Guyana Times Daily - February 2, 2015

monday, February 2, 2015

Guyana tells UN of decline in poverty, undernourishment

With an estimated population of 747,884 people, Guyana has made significant strides in combating poverty but there is room for improvement.

Under its Poverty Reduction Programme, the standard of living for thousands of Guyanese across the country has improved drastically, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said as she reported to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva.

According to statistical reports provided

by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), extreme poverty declined from 28.7 per cent in 1993 to 18.6 per cent in 2006, while moderate poverty stood at 36.1 per cent in 2006 as compared to 43.2 per cent in 1992. Today, it is estimated that the figure is well below 17 per cent with regard to those living in extreme poverty.

Guyana, the Foreign Affairs Minister said, has attained the targets set by both the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 1 and the 1996 World Food Summit, by halving the absolute number of hungry people by 2015 and im-

proving nutrition.

The prevalence of undernourishment was reduced from 19.1 per cent (1990-1992) to 5.1 per cent (2010 and 2012). Today, less than one per cent of children under five years of age suffer from malnutrition.

Further, the Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that the period 20072014 represented the longest period of uninterrupted real economic growth since Independence, with an average growth rate of 4.75 per cent in the last five years.

Positive growth

“This positive growth has encouraged the expansion and diversification of the economy and attracted foreign investment in several areas, as well as an expansion of Private Sector credit. These have all contributed to the reduction of unemployment to below 10 per cent, although we acknowledge that some sections of the country recorded higher levels,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said.

It is believed that achieving full and productive employment for all is an effective tool to improve living conditions and to eliminate extreme poverty. As such, the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, which has been in power for the past 23 years, has been working to increase the country’s employment rate, thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment.

In her report, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett alluded to the National Minimum

complishing Universal Secondary Education. Additionally, it has met its target of eliminating Gender Disparity in Primary and Secondary Education. In the 2013 Global Gender Gap Report, Guyana ranked number one out of a total of 136 countries in Education Attainment and accord-

children have access to nursery and primary education and over 90 per cent have secondary education.”

In the area of housing, Minister RodriguesBirkett said the Guyana Housing Programme continues to provide subsidised house lots for poor, low and middle income families.

Wage Order 2013 which seeks to provide protection for all workers. The Ministerial Order, which was given by Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul, provides for a 40hour work week and a minimum wage of $35, 000.

Additionally, during its first UPR in 2010, Guyana reported that it was working to promote equal access to Information Technology for low-income and poor households through the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative.

“We are proud to report that this programme provided training and free lap-

ing to Minister RodriguesBirkett, this was a major achievement for a small developing country.

“Guyana continues to offer free education from nursery, primary and secondary levels at Government funded schools. Less than 15 per cent attend private schools; as a result, hundreds of schools have been built and all refurbished across the country. Approximately 72 per cent of the teachers are trained and more than 50 per cent of the teachers in the hinterland regions are now trained teachers. As a result, the attendance and

“Through a number of legislative as well as Government-Commercial Bank Partnerships, lowincome households can access loans to build their houses at concessionary rates. Thousands of lowincome families are now land and homeowners under the National Housing Programme.” According to the Guyana Population and Housing Census 2012 Preliminary Report, which was released in June 2014, the National Building Stock has increased by 16.9 per cent over the last 10 years.

tops to over 51, 000 households by mid 2014. By the end of 2015, it is anticipated that the target of 90,000 households will be met,” Minister RodriguesBirkett informed the UPR Working Group.

Education

In the area of education, the Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that Guyana has successfully achieved MDG2 by achieving Universal Primary Education. The country is well on its way to ac-

academic performance of school children at all levels have shown dramatic improvement, at national and regional periodic assessments,” she further pointed out.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said education has played a critical role in equalising access to opportunity for children in Guyana, regardless of where they live, their ethnicity, religion, or class. “This is most evident in the interior and Amerindian communities where all

Additionally, by the end of 2013, 18,000 households in squatter settlements, which emerged over three decades, were regularised with certificates of title to land being provided.

“Recognising the link between water, sanitation and poverty, Guyana is proud that the supply of potable water now reaches in excess of 95 per cent of the population in the coastal areas and 73 per cent in the hinterland areas,” the Minister added.

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

Elections 2015:

PNCR/APNU prepares for going solo

... as coalition talks with AFC fizzle

Despite ongoing talks of a “pro-democracy alliance” between A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) - the mainstay in of the coalition - is forging ahead with its plans for the upcoming elections, identifying its Presidential Candidate and mobilising party groups for elections campaign.

This move, observers say, is a clear indication that APNU is not placing all its eggs in the coalition-basket with the Khemraj Ramjattanled AFC, which has studiously tried to distance itself from the coalition grouping since the prorogation of Parliament, as it practiced a “hold me- loose me” strategy.

The PNCR has also moved ahead and selected David Granger as its Presidential Candidate ignoring the current “secret talks” where it took a month for the MOU to keep it secret to be consummated. Guyana Times has already reported on the lack of political will by the AFC to risk its main voting constituency in Berbice to form an alliance with the PNCR. Key executive member of the minority opposition party, Daizal Samad had flatly told this newspaper in an earlier interview that the coalition would never happen, insisting that the talks were all but a “talent scouting” exercise.

In a statement issued following its General Council meeting on Saturday, the PNCR said that it is commit-

ted to ending winner-takeall – politics in Guyana, noting that nothing is more

was presented by Amna Ally Assistant General Secretary of the PNCR. Ally brought General Council up-to –date with the state of the party and its readiness to contest the upcoming General and Regional Elections. The Assistant General Secretary said that the party’s operations in all ten administrative regions of the country are poised and ready for the task ahead.

In his feature address Granger made absolutely no mention of the proposed alliance with the AFC and said that Guyanese were looking to APNU for change. “Without

important than removing the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government from office. The General Council was held under the theme “PNCR For National Unity, Good Governance and Development” and was chaired by Party Chairman Basil Williams. In his welcome and introductory remarks the party chairman reminded council members that it was just 100 days to the May 11th General and Regional elections.

A minute of silence was observed for party stalwarts including the late Dr. Faith Harding, who had passed away in the period between General Councils. Mr Williams did not mention that Ms Harding left the PNC Central Executive very bitter with Mr Granger, being favoured for leadership by the party executives. The General Secretary’s report

the APNU there will be more crime, more drop-outs, more unemployment, more murders, more wastage of statefunds, more strikes more poverty, more street children…. That is why we must win…”

Granger said that the party has recognised 2015 as “year of democratic renewal”, noting that an APNU administration will restore to Guyanese the right to elect their own local leaders by holding local government elections. Granger said the PNCR was committed to strengthening the Partnership (APNU), he said; “the PNCR is committed to ending winner take all politics, shared governance is what is needed to move Guyana forward.” Granger

called on the General Council, all party members, supporters, donors to come out and support APNU. The statement added that the General Council passed a resolution in support Granger’s leadership of the PNCR and as APNU’s Presidential Candidate for the 2015 General and Regional Elections. After a lively plenary the second session was chaired by PNCR Vice Chairman Ms. Volda Lawrence, which was dedicated to planning for the May 11th General and Regional Elections. General Council concluded with a summation and charge which was given by Granger.

Campaign

On Friday last Granger had announced that APNU will be launching its elections campaign on the Birth Anniversary of former President Forbes Burnham, Feb 20. Guyana Times was told that the date for the launch was proposed by Granger and apparently his colleagues from the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) were caught off guard with the coincidence of the launch and Burnham’s birthday. Dr Clive Thomas of the WPA had complained that as a member of APNU, the WPA was not being consulted when decisions affecting all members were made.

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

Invoking Burnham

In the clearest signal that the negotiations between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are going nowhere, David Granger, Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) announced on Friday that his party will launch its elections campaign on February 20.

Asked by this newspaper on the following day when the AFC parley will be consummated, Granger's deputy, Joseph Harmon, however hazarded: "end of February". There is clearly no consummated end game in sight.

Further, Granger promised that his APNU bloc will be including a "youth candidate" on their slate in February. Neither Granger nor Moses Nagamootoo - APNU's and AFC's top contenders for the Presidential spot in a coalition where one of them would have to slide down into the Prime Ministerial slot, can be defined as "youths".

Granger's announcement therefore clearly shows that APNU is not holding its breath for the coalition and, at the minimum, are hedging their bets.

But the most definitive act that telegraphs the PNC's position on coalition building - not only on the possible coalition with the AFC, but its already consummated union with the other members of APNU - the Working People's Alliance (WPA), the Guyana Action Party (GAP) and the National Front Alliance (NFA) - is Granger's unilaterally decided date of launching APNU's campaign. It falls on the birthday of the founder-leader of the PNC Forbes Burnham.

In the normal course of events, there would be nothing remarkable with the largest partner in a coalition linking its course of action to its history, which obviously includes its Founder Leader. But with Burnham, any "course of events" that involve politics in Guyana could hardly be termed "normal".

If anyone needed a reminder of what he represents politically, the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney has already made it pellucid: a dictator.

Even his most fervent supporter Granger - who might even be a "disciple" - would concede that by rigging elections between 1968 and 1980, Burnham had degutted whatever claims his party, the PNC, might have had to "democratic governance".

By not obtaining the "consent of the governed" to control the state, even if Burnham ruled magnanimously, he would have to be called a "benign dictator". But the testimony at the Rodney COI shows conclusively that Burnham was anything but "magnanimous" or "benign".

What have we learnt? Apart from rigging elections, which included the Arny being ordered to shoot and kill civilians protecting ballot boxes, Burnham created a climate of fear reminiscent of the dictatorships of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic or "Papa Doc" Duvalier in Haiti.

With his widespread network of spies and informers coordinated by Laurie Lewis and a "goon squad" controlled by "Rabbi" Washington, citizens became afraid to speak even to their neighbours. The phenomenon of political murders, including Fr Bernard Darke and eventually Rodney himself, surfaced in Guyana.

We learnt that Burnham demanded the "deprofessionalisation" of the Army so that they could follow and execute the tenets of his paramount party's "co-operative socialism". David Granger, then a young officer, was placed in charge of this "indoctrination" of the Arny. The officers of all the Disciplined Forces - including most pertinently, the Arny and Police - had to swear personal loyalty to Burnham.

The trade unions were subverted and undermined through Burnham's creation of "paper unions" to outvote the genuine unions within the umbrella Trades Union Congress (TUC), which was granted power to bargain across sectors. The list of actions certifying Burnham as a dictator would fill volumes.

The two parties that felt the brunt of Burnham's dictatorial excesses were the WPA and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). It is clear that Granger believes the WPA's views of the man they always claimed murdered Rodney, is irrelevant.

As for the AFC, surely Granger does not believe that Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan so hate the PPP/C they would gather under the banner of Burnham, the dictator?

Wave of the future?

Voters divided on possible return of election rigging, dictatorship

Dear Editor,

The findings of opinion surveys conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) in July, October and December found voters are divided in their views on whether there will be a recurrence of rigged elections and the re-establishment of a dictatorship under a PNC (APNU) Government should it win the next election.

Voters were polled on these as well as other issues in light of the PNC rigging of its own internal election last July when David Granger emerged as political leader. The PNC was known to rig elections and establish a dictatorship between 1964 and 1992 when it governed Guyana.

The poll found that nearly half the voters, those supporting PNC, as saying they don’t feel the PNC would return to the infamous method of rigging in order to win post 2015 General Elections or regenerate the dictatorship.

They also feel that the PNC should not be judged by the rigging of its internal party election. Many express the view that what

goes in the party is its own business and that “internal” rigging has no bearing on national elections.

The PNC supporters feel their party has learnt from mistakes, and they don’t think it would recommence a dictatorship, which the late PNC leader Desmond Hoyte reluctantly ended (under international and domestic pressure) in 1992, ushering in democratic governance.

In contrast to PNCites, supporters of the PPP/C and AFC are not so sanguine about the return of possible election riggings and the rise of another PNC dictatorship. They point to the fact that the PNC rigged its last two internal elections and view such acts as an omen of what is to come.

In one internal election, NACTA poll showed Carl Greenidge in a close fight with David Granger for leadership and would have won a free and fair PNC leadership election.

In another internal election last July, a NACTA poll showed Granger would have defeated Aubrey Norton in a competitive contest without the need to resort to electoral fraud. Yet Granger felt compelled to

fiddle with the electoral arrangements.

The latest polls randomly interviewed 1,250 voters to yield a demographically representative sample (44 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 16 per cent Mixed, nine per cent Amerindians, and one per cent other races) of the population.

The results of the poll were analyzed at a 95 per cent significance level with a statistical sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Asked if they can trust a PNC (APNU) Government, should it win the next election, to hold free and fair elections thereafter, 48 per cent of respondents said no, 29 per cent said yes, and 23 per cent offered no comment.

Asked if the PNC (APNU) were to govern Guyana after the next election whether it would transform Guyana into a dictatorship as happened between 1968 and 1992, 43 per cent said yes, with 41 per cent saying no, and 16 per cent offering no comment.

Several PPP/C and AFC supporters feel it would be extremely difficult for the PNC to return to dictatorial rule with democracy be-

ing institutionalized over the last 23 years.

Interestingly, almost every PNC supporter laughed or smiled when the above questions were posed to them. Supporters of the PPP/C and AFC, on the other hand, displayed fear and anguish over the questions.

Asked if they think the PNC (APNU) has been (democratically) reformed since it was ousted from office in elections in 1992, 30 per cent said yes, with 56 per cent saying no, and 14 per cent not expressing a view.

Many point to rigging of internal elections and violent protests as evidence that the party has not undergone significant reform. The recent scheduling of their campaign launch on February 20, the birthday of their founderleader Forbes Burnham will hardly assuage the doubts of the sceptics.

The polls also tested likeability and approval ratings of the President and Opposition Leaders. These would be released in subsequently.

Dr Vishnu Bisram New York-based pollster

Agriculture Ministry has never employed anyone named Kenneth Jones

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledges that a Kenroy Joseph was employed with the Ministry during the period January 3, 2012 to June 10, 2014 when he resigned his position.

Since his resignation Mr Joseph has not been authorized to provide protocol services for the Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture or any other Government official.

It was reported on page 3 of the January 31 edition of the Kaieteur News: “According to reports, (Kenneth) Jones, former Personal Assistant to Junior Agriculture Minister Ali Baksh, presented a

forged document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Airport Duty Office indicating that he was carrying out protocol duties.”

Please be advised that the Ministry of Agriculture has never had in its employ any individual named Kenneth Jones.

However, since January 3, 2012, a Personal Assistant Kenroy Joseph was employed by the Ministry as a Personal Assistant to Minister Ali Baksh.

According to our records, Mr Joseph provided required notice and resigned his position on June 10, 2014.

Public Relations Unit Ministry of Agriculture

Squatting prohibited on all forest reserves

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) wishes to state that its illegal for persons to clear, build unauthorized structures and unlawfully occupy the GFC’s Reserve in the vicinity of Long Creek, Linden Highway.

The Commission is calling on all unauthorized persons to immediately cease this unlawful occupation and all associated activities or necessary measures will be taken as prescribed by

within the law.

GFC wish to remind all citizens that squatting will not be tolerated on the lands that it manages on behalf of the Government of Guyana.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected squatting on forest reserves to the Guyana Forestry Commission at telephone numbers 2267271-2 or the nearest Forest Station.

Guyana Forestry Commission

Nagamootoo’s secret fantasy

Dear Editor,

Sometimes it is said that one shows great resentment against another person that they admire so deeply, but that they feel so desperately they would never be able to match. I am personally convinced that Moses Nagamootoo’s secret fantasy is to be like Jagdeo.

Nagamootoo secretly admires Jagdeo deeply even more than he admires his proclaimed hero Dr Cheddi Jagan, and that he wishes he could be like Jagdeo, but fears he will never be like Jagdeo.

The evidence is there for all to see. Every time Nagamootoo wishes to sound presidential, he starts discussing economic matters, because he believes that will make him sound clever and learned, and make people think he is as smart as Jagdeo.

Take for example his excursion a few years ago into the matter of Guyana’s external debt. And, more recently, his misadventure on the matter of Guyana’s foreign reserves.

Moses suffers a deep Fruedian insecurity. He

GGMC’s loan to CH&PA was done purely as an investment opportunity

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has noted the recent comments in relation to the just concluded Loan Agreement with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The Commission wishes to advise that the GGMC Act No 9 of 1979 is an Act that provides for the establishment and the functions of the GGMC and is cited as the GGMC Act 1978.

The provisions of the First Schedule have effect as to the constitution and proceedings of, and otherwise in relation to, the Commission. Sections 10 to 19 of the Act provide the legal framework for the Commission to undertake the granting of loans. More specifically, the relevant sections are quoted below.

Section 10 states: “Subject to such conditions as it may deem fit to impose in particular cases the Commission may, out of its funds and resources, make loans in accordance with the provisions of this Act in that behalf, in the performance of its functions.”

As it relates to the Commission’s functions alluded to in the latter part of Section 10, Section 4 of the Act clarifies these functions.

Specifically, Section 4 (1) (f) of the Act provides the Commission with the latitude to undertake activities that would further the business of the Commission and the promotion of its functions by stating “to carry on all activities, the carrying on of which appears to the Commission to be requisite, advantageous or convenient for, or in connection with, the exercise of its functions”.

The Commission undertaking to provide a loan to the CH&PA was done purely as an investment opportunity given that the rate offered was five per cent; 3.2 per cent greater than the rate currently enjoyed at the commercial banks.

In addition, it was seen another opportunity to contribute

knows that he is totally ignorant on economic matters. He feels that is what gave Jagdeo the edge over him in 1999. He feels that one can only sound smart and “presidential” when one is able to speak on economic matters.

So, every once in a while, when he wants to sound presidential, he ventures into economic topics, knowing full well that these are his Achilles heels. Come on Moses. Stick to what you know about. It’s okay. We know you are not an economist. You are a journalist and propagandist who only in his senior citizen years became a junior counsel.

You don’t have to speak on Jagdeo’s subject matter to convince us that you deserve to be President. It’s okay. Don’t strain yourself and in the process embarrass yourself by talking about things you don’t know about.

No need to attempt to impersonate Jagdeo to prove yourself a worthwhile candidate.

Name withheld by request

to the growth and development of the nation.

Further, this should not be perceived as an isolated case of monies being expended or utilized in support of other agencies and for the development of the people of Guyana and the country, given that the Commission has historically provided financial assistance to other entities.

This can be evidenced from the listing of financial assistance that was provided to entities by the Commission over the period 2012-2015.

The rehabilitation works to the Bartica Pavilion at a cost of approximately $932,291.

The procurement of the Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS) at a cost of $80,039,806 for the implementation of eight stations over a period of six months which will facilitate real time GPS surveys for all agencies and Ministries.

The transfer of $70 million in 2013 to the Office of the Prime Minister to improve electricity supply at Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Mathews Ridge and Moruca as follows:

1. $25 million to Mahdia Power and Light Inc to improve electricity generation and supply.

2. $25 million to Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc. to improve electricity generation and supply.

3. $20 million to Mathew’s Ridge Power and Light Inc to improve electricity generation and supply.

The funding of the restructuring of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the Commission at a cost of US$240,000 in 2014.

The transfer of $2.0 billion from the GGMC to the National Protected Areas Trust Fund in 2014.

Financial support of US$450,000 as financial support to Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development.

The transfer of $1 billion

from the GGMC to the National Treasury.

The provision of the sum of $756,745,475 to Ministry of Public Works for the undertaking of Road Works in 2012.

Remedial road works at a cost of $3,136,680, to ensure that it is safer for travel by way of reducing its slope.

Payment of $288,309,350 to the Ministry of Public Works for the rehabilitation of roads in 2012.

The transfer of $61,418,000 to the Ministry of Public Works for emergency works under its Hinterland Programme.

The transfer of $21,065,925 to the Ministry of Public Works for rehabilitation works conducted to airstrips at Ekereku Bottom, Lethem, and Imbaimadai.

Rehabilitation and widening of road from Mathew’s Ridge to Baramita, Northwest District at a cost of $25,763,826.

Rehabilitation of the Arakaka to the M4 (Manikura Junction) to the M2 (18 Miles) Road costing $31,374,288

The payment of $35, 576,056 for contractual road works in Tamakay.

The Rehabilitation of the road from Brain Sucre Junction to Tumatumari and Micobie Village, costing $89,691,706.

The payment of the sum of $37,595,974 by GGMC under the Hinterland Road Programme to the Ministry of Public Works to facilitate the rehabilitation of the ItuniKwakwani Road.

Rehabilitation of the road from Tamakay to Ottomung Head and Tamakay Junction to Puruni Roadway costing $169,056,450

The rehabilitation of the road from Brian Sucre Junction to Blackwater at a cost of $329,099,606.

The payment of the sum of $168,478,322 to the Ministry of Public Works to cover variation/additional works for the Karasabai-Monkey Mountain Road Rehabilitation.

The payment of the sum of $18,661,000 to the Ministry of Public Works to facilitate the rehabilitation of the log bridge 18 miles before Kurupukari.

Funding of emergency rehabilitation works from Itaballi Landing to 12 miles before Itaballi at a cost of $79,450,000

Funding of emergency rehabilitation works from 12 miles before Itaballi to Puruni Landing at a cost of $60,243,410.

Rehabilitation of Mahdia Internal Roads and emergency works at a cost of $35,888,775 in 2013.

Funding of emergency rehabilitation works for the road from Toraparo Junction to Pappyshou Landing at a cost of $54,026,940

Rehabilitation of the Aremu Road - Phase One costing $129,475,767 in 2013 and continued in 2014.

Construction of a Bridge at Tiger Creek costing $8,541,800 in 2013.

Rehabilitation of the road from Matthew's Ridge to Baramita costing $60 million.

Rehabilitation of the road from Arakaka to the M4 (Manikura Junction) to the M2 (18 Miles) Road costing $73 million.

Rehabilitation of the Puruni Road costing $47,100,000.

Rehabilitation of the Oku Bridge costing $17,500,000.

Rehabilitation of the Tamakay Road costing $65 million.

In addition, contributions were made by the Commission to the Consolidated Fund as follows: 2006 - $800 million; 2010 - $2 billion; 2011 - $2 billion; 2012 - $2 billion (total$6.8 billion).

The information outlined above clearly indicates the support that has been provided over the years across the natural resources sector in keeping with the mandate of the Commission.

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

Traffic and highway lights components are being stolen

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Public Works views with great concern the alarming rate at which traffic and highway lights components are being stolen.

Components removed from traffic and highway lights are varied, that is highway lights: Cobra head lamps, distribution cables (triplex wire), and 25 kVA pole mounted transformer; and traffic lights: S24 traffic controllers, ener-

gy (kWh) meters, and batteries, etc. The above mentioned components stolen are expensive and most times not readily accessible. This results in unnecessary down time, thus putting at risk both drivers and pedestrians. Further, replacement of these components inhibits the full utilization of the annual maintenance budget for essential works intended.

The Ministry has made a concerted effort to improve lighting in areas considered to be highly unsafe and vulnerable to accidents, especially where there were dark spots. As a consequence, the Ministry continues to urge for the care and protection against vandalism of the lighting systems once activated.

Persons are asked to report any suspicious activity in and

around the traffic and highway lights, especially within proximity of your immediate neighborhood. Further, individuals are advised to record the license plate number and any advertisement associated with vehicles, including the Ministry.

It should be in every one’s interest to keep your lights functional.

Ministry of Public Works

A corollary to freedom of expression is the responsibility to respect people’s freedom

Dear Editor, The Kaieteur News is most definitely the most sued (no pun intended) newspaper in the Western Hemisphere, and this is mainly due to the fact that it carries deliberate lies in order to deceive people on the veracity of many issues, mostly against the PPP/C Government and its officials.

Glenn Lall defames, libels and scandals people, using his ‘weapon’ - the Kaieteur News. And these lawsuits are not

spurious in any way. They are legitimate claims made by people who have suffered damages to their personal lives, reputation and businesses.

Sensational journalism sells paper but it destroys people! These people have no recourse, but to take the newspaper owner to court. There are many others, who do not have the financial means to take this man to court, so the present legal matters engaging the attention of the courts is just

‘the tip of the iceberg’.

A corollary to freedom of expression is the responsibility to respect people’s freedom to live unmolested in a freely democratic country and to live with dignity and self-respect.

Glenn Lall continues to use his newspaper as a ‘weapon’ to attack and destroy people.

Glenn Lall and his ‘weapon’, the Kaieteur News, have been slapped with a $15 million judgment from the Court of Appeal. He has to pay

this sum to a reputable doctor whom he slandered in his newspaper in 2000. The good doctor used his better judgment to seek redress in a court of law.

I am positive that many more plaintiffs will be rewarded judgment against this man and his paper.

Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor

Region Six (East Bervice-Corentyne)

Page Foundation

By DeBBie Pincus

“Mom, he just called me a bad name.”

“I did not, you liar!”

“He did too, Mom, and he always does; you just never see it!”

“Get lost, you brat; you’re such a baby!”

Siblings bicker; it’s what they do. They tease and taunt and fight. It can drive parents crazy and wear us down—and for good reason. Seemingly harmless at the beginning, sibling bickering can lead to physical violence and hurtful digs like you’re ugly, fat, or an idiot, to name just a few.

By not under or overreacting to your stress when you hear tension between your children escalate, you will get a handle on what is actually necessary for you to do, if anything.

Siblings go at each other for many reasons: everything from boredom to jealousy to habit, to basic personality and temperament differences. But one main reason is because it is tolerated. Parents are told to let their children fight their own battles. And, in truth, jumping in prematurely can create more difficulty; parents try to be the judge, attempting to figure out “who started it” (which is impossible) and wind up taking sides.

But, parents are also told not to ignore sibling conflict. Children need their parents’ help and guidance; they are still figuring out how to work things through with their siblings. They want to hang out together, but don’t always know how to resolve conflicts. And they are still learning (and sometimes testing) what parents will put up with: what is acceptable, what is not, and how far they dare go.

So parents are told to stay out and parents are told to step in. No wonder we’re confused when it comes to handling sibling struggles!

Let’s take a look at ways for parents to address sibling bickering that can teach children important skills and prevent routine squabbles from turning into bullying and serious rivalry over time.

Pay attention to how you tend to react when your children are squabbling. Are you an over-reactor or an under-reactor?

If you are like me, then you tend toward overreacting when you hear your children struggling with each other. I tend to move in quickly to try to stop the fighting and fix things. Their fighting stirs up my own stress, so I jump in to intervene. If you tend to overreact, try sitting on your anxiety before jumping in too quickly. Give your children the space to experience conflict, manage

you hear their tension escalate, you will get a handle on what is actually necessary for you to do, if anything. Give children some space to work out their own struggles. Generally, this is a good rule of thumb. Stay calm and let them work through their differences. If the fighting heats up, unless it’s getting particularly vicious, ask them to take it somewhere else so they don’t disturb you. Or simply tell them to separate and take a time out until they have cooled off.

their distress, and solve their own problems. If, instead, you are like my friend, Jan, and tend to do the opposite, then you underreact when the children are going at each other. She tends to freeze when the going gets tough; her own stress causes her to throw up her hands and give up. If you tend to underreact when stress rises, remind yourself to stay present and accounted for, rather than distancing yourself from the intensity.

Maybe instead, you jump back and forth between the two. Neither reaction is right or wrong, or anything to feel guilty about. What’s important is to notice your own tendency so you can modify your patterns and automatic behaviours when feeling stressed by the children’ conflict. By not under or overreacting to your stress when

Set ground rules, including principles regarding how you expect siblings to treat one another. For instance, maybe a principle that you expect everyone in your family to live by is to treat each other with kindness and respect, no matter how stressful things get. If there is a problem that people are having trouble working out, the ground rule is no fighting; they sit down and talk it through.

In calm moments, teach your children the conflict/resolution method. This model teaches each person to state the conflict, brainstorm all possible resolutions, and then together pick out the one that works best for both people. You can use the problem at the centre of a recent squabble as an example to walk through with your children, once things cool off. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Examine whether you are contributing to your children’s rivalry. As parents, often without being aware of it, we can contribute to our children’s feelings of jealousy. To determine if this is happening, observe your children’s typical “dance”.

For example, for a long time, I would blame my son, Sam, for being the instigator of conflict with his brother. When I took a more careful look, I recognised that when stress got high, Sam tended to pursue or go after Josh, and Josh tended to distance or pull away from that pursuit and intensity. The more Josh distanced, the more Sam got in his face, trying to engage him and get his attention. They were involved in a dance that was not helping them solve their conflicts.

Josh’s distancing style was easier for me to cope with because it was quieter. Sam’s pursuing style was louder and included more verbal slings. Because Sam’s style of managing stress was more problematic superficially and got my attention, without even realising it, I tended to blame him for the bickering. Sam was onto something when he would tell me I always sided with Josh.

Parents can also inadvertently cause rivalry if the parent tends to confide in one child about the other, or share personal or family

information with one child and not the other. Parents might tell one child, “Don’t tell your sister,” because the parent believes she is too sensitive and can’t handle it. This creates alliances, insiders and outsiders, false roles, and labels. The sibling on the outside senses her position in the family and, in response, will likely react negatively to her sibling.

Embrace each child as a unique individual. When my children went through periods of fighting a lot, I learned that it was necessary to look at my (and my husband’s) relationship with each child. As I observed the subtleties of my behaviour, I saw more clearly that I was inadvertently playing a part in how my children were feeling about each other. If your child says to you, “You seem to like Johnny more than me”, take a close look at how you are reacting to each child before telling him that his feelings are not true. For instance, I noticed I would call my husband with excitement when one of my boys played a good soccer game, but I didn’t necessarily do that when the other had an accomplishment. I was laying the seeds for them to be seen in comparison to each other. Another time, my sister gently pointed out that I seemed to only worry about one son and never the other. This made me realise that I was projecting my needs and fears onto him, which influenced how I treated both of them. In both cases, I wasn’t really seeing each child as an individual, with his own unique strengths and weaknesses. My perspective wasn’t objective, and my kids picked up on that.

It’s important, although admittedly sometimes hard, to see your children’ differences without labelling them – the smart one, the pretty one, the helpful one, the messy one, the one that is like difficult Uncle Paul – or denying, minimising, or blowing out of proportion their differences. Often, oldest children get locked into being the “responsible ones” and the younger ones “the slackers”. This is not realistic and can lead to resentment because they have less room to be the individuals they are. By not taking sides or trying to be the judge, by taking a close look at your own relationship with each child and your tendencies when stress between your children occur, and by not tolerating bullying behaviour, you will help reduce sibling struggles. You will not get rid of sibling bickering, no matter what you do. But, you can make your home a safe place where each child is seen as an equal and appreciated for who he is.

GT&T says eager to give up monopoly

…disappointed with prolonged liberalisation talks

By Bhisham mohamed

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T), Radha Krishna Sharma has reconfirmed his company’s position for a liberalised telecommunication sector, noting that it will continue to push for the passage of such legislation.

He noted that his company recognises that deepening the telecommunication sector with the resultant market and technological dynamics will benefit all.

Sharma was at the time addressing media operatives at the company’s appreciation dinner at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara on Saturday evening. The Telecommunication Bill was one of the casualties of the 10th Parliament after President Donald Ramotar prorogued it.

It is one of 12 Bills that will have to be recalled in Parliament in the 11th session. The others include the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), the Customs amendment, the Broadcast amendment and Education Bills, among others. The Telecoms Bill was awaiting debate and assent, which would have freed up the over 20 year monopoly enjoyed by GT&T.

GT&T is Guyana’s premier telecommunications provider, coming into existence some 23 years ago. Sharma had stated prior to the prorogation that the company was prepared for Government’s plans to liberalise the sector, pointing out that the company was looking forward to contributing to the refinement of the legislation. His counterpart, CEO of Digicel, Gregory Dean had said the liberalisation of the sector would lay the base for the company

becoming fully competitive with GT&T. He also said that liberalisation would draw other companies into the Guyana market. Since coming to Guyana in 2007, Digicel Guyana Inc said it has invested close to US$80 million, providing coverage to close to 96 per cent of the population, including persons residing off Guyana’s coastland.

Select committee

Sharma said to date they have made both written and oral submissions to the Special Select Committee on Telecommunication Reform on specific aspect of the legislation. However, he pointed out that fundamental to the liberalisation of the sector is the treatment of its contractual rights and

Government’s obligation as enshrined in a legal , lawful agreement between the Government of Guyana and GT&T’s parent company Atlantic Telecommunication Network (ATN). “It is disappointing that notwithstanding our numerous meetings and offer of a negotiated settlement this issue remains unresolved”, the chief stated.

He disclosed that they have repeatedly reiterated their willingness to engage the Government, and have shown tremendous efforts to address the company’s contractual rights that can pave the way to implement a far reaching reform of the Guyana Telecoms sector.

Since 2008, he related that they have reached out during numerous dia-

logues to bring about a settlement. “GT&T has made many overtures or proposals and frequently made itself available yet the state of negotiations is stalled through no fault of GT&T. This crucial issue of our contract has not been conclusively addressed and the legislation is now before the Select Committee”.

In addition, Sharma noted that there are those who construe their vigorous defense of the rights enshrined in its current operating license to mean that “we are afraid of competition”.

He strongly refuted that allegation, noting that especially at this time; the telephone giant welcomes competition and intends to lead the competition in the market segments it chooses to operate. “The truth is that insofar as there is no meaningful enforcement of our licensed rights, the license in itself has become meaningless. Even as we speak, GT&T is competing fiercely in virtually every market segment in which it operates”, Sharma added.

In the new dispensation, he explained that they will continue to ask for policy certainty, predictable regulation and even handed treatment and more importantly, an obvious bonus for them would be a knowledgeable and objective press corps. On this note, he urged that the market should determine the winners and losers.

The executive went on to say that his company will continue to insist on the rule of law and to conduct business ethically. “As is our custom, we will continue to welcome constructive criticism and customer feedback and to use these to improve our service delivery efforts. We are here for the long haul… of that you can be sure”, Sharma added.

Miner shot, robbed on Thomas Street

Aminer was on Saturday evening shot and robbed while another was relieved of his mobile phone by two armed bandits on Thomas Street, Georgetown. The shooting occurred about 22:00h.

The injured miner was identified as Andre D’Abreu, 34, of Thomas Street, Georgetown. He is presently at a city hospital receiving medical treatment, and is said to be in

stable condition.

According to information received, D’Abreu and another miner, Jason Ramjattan, were chatting on the roadway at Thomas Street, when they were attacked by the two men armed with handguns.

A Police source told the Guyana Times that Ramjattan went to visit D’Abreu and as they were on the road chatting, the two bandits pounced on them. Reports are that the

two men emerged from a nearby corner and held the miners at gunpoint demanding money and personal belongings.

D’Abreu reportedly resisted and it was at that time, he was shot to his left side. He reportedly fell to the ground.

One of the bandits ordered them not to move while the other went into D’Abreu’s 4runner and took out some money. The gunman also took

Ramjattan’s mobile phone after which the two made good their escape on foot. Ramjattan placed the injured man in his vehicle and rushed him to a private medical facility where he was admitted.

Statements were taken from the two men, as the Police have since launched an investigation into the matter. They have several leads that are being pursued. No one has yet been arrested.

2 men killed in Essequibo

...after slammed by speeding car

By indrawattie natram

Two men were killed after a drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and slammed into them on the Richmond Public Road, Essequibo Coast early Sunday morning.

Dead are: Adrian Osborne, 23, and Colin John, both of Henrietta Village on the Essequibo Coast. John was a miner whilst Osborne was a mason. The driver of the car, Satyanand Rampersaud, from Hampton Court, has been arrested and is presently in custody assisting with the investigation. Rampersaud had initially fled the scene. He was reportedly under the influ-

ence of alcohol at the time of the crash. His vehicle PRR 902 has been impounded by Police.

Police said in a statement that about 03:00h, Osborne and John were walking along the roadway at Richmond, Essequibo Coast, when they were struck down by the motor vehicle driven by Rampersaud. Both men were pronounced Dead On Arrival (DOA) at the Suddie Hospital.

Residents living on the Richmond Public Road told the Guyana Times that they were awakened by a loud crash. Eyewitnesses said that the duo after being hit was thrown some distance by the force of the impact.

According to a resident, when he rushed out, he saw both men lying lifeless on the road, “ when I reach, both had many injuries, they were in pool of blood”. They were immediately rushed to the hospital by public-spirited citizen and relatives. The duo sustained injuries to their heads, broken arms and feet.

A traumatised Joan John, the mother of John,

said she received a call from residents in Richmond Village about the accident. She and her husband went to the scene and saw their son badly injured. The grieving woman vented her anguish over the death of her son and called on the Police to conduct a thorough investigation. “How can someone with a heart hit two person down and went home as if nothing happened, this is heartless,” John’s mother cried. Her son was described as a very willing individual. At Osborne’s home, everyone was in a state of shock and trying to come to grips with his death. The brother of the deceased, Kevin Osborne told this newspaper that he too had received

a call about the accident. He said his brother was returning home from the “Sowiya” Night Club, according to his cousins, and was hungry so he decided to go to his sister’s home in Richmond to get something to eat.

Govt talks up youth skills training programmes

Guyanese youths are benefitting from extensive initiatives, aimed at training and empowering them, Minister of Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul has said.

During an interview on the National Communications Network’s ‘Political Scope’ Programme last week Dr Gopaul highlighted the fact that programmes offered by several institutions have resulted in thousands of youths being equipped with various life skills. Among these are the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GTIC), Carnegie School of Home Economics, Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), New Amsterdam, Linden, Leonora, Mahaicony and Essequibo and Government Technical Institutes, the Kuru Kuru, Sophia and, Vryman’s Erven Training Centres, and the Women of Worth (WOW) programme.

He cited the example of youths trained as heavy-duty operators, who on completion of their stints are quickly absorbed into the mining sector.

“The sugar industry assisted in the training of some and they were unable to attract anyone of them because there are higher wages in the hinterland and they go there.”

Some of the programmes were initiated under the guidance of former President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir, the current labour minister explained. The Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) of the Labour Ministry is fulfilling its mandate, he added.

“We have just set up online registration in every region of this country and persons can register, and then we have been able to access information from employers who need workers… We are doing

the matching process. We are able to send persons with the relevant skills to employers”.

The fact that the education system is also geared towards equipping children for the future was also noted by the minister. Reference was made to an intervention made in a community on the Linden -Soesdyke Highway which saw the International Labour Organisation initially assisting with funding in transporting students to and from school and providing hot meals. The government has taken over this programme after its initial three-year phase, which has seen attendance increase to almost 100% and students graduating with seven to nine subjects at the CXC level. Government also assists with transportation in the Hinterland communities and accommodation and hot meals where necessary, he noted.

Training is open to any youth or young adult who is interested, and the minister emphasised that there is no discrimination in providing opportunities for training of youths. It was noted that many stakeholders are supportive of the government’s

efforts and assist in various ways. “If there is a mechanic workshop in Enmore, Buxton or Linden and a child wants to be a motor mechanic, we attach them to one of those recognised workshops, not to be exploited but to be trained”. The training programmes are for the most part he explained, very flexible, “We discovered that if persons want to be trained, and you set training for a certain period, you lose them so as they are ready, we are ready to put them on the programmes”.

Those who criticise the programmes are simply unaware of the facts, Minister Gopaul said. “I heard the opposition leader saying that 6,000 persons come out of school, without graduating and there is no opportunity, well nearly 3,000 last year have been given an opportunity”.

Parents also need to play a role in guiding their children, the minister added. He spoke of the responses in Bartica, Linden, Berbice, Leonora, Mahaicony and Essequibo as being very positive to outreaches and programmes to get more youths on board, to learn a life skill or trade. The leaders of some communities, he pointed out, despite being seen as mainly opposition constituents, such as Bartica have been very supportive of government’s efforts. Others such as the Regional Chairman of Linden or even Region Four have not seen it fit to respond to invitations to attend graduation ceremonies when students successfully complete training.

Other ministries are also linking to execute several initiatives to assist youths, these include the Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and Amerindian Affairs Ministries. Minister Gopaul also pointed out that an increasingly larger number of

females are training under the various programmes and performing quite well, and many are now equipped as heavy-duty equipment operators.

It was emphasised that government’s training programmes are designed for the job environment or market, and sectors such as housing is booming and still has a labour shortage. He advised youths to choose their areas of study very carefully. “We must not just go to university because we want a degree, we must go because we want to enhance ourselves and we want to move on”.

Many students leave with business management degrees and not enough are in fields such as computer technology, economics, science or mathematics. Under the PPP/C administration much has been accomplished, and much more will continue to be done, the Minister stressed. “In developing our young people, in developing our resource base, our capacity, our young people, we have done so with the amount of money being expended in education, we have done so with the amount of money being expended in technical schools in and around the country”.

The move towards expanding the opportunities through international initiatives like the Cuban Scholarship Programme under the former president was also mentioned. It was noted that over the last four years, about 300 doctors have been trained and 600 more are set to return home soon. He described this as “an opportunity which would have never been given to them. They are children of sugar workers, children of farmers, children of bauxite workers and all over this country, in every region, we have young doctors.”

Miner’s body found, lad still missing

The body of 20-yearold miner Levi Isaacs who went missing following a boat mishap in the Potaro River was found on Sunday, but there was no sign of fellow passenger seven-year-old Jaeden Pereira. The two went missing after the boat in which they were travelling encountered difficulties and subsequently capsized on Friday night. From reports received, the boat went over the Tumatumari Fall.

The captain, Dennis Mark Ramacindo, died, while four others sustained severe injuries, including broken bones. The injured are being treated at the Mahdia Hospital.

Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) Regional Executive Officer, Ronald Harsaywack told the Guyana Times on Sunday that they increased the number of boats and manpower searching for the two, but came up empty-handed.

The

He added that the search would continue when the sun rose this morning, and disclosed that the search party included relatives of the missing lad. The regional administration has been leading the operation and has been providing fuel for the boats on the search mission.

On Friday, at approximately 23:00h, the occupants of the boat were heading to their mining camp in the Tumatumari area when the outboard engine suffered mechanical problems. The boat started to drift and was pulled over the waterfall by the heavy current.

Captain Ramacindo, Periera and Isaacs disap-

peared after the boat went over the fall. Ramacindo’s body was discovered on Saturday morning. The other occupants of the boat –Silvia and Craford Pio and Clemson Andrew of Micobe, Region Eight and Carl Joseph of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper EssequiboUpper Takutu) managed to swim to shore.

Eyew tness Running scared...

...for FUCOP money

The things political parties have to do for money!!

Especially when it’s FUCOP money. You dear readers do remember FUCOP, no?? The Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency, being coordinated by the Muckraker’s Mook Lall to oust the PPP/C from office. But like old people say, “nothing is free” and “what sweeten mouth does hu’t belly!!”

In addition to the Mook, the biggest contributor to FUCOP is Badal who owns the floundering Pegasus.

Badal has long supported Ramjattan and the AFC and it’s clear that, like most people, he’s hedging his bets as to whether the union of the AFC and APNU will actually come off. Recently, he let slip that he put up US$8 million - GY$1.6 billion!! - for the campaign.

But of course, with campaign financing on the radar of international financial agencies that are tracking money laundering, Badal couldn’t very well declare the mega bucks as “campaign financing”.

He claimed he gave the US$8 million to Ramjattan for a down payment on the Marriott!! Now let’s pick sense from nonsense in this most risible statement.

Right off the bat, legitimate businessmen don’t have US$8 million just lying around. Even those that scam their shareholders and skim off profits off the top! And your most innocent country hick knows that such cash can be invested to generate returns.

Secondly, Badal never made an application to buy the Marriott. Purchasing a US$55 million hotel isn’t like buying sugar cake from the vendor at Bourda Market. You don’t just plunk down your money - even from your lawyer - and voila!! Hotel!! So who’s fooling whom?

Certainly not the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), who’re quite interested about US$8 million being given to Ramjattan. Which bank was it withdrawn from, for example??

But anyhow, who pays the Piper, calls the tune, no? And Badal’s tune is one he’s been playing ever since he learnt that Guyana would be getting a five-star Marriott next to his Pegasus.

Ramjattan had to (mis)use his parliamentary seatfunded by Badal and company - to block the deal by any means necessary. And you gotta hand it to Ramjattan - he risked censure by the Privileges Committee - but he did the dirty!!

On Sunday, he threatened the Marriott in the pages of FUCOP’s leader Mook Lall: “Months before Guyana’s flagship Marriott Hotel is due to open, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has vowed to revisit, review and if necessary, impose sanctions if it gets into Government.”

Now we know Ramjattan ain’t going nowhere, but the things a beggar has to do!!!

...of Gocool

With elections on the cards, the Opposition’s doing everything in their power - and then some - in their efforts to wrench power from the hands of the PPP/C. And with their history of subverting the elections supervisory bodies to rig elections, this is one area they’re not leaving to chance. Now with GECOM becoming autonomous and all that...much of their efforts have been in getting their own supporters into the maws of the election machinery.

With all the reforms we’ve had, we learnt to our cost on the last go-around, how the PNC operatives can still throw a monkey wrench into the works. Now one of the PPP/ C’s Commissioners - whose numbers are matched by the Opposition’s - just retired. His replacement was just HINTED to be the former CEO of GECOM - and all hell broke out in the Opposition ranks! Why??

Forget their specious rationales. They know Gocool Boodoo knows where all the skeletons are buried. Or may be buried in May. This they don’t want!

...of

progress in housing

Following the law to the “T”, the GGMC made a $3B loan to the CH&PA to complete the Government’s housing drive. Why’s the Opposition up in arms?? The PPP/C’s flowing success compared to the PNC’s abject failure to “house the nation”?

Newspaper vendor shot during Robb Street robbery

Anewspaper vendor is now nursing a gunshot wound to his torso after he was shot during a robbery on Sunday morning at Robb Street, Georgetown. Warren “Kangaroo” Accra, 46, Lot 823 Section

UG Council instructs negotiating team to resume “engagement” with unions

The University of Guyana (UG) Council has instructed its negotiating team to engage both the UG Staff Society Association (UGSSA) and the UG Workers’ Union (UGWU) with the hope of ending the ongoing protest.

On Friday, the Council held a meeting with the Administration on the Turkeyen campus to discuss the demands being made by the unions.

Since November, 2014, UGSSA and UGWU have been calling for a 60 per cent increase in salary, a 200 per cent increase in travel allowance, increases in book allowances and other upgrades that the university needs.

Both the UGSSA and the UGWU had informed the Council through Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Obadeyi that the sit-in exercise will continue until an agreement is met.

According to a release sent by the unions, the

K, Block Y, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara is presently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to information received, about 07:20h, two men with masks rode up on a CG motorcycle on Robb Street.

One of the men reportedly climbed off the motorcycle and headed in the direction of the newspaper distribution stand while the other went in the direction of the publication's bus where he relieved the driver of his keys.

He subsequently re-

turned to the motorcycle which did not have a registration number. As he sat on the revving motorcycle, his accomplice reportedly pulled out his gun, pointed it at the Newspaper Distribution Clerk and took away a bag containing an undisclosed sum of money.

As he made his way out of the stand, Accra reportedly believed that it was one of his colleagues pulling a stunt on them, but as he advanced towards that man, who was armed with a handgun, a loud sound was heard.

The bandit reported-

ly discharged a round, hitting Accra in the vicinity of the left of his stomach. The shooter then climbed onto the motorcycle which sped off the scene. Another distribution clerk from another publication and others assisted the injured father of seven into a car and took him to the hospital where he underwent surgery to remove the bullet, which was lodged in a rib.

Candacie Peters, the man’s common-law wife, told the Guyana Times that she was at home when her telephone rang and when she answered, the person

on the other end of the line identified himself as a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital and informed her that Accra was shot. In an attempt to confirm the news, she called the man who requested that she rushed down to the medical institution at once. At the time of the phone conversation, she was not privy to details about the shooting. Peters said that it was a norm for Accra to leave home at 05:00h every morning for work. The Police have since launched an investigation into the shooting incident. No one was arrested.

Council has finally agreed that the negotiating team should “resume its engagement with the UGWU and the UGSSA without preconditions or undue delay.”

However, UGSSA President, Dr Melissa Ifill told Guyana Times that the unions are unsure what was meant by “engagement” as the Council did not meet with the unions to inform them of its decision.

Also, Dr Ifill said that the Council’s failure to mention the demands have made the unions wary of what the “engagement” can mean.

The UGSSA President also told Guyana Times that four academic members had attended the meeting with the assumption that their invited.

However, they were expelled due to what the Council called an “alleged conflict of interest”. Dr Ifill explained that those who were barred from the meeting included the Acting Deputy Registrar and representatives from the unions, the academic board and the Committee of Deans.

Nevertheless, in an effort to clear the air on the proposed “engagement” the unions have asked the Vice Chancellor to provide clarity on what to expect during the first round of meetings.

Additionally, Dr Opadeyi was asked to whether the Work Load Policy will be withdrawn until consultations are completed.

One year on…no leads in Trevor Rose’s murder

Mashramani is fast approaching and one thing is for sure, his amazing and colourful creations with their explosion of colour and fanfare which always had the “wow effect” will certainly be missed again.

The absence of Trevor Rose’s renowned designs has certainly left a dent in the fashion industry, and the many companies which had always contracted him for their Mashramani costumes were forced to find a replacement at the last moment following his sudden death a year ago.

On January 26 last, the popular Mashramani Costume Designer and Events Coordinator was shot dead, execution style, in the back seat of a Toyota 212 and police are yet to charge anyone.

More than a year later, investigators have reportedly worked on a number of leads but none of them has been able to definitively point to who was responsible for Rose’s death.

But according to Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force, Leslie James, though more than a year has elapsed since he was killed, the case remains opened and investigators are still working to locate the suspect.

Questioned on whether the police have been able to find any new leads into the case, James stated that it would not be a wise decision for him to speak on that mat-

ter at this time.

“As it regard new leads, for me to say that there is or there is not, would not do justice because we do not want to alert anyone who we may be looking at presently. When we would have obtained further evidence or the need arises for us to make an arrest of anyone that will be done”, he stated.

Days after the executionstyle killing of the 33-yearold designer, police held two persons. However, investigators were forced to release the men after 72 hours because the two survivors in the shooting were unable to identify either one of them as the shooter.

Rose, a father of eight, was fatally shot while travelling in a taxi with the mother of one of his children, Latoya Towler, at the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara stoplight.

During the incident, Towler was shot to the buttocks and the taxi driver Troy Nieunkerk was shot in

Leprosy cases in Caribbean declined 37% over a decade – PAHO

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

The number of new leprosy cases in the Americas fell by 36.9 per cent between 2003 and 2013 – from 52,435 to 33,084 – according to the latest data of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Nearly 94 per cent of these cases were reported from Brazil. The proportion of people with leprosy declined 54.2 per cent at the regional level during the same period, from 0.72 to 0.33 cases per 10,000 inhabitants.

Leprosy is present in 24 of 35 countries of the Americas. But all countries except Brazil have eliminated the disease as public health problem at the national level (less than 1 case

per 10,000 inhabitants).

Eighteen countries have also reached that goal at the subnational level, that is, in all their states, departments or provinces. Five countries still have states, departments or provinces where the rate exceeds 1 case in 10,000.

“The countries have achieved major reductions in leprosy, but protecting these achievements and advancing even more is a major challenge,” said Marcos Espinal, Director of PAHO/ WHO’s Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis. “We need to make sure leprosy remains on countries’ public health agendas until it is eliminated.”

With support from PAHO/WHO, countries have been implementing a leprosy strategy that seeks to expand access to early diagnosis by integrating leprosy services into primary health care. The strategy also includes active case-finding to ensure early detection, and cost-free treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT). MDT is donated by Novartis laboratories, through PAHO/WHO, to countries’ national leprosy control programs.

Leprosy is chronic bacterial infection that affects mainly the skin, peripher-

al nerves, eyes, and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Early detection dramatically reduces the risks of deformities and disability in patients. “To advance even more toward elimination, we also need to eliminate stigma and discrimination, following the principles and guidelines of the United Nations Human Rights Council,” said Santiago Nicholls, PAHO/WHO’s top expert on leprosy. Reducing stigma makes it less likely that patients will avoid seeking medical care. Countries have continued to work toward achieving or to consolidating their elimination of leprosy. In 2013 and 2014, Brazil stepped up its efforts by implementing an innovative strategy that integrates active leprosy case-finding into deworming efforts for school children.

World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the last Sunday in January to raise awareness of the disease and reduce stigma against those who suffer from it. PAHO, founded in 1902, is the oldest international public health organisation in the world. It works with its member countries to improve the health and the quality of life of the people of the Americas. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of WHO.

the left shoulder.

Rose was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) while Nieunkerk and Towler were hospitalised at the same medical institution for a few days.

Nieunkerk, who was reportedly residing in Diamond at the time of the shooting had told investigators that he was heading home and offered Rose and Towler a drop to Eccles.

He stated that it was while at Eccles that a tinted car, which was following the trio from Agricola, pulled up alongside his vehicle and asked why he was driving so recklessly.

Nieunkerk further told police that the driver of the tinted car proceeded to park his vehicle in front of his car; exited and opened fire, killing Rose on the spot. A 9mm. pistol along with 19 matching rounds were recovered at the scene by investigators.

Rose, who was at one time married to another popular designer Michelle Cole, was well known in designer circles and would have won numerous awards for his work especially during Mashramani time. At the time of his death, he was promoting various events and also had a prominent role in city basketball.

De life story of Rum Jhaat

Once upon a time, there was a man name Rum Jhaat. Well, Rum Jhaat tek a lil long to get sense, but as soon as he get lil sense, he realise he want to become some body important. Rum Jhaat used to see a lotta laywers around de place and dem was important people.

Rum Jhaat assume that lawyers = important people. Wid that, Rum Jhaat decide to study hard to become a lawyer. But when Rum Jhaat finally turn a lawyer, he find that he was still havin to study a lot.

In fact, he start to study more than when he was studyin to become a lawyer. That is because when he turn a lawyer, he realise that he was still not important. But in hangin around some people, he realise that plenty of dem was important people.

But Rum Jhaat realise that not all of dem was lawyers. Some was doctors and other kinda bright people, but plenty of dem was just ordinary people, who was wukkin hard fuh de country and wukkin hard fuh de people.

Eventually Rum Jhaat start to wuk lil hard and he start to get lil important. But Rum Jhaat still wasn’t satisfied wid that. So Rum Jhaat start to study even more hard, because he wanted to become de most important person among dem other people.

That was when Rum Jhaat decide to not only wuk hard fuh de country and fuh de party, Rum Jhaat also start wukkin hard fuh he self. Secretly. And when it come to any body in de party wukkin hard fuh dem self, Rum Jhaat used to wuk de hardest.

But Rum Jhaat still wasn’t satisfied wid that. So Rum Jhaat start to study even some more than whah he was already studyin. Rum Jhaat study till he realise that he wanna become de most important person in de whole country.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So Rum Jhaat realise that de most important person in de country = Prezzi. Till now, Rum Jhaat still studying!

Public Works Ministry alarmed over theft of highway, traffic light components

The Public Works Ministry says it views with great concern, the alarming rate at which traffic and highway light components are being stolen.

The ministry said components removed from traffic and highway lights vary, that is highway lights: cobra head lamps, distribution cables (Triplex Wire), 25 kVA pole mounted transformer. Traffic lights: S24 traffic controllers, energy (kWh) meters and batteries.

The components stolen are expensive and most times not readily accessible, the ministry said in a release. This results in unnecessary down time, thus putting at risk both drivers and pedestrians. Further, replacement of these components inhibits the full utilisation of the annual maintenance budget for essential works intended.

According to the minis-

try, it has made a concerted effort to improve lighting in areas considered to be highly unsafe and vulnerable to accidents, especially where there were dark spots. As a consequence, the ministry continues to urge for the care and protection against vandalism of the lighting systems once activated. Persons are asked to report any suspicious activity in and around the traffic and highway lights especially within proximity of their immediate neighbourhood. Further, individuals are advised to record the license plate number and any advertisement associated with vehicles, including the ministry.

The areas listed below where traffic and highway light components were stolen:

Region 4 – Embankment & Cummings Lodge: lamps; 1-25kVA pole mounted

transformer ( new transformer was chained to structure).

Georgetown, Kitty Public Road: one lamp in the vicinity of Pere Street

Georgetown, Clive Lloyd Drive: three lamps

East Coast Demerara, Mahaicony: one pole span triplex wire

East Bank Demerara –Land of Cannon: eight pole spans triplex wire

Region 5 – West Coast Berbice: two pole spans triplex wire

Region 3 – West Coast DemeraraNeuverflanders: one pole span triplex wire

West Bank Demerara – Vreed-en-Hoop: one pole span triplex wire

Region 10 – LindenMackenzie/Amelia Ward: eight pole spans triplex wire.

Robb and Camp Streets: S-24 traffic controller, signal wires, power meter Sheriff and David Streets: power meter.

Times Notebook

Rodney assassination made worse by those dodging Inquiry

The Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) revelations have made it unequivocally clear that Dr Walter Rodney was assassinated for political reasons and was part of a wicked conspiracy led by the then PNC Government.

PNC leaders at the highest level of Government were involved in the conspiracy. While this COI is about Rodney, he is merely one of the most prominent Opposition figures that were assassinated. Evidence is available that about 30 persons were assassinated in that period.

While the COI is being conducted to reveal the truth and at least allow future generations in our country to be aware of the rottenness of what transpired in Guyana in the post-Independence years up to 1992, let us not delude ourselves. These were horrible crimes were committed not only against those who lost their lives and their families, but against a whole nation.

The assassinations of Rodney and several other people, including Father Bernard Darke, were scandals and a permanent stain on Guyana. Yet no one will ever be charged with these crimes. The COI terms of reference are clear – to find the truth, not to in-

stitute charges. There is a blanket pardon of all involved. It’s a truth commission, not a criminal commission.

Some of the witnesses know more about what transpired than they have permitted themselves to reveal. We can understand their position, but this is about a nation, not about protecting one’s reputation. Those who have come forward but have chosen to tell only part of the story have done themselves and the country a disservice.

We are grateful that Dr. Rupert Roopnarine will come forward, although it took some persuasion. Will he tell us what he knew, or will he seek to landscape the truth, clean it up to protect his new friends?

Where is his loyalty residing: in his comrade whose life was ripped from his body, or in his new comrades who give him the chance to say he was a Prime Ministerial Candidate?

But there are also people who are dodging the COI. The nation knows that these people know much about the assassination of Rodney and other assassinations. It is possible that Dr. Roopnarine will only tell part of his story in order to protect his present day political comrades.

But at least he has the decency to come forward.

For those who have refused to come forward, they are now committing a double crime. They bring further shame on our country.

We remember Joe Hamilton coming forward and confessing that he was part of a gang of thugs. He confessed and asked for forgiveness. The others who know must be condemned for

dodging the COI.

We know that David Granger was a senior rank in the Army. He is now the Leader of the Opposition. He also wants to be the President of Guyana. Why is he refusing to come forward and testify?

If he did nothing and if he knows nothing, then why is he afraid to come forward? In refusing to come forward he insults a whole nation that he wants to lead. In effect, he is giving his middle finger to our people.

But Granger is also now the leader of the PNC, the party that was in power at the time and the party that is at the centre of the conspiracy to kill Rodney.

Is Roopnarine not even a little bit curious to know what his leader today knew about the conspiracy to assassinate Walter and him? Surely, Rupert must wonder what kind of leader Granger would be!

The nation would like to know what the PNC did with the guns and ammunition, heavy firepower that the army in which Granger served at the highest level gave the PNC. Granger is in a position to speak from both sides, from the perspective of the GDF which took instruction from the PNC, as part of the par-

ty paramountcy model of governance, and from the side of the PNC which he now leads.

There are still enough people who are around, some 34 years later, who know much about what transpired. They are allowing an opportunity for healing and catharsis to pass us by. It would be nice to know the whole truth and those who are dodging the COI can contribute to our deeper insight into a period that must never again happen in our country.

Free speech is not about any media house being free to express themselves only on what promotes their agenda. The media must present the story for the people.

Newspapers like the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News censure what is happening in the COI. They only conveniently report the story. They too are making the crime of the Rodney assassination worse.

Rather than Guyana being healed by the truth, the conspiracy to censure the truth by some of the media houses and those who are dodging the COI open the wounds deeper.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@ gmail.com.

GT&T pensioners still awaiting gratuity

President of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation/Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTC/GT&T) Pensioners Association, Donald Nurse, on Saturday complained bitterly over the non-payment of their gratuity, saying that they are not asking for hand-

outs but recognition for their services. At the time, Nurse was addressing the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union (GPTWU). He recalled that the association had written to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments

Ltd (NICIL), on the matter. Nevertheless, he said they persevered and a petition was put before the National Assembly and subsequently sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee in May 2014. The petition, presented by Alliance for Change (AFC) Member

of Parliament Trevor Williams on May 21, 2014, indicated that NICIL had stated that the employees should have been paid their retirement benefits because it was money they had already earned, adding it should have been paid since 1991.

In addition to outstanding gratuity, Nurse said that GT&T has not “honoured” several agreements it signed with the association. This he said is “unreasonable,” noting that the former employees of the GTC and GT&T “simply want to be recognised for the services given to the corporations.”

Emphasising on the years of expertise given to GTC and GT&T, Nurse said they are “not looking for handouts.”Nevertheless, he said discussions will continue with the management of telephone company with the hope that they will be rewarded. Additionally, he addressed the pensioners on the importance of the association and the need to dis-

cuss issues affecting them. He said that the objective was to ensure that they remain a united front in ensuring that the relevant needs of the pensioners are seen to by their former

company. Transportation, medical and funeral services are being provided to the pensioners with the assistance of GT&T.

Meanwhile, A Partnership for National

employers, particularly in relation to pension. He pointed out too that the association has been particularly helpful in communicating the needs of members to the telephone

monday, febrUary 2, 2015 | gUyanatimesgy.com

EAB knocks GECOM for ignoring observers’ recommendations

B y G omatie G an G adin

The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) of Guyana has knocked the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its non-implementation of a significant portion of comprehensive recommendations made by the observer missions that participated in the 2011 General and Regional Elections.

The recommendations sought to strengthen both the efficiency and transparency of the electoral body with the aim of also improving its independence. But years later it would appear that there has been little or no movement to implement the recommendations made by the Organisation of American States (OAS); the Commonwealth observer group and the EAB.

Speaking to the Guyana Times via phone on Sunday, EAB Chairman Father Malcolm Rodrigues related that even though the organisation was in preparation mode to play its part in the upcoming elections billed for May 11, it was

particularly unhappy that the Elections Commission was yet to put measures in place to deal with the recommendations that were made by the three groups soon after the culmination of the 2011 general elections.

He, however, noted that this was an issue which has been prevalent not just for the 2011 elections but for every election since 1992.

“We do not have this issue only for the 2011 General Elections. Since the 1992 elections, recommendations are being made and not being implemented. One of the major issues we had and made recom-

mendations to change was the Identification card format,” the EAB Chairman noted.

He stated that the Bureau had recommended that the Commission catered for an ‘also known as’ feature on the Identification Cards for easy recognition of people since it was particularly difficult in rural areas to find persons with their Christian names when doing verifications. However, to this day, this is still to be implemented.

Father Rodrigues related to this publication that by not implementing the recommendations made, the Commission was open-

ing itself for the same mistakes to be repeated at the upcoming elections, despite there being systems which can be put in place to minimise or eradicate them.

Vulnerable

According to the Bureau’s 2011 Elections Report , despite reflecting the overall will of the people, the 2011 elections had demonstrated that 20 years after the return of democracy in Guyana, the electoral system is still vulnerable in ways that make the democratic choice it affords to the people of Guyana a fragile and threatened one.

The Report went on to state that the electoral system continues to be plagued with problems and it is unfortunate that the recommendations made for fixing these problems that have been put forward by the EAB, international observer organisations, and other civil society groups have been repeatedly ignored by the political parties and civil society but especially by GECOM.

The EAB’s recommen-

dations report openly stated that it would be imprudent and irresponsible to approach another election in this country without an overhaul of the system.

“In the EAB’s view, the country now has 20 years of evidence of the weaknesses of its electoral system and that is a very long time for not having fixed some very basic problems. This suggests that one of the underlying problems is the lack of will. Unfortunately, the present system privileges political parties in the decision making process, many of which stand to benefit in varying ways from the existing deficiencies.

The challenge of building a more stable electoral system, one that delivers, that is truly free and fair and free from fear is largely for the citizens and civil society groups,” it had stated.

The EAB is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organisation that was established to contribute to the building up of democracy in Guyana, particularly in the electoral process.

The EAB is a permanent organisation but it sets up

operations around elections events, spanning pre- and post-elections work with a skeletal staff and citizen volunteers in every administrative region of Guyana.

The EAB functions primarily through volunteer labour and its volunteers are from all regions of Guyana, and ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, religious, and age groups.

Since its establishment in 1991, the EAB has monitored and observed all elections – the 1992, 1997, 2001, 2006, and 2011 General and Regional Elections as well as the 1994 Local Government Elections.

In the past, the EAB has focused on various aspects of elections monitoring work, including testing the accuracy of the Preliminary and Revised Lists of Electors (PLE and RLE); monitoring political party campaigns; monitoring media coverage; monitoring electoral violence; voter education; observation of the conduct of the polls; and provision of support to voters through hotlines and office walk-ins.

Young Bill Rogers crowned Chutney King for second time

Roger

the 2015 Chutney King, winning the competition from 17 other contestants Saturday night at the Anna

Regina Community Centre Ground.

Haresh Singh came in second while Bunty Singh took the third spot. Halima Khan, a GT&T Jingle and Song Contest Bollywood winner, was adjudged the Best Newcomer. The first place winner will receive $600,000, second place $400,000, while the third place winner will take home $250,000. The Best Newcomer will receive $100,000.

Decked in a green Indian groom outfit and golden crown, Hinds, who had won the competition in 2013, reclaimed his crown from Pooran Seeraj before a packed audience in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

During his performance, Hinds dished out some tantalising trick dances complete with hand movements. He was backed by several beautiful young ladies

who danced according to his tune.

Singing his way to second was five-time Chutney King and Essequibian, contestant three, Haresh Singh with his song, “Dulahin Ran

“Princess Halima”, was dressed as a sexy bride, when she sang “Dulha Dulhin”. Her song had many persons wishing for more, as it was laced with witty lyrics.

Another contestant from the USA, J Lall was the 13th contestant with “When I Was A Little Boy” followed by I Bow Tie of Canada with “Sarah Darling”. Savithri Li was the number 15 con-

Away “. The singer, who was representing Essequibo, sure had the crowd screaming and backing him while he was on stage. Singh also dressed as an Indian groom.

The young and talented Bunty Singh, from Bath Settlement, Berbice, sang “Facebook Larki” for the third place cash prize and trophy. Bunty, who was the final contestant at the competition, had the crowd’s attention, as he was backed by the Ishara Dance Troupe and the Shakti Strings Band.

Khan, also known as

Also taking the stage were Harvey Gobin with “Chutney Music”; Wanita Willie with “But Why”; Sonai Narine with “Guyana Gold”; Ravi D Mohan with “Free Again”; Merissa Deodat (Sexy Merissa) from New York, with “ Ah Pleaser”; Dennis Thatpaul with “Niomi Gal” followed by the defending champion Pooran Seeraj with “ I Love My Country”. Contestant number 11 was Anant Hansraj of Florida with “D ring”. Steve Ramphal was next in line singing “Play Days”.

testant with “Bangra Nache”, while at number 16 was Damar Singh with “Essequibo Massive”; and Chris Ken of the US with “No Stress”. The competition was declared opened by Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud. The National Chutney Competition was one of the activities hosted by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for Mashramani. The Anna Regina Community Centre Ground was filled with much energy and enthusiasm.

Police roll out anti-crime programme at Bath Settlement

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Saturday launched a programme to prevent crime in the relatively stable farming community of Bath Settlement ,West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The programme seeks to prevent an increase in crime in the community. Speaking with business persons and other residents, the Police Chief said the programme was similar to Project Impact, which was launched in 2014 in Albouystown, Georgetown. The difference being that Project Impact targeted a troubled community while the Berbice project targets the relatively peaceful community of Bath Settlement.

According to Persaud, the decision to focus on Bath Settlement comes from the perspective that prevention is the best way to deal with crime. “Prevention starts before an infection… and, therefore, we are here to bring those projects here so that we can continue to have this community enjoy peace and tranquillity that it is currently enjoying. We want to believe that if we do not engage, things will not continue the same way because life is never constant; things always change.”

The project will see the restoration of the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground while residents will be introduced to other types of games,

Tboth indoor and outdoor.

Commissioner (ag) Persaud said that one of the main components of the project would be providing life skills to residents. “We will also teach first aid because if you know basic first aid, you will be able to save lives,” he said.

Keep community clean

Noting that Bath Settlement is free of streetcorner garbage heaps and heavy vegetation, Persaud urged residents to keep the community looking just as clean. He said there was need to ensure that the use of illicit drugs did not overtake Bath Settlement.

But as he made those comments, residents noted that the community was faced with a huge drug problem. There is not much for youths to do and as a result, they turn to drugs.

One resident Frank Basdeo said that marijuana was cheaper than alcohol and has become almost as easy to access. Basdeo noted that the problem also affected the community of Rosignol some eight miles away.

Persaud pointed out that the community was an extension of the family. “We need to take care of our community just as we would with our immediate family and so our youths become our business… If we work with them and provide a helping hand, then they will

he bar has been set high for the 2015 Carib Soca Monarch Final set for February 14. Fourteen artistes will meet defending champion Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson to vie for the crown. The 14 were selected after competing in the semi-finals at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road on Sunday morning.

Those who successfully competed in front of several thousand Berbicians are George “Chiney” Abrams; Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Devon Lewis; Ernesta Nelson; Jonathan “Lil Red” King; Jory Hector; Kemmyanna Garnett; Levar Gittens; Mark “Iya Man”

Faster broadband internet service coming − GT&T

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) said that broadband Internet users will “in the very near future” experience 10 times faster bandwidth speed.

The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer Radha Krishna Sharma Saturday night at a media dinner at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

year for the company. This transformation, however, according to the CEO, is adversely affected by the nonavailability of appropriate spectrum for 3G /4G offerings. The phone company, he noted, requested the appropriate spectrum from the Government of Guyana five years ago and to date, it has not been addressed, but he reiterated that they would not lose hope.

which will be launched commercially during the course of the year.

“The success of this pilot places us in an excellent position to replicate this GPON network in other coastal unserved and underserved areas.”

become part of our productive world.”

The Police Chief noted that the Police would work with everyone in the community to get resources for the project. “Students will be involved, so too the business community.”

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner and Commander of B Division (Berbice) Brian Joseph said that the Police could not fight crime alone.

“We, the Police, are committed to work with the community,” he told the residents. The programme, which will start on Tuesday when a central committee is formed, will also address social behaviours.

Chairman of the Bath/ Woodley Park Community, Krishunan Seelall, noted that many youths in the community are illegal drug users and the recent drug bust in the community which saw police seizing almost 40 kilos of marijuana was highly appreciated by residents.

Region Five Chairman Bindraban Bisnauth, who also attended the meeting, said that a single crime in Region Five was too much. “There is need to make not just Bath Settlement but the entire Region Five crime free. Nevertheless, I welcome the idea and we need to get youths to take full advantage of plans to develop the Bath Settlement Community Ground.”

Amar; Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts; Onassis “Varity” Croker; Orlando “Bones Man” Johashen; Quacy “Avalanche” Coates and Timika “Lady T” Nicholson. Despite the absence of crowd pleaser Adrian Dutchin, the 16 participants showcased the variety in soca music, but it was the last man on the stage Jumo ‘Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo who put the icing on the cake and signalled that it was not going to be easy come February 14.

Primo, singing “Unruly” sent the crowd into an unruly mood after giving a little for the judges. He then focused on his fans and gave

“In the very near future our customers will experience the best broadband service ever experienced in Guyana,” Sharma said. “While we cannot take this enhanced service to every community at the same time, before the end of the year, every qualifying community will be equally served.”

He stated that the deployment of next generation wireless is stalled despite spectrum proposals and presentations on a way forward that would relieve congestion and enable next generation technology and service. “However, we intend to intensify our efforts with the relevant authority to move beyond this impasse. It is a disservice to all that our society is denied

However, the company emphasised its commitment to broadband in Guyana. In fact this year, Sharma stated, GT&T will continue to further revolutionise services and customers’ experiences. He boasted that broadband infrastructure development has the penetrative and transformative effect of creating a truly e-society with concentration in the economic sectors encompassing trade and commerce. Thus, the socioeconomic benefits for a developing economy will be

Sharma stated from a regional perspective notwithstanding Guyana’s relatively low per capita income and small population, it was reasonable to expect that consumers’ service aspirations would be comparable with those of their regional counterparts. Therefore, he stated that every investment must be driven by a viable business case; hence, GT&T will aim to provide services which are modern and sophisticated as the best regional provider.

He also said that 2015 will be a transformative

them a five-minute show. But the “Rubber Waist” was not the only crowd pleaser as Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts hit the stage with “Massive” and had most in the audience jumping to the rhythm. The lyrics were good and she was able to relate the crowd. She will be one to watch at the final. When Orlando “Bones Man” Johashen took the stage, he quickly spread the “Ebola” fever and had all dancing to the hit song. Other good performances came from Timika “Lady T” Nicholson with her song “Feva”. Many Berbicians turned out to see her perform but some did not seem to

the exponential benefits of a 3G/4G telecommunication infrastructure.”

Leveraged

On another note, Sharma stated that the company believed that its wireline infrastructure can be leveraged to its advantage, as operators throughout the Caribbean have done. He explained that GT&T has deployed and successfully tested a pilot fibre-to-the-home-network project on the West Bank of Demerara. This project is a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) via fibre

get the “Feva” and remained motionless as she performed. Also disappointing was Ashanti Hostad with her song “Wickidee Wine”. At the end of the performance, the crowd was still waiting to see the wine. Despite the lyrics being great, her performance did not find favour with the judges. Levar Gittens’ “Monster Attack” went down well with the Berbicians and the judges while Jonathan “Lil Red” King singing “Mash Up De Place” and his troupe of dancers all dressed in their Mash costumes really did ‘Mash up De Place’. Kemmyanna Garnett also gave a performance which

far-reaching.

“And this is where I wish to make a commitment to our customers that shortly we will be embarking, in a phased manner, to bring faster broadband speed and that too at a lower price to all.” GT&T, he noted, believes in providing the best value for customers and t always endeavours to ensure its value thrust is maintained at its pinnacle. “We will simply be the number one choice! GT&T customers will soon begin to enjoy faster speeds and an enhanced broadband experience.

made her worthy of a place in the final when she performed “Wave For My Country”. The Berbician dressed in silver sequins and spandex commanded a large section of the crowd, most of whom had something waving throughout her performance. Quacy “Avalanche” Coates sang “She Ready” but as he performed the song which many may conclude has beautiful lyrics, the crowd did not seem not ready. In contrast, seasoned campaigner George “Chiney” Abrams has the crowd asking for more of his ‘”Mirrors”.

Colombian ex-Spy Chief Maria Hurtado appears in court

The former head of Colombia’s secret Police, Maria del Pilar Hurtado, has appeared in court in Bogota.

She was detained in Panama on Friday night after turning herself over to the authorities. Hurtado is facing charges of illegally spying on political opponents of the former Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe.

She fled Colombia in 2010 after the allegations were made public and was granted asylum in neigh-

bouring Panama. The decision caused outrage in Colombia, especially because of close links between Uribe and the Panamanian President at the time, Ricardo Martinelli. Last year, the Panamanian Supreme Court revoked Hurtado’s asylum.

Her whereabouts were unknown for months until Interpol on Friday issued an international arrest order. Hours later she gave herself up to the Colombian authorities in Panama and was put

on a plane to Bogota.

Judge Gerson Chaverra in Bogota considered that her arrest was lawful. He said she will remain in a high security unit at the Prosecutor’s Office in Bogota awaiting trial.

“We need to take precautions to prevent any attempt against her life,” said Chaverra.

Hurtado was head of the now-defunct Department of Administrative Security (DAS) between 2007 and 2008.

The DAS answered directly to the President, but Uribe denied any involvement in the scandal.

He said at the time Hurtado fled to Panama that he never issued any orders that violated Colombian law or the Constitution.

Those allegedly targeted include politicians, journalists, judges and even the head of the Colombian Supreme Court at the time, Jaime Arrubla. (Excerpt from BBC News)

TT: Ramlogan facing probe for attempting to pervert the course of justice

Acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams has ordered an investigation into allegations against Attorney General Anand Ramlogan by the Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West.

A release from the Police Service said West visited Williams at the Police Administration Building and presented him with a signed statement making an allegation of ‘an attempt to pervert the course of justice’ against AG Anand Ramlogan.

The investigation will be led by Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations, Harold Phillip.

In a statement on

Thursday, West said since his appointment as the PCA Director on November 7 last year “the Honourable Attorney General had asked me to withdraw a witness statement which I had made on behalf of Dr Keith Rowley”.

The Sunday Express newspaper reported that Ramlogan had refused to confirm or deny an allegation that six days before West was appointed PCA Director, he asked him to withdraw his witness statement in a defamation lawsuit relating to the failed extradition involving Section 34 applicants Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh in exchange for him being selected for

the job.

The defamation lawsuit stemmed from statements Ramlogan claimed Rowley made during a news conference on November 8, 2011, relating to Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh’s ruling in which he quashed the Attorney General’s decision to order the extradition of Ferguson and Galbaransingh, arising out of the Piarco International Airport inquiry.

The newspaper reported that Ramlogan had made telephone calls to West on the issue, noting that following one of those calls “West sought legal advice about the request for the witness statement in the defamation matter to be withdrawn”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

China-Barbados relations reaching new heights

Barbadians will have a chance to join in the celebrations for the Chinese New Year, which falls this year on February 19, which also coincides with the launch of the Fish and Dragon Festival, which will take place in the island from that very date to the 22nd of February.

As noted by Her Excellency, the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Wang Ke, as she addressed the media during the press launch of the Festival, this

will not only be a celebration of the Chinese New Year, but also of the friendship between China and Barbados.

“As many Barbadians might have already known, the Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for Chinese people around the world and it falls on February 19 this year. It is time of reunion for family members and for friends to get together no matter how far away one is from home or how busy they are at work,” she noted, before adding that they were “ex-

tremely happy to celebrate this Chinese New Year with a sense of togetherness with Barbadian people”.

“This celebration also coincides with the fast development and excellent quality of China-Barbados relations incorporation. We are satisfied to see the China-Barbados relations have reached new highs with closer political and economic ties benefiting our two [nations]. Nothing brings people closer than the charm of culture,” she added. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Jamaican Minister horrified by spate of violence against nation’s children

Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna has condemned the recent spate of violence being meted out to the nation’s youth.

A Ministry release Sunday afternoon said that the Child Development Agency (CDA) has deployed a team of first responders to the communities where the incidents have occurred and will be providing grief counselling and other emotional support to the families of the deceased.

“The CDA has already responded and has done preliminary intervention; however, over the next two weeks, the Ministry of

Youth and Culture, through the CDA, will be partnering with the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) and other supporting agencies to host parenting sensitisation sessions in these communities as well as in the schools the children attended. These sessions will, among other things, focus on coping with grief, child care and protection as well as approaches to discipline,” Hanna said.

She noted that in light of the recent cases involving 14-year-old Santoya Campbell of Frome in Westmoreland and threeyear-old Crystal Coleman of St Mary, who were re-

portedly murdered, as well as 14-year-old Treshauna Henry, also from St Mary, whose cause of death is still unknown, the CDA will take a tailored approach to address the immediate needs of the families, communities and schools involved. Hanna added that the discovery of a newborn baby in a garbage bin in Ocho Rios, St Ann, last week is also “very horrifying” and has called on “all well thinking Jamaicans to exercise greater levels of care, love and support to the nation’s children and be more vigilant in safeguarding their lives”. (Excerpt

Trinidad President appoints tribunal to probe Jack Warner’s finances

Trinidad and Tobago

President Anthony Carmona has appointed a three-member tribunal to enquire and verify the contents of declarations of income, assets and liabilities of the leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Jack Warner.

The tribunal, which includes retired Justice Sebastian Ventour, Dr SellyAnn Lalchan and Deonarine Jaggernauth, will also enquire into Warner’s statements of registrable interests which were filed with the Integrity Commission.

The appointment of the Tribunal was made pursuant to Section 15 of the Integrity in Public Life Act (ILPA) and follows a pre-action protocol letter served to the Office of the President by Attorney Wayne Sturge, on behalf of Dilraj Laloo,

President Anthony Carmona has appointed a three-member tribunal to enquire and verify the contents of declarations of income, assets and liabilities of the leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Jack Warner

a farmer who had urged President Carmona to appoint a tribunal. Laloo said he wanted to join the ILP but felt he

could not do so with various allegations hanging over Warner’s head.

Sturge said the IPLA is there to protect the public from unscrupulous and unethical persons serving in public office and that if Carmona had failed to act, he would begin legal proceedings against the State. Sturge told a news conference it has been one year since the Integrity Commission wrote to President Carmona in accordance with the ILPA asking for a tribunal to be appointed based on a report from the Integrity Committee of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) which investigated Warner, a former President of the soccer body. (Excerpt from CMC)

I will act in TT’s interest – PM Persad-Bissessar

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is assuring the country that she will act after receiving all the facts about allegations of misconduct by Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and the role played, if any, by National Security Minister Gary Griffith in the matter involving Police Complaints Authority (PCA) director David West.

She made the comment in an impromptu interview with reporters during yesterday’s Parliament tea break, noting that since her return to the country on Thursday night, she had not had time to meet with her two Cabinet colleagues, al-

though she said those meetings would take place as soon as possible. West filed an official complaint to acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams in the matter on Wednesday. It is alleged that Ramlogan attempted to pervert the course of justice by requesting that West withdraw his witness statement in a Section 34 court matter involving businessmen Steve Ferguson and Ish Galbaransingh in exchange for the PCA position. Ramlogan has repeatedly denied this claim, saying the allegation was part of a wider political conspiracy designed to damage the

Government as the 2015 general election approaches. On Friday, PersadBissessar confirmed she was looking for details on the matter. “Look, the allegations are very serious. They are very grave allegations concerning three very important officers in our land, the office of the Attorney General, the office of the Minister of National Security and the director of the Police Complaints Authority,” she said. She added because of the significance of the offices involved, the investigation was “not one in which we should run swiftly. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Around the World

Egypt deports jailed Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste

Peter Greste, an Al Jazeera journalist who was detained in Egypt for 400 days, has been deported.

Sources said that Greste boarded an Egypt Air flight on Sunday accompanied by his brother. He is said to be in good health.

Two other Al Jazeera journalists – Baher Mohamed, a producer, and the channel’s Cairo Bureau Chief Mohamed Fahmy –still remain imprisoned in Egypt.

Greste’s deportation came amid a growing chorus of worldwide condemnation over the detention of the three journalists.

Al Jazeera Media Network welcomed Greste’s release and demanded the release of his colleagues. In a statement, Al Jazeera said the campaign to free its journalists in Egypt will not end till all

Tunisia’s Ennahda to join coalition Government

Tunisia’s moderate Islamist party Ennahda has agreed to join its main rival secular party Nidaa Tounes as part of a coalition Government, Reuters news agency quoted party leaders as saying.

The deal reached on Sunday came after Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Habib Essid’s new Cabinet faced a threat of rejection in Parliament last week from key parties opposed to his choice of Ministers.

Ennahda holds the second largest number of seats in Parliament.

Prime Ministerdesignate Essid courted controversy in recent weeks when he selected Ministers from secular Nidaa Tounes, the leading party in Parliament, and other smaller partners, while shunning Ennahda.

Tunisia has been praised for its recent run of free elections, new Constitution and

politics of compromise between secular and Islamist leaders four years after an uprising overthrew autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. Representatives from the leftist Popular Front have rejected Essid’s new Cabinet partly because it contained former officials from Ben Ali’s regime, some of whom they said were suspected of corruption in the past.

Since the 2011 uprising, Tunisian politics has often been dominated by compromises between secular and Islamist leaders to keep democratisation on track after a series of deadlocks threatened to overturn its transition.

In the 217-seat parliament, Nidaa Tounes holds 86 seats and has some backing from the liberal, secular UPL party, which has 16 seats. But without the support of Ennahda, the party is left short of the 109 majority they need to ratify the Cabinet. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

three have been released. It said that all three have to be exonerated, and the convictions against its other journalists tried in absentia

also have to be lifted.

Mostefa Souag, acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, said: “We’re pleased for Peter and his family that they are to be reunited. It has been an incredible and unjustifiable ordeal for them, and they have coped with incredible dignity. Peter’s integrity is not just intact, but has been further enhanced by the fortitude and sacrifice he has shown for his profession of informing the public.

“We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom. The Egyptian authorities have it in their power to finish this properly today, and that is exactly what they must do.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US boy, 3, shoots both parents in New Mexico

Athree-year-old

American boy has shot his mother and father with the same bullet after pulling a gun from her handbag, Police say.

The incident took place in a motel room on Saturday afternoon in Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico.

The toddler was apparently reaching for an iPod.

The bullet passed through his father’s buttock and hit his mother, who is eight months pregnant, in the arm. Both parents are said to be recovering.

The boy’s two-year-old sister, who was also in the room at the America’s Best Value Inn, was unhurt.

Justin Reynolds told NBC News station KOB he and his girlfriend, Monique Villescas, were about to order a pizza when he heard the shot.

“The next minute I realised my girlfriend was bleeding. Then I sat down and re-

alised I was shot too.”

He called emergency services and tried to staunch Villescas’s bleeding with towels.

He said: “I was more worried about my girlfriend than myself and anything else that was going on. And my son because I didn’t know if he had shot himself or not. He was shocked and crying. It was traumatising.”

Reynolds has been released from hospital and Villescas is in stable condition.

Albuquerque police said the District Attorney’s office would decide whether the parents would face negligence charges. The children have been taken into care.

In December, a woman in the state of Idaho was killed after her two-year-old son accidentally shot her with a gun he found when reaching into her handbag in a WalMart store. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Greece starts drive to sell new debt deal to doubting Europe

Greece’s leftist Government on Sunday began its drive to persuade a sceptical Europe to accept a new debt agreement while it starts to roll back on austerity measures imposed under its existing bailout agreement.

After a turbulent first week in office, the new Government has made clear it wants to end the existing arrangement with the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund “troika” when its aid deadline expires on February 28.

Instead, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras wants to

agree a bridging deal with the troika while a new agreement is negotiated to reduce Greece’s unmanageable public debt burden of more than 175 per cent of its economic output is worked out.

Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who spoke to US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Friday, was due to kick off a diplomatic offensive in Paris on Sunday, where he met French counterpart Michel Sapin and Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron. He goes to London to see British Finance Minister George Osborne today and travels to Rome on Tuesday.

Before the meeting Sapin repeated that Greece could not expect its partners to accept a straight debt write-

off. But he left the door open to other options that could include giving Athens more time for repayment. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Deadly clashes rage in east Ukraine after peace talks fail

Fighting raged in eastern Ukraine on Sunday as pro-Russian separatists used artillery fire to try to dislodge Government forces from a strategic rail hub after peace talks collapsed.

Hopes of easing the situation evaporated on Saturday with Ukraine’s representative and separatist envoys accusing each other of sabotaging negotiations.

“Fighting continues across all sections of the frontline,” Kiev military spokesman Volodymyr Polyovy said in a briefing, noting that some 13 soldiers had been killed in the past 24 hours. Other Ukrainian authorities said at least 13 civilians had also been killed in attacks.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which took part in the talks in Minsk, Belarus, along with envoys from Ukraine and Russia, said rebel delegates had not

been ready to discuss crucial points of a peace plan.

“In fact, they were not even prepared to discuss implementation of a ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons,” the OSCE said in a statement.

It said rebels had instead pushed for a revision of a ceasefire plan agreed in Minsk last September.

The terms of that 12-point protocol have been repeatedly violated, but Kiev and foreign governments see it as the only viable roadmap to end the ninemonth-long conflict in which more than 5000 people have been killed.

The rebels rejected the OSCE’s assessment, saying they were ready for dialogue, but unwilling to accept an “ultimatum” from Kiev so long as Government forces continued shelling civilian areas, separatist news service DAN quoted rebel envoy Denis Pushilin as saying. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hong Kong: Thousands return to streets in protest

Thousands of protesters carrying yellow umbrellas have marched through Hong Kong’s main financial district – the scene of the long-running “Occupy Central” sit-in last year.

Police were out in force on Sunday as the crowds slowly made their way along the four-kilometre route from Victoria Park to Central chanting, “We want democracy and the right to choose our own leader”.

Dozens of people turned up at the march carrying the old colonial flags with the Union Jack in the corner. One person even carried a sign stating that Hong Kong is British.

One of the flag-carrying protesters told Al Jazeera that it was a statement to show that Hong Kong was not like the rest of China, and should not be treated as such.

As demonstrators reached their final destination in one of the richest parts of Hong Kong, founder of the Occupy movement Benny Tai spoke to the crowd, encouraging them to continue the movement.

Reminiscent of the twomonth sit-in which ended in December, he quoted late artist John Lennon’s lyrics, “You may think that I’m a dreamer, but I am not the only one”, calling for solidarity.

According to the organisers, approximately 13,000 people had turned out by the end of the protest. Police put the turnout at an estimated 6600.

The turnout was just a fraction of the 50,000 expected, but the range in ages was bigger than the original “Occupy” protest, an Al Jazeera reporter at the scene said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

PUBLIC OPINION I SAY...

How would you describe Guyana’s Education Sector?

Dave Ramcharitar

Anil Persaud

“It has seen major improvement over the years gone by, but it still lacks many key components. I think by including new innovations while still maintaining traditional standards and values, it can be enhanced. But generally, it has improved, and I hope it continues to go upwards.”

Dominique Patoir

It’s not bad, but I think they need some kind of measures to put in place to straighten out the teachers. It can be noted that free periods are frequent in many high schools and those teachers are in school. Children also, they need to be more respectful, I don’t know what’s happening, but children display all levels of disrespect to teachers which can contribute to the teachers giving negative attitudes towards classes. All in all, it’s average but it can improve with effort from everyone.”

Makela Williams

“I think it has improved. Judging from where it was to where it is, it has definitely improved. But there is room for much more improvement. In terms of facilities, more needs to be done in terms of facilities. More attention needs to be paid to the labs and in terms of teachers also, there’s a shortage of properly trained teachers. They’re not that trained – so they are educated right, but they are just not trained to deliver that knowledge.

Cindy Kishun

“Well, in my view: obviously, everyone will think differently based on the school they are exposed to, but I think it’s the students who determine the level of education they want to receive. You understand, of course, there are many other factors like: how good the teacher is at teaching and if the lab is well equipped. Of course, all of that needs improving, but it does not really matter, because we have the Internet, and you can learn so much on the Internet.

Jason Decruz

“Well, while the sector is good in terms of education, they have a lot of rules that I don’t understand in the schools. Rules like your hairstyle, the type of bag you have, having key rings on your bag, if you want to wear a band, I don’t understand why that has to be forbidden or restricted. So while the education is good, they just have silly rules that limit personality development.”

Priya Persaud

“They’ve done a really good job so far, it’s been improving and I hope to see that more in this year, next year, and onwards. They need to get back the young kids to school: those who dropped out. And getting to do other activities, like the training centres, that’s been a good thing for those who want an alternative.”

“The education sector is pretty efficient in the urban areas since it is mainly students from there areas whom we see performing exceptionally well. However, performance is poor in the rural areas and this needs to be changed so as to have a balance throughout the country. The education sector can be improved by assigning more highly trained teachers to the schools located in the rural areas; it may be tough for the teachers, but once those teachers are dedicated to teach and they are provided with convenient circumstances, I’m sure they won’t mind.”

Kevin Harte

“They need a lot of improvement; in everything: in facilities, in the level of education, in so many things. It’s something that’s a gradual process, it has to keep improving because everyday things changing. Syllabus probably needs revising too.”

Rawle-Wayne Payne

“They have silly rules, they don’t want you wear fine pants, and your hairstyle, and I don’t understand how that affects your education. Those things don’t have anything to do with your learning ability. But besides that, the level of education offered is good, they’re doing a good job.”

GFS’ 5-year strategic plan to lead to entity’s modernisation

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS), on Saturday, presented its strategic plan, which will be the guiding light of the organisation for the next five years.

The strategic plan 20142019 was presented in the presence of Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, at Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. It sets out the strategic goals that will be pursued over the next five years.

The objectives and initiatives are intended to facilitate the achievement of these goals and they also offer insights into the critical imperatives, necessary to promote the successful execution of the first phase of the strategy’s implementation.

Minister Rohee, during his address, spoke of the existence of the plan’s significance, noting that there must be a draft document, to guide the modernisation

of the GFS over the next five years. Minister Rohee said that this plan puts the fire service within a context at a given point in time of its development, and draws upon all the experiences it has accumulated over the years, and based on those experiences, it develops a vision for the future. “… and that vision is not sufficient, because that vision ought to be now formulated in a plan that is workable, durable implementable … and it must have the capacity to take an organisation, with all its weaknesses and strengths, forward, that is the significance of the plan that is presented,” Minister Rohee further noted.

He said that if the Government is to modernise the disciplined services, it cannot do so in a fragmented manner; hence the reason for the GFS, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS), and the Home Affairs Ministry, each having their

individual strategic plan.

Speaking on the importance of modernising this important sector, Minister Rohee said that there is no

tor. He however, noted that modernisation cannot only be viewed by the acquisition of building, equipment, and the increase in ranks of

wall dividing these plans from each, noting that it is an integrated process, so as to better the service delivery of this very important sec-

the GFS, but rather, it is the thought process that results in change.

“What is the point of having all these new infrastruc-

ture, and we don’t believe in them, or own them or have a passion for them … we are just fellow travellers, because we are working in an institution, looking only at promotion…these are important things, but there must be some more attachment to the institutions in which we work. If there is a detachment, we will certainly not achieve the goals that we have set out,” Minister Rohee stressed.

Speaking of the importance of the GFS’ name change to the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service, he said it is aimed at seeing the service enhancing its humanitarian service. However, when the name change was taken to the National Assembly, the Political Opposition opposed it. “We in this administration have demonstrated by ‘force of example’ that we are capable and confident of walking that walk, and that we put our money where our mouth is, and the fact that

the Guyana Fire Service is where it is today, prior to 1992, is clear for everyone to see…I’m very happy to be associated with the progress of the Guyana Fire Service,” Minister Rohee said.

The Home Affairs Minister reiterated that the plan is only one aspect of the GFS’ modernisation process, and that implementation is another critical issue. However, this transformation could not have been possible without the hard work of some key individuals, and Minister Rohee lauded Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, for his contribution to the service over the years. Meanwhile, Gentle in his remarks, said that this plan is the vehicle that will take the GFS on that road to modernisation. To the ranks, Gentle said that they have a significant role to play in this modernisation process. Stakeholders were also urged to get involved. (GINA)

Food For The Poor donates solar panels to Berbice communities

Food For The Poor Guyana Incorporated (FFTP) distributed 150 solar panels to five villages in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The communities that were recipients of the donation included Mara, Plegt Anker, Highburg and Light Town located on the East Bank of Berbice as well as New Forest, West Canje. The donation was made on January 29 when the organisation led by Project Officer Andrea Benjamin and her team, along with Region Six Chairman David Armogan, Vice Chairman Bhopaul Jagroop and President of St Francis Alex Foster visited the communities for the official handing over of the units.

The donation was made through FFTP Rural Solar Electrification Project and a total of 150 households received the unit, since the villages identified do not have access to the national electricity grid.

The unit has the capacity to power three light bulbs and comes equipped with a charging port to charge different cellphones.

The lack of electricity in these rural communities limits the ability for children to study and as the sun goes down, the agricultural community comes to a halt. However, with the introduction of the solar panels, over 400 residents are expected to benefit from electricity in the evenings so that they can get more done in the nights than was previously possible.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

who accompanied the team to the villages expressed gratitude to FFTP for the timely intervention, stating that the organisation is one that has been doing tremendous work helping our country for many years in the area of housing, education, agriculture, health, and every aspect of economic life.

The village of Light Town was the only community air marked to receive the panels however, with the intervention of the Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman, calls were made to FFTP to solicit more panels for several villages that are in need along the East Bank of Berbice.

“When I was approached by Alex Foster to talk about this project in Light Town, I was very pleased because it was something that was needed in the area and for a moment I was wondering if this could be expanded to the East Bank of Berbice and a call was made and without hesitation, they agreed to supply the other areas at that time. New Forest also needed so we continued asking and that area too benefited,” Armogan said.

He noted that “though it will not solve all electricity problems, it is something that can help to bring you lights because lights are very important for the children to study and for you to be able to see”.

Project Manager of FFTP Andrea

Benjamin said her organisation is happy to provide the assistance. She also pledged her organisation’s continued support to families in need.

“It’s good to be here. When we were

approached to buy a solar panel for Light Town through the Regional Chairman we were very happy to oblige we are always happy to provide critical assistance to families. This may not solve all electricity problems but it’s a start... this a programme we have been doing since 2011 and thus far 320 families have benefited from the system. After this distribution today, Region Six will have a total of 350 families receiving the panels,” Benjamin noted.

She explained that Bara Cara, a community located in the Berbice River was the first community in Berbice to receive 200 solar panels.

President of St Francis Community Developers Alex Foster who played in integral role in procuring the panels for the residents urged that they care the units and utilise it for its intended purpose.

Lights after 30 years in the dark

“For over 30 years we lived in darkness, with this panel it is a new beginning for us it is light, with light many things can get done,” said Isaac Moore, a resident of Mara.

“This will help us out a lot, We are grateful to FFTP for allowing us the opportunity to have lights in our homes. These are very important, I have three children that go to school and it’s a strain on them to study with candle or lamps, with the solar panel, I am sure it will help them to study better”.

Ovin Phillips of Plegt Anker, EBB expressed thanks to the organisation and all those who made it possible for his community to access the panels.

He told Guyana Times that the unit will help his family greatly, since it’s affordable and his family will live in comfort. He added that they can now begin saving since they will no longer have buy candles and fuel for the lamps.

Residents of New Forest, West Canje said without light one can’t do anything and with the panels, it would help the community tremendously. Some residents related that those who owns generators have the burden of the cost of fuel but the solar panel it free, bringing much needed relief.

Seochand Doodchand of Mara stated that he is grateful to all those who made it possible to get the solar panels into his village. He added that it will serve the community and families greatly, especially those who cannot afford to own generator sets, giving them the comfort of sleeping at ease while the children will be able to study.

Exam stress

Stress is a normal part of life. I don’t’ know of anyone who doesn’t have some sort of a stress or have experienced stress in the past. The reality is as human beings we will respond to the changes in the world around us, because it changes how our body works and puts our mind into different moods.

For example, when are getting stressed about an exam, in a sense it means that we really care about the end result. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it might push us to work so that we can get the result we want.

However on the other hand it can be a bad thing if we get over worried to a point where it affects us from doing our very best.

Study shows that there are different signs people show when they are stressed. For example, when someone is feeling tired, ache all over, cry and feel sad, have panic attacks, have broken sleep, suffer from stomach upsets, etc are all signs of stress.

The key is to develop a positive mindset about it. We as humans, we have the tendency to be negative about things at times. So by us developing a positive attitude will sue to help us do our very best.

I remember when I was in university I used to imagine myself getting an ‘A’ and I try my best to focus on that though, because I strongly believe that when we maintain a positive attitude, our stress can turn into a positive energy, which can then enhance our performance.

I even remember saying to myself that it’s just an exam and that I am not going to die, because in reality an exam is just an opportunity for us to show what we know. When we really think about it, the whole idea of an exam is to help us and provide our teachers/professors with feedback so they can help us along where we are not so strong.

The thing I knew for sure is that I will be the same person before and after all the exams.

People will be amazed to know the kinds of things some people do to calm themselves in an exam. For example, some people including myself will chant all the mantras they can think of constantly and I found that it worked.

I find that keeping the mind busy as much as possible to be very helpful. Sometimes it’s even helpful to carrying an object that we believe to be a ‘spiritual’ type of object. It could be a religious object or something we really believe in that when we touch it; it will bring some sort of a comfort.

The key is to relax and concentrate, because an exam can’t harm us. Staying positive is key so we can’t let those negative thoughts hold us back from doing well. We must try our very best to replace all negative thoughts we get from our exams knowing that it will soon be over.

For question, comments or feedback, email to mcnarine@rogers.com.

More health care providers join system

As government continues to invest in capacity build for its health care providers, 15 nursing assistants have joined the local healthcare system as the first batch graduated from the nurses evening class programme.

The classes which were being held at the old Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA) building in Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown saw its first batch of students amounting to 19. However four of these dropped out.

According to Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, the move to establish the evening classes was influenced by the need for more professionals, as well as space for classroom during the course of the day. Another contributing factor was need for tutors who also weren’t available in the day due to their employment commitments.

The minister congratulated the management team for

coping with the situation despite challenges such as the shortage of furniture for the tutors. In turning his attention to the batch, the Minister congratulated them and

stressed their importance in the health care system, noting that nurses and nursing assistants are the ones who interact most with the patients. He then pointed out

that it is with the recognition of this fact that government has decided to invest heavily in nurses’ training. He emphasised that during a short period of time, the ministry

invested almost $478M in training of its medical professionals.

Minister Ramsaran highlighted the fact that nursing is a great field and is “going places”. He said that the administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance has organised for a consultant to visit Guyana over the next six months.

This undertaking will see this individual visiting and analysing the nursing schools, and meeting with both nurses and tutors. Further, he added that the ministry has been working assiduously to strengthen the nursing curriculum. In this regard, Dr. Mina Singh who is a faculty member in the School of Nursing at York University has been conducting training exercises with tutors of the various nursing schools. He added that thus far she has conducted virtual courses with 18 tutors.

This is a major step for

the Ministry because there were high failure rates at the National Nursing examinations and one of the contributing factors was the delivery of the curriculum, which is now expected to be improved under this programme. The minister encouraged the assistants to consider joining the midwifery programme which will soon be further upgraded as the ministry is working with the University Hospitals and Case Western University in this regard. The partnership will see a team visiting Guyana to improve midwifery techniques through in-service training. Minister Ramsaran pointed out that that the ministry will be emphasising nursing ethics, and urged the class to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. The programme was well praised by all of the students. Julia Martindale, one of the assistants pointed out that the course “has been very great.”

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

The calmer you are, the more you will accomplish. Fretting and fussing will be a waste of time and energy. Accept an enticing invitation and explore exciting opportunities.

Don’t be upset if you are left out of something that you were planning to attend. Do something else that is geared toward your benefit. Update your appearance or skills.

You’ll face an important turning point. If you love someone, share your feelings. The response you get will have an influence on your personal and professional future.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Broaden your horizons. Property investments or a move will be profitable. Make your home the backdrop for a special rendezvous with someone you love and respect.

You should put greater emphasis and more time into an important relationship. Your kindness and generosity will entice allies, leaving any opposition ineffectual.

Travel and communication are highlighted. Step up and honour the promises you have made but not yet fulfilled. Do whatever it takes to make those you love feel important.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If there is someone you want to get to know better, make your move. The response you get will greatly affect your feelings and future. Be bold.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Stop procrastinating and do what needs to be done. Feeling sorry for yourself or wishing things were different will not get you where you want to be. Take charge and get moving.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

If you have wronged someone, set the record straight. It’s never too late to apologise. If you clear the air and dispel any bad feelings that have developed, you’ll feel better.

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Change your routine and focus on love and romance. Pick up something special for someone you want to impress. You can turn a negative into a positive if you reach out affectionately.

Your personal life will be in turmoil. Wait for a break in the chaos before you take action. Use your time wisely, engaging in projects you can pursue without interference.

A partnership will help you excel. Getting involved in an effort to help others will put you in touch with someone who shares your concerns and thirst for improvement.

Sir Viv picks top ten batsmen

From Tendulkar to Lara to Kohli, West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards picks his top-10 ODI batsmen of all time.

Over the years we have had an abundance of batting talent. It is difficult to separate and put them in their rightful batting order, let alone pick out 10 names. So, irrespective of the order they are in, these are my top-10 ODI batsmen of all time.

The first name that comes to mind is Sachin Tendulkar. In a single word, I would describe him as a legend. The player he was until very recently, if ever there is a team picked without including him, it would be a great shame. He has always been one of my favourite batsmen and I would pay money to watch him bat. He wasn’t the biggest in size amongst other cricketers of the world, but all good things come in small packages. And he was a fantastic batsman.

I rate Brian Lara the same as Sachin. I would pay to watch him bat too, and then pay again and again, and keep paying, however, many times it

needs to be done.

There is no other batsman in world cricket I can remember who picked gaps more easily than Lara.

And he did that at a rapid rate, almost as soon as he arrived at the crease. It is difficult to leave him out of any batting side.

There is another West Indies’ batsman who comes to mind, Chris Gayle. He is a batsman that I would optimally describe as bowlers’ nightmare. On his day, he can be very destructive. He can be a match-winner in any environment and in any match conditions. If he is on song, then the opposition can lose the match in the blink of an eye, that’s how destructive he can be.

Staying with batsmen from the Caribbean, I would like to mention Clive Lloyd. Today’s generation of cricket fans may not have seen him bat, but I do remember watching him play. To get a century in the final of an ICC Cricket World Cup is a great achievement. He may not have as many ODI centuries as others but scoring in a World Cup final counts a lot more. Not many batsmen have done that, not to mention he did it while

Guinness Greatest of the Street futsal tournament…

Tournament favourites make early exit

hree of the tour-

Tnament favourites made early exits on Saturday evening when the Guinness Greatest of the Street West Side edition continued at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac.

Den Amstel, pegged to be a possible winner, was unable to get past the Raiders as they lost 1-0 while Uitvlugt crashed out of the tournament with a 2-1 loss to Patentia Street Ballers.

DeKinderen United, another team touted as favourites, fell to the West Side Ballers 1-0 in a hard-fought game.

Pouderoyen

Showstoppers were the only favoured team to win their quarterfinal against Brothers United with a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, in the earlier exhibition fixtures, Banks DIH Limited defeated the Promoters 3-0 while Vergenoegen defeated the Media via walkover.

The semi-final round is expected to be played on Tuesday at the Pouderoyen Tarmac from 19:00h with four exhibition games followed by the two semi-final encounters.

also leading the side.

In that light, another such name comes to mind and that is Ricky Ponting. He too got a century in an ICC Cricket World Cup final, but that is not the only reason for me to pick him. He was able to play all the shots in the book but the more remarkable thing about Ponting was that he was a wonderful worker of the ball. When he was not hitting fours or sixes, he could rotate the strike easily.

He could pick singles and doubles at will, and that is remarkable for a batsman especially coming in at number three. It be-

comes very difficult to contain such batsmen.

Among other Australia batsmen, Matthew Hayden at the top of the order was a fearsome prospect. He would set things up for the middle-order with his ferocious and powerful hitting. If you are batting below him, by the time he got set and finished his innings, your task was half done. He made it easier for anyone coming in to bat after him. With the way he went about his business, Hayden’s aggression set the tone of the innings and that too on a very consistent basis.

Another batsman in the Hayden mould, and at the top of the order, is Virender Sehwag. He relied on great hand-eye co-ordination and when he got going, he could demolish any bowling attack in the world in a matter of overs. He made batting look so easy, almost a walk in the park, and I can only think that it must have been so easy batting in the lower order after Sehwag had done his thing.

Then of course, there is also Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey. He had this uncanny knack of scoring all

Golden Jaguars, Barbados play to 2-2 draw

The Golden Jaguars and Barbados played to an exciting 2-2 draw on Sunday evening in the international friendly at the Barbados National Stadium.

The Jaguars were led by goals from Sheldon Holder and debutant Emery Welshman, while Barbados' two goals came within three minutes.

While both countries were hunting a victory, the result would satisfy both parties as they embark on bigger engagements this year, key among them the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The teams will play a return encounter later this year in Guyana. Full details of the game in Tuesday's publication.

the time. He would come in at any particular time at the crease, whether his team was in a comfortable or uncomfortable position, and he would score runs irrespective of the situation. He had this ability to assess the wicket, conditions and match situation and alter his style of play accordingly. He was one batsman who always knew what he was doing and he was a heavy scorer on most occasions. When he got in, he made you pay.

One of the world’s current all-round players is AB de Villiers. Sometimes when I watch him, it seems like I am watching myself.

He looks very comfortable at the crease. The shots he plays bring such joy and not just to me. It is a joy to all cricket fans who are watching him the world over. I like his style and he is one player who is very hard to leave out of any ODI team.

The last name on my list, but not the least by any means, is young Virat Kohli. There might be some surprise regarding this pick because he is very young and has a lot of cricket to play still.

But in my eyes, he is already legendary and there cannot be any doubt about that.

At such a young age he has twice the number of ODI century than in Tests and he is such a confident player in limited-overs. It is not to say he isn’t so in the longer format, but I really like his aggressive style in ODI cricket. Look at the way he started his career, and the batsman he has already become today, he is simply magnificent in whatever little time he has played as compared to others. He is only going to get better and better, and add to his list of achievements.

(Windies Cricket)

Jeptoo banned for 2 years

Rita Jeptoo, a threetime winner of the Boston Marathon and two-time Chicago Marathon champion, was handed a two-year doping ban Friday in a case that has cast a shadow over Kenya’s famed distance runners.

Jeptoo tested positive for the blood-booster EPO in an out-of-competition test last September, a few weeks before winning her second straight Chicago Marathon title. Both the “A” and “B” samples were positive.

Athletics Kenya announced Friday that Jeptoo was suspended from all competition until Oct. 29, 2016. The sanction rules her out of this year’s world championships in Beijing and next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Jeptoo has the right to appeal her sanction to the

Court of Arbitration for Sport. Her two-year penalty is the maximum for a first violation specified by the old World Anti-Doping Agency code, which was in effect when she tested positive. That penalty was doubled in the new code that went into effect Jan. 1.

In addition, the Boston Athletic Association and the Chicago Marathon said in separate statements that they would re-evaluate Jeptoo’s victories after the IAAF completes the process and any appeals are heard.

“Drugs and doping in our sport will not be tolerated,” B.A.A. executive director Tom Grilk said in a statement. “... We already have severe and defined penalties, but the Rita Jeptoo case has brought to light the need to work yet further in that regard to ensure our sport. (ESPN)

Australia demolish England in tri-series final

Australia served one final ominous warning before the World Cup with a demolition of England’s challenge in the final of the triangular series. It is all the more ominous because England had them down at 4 for 60 on an overcast morning, but Australia found a way. Not just to claw back but to dominate. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh added 141 runs of mindful mayhem for the fifth wicket before James Faulkner unleashed unadulterated mayhem of 50 off 24 balls. The returning Mitchell Johnson then drove the final nail in with a ferocious spell to rip through the England top or-

SCOREBOARD

6-217, 7-224, 8-269.

Australia Bowling: JM Anderson 10-2-38-2, CR Woakes 10-0-89-0, SCJ Broad

10-1-55-3, ST Finn 10-0-531, MM Ali 10-0-39-1. England innings (target: 279 runs from 50 overs) MM Ali c Finch b Johnson 26

der.

Maxwell went from sensible to sensational despite a few hiccups during the transition, clocking his personal best - 95 off 98 - heralding a period in which Australia turned around the morning. They took 132 off the last 15 overs, with Faulkner finishing off what Maxwell and Marsh began.

The afternoon couldn’t have been more different to

JM

not out

Extras: (lb 8, w 10) 18 Total: (all out; 39.1 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-35, 3-46, 4-46, 5-71, 6-98, 7-98, 8-130, 9-160, 10-166. England Bowling: MA Starc 7-0-40-0, JR Hazlewood 6.12-13-2, MG Johnson 7-227-3, MR Marsh 7-0-180, GJ Maxwell 9-0-46-4, JP Faulkner 2.3-1-11-1, AJ Finch 0.3-0-3-0.

the morning when impressive swing and seam bowling from James Anderson and Stuart Broad left Australia in trouble. After inviting Australia to bat on a tricky pitch and under an overcast sky, Anderson bowled beautiful outswingers to get Aaron Finch out in the first over before the extra bounce from the WACA pitch accounted for David Warner. Broad bounced

out the struggling George Bailey to make it 3 for 46. Thirty-two of those 46 had come off the bat of Steven Smith who looked like playing on a different surface. With falling wickets came caution, and when he overbalanced against Moeen Ali he didn’t bother to look behind himself. Jos Buttler had fumbled the take, but Smith’s assumption that he was gone allowed Buttler time to stump him.

That wicket brought together Maxwell and Marsh in the 18th over. Australia now needed them to bat into the last 10 overs. Maxwell’s ball faced per innings before this final: 21. Marsh: 33. The situation called for cool heads, and the two seemed to have come straight out of eskies. They didn’t bat themselves into a hole, not missing out on loose deliveries. The run rate remained under four, but it didn’t seem to bother them.

At 4 for 115 in the 30th over, 61 deliveries behind him, Maxwell tried his first reverse sweep. Surely he hasn’t waited longer ever? That he found the fielder at point with his first attempt didn’t seem to bother Maxwell. Two balls later he brought up his fifty with a finer reverse paddle. Marsh had been quiet - 12 off 25until then. Over the next few minutes Maxwell became

edgy, especially against Steven Finn who troubled him with the ball jagging back in from just short of a length. That’s when Marsh assumed charge, hitting Finn for two fours, taking some of the heat off Maxwell. Australia went into the Batting Powerplay at 4 for 146, and seemed headed for a total above par on this pitch, but Maxwell wanted more. Even as Marsh took a perfectly acceptable 13 off 15 in the Powerplay, Maxwell pulled out all the guns from all his holsters and went at England left, right and centre. Apart from an almost impossible low offering to Ravi Bopara diving forward at short cover, England had no chance in the Powerplay that brought Australia 46 runs.

Anderson was slogged, Woakes was reverse-pulled among other things as Maxwell hit seven fours in that Powerplay. Having reached 95 with a slashed boundary off the last ball of the Powerplay, Maxwell tried to get to his hundred with a six. He died by the same sword, but how he lived. Marsh kept hitting powerfully - one straight drill had hit the advertising boards even before you could look up - but just when he too was threatening to better his personal best of 89, he was run out by an ordinary call from Brad Haddin. (Cricinfo)

Victoria Kings sack “underperforming” coach

East Coast Demerara

football giants

Victoria Kings have had enough of their Coach Mark Charles, sacking him with immediate effect after a series of poor performances by the team, club insiders told Guyana Times Sport on Sunday.

Charles was expected to be served with his letter of termination following a players’ meeting on Sunday at the club’s headquarters in Victoria. Guyana Times Sport understands that the decision was brewing for some time now, but there was sympathy for Charles.

His fate was sealed when a third-rated Agricola United team trounced the East Coast team 2-nil in the Mayor’s Cup opener at the Victoria Community Centre Ground Friday evening.

Charles, according to reports, had opted to leave on the bench most of the club’s star players insisting that those who did not attend training consistently could not make his team. A senior official of the team told this newspaper that while in principle they supported Charles’ policy, he needed to understand the circumstances of many of the

players. “These are young men who cannot live on football…they have to work and very often they miss a few hours of the practice. Sometimes they may miss a day…and we, the management, understand that,” the official who asked not be named said.

The official said Charles has consistently ignored this reality and on Friday decided to omit several of the top players for the championship’s opener. “He needed to follow the policy of the club, not that we are against his rules of insisting that players practice, but he

Mayweather, Pacquiao close to megafight

The megafight that the boxing world has been clamoring for between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr should be finalized in “the next couple days,” Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told the New York Post.

The sides have been negotiating what will certainly be the richest fight in

been negotiating the terms.

“I think it helped a lot because we were all putting papers together, and there was still a question as to whether Floyd really wanted to do the fight or not,” Arum told the Post of the Miami meeting.

boxing history, but no deal has been struck yet. The two fighters met privately for more than an hour on Tuesday in Miami.

must also understand the present realities of our players…” the club official said.

In addition, Charles has been accused of being too authoritative and not listening to the team’s administration. It’s the first time the Victoria Kings were booted in the first round of a Mayor’s Cup championship. “Kings won EDFA League 2014, when he (Charles) came onboard as coach; we were leading by four points. We almost lost the league because he started to sideline the seniors,” a disgruntled player told Guyana Times Sport

“Everybody is doing the right thing,” Arum told the Post on Friday. “We’re looking to complete the paperwork. Everything is moving in the right direction. Hopefully, the next couple of days it will get done.”

One of the issues is that Time Warner/HBO, which has a contract with Pacquiao, and CBS/ Showtime, which has Mayweather under contract, need to hammer out terms for a joint pay-perview telecast, which they did once before for the 2002 fight between then-heavyweight world champion

“Based on the meeting with Pacquiao in the hotel suite, Manny and [Pacquiao adviser] Michael Koncz were convinced Floyd absolutely wants to do the fight.” Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the 36-yearold Filipino legend, and Arum have repeatedly said they have agreed to all of the terms outlined by Mayweather (470, 26 KOs), who turns 38 in February, during talks with CBS CEO Leslie Moonves, who has served as the go-between on behalf of Mayweather and his adviser, Al Haymon.

Mayweather has said he intends to fight May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, be it against Pacquiao or somebody else. (ESPN)

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CPL teams announce...

The St. Kitts and Nevis team will take over responsibility for the players from the Leeward Islands and has been permitted to retain any player who played for the Antigua Hawksbills during the 2014 season. Whilst it is disappointing that the Antigua Hawksbills will not be part of CPL 2015, it

Barbados

Dwayne

Ravi

# 6227097 / 624-7111

is hoped that the team will return for future tournaments.

CPL Operations Director, Michael Hall, said; “Looking at the list of retained players, you will see the strategy has been to retain the local stars. It will make for an absorbing draft as the heavyweight international

Andre

Jerome

players become available for selection. We are all excited to see how the squads shape up and no doubt there will be a few surprises when the coaches choose their picks on Thursday evening in Kingston.”

The full list of retained players for CPL 2015 is as follows:

St. Kitts and Nevis [team yet to be named] Carlos

Devon

Johnson

Justin

Milo Under-20 school football tournament…

Defending Champs Lodge Secondary start

title defence successfully

By TreisTon Joseph

The Milo Under-20 school football tournament continued on Sunday with three exciting games that went down to the wire at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

Defending Champions Lodge Secondary tasted their first game of action in the tournament and scraped a 3-2 win against Queenstown Secondary School.

Lodge went on the attack early and wasted little time in scoring with a goal from Ryan Hackett in the second minute of the game.

Sylvester Richardson helped Lodge to a 2-0 advantage with a goal in the 11th minute while Queenstown replied in the 28th minute with a goal from Kesley Benjamin.

After the halftime break, Vickram Chandranand equalised for Queenstown

in the 31st minute to give some hope to the team.

However, that hope was quickly snuffed out as Jarel Grannum’s goal in the 33rd minute sealed the deal for the defending champs.

Meanwhile in the first game of the evening, North Ruimveldt Multilateral drew 1-1 with Richard Ishmael Secondary to gain a point each.

Matthew Harrison opened the scoring for North Ruimveldt in the 20th minute while Rondel Peters equalised in the 41st to end the game in stalemate.

Christ Church Secondary held off Houston Secondary with a 3-2 win to gain maximum points in their first bit of action in the tournament.

Lemuel Ross’s ninth minute goal quickly gave Christ Church the lead as the first half ended 1-0.

However, the second half was a tad more exciting as Houston equalised in the 42nd minute with a goal

from Akosi Jarvis while Shamar Carrington gave Christ Church the lead with a goal in the 47th minute. Jarvis would produce a brilliant goal a minute later to equalise for Houston in the 48th minute. Brad Evans’s goal in the 65th minute won the game for Christ Church just before the final whistle.

Dolphin Secondary and Morgan Learning Centre played to a 2-2 draw to end the day’s proceedings.

Leon Richardson and Joshua Perreira scored in the first and third minutes respectively for Dolphin as the game seemed like a blowout in the making.

However, Keron Solomon’s goal in the 28th minute along with Wayne Murray’s 38th minute goal ensured that both teams took a point away from the encounter.

Games in the tournament will continue on February 7 at the Ministry of Education Ground.

AAG hosts successful developmental meet

By TreisTon Joseph

Anumber of top performances came out of the first competition held by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) on Sunday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground, Base Camp Ayanganna.

South American Youth gold medallist Jason Yaw was the top performer of the day winning the boys’ Under-20 80 metres in a time of 8.7s to top Quacy Clemtson who ran 8.8s. Linton Mentis was third in a time of 8.9s.

Yaw also won the Open

600 metres in fine style as he relaxed for the first 400 metres before finishing strongly, registering a time of 1:24.9s. Clemtson was second with a time of 1:25.3s

Arsenal moved above Tottenham to fifth in the Premier League courtesy of an emphatic victory over struggling Aston Villa.

The Gunners dominated and took the lead when Olivier Giroud collected Mesut Ozil’s neat flick and finished well.

Santi Cazorla’s shot struck the post before welltaken finishes from Ozil and Theo Walcott made it 3-0.

Giroud hit the bar with a header before Cazorla fired home a penalty and Hector Bellerin made it 5-0 from 30 yards out.

It is the first time Arsenal have hit five goals in a match this season and completes a hat-trick of successive league victories for Arsene Wenger’s side.

The Gunners have now claimed 19 points out of a possible 24, have not conceded in their last three league games and, with significant players returning from injury, are in a strong

while Cleveland Thomas and Desmond Amsterdam registered a time of 1:25.4s for joint third place.

However, the race of the day saw the GDF sweeping the men’s 300 metres as

position to make a push for a 19th successive top-four finish.

Even without injured leading scorer Alexis Sanchez, the home side had too much quality for Villa.

Ozil, starting his first league game since October

Akeem Stewart came from behind to win the event in 35.3s.

National Rugby Champion Patrick King finished second in 35.4s while a returning Rupert Perry in his first AAG competition back from injury clocked 35.7s for third.

Distance athlete Cleveland Thomas was also in action winning the men’s 2000 metres in 6:03.9s. Matthew McKenzie was second in the event with a time of 6:17.2s while Jamal Chisholm was third with 6:17.7s.

Meanwhile, on the distaff side, the Hooper sisters were easily the stand outs on the track, as South American Youth silver medallist Natricia Hooper led a Running Brave sweep in the female Open 600 metres.

Natricia, who is the

corner of the net in the early stages of the second half.

Walcott also continued his rehabilitation in impressive fashion, adding to his goal in the FA Cup win at Brighton last week with a curling finish from inside the box.

following a knee injury, was lively, producing a deft flick to set up Giroud for the first goal eight minutes into the first half.

He then collected a pass from the French striker and finished low into the

And Cazorla capped off another fine display by firing a penalty through the grasp of Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who had fouled substitute Chuba Akpom.

Bellerin has been qui -

James breaks Guyana 400m indoor record

USA-based Guyanese Stephan James had an outstanding start to his 2015 season when he broke Guyana’s indoor 400 metres record on Friday at the Armory Track Invitational in New York.

James clocked 47.15s to erase the old record of 47.36s in the event.

Speaking with James’ local coach, an elated Julian Edmonds of the Running Brave Athletics Club, he pointed out that breaking the record was always on James’ to do list.

“Well during his holiday here in December, he told me that he was going to be focused and go after the 200 and 400 metres indoor record as well as the 400 metres outdoor record, so it’s really good to see,” Edmonds stated.

The talented 400 metres specialist who is also a South American Under-23 bronze medallist will be in action during the course of the next couple of weeks in an effort to realise his goal of breaking the 200 metres indoor record.

(Treiston Joseph)

more jovial of the Hooper sisters, clocked 1:38.8s to win the event ahead of her clubmates Avon Samuels, Andrea Fosters, and Claudrice McKoy who finished in that order with times of 1:42.2s, 1:44.7s and 1:45.3s respectively.

Natricia would meet her elder sister Natrena in the women’s Open 300 metres and was relegated to second by the bigger Hooper who clocked 41.2s. Natricia finished closely, clocking a time of 41.4s.

Natrena also won the women’s 80 metres dash in 10.0s to top Tirana Mitchell who clocked 10.3s in her return from injury. Mearisha Carter was third in a time of 10.6s.

The AAG will host its second meet of the year on February 8 in Linden with a Cross Country event.

etly establishing himself as an effective full-back in recent weeks and his low, driven goal from more than 30 yards out in stoppage time was arguably the pick of the bunch.

Villa have a decent record at the Emirates, having claimed three wins at the ground, including a 3-1 victory on the opening day of last season, but they are a team woefully short of goals and confidence.

Paul Lambert’s side have now gone eight league games without a win, six top-flight matches without a goal and remain just three points above the relegation zone.

They had one superb chance with the score at 1-0, but David Ospina saved Andreas Weimann’s close-range header.

And by the time Gabriel Agbonlahor and new signing Scott Sinclair were introduced from the bench midway through the second half, the game was already lost. (BBC Sport)

Dravid, Smith weigh in on Windies ahead of World Cup

West Indies have struggled with turmoil in the buildup the World Cup. Dwayne Bravo was sacked as ODI captain and left out of the squad along with allrounder Kieron Pollard, and Sunil Narine has withdrawn from the squad. In this episode of the CONTENDERS, former India captain Rahul Dravid and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith reflect on West Indies’ prospects in the tournament. Can the two-time champions rise from the disarray? Can new captain Jason Holder inspire a strong run? And can superstars such as Chris Gayle stamp their class on the tournament?

West Indies’ difficult build-up

Dravid: I think there’s not a lot of stability in the team. If you look at the team there is a lot of talent, but I don’t know whether they are organised enough.

Smith: They bring a lot of character to the game. When you look at their team having left out high-quality players for behind-the-scenes stuff, it’s disappointing because you lose out on players that people love to watch.

Holder as captain

Dravid: Till six months ago, he would have probably been thinking, “I’d like to be able to play the World Cup as a player.” Till six-eight months ago he would have not even been sure of his place in the squad.

Smith: With everything that’s going on, managing personalities and getting the best out of them is going to be a challenge. So how he gets them to play as a team is going to be unique for him and it’s asking a lot out of a young fast bowler.

Chris Gayle’s importance

Dravid: He’s got the ability, it’s just a question of whether he’s in the right frame of mind and he’s phys-

ically fit enough to be able to do that over a long tournament.

Smith: You could come up against him, he could get a hundred and that could beat you. That’s the challenge you face with someone like him. He’s a powerhouse player.

Marlon Samuels’ role

Dravid: Like a lot of the West Indies players, not really consistent. Brilliant on the day, really fantastic to watch on the day, but not really consistent enough to do it day-in day-out, over and over again.

Smith: He’s got a real strut around him, a personality, a form of arrogance, a unique batting style. I think he plays spin really well and he’s got a nice balance between knocking the ball around and a power game.

How far the side can go

Dravid: I think they’ll make the quarterfinals and they’ll be a dangerous team. Teams may not necessarily want to play them in the quarterfinals because they’ve got the kind of players who on their day can win you a game.

Smith: I’m going to take a flyer and say they’re not going to go through. I’m going to back one of the minnows to qualify heading in. Just on their day if they don’t wake up, they can easily be beaten. (Cricinfo)

Yohan Blake to appear in Portmore T20 cricket league

The 2015 edition of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum/Portmore Cricket Association (PCA) T20 cricket championship bowls off today with a full slate of matches across four venues.

A total of 15 teams will vie for the title over four rounds in a knockout format with the exception of Reid’s Pen, who withdrew from the competition.

Defending champion Portmore Pines CC will take on Gregory Park CC in the opening match at the Bridgeport cricket field, while last year’s runners-up GC Foster College will battle Passage Fort in the second game at the same venue.

Waterford CC will face Greater Portmore CC in the first game and the second game will see former champions Kens Wildflower squaring off with newcomers YB Afraid, which will feature top sprinter Yohan Blake at the Portsmonth Cricket Field.

At GC Foster College, Colours International will battle Portsmonth in the curtain-raiser, while Washington CC will meet rivals Braeton Red Caps in the second game.

Hamilton Gardens will take on Belmont CC in the lone game at the Waterford

School. With the withdrawal of Reid’s Pen, 2012 champion Bridgeview automatically advance to the second round.

The first games begin at 10:00 am and the second set of matches will start at 2:00 pm.

The competition will run to Sunday, March 8.

The competition will feature noted past national and past West Indies players as well.

Last season, Darren Powell, Tamar Lambert, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Horace Miller and Andre Russell, to name a few, took part in the com-

munity-based league.

Title sponsor Wray & Nephew White Overproof White Rum, in its seventh consecutive year sponsoring the tournament, has committed sponsorship valued at $1 million.

The champions will walk away with $70,000, while the runner-up will pocket $30,000 for their effort.

President of the PCA, Courtney Francis, urged stakeholders within Portmore to climb on board in order to assist with the development of PCA as it seeks to employ and empower young people from communities in and around Portmore. (Windies Cricket)

Yepme to fly Windies supporters to World Cup

With the Cricket World Cup just a few days away, Yepme.com, an online fashion brand, has announced the ‘Fly To Australia and cheer for West Indies’ contest.

This comes on the back of Yepme announcing the sponsorship of the West Indies cricket team for the ICC World Cup ODI 2015, about to get underway in Australia and New Zealand. The West Indies cricket team jerseys will now sport the Yepme logo.

“We are proud and excited to sponsor the West Indies team in the ICC World Cup. Being the third largest sports tournament in the world, which will be

Djokovic wins 8th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic proved too strong for Andy Murray as he won a fifth Australian Open title in a punishing final.

The Serb, ranked number one, came through 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-0 in three hours and 39 minutes.

It was a third win over British number one Murray in a Melbourne final and brought him an eighth Grand Slam title.

Murray, 27, has now won two of the eight Grand Slam finals he has played in, having lost all four in Australia.

“I would like to congratulate Novak - it is a fantastic record and thoroughly deserved,” said Murray.

“It is probably my most consistent Grand Slam throughout my career but I just haven’t been able to win.”

Murray, who underwent back surgery towards the end of 2013 and was playing in his first Grand Slam final since winning Wimbledon earlier that year, added: “I’m closer than I was a few months ago.

“I’ll try to come back

next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final.”

The Scot, who will return to fourth in the world rankings on Monday, had chances in each of the first three sets of the final but ultimately could not cope with the Serb’s pinpoint returning and brilliant defence.

Djokovic, a week young-

occasion and required some energy-boosting fluids at a break down in the third set.

Murray later admitted he had been “distracted” by the Serb’s apparent physical issues and, just as at the US Open last September, he could not keep pace with Djokovic in the closing stages.

Djokovic had made a

er than his opponent, did look vulnerable at times, hurting his hand in a fall and appearing to struggle with an ankle problem early in the second set. There were some concerned looks to coach Boris Becker in the stands. He stumbled on more than one

blistering start, racing into a 4-1 lead and going 20 minutes before he offered up a first unforced error.

It was to Murray’s credit that he twice hauled back breaks to force a tie-break, but a double-fault at 4-2 and a loose volley at 5-5 simply gave Djokovic too

many chances.

The four-time champion clinched it when Murray netted a return, before suffering an awkward fall chasing a net cord early in the second that required treatment to his hand.

Murray moved into a 2-0 lead but saw the advantage wiped out when a rejuvenated Djokovic strung together 13 straight points.

Again, Murray fought back, a forehand into the corner making it 4-4, and three break points were saved at 5-5 on the way to a second tie-break.

This time the Scot would not relinquish an advantage, winning a gripping rally to lead 5-2 and converting his third set point.

When Djokovic netted a forehand to drop serve at the start of the third set, Murray appeared to have finally gained the initiative after two-and-a-half hours.

It proved to be his last moment to savour, however. Increasingly frustrated by a resurgent opponent, his second serve slipped from being vulnerable to a liability.

seen in more than 182 countries, it’s a huge opportunity for Yepme to strengthen its vision as a global brand! We are also providing an opportunity to cricket lovers across the country to go and watch the action live at Australia. We look forward to a large number of cricket fans participating in the contest even as they browse the fresh fashion at Yepme. com” said Yepme founder and chief operations officer Sandeep Sharma.

Customers can participate by downloading the Yepme app and answering a question on Fresh Fashion. Up to 50 winners will be given tickets to Australia and a chance to watch West Indies team in Australia live, along

with three days and two nights’ accommodation in Australia.

Speaking about the association, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) commercial manager Nelecia Yeates said, “We welcome Yepme to the West Indies cricket family of sponsors and partners for the world’s premier cricket event – the ICC Cricket World Cup. We look forward to a mutually beneficial association as the West Indies team remains one of the most attractive cricket teams in the world and will be one of the favorite teams in the World Cup.”

The Yepme app is available on Android and customers can interact with the app in Hindi and English. (Windies Cricket)

Holder returns...

Deeraj Garbarran was the first to the line in the Mountain Bikes’ race, with Seon Budhan second and Garfield Lorrimer third.

Toshawnna Doris was the lone cyclist on the distaff side to compete in the race.

National cycling coach and organiser of the event Hassan Mohamed spoke on behalf of the NSC, noting that the Commission will continue to provide avenues for the country’s sportsmen and women to showcase their talents. He lauded the riders for an accident-free race, and commended members of

the Guyana Police Force for their excellent supervision along the course, amid a few rain interruptions.

The cycling season will continue this weekend with two more races. On Saturday, the action will switch to the National Park for the NSC’s annual 11race programme. The next day, R&R International will conduct its 24th annual 40-mile road race, starting from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and proceeding to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to the start point for the finish.

Holder returns to winning ways

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Team Coco’s Christopher Holder made a welcome return to his winning ways on Sunday, carting off the top prize in the annual National Sports Commission (NSC) 40-mile road race on the West Demerara roadways. Competing among a massive group of 52 riders, the largest to face the starting line this year, Holder rode to top honours in the Open category of the race, which started at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, and returned to the point of origin for the finish.

44 minutes, 6 seconds (01h: 44m: 06s).

Holder, who has consistently placed among the top finishers in recent races, went one step further, being the first to cross the finish line in a time of one hour,

Team Evolution’s Michael Anthony, who came into the race on the back of a victory in the Benjamin’s Cycle Sports Store-sponsored road race in Berbice last Sunday, copped

second place, followed by Akeem Wilkinson, Alanzo Greaves, Paul DeNobrega, and Mark Harris.

Marlon “Fishy” Williams, who won the season opener two Saturdays ago at the National Park, copped two of the six prime prizes on offer.

In other results, Jamal John won the Junior category ahead of Raphael Leung and Jaleel Jackson in that order, while Junior Niles led Talim Shaw and Andrew Spencer in the Veterans’ segment.

With the CPL Draft 2015 fast approaching, each of the six franchises participating in this year’s tournament has retained the maximum number of four players from the 2014 squads. The newlyformed St. Kitts and Nevis franchise will be taking over the players from the Antigua Hawksbills franchise, which will not be fielding a team for the 2015 season.

The selections of the six teams have been much anticipated, further adding to the excitement of the upcoming Draft, which takes place this Thursday 5th February in Kingston, Jamaica. Of the 24 retained players, 22 come from the Caribbean, with the big guns, Gayle, Pollard, Narine, Bravo and Sammy all retained. The two retained international players are England’s Kevin Pietersen, and Pakistan’s, Shoaib Malik.