not only on social science topics, but on literary subjects and drama as wells.

In fact, in Trinidad he was more known as a poet than as a sociologist. Many remember his “offerings”, which are prized with only a few of us having a collection. I and others made financial contributions towards their printing, and he also expended a lot of his own funds.

Guyana has lost a good son who lived his life in service to his homeland and who made tangible contributions to our dear Guyana and her people through his writ-

ings. New York Guyanese are grateful for his publications and journals showcasing the works of Guyanese literary writers.

I put on record the deep appreciation of Trinidadian friends and the Guyanese diaspora for his work. He will be missed, but his work will live on.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor,

The recent announcement by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which indicates the newly refurbished floor of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will soon be ready for opening is great news for the sports community in Guyana.

As a sports enthusiast, I regularly attend the sports hall to watch table tennis, basketball, hockey and net ball. The atmosphere is al-

ways great and I encourage others to support events held there.

There can now be no cause for concern, as this floor will be new and the athletes and the sports associations cannot complain. Their part of the bargain is to ensure that there is no malicious damage of the facility, so as to enhance its longevity.

Yours sincerely, Lorna McAllister

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

We all do it sometime or the other. Some of us do it more than others. It’s so easy to say that you’ll be able to do whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing tomorrow, or next week, or even next month.

It’s the habit that we all wish we could quit. It’s probably one of the hardest habits to quit. Because there’s no equivalent of a nicotine patch to slap on to aid us in kicking this habit. For this, the change has to come from within. Everything –self-discipline, self-motivation – has to come from within.

“This is a lesson in procrastination... Every single second that I put it off means another lonely night I got to race the clock.” “Failure by Design” by Brand New

you would’ve been able to clarify things sooner.

And we’re all different. We all put off things for different reasons. We might put off confronting someone because we’re afraid of their reaction. We might put off other things because we mightn’t be confident in our ability to get them accomplished. We might put off things because we feel sorry for ourselves and we want to give ourselves a break. We might put off things because it’s sometimes easier to completely avoid something than dealing with it right away.

It’s easier to say you’ll do something tomorrow than to actually do it right now. It’s so much easier at the time to procrastinate. It’s easier to push things away to the back of your mind to deal with later.

And we all like to take the easier route at some point or the other. So it’s very difficult to deal with procrastination.

However, since we can’t avoid things forever, (there’s that inexorable “moving hand of time”) there’s the inevitable mad rush to get everything done before time runs out. And it’s an adrenaline rush sometimes, where you’re on autopilot racing to finish.

And then there’s the stage of regret where you know you would’ve done much better if you’d started earlier. You would’ve had so much more time to perfect things. (Sigh) Or

We all have different ways that we deal with procrastination. I like making lists and planning out things, and making schedules. But I still need a nudge sometimes. Other people might have different ways of dealing with procrastination.

And that’s the important thing – dealing with your problem of procrastination. Because the worst thing you can do is allow your procrastination to define you and constantly get the better of you.

And we all already know that we shouldn’t procrastinate. But as Portia says in The Merchant of Venice, “I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching.”

To know what you should be doing and actually doing it are two very different things. But it’s worth it to make the effort to stop procrastinating.

So stop putting things off. Get up, get out, and find ways to deal with your procrastination. Find a way to motivate yourself to get things done.

Don’t allow procrastination to define you – because then you’ll probably feel like a “failure by design”. And that’s the worst feeling in the word- knowing that you could have been so much better if you had tried harder.

Fight procrastination!

New study suggests day care may help children of depressed mothers

BY REBEKAH KUSCHMIDER

If you ever want to see me turn into Mama Hulk and go all smash on you, say something along the lines of “I don’t need day care to raise my children”. That little sentence, uttered so thoughtlessly, is the most insensitive remark any working mother has to endure. The inference in it is that moms who put children in day care have ceded primary responsibility for their children to others and basically don’t love their children enough. Every time I hear some variant on it, I want to shake the speaker until they understand the deep love a working parent feels and the conflict of the heart that happens when the responsibilities of job and family diverge. My son was in day care for three and a half years and it was a wonderful situation for everyone. While my husband and I missed him during working hours, he was thriving in a good centre with caring, dedicated teachers and fun activities. (The centre he was in paid teachers above-average wages and provided excellent benefits, which is why the quality of the programme was so good. But that’s another story altogether). He made friends there that he still plays with and the community of families there was an intrinsic part of our social fabric. It was ideal in nearly every way.

Recent studies have been showing that quality daycare certainly doesn’t harm children and may do them a lot of good. In particular, a new study out of Canada shows that the children of depressed mothers reap benefits from day care that can make up for difficulties at home. According to WebMD:

In the new study, the Canadian researchers followed 1759 children between the ages of five months and five years. The investigators tracked the children’s emotional problems (such as separation anxiety and inability to socialise with others) after the age of 17 months.

The researchers also followed their mothers, looking for signs of depression. And they monitored whether the children were regularly cared for by relatives, outside babysitters or in day-care centres.

After adjusting statistics so they wouldn’t be thrown off by various factors, the investigators found that about 12 per cent of children of non-depressed mothers showed signs of emotional problems, said study author Catherine Herba, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Quebec at Montreal. But that number jumped to 32 per cent among children of mothers who were depressed and didn’t receive regular child care from anyone other than their mothers.

However, that number fell to seven per cent among children whose mothers were depressed and were in day care; it fell to between 15 per cent and 18 per cent for those whose mothers were depressed and were cared for by a relative or babysitter, Herba said.

As anyone who has struggled with depression knows, being able to give your full best effort to anything is difficult if not impossible. For a mother of young children, depression can limit their availability to their children. Feeling like a bad mother can exacerbate the depression, perpetuating a cycle. So it makes perfect sense that to give children some time with an adult who’s not struggling with depression, in an environment with other children and constructive activities would be beneficial to a child. And giving a mom space to care for herself is beneficial to her.

This study should help alleviate any guilt a depressed parent feels for putting children in a day care or with another caregiver. They say it takes a village to raise a child and a good day care or nanny or grandparent can be a vital part of that village. Asking for help is the first step for addressing depression. Help means counseling, medications, and support with daily activities including child care. If you are depressed and need help with your children, feel secure that there is nothing wrong with letting a trusted babysitter or day-care teacher watch them. (Yahoo! Shine)

Rehab Corner

Rehab Week, July 23 - 29, 2013

Theme: “Rehabilitation moving forward: New Ventures, New Technologies”

Persons with disabilities can enjoy a better life through vocational training

The National Commission on Disability in its release Raising The Profile of Disability in Guyana states, “Persons with disabilities are often the most disadvantaged of all groups of society. Many do not have access to education and employment which leads to social and economic exclusion”.

Who are disabled people?

Disabled people are those people with impairments who are disabled by society. (Impairment is when a

Speech

person has an injury or a disease for a long time that makes them different to other people. It can affect the brain or the body, it can also cause pain, make the person feel tired, affect the way the person talks or they may not remember things very well.)

Disability and vocational training

Before entering into a new venture, even if is to be a small-scale enterprise, a person needs to have sufficient knowledge of the work involved in order

to make the business successful. In several cases, training is needed in order to learn more about the technical aspects and procedures that will ensure success.

In Guyana this training is

not often readily available to persons with disabilities.

What is vocational training?

Vocational training is a component of the rehabilitation programme; it involves skills training, placement, work assessment, work training and follow-up from evaluation and work training centres. Guyana has one such facility (the Open Doors Centre; National Vocational Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities).

The centre offers training courses and programmes for persons aged 16 or above with disabilities to enhance their employment prospects and to equip them with job skills for open employment. Courses are full-time and are structured to meet the specific needs of persons with disabilities.

For further enquiries feel free to contact the Open Doors Centre between 08:00 – 16:30h, Monday to Friday.

Open Doors Centre

Ministry of Health B Field Sophia Telephone: 219–2739, 219 -2753, 645-5322

and language therapy

What is speech and language therapy?

Speech and language therapy is one of several services offered by the Health Ministry Rehabilitation Department. It includes the assessment and treatment of difficulties relating to speaking, listening and understanding.

Who comes for speech and language therapy?

Children and adults of all ages come for speech and language therapy.

What problems are addressed by speech and language therapy?

* Language delay/disorders

* Speech disorders

* Autism

* Communication difficulties following stroke and other injuries to the brain

* Hearing impairments

* Adults

* Individually with family members Paediatric

Where can speech and language therapy be accessed?

Speech and language therapy is

available from most regional hospitals; you should ask for the hospitals rehabilitation or physiotherapy department. In Georgetown you can contact the Speech Clinic at GPHC. Rehabilitation assistants also work at special schools, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Palms Outpatient Unit.

What should I do if my child or someone I know needs speech and language therapy?

You should ask your child’s doctor for a referral or contact the rehabilitation department nearest to you. Don’t delay, do it today!

Should you require further information contact the Speech and Language Clinic at GPHC on 227-8204 ext. 1224

Audiology in Guyana

* What is Audiology Audiology is one of the services offered by the Health Ministry Rehabilitation Services Department. It includes the assessment and rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairments.

* Who can come to audiology?

All persons experiencing difficulty hearing

* How early in life can someone come to audiology?

Children and adults of any age can have their hearing tested; the audiology department has the ability to screen babies from as early as six hours after birth.

What should I do if my child or someone I know has a hearing problem?

* You should contact your child’s

doctor for a referral to the audiology department nearest to you.

Where can I find the audiology department? Audiological services are available at most regional hospitals and some health centres across Guyana, you should ask for the rehabilitation department or audiology department.

Do I have to pay?

The services offered at the audiology department are free, but if someone has a hearing loss and needs to be fitted with a hearing aid a cost is attached to the hearing aid.

Should you require more information please contact the Audiology Clinic at GPHC on 227 -8212, ext 1091, or 1100.

Orthotics and prosthetics – an integral aspect of rehabilitation

What are prosthetics and orthotics?

Prosthetics: Is the science which deals with the addition of artificial parts to supply a deficit of the body.

Orthotics: Is the use of devices/appliances which provide the following:

a) Support for body weight

b) Correct and prevent further deformities

c) Control involuntary movement

A Prosthetist: Is an allied health professional who is clinically responsible for assessing, manufacturing and fitting various types of upper and lower extremities prosthetic limbs (artificial limbs).

An Orthotist: Is an allied health professional who is clinically responsible for assessing, manufacturing and fitting various types of orthotics. Examples, braces, corsets, cervical collars, arch supports etc, required for orthopaedic and neurological problems.

Technicians fabricate custom-made prothesis and orthotic devices.

In Guyana orthotic and prosthetic aids are provided through the National Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliance Workshop, an adjunct of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre both operating under the umbrella of the National Rehabilitation Complex. The current workshop, the only one of its kind in Guyana, is fully equipped and operates with overseas-trained technicians. Patients can come directly to the Orthotist and Prosthetist Workshop, and referrals are welcome from all health professionals and health facilities. Outreach clinics are held in Regions Six and 10 at frequent intervals. The workshop operates on a non-profit basis, but relies on cost recovery for its sustainability. The National Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliance Workshop is located at 131-132 Carmichael Street, Georgetown

Working hours: 08:00h to 16:30h Monday to Friday. Telephone: 225-7421

Second rice shipment to Venezuela to commence soon – GRDB general manager

Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh said paddy from the first crop of the year is being shipped to Venezuela, as Region Two farmers commence sowing of the current crop.

Speaking with Guyana Times in a recent interview, the GRDB general manager said the second rice shipment will soon leave Guyana, and assured farmers that once the paddy bugs are under control and farmers cooperate with the board in eradicating the pest, they should receive better prices for their paddy.

On that score, he called on all major stakeholders to work together to move the industry forward.

Region Two farmers have expressed satisfaction with the effort by the GRDB to free their rice fields of the bug infestation at an early stage,

and as well as the timely intervention to check the advancement of snail infestation.

The paddy bug infestation took a toll on rice cultivation in the first crop, and the GRDB has been making a concerted effort to prevent a recurrence in the region that heavily depends on agriculture for its survival.

To address the problem in a meaningful way, the GRDB

has been holding various field outreaches during the current crop to sensitise farmers of measures to control, if not eliminate the pests.

The 12-week programme assists farmers throughout the crop, concluding at the time of harvesting.

The outreaches were held throughout the region including Anna Regina, Golden Fleece, Paradise, Aurora, Darthmouth, Riverstown,

New Road, Adventure, Devonshire Castle, Hibernia, Lima, Cullen and Reliance.

During the interaction, farmers were given brochures and other reading materials outlining various methodologies to keep their fields safe.

Cultivation in the current crop has been blooming, and according to Singh, 27,000 of 35,200 acres of rice has been sown. He is optimistic that harvesting of the current crop will begin in the first week in August.

The GRDB general manger said once farmer cooperate with the GRDB, they should experience a bumper crop as he urged farmers to visit their fields regularly, and ensure proper monitoring. Field officers have been tasked with working closely with farmers in helping them to overcome their challenges.

AFC, APNU councillors fume about mangrove destruction on Essequibo

Coast

Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) councillors are calling on persons on the Essequibo Coast to stop destroying the bamboo and mangrove vegetation in the region.

The opposition councillors at a recent statutory meeting voiced their displeasure at persons destroying the bamboo vegetation along the banks of the Supenaam Creek and mangroves at the foreshore of La Belle Alliance. The APNU Councillor Wazir Latiff said the bam-

boo trees are being destroyed at the banks of Supenaam Creek, and no one seems to be doing anything about it. The councillor said mangroves and the bamboo trees along the shoreline form a natural sea defence, and should be cared and protected.

He said the trees protect the land from flooding and eroding. The councillor called on the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to investigate the matter and

to educate persons about the purpose of the trees and its benefits to coastal communities.

Meanwhile, newly sworn in AFC Councillor Bowanie Persaud said the Agriculture Ministry is spending huge sums on the Mangrove Restoration Project, and no effort should be spared to prevent the destruction of this vital sea defence.

The councillor said he has seen many persons destroying and cutting down the trees and called on the RDC to take strong measures to stamp out the practice.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said the trees were planted to protect the foreshore. He said the matter will be investigated and informed the councillors that more mangrove trees will be planted along the La Belle Alliance foreshore where the soil is ideal for mangrove cultivation.

Eyew tness

Picking sense...

...from BS

Khemraj Ramjattan is a lawyer by profession. When he’s wearing his other hat as a politician, he should remember this fact. When he makes utterances, he does so with such alarming frequency, he brings the entire legal fraternity into disrepute. We know he has no pride, but one wonders if he has no shame also.

Using the excuse of the expired drugs found by a parliamentary committee – which included a vociferous Indra Chandrapal of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – Ramjattan launched an attack on the Ministry of Health that demonstrated an inexcusable lack of knowledge about the supply of drugs to hospitals. And this is a man who has the power – which he’s used with abandon and gusto – to slash governmental budgets and place countless lives in jeopardy.

So what’s his solution to the problem of expired drugs? “We would like to see quality drugs placed on the shelf with long shelf lives,” he intoned. We know you, dear reader, must have exclaimed, “What kind of nonsense is this?” But we kid you not. This is exactly what this Ramjattan said. I mean...surely Ramjattan can’t actually believe that manufacturers of pharmaceuticals package some drugs with “long shelf lives” and others with “short shelf lives”?

If he does then he ought to be committed to that institution near the Canje Bridge. All drugs have their particular period in which they degrade to a point where they lose their efficacy. Because we’re not dealing with rum, with which Ramjattan may have greater familiarity, we have to inform him that you don’t age pharmaceuticals so that they have “long shelf lives”. Each chemical spontaneously decomposes based on its chemical stability and the ambient conditions.

If Ramjattan wasn’t such a special one, we’d ask him to brush up on the second law of thermodynamics. As it is, we offer him the simple Wiki entry which he may (may) be able to comprehend. “The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system never decreases, because isolated systems spontaneously evolve towards thermodynamic equilibrium – the state of maximum entropy.”

Ramjattan couldn’t resist also making a crack about NEW GPC INC and “sole sourcing” even though the auditor general’s report explained the difference between that concept, pre-qualified bidders, and providing proprietary (patented) formulations.

Ramjattan, however, disingenuously refused to reveal that the actual expired and possibly overstocked drugs found at the hospital were all supplied by his friend and supporter – who last year billed the Ministry of Health for a cool $512 million!!

...from a mouthful

Basil Williams said quite a mouthful when he responded to the chief justice’s ruling that there’s no need for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and opposition Leader David Granger to take the stand in the case before the court. We expected him to plead for his leader to get another crack at rubbing the government’s nose in the mud over their budget cuts. That’s not it. We know that Williams knows that the chief justice knows there’s a precept called “judicial notice”. This is where the judge can take into account facts that are in the public domain in making a decision. As is reliably stated: “the truth of that fact is so notorious or well known, or so authoritatively attested, that it cannot reasonably be doubted.” The reasons why the opposition cut the budget are “notorious” enough or, as stated by the attorney general, are in the Hansard. But Williams had to “try a thing”. What was revealing was Williams’ statement that neither he nor the rest of APNU has any confidence in Ramjattan representing their interest before the court. OUCH!!!!

...from stereotypes

A lawyer refused to cross question a Muslim woman wearing her “hijab” covering her face. We’re not going to get into the pros and cons of that stance right now. But did he actually say in mitigation, “I don’t dislike Muslims, some of my best friends are Muslims?” Say it ain’t so.

Woman suffers burns after acid attack

An Alberttown woman is nursing severe burns about her body at the Georgetown Public Hospital following an acid attack on Friday evening at Alberttown, Georgetown. The incident occurred about 20:30h.

Sandy Jackman, 22, of Lot 64 6th Street, Alberttown received burns to her face, neck, leg and part of her mouth.

Reports reaching Guyana Times said Jackman had just left her aunt’s store in Alberttown, and as she approached the corners of Cummings and 6th streets, Alberttown, two unidentified males came up to her and reportedly threw acid in her face. At the time of the attack, the young woman was texting on her mobile phone, thus making it difficult for her to identify the two men who escaped on a bicycle.

Jackman disclosed that she heard her niece screaming for “Mommy! Mommy!”

“This was a cry for help… it wasn’t any call so when I heard her screams, I started to run towards her and she towards me… when I see her, her eyes were almost closed in and her face, neck, and leg were burnt,” the aunt said.

The woman stated that she rushed her niece to the hospital where she was attended by the doctors.

Region Two women urged to utilise legal aid clinic

Region Two Senior Probation Officer

Mahendra Takoordat has urged women on the Essequibo Coast to utilise the Guyana Legal Aide Clinic (GLAC), pointing out that the institution is there to help women in need.

Karen Jackman, the aunt of the injured woman, on Saturday morning explained that her niece went about her daily routines, stopping last at the gym in Alberttown.

After the gym, she stated that the young woman stopped at her business place in Alberttown to enquire if she had anything to send home, as she normally does. As she collected a bag, she went along her merry way, but soon after,

After the attack, she felt a burning sensation and immediately ran screaming “Acid! Acid!”. Her aunt on hearing her cries came to her rescue. The young woman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted.

The aunt in turn, went to the police outpost at the Georgetown Public Hospital to lodge a complaint, but was redirected to Alberttown Police Station since the rank on duty told her that they do not take in complaints.

The aunt revealed that her niece does not get in harm’s way. Her mother and father died when she was a child and her aunt ever since has been providing for her. She is hoping that the police find the culprits as soon as possible.

In the meantime, she is praying for her niece’s speedy recovery.

Rehab Week begins today

The Disability and Rehabilitation Division of the Health Ministry will be launching Rehab Week 2013 today under the theme “Rehabilitation Moving Forward: New Ventures, New Technologies”.

The week of activities, which will conclude on June 29, aims to promote the value and importance of rehabilitation while saluting the professionals that provide these services.

The event is an annual one and there will be a series of activities across the country. Included for this year’s itinerary is an extensive media campaign involving radio, television and news papers; a formal launch of the week with a prayer breakfast; and a symposium for teachers of two nursery schools, staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

Additional activities include a stroke survivors’ induction session and a staff de-

velopment retreat. The week will culminate with a “Culture fest and song competition”.

With rehabilitation services now offered in the hinterland, there will be additional activities in all the regions.

The week will be launched with a prayer breakfast at the Promenade Gardens at 09:00h. This year’s launching marks the 10th of its kind. Rehab Week was first launched in June 2003 under the theme “Reaching Out”.

The Health Ministry continues to accentuate rehabilitation services in Guyana while striving towards one of its goals, “all preventable disabilities are reduced and all persons with disabilities are receiving equitable and high quality services that enable them to function as equal citizens”. In Georgetown, there will be a street outreach at City Mall, Republic Bank, Water Street on Monday at 09:00h; a high risk session at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Veterans Home and Bel Air Nursery on

Tuesday and a staff development session at the Eyecare Clinic, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Wednesday at 14:00h.

Speaking at a special Women and Gender Equality Commission forum on Friday in the boardroom of the Anna Regina Town Council, Takoordat said the GLAC was established on the Essequibo Coast to cut legal fees and to give representation to poor women.

Addressing women, school children, officers from various departments in the region, and representatives from the Women's Progressive Organisation (WPO), the probation officer said the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has been offering full representation to women, and over the years, has implemented strategies to assist them.

He said the ministry’s Probation Department is advocating for the rights of women, noting that full representation is extended to those who are abused by their spouses or boyfriend.

Takoordat pointed out that the ministry also provides financial assistance to women in need through the Public Assistance Programme and the Women of Worth ini-

tiative.

On that point, he advised women who are being ill-treated by their spouses to seek the services of the GLAC, noting that they will receive legal representation at a minimal fee.

Women and Gender Equality Commission Chairman Indra Chandrapal told the gathering that the commission promotes issues regarding the enhancement of the status of women, girls and gender

She said the commission’s main focus is to empower women. “We are moving from region to region in educating women, we want them to feel and know they have equal opportunities like men.”

Region Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo said the forum was needed

in the region and commended the commission for making its members available to residents.

According to him, women are as important as men in today’s society and both genders should be treated with much respect.

The participants said the forum was interesting, with one resident Rosina Sukhraj pointing out that she was made aware of her many rights. Also in attendance were Women’s Affair Bureau Administrator Hymawattie Lagan and representatives from Essequibo Women's Progressive Organisation (WPO).

The commission consists of 15 members who were sworn in to office on August 27, 2009 by then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Police investigating rape of Essequibo widow

A58-year-old widow on the Essequibo Coast was brutally raped at her home on Friday around 03:00h and her suspected attacker has managed to make good his escape.

The woman, who is still shaken about the entire dramatic ordeal, related to the media that she was threatened by the alleged rapist with a coconut grater not to shout for help or he would kill her.

The widow who lives alone in a flat wooden and concrete building was brutally raped despite her cries for mercy and help.

The sickly woman, who is pleading for justice from

the police, said she has now been raped for the third time in seven months and it seems as though the police is unable to find and arrest the rapist.

The widow said due to her medical condition, she cannot cook or do basic daily chores and her relatives who live nearby support her.

Recounting the tragedy, the mother of one said she was sleeping and thought to herself that it was the break of dawn when she opened the front door of her house and went outside calling for a neighbour as is her routine.

With tears in her eyes, the victim related there was

no answer , but she was suddenly grabbed at the back of her neck by somebody who pushed her inside the house. The terrified woman said she realised that it was a man that held on to her.

The widow said the man then pushed her into the room and warned her not to make any sound or call for anyone.

The woman said she begged the man who she can identify not to rape her because she was sick, but the man arrogantly told her that he has to do what he came to do.

She said her attacker has short hair and is short in height. Throughout the act, he held the coconut

grater to her throat.

After the incident, the woman said she called out for help and many people came over, and the police were summoned to the scene.

The woman said the police arrived promptly and conducted their investigation. She was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital for a medical examination.

Concerned residents are calling on the police to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Calls are being made for frequent police patrol in the area and for the police to be more vigilant in the various neighbourhoods on the Essequibo Coast.

Hired help

Satiricus knew all about the old saw as to what constituted “news”: dog bites man –not news; man bites dog – definitely news. So it was certainly news to old Satiricus when he saw Suspenders’ letter taking on the Stabber News over one of their editorials. What was going on? Suspenders biting the hand that feeds him? Satiricus knew Suspenders wasn’t getting much “wuk” beyond his weekly column.

Satiricus peered closer. Seems that Suspenders was accusing the Stabber News of imputing “wrong motives” to the government for introducing a minimum wage in Guyana. Satiricus almost had a heart attack. Suspenders defending the government? This wasn’t only “man biting dog”; this was “man biting a pit bull on his testicles”! Now Satiricus definitely had to find out what was going on. By a stroke of luck, his wife’s niece, maid to the opposition – and so taking care of Suspenders among a host of that motley (not mouldy) crew – had just filched Suspender’s diary for Satiricus to peruse quickly. Satiricus seized the opportunity to grill the poor girl about Suspenders as an employer. She said the fella was worse than Scrooge. And insisted she went above and beyond the call of duty.

Satiricus started reading.

Dear Diary,

You must be asking what happened to me, since I wasn’t writing you recently. Well, Dear Diary, I’m depressed. That’s what. All those years when I was a boy growing up in Alexander Village, I wanted to be a big one.

So I became a bookeeper. Well at the time I thought that was a “big one”. Then I discovered I was adding and subtracting all day, but not adding much to my bank account. But when I did the books of these lawyer fellows, I saw their bank accounts growing faster than Jack’s beanstalk. Especially the ones who dealt with a certain type of client. You know what I mean.

(Sorry Dear Diary. I had to change my suspenders. The other one was pulling my drawers into a knot.)

So I decided to become a lawyer. Dear Diary, you wouldn’t believe the agony of studying when you’re past 60. But I made it. It helped that everyone had left me and I was alone. But I never realised people wouldn’t hire an old, new lawyer like me. I tried this pro-bono lawyer thing...but discovered that it meant “for free”. Why the arse would I do my lawyer “wuk for free?

So I tried getting into politics. Because plenty lawyers in politics. But imagine they want me to start from the bottom!! To go house to house and campaign. Schuups, not I. But things get hard and I decide to try a new thing. I gon start sucking up to the government. I just write a letter cussing out both the Stabber and the PSA.

I need a wuk bad. I could even carry Asni’s briefcase.

(I got to go change this suspenders. I gon put on a red one. Prezzie might like the workers’ colour.)

Academy of Excellence lives up to its name at NGSA

The Academy of Excellence has had yet another successful year at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), with 30 of the 90 candidates who sat the examination gaining positions at the top five senior secondary schools, while eight were placed in the country’s top one per cent.

According to a release, the school obtained a remarkable 100 per cent pass rate with seven pupils securing places at Queen’s College; nine at Bishops' High School; two at St Stanislaus College; six at St Rose’s High School; six at St Joseph’s High School; and the rest securing places

at junior secondary schools in Region Three.

The private school said it strongly believes that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. As such, the committed staff has worked assiduously with the young minds, guiding them towards achieving their goals. The three Grade Six classes were collectively managed by the principal and four very competent and dedicated teachers. With the perseverance of the teachers and students, the school has reaped the sweet rewards of their hard work. To reinforce learning and delivery of certain concepts, adequate library fa-

cilities and a projector were utilised to the maximum. Various forms of motivation were also used, namely: moral talk and awards/ rewards in the form of badges, gifts and tokens.

The principal Latchmin Gopaul’s motto, “Perserverance is the key to success”, has borne fruit and she is confident of the escalating results in the years to follow.

She also regards education as man’s best friend and recognises that an educated man is respected everywhere and firmly believes that it beats beauty and youth. Gopaul and her staff are of the belief that rigid work must begin in

the lower classes, which is being emphasised with zeal.

Reading is also given much priority in this school since with reading, comprehension of every other subject matter becomes easier for the child.

Legible writing is also perfected through constant practice and evaluation by the respective class teachers. Grades Two and Four results are very important in summing up the final score at the Grade Six examination.

On a saddening note, 11 of the candidates who wrote the examination did not have the Grade Two and Grade Four scores since a certain private school in the region and one school on East Coast Demerara did not see it fit to have their pupils write these critical examinations.

Since these schools did not enter the children to write the examintions, their final score had resulted in each of them not being awarded as expected. Despite this gap, the school’s results is the best in the region.

“The school can boast of a brighter future, producing brilliant minds who are prepared to effectively manage the challenges of the world. We urge the children to believe in themselves and develop a passion for learning and in doing so they will never cease to grow.

Be confident and determined to succeed in life,” the release concluded.

Haags Bosch landfill can perform satisfactory with reduced buffer zone – consultant

The reduction of the buffer zone and the possibility and required steps to accept hazardous and medical waste at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill were keenly scrutinised when the Local Government Ministry recently hosted a public consultation on these matters.

The meeting sought to garner to inform and garner feedback from the public on issues associated with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) update.

Exp Services Inc, the consultant that was contracted to prepare the EIA update, made a presentation on the findings of the study.

Approximately 50 persons attended this consultation which featured representation from res-

idents of Republic Park and Eccles, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, the neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) from the East Bank and East Coast Demerara, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), and the contractor of the project, BK International Inc.

The consultant’s study found that the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill can perform satisfactorily with the reduced buffer zone, provided that it is operated in an environmentally sound manner with commensurate increases in the frequency and scope of monitoring. A number of specific items need to be implemented before a hazardous waste

cell is implemented.

The residents raised the issue of odour emissions from the landfill and the need to have hazardous and healthcare waste placed in a special cell designed to receive such waste at the Haags Bosch landfill.

Additionally, the residents said the landfill is not adequately managed and this should change if waste is to be accepted at the site. Issues of inadequate compaction of waste and the delivery of waste above the designed amount were also raised.

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry advised that efforts are being made to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. The government through the ministry is working on a re-

cycling programme and has invited and received expressions of interest from recyclers to start a massive programme that would see a significant volume of waste being used as input in the recycling operations.

Additionally, the ministry has recognised the challenges at the landfill site and is meeting with the contractor continuously to find solutions and to ensure that the contractor complies with the environmental and social requirements.

In this regard also, the contractor and the ministry have agreed on major areas of operation improvements to move the project forward. These include a revised list of equipment, revised list of personnel and performance indicators.

GPHC says all was done to save De Souza

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has expressed profound sadness at the passing of Farida De Souza on May 15 to cardiac complications due to diabetes.

In a release, the GPHC said while the grief associated with the death of a family member cannot be measured, many chronic illnesses that cause a slow deterioration in health give families more of a chance to be prepared.

The hospital explained that it is all the more difficult for surviving loved ones when the culprit is a “silent killer” like diabetes, which ravages organs like the heart or the kidneys in ways that are not apparent until they culminate in a fatal event like the massive heart attack that ultimately took De Souza’s life.

The GPHC noted that it shares in the expressed concerns of the family regarding the hospital care that De Souza received. It said while there are many medical conditions which cannot be reversed, any family facing this kind of loss deserves to know that everything was done that could be done by the hospital and its staff. As a result, the office of the CEO of GPHC, in cooperation with the director of medical and professional services, has completed a full and formal review of the care of this patient, including interviews with staff, examination of medical records, review of all diagnostic studies and retrospective analysis of clinical decision-making.

Key findings

Some key findings from this review include: in spite of severe overcrowding of the Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E) on May 13, in which 17 patients presented for triage within one hour of De Souza, an appropriate triage category of “urgent” was assigned to her case. Unfortunately, no beds were immediately available in the A&E due to such high volumes of critical patients on that day; De Souza was evaluated by the A&E physician 90 minutes from the time of triage, at which time laboratory investiga-

tions were ordered and treatments began to be administered; review of the medical record and interviews with staff indicate that the patient reported that symptoms began two days prior to presenting herself to GPHC and did not initially include the classic clear symptom of chest pain. This delayed presentation and the “atypical” nature of the symptoms made her diagnosis and treatment more difficult; and the development of a cardiac arrest due to an unstable heart rhythm, a common complication of myocardial infarction (heart attack), was successfully treated by the A&E staff, but the overall damage to the heart muscle from years of diabetes and likely two days of a blocked coronary artery was not survivable.

Silent killers

“While it is little consolation to a grieving family, diabetes and heart disease are increasing causes of death and disability among Guyanese, and “silent” heart attacks which may present with nausea or weakness and occur more frequently in women and in diabetics, are particularly difficult to diagnose and treat. The effects of longstanding diabetes on the nervous system make heart symptoms difficult for patients to perceive, contributing to delayed presentations for care, and difficult for physicians to diagnose, contributing to poor outcomes compared to classic heart attacks with chest pain.”

The GPHC said it will continue to strive to improve the quality of emergency care, even in the face of overcrowding and limited resources.

“Our residency training programme for doctors in emergency medicine in collaboration with Vanderbilt University is looking toward its first graduate later this year, with four others set to complete the programme in 2014. We believe that this will usher in a new era of emergency care at the GPHC provided by trained emergency medicine specialists,” the release concluded.

Bosai promises to compensate relatives of accident victims

Bosai has given a commitment to pay the funeral expenses and offered financial assistance to the families of the three workers who perish in an accident on Thursday at the bauxite company’s East Montgomery Mine site, Region 10.

According to a release, the company’s officials also promised to expedite further medical treatment to the survivors of the tragedy Marlon Pollydore and Fabian Anthony, if needed and this was relayed to the victims.

The government has extended sympathy to the bereaved families of the three Bosai workers who were killed in the horrific accident.

On Friday, junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill visited the grief stricken families and expressed condolences on behalf of the government.

The three men, vehicle driver Michael Williams, 43; mechanic Trenton Garner, 62; and Kester Grant, 20, were crushed after the pickup truck they were travelling in, skidded under a heavy-duty truck, which drove over the vehicle as they traversed the company’s internal road at the mine site.

Pollydore and Anthony survived the accident and are hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

of the Linden Hospital Complex.

The minister first reached out to the relatives of the late Williams of Coomacka mines, including his widow and five children, and offered words of comfort.

“We are still trying to grapple with all that is happening so we hope you would find the strength to cope and manage this.

I’m sure we’ll be able to look at lessons learned, nobody is ever prepared to accept death especially when it comes by way of accident,” he told the mother of the late Kester Grant at their lot Block 22, Wismar Housing Scheme residence.

Minister Edghill also visited the accident scene for a firsthand look at the remains of the crushed pickup truck and expressed his shock over what happened.

He also met with Bosai’s top managers who pledged to do all that is possible to ensure the wellbeing of the two survivors, stressing that they were in constant contact with the medical staff treating them.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has launched an investigation into the deadly accident and examine occupational health and safety practices at Bosai’s operations.

Police reviewing surveillance footage of D’Urban Street fire

As investigations continue into the fire which ravished the Gold Lion Chinese Restaurant and Supreme Snacks Food Court at the corners of Camp and D’Urban streets; fire officials are currently reviewing surveillance footage with the hope of ascertaining the cause of the blaze.

The surveillance footage was those retrieved from nearby businesses.

Speaking with this newspaper on Saturday, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle explained that fire officials thus far have been able to ascertain the origin of the fire and when it started, but they are still to verify what started the fire.

Gentle revealed that the fire started in the upper flat of the Gold Lion Chinese Restaurant and within two minutes, it spread to the entire upper flat. The upper flat of the building, he added is oc-

cupied by a Chinese national, who was not home at the time.

While he cannot divulge any additional information, he explained that the investigators are on top of their game and sooner or later the findings will be made known to the public.

On the morning of the fire, two loud explosions were reportedly heard followed by a huge ball of fire emanating from the Chinese restaurant. The fire service received a report about 01:50h and immediately three units were dispatched to the scene, along with a tanker.

Upon arrival at the fire scene, there were sounds of explosions and the fire was already spreading from the Chinese restaurant to adjacent buildings, thus efforts were concentrated on saving the vulnerable buildings.

Owner of Supreme Snacks Food Court, Nigel Ritch and

his family, who resided in the upperflat of their business, estimated his losses to be in excess of $10 million. He also expressed concerns for his workers who are now forced to find alternative employment.

On the other hand, owner of the Chinese restaurant Lieng Hong was up to Saturday still counting his losses that could amount to well over $25 million. He lamented that he recently refurbished his restaurant and claimed that it was his only means of earning an income.

He told reporters on the night of the fire that he left his business place close to midnight with the intention of spending some time with his friends in a city club.

While on his way to another night spot, he was intercepted by the police, but unknowingly, his driver’s licence had expired two months ago. He was subsequently asked to visit the Brickdam Police Station.

During his journey to the station, Hong was again stopped by a police patrol who enquired from him if he owned the restaurant on Camp Street, and at that point the officers conveyed the terrible news to him. Hong has been operating the business for the past 12 years.

Hamilton says policy to cut gratuity payment of LHC staff non-existent

Parliamentary

Secretary Joseph Hamilton said the Health Ministry never had any policy, regarding the cutting of gratuity payments for nurses and other staff of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) when they go on maternity or sick leave.

He was at the time addressing a gathering of LHC staff and other officials at an annual staff review and projection programme for the LHC, the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) and the Kwakwani hospitals, at the Egbert Benjamin Hall and Conference Centre in Linden.

The issue had recently caused nurses at the hospital to embark on a number of protest actions over non-payments, but was resolved by the ministry.

Payment cuts

However, employees continue to complain that whenever they go on sick or maternity leave, they are subjected to gratuity payment cuts, and are told that the instruction comes from the Finance Ministry.

That issue, staffers claim, has so far not been addressed by the relevant authorities.

But when staff members of the LHC reportedly responsible for deducting the payments were asked by Hamilton to produce the names of who instructed them to carry out the deductions, they failed to do so. They also failed to confirm that a written document exists, giving

them the authority to deduct the payments.

During the protests, it had been revealed that staffers have been affected by the issue for the past three years. It was also later revealed that payment issues over gratuity resulted from management and administrative glitches at the hospital.

Hamilton noted that while he cannot resolve the management issues at the hospital, he will be looking into the issue of gratuity payments.

He told the gathering that based on talks he has had with the attorney general, it was revealed that the non-payment whenever a staff goes on sick or maternity leave was a breach of the constitutional rights of women.

“The attorney general told me that in no uncertain terms it is a breach of constitutional and fun -

damental rights of females. Three years and we don’t have a document (to prove) and we are doing something and running around in circles... it must be that we are not managing our station properly... I attempted to deal with this matter because it was brought to the attention of the most senior political functionaries, even at the level of the National Assembly. A question was also proposed (in the National Assembly) on this matter... I will raise this matter with the permanent secretary and the deputy permanent secretary,” he noted.

Need for improvement

Hamilton said since the staff at the LHC cannot produce a document giving instruction to cut gratuity payments, it shows that there is need for improvement on the part of management.

The finance person was in a meeting with me and I asked the question ‘who instructed?’ And I was told the former permanent secretary, so I said ‘show me the papers’ because if a chief finance officer is going to make a decision on financing, then it should be done via a document, there has to be a record," he said.

Region 10 Health Committee Chairman and Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) representative Maurice Butters said the policy “has no basis” and should not have been carried out since it was never approved by anyone in authority.

Syria's ‘friends’ agree urgent support for rebels

Foreign ministers of the Friends of Syria group, who are meeting in Qatar, have agreed to provide urgent support to rebels who are fighting President Bashar al-Assad. Qatar’s PM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said “providing arms may be the only means of achieving peace”.

The group also condemned the Syrian government for its use of Iranian and Hezbollah fighters. More than 90,000 people have died in more than two years of conflict.

The Syrian government says it is fighting foreignbacked “terrorists”. The Friends of Syria group includes the U.S., Britain, France and Germany as well as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan. Its joint

U.S. steps up efforts to break Guantánamo hunger strike

Increasingly brutal tactics are being used in an attempt to break the hunger strike by detainees at Guantánamo Bay, according to fresh testimony from the last British resident still held in the camp.

Shaker Aamer claims that the U.S. authorities are systematically making the regime more hardline to try to defuse the strike, which now involves almost two-thirds of the detainees. Techniques include making cells “freezing cold” to accentuate the discomfort of those on hunger strike and the introduction of “metaltipped” feeding tubes, which Aamer said were forced into inmates’ stomachs twice a day and caused detainees to vomit over themselves.

The 46-year-old from London tells of one detainee who was admitted to hospital 10 days ago after a nurse had pushed the tube into his lungs rather than his stomach, causing him later to cough up blood. Aamer also alleges that some nurses at Guantánamo Bay are refusing to wear their name tags in order to prevent detainees registering abuse complaints against staff.

Speaking last week from the camp in Cuba, exactly four months after he joined the hunger strike, Aamer said: “The administration is getting ever more angry and doing everything they can to break our hunger strike. Honestly, I wish I was dead.” (Excerpt

statement said the members had agreed to “provide urgently all necessary materiel and equipment to the opposition on the ground, each country in its own way in order to enable them to counter brutal attacks by the regime and its allies”. Support would be channelled through the Western-backed rebel military command.

The group also called on the immediate withdrawal of Lebanese Hezbollah and Iranian fighters from Syria. The meeting in Qatar’s capital, Doha, comes a week after the U.S. announced it would provide Syrian rebels with “direct military aid”. That decision followed what the U.S. said was evidence of small-scale chemical weapon attacks by the government.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Bolivia's prison inmates protest at closure plan

Inmates at Bolivia’s biggest prison have said they are protesting against government plans to close the jail. They said they should instead be helped to integrate back into society. Bolivia’s prison service said shutting down San Pedro prison in La Paz would put an end to “cocaine trafficking and other abuses” carried out by prisoners.

The decision follows allegations that a 12-year-old girl became pregnant inside the jail after being repeatedly raped by her imprisoned father and other men. But a spokesman for the prisoners, Ever Quilche, denied the rape and said the girl was “fine”.

“There is no proof that the girl was raped, mistreated or touched,” he told the BBC. “We are waiting for medical tests so that we can deny the allegation.” The girl, who ha been taken into care, was among several hundred children with no alternative but to live in the San Pedro jail while their relatives serve their sentences.

The minors share living space with violent criminals including murderers, rapists, gang members and drug dealers. “We have been abandoned and we don’t know what to do if the jail closes,” Quilche complained. “We need jobs and education so that we can be reintegrated into society.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

TT PM stands by her position on ‘secret’

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is standing by her position that the meeting between Dr Keith Rowley and Ken Gordon was inappropriate. However, she said Friday her main concern was not the meeting itself but the use of Integrity Commissioner Ken Gordon’s house and of what was discussed. “The concern is not about the meeting per se, the concern is about the venue of the meeting and the content of the meeting,” PersadBissessar said Friday.

meeting

“Those are things I am seeing expressed in the newspapers. In a way, Mr Gordon may have acted as he saw fit, given an office such as the leader of the opposition indicated that it was something urgent, so it may well be that Mr Gordon felt that it was a matter of great substance.”

Persad-Bissessar made the comment after a meeting with Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Orville London, in one of the committee rooms at parliament, Port of Spain. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Georgetown continues to be worst managed municipality – local govt minister

The performance of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is below par when compared to the other five municipalities in the country, Local Government Minister Ganga Persuad said.

The cash-strapped council led by opposition aligned Hamilton Green, he added, has not submitted its 2013 budget proposal despite the fact that the due date has far elapsed. The financial document should have been submitted since November 15, 2012.

The local government minister said the municipality has collected just 40 per cent of its 2013 rates and taxes, noting that it continues to be plagued with a series of problems due to a power struggle between Green and acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba.

According to Persuad,

Sooba and a delegation of senior officials have been working assiduously to root out corruption within the council, but Mayor Green continues to put up a fight.

“I am disappointed that the council led by Mayor Green seems to be pursuing an agenda that is opposite to enhancing transparency and accountability,” the minister opined.

He pointed to a recent incident which caused uproar in the council, when a decision was made to bypass the ruling of the Local Government Ministry with regard to the payment of allowances to councillors.

Following instructions from the Local Government Ministry, the administration paid councillors their allowances based on the number of meetings they attend per month, since only a few attend meetings regularly. Some of councillors do not at-

tend meetings at all.

However, the council moved and approved a motion to have the monies paid in full to each councillor. Alluding to the Municipal and District Council’s Act, Chapter 28:01, the council is mandated to pay councillors their allowances, they had argued. Ordinary councillors are paid a monthly allowance of $45,000.

Wasting taxpayers' money

But Minister Persaud said the council cannot continue to waste taxpayers’ money. “They want stipend for meetings they don’t even attend and when they do go to these meetings they don’t even complete the agenda for the meetings and expect people to pay them. What kind of transparency and democracy is that?” the local government minister lamented.

“I am disappointed in the relationship that exists between the council and the administration, I am only hoping that it can be improved because while that seemingly ‘war’ is existing, the victims are the citizens of city,” he added.

Persaud used the opportunity to call on the council and administration to establish a healthier working relationship with the aim of addressing the age-old garbage problem that faces the city, in addition to the security problems linked to a poor lighting

system. He said the council has proven to be dysfunctional and should work feverously to get its act together.

To back the municipality, the Donald Ramotar administration has allocated approximately $20 million to the Public Works Ministry for the execution of road and drainage repairs within the city.

Unlike the Georgetown M&CC, the Anna Regina Interim Management Committee (IMC) which was installed last October is taking stern actions to address issues affecting residents.

“I think what is very remarkable is the IMC has returned to basics. That IMC has had community meetings in each of its ward... and this has re-established a necessary link between the council and citizens. Proactively too, the council is becoming more efficient and effective,” Persaud related.

Recently, the IMC took a decision to construct a timber revetment on the western side of the market, near a drainage trench. The decision was taken to alleviate flooding in the vicinity.

Realising the importance of the collection of rates and taxes for the development of the town, the IMC pledged to collect the $7.8 million owed by vendors operating in the Anna Regina and Bush Lot markets.

The municipality is in the process of collecting all the names of stallholders who are indebted to the council. According to reports, some defaulters owe in excess of $100,000, although the market’s by-laws stipulate that the charges must be paid in advance.

Meanwhile, regarding the New Amsterdam Town Hall, the local government minister said the council and the administration has developed a healthy relationship with

residents reaping the benefits through a series of developmental projects. However, he said the need exists for the municipality to work closer with the various communities on implementing projects.

Government support

“The government continues to support with regards to road works, but with regards to the other projects, what is missing is the engagement in a formal way between citizens and the sharing of plans and programmes with the citizens.”

Similarly, the Rose Hall Municipality, the Corriverton IMC and the Linden Mayor and Town Council though experiencing challenges, continue to pursue the interest of their communities.

“Corriverton IMC is really going places, I think like Anna Regina, the IMC has brought with it fresh air and greater motivational pull for citizens within that municipality,” Persaud said. The municipalities with the exception of the Georgetown Mayor and Town Council will soon receive their 2013 subvention to continue developmental projects within their respective zones. The Local Government Ministry is currently engaging the Finance Ministry on the proposals submitted by the five municipalities.

Infrastructural development, tourism top govt priority – President Ramotar

His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar has emphasised that his administration will continue to place prominence on the development of new sectors in the country, particularly the burgeoning tourism sector

The Guyanese head of state made this assertion on Friday while meeting with several Caribbean/Canadian media representatives at the Guyana Consulate in Toronto.

President Ramotar was joined by acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s Consul General in Toronto, Sattie Sawh and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Vice President Christopher Nascimento.

Ramotar and this high level delegation are in Toronto to attend the annual Independence Festival on Sunday, June 23. Some 14 Guyanese businesses will be represented there.

In addressing the gathering, the president explained that in the time that has elapsed since his presidency, a new situation has developed and his government is doing everything to ensure that social sector programmes are not compromised and that political stability is maintained.

“Over the last seven years, the economy continued to grow though many countries were facing financial crisis. During this time, the economic base was broadened and we have moved away from the traditional sectors and

saw the emergence of new segments of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture and services,” he said.

He noted that government continues to invest in the social sectors such as health, housing and water, pointing out that 30 per cent of the national budget is spent on the social sector.

“The challenge is to keep moving ahead. We are moving away from a heavily indebted country to one where the IDB and the World Bank has categorised Guyana as low-middle income developing country.”

Expanding infrastructure

Fielding questions on the importance of the Independence Festival and the thrust to develop the tourism sector in Guyana, President Ramotar pointed out that there is the need to expand the existing infrastructure to continue the growth; which is one of the primary reasons the administration is concentrating on the development of new sectors, and is working on the upgrading and expansion of new hotels, transportation system, the expansion and improvement of existing roadways (Linden-Lethem road) and the airport expansion, the deep water harbour, and cheap energy through the Amelia Falls Project.

“Once we get these developments underway, we can then move up to the developed country status,” he opined.

The president reiterated that great

prominence is currently being placed on promoting tourism in Guyana, including the development of sports tourism and the resuscitation of cricket here. He was referring to the CPL matches that are to be played in Guyana.

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali assured that the sector will in the near future emerge to be one of the major growth poles for Guyana.

He called attention to the major promotional and marketing campaign currently underway in Canada and the United States.

“Within the next five years, tourism will be among the top three sectors in Guyana,” Minister Ali declared.

Challenge

The tourism minister acknowledged that airlift has been a challenge, particularly with the exit of Delta Airlines this year; however, he assured that efforts are currently underway to engage additional airlines, including Fly Jamaica. This airline is expected to begin operations in July.

He acknowledged the continued efforts by Caribbean Airlines to mitigate some of the impact of Delta’s withdrawal.

“Even though CAL’s pricing is sharp, they have done a lot of good in filling the gap created. By the end of July, Fly Jamaica is expected to start its Georgetown to New York route and a month after that they are to start the Canada route,” he explained.

In addition, Ali spoke of initial discussions with COPA Air as well as other private airlines interested in servicing the Guyana route.

Private sector representative Kit Nascimento announced that the relationship between the private sector and the government is presently at its strongest, as ongoing collaborative efforts across the board are bearing fruit, contributing to the country’s overall development.

“The tourism sector in Guyana is remarkable… looking back over the last 10 years, it was a fledgling industry and the private sector is pleased by this and our presence at the festival, at the behest of the government, demonstrates this close collaboration,” he said.

Local produce not adequately promoted, says FAO representative

As Guyana aims to reduce its food import bill, authorities in the agriculture sector say local producers need to promote their products on a larger scale to attract more local support.

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative Dr Lystra Fletcher-Paul said while Guyana seeks to reduce its food import bill, it cannot ban the importation of products that are produced here.

She said this cannot be done unless there are nontariff barriers to trade, while pointing out that there has to be a level playing field in terms of trade among countries.

While the FAO representative noted that locals need to support their own, she also said government has sought to encourage the same through the Grow More Food initiative.

“The main thing that can be done is encourage locals to

deliberately buy local,” she said.

She stressed that it is a matter of businesses and consumers embracing the local manufacturing sector.

“You have a moral responsibility to your country to make sure your farmers do well, so even if you are going to sell imported stuff, make sure that a certain percentage and hopefully a majority of the food you sell, is locally produced so that you support local farmers,” she posited.

Meanwhile, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Director Dr Oudho Homenauth said the main challenge for local producers remains the lack of facilities for packaging.

He said the Agriculture Ministry recently met with agro-processors and some companies that are involved in packaging, but noted that Guyana does not have the capacity to package some products to a very high standard.

However, he said the ministry is moving to set up semi-processors in communities that are cultivating spices in an attempt to increase production and add value to the commodity.

The equipment, he said, will be coming from India and are expected to arrive in September or October this year. They will be installed at Hosororo, Region One.

Transporting the spices to the markets on the coast has posed a problem, which

100 more houselots to be distributed through “Young Professionals” initiative

Another 100 houselots have been earmarked for distribution through the “Young Professionals” housing initiative.

The Housing and Water Ministry has been making continuous efforts to ensure that young professionals become eligible to own their own homes.

According to member of the Building Expo Committee Taslim Baksh, this year another 100 lots will be developed through phase two of the Young Professional initiative.

“Phase two of this project is expected to kick-off in October,” he stated, adding, “The Young Professional Housing Project in Eccles Housing Scheme started in February, and within two weeks, the entire 55 houses were gone,” he said.

Baksh said the ministry has thus far received some 200 applications and persons are anxiously awaiting phase two of the initiative.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali said the ministry has been partnering with professional groups, to target individuals such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, and managers.

All persons above the

age 21 are qualified to apply for these houselots, which will be allocated according to their respective income brackets.

This year, the Housing and Water Ministry plans to continue accelerating its houselot distribution programme and is working feverishly to update the backlog in applications from various regions.

Ali had urged applicants who would have applied before 2009 to visit the ministry once they are in receipt of an acknowledgement or interview letter so that they can move the process forward in 2013.

This initiative will be exhibited at Building Expo 2013. Some of the corporate sponsors include Republic Bank, Courts Guyana, Sunshine Villas and Impressions. As usual, all the respective sponsors will have special incentives at the event.

Special gate prices will be in place for persons at this year’s expo. International Building Expo 2013, slated for the Guyana National Stadium, will be held under the theme “Consolidating partnerships for sustainable development”.

Eight graduate in alternative medicine

has in turn deterred farmers from increasing production, thereby limiting the growth of the project. The installation of the semi-processors is expected to address these issues.

Dr Homenauth also noted that Guyanese need to move away from the culture of buying internationally produced items, which are produced and packaged right here.

“We’re producing a variety of things locally with standards but because of the free market we cannot restrict things,” Homenauth pointed out.

He believes that local producers have not been advertising their products enough for local consumption, noting that “overseas people come here to buy local produce to take home”.

Additionally, he said supermarkets in Guyana should assist in supporting locally produced products, by selling more such items.

Nine students on Saturday graduated from the Guyana Association for Alternative Medicine (GAAM) at a simple ceremony held at the National Library, Georgetown.

The graduation chaired by GAAM Administrative Director Doodnauth Singh commenced with a musical introduction by Trevor Rogers, followed by prayers from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian community.

GAAM Principal Dr Iamei Aowmathi said the organisation was first established in September 2008 and currently hosts several committees. Its purpose, he said is to produce policymakers and implementators who are knowledgeable in the principles and practises of herbal alternative medicine.

There was also a presentation on the importance of traditional medicine in

health-care by herbal medicine practitioner Terrence Anderson.

Adult Education Association of Guyana Chief Executive Officer Patricia David delivered the charge while the valedictory speech was done by Nalini Jagroop.

The graduates were presented with diplomas and certificates. Those who received diplomas are Amreta Kissoon, Bibi Fazana Mohamed and Latchmin Ramadhar, while Sayeeda Hussain, Nalini Jagroop and Terrence Anthony Anderson received certificates.

Henry Wickham and Pauline Clarke were also presented with a honourary certificate and diploma respectively.

Dr Aowmathi said GAAM’s vision is to foster development of primary health-care through education and research in herbal medicine.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

The support from another that you were counting on might not be forthcoming. Make sure you have a Plan B ready to go.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Before generously offering to help another with a complicated endeavour, you need find out what you’re getting into. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

If you suspect a friend might throw a monkey wrench in your plans, you don’t have to exclude him or her. Just let this person know that the majority will rule.

(March 21-April 19)

Make sure you don’t take credit for doing something in which you only played a minor part. It could be an embarrassment for you later when the full truth comes out.

(April 20May 20)

It’s OK to start looking ahead to the future, but not to the degree that you totally ignore what is going on right now. If you are to succeed, both time frames must be considered.

(May 21June 20)

Prudence is a must in the management of your financial resources, but not to the point that you deny yourself everything that brings you pleasure. To be happy, balance your affairs.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22)

Although you might think your way of doing things is far superior to your mate’s, you could be wrong. Keep an open mind.

(July 23Aug. 22)

Rather than suppressing your frustrations over how another is handling a critical issue, find a suitable way to openly discuss your grievances. Nothing will change until you speak up.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

The poor behaviour of an arrogant friend doesn’t have to spoil a social event. Simply smile and disengage yourself from this person’s presence, even it’s just long enough to calm down.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t allow yourself to get involved in a contest, especially if you’re operating at a disadvantage. If you can’t overcome the odds, walk away and do something else.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Jumping to conclusions makes it difficult for you to honestly evaluate someone else’s position. One of the worst things you can do is make a judgment call based on limited information.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

A need for instant gratification will severely distort your sense of values. Instead of satisfying an impulsive desire, you should shop around a bit.

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Improved farmers’ organisations support Caribbean economies

Whether the goal is to improve marketing of Irish potatoes in Jamaica, yams in Granada or taro [eddoes] in St Vincent and the Grenadines, market success depends on having a strong value chain and wellestablished farmer market links.

This is particularly true in the Caribbean, where countries previously focused on one or two export crops. As they came to recognise the need to diversify both crops and markets, they also recognised the need to set up new production and marketing channels.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), working in partnership with the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN), a regional network of farmer organisations, supported nine Caribbean countries in their efforts to build their agribusiness capacities by encouraging farmers to think and plan before putting seed into the ground.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, the FAO supported the local CaFAN member, the Eastern Caribbean Trading and Agriculture Development Organisation (ECTAD). At the time, ECTAD was new, with little experience working in regional or export markets.

Professionalism

The FAO offered advice to help ECTAD improve its professionalism and its capacity to network with its members and provide information including details of support services.

The FAO’s assistance included training sessions in production technologies, recordkeeping, cost-of-production calculations, marketing and post-harvest activities, along with moderated grower-buyer meetings that helped to increase trust and transparency along the value chain and led to agreement on steps needed to improve market supply.

As local farmers began marketing their dasheen through ECTAD and its market link with the United Kingdom, they participated in practical training sessions to improve production and learn how to organise and work through farmer groups. For example, they learned to grade and pack their own dasheen before sending it to ECTAD. All of this added up, with returns increasing by 100 per cent.

Today, ECTAD has improved the services it provides to St Vincent and the Grenadines’ taro farmers, advising them on how to co-

ordinate and add quality and value to production, in order to command higher prices and secure a reliable export market. With its support, farmers from three of the main taro producing areas came together and initiated regular meetings to develop their value chain.

The project also organised regionwide lessons-learned workshops and training courses, and encouraged ECTAD farmers to meet with other, more experienced cooperatives and farmers’ organisations, and learn from them. Thus, in addition to providing basic learning materials on marketing and agribusiness related activities, the project also supported farmer-to-farmer visits, through which farmers could visit other countries. On these visits, they learned new production techniques and how other farmers solved problems such as start-up financing and postharvest handling.

Training

The FAO also involved the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and government extension services. They brought practical expertise and provided training on topics ranging from increasing yields through plant spacing to introducing field crates. The field crates added value to the produce by increasing shelf life, but also improved appearance, which increased consumer appeal.

No doubt the farmers’ organisations have raised their marketing skills and increased their professionalism. With the FAO’s support, CaFAN has now expanded its reach from seven to 15 countries, and membership in regional farmers’ organisations has increased by 50 per cent. In St Vincent and the Grenadines, more than 700 producers now belong to ECTAD. In addition, ECTAD also has expanded its reach and now supports farmers in other areas of the island who wish to form producers groups.

Impact can also be seen at the policy level. In addition to working directly with participants in the field, the FAO supported CaFAN members in establishing partnerships with national governmental agencies and ministries, thereby providing farmers with a voice in government policy decisionmaking. Farmers’ organisations are now participating in regional fora to guide Caribbean food and nutrition planning.

Neymar scores again as Brazil beat Italy

Neymar proved the inspiration once again as Brazil gave themselves the best chance of avoiding a semi-final with Spain by topping Group A with a dramatic victory over Italy in Salvador.

The 21-year-old lit up the Arena Fonte Nova with a spectacular secondhalf free-kick while striker Fred scored twice to set the Selecao on their way to a third straight win in the Confederations Cup.

Substitute Dante had prodded in to give Brazil the lead on the stroke of halftime, only for Emanuele Giaccherini to bring Italy level with a fierce shot early in the second half.

Neymar then produced his moment of magic, before Fred appeared to put the game beyond Italy with 23 minutes remaining. Italy, however, came roaring back with a controversial and scrappy goal from Giorgio Chiellini. The

Azzurri had the better of the final quarter of the match but Brazil made certain late on when Fred pounced as Gianluigi Buffon failed to hold Marcelo’s shot to send the stadium into raptures.

The result means Brazil are likely to meet Uruguay in a semi-final in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday. Italy face the prospect of a last four meeting with world champions Spain in Fortaleza, 24 hours later. (BBC Sport)

Odds shorten on Champions Trophy repeat

The 2013 Champions Trophy has been deemed such a success that it appears highly likely that the competition will be repeated.

The ICC had originally decided to replace the competition with a Test Championship and the 2013 tournament would be the last one. But after excellent crowds and interest from around the world, the ICC is reconsidering that decision and will discuss its options at the annual conference, from June 25-29 in London.

The ICC remains keen

to promote Test cricket and feels a Test Championship would complement the World T20 and the World Cup and ensure there was a high-profile competition for each of the three formats of the game. While continuing the Champions Trophy would mean there were two global 50-over events, it is now thought there is sufficient difference between the Champions Trophy and the World Cup and sufficient interest from broadcasters for both to survive.

The Test Championship is pencilled into the Future

Tours Programme (FTP) for a three-week window in June 2017 in the UK. But the concept in its present guise is compromised by the fact that it would involve just four teams – the top four teams in the Test rankings – and would feature only three games: two semi-finals and a final. As such, it would be of less relevance and interest to those nations not participating and may be less attractive to broadcasters. There is little scope in the FTP for a longer event or a change in venue. (Cricinfo)

Hernandez’s brace hands Mexico win

Two second-half headers by Javier Hernandez saw Mexico depart the Confederations Cup on a winning note as Japan finished bottom of Group A. Andres Guardado, who headed against the woodwork, provided the cross which saw Hernandez open the scoring after a fine run

by the Manchester United man. Both teams were already eliminated, but Mexico sealed the win when Hernandez scored from Giovani Dos Santos’ corner.

Shinji Okazaki scored a consolation before Hernandez missed a late penalty.

Hernandez was hauled

down by substitute Atsuto Uchida before the 25-yearold got to his feet to take the spot-kick which was kept out by Eiji Kawashima.

In a dramatic finale, the ball rebounded back to Hernandez who missed out on a hat-trick by blazing his second attempt against the bar.

However, the miss did not prove costly as Mexico finished third behind Brazil and Italy in the four-team group.

The only consolation for Japan, who return home with no points from three games, is that they know they will be returning to Brazil in 12 months’ time after confirming their place at the 2014 World Cup finals as Asian Group B winners. Whether Mexico will be back remains to be seen. (BBC Sport)

Former Tour de France winner admits blood doping

ormer Tour de France

Fwinner Jan Ullrich has confessed to doping. The 39-year-old German, who won the Tour in 1997, was banned for two years in February 2012 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for blood doping and he has now admitted his guilt.

Ullrich revealed he was treated by Eufemiano Fuentes, the doctor at the centre of a doping scandal in Spain.

“Almost everybody back

then took performance-enhancing substances,” he told German magazine Focus.

“I didn’t take anything which the others were not taking.”

Ullrich, who retired in 2007 insisting he had “never once cheated as a cyclist”, also won gold and silver medals at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

He added in the Focus interview: “For me, betrayal only begins when I gain an advantage, but that was not the case. I just wanted to en-

sure equal opportunities.”

Fuentes was found guilty in April 2013 of playing a role in supplying blood transfusions to professional cyclists. Samples of Ullrich’s blood were found during a police raid on the Spanish doctor.

Ullrich’s admission is another damaging blow to cycling’s reputation following Lance Armstrong admitting that he had used performance-enhancing drugs during all seven of his Tour de France wins. (BBC Sport)

England can end trophy drought, says Cook

Captain Alastair Cook hopes England can end a 38-year wait for a major 50-over trophy when they play India in today’s Champions Trophy final at Edgbaston.

England have never won a World Cup or Champions Trophy and will face an unbeaten India.

“It’s very important for us, one of our major goals this summer was to try and win the Champions Trophy,” Cook said.

“Not only will it break that duck of 38 years but prepare us well for the World Cup [in 2015], looking longterm.”

England have won only one ICC global event but that was in the Twenty20 format in 2010.

They have lost three World Cup finals, the last of which was in 1992, and also lost the 2004 Champions Trophy final to West Indies.

They opened their 2013 Champions Trophy campaign with a 48-run victory over Australia before losing to a Kumar Sangakkarainspired Sri Lanka, meaning they needed to beat New Zealand in their final group game to reach the final four.

They did so, by 10 runs, in a match reduced to 24 overs per side following rain at Cardiff, and then defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the semi-final at The Oval.

“It took a very good hundred from a world-class player [Sangakkara] to beat us so apart from that we can’t really have too many complaints,” Cook said.

England swing bowler James Anderson is second in the leading wicket-taker table with 10 scalps, only one behind New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan.

Spinner James Tredwell has four wickets in three matches at a cost of 24.25 each and an economy rate of

4.61 per over deputising for Graeme Swann, who took 1-50 from 10 overs in his one match against the Sri Lankans.

Cook gave no indication as to who would play in the final but said: “We’re very lucky to have two off-spinners who are outstanding, when one doesn’t play the other one does well and puts pressure on the other guy so Tredders has been given an opportunity and he has taken it just like we knew he would.”

Tim Bresnan, who has taken four wickets in three matches, is available for selection having missed the semi-final following the birth of his son, Max Geoffrey.

“It’s great to have him back in the squad, the whole squad gets a good feeling when something special like that happens to one of your members so he’s another in the selection mix,” Cook said.

“We’re very excited about what lies ahead, we don’t know what the weather is going to do or what the game is going to be like but if we focus on what we’ve done well in this tournament we’re going to give ourselves a very good chance.”

Bad weather is expect-

ed at Edgbaston today and Cook is prepared for a shortened contest.

“They’ve got a wealth of Twenty20 experience, they play a lot more than we do but I wouldn’t doubt anyone in our team – we’ve had these shortened games before and adjusted well so if it happens in the final there will be no reason why we can’t adjust,” added Cook.

“We’ve got an opportunity to win a major global trophy, which as a squad doesn’t come around often, so we’re desperate to take it.”

Thirty years ago this month India won their first World Cup and they won the competition again when it was last held in 2011. They are yet to win the Champions Trophy outright, having shared the trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, and have lost in the first round in each of the last three events but beat England 3-2 when the teams last met in a one-day series in India in January.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said: “It’s a very important game, but in this tournament you only face the best of teams, so I think it will be a very good con-

test. England are a very good side, they know the conditions quite well so I think it will be very good for the spectators – that’s what we want to do, entertain the crowd.”

Asked about the measured style of batting favoured by England’s top three, he said: “They play proper cricket and often you need to see how things are progressing.

“We have not seen too many scores in excess of 300 runs [India’s 331-7 against South Africa’s 305 at Cardiff the only two] maybe because of the weather and maybe because of how the bowlers are bowling, whether their approach was right is not for me to decide.

“You want to hit sixes and fours but first and foremost you want to win the game and that’s what they have been doing.” With no reserve day scheduled for the final the tie must be decided today, meaning an abandonment would result in the teams sharing the trophy. England (from): A Cook (capt), J Anderson, J Bairstow, I Bell, R Bopara, T Bresnan, S Broad, J Buttler (wkt), S Finn, E Morgan, J Root, G Swann, J Tredwell, I Trott, C Woakes.

India (from): M Dhoni (capt & wkt) R Ashwin, S Dhawan, R Jadeja, K Karthik (wkt), V Kohli, B Kumar, A Mishra, I Pathan, S Raina, I Sharma, R Sharma, M Vijay, R Vinay Kumar, U Yadav. (Cricinfo)

Lloyd united the West Indies, says Greenidge

Gordon Greenidge told Cricket AM how Clive Lloyd united the West Indies in a way that the politicians couldn’t.

The former opening batsman was part of a golden era for Caribbean cricket in the 1970’s and 1980’s where he swept past all-comers in the company of players such as Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Andy Roberts.

And speaking on Cricket AM he paid tribute to former skipper Lloyd for bringing together such a powerful group of players from across the Caribbean islands, despite the political in-fighting that existed in the region.

Greenidge said: “It was overheard someone saying how would other teams feel going in to play the West Indies when they know they are going to come off second best?

“We came from different territories within the Caribbean and there’s a lot of animosity and insularity when that happens. Some islands feel their players should be better suited to this position or the team and so on.

“It doesn’t always turn out that way and when the players came together as a West Indies team, we just gelled beautifully. Whatever troubles and problems that faced us off the field, when we came together as a team on the field all of those things were put aside and we just focused on the job at hand.

“It was a nice way of letting the people know we can work together, but I think the politicians were really the problem in the whole situation. They don’t seem to live together well at all and were always at loggerheads.

“We gelled well, we played well together, we helped each other, we supported each other, we discussed the game a lot off the field and we had many team meetings where we had battles off the field of play. “But having a person like Clive Lloyd, who was at the helm then, was excellent. He really afforded the players to perform the way they wanted to, uninhibited: “You go out there and play the way you want to and we know you’ll be successful.”

“The players were not restricted at all in the way they played.” (windiescricket)

GCB/GTM U-19 Inter-County Cricket Tournament…

Sattaur slams unbeaten century

to put Demerara in firm control

– Berbice seize advantage over President’s XI

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Opener Brian Sattaur stroked his way to an unbeaten century, but not before mediumpacers Shivram Persaud and Dexter George shared nine wickets between them, as Demerara dominated the second day of their three-day fixture against Essequibo on Saturday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Sattaur compiled an aggressive 101, inclusive of nine fours and four sixes before he retired hurt, and by stumps, Demerara reached 174-2, a first innings lead of 77 runs.

Earlier, Essequibo elected to bat after winning the toss and crashed to 97 all out in 35.1 overs.

Medium-pacers Persaud and George wrecked a hapless looking Essequibo batting line-up, finishing with 5-15 and 4-26 respectively.

Although Ricardo Peters showed sparks of brilliance in Essequibo’s dark cave of mediocrity with a solid 34, no other batsman reached 25.

Ricardo Adams (23) and Shivindra Hemraj (16) were the only other batsmen to reach double-figures.

The 17-year-old Peters shared in two important partnerships that gave his team a slight advantage in the encounter before lunch.

He featured in a second-wicket stand of 41 with

Hemraj, and then shared in a third-wicket stand of 34 with Adams before Essequibo final seven wickets tumbled for 11 runs.

In reply, Demerara lost opener Tagnarine Chanderpaul (four) early, but the left-handed Sattaur single-handedly dominated the bowlers thereafter. He first shared a second wicket stand with Andrew Gibson (17) and then 62 runs with Kamesh Yadram before retiring.

The duo had their anxious moments, but overall they handled the spin/pace attack with ease. Sattuar used his feet to perfection, but was put down on 48, the only blemish in his innings. At stumps, Yadram was unbeaten on 33, with Kemol Savory on four.

Meanwhile, over at the neighbouring Everest Cricket Club ground, Berbice ended in firm control against the President’s XI.

Berbice declared their first innings at 191-8 in reply to the President’s XI first innings total of 85 all out in 32 overs.

At stumps, the President’s XI, batting a second time, reached 27 without loss, still with a deficit of 79 runs.

Martin Pestano-Bell finished not out on 16 and fellow opener Ryan Shun 10.

Earlier, the President’s XI failed to justify their de-

cision to bat first. No batsman reached 25 with Danesh Mangal (22), Martin PestanoBell (19) and Avishkar Sewkarran (17) the only players to make it to double figures.

They were undermined by left arm-spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, who snared 6-30 from 13 overs to turn the match Berbice’s way.

The President’s XI were limping at 32-4 before Mangal and Pestano-Bell stemmed the fall of wickets for close to an hour, adding 31 for the fifth wicket. But just when Pestano-Bell was looking set for a big score he was run out, attempting a cheeky single, leaving his team on 63-5.

Thereafter, the President’s XI lost their last five wickets for just 22 runs.

Romario Shepherd-DeJonge, Suresh Dhanai and skipper Shawn Perreira all claimed a wicket apiece.

For Berbice, Derek Narine topscored with 59. He received support from Shepherd-DeJonge (25), David Latchaya (19), Sharaz Ramcharran (17), Ashkay Homraj (12), Devin Baldeo (12) and Shawn Perreira (11).

Shun and Yogashwar Danraj with figures of 2-37 and 2-27 respectively were the best bowlers for the President’s XI.

Both games end today.

All Saints Primary top U-13 football competition

All Saints Primary School of New Amsterdam on Thursday won the Hearts of Oak Master Football Club/ Guyana Teachers Union (GTU)-New Amsterdam Branch Inter-primary school Under-13 Boys football competition.

The one day competition was played at the All Saints Scott’s school ground in New Amsterdam.

The tournament, which was played on a round-robin basis, saw five schools participating in the 15-minutea-side game competition. St Therese’s copped the second place with New Amsterdam Primary (N/A Primary) third.

The schools that participated were St Therese’s, St Aloysius, All Saints,

Overwinning and New Amsterdam Primary. In the matches played, St Therese’s Primary started things off on a winning note by defeating St Aloysius 1-0 with Edvon Stephen scoring.

Game two saw All Saints Primary beating Overwinning 2-0 through a double off the booth of Kevon McAndrew.

The next game was N/A Primary and St Aloysius playing to a scoreless draw, while Overwinning went down to St Therese’s 0-1, Ryan Rose being the goal scorer.

All Saints and N/A Primary failed to score against each other when the two teams met, however, St Aloysius registered a 2-0 win over Overwinning with Alisie

NEW GPC INC renews support for powerlifting

Fresh on the heels of acquiring the Guyana franchise for the 2013 Caribbean Premier League, NEW GPC INC on Saturday renewed its commitment to powerlifting by renewing its alliance with the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF).

At a simple ceremony at its Farm, East Bank Demerara, head office, the company provided sponsorship to Guyana’s strongest man, John “Big John” Edwards, for his attendance at the 14th Pan American and seventh Caribbean Powerlifting Championship set for July 1-7 in Orlando, Florida.

Since 2008, super heavyweight contender Edwards (120kg weight class), competing in both the Open and Masters categories at the Caribbean, North American, Pan American and South American levels, has the phenomenal distinction of being undefeated, with his only blunder being at the 2011 World Masters where he captured the bronze medal.

Edwards will be using these championships as a warm-up for this year’s World Masters Championships along with fellow gym mate and current 74kg weight class World Masters and deadlift re-

cord holder Winston Stoby, who incidentally also received sponsorship from NEW GPC INC last year.

In an invited comment, Marketing Executive for NEW GPC INC, Livasti Bhooplall, said, “We are extremely pleased and happy to play a role in the development of the sport of powerlifting which has performed outstandingly on the international stage in so short a time [2008 to now], and wish to encourage others to come on board and support this team to make this participation a reality as they represent the nation with distinction on the world stage. We take this opportunity to wish them the best.”

President of the GAPF, Peter Green, was loud in praise for the significant gesture, which he said was timely as with just one week to go, the federation has only met the half way mark of two million dollars.

The GAPF is still to acquire funding for accommodation, drug testing, participation fees and meals.

With this in mind, the GAPF on Saturday hosted a fund-raising bar b que in Corriverton. According to Green, the federation will be leaving no stones unturned and is hoping that the minister of sport will honour his promises made when the

team returned home last year with the Caribbean men team title, as well as individual gold medals and records.

Minister Dr Frank Anthony had promised to help the sport in its future engagements overseas. This time around, Team Guyana has the added bonus of vying for the Pan American Men team honours on account of fielding a full strength team as compared to previous years when depleted teams represented due to lack of financial support.

Over 11 of the region’s top teams from North, Central, the Caribbean and South America will be vying for supremacy.

Green said, “Guyana simply should not be left at home with this magnificent opportunity which sees them lifting just once in each lift for the chance of simultaneously medaling in two international championships, as well as the oppurtunity to enter the 2013 World Rankings based on their totals. With the American Embassy endorsing their confidence in the national team by the successful approval of athletes’ visas, the local business community is being pleaded with to support them tangibly as well.”

Ogleton and a defence error accounting for the goals.

St Aloysius and Overwinning drew nil-all while the score was the same in the game between St Therese’s and All Saints who put aside St Aloysius 1-0 in the penultimate game of the competition. Tyrece Williams was the goal scorer.

N/A Primary and Overwinning played to a nilall draw to end the competition.

The Most Valuable Player of the tournament was Shaquan George of All Saints, best goalkeeper Tierre Philips of N/A Primary and the most promising player Daniel Dharamdat of All Saints Primary. The most goals award went to Kevon McAndrew.

Guyana (Back Circle) suffered mixed fortunes on the opening night of the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge with a win and a defeat in their Zone “A” playoffs at the championship being played in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guyana went down to Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in their opening match, but rebounded to score a 2-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda.

Philip Rowley and Daniel Favorite scored in Guyana’s 2-0 victory over the Antiguans.

Trinidad and Tobago lead the group with the maximum six points, followed by Guyana on three points and a better goal average than the St Lucians, who are were

also on three points. The boys from Antigua and Barbuda are yet to score a point.

Dominica lead Zone B with the maximum six points followed by defending champions and hosts St Vincent and the Grenadines with three and a better goal average than St Kitts and Nevis, who are also on three points. The lads from Grenada are in the cellar position. The Guyanese were down to play St Lucia last evening in their quest to advance to the semi-finals. The finals and third place playoff will take place this evening.

Triathlon a high note for World Olympic Day celebrations

By Treiston Joseph

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) started its weekend of activities in celebration of the World Olympic Day on a high note with the successful completion of a team sprint triathlon which ended at the National Park.

After a grand draw to decide on the athletes who will comprise the field of 20 teams to compete in swimming, cycling and athletics, the event got off to an exciting start at the National Aquatic Centre with a 750-metre swim.

Team 10, comprising swimmer Omari Dunn, rider Raynauth Jeffrey and athlete Cavin McDonald, came out on top of the triathlon event, while Silas Brummell and Floyd Adams came in first and second respectively as they did the entirety of the course.

However, Dunn, who got

off to a bad start in the swimming event, finished some distance behind top finishers Omar Adams and Olympian Niall Roberts in the intense swimming aspect of the competition.

Despite Jeffrey finishing second in the cycling event, which had the riders competing from the Aquatic Centre to the National Park with an additional eight laps, Jeffrey made up distance with rider Warren McKay who took over from Roberts. Both McKay and Jeffrey finished over 1600 metres ahead of the entire field.

McDonald then held onto the lead from Jeffrey to finish the event on top for Team 10.

Athlete Devon “Scooby” Barrington had national junior sportsman of the year Paul DeNobrega as his cycling teammate, while Accalia Khan was the swimmer for

West Indies drop Sarwan for ODI tri-series

Batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has been dropped from the West Indies squad for the first half of the tri-series involving India and Sri Lanka, which begins on June 28. Fast bowler Jason Holder was also left out of the 13-man squad that was named, on Saturday, for the Jamaica leg of the tournament. There were no other changes made to the squad that played the Champions Trophy in England.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, who was suspended for two ODIs for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct when he claimed a catch off Misbah-ul-Haq during the Champions Trophy game against Pakistan, will be available to play.

Sarwan had been recalled to the West Indies team after a contentious 18 months away from the game – during which he claimed to have been hurt “mentally and emotionally” by national team’s coaching regime – for the limited-overs tour of Australia earlier this year. Since then, apart from a century against Zimbabwe

at home, he totalled 40 runs in seven matches. In the Champions Trophy, he scored one against Pakistan and one against India.

West Indies failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy’s semi-finals. They were off to a good start in the tournament, beating Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller, but were then beaten by India and tied a rainhit must-win game against South Africa, as a result of which South Africa progressed to the knockouts on net run rate.

The teams play two games each in Jamaica in the tri-series, with West Indies scheduled to take on Sri Lanka at Sabina Park in the tournament opener on June 28, before playing India on June 30. The tournament then shifts to Port of Spain.

The squad reads: Dwayne Bravo (capt), Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Devon Smith, Darren Sammy, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Sunil Narine, Tino Best, Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach. (Cricinfo)

Team 12 that placed second.

The third place group was Team One with a make-up of swimmer Isaac DaSilva, cyclist Akeem Arthur and athlete Desmond Amsterdam.

Team Nine with the make-up of swimmer Athena Gaskin, rider Andre Abdool and local distance queen Alika Morgan placed fourth, while Team Four consisting of swimmer Soroya Simmons, cyclist Christopher Holder and athlete Rondel Austin finished fifth.

Meanwhile, with the triathlon over, the GOA will now look to host a successful team 10k and walk/run 10k today from the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) building in the official celebration of World Olympic Day to cap off the weekend of events.

That event is expected to start at 06:00h.

guyanatimesgy.com

Sattaur slams unbeaten century to put Demerara in firm control

DCC congratulates Harper on CPL appointment

The president, executives and members of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) have offered congratulations to former West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper on his appointment as coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise for the 2013 Caribbean Premier League.

Below is the full text of the message issued by the club on Saturday.

“The president and executive members of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) would like to congratulate our former president Roger Andrew Harper on his appointment as head

coach of the Guyana franchise team in the inaugural Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

Roger is an honorable member of the DCC, former Guyana, West Indies cricketer turned coach, who played both Test and ODI cricket for the West Indies, during a 13-year international career.

We at the DCC strongly believe and respect your vast experience at this helm along with your assistant coach the great Curtly Ambrose and youthful talented players like Christopher Barnwell and Trevon Griffith, whom both hail from the DCC. In this regard, we feel that the Guyana franchise team is equipped to bring home the inaugural title.

Your appointment and the selection of two of DCC’s young ambassadors in this 2013 inaugural Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament do serve as an inspiration to our younger players who have enormous talent and dreams. It’s no secret that the Demerara Cricket Club has produced some of the greatest players and administrators for this game we all love and continue to contribute selflessly to its long term development.

Once again congratulations! The whole of DCC and Guyana will be rallying behind you and your team. There is no greater honour than to be recognised by others in your field.”

Triathlon a high note for World Olympic Day celebrations