Guyana Times Daily

Opposition rejects President's offer for talks

wednesdAY, nOVeMBeR 12, 2014 | guYAnAtiMesgY.cOM

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Prorogation opportunity: Opposition rejects President's offer for talks

... demands reconvening of Parliament for No-Confidence Vote

BY JOMO PAUL

APartnership For National Unity (APNU) Leader

David Granger says that as long as the prorogation of the National Assembly is in place, the coalition will not be engaging the President nor any member of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in any discussions.

Granger on Tuesday told Guyana Times in a brief interview that he remains firm on his decision not to engage the President unless the prorogation proclamation is rescinded.

Even before the President announced his decision to prorogue the National Assembly, Granger had told reporters that “we can’t engage with a gun at our heads”, adding that “this National Assembly is a forum for national debate. It’s the voice of the people. I can’t see how he can prorogue the Parliament and expect us to have any discussions under duress.

"The place for discussions is in the National Assembly. If he shuts it down, then he shuts down dialogue.”

He did not comment on the fact the Opposition's option of insisting on a NoConfidence Motion absolutely precluded any possibility of any dialogue.

Granger contended that previous discussions held with the President have not left room for further discussions, pointing out that “I have exhausted my discussions with the President”.

This follows the position previously adopted by the Alliance for Change (AFC) which had said it is unwilling to hold any discussions with the President ‘with a dagger aimed at Parliament’s throat.’

This was according to AFC Vice-Chairman Moses Nagamooto who told

the press that his party would not be engaging the President unless Parliament resumes.

But it was made clear that should the Opposition parties agree to dialogue and come to consensus with the ruling PPP/C, the possibility exists that Parliament may resume at an earlier date.

In fact, President Ramotar during his address to the nation said “to have my administration use that time during the period of prorogation to continue to engage the Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways, in addressing the issues confronting Guyana."

Already, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said that his Party remains hopeful that the combined parliamentary Opposition would use the prorogation period to engage in dialogue with Government.

Rohee said the move by the President remains the best option for the country. It also gives Government and the Opposition the chance to settle on issues.

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamooto Nagamootoo said failure by the PPP/C Administration to face the consequences of their action is an indict-

ment on their part. By proroguing Parliament, he said November 10, 2014 should be remembered as “The Day of Infamy and Shame (DIS)”. He said Guyanese must take note and respond appropriately.

“Our representatives have dis (sic) this National Assembly, has dis (sic) the people of Guyana and we hope that our people are lis-

Greenidge in his lengthy remarks accused the Government of proroguing Parliament to buy time.

“One has to ask what they are going to do with this time.

"The individuals and businesses, Chinese nationals, Indian nationals, PPP/C associates who will give whether it is broadcasting licenses, gold mining licenses,

tening and are paying attention.”

APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge echoed similar sentiments as he ranted and raved over the prorogation of Parliament.

“All of the motions, including the motion of Privilege will be brought back to this Assembly as soon as the President exercises the options which are available to him in the Constitution and that is to recall the House.”

land grants and the like.”

But Greenidge warned that the Opposition will not honour any such agreement signed under duress.

He added: “The international agencies and the foreigners and responsible corporate entities based in Guyana know that they are in the presence of a pariah of a Government and for as long as the Government has that status, any agreement that the Government signs with them will be reopened.”

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

Why fear an audit?

It is plain knowledge that if one’s hands are clean, being subjected to scrutiny would not be a frightening act, as it will only unmask the scheme of the plotters and bring shame upon them. In the minds of honourable men, it’s normal and natural to prove their critics wrong by convincing them that their actions are aboveboard and can withstand any level of scrutiny.

Understandably, it will be an act of cowardice, if not hypocrisy, if one embraces the image of an anti-corruption crusader, but yet refuses scrutiny even when accused publicly of being corrupt.

It is worse yet when the disclosure is made by a neutral party, and when the accused uses means at his disposal to sully the characters of his accusers. It is against this backdrop that it is quite odd that Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall is putting up strong resistance concerning the Guyana Revenue Authority’s announced intention to audit his operations.

Such an audit is provided for in law and is part of the mandate of the revenue body. Moreover, it gives businesspersons an opportunity to be cleared of any wrongdoing if they are being accused.

The protestation by Lall against an audit is, therefore, suspicious, as Lall has been named in several corrupt activities, but has denied any wrongdoing. Mere denial would never be enough, as it would not stop speculations. In fact, what it would do is provide plausible justification for allegations made.

This can aptly describe the situation Lall has found himself in, as many believe that he is desperately trying to evade the authorities to avoid being exposed. Lall, as has been widely reported in the media, was charged for alleged involvement in a vehicle scam involving an elderly remigrant couple.

It has been reported that he defrauded the State of more than $100 million in taxes – really, the situation that was the basis for the call for an audit. Instead of submitting himself for scrutiny, Lall began to use his newspaper as a weapon to attack the character of a number of public officials, and, in the same breath, cried that the Government, with support of other agents, was trying to close down his newspaper.

He claims that the Government has been pushing for the audit, as his newspaper has been critical of the Government, but take the Government aside, Lall has been identified even by the US as being a man of shady character.

No one knows where Lall acquired his millions to fund the Kaieteur News in its initial stages, but most are aware that the US said he is widely believed to be involved in alien smuggling. This pronouncement made in 2010 is more justification for an audit as backtrackers in the 1980s made millions of dollars from their illegal trade.

Lall is believed to have been a major player in the ring, where US$10,000 was charged per person. It is estimated that a major player transported at least 150 persons annually.

If one goes back to the year 1989, where US$1 was equivalent to G$33, it could be easily deduced that a major backtracker on average raked in G$330,000 per person trafficked.

This translates to a whopping G$49.5 million annually, if at least 150 persons were illegally transported.

At a closer look, it could have been more than the profits earned by some large corporations in those days, and could have comfortably afforded a backtracker to purchase several luxurious properties here and in Guyanese communities in the US. Someone in operation for five years, taking 150 persons to the US consistently every year would have earned G$247.5 million, the equivalent of G$1.6 billion, taxfree today.

So it is against this background that an audit on Lall, who has also been accused of fuel smuggling, also a multimilliondollar enterprise, would be interesting. And he should submit himself if he has nothing to hide.

Kaieteur News has been aptly described as a rag

Dear Editor,

In our private daily conversations we all say things we do not mean to people we trust, stuff that is not meant for public consumption. More often than not expletives are used. This is the best way to vent, to get stuff off your chest. We would never say these things to people in person because we do not mean them.

How would Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo or Glenn Lall react to their private conversations being recorded and broadcast worldwide?

I am sure they say much worse in private about the Government and just about anyone who has different views. What hypocrites!

As for the Bar Associations and quack lawyers calling for the Attorney General’s head, since when is it ok to tap/

bug a Government Minister’s phone or intercept their private conversations?

When did it become legal to hack into someone’s email, edit and distort and publish same in an effort to blackmail the GRA Commissioner General (CG) and the Attorney General (AG) and to influence the outcome of a criminal prosecution?

Which bottom house-law school did you attend that taught you to convict without a hearing? And that trial by media was legal? Whatever happened to natural justice and due process? What criminal offence did the AG commit? Which laws did he violate? Why was there no call for the Speaker to resign?

What hypocrisy!

What would happen in the US if a criminal hacked the email or bugged the

phone of the Secretary of Defence and released the information? Just ask Edward Snowden.

Kaieteur News has been aptly described as a rag by the US. It’s probably the most unprofessional press outfit in the Western hemisphere. It has become adept at spreading misinformation, halftruths and outright lies. It seeks to destroy anyone who is critical of Glenn Lall and his criminal enterprise. The daily headlines confirm this.

The headline at page 16 of the Kaieteur News on November 6 is further confirmation. The headline, “Guyanese afraid to speak on Nandlall issue – fear victimisation by Government”, is not supported in any way by the story that follows.

In fact, what the interviews reveal is that the ordinary man has rejected Glenn

Lall and do not want to get entangled with his personal war with Government. People have real problems to deal with and ask that Lall deal with his.

But Lall is doing the exact opposite. Instead of defending the charges of tax evasion and proving his innocence, he is attacking the AG and the CG relentlessly in his newspaper. How can this be right? Lall does not have the moral authority to condemn anyone given his shady past and his current behaviour.

In any other part of the world, Lall and Kaieteur News would have been shut down a long time ago. To those who say the ends justify the means, you may be next.

Sincerely, Bheesham Persaud

Unfair treatment at the Aurora Police Station

Dear Editor,

The Police at the Aurora Station in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) were very much unhelpful to me when I went there on October 29 last to enquire about my teenage son Amir Nazim who was taken into custody on that day.

On reaching there around 23:30h, I met an officer (name given) who is known to me and I asked, “Good day, you can please tell me what did my son do?” But much to my surprise he blurted out and absurd response by saying twice, “Don’t talk to me. See who went and bring your son.” It was very humiliating. Up to this day, the rank to whom he referred me to contact remains unknown,

but just because of me being poor this kind of ugly treatment was meted out to me when better needs to be done to improve the image of the Police Force.

After my son was released, he related to me that he working at Dickcey’s rice mill with many other employees when a pickup driven by (name given) came up with a Policeman (name given) who was not wearing uniform.

The Policeman just took him away even without showing a sense of decency or common courtesy to inform his employer or anyone else, including me as a mother or any other member of his family.

According to my son,

while at the Station, it was made known to him that someone (name given) made a report that my son damaged his gate and he would be charged and placed before the court for damage to property.

My son lives by me a short distance away from the station and could have been reached there instead of having to suffer such indignity and embarrassment publicly only to show how the misirs running things and to have the ranks under their control.

On September 6 last, my husband made a report and submitted a statement against the same driver of the pick-up for spraying his face with a poisonous sub-

stance from a motor blower which he used to injure him, and despite being medically examined, no action was taken.

A report was also made during last month against the driver’s father for having a hand gun which he pointed to my sister-in-law, while threatening to kill her, with no action taken by the Police as well. The victim herself made a report.

It is well known that these people are wealthy with money to do wonders compared with my family being very much impecunious, but there must be justice for all.

Yours faithfully, Anita Singh

Canadian Govt apologises for denying Indians entry

Dear Editor,

The Canadian Government has tendered an apology to the families of 376 Indians (340 Sikhs, 24 Muslims and 12 Hindus), who were left stranded on a Japanese ship, Komagata Maru, renamed Guru Nanak Jahaz, anchored off the West Coast (British Columbia) of Canada.

In 1914, the Indians, as British colonial subjects, came to British Columbia to challenge a racist Canadian law that denied entry to nonWhites. British Columbia Premier Richard McBride, one day prior to the arrival of the ship, made a statement that the Komagata Maru passengers would not be allowed to disembark.

On reaching Vancouver, the Indians were not allowed to come on shore and were forced to stay on the ship for two months, sometimes without food and water. The incident happened at a time when over two million Europeans were welcomed to Canada between 1906 and 1915.

The action of the Canadian Government created bitterness, frustration and vengefulness among the passengers, and also among Indians in Canada and the US. Local Indians formed a shore committee to help the passengers with food and other provisions.

After a lengthy stand-off and legal challenges, only 20 returning passengers, and the ship’s doctor and his family were given permission to leave the ship. All the other passengers were ordered to leave Canadian waters.

The passengers refused to leave without food and water provisions for their journey back to India. The Government brought a navy cruiser to intimidate the passengers into leaving. The Indians set sail back to India with virtually no food and water. They were not allowed to land in Hong Kong, Singapore or Shanghai; all of these places were under British control or influence.

The Indians were hoping they would find work and earn money before returning to India to recover some of their costs. The British denied them that opportunity. And on their

return to India, the British gave an order for the Police to arrest the passengers as well as the ship’s crew.

When the ship landed in Kolkata, as the passengers made their way to a local temple, the Police opened fire resulting in the deaths of 23 people. Several others suffered injuries and were hospitalised.

Forty-six of the passengers escaped. The Police arrested 202 passengers and put them in prison or confined them to their villages in Punjab for several years. The captain of the ship spent five years in jail. Some were sent to jail for challenging racism; others were sent to and confined in their villages; 18 other Indians lost their lives on the return journey.

Indians started coming to Canada from 1904 for economic opportunities. They were willing to do any kind of manual job and found work on farms, in factories, mills and lumberyards. They were paid lower wages and worked for long hours.

As the number of immigrants increased, the White workers felt threatened that the Indians would take over their jobs. Fear of labour competition led to jealousy, racial antagonism and demands for exclusionary laws for foreign workers.

The local press carried many scare stories against the Asians and “Hindu Invasion”. Newspapers ignited and promoted anti-Indian sentiments. The Sun newspaper called the passengers “Hindu Invaders”. Only an Indian newspaper, The Hindustanee welcomed the passengers. A monument was built in honour of the martyrs of Komagata Maru. On January 1, 1952, Mr Nehru unveiled the completed monument which is popularly known as the “Punjabi Monument” (www.rangandatta.wordpress).

A plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary of the departure of the Komagata Maru was placed in the Sikh temple in Vancouver on July 23, 1989. A plaque commemorating the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the Komagata Maru was placed in the Vancouver harbour in 1994.

The first phase of the Komagata Maru Museum was opened in Vancouver in June 2012 at the Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver Ross Street Temple. A monument in remembrance of the Komagata Maru incident was unveiled on July 23, 2012. It is located near the four steps of the seawall near Convention Centre West in Vancouver. The Canadian Government provided funding for both the monument and the museum.

A stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Komagata Maru was released by Canada Post on May 1, 2014. On August 3, 2008, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper appeared at the 13th annual Gadri Babiyan Da Mela (festival) in Surrey to apologise for the Komagata Maru incident. He said, “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am officially apologising for the incident.”

On May 23, 2008, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia unanimously passed a resolution “apologising” for the events for the Komagata Maru incident. “The House deeply regrets that the passengers, who sought refuge in our country and our province, were turned away without benefit of the fair and impartial treatment befitting a society where people of all cultures are welcomed and accepted.”

The Government of India also commemorated the incident on September 29, 2014 by Union Ministry of Culture Shri Shripad Naik. The Government also decided to build a memorial at Budge Budge Port. The National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) would make a film on the tragedy. A postal stamp would be issued in commemoration of the centenary.

The Punjab Government will commemorate the centenary of Komagata Maru tragedy by installing a replica of the steamship Komagata Maru at the Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur in Jalandhar in February 2015.

Yours truly, By Vishnu Bisram

Source: Dr Inder Singh Chair of GOPIO

Support the Remembrance Day Walk

Dear Editor, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is observed on the third Sunday of November each year by an increasing number of countries on every continent around the world (Guyana is no exception).

This day is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, Police and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury. This special Remembrance Day has always been observed in Guyana through an Awareness Walk, which is

meant to respond to the great need for reduction of road crashes and road fatalities. It is also intended for public recognition of their family’s loss and suffering.

This Awareness Walk is spearheaded by the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department and other road safety stakeholders. Please find below details of this activity: Date: November 16

Assembly Point: Kitty Seawall Junction (Pump Station)

Assembly Time: 15:0015:30h

Move-off time: 16:00h

Apologies in order for AG

Dear Editor

I view with great consternation the public statements uttered by Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge, from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), on Monday when the combined Opposition was notified of the President’s decision to prorogue Parliament.

Mr Greenidge said among other things that King Charles 1 was beheaded because he prorogued Parliament, sending the subliminal threat that the road President Donald Ramotar chose is one that could have that possibility.

This statement is a very damning one that came from the APNU executive and cannot be perceived in any other way than a threat to the life of the President of Guyana. Greenidge didn’t stop there.

He went on further to state that APNU will not be supporting any agreements made with investors during the period of prorogation. In essence he is publicly promulgating fear in the minds of the business community, the electorate and the Executive arm of Government.

Mr Ramjattan, who is the leader of the AFC, is on record publicly inciting violent and racial undertones over the recent proroguing of Parliament. He said that “we have to ensure that their action must have a reaction”.

He then brought in the issue of race and said that somehow it was the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that would “beat” the

East Indians and have it aired on National Communications Network (NCN) to amass support, saying that the people will spontaneously react to the frustration of the prorogation.

“This PPP/C is provoking that which could be very serious to itself,” said Ramjattan. His remarks, like the ones made by his colleague Greenidge, are clearly intended to incite violence and promulgate fear in the minds of the citizenry.

Just recently, it was in the news that Ramjattan verbally abused a reporter attached to NCN, hurling profane remarks at the reporter because he was questioned about the so-called $30 million each bribe buyout of three Opposition MPs by the PPP/C, which he said he knew of but could not substantiate.

The Guyana Press Association and the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) have spoken on the abusive behavior of Mr Ramjattan. However, as to only issue a slap on the wrist, they said that “abuse of journalists must not happen and cannot be condoned”.

Nothing more was advanced over the profanity laced rants that the reporter had to endure at the hands of Mr Ramjattan.

It is my hope, that the Guyana Human Rights Association, the GBA (to which Ramjattan falls under, since he is an attorney-at-law) and the Guyana Association of Women Layers and ideally, all the relevant oversight bodies address these damning threats that these men have orated publicly with an intent

that is seemingly calculated.

After all, it was these same bodies that were very vociferous and unrelenting in their call for the resignation of the Attorney General over a private recording that was attributed to him.

If one were to contextualize the statements that were made by Ramjattan and Greenidge it is equal, if not worse than what was advanced by the voice purporting to be that of Attorney General, who said among other things that people would react violently to Kaieteur News if it continues to slaughter people’s character.

At least what was said here is uncertain and has to be verified, since it was a private conversation which was recorded. However, the threats made by Ramjattan and Greenidge were said publicly with the intent to cause harm, fear and mischief.

I await the responses, condemnations and calls for resignations of these men, who it seems can be very liberal in the use of their words publicly yet, only get slaps on their wrists, while the Attorney General is being taken to the gallows for a manipulated private recording that was attributed to him.

Unless, they issue a statement calling for the resignation of these men, they should apologize to the Attorney General. I await the impartiality of these bodies, if it goes for one it goes for all.

Yours sincerely, Faruk Mohamed

Letters continued on page 17

Route: Walk along the Carifesta Avenue, turn right into Seawall Road to the Police Band Stand, where short presentations will conclude the activity.

Please note T-Shirts will be provided (free of cost) specifically for those who will participate in this walk. It is in this regard, the GNRSC is hereby seeking your usual cooperation for this meaningful activity and assistance to mobilise and invite you and your staff to this Awareness Walk.

For further information, contact the GNRSC Secretariat on telephone 2260384, 617-1525.

Yours respectfully, Ramona Doorgen Coordinator, GNRSC

Page Foundation

New rapid response tactics are needed to defeat the Ebola virus in Liberia, according to the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

More than 6600 people have been infected in the country, but figures suggest the number of new infections has started to fall.

MSF says it now has more hospital capacity than patients and called for a shift in tactics. It wants rapid response teams to tackle Ebola hotspots when they flare up.

Liberia has been the worst-hit country in the Ebola epidemic with nearly half of all cases.

However, it is the first to begin to turn around its fortunes – the rate of new infections is continuing to increase in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

The World Health Organisation said it was feeling confident that it was getting the upper hand on the virus in Liberia.

MSF said that its treatment centre in the capital Monrovia

Ebola facts

had 250 beds, but was treating just 50 patients.

Meanwhile, a site in Foya, in the north of the country, has not had a single patient since October 30.

“Isolation units in Monrovia and some other parts of the country now have adequate capacity and we must adapt the strategy if we want to stay ahead of the curve and beat the epidemic.”

Sudden outbreaks of Ebola will continue to emerge in

Ebola is a serious infectious illness which often proves fatal.

People are infected when they have direct contact through broken skin, or the mouth and nose, with the blood, vomit, faeces or bodily fluids of someone with Ebola.

The virus can be present in urine and semen too.

Infection may also occur through direct

towns and villages in Liberia as the epidemic progresses.

Tezera said: “Priority should be given to a more flexible approach that allows a rapid response to new outbreaks and gets the regular healthcare system safely up and running again.”

Such teams would specialise in isolating patients, tracing those who came into contact with the sick, organising safe burials, decontamination and

contact with contaminated bedding, clothing and surfaces – but only through broken skin.

It is still unclear how long the virus exists on surfaces, but there is some evidence to suggest it can last up to six days. Bleach and chlorine can kill Ebola.

The disease is not airborne, like flu. Very close direct contact with an infected person is required for the virus to be passed to another person.

mobilising local communities.

US, Britain and other countries have been building treatment centres and training health-care workers in the affected countries.

Alongside these teams, MSF called for efforts to support the few remaining hospitals in the country.

It is setting up Ebola screening points next to hospitals so that fear of Ebola does not force them to close.

In order to achieve their new strategy, MSF is calling on Governments to be more flexible with the money they pledge to tackling Ebola.

Dr Nico Heijenberg, the MSF Emergency Coordinator, said: “Much of the international aid funding for the Ebola response is earmarked for specific projects.

“Instead, international donors and implementing organisations should deploy their resources with flexibility so that they can be used where they are needed most.”

However, there remains concern that the number of cases could go up again in Liberia. There have already been false dawns in Guinea, where the number of patients increased following earlier drops in hospital admissions.

Meanwhile in Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says four soldiers and their commanding officer will be punished after a boy was killed during protests against quarantine measures in Monrovia. (BBC News)

Continued from tuesday

When I work with teens who act out excessively, I ask them questions like this. You can try them with your teenager, again during a calm time:

“What is it that you really want? Is it more power to make your own decisions? More freedom?”

“How are you trying to have influence to get what you want? How well is it working for you?”

In most cases, the teen will admit it’s not working very well for him. From there, you can shift the discussion into coaching mode by saying:

working. It’s an opportunity to coach him on how to have positive influence to get what he legitimately wants.

Reward trust-building behaviour

We catch children making mistakes all the time. Show your teen what he’s doing –specifically – that builds trust with you. Here’s an example: If your son responds maturely to being told he can’t stay over at a friend’s house, notice the specific actions that worked and reward them with positive praise. It could sound like this:

“I noticed you said that you’ve used the same strategy with me several times, but it isn’t working the way you hoped. I’d be happy to suggest some different strategies that would work really well with me. Are you interested in hearing what I have to say?”

You’re simply asking his opinion with genuine curiosity, not ganging up on him. Here’s another way to begin the coaching discussion.

“Do you have any ideas on what would work? I have some ideas. Do you want to hear them?”

Talking to your teen in this way about his negative influence on you helps him to see the strategy behind behaviour. His strategy for influencing you isn’t

“Even though I know you’re disappointed that you couldn’t stay over because there was no supervision, I appreciate that you showed your disappointment in a respectful way, and you came home on time. That shows maturity and respect.”

Here are some other examples of how teens can influence parents in a positive way and earn trust at the same time:

Voluntarily sharing information about their day-today activities

Working to their academic potential

Consistently abiding by house rules

Accepting responsibility for their mistakes

Meeting expectations for behaviour in the family and community

When your teen talks to you about the details of her day (without you having to pry them out of her), tell her how that influences you. When you see her being compliant with your rules (even if it’s twice), notice it. Noticing the behaviour you want to promote helps to build trust.

How to get tantrumprone teens to talk If your teenager always seems to be having an outburst, you might wonder how on earth you can talk to them at a “calm time”. Try this: Just talk to your children about non-controversial subjects. It creates a flow of open communication in your home. When communication is generally more open, you may find it gets less heated around controversial topics.

Although it may be hard to imagine in the heat of an argument, there is a silver lining to teen tantrums. But you have to look at it in the context of normal adolescent development. Your teen is a work in progress, rather than a finished product. To be successful as an adult, she will have to be able to identify and advocate for her own needs and persist in the face of adversity. Realise that when your teen is pushing (albeit inappropriately), she is practising behaviours that, when refined, are very useful life skills to have as an adult. (Excerpt from empoweringparents)

Dr Surujbally derides PPP/C's concerns on GECOM

BY JOMO PAUL

Guyana

Elections Commission (GECOM)

Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has lashed out at People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee for his continuous criticism of the work of the Commission.

Over the past weeks, the PPP/C has raised several concerns with respect to GECOM’s preparations for elections and the training and hiring of staff.

Only recently, Rohee had said the Commission had given October 30 for the date when the Original List of Electors (OLE) would have been published.

But on Monday, November 3, he told reporters at a press conference

prevents the Chief Elections Officer from sharing the OLE with political parties.

GECOM has already given the greenlight on the OLE.”

He contended too that as far as he is aware, the list should have already been circulated to the political parties, namely the PPP/C, the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the other stakeholders in Guyana political sphere.

“I think we have circulated it,” Dr Surujbally said, explaining that he was out of the jurisdiction for a period of time.

He added that “if he hasn’t done it, he will be doing it shortly”.

The GECOM Chairman went on to say that he believes the PPP/C General Secretary is making mountains out of molehills and

at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown that the management of GECOM is yet to inform the party of any developments or setbacks as it relates to the publication of the list.

“The PPP/C is still awaiting their copy or a definitive word from GECOM” as relates to the list being released, Rohee said.

But GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Surujbally told Guyana Times on Tuesday that as far as he is aware, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield was supposed to have commenced circulation of the OLE.

“There is nothing that

blowing up issues that could have been resolved by the way of correspondence.

According to Dr Surujbally, Rohee has been raising several concerns through the media, but has not officially written to GECOM to seek clarity on any of those issues.

Dr Surujbally said he would “not be responding to any media article” pointing out that “if Rohee has questions, he can write me, I will not respond until he writes me”.

He contended that he has adopted this position because he will not be able to verify without a shadow

of doubt what is reported it the media.

Dr Surujbally also reaffirmed that “if he (Rohee) wants to engage me, he has to write.”

At a recent press conference, the PPP/C General Secretary had called on GECOM to immediately make public the list of persons selected for elections training, the general areas of training undergone and the selection criteria that was used to hire the staff.

“The Guyanese people are curious to know, whether the persons selected demonstrates proper and adequate representation of all our people. The PPP/C is curious to know the contents of GECOM’s training, be it for Local or General Elections and how it is this decision was taken considering the AFC’s NoConfidence Motion and the APNU sponsored countrywide damp protest for Local Government Elections,” Rohee said.

He contended too that the populace and the PPP/C are now left to wonder what training was conducted with these persons, taking into consideration the “dilemma” that the political sphere and by extension the country is placed by the recent actions of the AFC and APNU.

The Opposition, Rohee said, seems to be in a "state of hibernation when it comes to GECOM’s affairs… is it that they are privy to privileged information that is restricted from the PPP or are they huffing and puffing without oxygen”.

Dynamic Airways back in the skies on November 22

Local representative of Dynamic Airlines, Captain Gerry Gouveia on Tuesday confirmed that the Americanowned airline has received the necessary approval from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to recommence operations here.

Approval has been granted for the airline to commence operations from Guyana to the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, in New York, US beginning on November 22.

In a telephone interview with this newspaper, Gouveia was elated to disclose that the aviation authorities had given the greenlight on Monday after the airline would have provided some additional documents requested.

The local representative further stated that with the airline recommencing operations, customers can expect the best service possi

ble.

However, the approval granted by the GCAA will come to an end on June 9, 2015, but once all goes well, Gouveia explained, the airline will make additional applications to continue its service to the Guyanese market.

Also, as part of the approval package, the airline and its travel agencies are allowed to sell tickets for the approved period (November 22-June 9).

The airline will be plying the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Almost three months ago, Dynamic Airways suspend-

ed flights from Georgetown to the JFK Airport, owing to a number of issues, including problematic ground handling personnel.

The airline entered the Guyanese market in June, but after a few flights, suspended services after it was unable to operate out of the JFK. The service was expected to resume on August 18, but more challenges surfaced.

According to the airline, this suspension would have allowed it to secure time slots at the JFK, organise better ground handling and check-in processes, as well as secure schedule integrity.

In mid-August, the US authority on aviation, the Department of Transportation published its list of public charters for 2014 and Dynamic Airways’ operation along the Georgetown/New York route was listed as being cancelled, effective August 6, two days before it was scheduled to re-enter the Guyanese market.

In October, the US

Ayoung female employee was terrorised on Monday afternoon by irate gunmen after there was no money they would have stolen at a scrap metal business located in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

The injured 18-year-old woman, Shelly Suknandan, a cashier at Envirotech, was gun-butted twice to her head and hit about the body during the 10-minute ordeal. The incident occurred just after midday.

Aman is now hospitalised after being shot during an argument at Tiger Creek Landing, Puruni, Mazaruni River, on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 09:30h.

The injured man has been identified as Cecil Nelson, 36, of Eastville, Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

Police, in a press release, said Nelson had an argument with another man during which he was shot in the left foot.

He was rushed to a medical institution and admitted.

The Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who has reportedly gone into hiding.

Back in June 2010, another miner was shot in the right foot while walking along a trail at Tiger Creek Landing, Puruni.

The investigations revealed that John Wills, 25, of Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was walking along a trail when he was shot just after midnight.

According to the young woman, she was sitting outside the office in the yard when a white Sunny Nissan motor vehicle drove into the compound and two armed men emerged.

She said both men walked up to her, completely ignoring the other worker a short distance away. The bandits had their faces covered so she could not identify any of them.

The young woman recalled that they asked for the money to hand over, but she did not have any at the

office and when she so informed them, one of the robbers became angry and hit her on her head with his handgun.

“I fell down and he kicked me on my leg, but I got up and he hit me again on my head, asking for the keys. I had them in my pocket and I give it to him because there was no money inside the office so I had nothing to hide…. One of them then dragged me by my hair in the office and kept on hitting me about my body,” the young woman recounted.

The traumatised teen explained that after the gunmen did not find any money, they took her Samsung Galaxy cellular phone and her handbag, before making good their escape.

“The car was parked in such a way that they just jumped in and drove out the yard, heading in the direction of Georgetown,” she stated.

Suknandan has been working at Envirotech for the past three weeks. The business is owned by a rela-

Department of Transport has reportedly granted approval for Dynamic Airways to operate at a variety of destinations in South America, and as such, plans moved apace to resume regular flights between New York and Georgetown, in November.

Apart from that route, the airline will also inaugurate services between Orlando and destinations in Brazil, Canada, and US.

Meanwhile, TravelSpan in October announced that a block seat agreement for Guyanese travelling to and from the United States has been reached with Dynamic Airlines. The block agreement will give the company the additional seats for the holiday and air and hotel packages for its valued customers.

Also with the new arrangements, the company is offering a special fare for the first flight, $499 round trip, tax included. Those who wish to book with TravelSpan can contact the airline on travelspan.com.

tive. The young woman said during the ordeal, there was another relative in the compound, who apparently was unable to assist her.

She went on to say that two young men at a nearby shop witnessed the incident, but could not have done anything since the men were armed.

However, the 18-year-old noted that after the bandits left the scene, the two men rushed over and rendered assistance to her as her head was bleeding. They subsequently rushed her to a Guyana Defence Force medical base nearby where her wounds were cleaned and dressed. She then went to the Police station to lodge a formal complaint about the incident.

Suknandan related that she found it strange that the men had asked for the keys, but further related to this newspaper that someone had come into the compound less than 10 minutes before, enquiring if they would take a truckload of scrap iron.

GPHC takes issue with unhealthy meals

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has called on persons to desist from bringing meals for relatives and friends who are admitted to the hospital.

Speaking with Guyana Times, GPHC Public Relations Officer Mitzy Campbell stated that the hospital provided meals for patients and there was no need for visitors to provide additional meals.

Campbell noted that certain patients are on “special diets”, but sometimes visitors would still bring in unhealthy foods that can counteract the treatments given to patients.

She said these actions by visitors prompted the GPHC to ask persons to stop bringing meals as they can seriously affect the treatment given to patients.

“All meals provided are planned and prepared by Dieticians who are onboard at the hospital,” Campbell explained, noting that they are specially prepared based on the conditions of the patients.

According to a release, the hospi-

tal maintains that it considers the patients’ well-being and, therefore, supplies them with well-balanced diets.

The GPHC also advises persons not to bring aerated beverages to patients. However, coconut water and water are

allowed.

“Nevertheless, if visitors do wish to bring meals for their friends/relatives, they should first seek the advice of the doctors and nurses before doing so,” the release said.

Youths need vibrant voice on public matters – forum hears

Anumber of young people are of the view that generally youths do not have a noticeable voice on policies of national development, more particularly on issues affecting them.

They aired their views at a recent workshop hosted by the Guyana National Youth Council in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Republican Institute (IRI).

The workshop was aimed at educating young people on their rights, their power as a collective unit and what they can do to influence policies that may affect them.

or teachers.

He noted that young people must know what they want and should strategise how to achieve it, pointing out that they are agents of change but would have to be focused to make things happen.

A University of Guyana (UG) student contended that young people were not given a proper voice because politicians, regardless of the political party they represent, all belong to the “old boys’” political system.

people who listen”.

He said young people needed to stop complaining about being ignored by their leaders and approach them with their concerns either in groups, individually or by writing to them.

He said it was not fair for young people to criticise their leaders when they themselves are not playing their role as members of “civil society”.

Eyew tness Wassup???...

...with “constitutionalGranger’scrisis”??

We know Granger’s only recently been parachuted into the political arena, courtesy of his sponsor Robert Corbin. (Incidentally, where the heck is Corbin?? Now that riots loom in the background, fellas with his skills-set are gonna be needed!!) But still you’d think the old army desk-jockey would’ve brushed up on our Constitution, no??

After all, it’s like the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for politicians...and would’ve saved Granger a whole heap of embarrassment. And not to mention heartburn for those who take him seriously. Meaning Lurlene Nestor and that Ramsey girl, who always interviews him on TV. Here’s Granger running around the place like a chicken without a head, screaming about a “constitutional crisis” because the President prorogued Parliament!!

OK, his handlers might’ve thought the whole Constitution was too much for him to digest (What’s he?? 75??), but at least they could’ve told him about Article 70. It’s very brief and to the point. Section (1) declares: “The President may at any time by proclamation prorogue Parliament; and Section (2): “The President may at any time by proclamation dissolve Parliament.”

Which part of those two lines doesn’t Granger understand??

If the President uses a prerogative granted to him by the highest law of the land – especially in such an unequivocal manner – how the heck can it precipitate a “constitutional crisis”???!! What it can, and evidently has done, is to create an “existential crisis” for Granger. He and his accomplices in crime from the AFC had been rubbing their hands with glee – while cackling maniacally – because they thought they had the President by the “short hairs” with their NoConfidence Motion.

Now they’re so discombobulated and distraught after the President’s prorogation riposte, some of them are threatening to jump off the balcony at Parliament Building. But the sad thing about the whole incident – that’s still playing out – is through Granger’s ignorance, or through his cynical deliberate misstatement of the facts, he has resorted to uttering some pretty serious threats about violence.

The participants at the workshop voiced discontent, saying that youths are not consulted when policies are drafted that directly or indirectly affect them.

A good example, he pointed out, can be found in Parliament as not many young parliamentarians are taken seriously.

Norwell Hinds of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said young people needed to share their views frankly, be it with their friends, family

USAID/IRI Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project Chief of Party

Glenn Bradbury said “we’re not run by old men and women; we’re run by

A young woman said the people needed to tell their leaders what changes they wanted to see, pointing out that if this did not happen, things would remain the same.

University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) Vice President, Dr Melissa Ifill urged the youths not to become discouraged as change was not an overnight process.

He thinks he’s so clever to disguise his call to arms to his supporters by using Forbes Burnham coded language that set off riots in Georgetown in the 1960s – using words like “violence”, “riots”, “danger”, etc, in seemingly innocuous sentences.

Because these things can get out of hand so easily, we call upon Granger to tone down his rhetoric. And to use the free time on his hands (he and his MPs will still be paid) to bone up on the Guyana Constitution.

...with Ramjattan’s bribery three??

Remember when Ramjattan swore up and down that he had information the PPP/C had bribed “three Opposition MPs” to vote “no” on their No-Confidence Motion?? His buddy Granger was pretty miffed – there is, after all, honour among thieves. But Ramjattan didn’t budge even when Teixeira threatened to “haul his ass” to the Privileges Committee!

Well, now, the other foot’s dropped. If the PPP/C had bought out three Opposition MPs, the President would’ve had no need to avoid its chaotic denouement by going the “prorogue” route!! When the vote was called, they would simply have had their “bought MP” vote “NO!!!”. End of story. But now that it’s been proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that Ramjattan’s been lying through his teeth the whole time, don’t expect any apologies to the President or the PPP/C from that wanker.

Right after the reconvening of Parliament, Teixeira should nail Ramjattan in the Privileges Committee for his gratuitous slander. Even Granger might want to clear his “honourable” name!!

...with the Mook

The Mook’s been moving mountains to lessen the jail time he faces on tax fraud. His writers’ve been pleading public support. After weeks, one fella showed up at Saffon Street, then one other at the AG’s Chambers. Isn’t it pathetic for him to resort to giving Opposition’s protesters in front of Parliament placards against the AG?? Pitiful!!

Citizens reject Opposition’s “mass protest” calls

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

t was business as usual

Ion Tuesday as the majority of Guyanese chose to ignore strident calls made by the combined Opposition parliamentary parties for them to support "mass protests" and be part of an “aggressive rejection” of President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue sittings of the National Assembly.

While quite a few Guyanese expressed disappointment over the President’s decision, a solid majority of those who spoke with this publication accepted that he acted in their interest and after the lack of compromise on the part of the parliamentary Opposition.

“I do not have time to protest. Let the APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] and AFC [Alliance For Change] try deh. I am a single parent and I have to look after my family. I not supporting any unrests and violence,” Narissa Parker told Guyana Times.

Another Guyanese, Mark Singh explained that he was disappointed that President Ramotar prorogued Parliament, as he was looking forward to seeing the Government defend its track-record in light of all of the scandals facing the Executive.

“But I will not join any protest and I am not going to support the APNU’s call to the streets. I believe things are far better in Guyana today and I will work very hard to ensure that my family feels safe and secure here. I got scared when I heard Granger and Ramjattan start with this stupidness again,” he explained.

Other Guyanese also voiced their concerns over the situation at the parliamentary level, but explained that they support a peaceful resolution to the problem.

Sheer politics

“What is wrong with talking to each other and resolving things in our interest? Is sheer politics, the Government and Opposition playing but it’s none of my business? All I know is that Debbie and she children not joining no protest line this time round,” 49-year-old Debbie Mars told Guyana Times on Tuesday.

In fact, a large section of the populace in Essequibo, Linden, Berbice and Georgetown appeared concerned over the calls made by APNU and the AFC to resist the President’s decision.

Some Guyanese explained that they have no interest in supporting Granger’s decision to call a No-Confidence Motion against the Government.

Others maintained

that while they wanted the Government to become more transparent, accountable and corruption-free, they would not tolerate any sort of instability and street marches held by the APNU and its alliance partner the AFC.

“These are different times. I don’t think anybody want to make the country ungovernable. As a Guyanese I want the President and Opposition to talk. I do not support mass protests,” James Mc Pherson insisted.

Meanwhile, a majority of the businesses approached by this newspaper for a comment said that they are saddened by the behaviour of the political Opposition and the irresponsible statements made by some of the leaders.

Anti-business

Others say the calls made by APNU and the AFC for mass protests or to support such an avenue are anti-business and anti-development.

One business owner said should she suffer any loses in sales or any attempt is made to breach the integrity of her business, she will blame it on the opportunistic attitude of the Opposition parties.

“Now is not the time. Now is not the season. Things good and business good. The Opposition want create trouble and I am not supporting them.”

When contacted on Monday, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told Guyana Times that President Ramotar met with civil society and other stakeholders to discuss the rationale behind his decision.

Hinds said the meeting took place at the Office of President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

While not disclosing those who were part of the meeting, Hinds said the turnout was good, as there was representation from a wide-cross section of society.

He explained that the meeting apart from focusing on the President’s decision to prorogue Parliament also explored avenues that can be taken to move the country forward.

Asked whether the Government would be approaching the Opposition to engage in talks, Prime Minister Hinds said while it is the Government’s intention to do so, given the current atmosphere, it is unlikely that talks will begin soon.

On Monday, both the AFC and APNU vowed to resist the President’s proclamation.

“APNU calls on all the good people of Guyana everywhere to join in a civil

movement for the restoration of Parliamentary democracy by peacefully resisting the resort by the PPP/C [People's Progressive Party/Civic] to dictatorship,” Opposition Leader David Granger said on Monday.

But it was AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan who in his message to the people sought to incite violent protests.

“They are playing with violence,” Ramjattan warned as he addressed the Speaker, the Opposition and the press in the Parliament Chambers.

He added: “We have to ensure that their action must have a reaction,” promising in part to ensure that the prorogation of Parliament here is “regionalised and internationalised”.

President internationalises info on prorogation

... stresses need for cooperation, not conflict

Hours after President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament, he met with the Diplomatic Corps on Monday evening and enlightened them on the reasons behind this drastic but necessary decision.

The meeting was held at the Office of the President as the Head of State briefed the foreign representatives and furnished them with copies of his address to the nation in which he made the announcement, along with the Official Gazette in which the Proclamation 1 of 2014 to prorogue was published.

The high-level meeting was attended by several members of the local diplomatic corps. The President updated the officials on the current state of Parliamentary affairs while clarifying Government’s position and the way forward, within Guyana’s constitutional framework.

Efforts made by the Guyana Times to make contact with key members of the Diplomatic Corp on Tuesday proved futile. This newspaper was told to make contact today as the officials would by this time be able to comment on the issue after engaging in further dialogue with Government.

On November 4, during a previous telecast address to the nation, President Ramotar highlighted the importance of deliberations with priority being given to the several matters before the National Assembly, as preparations were being made for the first post recess sitting.

At the same time he warned that he would dissolve or prorogue Parliament if the House steered away from Government’s business and pushed the debate on the Opposition-tabled NoConfidence Motion.

In Monday’s address, the President explained that his Government has chosen the Constitutional route of Prorogation and not proceed with the debate.

The latter option, he emphasized has a possibility of fueling a confrontation and as such the former option was the practical choice. Ramotar assured the public that during the period of prorogation, his Government would continue to work address the burning issues affecting the country.

“It is, however, my genuine desire to have the prorogation of the 10th Parliament ended sooner were my Government and the Opposition to reach an agreement for a return to normalcy. Further were these entreaties of cooperation by my Government to be unsuccessful, I would then take the necessary steps for the holding of early General Elections

so that the democratic will of our people can be freely exercised,” the Head of the State proclaimed.

Following the prorogation of Parliament, the Private Sector voiced its concerns about the future of the business sector over the next few months.

In a brief statement, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) expressed its disappointment over the continued absence of political compromise between Government and the Opposition.

“It is obviously not a situation conducive to a stable business environment or encouraging to business investment,” the release stated.

Nevertheless, the sector remained hopeful that good sense will prevail as Guyana’s interests dominates over what it calls potentially destructive narrow political intent.

Armed escort gets 18 months for robbery

One of the men accused of committing a $9.2 million robbery was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted for the offence on Tuesday.

Mark Worrell was the security guard on escort duty at the time of the robbery on a security service truck.

During their first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Aman Lalchand and Worrell were said to have robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Dennis

Abrams of a quantity of cash and 10 cheques valued $9.2 million, property of Courts Guyana Inc on July 1 at Georgetown, being armed with a gun.

The men are alleged to have also robbed Abrams of one .32 Taurus revolver and six rounds of .32 ammunition valued $130,000, property of RK’s Security Guyana Inc.

They were not required to plead to the indictable charges.

According to the Prosecutor, Police Corporal Venetta Pindar,

Worrell and the Virtual Complainant (VC) worked with RK’s Security and had collected a quantity of cash and cheques from Courts. While on Lombard Street around 17:45h, Pindar said, Lalchand and another person drove up to Abrams and Worrell. Lalchand then pointed a gun at Abrams and relieved him of the gun and cash.

The court then heard that Lalchand made good his escape in a waiting car.

After Police interrogation, Pindar related,

Worrell took the lawmen to a Number 50 Village, Corentyne, Berbice home where Lalchand was found with the money. The Prosecutor said while the cash was recovered, the firearm and ammunition were not.

Attorney-at-Law

Patrice Henry, who represented Worrell, applied for reasonable bail for his client on the grounds that he has no antecedents, poses no risk of flight, has a fixed place of abode and has been cooperating with Police. He said that, according to his information, the 21-year-old, who resides at 84 St Stephen Street, Charlestown, was “actually the victim of the said allegation”.

He said he was surprised that after assisting the Police with their investigations his client was arraigned, as a car had “just pulled up” and robbed the men.

DIS

Satiricus was so proud of the Naga Man. Here it was this man was singlehandedly proving that life begins at 70. He’d already hit 65 when he entered law school, with his youngest daughter two years ahead of him. The older one, of course, had already been admitted to the Bar and was practising.

Satiricus would give those folks any credence who said Naga Man used to cog from his daughter back in Constitutional Law class when they both ended up in the same class.

Yes, sir!! The Naga Man never let age hold him back. In fact, his motto was, “Doah hold me back, Doah hold me back!!” Which always sounded better when you’re clinking glasses. Anyhow, the Naga Man was waxing righteous about the dastardly deed Prezzie had done.

The folks who’d been bussed in from far and wide had been waiting for lunchtime so that they could be fed. Finally, Naga Man ended his peroration by announcing dramatically, that the PPEE had “dissed” the Parliament and the people of Guyana!!

At first Satiricus was aghast: he thought he’d heard “the PPEE has pissed the Parliament...” But then his media Budday listening in said it was actually “dissed”, Satiricus’ esteem for the Naga Man shot up into the stratosphere.

Here it was, he was at least 40 years younger than the Naga Man and he couldn’t keep up with all the new slang. And Naga Man could so easily talk about “dissing” and all that. When did Naga Man become such a hood rat??

So he leaned forward to listen to the rest of Naga Man’s rant on the PPEE.

“Yeah, blood!! The PPEE be dissing us, man. We can’t take it no mo’. We ain’t gonna be nobody’s bitch! Yeah dawg, we gotta get real hardcore and get down on them n****!!”

That’s when the crowd got all silent and all. Very silent. Naga Man slunk back into Parliament. Once again he didn’t know when to stop.

Suspected cannabis trafficker remanded

Adjoodhi Persaud was on Tuesday remanded to prison on a trafficking in narcotics charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It is alleged that on November 10 at the North West District, he had in his possession 38 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking to which he entered a notguilty plea.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant noted that the Police, acting on information received, went to the defendant’s shop where

a search was conducted and the cannabis was found. The defendant was told of the offence, arrested, and charged. The defendant’s Attorney noted that the substance was found in his client’s house and not on his person. He also noted that the house had several other occupants and that anyone could have placed the drug there.

Bail was objected to on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence and the fact that no special reasons were given. Bail was subsequently not granted. The matter was transferred to the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court for November 17.

10th Parliament should resume earliest – OAS Secretary General

…urges Govt, Opposition to work in best interest of country

Organisation of American States (OAS)

Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza has called for the resumption of the 10th Parliament at the earliest, urging the Government and the Opposition to work at reaching a consensus on issues affecting Guyana’s future.

Insulza, in a statement on Tuesday, recognised that President Donald Ramotar had acted within the framework of Guyana’s Constitution when he opted to prorogue the 10th Parliament for a maxi-

mum of six months, with immediate effect.

The Secretary General’s comments came after Government forwarded correspondence of the Proclamation Number 1 of 2014 to various international and regional bodies, informing them of the decision.

According to Insulza, any democratic society allows Parliament to make checks and balances and let the voices of the people be heard; however, he noted that since the 2011 Elections, Guyana has had a split governance system

Still no monitoring for Ebola at Berbice backtrack route

By Alexis Rodney

While Government continues efforts to beef up surveillance activities at ports of entry across the country, mechanisms are still to be put in place at the backtrack route at Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Both Guyanese and citizens of Suriname have been utilising that port, when leaving their respective countries to carry out various activities.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud related that the Ministry does not have the capacity to monitor the situation at Corriverton.

At the Moleson Creek Stelling, he explained that there was only one Port Health Officer assisted by an Environmental Health Assistant. He said that while the Ministry was aware of the schedule of the boats at Moleson Creek, the port at Corriverton posed a challenge.

He said he hoped all parties and stakeholders involved could work to address the issue. Dr Persaud explained that as far as he was aware, neighbouring Suriname had already put mechanisms in place in preparations in the event of Ebola cases occurring close by.

According to the CMO, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran is currently in discussions, seeking to strengthen surveillance and regularise travel at the Moleson Creek Stelling.

The Lethem Port is also under stringent surveillance, Dr Persaud related, pointing out that while it is usually used by Guyanese and Brazilian travellers, there have been reports that foreign nationals would occasionally pass through as well.

“We have surveillance in place. We have the Port Health Officer assisted by the Regional Environment Officer. And they are screening the passengers, especially those who may be travelling from any West African territories,” Dr Persaud told Guyana Times

Asked about the capacity of the Port Health Officers at the various locations, Dr Persaud said they have all been adequately trained. He explained that since the entrance of SARS and other communicable diseases, the Ministry had begun an active training programme.

“The persons are competent enough to carry out their work. And we are guiding them as we go along.”

And as the Ministry ups public awareness about the deadly Ebola virus, Dr Persaud said a commitment has been made to provide “as much information as possible to passengers, both incoming and outgoing on Ebola. We have also been able to get some work done with PAHO for support to print some flyers to distribute and to put up alert notices at all the airports: both Ogle and Cheddi Jagan International Airports, where international flights arrive”.

Explaining the steps in carrying out surveillance at the airport, Dr Persaud related that all flights destined for Georgetown, are required to prepare a flight declaration, which would include information on the health of the passengers.

“If there is any ill passengers on board, if people are using the bathroom frequently, complaining of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and any of the symptoms of Ebola and other communicable diseases, they would need to document that on the flight declaration,” he said.

At arrival at the airport, that declaration is handed to a Port Health Officer, who goes through it thoroughly.

If the airline indicates that there is a sick passenger, he explained that the individual would be removed to the temporary quarantine area where all procedures, including the use of Personal Protective Gear, will be adhered to. He said the Ministry has already identified an ambulance to transport any such person to the isolation unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Dr Persaud said since the commencement of the screening exercise in September, some 27 persons have been reviewed.

Sixteen entered in September, with the majority being students from several African countries, including Nigeria.

“Those students are taken through a questionnaire asking about their travel history, if they were in contact with sick persons.” Dr Persaud stressed that these individuals are usually monitored, with much emphasis placed on measuring their temperature, and checking their vital signs.

The Health Ministry is

currently working with two private medical schools: the Georgetown University and Texila University, which both have students from Nigeria.

and this situation presents both challenges and opportunities for all parties in Guyana to work together for the greater good of the country.

On this note, the OAS Secretary General urged both the Government and the Opposition parties to intensify their efforts so that they can arrive at a compromise or understanding on major political and socio-economic issues facing the country.

President Ramotar on Monday followed through with his warning to suspend Parliament if the Opposition sought to disrupt Government’s business and push for the debate on the No-Confidence Motion tabled against the ruling party.

During his address to the nation on Monday ahead of the first post-recess sitting of the National Assembly, President Ramotar said he resolved to exercise his constitutional options to either pro-

rogue or dissolve Parliament, paving the way for the hosting of a General Election.

“Consistent with my earlier position and in accordance with powers conferred on me by Article 70 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana, I earlier today is-

sued a Proclamation proroguing the 10th Parliament,” the President stated.

Ramotar explained that his decision was not taken lightly, noting that it was the only option he had to ensure that the life of the 10th Parliament was preserved.

He reassured the public that during this period of prorogation, his Government will continue to engage the parliamentary Opposition.

“It is, however, my genuine desire to have the prorogation of the 10th Parliament ended sooner were my Government and the Opposition to reach an agreement for a return to normalcy. Further, were these entreaties of cooperation by my Government to be unsuccessful, I would then take the necessary steps for the holding of early General Elections so that the democratic will of our people can be freely exercised,” he posited.

wednesdAY, november 12, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Politicians are not masters, they work for the people – LEAD Project Chief of

BY ANAsTAsIA ClEMENTsoN

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/ the International Republican Institute (IRI) LEAD Project Chief of Party

Glenn Bradbury said politicians work for the people, and only when the latter makes this happen, there will be genuine change.

He expressed these sentiments at a recent workshop at the National Library attended by scores of youth from various organisations.

The workshop organised by the interim Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) aims to educate young people about the importance of civil society to Guyana and the local Government system.

The GNYC is of the belief that young people generally are not aware of their rights and how they can effect change.

Party

ticians see division and they are unable to decide what is needed, and thus may implement policies that benefit one section of society.

Bradbury acknowledged that it was not easy to “break through the walls” that politicians are known to erect when something new is tried, but history has shown that persistence is a great tool in breaking new ground.

Disconnect

The Chief of Party said young people in Guyana were given a variety of options to be part of the decision process of the nation’s leaders, such opportunities “most non-democratic countries do not permit”.

He said due to this disconnect, politicians may not inject funds where they were much needed to the great benefit of the people.

He explained that persons put an unnecessary amount of dependence on the Opposition to air their views or ensure that the Government was fulfilling its duty to the people.

However, Bradbury explained that the Opposition was usually misinformed as well about their role as leaders.

They believe they are there to criticise the Government, thus, even if the Government puts forward “the greatest idea since slice bread”, it will be shut down simply because they (the Opposition) did not think of it first.

Consequently, Bradbury stressed the importance of civil society and youth participation in ensuring leaders keep the people in mind when implementing policies, as politicians just do not “get it” sometimes.

Bradbury said politicians like anyone else are liable to make mistakes; hence, there is nothing wrong in the people providing guidance to them.

implemented based on consultation with the masses and media reports.

The Chief of Party told the youths that he was once part of a political party in Canada, and policies were

He said cohesion is important in effecting change and politicians have to adopt an approach where they see things broadly.

Generally, he said, poli-

On this note, he said, it would be a greatly missed opportunity not to take advantage of a democratic Guyana.

Bradbury also highlighted the disconnect that sometimes occur between the people and politicians.

not be taken for granted

– Rohee

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Home Affairs Clement Rohee on Sunday said freedom should not be taken for granted as he called on Essequibians to spend some time reflecting on Guyana’s struggles and sacrifices and the heroes, who fought for freedom for the entire nation.

Rohee was at the time speaking at a special annual Remembrance Day Memorial Service held on the lawns of the Anna Regina Town Council, Region Two.

Rohee noted that for any freedom gained, there is a struggle and a story behind.

The Minister noted in remembering the veterans of World War 2, homage must be paid to the tremendous sacrifices they made for the entire nation.

He said: “The ultimate sacrifices made by the servicemen have come a far way today, we are forever indebted to them; they fought for peace and freedom and even

lost their life in the process.” He called on Essequibians to use the freedom to foster peace as well as strengthened ties within the various communities.

Rohee said: “Remember freedom must not be taken for granted, remember those who would have gone before us, you are all fortunate to be living in a prosperous and free nation, a nation that is free and a land fill with opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said his administration is pleased to remember the fallen heroes annually. He said the soldiers gave their lives for a better world. Wreaths were laid at the base of the cenotaph built in memory of the fallen servicemen by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh, Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo and others.

Telecoms liberalisation… Digicel says another opportunity squandered

Digicel Guyana Inc

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gregory Dean on Tuesday lamented the situation the Telecommunications Bill has found itself in, pointing out that it is another missed opportunity for the sector to be liberalised.

Dean’s comments has come almost two weeks after he expressed to this publication that the company was worried that the Bill may not be passed, when Parliament reconvened.

Less than two weeks ago, the cellphone giant’s CEO had said the uncertainties surrounding the National Assembly were “a major cause for concern”.

He said Digicel was “extremely worried” that the Telecommunications Bill 2012 might not be placed high on the agenda when the National Assembly holds its next sitting.

The Telecommunication Bill is among 12 other Bills that will have to be recalled in Parliament, following the disclosure by President Donald Ramotar on Monday that the country’s legislative body had been prorogued.

The others include the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFAT), the Customs amendment, the Broadcast amendment and Education Bills, among others.

The Telecoms Bill had been before Parliament and has been awaiting debate and assent, which would in essence free up the over 20 year monopoly enjoyed by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

GT&T is Guyana’s premier telecommunications provider, coming into existence some 23 years ago. Chief Executive Officer

Radha Krishna Sharma had stated recently 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.

He had stated that there are tremendous opportunities within a “liberalised” sector. The move, he said, would afford the company the opportunity to speed up planning and focus on strategic business decisions, which include capital allocations.

Deane, who was hoping that the Bill would have been passed since earlier this year, said the sector continues to operate with uncertainty, which negatively impacts the much needed investment.

He said while he was disappointed, he is not surprised since it is the latest in efforts to liberalise the sector. He said, however, that the passage of the legislation lies in the hands of the National Assembly.

The company had been at the hub of numerous consul-

tations seeking to have the Bill, which was first tabled in August 2012, passed in the National Assembly.

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.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who had tabled the Bill in Parliament, told Guyana Times that although he is disappointed with the new development, all is not lost.

He said he is extremely disappointed that the Bill, which had made significant headway, would have to be retabled.

The Prime Minister noted that the Special Select Committee was within sight of taking the Bill to the floor to be passed.

He said persons, who were part of the Select Committee, will return and complete the process speedily.

Since coming to Guyana in 2007, Digicel Guyana Inc 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.

The CEO had said that while the company was honoured to be able to provide cellular service in interior locations, it was GT&T’s responsibility to meet the needs of those areas.

“Historically, GT&T’s agreement was on the basis that you would have a monopoly and one of the things that you would do is invest in some of these remote areas. Now, from my point of view that has been one of the failures in that I don’t think the services were provided in those remote areas.”

Ramjattan now denies inciting racial violence

... demonstrations could turn violent — US warns travellers

Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan has denied inciting racial violence in a speech made in the National Assembly on Monday afternoon.

This comment comes after sections of society took what is being described as unrestrained umbrage at Ramjattan’s choice of words and what was inferred from the statement he made to his fellow parliamentarians and by and large, the public.

Speaking during a short event held at the Public Buildings where the Speaker made the announcement that Parliament was prorogued, Ramjattan called the actions of the ruling Government “evil” and announced that his party will not be part of any talks with the PPP under duress.

“They are playing with violence,” Ramjattan warned during his speech before going on to say that “they want to provoke us into violence, but we are smarter than them. They know that that road has always led to them circling wagons and … securing victory.”

“We have to ensure that their action must have a reaction”, he said, promising in part to ensure that the prorogation of Parliament here is “regionalised and internationalised”.

The AFC Leader appeared shocked and frustrated at the manner in which the President acted which resulted in the nullification of their No-Confidence Motion against the Government. The Government, he said, took away a means by which the people and their representatives could unseat the Executive.

“Do you know what you are talking (about). People are going to spontaneously react to the frustration that they can’t get the Government out. This PPP/C is provoking that which could

be very serious to itself,” he stated.

Choosing to address only the Indian Guyanese constituency, Ramjattan said that they must be aware of the party’s possible plans to exploit them.

“This is exactly where the PPP/C wants us. And they are going to get their people if people started demonstrating and things run bad out there, to beat us East Indians and then they will play it on NCN,” he said with the intention of taking advantage of the race card.

He was quoted in another section of the media earlier on Monday as saying that he hopes that “all hell does not break loose in the streets before that time by the frustrated masses spontaneously reacting to the PPP/C’s lawlessness. The PPP/C is provoking protests…”

But, when contacted on Tuesday, the AFC Leader said his words should not be seen as inciting racial conflict.

In fact, he said: “I never did that.”

He then went on to say that it was the PPP\C that was inciting racial violence.

When contacted Tuesday, Executive Member of the Indian Arrival Committee, Neaz Subhan said that the Committee generally con-

demns all forms of racial violence.

Subhan told the Guyana Times that the “IAC condemns all forms of racial violence, be it a slur, a snide remark; any form of racism against any Guyanese or humanity is condemned.”

Meanwhile, a senior Government Official strongly condemned Ramjattan’s incitement of violence and racial tension in the society.

The official said Ramjattan appeared to be carrying a specific line and may be hinting at some clandestine plan which he is the only one knowledgeable of.

“Government has taken note of Ramjattan’s wickedness. It is clear that Ramjattan has no confidence in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese public. He should revisit the track record of thuggery and organising unrests.”

“We are monitoring the situation on the ground. Government will not allow the Opposition to sow seeds of discord among our people. Ramjattan will not play East Indians here. They see right through him and the mischief he is trying to create.”

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy here has called on its citizens to avoid Parliament building on Monday.

The Embassy, in a Facebook post and information posted on its website, warned travellers that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn violent and confrontational.

“You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” the Embassy said.

It went as far as to urge citizens to stay in contact with the Embassy via various social media and other forms of Internet-related communication to get alerts and other warnings during this time.

By Jomo Paul

After more than half an hour of deliberations on Tuesday afternoon, acting Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled to uphold an injunction filed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman against Johnny Welshman who has accused of him of sodomy.

This was confirmed by the Attorney representing Trotman, Nigel Hughes who told reporters outside of the Chief Justice’s Chambers that “the injunction continues until there is a determination of the matter”.

Welshman has accused the Speaker who he fondly refers to

as “Uncle Raphael” of sodomising him as a 12-year-old boy.

Since the allegations were made by now the 22-year-old Welshman back in September, Trotman moved to the courts to attain a gag order and filed a $50 million lawsuit against his accuser.

Hughes explained that if the matter ever goes to trial, that will be the determining factor of whether Welshman is liable to pay the Speaker the $50 million claimed in the lawsuit against the youngster.

“It is at the trial that the Plaintiff has to establish the injury his reputation has suffered as a result of Mr Welshman’s state-

ment and the places where he made those comments,” Hughes said.

He noted too that the trial was likely to be called up in 18 months and until such time Welshman is barred from making any damaging comments about Trotman or he could be held in contempt of court.

This ruling by the Chief Justice can be appealed, but Welshman’s Attorney, Peter Hugh told Guyana Times that his client has not advised him to do such.

On Monday, Welshman staged a one-man protest against the Speaker of the National Assembly outside Parliament. This was done as a group of other persons protested the proroguing of Parliament a stone’s throw away. Meanwhile, Communications Officer attached to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Liz Rahaman on Friday confirmed that the DPP was still in the process of reviewing the file, Johnny Welshman vs Raphael Trotman et al. Rahaman explained that the file was being given due attention, but did not state when the DPP will complete her review.

Welshman last Tuesday demanded that the Opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) fire Trotman from his position as Speaker of the National Assembly.

Abbas says Israel igniting “religious war”

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, has accused Israel of igniting a “religious war” by allowing Jewish worshippers to visit an Islamic holy site in occupied Jerusalem.

Speaking at a ceremony on Tuesday in the West Bank city of Ramallah marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat, Abbas said the visits by the Jewish worshippers were provocative and that Palestinian worshippers would defend the site.

His remarks came as Israeli troops shot and killed

a Palestinian demonstrator in clashes near the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Imad Jawabreh, 21, was hit in the chest by bullets on Tuesday, Palestinian medics said, adding that the shooting occurred on a main road at al-Arroub refugee camp.

The official Palestinian news agency reported that a Palestinian man was shot in the chest and died while standing on the second floor of his house.

An Israeli military spokeswoman in Tel Aviv said soldiers opened fire when a protester pointed an “improvised weapon” at them.

Al Jazeera’s Imtiaz Tyab, reporting from West Jerusalem, said: “This attack comes after a tense day in the occupied Palestinian territories and in Israel as well.”

In his speech, Abbas addressed the clashes which have gripped East Jerusalem for the past four months and spoke about unrest at al-Aqsa Mosque compound prompted by the demands of ultra-conservative Jewish fringe groups for the right to pray there.

Jews are allowed to visit the site, but they are not supposed to pray there. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Nigeria furious over US arms sale refusal

Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States has criticised Washington for refusing to sell his Government “lethal” weapons to fight militant Islamists.

Nigeria needed support to deliver the “killer punch”, not “light jabs” against the Boko Haram group, Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye said. His comments came as the militants seized the north-eastern Mahia town.

The US has previously ruled out heavily arming the Nigerian military because of its alleged poor human rights record.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has formally declared himself as the governing People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate for February’s election at a colourful ceremony in the capital, Abuja. He called for a minute

of silence for the 46 teenage boys who were killed in Monday’s suicide bombing at a school in Potiskum town in Yobe, one of the three north-eastern states under a state of emergency because of Boko Haram’s insurgency.

The attack has highlighted the depth of the crisis escalating in the north-east, the BBC’s Nigeria correspondent Will Ross reports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Mexico: Protesters block Acapulco airport over missing students

Thousands of Mexicans blocked the access to Acapulco airport on Monday in protest at the authorities’ handling of the case of 43 missing students.

The demonstrators clashed with Police and blocked the entrance to the airport for three hours.

Officials said on Friday that gang members had confessed to killing the 43 students and burning their remains.

Around the world

China Singles’ Day sales exceed predictions at US$9.3B

China’s online retail giant Alibaba says it has pulled in US$9.3 billion in sales from its annual ‘Singles’ Day’ shopping event.

At the end of Tuesday, the firm said sales had reached 57.1 billion yuan, and that it had shipped 278 million orders – 43 per cent of which were placed on mobile devices.

Last year, Alibaba recorded sales of US$5.75 billion, shipping 150 million packages.

Singles’ Day is the world’s biggest online retail sales day.

It compares with “Cyber Monday” in the US, the

Monday after Thanksgiving, which is also marketed as a big online shopping day.

“You’re seeing the unleashing of the consumption power of the Chinese consumer,” said Alibaba Group’s executive vice chairman, Joe Tsai.

“We really are witnessing history here because we are seeing the shift of the economy from focused on the state sector to consumption.”

Alibaba had said it expected to break sales records during the annual event, offering big discounts to boost sales.

“I bet the number [of goods bought] is going to be scary,” said Alibaba

Executive Chairman Jack Ma last week. He estimated that 200 million packages would be shipped from orders made during the day. The company, which recently listed on the New York Stock Exchange, surpassed that number by 18:00 Beijing time.

Singles’ Day in China was adopted by Alibaba in 2009 to boost sales, but dates back to at least 1993, when students at Nanjing University are believed to have chosen the date as an anti-Valentine’s Day where single people could buy things for themselves. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Women dead after mass sterilisation in India

At least eight women have died and dozens of others are in critical condition after undergoing botched sterilisation surgery, according to local officials.

A total of 84 women, most of them poor villagers, had the operation on Saturday in a hospital outside Bilaspur city in the central state of Chhattisgarh, Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, the District Magistrate, said.

The women were sent home on Saturday evening following their surgeries, but scores were later rushed in ambulances to private hospitals after falling ill. By

Tuesday, eight of the women had died, Pardeshi said.

“They have all had the same symptoms” including low blood pressure, headaches, breathing problems and signs of shock, said Arvind Gupta, the Director of Apollo Hospital, one of the facilities where the sick women were taken.

Sonmani Borah, the Commissioner for Bilaspur district where the camp was held, said that “64 women were taken to various hospitals since Monday night”.

NDTV, a privately run Indian TV channel, reported that all of the 84 sterilisation surgeries were carried

out in just five hours. Autopsies were being performed on those who died. The state has suspended the three Government doctors who performed the surgeries, Pardeshi said. It also will give compensation payments of about US$3300 to each of the victims’ families.

NDTV reported that “four top health officials” were suspended over the tragedy.

India’s Government, long concerned with fast population growth in a country whose population has reached a billion, offers free sterilisation to both women and men. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Freedom of movement woes undermining Caricom credibility – LaRocque

Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, says problems related to the freedom of movement across the Region have undermined the credibility of the regional body.

cialised in recovering DNA.

Mexico’s Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam said the chances of ever identifying the remains retrieved from the site where the students were allegedly killed were slim.

He said that the remains were so badly burned that only two bones could be salvaged for DNA testing. Murillo Karam said they would be sent to a laboratory at the University of Innsbruck in Austria spe-

Relatives say they will not believe they are dead until independent forensic tests confirm it.

In the meantime, the 43 students still have the legal status of “disappeared”.

The relatives of the missing have been highly critical of the way the investigation into the disappearance of the students has been handled.

The 43 went missing on September 26 after clashing with Police in the town of Iguala, 200 kilometres (125 miles) south-west of the capital, Mexico City. (Excerpt from BBC News)

LaRocque, in an address at the University of Guyana’s graduation ceremony on the weekend acknowledged the difficulties facing Caribbean nationals.

“I am acutely aware of the difficulties still being experienced at ports of entry in some of our member states by those who seek to exercise their rights of free movement and to hasslefree travel…..all Caricom nationals have the right to an automatic stay of six months, subject only to circumscribed exceptions….”

He said the problems are being addressed and “all the enabling structures

in place, to see them fully, consistently and equitably enacted, enforced and implemented”.

He added that the Region must remember the outcome of the case involving Jamaican Shanique Myrie and stated that the training of the relevant points of entry officials is continuing in order to minimise the difficulties. LaRocque, also urged the graduating class of 2014 to remain committed to the Region, noting that while there are opportunities beyond the Caribbean, it is now possible to “serve the wider world from right here in our community”, given the advances in technology. (Excerpt from CMC)

Tumbling gold price squeezing small miners – Harding

…predicts fall in gold declarations

By Jomo Paul

As the price for gold, one of Guyana’s most precious metals, continues on its unsteady path of sharp declines on the international market, Guyana is now left in a quandary as miners are now worried about their livelihoods.

According to Goldprice. org, the price for gold as of Tuesday, November 11, stood at US$1154.89, which represents a decline of 9.48 per cent over the past year and 5.24 per cent in the last five years.

This fluctuation in gold prices has left miners scared and contemplating the way forward, since they are of the opinion that the industry will be unable to survive, given all that is happening.

Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) President Patrick Harding told Guyana Times on Monday that the incessant decreases do not augur well for the development of Guyana’s economy and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Harding, in a telephone interview, related that min-

ers were now contemplating abandoning shop and venturing into other sectors. He explained that this move was not limited to small miners since some mediumscale miners were also doing the same.

According to the GGDMA President, the gold prices have not hit rock bottom and can drop even further if investors’ confidence continue to drop given recent activity on the international market.

He predicted that from the current state of affairs, Guyana’s gold production may drop some 10-15 per cent. In 2013, the gold industry declared a total of 481,087 ounces of gold which represents a 9.7 per cent increase over the previous year’s figure. This, according to the Guyana Gold Board, was a historic perfor-

mance – the highest level of production, exceeding the production levels of when Omai Gold Mines was at its peak.

Meanwhile, gold exports for the 2013 fiscal year amounted to US$648.5 million, a 9.5 per cent decline compared to 2012. The sharp decline was linked to the average price of US$1344 per ounce compared to US$1575 in 2012, negating the six per cent increase in export volume, which amounted to 482,527 ounces.

Vigilant

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, along with the Guyana Gold Board, has said that it was closely monitoring the trade of gold and the movements in price over the last few weeks.

Gold held near its lowest price since 2010 on expectations that the Federal Reserve was preparing to raise interest rates while other central banks added stimulus, boosting the dollar and hurting bullion demand.

Gold is heading for the first back-to-back annual retreat since 2000. The European Central Bank set policy on October 6 after the Bank of Japan unexpectedly added to stimulus last week. The Fed is moving closer to its first rate increase in eight years after ending a bond-buying programme on schedule last month.

Gold futures were little changed in New York as a decline in US equities boosted demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment. Gold tumbled almost five per cent last week, dropping to the lowest since 2010 on October 31. The weakness in the equity market is providing some support to gold. Also, the dollar is taking a breather, and that is helping gold.

The metal swung between gains and losses, dropping as much as 0.5 per cent and climbing 0.4 per cent earlier on the European Commission’s cut to euroarea growth forecasts.

Gold just holds above US$1158, the 61.8 per cent retracement level of

Guyana participating in “MenEngage Global Symposium”

Guyana is participating in the “MenEngage Global Symposium” themed “Men and Boys for Gender Justice” currently underway in India.

Guyana is being represented by the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry Men’s Affairs Bureau Administrator, Diego Alphonso.

The Guyanese delegate joins about 900 others from 70 countries at the symposium which began on Monday and will end on Thursday, geared at raising consciousness about male responsibility and accountability.

the move from the October 2008 low to the September 2011 high. The gold bears remain in firm technical control as prices trade not far above the recent fouryear low.

The key “outside markets” remain in overall bearish postures for the precious metals — a stronger US dollar and slumping crude oil prices.

The “outside market” feature was the drop in crude oil prices to a three-year low of US$75.84. Combined with the appreciating value of the US dollar, these two outside markets have been a major influence on other markets in the past few weeks — and especially, as a negative force for the raw commodity sector, including gold and silver.

The symposium seeks to devise better and more fruitful methods to engage men and boys on the subject of gender equality.

All of this is being done to pursue a more caring and non-violent society as the issue of gender equality continues to take centre stage.

According to the Ministry, the forum brings together academics and practitioners from a broad range of disciplines and civil society organisations working with men and boys and grassroots organisations to discuss a broad range of issues pertaining to gender equality.

At the launch, Centre for Health and Social Justice (CHSJ) Director, Dr Abhijit Das stated that the symposium, organised by the MenEngage

Global Alliance– comprising over 400 partners including CHSJ; United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); UN Women; and Beijing + 20 – is expanding to become a movement for involving men and boys in gender equality.

“I agree that today more than ever before there is both an urgency as well as an imperative for men to not just engage quietly, in small ways as and when a crisis occurs, but, all the time, as publicly and as collectively as possible to bring a critical shift in the public perception of men, particularly to change the view that the archetypal Delhi male not only revels in machismo but is often its face. Time has come for a more caring male persona to assert itself,” he said.

He further added that the intention now was to mainstream men’s role in gender issues through specific planning and policy initiatives.

Taking the appeal forward more frankly, Kamla Bhasin, the pioneer of the women’s movement, urged the boys and men to understand how the antiquated and more so obsolete morals and core values associated with patriarchy were selfdestructive.

“Like girls and women, you too are being stereotyped, and your choices are being restricted. And since you are not expected to cry or be emotional, it is not surprising that men and boys erupt into violence for any and every small reason,” said Bhasin.

A former Chief Secretary of Delhi, Shailaja Chandra, made it clear that men need to understand that now was the time for “business as unusual”. Lauding the decision to hold the second MenEngage Global Symposium and One Billion Rising Campaign, she said that focusing on men to promote gender equality is a “novel beginning”.

“Women have, for long, been lectured to on protecting and defending their womanhood; what is now essential is for men to recognise that they are equally capable of both promoting and benefiting from gender equality.”

Presidential adviser slams Opposition’s threat to investors

Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail

Teixeira has described statements made by senior political opposition members as dangerous and counterproductive, particularly with regards to potential future investors.

The statements originating from APNU executive, Carl Greenidge following a meeting, on November 10 in Parliament Building saw in part, the former PNC Finance Minister issuing what government views as a veiled threat to potential investors in the local economy.

Greenidge said, “The individuals and businesses, Chinese nationals, Indian nationals, PPP associates who they will give, whether it is broadcasting licences, gold mining licences, land grants and the like, we will not honour any of those obligations”.

The aforementioned statements by Greenidge are very dangerous, partic-

ularly to two nationalities, according to Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira.

“Why did he do that when, it is very clear that in certain sectors they are not there at all?” She added that it is racial, and the constitution prohibits dis-

crimination. It was important to note that a threat was deliberately made against foreign investors, especially any potential investment that may arise during the period of prorogation, she also emphasised.

“How can one be saying that one is for Guyana and for national development, and at the same time undermining what are possibilities for development of our country?”

Speaking on the National Communications Network’s programme, “The 10th Parliament, the way forward”, the Presidential Adviser said that such statements are irresponsible particularly since the decision by the president is constitutional and totally in keeping with the laws of Guyana.

Using the parliamentary forum in an “abusive way” was the description given by Teixeira, to the combined opposition’s holding of the controversial

meeting in the National Assembly’s Chambers after the proclamation was made.

She opined that the combined political opposition may have been “caught unprepared” when President Ramotar took the decision to prorogue parliament. She explained that even though there may have been the attention to bring down the government…government is ready for dialogue and as such, with regards to opposition MPs, “the ball is their court”.

President Ramotar’s move to prorogue the National Assembly effectively means that Guyana’s Parliament has been suspended and not ended. This also means that bills and motions to be tabled are still in effect and can be heard whenever the next sitting is held. It also means that members of parliament and parliamentary staffers will continue to be paid.

(GINA extract)

A case of Opposition MPs threatening the President

Dear Editor,

We need to be very alert to the extreme possibilities of the joint Opposition, particularly the APNU faction. APNU is a farce in name and nature; it has always been hell-bent on resorting to violence and abandoning reason and calm. It knows nothing about partnership or unity.

Let us recall the December 2011 clarion call by APNU’s American based Afro-centric advocate Dr David Hinds: “We are not going to take this lying down, because this is a declaration of war on people who have a right to protest.”

Hinds believed (and maybe still believes) that that Granger had to be President of Guyana even when the losing party got fewer votes and seats than the winning PPP/C; he was actually demanding that Mr Granger be Guyana’s President, when in fact, PPP/C won the Presidency.

I am reading how Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira is condemning the statements made by some Opposition Members in Parliament, after President Ramotar made public his decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament.

Well, if there were protests after the 2011 General Elections, I can expect some of the same here again. What boggles the mind is the utter insanity of some members of the two Opposition parties, namely APNU and AFC.

From a legal stand point, any form of protest is an attack on the Constitution of Guyana. Some simple facts need to be comprehended at this time.

Proroguing (or suspending) of Parliament is provided for in the Constitution of Guyana. President Ramotar acted in accordance with Guyana’s laws. Proroguing (or suspending) is a feature of the Westminster constitutional model, which Guyana inherited from Britain.

Proroguing (or suspending) of the 10th Parliament was done according to section 21 of the “General Clauses and Interpretation Act” in the Laws of Guyana. So I ask: “What is there to dispute?”

The Carl Greenidge’s reference to

King Charles must be taken seriously. King Charles was beheaded (January 30, 1649) for trumped up charges following his proroguing of Parliament and what Carl Greenidge is really saying is that President Ramotar had better watch out. In simple language, Carl Greenidge is threatening the President. Is this not a crime?

Not too long ago, many were seeking to protect Kaieteur News against possible attacks, couched in supposed threats uttered by the Attorney General. Here, Mr Greenidge is hostile, blatant, brazen and most direct. I ask those protectors of Lall and Kaieteur News to come out and condemn Greenidge.

Greenidge also warned “that investors should not look forward to his party’s support for any agreement made during the period of prorogation”. The man is livid and his words are symptomatic of a man possessed with an evil spirit. Greenidge represents those who want to undermine Guyana and act in unlawful ways to get their desired ends.

Gail Teixeira diplomatically calls his behaviour irresponsible, but for me, it is most sinister, with a promise of not just non-cooperation, but violence. I remind readers that some of the protestors, dressed in green, stormed the Parliament Buildings, pushing away several metal barricades that were set up by the Police.

This behaviour must now be noted and be used to gauge how the law will be enforced. This kind of response was evident post 2011 General Elections when APNU was not happy with the legal, fair and free General Elections.

On a positive note, I commend Gail Teixeira: “Then let us go to the people; to the masses and let them decide. Over the past 22 years we have made a good case, and our track record will show that we have brought about development for all Guyanese.”

She and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds then pointed the general public to the fact that the PPP/C Administration is willing to work towards consensus, dialogue and compromise.

Yours truly, Rebecca James

Invitation to Qom Seminary, Islamic Republic of Iran

Dear Editor,

We are pleased to inform all Muslims of Guyana and the Caribbean, and all citizens of Guyana that Haji Roshan Khan, Chairman/Founder of the Electric Mosque’s Teachings of Islam, and Chairman/Founder of the International Islamic Peace Network, has been invited by the Qom Seminary of Iran to present a paper and chair a session of the international conference being held.

The invitation is of VIP Status, which shows the high ranking of Guyana in the minds of the leaders of the Qom Seminary. Hundreds of Islamic scholars and leaders from around the world are expected to gather for the conference. The topic of the conference is “Non-Sectarianism and the Philosophy of Universal Love and Goodwill”.

Haji Roshan Khan is famous for his educative lectures, critiques and literature on the divisive Islamic sectarianism principles and philosophies used by certain sects to ferment hate and violence amongst Muslims, and which create internationally an arena of disrespect and even hate for Muslims.

He has proven in various articles in the local magazine Al-Irshad (The Guidance), in newspapers and dozens of television discussions and lectures that sects are the bane to Islam.

Navin Chandarpal was a teacher, educator, organiser and leader

Dear Editor, Navin Omanand Chandarpal, a dear and loving father, a genuine and loyal husband, a brother, friend and Comrade, is no longer with us physically.

Recently, thousands turned up at the Guyana International Conference Centre to say farewell to an icon, a true revolutionary. For us, our Navin Chandarpal was indeed a proud member, militant activist and genuine leader of our Party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Navin Chandarpal was born in Berbice. He was a Berbician in his heart and to his bones. Navin’s father was a headmaster, as a consequence, Navin attended several schools around the country.

However, it is at Berbice High School that Navin really established himself as a young militant activist of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO). At Berbice High School, Navin excelled as a student. In 1967, he wrote GCE “O” Levels and was the top student. He went on to write “A” Levels and again he was the top student.

Navin came to Georgetown for his university education. While studying, he was a teacher at several secondary schools in Georgetown, including St Rose’s High School and Queen’s College.

Navin served as a Lecturer in Mathematics at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and a Lecturer in Physics at the University of Guyana (UG). As an educator, a teacher in particular, Navin influenced thousands of students.

He was a militant activist on campus. Navin was popularly elected as the President of the University Student Society (UGSS) in 1974, after the PNC slaughtered, murdered and beat Guyanese people during the massive rigging of the national elections in 1973.

He has now taken the principles and philosophies of Islam as a nonsectarian religion to Facebook and Youtube for international consumption and guidance. Refer to youtube: The Electric Mosque’s Teachings of Islam by Haji Roshan Khan.

The Haji claims that sectarian philosophies are foreign to true Islam, and were invented by ambitious men hundreds of years after the passing of our beloved Master of Peace, Prophet Muhammad (On Whom Be the Peace and Blessings of Allah).

These men wished to control minds and wealth of peoples by fermenting division and creating insularity and hate among the faithful of Allah.

The religion of Islam is one of universal harmony, brotherhood and respect of all faiths, which are all from God Almighty.

Haji Roshan Khan will also present a supplementary document on the topic, “Islam – the Religion of Universal Love and Goodwill”. Haji Roshan Khan intends to present a most dynamic lecture filled with Quranic quotes and those of Al-Hadith (The Traditions).

Submitted by, AnnMarie Mohammed General Secretary Electric Mosque’s Teachings of Islam

During the heavily rigged elections in 1973, Navin’s wife-tobe, Indranie Dhanraj, was badly beaten by the PNC thugs. Two of Navin’s colleagues, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar, were murdered on the eve of the election in their struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana.

Navin Chandarpal took a conscious decision that we, the members of the PYO, must struggle to put an end to PNC beating and killing of our sisters and brothers. Navin, in memory of those two young comrades who the PNC slaughtered, was instrumental in organising the Annual Ballot Box Martyr Cycle Race.

While on campus, Navin founded the “Campus Flame”, which was indeed an informative bulletin that educated and organised the university student population.

He championed the call for brilliant intellectuals such as Mohamed Insanally and Dr Walter Rodney to be employed at UG.

In 1975, the brilliant UG Graduate and member of the Central Committee of the PYO was the leader of the best-ever batch of PPP students that left Guyana to study in the Soviet Union.

Navin was the leader of 12 members and to date, none of

them have jumped ship. Only the Lord separated a few from our Party. The others like Navin remain committed.

Navin in 1975, while he was a student in Moscow, received an offer to do his Master’s in London. Navin was asked to stay at home and take over as First Secretary of the PYO. The true revolutionary gave up his studies for the trenches and streets to struggle for a better Guyana.

Navin Chandarpal was brilliant and influential. He was able to build a strong PYO. He was instrumental in setting up a powerful structure. A strong pioneer section was developed along with a militant student section.

He was a cultural person who wrote several poems and songs. The PYO battle song was written by Navin. The PYO’s organisational structures, groups, districts and regional committees connected the PYO with the youths and people throughout Guyana.

The dirty and vicious paramountcy, PNC, refused to give the PYO access to any school to hold its Congress. The PYO held its 25th Congress at Enterprise under a tent and yet another Congress at Bath under a tent.

Navin was elected to the Central Committee of the PPP and quickly he was elected to our Party’s Executive Committee.

In 1975, Navin married Indranie and they became proud parents of two brilliant children. Rabindranauth and Gitanjali were both Queen’s College students, and both of them went on to graduate with their Master’s.

Navin Chandarpal was indeed one of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s greatest cadre. He was an intellectual who was also deeply rooted with the working class and farmers.

With the dawn of a new era in 1992, Navin pioneered numerous national initiatives on sustainable development, many of which form the core of current sustainable development practices, policies, and legislation in Guyana.

He served as Adviser to the President on Energy, Natural Resources, Science, Technology and Environment from 1992 to 2001.

From 2001 to 2003, Navin served as the Minister of Agriculture and a Member of Parliament. Over the last 10 years, Navin reassumed the role of Adviser to the President of Guyana, this time in the area of Sustainable Development, Science and Technology.

Navin’s contribution to environment and sustainable development in Guyana remains incredibly significant. He piloted the first Environmental Protection Legislation in Guyana, which established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and was instrumental in the creation of the Iwokrama International Centre.

He was also responsible for laying the groundwork for a land use agenda in Guyana, a science and technology policy, and more recently efforts in the area of sustainable development.

Navin chaired the Natural Resources and Environmental Advisory Committee (NREAC), through the 1990s, and led a number of initiatives to establish a comprehensive national framework for sustainable develop-

ment in Guyana. He chaired several other committees and boards, such as the Guyana Gold Board; Board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC); Board of the EPA; the National Science and Technology Council; the National Water Council; and served as the Director of the Board of Trustees, Iwokrama International Rainforest Programme, the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Committee, and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee.

Navin was also well known in the Caribbean since he served in several capacities related to the goal of pursuing a path of sustainable development in the Region.

He served as Chairman of the Caricom Task Force on the Environment (1992-1997); Chairman of the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology, CCST (1995-2000); and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Caribbean Water Partnership (2004-2006).

Navin also had an international presence, heading Guyana’s delegations at dozens of high- level international conferences.

Over the years, Navin published numerous articles on national, regional and global issues, delivered hundreds of speeches in various parts of Guyana and presented numerous papers at Caribbean and international meetings. Navin later utilised his vast experience to serve as Editor-in-Chief of “The Caribbean Environment”, a quarterly journal about sustainable development in the Caribbean. More recently, he served as the Principal of GAWU Labour College from 2010 to 2011. Navindranauth Omanand Chandarpal battled cancer for two years before he departed this life on October 28. His legacy lives on through his invaluable academic, political and social contributions to Guyana and the world.

Navin served in the leadership of our Party and he was totally committed to our Party. He was a man of substance, integrity and he had a passion as a Party activist to get things done.

Navin has left us with a legacy that will steel us and keep our Party united. As a Party comrade, he led by example. He was on the streets with his placards. He marched and protested for democracy all over Guyana. He was a teacher, educator, organiser and leader of our Party. He certainly left us with a legacy that we belong to the PPP/C and we must never leave the PPP/C. He recognised the struggle and had a vision for our Party and people.

In Navin Chandarpal’s passing, we must resolve to stay united in the PPP/C and continue as a PPP/C Government to build on this massive transformation of our society.

Today, because of the struggle of the people like Navin, we are living in a better society and we must work to continue building Guyana with the PPP/C leading the way.

Long live Navin Chandarpal!

Sincerely,

Neil Kumar

Ramjattan lied about bribery – Nandlall

... says prorogation questions “veracity” of buyout statement

As Guyanese still settle into the idea that the National Assembly has been suspended for six months, the concern of what happened to the allegation that three Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were bribed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is once again on the front burner.

Ramjattan in September told the media that his party has been reliably informed that the PPP/C was trying to bribe three Opposition parliamentarians with $30 million each in order to defeat the AFC’s No-Confidence Motion.

Subsequently, he insisted that he was not referring to any of the seven sitting parliamentarians representing the AFC in the 65seat Legislature.

Those AFC MPs are Catherine Hughes, Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan, Valarie GarridoLowe, Trevor Thomas, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and Eula Marcellos.

But given the recent developments in the National Assembly, whereby President Donald Ramotar resorted to the use of his constitutional right and prorogued the National Assembly for six months; hence, nixing the No-Confidence Motion, a lot of questions about the candour of Ramjattan’s statement were raised.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Tuesday, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said the “nation will not judge the veracity of Mr Ramjattan’s statements by the unfolding of recent events. The appropriate motive he must have had when

he made the statement will also be questioned”.

The Attorney General explained that at this point, he is unsure whether any “serious-minded people” take what is said by the AFC leader seriously.

“Even the APNU distance itself from that reckless assertion,” the Attorney General said.

Indeed, APNU Leader David Granger had dismissed the allegations being peddled that the PPP/C Administration is attempting to buy out Opposition MPs ahead of the debate on the No-Confidence Motion.

Granger said “I am confident they are not APNU MPs”.

Further, he noted that prior to the revelation made by the AFC Leader, he was not aware of such an undertaking by the Administration, hinting that it might have been made up. He said: “I don’t know that there’s an offer at all. I don’t know who made it up; I don’t know who made it up”.

The Government had challenged Ramjattan to provide proof of this grave infraction on their part, but

he has since been unable to do so.

“The Office of the President rejects this outrageous allegation, and challenges Mr Ramjattan to forthwith disclose publicly the names of these three parliamentarians to which he makes reference and to further make a full and frank public disclosure of all or any information which he claims he has received in relation to this matter,” a statement had said.

In a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman, Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira said the Government was both shocked and very disturbed by the pronouncement of Ramjattan that was published by all the media entities. She, therefore urged Trotman to cause Ramjattan to provide proof of which MPs were offered bribes and by whom, otherwise he should be made to publicly retract his “slanderous” statement.

Teixeira pointed out that failure on the part of Ramjattan to do either should result in him being taken to the Privileges Committee for besmirching and denigrating the image and integrity of all MPs and the National Assembly as a whole.

“Clearly, the image portrayed in this world of rapid communications is that Guyana’s MPs are ‘corrupt and buyable’, an image now created in Guyana and globally which we can never erase. It appears that in Mr Ramjattan’s blind haste to besmirch the Government and the PPP, he broadsided the entire Legislature and all Members of Parliament,” Teixeira had pointed out.

Ramotar

did what Dr Jagan would have done – Rohee

In light of the move by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue Parliament, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Clement Rohee said former President of the Republic of Guyana and founding leader of the PPP Dr. Cheddi Beret Jagan would have done the same.

Jagan who founded the People’s Progressive Party in January 1950, was said to be big on dialogue, and would use that mechanism to solve political issues.

He was also admired for his charisma and ability to calm political unrests through consultations.

He was said to be the driving force behind efforts to form a grand alliance with the People’s National Congress (PNC) in 1964, through consultation with the then leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and smaller political units at the time includ-

ing the National Alliance Front (NAF), the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) and the United Force (UF). However, those efforts failed.

Rohee said that as far as he knew, the former President, who was also open to the views of his comrades, would have taken that recourse.

“Well, knowing the man and knowing that he listens to his comrades and the stakeholders on the outside, he would have probably ended up in this situation too. He probably would have run the same track too because he was a believer in dialogue and consultations, but when faced with a political situation, I’m sure he would have done that”, Rohee said with confidence.

President Donald Ramotar on Monday publicly announced that the tenth Parliament was prorogued.

But the Prorogation of Parliament is nothing new

to Guyana. In fact under the Westminister system of British rule, Guyana’s Parliament had been prorogued several times.

The PPP had said that it hopes the political opposition could use the prorogation period to be engaged in meaningful discussions.

Rohee said the move by the President remains the best option for the country. It also gives Government and the Opposition the chance to settle on issues.

“The prorogation of Parliament will provide the political space which is necessary at this time for nurturing political maturity and continued dialogue with the Opposition and the resumption of the 10th Parliament,” Rohee had told Journalists on Monday. He said the party supports the view that prorogation will sustain the life of the 10th Parliament, unlike total dissolution.

Taxi driver dies from beating

Almost one week on life support at the Woodlands Hospital, a father of two succumbed to injuries inflicted on him during an altercation with a man at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Neil Anthony Narine, 28, of Block, Latchman Sand Road, Soesdyke, EBD took his last breath about 15:30h on Tuesday.

According to information received, Narine and the suspect Sherwin Stuart were involved in a heated argument on Thursday last, which was followed by a scuffle.

Persons around intervened and stop the men, but as Narine walked away, Stuart, who is a Prison officer claimed to be a Constable and reportedly wanted to arrest Narine.

Narine, a former Police rank put up a resistance, but Stuart retaliated by continuously hitting him to the head and neck.

Hospital reports confirmed the Narine suffered

Jamaicans fined millions, jailed for trafficking marijuana

Two Jamaicans were on Tuesday sentenced to 60 and 54 months in jail respectively and whopping fines of $25.1 million and $18.4 million by Magistrate Ann McLennan for trafficking marijuana.

Benjamin Isaiah Carrington, a 27-yearold vendor of Kingston, Jamaica, and Tamara Nicola Douglas, a 31-year-old hairdresser of Silverstone, Portland, Jamaica were convicted of separate possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charges.

The court was told that on April 21 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Carrington had 15.454 kilograms (33.99 lbs) of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking in his possession, while Douglas had 12.272 kilograms (26.99 lbs).

The two arrived at the airport on Fly Jamaica Flight OJ152, and as their luggage was passing through the scanner , Police ranks observed block-like objects within. They were then contacted and asked to identify their luggage. They complied

and a physical search was conducted on the pieces of luggage which unearthed the illicit substance in transparent plastic bags.

The two were told of the offence, arrested and taken to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where the illicit substance was subsequently weighed and charges were instituted against them.

During their first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine- Beharry, the

court heard that both defendants confessed in writing that they were the ones who packed their suitcases without any assistance.

Magistrate McLennan before sentencing the Caribbean nationals, considered the nature, prevalence, and gravity of the offence; the quantum of cannabis found in their possession and the need to prohibit others from committing such an offence. The fines – exactly $25,181,000 and $18,408,000 – are some of the largest ever levied for such an offence.

damage to the brain and a ruptured blood vessel in the neck.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday evening, the now dead man's brotherin-law Naresh Ram explained that on the night of the incident, Stuart was at the car park when he overheard one of the taxi drivers made a comment about his wife.

An angry Stuart without confirming who made the comment went to Narine and accused him of being disrespectful. This, Ram said started the argument, which led to a scuffle.

Ram went on to say that he was at home when he received a call from Narine requesting him to go to the car park, claiming that he was in some trouble.

He collected his sister and they went to the location where they saw Narine with bruises on the face and neck. Upon enquiring, Narine related what had occurred to him.

Ram further stated that they took Narine home, but on their way, he insisted that they visit a doctor, but Narine resisted.

Vomiting

While at home, he noted that his brother-in-law took a shower and went to bed, but woke up vomiting, crying out for headache.

His wife insisted that he should visit a hospital, but again he showed reluctance and took two aspirins instead.

Ram said the injured man woke up again around 03:00h and started to vomit. At that time, they made a decision to take him to the hospital when the sun rises.

He said before going to a hospital, they went to the Timehri Police Station where they made a report and requested a medical to take to the hospital. While there, he said the Police Corporal ask to see the patient who was ly-

ing in a vehicle.

Upon seeing Narine, the Policeman thought he was drunk and refused to give the document until a senior rank intervened and instructed him to release same.

The distraught brotherin-law stated as they were on the way to Georgetown, Narine started to vomit and without hesitation, they took him to the private hospital since they thought that he would have received efficient medical attention.

The now dead man was admitted and upon a doctor’s examinations, they found out that he had received injuries to the brain and sustained a ruptured blood vessel in the neck.

He has since been hooked up to a life machine. A few days after, doctors confirmed that he was brain dead and could not respond.

Ram said after much deliberations, the family thought that it was best to remove him from the machine.

A post-mortem examination will be performed on the body on Friday.

Police in a release said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man's death and that the suspect was arrested and placed in custody.

Bravo not included in TT team

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) chairman of selectors Alec Burns says top T&T and Windies batsman Darren Bravo was excluded from the squad because he didn’t attend training, was not in contact with the selectors and didn’t make himself available.

Several calls to secure a response from Bravo failed when his cellphone went unanswered.

The TTCB issued the Red Force team to the media yesterday, stating that the TTCB executive had accepted the recommendation by the its selction committee, chaired by Burns, to appoint Rayad Emrit and Jason Mohammed as captain and vice-captain respectively.

TTCB nominated member and former sport minister Manohar Ramsaran was appointed manager.

Contacted by the Express yesterday to explain why the West Indies batsman was not included in the Red Force 13-man squad named Sunday for the 2014/15

WICB’s Professional Cricket League, Burns said, “We never included him (Bravo) because he never turned up... nobody knows about Darren Bravo at this stage what his status is. He never turned up, there was no communication from Darren Bravio (to us). There was a pre-arranged meeting that he agreed to attend he never attended. At least my information is he never attended. He never called to say what is the position or whatever and that is the most we know about Darren Bravo so far.”

Burns said the final squad which includes demoted T&T captain Denesh Ramdin, who claimed victimisation from the TTCB because of his involvement with the WI players’ withdrawal of the India tour last month, was selected after the practice match at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, on Sunday.

The Red Force will bowl off their campaign on Friday when they host Barbados at the Oval. (Trinidad Express)

Morocco will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations because of its fears over the Ebola outbreak elsewhere on the continent, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed.

However Caf did not announce a new venue for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February.

It said it had had “some applications of national associations confirming their desire to host the competition”.

Caf expelled Morocco, who would have qualified as hosts, from the finals.

Morocco had been given until Saturday to make a final decision on whether or not it would host the tournament.

It had asked to postpone

Federer one step closer to semifinal of ATP World Tour

Roger Federer closed in on a place in the semi-finals at the ATP World Tour Finals with victory over Japan’s Kei Nishikori.

The Swiss won 6-3 6-2 and could qualify for the last four on Tuesday depending on the result of the late match between Andy Murray and Milos Raonic. Federer, 33, needs Raonic to win or Murray to prevail in three sets.

If not, the six-time champion will need to secure his progress in his final Group B match against Murray.

“I was expecting a very difficult match,” said Federer. “I’ve know him since he was 17 years old and always thought he was a great talent and he’s going to have a great future. I’m very pleased with the way I played.

On his tactics, Federer added: “I’d like to come in

much more but those days are long done, conditions have slowed down too much. I try to find a way. It’s not as easy this week so you have to use different tactics this week.”

Nishikori, 24, remains very much alive in the tournament following his opening win over Murray, but he found Federer a different proposition.

An early chance for the world number five came and

went in an eight-minute third game as Federer saved a break point with an ace, before Nishikori fired a regulation forehand over the baseline on the second.

Federer grabbed the initiative in the next game with a brilliant cross-court pass and a thumping forehand into the corner to move 3-1 ahead, and he never looked back.

Nishikori is a great ball striker and one of the best

movers in the game, but his lack of punch on serve allowed Federer to keep the pressure on when returning, and only a sharp backhand volley prevented the Japanese player going two breaks down.

Federer saw out the set with little fuss and there was a sense of inevitability about the forehand error that saw Nishikori drop serve early in the third.

As his first-serve percentage fell below 50% and the error count increased, Nishikori double-faulted for the fifth time to hand Federer a 5-2 lead.

The world number two saved break point on his way to closing out the match after 67 minutes, and it is now highly unlikely he will suffer only a second group stage elimination in 13 appearances at the season finale, when he takes on Murray on Thursday. (BBC Sport)

World Cup to be shared if final tied

The World Cup will be shared if the final at the MCG on March 29 is tied - or washed outafter it was decided not to use Super Overs during the knockout phase of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The 2011 tournament had the provision for oneover eliminators in the event of tied knockout matches, but this time group position will be the deciding factor if teams cannot be separated on the day in either the quarters or semis - a criteria which was needed in the famous 1999 semi-final when Australia tied with South Africa at Edgbaston and progressed by virtue of their higher Super Six position.

However, should the scores be level in the final, two captains will get their hands on the trophy. There

In the unlikely event of a tied World Cup final, two captains will hold this

will be reserve days available from the quarter-finals onwards in the event of poor weather.

The total prize money on offer during the tournament will be US$10 million,

Morocco will not host finals over Ebola fears

the competition until 2016.

Caf’s executive committee met in Cairo on Tuesday and confirmed it had taken note of applications from other nations to host the tournament, which are currently “under review”.

It said it hoped to finalise its selection shortly.

Qualification matches for the tournament will continue as planned on 14 and 15

November to decide which 15 teams will join the new host country for the finals.

Up to 4 November, at least 4,960 people had been reported as having died from Ebola, mainly in the West African countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Morocco had expressed fears an influx of foreign fans could help spread the epidemic. (BBC Sport)

which is a rise of 25% compared to the 2011 event (not 20% as stated in the official ICC release). Teams exiting in the group stage will earn US$35,000, which rises to US$3,750,000 for winning the title outright.

The ICC also confirmed the cut-off date for qualification for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales, which seemingly ends any chance of a u-turn from it being a 10-team tournament. On September 30, 2017 the top eight-ranked ODI nations will qualify for the World Cup with those ranked at nine and 10 playing in a qualification tournament, to be held in Bangladesh in 2018.

Originally next year’s World Cup was set to be a 10-team event - a decision announced days after the 2011 final in Mumbai - but the outrage from

Associate nations promoted a rethink and retention of the 14-team tournament for one more cycle. Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan and UAE are joining the 10 Full Members in Australia and New Zealand, but for the next World Cup there is no guarantee of any Associate nations being present.

There is also a cut-off for qualification for the 2017 Champions Trophywhich will also be staged in England - after the tournament was revived following the decision not to progress with the Test Championship. The top eight nations on September 30, 2015 will qualify for the tournament.

West Indies are currently No. 8 in the ODI rankings although there is a considerable gap of 27 points to Bangladesh in ninth. (Cricinfo)

LeBron James had a triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, and Kyrie Irving scored 27 of his 32 in the second half to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers over the New Orleans Pelicans 118111 on Monday night.

Kevin Love added 22 points for the Cavs, who played their second home game this season.

James and Irving dominated in the second half, combining for 46 points — 30 in the third quarter when the Cavs overcame a ninepoint deficit. Love, too, was huge after halftime, making four 3-pointers.

Anthony Davis scored 27 with 14 rebounds for the Pelicans, who beat defending NBA champion San Antonio on Saturday night and gave the Cavaliers all they could handle. Ryan Anderson added 32 points — 23 in the first half.

BULLS 102, PISTONS 91

Derrick Rose had 24 points and seven assists in his return to the lineup, and the balanced Chicago Bulls beat Detroit.

Rose was 9 for 20 from the field in 32 minutes after being sidelined by sprained ankles. The 2011 NBA MVP had missed four of the previous five games after he was injured in an overtime loss to Cleveland on Oct. 31.

Pau Gasol had 17 points and 15 rebounds for Chicago, and Joakim Noah finished with 13 points, 14 boards and six assists. The Bulls outrebounded the Pistons 49-46 after they had lost the battle on the glass in the previous six games, rankling hard-nosed coach Tom

Germany is set to make doping in sport a crime for the first time, with jail terms of up to three years for athletes found guilty.

The draft is scheduled to be presented by ministers on Wednesday with the law going before parliament in spring 2015.

About 7,000 German professional athletes who are covered by the national testing program will be affected by the new law.

Foreign athletes caught

Thibodeau.

Josh Smith had 19 points and 11 rebounds for Detroit, which was coming off a 9796 home loss to Utah on Sunday. Greg Monroe had 16 points and 10 boards, and reserve D.J. Augustin scored 16.

Pistons centre Andre Drummond, who began the game in a jersey that had his name misspelled on the back, grabbed 12 rebounds, but was 0 for 5 from the field and finished with two points.

SPURS 89, CLIPPERS 85

Kawhi Leonard tied his career high with 26 points despite playing with only one good eye, and San Antonio closed with a rush to beat Los Angeles.

Leonard’s vision has been affected by a case of conjunctivitis. Still, he pulled down 10 rebounds and gave the defending NBA champions their first lead with 1:44 left after trailing by seven with just under 6 minutes to play.

Tim Duncan added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Tony Parker scored nine of his 13 in the fourth quarter for the Spurs, who snapped a two-game skid while earning their first road win.

San Antonio finished the game on a 14-0 run, giving Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Parker their 500th career victory together. They are second among trios in NBA history to Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, who won 540 games with the Boston Celtics.

Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but committed two consecutive turnovers that led to the Spurs taking the lead for the first time.

Chris Paul had 12 points and 10 rebounds while just missing his second tripledouble of the season with nine assists.

HAWKS 91, KNICKS 85

Paul Millsap scored 19 points, Dennis Schroder extended his best stretch in the NBA with two big baskets in the final 2 minutes, and Atlanta sent the New York Knicks to their fifth straight loss.

Kyle Korver added 17 points as Atlanta finished a home-and-home sweep, including a 103-96 win Saturday at home.

Schroder, a second-year guard from Germany, scored a career-high 14 points, two nights after setting his previous best with 11. With the Hawks clinging to a threepoint lead, he knocked down a jumper with 1:55 to play, then scored on a drive to the basket that gave Atlanta an 81-74 advantage with 59 seconds remaining.

Carmelo Anthony had 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Knicks, who came in averaging 92 points, tied for worst in the NBA, and barely surpassed their previous low of 80 in their season-opening loss to Chicago.

PACERS 97, JAZZ 86

Roy Hibbert scored a season-high 29 points to help Indiana beat Utah, ending the Pacers’ six-game losing streak.

A.J. Price had 22 points and Lavoy Allen added 12 — also season highs for both players — as the Pacers won for the first time since the season opener. Allen also had 15 rebounds and Hibbert grabbed five.

Price scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, including two 3-pointers during a 13-2 run that gave Indiana an 8779 lead midway through the period.

Gordon Hayward scored 30 points to lead Utah. Enes Kanter had 18 points and Derrick Favors added 13 points and eight rebounds.

Indiana played without injured starters David West (sprained ankle), George Hill (bruised knee) and Paul George (leg). (Herald Sports)

doping in Germany would also risk prison. (BBC Sport)

The West Indies Cricket Board today announced that it has confirmed venues for three home matches of the Leeward Islands Franchise in the Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament.

The Leewards Franchise will face Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Warner Park in the St. Kitts capital of Basseterre in the second round of matches from November 21 to 24.

Warner Park will also stage the sixth round match between Devon Thomas’ side and Guyana Jaguars from February 13 to 16 next year.

The Leewards Franchise will conclude its home schedule with a ninth round match against the Jamaica Franchise from March 13 to 16 next year at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Confirmation about where the Leewards Franchise will play their home matches in the seventh and eighth rounds will be released at a later date.

The WICB PCL R4Day opens on Friday. (See updated schedule below).

Schedule: ROUND 1

November 14 to 17

Jamaica Franchise vs Windwards Volcanoes –Sabina Park

T&T Red Force vs Barbados Franchise –Queen’s Park Oval

Guyana Jamaica vs Leewards Franchise –Guyana National Stadium ROUND 2

November 21 to 24

Guyana Jaguars vs Windwards Volcanoes –Guyana National Stadium

Leewards Franchise vs T&T Red Force – Warner Park

Barbados Franchise vs Jamaica Franchise –Windward Sports Club ROUND 3

November 28 to December 1

Windwards Volcanoes vs Leewards Franchise –Grenada National Stadium

Guyana Jaguars vs Barbados Franchise –Guyana National Stadium

T&T Red Force vs Jamaica Franchise –Queen’s Park Oval ROUND 4

December 5 to 8

Windwards Volcanoes vs Barbados Franchise – Arnos

Vale Sports Complex

Jamaica Franchise vs Leewards Franchise –Sabina Park

T&T Red Force vs Guyana Jaguars – Queen’s Park Oval

BREAK ROUND 5

February 6 to 9

Jamaica Franchise vs Guyana Jaguars – Sabina Park

Windwards Volcanoes vs T&T Red Force – Beausejour Cricket Ground

Barbados Franchise vs Leewards Franchise –Kensington Oval ROUND 6

February 13 to 16

Windwards Volcanoes vs Jamaica Franchise – Arnos Vale Sports Complex

Barbados Franchise vs T&T Red Force – Kensington Oval

Leewards Franchise vs Guyana Jaguars – Warner Park ROUND 7

February 20 to 23

Leewards Franchise vs Windwards Volcanoes – To be confirmed

Barbados Franchise vs Guyana Jaguars –Kensington Oval Jamaica Franchise vs T&T Red Force – Sabina Park

BREAK ROUND 8

March 6 to 9

T&T Red Force vs Windwards Volcanoes –Queen’s Park Oval Guyana Jaguars vs Jamaica Franchise –Guyana National Stadium Leewards Franchise vs Barbados Franchise – To be confirmed ROUND 9

March 13 to 16

Barbados Franchise vs Windwards Volcanoes –Kensington Oval Leewards Franchise vs Jamaica Franchise – Vivian

Richards Cricket Ground Guyana Jaguars vs T&T Red Force – Guyana National Stadium ROUND 10

March 20 to 23

Windwards Volcanoes vs Guyana Jaguars – Windsor Park

T&T Red Force vs Leewards Franchise –Queen’s Park Oval

Jamaica Franchise vs Barbados Franchise –Sabina Park (WICB Release)

Villa, Tottenham fined £20,000

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have each been fined £20,000 by the Football Association for failing to control their players.

It follows an incident during their Premier League match at Villa Park on 2 November - which Tottenham won 2-1.

The FA charge stated that in or around the 66th minute, the clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

Both clubs accepted the standard penalty fine.

Villa striker Christian

Benteke was sent off after he pushed a hand into Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason’s face.

Television replays appeared to show Mason also pushing his head into the face of Benteke before refer-

ee Neil Swarbrick dismissed him.

Villa were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident but goals from Nacer Chadli and Harry Kane helped Tottenham come from behind to win. (BBC Sport)

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District 15 (New Amsterdam/Canje) will be attending the 2014 National Schools Athletic Championships with several potential record breakers in the field events.

Manager of the team Heathcliff Peters is predicting that some of the records set in field events will tumble when his athletes perform as 2012 under-16 girls high jump record holder Donella Joe is highly favored to set a new record when she participates in the under-18 high jump in her second year of competition.

Meanwhile last year District 15 finished sixth overall and will miss some of their top female athletes who have opted to concentrate on their academics.

However, Peters believe they will improve on their performance.

Another athlete with good promise is Torrencia Mosses who will be compet-

ing in the girl’s under-16 100 and 200 meters along with the high jump and triple jump events.

Last year at the under-16 level she placed second in the high jump event for District 15.

In addition Juban Crawford will be on his bicycle for the road race which kicks off the championships.

Though Crawford could be challenged by two riders from District five (Andrew Hicks and Romello Crawford) the district athlete is expected to dominate. He will also be appearing in the 2000, 3000 and 5000 meters events on the track.

Champion under-16 athlete at the 2013 edition of the championships Brian Bramble will be returning this year to participate in the under-18 category.

Last year Bramble won the long jump and placed second in 100, 200 and 400 meters events. This year he is only focusing on the 100 and 200 meters events.

Torella Peters will be returning after an absence of two years to compete in the 100 and 200 girls under-16 while Kareem Samuels who placed sixth in the boys 100 meters under-14 final last year will be back at the starting line in the same event.

2013 girls under-14 champion in cycling, Destiny Lewis will be on her bike again and is set to compete in the 1000, 1500 and 2000 meters races.

Mush could be expected from the little known but talented swimmer Bria Babb who surprised everyone when she convincingly won the under10 50 meters free style and 50 meters back stroke events when the district held its inter-school competition last month. Meanwhile Peters noted that everything is in place for the team’s travel for the event that begins on November 18.

Fabregas to miss Spain’s Euro qualifier

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas will miss Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus and friendly with Germany with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old joined the Spain squad after playing in Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League win at Liverpool on Saturday.

However, Blues boss Jose

Mourinho said he had taken a “gamble” with Fabregas.

The Spanish Football Federation said: “Although the MRI discards a hamstring tear, the player continues to have discomfort.

“And the medical team considers that his involvement in the next games would not be advisable for his complete recovery.”

Fabregas will undergo

further tests in Madrid before returning to London on Tuesday.

Spain host Belarus on Saturday before entertaining world champions Germany next Tuesday.

National team coach Vicente del Bosque has called up Villarreal midfielder Bruno Soriano as Fabregas’ replacement. (BBC Sport)

South Georgetown locked and loaded for Nationals

By TreisTon Joseph

South Georgetown (District 13) has al-

ways had the talent but never seemed to produce the goods when the bright lights of the National School Championships were on.

With past stars such as Tiffany Carto, Letitia Myles, Stephan James, Paul deNobrega and Tevin Garraway either out of school or representing different zones, the district believes that this year’s edition of the event will see them rise out of the chasm they constantly fall into.

Assistant Manager of the district, Leon Bishop, believes that this might possibly be a changing of the guard.

“We will improve from last year, we place ninth or 10th last year and there is no way we will place that low this year, so we will come bigger and better.

“Looking at the team this year I think we have a good chance of winning or coming close to winning; when we look at our athletes, teacher-athletes and the cycling, we are very strong and our swimmers are improving,” Bishop highlighted.

Bishop, who is also one of Guyana‘s top long jumpers and will be performing at the event, even cited a strategy that will give the district a chance of winning.

“We are setting our sights on winning the teacher’s championship or the cycling and I think once we can win one of those, it will be easier to challenge District 11 (North Georgetown/defending champions) or District 10 (Linden/Kwakwani, 2013’s runners-up),” he noted.

Well-prepared

With all the hopes and aspirations Bishop has for the district this year, he also related that preparations for the district have been going according to plan so far.

“I think the preparation for nationals for the team is going fantastic: everybody is in high gear and we are training over the past week, so everybody is focused and even our teachers have been training and we are confident heading into nationals

“One thing that went slow this year was the availability of grounds, so we had to run our sports a bit late, which put us back a bit but that hasn’t done anything to hamper our preparation for the championship,” Bishop said.

He also related that “there are about four to five national swimmers on our team and I have never seen a South Zone swimming team so strong, with all those national swimmers, they will help to give us a better placement.

“Added to that everybody knows that I hate losing and I think that is something

Busy weekend for local riders

By AvenAsh rAmzAn

Wthat all the guys, studentathletes and teacher-athletes have been understanding clearly, but when it comes to our performance this year the public will see South Zone right up there,” he stated confidentially.

However, the migration of athletes to other zones has had an impact on the zone in times past but according to Bishop, the district is at the mercy of the system.

“We really can’t stop the migration, we don’t have sixth-form schools in the district which means that when the children write CSEC, they have to leave to go to sixth-form schools … so we can’t stop that,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Bishop is confident that all resources will be in place to help the team effectively compete at the 54th edition of the event. “In terms of resources from a district point of view, all things are in place, we have the necessary stuff for the athletes to use when they are training, but when it gets to the nationals level, we have to wait on the Ministry of Education to release the necessary funds so that we can prepare for that aspect, but in small terms, we are quite OK,” he stressed.

ith 2014 nearing its end, local riders are gearing up for what seems like the final doubleheader weekend of the 2014 cycling season with National Coach Hassan Mohamed staging back-to-back races this weekend.

First up will be the third annual Payless Variety Store, in collaboration with Star Party Rental, 11-race programme on Saturday, an event that was initially slated to be held in late October, but had to be shifted due to unforeseen circumstances.

When action pedals off at 09:00 hours, there will be rivalry among the youngsters in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open categories, followed by the Mountain Bikers, Juveniles and Veterans Under-50, Over-50 and Over-60.

All of these races will set the stage for the grand show-

down in the School Boys and Invitational 35-lap race, which is set to attract the leading senior riders, as well as promising young talents.

Roraima Bikers Club’s leading wheeler Alanzo Greaves is set to defend the title he won in 2013. The dominant rider clocked one hour, 18 minutes, 07.05 seconds (01h: 18m: 07.05s) to win the feature race, while Hamzah Eastman won the Juveniles category. Shameer

Baksh (Veterans Under-50), Jamal John (BMX 12-14) and Richard Charles (Mountain Bikes) were some of the other winners last year.

As has been the case over the past two years, representatives of Payless Variety Store and Star Party Rental will witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

On Sunday, the cyclists will head to the West Demerara roadways for the

hosting of the fourth annual Powerade 50-miler sponsored by Banks DIH Limited.

The race will commence at 08:00 hours in front of the Wales Police Station, proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish. Raynauth Jeffrey is the defending champion of the Open category, having won last year’s race in a time of one hour, 51 minutes, 02.60 seconds (01h: 51m: 02.60s). The other category winners were Michael Anthony (Juniors); Talim Shaw (Veterans); Julio Melville (Mountain Bikes); Monty Parris (Veterans Over60); and Toshawnna Doris (Females).

Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart is expected to represent his company at the finish line and help with the presentation of prizes, according to the organiser.

GCB President donates gear to Bayrock Cricket Club

The mining town of Linden benefited once again from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) developmental outreach programme last Sunday as the GCB President Drubahadur visited Linden and donated a complete kit of cricket gear to the Bayrock Cricket Club.

According to a press release, the kit consists of a complete set of equipment to outfit a team for participation in a cricket match.

Drubahadur attended the final of a cricket competition between Bayrock Cricket Club and Waruni Mission Cricket Club. The competition was organised by the Upper Demerara Cricket Committee.

The GCB President’s visit was a follow-up to the outreach the Cricket Board made in August this year, when they contributed $250,000 each to the Bayrock Club and the Regional Authority along with six bats and five boxes of balls.

Speaking to the club representatives and young cricketers, Drubahadur said he was happy to see youths involved in cricket in Linden. He urged the cricket-

St Vincent PM proposes...

“I’m not making any criticism here about any individual leader currently inside of the WICB. I think it is clear to everybody that the structures which exist are not appropriate for the administration and management of West Indies cricket. They have to be responsive and responsible to the community.”

Gonsalves continued: “WICB doesn’t own any cricket ground. WICB doesn’t own West Indies cricket; the people of the region own it. They (WICB) are custodians with their links to the ICC to organize cricket at the regional level and at international level. There are national as-

sociations, but the structure which exists is inadequate for these times and these circumstances.”

The fourth point of Gonsalves’s proposal is that “the WICB and the BCCI must work more closely and collaboratively in the interest of both Indian and West Indian cricket and world cricket.”

“And, of course, there are many practical things which we can do together. And once we have those, as the lawyers will say, in those premises, given those four points, the fifth point is that India, in the interest of cricket in Indian and the Caribbean

ers to make good use of the gear and take care of them.

Drubahadur further stated that as the finances of the GCB improve, they will receive more support.

Drubahadur congratulated Lancelot Easton, Mortimer Denny and others for the wonderful work they were doing in the Upper

and world cricket, that they simply forgo the claim in the light of what I call this grand settlement,” Gonsalves contended.

He said he had copied his letter to CARICOM’s bureau and noted that time was running out on the WICB to avoid a lawsuit.

In making its claim of compensation, the BCCI had given the WICB 15 days in which to outline how it would settle the amount.

“Time is of the essence, because on Friday of this week will be the15th day after the letter from the BCCI to the West Indies Cricket Board making the demand.”

Demerara area and pledged his personal commitment to the development of the game in the area.

Speaking on behalf of Bayrock and the Committee, Easton thanked the GCB President for again helping the youths of the region and promised to ensure that the cricket equipment was well utilised and kept safely for use.

Cameron sent a letter to the BCCI on November 7, apologizing for the players’ walk-out of the ODI tour and urging them to settle the matter through the ICC Disputes Committee.

Gonsalves acknowledged he was aware of the letter.

He said, however, Cameron had requested the help of CARICOM at the recent Port of Spain meeting, in approaching the BCCI and the Indian authorities to see if the matter could be resolved.

Gonsalves, though, made it clear that he was not asking CARICOM nations to pay the US$42 million bill.

The GCB started a countrywide outreach programme this year to aid clubs across the country in the development of cricket. So far, they have reached Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and other areas on the East Bank of Demerara.

“Now, when I said that I’ll be working to help with a resolution, for some strange reason, that metamorphosed that I will take money from the treasury of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and ask other countries to do so. I explicitly said no, that is not on the cards,” Gonsalves stressed.

“But because Ralph got involved and he’s playing a leading role in this matter, that what you have to do is to tarnish his role by going to an absorb position and to sell that to the region, where some news agencies believe that I said so, when I never said so.”

GT&T outfits national women’s hockey team

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has enhanced its association with the Guyana women’s hockey team by outfitting the ladies with playing gear for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico.

The telecommunications giant has a long and healthy relationship with the sport of hockey in Guyana and just celebrated its 14th year of sponsoring the Indoor Hockey National Championships.

In recognition of the achievements of the women’s national hockey team, including their qualification and participation against world-class opposition in the prestigious Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup, GT&T has chosen to embrace its latest effort to medal in the CAC Games.

The company’s Public Relations Officer, Nadia DeAbreu, was on hand to make the presentation of playing uniforms to representatives of the team. DeAbreu indicated that the company was happy to support the efforts of the team and wished them success in

the Games.

Vice Captain Ulrica Sutherland expressed great appreciation on behalf of the team, indicating that companies like GT&T should be commended for affording young people the opportunity to set and achieve goals, both in sport and in other beneficial endeavours.

The national ladies depart today for Mexico and will compete against the Dominican Republic in their first match of the games on Saturday at 12 noon, Guyana time. As a result of their success over the past three years, Guyana enter the tournament ranked fourth out of eight teams. The other teams in the competition are Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and hosts Mexico.

Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago are the top ranked team in the competition with Mexico being ranked second. Guyana have never medalled in these games, but enter this year’s competition with a much better ranking than their last-place ranking at the last staging of the games four years ago.

GSCL Inc postpones hosting of President’s Cup T20 competition

Following the scheduled completion of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) tournament this month-end, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) has decided to postpone the hosting of its inaugural President’s Cup T20 competition.

The tournament was set to bowl off this weekend. However, in a show of good faith and solidarity with the GFSCA, the GSCL Inc has decided to push back the tournament to December 6-7, with the closing date for applications now being November 28. The launch will occur on December 3 at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation, Woolford Avenue, at 17:00 hours.

The tournament, which is being organised by the hardworking Samuel Kingston, is to be played with the ‘big ball’, with the aim of keeping softball teams affiliated to the League active yearround.

It will be facilitating the first six teams in the Open and Over-45 categories to register, with the entrance fee set at $50,000 per team in each category, while the winning prizes will be $300,000 for first place and $100,000 for second in both categories, along with trophies.

The new playing dates for the tournament will now be December 6 and 7,

Samuel Kingston

on which days the finals will be held under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground in Queenstown, where a female exhibition clash will also whet the appetite of fans.

Grounds identified to be used for this competition so far are those of GNIC, Demerara Cricket Club, Carifesta Sports Complex, and Georgetown Cricket Club. All interested teams are asked to note that the first six teams to register in both categories will be eligible to play in the tournament.

Apart from the abovementioned prizes, the Manof-the-Match in the two finals will also receive trophies, and interested teams can contact Kingston on 614-9536.

Mohamed all set for Caribbean motor racing championships

Leading all drivers in Group Three, Rameez Mohamed is ready for the heated action of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships set for Guyana at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday.

All systems are a go for the Starlet Turbo driver, he related to Guyana Times Sport in a telephone interview.

“I’m finished all my preparations, I tested on Sunday and I’m set to do my final testing on Thursday, everything is perfect and we are just trying different things to see how much power we can get,” Mohamed highlighted.

Further, the Group Three driver is extremely confident ahead of the event, “I’m 100 per cent confident, whatever we

had to do to get the car better, I think we did it and I don’t think there is anything left to do, we expect to do well,” he stated.

However, Mohamed is not taking his lead for granted, “The competition is very tight: there is a lot of competition and eve-

rybody is basically at the same level,” he revealed. Mohamed conceded that the mid-season rule changes did affect him, but the skilful driver has refocused for the task at hand, “It did, but I am going out there and race with what I have and I ex-

pect to perform well.” Mohamed also thanked his sponsors, namely; Palm Court, BM Auto Sales and Spears, Prem’s Electrical, CARICOM Auto Sales and Truck Masters for their continued support. (Treiston Joseph)

St Vincent PM proposes “grand settlement” to Caricom

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has written to CARICOM asking the regional body to communicate to the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) his “grand settlement” proposal, aimed at diffusing the BCCI’s US$42 million compensation claim against the West Indies Cricket Board and ending the full blown crisis.

Gonsalves told reporters in Kingstown on Monday that the “grand settlement” included five elements, the first of which was that the WICB settled the internal matter with the “India 14”.

He was referring to the West Indies cricketers who prematurely ended their tour of India last month over a pay dispute with WIPA, resulting in the US$42 million claim in losses from the BCCI.

Gonsalves has been at the centre of the resolution process, recently chairing a high-level meeting in Port of Spain which included Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, WICB president Dave Cameron, players’ spokesman Dwayne Bravo

and WIPA president and chief executive, Wavell Hinds.

“All that we agreed on at the Hyatt Hotel in Port-ofSpain on the evening of the 30th of October. I don’t have to go through the details, but settle that [players issue]

Taylor’s brilliance not good enough against Aussies’ women

Aflurry of late wickets could not stop Australia Women from taking a 1-0 series lead with a slender three-wicket win against West Indies Women in Sydney. Chasing 241, Australia were cruising at 217 for 2 in the 44th over before five wickets fell in the next six overs, but they were taken home with three balls to spare. Australia are on top of the Women’s ODI Championship with four wins from as many matches.

Australia’s chase was led by their top order after they lost opener Elyse Villani in the third over. Nicole Bolton and Meg Lanning stitched a brisk stand of 100 runs in 20 overs. Bolton scored 59 off 78 and became Anisa Mohammed’s first wicket.

Lanning was then accompanied by Ellyse Perry for a partnership of 105 runs which meant they needed 28 runs from 42 balls with eight wickets in hand. However, Perry and Lanning were dis-

first,” Gonsalves said.

The “grand settlement” is also calling for WIPA and the India 14 “to stop their internecine squabbling and get back on track as one entity in WIPA”.

Thirdly, Gonsalves’s proposal is calling “for firm, urgent, practical steps to the be taken in the reform of the management and administrative systems of the West Indies Cricket Board.”

“The West Indies Cricket Board at the moment is functioning as if it were a private club,” Gonsalves said forcefully.

“It needs to be responsible and responsive to the community. These are issues which have been raised in the Patterson Report several years ago and that is the starting point for the reform, otherwise this thing is going to happen again.

40.4 ov), 5-211 (Aguilleira, 45.2 ov), 6-218 (Daley, 46.1 ov), 7-219 (Mohammed, 46.4 ov), 8-228 (Campbelle, 48.3 ov).

Australia Women Bowling: R Farrell 7-0-42-1, E Perry 10-152-0, K Beams 10-1-32-2, M

missed in quick succession by Stafanie Taylor for 53 and 95 respectively. Australia went on to lose three more wickets - including two in the penultimate over by Shanel Daley - and when they needed two from the last over, they reached the target with the help of a wide.

The West Indies innings, once they were put in to bat, was steered by their No. 3 Taylor with the help of opener Hayley Mathews. Both batsmen struck fifties in their stand of 109 runs before Mathews fell or 55. Taylor and Deandra Dottin took them past 200 in the 40th over but the lower order failed to capitalise on the solid platform. Taylor and Dottin fell in successive overs and three wickets in two overs from offspinner Erin Osborne meant they scored only 38 runs in the last 10 overs to reach 240 for 8. Kristen Beams finished with 2 for 32 from 10 overs. (Cricinfo)

Schutt 6-0-36-1, E Osborne 100-43-3, J Jonassen 7-0-31-1. Australia Women (Target; 241) E Villani c Matthews b Smartt 4 N Bolton c Taylor b Mohammed 59 M Lanning* c Aguilleira b Taylor 95 E Perry c & b Taylor 53 A Blackwell c Matthews b Mohammed 2 A Healy+ c Taylor b Daley 14 J Jonassen