5th September 2013

Fire guts

L’Aventure Secondary

thursday, september 5, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Broomes’ accuser was arrested since June

Contrary to reports that alleged human trafficker

Ann Marie Carter was arrested in August, the record shows that she was arrested in June.

On June 28, Carter, a resident of 84 First Avenue, Bartica was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of trafficking in persons.

She was accused of trafficking two girls in Tiger Creek, Puruni Backdam, Region Seven, for sexual exploitation. The young women along with two other victims were rescued by the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) on April 21.

In a quest to answer lingering questions as to why GWMO President Simona Broomes was arrested for assaulting Carter approximately four months after the incident took place, the police said the alleged trafficker was only ar-

rested in August.

In a statement on Tuesday, police said when Carter was arrested in August, she alleged that Broomes had brutally assaulted her with the use of a firearm, noting that the victim had medical records to show.

Broomes was also accused of stealing a gold chain from Carter.

On August 26, Broomes was arrested and place on $10,000 bail.

However, Carter, according to the records, lodged the complaint against Broomes on August 19, the same day she appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer another count of trafficking in persons, and one count of assault.

It was alleged that between March 14 and April 1, Carter trafficked a person, that is, she recruited, transported and harboured a 17-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.

It was also alleged that during the same period, she unlawfully assaulted the teenager, causing her actual bodily harm. She is currently on remand.

Upset over reports by the police that Carter was only arrested in August, the GWMO president said, “The question that needs to be asked is why Miss Carter did not make the allegation of assault and theft against me when she was arrested in June. Why did she wait almost two months to make this allegation and why only after she was charged with assaulting me?”

Broomes also called on the po-

lice to state how it can ascertain that the supposed injuries listed on the medical were sustained on April 21.

She made it clear that the organisation is not trying to solicit special treatment from the force, but would expect ranks to execute their duties with a high-level of professionalism and intelligence.

“I wish to make it public that apart from this intimidation, I strongly believe that this is the case, I have also been receiving emails from unknown persons who have threatened to harm me and defame my character.

“I ignore these vile threats until one email mentioned that my three children would not be spared, I am now concerned and scared,” she said.

The GWMO president also expressed concern for the safety of her members.

AC unit explodes, causes fire at OP

Staffers of the Accounts Department at the Office of the President (OP) were forced to abandon their duties and exit the compound after a fire erupted in the department around 15:10h on Wednesday.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, four fire tenders were on site as they moved to extinguish the blaze which reports suggest started from the explosion of an air conditioning unit.

The smell of smoke emanated from the building, as fire fighters moved swiftly to ensure that the fire was prevented from spreading, or destroying the office.

The building previously housed the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. While staffers were tight lipped about the issue, they were heard saying that the fire could have been prevented.

According to reports, complaints were lodged with the relevant personnel at the Office of the President regarding the said air conditioning unit.

Staffers said they were disappointed that no previous action was taken, even while reports were made, that could have prevented such an occurrence.

After 20 minutes, firefighters wrapped up their work and left, allowing staffers to return to the office. While there was no major damage, a few articles were destroyed in the process of putting out the blaze.

Several important documents are said to have been destroyed in the process, but this is yet to be confirmed by officials of the Office of the President. In a statement OP said the Climate Change Division was affected by the small fire.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was quickly extinguished by staff with support from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). According to the release, work in the climate change, accounts and personnel divisions which are all housed in the same building was affected. The GFS is conducting investigations.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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 39 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 04:17h and 16:34h reaching maximum heights of 2.66 metres and 2.68 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:11h and 22:27h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metres and 0.50 metres respectively.

Guyana promises tough enforcement of ozone protection treaty

BY: MICHAEL YOUNGE

Guyana is expected to take firm steps to comply fully with its obligations under the Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer, which will soon result in the banning and phasing out of substances which can deplete the ozone here.

The need to ban and phase out these harmful substances and gases has been backed-up by research done internationally by scientists and environmentalists who argue that they are destroying the ozone layer, resulting in ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Research has also shown that these substances and gases can lead to skin cancer, cataracts and damage to the animal and plant life.

Regulations

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, addressing the media on Wednesday, announced that Cabinet had adopted regulations in March of this year which restricted the importation of the substances, while stating that a twopronged approach has been

No

Adecided on to ensure compliance with the general expectations of the treaty.

He said the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been identified as the enforcement agency which will have to implement the agreed on approach and has been given the mandate of detecting and seizing all equipment that are not incompliance with the treaty, but are being imported for use here.

“In those instances where the new equipment do not comply with our treaty obligations, the cost of non-compliance will devolve on the importers. Equipment would be seized, the gas would be retained by GRA and, of course, its re-export to the suppliers by the non-compliant importer would be enforced,” Luncheon declared.

Compliance

He also emphasised that the government was determined to ensure compliance at the various levels of the society and would not be wavering on its positions as far as its treaty obligations were concerned. Dr Luncheon said too that the second approach to be rolled out would seek to address those domestic, na-

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon

tional and commercial entities which are already in breach of the ozone treaty. He said that a decision was taken to phase out the “offending equipment” using an “incremental approach” over the next couple of years.

The move to phase out the existing equipment will not happen immediately as the users of offending refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units and such like equipment will have until 2040 to come into compliance.

Asked about the public education and awareness programme that would be necessary to ensure confor-

mity and an understanding of government’s international obligations to the treaty, Dr Luncheon responded that already work in this area has begun.

He advised that government through the GRA and several other stakeholders have been engaging various importers and stakeholders to establish an understanding of the changes and new rules which would apply to the country.

Public awareness

The Cabinet secretary did not hold the view that there would be any attempt to oppose the spirit of the treaty while advising that alternative steps will have to be taken to heighten public awareness about the need to bring any end to the use and promotion of ozone depleting substances. The announcement made by the Cabinet secretary was expected according to several private sector businessmen who said that it was unlikely that the government would not honour its international obligation, especially with regards to the environment, given the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

bail for robbery accused market vendor

man was on Wednesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of robbery with violence.

It is alleged that on August 27 at Water Street, Dwayne Griffith robbed Bibi Khan of one gold chain valued $150,000 and sometime before, during or immediately after he made use of personal violence on the woman. He pleaded not guilty to the

charge.

According to the facts read by Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, Khan was walking south along Water Street when the defendant approached her and snatched the chain which was around her neck. He then dealt her several slaps before making his escape. The matter was reported and based on information received the defendant was arrested and charged with the offence.

Griffith was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat

who told the court his client is 26 years old with a wife and three children. He went on to say that he has a fixed place of abode at 110 Tucville and is a vendor at the Stabroek Market.

He stated on the day in question, Khan got robbed and the police were looking for a man with plait hair. They went to Stabroek Market where they arrested the defendant. He was placed on an identification parade with nine other men who had no hair. In his ap-

plication for bail, Attorney Fung-A-Fat stated that Griffith was charged with robbery four months ago but was dismissed. Prosecutor Mangru objected to bail on the grounds of the prevalence and seriousness of the offence along with the likelihood that if granted his pretrial liberty he will not return to court. Magistrate SewnarineBeharry denied bail and he was remanded to prison. The matter is to return to court on September 13.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Political risk

The opposition’s intransigence in resisting the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project (AFHEP) to such a degree that the major investor Sithe Global pulled out at the eleventh hour raises the issue of political risk in the mix of factors that are considered in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in large scale projects. These risks would also determine the interest or return on investment demanded by lenders or equity investors.

Guyana will only fulfil its long-heralded “potential” when it moves beyond the retailing investments our local entrepreneurs are comfortable with and enter into large scale mega projects that fully exploit our resources.

AFHEP was one such project and it can be used as an object lesson to analyse what it takes to attract and retain transformative investments. Beginning in 2009, the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has been issuing annual “World Investment and Political Risk” reports that offers great insight into what goes into FDIs.

According to its mission statement, MIGA aims to “promote FDI into developing countries” and to “foster a better understanding of investor perceptions of political risk as they relate to FDI, as well as the role of the political risk insurance (PRI) industry in mitigating these risks”.

According to WIPR, political risk denotes the “probability of disruption of the operations of multinational enterprises by political forces or events, whether they occur in host countries, home country, or result from changes in the international environment”.

The political risk insurance industry uses a narrower definition focusing on concrete actions in the host country. In practice that means, political risk insurance protects FDIs against losses due to expropriation, currency inconvertibility and transfer restrictions, political violence (war, terrorism, civil disturbance), breach of contract, and non-honouring of sovereign financial obligations.

The political risk insurance market consists of public and private insurers, who are organised in the Berne Union. For AFHEP, the cost of political risk insurance was US$57 million. However, even though political risk insurance can provide contractual investment guarantees, it should be noted, that changes in host countries’ laws and regulations are usually not covered, a gap that leaves investors vulnerable to political forces. The global survey of investors conducted by MIGA produced remarkable results with respect to that protection gap. First, political risk is perceived as the top restraint for FDI.

Next, the major concern among investors is not so much political violence or outright expropriation, but breach of contract and adverse regulatory change (also responsible for the majority of losses). In other developing countries, they had learnt the lesson that investors will not make substantial investments where violence was an option by forces in the society. And this is where we arrive at the actions of the opposition in forcing Sithe Global to withdraw from AFHEP even though it had invested several million dollars in the project.

Sithe would have taken note of the violence the opposition unleashed in Linden when they demanded that electricity tariffs should not be equalised with the rest of the country. The only road into the interior was blocked – something that is being repeated right now at Ituni-Kwakwani.

This would have precipitated two concerns. Firstly, that the opposition could lengthen the time frame for the construction of AFHEP by repeating their disruptive actions. And secondly, that they could encourage their supporters not to pay electricity bills in the future. We can now understand the demand that government of Guyana backstop payments by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for electricity supplied to it.

The demand for unanimity by all political parties on the raising of the ceiling on the debt of public corporations that the government could guarantee would also flow from this fear. Without that unanimity, Sithe would have also calculated that if the opposition were to come into power, they would alter the terms of the contract: the most prevalent political risk at present.

Growth in Guyana’s tourism sector means harder work

Dear Editor,

There is no doubt that Guyana’s tourism sector is rapidly expanding. In fact, we need to do some catching up. I agree that, about a decade ago, it was practically non-existent.

Today, Guyana boasts a thriving tourism sector, with tremendous potential and aspects that can be compared to any of the popular tourist destinations in the region. So with this kind of positive explosion, I see a need to get our mindset to be ready.

Popular spots are looking and smelling very bad. This is going to turn off people, as well as give us a very bad name. People like going to the sea wall. This sea wall lime is part of our heritage, and I have not known any returnee who would not take a walk, no matter where his/her village.

So my word for the heads of the sector is that even though we are at a fledgling stage, we can work on little things like developing better and healthier attitudes. Guyana is known as an eco, nature and adventure tourism destination and that is why, we must not undermine this kind of potential.

I sometimes go to watch a game of golf at the Lusignan golf course and the aesthetics of the actual ground is drowned by the bad access road, the litter strewn on the road, and the dumpsite not too far beyond the ground.

One Sunday, I was coming from Berbice, and just around Enterprise to Coldingen, the Railway Embankment is literally filled with garbage to the point of encroaching on the road. How did this start? How come no one has addressed the situation as yet?

Guyana is labelled “God’s Garden”, a birder’s paradise, the hottest new tropical birding destination, as one of the top 20 places to visit and in the top 100 adventure destinations of a lifetime.

Many foreigners just love the roti we make. I think we should stay local and country when foreigners come here. Cuisine is a part of the tourism commodities, and we excel here. When it comes to our rich cultural heritage, pristine forests, rare and endemic species of animals, and indigenous communities, Guyana is a rebirth of lost Eden. I was fortunate to visit a few Amerindian communities and the serenity that enveloped me was very profound. Tourism can have that aspect of self-discovery. I had light too – that solar panel thing must be lauded. It makes inland visits so much

more tempting.

Stimulated by the successful tourism campaigns hosted in Canada and New York, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is quite in order to now to take similar events to other countries in this part of the world. Success breeds success.

In fact, this very month, Guyana will be represented at the British Bird Watching Fair. We all know that Guyana has birds. Bird watching alone can pull others to this country.

I call on the GTA to keep pressing. I know that we are growing extra fast, so we have to work extra hard. The end result will be a better image for the country and a higher income where revenue is concerned.

Yours truly, Bertrum Jackman

Unfair criticism of our educational system

Dear Editor, I have been following with interest the numerous letters and articles in the various newspapers commenting on Guyana’s education system. Some letter writers make it seem as if the Education Ministry does not have professional officers who understand what is required to improve the education system.

The letter written by Annan Boodram identifies theories of learning and strategies that could be used. Nothing is new there. Guyanese educators are familiar with those strategies and are using them.

Unfortunately, the results in mathematics do not meet the expectations of the ministry. While this is a cause for concern and the ministry admits it, it does not mean that

the education system is in crisis.

Boodram lives in America and should know that even in that great country students are experiencing difficulties in mathematics and government has to invest heavily in after school and summer programmes to help students “catch up”.

This is true for Canada as well. Even so, a great majority fail to meet the standards. These countries do not condemn the entire education system but look at the performance of individual schools for further intervention or action.

The most outrageous comments came from Dr David Hinds, who suggests, and I quote, “And that class polarisation, in some instances, though not across the board,

has an ethnic look to it. We have developed a kind of social apartheid in education that is reflected in the results.”

It is the first time that such a comment has been made and I am wondering if it had anything to do with the ethnicity of the students who were top performers this year. This is such a shame and this is what will lead to polarisation of the population.

The Education Ministry has no control over all the variables which affect learning and performance and these include poverty, the effect of technological gadgets – which mostly the rich have, the health and well-being of students, and the involvement of parents in their children’s education. But whatever interventions are made,

and whatever resources are provided, are distributed equitably.

To appreciate this, one has to look at the results of other examinations, not only at the school level but at the tertiary level and post-secondary institutions, as well as other areas of learning and participation.

I conclude by congratulating all the top performers. You have done yourself, your school, your community and all Guyana proud. I wish to encourage the education minister to continue working toward the improvement of the education system, and not to be disheartened by those who do not make constructive criticisms.

Observer, Name withheld by request

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Republic Bank employees show good spirit

Dear Editor, Good works have a way of catching on. I remember reading how many of our youths joined hands with the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) to repaint some 101 pedestrian crossings across Guyana.

Then over in Berbice, pedestrian crossings in Rose Hall town were repainted by the staff members from the Rose Hall Town Republic Bank Branch.

Now taking the cue, the Republic Bank Vreed-enHoop branch had its workers coming out and doing

the same thing. The employees worked on a number of critical pedestrian crossings and other traffic signs.

Vreed-en-Hoop is rapidly expanding commercially and the junction where the West Coast meets with the West Bank of Demerara is an area to always guard carefully. It is quite a busy thoroughfare now.

We need to champion things like these in our country. Patriotism does not happen overnight. Also it cannot come if we await help from the government

for every little thing.

If we make some moves in little areas, then it will catch on and I am sure in time to come, we will be on the look out to fix little things like pedestrian crossings, putting up a post box, and a host of many little and low-cost activities.

We need to take ownership of our country and help look after it.

Yours sincerely, Resident of Vreed-en-Hoop

Name withheld by request

We must be watch dogs in our communities

Dear Editor, Regarding the collapsing of the Garden of Eden bridge, residents of the community are rightly disgusted and they are in fact fed up after making pleas to those in authority about the decrepit bridge only to have it collapse the day before school reopened.

Was this bridge allowed to deteriorate? No one apparently did any kind of maintenance, and so by virtue of age, it just ended its life, albeit triggered by a heavy truck. Or was it being constantly abused? I see this happening all the time and yet no one would do anything.

We need to be watchdogs as Guyana belongs to all of us. In this regard, two recent happenings in my village of Annandale come to mind. It has to do with two streets, the first is

the Big Trench Road, leading to the sea wall, and the other is the Cross Street, almost immediately adjoining Buxton – the street where the water tank is.

These streets had cross bars to prevent big vehicles from entering the northern section of Annandale, except via the market road. The bar at the Big Trench Road was changed after a number of vehicles knocked them over. So these two roads can basically accommodate whatever can fit under the cross bars. No wonder both of the roads are badly damaged now.

I am sure that many roads and buildings have been short changed. In fact, there is a pending case over in Wakenaam. The contractor is in real trouble. So we have to make reports when we see incompetence and

anything fishy and we also have to report on wanton vandalism.

Right now, I urge the citizens of Annandale to come forward and say who are the ones smashing down these two sets of crossbars. I am positive that people know. They should make the appropriate report so that the guilty could be made to pay.

Imagine the folly of one or two people creating so much inconvenience. Where Garden of Eden is concerned, when the bridge is fixed or even replaced, I am asking for people to be on the lookout for all those who do not care about the rest. We must guard against the destruction from those who just do not care.

Yours sincerely,

Clifton Farrier

Job creation an encouraging sign

Dear Editor,

It was encouraging to see a venture which is estimated to create 6000 jobs in Guyana come on stream through the Mexican-based business process outsourcing company Qualfon, which just turned the sod to build a new state-of-the art contact centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The centre is expected to be one of the largest campuses in the world.

But that section of the country is very much a hot seat already – it is throbbing with life and activity.

We have to catch up with our road work, parking lots, garbage disposal and general security. If such a structure will be there and if so many people will be employed, then a thing like travelling to and from this contact centre must already be worked out.

I think development and expansion are moving faster than we are realising. Going to a busy city complex just to get a pair of shoes took me more than 90 minutes recently.

I could not find parking. I had to be driving around all the time, waiting for a

spot. This is how it is in many places that I was fortunate to visit.

Many people see Guyana as a potential place for living, working and investing. Qualfon is making a major investment in Guyana, because it is a country that is well suited to serve the contact centre industry.

Qualfon’s largest market is serving customers in the United States. Let us resolve to make Guyana what it should have been a long time now.

Yours truly, Dhanpaul Outar

Accidents, speed and human error

Dear Editor,

The news about the death of a Brazilian miner in the recent Buckhall accident should again cause some concern. Sketchy details cannot hide a few important facts, but first, I want to go back to what happened in April of this year.

The report then reflected that four people, died after the truck they were in pinned them. In fact, this heavy-duty truck toppled, causing gasoline to spill and burst into flames, thus compounding the issue.

Back then I heard of all kinds of things – overloading, piling load too high, mechanical problems, inexperienced driver, chance taking, and too many peo-

ple in the truck. The fact remains stark clear that the accident could have been avoided if the right things were done.

Very strong connections have been established between speed and accident risk. High speed reduces the possibility to respond in time when necessary. People need time to process information, to decide whether or not to react and, finally to execute a reaction.

At high speed the distance covered in this period is longer. At high speeds the distance between starting to brake and a complete stand still is longer as well. Therefore, the possibility to avoid a collision becomes smaller as speed increases.

Based on studies, a change in average speed of 1 km/h will result in a change in accident numbers ranging between two per cent for a 120 km/h road and four per cent for a 50 km/h road. This result has been confirmed by many before and after studies of different speed reduction measures. No matter how many police officers are on the road, speed driving is an issue that drivers have the greatest control over. If they stay within the limit, or when there are no limits, if they drive at a moderate speed, things will change for the better.

Yours faithfully, Aaron Thomas

Page Foundation

Relationships: How to balance marriage, work, and family

BY ALLEN TEAL

Is your life too full? Your marriage, your job, and your family all make enormous demands on your time and energy. Most other things can be sorted into one of these three groups with a little effort. Building a career can require extra hours on the job to land contracts, complete assignments, or just keep up with the paperwork.

Your spouse needs time, and the children have high expectations about your being available to them. The balancing act can take a toll. Spending a little time setting some priorities and boundaries can make a big difference in this tug of war.

Give your spouse a priority in your life

Many people make the mistake of lumping their spouse and their family into the same basket. Your spouse is not quite the same. He or she is not someone who will always be connected to you no matter what you do. Your spouse has the right to leave if things go poorly. You had a relationship with your spouse before you started having children and that relationship will continue after the children have grown and moved out. Work on your marriage. Your spouse should be treated as an important partner not a convenience.

Date your spouse

Think relationship. You and your spouse need quiet private time together. Get out the calendar and cut some large holes in it to make

time for dates with your significant other. Your mate needs to be your best asset in building your home, career, and family.

Be active in your children’s lives

Children need both parents if it is at all possible. The ideal situation is that both parents are actively engaged in raising their offspring. Too often, one or both parents can allow their life to become too consumed with their own career to spend quality time with their children. Generally, to have quality time, you have to commit enough time to allow your children the opportunity to bring up the hard questions that children need to have answered by their parents.

Sometimes your children need to see that you value them

Make occasional last minute changes to your plans in order to go to your child’s ball game or concert. You may think that this will not re ally matter, but you are wrong. Children notice when their par ents take an active and interested role in their lives.

Plan your career path with your spouse

Some who prefer the title of self-made may find this sugges tion odious. However, what you do and how much you earn affects your spouse directly. Your partner should have a voice in major moves that af fect the home and family. Along the way, your career will benefit from

having the support of your spouse.

As much as possible, leave your job behind when you go home

Your family does not deserve to have you come home and take out the frustrations of the day on them. They have not caused you to have a bad day. You need to learn to address your grievances to those who have created them. Your family deserves to have you treat them with love, respect, and dignity. Family time is precious enough without your job being a continual intruder. Keep work at work as much as you can.

Negotiate your work schedule

While companies tend to want workers who line up like tin soldiers and march together from start time

have some flexibility. Factories may have issues with this, but most office settings can live with variations of job schedules. If you have been there for awhile, do some work on a more family-friendly work schedule. You may be surprised at the response if it is well presented.

Learn to draw lines in your life and honour them

Decide what is most important for you and your family. Determine to make those items a priority. This will require you to become more selective about what you allow to infringe on your family time. Learning to say no can be hard, but it is often the only way to achieve balance in your life. It may also require adjustments to your career goals and job choices. (Yahoo! Voices)

Back to school means back to bedtime

Mention the word “bedtime” in the summer and you’re sure to get groans from children of any age. That’s especially true of teenagers who have spent the summer staying out late and sleeping until noon. But when it’s time to go back to school, getting back into healthy sleep patterns is a necessity for having the right amount of focus and energy in the classroom.

“Anyone who’s had jet lag can relate to the feeling they can have when adjusting their sleep schedule,” says paediatric sleep specialist Jyoti Krishna, MD. “You’re sleeping at the wrong times, your mind is foggy and you don’t feel sharp.”

If your children – or you – have lapsed into a “late to bed, late to rise” sleep routine this summer, here are Dr Krishna’s tips for getting back into proper school-year sleep routines:

Know the right amount. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children ages five-12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Teenagers need 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep to function at their best. The amount of sleep adults need ranges between seven and nine hours.

• Go 15 minutes at a time.

“It’s not a good idea to wait until the day before school starts to make changes,” says Dr Krishna. Start by shifting their wake time earlier by 15 minutes each or every other morning, then calculate the right bedtime based on the amount of sleep they need. “Adjusting their wake time by two hours could take a week to 10 days,” he says. Provide the right get-tosleep conditions. “The last two hours before bedtime should be relatively quiet,” Dr Krishna says. That means no exercise, no caffeine, cellphones off and limited television. The sun still sets late in the early weeks of the school year, so use heavy drapes that darken the room at bedtime, This signals their bodies that it’s time to sleep. Allow bright sunlight in when it’s time to wake up.

• Take sleep deprivation seriously. “I liken it to cigarette smoking,” says Dr Krishna. “Smoking one cigarette does not kill a person, but longterm smoking does affect people’s health. If you don’t get enough sleep for a long enough period of time, it begins to take a toll on your health.” Sleeping problems make chronic diseases harder to treat, he says and contributes to a lack of energy, low pain tolerance, changes in hormone levels and a decline in learning and critical thinking (health.yahoo.net)

Sod turned for Qualfon’s US$4M call centre

President Donald Ramotar and Qualfon

Chief Executive Officer Mike Marrow on Wednesday turned the sod for the construction of the first ever multimillion-dollar call centre campus site at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The state-of-the-art campus is expected to create some 6000 jobs over the next

five years. This first phase of work is expected to be completed within 12 months.

President Ramotar lauded the development as he noted the importance of developing and broadening the economy.

“Government’s task has always been to broaden the economy… today’s event is a major player in broadening the economy and we will

continue along this trend,” Ramotar said.

The president said Qualfon is a major player in the development of Guyana’s economy and the recent investment signals its confidence in Guyana.

Qualfon CEO Mike Marrow said the facility will provide career opportunities and educational development, noting that ultimately,

there will be an accredited university which will offer classes, career guidance and a shared library among other necessary amenities.

According to Marrow, Guyana has ranked number one on Qualfon’s successor’s list, owing to the fact that the people of Guyana are hospitable and effective with the English language. He said Qualfon’s largest mar-

ket is serving customers in the U.S. and Guyana understands Americans.

Flourishing IT sector

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who also addressed the ceremony, said Guyana’s information technology sector is rapidly growing and the country has now become a more attractive environment for investment opportunities in this regard.

Singh said while the country’s economy has had some setbacks owing to the poor performance of the sugar industry, there are groups of dominating areas

of growth within various sectors of the economy. He said the information technology sector is one such area, noting that major investment opportunities coming into Guyana are as a result of the progress made, while pointing to the multimillion-dollar investment by Qualfon.

Major challenges

The minister said this growth happened at a time when the country has been faced with major challenges on the economic frontier.

“In times such as these, we should recognise that this is an accomplishment that should be celebrated… this is not solely a government accomplishment,” he added.

“The fact that the real output is growing and continues to grow, it is testimony to efforts being made by the private sector and also government’s role in ensuring the environment for investment and growth,” he added.

Dr Singh said in addition to reporting on the results of the growth of the economy, much has been achieved with respect to diversification to the productive base.

City businessman held for biker’s execution

ours after Eccles bik-

Her Kirk Davis was executed in front of his 7th Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara home Tuesday evening; a city businessman was taken into police custody to assist with investigations.

The businessman was arrested sometime after 14:00h on Wednesday at his home after police received information that he might have been the shooter. The businessman’s wife, who was with him when he allegedly committed the act, is also nursing gunshot wounds at a city hospital.

The police are yet to determine the caliber of gun used in the execution-style killing. Davis, 30, was shot at least 11 times and died at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Riddled with bullets

According to information, the mechanic’s body was riddled with bullets minutes after he jumped out of a white coloured motorcar about 21:45h on Tuesday which was parked in front his home. He was reportedly shot during a confrontation with a businessman who had accused him of having a relationship with his wife.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that after the businessman found out that his wife was having an affair with Davis; he took her to Davis to sort out the issue and to confirm if the allegation was true.

The couple reportedly arrived at the now dead man’s house about 21:30h; parked on his parapet and telephoned him to meet them

in the car. As instructed, Davis reportedly opened his door and walked towards the heavily tinted car, and as he approached, the rear right side door opened. Davis, according to reports entered the car, closing the door behind. About 10 minutes later, he was seen exiting the car holding his abdomen. His cousin, who was sitting on the verandah thought something was amiss but

soon after, bullets were flying. At this time, a bullet-riddled Davis fell to the ground.

Crime scene experts said several spent shells suspected to have come from a high caliber weapon were recovered. Relatives of the dead man who had gathered at the scene were puzzled about the motive for the shooting.

At the home of the dead man on Wednesday morning, his brother, Sean Davis told

this newspaper that he was at work when he received a call informing him about the shooting. He said by the time he arrived at his brother’s home, he was already dead. He said his brother did not have issues with anyone and was not sure what would have been the motive.

The man further stated that he last saw his brother on Tuesday evening when he told him that he wanted to

open a store in the village. Davis, a taxi driver and mechanic, was described as a peaceful individual. He said his brother would spend most of his time at Bagotstown with his family. He said his brother’s death is a great loss and hopes justice is served.

Davis leaves to mourn his only son, five siblings and parents. A post-mortem which was scheduled to be performed on Wednesday will now be done on Friday.

thursday, september 5, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

LACFC’s 28th Session to be held in Guyana

With the mandate of sharing and discussing suitable ideas for sustainable forestry, the Latin American and Caribbean Forestry Commission (LACFC) will be hosting its 28th session in Guyana.

The session, which commences on September 9 until September 13, will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Mandate

The mandate of the LACFC is to work along with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on developing forestry programmes in the region. The meeting is held every two years; however, it was last hosted in March 2012 in Asuncion, Paraguay.

That session saw emphasis placed on the importance of effective forest governability in order to prevent deforestation and the illegal logging of forests and to improve conditions for sustainable forest development.

The LACFC meeting is expected to be attended by

over 80 delegates from the Caribbean and Latin America along with dignitaries from several United Nations agencies. Representatives from international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations are expected to attend.

Some of the high level delegates expected are FAO Forestry Department, Assistant Director General Eduardo Rojas; USDA Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry Director Arial Lugo Alvarez; and Tanzania’s Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry, Forestry Committee Chairman Dr Felician Bakamaza.

Also included in the line-up are Guillermo Mayorga from the German International Aid Agency; Environment and Climate Change, Corporacion Andina de Fomento Chief Executive Officer Octavio Carrasquilla; UN Forum on Forests Secretariat Director Jan Mc Alpine; and Manual Guariguata of the Centre for International Forestry Research.

The LACFC serves as a forum for countries to gather and analyse crucial regional forestry issues while exchanging knowledge and expertise. Its mandates includes the formulation of policies for the sustainable management of forests and wildlife, and to analyse, facilitate and coordinate their execution at a regional level.

Additionally, the commission further aids in the exchange of information and, through special bodies such as technical cooperation networks, advises on suitable practices and actions with regard to technical problems and makes appropriate recommendations in relation to these matters.

Cooperation

LACFC also implements mechanisms to strengthen cooperation between the FAO regional offices and headquarters along with countries in the region on forestry-related issues, which will allow the countries to give guidance to the FAO on creating and implementing regional and global forestry programmes.

Over the past four years, the FAO has been providing assistance to the forestry sector and the government of Guyana through a number of initiatives under the African Caribbean Pacific/ European Union Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Programme (ACP EU-FLEGT) Support Programme.

The ACP-FLEGT support programme is funded by the EU and implemented and managed through the FAO in support of the implementation of the EU-FLEGT Action Plan by improving forest governance, providing technical assistance and building capacity through funding projects in ACP countries.

Thus far, Guyana has benefitted from over $40 million in funds to support building capacity within the Guyanese forestry sector to meet European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) due diligence requirement, while fostering greater stakeholder participation in two key areas of policy and operation within the forest sector.

Alleged bandit shot by businessman

An alleged bandit was shot to his abdomen by a businessman whom he attempted to rob in the vicinity of Stabroek Market on Wednesday.

Dwayne Charles of Charlestown, Georgetown was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and being treated for a single gunshot wound to his right side abdomen.

According to information received, the businessman was in the Stabroek Market area conducting business when the Charles attempted to pull away a bag that he had in his possession.

As a result, the businessman reportedly pulled out a licensed firearm and discharged a round in the direction of the man, hitting him in the abdomen. The suspect ran, but within minutes, he collapsed.

The businessman reportedly attempted to discharge another round at Charles, but vendors around the area intervened.

The man was picked up and handed over to the police who transported him to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention. Charles is under guards at the hospital.

Eyew tness

Different strokes...

...for AFC folks

After caught with their pants down on their Chairman Nigel Hughes’ blatant conflict of interest with Amaila Falls Hydro Inc (AFHI), the Alliance For Change (AFC) has issued an “apology”. But this is not just too little, too late: the release contains so many caveats and outright distortions that the “apology” becomes an insult to the Guyanese people.

It’s clearly the work of AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Vice-Chairman Moses Nagamootoo. They tried to fob off the charge on Hughes, but we all know from their personal experience, they’re also neck deep in conflicts of interest.

They go on and on about the right of leaders’ “individual freedom and respect for the right to work and association”. Now who the heck ever said anything about Hughes, Ramjattan and Nagamootoo’s “right to work”. This is just a stinky red herring dragged across their conflict of interest trail to distract Guyanese.

Sure, Ramjattan can work for Fedders-Lloyd on their bid for the Specialty Hospital. But he can’t use his position as a parliamentarian to block funds for the winning bid, just because his client lost out. That’s a conflict of interest with his duty to serve the people of Guyana’s interest and not just his client’s.

Sure, Nagamootoo can collect $7 million from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for filling out forms to move D’Edward Village residents from the approach of the Berbice Bridge.

But he can’t as a parliamentarian use knowledge gained from his association to attack NICIL in and out of Parliament. That’s a conflict of interest – not to mention revealing privileged information. We still are amazed these two serial offenders haven’t been disciplined by the Guyana Bar Association.

And, sure Hughes can become the lawyer and company secretary for AFHI. That’s not the issue. The issue is why he didn’t even tell his AFC leader. Ramjattan now disingenuously avoids mentioning this fact which he blurted out when first confronted with the conflict of interest. If Ramjattan himself didn’t know of Hughes’ deep involvement with AFHI, how can he now vouch for Hughes not betraying confidential information?

More to the point, why did the AFC make a complete u-turn on AFHI after vowing for months that they’ll only make a decision after the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) due diligence report?

Was Hughes earning his salary from AFHI? And exactly how much is that salary? The AFC “apology” makes out Hughes role to be a minor, perfunctory one. Well, let’s hear about the quantum of the salary and let the Guyanese people make up their own minds.

These fellas think the rules don’t apply to them – just to others.

...for PNC folks

The AFC apology concluded that “leadership and the world of politics are fraught with half-truths that are peddled as credible”. So true – and their apology is replete “with half-truths that are peddled as credible”. It’s also true of their coalition partner in Parliament – A Partnership for National Unity/People’s National Congress (APNU/PNC), as we can tell by the slew of missives from Carl Greenidge.

But before your Eyewitness gets to what Greenidge wrote – he has to have a word about how he writes. Lord!! Can’t this guy ever write anything less than 2000 words? Is he being paid by the word? To plough through his letters to the press is nothing but torture. But duty demands it and all that: got to keep your eyes on these obstructionists!

Anyhow, Greenidge dismissed his former party member Peter Ramsaroop’s criticism that the PNC was just taking pot shots at the Amaila Falls project, but not proposing any credible alternatives. This is the crux of the matter: it’s easy to take pot shots from the outside, since every initiative will have pros and cons. Let’s hear what they have to offer – if anything.

...for interior folks

Emboldened by his PNC promotion after the Linden road blockage, Sharma Solomon is at it again in ItuniKwakwani. Expect this lawlessness to spread...

La Penitence man knifed to death

BY: VAHNU MANIKCHAND

ALa Penitence man was fatally stabbed on Wednesday morning during an altercation with another man outside popular city strip club, BAROOMBAR.

Dead is 23-year-old Jamal Fernandes of Lot 14 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The incident occurred sometime around 03:30h. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is in custody assisting with investigations.

Based on information reaching this newspaper, the suspect is a taxi driver and works outside of BAROOMBAR. The deceased reportedly sustained several stab wounds about his body and succumbed while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to a release from the hospital, around 03:58h, an injured Fernandes was admitted with multiple stab wounds to the abdomen. The release further stated that efforts to save Fernandes’ life were futile and he succumbed at 05:15h.

When Guyana Times visited the home of deceased’s relatives, his aunt, cousins, friends and relatives had gathered, lamenting the death of the 23-yearold man. Fernandes' girlfriend, with whom he shares a child, Neilisha Collins, said she was in Essequibo when she got the news and returned immediately. The woman was still trying to get over the initial shock of Fernandes’ death.

Cross talk

Meanwhile, the aunt of the death man, Michelle Fernandes, told this newspaper that she was at home sleeping when her son called her sometime around 05:00h, and informed her about the young man’s death. “My son and nephew went to de hospital and they see he lie down on the bed then lil after they hear he dead. Then my son call me and tell me Jamal deh in de hospital and he dead. I get so confused that I didn’t even know what de happening cause I de sleeping when my son call me,” said the woman.

Michelle disclosed that from information received, her nephew was with two

girls when the taxi driver called him a name and he responded calling the taxi driver a “cross” while walking away. The aunt said the driver then picked up a knife from his car and stabbed her nephew in his back before turning him around and stabbing him several more times.

No problems

The woman explained that her nephew had no problems with the accused and did not even know him. “My nephew is not a person like that, he don’t pick trouble, he didn’t even know de man, de man stab he from behind and he is a small person, he didn’t even get time to defend himself,” the aunt said.

The aunt continued that she was further told that after the stabbing, the suspect went to the police station where he allegedly told the police that he was being pursued by four men. She said that the man further told the police that the men wanted to rob him and that was how the stabbing occurred; however, she noted that the police held him after receiving news of Fernandes’ death.

According to Fernandes cousins, he was last seen on Tuesday night when he left home to go hang out with some friends. The 23-yearold man was described as a loving and friendly person who was a father figure for his relatives.

His body is currently at the Georgetown Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination, which is expected to be done on Friday. Fernandes leaves to mourn his 11-month-old daughter, his parents who are overseas and his siblings, along with other relatives.

Texila University honours CSEC top students

The Texila American University (TAU) on Wednesday honoured the country’s top two students at the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

During the ceremony held at the Private Sector Commission boardroom, top students Zamina Rasheed and Yogeeta Persaud of the Anna Regina Multilateral School were presented with cash incentives of $80,000 and $50,000 respectively and certificates of excellence from the university by its International Relations Manger Ashok Kumar.

Kumar said the students have made Guyana proud, and as part of the university's corporate social responsibilities programmes, it is their pleasure to honour the students for their hard work. He urged the students to stay focus on achieving their goals, wishing them well in their future endeavours. He added that the local students enrolling at the university benefits from a favourable education package.

PSC Chairman Ronald Webster added that the university has done a commendable job by honouring the students. “Giving incentives for hard work of the girls will help them to use it to further develop their education… they can use it to purchase books,” said Webster.

The chairman added that the university helps to build the knowledge base of the country and too often the best students leave. “The university helps with knowledge exchange and building with foreign students interacting with the local students… it also adds to the country’s revenue base by bringing revenues from the

foreign students’ body.”

Both Zamina Rasheed and Yogeeta Persaud thanked the university for the awards, noting that

that they will be spending the money on purchasing books. Zamina Rasheed and Yogeeta Persaud secured 19 and 18 grade ones respec-

tively at the recent CSEC examinations.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President Kit Nascimento emphasised the importance of education to the country.

“Adding significantly to education are always welcomed and supported by the Private Sector Commission… For a country to move forward, there is a need to have a well-trained work force… in relation to tourism, it touches every field.”

TAU is a fully registered university by the National Accreditation Council of Guyana. Additionally, it receives its listing from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which enables its graduates to practise worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zeeland.

Taxi driver on bail for allegedly looting during Da Silva's House of Optics fire

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Wednesday granted bail in sum of $100,000 to a man charged with simple larceny.

It is alleged that on September 1, at Middle Street,

Troy Borrowes stole a quantity of items valued $120,000, property of Da Sliva’s Optical. He pleaded not guilty to the charge read against him.

Borrowes was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-AFat who told the court that his

client is 40-years-old with a wife and children. He went on to say that Borrowes is a taxi driver and on the day in question, there was a fire. The defendant was helping to salvage articles from the engulfed building, when he was ac-

cused of looting. The lawyer said that the items were recovered. In his application for bail, the Attorney Fung-A-Fat said that this was his client’s first offence. There were no objections to bail. The matter is set to return to court on October 1.

Govt, development partners on warpath against TIP

BY: SVETLANA MARSHALL

The government of Guyana in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the U.S. embassy has stepped up the fight against human trafficking here.

The local and international partners are engaging in an extensive threeday workshop at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, training approximately 50 persons to prevent trafficking in persons (TIP), detect trafficked victims and offer protection.

U.S. embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brian Hunt in applauding the government of Guyana and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) for the steps taken to combat the scourge, reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to combat human trafficking in the country.

“We applaud the efforts of civil societies, including the Guyana Women Miners Organisation, and all citizens that come forward to work with law enforcer’s authorities,” he said

while delivering a brief address at the opening of the TIP Training of Trainers Workshop on Wednesday.

Aggressive effort

The newly-installed DCM said the work of the National Taskforce for trafficking in persons and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry have not gone unnoticed, positing that they have been aggressively arresting the situation through awareness programmes in Regions One, Seven and Nine. This proactive and responsive move has caused a significant blow to the human trafficking network. “A strong message was sent when traffickers were brought to justice

and convicted. This June, I applaud the government of Guyana for the sentencing of an Essequibo disco owner to four years imprisonment after he was found guilty of trafficking a minor. In addition, a couple was sentenced to a maximum of five years each on conviction of trafficking in person in August,” he reported.

Fight has begun

But, he said the fight has just begun, noting there is a great need for increased protection and assistance for victims residing in mining communities and other interior locations. “We have a great challenge ahead of us; we are all partners in this ef-

fort, concerned citizens, civil society, governments, the diplomatic community and the private sector, together holding through to our beliefs in justice, dignity and human rights, we can make a difference in the fight against trafficking in persons.”

Hunt was at the time addressing Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa, IOM Chief of Mission Rui Reis and other stakeholders.

Back to school time

It was Burnt Ham and de Height Man who had teach Green Jah good how fuh rig. Green Jah rig election till he now want fuh rig de Parliament. Well, not only election, but he know fuh rig walkie talkie too. Dem is de kinda ting fuh which people does go to jail. And de judge does tell de jail men dem fuh throw away de keys. So just wail till de inquiry done and see who gon go to jail fuh life.

So Green Jah know fuh rig, but still don’t know de difference between majority and minority. He seh de guvament not listenin to de majority. It gotta be that Green Jah fuhget that it is de guvament that is de majority. He gon soon be back in school in countin class.

De two old Ram goats gon also have to get back in school, although is a hard ting to teach old goats new tricks. Much harder than old donkeys like de Nagga Man, accordin to the prezzi. But both of dem like when tings hard. That is why Win Stone already put Suspenders Ram back in countin school and start teachin he some hard facts bout how fuh count interest fuh de Amaila Falls project.

Every body see that nutten hard bout that project, but Suspenders is one hard head hack-countant who still don’t understand how interest does wuk. But he accustom to tek hard schoolin in he old age anyway. Hope de hard lesson wah he gettin from Win Stone wukkin.

And wherever one old Ram deh, de other old Ram does follow behind. That is how much dem like fuh deh behind one another. So Win Stone gon have more wuk pun he hands fuh teach two Ram goats at de same time now.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De Kocheur man is another one who gon also have to go to countin school. De police seh dem arrest 14 people in Kwakwani, but he count 16. De other two had to be he and Baddam!

The value of RASC bauxite

Today, Guyana’s bauxite production ranks the 11th highest in the world – reaching in excess of 2.0 million tons last year.

While Guyana contributes just about 2.0 per cent of the almost 100 million tons of bauxite mined globally each year, its Refractory A-Grade Super-Calcined (RASC) bauxite gives it distinction. Guyana and China are the only two commercial producers of this ore containing at least 60 per cent aluminum oxide and low in iron and alkali content. In fact, in the 1900s, Guyana’s RASC was the world stand-

demand for this product in steel production, among other uses. This saw China steadily reducing its exports of RASC, a move to which other importers of RASC formally objected in 2011 and one which the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled in 2012, as unjustified.

RASC production has also been affected by more stringent environmental requirements in China which called for upgrades in the types of kilns used. As a result, some companies were forced to close its doors because of the high costs to switch over to more modern kilns.

The increase in demand,

ard or benchmark and remains so today.

RASC bauxite is capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures without becoming deformed or damaged. This quality makes it suitable for use in heat-intensive metallurgical processes in the steel, cement and glass industries and in furnaces, kilns and reactors.

Not surprisingly, RASC has a price tag of about US$500 per metric which is higher that of metallurgical grade bauxite (MAZ).

World demand for RASC is steady, but rapid development in China has increased

decrease in the numbers of companies producing RASC and increase in the cost of energy have all resulted in higher prices for the ore. On the other hand, these conditions do provide an excellent market opportunity once a way can be found to increase supply of RASC.

Guyana is renowned for its exceptional RASC bauxite deposits and is also the only viable source of ore outside of China. Its primary RASC bauxite operation, Omai Mining Bauxite Inc, was acquired by Bosai Minerals – a Chinese company in 2007.

Bosai Minerals operation is also required to meet Guyana’s environmental conditions and has been making progress in this area. Though bauxite mining uses relatively small areas of land compared to other types of mining, it is necessary to apply measures to restore mined out areas. Also, while bauxite ores do not typically require complex processing to be market acceptable, washing and cycloning do need to be managed to reduce sediment and dust emitted into the environment.

There is ongoing analysis on the future of RASC production and supply. Some predict that demand will continue to climb until

2220 while others think that new technology will emerge that will conserve the use of RASC. There is also the view that science will find alternatives to this product and processes to efficiently change “lesser” bauxite ores to RASC. While all this is likely to happen, the question is, would it happen soon enough, before the world experiences a situation where RASC demand by far exceeds supply?

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

For natural gasfuelled cars, long road looms ahead

The natural gas boom that fracking wrought has shaken up the global energy landscape. Now its effects are rippling toward the fuel tanks of U.S. cars and trucks, although a few leaps may be required for natural gas vehicles to go mainstream.

The natural gas industry is making a big push for passenger vehicles that can run on either natural gas or gasoline. As a demonstration, the industry group America’s Natural Gas Alliance this summer unveiled six vehicle models retrofitted with these fuel systems for less than US$3,000 apiece. And starting next year, Ford plans to equip a version of its bestselling pickup truck, the F-150, to run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).

Choices

Today, the choices for an American motorist looking to buy a CNG car are extremely limited. A handful of work trucks and cargo vans available in the 2013 model year can be purchased with a fuel system equipped to use gasoline or CNG, but only one CNG passenger car – Honda’s natural gas Civic sedan – is currently available to U.S. consumers without an aftermarket retrofit. For the past two years, a group of governors – led by energy states Oklahoma and Colorado –has been urging Detroit to put more natural gas vehicles on the market with pledges to expand their public fleet purchases.

Some 18.2 million natu-

ral gas vehicles are on the road today worldwide, mostly in Argentina, Brazil, Iran, and Pakistan. But the number of natural gas vehicles in operation globally could rise more than 90 per cent to 34.9 million by 2020, according to forecasts from Navigant Research, a market research firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. That would still be a small niche in the context of 800 million vehicles now in service and trends pointing toward 1.7 billion vehicles globally by 2035. Yet the fuel has fresh allure. Proponents in the United States celebrate it as a homegrown resource with environmental benefits – a “bridge” from today’s gas and diesel to the greener alternatives of tomorrow. At current energy prices, CNG offers savings equivalent to about US$1.50 per gallon at the pump compared to gasoline.

Pump price allure

For the forthcoming natural gas version of its F-150, Ford plans to harden valves and other parts at the factory and then hand the prepped vehicle off to an upfitter for fuel systems – a process that will add more than US$7500 to the up-front cost.

This is an effort, Ford says, to meet demand from business and fleet customers who want to “take advantage of [CNG’s] low price and clean emissions.” At the pump, the economics appear compelling, thanks to natural gas that’s been made abundant in the United States by hydraulic fracturing. (Excerpt from CNN)

thursday, september 5, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana, U.S. to examine ways of enhancing security collaboration

U.S. embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Bryan Hunt was welcomed by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee when they met on Tuesday at the minister’s office.

Minister Rohee, in welcoming the high-level official noted that the two countries have had, and still continue to have a long history of cooperation, particularly on is-

sues of security. Rohee said Guyana has benefited a lot from various programmes initiated under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and stated confidently that, “I’m sure the cooperation will continue”.

Meanwhile, Hunt said he was looking forward to learning about Minister Rohee’s views on various pro-

grammes on which the two countries have collaborated. “I’m looking forward to finding out how we could continue to partner and work closely with his ministry.”

Working together through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the U.S. and Guyana, along with other nations of the Caribbean, are combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes that threaten regional security.

The CBSI is the latest pillar of a U.S. security strategy focused on citizen safety throughout the hemisphere. It brings all members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and The Dominican Republic together to jointly collaborate on regional security with the U.S. as a partner.

The U.S. is making a significant contribution to CBSI, committing US$203 million in funding for the first three years of the initiative, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Landmark treaty for domestic workers comes into force

The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (Number 189) comes into force on September 5, extending basic labour rights to domestic workers around the globe.

Guyana was expected to ratify the convention based upon an earlier undertaking by Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul. Currently, there are at least 53 million domestic workers worldwide, not including child domestic workers, and this number is increasing steadily in developed and developing countries. According to an ILO release, the number adds to an estimated 10.5 million children worldwide – most of them under age – working as domestic workers in people’s homes. Some 83 per cent of domestic workers are women.

The new convention becomes binding international law as of today. It needed ratification by two ILO member States. To date, eight ILO member States (Bolivia, Italy, Mauritius, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Philippines, South Africa and Uruguay) have ratified the convention.

Since the convention’s adoption, several countries have passed new laws or regulations improving domestic workers’ labour and social rights, including Venezuela, Bahrain, the Philippines, Thailand, Spain and Singapore. Legislative reforms have also begun in Finland, Namibia, Chile and the United States, among others. Several others have initiated the process of ratification of ILO Convention 189, including Costa Rica and Germany.

Catalysts for change

“The convention and recommendation have effectively started to play their role as catalysts for change. All this shows that the momentum sparked by the ILO convention on domestic workers is growing.

They now serve as a starting point for devising new polices in a growing number of countries – recognising the dignity and value of domestic work,” said ILO Working Conditions and Equality Department Director Manuela Tomei.

According to an ILO study from January 2013, entitled

“Domestic Workers Across the World”, domestic workers work for private households, often without clear terms of employment, unregistered and excluded from the scope of labour legislation. Deplorable working conditions, labour exploitation and human rights abuses are major problems facing domestic workers. At the time of the research, only 10 per cent of domestic workers were covered by general labour legislation to the same extent as other workers. More than one quarter were completely excluded from national labour legislation.

Lack of legal protection increases domestic workers’ vulnerability and makes it difficult for them to seek remedies. As a result, they are often paid less than workers in comparable occupations and work longer hours.

“Today’s entry into force of convention 189 sends a powerful signal to more than 50 million domestic workers worldwide. I hope that it will also send a signal to ILO member states and that we soon see more and more countries committing to protect the rights of domestic workers,” concluded Tomei.

Man jailed for beating daughter with wood

A58-year-old father from Anna Regina Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast was jailed for one month for assaulting his daughter. Amar Singh appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He was charged for assault committed on his 22-year-old daughter who resides with him. According to a police report, on August 17, Singh and his daughter had a heated argument when he allegedly took a piece of board and hit the young lady about her body. When asked by the magistrate if he had anything to tell the court, he said he had just spanked his daughter. However, the young lady had visible black and blue marks on her skin. He was not represented by an attorney.

Queenstown

labourer gets six weeks imprisonment for cursing employer

A52-year-old Queenstown man was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment for verbally abusing his employer.

Joseph Singh appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday charged for verbally abusing his employer Glannis Drakes. The act was reportedly committed on August 27.

Drakes was not represented by an attorney. Before sentencing Singh, Magistrate Scarce asked him if he had anything to tell the court, and he said he always respects his boss, proclaiming his innocence. Scarce told him that he had been found guilty of the offence and will spend six weeks in prison.

Ituni traffic blockers appear in court

The 14 persons who were arrested on Tuesday at Ituni in relation to the blocking of the roadway were on Wednesday charged with wilful obstruction of the public roadway.

They appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court and one of the men pleaded guilty and was fined

$10,000. The others have been placed on $5000 bail each and will return to court on October 2.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force is strongly refuting allegations made in the Kaieteur News, under the caption “16 persons arrested during early morning raid”.

The article claimed that police ranks were “dragging

people out and beating them because they refused to go”, and that “ranks were armed with cutlasses” during the police operation at Ituni on Tuesday. These statements attributed to “a source in the area” can only be construed as aimed at besmirching the image of the Guyana Police Force as nothing like that occurred, the police said.

PNCR says it helped in development of Amerindians

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader David Granger said the party had aided in the development of Amerindian people during its stint in office from 1964-1992. He was at the time speaking at a special press conference called by his party to refute claims that much progress was not made for the country’s first people during the PNC’s time in power. Granger noted that the PNC established the Amerindian Lands Commission in September 1967, adding that the commission began the task of demarcating and facilitating indigenous land rights, a process which the government is still overlooking.

He highlighted that the PNC also appointed Philip Duncan, a member of the Wapichana tribe, as first parliamentary secretary and later as Amerindian affairs minister. He also disclosed that the PNC initiated the Toshaos’ Conference from February 28-March 3, 1969, a four-day consultation in

Georgetown. This conference, he added provided 170 indigenous leaders with their first and best opportunity to discuss the problems affecting their widely dispersed communities with the central government.

He said too that the PNC administration also expanded primary education by building schools in the Aranaputa Valley and Monkey Mountain, partly through self-help.

Schools

Additionally, 11 new government-aided, allage schools were built at Konashen, Maruranau, St Ignatius, Sand Creek, Toka and Yakarinta in the Rupununi, Region Nine; Kamarang in the CuyuniMazaruni, Region Seven; Baramita, Matthew’s Ridge, Port Kaituma, Kwebanna, and Waramuri, Region Eight and Orealla, Region Six.

He stated that the hinterland scholarships policy was also expanded through the PNC regime. “Five-year

scholarships which funded tuition, allowances to buy books and clothing and return passages to their homes during the Christmas and August holidays were provided for selected students.”

He said the party also constructed the Princess Street Hostel and erected the Umana Yana on High Street, Georgetown. Transportation was also expanded, Granger said, by the construction of 10 airfields, namely at Akaraku, Coomaka, Enachu, Eteringbang, Kaikan, Kurupung, Paruima, Shea, Velgrad and Waramadong between 1966 and 1969. The APNU leader said health services were developed with the construction, equipping and staffing of health centres at Mazaruni, Moruca, Pomeroon, Potaro and Rupununi.

Granger said the PNC administration also funded scores of self-help projects, the APNU leader explained. These included, for example, a communal farm at Aishalton; community centres at Annai and Kurukabaru; a bridge at Sawariwau; wells at Massara and Toka; and a medical outpost at Wakapoa, among others.

Govt, development partners...

The work of the government and GWMO was also underscored by the UNDP resident representative. According to Musa, Guyanese must be appreciative that its government is committed to the fight against human trafficking and continues to offer support to victims who have been saved from this heinous crime. It was also pointed out that the Human Services Ministry has reached approximately 2500 individuals in 15 communities across the country through outreach programmes. She urged all participants of the training of trainers’ seminar to be extremely vigilant in the quest to combat this scourged.

“It is therefore very im-

portant for us to learn to recognise people and look at their eyes, to identify their fears, to question when you see somebody absolutely new go in your community when you don’t know where that person came from.”

Partnership

Meanwhile, Webster said her ministry along with the National Taskforce for Trafficking in Persons will continue to work hand-inhand with government and non-governmental agencies such as UNDP, IOM, the U.S. embassy, GWMO and Help and Shelter to eliminate human trafficking.

Soon the ministry will broaden its partnership base. The minister made it clear that the administration will spare no efforts

in combating human trafficking, noting that justice will be served. To date, six reports have been made for the year and three persons have been convicted. According to reports, human trafficking is an estimated US$32 billion global industry. After drug trafficking, TIP is the world’s second most profitable enterprise, a status it shares with trafficking in arms. Criminal organisations are increasingly turning to human trafficking because it is perceived that this modern day slave trade is very profitable and as a low risk of being detected when compared to drug trafficking. Last year, approximately 14,000 victims of human trafficking were brought to light worldwide. from page 10

Guyana, Venezuela to tackle illegal fishing

BY: MICHAEL YOUNGE

Guyana and Venezuela are expected to conclude discussions aimed at developing mutual and uniformed procedures for apprehending and prosecuting persons and vessels found guilty of engaging in illegal fishing.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said on Wednesday that the Subcommittees of the Fifth Joint Guyana/Venezuela HighLevel Bilateral Commission met, concluded and considered several action plans in various areas of mutual interest.

“The procedures have not been settled. As I said before, an action plan and its consideration has been adopted. Within a very short period of time... as soon as September 10, the two sides dealing with this matter would be meeting to conclude their consideration,” Dr Luncheon told a media conference.

He said it was necessary for Guyana and Venezuela to ensure that a formal agreement is in place which would mutually assist both countries in understanding the procedures to be followed when dealing with crews and vessels which are allegedly guilty of being involved in illegal fishing in neighbouring waters.

“This of course is an occurrence that has dodged the national fisheries in Venezuela and Guyana,” he emphasised as the lamented the importance of uniformity when dealing with what appears to be an increase in the amount of vessels guilty of illegal fishing or “straying” in bordering waters.

Formal agreement

The Cabinet secretary related too that the move to a formal agreement on the issue would also see procedures which are mutually acceptable being developed to treat with the legal considerations when detaining, placing people in incarceration, granting bail and prosecuting the offence in Guyana and Venezuela.

He said that while there was extant laws and provisions laid out as to criminalising the fishing by nonnationals in both countries waters, the specifics and more minor details are also necessary.

Dr Luncheon advised that the action plan also calls for procedures to be

Animal Health Lab gets USAID support to fight parasites

The Humanitarian Aid Programme (HAP) through the U.S. embassy here has gifted the Animal Health Laboratory five microscopes valued US$5000 to assist in their effort in removing parasites from livestock.

set up that would inform on what courses should be taken to dispose of the products be it fish or otherwise that are found of the offending vessels.

“These details are not explicitly addressed in legislation on either side, and such, details need to be considered ahead of the implementation of laws,” Dr Luncheon said.

Meanwhile, several other action plans are slated to engage the attention of the sub-committees and the full bilateral commission following Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s visit last weekend.

Discussions

Dr Luncheon reported that the two sides were also in discussions about agreement aimed at fighting narcotics and other illicit drugs. Additionally, Guyana is seeking observer status at the Venezuela-led Bolivarian Alliance of Our People’s (ALBA), where it would seek to advance its bilateral interests and the need for more cooperation between Caricom and Venezuela.

The Cabinet secretary announced that several other agreements and declarations signed will be looked at more closely as it relates to the telecommunications and other sectors. He did mention too that the Venezuelan Agriculture Ministry was interested in accessing training for personnel here in the snapper fishing and was also advancing interests in establishing direct linkages between Guyana and Venezuela as far as the exportation of rice was concerned.

Dr Luncheon noted that Guyana was genuinely interested in deepening the levels of cooperation and friendly relations with Venezuela and would continue to chart this course.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Dindiyal Permaul on Wednesday received the items from, HAP Director Melanie Collins and Project Manager Sharon Houston.

Dr Ramsammy said, “We are endeavouring to ensure that we build a comprehensive animal health laboratory so that not only can we provide safe and quality food for our people, but also ensure that we meet the sanitary and phytosanitary standard that allow us to export.” Guyana, he stated wants to be a major exporter of meat, meat products and milk to the Caribbean and other countries.

Vision

“Our vision, 2020, is to see Guyana a meat products, dairy products exporting country. That ambition can only be realised if we have a good quality animal health laboratory,” he said.

Minister Ramsammy said that the 2020 ambition has seen much emphasis being placed on training of animal health personnel, including veterinarians and lab technicians, in all labs across Guyana. Also towards this end, the ministry will be putting in place a database on the Veterinary Practioner’s Act, a Veterinary Council to register all veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the country, Minister Ramsammy said.

The Animal Health Lab was started with the assistance of (United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other partners in 2006, merely to be a sample collection facility that would send the specimen out for testing.

The lab since then has evolved from a sample collection facility to one that conducts testing. Minister Ramsammy said that this week, tests for foot and mouth disease would have

been conducted at the lab.

The lab is building capacity for other tests that are important in terms of food and animal safety and is now looking to conduct testing for brucellosis and bovine diseases among others, Minister Ramsammy said.

Permaul explained that during an earlier programme with the collaboration of the embassy, which looked at the contribution of veterinary medicine to poverty alleviation, partic-

ularly among the Region Three farmers who were dependent on the livestock, which were few, it was recognised that the absence of microscopes in certain key and critical areas particularly under field conditions mitigated again farmers doing well in their production techniques.

He explained that GLDA staff benefited from a few credit hours of lectures and practical sessions on parasitology from HAP.

Brazil’s Rousseff wants U.S. apology for NSA spying

Furious about a report that the U.S. government spied on her private communications, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff may cancel a planned White House visit and downgrade commercial ties unless she receives a public apology, a senior Brazilian official told Reuters on Wednesday.

A Brazilian news programme reported on Sunday that the U.S. National Security Agency spied on emails, phone calls and text messages of Rousseff and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. The report by Globo TV was based on documents leaked by fugitive former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Rousseff is due to make a formal state visit to Washington next month to meet U.S. President Barack

Canada imposes new travel regulations on Jamaicans, 29 other nationalities

Beginning Tuesday, Jamaicans travelling to Canada for visits, work or study will be required to provide their biometrics under new regulations enforced by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

According to the Canadian High Commission in Kingston, Jamaicans will be required to give fingerprints and photographic data when they apply for visas and permits.

“This new requirement will not only help protect the safety and security of Canadians while helping to facilitate legitimate travel, it will also protect prospective visitors by making it more difficult for others to forge, steal or use an applicant’s identity to gain access to Canada. In the long run, the use of this information will make entry to Canada easier by provid-

ing a reliable tool to readily confirm a person’s identity,” the high commission said in a press release, on Tuesday.

“Applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 will not have to give their biometric information. Diplomats and government officials travelling on official business are also exempt,” the release added.

Other countries that are affected by the new regulations include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Obama and discuss a possible US$4 billion jet-fighter deal, cooperation on oil and biofuels technology, as well as other commercial agreements.

The visit, which is the only such invitation extended by Obama this year, was meant to highlight a recent improvement in relations between the two biggest economies in the Americas, as well as Brazil’s emergence over the past decade as a vibrant economy and regional power.

But the official, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the episode, said Rousseff feels “patronised” by the U.S. response so far to the Globo report. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados offers new shuttle service for visitors

Barbados’ struggling tourism sector is set to get a boost following the launch of a new shuttle service to bring tourists to the city to shop.

Following two months of planning, some Bridgetown retailers which offer duty-free shopping, in collaboration with hotel owners launched the Bridgetown Express, a shuttle service that will collect tourists from South and West Coast hotels and take them, for a fee, to the city, where they will have the opportunity to do dutyfree shopping. The service, which is expected to begin on October 1, will be operated six days per week. Speaking during the launch at the Waterfront Café, Tourism Minister Richard Sealy welcomed the initiative, saying it should “significantly enhance our tourism product offerings”.

“This new initiative has great potential for stimulating economic activity within the designated World Heritage property. So we have something to be excited about,” he said.

“Research indicates that tourists have, for some time, become a very important segment of the market in shop-

ping and in order to continue to diversify our product offerings it is necessary to create the appropriate marketing mix which targets and accommodates this particular segment. The Bridgetown Express responds to that,” he said, adding that he wanted to see the involvement of “attractions, restaurants and art and craft persons”. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Dominica establishing ICT park

The Agricultural Industrial Development Bank (AID) says it is establishing an Information Communication Technology (ICT) park that would provide employment for more than 3000 Dominicans.

Manager of the AID Industrial Estate Unit,

Ian Williams said 25,000 square feet of land has been purchased at Canefield on the outskirts of the capital for the project. He said the preliminary designs and cost estimates for the EC$40 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) project have been completed. This project will be on a phase basis. It will be de-

veloped on two sites mainly in Canefield and Picard in Portsmouth (north of here).

In Canefield, we intend to construct a 25,000 square feet office building which will make provisions for housing at least a 1000 call centre seats,” he said, adding it would provide employment for thousands of people in a shift system.

He said another 60,000 square feet factory would be constructed providing for high tech assembly, ICT based businesses and electronic assembly. Williams said the provides an opportunity to diversify the local economy by attracting foreign and joint venture industries. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Video of police arrest causes stir in Cayman Islands

Video of a controversial arrest of a Nicaraguan woman, apparently showing the use of excessive force by police in the Cayman Islands, is causing a stir locally following its publication online.

Compounding local reaction to the incident involving restaurant manager Silvana Lewis is the

audio recording, which indicates that the police involved were Jamaicans and not Caymanians.

“I thought this happened in Jamaica. I never heard one Caymanian voice... all patois!” said one person commenting on Facebook.

“I don’t know which was more disturbing watching the arrest or listening to

the dialogue of the police talking to each other afterwards,” said another.

Dr Frank McField, a former Cabinet minister, was arrested along with Lewis and charged with resisting arrest and obstructing police following an incident at his restaurant in May last year, when officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)

tried to seize equipment being used to play music after midnight on a Sunday.

The charges against McField were dismissed earlier this year when he successfully argued that the police should not have entered his premises to take anything without a warrant or without having made an arrest beforehand. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

TT Film Festival launched Brazil’s lower house bans secret

TT’s Film Company (TTFC) CEO Carla Foderingham called for local films to be shown year-round and not only during the TT Film Festival. She made the statement during the launch of the festival at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. It takes place from September 17 to October 1. Foderingham urged the public to call on agencies, such as Caribbean Airlines, the Public Transportation Service Corporation and the TT InterIsland Transportation Company to choose local films for their entertainment packages.

She also urged the public and the media to strengthen support for local filmmakers. “We need to dream

bigger and to be proud Trinis. Film is worth it and so are we,” said Foderingham. She added that film was one av-

enue to building a better society and unifying the country. The TTFC has become a leading sponsor of the festival and will sponsor the awards for Best Local Feature Film and Best Local Short Film. This was one of many announcements made during the launch. In addition to screening 142 films and hosting panels and workshops, the festival will include a UNESCOsponsored conference, a tribute to filmmaker John Akomfrah, screenings of music videos and the addition of a closing night reception. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

voting after protests

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a ban on secret voting in both houses of Congress. The measure, which will now have to be approved by the Senate, had been a key demand by protesters who took to the streets of major cities in June.

They said they wanted more transparency to know where their parliamentary representatives stood on key decisions. The constitutional amendment was first proposed seven years ago but had been stalled in the lower house since then.

But in a unanimous late-night vote on Tuesday, the 452 deputies present voted to abolish secret voting in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

The decision came just days after

legislators voted – in a secret ballot – to allow Congressman Natan Donadon to continue in his post.

Donadon is serving a 13-year prison sentence for corruption. He is the first serving Congressman to be sent to prison since Brazil returned to democracy in the 1980s. Congressional President Henrique Alves said the vote had been a blow for the credibility of Brazilian lawmakers.

“I can say, without the shadow of a doubt, that I have never seen the credibility of this house take a worse hit than the one last week,” he said. The case of Donadon and other lawmakers convicted of crimes but still serving in Congress was described as a slap in the face by protesters.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian president warns West on Syria action

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West against taking one-sided action in Syria, but he also said Russia “doesn’t exclude” supporting a United Nations resolution on punitive military strikes, if it is proved that Damascus used poison gas on its own people.

only one he granted prior to the summit of G-20 nations in St Petersburg, which opens today.

Around the World

Refugee Ranjini fights indefinite detention in Australia’s High Court

to more than 50 other refugees deemed a security risk and has serious implications for their liberty too,” said her lawyer David Manne, who as the executive director of Australia’s Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre, is representing most of the refugees involved.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Associated Press and Russia’s state Channel 1 television, Putin said Moscow has provided some components of the S-300 air defence missile system to Syria, but has frozen further shipments. He suggested that Russia may sell the potent missile systems elsewhere if Western nations attack Syria without UN Security Council backing.

The summit was supposed to concentrate on the global economy, but now looks likely to be dominated by the international crisis over allegations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons in the country’s civil war.

The interview at Putin’s country residence outside the Russian capital was the

16 Shia family members killed in Iraq

Armed men in Iraq have shot dead 16 members of the same Shia family before blowing up their two neighbouring homes south of the capital Baghdad, police and medics said.

The overnight attack took place in the town of Latifiya, 40km south of Baghdad, officials said on Wednesday. The dead included six children and eight women.

“Gunmen broke into our house overnight and shot my father four times in the head, they killed my two brothers, they killed my cousin, they were shooting everyone they saw, I escaped from the back door,” Haneen Mudhhir said.

The killings came hours after at least 60 people were killed in a series of car bomb

explosions in Baghdad. The largest death toll was from a car bomb explosion in a busy street in the al-Talibiya district of northern Baghdad.

No one, nor any group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. Violence in Iraq has intensified since April to levels not seen since 2008.

More than 4000 people have been killed over the past five months alone, including more than 800 in August, according to figures provided by UN officials based in Iraq.

The bloodshed, 18 months after the withdrawal of U.S. troops, has stirred concerns about a return to the sectarian slaughter of 2006-07, when the monthly death toll sometimes topped 3000. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Putin said he felt sorry that President Barack Obama cancelled a oneon-one meeting in Moscow that was supposed to have happened before the summit. But he expressed hope the two would have serious discussions about Syria and other issues in St Petersburg. (The Embassy of the Russian Federation)

Arefugee and mother of three young boys who is being held in indefinite detention in Australia has two days to convince the country’s highest court why she should be freed.

It’s her last shot at overturning a government policy which was recently condemned by a United Nations Human Right Committee re-

Radiation in water at Fukushima plant hits record high

Radiation readings around tanks holding contaminated water at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant have spiked by more than a fifth to their highest levels, Japan’s nuclear regulator said, heightening concerns about the clean-up of the worst atomic disaster in almost three decades.

Radiation hotspots have spread to three holding areas for hundreds of hastily built tanks storing water contaminated by being flushed over three reactors that melted down at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in March 2011.

The rising radiation levels and leaks at the plant have prompted internation-

al alarm, and the Japanese government said on Tuesday it would step in with almost US$500 million of funding to fix the growing levels of contaminated water at the plant.

Readings just above the ground near a set of tanks at the plant showed radiation as high as 2200 millisieverts (mSv), the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) said on Wednesday. The previous high in areas holding the tanks was the 1800 mSv recorded on Saturday.

Both levels would be enough to kill an unprotected person within hours. The NRA has said the recently discovered hotspots are highly concentrated and easily shielded. (Excerpt from France24)

Mali’s new president promises to bring peace, fight graft

Mali’s new president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, pledged to stamp out corruption and bring peace to the turbulent north as he was sworn in on Wednesday, 18 months after a coup and rebel uprising plunged the gold exporter into chaos.

The former prime minister won last month’s runoff vote by a landslide – the first election since soldiers took the capital and Tuareg separatists and Islamist insurgents seized the northern half of the country.

Keita told a packed auditorium he would unite the fractured country – once seen as a haven of stability in West Africa – and thanked France for its military intervention that drove al Qaeda-linked fighters

as president in Bamako, Mali, September 4

out of the vast desert territory.

France did not tackle the separatists – saying their uprising was a domestic matter – and Mali’s government has already promised to start talks with the Tuaregs, currently clustered in their remote north-eastern stronghold of Kidal.

“National reconciliation is our most pressing priority,” said Keita, wearing a yellow presidential sash across a business suit. “From tomorrow, we will take appropriate steps to bring a lasting peace to break this cycle of rebellions in the north.”

Light-skinned Tuaregs, demanding greater autonomy from the black African-dominated southern capital Bamako, have launched four rebellions since independence from France in 1960. (Excerpt from Reuters)

port as “cruel, inhuman and degrading.”

Failure will mean that Ranjini, a 34-year-old Sri Lankan refugee, will continue to be held without trial for the foreseeable future, for reasons that remain a national secret. And she’s not the only one.

“The core issues in Ranjini’s case are common

Ranjini is seeking to be released into the community to live with her family, the two young boys she fled with who are now aged seven and nine, her new husband and their eight-month-old child.

“It has caused Ranjini, her boys and her husband profound distress and harm,” Manne said. “Every day of detention is another day of damage.” Ranjini fled Sri Lanka in 2008 with her two sons Pirai and Kathir – then aged four and two –two years after her husband and their father was killed in the civil war. (Excerpt from CNN)

Family last heard from crocodile man in 1996

News coverage of a New Zealand man who survived stranded on a remote Australian island was the first his Wellington family had heard of him in nearly 20 years.

Ryan Blair, 37, was rescued at the weekend after a six metre crocodile kept him prisoner on Governor Islands in Australia’s isolated far north-west. His remarkable tale of a kayak adventure gone wrong, and his fear and panic of being stalked by the huge saltwater reptile every time he tried to paddle off the island, has been told around the world this week.

Images of him retelling his story is the first

Margaret Blair has seen of her son since 1996. Mrs Blair told the Herald her son was estranged from the family. After speaking with her husband, she said the Porirua family did not want to be drawn on how they lost touch, but hoped her son would one day make contact with them again.

“We are all just totally relieved he has come through his experience and he is still alive and well,” she said. “We were tempted [to try to contact him] but we think it is best to leave it and see what happens. “It will be interesting to see whether he stays over there or comes back here and we might be able to make contact then.”

(Excerpt from New Zealand Herald)

Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro found hanged in cell

Ariel Castro, who kept women captive at his home in Cleveland, Ohio, has died after being found hanging in his cell. Prison officials said he died in hospital late on Tuesday, after prison medical staff failed to revive him. Castro, 53, held three women against their will for about a decade until May this year. He chained the women, beat and raped them. The prosecutor who tried him called him a “coward” unable to withstand “a small portion” of what he had inflicted. Castro was sentenced on August 1 to life imprisonment without parole plus 1000 years. The house was demolished. The former school bus driver abduct-

ed Michelle Knight, 32, Amanda Berry, 27, and Gina DeJesus, 23, from Cleveland streets between 2002-04.

A spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, JoEllen Smith, said: “He was housed in protective custody which means he was in a cell by himself and rounds are required every 30 minutes at staggered intervals.

“Upon finding inmate Castro, prison medical staff began performing life saving measures. Shortly after he was transported to [the prison medical facility] where he was pronounced dead at 22:52h.” “A thorough review of this incident is under way,” she added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

HSBC pulls out of The Bahamas

Adecision by HSBC to exit the banking market in The Bahamas in no way indicates deficiencies on the part of the Bahamian financial services environment, according to the financial services minister.

Responding to an announcement by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC Ltd) that it will close its Nassau operation by year end 2014, Ryan Pinder said he “would

not be surprised” if the decision came as part of an overall “strategic review” of the company’s presence in the Caribbean region following the revocation of one of its branch banking licences by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) earlier this year.

In a release issued late Friday, HSBC stated: “As part of its ongoing strategic review of all group businesses, HSBC has decided to exit the banking market in The Bahamas

Just before Samsung’s Unpacked Episode 2 event on Wednesday in Berlin, the company gave Yahoo! Finance a sneak peek at its just announced Galaxy Note 3, an update to the mega-screen Galaxy Note II smartphone, along with a new smart watch called the Galaxy Gear, which works exclusively (for now) with the new and improved Note. Both products will be available worldwide September 25.

The Note 3 offers significant improvements over its

Special funds used by big companies to park billions of euros of cash face stricter rules to make them safer, the European Commission said on Wednesday, taking a first step to reform unregulated finance known as shadow banking.

The draft law, criticised by industry as too harsh but by Germany as not strict enough, will regulate the euro money market funds sector, demanding some funds set aside cash buffers to avoid a panic should many investors with-

predecessor. These include a larger, higher-definition display; a faster processor; a higher-capacity battery; and all of the advanced wireless sharing and gesture controls available on the Galaxy S 4. Yet, this new Note is about the same size as the old one and actually a bit lighter, according to Samsung. The apps on it have been tweaked to use the S-Pen stylus in new ways, such as to jot down notes that get stored as text or phone numbers you can dial directly. Other en-

through the closure of the Nassau branch of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.

“The closure of this small non-core operation, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be complete by year end 2014.” The company directed media queries to HSBC Bahamas chief executive officer Peter Waterhouse. Up to press time, Waterhouse did not return a call left late Friday. (Caribbean News Now)

Africa

"Africa’s

If you’re reading this somewhere in Africa, then perhaps you should thank Nii Quaynor. The Ghanaian professor is known as “Africa’s father of the Internet,” a web pioneer who helped establish some of the continent’s first online connections.

For some 20 years now, soft-spoken Quaynor has been at the forefront of web development across Africa. He is the first African to be elected to the board of ICANN, the Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers.

Asia

hancements include the ability to simultaneously interact with two apps on one screen and a flowing, magazine like view of your photos, messages, social-network feeds, and news sources.

The water-resistant Galaxy Gear smart watch, with a 1.67-inch OLED display, is designed to keep major features of the Note 3 on hand – literally. On its own, it serves as a watch, a pedometer, a voice recorder, and a two-megapixel camera/camcorder. (Yahoo! Finance)

Japanese camera and medical equipment maker Olympus and its UK subsidiary Gyrus Group will be prosecuted by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. They have been charged with providing “misleading, false or deceptive” material in accounts for Gyrus Group.

Olympus’s acquisition of Gyrus was one of the deals called into question as a US$1.7 billion (£1.1 billion) accounting scandal at the Japanese firm unfolded in 2011.

Three former executives

He’s also played an important part in launching the African Network Operators Group and AfriNIC, the African Internet numbers registry.

As a result, Quaynor was recently inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame, lauded as an instrumental figure “in the early design and development of the Internet.” He is today chairman of Ghana’s information technology agency and a professor at the country’s Cape Coast University.

CNN: How did you get the title of father of the Internet

in Africa?

Nii Quaynor: Actually I don’t know, but perhaps I made a lot of effort to get my colleagues to understand and to participate and to begin to contribute to the Internet. And I have been fortunate with a very good educational background and so I also wanted to impart the knowledge and I was a major contributor in building some of the important technical institutions that make up the Internet ecosystem in Africa.

(CNN)

have been given suspended jail terms over the affair.

Former chairman Tsuyoshi Kikukawa and executives Hisashi Mori and Hideo Yamada were sentenced for their role, after pleading guilty last year to charges of falsifying accounts to cover up losses of US$1.7 billion.

It is one of the biggest financial frauds in Japan’s history and came to light when the-then chief executive Michael Woodford was dismissed from his post after challenging Kikukawa and

the board over suspiciously large payments related to acquisitions.

The purchase of Gyrus was one of the deals that Woodford raised questions about. He had claimed that he was fired for raising the issue and had contacted the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) about the Japanese firm’s accounting practices.

That led to an investigation being launched in Japan, which revealed a cover-up of losses dating back to the 1990s. (BBC News)

draw money at once.

This would lower what EU financial services chief Michel Barnier said was a risk to the financial system from the trillion euro sector, but users of the funds warn that demanding funds hoard more for a rainy day would make them too expensive.

The changes are part of efforts to shine a light on shadow banking, a 24-trillion-euro industry in Europe – half the world’s total – that comprises money market funds, some hedge funds, and firms

involved in securities lending and repurchase markets.

Such groups borrow and lend, just like banks do, but because they are not banks they often fall outside the remit of regulation, which is why they are considered to be in the “shadow” of traditional finance.

In the European Union, money market funds are mainly based in France, Ireland and Luxembourg and are heavily used by companies in Germany, Britain and elsewhere. (Reuters)

Dubai’s housing market is growing on the back of improving fundamentals with low off-plan sales, according to a new report by Standard Chartered. It said the improvement in real estate prices – reportedly up by more than 30 per cent for apartments over the past year – was not caused by speculators in the market.

The bank’s report said this, alongside increasing real estate regulation, differenti-

To start a new career involves an investment of time, and in many cases depending on the career, money. Starting a new career also takes a certain degree of courage in an individual, to begin a new path after perhaps already having tried another.

The most important element before embarking on a new career consists of knowing what you want and how hard you want to work for it. You can start by creating a list of career options that you would find fulfilling, not just ones that you might be able to do.

Your new career list

Your new career list would not only contain the possible

ated the price rally from the one in 2008.

Factors enabling this improvement included Dubai’s growing economy, an increasing population, and the prospect of the city hosting the World Expo 2020, said the report, adding that these limited the possibility of a new real estate bubble.

The report said in the past twelve months, residential prices in Dubai have increased by 38 per cent for

apartments and 24 per cent for villas while rents have risen 20 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

“The key difference between the real estate market in 2008 and in 2013 is off-plan sales. Flipping of off-plan properties was the main reason behind the previous boom-and-bust cycle. Authorities are deploying efforts to ensure that off-plan sales are controlled,” the report said. (Arabianbusiness)

fields you would like to pursue, but also all of your talents and abilities which could be applied to your new career path. Focus on what you are good at and what activities make you happy. Also, list the abilities which you may not have, but are willing to develop in the interest of furthering your new career. After completing the list, you will probably have a better idea of what kind of new career you want and how you might go about embarking on it.

Taking on the challenge

Once you have decided on the career you wish to develop, a number of ways exist to achieve your goals. Going to

school or vocational training is the traditional way, but on the job experience or having a mentor generally works better. Many fields require certain academic credentials, such as law or medicine, which would require that one attend a university. Nevertheless, with a growing number of courses available over the Internet, to start a new career now takes less effort and can often be done from home.

Finding work in the field you choose for a career offers the best situation. Being paid for the type of work you enjoy doing can be extremely satisfying and depending on your focus, could be a key ingredient in a happy and fulfilling life. (Business Dictionary)

Fire guts L’Aventure

Secondary

– alternative arrangements being implemented

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

An early morning fire partially gutted the L’Aventure Secondary School, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara on Wednesday.

Students of the school will be relocated to other educational institutions so that their studies would not be interrupted.

Hours after the fire, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam and a team from the Region Three administration, including the regional chairman, vice chairman, regional education officer and regional executive officer, met with the school’s Parent Teachers’ Association where some decisions were taken.

Capacity

From the meeting, it was decided that form one students will continue attending classes as per normal at the school’s annex located at the Two Brothers Primary School while students of forms two, three, four, and five will be housed in a building set aside by Kumal Singh, a contractor in the area. The building has the capacity to house all 699 students.

With the new arrangements, parents took the opportunity to raise concerns about transportation to and from the locations since the accommodations are farther than where the school is situated. Regional officials agreed to make some intervention as it relates to this matter.

Also, since the fire damaged all the records, the students will have to be re-registered and this process will commence today at the annex at the Two Brothers Primary School for forms two and three at 09:00h and 13:00h respectively. On Friday, forms four and five will be accommodated at the same times.

Explosions

The fire reportedly started about 07:45h following two loud explosions in the Home Economics Department of the secondary school, resulting in students and teachers scampering to safety. The explosions are suspected to have come from two gas cylinders in the lower-flat of the two-storey building which housed the administrative office, library and staff room.

Guyana Times understands that the headteacher of the school, Alicia Daniels was in her office about 15 minutes prior to the fire. The fire was first observed

by a teacher, Sir Teekaram, who was at the time teaching mathematics to fifth form students. An alarm was raised and the fire service was contacted. The first tender to arrive on the scene was the one from Wales, which contained the fire to a point and was ably assisted by two other tenders which arrived on the scene soon after.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told this newspaper that the Guyana Fire Service received the report about the fire about 07:50h and two fire tenders from the West Ruimveldt and Leonora Fire stations were dispatched.

Gentle confirmed that only late last week, a team of electrician visited the school after receiving reports about faulty electrical outlets which were reportedly sparking. He said coming out of the visit, the electricians disconnected the electricity supplies to certain sections of the school, and as part of their investigations, they intend to meet with the regional team to get a clear indication of the problems that were experienced.

All hands on deck

Sam, who was present at the scene, explained that he received a telephone call

of the affected children that all arrangements will be put in place for the students to return to school.

I saw smoke

Meanwhile, an eyewitness explained that he had just dropped off his child when he saw smoke bellowing from the building followed by huge flames. Due to the materials used to construct the building, he noted that the fire spread rapidly. He disclosed that based on reports received, the Home Economics Department caught fire last week due to faulty wiring, but the blaze was extinguished.

The eyewitness said the

He said due to the heavy traffic on the East Bank and West Coast corridors, it took the firefighters some time to reach the scene.

He added that the firefighters managed to save 60 per cent of the building. Gentle believes that the fire may have been electrical in nature, but they are also investigating the reports of the explosions.

He disclosed that in this case, the fire took a while to spread due to the direction of the wind.

about 07:30h informing him of the fire. He confirmed that the fire might have started in the vicinity of the administrative office which is close to the Home Economics Department. As the fire intensified, he said that the staff room, library and other sections of the school were completely gutted.

He noted that there were no injuries and the ministry will do everything in its powers to sure that the students are not deprived of their education. Sam assured parents

Granger tired of political stalemate – urges

new political culture

BY: SABATINI DANIELS

Opposition Leader

David Granger said a new political culture is needed if the country is to progress, noting that this remains the responsibility of the three political parties.

Speaking at an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) news conference at his Hadfield Street office on Wednesday, Granger stated that the “new political culture” should be based on a form of governance that prevents gridlock in the National Assembly.

Granger added that the new political culture should also encourage cordial relations and civilised dialogues among the parties, underscoring that it is for this reason, since December 1, 2011; the three political parties initiated a tripartite process.

“When I speak of a new political culture, I speak of creating a relationship among the three parties in the National Assembly to ensure that the dialogue that takes place is for the benefit of the whole people and we do not have collisions and car crashes that we have had over the last 18 months,” he said.

Job creation

incident was reported to the Regional Engineers Department at Vreed-enHoop, but nothing was done.

The man further added that this is not the first time that the school has been experiencing electrical problems, and in most instances, it was not corrected.

As part of the investigations, the police were called and are expected to question several persons, including the headteacher and other teachers who were present at the scene.

The opposition leader stated that APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) would also like the government to set up a tripartite Budget Committee that the three parties can work on to meet consensus. The work of the National Assembly has been characterised by political brinkmanship ever since the 2011 election. Numerous bills, motions and even the national budgets have been subjected to disagreements.

Only recently, the Amaila Falls bill, though managed to clear the House, could not prevent the developer from pulling out, owing to lack of consensus as the main opposition, APNU, voted against it.

Granger only recently had criticised the government for not dealing with the issue of

youth unemployment, but the administration hit back, saying that it was his party that killed the Amaila Falls project, which would have been a job creator.

Granger told the news conference that his party would like the government to explain exactly how this project will provide employment since it does not see this happening. He added, “We don’t want to produce labourers.”

The APNU leader also said since Sithe Global has hinted “unequivocally” and “unapologetically” that it is not interested in the hydro project any longer, its licence, which will expire at the end of the year, should be revoked. “I don’t know what the legal mechanism is for recovering the licence, but if is being voluntarily surrendered, it could be advertised for another bidder,” he said.

Other sites

Granger stated that there are about a 100 sites in Guyana which can generate hydropower, hence, his party is not questioning whether Amaila Falls is the best, explaining that there may be other sites which can be linked to the project to acquire benefits. “We need to examine an interlocking area of hydropower so that we get the greatest potential," said Granger.

He said APNU has insisted that government takes a comprehensive Amaila Falls project before the National Assembly so it can look at the financial architecture, managerial structure, the plan, the means for disseminating the power and the improvement of the performance of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which is going to be given the responsibility for distributing electricity from the project.

“We will ensure when APNU votes for that project, it will be something that the people of Guyana welcome, we look forward to having cheap power, abundant power and a hydropower project.”

SUDOKU

You will have impeccable timing today, allowing you to wheel and deal to your heart’s content, but tread carefully when it comes to personal matters – listening, not strutting, may be required.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

A partnership arrangement may need to be strengthened. Devote some time and attention to how you treat the other party. A physical change will draw compliments.

You’re entering a good cycle in which to expand your social sphere. Don’t be afraid to try something new. A commitment can be made that will bring about a positive and fruitful future.

Put everything into any job you’ve been asked to do. Use your innovative imagination to instill a unique touch. Your hard work will lead to interesting prospects.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

You’ll be drawn to someone who could benefit you. Turn on the charm, and you will get everything you need, including a valuable partner.

(March 21-April 19)

Keep things simple, and avoid excess and impulsive actions. Choose to be reliable and consistent instead of giving in to the temptations of risk and adventure.

(April 20-May 20)

Check out new ways of operation that could make your life easier. Find out if new trends and philosophic views that reflect a fastpaced world could make you more marketable.

(May 21June 20)

You could be fed information that isn’t accurate. Do your own factchecking and don’t be shy about sharing the results. If your claim is legitimate, others will follow your lead.

Go over every available option before you put your plan in place. If you are precise and detailed, you will succeed in a very splashy and public manner.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A careful weighing of the pros and cons will help defuse a delicate situation, whether at work or in your home life. Do what’s best and most calming for you – now’s not the time for stress.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Things you do for others will in turn help you. If you think and act creatively, one of your dreams will be within reach. Confidence is a must.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Someone could try to pressure you to do something that may not sit well with you ethically. If you listen to your conscience and help the underdog, you could gain a devoted ally.

& 3

227-2199, 227-2186

cAR RENtAL

Journey Inn Apartments & car rental. Rooms & car to rent from $3000 Premio, Vitz. Phone: 679-7109, 6896668, 639-4452.

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

Electronics course - practicals 12 persons per class, register early, beginning September 4, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 226-6551, 225-0391. Music is fun! Register now and learn to play the keyboard, guitar, drums and do voice training. Call Foundation 7 on: 225-1151/617-4200

Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

Mixed breed pups. Phone: 2533114, 692-0126

Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationship and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses, and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointments only. Clinic hours: 11:00 – 17:00h. Tel: 592-6210552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail. com

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for all chronic genetical /none genetical and diseases, including, HIV, Cancer, diabetic, pregnancy, sexual (weakness) etc. Phone: 685- 3220. Are you pouring on pounds? Then call Raul /Carol Wilson: 660-6818, 641-5923, 216-3016, 216-3601 for your healthy eating package.

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK, Immigration and Visa matters. Self Sponsorships, Holiday/ Visitor’s Visas, Work Permits, Students Visas, Family, Class, Immigration Forms, Embassy Enquiries, Appeals for Refused Cases, U.S Green Card Lottery, Business Class Waivers, Pardons etc. Get your Visa approved. High Success Rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts.) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

YELLOW PAGES

Thursday, sepTember 5, 2013

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

Retired Engineer aged 66 would like to know a single female over the age of 50. Phone: 604-7022

One business property, Lamaha Street. Phone: 669-3313, 231-4586, 695-4382. Properties for sale. Phone: 642-2116

1 large 5-bedroom house with business. Diamond. Phone: 627-3902

2-storey concrete house 32’x 55’, 4 bedrooms, block 8 Mon Repos, ECD, $35 million. Phone: 642-2116

Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 6621247.

Repairs to LCD, LED, plasma, projection, CRT TV’s, microwave ovens, etc, ordering of circuit boards and hard to get spares, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 2250391 Greenes Electrical Contracting Services For all electrical services contact Greene Electrical Contracting Services, we specialize in phoneS & data, CATV, CCTV, intercoms, fiber optics, fire alarms, security systemS, SVC equipments, all other residential, industrial & commercial installation. Phone 223-0973, 618-3075 for safe & reliable services.

SPiRituALity

Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer, the most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems - (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112.

cuttiNg

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 2253923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

7-bedroom family/students/ individuals. Bungalow for long & short term rental (local & overseas guests), facilities included, vegetarian meals available. Contact BG Real Estate Agency on: 622-7079, 220-2130.

One office space for rent at 195A Camp St, Georgetown. Phone: 6173673, 677-0073

2 bonds with 30,000 and 15,000sq ft space, with offices and residence; 15 minutes from Georgetown, ample parking. Call 647-8077/613-0567

One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535

2 modern apartments located in Campbellville, Georgetown, hot and cold water, self-contained rooms etc. Phone: 219-4535

VEHicLES FOR SALE

One Honda Cappa (Yellow) ideal for taxi or private use. Leather seats and roof, reverse camera, DVD/TV/ CD player, mag rims. Also Motorola Base Radio with Antennae. HC series; immaculate condition; give away price $1.2M. Call 647-2491.

One black scooter for sale, excellent condition. Phone: 602-7277, for information.

Den Amstel Ebenezer Congregational Church celebrates 170th anniversary

President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger joined in fellowship with members of the Den Amstel Ebenezer Congregational Church as it commemorated its 170th anniversary with an evening service.

The celebration began with a parade march from the old church site at Blankenburg to the present location. A vehicle with speaker boxes playing gospel music led the contingent of celebrants.

The church is replete with history dating back to the 19th century when it was first established, and like several other heritage sites in Guyana, the Ebenezer Congregational Church survived the era of slavery, emancipation and independence.

Fond memories

The atmosphere brought back fond memories for President Ramotar who was christened in the congregational church during his childhood years in Karia Karia, a tranquil village along the Essequibo River.

As it marked another important anniversary, President Ramotar is looking to the church for advocacy on some of society’s ongoing challenges. He made reference to domestic abuse and poverty which he drew a close connection to drugs, alcohol and criminal activities to which the nation’s youth are most susceptible.

“ We will try to work to ensure that our state functions

President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger with Reverend Valeska Austin, the first female pastor of the Ebenezer Congregational Church at Den Amstel during the church’s 170th anniversary celebration

better to deliver justice and security to our people, but as I have said, we cannot do it alone and I am happy to partner with the church, with other religious organisations, with civil society, with political parties… I have to work every day on the assumption that all of us want to have a better life for our people,” President Ramotar said.

He also sees the role of the church in helping to fulfill his long dream of writing the history of Karia Karia where there is a wealth of background knowledge about congregationalism.

A scripture reading from Matthew Chapter 13 ended President Ramotar’s remarks, leaving behind an inspirational message for the congregation. It reads:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its

saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”

Among those present were junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill; the first female pastor of the Ebenezer Congregational Church, Reverend Valeska Austin; and Den Amstel Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairman George Nedd.

Rare Van Gogh Sunflowers image found

Arare photograph of a lost Sunflowers painting by Vincent Van Gogh has been found, showing for the first time how the artist wanted his work to be seen. Van Gogh painted Six Sunflowers in 1888 but it was destroyed in Japan in 1945.

L AND FOR SALE

Parfaite Harmonie $1M and $1.2M phone: 675-7292

Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 6126417, 687-5653

Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592690-1824. Email: anew-life@live.com

A photo of the painting has been uncovered in the archives of a Japanese museum, showing that the artist wanted it to be exhibited in an orange frame. “He saw this orange frame as an integral piece of the artwork,” Van Gogh specialist Martin Bailey said. The painting, also known as Vase with Five Sunflowers, shows the flowers in a vase against a dark blue background.

It was sold to a Japanese collector and shipped to Japan in 1920. But it was destroyed in a fire after U.S. bombing of Osaka during World War II. Martin Bailey, a curator and correspondent for The Art Newspaper, discovered the photograph while researching his book “The Sunflowers are Mine: The Story of Van Gogh’s Masterpiece”.

“I went back to Van Gogh’s letters and he described when he was painting the sunflowers how he was going to put them in an orange frame. That has never been seen before,” he said. “Van Gogh loved complementary colours, like blue and orange together. He was really creating a total work of art, framing his picture. “We can actually see how Van Gogh wanted to present his sunflowers. We can see the painting as Van Gogh wanted to be seen.

“It was a revolutionary idea at the time, framing a painting in orange. Conventionally, paintings were framed in

The orange frame would have appeared “shocking”

gilt frames, and modern paintings were sometimes framed in plain white frames. “It showed what imagination and flair he had in doing something that was rather bold and would have actually appeared shocking. He wasn’t frightened of that. He was really using his imagination.” Another of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers series sold for £25 million in 1987, smashing the record for the world’s most expensive painting at the time. (BBC News)

5, 2013

Even after the strong showing of their bowlers on the first day in Harare, doubts persisted over whether Zimbabwe would pose a challenge, given the fragility of their Test batting, especially in the absence of Brendan Taylor, and the quality Pakistan’s attack.

Those concerns were heightened soon after lunch, when both the set batsmen Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza were dismissed off consecutive deliveries on Wednesday.

However Malcolm Waller, who found form over the past week after a miserable series against India, and the debutant Sikandar Raza underlined Zimbabwe’s ability to stand up to the bigger teams with a 127-run partnership for the fourth wicket that put the hosts on course for the lead. They were ahead by 32 at stumps, and will probably need a few more considering they have to bat last in the game, when Saeed Ajmal’s bag of tricks will prove a handful.

quicks, Junaid and Rahat Ali, produced a number of testing deliveries but couldn’t maintain a consistent line, though Junaid ended Tino Mawoyo’s comeback innings ended on 13. The other opener, Sibanda, had a difficult time early on, particularly against Rahat, and was struck on the forearm and later just above the waist. He played some graceful strokes as well when the bowlers erred, the highlights being effortless offdrives down the ground. When Rahat lost his line and length in the 19th over, Sibanda took him for three fours. Keeping him company was Masakadza, who launched a six onto the sightscreen in Ajmal’s first over.

Zimbabwe then had their post-lunch wobble but showed enough spine to finish the day as frontrunners.

Ajmal strikes but Zimbabwe take lead SCOREBOARD

For the second day in a row, Ajmal did his bit to keep Pakistan from falling too far back in the game. On Tuesday, his unbeaten 49 had rescued Pakistan from 182 for 8, and today, after being dismissed first ball in the morning, he snared four wickets to keep Zimbabwe’s lead from getting out of hand. Still, there can be no doubts over which of the two sides will be happier at this stage of the Test - Zimbabwe’s stand-in captain Masakadza sported a huge grin and even tried out a couple of dance moves as he watched the final overs of the day.

The only time Pakistan looked like they could take control of the game was early in the second session, when Zimbabwe slipped to 68 for 3. Junaid Khan, the pace spearhead, was rewarded for a probing over in which he tweaked his line and length till he got it perfect on the final delivery, inducing Sibanda to nick to the keeper. Off the next ball, Ajmal fired in a straighter one and Masakadza was bowled as he played for the offspin.

Raza was playing his first Test and Waller hadn’t scored a half-century in any format since his 55 at the start of the Bangladesh series in April. With the wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami not being a recognised batsman, the lower order didn’t inspire too much confidence.

Waller, though, wasn’t cowed by the situation, showing his confidence by hitting his first ball for four, a cover drive off Ajmal. That shot made a frequent appearance as Waller sprinted to 33 off 30 balls, with seven boundaries. In what had been a low-scoring game, that burst of run making shifted the pressure back on Pakistan, and made it easier for Raza to settle. Waller batted witah an open stance and regularly cashed in on the width offered, slapping the ball past point, bringing up his half-century with one of those shots.

Raza was more cautious early on, but swiftly grew in confidence. He was assured while using his feet against the spinners, and after having spent an hour in the middle, he was bold enough to charge out and

launch Abdur Rehman over his head for four. He also employed the sweep shot, and Pakistan’s challenge began to fade around tea. In 10 overs either side of the session, Waller and Raza picked off 54 runs, and Zimbabwe were clearly on top.

That was the cue for Ajmal to produce another of his moments of magic, getting Waller to edge to slips. Raza then slammed a catch to midwicket, leaving Pakistan with an outside chance of taking the lead. Elton Chigumbura, however, has been a regular source of runs lower down the order, and once again he delivered, ending the day unbeaten on 40 to put Zimbabwe well ahead.

The lower-order resistance mirrored the resolve shown by the top or-

Pakistan 1st innings Khurram Manzoor lbw

b Panyangara 11

Mohammad Hafeez c Sibanda

b Chatara 5

Azhar Ali c Sibanda

b S Masakadza 78

Younis Khan b Panyangara 3

Misbah-ul-Haq* c Sibanda

b Utseya 53

Asad Shafiq c Mawoyo b Utseya 4

Adnan Akmal† b Chatara 18

Abdur Rehman lbw

b S Masakadza 7

Saeed Ajmal b Chatara 49

Junaid Khan c †Mutumbami b Panyangara 17

Rahat Ali not out 0

Extras: (lb3, w1) 4

Total: (all out, 90.1 overs) 249

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-21, 3-27, 4-120, 5-132, 6-157, 7-173, 8-182, 9-249, 10-249

Bowling: T Chatara 22.1-6-

(Cricinfo)

64-3, T Panyangara 20-2-713, S Masakadza 22-8-40-2, E Chigumbura 2-0-15-0, P Utseya 23-1-55-2, H Masakadza 1-0-1-0

Zimbabwe 1st innings T Mawoyo c †Akmal b Khan 13

V Sibanda c †Akmal b J Khan 31 H Masakadza* b Ajmal 19 S Raza c Misbah-ul-Haq b Ajmal 60 M Waller c Hafeez b Ajmal 70 E Chigumbura not out 40 R Mutumbami† lbw b Ajmal 13 P Utseya b Ali 16

Bravo to mentor in Papua New Guinea

London, ENGLANDWest Indies Cricket One-Day international captain, Dwayne Bravo, has signed an exclusive deal to act as development mentor and ambassador for a number of cricket advancement initiatives in the South Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea.

In his mentor and ambassadorship roles, Bravo will visit International Cricket Council, (ICC) Associate Member nation Papua New Guinea (PNG), next week, to participate in the ICC Award-winning Don’t Drink and Drive Legends Bash, a joint venture campaign sponsored by Cricket PNG and Pacific MMI Insurance.

This will kick-off Bravo’s PNG cricket advancement initiatives, ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebratory weekend. Bravo will be joined by fellow West Indian cricketing superstars, Kemar Roach and Richie

Richardson, who both also will fly into the capital city of Port Moresby, next week.

The deal will see Bravo make sponsored visits across schools, academies and rural communities throughout greater Port Moresby, to motivate and inspire youth through cricket, assist with cricket development programmes and mentor a flourishing influx of hardhitting national and international-level Papua New Guinean cricketers, whose star performers have recently been under the keen scrutiny of global T20 leagues for their effortless impressive stroke play.

Bravo, supported by Roach and Richardson, will also launch Cricket PNG’s inaugural entry into the South Australian Cricket Association, (SACA) T20 Premier League, making Cricket PNG the first ever international team to enter the new Australian competi-

tion, due to get underway in September.

The thrilling West Indian trio, who between them hold remarkable amounts of accolades in international cricket, will be honoured at a VIP Gala Dinner in Port Moresby, which will be attended by the country’s ministers of Parliament, top dignitaries and other highprofile corporate and busi-

ness sector leaders.

Cricket PNG’s CEO, Greg Campbell, a former Australian Test cricketer and uncle to iconic Australian cricketing superstar Ricky Ponting, said he reached out to Bravo’s representative, Emma Everett, in a bid to request that the top cricketer play role of mentor and ambassador to PNG’s gifted international squad and the country at large.

“Papua New Guinea is a cricket-mad nation and our team have historically always looked up to West Indies cricketers,” said Campbell.

“In fact, the West Indies were the first international team to tour PNG back in 1975 and our cricketers look to emulate their entertaining style of play and their spirit of the game. We wanted to align our top players with a mentor and a powerful global superstar who could inspire them with his presence and his invalu-

able international experience and guidance. Dwayne Bravo has achieved incredible heights of success within both West Indies Cricket and on a global platform, and as the current Captain of the West Indies ODI squad, we felt he was the perfect candidate.”

He added that Cricket PNG is participating in a number of crucial cricket advancement initiatives and their players and the public are elated at the forthcoming arrival of Bravo, Roach and Richardson on their shores.

“The atmosphere and excitement in the air that Dwayne Bravo, Kemar Roach and Richie Richardson are coming to town, has been astonishing,” said Campbell.

Bravo echoed the Cricket PNG CEO’s sentiments saying: “Advancing the game of cricket in developing nations of the world is something I have always wanted to be-

come involved in. A cricketer today is a role model to millions and I wanted to use this opportunity to pass my knowledge, skills and expertise onto promising new talent and use my own experiences and leadership aptitude, to motivate youth across the world.”

Roach and Richardson agreed that visiting Papua New Guinea ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebratory weekend, in particular, would bring forth poignant memories of a world championship West Indies team from 1975, who were back then, the first international team to visit the South Pacific nation, and on that occasion too, during the country’s Independence Day celebrations. The first programme of the Dwayne Bravo led PNG cricket advancement initiatives, will take place next Thursday, in Port Moresby. (First published in the Trinidad Guardian)

thursday, september 5, 2013

Italian doping probe of Jamaican track stars delayed Z

Cost-saving forces change of venue for second Test

imbabwe Cricket have implemented drastic cost-saving measures, including playing the second Test against Pakistan in Harare instead of travelling to Bulawayo, to ensure the remainder of the series goes ahead as planned.

Other measures could include ensuring the players are paid this week, as agreed, but it will likely be at the expense of administration staff.

ROME – The criminal doping investigation into former 100-meter world record-holder Asafa Powell, Jamaica teammate Sherone Simpson and their trainer has been delayed by bureaucratic problems.

Udine prosecutor Andrea Gondolo told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his office has been unable to contact the athletes to ask whether they want to observe the testing of substances sequestered during a police raid in July on their training base in northern Italy. The athletes can observe the testing themselves or designate a lawyer to do so. They have 20 days to respond once contacted.

“The problem has been finding an address to deliver the notification to see if they want to observe the tests, because some of the tests cannot be repeated,” Gondolo said. “But I think we should

be able to move forward within a month.”

If the athletes cannot be contacted, prosecutors could go to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association instead. The Canadian trainer, Christopher Xuereb, was already contacted. Milton Samuda, a Jamaican attorney who represents Powell and Simpson, did not respond to emails or calls seeking comment.

Following the hotel raid in July in Lignano Sabbiadoro, where the Jamaicans have been training for years, the athletes and Xuereb were formally placed under criminal investigation for violating Italy’s doping laws.

The raid came after it was announced that Powell and Simpson had tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the Jamaican championships in June. The athletes blamed Xuereb, their newly hired

trainer, and said new supplements he provided caused the positive tests. Xuereb said he didn’t give the sprinters performance-enhancing drugs and suggested he was a scapegoat.

Italy’s doping laws include sections for use, administration of banned substances and importation of banned substances. Administration and importation carry more severe sentences and therefore Xuereb risks harsher punishment, Gondolo said. He added the athletes do not risk prison time.

The confiscated substances appear to be from the United States, according to the containers they were found in, Gondolo said.

Powell and Simpson also risk bans from sports authorities. They have already stopped competing and missed last month’s world championships in Moscow.

(USA Today)

Gasquet beats Ferrer in quarter-finals

France’s Richard Gasquet held his nerve to beat Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer in five sets on Wednesday and reach the semi-finals of the US Open.

Eighth seed Gasquet lost a two-set lead but broke in the sixth game of the decider and won 6-3 6-1 4-6 2-6 6-3.

The Frenchman, 27, will next face the winner of the night-session match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo.

Flavia Pennetta earlier beat fellow Italian Roberta Vinci 6-4 6-1 to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final.

The 31-year-old, ranked 83rd, dominated the 10th seed and goes on to meet Victoria Azarenka or Daniela Hantuchova, who play at 00:00 BST today.

Arthur Ashe Stadium

Flavia Pennetta (Ita) beat Roberta Vinci (Ita) [10] 6-4 6-1

Pennetta followed up her second-round win over fourth seed Sara Errani by knocking out another fellow seeded Italian in 30-yearold Vinci, and did it in some style.

Ranked down at 83 after struggling with back and wrist injuries last year, the former doubles world number one has beaten Maria Sharapova and Vera Zvonareva at Flushing Meadows in previous years.

“It’s amazing, I’m really happy and I cannot believe it,” said Pennetta. “It was really tough to play against Roberta. It’s not easy to play with one of your best friends on the tour. I think this is the first week where I feel better [after wrist surgery]. I feel myself and maybe a little bit of a better player as well.”

Richard Gasquet (Fra) [8] beat David Ferrer (Spa) [4] 6-3 6-1 4-6 2-6 6-3

Gasquet won back-toback five-set matches for the first time in his career, following up his fourthround victory over Milos Raonic with an even more impressive effort against the tireless Ferrer.

He moves on to a Grand Slam semi-final for only the second time in his career, and six years after he lost to Roger Federer at the same stage at Wimbledon.

“It was a big match for me,” said Gasquet. “I start-

ed very well and I thought he was a little bit nervous with the wind, but he is a big fighter.

“I think I have experience of five sets, I played them a lot in my life, and I knew I had to serve well in the fifth. It’s a big match for me, a big, big victory. It means a lot.

I’m 27, the last time I did it I was 21. I practised hard for it, it’s wonderful for me.”

Ivan Dodig (Cro) & Marcelo Melo (Bra) [10] beat Dom Inglot (GB) & Treat Huey (Phi) [16] 7-5 6-3

Britain’s last hope in the men’s doubles departed as Inglot and partner Huey lost a tight first set on the Louis Armstrong Stadium, and then failed to complete a comeback from 5-1 down in the second.

Colin Fleming and Jonny Marray went out at the same quarter-final stage on Monday, before Jamie Murray and Australian John Peers followed on Tuesday.

Katie Boulter (GB) beat Elise Mertens (Bel) [8] 6-3 6-2 - girls’ singles

Jasmine Paolini (Ita) beat Katy Dunne (GB) [13] 6-4 7-6 (8-6) - girls’ singles

Sources revealed the second Test, due to start next Tuesday, was “99% confirmed,” for Harare Sports Club on Tuesday evening and that the groundstaff and match referee all agreed to that. But the switch was announced over the loudspeaker at Harare Sports Club, where the first Test was being played, to loud cheers. The official reason given was that Queens Club was “not in a condition to host the Test”. That means the entire Pakistan series, consisting of two Twenty20s, three ODIs and two Tests will be staged on the same ground and ZC would save close to US$50,000 on travel costs and hotel fees in the process.

Most of the Zimbabwe players are based in Harare, which would mean they could continue to stay at home, rather than in paid accommodation in Bulawayo. The money required to drive them and the television crew down would also be saved.

“We enjoy playing here in Harare. The conditions are good for both the batsmen and the bowlers. It’s a good move and the guys are happy,” batsman Malcolm Waller said after the second day’s play of the first Test.

The only loser in such a situation would be Bulawayo’s Queens Club, which has not seen a Test match since 2011, when New Zealand beat Zimbabwe there. The country has hosted three Tests since then, including the current one against Pakistan, all at the Harare Sports

Zimbabwe Cricket would save close to US$50,000 on travel costs and hotel fees by hosting the second Test in

Club. Bulawayo has recently made attempts to create a more lively pitch, relaying the clay on three surfaces on the square but they will have to wait, perhaps until next year to try them out.

Zimbabwe’s other proposed incoming tour was the one by Sri Lanka next month, comprising two Tests, three ODIs and two Twenty20s, but ZC have requested this be postponed. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed they received an email from ZC citing “unavoidable circumstances” have led to them seeking alternative dates for the series. ESPNcricinfo has since learned ZC are considering proposing a shortened tour of only five T20s to Sri Lanka but the SLC have not had communication to that effect.

Zimbabwe’s ability to host more international cricket in 2013 will depend heavily on the cost of organisation. A severe cashflow problem has affected the union through the year and it seems unlikely to be solved soon. In April, players threatened to strike during the series against Bangladesh because those who were not on central contracts were offered allowances which they deemed unsatisfactory. Since then,

the threats have intensified. Before the Pakistan series, the players formed a union - the first of its kind in a decade - and did not train in protest after not being paid. They gave ZC various ultimatums which put the possibility of the whole tour, then the third ODI and then the Test series at risk. Each time, they agreed to play after ZC promised payment. Monies have still not been transferred and the players have set another deadline of Friday this week. They are adamant they will boycott the second Test if they do not receive their outstanding dues, which include salaries from July and August and match fees. While ZC have stated publicly that they are in talks with their banker, it has since been established they will struggle to meet the demand.

Their only solution has been to inform staff, apparently in an email, that they will not be paid salaries from August. Any available funds will then be paid to the players. ZC staff contracts expired at the end of August and the body is in negotiations to renew them but has not done so to date. Staff is still working, though, despite the uncertainty. (Cricinfo)

Rooney posts head injury picture after England criticism

Wayne Rooney has posted a picture of his head injury on Facebook after the striker was questioned over his commitment to the England squad.

Rooney suffered the cut via the boot of Manchester United team-mate Phil Jones, forcing him out of England’s World Cup qualifiers on Friday and Tuesday.

He said: “Some people seem to be questioning my commitment and the fact I had to pull out of the two games. “I’m sure people will see the reason why I won’t be able to play.”

Rooney, 27, added: “There’s nothing I would like more than to be helping the lads in the qualifiers.”

United boss David Moyes said the forward could be out for three weeks following the accident, which happened on Saturday in the build-up to United’s defeat by Liverpoola game Rooney missed because of the injury.

England team-mate Theo Walcott has described the photograph as “like something

Wayne Rooney

out of a horror film”.

Roy Hodgson’s side face Moldova at Wembley on Friday and then a trip to Ukraine on Tuesday.

Rooney is one of three players who have withdrawn from the squad because of injury.

Glen Johnson was forced off with an ankle injury during Liverpool’s victory at Anfield on Sunday, while United’s Jones was also substituted with a similar problem. (BBC Sport)

Jamaica beat Guyana by five wickets in Canada

Former Guyana

Under-19 batsman

Krishna Deosran hit 66 for Guyana against Jamaica on Saturday at the University of Technology, Scarborough ground, in a specially arranged T20 match by Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Toronto as part of its 51st Independence anniversary.

However, the Guyanese suffered a five-wicket loss to Trinidad and Tobago in the final.

The Guyanese, led by former West Indies One-Day player Royston Crandon, won the toss and opted to take first strike on a responsive pitch. They only tallied an insufficient 98-9 at the expiration of 20 overs while Trinidad and Tobago, in reply, safely reached 99-5 off 16 overs.

Former Guyana Under-19 fast bowler and Canada player Eion Katchay proved his batting capability with an entertaining 34, decorated with three sixes and two fours, while small contributions came from Crandon (15), Gavin Singh (13) and Trevor Henry (12).

Former Canada player and off-spinner Jason Patraj grabbed two wickets for 15 runs from his four overs.

When T&T’s combination batted, they began shakily, losing two quick wickets, but recovered and ultimately sealed the deal to spark wild celebrations among their team mates and fans.

Colin Alfred led the way for T&T with a responsible 34, which included three fours and a maximum and Vishaul Mahadeo chipped in with 16.

In the lone semi-final, Guyana also won the toss and decided to take first strike. In this match however, they galloped to 191-

Meten-Meer-Zorg crowned PYO tapeball champs

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party, recently concluded its tapeball competition with MetenMeer-Zorg PYO emerging as champions with a resounding 46-run win over the Grove/Diamond PYO.

6 from 20 overs. Deosaran slammed six sixes and two fours during his 37-ball occupation at the crease, participating in two entertaining partnerships with Crandon and Henry.

Henry and Crandon made 40 and 32 respectively; pacer Terrence Benjamin snatched 2 for 21 from three overs.

Benjamin returned with the bat to make 31 while Jeffrey Woolcock scored a rapid 30 for the reggae boys. Occasional off-spinner, Crandon grabbed 2 for 17 runs while former Guyana Under-19 skipper Eugene LaFleur took 2-14 from four economical overs.

At the presentation ceremony, both teams received trophies, compliments of T&T Consulate in Toronto while several individuals collected monetary awards for their performances during the day.

Dr Vidhya Gyan TotaMaharaj, Consul General for Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, congratulated her country’s men for their victorious performance and also thanked the two countries for their participation.

She further stated that it was a true sportsmanship displayed by all the players and expressed gratitude to the organisers for running off the day’s activities that included a family fun-day.

“I want to congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for being triumphant today (Saturday) and also my deepest gratitude to Guyana and Jamaica for their participation; it [is] a big occasion for Trinidad and Tobago and having these cricketers displaying true sportsmanship is also remarkable; I would also like to thank the organisers for putting this day together for having the families coming out too,” Tota-Maharaj disclosed.

In the final played on Sunday on the tarmac of the Guyana National Stadium, Meten-Meer-Zorg PYO, representing Region Three, defeated Grove-Diamond PYO, representing Region Four A, by 46 runs in the final.

Dubbed the PYO Championship League, in honour of the late political activist Walter Rodney, it attracted teams from several districts battling for several prizes.

In the final, Meten-MeerZorg batted first and made 100-4 from the allotted 10 overs. Grove/Diamond PYO in reply mustered only 54 from 9.3 overs to lose by a wide margin in the final.

In the third place playoff, Chesney PYO defeated Good Hope/Success PYO by 31 runs.

Prior to the championship game and third place playoff, Meten Meer Zorg PYO had defeated Chesney PYO in the first semi-final, while Grove/Diamond PYO got the better of Good Hope/ Success PYO.

Andray Yagvalk, coordinator of the tournament, said the competition was a success because there was keen rivalry among the various PYO groups.

The tapeball competition was the first in a series of activities hosted by the PYO to mark its 61st anniversary.

BVA mini-volleyball festival planned for schools in Lower Corentyne area

The Berbice Volleyball Association will stage a mini-volleyball festival on Friday at the Area H ground in Port Mourant.

The one-day event will target primary schools and form one secondary school students in the Rose Hall area.

The festival is part of a project approved by the

International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) that commenced in the first half of 2012 under the Allied Arts Unit of the MoE.

The aim of the festival is to provide school children with opportunities to enjoy the sport, learn new skills, acquire self-dis-

cipline, learn to co-operate with others, make new friends, compete fairly and have fun in a motivating atmosphere.

The schools invited to participate are the Bohemia, Courtland, Cropper, Belvedere, Fyrish, Albion, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant, Tain and Auchlyne Primary Schools.

TGH Pacesetters launch...

“I expect high quality of basketball because there are some really good players in all these communities,” Clarke stated.

Meanwhile security should not be a problem according to director of Eyefull Entertainment, Frank Parris, saying “we will beefing up security in the parking lot and around the entire venue so that patrons can

feel secure and enjoy an entertaining and joyful night of basketball.”

The teams will be divided into four groups of three with two games being played every Saturday and Sunday evening until the final, which will be a best-ofthree contest. Jump ball will be from 20:00h every night.

On the other hand, awards will be presented for

the Most Valuable Player (MVP), most rebounds (Eon Andrews award), most assists (Mark Agard award), best free throw shooter (Stanislaus Hadmond award), most blocks (Dave Trotman award) and best three pointer shooter (Eon Leitch award).

General admission to the CASH will be $500 while children under the age of 12

The secondary schools are Lower Corentyne, Port Mourant, JC Chandisingh, Corentyne Comprehensive, Manchester, and Winifred Gaskin.

At the conclusion of the festival, the participating schools will receive two children’s volleyballs and a FIVB development volleyball net.

will enter free.

The competing wards are defending champion Albouystown/Charlestown, Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust, North/South Ruimveldt, Mc Doom/Diamond, Alberttown/ Bourda, Kitty/Campbellville, Plaisance/Vryheid’s Lust, Melanie, Buxton, Lodge/ Meadowbrook, East/West Ruimveldt and Tucville/ Guyhoc.

All stakeholders must be involved, says Wilson after high-performance stint in Brazil

By Treiston Joseph

Lyndon Wilson, coach of 2012 Olympian

Winston George, recently benefited from a high-performance coaching programme that concluded on August 30 in Brazil. Upon his return, he sat with Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview to discuss what he learned during the programme.

TJ: What was the coaching programme about?

LW: It was a forum for high-performance sports in Rio de Janeiro; it was from the 26th to the 30th of August and basically the forum was more or less to train athletes for high-performance competitions. The way in which we train athletes for high-performances is more or less the scientific way; if an athlete has the potential they go through a process to see if they can last two years, three years, ten years, and there were special doctors, physicians and even coaches who were present for discussions on highperformance for athletes.

TJ: What was the main concept you grasped from the course?

LW: I grasped so much and to implement the things that I have gathered from the forum. I wouldn’t want to say that it would be a difficult task because they also taught us how to supplement, but one of the things that I would like to see is all of the sports entities coming together for one common goal. We cannot talk about

people living in 50 different directions and want them to develop at the same rate.

TJ: Factoring such a scientific approach to sport in general, how do we incorporate the cost factor for athletes to have such a programme?

LW: From the GOA perspective, there are some mini-scholarships that have been given out to athletes and there are some solidarity scholarships from the GOA.

TJ: With this newfound knowledge how do you plan to share it with other coaches, athletes and sporting disciplines?

BCB plans not to boycott senior Inter-County tournament

– says players’ futures come first

2016 (Olympics) and think about getting a medal; we cannot talk about the next World Cup football (2014) and thinking our team can be there, we have to come together for one common goal.

TJ: In you estimation what should be that one common goal?

LW: Our first common goal should be preparing athletes to compete and not to participate. When I say participate, it’s because the two words vary. Participate is just sending people to show that we have people at the Olympics but to compete is to triumph at the highest level and that should be our first common goal.

TJ: How can Guyana achieve this common goal?

LW: We can achieve that common goal with all the sporting entities coming together, including the ministries of education, sport, culture; sport has gone so far into culture that those

two entities are one, the GOA (Guyana Olympic Association), the athletics association, the football fraternity; everybody needs to come together.

TJ: Getting back to the scientific approach, how well do you think it will fit into the Guyanese culture?

LW: It can! There were countries there without centres but they are still doing high-performance training. We have trained people, we have a lot of doctors from Cuba and while they are working at the government hospital, I think these people can come together once you identify people with the talent. They can help the coaches with training these athletes; they know nutrition and nutrition plays a big part in sports development. As a matter of fact, seventy percent of all the development is through nutrition, so we can’t get 50

LW: Well I’m looking to submit my report by tomorrow and I want to have a meeting with the council (from GOA) and then we will move from there. I already have some athletes in mind; I also want to talk with some of the coaches first but with regard to the different sporting disciplines, I’m open to anyone who wants advice because we also had some discussion on how to improve team sport. The coach for the Brazil national football team (Luiz Felipe Scolari) was there; he didn’t give away anything but he had a talk with us on how to approach independent men and that is allowing them to realise the main goal of the team.

Meanwhile, with Wilson having such knowledge it is imperative that Guyana utilise such expertise to benefit sport in an effort towards the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Fernandes achieves highest world ranking

By Avenash Ramzan

Guyana’s leading squash player Nicolette Fernandes has jumped to her highest world ranking ever, according to the September release of the World International Squash Players Association (WISPA) rankings.

The 30-year-old is currently ranked number 22 in the world, getting past her previous highest ranking of 26 achieved in June/July this year. Her present ranking is an improvement from August when she was rated 28.

It is a remarkable turnaround for Fernandes, who only at the start of 2009 was rated a lowly 249 after a recurring knee injury had keep her out of competition for a protracted period

of time.

Since returning from injury however, Guyana’s most decorated squash player has been on the rise, significantly moving up the ranking with each passing competition.

Such was her outstanding performance that at the end of 2009, Fernandes, who is based in England and is under the expert guidance of award-winning coach Carl Ince, had taken her ranking below 100, ending the year at 88.

Ever since then, it has been a steady climb up the ladder for the multiple Sportswoman-of-the-Year, consistently racking up points and making her way up the WISPA leaderboard.

So far for 2013, Fernandes has played in five WSA World Tour/Series in

four countries, namely the United States of America, Malaysia, Ireland and England.

In her first international competition for the year, the Cleveland Open in Ohio, Fernandes got past Heba El Torky of Egypt 6-11, 117, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4 in the Qualifying Round before losing to England’s Sarah Kippax 11-6, 11-9, 11-3 in the Qualifying Finals in February.

In the Kuala Lumpur Open in Malaysia in March, she got past the Qualifying Round beating Australia’s Lisa Camilleri, but lost to Camille Serme of France in the First Round.

In May, Fernandes produced her best performance of the year on the international stage, finishing as runner-up to number one

seed Madeline Perry of France in the Irish Open. During her journey to the final, Fernandes also toppled some leading players, including number two seed Samantha Teran of Mexico, fourth seed Emily Whitlock of England and qualifier Sarah Cardwell of Australia.

After that, she suffered first round exits in the Texas and British Opens in May, crashing out to Deon Saffery of Wales and Rachel Grinham of Australia respectively.

Last month, Fernandes returned home to claim her fifth Caribbean senior title, taking less than 30 minutes to dispose of Barbados’ Karen Meakins 11-6, 11-2, 11-5 in the final of the Caribbean Area Squash Association Senior Championships at the Georgetown Club.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) said it has no intention of boycotting the upcoming El Dorado senior Inter-County 50 overs tournament, despite rumours suggesting such in the fraternity.

This disclosure came from acting Public Relations Officer of the BCB, Carl Moore on Wednesday, who also declared that the BCB will not stop any player from playing in the tournament. Moore added that the board will not hinder the future of any player, despite the differences between the BCB and the local governing body, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

“I want to make it very clear that the BCB has no problem with their players being a part of any GCB tournament. The BCB will take part in all forms of Inter-County cricket in Guyana, since the BCB will not hinder the future of any player because of the differences between the two boards,” Moore disclosed.

“So far the BCB has named 24 players to participate in two trial matches, so the players are being prepared to participate in the tournament,” he added.

Loggerheads

The BCB and the GCB have been at loggerheads ever since the controversial Annual General Meeting and elections on July 10,

2011.

The BCB had pulled out of those elections, citing financial mismanagement among other irregularities by the GCB. However, the then Vice president David Black went against the BCB’s decision and voted along with the nine other delegates from the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB).

As a result of the way the elections were conducted many observers had labelled that election unconstitutional and illegal especially since only one county board voted.

This resulted in Angela Haniff, Secretary of the BCB, filing an injunction against the newly-elected GCB, claiming that the executives were elected unconstitutionally.

Meanwhile, this year’s Inter-County competition is scheduled from September 21-29.

On the other hand, the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has organised three senior trial matches as part of preparations for the upcoming El Dorado 50-over Inter-County competition. The matches are scheduled for today and Friday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, starting at 09:30h. The three teams will be led by Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson and Christopher Barnwell. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

LCPL breaks records on and off the pitch

Kingston, JAMAICA – From overflowing stadiums, thumping party vibes and mass enthusiasm to scorching bowling, massive hitting and blistering catches, the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) went off with a bang right across the Caribbean.

With a record breaking quarter of a million people attending the matches across the six countries and the action being beamed into more than 135 million homes across the globe, the stage was set for a truly electrifying cricket extravaganza.

And the highlights of the action justified the hype around the tournament.

Playing for the Antigua Hawksbills, Jamaica soldier, Sheldon Cotterrell, who customarily bowls at over 140 kilometres per hour bowled the fastest ball of the tournament with a 150.1 kilometres per hour thunderbolt.

Not to be outdone, Tino Best playing for the St Lucia Zouks took the honour of bowling seven of the ten fastest balls in the tournament with a highest speed of 149.6 kilometres per hour.

And the batsmen made sure to wow the crowds with a total of 238 sixes and 415 fours being smacked in the tournament – an average of 10 and 17 respectively per match.

Loved by the fans and feared by the bowlers due to his mammoth hitting, Jamaica Tallawahs captain, Chris Gayle, predictably took the honour for both the fastest 50 of the tournament off just 23 balls against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel - and for blasting the longest six which sailed 114

metres into the stands.

Commenting on the cricketing fireworks, winning team captain, Chris Gayle, said; “Cricket in the Caribbean is all about big powerful displays. It’s always a pleasure to bring the fans to their feet with some serious hitting. And to be able to do that with millions of people watching in the stands and on TV is just a great experience. I had a blast and can’t wait for next year.”

CEO of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, Damien O’Donohoe, com-

mented, “There’s nothing like the buzz you get as a cricket fan when these giants of Caribbean cricket are firing on the field. The action in every match was just breathtaking and the crowd revelled in it. It’s fair to say that the action on the pitch matched the fun off it. We’re delighted that the “biggest party in sport” delivered on its promise. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the amazing support and enthusiasm of the fans - I would like to thank them most sincerely for the awesome part they played in making the CPL such a success.

“The biggest party in sport” bowled off in Barbados on Tuesday 30th July and beautifully showcased the Caribbean passion for cricket as it journeyed through six countries across the region culminating in the final in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday 24th August which was won by the Jamaica Tallawahs who beat the Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets. Planning is now underway for the 2014 staging of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League. (CPL)

TGH Pacesetters launch Inter-Ward basketball tourney Fernandes achieves highest world ranking

By Avenash Ramzan

Guyana’s leading squash player Nicolette Fernandes has jumped to her highest world ranking ever, according to the September release of the World International Squash Players Association (WISPA) rankings. The 30-year-old is currently ranked number 22 in the world, getting past her previous highest ranking of 26 achieved in June/July this year. Her present ranking is an improvement from August when she was rated 28.

The Trinity Grid Holdings (TGH) Pacesetters basketball club launched their Inter-Ward basketball tournament on Wednesday under the Mackeson brand at ANSA McAl, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

The tournament that will feature 12 teams from various communities and all games will be played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) from Saturday.

“Mackeson is delighted to be a part of the tournament and is happy that the tournament will be bringing out the communities. We are looking for a very successful event and are happy to be on board,” Brand Manager, Jamaal Douglas said.

With $200,000 up for grabs for the winners of the tournament, Chairman of the TGH Pacesetters, Dennis Clarke revealed the reason for hosting the tournament, noting that quality basketball is expected to be played.

“The reason the club is hosting this tournament is to raise funds to take the club to Suriname to play against its sister club the Yellowbirds.