Guyana Times Daily - May 11, 2015

monday, may 11, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana goes to polls today

...results guaranteed by Wednesday latest

By Gomatie GanGadin

Guyanese will go to the polls today in General and Regional Elections.

Voters will decide between the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the recently-formed People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition. There are several micro parties that are contesting the polls, but these have been written off as no real challenge to the two behemoths as it has been since the 1960s: PPP vs PNC.

A total of eight parties had been given the go-ahead by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to contest the polls: the PPP/C led by Donald Ramotar; the APNU+AFC led by retired Brigadier David Granger who is also leader of its overwhelmingly largest component, the PNC; The United Force (TUF) headed by Marissa Nadir;

the United Republican Party (URP) with Vishnu Bandhu at the helm; the Independent Party (IP) led by Mark Benschop; Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP) guided by Alfred Parks; the Organisation for the Victory of the People Party (OVPP) under the leadership of Gerald Pereira; and the National Independence Party (NIP) headed by Attorney-at-Law Saphier Subedar Hussain.

Based on their leaders’ comments, at least two parties will be contesting only the Regional Elections –HTNTP and OVPP. The battle as has been said is ultimately between the incumbent PPP/C, which has been in power for the past 23 years, and the Opposition coalition.

The PPP/C has based its

campaign on its track record in office since it took over in the first free and fair elections of 1992 and inherited a country completely devastated.

It points to the many projects, programmes, policies and growth and de-

velopment which have been implemented and recorded and the lives which have been transformed under its governance in moving Guyana from being a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to a Middle Income Country (MIC) that has more than one car for every four persons.

Granger is campaigning on his coalition’s platform under the slogan, “It is time”.

The smaller parties are simply hoping for votes which can give them at the least, a seat in the National Assembly for a say in the decision-making process.

GECOM prepared

Meanwhile, GECOM, which is a most critical body at this time, has assured stakeholders that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct “free, fair and credible” elections as scheduled. According to the elections body, notwithstanding some challenges, it has been able to achieve an almost perfect state of readiness for the efficient and transparent conduct of the polls, noting that all the necessary technical, administrative and logistical systems are in place in every district, and are functioning optimally, thus enhancing GECOM’s credibility.

Additionally, GECOM said that it has continuously been engaging its Election Day staff in a plethora of training exercises that have seen them constantly being trained, retrained, refresher trained, and further trained, in an effort to have all Polling Day staff fully prepared and ready for the

professional and transparent conduct of the General and Regional Elections.

The elections body in a release said that the frequency of its training exercises are designed to mitigate all likely errors on Election Day, and welltrained and helpful personnel were being deployed in all of the 2299 polling stations across Guyana to work on Election Day – with the full understanding that the electors are their employers.

According to the Commission, polling stations comprise a variety of public buildings as well as some private residences, with the number of private residences at 166. The elections body said that with the help of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it has established a Media Centre to facilitate the efficient dissemination of official elections results to the media and the nation. It has strongly rebuffed late Opposition claims that the electors’ list was “dirty”.

Another arrested for GNIC gun, ammo seizure

Police on Sunday confirmed that a second person has been taken into custody, and is assisting with the investigation into the large cache of guns and ammunition found at the GNIC Wharf, Lombard Street, Georgetown on Friday.

A Police source told Guyana Times that the man was arrested while driving the car of the known convict whom the Police are looking for. However, the man is tightlipped about the whereabouts of the convict.

The man joins Jamal

Murphy, 25, of Cummings Lodge, Georgetown who went to clear the box containing the food stuff and the haversack with the guns, ammunition and bullet proof vest. Nevertheless, the Police stated that charges will be instituted shortly.

On Friday last, two AK 47 rifles, four .40 pistols, 11 9mm pistols, 15 extra magazines for the firearms, 489 various calibre rounds for the firearms and a bullet proof vest were found in a haversack among a box containing tinned food items.

The box was addressed to Jamal Murphy of Friendship, East Coast Demerara, and was sent by Ron Murphy out of the United States of America.

A Police source stated that the address on the box was incorrect, claiming that Murphy received other parcels and boxes bearing different addresses. Police believe that this was not the first time guns were shipped to Murphy.

However, the Police stated that the man whom they are hunting has been

charged several times with gun related offences. He also lives in the same area as Murphy.

The Police have launched an investigation into the discovery which was made by the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In the box as well was a thin saw which is normally used to cut glass on buildings. Murphy will remain in custody and is expected to be charged on Tuesday. Police are continuing their investigation into the discovery.

Observer Missions

Meanwhile, a number of international and domestic election observers will be involved in the elections. As it stands, 14 domestic observers have been accredited with five International Observer Missions already in Guyana. Already the Anglican Diocese here as well as the Guyana Presbyterian Church and other religious bodies such as Hindu and Muslim organisations have called for peace to prevail in the country especially at this sensitive time. Elections here, over the years, have been marred by violence and already there have been incidents which have caused concern.

Results

In the meantime, GECOM has assured that it will ensure that the results of the elections are released in the soonest possible time. According to Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, providing all goes well on Election Day, the elections body will try to have the results available by Tuesday evening or by Wednesday morning.

President Donald Ramotar on January 20, 2015 announced the holding of General and Regional Elections for today, May 11, three months after he had prorogued the National Assembly, and only three years after he had been in office. Election was not constitutionally due until

November 2016. Guyana elects on national level a unicameral legislature (the National Assembly).The National Assembly has 65 members. Since 2001, the makeup of the National Assembly is as follows: 40 members are elected via proportional representation from 10 Geographic Constituencies and 25 members are chosen also on the basis of proportional representation from national lists named by the political parties. Prior to 2001, 53 members

were elected for a five-year term by proportional representation and 12 members were delegated by local government councils. The President is elected for a five-year term on the basis of the parliamentary elections.

Man dies after shooting incident

Aman has died after being shot accidentally to his head in Georgetown Sunday morning following a collision.

Dead is Nigel Isaacs, 49, of Guyhoc Gardens, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to information received, at about 00:25h on Sunday, the driver of motorcar HB 4024 accidentally collided with a parked vehicle bearing registration number PPP 7994 .

A licensed firearm holder who was in the vicinity confronted the errant driv-

er and discharged several rounds in his direction.

He reportedly missed the driver and struck Isaacs in the process. Isaacs was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent an emergency surgery.

He succumbed to his injuries later in the evening. The licensed firearm holder has been arrested and is in Police custody assisting with the investigations. Investigations are in progress.

monday, may 11, 2015

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday, May 11 – 11:00h-12:30h and Tuesday, May 12 – 12:00h-13:30h

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

Monday, May 11 – 09:50h-11:20h and Tuesday, May 12 – 11:10h-12:40h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:

Monday, May 11 – 06:00h, 09:00h and 17:00h Tuesday, May 12 – 07:00h and 15:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the morning, with light rain and thunderstorms expected in the afternoon. Clear skies will be interrupted by light rain showers 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 5.36 metres and 6.70 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:03h and 22:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.34 metres and 2.30 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:32h and 16:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metre and 0.84 metre respectively.

British elections analysis: The perils of coalition Govts

...questions of legitimacy, performance

The elections that resulted in the new Government in Britain last week ended the first coalition Government in the post-war era at Westminster which had been formed in 2010 between the Conservative Party and the much smaller Social Democrats. The United Kingdom has long served as a prime example of the majoritarian model of democracy and the experience of Britain in this form of governance should be a useful guide for other jurisdictions.

None of the polls in Britain predicted that the coalition experiment would have been ended so abruptly by the British people. But one study, “Media impressions of the legitimacy

recently announced AV referendum could mean ‘condemning Britain to unstable coalition governments forever’ (‘Mr Cameron and a Huge Gamble’, 3 July 2010). It continued:

“Our country would have to settle for weak collegiate government; there would be no place in this new world for strong and decisive leaders like Margaret Thatcher. Despite the early success of the ConDems, the Mail believes that coalitions, whenever and wherever they have been tried, have always proved to be weak and undemocratic in the end.”

Smaller partner

“getting too much”

“Opinion was far more negative on the more spe-

of coalition government in the UK” done in September 2012 summarised findings that suggested even then, it could be seen that given the intrinsic doubts of the British populace, coalition Governments in a parliamentary system were always going to be tenuous at best.

Below are some direct quotes from the study:

Coalitions inherently unstable

“A clear example of an unambiguously negative overall impression of coalition government in general is supplied by the Daily Mail, who feared that the

cific question of the proportionality of influence in coalition government however, with many editorials judging junior partners in general, or the Liberal Democrats in particular, to wield a disproportionately large amount of much influence (36 editorials, 13 per cent of the total).

For instance, following the unveiling of the coalition agreement, The Daily Mail asked whether it was ‘really necessary for Mr Cameron to give the Lib Dems such enormous influence over policy? Was he really obliged to give a quarter of Cabinet seats to partners

who polled 3.8 million fewer votes?’ (‘Brilliant tactics... but what about principles?’, 13 May 2010). A year later, The Daily Mail described Nick Clegg’s say over government policy (not for the last time) as ‘grotesquely disproportionate’ (‘Putting the Lib Dem losers in their place’, 9 May 2011).

Inevitable poor governance

The Daily Mail judged that ‘in the tortuous politics of coalition, good government is always the casualty’ (‘A truly pathetic day for coalition politics’, 14 June 2012), and had worried previously that ‘something is going wrong with Britain’s system of governance. In vital areas, where clear-headed policies are desperately needed, stasis and confusion rule. And much of this can be blamed on the compromise and fudging that are intrinsic to the push-

me-pull-you nature of coalition politics’ (‘Coalition adrift in the fog of confusion’, 8 June 2011).

Coalition Govts do not work The Times noted in the aftermath of the 2012 local elections that the coalition parties’ losses indicated that the public viewed it as ‘incoherent’ and ‘incompetent’, and further, it argued (‘End of the love affair with coalition’, 6 May 2012): ‘They see it collapsing under the weight of its own internal contradictions; two parties with very little in common trying in vain to rub along together in government. Voters thought they liked coalition government but this love affair is over. We have rediscovered why we did not have coalitions for all those decades since the Second World War. ... In short, they do not work.’

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

Honesty in schools

We have just come through a very intense period in which the claims and counter claims of the politicians flew fast and furious. Many of these statements were flatly contradictory and the "honesty" of the politicians came under scrutiny. But the question of honesty goes beyond the political sphere. In "The death of honesty", William Damon provides a deeper perspective.

“The future of every society depends upon the character development of its young. It is in the early years of life – the first two decades especially ¬– when basic virtues that shape character are acquired.

“Although people can learn, grow, and reform themselves at any age, this kind of learning becomes increasingly difficult as habits solidify over time. Honesty is a prime example of a virtue that becomes habitual over the years if practiced consistently – and the same can be said about dishonesty.

“Honesty is the character virtue most closely linked to every school’s academic mission. In matters of “academic integrity,” which generally revolve around cheating, schools have a primary responsibility to convey to students the importance of honesty as a practical and ethical virtue. Unfortunately, many of our schools today are failing this responsibility.

“Of all the breeches that can tear deeply into the moral fabric of a school, cheating is among the most damaging, because it throws in doubt the school’s allegiance to truth and fairness.

“Cheating in school is unethical for at least four reasons: 1) it gives students who cheat an unfair advantage over those who do not cheat; 2) it is an act of dishonesty in a setting dedicated to a quest for truthful knowledge; 3) it is a violation of trust between student and teacher; and 4) it disrespects the code of conduct and the social order of the school.

“As such, one would expect that cheating would provide educators with an ideal platform for imparting the key moral standards of honesty, integrity, trust, and fairness.”

Incredibly, some teachers have actually encouraged students to cheat. For instance, in the completion of SBAs, many teachers collude with students to correct submissions. Some teachers excuse students because they believe that “sharing” schoolwork is motivated by loyalty to friends.

Some teachers sympathise with student cheaters because they consider the tests that students take to be flawed, unfair, or too difficult.

Then there are the spill-offs of the “lessons syndrome”. Teachers in these “lessons” routinely do not cover aspects of the syllabus in class to ensure that their charges attend (and pay) for their lessons.

Their students are then given “tips” on tests that would be given in class, where they have an advantage over “nonlesson” compeers. Our schools vacillate between routine neglect and overwrought reaction when the problem boils over into a public media scandal. There is little consistency, coherence, or transparency in many school policies, especially in the lessons area.

“It is practically impossible to find a school that treats academic integrity as a moral issue by employing revealed incidents of cheating to communicate to its student body values such as honesty, respect for rules, and trust.

“There is a palpable lack of interest among teachers and staff in discussing the moral significance of cheating with students. The problem here is the low priority of honesty in our agenda for schooling specifically and child-rearing in general.

“In former days, there was not much hesitancy in our society about using a moral language to teach children essential virtues such as honesty. Nowadays, when cheating is considered by some teachers to be an excusable response to a difficult assignment, or even a form of pro-social activity, our society risks a future of moral numbness brought on by a decline of honesty and all the virtues that rely on it.

“The failure to cultivate virtue in our citizens when they are young creates a threat to our democracy when they become flawed leaders."

BSL log exports are in keeping with GFC, National Log Export Policy

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) refers to an article in the May 8 edition of Stabroek News headlined: “Bai Shan Lin has most certainly contravened laws, regulations and approved policies” – Janette Bulkan and John Palmer.

GFC is alarmed that these two writers continue to regurgitate incorrect and non-factual statements on the forest sector in Guyana, even when their inaccuracies have been publicly pointed out on numerous occasions.

The continuing false allegations are even more disturbing when one considers that the GFC has invited both individuals to visit the GFC to be fully apprised on

the real undisputable facts. GFC will once again present the public with the accurate information which dispels the notion that Bai Shan Lin (BSL) is involved in some form of illegality and is benefitting from preferential treatment by the GFC or the Government of Guyana.

Fact 1: BSL has always exported logs in keeping with the GFC and the National Log Export Policy. The GFC records can prove this and it will indeed be very informative for these writers to show the records that they are basing this misinformation on. Additionally, information on all of BSL’s joint ventures (JVs) were made public; not once, but on multiple

occasions.

The allegation of “transfer of operational control” or “landlording” is baselessit is a GFC Board approved joint venture as was pointed out in detail in the public media (and certainly not a “rentier” agreement as is so maliciously speculated).

Fact 2: All exports of forest produce follow the GFC and other relevant Government of Guyana Agency guidelines. These systems have been fully examined by credible independent and objective auditors and they have all concluded that the systems are adequate, appropriate and functional.

A few minor recommendations for improving the systems have been proposed

and these are currently being reviewed. To allege that there is customs fraud without providing factual evidence is unacceptable and in fact, potentially damaging to the forestry sector export markets and the livelihoods of many.

The writers should consider these implications before making unsubstantiated statements.

Fact 3: As mentioned above-there is no evidence of customs fraud; similarly, there is absolutely no evidence to show “false values”. Prices are declared by species, volumes and by grades contrary to the writers’ false allegations. A simple check with the GFC could have clarified this.

Sir Ron is a well known Guyanese

Dear Editor,

While electioneering is in full swing in the Caribbean, since a few countries are voting for new governments, there are behind the scene moves in most Commonwealth countries to elect a new Commonwealth Secretary General.

Alex May, a distinguished writer and commentator, who is the research editor of Oxford Dictionary, feels that Sir Ronald Sanders, a senior diplomat, commentator, is the best person suited for the top position of the 53-nation body.

Writing in the Round Table, “The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs”, he stated that the

election will be a crucial one since there is need for a “turn around” and it is of vital importance who is elected to make this move. He said that the choice is between two persons. One from the Caribbean and the other from Africa. The first is a distinguished woman who served two terms as Deputy Secretary General under Lamaesh Sharma, with responsibility for the Secretariat’s activities.

Mmasekgoa MasireMwamba has considerable experience in business (including serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority).

Sir Ronald Sanders brings considerable experience of management (including in the international finance and telecommunication section) and of the Commonwealth as a diplomat, political commenatator and key figure in the(Eminent Persons Group) appointed in2010 to advise on reform of the Commonwealth (some of whose recommendations were rejected and others accepted, though their implementation has been very long in coming).

Well known and widely respected in the Caribbean and in Commonwealth circles, he combines diplomatic, managerial and political skills and a realistic appraisal of possibilities with

a passionate commitment to the Commonwealth and core values. The respected Alex May then made this important point: “If anyone can revitalize the Commonwealth, one feels, it is him.” If Sir Ronald is chosen, it will certainly give the Caribbean a big boost because he was intimately involved in the region from a broadcaster in his homeland Guyana to the Head of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and then to Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Oscar Ramjeet

Why isn’t Freddie living among PNC supporters?

Dear Editor,

Freddie Kissoon came out with yet another attack on Indian intellectuals, scholars and those who advocate for the interests of Indians. A response is not allowed in the other papers.

Freddie waded into IndoGuyanese who live overseas and who support the PPP/C –as though that is a crime.

So it is okay, according to Freddie’s logic, for other races to live abroad and support the PNC or AFC. But it is a crime for overseas Indians to support the PPP/C. People are free to live wherever they wish and support whoever they want.

Why is Freddie living in Mon Repos/Turkeyen among Indians, about whom he has expressed contempt? Why isn’t he living among PNC supporters since he declared he is supporter of PNC?

Freddie does not understand politics or the concept of democracy – not surprising since he said he studied philosophy and German history (or was that Guyanese history – we can’t keep track because he lies so much).

People should be free to

support whichever party they want – that is the essence of democracy. I opt not to support any party – that is my right and my choice. I rather remain an objective commentator and carry out polls on how people will vote and find out their views on issues.

I choose to live in America because I feel I can do more for Guyana and the diaspora from America rather than living in Guyana. I am gainfully employed and I contribute significant amounts of money to charitable causes in Guyana, helping the poor.

Everytime I come to Guyana, I have gifts to dole out to people and organizations. Freddie does not help the poor or anyone. He helps himself blackmailing people for freebies.

Prof Baytoram Ramharack is a respected academic who opts to live in America because of the limitations of Guyanese society. He spent half of his adult life, along with me and a few others, struggling for free and fair elections from abroad and at home.

He, like me, and virtually every Indian was brutal-

ized in Guyana during the dictatorship. Freddie never joined us the struggle abroad because he was on a Forbes Burnham scholarship. We worked and paid our way through university.

Dr Ramharack writes scholarly – difficult for Freddie to relate to and to comprehend because Freddie is not accustomed to serious scholarship. Freddie only knows about cuss down and basal, gutter commentaries; he is the specialist in that field.

Freddie says he hates Indians and is ashamed of being born an Indian. The world can’t do anything to help Freddie’s racial origin. It is not our fault he is born into the race, married into the race, and has a child in the race.

He has to go back to his parents about the accident of his birth as an Indian – don’t blame the Indian race for your birth. I am proud of being an Indian and I salute my parents for my birth.

I, and my parents, have nothing to be ashamed of regarding my or our racial identity. Indians, and other races,

have contributed significantly to world civilization and to the development of Guyana. I salute all the ethnic groups of Guyana and respect them for their pride in their identity. Their pride and defense of their race does not make them racist. Only an academic charlatan will draw such an adverse conclusion.

Freddie attacks defenders of Indians condemning them as racists and supremacists just for saying they are proud of their Indianness and their ancient culture. But he would not condemn defenders of Africans as racists and supremacists.

Where is the logic and balance? Fred, how come you don’t entertain PNC supporters in your home and why do you choose to build your house in an Indian community since you hate Indians so much?

Vishnu Bisram

Editor’s note

This letter was not published by other local newspapers

log exports are in keeping... From page 4

Fact 4: GFC accepts that the level of implementation of health and safety guidelines needs to be improved; however, this is indeed applicable to many companies in the sector. GFC is continuously working with the entire sector to promote better compliance of these important aspects.

All companies, inclusive of BSL pay wages and salaries in accordance with the GoG guidelines.

Fact 5: This is a non-issue. GFC has publicly stated that DTL is not under BSL management- either through a JV or under a rental agreement. Additionally, the writers are simply being mischievous when they state that “GFC said that this was not a takeover, merely a transfer of shares” – GFC never made such a false statement!

Fact 6: Again, this is a thoroughly ventilated issuethe undisputed and well publicized fact is that BSL has legal access to 627,072 ha as shown below:

344,849 ha as State Forest Exploratory Permits (SFEP’s) - an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA); a Forest Inventory (FI), and a Business Plan have to be submitted to the satisfaction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and GFC before a Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) is granted which allows for full scale harvesting in accordance with GFC guidelines, 274,053 ha as Timber Sales Agreement - Joint Venture Agreements, and 8,170 ha as State Forest Permissions.

The estimate of 1.4 million hectares is simply ridiculous to put it extremely mildly. BSL has also corrected the

figure on its website and publicly clarified this figure.

Fact 7: Some issues re non-payment of workers were brought to GFC’s attention.

Following investigations, GFC found that it was really the Company(ies) contracted by BSL to do specific work that defaulted in making payments to their workers. Nevertheless, GFC was able to work with BSL to satisfactorily resolve these issues.

Contrary to the writers, GFC is not in receipt of reports by Amerindian Communities, claiming nonpayment for logs received by BSL.

Fact 10: BSL is complying satisfactorily with the TSA conditions. If they were not, then the several independent objective audits done by qualified auditors would have identified same.

GFC asserts further, that there is no circumventing of Guyana’s logging laws by any logging company, or any other forestry sector based company.

The GFC has very robust and functional systems, procedures and guidelines which all forest sector companies are audited against; if there are any breaches to these, appropriate action is taken based on the findings of a thorough investigation and in accordance with the forest law.

It is true that only a limited number of species are being harvested by the entire forest sector concessionaires. But in the same breadth, it must be mentioned that the current logging intensity of Guyana is only about 30 per cent of the Annual Allowable Harvest - as such there is no current threat of over-har-

vesting to any commercial species.

Also, as stated before, the GFC, the Forest Products Development and Marketing Council (FPDMC), the Forest Products Association (FPA) and other stakeholders are aggressively trying to promote the local and export uptake of the lesser used species (LUS).

Already we are seeing positive indications of more LUS log and lumber exports; as well as increased LUS use in the local construction and manufacturing industry. This is, however, a market penetration process and not something that happens overnight.

Additionally, GFC is finalizing work on implementing a “harvesting by species quota”, based on the inventory data. Pilot inventories in concessions are enumerating trees using the GPS, and accurate geo-referenced species stock maps are being generated.

This will allow for the phased introduction of a harvesting regime that is based on species quota.

With respect to the investment promises not implemented: BSL had a guarantee from their financiers that the company would access the necessary funding for their forest harvesting and proposed wood processing activities.

However, this funding was not to be accessible in a lump sum total amount; rather it was to be disbursed in tranches based on BSL meeting agreed deliverables. This is the norm for the phased disbursement of large scale loans.

Unfortunately, BSL has not been able to meet all the requirements of the finan-

More achievement for Sir Ron Sanders

Dear Editor, Guyanese born diplomat, writer and academic, Sir Ronald Sanders has been recognized by another top University and it seems as if he is following his father-in-law’s footsteps, Sir Shirdath Ramphal, in his accolades in pursuit to become the Commonwealth Secretary General.

Sir Ronald has been elected as a Senior Fellow at Massey College in the University of Toronto. He joins leading Canadian academics and captains of industry in the inter-disciplinary business and international affairs.

He now has the distinction of concurrently being a Senior Fellow at two universities in different Commonwealth countries. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies of the University of London, England.

Last October, his work as an advocate for Caribbean and Commonwealth causes was recognized by the University of the West Indies when he was accorded the honour of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) by the University’s Senate and

ciers; essentially this was due to a necessary BSL submission not meeting the GoG’s expected standard.

GoG then made it absolutely clear to BSL that since their submission was not of an acceptable quality, it had to be revised thoroughly. BSL has since re-submitted the required documentation for review by the GoG.

This is undisputable hard evidence that the GoG has not given any preferential treatment to BSL, contrary to the false claims of some media.

If this new examination shows that the revised BSL submission is of the quality required by GoG, only then

will it be approved. This will then pave the way for further release of funds for BSL to accelerate work on the Wood processing facility as their priority activity.

Once funding is released, the GoG and BSL will agree on a detailed time-bound roadmap for this wood processing facility.

The Government has however, already emphasized to BSL its disappointment and alarm that the construction and operationalization of this wood processing facility has been unduly delayed.

Meanwhile, the GFC would like to restate its commitment to the transparent and accountable manage-

Council

The former broadcaster has had a career as a senior diplomat and business executive. He has held many elected international and Caribbean positions, including as a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO and Chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

Having served the 53-nation Commonwealth in many capacities he is now a nominee for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General. He was nominated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Guyanese-born Sir Shridath Ramphal, who served three terms as Commonwealth Secretary General, is known as a man of awards, having received top national honours from 28 countries.

He was Guyana’s Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Burnham Administration in the mid 1960s and early 1970s. He was also a nominee for the top position of Secretary General of the United Nations.

Oscar Ramjeet

ment of Guyana’s forest resources irrespective of the investors being local or foreign based.

GFC would again appeal to stakeholders, especially those in the public media, to verify the facts before publicizing erroneous information.

GFC also invites the writers and any other interested person(s) to visit the GFC, and the forest/logging operations to see for yourself that GFC and Guyana are practicing sustainable forest management on the ground, in a very transparent and collaborative manner.

Guyana Forestry Commission

Page Foundation

Baby baby: The tech that rocks the cradle

Jacques Lépine is an engineer in Paris and chief executive of Slow Control.

One day, he was feeding his infant son, unsuccessfully.

“And my wife suddenly comes after me, and she’s not happy with what I’m doing,” he says.

He was holding the bottle inexpertly, and the baby was growing tired without finishing his meal.

So Lépine went to design a bottle which adjusts its own angle, then sends off data by bluetooth about how much a baby has eaten, and when.

The Gigl bottles are now in mass production in China.

Lépine plans to move to Silicon Valley to develop the company further.

But he says France has been a “magic place to en-

gineer, and design, because we have what we call polyvalence, you can do a lot of things differently.”

Lately I’ve been losing sleep

Physicist Dr Michael Feigenson and Dr Miriam Goldstein, an Arabic literature scholar who studied at Cambridge as a Marshall Scholar, live in Jerusalem’s German Colony with their three children.

They say their app, SoundSleeper, “started mainly from our personal needs”.

It plays noises which help babies to sleep – rain, and less intuitively, hoovering sounds.

A listening mode watches out for a squawking baby, and cues the soporific sounds.

And it tracks and graphs

how the baby slept each night.

One technical challenge was teaching the app to distinguish baby squawks from passing sirens. Another was to loop sounds without a break – simple, it turns out, in iOS, very difficult in Android.

Now Soundsleeper is in the App Store’s top 100.

Dr Feigenson and Dr Goldstein feel they are part of a Jerusalem start-up scene which they call “very much a feature of this country”.

Teething problems

Inventor Ethan Schur, at Silicon-Valley based Grush, decided to tackle teething problems with toothbrushes.

Both he and co-founder Dr Yong-Jing Wang have small boys, who tended to

brush aside cleaning their teeth.

And Dr Wang ended up with a very expensive dentists’ bill.

Their solution was gamification – in other words, a bluetooth-enabled toothbrush with games to visualise brushing, that gives a score when the child finishes.

It is then uploaded to the cloud, where mum or dad can check their progress. You can brush your way through something like Guitar Hero, or brush off monsters hiding in your teeth.

Schur and Wang first had the idea in 2006, but developments in wearable

technology, smartphones, and the cloud came together for them in 2013, when they formed the company.

They held a crowdfunding campaign last year on Indiegogo, and launched Grush in January at the Consumer Electronics Show, where Wired Magazine called it one of the 10 things most worth seeing.

The crying game

And yes, the baby-toEnglish decoder.

Or actually Spanish, as its inventor is Dr Pedro Monagas, of Barcelona’s Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

When his son was born,

he says, he cried a great deal.

Dr Monagas made recordings of him crying, and asked friends to pass him recordings of their babies.

Then he analysed the waveforms. And found tears of hunger, fatigue, stress, annoyance, and boredom look quite different.

Conducting hospital tests, in Barcelona, Mexico City, and Seoul, he found a computer programme could distinguish the cause of distress from the waveform, and get it right, on average 95 per cent of the time.

Hunger produces energetic, sharp shouts. Fatigue leads to moans. And stress,

intense, short cries.

Dr Monagas compares his WhyCry with having a grandparent handy, to help new parents eventually understand their babies without it.

It’s silly to ask whether baby apps are good or bad, says Dr Dmitri Christakis, professor of paediatrics at the University of Washington and director of the Child Health Institute.

And engaging technology passively, with an iPad becoming like a television, is different to interactive, slower-paced baby apps, he says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently counsels parents to minimise or eliminate screen time for children under two.

However, argues Dr Christakis, this guidance is “dated and ill-advised” –what about Skypeing distant grandparents, he asks?

Academic research has lagged slightly behind technological development.

Of the best learning-orientated baby apps, he says, “they may very well prove to have some educational benefits, that’s to be shown.” Tech for tots is still in its infancy. But it’s now racing forward by much more than baby steps. (BBC)

Carter ill, returns home

...but Mission remains to observe elections

After spending just over one day in Guyana, former United States President and founding member of the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter, returned home on Sunday due to ill health.

This was confirmed in a statement from Carter Center, which has deployed a large delegation of observers since April to monitor the electoral process in the country.

According to the release, President Carter took ill and subsequently left Guyana on Sunday to return to his Atlanta home in Georgia, USA around midday. The former US President arrived in Guyana on Friday afternoon, ahead of today’s General and Regional Elections. He was scheduled to leave the country on Tuesday.

However, prior to his departure, on Saturday, President Carter and the Carter Center observation delegation co-leaders, Dame Billie Miller of Barbados and Dame Audrey Glover of the United Kingdom, met with People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate, President Donald Ramotar and A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Presidential

Candidate David Granger. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Guyana Police Force head, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud were among other key stakeholders that met with Centre officials.

Both Glover and Miller are still in Guyana to lead the Carter Center’s observer mission.

The Center assured that the team of observers will be continuing their work while updating Carter on developments in the country.

Peaceful process

“President Carter is hopeful about Guyana’s election and expressed his commitment and that of The Carter Center to supporting Guyana in the days ahead, stressing the need for a peaceful process before, during, and after the election,” the statement said.

“We had a very good series of meetings,” Field Office Director of the Carter Center, Jason Calder said. He noted that from the group’s observations since its arrival in April, GECOM appeared to be “well prepared”. However, Calder expressed his disappointment with reports relating to un-

Policeman

short-term observers from 24 countries.

They will be witnessing the electoral process, including voting, counting, polling, and tabulation, and release a preliminary statement of key findings on May 13, which will be available at http://www.cartercenter.org.

The Carter Center’s assessment of the electoral process will be based on Guyana’s Constitution, national legal framework, and its various obligations for democratic elections under public international law, including relevant regional and international agreements.

This is The Carter Center’s fourth election observation mission in Guyana.

warranted rhetoric that is spurring fear and division among Guyanese.

The Carter Center official told the Guyana Times that they have a full team of observers, ready to be deployed around the country.

The team deployed to Guyana since April included five experts and six medium-term observers who were stationed at locations throughout the country. This medium-term observation team was joined this week by more than 50

accidentally shoots self while guarding ballot boxes

APolice constable is nursing one gunshot wound to his right instep after the SN gun he was carrying accidently went off during the wee hours of Sunday morning while he was guarding ballot boxes at La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Constable Collin, 26, was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was treated but additional medical attention is warranted. Guyana Times was told that Collins was mak-

ing checks around a container filled with Ballot Boxes when the gun accidently went off.

A Police source told Guyana Times that the SN gun would normally carry a safety clamp but for some reason it was off. “It means that the constable might have cleared his weapon and forgot to put on the safety lock…the story told to us by the constable could be the truth but still we have to look at it from all angles”, a senior rank stated.

He added that as a result of the shooting incident, a bone on his foot sustained injuries thus the additional medical attention is required.

However, the senior Police rank stated that several Police ranks have been inline since Saturday to maintain law and order before, during and after the elections. He explained that the ballot boxes for the riverain areas would have been dispatched on Sunday under heavy security.

Warlock woman complains of constant assault by conductor

Twenty-nine-year-old

Denise Jackman of Lot 590 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown is currently living in misery following constant taunts and assault by a conductor/tout who operates on the Route 48 Bus Park, Stabroek, Georgetown.

The woman, who is an employee attached to a private janitorial service at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), was reportedly cuffed to her face several weeks ago by the conductor who has been identified as Travis Williams of West Ruimveldt.

Despite making several reports to the Brickdam Police Station and then Stabroek Police Outpost, nothing seems to be coming out of the matter. Due to her injuries, she was forced to stay away from work for a week.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, Jackman stated that the issue between her and the young man dates back to 2014, and ever since she has been living in misery. The woman explained that the abuse stemmed from her refusal to travel in buses that the young man normally conducts.

“Whichever bus he is on, he would normally pass me straight, so on the day he ask me if I was travelling, I let him know that he would pass me straight so why he was asking me now to travel with him,” she explained.

After she told him that,

he reportedly punched her to the face, however, persons around at the time of the incident held him back from further assaulting the woman. Ever since that issue, Jackman stated that she is being harassed.

She recalled a few weeks ago, he threw pepper on her body and after she reacted, some fell on his clothes and as such, the “presumptuous” young man went to the Stabroek Police Outpost and made a report against her. Luckily, persons who were around told the Police ranks that she was attacked first.

He also pulled out a knife and deliberately punctured his hands. She said that she was treated badly while at the Police outpost when the ranks heard she was from Warlock.

“They take away my cell phone…they didn’t want me to talk my side of the story… they lock me up instead but after a senior Police rank intervene, I was released.” The assault continued Thursday last when she was assaulted by Williams but after she went to the Stabroek Police Outpost to make a report she was given the “cold treatment.”

“When I tell the sergeant I will go to the media, he tell me I can go where the $%#@ I want to go and that would move he,” the woman stated. She is calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter, claiming she can be seriously harmed by the conductor.

GNIC arms bust: Police issue wanted bulletin for “Demon”

As Police continue their investigation into the discovery of a large quantity of guns and ammunition at the Guyana National Industrial Co (GNIC) Wharf on Friday last, they have issued a wanted bulletin for an East Coast Demerara (ECD) man for questioning into the matter.

Mark “Demon” Crumwell, 33, of Lot 40 Vigilance, ECD, and of Lot 10 Buxton, ECD, is known to the Police and has been charged several times for gun-related offences. His name was allegedly called during the investigation.

It was reported that two AK-47 rifles, four .40 pistols, 11 9mm pistols, 15 extra magazines for the firearms, 489 various calibre rounds for the firearms and a bulletproof vest were found in a haversack among a box containing tinned food items.

In the box as well was a thin saw which is normally used to cut glass on buildings. Two men have already been taken into custody. Police believe that the guns and ammunition were intended for Crumwell, but the box was addressed to Jamal Murphy of Friendship, ECD.

They are also in receipt of several documents that suggest several other boxes were posted to Murphy from Ron Murphy in the USA. The documents showed several addresses other than the one that was found on the box at the time of the seizure.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Crumwell is asked to contact the Police on phone numbers 225-6411, 229-2557, 225-8196, or 911 or at the nearest Police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

Caribbean Airlines gives back to mothers

Guyanese Tandieka Stephens has won the Caribbean Airlines’ “Love Has No Distance” competition.

The competition was part of Caribbean Airlines’ social media campaign, whereby a lucky customer could win a trip home for Mother’s Day courtesy of the airline. To be part of the competition, entrants had to submit a 10 to 30-second video, giving reasons why they would like to surprise their moms, for Mother’s Day.

“The heart of our business is bridging gaps and

Tandieka Stephens, her son and mother

distances, 365 days. So, in recognition of Mother’s Day, Caribbean Airlines held this competition, which was open

to persons residing in our key destinations of Toronto, New York, Miami and Fort Lauderdale with a mother

living in Jamaica, Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago,” stated Head of Corporate Communications, Dionne Ligoure,. Ligoure continued, “We congratulate the winner Ms Stephens, who resides in New Jersey; her mum lives in Guyana. Her luck is two?fold, as her mother cares for her five-year?old son, so she gets to see him as well. Caribbean Airlines recognises the importance of delivering the warmth of the islands to its customers throughout its international network.”

2 sworn in as JPs

Two men were sworn in as Justices of the Peace (JP) on Friday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The JPs, Roopnarine Persaud and Harvey Cameron, both solemnly declared that they would bear true faith and allegiance to the people of Guyana as they faithfully execute the office of Justice of the Peace without fear, affection or ill-will. They made

this oath in Court One where the Chief Magistrate presides. Other witnesses to the event were civilians who had matters to attend to in the court as well as court officers and lawyers.

Another JP, Bibi Rafique Baksh, was expected to be sworn in as well, but she was absent at that specific time. The newlycommissioned officers are expected to serve within Region Four. They were roundly congratulated by the Magistrate.

Eyew tness

The tribalists

...in Guyana

Your Eyewitness was told to lay off “political” subjects today. Fear stalks the land that he may exert so much influence over susceptible and pliable Guyanese minds, he may just distort the results of the poll.

Kind of like the gravity field of Jupiter inexorably pulling in some woebegone asteroid. So what to talk about today as we exercise our “franchise”??

Well, how about this new buzzword “tribalists” that’s popped up recently in the papers? Your Eyewitness was a tad taken aback because in his naive way he’d thought we mudlanders were past that. He’d learnt in Primary School that the “First Peoples” of Guyana belonged to “tribes”nine tribes.

He knew that when those Europeans snatched all those Africans to ship them over to this neck of the woods to use as slaves, they’d also been living in “tribes”. But was that still a factor nowadays?

Your Eyewitness decided to check out this “tribal” thing. And found out it wasn’t just a slur intended to insult Africans and Amerindians. Seems that being “tribal” has to do with the way our brains are wired as the result of our evolution.

While “no man is an island”, there’s a limit to how large the archipelago can be. We’re incapable of maintaining close relationships beyond 200 other persons - and that’s the upper limit.

Most of us can barely cope with 100 or so. And that becomes our “tribe”. So to deal with folks beyond that number, we compare them with those characteristics that make “our” tribe “OK”. This Eyewitness is willing to bet that those slinging the “tribalist” label so sneeringly also have their own tribe. The problem, of course, isn’t then that we’re all members of “tribes” but in our evaluation of tribes other than our own.

And we return to the usage of “tribe” and “tribal” as an insult to Amerindians and Africans. The Europeans who started the whole thing didn’t see themselves as “tribes”just like the present supercilious lot. If we understand that each one of us can be “tribal” and that no one can have the perspective of the entire seven billion or so of us who inhabit this planet, the problem would be resolved.

We’d begin to see that we can’t be “right” all the time and others “wrong” all the time - for the simple reason that there’s so many shades of “right” and “wrong”. What was very scary to this Eyewitness in the run up to today’s election was the certitude of some in their evaluation of others.

Beyond the words on paper, you could see the foaming at the mouth and the snarling of teeth.

...and motherhood

If the “tribe” is the largest unit with which we can maintain a personal relationship, our mother is the smallest. We all have to have mothers - because while biologically we also need fathers, most of the time, they’re not there, are they?

While some feminists may rail at the “unfairness” of being “saddled” with childbearing and all that entailseven they cannot gainsay that special bond that develops between mother and child. We mightn’t be imprinted like ducklings to follow the first thing we see...but it’s close!

And yesterday was Mother’s Day...but it passed with much less fanfare because of the elephant in the room dominating everyone’s thoughts - the big “E” today. Most Mothers were doing some last minute shopping - worried, as mothers will - as to whether there will be “disruptions” following E-Day. Mothers worry about those kinds of things.

As to whether it’s “socially constructed” or genetic...a mother’s love, as the song goes, “you’ll never forget”.

...and equal opportunity

Your Eyewitness noted with not a little bemusement how some, who might’ve also been pejoratively labelled as “tribalists” if the criteria on commentary were applied a tad more impartially, withdrew into the woodwork. No equal opportunity there!

monday, may 11, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

More bins for cleanup campaign to be distributed

The Local Government Ministry initiative “Clean Up My Country Campaign” is in its final stage of completion, but priority residents of various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are yet to receive their bins to assist with the general goal of the campaign.

Twenty-five bins were given to each NDC last year after the Local Government Ministry launched the Clean-Up Campaign last July, involving communities throughout the country. In the hope of keeping the environment clean, the Ministry thought it best to distribute the bins to the NDCs so they would have been placed at strategic locations.

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker disclosed to the Guyana Times recently that his office has been receiving calls regarding the lack of distribution of the bins by various NDCs. He had stated that this would not remain the case as he had given the various NDCs a week to distribute the bins to the various residents.

However, this was a month ago. This publication understands that the situation remains the same for several NDCs. Some residents have been complaining about the continuing absence of bins in their com-

munities.

When this publication visited several elderly persons in the village of Nabaclis, no bin was present in their yards. One pensioner, Eileen (only name given) told this publication that she had heard of the initiative and had expected a bin from the village council, but

– one a disabled person and another resident who do not apparently meet the Minister’s criteria to receive a bin. Minister Whittaker had informed that the bins cannot be given to every resident of the various communities. However, in order to assist with garbage disposal, he said priority has been

was not given one.

Another resident, Carla Ward, posited that she did not expect one for herself as she was quite able to dispose of her refuse, but said that bins should definitely be placed in places where there is more need. The resident indicated that the ‘line top’ where persons are known to loiter is one such location.

Thus far, two residents, on the outskirts of the community, have received bins

given to pensioners and persons with disabilities.

Superintendent of Works (SoW), L DeSantos explained that bins have been distributed to the schools, health centres and other public places as prescribed by the Local Government Ministry.

However, he said that the Golden Grove/Haslington NDC was awaiting further instructions on the bins for private residents.

14 local, 5 int’l observers confirmed for today’s election

Seven more local observers have been added to the initial list of seven, bringing the total to 14 while one other international observer has been added to the list of international observers, now totaling five.

According to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) public announcements, the European Union to Guyana, the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the Canadian High Commission, Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, International Republican Institute (IRI), Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazilians and the CPIC Inc and Monique’s Caring Hands Support Centre have been added to the list of local observers.

Up until Sunday, Blue CAPS, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the British High Commission, the Embassy of the United States and the Electoral Affairs Bureau were the seven local observers confirmed by the elections body.

In the meantime, the Union of South American States (UNASUR) has been added to the list of

International Observers. UNASUR now joins the Carter Centre, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to observe the conduct of General and Regional Elections today.

In an invited comment, Field Office Director of the Carter Centre Jason Calder told Guyana Times that they have a full team of observers ready to be deployed around the country.

At previous press briefings, both the Commonwealth and Caricom Observer Missions had indicated their readiness for the upcoming elections. They noted that neither of them have the capacity to solely monitor the electoral process throughout the country adequately, and therefore will be coordinating with each other and other missions to give effective coverage to the country.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy stated that it is pleased with the preparations put in place by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“We are confident in the ?commission’s ability to organise a free and fair poll on May 11, and that GECOM’s announced results will accurately reflect the way in

which the Guyanese people vote,” the Embassy told this publication.

According to the Embassy, a total of 68 observers will be deployed to monitor polling on Election Day. There will be teams in nine of the 10 Administrative Regions. It was further noted that the Embassy is actively collaborating with other domestic and international observer missions in order to ensure maximum coverage of polling places and to share information.

On the other hand, another local agency, the Blue CAPS, has disclosed it will have observers in Regions Four and Nine. According to the Blue CAPS, it was part of a group of observers that participated in the observer training sessions conducted by the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB). However, the organisation noted that the EAB, along with the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) and other civil society groups have observers spread across the country. The observers, both local and international have all called for the elections results to be accepted and for peace and unity to prevail upon the land, before, during and after the electoral process.

Times Notebook

A Guyana transformed

It has been a hard fought election campaign. But finally, it’s not up to the politicians. The people are having their say, exercising their free choice for their next Government.

They will decide whether they will keep the PPP/C in Government or if they want a change in Government. Guyana has a democracy and the elections will be a legacy of freedom that the PPP/C can be justly proud of.

There are many international and local observers in the 2015 elections in Guyana. One of the most recognized of the observer groups is the Carter Center. This is the fifth Carter Center Observer Mission to Guyana, and represents the 100th election that the Carter Center has observed around the world.

When the Carter Center and all the other observer teams first observed the elections in Guyana in 1992, it was at a time when Guyana was struggling to end dictatorship and had struggled mightily for free and fair elections for almost three decades.

That was the first election that the then PPP/C Opposition was able to win the right for genuine international observer teams.

Now the Carter Center is observing elections in Guyana that are free and fair, or at least elections in which the Government does not determine whether the elections are free and fair. There is now an independent elections commission.

All the observer teams now in Guyana will be impressed at the Guyana they are seeing, compared to the Guyana they first visited. For one, they will see a different airport.

While the present Cheddi Jagan International Airport is no longer big enough to accommodate the increased passenger throughput that the airport handles, it has grown significantly into a larger, more modern and comfortable airport.

They will be impressed by the fact that the highways, totally transformed with highway lights in most parts, are being used by so many vehicles. Guyana once had only 24,000 registered vehicle owners.

Today, there are more than 220,000 vehicle owners. Many families today own their own vehicles and the highways into the city and in many areas around the country now have traffic jams.

They will be further impressed that Georgetown which did not have street signs now not only have street signs, but traffic are controlled by traffic lights.

If he has to travel to Berbice, he will not be delayed by the ferry, but will be able to traverse between Berbice and Georgetown through the Berbice River Bridge.

They will certainly find it more convenient to communicate with his staff and observers and with other stakeholders more easily through a telephone network that works just as easily as the USA and he will be able to keep up with what is happening in the USA and the world through internet services.

The observers will find that even in the remotest parts of Guyana, there are comfortable accommodations for all.

They will find hotels everywhere in Guyana and will also have choices in the more modern hotels. They will find that they do not have to simply settle for the Pegasus. They can even decide to stay at a five-star hotel like the Marriot Hotel.

For sure they will all be pleased because they will be observing elections in a country which is today a

middle income country and which is close to becoming a high middle income country.

Guyana was a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC). Today, Guyana is not only a middle income country, but it has recorded 19 years of economic growth in the last 23 years and in 2015 will have experienced ten successive years of economic growth, the longest uninterrupted period of economic growth for any country in Caricom.

Observers will find a Guyana which is one of only 29 countries that have fully met the MDG-1 and met the more ambitious World Food Programme 1996 food security goals.

Guyana has reduced poverty from the 66 to 88 per cent rates in 1992 to less than 20 per cent today. Children under-nutrition has reduced from over 20 per cent to less than five per cent between 1992 and

2015.

Child mortality has reduced from about 120 per 1,000 births in 1992 to less than 16 today. Guyana’s life expectancy has risen from close to 60 to over 70 years at birth between 1992 and 2015.

Surely, these observers would be impressed by a Guyana that today boasts of 100 per cent access to primary education and almost 100 per cent access to secondary education. Guyana’s almost 85 per cent access to nursery education ranks above all Caricom countries and among the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The observers would see a larger professional group in Guyana, with more doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, managers, etc.

They would be most impressed with the many new housing schemes and the

almost total rehabilitation of Government buildings, businesses and homes.

They will see a total transformation of the private sector, bustling businesses along the whole coastline of Guyana, businesses owned by young Guyanese entrepreneurs.

They will see the Guyana National Stadium, the National Aquatic Center and the National Athletics Track, technical institutes, and, for those who travel to Berbice, they will see the new Berbice Campus of the University of Guyana. They will see new hospitals all across Guyana.

But there is one thing the observers might find has not changed – the willingness of one political faction to accept the results should they be defeated.

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

UG, UCLan to partner on doctoral degrees

Some senior lecturers of the University of Guyana (UG) are poised to undertake studies toward doctoral degrees, a collaboration between the institution and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), England.

Although the University here has been in existence for over half a century, and although it has produced some of the greatest Guyanese minds now serving in various parts of the world, it has not been able to offer any post- graduate programmes leading to a doctoral degree.

Back in 2013, the University had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UCLan, paving the way for a number of initiatives, including the doctoral degree programme for lecturers and students who have completed the master’s degree programme.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times recently, UCLan Professor, Dr Jaipaul Singh said the programme, which intends to begin with a small number of students, has been the subject of tremendous interest. He admitted that although the price may be a little too expensive for students, it would benefit them significantly in the long run.

“We are bringing education, a post graduate to you, all that we are encouraging the staff to do is take a project, because most of them have been working in different areas, and they are at an advantage,” Dr Singh told this publication.

Human capital

The programme, which seeks to, among other things, boost the human capital at the University cost in excess of £3000. This price includes the fee to be paid to the British educator who will be sent to overlook the programme.

“The beauty of this thing – we call it an off-campus training, you have your family, you have your job. All we are asking is that the student ... do a little extra work on your weekends and after five years you have a PhD.” He said the same arrangement was set up in the United Arabs Emirates and in India and other countries around the world and was very successful.

Dr Singh told Guyana Times that students might be interested in pursuing studies at the main campus in England. While this is a good idea, the Professor of Physiology and Research Degree, said it could be financially challenging. According to him, the cost to do a PhD in the United Kingdom is about £15, 000. Another £5000 is also charged to buy consumable products to run the programme, plus additional funds would be needed to offset travel expenses.

He admitted that the programme was expensive, and students, who have indicated their interest in completing their studies here, have already complained about the cost. He said he has already entered into discussions with the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob

Opadeyi to see if the institution could assist with the fees.

“It will be great for UG, because if they are doing a PhD for over five years, you have stability. Your staff is there; if you pay the fee, you sign a contract and serve your time.”

He said this could serve as an increment for some staff members, as it is provided normally every year. He maintained that the “beautiful thing about it is that after five years you get your PhD”, and will have the freedom to move on to another job, or remain and improve oneself as a better lecturer.

Governance issues

He related too that he has already explained the governance issues surrounding the programme to interested students.

“As long as you have a good first degree and maybe a few good publications, it could work. Of course, if you have the masters you are at an advantage. You are a mature student, there already.”

Dr Singh assured that he has the experience and know-how, as he has tutored and examined over 60 students in pursuit of their doctoral degrees.

Asked about the expansion of the programme, Dr Singh told Guyana Times that initially, UCLan had hoped to focus only on the biodiversity programme or the health sciences. However, persons in the business and information technology arenas have also indicated their interest. So far, there were about 20 applications.

Students who have received letters of confirmation are expected to commence studies this June. Dr Singh said the University is hoping to take another five in July. “We are looking for highly enthusiastic lecturers to do this programme,” he concluded.

FAO predicts world food import bill to fall to 5-year low

International prices for agricultural commodities continued to decline in April and abundant inventories are poised to offset

report says, mainly driven by a decline in international prices, low freight rates and a strong US dollar. Import volumes of the various food

again in 2015-16”.

Commodity market

Several years of solid harvests and stockpiling

any pressure from the slight reduction in global harvests expected this year.

Worldwide cereal production will likely decline by 1.5 per cent from last year’s record-breaking output, mainly due to reduced acreage planted with maize , but the impact will be cushioned by “exceptionally high” levels of existing stocks, according to the latest forecasts in the Food and Agriculture (FAO) biannual Food Outlook report published Thursday.

FAO’s first forecast for global cereal production in 2015, assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the season, amounts to 2.509 billion tonnes, a bit down from last year’s record, but nearly five per cent above the average of the past five years. The modest decline in output would require running inventories down by around three per cent in the new season (2015/16), with faster drawdowns for coarse grains and rice than for wheat.

“The world food import bill is forecast to reach a five-year low in 2015,” the

components of the bill were little changed or even rising. Low-income countries are also expected to benefit from lower import bills.

Falling prices

FAO’s Food Price Index declined 1.2 per cent in April from March, reaching 171 points, its lowest level since June 2010 and 19.2 per cent less than a year ago. Dairy prices fell the most, but sugar, cereals and vegetable oils prices also declined. By contrast, meat values rose in April, their first increase since August 2014. The Food Price Index is a tradeweighted index that tracks prices of five major food commodity groups on international markets. It aggregates price sub-indices of cereals, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils and sugar.

International food prices are likely to stay under downward pressure due to large supplies and a strong US dollar, according to the Food Outlook, which noted that “currency movements and macroeconomic developments may have important implications for markets

mean most basic food commodities are in surplus. As a result, the projected drop in cereals output is not expected to impact availability of food for consumption. Dairy production trends are poised for further steady growth of around two per cent in 2015, with lower international prices buoying imports in Africa. The abolition of the European Union’s milk quota system is likely to boost output and was one of the main drivers of the 6.7 per cent monthly drop in the Dairy Price Index.

Sugar production is expected to increase only slightly – driven by India, the European Union and Australia – but will still surpass consumption for the fifth consecutive season. Bumper soybean crops will drive a strong 5.7 per cent increase in total oil-crop production in 2014/15 season. That, coupled with sliding prices linked to more tepid demand from the biofuels sector and surging inventories, may lead to reduced output in the coming season, according to FAO.

Worldwide production of beef is expected to grow only 0.2 per cent in the coming year, while output of all meat grows by 1.3 per cent. Fish is increasingly popular in the global diet, buoyed by fast growth in the aquaculture sector, which is expected to expand by five per cent in the year ahead. Wild fish catch is also expected to rebound after last year’s shortfall inked to the El Niño weather complex. That recovery will foster rapid growth in the usage of wild fish catches as feed for aquaculture.

Food Outlook also includes a special feature focusing on price volatility, highlighting a need to investigate whether volatility has returned to normal or not.

UNASUR Observer Mission urges every citizen to vote

General and Regional Elections are scheduled for today, May 11, and Chief Representative of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) Observer Mission, Dr Domingo Paredes is calling on Guyanese to exercise their democratic duty.

He said he hoped serenity and peace prevailed so the elections could be an example for the rest of the Region. Dr Paredes was at the time speaking at a press briefing at the Marriott Hotel,

Kingston on Sunday, where he updated media operatives of the mission’s plans and objectives for the electoral process over the next two days.

“… it is important for the media outlets ... (to) assist in this general call for citizens to exercise the most important democratic duty … respecting the popular will, which is sacred to all democracies, and respect the lawful results and exercise all legal means in case of dissatisfaction of any political organisation or party... it is

All set for rescheduled CAPE, CSEC exams

The Education Ministry is reminding students who were due to sit the May 11 and 12 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) that those exams will be written on June 15 and 16 respectively. With General and Regional Elections in Guyana slated for today, which would have resulted in a clash with a few CSEC and CAPE examinations,

should have been written on May 11 and 12, 2015 were now scheduled to be written on June 15 and 16, 2015 respectively. The CSEC exams scheduled for June 15 are at 09:00h, Agricultural Science (double award) Paper 2; Agricultural Science (Single award) Paper 2; Theatre Arts Paper 1; and at 13:00h, Electrical and Electronic Technology Paper 1 and Food and Nutrition Paper 2.

The CAPE exams scheduled for June 15 are Geometrical & Mechanical

the Ministry said that candidates should be reminded that the new dates for the sitting of these examinations were approved by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and as such, they should not be worried.

Speaking to the Guyana Times on Saturday in an invited comment, Education Minister Priya Manickchand related that while the Caribbean Examinations Council was solely responsible for the administering of the examinations in the country, her Ministry has been fervently working to ensure that the students were kept informed and consistently reminded of the changes so that there would be no confusion.

She also praised the media for playing its role in keeping students aware and informed of the date changes, noting that it was going a long way. She said that all candidates were reminded that examinations which

important to (have) peace and trust to guard democracy,” Dr Paredes emphasised.

The 16-member team comprises delegates from

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, and Venezuela among other countries, and representatives from

the Secretary General of UNASUR’s Secretariat. The team will be visiting centres in Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West

Demerara); Georgetown, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); and Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). These locations were selected so that the mission could examine whether the recommendations that were made during the last elections were implemented.

Dr Paredes explained that the mission’s presence in Guyana has two main objectives – to contribute to the development of the electoral process and to abide with the principles of cooperation and solidarity. “We wish for the best practices in the electoral fields and to help better and stabilise democracy in the region, that is our main goal,” Dr Paredes added.

UNASUR’s is among several Missions in the country to observe the elections.

Engineering Drawing Unit 1 Paper 2; History Unit 1 Paper 2; Art & Design Units 1 & 2 Papers 2 & 3 at 09:00h; and at 13:00h, Communication Studies Paper 2. ?On June 16, exams scheduled are at 09:00h, Home Economics Management Paper 2, and Technical Drawing Paper 2; and at 13:00h, Electrical and Electronic Technology Paper 2.

Meanwhile, CAPE exams scheduled for June 16 are at 9:00h, French Unit 2 Paper 2 and Environmental Science Unit 2 Paper 2; and at 13:00h, Pure Mathematics Unit 1 Paper 2 and Agricultural Science Unit 2 Paper 2.

The Ministry reiterated that although the Guyanese candidates will be sitting the exams at a later date, their results will be available the same day as the rest of the Region. Students will not be disadvantaged in any way as the paper will be similarly weighed or parallel.

Cuba’s Castro holds talks with Pope Francis

Cuban President Raul Castro has held talks with Pope Francis, who played a key role in the breakthrough between Washington and Havana aimed at restoring USCuban diplomatic ties.

“Bienvenido!” Francis said on Sunday in his native Spanish, welcoming Castro in a studio near the Vatican public audience hall. The Cuban President, bowing his head, gripped Francis’ hand with both of his, and the two men began their private talks.

The meeting lasted nearly an hour, a generous amount of time by Vatican standards, especially considering that the Argentineborn Francis and Castro spoke in Spanish, without the need of interpreters that often use up time in other papal-VIP talks.

Castro had already publicly thanked Francis for his role in bringing Havana and Washington closer together

after decades of US government policy of strict isolation of the Communist-ruled Caribbean island.

He apparently did so again during the closed-door meeting.

As he took his leave, Castro told journalists, “I thanked the Pope for what he did.”

Francis was in an upbeat mood, too. “I ruined your Sunday,” the Pope quipped to journalists after the meeting.

He gave Castro a medal depicting St Martin of Tours, known for caring for the destitute.

“With his mantle he covers the poor,” Francis told Castro, saying more efforts on behalf of the poor are needed.

Francis will stop in Cuba for at least two days in September for a visit, part of a pilgrimage that will then take him to Washington, Philadelphia and New York.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Venezuelan parliamentary elections to be held in 4th quarter

Venezuela will hold parliamentary elections in the last quarter of this year and the exact date will be announced soon, the head of the National Electoral Council (CNE) said on Sunday.

President Nicolas Maduro is under growing pressure over the 2015 elections, especially after leftist ally and regional heavyweight Brazil on Thursday urged its neighbour to set a date.

“We can say that in the last quarter of this year we’ll have the elections.

We’re going to announce it very soon,” Tibisay Lucena said in an interview with the Televen television channel.

Luis Emilio Rondon, a CNE official, said on Friday the elections will be held at the end of November or the beginning of December.

The scheduled vote comes as a severe economic downturn pummels Maduro’s popularity, leading to speculation in Opposition circles that the election may not be called at all.

“Where are they getting this idea that we won’t have elections? From the start of

this year, we’ve said that this is an electoral year,” Lucena said, attributing the delay to the CNE being busy organising the primaries.

The Opposition MUD coalition is slated to hold its primaries next Sunday while the ruling socialist party will choose its candidates on June 28.

Polls show that the perennially fragmented Opposition has a strong chance of winning over the National Assembly, long a stronghold of the “Chavismo” movement founded by late leader Hugo Chávez. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: NEC recovers part of stolen funds

The National Energy Company (NEC) of Trinidad and Tobago Friday confirmed that the Fraud Squad, Financial Intelligence Unit and Energy Ministry were currently investigating three fraudulent wire transfers to Boston, Antigua and Dubai to the tune of TT$60 million in September 2011.

In a release, the NEC said an independent internal investigation had found that the wire transfers were “fraudulently prepared outside National Energy’s internal processing system and processed using procedure which was not standard for the confirmation and validation of

our wire transfers.

“It was recommended that the matter be referred for criminal investigation, which was already initiated by National Energy,” the release said.

“To date, 58 per cent of the money has been recovered from the recipient banks in Boston and Antigua, and we are assiduously pursuing the recovery of the outstanding 42 per cent which is being held by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, where the courts have convicted the recipient.”

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are cities in the United Arab Emirates.

The matter was first

raised by People’s National Movement (PNM) leader, Dr Keith Rowley during a political meeting in Malabar on Thursday.

Forgoing parliamentary protection, Rowley revealed the details of an Interpol-led investigation into how some TT$60 million had been siphoned from the NEC through an account at First Citizens.

In a telephone interview, Rowley said the money was siphoned in three tranches over a period of days in September 2011, when current Finance Minister Larry Howai sat at the helm of both organisations. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

TU, CBU launch E-Waste Project

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Barbados-based Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) say they are working together to limit the potential environmental risks to Caribbean countries as broadcasters plan and implement the move from analogue to digital systems.

In a joint statement, the head of the ITU’s Caribbean Office, Cleveland Thomas and CBU Secretary General, Sonia Gill announced the launch of the E-Waste Project that is being funded the ITU and focuses on providing Governments and regulators with up-to-date, relevant policies and laws to manage the disposal or reuse of ICT equipment during the digital transition process.

They said the project will formulate model policies and

CBU Secretary General Sonia Gill

laws in the areas of environmental standards, electronic waste management and recycling of televisions, mobile phones and computers. The model policies will also include anti-dumping regulations for televisions that do not conform to regional requirements and international standards.

The CBU said as the Caribbean joins the rest of

the world in digital switchover (DSO) it has called on regional Governments to address the major financial, social and environmental implications of the major change.

Among the environmental risks both the CBU and ITU have identified are dumping of discarded and or cheap consumer equipment from other countries, where the equipment doesn’t conform to the digital standards chosen by Caribbean countries, resulting in the creation of an “analogue wasteland” from the unregulated discarding of ICT equipment.

“…this project will help to equip regional governments with the tools to avoid these experiences, which can have a major negative impact in small, developing states like those found in the Caribbean,” said Thomas. (Excerpt from CMC)

Venezuelan Policeman jailed over teenager’s death in protest

Acourt in Venezuela has sentenced a Policeman to 18 years in jail for the death of a teenager in an anti-government protest in February.

Police officer Javier Mora Ortiz, 23, admitted responsibility in the death.

The 14-year-old protester, Kluiver Roa Nunez, was shot in the head by a plastic bullet during a march in the western city of San Cristobal.

President Nicolas Maduro had condemned the incident and promised a full investigation.

The court in Caracas found Javier Mora guilty of murder.

He was arrested shortly after the clash between

hooded protesters and Venezuelan security forces on February 24.

President Maduro went on national television to regret the death of the student and call for an end to violence.

The student’s death sparked protests against legislation that allows the security forces to use force against protesters.

Last year, the Opposition and human rights organisations accused the Venezuelan government of using excessive force during months of protests in which more than 40 people died.

Among the victims were people from both sides of the political divide in Venezuela.

Dissatisfaction with the

shortage of many staples, as well as rampant crime and high inflation, led thousands of people to take to the streets in the western states of Tachira and Merida over a year ago.

The protests quickly spread to the rest of Venezuela, but died down after several months.

Earlier this year, the Opposition tried to revive the street protest movement, but gatherings were smaller, including the march in which Kluiver Roa was fatally shot.

The Opposition says the left-wing policies of the past 16 years – initiated by late President Hugo Chavez –have failed, pushing the country into economic disaster. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pregnancy of 10-year-old divides Paraguay

Paraguay has been split over the case of a pregnant 10-year-old girl denied an abortion.

An international rights group is pressing the Paraguayan Government to allow an abortion for the girl – a procedure that health officials in the South American country have so far blocked.

At issue is Paraguayan law, which bans abortions except in cases where the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life. The Paraguayan Ministry of Health says there’s no indication that the health of the girl, now 22 weeks’ pregnant, is at risk.

But the girl’s family is asking for an abortion, and Amnesty International is backing the family. The group says her age should trigger the health exception and argues that pregnancy poses health risks to young girls whose bodies aren’t ful-

At issue is Paraguayan law, which bans abortions except in cases where the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life

ly developed.

Amnesty also says the law is too restrictive, noting that it doesn’t provide additional exceptions for rape.

The argument over the girl has drawn unusually strong attention to the issues of child abuse and abortion, which is banned in all cases except when the mother’s life is in danger.

Meanwhile, the man ac-

cused of raping the 10-yearold and getting her pregnant was arrested Saturday, Police said.

Benitez Gilberto Zarate, 42, the child’s stepfather, had fled in the wake of the accusation against him. But he denied any wrongdoing to Police and local media, and has demanded a DNA test on the unborn child to back up his claim. (Excerpts from CNN)

Around the world

Yemen’s Saleh declares alliance with Houthis

Former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has formally announced an alliance with Houthi fighters for the first time, after the Arab coalition launched two air strikes on his home in the capital, Sanaa.

Saleh, who was forced to step aside in 2012 following a year of deadly nationwide protests against his three-decade rule, escaped unharmed after the attacks early on Sunday.

He was not at home during the bombing, which killed three guards and destroyed three buildings.

Saleh, who was accused of siding with Houthi fighters who toppled United Nations-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in February, was later defiant against the Arab coalition.

“You should continue carrying your arms, ready to sacrifice your lives in defence against these belligerent attacks,” Saleh said, addressing Houthis after the attack.

EU officials mull military action to stop migrants

Defence Ministers from five European Union countries are meeting for talks on a military campaign to stop human trafficking and reinforce the region’s defences against the flow of migrants from North Africa.

Officials from France, Germany, Poland, Italy and Spain on Sunday will use events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Lorient, western France, to discuss how to battle the influx of migrants to Europe, which has already cost thousands of lives.

The Ministers are also expected to discuss Europe’s common defence strategy, including “possible options for European [military] action” after some of the most deadly migrant shipwrecks ever seen in the Mediterranean this year, according to the French Defence Ministry.

The meeting comes as key European governments said they would resist a separate EU plan to force the bloc’s 28 member states to share the burden of hosting refugees. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

“I can describe this aggression as an act of cowardice.

“If you are brave enough, come and face us on the bat-

tlefield, come and we will be at your reception. Shelling by rockets and jet fighters cannot enable you to achieve any of your goals.”

Saleh’s comments came after Houthi fighters released a statement that they would deal “positively” with any efforts to lift the suffering of the Yemeni people.

The declaration was seen as a sign that they could accept a five-day humanitarian ceasefire proposed by Saudi Arabia, which is leading the coalition.

The Houthis’ political council said on Sunday that they would like to see humanitarian aid delivered to the Yemeni people as soon as possible.

The statement added that the Houthis want talks between political factions to be held under the umbrella of the UN. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Deadly bombings shake Iraq

Separate bombings in and around Baghdad have killed at least 14 people, officials say, as authorities tighten security measures in the capital before a major Shia religious event that draws thousands of pilgrims.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Tarmiyah on Sunday when a car bomber struck a Police and Army checkpoint, killing five security force members and wounding 10, a Police Officer said.

The town is about 50 kil-

ometres north of Baghdad.

Another car bomb killed three civilians and wounded eight at an outdoor market in Taji, about 20km north of Baghdad, the officer said.

In the capital’s southern Abu Disher neighbourhood, a bomb targeted Shia pilgrims, killing two and wounding seven.

Another civilian was killed and five wounded in a bomb attack in an outdoor market in the northern Baghdad district of Shaab, Police said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

South Africa Opposition party gets first black leader

South Africa’s main Opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has elected Mmusi Maimane as its new leader to succeed Helen Zille.

Maimane, 34, who became the first black leader of the party, began his victory speech in his native Xhosa language.

He told delegates at the party conference that his priorities would be fighting for a fairer society with equal opportunities for all.

“We can transcend racial inequality, but this can only happen if every South African acknowledges the injustices of apartheid and if we all recognise that racial inequality of the past still remains with us today,” Maimane, who was born in the previouslyblack township of Soweto in Johannesburg, said.

The part-time pastor is expected to the chal-

lenge the African Nation Congress (ANC) which has governed the country since the end of apartheid in 1994. Zille, a white woman, announced last month she was leaving after leading the party for the last eight

years. She led the party to win 22 per cent of the vote in the 2014 national election, its best performance.

South Africa remains deeply divided racially, with most black people preferring to vote for the ANC.

“Black South African

Russian soldiers quit over Ukraine

Some Russian soldiers are quitting the army because of the conflict in Ukraine, several soldiers and human rights activists have told Reuters. Their accounts call into question the Kremlin’s continued assertions that no Russian soldiers have been sent to Ukraine, and that any Russians fighting alongside rebels there are volunteers.

Evidence for Russians fighting in Ukraine –Russian army equipment found in the country, testimony from soldiers’ families and from Ukrainians who say they were captured by Russian paratroopers –is abundant. Associates of Boris Nemtsov, a prominent Kremlin critic killed in February, will soon publish a report which they say will contain new evidence of the Russian military presence in Ukraine.

Until now, however, it has been extremely rare to find Russian soldiers who have fought there and are willing to talk. It is even rarer to find soldiers who have

quit the army. Five soldiers who recently quit, including two who said they left rather than serve in Ukraine, have told Reuters of their experiences.

One of the five, from Moscow, said he was sent on exercises in southern Russia last year, but ended up going into Ukraine in an armoured convoy.

“After we crossed the border, a Lieutenant Colonel said we could be sent to jail if we didn’t fulfil orders. Some soldiers refused to stay there,” said the soldier, who served with the elite Russian Kantemirovskaya tank division. He gave Reuters his full name but spoke on condition of anonymity, saying he feared reprisals.

He said he knew two soldiers who refused to stay. “They were taken somewhere. The Lieutenant Colonel said criminal cases were opened against them, but in reality – we called them afterwards – they were at home. They just quit.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Poland votes in presidential election

Poland is voting for a new head of state, with President Bronislaw Komorowski hoping to win a second term in office.

Opinion polls put him in the lead, but if no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of the vote, there will be a second round.

Komorowski took office five years ago after his predecessor, Lech Kaczynski, died in a plane crash.

The President has limited powers, but is head of the armed forces and can veto new laws.

people are scared of being led by a white person. But I don’t think it will actually make a difference,” Zintle Mabongo, a resident of Port Elizabeth where party delegates elected the new leader, told Al Jazeera. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Komorowski, 62, is an independent allied with the centre-right Civic Platform, which has been in Government since 2007.

His main challenger is Andrzej Duda, from the right-wing Opposition Law and Justice Party, which is led by former President Kaczynski’s twin brother,

Rock musician Pawel Kukiz looks likely to gather protest votes, but has trailed the leading pair in opinion polls. Another eight candidates are standing.

During a period of tension with Russia over the unrest in Ukraine, President Komorowski says he has promoted stability.

“Poles have a need for normality, for peace, for security and for order,” he said at his final rally on Friday.

“I hope that accord and security will win.”

The presidential vote comes ahead of parliamentary elections this autumn, and may give pointers to Civic Platform’s chances of retaining power. If no candidate wins more than 50 per cent, a second round will be held on May 24. (BBC News)

Accused gets off on technicality in high-profile murder trial

The accused in a highprofile murder trial in Berbice has been set free after Justice Franklyn Holder upheld a no-case submission made by Defence Attorney Kim John-Kyte.

On trial before a mixed jury in the Berbice Assizes for the December 18, 2004 killing of Gary Simon also called “Fat Bull” and “Bull”, was Abdulssalam Azimullah, also called “Sato”. Justice Holder ruled that the testimony of the deceased’s wife, Anita Samaroo, was manifestly unreliable. He noted that her evidence was discredited after she was crossexamined. Justice Holder also noted in his ruling that there was no identification of the deceased’s body at the time of the autopsy.

During the one-month trial, the deceased’s father, Ralph Saunders told the court that he went to the mortuary but did not identify the body of his son. In his ruling, the trial Judge said if no one was able to identify the body, there cannot be a cause of death. Further, he said that no one was able to identify the accused as being the perpetrator of the crime, because the area was dark at the time.

Samaroo, the prosecution’s chief witness, had told the court that on the day in question she and her husband left their Fyrish, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) home to go to a commercial bank at Rose Hall Town to make a withdrawal. She said on their way back her husband saw a friend at a rum shop and stopped. “The friend is “Ramo”. My husband bought a half vodka, fish, a tin of juice and a Guinness.”

She told the court that she later saw three men and three girls at a Chinese Restaurant situated next to the bar where they were. She said they left shortly afterwards, but “I see them coming back, all six of them. They come out the vehicle and they rush at my husband. The accused lash my husband with a cutlass and the other two also rushed at

Several passengers in a Route 32 minibus were on Sunday relieved of their personal items by two armed men who were also passengers in the bus in the vicinity of Flour Mill Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Guyana Times was told that the two men joined the minibus at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara and as the bus approached the Eccles traffic lights, the two men whipped out their guns and instructed the driver to drive the bus to the Flour Mill Road where they robbed the remaining passengers.

The men then made good

my husband.”

She said her husband ran into the bar and then after finding nowhere to escape returned outside and jumped the fence and fell and was on the parapet next to the fence. “His feet were in the trench. The accused jumped into the trench and started to fire chops on my husband. The other two men

stood on the parapet.”

The now widowed woman told the court that she left the scene and took a bicycle and went to the Albion Police Station where she made a report. According to her, when she and a Police Officer were coming out of the Police Station, a minibus which was being driven by “Ramo” pulled up. She said her injured husband was in the bus and they headed in the direction of the Port Mourant Hospital, but stopped at the Rose Hall Town Outpost after seeing the patrol vehicle. Samaroo said as she was going into the outpost, she saw the same three men and three girls coming out of the outpost and raised an alarm. They were arrested, the court was told. According to Samaroo, at the time the accused was wearing a black T-shirt. She said that she told the Police Officer that if they were to check him, he might have on a white shirt underneath. This, she added, was done and it was revealed that the white shirt which the accused was wearing underneath was stained

with what appeared to be blood. Under cross-examination, the witness said that at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was the first time she said that the three men were 25 feet away. She also said that she was able to see the accused because there were streets lights. However, it was later pointed out to the court that at the time of the murder there were no streets lights installed at Albion.

Samaroo had also told the court during her evidence in chief that the lights at Santa Rosa Bar were on; however, that evidence became questionable after another witness testified. The State’s case was presented by Attorney Natasha Backer.

The matter has been making headlines ever since the PI. It had been reported in the media that during the initial PI which saw three persons before the Magistrate for the killing, that one of the key witnesses gave evidence which was inconsistent with her statement to Police. Hence, she was deemed a hostile witness and after further investigations, Police placed her before the court for perjury.

During the perjury trial, it was reported that an Attorney who was defending the murder accused in the PI, had paid her to lie to the court. In August 2009, the Attorney was also placed before the court.

At the end of the PI, Magistrate Chandra Sohan found that there was not enough evidence to commit the accused and freed the three of them. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) insisted on a retrial and Azimullah was rearrested in June 2012 and committed to stand trial in the High Court. In March 2014, the State’s key witness was shot at point blank range at a house on the Corentyne. The shooter tried to shoot her a second time, but the gun snapped and she survived the incident.

GECOM urges Guyanese to trust final results

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is urging citizens to trust the final results it would publish at the end of today’s voting.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, during a special address to the nation, urged Guyanese to be wise in their assessment of the final results announced by the elections body and not be influenced to think along the lines others may attempt to infuse.

“Either you trust or you distrust us. When you are coming to your conclusion to this question, that conclusion must not be arrived at emotionally, or because someone who you respect has tried to influence you and you should not be using the methodology of guesswork,” Surujbally urged the nation.

He pointed out that GECOM’s operations were being executed in plain sight of both the local and inter-

national observers, as he assured the electorate that all the necessary steps have been taken to ensure elections are free and fair.

“The preparations for the nation’s General and Regional Elections of 2015 have been thorough and allencompassing. The Guyana Elections Commission would like to assure all stakeholders that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct free, fair and

credible elections on May 11, 2015,” he reassured. Surujbally guaranteed that all the necessary technical, logistical and administrative systems are in place in every district and that they are functioning optimally –enhancing GECOM’s credibility. He added that the entire process was planned altogether with the scrutineers of the various political parties who combed the entire country to ensure every aspect was done in accordance with the law and that everyone was aware of the voting process.

“Electors, you can rest assured that every aspect, every component relating to elections management has effectively and efficiently been carried out by the competent and absolutely committed staff under the leadership of Mr Keith Lowenfield, GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer and under the guidance of the Commissioners,” he maintained.

FAO hails G20 focus on building sustainable food systems ...reducing food loss and waste

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General José Graziano da Silva last week welcomed a commitment by the Group of 20 (G20) Agriculture Ministers to meet global food security and nutrition needs by building food systems that use natural resources more efficiently, are economically sound and socially more inclusive, and help combat climate change.

Graziano da Silva, addressing the Ministers at a meeting in Istanbul, also praised specific initiatives announced by the G20 to reduce food loss and waste, including a new platform aimed at strengthening information sharing to help curb food loss and waste in both the G20 members and low-income countries.

trition needs for a world population expected to top nine billion by 2050. FAO estimates that to feed this growing population, global food supply will need to increase by 60 per cent. The Ministers cited the need for sustainable and resilient food systems – from production, through food processing, distribution, retail-

their escape into Agricola.

A source told the Guyana Times that the men acted as normal and were seen going into their pockets at Eccles, but the passengers did not pay heed. It was not until the men pulled out the guns that the passengers started to scream and pleaded with them not to shoot.

The men then instructed the passengers to hand over their valuables and more so, to keep calm. After the robbery, one female passenger reportedly turned up at the Ruimveldt Police Station where she related the ordeal. She was alone, since the other passengers were

too fearful to accompany her.

A Police source told this publication that the woman reported that the incident occurred about 14:00h, but she arrived at the station sometime around 14:45h. She claimed that the men relieved her of her mobile phone, a quantity of jewellery and an undisclosed sum of cash. She was reportedly visiting family on the West Bank of Demerara and was on her way home when the incident took place.

The Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

“FAO is ready to work with our partners to establish this platform. I am confident it will give a concrete contribution to sustainably increasing food security and nutrition,” the FAO Director General told the G20 Agriculture Ministers. In a communiqué adopted at the meeting, the G20 Agriculture Ministers noted “with great concern the significant extent of food loss and waste throughout food value chains” describing it as “a global problem of enormous economic, environmental and societal significance”.

It is estimated that onethird of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tonnes per year. Food is lost when it is spilled or spoilt before it reaches its final product or retail stage, and it is wasted when it is not consumed because it is left to spoil or discarded by retailers or consumers.

The G20 Agriculture Ministers discussed how to meet the food security and nu-

ing and consumption. These would serve to expand food supplies and create decent work in rural areas, especially for small-scale family farmers, women and young people, they emphasised. They also noted that among other things, sustainable food systems should help address climate change. “Improvement of soil fertility, water retention capacity and restoration of degraded land are key elements to improve agricultural productivity for food security in a changing climate,” they said.

Market transparency

Additionally, the Ministers agreed to strengthen the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) – a G20 initiative whose secretariat is housed in FAO, aimed at enhancing food market transparency and encour-

aging coordination of policy action in response to market uncertainty. “While AMIS has been a particularly successful initiative, we dedicate ourselves to deeper and stronger collaboration in AMIS to materially improve global data and market transparency by disclosing regular, reliable, accurate, timely and comparable data,” the Agriculture Ministers said. Around 800 million people in the world are still hungry and malnutrition remains widespread – some two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies while obesity is increasing, especially in middle-income countries. Describing adequate nutrition as a “prerequisite for human development, productivity and growth”, the G20 Ministers reaffirmed the Rome Declaration on Nutrition adopted by the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), which was organised by FAO and the World Health Organisation in November. They strongly encouraged Governments and other stakeholders to incorporate the ICN2 Framework for Action into their national food and nutrition strategies.

Responsible investments

The G20 members – consisting of 19 countries and the EU – have a global impact on food security and nutrition through their trade practices, policies and investment decisions. The Ministers expressed their support to countries and international organisations in promoting the implementation of the “Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security” and the “Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems”.

VOX POPULI PUBLIC OPINION I SAY...

Mothers on their special day

Jasoda Ramdeholl

“Forget buying flowers or jewellery or making reservations at that fancy brunch spot, while I would be happy to receive tokens of affection, what I really crave on this day meant to celebrate Mothers is a day off from being a mom and that is exactly what I got and I am grateful for my wonderful husband and children to spend the day with.”

Yulanda Haynes

“I had a splendid Mother’s Day with my children. As usual, they would make sure that I refrain from my routine chores as they all joined together and prepared my favourite dishes. I spent the evening at the New Thriving Restaurant where my husband and kids sat, chatted and just generally enjoyed ourselves as we listened to some wonderful Mother’s Day songs sung by a local singer.”

Nadira Jettoo

“I had an enjoyable Mother’s Day with my kids as usual. They made me breakfast, bought gifts and we went out for dinner later in the evening. Mother’s Day is seen as quite a significant occasion celebrated across the universe where mothers are showered with intense love on this special day and I am pleased to say that I have the love and support of my children.”

Hamewattie Ramcharran

Vanessa Sumra

“I had a very wonderful Mother’s Day with my husband and children, as we invited our families over for lunch and enjoyed the various Mother’s Day tunes. Apart from that, my children bought me numerous gifts of which I was very pleased with. Mother’s Day is always spent with my family and I am thankful that I have them by my side as we celebrate this special day.”

Claudelle Joseph

“I woke up to the sound of Mother’s Day tunes which were played by my eldest son, Aggrey Halley followed by breakfast in bed. After which I cooked and spent the day with my family. I always look forward to this special day where my kids and I get to spend some quality time together.”

Camille Gonsalves

“Mother’s Day is seen as a very special day where mothers of all nature are showered with utmost love. I can safely say that I had a very wonderful time with my kids as they prepared a wide range of dishes and invited our relatives over for dinner. Apart from that, I relaxed most of the day and indulge in some wonderful chats with my family as we reflect on how significantly Mother’s Day celebrations have changed over the past years.”

“Mother’s Day, an occasion in which there are not enough words to describe this significant time of the year. I am extremely proud of the efforts made by my lovely, adorable and caring children as they joined together in making my day a wonderful one. I am thankful that my mother is alive and can be able to shower her with continued love and wishes, as our family progress towards making the day a memorable one. I woke up to some delicious dishes prepared by my kids after which we looked at a very interesting movie which showcased the “love of a mother”. On the latter part of the day, we all went out for dinner and had a wonderful time as we chatted and enjoyed ourselves.”

Jane Lochan

“Over the past years I have been celebrating Mother’s Day in a very quiet manner. This year, however, my children organised a Mother’s Day party as they invited families and friends to join in celebrating this special day. I was amazed at the atmosphere and felt so happy to unite with my family. We danced, chat and had a wonderful time.”

Nalini Singh

“I woke up to a lovely breakfast prepared by my children on Mother’s Day. I must commend their efforts as usual in seeking to ensure that I have a wonderful time. Words cannot describe the love a mother has for her child, apart from my kids, there are many out there who treat me as their own and I am very thankful for all the love and support I have been receiving over the past years. Overall, I can safely say that I had a relaxed day with my loved ones and enjoyed every bit of time spent with them.”

Yasim Watim

“I had a very quiet Mother’s Day, nevertheless, my children always do their best to ensure that I enjoy this special day. It is my belief that once your family is by your side that makes any occasion perfect. One must be thankful and shower their mother with love not just on Mother’s Day, but at any time and any event. I hope that all the mothers out there had a wonderful time as they join in celebration with their loved ones.”

Humanity

Humanity is everyone’s business that is how I see it. Generally speaking, for those who practice any religion and I mean and religion, it can surely give a higher purpose to our lives and keep us grounded.

The thing what I mean by this is that it is not only a set of rules that we must devote our lives to, but more importantly it is also what we take from any religion, is what is important.

Religion should be something that we truly believe in and practice on an ongoing basis, rather than something to define our actions. I would think that all religions teach the importance of peace and unity, which is what the world needs badly today.

Personally for me the most important religion is humanity, because just being a good human being defines us everywhere. Let’s not forget too how important peace is. I support the old saying, “where there is peace there is abundance.”

This is very achievable, the only requirement from us is to be helpful to the ones in need very time regardless where we may be. In other words it is important for us to understand other people’s problem and accept their situations and try to be as considerate as possible.

I know that it can be very hard to love and care for every living being, especially how some people may treat us after doing so many good things for them. Let’s not forget that regardless of how much good things we do, we will still have a few people who will say negative things about us.

As far as I am concern, humanity means to care for and help other people whenever and wherever possible. This is something that fits with my own values, because it makes me feel very fulfil within during the process and even after the fact knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life.

Another way to service humanity is to help someone at times when he/she needs it the most. In other words we have to forget our own selfish interests in order to experience the feeling of giving.

One may wonder what we can do to help someone if we don’t have a lot to give. I have this conversation all the time with people. This is very simple it’s not complicated at all. It reminds me of what Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

In other words, we do not have to have a big bank account to do our part to contribute towards humanity. For example by helping an old woman lifting her heavy bag is an act of humanity.

Or helping a ‘disabled’ person in any way possible is also an act of humanity, just to name a few examples. The thing is, once we understand how importance is it to service humanity in our everyday lives, our purpose as a human being will quickly be fulfilled.

For questions, comments or feedback, send them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER

You have a lot to offer, so don’t be afraid to express your ideas and opinions. By sharing your enthusiasm and charm, you will captivate everyone. Ask and you shall receive.

Make a point to become well-informed about important matters. Take part in functions that will benefit you. A recent acquaintance will be the catalyst for a new project.

Romance is on the horizon. Stick to the truth, especially at work. If you embellish or fudge the facts, you will end up damaging your reputation.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You cannot change the past, so don’t look back. A positive outlook will generate beneficial results. Trust your intuition and have faith in your decisions.

Lady Luck is smiling on you, making new gains a possibility. Previous investments or long-term savings accounts will bring in extra cash. A new career is apparent.

You can move ahead, but do so slowly. Taking on too much too fast will end up causing problems. Attention to detail will give you the edge you need over the competition.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Tie up loose ends in order to get moving on something new. Keep your opinions to yourself. You won’t make friends if you interfere or criticise others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t let a recent setback deter you from forging ahead. Your hard work will pay off. Do at least one thing that makes you smile, and stop worrying about what others think.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Careful budgeting will help you move one step closer to a secure future. You will have a full agenda, so it’s important to leave time for some fun and entertainment.

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

Don’t get upset if wellmeaning friends or relatives give you unwanted advice. Be polite, but let them know that the final decision will be yours alone.

AQUARIUS

Read the fine print and make sure that you negotiate fairly. It will be difficult to move forward if someone is constantly opposing you.

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Avoid pessimism and negativity. Put past problems behind you. You have the strength and knowledge to achieve your goals, so move forward and stop dwelling on past regrets that you can’t change.

NBA Playoff roundup… Pierce buzzer beater lifts Wizards over Hawks

It was a play added to the Washington Wizards’ offense a day earlier, and it was drawn up for a guy, Paul Pierce, who’s been doing this sort of thing for the better part of two decades.

With three defenders near him, Pierce made a fallaway, 21-foot jumper that went in off the backboard at the buzzer to lift the Wizards over the Atlanta Hawks, 103-101, Saturday night in the nation’s capital, despite playing without John Wall and after letting a 21-point lead evaporate.

As he left the court after giving the Wizards a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series, Pierce was asked on TV whether he called ‘‘Bank!’’ on the winner.

‘‘I called, ‘Game!’ ’’ Pierce declared.

He had more fun at his news conference.

‘‘Usually,’’ Pierce said, ‘‘I like to save those type of shots for later rounds.’’

Told that Dennis Schroder, one of the Hawks who tried to disrupt the game-winner, called it ‘‘a lucky shot,’’ Pierce chuckled. He retorted: ‘‘Well, I guess Schroder is going to say that, because he’s a little young. . . He hasn’t been able to see it over the last 17 years.’’

Pierce is 37, and he has a nerve in his back that acts up from time to time, including in the first half Saturday. He is well aware that time is running out on his career.

‘‘I’m still soaking it up,’’ Pierce said, ‘‘because I don’t have too many more of these left.’’

Game 4 in the best-ofseven series is Monday night at Washington.

Washington was missing Wall, its All-Star point guard, for a second consecutive game because of a broken left hand.

The Wizards led by 21 with less than 10 minutes

left. A 17-0 run got the visitors within 3 with less than 3½ minutes remaining, and Mike Muscala’s 3-pointer with 14.1 seconds left tied it.

But Pierce came through as the clock hit zero, releasing the ball with about a second to go, then falling to his back on the court with arms aloft. He finished with 13 points.

‘‘That’s what he does,’’ Atlanta’s Kent Bazemore said. ‘‘He’s a future Hall of Famer. He’s been there before. His favorite [saying] is, ‘This is why they brought me here,’ and he showed us.’’

Grizzlies 99, Warriors 89

Zach Randolph scored 22 points and Marc Gasol added 21 points and 15 rebounds as host Memphis beat Golden State to take a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

Mike Conley and Courtney Lee both had 11 points for Memphis, which has won two straight with Conley back in the lineup.

Stephen Curry finished with 23 points for Golden State but was 8 of 21, including 2 of 10 from deep. Klay Thompson added 20 points.

Game 4 is Monday night in Memphis. (The Boston Globe)

Former junior middleweight titleholder Canelo Alvarez blasted his way into a middleweight world championship shot by annihilating powerful James Kirkland by thunderous third-round knockout in an action-packed junior middleweight bout Saturday night at Minute Maid Park.

With most in the wild crowd of 31,588 cheering for Alvarez at the first boxing card in stadium history, Mexico’s most popular active fighter dropped the hardcharging Kirkland three times en route to a brutal knockout in the first fight of his exclusive HBO contract.

“I’m happy about the win. The result was what I expected,” Alvarez said.

Said Kirkland: “I did not know I was knocked out.” It was the kind of actionpacked fight that might help many forget about last week’s Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao dud.

Man City go 3 points clear in 2nd

Queens Park Rangers have been relegated from the Premier League after a tame surrender against Manchester City.

Sergio Aguero struck a hat-trick, with two of his goals coming after poor defending and the third via a penalty.

Aleksandar Kolarov curled home a first-half free-kick and both James Milner and David Silva tapped in late on.

Second-placed City could have had more as they overwhelmed a poor Rangers side who, on this display, deserve their instant return to the Championship.

Off the field, problems are brewing too, with the club facing a fine of up to £58m from the Football League under its Financial Fair Play rules. Failure to pay could see QPR be -

ing refused entry into the Championship.

Chris Ramsey’s side needed to win each of their final three matches to have any chance of survival, but the manner in which they were beaten by deposed champions City was disappointing.

They were woeful in defence and virtually non-existent in attack as they invited a relentless torrent of attacks from their hosts - City enjoying 60% possession in the match and creating 22 efforts on goal.

Milner was allowed to whip balls in from the right time and again, while the visitors had no answer to Silva’s cute threaded balls inside the left channel and into the feet of Aguero.

The Argentina striker picked Rangers’ pockets all afternoon, and he took just four minutes to open the scoring when he was

allowed to run through the middle unchallenged and clip the ball over goalkeeper Rob Green.

The QPR wall parted to allow Kolarov’s low freekick to nestle into Green’s bottom right-hand corner, before a deluge of goals came after the interval. Aguero got his second when he dispossessed Yun Suk-Young and ran through on goal before applying a cool finish, then he scored his 31st of the season from the spot - his most prolific season at City yet.

The penalty award was harsh on Rangers, who were punished when Silva went down under Matt Phillips’ challenge.

Milner tapped in from close range before Silva took the ball away from Green with some neat footwork to side-foot home from four yards out. (BBC Sport)

Canelo Alvarez KO’s James Kirkland in 3rd round

“This is exactly what needed to happen,” Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya said of the intense action. “MayweatherPacquiao people will forget. Styles make fights, and when Kirkland is ready, he will walk

through anyone, but Canelo was ready, too. He was stronger and smarter.”

The win was pivotal for Alvarez, who next will have a shot at middleweight champion Miguel Cotto on HBO PPV

this fall in what is boxing’s biggest fight outside a potential Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch.

Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), Cotto and their promotional companies have already signed a term sheet for the bout, and representatives from Cotto promoter Roc Nation Sports were ringside Saturday night.

However, Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs) still has to take care of his end of the business, which means retaining the title in his first defense when he takes on former titleholder Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KOs) in what appears to be a dangerous fight June 6 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

As expected, Kirkland came out like a ball of fire at the opening bell, applying massive pressure to Alvarez as he trapped him in a corner and began to blast away. But Alvarez slipped a lot of the punches and took the onslaught before rallying for a huge round.

Alvarez worked his way off the ropes and eventually landed a powerful straight right hand that dropped Kirkland. Although Kirkland was wobbly when he got to his feet, the fight went on and Alvarez was in command, hammering his opponent with body shots and right hands.

The 24-year-old Alvarez was all over Kirkland, 31, of Austin, Texas, whose nose was bleeding at the end of the round.

“I knew that James is a strong fighter, but he did surprise me with his aggressiveness in the first and second rounds,” Alvarez said. “But once I dropped him the first time, I knew I had him.”

Alvarez staggered Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) with a right hand early in the second round, and they planted themselves chestto-chest and slugged it out as the crowd roared. Back and forth they went, but Alvarez always seemed in control before he ended the fight in the third round.

(ESPN)

Jadeja, McCullum lift Super Kings to number 1

Chennai Super Kings almost confirmed themselves in the playoffs with a comfortable 12-run win against Rajasthan Royals that took them to the top of the table with 16 points. They still have two games at hand. Royals, on the other hand, were now placed precariously, needing a win from their last league game against Kolkata Knight Riders to qualify. The positions the teams

gled for timing but Brendon McCullum, the only batsman to make a half-century in the match, braved the sapping heat to set up Super Kings for another sub-160 total. Then Ravindra Jadeja picked a bagful of wickets after a 15-day barren spell to derail Royals’ chase. It hasn’t been a highscoring season in Chennai this year. The home team batted first in each game, but only twice were able to go past 160. Still, such has

SCOREBOARD

Chennai Super Kings innings (20 overs maximum)

DR Smith c Faulkner

b Ankit Sharma 6

BB McCullum c Ankit Sharma

b Morris 81

SK Raina c Faulkner b Morris 3

F du Plessis run out (Watson) 29

P Negi c Smith b Morris 2

MS Dhoni*† not out 13

DJ Bravo not out 15

Extras: (lb 1, w 7) 8

Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 157

Did not bat: RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, MM Sharma, A Nehra

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-15, 3-116, 4-129, 5-129.

Bowling: CH Morris 4-0-19-

3, SR Watson 2-0-19-0, Ankit

Sharma 4-0-31-1, PV Tambe

3-0-24-0, JP Faulkner 4-0-400, R Bhatia 3-0-23-0. Rajasthan Royals

were in the table had an air of “I told you so”, so had the pattern the game followed after Super Kings decided to bat on a sluggish pitch. The batsmen generally strug-

innings (target: 158 runs from 20 overs)

AM Rahane c Bravo

b Sharma 23

SR Watson c Bravo b Jadeja 28

SPD Smith* b Jadeja 4 KK Nair c Ashwin b Jadeja 10

DJ Hooda c Raina b Jadeja 15

SV Samson† c Smith b Bravo 26

JP Faulkner c Bravo b Sharma 16

CH Morris not out 16

R Bhatia c du Plessis b Sharma 0

Ankit Sharma c Nehra b Bravo 0

PV Tambe not out 1

Extras: (lb 2, w 2, nb 2) 6

Total:(9 wickets; 20 overs) 145

Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-48, 3-63, 4-75, 5-90, 6-123, 7-130, 8-130, 9-143.

Bowling: A Nehra 4-0-29-0, MM Sharma 4-0-25-3, P Negi 4-0-35-0, RA Jadeja 4-0-114, DJ Bravo 4-0-43-2.

been there control on this ground that except Mumbai Indians, no one else was able to breach the target.

After the early losses of Dwayne Smith and Suresh

Raina, McCullum played an innings slightly out of character: it did not feature allout aggression.

He would hit a six, a boundary, then go back to nurdle the ball in the gaps. And such was the necessity, too, as the ball did not come onto the bat.

That he found success was not surprising, his fast hands allowing him to generate pace on the ball.

McCullum reached his half-century, his third 50plus score this season, in 44 balls despite five fours and two sixes. The run-rate at that stage - the 13th overhovered just above six an over. Despite fatigue setting in, he ensured Super Kings accelerated by picking up 31 more runs in the next 17 balls. By the time he was dismissed, in the 18th over, the score had swelled to

132. MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo then pushed it to 157 with late hitting.

Royals knew they needed runs early on before the onset of spin. Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson started well, but once Mohit Sharma had Rahane top-edge a pull, Royals’ innings lost steam. Jadeja, then, ran through the middle order in a spell that read 4-0-11-4, the highlight being the gravity-defying catch by Bravo at the long-on boundary.

Royals were left needing 65 to win from the last five overs. There were a few flashes of aggression from Sanju Samson, but the team slowly caved in to fall well short. That Dhoni did not use R Ashwin at all reiterated Super Kings’ control.

The loss was Royals’ first under Steven Smith’s captaincy this year. (Cricinfo)

Haile Gebrselassie retires

Hhas announced his retirement from competitive running.

The 42-year-old Ethiopian confirmed his decision after finishing 16th in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday.

It brings to an end a 25-year career in which he claimed two Olympic gold medals, eight World Championship victories and set 27 world records.

“I’m retiring from competitive running, not from running. You cannot stop running, this is my life,” he told BBC Sport.

Gebrselassie remains the world record holder at 20,000m and the one-hour race.

He had announced his intention to retire five years ago after injury problems, before returning to racing months later.

Gebrselassie failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics but won the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow a year later, as well as his

third consecutive Vienna City half marathon.

After completing his final competitive outing in Manchester on Sunday - a race he had won five times previously - he went on to complete the route for a second time with the non-elite runners at an event he said he had always enjoyed.

“I’m very happy to stop here. I knew this was going to be the last one,” he said.

Gebrselassie became a household name in 1993 when, at the age of 20, he won the first of four consecutive world championship titles in the 10,000 metres. He is a double Olympic gold medallist - in Sydney and Atlanta - and won the Berlin marathon four times in succession.

He has broken 61 Ethiopian national recordsranging from 800 metres to the marathon - and set 27 world records, including the 5,000m, the fastest 10-mile run, and the longest distance competed in one-hour (13 miles, 397 yards). (BBC Sport)

Hamilton beaten by Nico Rosberg in Spanish GP

Nico Rosberg took a dominant win in the Spanish Grand Prix as Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton fought back from a slow start to take second.

Hamilton was initially stuck behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel but switched to a different strategy to get ahead.

The German was third ahead of Williams’ Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen.

The result means Rosberg has reduced Hamilton’s advantage in the championship to 20 points, while Vettel is 31 points adrift in third place.

It was Mercedes’ most dominant grand prix since the first race in Australia.

Ferrari had come to this weekend with a major upgrade package, with revisions to almost every aerodynamic surface of the car, but Mercedes were perhaps further ahead than they had been all season.

Rosberg converted his pole position into a lead at the first corner and simply cruised into the distance as Vettel held up Hamilton be-

hind him.

Mercedes urged Hamilton to try to pass the Ferrari, but he told the team it was impossible to get close enough to overtake on the pit straight even with the help of the DRS overtaking aid.

Mercedes decided their best option was to give Hamilton some clear track, and told him that they would switch to a three-stop strategy and try to pass Vettel at the end of the race.

But Hamilton did not need to overtake the Ferrari on track.

Stopping on lap 32 to fit the slower ‘hard’ tyre, Hamilton immediately set the fastest lap of the race and proceeded to take huge chunks out of Vettel’s advantage.

Twenty seconds behind when he rejoined, Hamilton had cut Vettel’s lead in half by the time the Ferrari driver made his second and final stop eight laps later.

Vettel rejoined 13.5 seconds behind Hamilton, who continued to pull away until he was 23 seconds in front by the time of his final stop on lap 51, which was com-

fortably enough to allow him to rejoin in front of the Ferrari.

Now 17 seconds behind Rosberg, Hamilton fancied his chances of catching his team-mate for the win, but was told by his engineer Peter Bonnington that he had too much to do and to “consolidate” second place.

Hamilton pressed Bonnington, saying: “Is it impossible?” He was told: “Yes, it’s impossible. He’ll respond if we pick up the pace.”

“Perfect weekend,” said Rosberg. “The car has been

awesome - all weekend.”

Hamilton said: “I got a bad start, had lots of wheelspin but it was a good race. Nico did a fantastic job and I was just grateful I could get back up to second. This was a difficult weekend for me and I’ll take this.”

Behind Vettel in the race, Bottas took fourth, fighting off a stern challenge from Ferrari’s Raikkonen in the closing laps.

Ferrari inverted Raikkonen’s tyre strategy, putting him on the ‘hard’ tyre for his middle stint rather than taking the conventional route of leaving it for the end of the race.

That meant Raikkonen had a grip advantage over Bottas, who was on the ‘hard’ tyre in the final stint, but he was unable to make it pay.

The second Williams of Felipe Massa was sixth, from the Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo and Lotus’s Romain Grosjean.

Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz passed Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat for ninth place at the first corner of the last lap. The stewards investi-

gated the incident because Sainz went off track through Turn Two as he completed the move - gaining an advantage by leaving the track is forbidden - but they decided to take no further action.

Three laps earlier, Sainz cleanly passed team-mate Max Verstappen for 10th place.

The two Toro Rossos had started fifth and sixth and had always suspected it would be tough to beat Raikkonen, Massa and the Red Bulls, all of which had qualified behind them.

Sainz took advantage of being on the ‘medium’ tyres in the final stint while Verstappen was on the ‘hard’. The Dutchman ran wide in the final twisty section of the track on lap 62 and Sainz was able to draft past on the straight.

Jenson Button finished 16th after a troubled race for McLaren.

Team-mate Fernando Alonso ran 12th in the first stint, climbed as high as seventh at one point thanks to a late first pit stop, but retired from 14th place with brake failure. (BBC Sport)

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Magical de Villiers stuns Mumbai

AB de Villiers, slinking menacingly around a flat Wankhede pitch, set about the most vicious sustained attack of this IPL, reaping 133 runs at a strike rate of 225.42 to effectively bat Mumbai Indians out of the match.

Virat Kohli was in sublime form himself, but his 82 from 50 balls from the other end was little more than a sidelight, as a rapturous Mumbai crowd suspended regional loyalty to chant de Villiers’ name. The pair remained unbeaten at the close of the innings, having hit a T20-record 215 in each others’ company. Royal Challengers’ 235 for 1 was also the highest score of the season, beating their own previous record, while de Villiers’ was the highest individual score of the season. The visitors’ score would be 39 too many for Mumbai Indians.

De Villiers barely mishit a ball throughout his stay, but Mumbai will rue their own shambolic fielding in the third over of the innings,

ed to de Villiers that made this spill truly costly. Mumbai delivered too many knee-high full tosses and overpitched deliveries to such high-quality batsmen, but when de Villiers began to flit around the crease to launch the ball to almost any region of his choosing, the hosts were understandably battered to breaking point. Lasith Malinga, for example, had figures of 1 for 13 from his first three overs. He came back when de Villiers was in full flow and had a near-yorker scooped over fine leg for four, then was cracked almost casually over cover for four soon after. His final over cost 14.

De Villiers began with five dot balls to Malinga, to complete a wicket-maiden, before his expansive game clicked into place with successive square fours - one either side of the pitch - off J Suchith’s left-arm spin in the sixth over. When Mumbai’s spinners failed to generate significant turn from the surface, de Villiers began to hot out with more intent.

SCOREBOARD

Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (20 overs maximum)

CH Gayle c Simmons b Malinga 13

V Kohli* not out 82

AB de Villiers not out 133

Extras: (w 6, nb 1) 7

Total:(1 wicket; 20 overs) 235

Did not bat: KD Karthik†, SN Khan, Mandeep Singh, D Wiese, MA Starc, HV Patel, YS Chahal, S Aravind

Fall of wickets: 1-20.

Bowling: MJ McClenaghan 4-040-0, SL Malinga 4-1-27-1, JJ

Bumrah 4-0-52-0, J Suchith 3-035-0, Harbhajan Singh 2-0-30-0, HH Pandya 3-0-51-0.

Mumbai Indians innings (target: 236 runs from 20 overs)

PA Patel† run out (Kohli/†Karthik) 19 LMP Simmons not out 68

when a straightforward chance off Kohli was spilled off Mitchell McClenaghan at slip. Kohli would hit 76 more runs from his own blade, but it was the support he provid-

RG Sharma* c Mandeep Singh b Patel 15

KA Pollard c Starc b Aravind 49 HH Pandya st †Karthik b Chahal 8 AT Rayudu c de Villiers b Patel 14

Harbhajan Singh c Kohli b Starc 3

J Suchith c †Karthik b Chahal 4

MJ McClenaghan not out 12

Extras: (lb 1, w 3) 4

Total:(7 wickets; 20 overs) 196

Did not bat: SL Malinga, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-63, 3-133, 4-143, 5-174, 6-178, 7-184

Bowling: MA Starc 4-0-41-1, S Aravind 4-0-29-1, D Wiese 4-0-38-0, HV Patel 4-0-362, YS Chahal 4-0-51-2.

In Harbhajan Singh’s first over, de Villiers creamed him through the covers, then came down the pitch to clobber him over the long on fence. Suchith came in for

more punishment, conceding three more fours - de Villiers once pretending to move toward the off side, only to return to his original position to sweep the confused to the square leg fence - but soon even the quicks were being mauled. De Villiers ran at McClenaghan to drill him to the straight fence, reaching 50 from 29 deliveries, then dropped deep into his crease to crack him past point next ball.

Kohli spent much of the early and mid-innings turning strike over to de Villiers, scoring smartly enough himself, but rarely hitting out against balls that did not deserve punishment. De Villiers, meanwhile, made very good deliveries seem woeful. He made room to drive Hardik Pandya for three consecutive fours in the 15th over, then when McClenaghan sent a ball at his chest, hit it behind square leg for four. It was only after Kohli reached his own fifty, off 39 balls, that he moved to match de Villiers’ aggression. Royal Challengers were 160 for 1 after 15 overs. The pair plundered Jasprit Bumrah’s 17th for 25. The second of de

Villiers’ sixes in that over took him into triple figures, off 47 balls, before Kohli sent the last ball of the over beyond long on to collect a six for himself.

That over was the most expensive in the innings, but there was plenty of mayhem to follow. Pandya’s next two overs were carted for 19 and 17. That he was even given the final over of the innings reflects the chaos that the pair had unleashed on Mumbai’s strategy. When the hosts’ torment finally came to an end at the innings break, Kohli and de Villiers had hit 25 fours and eight sixes between them. Kieron Pollard and Llendl Simmons clobbered 70 runs in 37 balls for the third wicket, to restore a little hope for Mumbai Indians, but even their most productive overs were barely staying in touch with the required run rate. When Pollard holed out on 49 to leave the hosts needing 103 from 40 balls, the match was effectively secure for Royal Challengers. Simmons remained unbeaten on 68 from 58 balls when the innings fizzled out at 196 for 7 from 20 overs. (Cricinfo)

real Madrid draw dampens title hopes

Real Madrid defender

Dani Carvajal says they can say “goodbye to the league” after slipping four points behind Barcelona with two games left.

Real came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Valencia, but Barca’s win over Real Sociedad has put them in control.

Carvajal said: “At home we couldn’t slip up, we’ve done that and we say goodbye to the league.

“It’s painful because we wanted to fight until the final day, although we’ll keep on doing that.”

Barca only need to beat either Atletico Madrid or Deportivo La Coruna to win the league, subject to the suspension on Spanish football being lifted. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti says the Champions League

semi-finalists will keep battling for the domestic title.

“We have two games remaining and have to try and win both,” the Italian said. “We’ll keep going, but it is evident that things are more difficult now.

“We are disappointed with the result, but we have a lot of confidence with how we played. They gave everything they could.”

Real Madrid’s next game is their Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday as they bid to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat. (BBC

DCB 2-day trial slated for May 12-13

Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) second two-day trial match will be held on May 12 and 13 at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground.

The match will be used to select players to represent Demerara in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Four-Day Competition.

The team will have mul-

tiple West Indians on it, starting with the incomparable veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Those selected are:

Shivnarine Chanderpaul; Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Rajendra Chandrika; Christopher Barnwell; Vishaul Singh; Leon Johnson; Steven Jacobs; Joseph Perry (wicketkeeper); Paul Wintz; Trevon Griffith; Raj Nannan; Zaheer Mohamed; Gavin Moriah; Steven Sankar;

Robin Bacchus; Brian Sattaur; Gajananad Sooknanad; Leon Morgan; Kumar Bishundyal; Chandrapaul Hemraj; Dexter Solomon; Yatesh Dhanpaul; Imtiaz Hack; Roopnarine Ramsundar; Leron Primo; Daniel Barker; Almando Domain; Dellon Caleb; Dellon Williams; and Steffon Brown.

The players are asked to assemble at the ground on May 12 for 09:00h.

Murray beats Nadal to win Madrid Masters final

Andy Murray claimed his first victory over Rafael Nadal on clay to win the Madrid Masters on Sunday evening.

The Briton had never beaten Nadal in six previous meetings on the surface but won 6-3 6-2 to stun the home crowd.

Defending champion Nadal was aiming for a record fifth win in Madrid but Murray outclassed his Spanish opponent to lift his first Masters title on clay.

The 27-year-old, who won his first clay-court title in Munich on Monday, has now secured two in under a week.

“I played a good match,” Murray told Sky Sports. “I made very few errors and changed the height of the ball extremely well, which was part of the reason why he was mistiming a few shots.

“I used the second serve into the forehand a lot and

that worked well because I was able to get him moving. I dealt with all of the nervy moments I had in the match pretty well.”

Nadal had reached the final without dropping a single set, showing signs of his best form ahead of the French Open later this month.

But defeat means he slips to seventh in the world rankings, the first time he has been outside the top five in a decade.

The Mallorcan will be aiming for a 10th title at Roland Garros, but on the evidence of Murray’s performance in Madrid, the Scot will be just as strong a contender.

“I have played well at Roland Garros in the past,” Murray said. “Last year my game was not ready to win, whereas the previous time against Rafa there I played well. I don’t think I would go into the French as one of the

Edward Richmond Linden Under-18 School Football...

Christianburg Wismar

Secondary needle Wisburg

Digicel’s three-time National Schools football champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary School led by their prolific goalscoring forward Shane Lucky notched their third straight Edward “Screw” Richmond Under-18 football title recently in Linden.

Christianburg edged Wisburg Secondary 1-0 to win the coveted title compliments of Lucky, who was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Lucky was spot on after collecting a slip pass from midfield general Duquan Hercules, his captain, and nailed home a ripper from just inside the centre circle on top of the 18-yard box to score in the seventh minute.

Watched by a number of past veteran players from Linden who are now based in the United States where the Edward “Screw” Richmond Foundation is also based, inclusive of its President, Ernest Joseph and Compton “Cha Cha” London and

“Darty” Francis and Canada-based James “Gads” Dennis, Christianburg Wismar did not disappoint but were pushed to the limit, by a stubborn Wisburg Secondary School.

Wisburg’s best effort to score, with just about 30 minutes into play in the first segment of play, was when forward William Benn had a chance at goal which was thwarted by the advancing ‘Multi’ goalkeeper Fitzgerald Cobena.

Five minutes later, a pass came strong through the air with Cobena off his line; he was lucky to get there, but the ball ran free a foot past the right upright only to see the Wisburg player arrive too late.

As the end came, Wisburg could not make use of another scoring opportunity.

Neither side would be able to find the back of the net in the second half, but enterprising play from Wisburg was met with sturdy defending from the cham-

pions.

All along the Wisburg line-up saw goalkeeper Jonathan Copeland busy at times. The defence was marshalled by Orlando Adams, Elvin Williams, Steve Gonsalves, and James Reynolds, with Kelvin Neblett and Alvin Chapman at midfield and Deon Williams and William Benn up front.

On the other hand, Christianburg Wismar Secondary playing with confidence and shrewdness and were held together by their captain in the middle, forwards Lucky and Primo and the tackling backline of Pedro Hamilton, Amaniki Buntin, Keshawn Dey and Seon Barret.

Lucky was adjudged the Top Goalscorer with five in the tournament and also the Best Forward, with teammate Hercules being the Best Midfielder, while Wisburg’s Orlando Adams was the Best Defender and goalkeeper Jonathan Copeland, the Best Goalkeeper.

Torres helps Atletico to draw

favourites but if I play like that I’ll give myself an opportunity.”

Full of confidence following his triumph over Philipp Kohlschreiber at the Munich Open on Monday, Murray started brilliantly to win 14 of the first 16 points and establish a 3-0 lead.

Murray was powerful, patient and aggressive but still had to defend three break points on his way to taking the first set.

Despite signs Nadal was recovering his composure, Murray broke again immediately in the second, showing the same focus and determination that epitomised his powerful start to the match.

Having held his serve, the Scot emerged from a 21-shot rally with another break point, wasting it with a forehand smash into the net before being gifted a 3-0 lead by a Nadal error.

With the double break (BBC Sport)

Fernando Torres scored an equaliser 10 minutes from time as Atletico Madrid salvaged a point at struggling Levante.

David Barral gave the hosts the lead but Guilherme Siqueira struck back almost immediately in the first half.

Kalu Uche put Levante back in front before Torres,

on loan from AC Milan, scored a header from Koke’s corner.

Levante are now five points clear of the relegation places with two games to play, while Atletico can secure a Champions League spot with one win.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico side play Barcelona, who are one victory away from secur-

ing the title, and Granada in their remaining fixtures, subject to the Spanish Football Federation’s suspension of all football in the country being lifted.

Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Torres, 31, has scored three league goals in 18 matches since joining from Milan in January. (BBC Sport)

Rose Hall Town Pepsi U-19 team, DTV-8 honour outstanding mothers

Four outstanding mothers were honoured as Mothers of the Year 2015 by the Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 Cricket Team and Dave’s Television Station (DTV-8) in their annual Tribute to Mothers Programme held recently.

The Pepsi Under-19 Team and DTV-8 have been hosting the programme since 2007 and a total of 35 outstanding mothers have been honoured to date.

The four awardees for 2015 were Jeanette Dublin of New Amsterdam; Joney Hemchand of Number Two Village, Canje; Parbattie Ackloo of Cumberland, Canje; and Belinda Fraser of Rose Hall Town.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club

Liverpool unable to qualify for Champions League with draw

Liverpool’s faint hopes of Champions League qualification were all but ended by their failure to win at Chelsea.

The Reds produced a spirited display against a Blues side lacking any real cutting edge without striker Diego Costa, but could not find a winner.

John Terry’s header put the champions into the lead, but Steven Gerrard equal-

the veteran midfielder was allowed to peel away from his marker and head home unchallenged.

Equally, Liverpool will be annoyed that Terry managed to leap above Rickie Lambert to head home the goal which makes him the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history.

It was perhaps fitting that the two players who have epitomised the spirit and

Liverpool sent on 18-yearold striker Jerome Sinclair in the second half as they pressed for a winner, which they might have found in the closing stages when Coutinho’s shot took a wicked deflection and almost wrongfooted Thibaut Courtois.

The Brazilian had earlier shot just wide after Sterling had dragged three Chelsea defenders across the box, while Willian should have

ised when he nodded in at the far post on the stroke of halftime.

Liverpool had the better chances to win and Philippe Coutinho twice went close.

But the playmaker’s failure to find the net means Brendan Rodgers’ side are six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two games left and an inferior goal difference, while Arsenal are assured of a Champions League spot.

The Reds were well organised at the back - with Gerrard marshalling the midfield well - while Raheem Sterling and Coutinho often flickered into life.

Chelsea, though, will feel they might have won and that Gerrard’s goal should have been better defended as

character of their respective clubs were on the scoresheet and shared the honours in their final meeting of a decade-long club rivalry.

Gerrard is leaving Liverpool for the United States in the summer, while Terry will play on, but there was also a glimpse into the future for both teams as the two managers took advantage of a chance to blood some fresh faces in the closing stages of this campaign.

Jose Mourinho handed a full Premier League debut to 19-year-old midfielder Reuben Loftus-Cheek, and the athletic youngster did not disappoint - a tidy performance underlined by the fact he did not give the ball away once when making his 27 passes.

done better when he exposed Glen Johnson in his unfamiliar left-back spot and twice tried his luck with angled shots.

Cesc Fabregas also fired over in the second half, but the Spaniard was lucky to still be on the pitch after hurting Sterling with a horribly late challenge inside 30 seconds of the match kicking off.

However, the early aggression did not materialise into any sort of sustained pressure and the match petered out into a draw - the biggest cheer in the second half being the reception afforded to Gerrard by both sets of fans as the former England skipper left the Stamford Bridge pitch for the final time

(RHTY&SC), Hilbert Foster stated that the main aim of the programme was to promote the importance of parenthood, especially the role of a mother in a child’s development. Motherhood, he stated, is a God-given responsibility and he urged the awardees to always strive to be a positive role model to their children.

The longstanding

Secretary/CEO also advised the attentive parents to make sure that their children attend school on a regular basis, stay away from drugs and evil ways, to get involved in sports and attend church on a regular basis.

Foster stated that involvement in sports not only takes children away from a life on the road but

plays a major role in developing their mind and character.

Foster also congratulated the Under-19 team for hosting the programme under their personal development programme. The team, which includes players like Brandon Prasad, Slyus Tyndall, Plaffina Millington, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson and Keith Simpson, have completed a total of 41 programmes out of a proposed 75 for 2015.

Vice Captain Kevlon Anderson stated that the RHTY&SC and its Pepsi Team were pleased to honour the mothers and would continue to do so in the future.

The RHTY&SC, he proudly stated, was the only cricket club in Guyana that actively encouraged its cricketers to develop a culture of making a positive difference in the lives of others by undertaking projects on an annual basis. Each of the mothers received a Certificate of Excellence and a collection of special gifts. Outgoing Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was in the area campaigning, offered congratulations to the awardees and also posed with them for official photos.

GABA’s “King of the Hard Court” tournament...

Colts top Pepsi Sonics Powell runs fastest 100m time this year

The Colts topped the Pepsi Sonics 72-66 on Saturday evening when the first-division section of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) “King of the Hard Court” Championship continued at the Burnham Hard Court, Georgetown.

National guard Shelroy Thomas was in the zone, topscoring for the Colts

with 20 points while teammates Shane Webster and Rayon Cummings contributed 15 and 14 points respectively.

Trevor Smith scored a game-high 22 points for the Sonics in the close loss, while teammates Kurt Elias and Jason Squires scored 14 and 10 points respectively.

The Colts took over the lead heading into the final

quarter with a three-point advantage, as Thomas turned up the heat, scoring 10 of his 20 points in the final period including three daggers from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile, Road to Mecca National Club Champs, Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters went by the Knights 73-67, as sharpshooter Stephon Gillis led the Pacesetters

with 20 points. Joslyn Crawford and Keith Tute supported with 15 and 13 points respectively.

Topscoring for the losers was Owan Walton with a team-high 18 points, while Andrew Mendes and Randy Aaron chipped in with 11 points each.

In the opening U-23 matchup, Ravens defeated Melanie Patriots via walkover.

Action in the tournament is slated to continue at the same venue on May 15 with three games. In the opening matchup at 18:00h, Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters will face off with the University of Guyana Trojans in an Under-23 matchup.

The second game will see the University of Guyana against Melanie Patriots in an Open Division matchup at 20:00h, while the final matchup will witness Knights tackling Eagles from 22:00h in an Open Division showdown.

Asafa Powell ran the fastest 100m in the world this year, clocking 9.84 seconds at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston on Saturday.

The former world record holder, 32, who served a drugs ban last year, beat American Ryan Bailey (9.93) and fellow Jamaican Nesta Carter (9.98).

It was his best time in five years.

US Olympic champion Sanya Richards-Ross ran the first sub-50 seconds of 2015 in the women’s 400m, ahead of Britain’s Christine Ohuruogu who finished fifth. Powell, who has a best of

9.72 for the 100m, was suspended from competition in April 2014 after testing positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the 2013 Jamaican national championships. He claimed not to have knowingly taken a banned substance and argued the results came from a contaminated version of a legal supplement. In July, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban from 18 months to six, clearing him to compete again immediately.

Powell, Bailey and Carter became the first three men to break 10 seconds in 2015. (BBC Sport)

Persaud wins Crown Mining Supplies golf tournament

Patanjalee “Pur” Persaud, one of the Managing Directors of Crown Mining Supplies, won the golf tournament sponsored by the company on Sunday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Out of a field of some 42 golfers, Persaud took the lead by the 15th hole and was well on his way to victory.

“By the 15th hole, I said to myself if I was going to place second, third, or fourth, I would stand down and give place to another golfer. But when I understood that I was first I decided to accept the prize, because there is that something so much more special about a first place! And today’s game was very challenging. I knew as I played my last hole that at least three other golfers could have turned in better scores.

“This keen competition has made accepting the

prize even more significant for me!” Persaud stated.

The winners at the exciting tournament were as follow: Best Net – Pur Persaud 66/23; second –Kalyan Tiwari 68/16; third – Mahendra Bhagwandin

68/24; and fourth –

Bholawram Deo 69/16.

The Best Gross prize –71/2 – was won by Avinash Persaud; the Longest Drive award was won by Shanella Webster, and Nearest to the Pin (1.8 m or 6ft) was

Bholawram Deo. A Most Honest Golfer prize was awarded to Club Public Relations Officer (PRO)/ Secretary Guy Griffith who played 101/28.

Managing Director Mahendra Persaud in his

congratulatory speech to the winners and all who participated and supported Crown Mining’s sponsorship, pointed out that with the new product addition to Crown Mining Supplies – the Parsun Outboard mo-

tor, which was the product that sponsored Saturday’s tournament – there is likely to be either greater involvement in the next golf tournament or possibly two tournaments instead of one for the year.

M Persaud was grateful the company was able to contribute towards the prestigious sport of golfing in Guyana, and assured the listeners of continuing support for the sport. A significant feature was that each golfer was given a Crown Mining 20th Anniversary haversack with some golf goodies inside.

Club President David Mohamad expressed gratitude on behalf of the Lusignan Golf Club and also thanked the press who were present for their continued support and good news coverage of the activities at the Golf Club. The day’s event ended with warm refreshments.