Guyana Times Daily

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tuesday, JaNuaRy 27, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

Elections 2015:

Jagdeo yet to decide on election campaign

It is not yet certain whether former President Bharrat Jagdeo will be on the campaign for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the 2015 elections, set for May 11.

However, PPP/C General Secretary of Clement Rohee on Monday announced that the former President will be hitting the campaign trail for the party at the its weekly press conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown.

When Guyana Times contacted the former President for a comment in the wake of the announcement by Rohee, Jagdeo indicated that he is yet to decide on joining the elections campaign.

According to Rohee, the former leader has a track record for receiving support from the Guyanese population and for being a part of the PPP/C.

Rohee, when questioned on whether Jagdeo’s candidacy will be a plus or a minus for the party especially heading into the elections, said it will be a plus since the former President has played an active role in the part’s activities. To this end, he noted that the former President is seen as a great asset to the party and as such, there is no reason why he will not be present in the part’s campaigns in the lead up to elections.

“He is an asset to the PPP/C and we are not going to let go of him because of the attack in the Kaieteur News and Inews and so on. He is an asset to us. He is one of us and so it will come as no surprise to anyone that that he will be on the PPP/C’s elections campaign,” Rohee expressed.

Rohee, who also serves as Home Affairs Minister, told media operatives that the party was in the process of putting together a powerful package for the elections and this included the former President.

“Mr Jagdeo is a member of the party’s executive; he is a member of the party’s good standing; he is a former

President, and he has made useful contributions, so it would not come as a surprise to anyone for him to be a part of the campaign or the party’s list of candidates. I don’t think anyone will be surprised to see all the leaders of the party on the campaign,” Rohee said.

This, he said, was to ensure that the party regains its majority at the polls. Questioned on whether the former President will be given any power position in the party when the campaigns begin, Rohee responded by saying that the party was still finalizing its list of candidates, and until everything is agreed upon, the possibility exists that he may.

Since leaving the Presidential Office in 2011, Jagdeo has kept out of the local political spotlight. During Jagdeo's tenure as President, major economic and social reforms were undertaken in Guyana.

When he relinquished office, Guyana was concluding its fifth consecutive year of strong economic growth, often out-pacing all other countries in South America. External debt had been almost halved, and external reserves were almost three times their 2006 level.

Unprecedented investment in social services took place during the Jagdeo

Presidency, enabling significantly improved access to education, rehabilitation of the health system, far-reaching land reform, the biggest expansion of the housing sector in Guyana's history, expansion of the water and sanitation systems, and large-scale development of the road, river and air transport networks.

New public procurement and competition laws were passed, and reforms to the tax, fiscal and investment regimes were implemented.

In 2003, in his role as lead Head of Government for Agriculture in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Jagdeo spearheaded a process (known as the Jagdeo

Initiative) to create a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector in the region by 2015.

In his final term as President, Jagdeo became a global advocate for international action to avert the worst extremes of climate change, and was described by the Chairman of the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change Rajendra K Pachauri, as "one of perhaps half a dozen Heads of Government who truly understands the issue".

In line with the former President's global advocacy, Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) sets out a national scale, replicable model to protect Guyana's 18 million hectares of forest to address the 17 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions that result from deforestation and forest degradation, and reorient the Guyanese economy onto a long-term "low deforestation, low carbon, climate resilient trajectory".

As part of building this global model, Norway is partnering with Guyana to provide up to US$250 million, by 2015, for avoided greenhouse gas emissions from Guyana's forest. Guyana is

using these payments and domestic resources to attract private investment to opportunities in clean energy and new low carbon economic sectors, as well as to make significant public investments in other social and economic priorities. This has been described by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, the UK-based climate policy network, as "maybe the most progressive Low Carbon Development Strategy in a low income country".

Jagdeo was a signatory to the UNASUR Constitutive Treaty of the Union of South American Nations in May, 2008. Guyana has ratified the Treaty. In November, 2009, Jagdeo hosted the Heads of Government of South America in Georgetown, as he took over the one-year Pro Tempore Presidency of UNASUR.

On November 26, 2011, Jagdeo made a far-reaching farewell address ahead of the nation's elections on November 28, 2011. He spoke of accomplishments, such as the economy and defense issues, and emphasised his optimism in the future of Guyana.

Guyana’s human rights record up for Universal Periodic Review

Guyana’s human rights record will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the second time on Wednesday in a meeting that will be webcast live.

Guyana is one of the 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its January 19-30 session. Guyana’s first UPR review took place on May 11, 2010.

In a release, the UN said the documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report – information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; and 3) information provided by other stakeholders, including national human rights institutions, regional organisations and civil society groups.

Among the issues raised in the above-mentioned documents are: addressing negative stereotypes against women; addressing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; decriminalising same-sex consensual relations; tackling violence against Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons; addressing alleged Police abuses, including unlawful killings,

torture and ill-treatment; combating all acts of violence against women and girls and supporting victims; abolishing the death penalty; prohibiting corporal punishment; access to clean water and sanitation; reducing maternal and infant mortality rates; access by women and girls to reproductive and HIV health services; reducing school dropout rates among girls; improving literacy rates; and Amerindian land rights and mining activities in indigenous traditional territories.

The UPR is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all UN Member States were reviewed during the first UPR cycle and 112 thus far during the second cycle. The sec-

ond review of states aims to highlight human rights developments in the country since the first review and provides an opportunity for states under review to spell out steps taken to implement recommendations posed during their first reviews.

The delegation of Guyana will be headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Guyana are: Ethiopia, Portugal and Venezuela. The webcast of the session will be at http:// webtv.un.org.

The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations of Guyana at 17:30h on January 30. The recommendations will be shared with the media on this day in advance.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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Parika and Supenaam departure times – 06:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

Thundery showers can be expected during the better part of the day with light rain showers in the late afternoon. Thundery showers will return in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.91 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 09:51h and 22:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.26 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:20h and 15:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.85 metre and 0.87 metre respectively.

CSEC, CAPE exams moved from E-Day –

Guyana to bear costs for adjustments

By Devina Samaroo

Amid the furore over the holding of elections on May 11 as they clashed with Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, the Ministry of Education on Monday announced that the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) for Guyanese students have been rescheduled for June 15-16 respectively.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand made the announcement during a special press conference at the National Centre for Educational Research and Development (NCERD). The Education Minister disclosed that CXC would mark all scripts and issue all results at the same time CXC/ CAPE results were originally scheduled to be delivered.

Additionally, she assured that the Ministry would ensure all students were duly informed of this change. The Council will also be officially informing candidates of the timetable alteration. Manickchand explained that several possible options were explored, and it was decided that the rescheduling of the examinations would be the best solution. She explained that the major concern was the availability of places for examination venues, given that schools were often designated as polling stations.

“The entire decision making process was attended to by our paramount consideration … we had several things to take into consideration … we were guided by the general concerns raised by the public.”

CXC Registrar Glenroy Cumberbatch also reiterated that the decision was made in keeping with the best interest of the students.

Back-up examination papers

He explained that the Council wanted to provide students with the same conditions and environment for the sitting of their examination as any other candidate on any other day, and as such, allowing them to write their examinations on Election Day would have placed them at a disadvantage.

He further stated that protocols were in place to ensure the integrity of the examination papers was maintained and that they were equal in value and weight.

Cumberbatch explained that CXC usually prepares “back-up” examination papers in the same subject area in the event something goes amiss. The assumption of students in Guyana contacting other students across the region for “prohibited assistance”, as it relates to preventing the contents of the

examination papers from leaking, was also addressed during the press conference.

“They (the papers) will not be the same exact wording and questions and numbers and so on, but they will be parallel in terms of difficulty, conflict and demand,” the CXC Registrar explained. Moreover, he disclosed that the Government of Guyana will have to bear the cost of this adjustment in the timetable for Guyanese students. On that note, Minister Manickchand reassured that students would not be burdened with any additional costs.

Meanwhile, Manickchand said that all the options for a possible date for elections were during the examination period. She explained that the Guyana Elections Commission had submitted a list of possible dates, all of

which were scheduled during the examination period. The Minister said the clashing of the dates was inevitable. In fact, she pointed out that the rescheduling of an examination date due to similar problems was a common practice throughout the world.

Buying time

The issue about the clash in the election date was first raised by Opposition Leader David Granger, who also suggested that a new date be set for the polls. However, Minister Manickchand responded sharply saying that the Opposition was calling for a new election date because of their unpreparedness for the polls.

The Minister had said that she was baffled as to “what the uproar is about” as it relates to the setting of

election date.

“It’s only in this country you see this nonsense being perpetuated; in other countries, people eat, sleep and go about their daily lives at elections time. Maybe the Opposition isn’t ready for elections, so they want a new date,” she said.

Manickchand had assured that students who would be writing examinations during that time period would not be affected. “I see it as my sole duty to ensure that students are not disadvantaged during the period of elections,” she said.

A copy of the CSEC timetable obtained by the Guyana Times shows that the subjects scheduled to be written on May 11 include Agricultural Science (Double and Single Awards); Theatre Arts; Electrical and Electronic Technology (Technical); and Food and Nutrition Paper Two. CAPE subjects scheduled to be written on that day are Geometrical and Mechanical Engineering Drawing Unit One – Paper Two; History Unit One – Paper Two; Art and Design Examinations Unit One, Papers Two and Three, and Unit Two, Papers One and Two; and Communication Studies Paper Two.

The newspaper had pointed out that had the Government accepted Granger’s concerns and rescheduled the election date, the next available Monday would be June 15. This is because elections are generally held on Mondays and for the entire month of May and in early June examinations would still be in progress.

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

Lusignan: Never again!

Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of one of the most horrific nights in the history of this country. At 02:00h on Saturday, January 26, 2008, approximately 20 gunmen, armed with AK-47s and shotguns, entered the humble homes of five nondescript, sleeping families.

Within 20 minutes, 11 human lives had been snuffed out as if they were worth nothing more than the mosquitoes that prevailed in the area.

There is always the danger that when mass killings like these are reported, the victims can be reduced to nothing more than statistics: 11 murdered. We have to remember that these were mothers and fathers and children who were loved by their families and their neighbours.

The victims were: Clarence Thomas, 48; Vanessa Thomas, 12; Ron Thomas, 11; Mohandan Goordat, 32; Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, four; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52.

Several of the murdered children were found dead while still in their beds.

Yes, there were five children ranging from as young as four years to 12 years old, who never could finish primary school. Three survivors of the attack were: Arjune Bhim, 11, Roberto Thomas and Howard Thomas - the latter two, who were also injured, recovered.

The perpetrators of the grisly massacre were Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins, who called a notorious local newspaper and boasted about the dirty deed. He reportedly claimed the killings were in retaliation for the kidnapping of his girlfriend by law enforcement officers.

But while Rawlins anger at his girlfriend’s disappearance might have been the proximate cause of the massacre, the roots lay much deeper. It went back to the decision of Desmond Hoyte, leader of the PNC, to move from street protests after the 1997 elections, to launch a strategy called “slow fyaah; mo fyaah” against the PPP/C Government.

A series of daring murders, robberies and kidnappings were masterminded by a notorious criminal Linden “Blackie” London, who was eventually killed on February 9, 2001. Hoyte unapologetically attended London’s funeral at the Square of the Revolution and draped his coffin with the flag of Guyana.

Almost exactly a year later, on February 23, Mash Day five prisoners escaped violently from the Camp Street Jail, and established a redoubt in the East Coast Demerara village of Buxton. Led by Andrew Douglas, one of “Blackie” London’s lieutenants, they launched a direct attack on the Police Force - to bring the democratically elected Government down.

He went on TV to declare he and his men were “Freedom Fighters” representing “African Guyanese” and murdered innocent Indians to bring further pressure on the Government. Buxton became a state within a state under the control of Douglas and his gang.

Desmond Hoyte, incredibly denied that there were any “criminals” in Buxton, while members of his party were the only ones allowed to enter the village. One member of the PNC’s slate, Ronald Waddell, was identified as a regular visitor in Buxton.

Douglas and several of his men were to die at the hands of law enforcement officers, but not before decimating their ranks by the dozen. One of his lieutenants was Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins who vowed to continue the “struggle”. And we complete the circle of hate that had been started by Hoyte, through “Blackie” London, Andrew Douglas and finally to “Fineman” Rawlins. Douglas was an instrument of “slow fyaah; mo fyaah” and which, once launched, developed its own dynamic.

Rawlins was to commit another even bloodier massacre at Bartica in which 13 persons were slaughtered before he was hunted down and killed along with two accomplices seven months after the Lusignan Massacre near Timehri Airport. We have to salute the Joint Forces for remaining steadfast and to then President Jagdeo for giving them support.

All Guyana must take a vow that there should be no more Lusignans. Disavow those seekers of power who would take the violent road to power.

What compassion!

Dear Editor, It was so refreshing to view your cover page of the Sunday Times newspaper with the 93-year-old Maurice Fagundes returning from the vet with his dog in a wheel chair after taxi drivers refused to transport the sick ani-

mal. Hats off to you, Sir! What compassion! It goes to show how caring this gentleman is. At 93, instead of someone wheeling him around, he has the strength to wheel his poor sick dog. I am sure that dog loves him uncondi-

tionally. Mr Fagundes, please know that you have admirers out there who appreciate your kind gesture in getting help for your dog regardless of what you had to do.

Peggy Singh

Democracy under serious threat in Guyana by APNU/AFC secret talks

Dear Editor,

The controversial and questionable return of former Guyana Defence Force strong man retired Army General David Granger as Leader of the Opposition at it last party Congress, the ruckus and protests, the gun shot that rang out the side line of Sharma Solomon, the disciplining of Vanessa Kissoon, a fractured Linden party group, and the failure of and leaders of APNU to uphold democratic principles and promote democratic practices at its party internal elections are causes for

serious concern.

The hand-picked Presidential Candidate Moses Nagamootoo of AFC by Khemraj Ramjattan is denying the party members the democratic right to vote freely for a Presidential Candidate of their choice –an anti-democratic position adopted by the AFC.

Members of the AFC should protest and demand that their leaders allow them the democratic right to vote and elect a Presidential Candidate of their own free choice.

Now AFC and APNU

joining forces to promote regime change by way of undemocratic practice and means is clear as crystal.

An anti-democratic Opposition movement is being promoted through secret talks is a move that must be of grave concern to all Guyanese, and must be rejected. Disrespect for democracy is clear on part of the Opposition political parties.

Are they afraid of free and fair voting practices?

But why is it that the diplomatic community is silent on the undemocratic practic-

es of the Opposition, which loves to run to them and complain?

Where are the likes of newspaper columnist Freddie Kissoon, GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, trade unions and civil organizations? Let Guyanese know whether you stand for or against democracy.

The freedom we enjoy as a people and the democratic gains our country has made are under serious threat by the Opposition APNU/AFC’s secret talks.

Nanda Gonsalves

NIS will be honouring workers’ claims

Dear Editor, Contrary to report in another section of the press (January 25 edition) that sugar workers’ benefits could be “endangered” because of the “non-remittance of NIS payments”, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) wishes to advise that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has today in-

structed all its local offices to honour all legitimate claims for benefits submitted by sugar workers.

The Corporation met with the NIS Deputy General Manager, Operations, last Friday and submitted a payment schedule for all outstanding contributions, and as a result of this commitment to honour the schedule

for outstanding payments and remittance for current workers, NIS has decided today to honour all workers’ claims.

The Corporation wishes to place on record that not only is it the largest contributor to NIS, but it has sustained a close working relationship with NIS, and at no time has any employee’s le-

gitimate claim for benefits endangered or jeopardized as a result of any late remittance of either employee or employer’s contribution.

Thenga Adams Communications Officer, Publications Communications Department GuySuCo

AFC trying to sell “coalition” as “alliance”

Dear Editor,

The Alliance For Change (AFC) is trying its utmost the sell the “coalition” talks as an “alliance” talk to Berbicians. On January 24, Daizal Samad did just that.

Firstly, he admitted that the coalition talks are of great concern even among the strongest supporters. But then he began to spin a yarn of deception in trying to tell Berbicians that there is a difference between a coalition and an alliance.

He told his viewers that a coalition is a union between political parties but an alliance is not union. Being a professor in English Literature, I cannot say that he is ignorant of the meanings, but I can just conclude that this is deliberate deception coming from a man who wants to sell moral virtues to the Guyanese people.

It’s just semantics. When political parties agreed to work together in a joint action it is a coalition. The word coalition has a nasty connotation in Guyanese politics, so the AFC is at pains to explain to its members and supporters that what they are proposing is not a coalition but an alliance.

Both words suggest a coming together of two or more political parties to support a common policy, and in

this case, it is to get rid of the PPP/C Government and to install Nagamootoo as the President.

Secondly, he admitted that in this alliance negotiation, the AFC is willing to accept the minimum position of leadership - we will have the Presidential candidate he adamantly concluded. He then pointed out that he is in receipt of a document from Moses Nagamootoo which clarifies that position.

Thirdly, he said that the proposed alliance will be between the AFC and the other parties and other groups. Now this is the most confusing partif the AFC is interested to form an alliance with all political parties and organizations, why is it that it is only APNU which AFC is having this secret alliance talk with?

Why is the alliance talk shrouded in secrecy? According to the media, there is an ongoing negotiation between AFC and APNU and no other parties or groups, which is a clandestine move by the AFC to fool its members and supporters about the so-called pro-democracy alliance.

The AFC wants to use the PNC to give Nagamootoo the Presidency of Guyana. They are not concerned about the social and economic development of this country.

Lastly, the Samad sounded the death knell for hydro-electric power. He said that hydro-power is finished, it is not cutting edge technology. He told Berbicians that when the AFC is elected they will install underwater turbines in the Atlantic Ocean and will ask his friend, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, to open two car assembly factories in Guyana.

Again, he failed to tell Berbicians that this cutting-edge technology he is referring to is still a work-in-progress. An article written in bionomic. com stated that “the benefits of utilizing hydro-electric energy are abundant and demand that further development take place throughout the world”.

The AFC is talking about job creation and that 60 per cent of youths are unemployed (according to Samad) and yet they and APNU are against the Amaila Hydro Electric Project, which has the capacity to lower electricity costs, encourage foreign and local investors and create jobs for those youths. Carry on dreaming, Samad!

Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region Six (East

BerbiceCorentyne)

Getting better at being bad

Dear Editor,

The New Year is not yet a month old, but already 2015 appears headed for the unflattering descriptor of Guyanese as “being good at being bad”.

The prevailing atmosphere has already cast a dark shadow of doom and gloom over the dreams, hopes and wishes for positive changes, which are typically associated with the dawn of a New Year.

The euphoria generated by the President’s anxiously awaited announcement of an elections date has already evaporated as it quickly became clear that the May 11 date clashes with important examinations scheduled for schools which are usually used as Polling Places and teachers, many of whom usually function as Polling Day officials.

The nightmare of imag-

ined inconveniences arising from this apparent faux pas came on the heels of wrangling concerning the legal, constitutional and conventional format and sequence of events involving the dissolution of Parliament and setting of the polling date, etc.

These apparent missteps add to other areas of confusion, deficiency, mismanagement, underperformance and indifference; just to name the more obvious to me:

1. The current shemozzle involving the anticipated funds from the ABC and EU countries.

2. The GGMC strike which continues ad infinitum.

3. The threat of strike at UG which must be disorienting and disconcerting for the current cohort of young and mature students as well as

their parents.

4. The war of words about the past, present and future of GuySuCo is doing little, if anything, to allay the chronic doubts and fears that have been hovering over the heads of its many stakeholders, especially its 16,000 employees and their families; and now the recent disclosure of GuySuCo’s failure to remit monies deducted from employees for their NIS benefits.

5. The spate of road accidents, murder, robberies and other crimes show no sign of abating; and we can go on and on with other examples of ‘badness’. Ordinary citizens like me wonder if the world sees us as masochists who take delight in being seen as people who are very good at being bad and even getting better at being ‘badder’!

What is the smart thing

APNU has awakened from slumber to cast aspersions

Dear Editor, It’s official that the silly season has commenced with the announcement of Elections – the latest was a call from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Councilor Leslie Gonsalves to test the bauxite exported by RUSAL for gold and rare earth minerals.

Let us be logical. If there was indeed any traces of gold or rare earth minerals within the area where RUSAL is currently operating, the company would not have gotten an opportunity to even harvest it much less export it.

Faith was a genuine confidant and counselor

Dear Editor, I’m completely devastated by the death of my dear friend, Dr Faith Azelia Harding. I served as Special Assistant to Faith during her tenure as Minister for the Public Service in Guyana.

Faith was not only a colleague; she was family –someone with whom I shared a deep and unshakable maternal bond.

She was a genuine confidant and counselor. Whether, she was serving as a Government Minister or a United Nations representative in Asia or Africa, Faith always took time out of her busy schedule to maintain constant contact with me. Whenever she visited New York, catching up with me was a must.

Faith was a woman of supreme intellect, incomparable skills and commitment as a public servant, elected official and politician. After earning a PhD in Education from Columbia University, she returned to Guyana in 1983 to serve her people and embark on an illustrious career in Government.

to do in such widespread confusion and misfortunes?

The time is ripe for us Guyanese to ask ourselves and our leaders the hard questions and to discuss how best we can work together to get ourselves out of the apparent rut so that we can again look forward to brighter days ahead.

Other nations similarly placed have already demonstrated what has and can be done; we can at least learn from them!

Nowrang Persaud

Her contribution to the development of Guyana is extraordinary and indelible. She served Guyana as an Assistant Chief Education Officer, Minister of Planning and Development, and Minister of the Public Service. As Public Service Minister, she spearheaded the Public Service Reform Programme in 1991.

Faith performed admirably. She transformed and streamlined the entire public service and Government bureaucracy. Consequently, the number of Government Ministries was reduced from 17 to 11, and other governmental agencies and corpora-

tions were harmonized for optimum efficiency.

In every aspect of her tenure in Government in Guyana, her work was transformational. Faith’s incredible enthusiasm for, and dedication to, public service fueled her candidacy for her party nomination for President of Guyana in 2011.

She wanted to serve in a greater capacity to directly affect decision making. Although she was unsuccessful, she never really left the campaign trail; working tirelessly to empower the women of Guyana, for whom she was a trailblazer.

Dr Faith Harding has left an ineffaceable footprint in the political landscape of Guyana, the United Nations development system and all of the developing and undeveloped countries where she worked with the UN to help bring about development and a better quality of life for their peoples, especially women. I will miss her immensely. I will miss her great mentorship, stimulating conversations, generous compliments, wise counsel, beaming smile and big laugh. She was a woman of distinction – an impressive academic, talented psychologist, competent administrator and astute politician. Guyana has lost a bright light, great leader and indefatigable stalwart, who has transcended to a better place.

Dr Faith Harding has surely earned a commemorable seat in our nation’s pantheon of trailblazers and heroes.

I extend sincere condolence to her husband Patrick, son Patrick Jnr, as well as to her siblings and other relatives. May she rest in peace!

Rickford Burke

This is so due to the fact that a gang of miners would have already showed up to that area and would have begun mining.

and the Government is in collusion.

It is appalling that with the recent announcement of General and Regional Elections, all the silly persons are now awake after a long slumber to make fictitious allegations against the company which was brought by the Government to revitalize bauxite in Guyana. RUSAL is one of the companies that have created employment for the people of Linden, but yet the APNU Member wants to cast aspersions on the operations and management of the company to create an impression that Guyana is being robbed

This has been the trump card for APNU, casting aspersions of corruption and illegality without providing the evidence. I do hope the company will consider taking legal actions against APNU and its rogue Member Mr Gonsalves.

In Guyana, we have a culture of casting aspersions without investigating or getting the facts right, but that is how some of the attention seekers, like Mr Gonsalves of APNU, operate and I call for an end of this unethical behavior.

Vivian Li

Page Foundation Home alone

It’s not easy to decide the right time or age to leave children at home on their own.

There is no actual law stating the age children can be left at home alone. However, the law is clear that parents are responsible for their children’s safety and they should not be left in dangerous situations.

There are many things to think about when deciding whether your children should be left at home without you, such as safety, your children’s ages, how mature and capable they are, and whether they could cope in an emergency. It’s important to have ‘ground rules’ and that your children understand them.

What does the law say?

In many cultures it is usual for children to care for brothers and sisters. While different societies have different customs, in Australia there is a legal obligation for parents to make sure that their children are properly looked after.

• Parents are expected to provide food, clothing, a place to live, safety and supervision.

• Parents can be charged with an offence if children are left in a dangerous situation and are not fed, clothed or provided with accommodation.

• Care and Protection can remove children from situations where their immediate safety is in seri-

ous danger and there is no responsible adult or guardian present.

Can parents leave older children in charge?

When a person under the age of 18 years (for example, an older brother, sister or teenage friend) cares for children, the question of negligence or liability could arise.

As a parent you may be held responsible for the carer, as well as your own children, if something goes wrong. For these reasons it is better that carers are adults (over the age of 18 years).

A carer who is still legally a child (that is, under 18 years) would not be judged against the standards of responsibility expected of adults.

If you decide to leave your children in the care of an older brother or sister or other young person, you must be sure that they are reliable and mature.

Ask yourself, ‘Could this child cope with an emergency such as a fire, an accident or a break-in?’.

If your child is left alone without a ‘carer’, he must be old enough to take action in an emergency and know what to do and where to get help.

Questions to ask yourself

If you’re thinking of leaving your children at home.

How safe is our home? Accidents happen so

quickly and most parents know how easily a child can fall into a pool, pull saucepans off the stove, swallow objects or play with matches. Parents always have to be on the alert, especially with young children. There is an even greater need to check that dangerous things are out of reach if you’re not going to be there.

Are the ground rules clear?

Every family has its own ground rules. It is important to be clear about what children can and cannot do and these rules may be different when you are not there or when someone else is minding your children. For example, making a hot drink, turning on the heater, running the bath, using the toaster may seem simple tasks when you are there, but you may decide not to allow them when you’re away. Do not assume that your children know the rules. Ask them to tell you what they are and show you what they would do.

How long will I be away?

Will it be for a few minutes, an hour, a morning or a full day? How long you are going to be away will make a difference to what you decide to do. You need to think about the age of your children, how they feel about being left and most importantly how capable they are. It is never sensible or safe to leave babies, toddlers or young children at home alone.

What about babies and toddlers?

Babies and toddlers have a different sense of time from adults. An hour is not long for an adult but to your young child it is endless and even this short absence could cause distress. It is also unsafe. What would happen if you left your sleeping baby at home while you picked up your toddler from kindergarten and you had an accident? It is not advisable to leave babies or toddlers alone under any circumstances. (parentlink.act.gov.au)

Safety precautions for children in cars

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of childhood death in the United States. In 2009, 1314 children ages 14 and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 179,000 were injured.

When properly installed and used, child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 70 per cent for infants and 55 per cent for toddlers. Adults can protect children by wearing seat belts. When a driver buckles up, children in the vehicle are buckled

children properly in the vehicle

Follow these precautions:

• Infants should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.

• Children under 12 shouldn’t ride in the front seat of a car with a passenger-side air bag. If a child must ride in the front seat, slide the seat back as far as it will go.

• Anyone riding in a vehicle with air bags should buckle the lap and shoulder

94 per cent of the time, studies have found. When a driver is unbuckled, children are buckled only 40 per cent of the time.

When children outgrow their infant seats, some parents mistakenly place them in booster seats or adult seat belts.

Because young children are not adequately restrained by booster seats or adult seat belts, they are at risk for head and abdominal injuries in a crash.

Although all current cars are equipped with air bags, parents still need to restrain their

seat belt. Not doing so may result in serious injury if the air bag inflates.

Safety seats and belts Follow these 2011 seatbelt guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Paediatrics:

• Children 12 and under should ride in the back seat, and they should be properly restrained in an infant seat, child safety seat, or seat belt. The safest place is in the center of the back seat.

• A car safety seat should fit the child, fit the vehicle, and be installed correctly in the back seat every time it’s used. One common problem is not fastening the seat tightly to the vehicle; another problem is not fastening the harness tightly to the child.

• A car safety seat must be installed correctly to perform correctly in a crash. One study cited by the CDC found that 72 per cent of child safety seats were not used correctly. Most of these are too loose. What’s tight enough? The seat belt should feel stiff and the car seat should not move more than an inch, either from side to side or from front to back.

• Some vehicles made before 1997 may need a locking clip to lock the seat belt; newer vehicles have builtin locks. Your vehicle owner’s manual should explain how to use your seat belts with a child safety seat.

• All vehicles, as well as all child safety seats made after September 2002, have Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). This type of system allows you to install a child safety seat without using the vehicle’s seat belt. Even if you have a vehicle or seat made before 2002, it may have LATCH. (urmc.rochester.edu)

It’s official:

Ramotar is PPP/C's Presidential Candidate

President Donald Ramotar was on Monday confirmed as the Presidential Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for the May 11 polls.

This was disclosed by General Secretary of PPP/C Clement Rohee at the party’s weekly press conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. According to Rohee, Ramotar was selected and decided upon at a meeting which was convened last week. He noted that Ramotar was the only Presidential Candidate and there no other competitors in the race for the position.

“The only thing that has been decided upon is the fact President Ramotar is the Presidential Candidate. There was no other Presidential candidate,” he said. He noted too that this is not likely to change anytime before the polls.

Questioned on whether this was a wise choice given the fact that the party would have lost a majority Government under the leadership of Ramotar in the 2011 General Elections, Rohee noted that was simply an assumption and it was not prov-

en that the candidate was the primary reason for this.

“There were a number of reasons why that happened and after the 2011 elections, we did an analysis and made

in a better position and we are still working to ensure that we are way ahead of the game. That is just an assumption and we are not going into the elections with that kind of as-

it known the factors that responsible for us losing control of the Parliament. We had also pointed out over the years that we have taken corrective measures to address those issues.

“Now I believe that we are

sumption. We are going to win elections,” Rohee explained.

Meanwhile, Rohee, who also holds the post of Home Affairs Minister, related that the Prime Ministerial candidate is yet to be chosen, but there are several nominees for

the position. It is possible that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds will be replaced.

“The party is still discussing this. Anything is possible. If the PPP/C has the Presidential Candidate then the Prime Ministerial Candidate would come from the Civic. There are a lot of people working,” he disclosed. Rohee noted that the party remains optimistic that it will regain its majority at the polls slated for May 11.

Confident

After serving as PPP/ C’s General Secretary for 14 years, Ramotar was selected as the 2011 Presidential Candidate in April that year, ahead of the November 28 elections. Subsequent to his decision to prorogue Parliament on November 10, 2014, President Ramotar told reporters that he was “confident” that he will be the next PPP/C Presidential Candidate.

The President has consistently said that he is not afraid of the electorate and emphasised that he will secure a majority in the next election. “This time I am going back for the majority bigger than before,” he had de-

clared.

Winning the 2011 elections with a plurality, Ramotar became the first President not to have a majority in the National Assembly. In the 65-seat National Assembly, PPP/C secured 32 seats while A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) secured 26, and Alliance For Change (AFC) 7, resulting in the collective Opposition gaining a total 33 seats.

Campaign

Already President Ramotar has featured in a campaign television advertisement which has begun airing. In the two-minute advertisement, the President detailed plans for jobs security, investments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), higher education opportunities and modernisation of the country’s infrastructure.

“Unlike the other parties and individuals, I commit to further investments to secure the sugar industry and an agriculture diversification plan that would move us into value added production.

“I present to you a platform that would see us achieving universal secondary edu-

cation and expanded health care. I commit to a future where resources would be used to improve the life of every citizen through increased spending in the social sector, creation of a knowledge based economy and a future where every Guyanese own their own home,” he said in the advertisement.

President Ramotar also highlighted the developments made over the years under his watch in the areas of tourism, mining and agriculture. He pointed out that the country’s foreign debt was also reduced during this time by half and its international reserve is at its highest ever.

“We cannot risk these gains, the work must continue. Let us move forward together. I am Donald Ramotar, and I ask you and your families to support this future. Join us in moving forward together,” he ended in true campaign-like momentum.

At the end of the ad, the PPP/C symbol was boldly displayed. The advertisement also features clips of the President interacting with the young Guyanese, visiting Marriott Hotel site and touring housing developments.

APNU/AFC coalition: A “kiss of death” – Rohee

Home Affairs Minister and People’s Progressive/Civic (PPP/C) Party General

Secretary Clement Rohee has described the proposed coalition between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) as a “kiss of death”.

Speaking at the Party’s weekly press conference on Monday, Rohee noted that a possible coalition between the two Opposition parties was one which was doomed for failure. This, he said, was owing to the fact that the only thing the two parties had in common was a mutual hatred for the PPP/C Administration.

“Guyana does not have a good history of coalition Governments. Such a coalition is doomed to fail, because it is built on hatred for the PPP/C Government,” Rohee told the news conference.

The General Secretary noted too that a coalition between the two parties was difficult since there was a difference of opinion on who should be the Presidential Candidate. This, he said, was caused by the minor party, the AFC, which, with just seven seats in Parliament, was fighting for an ‘all or nothing’ position even though APNU had 26 seats and should be given more bargaining power.

“One bone of contention seems to be who would lead the coalition. The AFC is determined to have its way despite being the junior partner, with just seven seats in Parliament. The ‘leader or nothing’ stand taken by the party is reminiscent of the PNC leader LFS Burnham when he wanted to grab leadership,” Rohee expressed.

According to him, APNU

is now in a “sticky situation” since it has a lot to lose if it succumbs to the demands of the AFC, adding that if the party should succumb, it would mean it had sold itself to the minority party and would allow itself to be used, abused and manipulated.

“The PNCR is in a serious dilemma. It would have a lot of explaining to do regarding it’s sell-out position if it allows itself to be manipulated by the AFC… selling out its interest to a junior party. It would be a spineless move by David Granger. The party would also be seen as a

Home Affairs Minister and PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

sell-out to AFC with a mere seven seats in Parliament. It will never enter into a coalition, because it would be a betrayal to its members,” the PPP/C member stated.

Questioned on whether he saw the coalition as a threat to the PPP/C, Rohee responded in the negative, noting that the party was confident of a victory in the upcoming polls, coalition or no coalition.

The AFC last Thursday made it absolutely clear that it would abandon any pro-

posal to coalesce with APNU if the party did not emerge from ongoing talks as the leader of the pre-electoral alliance.

Crave for leadership

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, when questioned by this newspaper during the party’s weekly media encounter, insisted that the alliance “must” be led by his party. Ramjattan made the comments even in the face of Granger strongly rejecting it the first time. Granger had insisted that his coalition deserved to be at the helm of any alliance arrangement with the AFC because it commanded more political support when compared to the minority Opposition party. He also said that Ramjattan’s comments were premature.

Granger explained that while APNU was looking forward to the secret talks with the AFC, such declarations concerning the leadership of any coalition were hasty.

According to him, it would be through dialogue that the political factions would be able to reasonably determine which party would be at the helm.

Observers have said that the minority Opposition party’s proposal was presumptuous given that it trailed APNU by a distance in terms of electoral support. “It’s a bit presumptuous for them to want to lead a group with a party that has over 20 seats comparing to their seven,” a former Member of Parliament commented.

Since the beginning of the 10th Parliament, the AFC has sought to project itself as the better of the two parties and even managed to secure the Speakership. At the 2011 General and Regional

Elections, APNU received 139,678 votes (26 seats in the National Assembly); the AFC 35,333 (seven seats); and the governing PPP/C 166,340 (32 seats).

Construction worker who obtained $2.6M by false pretence gets bail

Thirty-six-year-old Sherwin Laundry of Lot 249 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was granted $125,000 bail after being arraigned on a obtaining money by false pretence charge.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday afternoon.

His charge alleged that on October 31, 2014 at Georgetown, he conspired with persons known or unknown to him, to obtain $2,650,016 by false pretence by virtue of a Republic Bank cheque which stated it was is-

Woman on $1M bail

ALusignan, East Coast Demerara businesswoman was placed on $1 million bail on Monday for allegedly issuing two cheques that bounced to a rice miller.

Bibi Faniza Deo, 35, appeared in a New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on Monday to answer two charges of incurring a debt and pretending to be in a position to effect valid payment.

The first charge states that she and her husband, Chatterpaul Deo 45, also of Lusignan, on December 22, 2013 at Number 36 Village, Corentyne incurred a debt of $2,069,550

sued by the treasury department of the Mayor and City Council.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. No facts were read nor were there any objections to bail by Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru.

Laundry, who is a construction worker, was represented by Attorney Mark

Waldron who told the court that his client was authorised by a man (name unknown) from Linden to collect the cheque.

He was then placed on $125,000 bail and is expected to report to the Brickdam Police Station.

The matter will be heard again on February 20.

for bounced cheques

from Nand Persaud and Company Limited and issued a cheque to the same value.

The couple was also charged for committing a similar offence on January 2, 2014, also against Nand Persaud and Company Limited. On that occasion, the sum involved was $2,294,100.

Chatterpaul was not in court when the charge was read.

Magistrate Carlyn Artiga allowed Deo her pre-trial liberty in the sum of $1 million. She will have to return to court on March 19 for trial.

The defendant, who has

been in business for more than 10 years, would buy rice from Nand Persaud Limited and redistribute it. Sources close to the investigation claim that more than 20 similar charges could be laid against the defendant. According to the source, more than $30 million was allegedly paid by cheques, which were not honoured by the bank.

Vendor granted bail on fraudulent conversion charge

Roxanne Ray of Lot 127 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was granted bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after being charged for fraudulent conversion.

The defendant, who is a vendor by profession, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate on Monday morning.

Her allegation read that between February 1 and February 13, 2013 at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Montaque Spenster with a quantity of gold valued $8.1 million to keep and return, she fraudulently converted it to her own use and benefit. The defendant denied the charge against her.

There were no facts read in court by the prosecution nor were there any objections to bail being granted.

Bail was granted to Ray in the sum of $100,000. She is expected to make her second appearance on February 16.

Eyew tness Calling out...

... AFC on race

Say what you want about David Hinds, you can’t deny that the man has race on his brain. If to a hammer, everything’s a nail...with Hinds, everything’s about race. But if to Marxists everything’s about economics, what’s wrong with Hinds’ reductionism on race??

Marcus Garvey did advise that we must “cleave to the black”, OK?? And at least he has the gumption to bring his race talk out into the open rather than spout the sanctimonious, politically correct drivel you hear from most politicians.

So he’s taken on the most oleaginous and slimy of those politically correct hypocrites - the AFC. Not deliberately, mind you. After all, from within the belly of the APNU beast, his WPA leader Roopnarine’s negotiating a coalition with the AFC. That the talk up to now’s been “who gon be pon top”, is neither here not there. It’s the principle of the thing that matters, no? They’re talking about hitching up.

Anyhow, Hinds posed some pretty serious questions to the AFC - some of which this Eyewitness’ been throwing out for quite a while. Like who gave Ramjattan the power to unilaterally jettison the AFC’s foundational principle of “ethnic rotation” of their Presidential Candidate?

As this Eyewitness has pointed out, this arrogation is most disrespectful and scandalous...but no one seems to want to talk about it. And it’s not like the AFC doesn’t have top caliber African Guyanese among its ranks.

Nigel Hughes may not want to be in the spotlight right now because of his own scandal with the Sithe’s Company Secretary cover up. But what about younger lights like Patterson or Williams?? Do they have Kuh-KuhBeh?? However, since Hinds said he was questioning some premises of the AFC, this Eyewitness hopes he won’t have a problem with some of HIS premises being scrutinised.

Like when he said that African Guyanese tend to vote for “other races” more than Indians. Is this a new epiphany?? If Hinds’ premise is right, then surely the best candidate for the WPA in 1992 - when they were so SURE they’d win the elections - was to put Roopnarine as Presidential Candidate rather than Clive Thomas, no?

After all with those racist Indians voting for their “own”Roopnarine - and combined with all those Africans who are ever willing to “split their vote” - the WPA really could’ve carried the day! Rather than the pitiful four per cent they eked out!!

For the record, the PNC’s always gotten just over 40 per cent of the vote in every election since 1964. That’s the approximate percentage of the African and Mixed vote in the population that turns out to vote. So much for “one guilty race”!!

...the academic snobs

It’s clear that the senior staff at UG haven’t the foggiest notion about the distinction between “intellectual” and “academic”. From the comments one of the latter - named Ifill - made about Bibi Shadick’s appointment as ProChancellor of UG - it’s also clear that some of them are really filled with hubris. About what?? Dotting “I-s” and crossing “T-s” in footnotes, that’s what.

You could just see Ifill, sniffing in disdain as she condescendingly allows, “We have nothing against her but for us it’s the principle.” You’ll note the arrogation of the royal “we” by Ifill as she complains that Ms Shadick doesn’t have the “academic experience”. We wonder if Eric Hoffer had been appointed Pro-Chancellor, Ifill would’ve demanded “academic qualifications”. Or Eusi Kwayana.

Ms Shadick, despite her homespun and unaffected demeanour, is a very grounded daughter of Leguan who continuously offers a uniquely shaped intellectual perspective on our Guyanese reality to folks like Ifill. Who can only regurgitate theories from books. Academics! Fire on that lot!!

...Cameron

PM Ralph Gonsalves is a man of this Eyewitness’ heart. This confounded nonsense by the WICB must stop! It’s shaming us all. Cameron must go!! And this should only be the start to recover our WI cricketing pride!

India hails ties with Guyana

…at 66th Republic Day observance

The Indian High Commission here on Monday celebrated that country’s 66th Republic Day Anniversary with a reception, where acting High Commissioner Madhumita Sengupta said that her country is committed to strengthen its ties with Guyana.

The reception was held at the Georgetown Club and was attended by President Donald Ramotar, several

right to employment, food security among others.

The acting High Commissioner said that this approach will continue as the current Government will be focusing in areas such as housing, medical facilities and social insurance facilities to the people of the country. She underscored that India has been active on the international scene, advocating for peace and security while at the

ship between the two countries.

The acting Indian High Commissioner went onto say that India provided over 300 Guyanese with technical training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and provided more than 30 scholarships under the Commonwealth Scholarship Programme for Guyanese to pursue

ministers, member of the Diplomatic Corp and top ranking Indo-Guyanese officials along with Indiabased nationals living in Guyana. Sengupta in delivering her remarks explained that since India’s economy was liberalised in 1991, the country has seen sustained growth in its domestic sector, investments and in international trade and commerce. She continued that the country was taken out of poverty with the implementation of several schemes such as the

same time helping to boost the global economy by supporting other countries such as Guyana.

“Our warm and cordial relations with the Republic of Guyana are based on historical and cultural links, shared values of democracy, freedom, equality and belief in unity and diversity,” Sengupta pointed out while adding that President Ramotar’s recent visit to her home country offered a platform for further impetus to the already strong relation -

higher education in India. She added that the India government has also extended financial assistance for infrastructural projects.

“Construction of the Cricket stadium at Providence is one such project. Several initiatives have been taken by Government of India to provide assistance to Guyana in the field of road construction and upgrade of sugar industry. Most importantly, India is committed to setting up

Bermudian cocaine mule still to excrete remaining pellets

The 23-year-old Bermudian woman who was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara with cocaine pellets in her stomach is still to excrete at least 10.

This was according to a senior Police rank who confirmed that since Njila Fomdar, of Bermuda, was admitted to the medical institution on Saturday, she has passed several pellets amounting to 392 grams. He was worried about the time it was taking for all the pellets to be passed.

“If one of those pellets or several of them burst, then it can be fatal to the victim…,” he explained.

The woman reportedly told investigators that she was trying to make an “extra living” since life on the

island was quite difficult. Once she excretes the remaining pellets, she will be charged and could spend up to four years in prison.

On Saturday last, the Bermudian national was about to board a Caribbean Airlines flight when she was seen acting in a suspicious manner. Ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch became suspicious and upon interrogation, she admitted that she had ingested the pellets. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was given a laxative to facilitate the recovery of the pellets.

She was the second cocaine mule intercepted last week at the CJIA. On Tuesday last, Alex Macy of Lot 60 Middle Road, Skeleton, Berbice was apprehended with 12.25 kilograms of cocaine in his pos-

a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, and also provided financing for the purchase of a ferry for the North-West of Guyana through loan and grant,” she stated.

Additionally, Sengupta spoke about the noticeable number of Indian medical specialists that are currently working in local institutions. She further mentioned the successes in the business sector, revealing that the bilateral trade between the two countries has increased by 30 per cent in the past five years.

In the meanwhile, President Ramotar in his brief remarks reiterated that the relationship between the two countries has been a strong one and will continue this way in the future. The President expressed his appreciation for the assistance of the Indian Government for the East Bank and East Coast road link as well as the ferry acquisition. He added that with the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, Guyana is bound to develop even further. Ramotar also acknowledged the critical role that businesses of the two country play in deepening the relationship.

Sixty pedestrians died on the country’s roadways in 2014 – a significant increase compared to 2013 when 39 individuals lost their lives, the Public Works Ministry has said.

Further, over 135 fatal traffic accidents occurred last year, which resulted in the deaths of 146 persons. One hundred and twelve deaths were recorded in 2013. These statistics were revealed by Geoffrey Vaugh, Coordinator of Works Services Group (WSG), a unit within the Public Works Ministry, during a press conference on January 16. The WSG has a Maintenance/ Traffic/Safety Division.

“Those numbers generated a 23.7 per cent increase in fatal accidents and a 23.3 per cent increase in fatalities when compared with 2013. Additionally, there was a 37.5 per cent increase

in the number of children killed on the roadways for 2014 when compared with 2013,” Vaughn told reporters.

Meanwhile, 26 motor cyclists, 23 passengers, 20 pedal cyclists, 16 drivers and one pillion rider lost their lives in 2014. Twentyfour of these accidents occurred along the East Coast Demerara corridor and 21 along the East Bank of Demerara.

During the observance of National Road Safety Month in November 2014, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn had stated that most of the fatalities involved young men between the ages of 18 and 35. He stressed that Guyanese needed to adopt the culture of safety on the roadways, because “the country needs its young population for continued development”.

session.

On the day in question at the country’s main port of entry, Macy was about to board a Dynamic Airways flight to the United States of America when ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) saw him acting in a suspicious manner.

They decided to conduct a search of his two suitcases, while conducting the search, they noticed two bags with Bob Marley designs which aroused their suspicions further.

When they opened the bags, they found the drugs in several packets of rice and flour. Macy made his court appearance on Thursday last and was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The matter will be called again on February 9.

Essequibians blank APNU’s public meeting

– Granger talks up “development plan”

By IndrawattIe natram

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) has proposed an economic recovery plan for the Pomeroon sub-region in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam Region) as the party geared up to contest the upcoming elections.

Region Two, over the years, has voted solidly for the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). In 2011, that Party picked up 12,450 votes and also the two geographical seats. APNU mustered 3254 votes.

Only recently, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, speaking at the Essequibo Nite festivities, said that the Coast was primarily an agricultural region whose development has grown tremendously, especially in regard to diversification of crops.

He reminded Essequibians that the days when fields were ploughed

for Pomeroon

with oxen and paddy stalks were cut by hand-held grass knives were gone forever. He said times were changing and fields today were ploughed and harvested mechanically, all because of certain changes, which some people did not like.

The Prime Minister said too

that he was pleased to see development ongoing across Region Two, noting that there was progress in every area.

At the same event, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud noted that the region has grown over the years. He said as a result of

the success of the region’s agricultural sector, crops were now exported directly to other countries. In lauding the efforts of rice farmers, the Regional Chairman said production at the end of every crop was surpassing the million-bags-target owing to Government’s massive investment in the drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure across the region.

Promises

However, APNU Leader Brigadier (retired) David Granger, accompanied by a team of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) members that included Dr George Norton and Renitta Williams, promised to introduce a Hinterland Economic Recovery Plan (HERP) after the forthcoming General and Regional Elections.

In a statement, APNU said during its visit to Wakapao, it learnt of problems plaguing the community from the villagers themselves. Wakapao is a multi-island settlement that can be accessed only by boat. The community suffers from high transportation costs, high cost of living, and high primary and secondary dropout rates, APNU said.

According to the coalition, residents recently had to close the Mabel Sandy Primary School, because it

Damned if yuh do and damned if yuh don’t

Old people gotta sayin that some times yuh does be damned if yuh do and still damned if yuh don’t. That got to be de way de Prezzie musbe feelin right now wid whah goin on in this country.

Every ting whah Rum Jhaat and Green Jah want, de Prezzie give dem double. Dem ask fuh dialogue, and when dem get it, dem didn’t want it. And dem ain’t tek it. Instead dem tek dem eyes and pass de Prezzie and de people of this country.

De Prezzie still ask dem again and again, and again and again dem still ain’t tek it. All de time Rum Jhaat prefer to tek he tuks and Green Jah prefer to tek he eyes and pass de Kissmoon woman in Linden.

Then dem complain that de Prezzie prorogue Parliament. De Prezzie seh don’t worry, elections in the New Year. So said, so done. De Prezzie keep he promise and call de elections. First month in 2015, and elections date done call arready.

Some of dem ambASSadors stay just like that. Green Jah and Rum Jhaat run so much to dem ambASSadors that dem behavin just like dem two crooks. Dem fuhget that dem name ambASSadors and not Prezzie. And that mASSa days done.

De Ayre Man had a lotta air bout him. So when he jump up in de air and talk sheer hot air, by de time he reach back down, he had to go back to wheh he come from to get some cold air.

De Hardt Man had also learn de same ting de hard way. Since then de man who suppose to replace he friken to come.

A couple of months ago KopASSky and de Hee-You tell de Guvament that dem was doin well wid every ting fuh de lil sea defence money and fuh de lil sugar money. Now suddenly de money get hold up.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! It got to be that KopASSky ASSume that he can still behave like a mASSa.

ing educational decline, reopening avenues for employment, promoting green energy generation, developing local enterprise, and empowering communities by installing a friendly

had become unsafe for use, thereby aggravating the education problem. APNU said the community’s economy was based on farming but transportation of commodities to the main market at Charity was expensive. Granger proposed a five-point plan for solving Pomeroon’s problems. This plan is based on revers-

RDC in Anna Regina after the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

APNU said Wakapao residents welcomed its initiatives and expressed support for the Partnership’s approach to national unity and national economic development. Granger also told villagers that the May 11 General and Regional

Elections would be critical for the sub-region. He promised that an APNU administration will implement the recovery plan that would ensure that villagers could enjoy ‘…a good life.”

Meanwhile, in its quest to whip up support in Region Two, APNU held a few public meetings, which saw disappointing crowds. At one meeting in Charity, even though it was a market day – Monday, the meeting attracted a crowd of 20 persons. The party leader was basically talking while persons were busy shopping and they paid little interest.

During conversations with persons who were at the market, they said they were not interested in what the leader had to say. Many persons also voiced their opinion that all he was doing was promising and further questioned what the party had done for them in 22 years. “Where were they when we were lining up for food items, how many schools and hospitals they built?” one vendor asked. “They can’t come fool us, we know them in disguise...”

After his address, Granger took the opportunity to meet with vendors and passersby and encouraged them to vote for his party.

Rodney Inquiry: Panel told of 5 murder plots by PNC Govt

Caricom accredits first New Zealand Ambassador

Former Police Constable

Robert Gates on Monday returned to the witness stand at the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry declaring that Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-Leader, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine owes him his life.

The announcement threw the small gathering in the Supreme Court library building into a frenzy, as the seventh round of the Inquiry got underway before the threemember tribunal. Gates returned to the stand months after the completion of his evidence, relating that he had failed to relay some pertinent information during his prior testimony, which spanned several days within the month of June last year.

Gates, who, during his earlier testimony, declared that he was the bodyguard for the WPA Leader, had also related that the political party was seeking to overthrow the Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham Administration.

But his testimony on Monday raised eyebrows, as he, being led into evidence by Commission’s counsel Latchi Rahamat, unflinchingly declared that Roopnaraine would not have been alive today if he, Gates, had followed his instructions.

Gates had told the Commission that he had accepted the “bodyguard” position for Dr Roopnaraine, with the aim of fulfilling an offer made to him by the Police Force’s intelligence unit to carry out surveillance on the WPA and its activities.

Dr Roopnaraine, he related, was on a list of at least five other individuals, including Dr Rodney, who were on the radar of the “Death Squad” as “enemies of the state”. By enemies of the state, he meant anyone who would do anything that would impede the smooth flow of the work of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government. The others included Ohene Koama and

Edward Dublin, who, according to him, were all victims of state-sanctioned killings.

Roopnaraine was a close friend of Dr Rodney in the 1970s until the latter met his demise in a deadly bomb blast on June 13, 1980. Gates had told the Commission that he had refused to carry out the order of his superiors to facilitate the death of Dr Roopnaraine by making it appear to be an accident.

Gates said that Roopnaraine had asked him to secure ammunition and to keep it in a safe place until he was ready to collect them.

The former Police officer said he kept the arms at his house, and had also informed his superiors in the Force that Roopnaraine was asking him to obtain ammunition. The special squad then plotted for Roopnaraine to “get what he wanted”, but only after the ammunition “got packed” so it would explode upon being used.

“I did not want to harm Dr Roopnaraine, because he treated me well; and he’s a fine gentleman, and a very good person,” Gates had told the Commission in June last year. Instead of carrying out

Gas station shooting:

the plot, Gates said he took the weapon and its ammunition and threw them into the Berbice River.

“Dr Roopnaraine got off because I let him go,” he reiterated on Monday.

Other plots

Asked about the other plots by the state, Gates said only three names on the list were successfully eliminated – Ohene Koama, Edward Dublin and Dr Rodney. He said he was aware of the plots to kill those three WPA members before they were actually carried out, recalling in particular the death of Koama, who was ambushed and killed by members of the death squad in 1979. Gates said Koama’s death was indeed plotted, and relayed that the Police had placed the “arms and ammunition” in the trunk of Koama’s car. That, he said, was something which had become a norm for the death squad.

On matters relating to Dublin’s death, Gates said he was informed by then Superintendent of Police Andrews called “Agent” that Dublin would be killed. He

said he had received a friendly warning from the senior officer to stay away from Dublin as he was given an order to send him “home”, which he explained meant the “Le Repentir Cemetery”. A few days later, Gates learnt that Dublin had died.

Gates told the Commission that Dr Rodney’s death was also state-sponsored. Asked how he could determine this, he explained that he was very much informed of this even before he became the bodyguard of Dr Roopnaraine. He said his superior informed him that Rodney was on the radar to be killed. The massive WPA meetings had also become a threat and the Force and even then Prime Minister Burnham was being “briefed” on the numerous plots against the historian. He noted too that the “comrade leader” was pleased with his undercover assignments, for which he was “handsomely paid”.

He noted that back then he had also received monies to “fund moles” within the WPA, relating that he received between $30,000 and $40,000 for that assignment.

Meanwhile, in an interesting twist, Gates told the Commission that his cousin, a former Police officer Ashton Barker was, in July 1980, sent to Cayenne to “keep tabs” on murder accused William Gregory Smith. Asked the reason for this, Gates informed that it was a normal practice for the security force to undertake “counter surveillance measures”, whenever a high-profile person committed a crime. This, he related, was done to ensure that the person involved did not reveal information to anyone. The now dead William Gregory Smith had been accused of handing the bomb hidden in the walkie-talkie to Dr Rodney on the fateful evening, while he sat in his younger brother’s car outside the Georgetown Prison.

Dead bandit identified as Better Hope resident

The bandit who was fatally shot during a robbery at Choke’s Service Station, Kersaint Park, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara on Sunday evening has been identified as Marvin King, 36, of Better Hope Squatting Area, ECD. King was shot twice by the owner of the service station and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. According to information, King and his accomplice went to the service station where they relieved Tiffany Hunte, of Buxton, ECD, a pump attendant, of an undisclosed sum of money and a mobile phone.

The two armed men reportedly drove into the service station on a motorcycle, held up Hunte with a handgun and took away the articles.

During the robbery, the owner of the service station realised what was happening and confronted the bandits. He is reportedly a licensed firearm holder.

During the confrontation, King and his accomplice were shot and in a bid to escape, the two men jumped onto the motorcycle and drove away. A chase ensued and the injured man was found lying next to the motorcycle on the Railway Embankment. His accomplice was nowhere in sight.

The injured man was picked up by Police ranks and was rushed off to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but died on his way there. The Police have no criminal records for King, but he might have been a part of a gang that carried out several robberies on the East Coast of

Demerara.

The Police are continuing to look for the second man.

Popeye shootout

Meanwhile, Police are also hunting for two men, one of whom might have been injured during a shootout with Police at Popeye’s Restaurant at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, on Sunday evening.

The Police stated that around 19:25h, Darryl Seruggs, 51, of A Field Sophia, Georgetown, was attacked and robbed of a cellphone valued $80,000 by two men, both of whom were armed with handguns.

Information reaching the Guyana Times revealed that one of the perpetrators entered the fast food outlet and ordered customers to lie on the ground

during which he relieved Seruggs of the phone. An off-duty Policeman, who was in the restaurant confronted the suspect who discharged rounds at him, but the rank retaliated by returning fire. The bandit was reportedly shot during the exchange of gunfire. He managed to make his way out of the restaurant and jumped onto the waiting motorcycle and sped away.

Meanwhile, Police have arrested a man who turned up at the Georgetown Hospital with a gunshot wound. He has been identified as Nicholas James, 23. The Police have launched an investigation to determine if James was involved in any of the robberies. James is said to be in a stable condition. He is presently under guard.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has accredited the first Plenipotentiary Representative of New Zealand to the Community.

Jan Henderson, who was also accredited to several Caricom Member States, on Tuesday last presented her letters of credence to Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque in a simple ceremony at the headquarters of the Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

In his remarks, the Secretary General said New Zealand would understand the challenges that confronted small states like those of Caricom, given that it was also a relatively small state and because of its ties to the Pacific Island States, with which Caricom shared close cooperation.

Caricom-New Zealand relations were spurred through exchanges, including the New Zealand Foreign Minister’s attendance at the meetings of the Caricom Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in 2013 and 2014. A Memorandum of Understanding was later signed by the Foreign Minister and the Caricom Secretary General, defining cooperation arrangements in areas including agriculture, climate change, renewable energy, and disaster risk management.

As he congratulated the High Commissioner on her country’s election as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the Secretary General expressed confidence that the CaricomNew Zealand collaboration would extend to the international arena particularly in the Commonwealth and United Nations. He stressed the importance of the issue of climate change to the Community, noting that in moving forward, it “must be integral” to cooperation discussions.

The Secretary General noted that in spite of the challenges posed by the lingering effects of the global economic and financial crisis, as well as the graduation of many of Caricom

countries out of concessional development financing, the Region was assiduously pursuing actions to build resilience. In this context, the Community’s Strategic Plan for 2015-2019 identifies strategic priorities for building the economic, social, environmental and technological resiliencies of the Community. In this vein, he said cooperation with partners like New Zealand was necessary for the Community to fulfil its goal of sustainable development.

Build on traditional linkages

The New Zealand High Commissioner said her accreditation demonstrated the firm desire of her Government to build on the traditional linkages with the Caribbean. Pledging to do her utmost to strengthen existing linkages and to create new ones, she said work had already begun with the establishment of permanent diplomatic presence in the Region, through the New Zealand High Commission located in Bridgetown. New Zealand, she informed, had engaged Dominica, St Lucia, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines in geothermal energy projects, and it was also continuing its scholarship programme, which has a complement of 20 Caribbean students. Noting that she expected that number to increase as the country expanded its outreach in the coming months, she added that it had also begun to identify small projects in sports, women’s and youth empowerment, agriculture and environmental protection in the countries to which it was accredited.

The High Commissioner said that New Zealand could be a bridge between Caricom and the Pacific Island Forum which, for the most part, consisted of small island states similar to Caricom. Secretary General LaRocque welcomed the idea given that small island states shared unique problems. Caricom has identified the deepening of foreign policy coordination as one of its strategic priorities for 2015-2019.

US thanks Caricom for rebuke on Cuba embargo

UGGMC workers intensify protest actions

… board maintains bad track record

nited States Vice President Joseph Biden has thanked the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for its “encouragement” to his country to “make the change” with Cuba.

Caricom has been advocating for an end to the economic and trade embargo on Cuba by the US as well as for an end to the isolation of Cuba from the hemispheric councils. US President Barack Obama recently announced steps towards the normalisation of relations between the US and Cuba.

In an opening statement at the Multilateral Meeting with Caribbean Heads of Government in Washington, DC, USA on Monday, Vice President Biden also indicated that he had advised the US Treasury Department to change its voting positions

with respect to graduation policies of the international financial institutions. Biden referred especially to financing with respect to renewable energy and natural disaster management.

Caricom has been lobbying consistently for a reversal of the policy which sees many of the Member States being denied access to concessionary development financing due to being graduated through the use of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita as a major criterion. Japan has also indicated in recent times a willingness to revise its position on the same issue.

Caricom Chairman Perry Christie, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, in his opening statement referred to Caricom and the United States having a” kith and kin relationship” which allowed for them to have a shared vision. Prime Minister Christie took the opportunity once again to extend an invitation to President Obama to meet with the Community’s leaders.

Prime Minister Christie told the Vice President that as leaders there was an enduring obligation to ensure that the youth had a future and would not be victims of hopelessness. Discussions such as those engaged in at the meeting should always

have that issue at the forefront, the Prime Minister said.

The meeting was a follow-up to one held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in May 2013 and discussions centred on economic competitiveness, citizen security and issues raised at the earlier meeting, including energy and climate change. The Vice President reported that in following up results of that session, the US had included the Caribbean in its broadband partnership for the Americas. He also said that before the end of the year six Caricom countries would be enlisted on an electronic system which was being implemented by the US to track criminal deportees. This, he said, would give more complete information on the deportees to help the receiving countries deal with the problem.

Region 2 Chairman worried over rising cases of suicide

Another teenager in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has ended his life tragically, taking the number of deaths via suicide to seven for 2015; all within 26 days.

Dead is 18-year-old Jamsey Singh, also known as “Fat Boy” of Richmond Village on the Essequibo Coast. He was discovered hanging from a piece of rope in his bedroom on Friday, January 23 by his grandmother.

The teenager was living with his grandmother since he was a toddler. He committed the act while his grandmother was away from home. The woman had

left home to go to the Anna Regina Health Centre.

According to the dead teen’s grandmother, who gave her name as “Baby”, she had a few errands to conduct in the Town of Anna Regina and upon returning home in the evening she saw her grandson had committed suicide. She is unsure as to why her grandson would want to end his life so suddenly.

She related that the teenager’s father resides in Canada and his mother resides in one of the Caribbean islands but did not mention which island. Upon the discovery of her grandson’s body hanging, the woman said she informed the Police who visited the scene and

conducted their investigations. No marks of violence were found on his body.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, in an invited comment over the high numbers of suicide cases in his region, said he is deeply concerned. He is appealing on all religious organisations and social bodies in the region to help curb the issue.

Persaud said he cannot understand why young people and elders are ending their life so tragically. The Chairman commented that life is precious and is therefore calling for a permanent solution to suicide which according to him is a temporary problem in the region

West Ruimveldt man remanded for robbery under arms

Twenty-year-old Encosie Griffin of Lot 29 Lane Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown was remanded to prison after being arraigned on a robbery under arms charge. The man appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Monday morning. The charge alleged that on April 9 at Georgetown, being in the company of another and

armed with a gun, he robbed Derek Hinds of a gold chain valued $400,000, a gold ring worth $250,000 and $100,000 in cash – totaling $750,000.

The defendant denied the allegation against him through his Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith. The defence counsel made his bail application stating that his client is a hard working man with a family. He noted that Griffin is not a flight risk. BurchSmith added that his client

turned himself in. There were no facts read in court. However, Police Prosecutor Denero Jones objected to bail citing the nature and gravity of the offence, the penalty of the offence, the fact that the defendant gave conflicting addresses and age and that Hinds knows the defendant. After listening to both sides, the Magistrate made her decision and remanded the defendant until February 6.

BY ROYDEN JAMES

After one month, workers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) continue to down tools for a salary increase which was promised to them since last year.

Following severe criticisms over the past weeks by several Government Ministries and some sections of society, the workers have now intensified their industrial actions.

On Monday, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Patrick Yarde joined the protest line, as he too took to the streets in solidarity for the workers.

Speaking to Guyana Times , Yarde maintained that until there is a solid agreement, only then would the workers return to work.

“We definitely will be intensifying our actions. Unless we come to an agreement on terms of resumption then the workers will be returning to work. We don’t see difficulties in doing that, and based on recent discussions we are ready to respond to any meeting that will conclude this strike, this is not supposed to happen in the first place,” Yarde noted.

The Union head said that the GGMC board, the Labour Ministry and the Natural Resources Ministry need to take into consideration that the livelihood of

the workers are at stake, noting that workers would not be paid for the entire month they have been on strike and they should consider giving the workers their increases so they can return to work as per normal, since they have their families to maintain.

It was reported by the GPSU Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Jermin Hermanstyne that field workers in Georgetown and the hinterland regions were instructed to down tools and join the protest action.

‘Pay we today and we will work tomorrow’ is one of the slogans the protestors have been using since last November. Yarde said this goes to show that although the workers are desperate for their increases, they are also desperate to return to their respectful jobs.

Yarde posited that the

Ministry has some internal issues with the GGMC workers, stating that every other organisation that falls under the Ministry would be paid and given their salary increases on time, but when it comes to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, it is a royal runaround.

He said that the board maintains a bad track record of paying GGMC workers, reflecting on an agreement that was signed since 2008 between workers and the board but until today, the agreement has not come to light. He said too that it has always been difficult for him to get the Government to come to an agreement when it comes to GGMC workers and one can only wonder why there are always such delays for a specific organisation.

French territories seek Associate Membership in Caricom

The French territories in the Caribbean have begun discussions with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) on their applications to become Associate Members of the Community.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque met on Thursday with a team from French Guiana led by the President of the Regional Council,

Rodolphe Alexandre. This followed a meeting on Wednesday with a team from Martinique and will be followed by similar discussions next month with representatives of Guadeloupe.

The discussions on Thursday focused on the terms and conditions of Associate Membership of Caricom, regional cooperation in the Caribbean, and the relationship between Caricom and French Guiana. The Secretary General also received a presentation on the Geographic Information System developed in French Guiana, using satellite and Internet technologies. The French Guiana delegation also held discussions with the CARIFORUM Directorate during the visit.

Ambassador LaRocque said that the discussions followed on a mandate from the Caricom Heads of Government to engage

the territories. He told the delegation that “we are all part of the Caribbean” and their application was receiving serious consideration.

Alexandre said his territory strongly believed in the convergence of the Caribbean in economics, health and education. He noted that French Guiana had already engaged with Trinidad and Tobago on energy issues and Suriname with respect to mining and was also involved with the Community on issues of climate change and bio-diversity. The Council President also referred to a project to provide a satellite to boost the digital capacity of the Region.

Apart from the French territories, two of the former Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao and Saint Maarten, have also applied for Associate Membership. Initial discussions have already taken place with Curacao.

GNBS hamstrung in fight against fake, substandard goods

Hindus plant Holika

…working on new legislation to beef up enforcement

By: AnAstAciA clementson

With the global trade in fake and substandard goods increasing, the Guyana National Bureau of Standard (GNBS) said it is currently working to draft new legislation to beef up enforcement. The agency however, acknowledged its limited capacity in the fight against this form of trading, but said it gets help from several others agencies.

Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) facilitates the monitoring of 20 categories of goods that are either made or imported into Guyana. However, due a limited testing facility and a lack of enforceability, the agency is unable to execute

Guyana Times that one of the advantages Chinese businesses have over their

its mandate effectively.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, GNBS Director Evadnie Enniss said the bureau is limited in its efforts to protect consumers from inferior goods.

Ennis’ comments come shortly after Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur told

local counterparts is that they often trade in substandard goods. He said that some Chinese businesses, which are not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT), may be “under pricing” the other businesses they compete with as a result of trading in “substandard” goods that are relatively inexpensive as stock in trade.

“That is, because the cheap, substandard goods they import, on which the GRA collects VAT, coupled with the minimum number of overheads, make the retail selling price very competitive and other businesses are unable to match the selling price,” explained Sattaur. This can be addressed, for instance, by a consumer bureau of standards ensuring that minimum standards on all goods are maintained.

According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), counterfeiting is one of the fastest growing economic crimes of modern times. It presents companies, Governments and individuals with a unique set of problems. What was once a cottage industry has now become a highly sophisticated network of organised crime that has the capacity to threaten the very fabric of national economies. It devalues corporate reputations, hinders investment, funds terrorism, and costs hundreds of

thousands of people their livelihood every year. The chamber said counterfeiting accounts for between five to seven per cent of world trade, worth an estimated US$600 billion a year.

Shared responsibilities

The GNBS Director explained that the bureau does not monitor all the goods that are in circulation on the local market. She said while GNBS monitors 20 categories of goods, the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department and other standardisation agencies monitor other goods.

Furniture, toys, soap powders, Christmas trees, decorative lighting outfits, cellular phones, seat belts, water meters and electricity meters are among the items scrutinised by the bureau.

GNBS has a desk at the Customs Department that allows for the inspection of labels on goods imported into Guyana to ensure that they meet the required standards. Similar inspections are conducted on goods produced locally.

In an effort to gauge the quality of the goods, Enniss explained that a series of tests are conducted but only on a few products, due to the lack of appropriate testing equipment and tools. However, when GNBS is unable to conduct the required tests, importers are asked to submit testing certificates with international accreditation.

Despite its many challenges, GNBS has had many success stories of stopping various categories of substandard goods from entering the local market, such as matches that do not work or tyres with no groove.

GPSU Head says his success is “average” as President

By RoyDen JAmes

Long standing

President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU)

Patrick Yarde, who has been serving as President for more than 15 years, today described his performance to have workers issues resolved as “average”.

Yarde have been under severe criticisms for the lack of efficiency and full representation of its members, usually failing to stick to the initial stand taken against the Government.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Monday, Yarde said that he has always had difficulties in getting

salary increases for workers, specifically those of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Yarde has also expressed concerns over the industrial relations climate which continues to deteriorate and urged all persons to set aside the fears that divide them and strive to ensure good governance.

Additionally, he said workers must be prepared to dedicate themselves to acquire a proper understanding of the issues that confront them – their origins and nature – and the means of addressing and resolving them.

In December last, Yarde had admitted that the Union he has been at the helm of for over 13 years, has been failing the people it represents.

Having been established in June 1923, the GPSU had its main objective – the innate interest in the working class, seeking to represent them in every possible area.

But since taking up office, critics say Yarde’s performance and that of the GPSU are more like a “playground”, saying that over the years Government has been carrying out its imposition and the GPSU has been accepting those offers.

Hindus across Guyana and around the world on Saturday planted “Holika” in preparation for the vibrant and colourful festival of Holi (Phagwah), which signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Holika is planted 40 days prior to the festival. Incidentally, this day also marks the birth of the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, Ma Saraswati, and special pujas and prayers are offered to her.

The Hindu community in Guyana came out in their numbers at different locations and venues countrywide to plant Holika, which also marks the beginning of Spring.

The planting of Holika was done on Basant Panchmi and special Saraswati prayers were said.

According to Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant President, Pandit Kaydar Persaud, preparations for Phagwah begin 40 days prior to the actual date, when a castor oil plant symbolising Holika is ritually planted. Holika, after whom the festival Holi was named, was sister to the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was burnt to death by Lord Vishnu when he threatened to kill his son Prahlad, one of Vishnu’s greatest devotees.

Pandit Persaud said on the night itself of the planting, young boys would gather at a central location mainly at ballfields, where a special religious ceremony would be performed by the priest. The boys are expected to cleanse their bodies by keeping a fast of 40 days.

The planting of Holika was done at mandirs in Affiance, Perseverance, Aurora, Colombia, Johanna Cecilia, Pomeroon, Anna Regina, Cotton Field, Hampton Court and Sparta on the Essequibo Coast.

Over the next month, straw and wood are piled on the plant until the pile

is 15 feet high. Various mandir groups will also be involved in singing of chowtaals and “urala” during the period.

The Pandit noted that on the eve of Phagwah, the pile is burned and there is a grand celebration around the bonfire. The next day Phagwah is celebrated with many colours and much splendour.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Essequibo Praant will host its annual Phagwah mela on March 7, 2015 at the Anna Regina Centre Ground. Thousands are expected to attend.

Holika Holi dates back to the legend of the courageous Prahlad, his demon king father Hiranyakashyapu and his aunt Holika. King Hiranyakashyapu was given a boon (blessing) that he would not die in the day or night, nor inside or outside of his house nor would he be killed by man or beast. So he considered himself God and proclaimed that all worship must be, henceforth, given to him.

Prahlad, however, went against his father’s will and worshipped Lord Vishnu. This angered the demon king and he tried to kill his son. Among the king’s many attempts to kill Prahlad was when he asked his sister, Holika, to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had won a boon and could withstand fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved by his extreme devotion for Lord Vishnu, while Holika paid the price for her sinister desire and was burnt to ashes. Thus, the burning of Holika (Holika Dahan) on the eve of Holi (Phagwah). Soon after, Lord Vishnu came in the form of Narsingh (half man, half beast) at twilight (neither day nor night) and brought an end to the tyranny, arrogance and atrocity of the evil king, in the centre of the doorway (neither inside nor outside of the house).

Phagwah is one of the most ancient and joyous festivals of the Hindu calendar. It marks the new year for Hindus. There are special activities associated with this colourful season: chowtaal singing; playing with abeer, abrack and powder; singing and dancing, but, above all, Phagwah symbolises the triumph of good over evil and spreads the colours that symbolise the beauty of Spring, vanishing of hatred and jealousy, and the bringing of togetherness, joy, merriment and love.

International community welcomes formation of new Government in Haiti

The United Nations and its international partners have welcomed the formation of a new Government in Haiti one week after the country’s Parliament became “dysfunctional” due to its failure to hold elections within its constitutional framework.

The UN Secretary General’s Special

Representative in Haiti, Sandra Honoré, and other members of the international community represented in the “Core Group” – comprising the ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, United States, and the European Union, as well as the special representative of the Organisation of American States – on Friday welcomed the installation of Prime Minister Evans Paul, the formation of the Government, as well as the establishment of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

In a press release, Honoré and the “Core Group” encouraged the new Government to create “the political and security conditions necessary to guarantee the organisation of fair, credible and inclusive elections” and said that

the Group’s members were “pleased” that the newly established CEP could pursue its activities in “full independence, with a view to guaranteeing the transparency and impartiality of the electoral process.”

In addition, the press release added, the “Core Group” continued to support the efforts of all stakeholders “to reinforce stability, consolidate democracy and restore the functioning of the country’s institutions.”

Five years ago, on 12 January 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, killing more than more than 220,000 people as well as 102 UN staff, delivering a major blow to country’s already shaky economy, infrastructure and political landscape. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Judge to hand down ruling in St Kitts-Nevis boundaries case today

The injunction against the realigned constituency boundaries in St Kitts and Nevis will continue today, when high court Judge, Justice Marlene Carter, is scheduled to deliver her ruling on the matter. The Judge confirmed this in court on Friday.

She also disclosed that the Electoral Commission has given an undertaking not to promote the boundary changes until the announcement of her decision on Tuesday. The legal team for the Opposition informed Justice Carter on Thursday that they wanted the

Commission to be made part of the case because, while the injunction case was still pending, the Commission had gone ahead and promoted the new boundaries.

Justice Carter will deliver her ruling on the application filed by the Government’s lawyers to set aside the injunction and whether the judgment brings the case to an end or allows it to continue is something both sides expect to find out at 14:00h today.

Attorneys for the Opposition MPs are seeking a judicial review of the proposed boundary chang-

es. The Government’s legal team argued in court on Thursday that the injunction came too late because it was obtained by the Oopposition after parliamentary approval and the signing into law as well as the gazetting of the boundary changes.

Lawyers for the Opposition have countered that the matter of publishing the changes in the official gazette was flawed and failed to meet the provisions of the constitution. Each side contends that it has a strong case. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Abducted Mexican journalist Moises Sanchez found dead

Officials in Mexico say they have found the decapitated body of a journalist who had been missing for three weeks.

Moises Sanchez was abducted from his home in the eastern state of Veracruz by gunmen on January 2. He reported on corruption and violence for weekly newspaper La Union in the town of Medellin de Bravo.

Veracruz is among the most dangerous Mexican states for journalists to work in, according to Mexico’s National Commission on Human Rights.

Colleagues of Moises Sanchez fear he was targeted because of his open criticism of local authorities

Veracruz State Prosecutor Luis Angel Bravo said Sanchez’s body had been found on the outskirts of Medellin de Bravo on Saturday. Bravo said a former Police Officer confessed to taking part in Sanchez’s murder. The Prosecutor also told reporters that the suspect said he had acted on orders from local Mayor Omar Cruz. Cruz has not commented on the allegations. As Mayor he enjoys immunity from prosecution, but Bravo

said he would ask for it to be withdrawn so Cruz could be charged.

Local media have compared the case to that of 43 students who went missing from the town of Iguala in south-western Guerrero state four months ago. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombia wins Miss Universe

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe 2015. The 22-yearold beauty beat out runnerup Miss USA Nia Sanchez and finalists Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, and Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen.

“It will be a dream come true to represent the woman of today,” Vega said prior to winning the crown at the 63rd annual pageant, broadcast live on NBC from the FIU Arena in Doral, Miami. “A woman that not only cares about being beautiful and being glamorous, but also cares about being a professional, intelligent, hardworking person.”

During the Q&A portion of the competition, Vega impressed the judges when asked what she thinks women can learn from men. “I believe there’s still men that do believe in equality,” she

said through a translator. “I believe that’s what women should learn from men.”

While Vega’s win was celebrated, many fans in the audience weren’t thrilled when Miss Jamaica came in fourth. In fact, an audible portion of the audience could be heard booing as the judges announced their decision. (US Weekly)

Argentina says journalists safe after one flees, fearing for life

Argentina’s Cabinet chief on Monday said journalists could work safely in the country after the reporter who broke the news of the mysterious death of a State Prosecutor fled to Israel, saying he feared for his life under the current Government.

On January 18, Damian Pachter was the first to report that Prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who was investigating the deadly 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, had been found dead in his

apartment from a gunshot wound to the head.

The death of Nisman the day before he was to testify in Congress about his findings has rocked Argentina, sparking various conspiracy theories. The flight of Pachter, who said his phones were tapped and he was being followed, is the latest twist in the tale.

“In Argentina there is total security for all journalists for them to carry out their profession in the name of freedom of expression,” Argentine Cabinet Chief

Jorge Capitanich told a regular news conference.

“For sure, there are strong tensions in terms of opinions... but with the most absolute freedom of expression, and there is no type of obstacle for any reporter to express whatever he thinks.”

Nisman had been scheduled to appear before Congress the following day to answer questions about his allegation that President Cristina Fernandez conspired to derail his investigation of the attack. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba strengthening support to Caricom

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) is slated to benefit from increased support from Cuba in the areas of health, education, disaster response, and support for the disabled.

Cuba’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Bernardo Guanche

Hernández, said his Government will be financing the establishment of the Caribbean Regional School of Arts in Jamaica; and the Centre for the Treatment of Physical Disabilities to assist physically challenged children and youth, which will be based in Guyana.

“We will increase undergraduate scholarships as well as post-graduate scholarships for specialisation in medicine; in-patient intake from Caricom states for free medical care; as well as training in disaster risk reduction and response to natural disasters,” he informed, noting that support will also be provided in the areas of construction and sports.

Ambassador Hernández was speaking at a reception held on January 23 at his Millsborough Avenue residence in St Andrew, to mark the 56th anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution (Cuba’s National Day), commemorated on January 1. He said that Cuba values its friendship with Jamaica, noting that both countries “should be really satisfied with the relations between our governments, parliaments and peoples.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Obama in India joins Modi at Delhi Republic Day parade

US President Barack Obama has attended India’s Republic Day parade in Delhi, the first US head of state to do so.

Obama was chief guest at the annual military parade. He arrived on Sunday for a three-day visit seen as a sign of warming ties between the two countries.

After talks on Sunday, both sides announced a breakthrough on a pact that will allow US companies to

supply India with civilian nuclear technology.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a “new journey” of cooperation.

Obama will meet the main Opposition Congress party leaders later on Monday and will also speak at a business summit.

Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution in 1950, three years after independence from Britain. Uniformed sol-

diers in colourful headgear marched down Rajpath, or King’s Avenue, where Obama watched the parade with Modi inside a bulletproof glass enclosure.

The BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says the ceremony showcased India’s military might with soldiers marching in formation and the latest weapons on display, including several made in America. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Egyptian doctor convicted in female genital mutilation case

An Egyptian appeals court on Monday convicted a doctor of manslaughter for performing female genital mutilation that led to the death of a 13-year-old girl, sentencing him to two years and three months in prison, defence lawyers said. It was the first case over the widespread practice to go to trial in the country.

The doctor, Raslan Fadl, was initially acquitted of the 2013 death of Sohair elBatea, who lived in a village in the Nile Delta province of Dakahliya. He was not pre-

sent in court Monday and his whereabouts were unknown.

Monday’s verdict was “a triumph for women,” said lawyer Reda el-Danbouki, who represented the deceased. Egypt has one of the highest rates of female genital mutilation in the world and criminalised the practice in 2008, but it remains widespread.

“I am really happy,” el-Danbouki told The Associated Press following the ruling. “Here is a judge that understands.” The lawyer said the court

also fined Fadl US$70 and ordered his clinic closed for a year. Meanwhile, Batea’s father was given a threemonth suspended sentence for complicity in subjecting his daughter to the procedure.

Rights advocates said the ruling could serve as a deterrent for doctors and families against the practice. The trial was the first in Egypt on charges of breaking the 2008 ban on the practice. The case came to trial only after significant pressure from rights groups.

(Excerpt from France24)

RK Laxman, India’s ‘Common Man’ cartoonist, dies aged 94

RK Laxman, the renowned Indian cartoonist whose sketches appeared on the front page of the Times of India for more than five decades, has died aged 94.

His cartoon strip satirised Indian life and politics through the eyes of the ‘Common Man’, a silent observer who Laxman said stood “for all Indians”. Laxman suffered multiple organ failure after being admitted to hospital on January 17, his doctors told the Press Trust of India news agency.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, led the tributes, saying: “India will

Around the world

North East US braced for huge snowstorm

A“potentially historic blizzard” could dump up to 90 centimetres (three feet) of snow on the US North East coast, the National Weather Service has warned.

New York’s Mayor said the storm could be the city’s biggest ever, telling residents to “prepare for the worst”. Heavy snowfall is forecast from Philadelphia to Maine, pre-emptively closing many schools and

offices.

A blizzard warning has been issued across New York and Boston from Monday afternoon until Tuesday. Forecasters are expecting snow fall of up to four inches an hour and high winds in the Boston area.

More than 5000 flights in and out of airports along the East Coast have been cancelled. At least 28 million people will face bliz-

zard conditions over the next day and an estimated 50 million people could see more than a foot of snow in the storm.

“In addition to heavy snow, with blizzard warnings, there’s a big threat of high, damaging winds, and that will be increasing Monday into Tuesday,” said Bob Oravec, a National Weather Service forecaster. “A lot of blowing, drifting and such.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Greek leftist Tsipras sworn in as PM to fight bailout terms

Greek left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras was sworn in on Monday as the Prime Minister of a new hardline, anti-bailout Government determined to face down international lenders and end nearly five years of tough economic measures.

The decisive victory by Tsipras’ Syriza in Sunday’s snap election reignites fears of new financial troubles in the country that set off the regional crisis in 2009. It is also the first time a member of the 19-nation euro zone will be led by parties rejecting German-backed austerity.

Tsipras’ success is likely to empower Europe’s fringe parties, including other anti-austerity movements across the region’s economically-depressed South. The trouncing of the conservatives represents a defeat

of Europe’s middle-ground political guard, which has dallied on a growth-versusbudget discipline debate for five years while voters suffered.

Sporting his trademark no-tie look, the 40-year-old former student Communist Tsipras became the first Prime Minister in Greek history to be sworn in without the traditional oath on a Bible and blessing of basil and water from the Greek

Archbishop. At a brief secular ceremony where he pledged to uphold the constitution, Tsipras told President Karolos Papoulias: “We have an uphill road ahead.” In a symbolic move, his first action as Prime Minister was to commemorate Greek resistance fighters with red roses at a memorial in Athens to those executed by Nazis. (Excerpt from Reuters)

10 die as Greek fighter jet crashes in Spain

Spain’s Defence Ministry has said that a Greek F-16 fighter jet crashed into a hangar at a military base in Spain where it was participating in NATO training.

miss you.”

“We are grateful to you for adding the much needed humour in our lives & always bringing smiles on our faces,” Modi tweeted.

Laxman was born on October 24, 1921 in the southern city of Mysore and began sketching when he was five. India gave him the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, in 2005, and in 2001 an eight foot bronze statue of him was unveiled in the southern city of Pune.

The bespectacled cartoonist had stopped drawing a few years earlier due to ill health. (The Guardian)

The Defence Ministry said on Monday that ten people died in the crash and 13 were injured. The F-16 plane crashed shortly after taking off at the training centre in Albacete, 262 kilometres

South-East of the Spanish capital of Madrid, according to the Ministry statement.

“The plane, part of the Tactical Leadership Programme of NATO was carrying out a [training] exercise when during the take-off the plane lost power, crashing into the parking area for planes, crashing into various planes that were parked there,” said the ministry.

“Seven of the injured are

in a very serious condition,” a Defence Ministry official told the AFP news agency. Emergency crews are working to put the blaze out and determine how much damage was done to other planes involved in the NATO exercise, the ministry said.

National television footage showed flaming wreckage and a plume of black smoke where the plane crashed at the Los Llanos base. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mubarak’s sons freed from Egyptian prison after anniversary of his fall

The sons of deposed Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak were released from prison on Monday, security officials said, a move that could fuel tension after the violent anniversary on Sunday of the 2011 uprising that toppled the autocrat.

An Egyptian court last week ordered the release of Alaa and Gamal Mubarak pending their retrial in a

corruption case. Mubarak’s sons, big businessmen in his era of crony capitalism, were released at 02:00h. Accompanied by their lawyer and bodyguards, they were driven to their home in Cairo’s upscale Heliopolis area, security officials said.

Security and medical officials said they had also visited Mubarak in the military hospital where he is still in detention. Judicial sources have

said Mubarak could soon be freed pending retrial in a corruption case as the former air force commander currently has no convictions against him.

Elected President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the latest man from the military to rule Egypt, has restored a degree of stability after Mubarak’s fall triggered nearly four years of political and economic distress. (Excerpt from Reuters)

tuesday, january 27, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Local US DEA office operational

After months of anticipation, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has finally set up an office here in Guyana and has already started working with local agencies to tackle the scourge of drug trafficking.

During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt, said that the DEA was working closely with the various local law enforcement entities that have a mission in countering narcotics. He noted that the local office has been receiving support from the DEA office in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the regional office responsible for the southern part of the Caribbean.

Hunt disclosed that currently there was a regular stream of DEA agents coming into Guyana through the Embassy to provide technical support and was hopeful that they would soon have agents who would be stationed here longer than their two-year term. However, he added that this was dependent on the DEA hiring process, which can be a very lengthy one.

Asked about the number of agents here in Guyana, the Chargé d’Affaires explained that the number varied from day to day, but

at most, four agents were stationed at one time and often it was as few as one.

Over the years, there have been calls for a DEA office in Guyana especially with narcotics trafficking on the rise. And in June last, outgoing Ambassador D Brent Hardt disclosed that the US Congress had approved the establishment of a local office equipped with agents who would be working along with local anti-narcotics enforcement agencies such as the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU); the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics Branch; and the Customs and Immigration Office among others.

Curbing trafficking Hunt underscored that the US has always subscribed to the theory that the closer to the source you can stop drugs, the more you would be able to stop them from getting to the streets. He pointed out that if drugs get to the ports of entry at New York or Miami, then a significant part of the battle would already be lost.

“We’ve lost the opportunity to stop the production; we’ve lost the opportunity to stop the refining; we’ve lost the opportunity to understand the transport networks so our first emphasis is to do everything

you possibly can to stop it at the source, which in the case of cocaine is largely in Columbia or Bolivia. It’s not Guyana, you don’t grow cocaine; you unfortunately are a transit country, which means that we have to be very concerned that if we can’t stop it at the source – and it has been shown, I think fairly dramatically, that we have not been fully successful with stopping it at the source where it’s grown – we then have to look at the transit routes that people are utilising,” the US Embassy official outlined.

According to the Chargé d’Affaires, Central America used to be, and was still somewhat, a significant transit route up to the US; as such, the Central American Security Initiative has made investments over the last 10 years that have been successful in reducing the amount of drugs flowing through Central America up to Mexico and to the US.

Hunt stressed that as a result of this, traffickers have sought alternative ways to transport drugs and have settled on two essential alternative routes. One route goes through Ecuador

up the West Coast bypassing Central America and moving towards Baja, California, in Mexico and then to the US. Hunt stated that this route has seen increased trafficking activities. The other route that has seen more traffic is through Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and then up through the Caribbean. Hunt outlined that there was an increased flow of cocaine along that particular routing, which was troubling.

“I think not just troubling for the United States, but for all of the countries that are involved in that (cocaine manufacturing and trafficking). One, because the traffickers don’t just move the products through, they set up operations in the countries where they are moving drugs through; they often set up criminal gangs in the countries that they are moving the drugs through. Many times, they will try to create a demand for the drug in the country that they are transiting through in order to make additional profits as they move it up to the United States,” he highlighted.

The Chargé d’Affaires further explained that the US was working tirelessly to cut off or reduce trafficking along these two routes as well as via Central America; however, it probably would never be wholly successful in stopping the drugs before they get to the ports of entry. This, according to Hunt, is where the question of what is being done domestically comes in.

“The [Barack] Obama Administration has put more drugs enforcement agents at our ports of entry. We have increased the activities of the Homeland Security investigations portion of the Department of Homeland Security to try and prevent drugs from getting through our airports and ports and onto the streets. They are also working very closely with local law enforcement agencies to try and focus on those drugs that we considered to be of greatest risks to the American public, so we have a very heavy emphasis of getting cocaine off of the streets, getting heroine off of the streets…and a renewed emphasis on synthetic drugs, some of which are manufactured in the United States and some of which are imported from other countries,” he remarked. Hunt continued that drugs such as ecstasy and rohypnol which are referred to as “designer drugs” were making their way onto the streets and into the hands of mostly young people, and this was an area they were also focusing heavily on.

New oil initiative for Caribbean countries

The United States Monday rolled out a new initiative for Caribbean countries to ensure energy security in a move widely seen as distancing the Caribbean from Venezuela for their oil needs.

United States Vice President Joe Biden, addressing the first ever Caribbean Energy Security Summit here, told Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries that there are more options at their disposal now for natural gas delivery than they have ever been.

A statement issued by the White House said that follow-up to the launch of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI) in June 2014, Biden and Secretary of Energy Moniz, other senior Administration officials, Caribbean Heads of Government, multilateral development banks, and other international partners participated in the Caribbean Energy Security Summit to work together in support of Caribbean energy security.

The statement said that the Summit highlighted ongoing efforts under the CESI, including support for improved governance, enhanced access to finance, and increased donor coordination. Caribbean leaders highlighted goals for their energy sectors and discussed how the United States and other partners can better support the Caribbean in pursuit of

alternative sources of energy. Caribbean leaders also agreed to pursue comprehensive energy diversification programmes, including actions to facilitate the introduction of cleaner forms of energy, the White House statement added.

Meanwhile, the statement said that the World Bank presented a proposal to create a Caribbean Energy Investment Network to improve coordination and communication among development partners and to empower Caribbean nations to direct and align external support with their own national goals. Governments and multilateral development partners welcomed the proposal as an initial step to a build upon existing efforts to improve the effectiveness of donor-supported energy programs.

At the Summit, co-hosted by the Department of State, the Council of the Americas, and the Atlantic Council, partner countries discussed

comprehensive energy diversification strategies, such as the US-Grenada pilot programme that was launched in September, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on August 27, 2014. This programme is based on a model that was successfully implemented in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and Hawaii and that seeks to identify tailored, comprehensive energy solutions for island jurisdictions. Additionally, the statement noted that the United States’ Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will intensify its focus on developing clean energy projects in the Caribbean. OPIC and the Department of State have identified a team with specific responsibility for identifying and arranging financing for Caribbean projects. OPIC announced it will disburse the first tranche of approximately US$43 million in financing for Blue Mountain Renewables’ 34

MW wind project in Jamaica. When construction begins in June, this project will be a tangible example of public and private sectors in both countries working in harmony – and nearly US$90 million of investment in Jamaica’s economy, which also will ease Jamaica’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Additional sources

According to the statement the US government continues to deepen its technical assistance and capacity building programmes to the Caribbean under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) initiative and other mechanisms. It mentioned that The US Department of State is supporting technical assistance in Saint Kitts and Nevis to support development of their geothermal resources. Work includes competitive procurement processes, electrical system analysis, environmental review, project management, and technical and commercial island in-

terconnection studies. Under the Haiti Energy Policy and Utility Partnership Program, funded by USAID, the US Energy Association is supporting power sector reform in El Salvador, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

Through the Department of State-funded Caribbean Sustainable Energy Capacity Building Project, the Organization of American States (OAS) is providing project development support to Caribbean governments and utilities for sustainable energy projects. The US Department of Interior, together with State, is working with Jamaica to facilitate commercial renewable energy on public lands. The US Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Improved Cooking Technology Project in Haiti resulted in more than 50,000 biomass and LPG stoves sold to reduce charcoal use and is encouraging the widespread adoption of this technology.

The OAS, with Department

of State funding, is assisting Trinidad and Tobago in the Closed Loop Cycle Production project to promote cleaner production methods among small businesses.

Developing Collaborative Networks on Clean Energy: The Department of Energy, in partnership with the Government of the United States Virgin Islands and CaribbeanCentral American Action, will host the Caribbean Clean Energy Technology Symposium March 24-27, 2015 in St. Thomas, USVI. The Symposium will be the first in a series of regional stakeholder engagements to formulate concrete goals, sharing best practices, and addressing implementation strategies for clean energy adoption. Working Groups will create networks to address Caribbean clean energy issues, including energy education, efficiency, renewable energy and electricity diversification, and climate change. Based on the USVI experience, the US Department of Energy (DOE) will publish an Energy Transition: Islands Playbook that will facilitate the implementation of CESI elements in a specific island setting with a focus on improving energy security, boosting economic growth, and advancing environmental sustainability across the region.

Seven years on…

Family, friends recount pain, sorrow of Lusignan Massacre

By Devina Samaroo

Family and friends on Monday evening reflected on the pain and sorrow they continue to endure seven years after gangster Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins and a band of gunmen invaded Lusignan, East Coast Demerara on January 26, 2008, killing 11 people, including children.

Lawmen eventually brought an end to Rawlins and a number of his gang back in August of 2008 during a gun battle on the SoesdykeLinden Highway, but not before he and his gang had repeated the act in Bartica in February of that same year when they killed 12 people and at Lindo Creek in late June when he slew seven miners.

Those slain in Lusignan were Clarence Thomas and his two children, Ron and Vanessa Thomas; Mohandai Gourdat and her two sons, Seegobin and Seegopaul; Rooplall Seecharran, his wife Dhanrajie and their granddaughter, Raywattie Ramsingh; Shazam Mohamed and Shalem Baksh. Those slain in the Bartica Massacre were also remembered.

In August 2013, a mixed jury found that some of the men who were allegedly involved in the Lusignan killing were not guilty. James Anthony Hyles, known as “Sally” and Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie”, were subsequently exonerated.

Meanwhile, in observance of the seven-year anniversary, the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) organised an interfaith service to reflect on the progress of the affected families throughout the years. The ceremony began with opening remarks from the Master of Ceremonies, Neaz Subhan, who painfully

described what happened on that unforgettable day.

“Before the crack of dawn on that fateful Saturday morning, those 11 humble, innocent and unsuspecting people never lived to see the sun peering through the eastern horizon, as their lives were snuffed out by merciless gunmen. The dreams of those slaughtered ended abruptly; the dreams of their surviving families haunted forever.”

The Guyana Times caught up with a few of those surviving family members who heartbreakingly recounted their struggles as they slowly came to terms with the reality of their loss.

“I lose my son, I lose my husband and my daughter and I had two injured one in the hospital,” Gomattie Thomas related.

“I know this event reflect on my family, so that’s why I come here. It brings back so many painful memories…”

Another victim of pain and sorrow was a brother who lost his dearest sister and his two nephews. “Since my sister died with her two kids, it took me about four years to get back to normalcy. It really had a big impact … when I look at the television with the memorial, I felt so weak inside. There are no words to explain how I feel … I had to do the rituals to cremate three family members and that I can never forget. Doing the rituals for my four-year-old nephew and my 10-year-old nephew and my sister … the hurt was too much.”

The Guyana Times also spoke with Nadir Mohamed who lost his son – Shazad Mohamed – during the tragedy. “It is a memory that’s always with us … it’s like it’s seven days ago even though it’s seven years. There was the loss of my beloved son… that was a great loss, I made all efforts and sacrifices to

give him an education and it was really hard to lose him. It was a memory I have to live with every day,” the father said almost in tears.

Subhan also related that the date of the massacre coincides with the birth of his son.

ed that if “we forget history, then we are likely to repeat it”.

While at the time, scores of residents from Lusignan and neighbouring villages were permeated with anger and frustration, today, they

didn’t have time to look to see how they look.”

Nevertheless, the grieving father said he trusted everything to the hands of God and that those who were at fault would surely get what they deserved.

Findlay, Pandit Ravi Persaud and Imam Haji Shaheed Mohamed.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill also took to the podium to express his deepest regrets and sincere sympa-

“After basking in the joy that a newborn brings, I recalled just hours after, being greeted with the horrific news of what transpired,” he told the audience.

Subhan also noted that while commemoration events like these can exacerbate pain, the IAC believes that the massacre must not be forgotten and allowed to fade into history as some may wish.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minster Anil Nandlall, during his address to the gathering, reiterat-

have come to regrettably accept the harsh reality.

When questioned about their opinions of the judicial process for the suspects in the case, most family members noted that “even if justice is not served here, I know that God will ensure it is ‘up there’”.

Mohamed said he was a witness in the trial, and most of the questions that were asked were related to identifying the suspects. “Of course, nobody could have seen them, when you hear bullets you run to hide; you

Furthermore, a whole host of people from all religious and cultural backgrounds took to the stage to salute the resilience the relatives have shown in the face of such adversity over the last seven years.

Delivering their acknowledgement of the strength of these families through songs, prayers and motivational speeches were Kemba Brown, Ryan Adams, Pastor Balgobin Ragnauth, Jessica Findlay, Haji Abdul Sattaur, Aditya Persaud, Rupert Singh, Pastor Patrick

thies to the families, friends and residents at large.

The country was thrown into a state of shock when news spread of the mass murder in the quiet village. Residents were fast asleep when the group of gunmen carried out their murderous attack on the defenceless victims. The quiet village was transformed into a contentious arena as residents staged a number of protest actions, citing their grave disappointment in the country’s national security system following the attack.

More than 15 injured in Friendship accident

Over 15 persons were injured in an early morning accident at Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara after a sand truck collided with a Route 42 Minibus.

Some of the passengers are said to be in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital while others escaped with minor injuries and lacerations to their bodies. The bus driver reportedly escaped unhurt while the driver of the truck sustained minor injuries.

According to information received by the Guyana Times , the Route 42 (GeorgetownSoesdyke) minibus with number plate BPP 6035 was proceeding along the roadway when the truck, which was speeding out of a street, drove directly into the right side of the minibus. This resulted in the bus running off the road, breaking the guard rail

on the road and ending up in the Demerara River. According to one eyewitness,

the minibus was overcrowded and was proceeding at a fast pace at the time of the accident.

The eyewitness recounted to the Guyana Times what he saw.

“Well, I was just over the road there and the bus was coming down, heading to town side. Then this truck just come out the street over there on your right with a speed. He didn’t watching to see if anything coming. So with the speed he coming with plus the speed the minibus was coming with, they just crash,” the young man related.

He noted that the impact of the crash sent the bus spinning off the road and into the river.

Upon arriving on the scene, he noted that most of the persons in the bus were injured and had blood gushing from several parts of their bodies.

At the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, victims of the accident could be heard screaming in agony for medical attention to be given to them. Many were placed in

an ambulance and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital given their critical condition.

One of the victims, Romona Jacobs, who was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, said she had boarded the bus at Kuru Kuru to head to the capital city. She confirmed that the driver of the bus was indeed proceeding at a fast rate but could not remember anything else leading up to the accident.

The names of all of the injured persons were not immediately known; those identified thus far are Odette Nelson, 36 of Sandhill Kuru Kuru; Richlyn Ralph, 39, and Evelyn Basdeo, 31, also from Kuru Kuru. There were two pregnant women and several teenagers aboard the minibus.

Both drivers are in Police custody assisting with investigations.

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER

Your tendency to overindulge will result in weight gain or minor illness. You will have to be careful not to emotionally overreact with your mate.

Your secretive nature will cause problems if you won’t share your thoughts with someone special. Be careful not to neglect yourself. Adequate rest and good dietary habits will be a must.

Your romantic relationships will suffer if you try to address important issues that are driving you crazy. Your partner will take offense and you’ll spend the day alone.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t be too eager to talk about your feelings today. You need to discover what others are thinking before you put your own beliefs on the line.

Travel will open up new avenues that will enhance your knowledge and spur important friendships. You should be thinking about signing up for a course or seminar.

Extravagance and overindulgence will be tempting. Be careful not to place unreasonable demands on others. Don’t follow the crowd. You need to make up your own mind. Avoid getting involved in joint ventures.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Difficulties will surface if you haven’t paid enough attention to your partner. Financial limitations may frustrate your ability to achieve your goals.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Be careful not to divulge secret information. You will have to trust your own instincts. Expect friends to exaggerate and overreact to situations. It’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You will have ample energy to get involved in interesting, competitive activities. Your creative talent and ability to work with youngsters will come in handy.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

You can expect opposition from those you live with. Don’t argue; just make your own plans to do things with friends. Don’t make changes to your living quarters unless everyone is in favor of your ideas.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You will get along much better with your friends than you will with your family. Try to get your household duties out of the way before you take off for the day.

You will have the discipline to get odd jobs completed. Don’t let children be too demanding. You may have difficulties if you make unreasonable promises.

Russell hails team effort in WI win

Hero of Sunday’s fourth One-day International, Andre Russell, has praised the team effort which gained West Indies their first victory of the five-match series.

The Caribbean side beat South Africa by a single wicket with nine balls to spare at St George’s Park, with Russell blasting an unbeaten 64 from 40 balls.

Vice-captain Marlon Samuels stroked a top score of 68 and Darren Sammy, 51, and Russell was quick to point to their contributions as critical to the outcome.

“After the game I gave each of them a big hug. The way they set the game up, even the small innings at the back end really counted because (Carlos) Brathwaite and Jason (Holder) … they all applied themselves,” said Russell.

“The rotation [of strike] was there and they got a few boundaries and took the pressure off me. Even (Sheldon) Cottrell giving me that single first ball up [in the 48th over], I thought that was very good. The next two balls I got sixes and that changed the game completely so everyone played a big part.”

South Africa posted 262 for eight off their 50 overs after they were sent in, with David Miller leading with an unbeaten 130.

West Indies were then struggling at 73 for five before Samuels and Sammy put on 90 for the sixth wicket to turn the innings around.

Captain Holder made 13 and Brathwaite, 11, but when they were dismissed,

West Indies were still 24 runs adrift of victory at 239 for nine.

However, Russell smashed two sixes in the 48th over and finished off the game in the penultimate over with a four and a six off pacer Kyle Abbott.

“I was confident. I know that once I bring it right down the wire I can get over the line because I back myself to get 15, even off the last over,” Russell told reporters.

“So I told who ever I was batting with ‘don’t mind the dot balls, just don’t get panicked.’ Every over we were getting a boundary so that was making up for the dot balls or the ones we were getting.”

He continued: “Overall I thank God for this victory because just before practice or just before a game, we pray and ask God to help us to come out victorious and it happened today, so I just

want to tell God thanks and well done to the guys.

“I think we really applied ourselves today from in the field, the way we bowled … we bright it right down to the last few overs.”

The victory broke a losing skid for the Windies that began in Durban, and continued with defeats in Johannesburg and East London.

Russell said, however, the losses were not for a lack of trying or commitment.

“We planned properly for the last three games but we just didn’t come out on top. It’s not like we weren’t having good discussions or we weren’t turning up to play,” he stressed.

“We were turning up to play but it’s a round ball so it was just going South Africa’s way. They are playing good cricket, you can’t take that away from them but well done to the guys.”

(Windies Cricket)

Blatter calls out Uefa

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has accused Uefa of lacking the “courage” to challenge his leadership.

The 78-year-old is bidding for a fifth term as head of football’s world governing body and has urged Uefa to put someone up against him or be “respectful” of his wish to continue.

Three candidatesJerome Champagne, Prince Ali and David Ginola - have said they will stand against him in May.

“All those who want to get rid of me should come,” Blatter said.

Michel Platini, president of European governing body Uefa, has called for his Fifa counterpart Blatter to be replaced but will not stand himself.

Blatter, who has been in charge of Fifa since 1998, told CNN World Sport: “All this opposition is coming now, it’s unfortunate to say - but it’s trueit’s coming from Uefa.

“They don’t have the courage to come in. So let me go [on] - be respectful.” (BBC Sport)

Williams’ sisters into quarterfinals of Australian Open

Vat the Australian Open to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2010.

The 34-year-old American, who suffers from Sjogren’s syndrome, a disease that can cause fatigue, won 6-3 2-6 6-1.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will face teenager and fellow American Madison Keys in the last eight.

Venus will play sister Serena, who beat Garbine Muguruza 2-6 6-3 6-2, in the semi-finals, if they both win again.

Top seed Serena, who has not advanced past the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park since winning her last Australian Open title in 2010, had trouble breathing at times and coughed throughout her match against Muguruza.

She also struggled for form early on, but fought back to avenge her defeat by the Spaniard at last year’s French Open.

“I had to play the best match of the tournament or else I was going to be out,” said Serena, who next faces Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova.

“She was just hitting

winners like left and right. Every shot I hit, she basically hit a winner on. So I had to change my approach.”

Venus was pushed hard, too, losing the second set as her level dropped before regrouping and upping the power to clinch the decider.

Asked what had inspired her successful run in Melbourne, Venus said: “Definitely my sister Serena, she’s just the ultimate champion.

“And definitely a lot of inspiration from all my fans who have stayed behind me through thick and thin.”

Venus, whose best performance at the Australian Open is a runner-up finish in

2003, last reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam at the US Open in 2010. Keys is relishing the prospect of facing one of her childhood heroes.

“I’m just really excited. It’s a huge opportunity for me,” she said.

“I think Venus has helped the sport, especially the women’s side with equal prize money. She was a huge part of that. Just watching her is inspirational.

“She’s had her health battles but she loves tennis. She’s still out there and she’s doing it remarkably well. I hope I can be someone similar to that.” (BBC Sport)

Madrid signs Lucas Silva

Real Madrid have signed midfielder Lucas Silva from Brazilian club Cruzeiro on a long-term contract for a reported fee of £9.7m.

The 21-year-old, who passed a medical on Monday, has signed a contract keeping him with the European champions until 30 June, 2020.

Silva has represented Brazil at under-21 level and has helped his club side win the league in 2013 and 2014.

“This is a dream come true,” said Silva. “I am delighted to be here.”

He added: I thank God, the Cruzeiro and Real Madrid presidents and everyone who helped make this happen.

“I am really happy and motivated. I’ve come to Real Madrid to learn and above all else to help.

“I feel good and am ready to honour this shirt, which

belongs to the best club in the world.

“I’ve liked Real Madrid every since I was a child, I’m really happy to be in the city and I’m certain that I will live very well here.”

Real bought 16-year-old midfielder Martin Odegaard earlier this week.

That transfer cost the club £2.3m with Odegaard,

who has already won three caps for Norway, signing from Norwegian side Stromsgodset.

Silva was presented to the club’s fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Monday. European champions Real are currently one point clear at the top of La

Djokovic through to quarterfinals of Australian Open

Top seed Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open last eight with a 6-4 7-5 7-5 win over a gutsy Gilles Muller.

The Serb, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament, will face Canada’s Milos Raonic in his 23rd consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final.

Defending men’s champion Stan Wawrinka and fifth seed Kei Nishikori also won.

Women’s top seed Serena Williams fought back to beat Spain’s Garbine Muguruza 2-6 6-3 6-2 while sister Venus saw off sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

Serena next faces Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova, who beat twotime champion Victoria Azarenka 6-2 3-6 6-3, while Venus takes on fellow American Madison Keys.

Wawrinka overcame Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 4-6 7-6 (10-8), before Nishikori knocked out David Ferrer 6-3 6-3 6-3.

Raonic squandered two match points in the fourthset tie-break but recovered to secure a 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-7 (79) 6-3 victory over Feliciano Lopez.

Novak Djokovic ensured seven of the top eight seeds reached the quarter-finals with his win over Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller in Monday’s final match on Rod Laver Arena.*

The world number one will now turn his attention to facing Milos Raonic after the eighth seed became the first Canadian since Michael Belkin in 1968 to make the quarters.

Djokovic, who regularly practises with Raonic in Monaco where they both live, has been impressed by his rival’s progress.

“He’s been playing some great tennis in the last 15 months. He deserves to be where he is now, top 10, coming closer to top five in the world,” he said. (BBC Sport)

NBA roundup… James lifts Cavaliers to 6th win in a row

LeBron James scored 34 points, including the first eight in the fourth quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-98 on Sunday for their sixth straight win.

James made a pair of 3-pointers and a nasty fadeaway jumper to give the Cavs a 91-80 lead. Later, the four-time MVP fed Kevin Love for a 3-pointer with 3:38 left that put the Thunder away. The Cavs are 6-1 since James returned after missing eight games with a strained back and knee.

Love added 19 points and 13 rebounds, Kyrie Irving scored 21, and Tristan Thompson had 16 rebounds.

Kevin Durant scored 32 and Russell Westbrook had 22 for the Thunder, who went 3-2 on their longest road trip this season.

Lance Armstrong: “I’d probably cheat again”

Shamed cyclist Lance Armstrong believes the time is coming when he should be forgiven for doping and lying - and told the BBC he would probably do it again.

Armstrong, 43, was stripped of his record seven Tour de France titles and banned from sport for life by the United States AntiDoping Agency (Usada) in August 2012.

“If I was racing in 2015, no, I wouldn’t do it again because I don’t think you have to,” he said.

“If you take me back to 1995, when doping was completely pervasive, I would probably do it again.”

Speaking in his first television interview since confessing to Oprah Winfrey that he had used performance-enhancing drugs during his career, Armstrong tells BBC sports editor Dan Roan:

* The “fallout” since his confession has been “heavy” and he now lives his life at 10mph, not 100.

* His decision to dope was “bad”, but taken at “an imperfect time”.

* He still feels like he won the seven Tour titles he was stripped of.

* He raced clean during his second comeback in 2009 and 2010.

Armstrong had been the subject of doping allegations since he returned from cancer in 1996 to dominate one of the world’s toughest events from 1999 to 2005.

He aggressively denied the claims until Usada’s 200-page “reasoned decision” - complete with 1,000 additional pages of evidence - was released in October 2012.

Armstrong finally confessed in a two-part interview with US talk-show host Winfrey in January, 2013.

He was forced to step away from the cancer charity he had founded and has since kept his counsel, save for a handful of print interviews.

Chicago, but missed all six 3-pointers.

Heat 96, Bulls 84

Hassan Whiteside had an unconventional tripledouble with a team-record and career-high 12 blocks to go with 14 points and 13 rebounds to help the Miami Heat beat the Chicago Bulls.

Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, Chris Bosh finished with 20 and Luol Deng scored 15 in his return to Chicago. Mario Chalmers had 15 points, and the Heat squashed whatever momentum the Bulls appeared to be building after beating San Antonio and Dallas.

Miami led by 10 at halftime, 12 going into the fourth quarter and remained in control the rest of the way.

Pau Gasol had 13 points and 17 rebounds for Chicago, giving him 50 over the past three games. Derrick Rose scored 19 for

Speaking in his hometown of Austin, Texas, Armstrong said “the fallout” from his confession had been “heavy, tough, trying and required patience”.

The father-of-five said his life had “thinned out” and “slowed from 100mph to 10”, but added he would like to return to “50, 55”.

As for whether the world was ready to accept his return to public life, Armstrong said: “Selfishly, I would say ‘yeah, we’re getting close to that time’.

“But that’s me, my word doesn’t matter any more.

his bicycle supplier Trek Bicycles went from $100m (£66.5m) to $1bn and his charity foundation went from “raising no money to raising $500m, serving three million people”.

He added: “Do we want to take it away? I don’t think anybody says ‘yes’.”

Armstrong did admit to “unacceptable and inexcusable” behaviour towards other people during his career.

Former rider Filippo Simeoni angered Armstrong by testifying against his coach/doctor, Michele

What matters is what people collectively think, whether that’s the cycling community, the cancer community.

“Listen, of course I want to be out of timeout, what kid doesn’t?”

Armstrong was asked if he would make the same choice to cheat that he made in 1995.

He said: “When I made the decision, when my team made that decision, when the whole peloton made that decision, it was a bad decision and an imperfect time.

“But it happened. And I know what happened because of that. I know what happened to the sport, I saw its growth.”

Armstrong said sales at

Hawks 112, Wolves 100

Paul Millsap scored 20 points, Al Horford added

ple” and had spent the past two years trying to make amends, with varying results.

Armstrong was equally forthright on what should happen to his Tour titles, which have not been reallocated, such was the extent of cycling’s doping problem at the time.

“I think there has to be a winner, I’m just saying that as a fan,” he said.

“There’s a huge block in World War One with no winners, and there’s another block in World War Two, and then it seems like there’s another world war.

“I don’t think history is stupid, history rectifies a lot of things. If you ask me what happens in 50 years, I don’t think it sits empty... I feel like I won those Tours.”

Armstrong reiterated his promise that he raced clean during his second comeback in 2009 and 2010, contrary to Usada’s report, and said he would be the first to release his samples for retesting as soon as a test for blood transfusions is developed.

Ferrari, in a 2002 Italian doping case. The American called him a liar and denied the Italian a stage win in the 2004 Tour.

Armstrong also responded with legal threats and personal smears when Emma O’Reilly, a masseuse at his US Postal team, provided some of the earliest details on his doping.

“I would want to change the man that did those things, maybe not the decision, but the way he acted,” he continued.

“The way he treated people, the way he couldn’t stop fighting. It was unacceptable, inexcusable.”

He added he had been “an arsehole to a dozen peo-

19 and Eastern Conferenceleading Atlanta topped the Minnesota Timberwolves, extending the Hawks’ franchise record with their 16th straight win.

Jeff Teague finished with 15 points and seven of Atlanta’s 30 assists as the Hawks won for the 30th time in 32 games.

Thaddeus Young had 26 points and Mo Williams added 20 for Minnesota. The Timberwolves, who are last in the Western Conference, have lost four straight and 20 of 22.

Pacers 106, Magic 99

David West had 20 points, reserve Damjan Rudez added a career-high 18, and the Indiana Pacers snapped a seven-game losing streak with a win over the Orlando Magic.

The Pacers trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter, but got 16 points

He also confirmed he has spoken to the Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC) on two occasions and is now waiting to see if it will recommend a reduction in his ban, something that would allow him to “compete in some sport at a fairly high level”, but also raise money for charity.

Armstrong was less forthcoming on his legal battle with former teammate Floyd Landis and the Department of Justice. That case, which hinges on whether his team’s sponsor, the US Postal Service, was defrauded of almost $40m (£26.5m), is unlikely to be heard in court until 2016. But he admitted the strain of his legal problems was telling, and he looked forward to a time without lawyers and worries about what his children might hear at school. (BBC Sport)

from Rudez in the final 12 minutes. They outscored the Magic 31-17 in the quarter.

George Hill had 17 points and six rebounds for Indiana in just his second game back from a left groin strain.

Nik Vucevic led four Magic players in double figures with 27 points. It was the ninth straight Orlando opponent to score at least 100 points.

Clippers 120, Suns 100 Blake Griffin and Chris Paul scored 23 points each and the Los Angeles Clippers used a 15-0 fourthquarter run to beat the Phoenix Suns.

JJ Redick scored 20 and DeAndre Jordan added 18 for the Clippers, who are 3-0 against the Suns this season. Los Angeles has won nine of its past 11 against Phoenix. (Vancouver Sun)

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GTTA early favourites to win “Association of the Year” award

By TreisTon Joseph

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is a model of consistency and could possibly be the 2014 “Association of the Year” award when the National Sports Commission (NSC) hosts their annual awards ceremony in March.

While the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) and the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) are viable options for the award, the GTTA has shown growth and improvement in the sport.

The GTTA’s development programme, as well as consistent local competition, coupled with their ability to continuously produce new talents, speaks for itself.

As stars such as Shemar

Britton, Chelsea Edghill, Priscilla Greaves and Elishaba Johnson continue to dominate the sport over the last year, the likes of the Ninvalle brothers, Neveah Clarskston, Selenas Jackman and Kyle Edghill have bloomed and risen into prominence.

On the other hand, the GRFU has not had a top flight youth programme over the last year, while the GBA has been recycling the same boxers more often than not.

Further, while the GSA can boast of having dominant youth players, one can argue that players such as Nyron Joseph and Jason Ray-Khalil have played the game from their Under-17 days through to their senior years, and were always talented.

On the contrary, the GRFU has had the most suc-

cess at the senior level, and this should automatically put them in the conversation for the magnificent 2014 year they had.

However, one can point at the lack of female development, as well as youth development, compared to both the GTTA and GSA.

The race for “Association of the Year” will definitely be a close one among the four Associations, with either of the GTTA or the GSA probably having the bigger edge to win.

However, the GTTA seems primed to take the award simply because of their consistency, not just locally and even marginally on the international level, but also because of their ability to develop talent from the grass-roots level, and turn them into top flight players.

CPL Players Draft set...

Dilshan pointed out, “CPL seems to be attracting some of the top names in the game so I am really looking forward to being involved again in 2015 and hope to make my mark on the tournament.”

Jayawardene stated, “I have loved playing cricket in the West Indies throughout my career so I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to take part in the CPL in 2015.”

CPL International Cricket Director Tom Moody, was elated to welcome the stars to the 2015 competition.

“Now that the CPL is well established among the cricket community, we have had huge interest from the top international players, which bodes well for the future of the tournament. The quality of cricket in 2014 was outstanding and we hope for more of that drama and action next year so being able to announce players like Malinga, Jaywardene and Dilshan is a great boost and a fantastic endorsement for CPL.”

Once again the CPL will feature six franchises, namely Antigua Hawksbills; defending champions, Barbados Tridents; Guyana Amazon Warriors; Jamaica Tallawahs; St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Changes

As part of changes to the 2015 edition, CPL has announced a new initiative geared towards providing an opportunity for the best Under-19 cricketers from the Caribbean and developing players from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Associate Members in the Americas region to make the final squad of one of the six franchises taking part in the tournament.

One player from the ICC Associate Members in the Americas region will be assigned to each of the franchises and invited to the training camps being held ahead of the tournament. The young cricketers will join four Under-19 West Indies players who will also be assigned to each of the franchises and attend the training camps.

Last year, the Under-19 West Indies players attended the camps, but were not eligible to make the final squads and take part in matches during the league. This will change in 2015 as one of the five young players will make the final squad and be available to play in the tournament proper.

Commenting on the initiative, CPL Cricket Operations Director, Michael Hall, said, “This provides an excellent opportunity for a young player to get a taste of life as a professional cricketer – the travel, the daily practice sessions and the intensity of the ac-

tual competition. We took the decision based on feedback from the coaches who were involved last year. They all felt that there was enough talent at the Under-19 level to warrant creating an additional roster spot for one of them.”

Mohamed plans 10 races in two months

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Determined to overtake his record number of programmes in 2014, national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed has unveiled a packed agenda for the months of February and March, setting himself on course for another recordbreaking year.

Mohamed notched up 42 events last year, surpassing the previous year’s tally of 37, which was the old mark.

“While I am working on bettering the previous years in terms of the number of programmes I’ve staged, it’s more about providing an avenue for the local riders to improve on their skills. The cyclists have been calling for more races so I’m trying my best to fulfill that request,”

Mohamed said on Monday.

According to the longserving sport administrator, support from businesses and individuals in the form of sponsorship is critical to the development of the sport, noting that he has in the pipeline 10 events in eight weeks, starting this weekend.

“The next two months will be very busy, because I have several programmes planned, including the Cheddi Jagan memorial races in March,” Mohamed pointed out.

During the month of February, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and R&R International are down to stage a road race and an 11-race programme each, spanning three weekends.

On February 1, the NSC will stage the annual 40mile road race on the West Demerara roadways, while on February 7; the action will switch to the National

Park for the NSC’s annual 11-race programme.

The next day, R&R International will conduct their 24th annual 40mile road race, while on February 14, the same company will sponsor the annual 11-race programme on the inner circuit of the National Park.

As has been the case

since the passing of former President and founder of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Dr Cheddi Jagan, there will be three road races in the month on March in memory of the late politician.

The Berbice leg will start the trilogy on March 1, followed by West Demerara a week later and the Essequibo race on March 22. Three 11-race programmes are fixed for the month of March, pending favourable responses from sponsors and partners, according to Mohamed.

Mohamed commenced the 2015 season on Saturday last with the 22nd annual Ricks and Sari Agro Industries 11-race programme at the National Park with Marlon “Fishy” Williams, riding for the newly established Team Evolution, copping top honours in the feature 35-lap Schools Boys and Novices event.

D'Andrade finishes 2nd in TT Half Marathon

Trinidad based Guyanese Lionel D’Andrade finished second in the Trinidad and Tobago International Half Marathon on Sunday.

D’Andrade finished closely behind Trinidad’s Shayne Barran in a time of one hour, 18 minutes and 26 seconds. Barran won the event in a time of one hour, 18 minutes and 15 seconds. Kade Sobes of Tobago was third in one hour, 22 minutes and 34 seconds.

"I was in the lead and at the 12-mile mark, Shayne

Lionel D’Andrade

Rivas out of “Caribbean Collision” – Austin

added to 5-fight card

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Boxing buffs gearing up to witness Lorissa “The Cheetah” Rivas fighting in Guyana for the first time will have to wait a little longer as the US-based fighter has pulled out of the “Caribbean Collision” card being promoted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), set for February 21.

The 32-year-old American was down to face veteran Guyanese Sharon “The Stone” Warde, of Linden in the lone female clash on the five-fight card, billed for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Georgetown.

came from behind and we were running together, and then at 600 metres, he took the lead and I tried to take it back but I just couldn't.

“I wasn't really doing any speed work, just putting in the mileage. I feel kinda good, my time was slow, so I'll be putting in some more training for upcoming races,” D’Andrade told Guyana Times Sport of how he felt in the race.

Meanwhile, Trinidad based Guyanese Kelvin Johnson finished sixth in the Marathon.

Jumbo Jet Sprint Classic set for February 22

The Jumbo Jet Sprint Classic is billed for February 22 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice.

Nine exciting races are listed on the day’s programme with all the events being 1100-metre sprints. A total of $7 million is up for grabs.

The feature event will now be for animals classified D1 and Lower, and not D3 as was previously advertised. The winning prize is $1 mil-

lion and a trophy.

The Three-Year-Old Guyana and West Indian bred race will fetch a winning take of $500,000 and a trophy. The E Class event will now be for E2 animals, and not E3, with the winner set to race away another $500,000 and a trophy.

The G1 and Lower animals have a $400,000 winning money and trophy to aim for. There is a race for FourYear-Old horses, with the winning take being $400,000

and a trophy.

The Three-Year-Old Guyana bred animals will gallop for a winner’s pocket of $250,000 and a trophy. Horses classified H and Lower will also be competing for take home money of $250,000 and a trophy. The event for I3 and Lower animals will see the winner taking home $200,000 and a trophy. The final event is for animals classified J3 and Lower for a pole position prize of

$150,000 and a trophy. Entries are expected to be closed on February 14, and no late entries will be accepted. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). Interested persons can make contact with Chandu Ramkissoon 624-9063 or 2320633; Kris Jagdeo 624-6123, 322-0369; Rajendra 6187278; Ramnauth 337-5311; Romel Jagroop 624-1798; and Sancho 690-0569.

Race time is 12:30h.

According to GBBC Matchmaker Eion Jardine, that fight is now off as Rivas has agreed to honour a previously set fight on February 28 in Trinidad and Tobago, ahead of a world title fight in March.

“She had a planned fight on February 28 in Trinidad, so fighting in Guyana just a week before was not going to work out for her. We have since quashed the female fight and made some minor adjustments on the card,” Jardine informed this publication on Monday.

According to Jardine, Dexter Gonsalves has also pulled out of his Catchweight contest with Quincy Gomes, after expressing concerns over the weight classification. Gonsalves usually fights at 112, while Gomes is 130.

Gomes’ new opponent is debutant Keeve Allicock in a four-round Lightweight contest, while Gonsalves will now match gloves Mark Austin in an eightround Welterweight rematch.

The last time these two met, Gonsalves floored Austin in the final round.

The card, the first for 2015 in Guyana, will start with a clash between debutants Travis Fraser of Guyana and Charwin Estwick of Barbados in a Junior Middleweight six-rounder, and will

also see an eight-round Middleweight rematch, featuring Edmond DeClou and Dereck Richmond.

The last time these two met, DeClou suffered a broken jaw and has not entered the ring since.

The card will be headlined by a showdown between Dominica-based Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell, who has replaced the injured Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis, and Jamaican Sakima Mullings. The duo will square off for the vacant Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Junior Welterweight belt over 12 rounds.

The action will start at 20:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is $3,000 (Ringside) and $1,500 (Stands).

Guinness Greatest in the Streets…

Another 8 games on tonight at Pouderoyen tarmac

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The hundreds of West Demerara residents who swarmed the Pouderoyen tarmac on Saturday night for the highly anticipated start of the West Demerara leg of the Guinness Greatest

in the Streets Football competition are in for another treat this evening when action continues with eight more games at the same venue.

If the large crowd that flocked the venue on Saturday is anything to go by, then the West Demerara leg, which is being held for the first time, is set to challenge the other zones in

terms of the number of persons who attend the games and enjoy the Guinness Streets football experience.

In the opening game tonight, set to kick off at 19:00h, Brothers United will play De Kenderen after both teams recorded victories on Saturday. This will be followed by a clash between Golden Star and Vergenoegen All Stars and Patentia Street Ballers against Demerara Speedboat Service.

Other games billed for the night will see Majee versus Raiders, Young Warriors against West Side Ballers, Jetty versus Showstoppers, Uitvlugt versus Admiral

and Den Amstel against Showtime. In results from the opening night, Brothers United defeated Golden Stars 1-0, De Kenderen outplayed

Vergenoegen All Stars 4-0, Patentia Street Ballers defeated Raiders 2-0, Majee gained a similar margin of victory over Demerara Speedboat Service, Jetty gained a walkover from Young Warriors, Pouderoyen Showstoppers defeated West Side Ballers 2-0, Den Amstel got the better of Admiral United 3-0 and Uitvlugt won 3-2 on sudden death kicks against Showtime after a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, was on hand to witness the opening night’s games and said he was enthused by the turnout on the tournament’s maiden trip to that part of the country.

“Well we can’t ask for a

better turnout for the opening. We hope that more persons will come out as the tournament progresses,” Baptiste said. The competition, which concludes on February 7 will see the champion team becoming $300,000 richer. The losing finalist will pocket $150,000, while the third place finisher will collect $100,000 and fourth $75,000.

There will also be Fair Play cash award of $50,000. The top two teams will gain automatic entry into the national playoff to vie for a chance to be Guyana’s representative at the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge in June in Trinidad and Tobago.

BCB/A Ally and Sons Secondary School U-17 cricket…

Vrymen’s Erven grab first innings points

Despite the unpredictable weather, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) sponsored A Ally and Sons Under-17 Cricket Competition for secondary schools in Berbice commenced with one game last Friday.

Vrymen’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) took first innings points from Canje Secondary. The match was played at the Young Warriors Cricket ground, and was highlighted by a fine performance from national Under-15 all-rounder Kevin Sinclair.

Vrymen’s Erven won the toss and inserted Canje Secondary, but they

were eventually bowled out for 68, with Sinclair –the only batsman – offering resistance with 36.

For VESS, Safraz Solomon took 3-5 and Berbice Junior Williams 3-20. VESS replied with 128 all out, with Kyle Michaels on 32 and Isiah Lewis on 28.

Sinclair was the main destroyer with 7-34. Batting a second time, Canje Secondary was down 54-4, to earned a draw.

Sinclair again was the top scorer with 23. Trevon Stanislaus supported with 21 not out.

Drawing for GSCL Republic Cup set for Thursday

The launching and drawing of fixtures for the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Incorporated Republic Cup will be held on Thursday at the GNIC Sports Club, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The competition will be

contested in the Open and Over-40 categories, with both divisions lasting for 20 overs and carries a first place prize of $300,000. The runner-up will take home $100,000, along with trophies and medals. Matches will be played at the Demerara Cricket

Club, Everest Cricket Club and the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) grounds. Admission to all venues, including Everest which will host the final on February 8, is free and playing conditions will be distributed at the time of the launching.

CPL Players Draft set for February 5

Now that the dates have been announced for the third installment of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the tournament will pick up momentum early next month when the Players Draft is held on February 5, according to the CPL website.

The crucial Draft, which will be attended by key officials from the six franchises, will be used to formulate the squads that will compete for top honours in the June 20July 26 showpiece.

The franchises will look to outdo each other during the process, as they seek to capture the leading players who will make up the pool available to them.

Already, several big names have signed up for the League, which is dubbed “The Biggest Party in Sport.”

Three stars of Sri Lankan cricket; batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan, and bowler Lasith Malinga, have been added to the pool of international players.

The trio will join a host of top class T20 stars from the

West Indies, as well as international players, including South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, and Pakistan’s talisman Shahid Afridi for the third staging of the tournament.

Since its inception in 2013, the CPL has reignited cricket in the Caribbean, packing stadiums across the Region and attracting global TV audiences in excess of 65 million viewers.

CPL has also brought major economic benefit to the cricket loving Caribbean nations with a recent economic impact study revealing that it injected a massive US$166 million into the Region’s economy during the 2014 tournament.

Malinga, who lit up the first CPL tournament in 2013 when he joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the knock out stages, said, “I really enjoyed my time in the CPL in 2013 and I am thrilled to be involved again for the 2015 edition. Caribbean fans are fantastic and it’s a pleasure to play cricket in that kind of atmosphere.”

GCB officials receive Guyana Jaguars after Super50 loss − President calls on players to regroup and focus on 4-Day

President and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Drubahadur and Fizul Bacchus respectively, received the runners-up in the NAGICO Super50 tournament –the Guyana Jaguars – on Monday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

In his address to the team upon their arrival, the President congratulated them for reaching the final and asked them not to take the loss to Trinidad and Tobago too hard.

“You have bowled well in the final, but didn’t get going with the bat. The best batsmen in the world struggle against Sunil Narine and dealing with bowlers like him, it is one area we need to do more work on for the future,” he said.

Drubahadur continued, “The limited overs contest is finished and it is important that you put that behind you and channel all your focus on the second leg of the Regional fourday tournament. It will be

a test of your determination and self-belief. We at the GCB believe you can do it and I am certain that your fans out there believe the same.”

Bacchus also urged the players to regroup and turn their attention to the Regional four-day.

“One team had to lose in the final, but Guyana fought hard to reach there and we recognise your efforts. Yes, we didn’t win the title, but we had some outstanding individual performances. Veerasammy Permaul continued his

brilliance with the ball, while Raymon Reifer and Shivnarine Chanderpaul produced a fighting matchwinning innings each. I would like you to take these positives and energy into the longer version of the game. Remember you are leading in the Regional

four-day and it is important that you maintain that lead,” Bacchus pointed out.

On their way to the final, Guyana defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by 142 runs and Barbados by two wickets, before losing to the Combined Campuses and Colleges in a close en-

counter in the preliminary round. They got the better of Jamaica by six wickets in the semi-final match.

The second leg of the Regional four-day will begin on February 6, with Guyana Jaguars in the lead with 57 points, seven ahead of Jamaica.