Guyana Times Daily - March 28, 2015

Granger uses women as “front”

saturday, march 28, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

GuySuCo surpasses first crop target by 2210 tonnes

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) said it has surpassed its first crop target by over 2,210 tonnes contrary to reports in other sections of the media which had reported that the corporation was in big trouble owing to a drop in production.

“We refer to two reports appearing in Stabroek News on Wednesday, March 25 and Kaieteur News on Thursday, March 26, 2015, with respect to the sugar industry, both of which, unfortunately, are substantially misinformed and seem to have derived their information from unofficial and uninformed sources,” GuySuCo said in a statement on Friday.

Both publications have reported inaccurately on the first crop production figures for this year. The first crop, to the end of last week, produced 32,684 tonnes of sugar. That is, 2,210 tonnes in excess of the company’s pro-

jected production of 30,474 tonnes, the sugar company said.

“The industry, in fact, has increased its yield by 4.1 Tonnes of Cane per Hectare (TCH) while, at the same time, maintaining its projected Tonnes of Cane per Tonnes of Sugar (TCTS) at 11.9 tonnes. The Tonnes of Sugar per Hectare (TSH) has increased from the projected figure of 4.44 TSH to 5.06. This is a significant improvement in efficiency, and in sharp contrast with the published figures in the Kaieteur News, GuySuCo said.

According to GuySuCo, this year the industry is producing 59.5 TCH and with reasonable weather conditions and a continued labour turnout over the next six weeks, the industry should comfortably achieve its first crop budget target of 86,201 tonnes of sugar, an eight per cent increase over the 2014 first crop.

Meanwhile, GuySuCo said that the Kaieteur News allegation that it had “failed to enter into a three-year agreement to lock in the high prices and instead opted for a one-year contract” is completely false.

“We can only wonder about where this information comes from? In the com-

pany’s negotiations with Tate & Lyle there was no offer and no discussion with respect to a contract covering a three year agreement from 2014-2017. It was never on the table.”

According to the sugar corporation, in marketing its sugar, GuySuCo has consistently pursued the best pos-

sible trading arrangement, and in 2014 has spot traded at the premium available prices on the EU market while concentrating on selling its quality sugar to the highest priced market, such as the Caribbean.

Skeldon sugar

With regard to production at Skeldon Estate, the corporation said Skeldon Estate, in 2014, produced a total of 590,018 tonnes of cane at 56.23 TCH, the highest production since the new factory commenced operation.

“The industry can confidently expect that Skeldon Estate will produce 657,372 tonnes of cane at 59.62 TCH, this year, which will represent an 11 per cent increase in cane production and a six per cent increase in productivity.”

The Kaieteur News also reported that young canes at Skeldon were cut over the last two years and that there are insufficient canes for the 2015 crop is “complete nonsense and has no basis whatsoever.” According to the corporation the reverse is true.

“The facts are that Skeldon Estate, over the last four years, has been unable to utilise its actual cane production per crop, with a resultant carryover of canes left in the field each crop. However, in 2014, the best year of harvesting the second crop, the majority of the canes in the field were utilised. Only 343 hectares of cane from 2014 remains to be harvested in 2015 and will be harvested in this coming crop,” GuySuCo explained.

Equally misleading, GuySuCo said Kaieteur

News’ report attributed to a “Besham Persaud,” alleging that the Skeldon “factory had no trial run, there was no pre-crop brief” and “400plus punts of cane burnt did not reach the factory and start grinding until after 72 hours.”

“In fact, the required modifications of the outboard punt dump to a winch system similarly in use in a number of other estates and other maintenance in the factory has been completed, increasing capacity. Grinding for the first crop commenced on March 15, after the completion of steam and equipment trials on the previous day and minor equipment repairs effected. No cane has been spoilt since the start of the crop and all the cane delivered to the factory has been processed,” the corporation said.

According to GuySuCo, the estate is ready to deliver an average grinding rate of 250 tonnes per hour, over a seven week grinding period, for 233,685 tonnes of cane production and is also expected to conclude the first crop in the first week in May, before the mid-year rains.

“GuySuCo’s management is fully aware and acknowledges that, with the prevailing world price for raw sugar, in order to be competitive the industry must change going forward. The revised business plan for 2014-2017, which will shortly be made public, addresses the means of reducing the cost of production, increasing harvesting efficiency and embracing value added production. This will take time and dedicated application throughout the industry.”

New machine readable passports to be issued from Monday

Upgraded Machine

Readable passports would be issued from Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs has said.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to refer to the 2014 End-of-Year Address made by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, [Clement Rohee] on 31st December 2014 at the Guyana Police Force Officers Training Centre, Kingston, Georgetown.”

In that address, the Minister indicated that a contract was signed with Canadian Bank Note Company Limited (CBN) to upgrade the security features of Guyana’s Machine-

Readable Passports in order to safeguard the integrity of the documents. The minister also had indicated that the issuance of the new passports would commence in 2015 and the old passports would be gradually phased out. “The Ministry of Home Affairs is happy to report that the process of upgrading the passports has been completed to the satisfaction of the Ministry and issuance of the new documents will commence with effect from Monday 30th March 2015. This project is part of the Government of Guyana’s plan to continually improve border security in Guyana.

saturday, March 28, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, March 28 – 11:30h-13:00h and Sunday, March 29 – 13:00h-14:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, March 28 – 10:40h-12:10h and Sunday, March 29 – 12:05h-13:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:

Saturday, March 28 – 07:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

Sunday, March 29 – 08:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers can be expected in the morning and into the early afternoon hours, with sunny intervals expected in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:45h and 23:43h reaching maximum heights of 2.10 metres and 2.03 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:12h and 17:01h reaching minimum heights of 1.19 metres and 1.11 metres respectively.

Granger uses women as “front”

– Selman says wants to keep them “barefoot and pregnant”

By Michael younge

Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Africo Selman, has accused Opposition Leader David Granger of using the hard working women within his party as a front to give the impression that the party respects women and has a plan for their overall development and upward mobility. But, she said, in reality, Granger wanted to relegate them to subservient roles.

Selman, who threw her support behind the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) back in January after claiming she experienced the worst forms of emotional, verbal and psychological abuse with the Opposition camp, spoke at several political public meetings for the ruling party over the past few weeks.

She addressed crowds gathered at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara and Yarrowkabra, located on the Linden Highway telling them that the coalition and some of its male members including those at its helm were sidelining women and young ladies who have dissenting, independent views and wanted to be promoted to senior postings on the basis of meritocracy.

Selman condemned what she called the “sheer hypocrisy” and “window dressing” occurring with the PNCR and APNU as she called on Guyanese present at the PPP/C’s meetings to take a stance against the abuse, misuse and maltreatment of women in politics.

“They are saying one thing and doing another. They are using women as a front and they are ill-treating and sidelining them behind the scenes,” she said as she shared her own experiences with the crowd. “They want to just keep us ‘barefoot and pregnant’.”

Selman further alleged that the Opposition had no

real plan for women development and it was evident from its campaign that it was less concerned about women issues as it appeared more bent on the sensational stuff which would secure political mileage

Expressing gratitude each time she took the platform at the various meetings, Selman said that she was pleased to see the ruling Party actively involved in strengthening the zeal of woman and advocating their rights. She said that it was clear that the PPP/C has promoted women empowerment at every level of its structure explaining that it had space to accommodate women who wanted to make a difference in their lives and that of their community. The female politician, a youth activist herself, lauded the work done by the Government to boost the education sector and provide equitable access to education at all levels.

Victimised

She spoke of the decision taken by the coalition to vote against the students’ loans provisions for those attending University explaining the overtures she made to have the Opposition move in a different direction. She also informed those gathered that she spoke out against the positions taken

by APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) on the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and was later victimised and abused for her stance. “There are intelligent women like Volda Lawrence within the coalition who I believe continues to be sidelined while others like Amna Ally are handpicked on the basis of favouritism and because they will dance the leaders’ tune”, Selman said.

Selman also condemned the anti-democratic nature of APNU. Speaking to the Guyana Times, she said that women had always been the backbone of the PNC – starting with Jane Phillips Gay, Shirley Field-Ridley and Winifred Gaskin and the thousands of women who carried the burden of the party. . But under Granger there has obviously been instituted a policy of sidelining women. “Granger has brought in dozens of ex-military personnel into the party apparatus and sidelined PNC stalwarts. But even in this building of his support base, he has not brought in any female ex-member of the Disciplined Forces.”

The schoolteacher whose role had been miniaturised in Parliament by Granger, offered other illustrations of Granger’s alleged anti-women proclivities: “Vanessa

Kissoon is feeling the victimisation from Granger... but unlike me, she wants to continue inside the PNC. I would like to tell her that she will be destroyed, because there is no space for her unless she wants to be a lapdog for Granger,” Selman said. “She should reflect what happened to Faith Harding, who had been brought into the party by Mr [Desmond] Hoyte. She was rigged out of her chance to become a leader of the PNC. Even if she would have lost, she should have been given a fair chance. She had earned that right.”

She urged Guyanese to vote for the PPP/C who she said was a party that was willing to work long and hard for the country’s continued progress and development.

Selman is slated to speak prominently at several other PPP/C meetings and rallies in the lead up to this year’s General and Regional Elections on May 11. The University graduate, who resigned her seat as a parliamentarian with APNU before the dissolution of Parliament, had argued that she was abused by APNU Chief Whip Amna Ally on several occasions and the party leader David Granger was aware, stood by and did nothing to rescue her.

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

Questions on teen pregnancy

In the wake of the cheating scandal in Bihar, India, an education official appealed to parents – and students – to assist the Education Ministry in stopping the activity. The situation in India brings to mind our own issue of teenage pregnancy in Guyana, said to be the second highest in the Caribbean, and the role both parents and teenagers – many of the latter students – must play in reducing its rates.

As in India, Opposition members have laid the blame squarely at the door of the Education Ministry, seeming to ignore the role society, including parents and teenagers, must also play in reducing teen pregnancies.

While Guyanese teens seem well educated about celebrity, movie and music culture through television and the internet, especially with its often highly sexualized content, many remain seemingly uninformed of sex and birth control education, though well aware of their own sexuality.

Why, in the days of instant information via the internet or TV programmes, should a Guyanese teen’s information download relate mainly to these topics and not include sex education? How can Government and society effectively use these popular technologies to teach sexual responsibility among Guyanese teenagers?

Despite the efforts of agencies such as the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), programmes such as Health and Family Life (HFL), and free access to methods of birth control, teen pregnancy rates are still high. Is there a need for more education or education that is more effective, or is this a reflection of a lack of attention to these efforts among teens?

The GRPA notes that many Guyanese adults display a lack of education about sex, so it should be little surprise that their offspring also lack awareness. Is it that Guyanese traditional society sees sex and birth control as taboo topics, and parents would rather “someone else” have these discussions with their children?

It is bewildering that teen pregnancy often focuses on teenage girls; it takes the male and female to create a pregnancy yet it has become the burden of young girls to avoid teen pregnancy.

Why aren’t teen boys also held responsible for teen pregnancy? Why are teen mothers often blamed for the pregnancy? There should be no chauvinistic approaches to tackling teen pregnancy.

As teen years are those of increased sexual energies, to quote one politician: “sex happens” – in these times, ideas of abstinence and the morality of sex before marriage are considered archaic, even derisory. To blame a single Government agency for the increasing sexual activity and pregnancies among teenagers is short sighted at best. It requires both Government and society to arrest teen pregnancy.

One puts policies in place to help prevent teen pregnancies and one encourages teens to follow the policies put in place. Alternatively, one encourages a responsible approach to sex while the other complements this with policies geared to make these responsibilities easier to attain and maintain.

This brings to question the role of teenagers themselves in preventing teen pregnancies: how much do teens themselves adhere to the education and guidance they receive from these programmes and from their parents, if they do, regarding sex and birth control?

We are encouraged to view teens as capable of a lot more than we give them credit for – indeed teens insist on their independence and ability to make their own decisions. But is the high incidence of teen pregnancy one result of their own decision making, or an illustration of the need for adult guidance (what teens often consider adult “interference”)?

Blaming everything Government is not the approach needed to tackle teenage pregnancy in Guyana. A strong look at the role society plays in helping to make teenagers educated and aware of sex and their responsibilities if they wish to engage in sex is also necessary –several programmes, laws and policies are already in place, with plans and support for others to come.

Sound Government policies, good parental/societal guidance, and an informed and willing youth population together are key to stopping teen pregnancies.

Something's wrong with people who think they're always right

Dear Editor,

It is interesting to note that the Opposition politicians are commenting on the GECOM list of electors as inaccurate.

However, when Clement Rohee made a similar claim, these same people wanted to tar and feather him. What hyprocrisy! There is definitely something wrong with people who always

think that they are correct and others are wrong. This again is hyprocrisy.

These very politicians claim that Indians vote based on race. What about African Guyanese? Don't they also vote according to race? Every day that comes makes the former President statement (that Indians are being targeted in this coun-

try) seems so true.

Courtney Crum-Ewing’s death is used for political gains. Every Opposition element is suddenly alive and kicking about his death. I have nothing against the late Courtney.

However what about Sheema Mangar and the scores of Indians who have been senselessly massacred?

Are they not human beings too? Don't they have the right to enjoy Guyana like all other races?

These very people who prefer for their own are the people who are aspiring for the Government of this country. What will happen to Indians and others then?

Rakesh Singh

Granger is no Lee Kwan

Dear Editor, “I’ve told the Cabinet, when I’m dead, demolish it.”

"Why?" the interviewer asked. The Prime Minister replied his house would cost taxpayers too much to maintain. It would become a shambles when tourist “people trudge through it", came the reply.

Recently, Singaporeans were plunged into nationwide mourning with the passing of Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew, 91. He ruled for five decades as a dictator. But by "a mix of semiauthoritarian, one-party rule, meticulous urban planning, laissez-faire economic policies, low taxes and selective wooing of imported foreign talent, the former British colony became a tidy, gleaming Asian metropolis"(NYT).

Whether his house survives or fulfills economic expediency is not important right now. Today, the Chinese leader's death finds him getting a reverential

send off by all citizens in nationwide grief. Singaporeans do not ask or expect any apology for his dictatorship.

Lee Kwan made Singapore and its citizens rich, industrious and ensured them a safe place for all to live.

Before independence Singapore had a GDP of about $1 billion. After Lee Kwan ruled for five decades, the GDP rose to some $300 billion! While the Chinese Lee Kwan was a similar ruler to the African Forbes Burnham, their legacies are in sharp contrast by all the abundant evidence.

Burnham's dictatorship became a national nightmare long before his PNC was democratically removed after its three decades in power. But that party's historic violent ownership of Guyana's habitual destruction with its rigid sanctimonious shape shifting deflection, keeps insisting that no PNC election rigging occurred.

While the GDF seizure and murder of 1973 Berbicians election martyrs Jagan Ramessar and Bholanath Parmanand is history, it is repugnant as it is transparent, even today. An apology will serve no good purposes right now. In due time genuine remorse and the necessary reparations will suffice.

What is now more important is whether the APNUAFC coalition can emulate and surpass Singapore's success miracle.

Any wonder why there was more national relief even worldwide celebration at the PNC founder leader's departure? His successor Desmond Hoyte quickly changed course but it was too little and too late.

His own state funeral became a national disgrace of worldwide shame.

After Burnham's legendary game changer PNC took over from Guyana's booming economy vacated by Dr Cheddi Jagan's PPP in 1964,

Yew

the country quickly became bankrupt as the PNC easily destroyed the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Guyana became a blighted country with its people in mass starvation and in rushing exodus. Whereas Guyanese only migrated for education and returned to serve, the PNC's policy drove away citizens, frightened away investors and shackled its remaining citizens both economically and politically.

There was no freedom of the press and letters critical of the PNC, as occurs today, were not published or lost their ambience in editing. PNC corruption and their lavish public lifestyles were no confidence builders for victory against poverty.

Guyanese can elect the PNC to repeat its same disasters again in May 2015 as it did in 1964 with another similar coalition partner in its amorous bosom embrace.

continued on page 5

Dear Editor,

The legendary Bhagat Singh Weapon deliveries to Ukraine threaten solution to conflict

Dear Editor,

The Kiev’s appeals to the West to step up weapon deliveries to the Ukrainian military threaten solution of the conflict in the southeastern Ukraine by peaceful measures. It is alarming that the US House of Representatives has recently passed a resolution calling on President Obama to send lethal weapons to Ukraine. We believe that the overwhelming majority of Europeans still consider the plan to supply weapons to Ukraine highly dangerous, although there are EU officials who are nudging whoever can be nudged to start such arms supplies.

This approach is aimed at undermining the Minsk Agreements and violates unanimously adopted UN Security Council resolution calling on parties to implement this accord aimed at peaceful settlement in Eastern Ukraine.

Claims that Russia supplies weapons to the Southeastern Ukrainian self-defense forces as well as its involvement in the crash of MH17 Malaysia Airlines in July 2014 have not been proven.

Sanctions of Western countries against Russia

due to the so called “annexing” Crimea are illegitimate. Crimea became part of Russia according to the free and fair referendum of the Crimeans, where more than 96.7 per cent voted in favor of joining Russia.

It is a double standard on the part of our Western partners to recognize referendums, for example in Kosovo, and to deny other people of the same right for self-determination, which is enshrined in the UN Charter. Such referendums are conducted all over the world, like in 1995 in Quebec (Canada) in 2014 in Scotland (Britain). The Ukrainian authorities continue to intensify the blockade of the Southeastern territories, ruthlessly restricting the contacts between residents of areas controlled by the self-defense forces and the rest of Ukraine as well as their trans-border ties with regions of the Russian Federation in direct violation of provisions fixed in the Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Attempts of Kiev to resolve the conflict by force led to heavy casualties

among civilians as a result of shelling of residential areas, schools, hospitals, kindergartens and other facilities with multiple launch rocket systems. Observers even claim that in some cases illegal dispenser weapons were used. During the conflict more than 5,000 people were killed, including 65 children.

The UN rightly recognizes the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe in the Southeastern Ukraine. The situation is further aggravated by Kiev’s policy of economic isolation, the non-payment of pensions and other social benefits, which is in fact in conflict with Ukraine’s international commitments.

The Russian Federation has sent 22 humanitarian convoys under the supervision of the OSCE to the Southeastern Ukraine delivering more than 27 tons of different humanitarian goods, food and medicines.

We call on the relevant international organizations, including UN, OSCE to urge the Kiev authorities to end the inhuman policy toward socially vulnerable Ukranian population.

Russian Embassy

Granger is no Lee ...

With the country now rebuilt by the PPP/C since 1992, will Guyanese also risk gambling on whether the PNC's touting of Granger as their game changer, ever cleaver, disguised and fully calibrated, is less a considered and ominous danger?

What makes him less a stranger but instead angelize him a healing messiah, reborn among the animals in a manger as best equipped to move us forward? Will Africans vote straight race loyalties unlike their Indian countrymen who are reminded race does not matter?

When Singapore mourners filed past their Prime Minister's body they spoke in unity about him with a zeal and adoration usually reserved for sainthood candidates. “We are deeply indebted to him,” said Irene Yeo, a saleswoman who brought a bouquet of flowers.

She listed the reasons for her gratitude for Lee Qwan: “My life, my housing, my family, the good environment, the good transportation and medical care,” are all due to him she said.

Vasuki Thirupathi, a Singapore Indian engineer said he sobbed uncontrollably for two minutes when he heard the news.

“He is my idol, and not a day passes without my saying it,” Mr Thirupathi emphasised. “Security, law and order, truth, honesty — all of this requires vision and boils down to leadership.”he said.

Contrast both Singapore and Guyana with their two sharply different post independence dictators.

The Chinese have a saying: "When drinking water, always remember the source." One dictator skyrocketed Singapore "From the third world to the first world" (his book) with its economic successes.

The Afro Guyanese "other" destroyed his country with his unchecked ambition and incompetence. Nothing in Granger's background nevertheless proclaims any economic expertise to continue building on the PPP/C's current and massive economic development of today's Guyana. Absolutely nothing. Granger’s re-

The story of Bhagat Singh started long before he was born. His father Kishan Singh and his uncle Ajit Singh were members of the Gadhar party formed in the US in 1913 with an aim to liberate India from British rule.

His grandfather Arjune Singh was a follower of Dayanand Saraswati, founder of the Arya Samaj, and he became deeply inspired by his message of swaraj (selfrule), and call for efforts aimed at social reforms.

At the initiation ceremony of his two grandsons, he declared, “Today I gave these two grandsons to be sacrificed at the altar of the Goddess of liberty so that freedom maybe attained. They were Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Jagat Singh, both of whom died in the revolutionary struggle for India.

In 1919, Arjune Singh enrolled Bhagat, aged 12, at the Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School, an Arya Samaj institution. His teachers were some of the most enlightened, dedicated and patriotic men who were influenced by the works of Dyanand Saraswatie, one being Bhai Parmanand, a nationalist who visited British Guiana in 1910 and institutionalized Vedic Hindu religion.

That same year, Bhagat

sume has nothing positive, just blood on his hands.

The PPP/C's problem is not that it has failed Guyana. But its economic successes have galvanized national expectations for more accelerated dispensation. All Guyanese correctly seek to become rich and beneficiaries of the national wealth. To expect it will happen by overnight entitlement and handed on a platter is however unrealistic.

Which party is best equipped to deliver the goods is the big question at the May elections. To expect the PNC to be less corrupt in power is foolish considering all its anticipatory salivation which abounds.

Its either Guyana becomes better than Singapore or we get an improved militarized PNC with its aged, outdated leadership desperately struggling to remain relevant and solve problems for which they are not equipped.

Can't we get along after Rodney? If not, what are the alternatives?

Vassan Ramracha

visited Jaliawalia Bag, hours after the massacre of thousands of unarmed Indians who had gathered for a public meeting; had been killed by the British. Bhagat collected some of that sacred soil which he kept as a memento. He was deeply disturbed - the massacre strengthened his resolve to remove the British from India. Bhagat then joined the National College, another Arya Samaj institution in Lahore, now Pakistan, which was founded by Lala Lajpat Rai, the most powerful leader in the state of Punjab.

This college was the axis of revolutionary teachings and activities in India. This was where Bhagat met Sukhdev and other revolutionaries.

Bhagat then coordinated and established a union of revolutionaries called the India Youth Society, spreading his message of revolution for selfrule. In 1926, Bhagat joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which had prominent leaders such as Rampersad Bismil, Chandrashekar Azad and others. Bhagat Singh rose to prominence and became one of HRA top leaders. He was associated with numerous revolutionary organizations giving them a new direction. Through his indomitable courage and inspiration he infused life into youths of India who hailed him as their hero.

Police became concerned with Singh’s influence on

youths, and arrested him on May 1927, on the pretext of him, having been involved in a bombing that took place in Lahore, in the month of October the previous year. He was released five weeks later on Rs 60,000 bond. Bhagat Singh wrote and edited for Urdu, Punjab and other newspapers.

He contributed to inexpensive “Call for Freedom” pamphlets, and also wrote for “Workers and Peasants” party. He was an avid reader of the teachings of Mikhail BIkun, Karl Marx, Vladmir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, which attracted to anarchist and Marxist ideologies. He did not believe in Gandhi’s ideology which advocated ahimsa (nonviolence) after seeing the atrocities committed by the British against the people of India. He was also dissatisfied with foreigners destroying India’s industry and commerce. Bhagat envisioned overthrowing the British and having a socialist reconstruction of Indian society where political power should be in the hands of the workers. In 1928, the British Government set up the Simon Commission to report on the political situation in India and to access how much political freedom and responsibility India could be given. The Indian political parties boycotted the Commission because there were no Indian in its membership; this led to a country wide protest.

Schools start Easter holidays

Easter holidays have begun as schools across the country took part in kite flying, picnicking and generally enjoying themselves.

The Easter feeling signals a new beginning of nature, spring, friendship and joy. Many children set out in their numbers yesterday for the National Park, all dressed with their bunny outfits and beautifully coloured (see pic on page 4).

‘Miss Carol’ (only name given), a teacher from the

Sophia Nursery School, told Guyana Times that she is very happy to see the bright smiles of the children as they took part in the annual Easter celebrations.

She noted that Easter has always been her favourite occasion, as she loves to share her knowledge so as to ensure that the children are aware of this significant occasion.

In addition, she stated that their event began earlier in the day where a special programme was or-

Local poet to launch 2nd album of poems today

Local spoken word poet, Tamara Rodney, will be launching her second album of poems today at the Promenade Gardens.

The launch of the album, “V-Woman”, will just be a small part of an exciting programme aimed at celebrating virtuous, vibrant and victorious women. Participants will be treated to various displays, live entertainment, spoken word poetry and cocktails, among other activities aimed at the relaxation and empowerment of women.

Some lucky patrons will also receive free spa treatment, a release said. The event starts at 15:00h.

Rodney is a poet, pro-

Tamara Rodney

ducer, copywriter and presenter. She is the founder of Riser Production, a media/ marketing company and the producer and host of a local radio programme.

ganized at the school and children were given the opportunity to witness a live performance, portraying the different aspects of Easter.

She also urged all parents to ensure that their children fly their kites in a safe environment.

Guyana Times also spoke to a few of the teachers at the National Park and they all shared the same sentiments.

“Easter is a time to reflect on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it’s a time when families come together and enjoy the various Easter festivities,” said one teacher. Easter is a special time in Guyana. It is one of the countries in which Easter Monday is celebrated with lots of kite-flying, symbolising the risen Christ. It is a National holiday and kite-flying celebrations are

held throughout the country. The secular celebration of Easter is indeed spectacular.

Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, is a time of reflection and penance and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry – a time in which Christians believe he survived various temptations from the devil.

The day before Lent, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, is a last hurrah of food and fun before the fasting begins. The week preceding Easter is called the Holy Week and includes Maundy Thursday, which commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.

Good Friday honours the day of his crucifixion; and Holy Saturday focuses on the transition between the crucifixion and resurrection. The 50-day period following Easter Sunday is called Eastertide and includes a celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. In addition to Easter’s religious significance, it also has a commercial side, as evidenced by the mounds of jelly beans and marshmallow chicks that appear in stores each spring.

As with Christmas, over the centuries ,various folk customs and traditions, including Easter eggs, bunnies, baskets and candy, have become a standard part of this holy holiday.

GRA to open Tax Centre at Diamond

In the midst of a busy tax season, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be making a further expansion of its services to facilitate convenience for taxpayers.

A tax centre at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara will be officially opened on the ground floor of the G3 Building, allowing taxpayers to submit their returns and or

access taxpayer services, a release from the GRA said.

Utility and other services including a conspicuously erected signboard have already been in place for the opening which is set for

April 1. There, taxpayers will be able to file Income, Property, Corporation and other tax returns, request compliance and apply for Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) and their Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN).

Taxpayers who live or traverse that busy location on the East Bank of Demerara are being encouraged to take advantage of the services which will be offered, considering the heavy population in that part of the country. Additionally, it will reduce the need for taxpayers to travel all the way to the GRA Headquarters in Georgetown to access services.

April 30 is the statutory deadline for the submission of Individual Income, Property, Corporation and Capital Gains taxes.

Taxpayers can also visit GRA Regional Offices at Parika in Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands), New Amsterdam and Corriverton in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), and Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to make their submissions.

Manickchand educates Granger on education

...says PPP/C revolutionised sector after PNC’s destruction

By Michael younge

Education Minister and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Priya Manickchand has educated the Presidential Candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/)-led coalition about the work done by the ruling Party to revolutionise Guyana’s education sector over the last two and a half decades.

Manickchand, hitting the campaign trail on Sunday at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, defended the Government’s track record in the sector while rubbishing many of the arguments made by the Opposition coalition group about the state of the country’s education sector. Granger and his running mate, Moses Nagamootoo, had flown to the US and held meetings with various Diaspora groups as part of their campaign strategy ahead of the upcoming May 11 elections.

They told the overseasbased Guyanese, who would not have been au fait with the tremendous strides made in the delivery of education since the PNC years, that Guyana’s education sector was on the decline and that enough was not being done to further improve the quality of education that was being delivered at the nursery, primary and tertiary levels. Granger specifically alleged that the Government was busy spending billions of dollars on questionable large-scale and unnecessary projects at the expense of making wellthought-out investments in the education sector which could lead to the creation of an “education nation”.

He also surprisingly

made several promises to reform the sector and boost it with the necessary resources to take it forward were he to be elected to the presidency.

But Manickchand, speaking at the rally, wasted no time in telling the mammoth crowd that the Opposition coalition had no original plan for the country’s overall development much less the sector. She said that by the time the ruling Party came to power in 1992, the education sector was in disarray, there were few primary and secondary schools, there was a lack of critical teaching resources including books and learning aids, and the notion of equitable access to education was foreign to many.

The Education Minister told the gathering that the government had its work cut out for it as there was also a lack of teachers and other personnel to man the sector as well as drive policy change. “Do you remember not being able to send your children to schools, there were no place to send them… no chalks…no books….that’s where we came from…no teachers…but where are we today? Eighty-five of our

nursery children can go to school,” Manickchand said in an emotion- driven address.

Change for better

She said that the Government faced all of the challenges in the sector and was now satisfied that it had turned the situation around for the better. The politician said that 100 per cent of Guyanese children of primary school age can access education, explaining that the Government has managed to attain universal primary education. Again citing the relevant statistics, the Minister said that 90 per cent of Guyanese children have access to secondary education regardless of where they live or who they are. She said that children within the education sector have

access to exercise and text books while Government was trying to carry the burden of the cost. Soon after Manickchand explained that 72 per cent of the teachers were trained …“More children are passing Common Entrance and topping the

Murder toll reaches 38 for the year

The Guyana Police Force on Friday confirmed that 38 murders were recorded as of March 23 representing a 15 per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2014. A release from the Police stated that 33 persons were murdered in 2014.

However, based on statistics, there has been a one per cent increase in serious crimes in comparison to the same period last year.

In addition, the Police stated that robbery under arms where firearms were used has decreased by 28 percent and robbery under arms where other instruments were used by the perpetrators has decreased by 6 per cent.

Meanwhile, Police also stated that with respect to the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing, eight persons have been arrested and questioned but were subsequently released. Investigators are currently questioning per-

sons from the community and scrutinizing surveillance footage collected.

Crum-Ewing was executed on March 10 in the vicinity of Third Street, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. He was at the time urging residents to vote on May 11. He was shot at least five times; thrice to the head.

The Police further stated that in relation to the murder of 14-year-old Alicia Ali, whose body was found on the seawall at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, on March 25, the parents and close relatives are assisting with the investigations.

A male friend from the community is being questioned as investigations continue. Meanwhile, with respect to the dismembered body found at Annandale Foreshore, ECD, the Police stated that the corpse has not yet been identified.

The Police are questing

persons from the surrounding communities and checking recent missing person reports in efforts to identify the deceased.

Caribbean year after year,” she started again as she detailed the story of progress and accomplishment which have dominated the education sector.

Manickchand even made references to a boy who topped the country and the Region in Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Technical Vocation who was born, schooled and bred in Region Five. “He was a cane cutter’s son,” the Minister explained as she detailed the challenges faced by his parents to ensure that he gained an education by utilising all of the opportunities made available by Government in the public education system. “We have a plan for you. We have done well, but we are not satisfied with where we are,” she said to a very supportive crowd that stood on the sidelines of the streets

listening to her presentation. Manickchand spoke about the millions of dollars in assistance used to provide hot snacks, meals, uniforms, cash grants and other incentives aimed at further providing an enabling environment for children to benefit from a free quality education.

“We promise you that you will see the results increasing…You are living the development. You are living the progress. You are living the change brought about by the PPP/C and we are asking you to give us another chance to bring more change and progress to this country,” she appealed again.

Manickchand also reflected on the Opposition’s posture in Parliament and their decision to place in jeopardy the comprehensive Education Bill, which would have further transformed

and catapulted the sector into the modern age,. Last year, Government expended $32.202 billion in the education sector. In 2013 and 2012, the sums of $26.094 billion and $27. 947 billion were invested in the sector to build many schools, laboratories and other facilities. Since 1992, there has been a marked increase in the number of Guyanese students achieving top grades at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and secondary school placement exam, and access to increased subsidies for meals, uniforms, the “Because We Care” grant and transportation for children living in remote communities. At the tertiary level, over 30,000 students have graduated from the University of Guyana post 1992, compared to 9391 pre1992.

saturday, march 28, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen found at Turkeyen seawall murdered – autopsy

Law enforcement is now shifting its attention to murder, as it is believed that Alicia Ali, age 15, of 6th Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was murdered as oppose to a case of suicide, as was initially thought.

An autopsy performed on the teen’s body by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh showed that Ali was strangled but died of asphyxia due to drowning. She had also received a blunt trauma to the head. The post-mortem was performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on Friday.

Police in a statement revealed that Ali, whose body was discovered at the Turkeyen seawall on Wednesday last, was murdered with the cause of death given as asphyxia due to drowning, compounded by compression injury to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

Initially, there were some speculations that the teenager might have committed suicide after a note purporting to be one written by the teen was discovered in her bedroom on Thursday. The note was reportedly addressed to her mother.

The Police are to authenticate the handwriting on the note to determine

if it is that of Ali.

Immediately after the discovery of the note, Maylene Williams, mother of the now dead teenager, was taken into Police custody after Police realised that there were some inconsistencies in the statement given by the woman.

It was later learnt that the woman’s ex-lover had threatened Ali several times but the matter was not reported. Police investigators have

Hindus observe Navratri:

confirmed that several persons were questioned in the matter including relatives, friends and villagers.

The murder is now a mystery since no one would have seen the young woman after she left home on Tuesday evening to purchase “Tennis Rolls” at a nearby shop. Eyebrows were raised when the mother of the teen did not report her missing after she did not return home on Tuesday evening.

With that in mind and the inconsistencies, the Police have been interrogating the woman and are expected to question her ex-lover. Moments after the body was discovered, Williams went to the Turkeyen Police Station to enquire.

It was reported that the young woman’s father died sometime back and ever since, she had “her own way.” Additionally, it was reported that the teenager was in the habit of “sleeping out.”

Nevertheless, Police believe that she was with someone she knew on the night she was killed. Ali’s body was discovered about 08:00h on Wednesday by joggers who were running along the Turkeyen seawall. The body had several marks of violence.

Maa Siddhidayini or Siddhidatri

In this form, Durga is seated on a lotus and has four arms. She holds a lotus, a mace, a conch shell and a disc. Maa Siddhidayini removes ignorance and she provides knowledge. This form of Durga is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. She is the goddess of all achievements and perfections. The narrative regarding her emergence runs as follows:

When the Universal Mother was given the idea of projecting crea-

tion, she, first of all, created Lord Shiva who prayed to her to endow him with perfection. For this purpose, the Universal Mother (Durgaa) produced Goddess Siddhidatri. As the behest of the Universal Mother, Goddess Siddidatri bestowed eighteen different powers and potentialities on Lord Shiva. By virtue of these powers, Lord Shiva happened to develop a divine splendor and created Lord Vishnu who in turn created Lord Brahma, who was entrusted with

the task of creation, while Lord Vishnu got the task of Protection and Lord Shiva, that of Destruction.

Lord Brahma felt a great difficulty in his task of creation in the absence of man and woman. Thereupon he remembered Mother Siddhidatri. When she appeared before him, Lord Brahma said to her, “Oh Great Mother! I cannot carry on with this task in the absence of man and woman, please solve this problem of mine through your supernatural attainments.”

Having heard Lord Brahma, Mother Siddidatri converted half the body of Lord Shiva into a woman. Thus Lord Shiva became half-male and halffemale and was known as Ardhanaarishvara. The problem was solved and the task of Creation went on smoothly thereafter.

Whoever acquires the grace of Maa Siddhidatri attains salvation after enjoying the pleasures of life. She fulfills all divine aspirations of her devotees and her worship destroys all distresses.

Eyew tness Proper...

...and improper political behavior

There's been an interesting discourse unfolding after former President Jagdeo advised his successor President Ramotar that, faced with the Opposition's recalcitrance towards the development of Guyana, he ought to've been a bit more forceful with them.

A firestorm was created by the Opposition because he actually couched his advice in more earthy terms: "President Ramotar should've kicked some asses!"

Now one of the ways those with real power can keep others subjected is to control the latter's language. Even if someone pissing all over you by say, breaking down your house, you should merely murmur politely, "Please desist from burning down my house"! And of course pretty soon you're in the streets without a house!!

And this is exactly what the Opposition was doing in Parliament when the Government was obligated to protect this house called Guyana. How many times did the Opposition try to burn down House Guyana?? Let's look at just one, since this column isn't given enough column inches.

Guyana faced with sanctions from global financial institutions because we hadn't passed an Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CTF) Bill.

There wasn't a country in sight - or an International Financial Institution - that didn't advise the Opposition to pass the Bill. And it wasn't as it if was the PPP/C Government that would've been blacklisted - it was GUYANA!! You'd think that would count for something, no??

Well....um...no! It didn't count! There wasn't a single clause the Opposition objected to...neither APNU nor AFC. In fact, the AFC actually tried to blackmail the Government: if the latter appointed a Procurement Commission, they'd sign along the dotted line!!

Now the Procurement Commission might just've been fine and dandy...but if you care about your country - YOU JUST DONT BLACKMAIL IT!! Now your Eyewitness asks: wouldn't it have been right to "kick some asses" around this issue?? Does this mean that Jagdeo was saying that Ramotar should've gone around assassinating people as David Hinds suggested he did??

But the firestorm over saying "kick ass" demonstrates the power the Opposition possesses through its control of the media. This Eyewitness won't equate it with Granger calling the PPP/C's leaders "jackasses". He'll not even point out that during the Gulf oil spill, Obama saidto great acclaim - that he was looking for "whose asses to kick". That's not the point.

The point is that there's no firestorm when the Opposition burns billions at Linden, or terrifies thousands at Agricola, or cuts funds that stymies Amerindian development, or gets Guyana financially blacklisted.

Once they don't say "kick some asses" it's all right, no??

...heckling

Seems that Vanessa Kissoon's also in trouble with the PNC on what constitutes "proper" political behaviour. If it's not one thing, it's another. For a while there your Eyewitness thought she was just a mite too "touchy"... after all, he always felt that Oscar Clarke couldn't possibly wrench those keys from her delicate little hands. Oscar's too much an old school gentleman! No?

But from what went down later, it does seem that old, male fogeys around Granger just don't know what to do about her. Which is strange, since from the beginning of the PNC, it was women like Kissoon that made the PNC have whatever success it did. These were women with "balls" - pardon the expression!

But we're a tad disappointed with Kissoon in her latest escapade. After defending her "right to heckle", she took time out to call the protestors/hecklers of Granger and Nagamootoo in Queens, "hoodlums and ghetto people."

E tu heckler??

...apology

Seems the Piss Doctor from Whim (sounds like a bad limerick, no?? There was a Piss Doctor from Whim....") doesn't know how to apologise to Comrade Zulficar. How about him, twisting his ears, and saying, "Me sarry, Zulfie...me na gon cuss you na mo"? "?

APNU-AFC forbids opposing views

...heckler ejected from Queens fundraiser

Guyanese in Queens are furious that a senior citizen who heckled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) Presidential Candidate David Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo was ejected from the public meeting in Richmond Hill last Sunday.

The Police were called about the old-timer’s heckling of Granger about “blood on his hands” for the murder of Walter Rodney and the Ballot Box Martyrs and for enforcing the ban on basic foods, and sending young ladies to National Service.

When the Police arrived, after investigation, they found the old man was well within his rights to heckle speakers at a public forum. He was not disruptive. The Police left the man at his seat and left the hall telling organisers they cannot remove him since it was a public event. Minutes later, after the Police left, AFC/APNU members moved towards the old man and chucked him in typical fashion like what happened in Guyana during the period of the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship.

Granger’s coterie of heavy

security agents moved in on the man with precision. The man was physically manhandled and yanked from his seat and pushed outside. He was a frail-looking man who was asking probing questions about the alliance plan and the PNC’s abuses of the past. Attendees said he did not disrupt the meeting. He was merely asking questions. Some commented that it clearly showed that the APNU-AFC has zero tolerance for dissenting views.

Harbinger People were shocked commenting that the PNC had not changed. Some say it is a harbinger of things to come should the alliance win the next election. Some say the manhandling of the old man was distasteful violating the man’s civil rights and free speech rights. Even George Correia, a known anti-People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) critic, condemned the action of the security agents, telling them to leave the man alone.

Nagamootoo sat quietly and said nothing while the man’s rights were violated. Attendees said this was in sharp contrast to Bharrat Jagdeo’s and Donald Ramotar’s response when

there was an effort to throw out a heckler at a Jamaica, Queens PPP/C meeting in 2011. Jagdeo said leave the heckler to express his views. They noted that Ramotar nodded in approval.

At the APNU-AFC rally, the Police were also called by organisers to disband a protest in front of the hall where the public meeting was held. The organisers asked the Police to break up the meeting like what used to happen in Guyana under the PNC dictatorship. The New York Police told the APNU-AFC organisers that the protesters have a right for peaceful, lawful assembly as long as they were not engaging in disruptive activity or block the door of the hall.

The Police left and went about their business. The APNU-AFC organisers came out of the hall and cursed out (using demeaning obscenities) the picketers for engaging in a fundamental right of freedom of expression and the right to assemble. One of them even grabbed a picket sign from a protester. They told the protesters to go back to Guyana. Some in the audience inside the hall first mingled with the protesters outside before going in to listen to Granger and Nagamootoo.

The protesters said they did not call the police when their space was invaded to get anyone from the alliance in trouble in contrast to what they say happened in 2011 in Jamaica when AFCPNC supporters protested against Ramotar. Attendees in the APNU-AFC meeting and Guyanese Americans expressed concern about the behaviour of sponsors, organisers and security agents at the meeting and worry about whether it could be a harbinger of what is to come should the alliance win the election.

Over 3kg marijuana intercepted at Lethem

Three men are now in police custody following the discovery of 3.03 kilograms of marijuana at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Friday.

According to information received, at about 13:30h police ranks conducted a search on a motor car at a checkpoint at Lethem when the substance was discovered. The seeds, leaves and stems were unearthed in several wrapped packages in various parts of the car including the trunk, and doors.

The men are in police custody assisting with the investigations. Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

Recently, several Guyanese were arrested in Brazil and jailed after they were caught smuggling mar-

ijuana into the country. Investigators believe that the consignment of marijuana was destined for Boa Vista as was evident in the past.

In February, two Guyanese were among four persons arrested in Boa Vista, Brazil attempting to smuggle over 25 kilograms of compressed marijuana into the neighbouring country.

The dried illicit plant was found stashed in the doors of the vehicle in which they were travelling.

The men were identified as Eric Eldon Bobb, 34 and Clyve Lloyd King, 38 of Guyana and Jose Rodrigues Montague 58 while the lone female is Magdalene Romao, 30 of Brazil.

Brazilian Authorities say they received a tip that a quantity of drugs was ex-

pected to flood the market for Carnival Celebrations.

One week later, a 49-yearold Guyanese woman and her two children were busted with almost 9 pounds of marijuana in Brazil. The mother has been identified as Khumwatte Narine Adams while her two children have been identified as 28-year-old Fabiola Adams and 25-yearold Joseph Adams. According to reports, the three were arrested in the area that connects Boa Vista to Guyana.

In addition, it was reported that the family was being monitored for about two months after an anonymous call revealed their involvement in drug trafficking. The group, according to the Agent, was ‘routinely’ supplying the capital with marijuana stocks.

Dismembered corpse still to be identified

The dismembered body of a female found at the Annandale Seawall on Thursday is yet to be identified, police source told Guyana Times on Friday. The later discovered head, while it is suspected to be that of the woman, is damage beyond recognition.

Up to late Friday afternoon, the source noted that no one turned up to identify the body. He, however, stated that they are currently checking the missing person records for the past two months hoping for a clue. No one has

been arrested but members of the community are being questioned.

The dismembered body was discovered at Annandale Seawall with her hands and part of the legs (Knees down) along with her head severed from the body. The discovery of the corpse minus the severed parts was made around 07:30h by persons who went to the foreshore to take a bath.

The body was clad in a purple skirt which was pulled to the shoulder and a green bra which was intact.

Police searched the area and found several teeth and part of the woman’s denture that was ripped from her mouth.

There were blood stains on the rocks, but investigators believed the woman was killed and then dumped at the location. It was suspected that an electrical saw was used to remove the head and limbs.

As the investigation at the scene continued, a head purportedly that of the woman washed ashore about three hours later.

Giftland multimillion-dollar mall set to open on Independence Day

he Giftland OfficeMax

TMega Mall, at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, is expected to have its grand opening on Independence Day, May 26.

The project has been in the making for over six years. The company had acquired the land in 2007 and construction began in 2009. However, the project was in the pipeline long before construction commenced.

Being the first of its kind in Guyana, the mall will be introducing a number of exciting amenities such as free drinking fountains; valet parking; a playground featuring zip lines, rock climbing and bungee jumping, and a 90-station sheltered bus terminal.

The mall will also be featuring a 560 feet “strip” comprising four fine dining restaurants, sports bars,

Brazilian grills, and pubs for evening entertainment. The area will also be used to showcase Guyanese culture and exhibitions, talent and other shows.

The company also bought the rights to be the distributor of Levi’s and Dockers brand in Guyana. According to company officials, the move to include retail stores featuring internationally known brands in their operations underscores their commitment to providing better quality and more options to Guyana.

Other companies which will be housed in the mall includes the Camex Group consisting of Church’s Chicken, Mario’s, Quiznos and Dairy Queen; Caribbean Cinemas; Popeyes; multi-brand sport stores and Topaz jewellers.

There will also be four 20-foot aquariums with live

tropical fishes and salt water fishes, which will serve as a great attraction for the children.

mall is equipped with a 500car parking lot, along with additional parking for staff and delivery personnel.

ters for children, teenagers and adults.

In addition to serving as an advanced entertain-

With an estimated 20,000 persons visiting a day, the

The mall security was sourced from a security firm in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to Chief Executive Officer Ian Ramdeo, the vision is to create a full blown family entertainment complex that ca-

ment complex in Guyana, the Giftland OfficeMax Mega Mall will open the doors for jobs for more than 2000 people.

Aside from the direct jobs, many opportunities for indirect jobs will be created

through the various maintenance services that will be required.

The mall will also have part-time job opportunities, especially for students who are studying at the University of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the 265,000 square-foot mall is going to be self-sufficient, with its own sewerage treatment plant, water well and a 5.75 megawatt power plant.

The power plant, which costs in excess of US$4 million, will have a team of fulltime electrical and mechanical engineers and power plant technicians who will man the system on a 24-hour basis.

The power plant engineering team will include engineers from both PDV and engineers from Guyana. The facility will generate 3.8 megawatt on a daily basis and can serve the over 6,000 households in the mall’s environs. The company is currently awaiting the shipment of fuel tanks so the power plant could be completed.

Quartet fined for drunk driving

As the Guyana Police Force continues its traffic enforcement efforts to ensure that the country’s roadways are safe, four more persons have been charged and fined by the Courts for driving under the influence.

Etwaroo Ram of Lot 194 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was driving motor vehicle PDD 9582 on the Madewini Public Road, Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Sunday, when he was tested and found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. He was charged and placed before the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to the DUI charge and was fined $7,500.

Ameer Shah of Lot 5 Lamaha Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, was also charged and taken to the Providence Magistrate Court on Thursday after he was found driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the police, Shah was driving motor vehicle PPP 1787 on Sunday at the Madewini Public Road when he was stopped and tested. He too pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined

$7,500.

Meanwhile, a Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara man was stopped on February 27 while driving motor Vehicle HC 1781 on Hinck Street, Georgetown, and tested with a breathalyzer. Lorrex Bristol of Lot 11 David Street, Golden Grove, was found to be above the legal limit and was charged and placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. During his appearance on March 3, the man pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a fine of

$7,500.

Finally, Satrohan Dharamdeo of Lot 8 Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was also sentenced to pay a fine of $7,500 when he pleaded guilty to the DUI charge at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on March 5. He was accused of driving motor vehicle HA 9303 on the Grove Public Road, EBD, when he was tested and found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

On Tuesday, a release from the Police disclosed that more persons are being

charged for speeding and drunk driving. The police stated that during the period March 15 to 21, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws. These include 606 cases for speeding, 34 cases for driving under the influence, 17 cases for careless driving and another 20 cases for dangerous driving.

Additionally, there were 93 cases filed against drivers for breach of condition of road service licence, 10 cases for failure to wear safety helmet, 61 cases for failing to wear seat belt and another 12 cases for the prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone while driving 20.

Govt could benefit from a gold refinery – consultant

Amid unstable gold prices and low gold declarations at the Guyana Gold Board, international mining consultant Andrew Ramcharran said Guyana could benefit from having its own gold refinery.

In fact, last year it was reported that the government was looking to establish a gold refinery.

However, speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Patrick Harding said the move is not an imminent issue for the government at this time.

During a press conference last year, Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud related that the idea of setting up a refinery in Guyana was being entertained by Government and stakeholders in the mining industry.

But to date, no move has yet been made to realize this

idea.

The Minister had stated that the value added to the commodity attracts the attention of various parties

outside of the gold industry and talks were ongoing with stakholders to explore all avenues that would aid in expansion and enhancement in the jewellery production sector.

If this endeavour was successful, the target market would not be limited to the locals, but it would reach overseas markets as well, where the demand for gold is much higher.

Therefore, instead of just exporting raw gold, Guyana could be exporting other byproducts, which will inevitably have a higher value, resulting in more revenue.

According to the international consultant, this initiative could have been a collaborative effort between the Government and the private sector towards realising the true potential of the country’s gold industry.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Guyana’s Eastern neighbour, Suriname secured a leading role in the gold industry in the region when the Dubai-based Kaloti Precious Metals opened a gold refinery in the country.

Kaloti will carry out melting, assaying, vaulting,

Govt still to secure funding for ECD Road Expansion Project

Part of the preliminary work done on the ECD highway

Months after the preliminary works on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Road Expansion Project has begun, the Government of Guyana is yet to secure funding from the China Eximbank.

Guyana Times had approached Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh to get an update on the status of the loan that Government was suppose to acquire from the Chinese bank, however the Minister told this newspaper that Government is still in the process of securing the money.

Initially, Government had tried to finance the road expansion project, but the funding was not readily available; hence, the Administration decided to use local funds for preliminary work, that is, the installation of concrete drains and sand-filling.

With the China Eximbank expected to finance the road expansion, Government had invited expressions of interest from Chinese companies to bid for the project. At the end of the tender process, four

bids were received and in June last year, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon disclosed that Cabinet granted its noobjection for the contract to be awarded to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994. Government had stated that it is saving some $2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

The preliminary works on the project from Montrose to Good Hope for the four lane upgrade are near completion. These works included the widening of the roads and installation of drainage facilities. The project, however, is divided into seven lots which were awarded to different contractors.

Lot One was initially awarded to Falcon Transportation and Construction Services; however, the contract was terminated by the Public Works Ministry in 2012 and awarded last year to Dipcon Engineering Services,

which is also tasked with works on Lot Two. The two lots, which covered Better Hope to La Bonne Intention (LBI), were joined into one.

Dipcon also worked on Lot Five (Triumph to Mon Repos). Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited worked on Lot Three, covering LBI and Beterverwagting. Preliminary works on Lot Four (Beterverwagting to Triumph) were done by Compustruct Engineering Inc.

Lot Six covers Mon Repos to De Endragt and was awarded to Colin Talbot Contracting Services. This construction company also handled works on Lot Seven (De Endragt to Good Hope).

At the Public Works Ministry’s yearend review presentation in January, Head of the Works Service Group (WSG), Geoffrey Vaughn, explained that the residents from Better Hope to Good Hope will be the main beneficiaries of this project since the improved drainage has reduced the chances of flooding, something that the area is susceptible to. He had stated that the works done thus far were to the tune of $2.1 million.

In addition to the four lane expansion, there will also be a two-lane upgrade heading further up along the coast. Going ahead this year, the WSG head said that the four lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale and the two lane upgrade from Annandale to Belfield Village will see a total length of 16,998 kilometres of roads and 33,996 kilometres of drains being built.

bullion trading, distribution of coins, medallions and investment bars, besides undertaking global logistics for the international transportation of the precious metal from its Suriname factory.

The projected capacity of

the refinery is 60 tonnes per annum, and the facility will source gold from Suriname, and neighbouring countries, including Guyana.

According to reports, Suriname exports 40 tonnes of gold annually and refin-

ing will boost the value, and eventually yield more revenues for the Surinamese government.

Efforts were made to contact the Minister for a comment on this issue but to no avail.

More traffic delays on EBD highway

BK International Inc, the contracting firm for Lot 3 of the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Four Lane Extension Project wishes to advise the travelling public that there may be more traffic delays and as such should cater for extra travelling time.

The company will be diverting the traffic along the Diamond High Bridge to facilitate ongoing construction works in the area.

The north bound traffic will continue onto the western section of the Diamond High Bridge while the south

bound traffic will be diverted onto the newly constructed eastern section of the bridge with effect from Sunday 29 until further notice.

This move will cause an excessive build-up of traffic, particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

BK International wishes also, to remind commuters and pedestrians to take extra precautions when approaching and passing through the construction zone.

Road users are also asked to obey all traffic laws and adhere to all signs to en-

sure a smooth and safe journey.

Earlier this year, it was reported that BK International would complete its lot by March; however, much work is still to be completed.

It was noted that the initial delays in the project was owed to the delays in the removal of utilities.

Nonetheless, most of its road works have been completed and a lot of concentration is now on the Diamond High Bridge, next to Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

saturday, march 28, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU-AFC says will clean up “dirty” voters’ list

Days after Opposition Leader David Granger told supporters in New York that the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) was ‘dirty’, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary Joseph Harmon disclosed that the party planned to ‘clean up’ the list.

Granger had told his constituents that there was what appeared to be a “dirty” bloated voters list while urging supporters to be watchful on Polling Day. According to Granger, the list has increased by more than 100,000 persons and this was alarming, given the fact that statistics have shown that the population in Guyana has been dropping over the years.

However, Harmon told media operatives Friday that the parties would jointly seek to clean the dirt off of the list.

When asked how the party planned to do this, he noted that there were several mechanisms which were being put in place for the upcoming elections while the party had plans to overhaul the list should it accede to governance after May 11.

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally had rebutted claims made by Leader of the main Opposition and Presidential Candidate of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led APNUAlliance For Change (AFC) coalition, David Granger in New York on Sunday that the PLE was ‘dirty’.

He had related to the Guyana Times that the List had persons who have been deceased but this cannot be changed until the General Register Office (GRO) certified that the persons were

indeed dead. He noted that if the GRO could not and did not certify this, then the Commission could not remove those names from the List even though the electors are deceased.

However to this, Harmon related that the coalition members would be checking the names on the List ‘one by one’ and would visit the homes and try to get the evidence for GECOM so that the names can be removed.

Dr Surujbally had went on to state that from the last time of registration to now, there has been an increase in the number of persons turning 18 years old and as such, there would have been an increase in the number of persons registered. The APNU General Secretary said that in this case, the parties’ members too will be checking the List to verify this.

While Dr Surujbally had stated that the third reason for the current state of the List was the fact that many overseas-based Guyanese had returned home and had registered, before subsequently leaving the coun-

try again, Harmon told media operatives that this too would be checked and verified when the parties embark on a door-to-door, house-to-house check.

Harmon disclosed too that the party would be engaging the help of international systems and organisations in the clean-up. He refused, however, to expand on the type of ‘international help’ the party will be seeking.

Meanwhile, Harmon has urged Guyanese society to assist the party by playing their role in ensuring that the List was cleaned. He noted that they must check the List and verify that the names there are the names of the persons in their neighbourhoods and bring any concern to the attention of the relevant authorities.

He cautioned, however, that this did not signal in any way that the party did not have confidence in GECOM, but noted that GECOM could not do everything on its own and needed the help of its stakeholders.

Dr Surujbally is on record as saying that there is no ‘dirty’ list of which he was aware. The GECOM Chairman noted that for the longest while APNU and Granger had been singing songs of praise for the Commission, noting that they had no concerns and it was now amazing that the party had concerns with the List. He noted that the Commission had met with APNU, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and all other stakeholders over the past months and not once did they express any view that there was a problem with the list even though they had the PLE and the revised PLE in their possession.

Walter Rodney CoI:

BBC’s interview with Gregory Smith placed under scrutiny – as 9th round ends

Arecording of William Gregory Smith being interviewed by a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reporter back in 1996, was on Friday the highlight of the closing session of the ninth round of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) at the Supreme Court Library building, Georgetown. That recording related Smith’s willingness to return to Guyana to face the courts, and clear his name of the crime that was attached to him; a move that, according to his older sister, was never sought after by the Government of Guyana. Ann Wagner has maintained that her brother did not kill Dr Walter Rodney.

The recording, which played for just over five minutes, documented Smith’s slightly raspy voice, strongly denying him being a part the 1980 incident. “Any question they ask me, I am not afraid to answer...He took the detonator to my home and leave it there…I am prepared to take a lie detector test…I am prepared to answer any question asked,” the voice on the recording said.

The recording was submitted to the commission by Wagner, Smith’s only public defender in the CoI.

Smith has been accused of causing a massive bomb blast back in June 1980, by hiding an explosive within a communication device which Dr Rodney had indicated an interest in. The historian’s younger brother was with him at the time of the explosion, experiencing injuries in the process. The historian reportedly died on the spot.

While the younger Rodney maintained that the explosion was intentionally

caused by the former army sergeant and electronics expert, his sister, who has coauthored a book chronicling the events, held out that Dr Rodney knew what he was doing and that Donald Rodney knows more than he is actually telling.

She has also dispelled all claims by the over one dozen previous witnesses whose evidence pointed in the direction of the then

her brother had submitted his resignation sometime in 1977, but it was rejected since he did not complete the required three year stint with the military body. As related to the commission before, Wagner said her brother had chosen to resign because he was shortchanged by a commanding officer who had promised him a promotion on the completion of a special project.

Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham led People’s National Congress (PNC) Government, as being the mastermind behind the gruesome attack on the budding political leader.

Wagner was at the time at the last lap of her crossexamination by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) lawyer Christopher Ram, attorney for the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Selwyn Pieters and lead counsel for the commission Glen Hanoman, and reexamination by her attorney Edward George at the investigation into Dr Rodney’s death. Wagner, who would time and again, rest her palm on her head for lack of memory, told the tribunal that if Donald Rodney had made himself available to speak with her brother when he had returned to Guyana back in 1982, then there would not have had need for the current investigation. According to her, Smith was looking for Donald Rodney for him to tell the truth about Dr Rodney’s death.

During her examination by Pieters, Wagner recalled that her brother in 1982 had returned to Guyana from neighbouring Cayenne, where he had been living under the alias Cyril Milton Johnson since the massive explosion two years earlier in the vicinity of the Camp Street Prison. However, when he turned up at Donald Rodney’s home, he was not there.

Further, Wagner was asked about her knowledge about her brother’s work within the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). She said that her brother had resigned from the army and did not “Absent Without Leave” (AWOL) as is peddled by evidence coming from previous witnesses. She recalled that

But the commission counsel pointed out to Wagner, a payroll sheet showing that Smith was in the employ of the army and was receiving a salary at least up to June of 1979. She said she could not explain, but was relying on what was told to her by her younger sibling, who she maintained had a close connection to her. It was that issue with the wrong date on his departure from the army, among many other events, that the commission chairman Richard Cheltenham brought to her attention that although the two might have had a close bond, there were things that Smith may have kept back from her. Wagner could not agree with that premise. She said she was probably at fault because seeing her brother during the latter stages of his life, had caused her emotional distress, and she may not have asked the questions that needed to be asked. Another issue brought to Wagner’s attention, was the failure of her brother to reveal to her that he was in possession of two passports; one in the name William Gregory Smith and the other in the name of Cyril Milton Johnson. Based on information, Wagner was only aware of the passport in the name of Cyril Johnson; the alias he adopted when he was reportedly sent to Cayenne in July 1980.

Meanwhile, the commission’s counsel suggested to Wagner that her brother after the explosion might have been suffering from Schizophrenia. While denying this, Wagner admitted that her brother was always in a state of fear, expressing remorse over the death of Dr Rodney, and was having problems sleeping. Hanoman said that those symptoms were all signs of “Schizophrenic Paranoia”.

PSC condemns political incitement

...urges equitable access to state media

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called on political parties to avoid racial and other incitements during their campaign meetings and has also written to President Donald Ramotar urging him to address the issue of equitable access to the State media by opposition parties.

Only recently Presidential Candidate of the APNU+AFC coalition, David Granger was cited for remarks at Linden suggesting that the killing of former Guyana Defence Force officer, Courtney Crum-Ewing was linked to the government. Already the Guyana Elections Commission and other entities have warned against incitement and insisted that parties conduct themselves with dignity on the campaign trail.

The PSC’s statement came following a meeting it held with representatives the United Nations Development Programme in Guyana and editors of the print and broadcast media Friday morning to update them on efforts being made to contribute to the maintenance of a positive environment that is conducive to the upcoming Elections of May 2015 being free and fair.

The Commission said in its statement that it also listened to the concerns of the media operatives as these relate to the challenges they face in the execution of their

mandate. “The Commission was heartened to learn that most of the media houses had signed on to the updated Media Code of Conduct put out by the Guyana Elections Commission and would like to urge all other media operatives to lend their commitment and support to this.”

The Private Sector Commission shared its conviction that all political parties contesting the upcoming elections should be allowed fair and equitable access to all media entities for paid political advertisements and party elections broadcasts. “In this regard, the Commission calls for transparency by the media entities of the spots and spaces that will be made available for political advertisements and for transparency in the pricing of such allocations,” the PSC statement said.

The Private Sector Commission also said it is concerned at reports of harassment, intimidation and threats to media operatives whilst covering political events and calls upon all political parties and their supporters to accord due respect to all members of the media and to ensure the safety of such operatives at all times.

“The Commission also calls for all accredited members of the media to be accorded free and unimpeded access to all public rallies and other political events. The PSC is also deeply con-

cerned about the current rhetoric being uttered by political campaigners from their platforms and strongly condemns all language equivalent to incitement and breeding of hate amongst the citizens of our country. In this regard, the Commission also calls upon all political parties to facilitate early adoption of the Political Parties Code of Conduct and comply with its tenets and intended philosophy.”

Meanwhile, regarding the access to the state media opposition parties have over the years complained about being unable to access the state broadcaster, National Communications Network to aid paid programmes and advertisements and took a decision in previous budgets to cut allocations for both NC and the Government Information Agency (GINA). Guyana Times was told

Lights out today for Earth Hour

put your best carbon footprint forward

Today at the National Park and in the homes of thousands of Guyanese, the lights will go out as Guyanese take the opportunity to be part World Earth Hour 2015. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be hosting the Earth Hour today at the National Park where all electric lights will be off and there will be a host of songs, poetry and other activities centred on the importance of nature and the fight to save it from being totally ravaged by climate change.

Earth Hour is an initiative by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about climate change.

Show your commitment to fighting climate change by turning off your lights for one hour today

According to a release by the EPA, it is marked by a symbolic one-hour global lights off event which demonstrates commitment to take action beyond the hour for a sustainable future. The activities will begin at 20:30h after one hour (19:00h20:00h) of no lights and use of appliances that effect carbon emissions. The theme for this year’s Earth Hour is “Put Your Best Carbon Footprint Forward”. This is an opportunity for Guyana to show

a united front against person who knowingly contribute to carbon emissions from all parts of the globe. To show that they are wrong and that a radical change is necessary in everyone’s lifestyles for a chance for other millennia of the life as it is known to the present generation.

that the matter was recently raised by several international organisations and will be coming up for discussion at other forums soon.

In its letter to President Donald Ramotar dated March 19th the PSC said it is integrally involved in the process of ensuring that the upcoming Elections of May 2015 will be free and fair, outlining that it has been meeting with the United Nations agencies, Diplomatic Missions, the OAS and various other stakeholders involved in monitoring the elections.

“In all of our meetings, the issue of equitable access to radio and television, both state and privately operated for both political advertising and party election broadcast has been raised as a matter of priority to ensure a fair election.

“In the course these meetings, we have determined that it is necessary for there to be a clear and defined policy and requirements governing broadcast licensees,” the PSC told President Ramotar in their letter.

“We write you, therefore, particularly as the Minister responsible for Information, to request that you urgently address this matter. We have reviewed the Regulations of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa with respect to regulations governing Party Election Broadcasts and Political Advertisements during the election period.

“The South African Broadcast Authority states that the purpose of the Regulations “is to prescribe the framework and guidelines under which Party Election Broadcast PEB (s) and Political Advertisements PA (s) shall be conducted and carried out by the Broadcasting Service Licensee (BSL) during the National and provisional election.”

According to the PSC the South African Broadcast Authority legislation specifically defines the requirements for both State and Private licensees with regard to their airing party election broadcast and distinguishes between PEB(s) and

PA(s). “The South African Broadcast Authority legislation deals specifically with the allocation of air time for PEB(s) on the basis of a formula relating to political party representation in the Parliament.

“The South African Broadcast Authority legislation deals specifically with the regulation of Political Advertising (PA) on both State and Private media. The legislation deals with lodging of complaints with the Authority, the observance of the regulations and the penalties for violation.”

The PSC said: “We are of the view that these Regulations can be easily and readily adapted for implementation by the Guyana Broadcasting Authority under the Broadcasting Act and wish to recommend this course of action for your urgent consideration.”

The letter which was written by Ramesh Persaud Chairman of the PSC was also copied to Bibi Shaddick, Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority.

Opposition nixes Ramkarran to head “list”

…but courts his endorsement of coalition

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran is not being considered to head the List of Representatives for the A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Speaking at a joint press conference Friday at the coalition’s campaign headquarters, co-Chairman of the coalition’s elections’ campaign, Raphael Trotman, told media operatives that Ramkarran will not be on the List of Representatives for the party. He noted that Ramkarran was not and had never been considered by the party to be on the list.

However, Trotman said the coalition was interested in having Ramkarran on board and believed he could serve the party potently even if he was not on the list.

He expressed hopes, however, that the Former Speaker will endorse the coalition in coming weeks

since he can represent the coalition well but so far he has not been formally lobbied to join.

This is the second time Ramkarran has been nixed by the Opposition for a position. When the Cummingsburg Agreement was first signed, despite being bogged down by their inability to agree on who will lead the alliance the parties overlooked Ramkarran being their consensus candidate.

Reports reaching the Guyana Times stated that Moses Nagamootoo was the one who nixed Ramkarran’s candidacy since David Granger was prepared to step aside to allow Ramkarran to lead.

Observers said that Ramkarran had been preparing himself for the post since leaving the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). Prior to Cummingsburg Accord Ramkarran had told the Guyana Times that he would seriously consider taking up the post if ap-

proached by the Opposition parties but noted that it is highly impossible for this to happen. “If asked, it is a matter that I would give some consideration to,”

the former House Speaker mentioned while stating that no such proposal has been brought to him as it is being reported that the two parties have met a deadlock in deciding a presidential candidate. A coalition between the two Opposition parties was necessary in their quest to

unseat the ruling PPP/C. Political Commentator Ramon Gaskin had told this newspaper that the APNU would not want to accept a Ramkarran ledcoalition because he is “an old PPP/C man”. Gaskin explained that Ramkarran was not from either APNU or AFC; as such, the parties would not want to pick such a candidate. Gaskin underscored that APNU still saw Ramkarran as a former PPP/C man just as AFC’s Presidential Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo.

He further mentioned that he does not know what Ramkarran will bring to the table since he has been out of politics for a while, adding that he does not even have a constituency to pull support from.

Major personalities

Meanwhile, according to Trotman, the parties were actively considering three major personalities from the business, legal and civil societies. He, however, refused to disclose who these personalities were. However, according to information reaching this publication, businessman Yesu Persaud has been touted to lead the list. The Representative of the List will be entrusted with important tasks such as ensuring the Cummingsburg Accord agreement between APNU and the AFC as it relates to the National Assembly and other matters are kept.

Once the List is closed, it will be submitted to the party leaders to select the right person for the critical position. The entire process needs to be completed in time for Nomination Day on April 7, because the Representative of the List is also tasked with the critical responsibility of presenting their party’s List of Candidates on Nominations Day.

Additionally, the Representative must ensure that the list is submitted in the prescribed form, ascertain that the list is accompanied by a Statutory Declaration for each candidate and for the President named in that National Top-List. The Representative must also make sure the necessary corrections are made and submitted to the Chief Elections Officer no later than the 29th day before Election Day if the List of Candidate is in any way defective.

Caricom looking to Cuba to strengthen ICT sector

Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Science, Technology and Innovation Committee. Professor Harold Ramkissoon is to lead a delegation to Cuba as the region seeks to strengthen its technology lings with Havana.

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, addressing the second High level Caricom

City of Havana. He is therefore strategically placed to open many doors for our region”. Mitchell told the conference that the Committee was launched out of his conviction that science and technology is important in developing present day societies. “And that we here in the Caribbean therefore have no choice, if we

Science and Technology meeting here, said Caricom needs to focus more in the areas of research and development as well as science and technology as part of its strategy for its future development. “We undoubtedly have a major challenge here. But find we must, a way, innovative as it may be, to overcome this challenge. Inadequate expenditure on R&D has been for too long our greatest obstacle to development in the region, and we must now make investment in R&D a top priority in our region,” said Mitchell, who has lead responsibility for science and technology within Caricom.

He said Ramkissoon, whom he described as “wellqualified for this role” would be heading the delegation.

“For his scholarly work, Professor Ramkissoon has been made a Foreign Fellow of the Cuban Academy of Sciences, and for his contribution to the development of Science and Technology in the wider Caribbean, he was presented with the Key to the

are to successfully navigate our way, but to further promote the development of science and technology and do so aggressively and with urgency, so that it can assist with the socio-economic development of our people as it has done and continues to do for the people of so many countries including, USA, Japan and more recently Brazil, China, India, Malaysia and many other developed and developing countries.”

He said that inadequate expenditure in the area of research and development has been for too long the region’s greatest obstacle and it should become a top priority because data is showing that countries that are spending more in that area are developing faster in innovation.

“We have no choice if we are going to ensure a secure future. This is a challenge, not only for Governments, but also our private sector which must be more proactive and willing to go beyond mercantile boundaries. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Bus driver on assault charge sentenced to 1 month in jail

Abus driver was today placed before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts facing charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Deshawn Pitt pleaded guilty to the charges which read that on February 3, he assaulted the Virtual Complainant Edward Dowridge with the intent to cause actual bodily harm. The prosecution stated that on the day in question following a previous altercation between the men, Pitt approached Dowridge and dealt him several punches to the right side of his face until he lost consciousness. When the Virtual Complainant regained consciousness he went to the

Stabroek Market mobile Police outpost and lodged a complaint against the defendant. The Magistrate informed Pitt that the penalty for the offence is 18 months in prison and gave him an opportunity to mitigate his sentence. The defendant the pleaded for leniency and expressed remorse for his actions stating that he acted hastily in anger. He further stated that he is the sole guardian of his two minor siblings and requested the court to consider this before sentencing him. The Magistrate, after listening to all of the facts and taking into consideration the fact that it is his first offence, reduced the sentence to one month in prison.

Around the World

Coalition air strikes target Houthi stronghold in Yemen

Warplanes from a coalition led by Saudi Arabia have bombed the stronghold of Yemen’s Houthi fighters with strikes targeting arms depots and a number of military camps controlled by the group.

Air raids early on Friday targeted Saada, the stronghold of the Houthis, and focused on locations along Yemen’s porous border with Saudi Arabia.

Sources told Al Jazeera the air raids struck arms depots in the Malaheez and Hafr Sufyan regions of Saada and an army camp used by Houthi fighters in Kitaf.

The air campaign also targeted the al-Sana army camp in the Arhab region northeast of Sanaa, run by commanders loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Tariq Air Base in Taiz, central Yemen; and the presidential compound that Houthis seized in the south of the capital last month.

Residents said explosions echoed throughout the capital, creating panic and hysteria.

“Whenever a plane flies over our

home and is met by anti-aircraft gunfire, my three children run to a corner and start screaming and crying,” Mohammed al-Jabahi, a Sanaa resident told the Associated Press.

So far, at least 39 civilians have been killed in Operation Decisive Storm, officials at the rebel-controlled

Girl, 10, stabbed in fight over TV remote in TT

An evening at home watching television almost ended in violent death for 10-year-old Cherise Cross. Around 17:00h on Thursday, Cross was being prepared for surgery to repair a punctured lung, after she was stabbed four times in her chest, stomach and hands by a 21-year-old relative at her Vistabella home. The female relative remained in police custody last night as officers took several statements from her.

Doctors at the San Fernando general hospital were able to stabilise the girl, who they said entered the accident and emergency department drenched in blood. Hospital officials said a tube was to be inserted her chest, and procedures would have to be done on her stomach to ensure she had no internal injuries.

The violent incident escalated from an argument

over a television remote, police said. Around 10:00h, Cross was at her Solomon Street apartment, where she and the relative were watching television. Both were switching channels to view shows that they wanted to watch. Police said the relative took a knife and stabbed the child after a dispute over control of the remote.

A neighbour said he called police after he heard screams coming from the apartment and later saw the relative walk outside and hang clothes on a line.

Cross’ uncle Hubert Campbell said although he could not see well, he heard when she cried out.

He said the girl’s step father was around earlier and her mother was at work.

Police said when they entered the apartment; they saw the child bleeding heavily and rushed her to hospital. (Trinidad Guardian)

health ministry in the capital said.

Twelve of the victims died when surrounding residential areas were hit in a raid against a military base north of the capital, the officials told the AFP news agency. Amnesty International said six children were killed on Thursday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sierra Leone in new national shutdown to stamp out Ebola

Sierra Leone’s six million people are being confined to their homes for three days as the West African nation resorts again to a sweeping shutdown in a final push to stamp out Ebola.

Thousands of teams will fan out around the country beginning on Friday, knocking on doors to remind people how Ebola is spread and how to prevent it. In the hot spots – the regions around the capital Freetown and in the north – health workers will also search for Ebola cases.

Markets, shops, restaurants and bars must shut, officials said. Muslims will be allowed to attend prayers on Friday, and Christians can go to services on Sunday, the start of Holy Week before Easter.

Alfred Palo Conteh, the

head of Sierra Leone’s Ebola response, said a major goal of the campaign was to fight complacency, more than a year after the outbreak was declared in West Africa.

Ebola has infected nearly 12,000 people in Sierra Leone, more than in any other country, prompting authorities there to resort to some of the most stringent measures to stop the disease.

While recent weeks have seen a steep reduction in infections, 33 new cases were confirmed in Sierra Leone last week, according to the World Health Organisation. Still, the outbreak is most worrying in Guinea, where it is driven by hidden cases. Liberia currently has only one patient in treatment.

Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma vows to do “whatever it takes” to get to zero cases. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

St Kitts PM takes tough stance against saboteurs

Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris says his Government will not allow individuals to “sabotage” the new administration because of party loyalty.

In an address to the nation, Harris, who became Prime Minister following the February 16 General Elections, said that his Government is “aware of individuals who would wish to sabotage the people of this great federation because of their party loyalty.

“The Government of National Unity will not allow anyone to sabotage nor undermine the will of the people. You the people voted to change the direction of this country and this Government will give you the change that you voted for.

“As a responsible Government, we have asked all political appointees of the former Administration to do the honourable thing and resign. As a new Administration, we must be afforded the opportunity to decide whether we retain those political appointees or change them in the best interest of the people of this country. To date we have taken a number of deliberate actions to have some of them reassigned and some repositioned.”

He promised citizens that the Government would complete the senior appointments on statutory boards in due course and the period of transition gives his Administration to look at each ministry carefully.

Germanwings crash: Co-pilot Lubitz “hid illness”

The co-pilot suspected of deliberately crashing a Germanwings airliner into the French Alps hid details of an illness, German prosecutors say.

Torn-up sick notes were found in the homes of Andreas Lubitz, they say, including one for the day of the crash, which killed 150 passengers and crew.

A German hospital confirmed he had been a patient recently, but denied reports he had been treated for depression.

The EU’s aviation regulator has urged airlines to adopt new safety rules.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said in future two crew members should be present in the cockpit at all times.

Data from the voice recorder suggests Lubitz purposely started an eightminute descent into the mountains after locking the pilot out of the flight deck.

There were no survivors when Flight 4U 9525 crashed in a remote mountain valley on Tuesday while en route from Barcelona in Spain to Duesseldorf in Germany.

Prosecutors say there was no evidence of a political or religious motive for his actions and no suicide note has been found.

French Police say the search for passenger remains and debris on the mountain slopes could take another two weeks.

A memorial service is being held at a church in central Duesseldorf, attended by the mayor, Tomas Geisel. In a statement (in German), prosecutors said they had seized medical documents from Lubitz’s two residences – his Duesseldorf flat and his parents’ home north of Frankfurt – which indicated an “existing illness and appropriate medical treatment”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

saturday, march 28, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Hindus celebrate Ramnavmi today

Hindus all across Guyana will be observing Ramnavmi today. Ramnavmi marks the birth of Lord Rama and is one of the most auspicious celebrations on the Hindu calendar. It is on this day that Lord Vishnu was born in the form of Lord Rama (seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu) as the son of King Dasharatha and Kaushalya. The purpose of his birth was to destroy the demon Ravana, and the celebration of Ramnavmi serves to glorify the power of religion and reflects the eternal conflict between good and evil.

The day of Ramnavmi begins with the offering of prayers to the Sun. The aim of praying to the Sun at the beginning of the day is to seek the blessings of the supreme power. Devotees of Rama spend this day singing devotional songs and recitations and chanting the name of Lord Rama. Hindus observe fasts (vrat) throughout the entire day, since this practice helps to purify the body.

This auspicious day commemorates various events of Lord Rama’s life. Cultural programmes like Ramlila –a theatrical performance of Rama’s life and his battle with Ravana – have a significant part in the celebration.

Lord Rama is portrayed as an ideal son and step-son, a loving brother, a caring husband and a responsible king. As a son, the character of Lord Rama teaches us that we should obey and respect our elders and always protect the dignity of our parents. Lord Rama spent 14 years in exile honouring the orders of his father. As an ideal step-son, he respected the decision of his step-mother, Kaikeyi, and gave up the position of King. As a loving brother, he maintained loyalty towards his brother Bharat and as a caring husband, he fought a

long battle against Ravana to protect Sita. Through these acts, the character of Lord Rama makes men more aware of their duties and responsibilities towards their family and society and represents the glory of sacrifice and honesty.

The most important lessons taught by the

here is to be an optimist and respond positively even in adverse situations.

5. When rewarded by the Lord with all the goodness of life, it is important not to get lost in the comforts and forget to express gratitude to the Lord.

6. Hanuman (messenger of Lord Rama) represents devotion, determination, courage and single-minded focus to accomplish a task. Another very important point is that Hanuman’s focus is only on his duty and not the reward. Similarly, we are supposed to focus on our respective duties and not fix our minds on the rewards or benefits.

7. Hanuman always attributes all his accomplishments to the Lord and was totally free from pride or arrogance.

Ramayana (book on the life of Lord Rama) are:

1. Humility: To be humble and treat everyone with respect.

2. To maintain a calm and peaceful mind.

3. To maintain good company. It is not enough to have a good heart; we need to be careful while choosing friends.

4. Lord Rama is an ‘eternal optimist’. The lesson

The Ramayana is a true goldmine of knowledge, by following its principles we can uplift ourselves from ignorance to light. May the blessings of Lord Rama be with you on this auspicious occasion and always, and may his attributes remind us of our own responsibilities as we lift ourselves to greater heights.

Jai Shree Ram!!! (Devika Rajkissoon)

Neighbour placed on bond for breaching peace

A35-year-old man was placed on a bond to keep the peace at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday after being found guilty of cursing the neighbour he has known all his life. Pierre Claxton of Lamaha Street, Georgetown, was found guilty on Friday for the charge of using abusive language against the Virtual Complainant (VC) Sally Baksh, which breached the peace.

It is alleged that the accused had let loose a string of profanities towards the VC on March 23 at their residence on Lamaha Street.

The defendant explained his behaviour to presiding Magistrate Alex Moore in Court 10. He stated that

he has known the VC all his life and he was very sorry for what he did. He apologised to the VC in the courtroom, telling her that it would not happen again.

He stated that on the day, he drank some alcohol and had vented his frustration over the fact that she was unwilling to let his mother use a poll that was in her yard to put up another meter from the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

He elaborated that his mother rented the lower flat of the house to a tenant and made arrangements with GPL to have a meter installed for the new tenant. However, when GPL’s technicians came to attach the meter to the poll, they were prevented from doing so by the VC who told

President Ramotar extends sympathy message to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet

The President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet has flown to the Atacama region in the country’s north where freak rains and flooding left at least seven people dead, 19 missing and others needing evacuation by air from swamped homes.

Communities in the desert region were struggling on Friday to cope with a disaster that knocked out power and cut off roadways.

Thunderstorms with torrential rains moved into the Atacama on Tuesday, causing the Copiapo River to overflow its banks.

Fears of mudslides prompted authorities to evacuate thousands from their homes in

“the worst rain disaster to fall on the north in 80 years”, said the Deputy Interior Minister, Mahmud Aleuy. The Government declared a state of emergency, putting the region under military control. The heavy rains came after several days of high temperatures and a drought that stoked raging wildfires in Chile’s southcentral regions. The fires have burned nearly 93,000 hectares in the 2014-2015 season, far above the annual average of 59,300 hectares over the previous five years.

In light of the disastrous circumstances which have befallen the people of the region and by extension, the

country, President Donald Ramotar extended profound and heartfelt sympathy to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and the people of Chile, saying “ On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana and, on my own behalf, I offer our deepest sympathy to you and to all those who were affected by the recent floods in the Atacama Desert which claimed the lives of several persons and caused tremendous damage to property. It is our hope that the lives of the people of that region would soon return to normalcy. Please accept Excellency, the assurances my highest consideration.”

Golden Grove quartet remanded for alleged break and enter

– wanted for other charges of theft

Four men from Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, more popularly known as “Grove” were remanded to jail on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for removing a number of fixtures from a home with the intention of selling it.

Ramadan Persaud, Suneil Gag, Jamal James and Andrew Calendar appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in Court One on Friday where they were read charges of break and enter with theft.

It is alleged that the foursome broke into the house of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Nandkishore (only name given) – which was still under construction, between March 15 and March 25 – and removed two toilet bowl sets, a sink and a chandelier; all valued at $98,000.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that the VC secured his home on March 15 and left it. He returned on March 25 and found that the window on the side of the house and the door was broken. On further inspection, the VC found that the mentioned items were missing. He reported the matter to the Police and an investigation was launched.

them that the poll was rotten and could not handle another meter.

Claxton told the court that the poll was not that rotten. The VC told the Court that she has plans to replace the poll as she believes that it is rotten enough to fall if a ladder is placed against it. With this, the Magistrate advised that the defendant join with the VC to replace it. This was agreed to and $10,000 was agreed upon by defendant to pay the VC (as part payment) for a new poll.

Nevertheless, the defendant was placed on bond as the VC wished that the matter not be taken further as she said Claxton does have redeeming qualities. He was told that breach of the bond will earn him imprisonment.

The Prosecutor continued by telling the court that the Police were able to uncover some information regarding the stolen articles. With this they went to the home of Persaud, who lives at Section C, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara. At Persaud’s home they were able to recover the sink and the toilet bowl sets. The 26-year-old man was arrested and charged for breaking and entering NandKishore’s home.

The Police’s report continued that Persaud’s arrest was able to lead to the arrest and charge of the other three defendants. Police Prosecutor Mangru told the court that the Police found out that the defendants were making plans to sell the items.

The Prosecutor, addressed presiding Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry as he urged her to refuse bail as the defendants were wanted for other charges of theft and break and enter. He said the Police is currently investigating this angle of a series of crimes that have been occurring around the area. Thus, he expects additional charges will be laid against them and this may make them inclined to flee. He said that they were

arrested once before but then released.

Three of the young men pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, Gag pleaded guilty. He told the Magistrate, and by extension the court, that he had purchased the items from someone at a reasonable price. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Gag also informed the court that he has never had any trouble with the law before. He lives at Lot 5 Section C, Golden Grove and works in construction.

James told the court that he also has never been in trouble with the law. He lives in the New Housing Scheme in Golden Grove. However, Calendar made things difficult for himself by lying to the court that he too has a clean criminal record when it was revealed at that moment that charges of narcotics were levied against him at some point in his past. He lives at Lot 5 Golden Grove and works at the fishing industry.

Magistrate SewnarineBeharry followed the advice of the prosecution and remanded all four men to jail. Their case is expected to be heard at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on March 30.

Meadowbrook brawl goes to trial

Adecision to take the case to trial was made in Court 10 of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday for the case involving a brawl that ensued between four residents of the Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown, on March 26.

The brawl involved two brothers; Michael George and Peter George and Cousins Rickel Lindey and Cleveland George.

According to Cleveland, age 23, the fight started after one of the George brothers (Michael or Peter) called Rickel Lindey a thief. Lindey, being upset at the remark started the fight. Cleveland told the court that he intervened to break up the fight and became part of it. He re-

ceived two stab wounds from Michael George.

In Court One, where the matter was first heard, it was revealed that Cleveland was charged for unlawfully assaulting Michael George at the Meadowbrook Gardens on March 26, while Michael George allegedly wounded Cleveland with intent to cause injury.

Michael’s brother, Peter is charged with the assault of Cleveland as well. While Lindey – cousin to Cleveland –was charged with threatening behaviour against Michael.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges, with the exception of Lindey who admitted to behaving in a threatening manner to Michael. He was charged $20,000 by Chief

Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry. The other men were released on their own recognisance and placed on a bond to keep the peace. The case was transferred to Court 10 for attention to be given.

In Court 10, Magistrate Alex Moore gave Cleveland in the unlawful wounding charges against Michael the option of going to trial or paying compensation. The VC elected to be compensated but the defendant believed that he can be acquitted of the offence that he had stabbed Cleveland twice as he refused to compensate him.

Magistrate Moore set the commencement the trial on April 14.

Nauratre is likened to a spiritual lake that we enter for a bath

Dear Editor,

Theology is only a base (sometimes in story) from which springs the cosmic view and philosophy in systems wherein there is the ever presence of tendencies of creation/evolution and destruction. Life flourishes where there is cooperation and harmony, while the opposite results in destruction. These two positive and negative principles are represented by Devas (God) and Davies (Goddess) and asura (evil) - that which has the power to cause danger and disrupt natural order.

The story of the different manifestation of the Goddess Durga is being narrated and worshiped during the period of ‘navretre’. Although God does not have any form, many forms are attributed in as both mother and father.

During this period good will is worshiped as mother (shakti) since in different ages she assumed different forms to establish order and

remove suffering. The devotees meditate upon her divine forms and attain union with her. They transcend the material world and enjoy everlasting bliss. Many ask the question: Can God really take a body or bodily identity? Well, I will answer yes! Since we accept that the body that we have was made by God, then why can he not make a body for himself? We say that nothing is impossible for God. Therefore, he can assume any form he chooses.

Humans are affected by a choice of two paths, each paved with impurities that keep the mind deluded. These delusions are the demonic impurities of raga (attachment) and dwesha (hatred). It is from these to impurities that other demonic qualities arise.

It is because of this delusive nature that all living beings behave in strange ways. A mother hawk tenderly feeds her young ones. When they grow up she has nothing

more to do with them. Much in the same manner humans develop attachment and hatred and continue to pass through cycles of birth and death by maintaining karmic bondage.

The art of breaking the chain of successive re-births and karmic reaction is to seek shelter at the feet of the divine mother. This is the essence of navratre.

“Navratre Puja depicts the long course of spiritual evolution in the life of a spiritual aspirant and reveals the way in which the Divine mother leads the soul to ultimate victory over the demonic qualities which present countless obstacles on the spiritual path” (Swami Jyotimayananda).

In the life of every person, the forces of evil manifest as desire, pride, hatred, anger, greed, malice, envy etc. On the other hand the forces of goodness are visualized as forgiveness, compassion, love, charity, mercy, etc.

Life is the battlefield for the forces of good and evil and puja to the divine mother is the sure way to victory in life’s struggles.

The essence of worship is to enhance the powers of goodness whereby we achieve control of the mind and senses and overcoming the negative desires rising from the base self which prevents us from discovering the glories of spirituality and purpose. The Durga Sapta Shati – a scripture devoted to God as Mother presents the art of worshiping her in different forms and how the demonic impediments in the path towards spiritual life are destroyed. Then having successfully taken the devotee on to enlightment she becomes one – the absolute reality.

The blue print for moving from the night of confusion to a state of satisfaction and happiness is outlined in the worship of the mother. The dense darkness on

the night of inertia, confusion and ignorance in represented by Kali or Durga. The movement towards action, knowledge and change of circumstances is like the arrival of the golden rays of the sun at dawn, bringing hope. This is the Saraswatie.

Then both the night and dawn vanishes when they merge into the beauty of the day. This is the time for Lakshmi – the delivery of a store house of virtues. This is the mystical period of victory. Sometime ago I was asked by persons to be more active on matters of Hindu culture. At that time I did indicate that I need time to discover myself. Not surprisingly, everyone laughed at me. They shower scorn at me because they felt that I did not know myself. When will we understand that self realization is God realization? We recite like parrots “ya Devi satva butayshu” – that the Goddess resides in all of us.

Yet we cannot find that divine spark within ourselves. Individuals identify themselves as belonging to certain families, by status, wealth, occupation or by the place of residence. Nor once do persons identify themselves with humility and compassion. Charity now is a vehicle for Business opportunities which is given a fancy name like cooperate responsibility. Nauratre is likened to a spiritual lake that we enter for a bath. Very of the when en enter a creek or lake we put on the same garments when we emerge from the water.

However during the spiritual bath of nauratre, we must stand naked before the mother. Drop the garments of impurities and she will decorate us with the beautiful garments of purity. Of love, compassion, forgiveness and selfless service.

Pt Chrishna Persaud

PNC/APNU has difficult time convincing youths on their future plans for Guyana

Dear Editor,

The Opposition PNC/ APNU has an awfully difficult time convincing the youths on the futuristic plans for this country. They have no manifesto to highlight anything of a developmental nature that can readily attract youthful confidence in them. All that I am getting so far is a cacophony of confused lies against the Government but nothing substantial by way of development. This is

why the youths are at a loss as to what these people are talking about. By the way you would have noticed that I recognized the Opposition as PNC because that is effectively what the Opposition is. There is no AFC, no third party to choose from, the next election is a straight race between the arch-enemy PNC and the PPP/C.

And who said anyone wants the PNC back in power? The answer is blowing in the wind. So from the out-

set this coalition is at a disadvantageous position. This is their problem, this is their living breathing nightmare.

The PNC is on record as the architect behind this nation's destruction. They destroyed the economy. Do you know at one point during the 1980s Guyana was rated as below Haiti? According to the United Nations growth index for that period Guyana had dipped below Haiti and was rated as the least developed coun-

The legendary Bhagat ...

When the commission visited Lahore on the October 30, 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai led a silent march in protest against the Commission.

Police attempted to disperse the large crowed which resulted in tremendous violence. The Superintendent of Police James A Scott ordered the Police to lathi (stick) charge the protestors. They targeted and personally assaulted Rai, who was fatally injured and later succumbed to his injuries on November 17, 1928.

When the matter was raised in the British Parliament, the Government denied any role in Rai’s death. Bhagat vowed to take revenge and enjoined other revolutionaries, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Chandrashekhar Azad, in a plot to kill Scott.

However, in a case of mistaken identity, Singh received a signal to shoot on the appearance of John P Saunders, an Assistant Commissioner of Police. He was shot by Rajguru and Bhagat Singh while leaving the District Police Headquarters in Lahore on December 17, 1928. Bhagat and his comrades evaded the Police.

On April 8,1929, Bhagat and B K Dutt threw a bomb into the corridors of the Central Legislative Assembly Hall, which was not meant to kill anyone, but to draw the attention of the Government that suppression could no longer be tolerated. The two remained on scene and deliberately courted arrest.

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were later charged with the shooting death of Saunders. To expedite the trial the Viceroy, Lord Erwin set up a special tribunal, consisting of three high court judges. On October 7, 1930, the tribunal delivered its guilty verdict in the Saunders case. All three of these heroes were sentenced to be hanged until death.

On March, 23, 1931, at 19.30h, the execution took place in Lahore. All three were cremated on the banks of Sutlej River. These heroes demonstrated the ultimate and supreme love for their Motherland and fearlessly accepted the death penalty.

Mourning for Bhagat was spontaneous and widespread.

Homage is still being paid to him for his sterling character and sacrifice.

Annand Persaud FROM PAGE 4

try in the Caribbean. This was a ghastly period for all Guyanese. It was a time when we were greeted with scorn at all ports of entry especially those close by home judging from the fact that we were seeking asylum in Caribbean neighbours as political and economic refugees. This was a disgraceful decade for us, we were like "cockroaches" seeking after leftovers. This the youths may not know, but there are very many more things they are knowledgeable of, tangible successes all around them made and done for the children of the future.

Bhagat Singh was given the honorary title shaheed (martyr) by the people of India. Let us take inspiration from Bhagat Singh.

Take for example my nephew at age 20 visiting home again. Listen to his comment, "Wow! I think I am in New York". His awestruck comment came about as we passed by on Regent and Camp Streets. My sar-

castic answer to him was "all of these things came about as a result of the PPP/C's backwardness". And this is their dilemma, how can they explain away the massive developmental achievements of the PPP/C Government, and as a result convince the youths to vote for them. It is a herculean task that keeps the PNC thinking and rethinking their next move. Now, seeing they are backed up in a corner and losing ground they are desperately trying to get the youths attention and their vote. They are using the theory of the youngsters being ignorant of the atrocities they committed on this country and its peoples. They are hoping that with that ignorance of the youth - both the true meaning of the word "not knowing" or "unaware" and the Caribbean version of be-

ing "stupid" - they can somehow sneak up on them unsuspectingly to get their vote. Well I have news for them, the youth are not as naive, stupid or dumb as the PNC may think, they are aware of development, lots of it if you please. They are well aware of the developmental achievements of the present Government. They have been looking around and they have been asking questions such as who built that, and that, and which administration was responsible for those achievements. These are questions to which the Opposition has no answers. It is very easy to lie - that is a natural attribute of the Opposition - however, the question still remains could those lies convince the public.

Neil Adams

Link Show 31 will be hosted by the Theater Arts Class of 2015 at the New Amsterdam Multi-lateral School today, Saturday 28th. The first of two shows will start promptly at 17:00h and the second at 20:00h.

The Berbice audience will be guaranteed a ‘belly-full’ of laughter as the show delivers the political happenings in Guyana over the past 12 months. With elections a little over a month away, it will also be giving its take on the direction Guyana should take.

The producers promise that nothing will be left out from the show and Berbicians will enjoy the full production as seen in Georgetown. The tickets for the show are $1500 in advance from Evil Eyes, Tiluck and Gordons; at the door will be $2000

The students of the high school who are studying Theatre Arts are being given an opportunity to stage this production as a practical experience and to work along with a professional group. The public is encouraged to support their efforts.

All road leads to the L’Aventure Secondary School, West Bank Demerara this evening when six daz zling lasses and six equally astounding males face off in the first ever Mr and Miss President’s Youth Award Programme (PYARG) Pageant.

This new edu tainment ini tiative will see representatives from several schools on the West Demerara District bat tling for the coveted queen and king titles. The event will start promptly at 19:00h and will be spearheaded by Alex Wayne who conducted the live Intelligence Segment of the pageant, and will be per forming duties of MC on pageant night.

Similar pageants will be hosted at other locations around Guyana under the PYARG banner and the winners will battle for the Queen of Queens and King of Kings titles to be hosted at a date to be announced later.

Those competing for the Mr and Miss PYARG West Bank titles are

The contestants will be competing in Introduction, Expedition wear and Swimwear segments, as well as the Evening apparel and Final question categories.

Reigning Miss World-Guyana, Rafieya Husain is currently in St Kitts and Nevis to host the 2015 LIME Miss BLACK SAN’ Swim Suit Pageant.

Miss WorldGuyana was invited to participate in the 5th ‘Black San’ Bang-a-Lang’ festival by a community based organisation known as Sandy Pointers Inspiring Real Improvement Throughout (SPIRIT) which opened its doors in 2009 in Sandy Point.

Rafieya is honored to have been invited and noted her praise for the level of commitment to community service and the work accomplished by SPIRIT since its establishment, especially since she is very passionate about giving back to her country— Guyana.

largest events of the ‘Black San’ Bang-a-Lang’ festival in Sandy Point, St Kitts and Nevis.

“In Guyana, I have been able to launch my ‘ I COMMIT TO’ bracelet to spread the message of hope. I was also successful in establishing an empowerment center and founded the RIVAH (Rafieya’s International Vision and Hope) website which provides resources for empowerment, prevention, education and advocacy,” she stated.

She added that she is very enthusiastic about begin part of the well renowned Black San’ festival specifically for the LIME Miss black San’ swimsuit pageant as the host. This pageant is one of the

Pageant Coordinator, Treasa Wyatt noted that Rafieya would be an inspiration to aspiring young women. “We know that she would definitely be an inspiration to these young and aspiring women and especially since the publication of her being dubbed “Bombshell’s Women of Substance” in the Guyana Chronicle. In addition to this, her platform “violence against children’ is extremely impressive.”

The Guyanese beauty says she is looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside the Federation’s Ministry of Gender Affairs to help push the ‘Blue Bear’ campaign, especially since she is integrally involved in educating young people in Guyana about domestic violence and recognizing early signs. “I hope that my trip will help to inspire women across the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” she noted.

While in St Kitts and Nevis the Rafieya is expected to conduct school visits to speak to students about her platform, television and radio interviews and also host the swimsuit pageant which is slated for March 29th, 2015.

Programme was launched in Britain in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It now exists under a series of different names in various countries.

The culmination of “March Madness” –

The month long anniversary celebration for HJ Boom FM will happen this Sunday at the Police ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown, with the Hits and Jams Day of Sports. As expected, the event is already shaping up to be electric.

The event has been expanded to include more categories of people, as well as more races including the 4X100 metre relay for men

and women, the male and female 200 and 400 metre races, as well as three-a-side football, limited overs cricket, lime and spoon race, a beer drinking contest and a bun eating competition. This is in addition to the standard races.

The highlight of last year’s day of sports was the Entertainer’s Race which saw Rawle Ferguson running away from the field to claim first place, with Kerwin Bollers coming in a

distant second. This year, the Entertainer race will include many other entertainers, many of whom – inclusive of Kerwin Bollers – are going through extensive and strict exercise routines daily. It is clear that they are gunning for Rawle and are much more prepared than last year. The team from the media is shaping up as well with Rawle Toney and Triston Joseph; the latter a former national athlete, throwing down the gauntlet at a recent press conference, saying that they will easily win the relays. There will also be races by various companies and organisations as well as special events for members of the arts including models, comedians, dancers, deejays, singers and radio personalities.

The day will kick off literally with three-a-side football, which will be followed by cricket before the track events begin. The event is open and free to all patrons and there will be special giveaways all day. The action starts at 11:00h.

Fourteen intelligent young ladies will take to the stage of the National Cultural Centre (NCC) this evening to vie for the

Junior and Senior Titles. The delegates are eager to hit the stage as they are in full competition mode. Six of the delegates will be competing for the junior

title and will compete in the evening gown, talent, intelligence, casual wear and introduction segments. On the other hand, the eight delegates competing in the

senior category will clash head on in the evening gown, casual and intelligence segments. Tickets for the event cost $2000, $1500 and $1000 and

are available at the NCC, St Joseph High School, from any of the 14 delegates and any pageant committee member. There will be special appearances by Calvin

Berbicians are in for a treat this evening as Dreams Unlimited Promotions and Vibes Entertainment pre sents Chutney/ Reggae Invasion billed for the Rose Hall Ground, East Canje, Berbice.

The highly anticipated event will feature Trinidad and Tobago young heartthrob Veekash Sahadeo, who recently per formed at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara for the return of Clash of the Titans.

The versatile singer is expected to create a stir this evening. Tunes under his belt include “High School Again”; “Insecure”; “Sweet Wine” and “Ex with a Next”.

He will be joined by Berbician Romeo Mystic also called “Coolie Bhai”. This talented Berbician has visited the United

States of America and created a wind and more

cently

formed in Canada. He will be perform ing his brand new tunes, “GuySuCo” and “Coolie Gyal”.

The young artiste has been making progress in all aspects of his musical ca reer and based on feedback, is doing a fine job.

The two major artists will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra featuring former Chutney Monarch Pooran Seeraj who is also a Berbician; Yolland Nedd; and special appearances by the Shalita Dance Troupe. Music will be provided by Shocking Vibes. Tickets for the event cost $1500 for adults and children less than 10 years old will be admitted free. Vehicle passes are also available for $2000 each. Sounds and Lighting will be provided by Crown Vibes International Sound

T20 cricket billed for West Berbice

– Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services on board

With the aim of having cricket played at all levels throughout the Ancient County, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will bowl off a T20 cricket competition for second-division teams in West Berbice shortly.

The tournament will be sponsored by Alvin Chowramootoo of Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services

Chowramootoo, who was also the President of the successful D’Edward Sports Club, said he was always impressed with the confidence other stakeholders of cricket

have shown in the Board and as a result, he was convinced that the Board was doing something right.

He added that he was also impressed with the mileage received by sponsors and the level of transparency in the work of the BCB.

Chowramootoo also expressed his disgust over the manner in which the David Black-led West Berbice Cricket Association was running cricket in the area.

He noted that sponsors have lost confidence in their work because of lack of accountability. Chowramootoo alluded to the fact that there

were hardly any organised cricket competitions by WBCA.

In response, the BCB in a release thanked the sponsor for his confidence in the Board and promised that the tournament would be smoothly run.

The Board indicated that village cricket was very important to keep the family structure alive, improve health awareness, keep the grounds in good condition, keep the youths away from ill-fated activities and at the same time produce cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and West Indies.

GCB, USAGCA collaborate for youth tour to Guyana

As part of its cricket development initiative, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has collaborated with the United States of America Global Cricket Academy (USAGCA) for a youth friendly competition from March 28 to April 6.

The USAGCA was the winner of the 2003 International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Award for Best Junior Development Initiative. The organisation is resuming its international youth cricket tour programme, following its successful Under-17 and Under-19 tour of India in 2014-15.

USAGCA Under-18, Under-15 and Under-13 teams will be engaging youth teams from various clubs, counties and areas, of the same age group in Guyana.

The clubs providing

teams are Demerara Cricket Club, Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, and Gandhi Youth Organisation. Berbice and Demerara. The area associations in Demerara (West Demerara, Georgetown, East Coast and East Bank) will provide teams for the Under-15 and Under-18 categories.

Guyana Under-15 and Under-17 teams will compete as well, while Rubis Gas Station in Bel Air will also provide an Under-13 team.

USAGCA’s aim is to provide their players with a great chance and the best opportunities to play on the best pitches, so as to get international cricket experience. They believe the tour will help their elite players to gain more confidence with vital experience.

Many of their players

have played National, ICC Americas and international cricket, and this tour will provide the right platform for all players to become professionals and to stay on top, for all future cricket events in USA.

The GCB said in a release announcing the tour, “By now it is widely known that the GCB has reaped enormous success in 2014 and the beginning of 2015. This achievement has a great lot to do with the Board’s thorough cricket development programme. The GCB is always open to ventures that will expose our players to new skills and opportunities that will aid in their long-term growth. We are pleased to have the USA youths touring Guyana and we hope they have fun and learn something new that will be beneficial to their cricket.”

Foreign players helping...

“Was it Marcus Garvey who said that as a tree without roots is dead, so too is a people without knowledge of their past, history and culture?” Shabazz enquired.

He added, “And when we look at the life that trees and vegetation bring, especially to Guyana, we come to understand how important the roots are to the life of a tree, and how important understanding where we come from is to a people. For these guys to do what Christopher Nurse, and Carl Cort and Leon Cort did before them is saying something very profound.”

Shabazz commended the foreign based players for being conscious about committing to their roots, pointing out that Caribbean football stands to benefit tremendously from their experience of playing at a higher level.

He specifically praised the latest pair to join the Golden Jaguars set-up, England based defender Matthew Briggs and midfielder Neil Danns, and skipper and central midfielder Christopher Nurse and others before them for returning to play for the land of their ancestors.

According to Shabazz, the ambitions of these players will help to create

a new frontier.

“When you look back at our last time here [during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers], we played Columbia, we played Costa Rica, we played Mexico. Where have these three teams reached in the grand World Cup? All these teams are top teams, and were top performers of the last World Cup and we were on the field with them,” Shabazz reflected.

He continued, “But we want now to go beyond participating with them. The time has come for us to start to compete and battle with them. In so doing, it is necessary to have players of the calibre of Matthew and Neil to be able to bring what they can to the table, as Nurse and company have done.”

The second place finishers will receive US$2,500 while third and fourth will receive US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively.

Joseph highlighted that the conceptualizing of the tournament was due to the lack on international events in Guyana as well as the hopeful change of the stigma attached to domino.

“This tournament really came about because we al-

ways found ourselves travelling for International tournaments and we wanted to bring the competition here.

“We also want to show the public that domino can be sport and change the perception of the game,” Joseph noted.

The countries that will be participating are The United States of American (USA), Canada, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia,

Shabazz’s quest to have a squad blended with local and overseas players has been facilitated by the FIFA appointed Normalisation Committee, which has been unwavering its in endeavour to ensure the best possible Golden Jaguars team steps on the field every time.

The Golden Jaguars, fresh off a 2-0 success over St Lucia in an international friendly last Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, will face Grenada in another friendly encounter on Sunday at the same venue.

The first whistle will be blown at 20:30h and admission to the venue is $1,000 for general seating and $4,000 for VIP. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

Dominica, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Eustatius and Guyana. However, all teams across Guyana are invited to participate as the entrance fee for the tournament will be US$220. Should person be interested, they can contact Secretary of the association, Barbara Marshall on 663-8280 or 617-0493. (Treiston Joseph) from back page

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Clarke confident of World Cup glory

Australia captain Michael Clarke believes his side can get the best possible revenge over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final.

Michael Clarke is confident Australia can make New Zealand pay for giving his side a “kick up the backside” by winning Sunday’s Cricket World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Australia suffered their only defeat of the tournament at the hands of co-hosts New Zealand in Auckland last month when Brendon McCullum’s side edged home by one wicket.

A record crowd is expected when the trans-Tasman rivals lock horns again in what will be the Black Caps’ first World Cup final and Clarke is backing him side to come out on top when it matters most.

He said: “I think New Zealand will take confidence that they’ve beaten us in the tournament. But I believe that was the turning point in this tournament for the Australian team.

“I think that gave us a bit of a kick up the backside. We knew we got a good look at a very good team playing at the top of their game, certainly with the ball, and I think our attitude from that day has been exceptional.

“I think we’ve trained really well, we’re prepared so well for every game. The boys have got out of bed every single day to try and become better, and I think you’ve seen that in our re-

sults, so I think we’ve been building.

“We’ve grabbed momentum and we’ve tried to run with it and we’ve been improving every single game, and I think that’ll hold us in really good stead for Sunday.”

The Australia captain added: “It would be extremely special [to win the World Cup]. There’s no doubt about it. It’s the pinnacle of one-day cricket.

“I think at the start of the tournament there was a lot of expectation and pressure put onto this team, the fact we were playing in our own backyard. So yeah, I think it would be the icing on the cake for the summer that the Australian cricket teams that had in both Test and one-day cricket.

“I just think we’ve got some work to do over the next couple of days to make sure we’re as well prepared as we can be, and if our attitude doesn’t change and we stay as focused as we’ve been since that loss against

New Zealand, I’m confident we can win this World Cup.”

While Australia have won the World Cup four times, including three of the last four tournaments, New Zealand ended their long wait to play in the biggest game in 50-over cricket with a thrilling four-wicket win over South Africa.

Pace bowler Tim Southee is determined to ensure their dreams do not turn into a nightmare in Sunday’s showdown.

He said: “I’m sure the guys are very excited to fulfil a childhood dream.

“Captain Brendon McCullum speaks a lot about it being the time of our lives. We wouldn’t replace the last couple of months for anything - one more big push and the guys will remember it forever.”

Both sides are expected to be unchanged following their semi-final victories, with Australia quick Josh Hazlewood expected to recover from a hand injury.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Murray beats Donald Young to reach Miami

Open 3rd round

services include; carpen

Britain’s Andy Murray reached the Miami Open third round with a straight-sets victory over Donald Young.

The 27-year-old world number four, who lifted the title in 2009 and 2012, won 6-4 6-2 against the American.

Murray, who beat Young in the Davis Cup earlier this month, won the first

four games of the match as he dominated from start to finish in windy conditions.

He now plays Colombia’s world number 31 Santiago Giraldo, who defeated Murray at last year’s Madrid Open.

“The match went well but it was tricky and difficult to feel comfortable on the court because of the conditions,” said Murray,

who has a home in Miami.

“It was extremely windy and also the complete opposite to what we played in in Indian Wells five or six day ago.

“I always enjoy coming back - it’s nice to spend some time in your bed. I’ve only spent 10 or so days at home in the UK this year so it’s nice when I am travelling to spend a bit of time in my own place.” Meanwhile, number two seed Rafael Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-4 6-2.

Switzerland’s seventh seed Stan Wawrinka lost the first set before beating Carlos Berlocq, of Argentina, 6-7 (9-11), 7-5 6-2.

Eighth seed Tomas Berdych beat 18-year-old South Korean Hyeon Chung 6-3 6-4.

The Czech will now play 25th seed Bernard Tomic after the Australian beat American Austin Krajicek 7-6 (8-6) 7-5. (BBC Sport)

Fly Jamaica donates ticket to US for RHTY&SC fundraising event

Regional airline carrier Fly Jamaica on Friday last handed over an airline ticket to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) to help facilitate the Club’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary celebrations.

The ticket to the United States of America is the first prize in a special raffle to raise funds for the Club’s cricket development programme and massive pro-education and anti-drugs campaign, which targets 60,000 youths in the Ancient County.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster, in accepting the ticket from Marketing Manager of the Jamaica-based Guyaneseowned airline, Wesley Tucker stated that funds raised from the raffle would be used to purchase more cricket gear for the coaching programme, host inter-secondary school volleyball and basketball competitions, and also make available school bags for less fortunate students attending school in the Lower Corentyne area.

The school bags project will be done in conjunction

with the Guyana Police Force outreach community programme.

Foster expressed gratitude to the management of Fly Jamaica for coming on board with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation.

The long-serving Club official stated that the RHTY&SC intends to

make 2015 a memorable year as the Club continues to make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

Tucker stated that Fly Jamaica was pleased to be associated with the RHTY&SC as it was an organisation of excellence and high standards.

Hong Kong 7’s rugby... Guyana lose to

Guyana’s national Men’s 7’s rugby team made a horrendous start to the Hong Kong 7’s tournament, losing their first two games by huge margins on Thursday night.

The Guyanese conced-

Zimbabwe,

Spain on opening day

ed a whopping 86 points, while scoring only five. In their opening game of the campaign, Guyana lost 36-0 to Zimbabwe, and then suffered a 50-5 defeat at the hands of Spain.

Patrick King was the only player to score for Guyana, with a try against Spain. The Guyanese, grouped in Pool G, were down to play powerhouse Tonga in their final preliminary game Friday evening.

Police to open multi-purpose court today

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be opening a multi-purpose court for recreational use at Rasville, Georgetown, today from 14:00 h. The construction of the

court is an attempt by the Police Force to empower the youths in several communities as well as have them gainfully occupied with recreational activities.

The effort is seen as a

positive move to also help develop talent in the surrounding area. While details of the actual court were not provided, the opening today will reveal all the details.

Simmons backs Associates for next World Cup

Newly appointed West Indies coach Phil Simmons is encouraging the International Cricket Council to keep faith with Associates teams for the next World Cup.

The Trinidadian is coming off an eight-year stint with Ireland, including leading them to the last two World Cups where they made a significant impact despite failing to reach the second round.

With the ICC planning

PMTC Yellow win BVA inter-school tournament

Port Mourant Training Centre Yellow (PMTC Yellow) played unbeaten to win the first place trophy when the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) held its annual Inter-School Volleyball Competition at the PMTC Court on the Corentyne.

The competition, which was postponed on several occasions due to rain and other constraints, was played in blistering sunshine in a bestof-three, 20-point format and attracted four teams.

PMTC Yellow defeated JC Chandisingh Secondary School (JCCSS) in the final –two sets to nil, 20-15, 20-16. In the preliminary matches, JCCSS defeated Corentyne Comprehensive High School (CCHS) 20-14, 15-20, 20-8; PMTC Red lost to JCCSS 10-20, 18-20; PMTC Yellow defeated PMTC Red 20-11, 20-14 and CCHS, 208, 20-15; while CCHS defeated PMTC Red 20-19, 20-19. At the presentation ceremony held after the final, BVA Vice President and

Competition Coordinator

Godwyn Allicock congratulated the winners and thanked all the teams for participating.

He said he was disappointed with the response from schools, and emphasised that volleyball must be promoted. He urged the players to continue to practise to perfect the basic skills and thanked the management of the PMTC for making their facilities available.

Trophies and medals were presented to the win-

ning and second-place teams and to individuals for outstanding performances.

The first-place trophy, donated by the National Sports Commission, was presented to PMTC Yellow, while second-place JCCSS received a trophy from the BVA. The Most Valuable Player trophy went to Joshua Jagmohan of PMTC Yellow, while Ravi Rampertab of PMTC Yellow received the Best Setter medal and Videshwar Mangroo of JCCSS received the Most Promising Player medal.

to reduce the complement of teams at the one-day showpiece even further, Simmons believes marginalizing Associate teams like Ireland would be a mistake.

“There shouldn’t be a World Cup without Associates, and no disrespect to the others, but definitely not one without Ireland,” Simmons said.

“I would hope ICC reassess because some of the best games at this World Cup have been played by the Associates. Other sports have at least 20 teams so why can’t cricket have 14 teams regularly.”

He added: “We were saying the same at the end of the 2011 World Cup (about reducing the number of teams at the World Cup) and the pressure wasn’t half as much then as it is now so I hope they reverse their decision and there will be 14 teams in the next World Cup.”

Ireland played outstandingly at the current World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, shocking West Indies by four wickets in their opening game en route to winning three of their first four games. They narrowly missed

out on the second round, finishing level on points with West Indies in fourth spot but with an inferior net run rate.

At the previous World Cup in India, Ireland also made headlines when they produced a superb run chase to shock England by three wickets in Bangalore. Simmons praised the way Ireland played in the ongoing World Cup, especially the way they upset West Indies.

“The players’ attitude was superb throughout, fronting up to those big games. We left saying we needed to win three games and that’s what we did. We just didn’t allow for Pakistan beating South Africa,” Simmons explained.

“The West Indies game was massive. We knew we had to win the first game because it was the catalyst for the rest of the tournament. But you always have a chance – and I shouldn’t be saying this – against West Indies early on and we took our chance.”

Simmons last week penned a three-year contract to coach West Indies, starting from the threeTest series against England next month. (CMC)

Barakat XI, Young Warriors clash on Sunday

– Sarwan to lead Barakat XI in fundraiser game

Two equally strong teams, Barakat XI and Young Warriors, will clash in a grand showdown on Sunday in a feature fundraising 20/20 match at the Meten-Meer-Zorg West Ground, West Coast Demerara.

Barakat XI, considered the home team, will be led by former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, against the boys from the Ancient County of Berbice.

Troy Khan, one of the organisers, said the aim of having the game was to raise funds to execute works on the Meten-Meer-Zorg West Ground, as well as afford cricket fans in that part of the country some wholesome entertainment.

The match will bowl off at 13:00h and will be followed by a live stage show, featuring 2013 Guyana telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company Jingle winner Gail Ann Singh and Super Ray One Man Band. Patrons are required to pay a fee of $300 to enter the venue, which will give them access to both the cricket match and the show.

Khan added that musi-

cal entertainment beyond the boundary will also be provided by Slingerz, while there will be several novelty events for children during the day.

On the field, Barakat XI will feature the likes of senior Essequibo cricketers Ricardo Adams and Kevon Boodie, as well as national youth player Kemol Savory, fast bowler Trevor Benn and Guyana Amazon Warriors 2014 youth selectee, Akshaya Persaud.

Young Warriors of East Berbice will include sev-

West Berbice contractor assists BCB secondary schools cricket programme

Popular West Berbice contractor Romel Jagroop recently provided the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) with the funds to purchase six boxes of red balls, which will be used for the BCB-organised secondary schools Under-15 and Under-17 tournaments.

This kind gesture from the contractor was initiated by BCB Marketing and Finance Committee Member Imran Saccoor.

At a simple presentation ceremony, Saccoor, who represented the sponsor, was high in praise for the work of the Board, despite their many challenges.

eral top players in their squad, the likes of Anthony D’Andrade, Joemal LaFleur, Shawn Pereira, Kevin Ramdeen, and Niall Smith.

Barakat XI will come from: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ricardo Adams, Kevon

Boodie, Hemraj Persaud, Kemol Savory, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Sheldon Alexander, Vickash Dhaniram, Akshaya Persaud, Trevor Benn, Shaeed Gittens, Andre Lyght Jr, and Manoj Dasrath.

Young Warriors XI will come from: Ishwar Singh, Anthony D’Andrade, Joemal LaFleur, Kassim Khan, Amir Khan, Wahied Edward, Mortimer Fraser, Jermain Henry, Shawn

The day’s activities are being sponsored by Barakat Brothers, Odyssey Transport and ANSA McAL Trading.

In response, a representative from the Board thanked Jagroop for his kindness and assured him that his money would be utilised for its intended purpose.

Schools and parents were called upon to play their part in the resuscitation of school cricket in Berbice.

The A Ally and Sons Secondary Schools Under-17 Competition will conclude shortly, paving the way for the start of the Dalchand Rambharose Under-15 Tournament.

He said that the sponsor has recognised that cricket was a costly game, and the Board would not be able to offset all the expenses alone.

YBG launches 10th consecutive school basketball tournament

By TreisTon Joseph

he Youth Basketball

TGuyana (YBG) launched its 10th national school basketball tournament on Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The Regional Conferences are slated to begin on April 20.

During the press conference to announce the tournament, YBG Director Chris Bowman outlined the importance of the landmark year as well as the importance of all the stakeholders in making the tournament a success.

“The championships have grown from 18 teams to having 51 teams and if it was not for our three major sponsors in Digicel, Beharry Group of Companies and Banks DIH, we’d not be able to sustain it.

“We are also grateful to have the blessing of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) on board

with us as we look to foster and develop the game which will benefit the kids,” Bowman stated at the press conference.

Bowman also noted that the tournament was expected to attract teams from

Foreign players helping to create new frontier

“interesting times” for football, says Shabazz

B

Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Jamaal Shabazz, is of the firm opinion that the influx of foreign-based national footballers can only serve to enhance the standard of the game locally, thereby creating new a frontier. The previous Guyana

Football Federation administration, led by Christopher Matthias, had spoken out against the inclusion of foreign-based players, pointing out that it would retard the development of local players and inevitably limit the opportunities to represent the country. However, Shabazz

has always publicised his views against that notion, adding recently that it is now “interesting times” for not just Guyana, but Caribbean football, with the regional territories gravitating towards the inclusion of players who reside overseas, but are connected to those nations through their roots.

Essequibo and Bartica for the first time in the tournament’s history and an Under-12 category was add-

ed, which Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope lauded as “great”.

GABF President Nigel

Hinds was also high in praise for the tournament, noting that “this is where the seeds are planted to develop into flower”.

Hinds also challenged the YBG to market the event in order to fill the sports hall something that used to happen in the early years of the tournament.

Hope, Troy Peters of Banks DIH and Vishal Hemchand of Beharry Group of Companies lauded the longevity of the tournament, as they acknowledged its 10th anniversary.

However, Hope pointed out that it was imperative that the event continued to grow as well as the fan base.

Programme Manager Jonathan Beaten promised a well-organised tournament as well as good fan support.

The tournament is set to begin on April 20 with Regional Conferences throughout Guyana.

GDA launches International Domino Tournament

The Georgetown Domino Association (GDA) launched an International Domino tournament on Friday which will feature 12 overseas nations scheduled to begin on April 4 at the National Gymnasium. The tournament is the brain child of the President of the GDA, Faye Joseph who is basically sponsoring the entirety of the event that will have a first place prize of US$5,000.

Upcoming World Cup matches (with Guyana time) Today: final, Australia v New Zealand, 23:30h