Guyana Times Daily - November 29, 2014

Protesting Bosai employees given deadline to resume duties

Cash in jet case

Khamraj Lall has legitimate businesses in New Jersey, Guyana

...to be charged for not declaring funds

By Bhisham mohamed

Businessman Khemraj

Lall is likely to be charged on Monday after he was arrested by US law enforcement authorities in Puerto Rico following the discovery of US$620,000 on board his private jet en route to Guyana, which was not declared to Customs officials.

On Friday, the Guyana Times contacted the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Puerto Rico. An official there confirmed that Lall was an inmate at the facility.

He could not say exactly when the businessman and pilot was expected to be charged. The official could not say what was the nature of the charges filed against the businessman.

During a telephone interview, the official stated that there was a possibility that Lall might make a court appearance on Monday taking into consideration the Thanksgiving celebrations on

Thursday and Friday in the country.

This newspaper learnt too that upon his arrest, the 47-year-old businessman told officials in Puerto Rico that the US$620,000 was his money that he had accumulated from his businesses.

The officials, however, did not buy the story since it was illegal to transport more than US$10,000 out of the United States without declaring same.

Guyana Times understands that after the discovery, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) conducted several searches at the home of the businessman in Long Island, USA.

It is also expected that there will be searches of his business here while others abroad will be scrutinised thoroughly.

It is also believed that a team of investigators could be travelling to Guyana to also work with law enforcement

authorities here on the case.

Speaking with Ramesh Dookoo, Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he stated that any aircraft, private or domestic, is subjected to scrutiny.

He said that passengers are also subject to searches conducted by the Custom AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and Police as well as pass through immigration for screening.

Dookoo added that in the case of Lall’s aircraft, they are also searched on arrival and departure.

He said that he was aware that the hangar that was being built by the businessman was near completion and as such was not operational. Once it becomes operable, law enforcement officers will be dispatched to the location.

He, however, noted that the lease for Lall to operate out of Guyana was approved by Cabinet when it was tabled for discussion by the Public Works and Transport Minister, Robeson Benn.

As such, Lall had to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which include security, immigration and other searches.

Businesses

Lall is a well- established businessman who owns the Exec Jet Club located at Gainesville Regional Airport (KGNV).

Apart from that, he is the owner of KLX Logistics Inc, a trucking business located in Jersey City, since 1992.

In 1997, he purchased a gas station now known as the Kaylee’ Service Station located at Coverden, East Bank Demerara.

As part of his expansion project, he started up a limousine and trucking service here as well.

It was during his stop in Puerto Rico that US Customs Officers reportedly became suspicious and the aircraft he was piloting was promptly grounded by airport authorities.

While on the ground, the officers reportedly asked Lall to report how much cash he was carrying.

However, Lall, who was travelling with his father and the pilot of the aircraft, is believed to have initially said only US$5000 between him and his father, but later allegedly said they had US$12,000.

On closer inspection of the plane, officers found US$150,000 wrapped in plastic bags and a blanket under

an exit seat.

As the search continued, several black garbage bags with another US$470,000 in cash were found in a compartment near the engine. Lall reportedly admitted that all the money was his and that his father knew nothing about it.

Lall migrated to the US some 30 years ago in pursuit of his dreams in aviation.

He graduated from the College of Aeronautics with a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology and Engineering, and later obtained his pilot’s licence.

He has been flying since 1994 and holds a PIC (PilotIn-Command) type rating approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He worked for Pan American Airlines as an Engineer for five years until the operation was closed in 1991.

For the past 15 years, he has been freelancing with Ringwood Airport in New Jersey as a flight instructor. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

APNU undermining public safety, security – AG

By Michael younge

Executive

Central

Member of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Anil Nandlall says Opposition Leader David Granger and his coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) continue to undermine public safety and security by their non-support for critical legislative and non-legislative measures taken by the Donald Ramotar administration to fight crime and criminality.

Nandlall, who is also Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, speaking with the Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Friday, explained that a close examination of Granger’s rhetoric and the actions of the APNU on several security matters would reveal vast inconsistencies.

He maintained that while Granger appeared knowledgeable of the challenges faced in Government’s quest to maintain law and order, there seems to be a deliberate attempt on the APNU’s part to undermine and frustrate efforts at the parliamentary level aimed at reducing crime.

Public safety

Nandlall’s comments come in the wake of calls by the David Granger-led Opposition for Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee to resign. On Friday, Granger criticized the Donald Ramotar administration, claiming that it was not doing enough to improve human and public safety.

The Opposition Leader maintained that there was a need for the Government to take stock of the alleged deterioration of the security sector since the appointment of Rohee as General Secretary.

Granger through his party continued to advocate for widespread reforms to deal with piracy, human and arms trafficking, robbery under arms and a host of other serious crimes.

“The public posture and pronouncements from Mr Granger are neither new nor novel. These are positions

which he has advocated as a member of the Disciplined Forces Commission of which I was also a member,” Nandlall remarked.

He said that similar statements have been made by Granger over the last four years since he was appointed leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR), Chairman of APNU and Opposition Leader.

“My query is, are those public pronouncements and positions consistent with actions taken by Mr Granger and the political grouping which he leads. An examination of the actions of Mr Granger and the APNU would in my view, will lead to the inescapable conclusion that those pronouncements are mere rhetoric,” he said.

Track record

Nandlall urged Guyanese to examine the track record of the APNU and PNCR over the last decade and match it with the pronouncements they have been in support for improvements in public security and safety.

He recalled that while Granger says he supports equipping the security forces with the necessary resources, the APNU still voted against comprehensive reforms measures that were unveiled by the Home Affairs Ministry.

The PPP/C Executive recalled how the APNU used

the National Assembly as the place to launch a well orchestrated attack on key law enforcement agencies time and time again.

He stated that while Granger seeks to mount himself on a pedestal and is a self-proclaimed security expert, the APNU voted against the Government’s Firearm Amendments Bill when it was first presented in parliament.

He also pointed this newspaper to the fact that the APNU which boasts about the need to fight drug trafficking and mon-

ey laundering voted against Guyana’s internationally accepted Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment (AML/CFT) Bill.

Nandlall also recalled APNU's criticisms of Government’s decision to establish a SWAT Unit within the Guyana Police Force to fight organized crime.

That aside, APNU had raised concern over the fact that Government was not doing enough to prosecute drug lords and drug traffickers but continues to allow key and senior members of its parliamentary corps and political party to work on behalf of these criminal elements.

In fact, the PPP/C in a press statement on Thursday condemned the APNU’s silence on the suspended sentencing secured

by Leonard Bacchus who pleaded guilty to trafficking over 167 pounds of cocaine worth $300 million, who was represented by its sitting Member of Parliament James Bond.

Another senior PPP/C Executive also reminded the Guyana Times of the APNU/PNCR's past which saw Granger being photographed next to Agricola resident Kevin Fields who was gunned to death after robbing a businessman this year.

Additionally, the Executive recalled the APNU/PNCR’s alleged links to criminal elements that took occupancy in Buxton and launched a vicious attack on that community and several law enforcement agencies.

He reminded also of the alleged involvement of the PNCR and a prominent Attorney-at-Law in the disappearance of evidence and footage of a murder at an East Coast Demerara gas station.

Tape recordings

“We cannot forget the tape recordings of a conversation between Winston Felix and Basil Williams.

"They wanted to plant drugs on an innocent woman who they felt had committed some ill against the party,” the Executive said.

The Executive maintained that nothing Granger says or does will erase the images of the PNCR and its leaders odraping Linden 'Blackie' London's coffin with the Guyana flag after he wreaked havoc on the citizenry of this country.

On this note, Nandlall echoed similar sentiments by reminding Granger and APNU that one can say anything and articulate any position to secure votes and stir up public mischief to bring embarrassment to a Government, but talk is cheap.

"Our Government remains confident in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people to know who is by their side. They know that we are and will continue to be," said Nandlall.

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

The National Youth Policy

The nation was once again promised that the National Youth Policy, which was supposed to be finalized some years ago, would be implemented soon. In an interview with this publication, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, confirmed that the United Nations has agreed to fund the programme, and the Ministry was now waiting on the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to finalise the process.

This is indeed good news, not only for Guyanese youth, but for all citizens. Certainly, when there are avenues being created for youth advancement, both at the community and national levels, it becomes easier for young people to become more progressive and forward thinking.

This newspaper has made calls for a National Youth Policy to be implemented, as such a facility was important for the interests of youths to be advanced. The world is facing many often overlapping crises, including financial, security, environmental, and other socio-economic challenges hindering the achievement of the internationally-agreed development goals.

Investing in and partnering with youth is key to addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner. The international community has placed a lot of emphasis on youth development and empowerment, and has been working with national governments to ensure that policies are designed and implemented in this regard.

Youth should be given a chance to play an active role in the decision-making at local, national and global levels. Progressive countries in the world have strong systems for engaging youth in policy formation and in creating or altering programmes designed to support youth.

One of the most effective ways to create a sense of belonging and give youth a voice is through national and local youth councils which aim to create platforms for young people to discuss and debate relevant issues and influence policy decisions. The National Youth Policy would seek to create a framework where such engagement could take place.

It is perhaps the missing link between the state of hopelessness that is hovering over young people and their ability to make more meaningful contributions to the growth and development of Guyana.

We are very pleased that the issue is once again engaging the minds of the policy makers; and it is hoped that this time around, the authorities will take all the necessary steps to ensure that there is no further delays in ensuring the process comes to finality.

The aim of the National Youth Policy is to respond to the challenges facing young people in Guyana, while creating opportunities for them to further transform their lives through equitable access to education, housing, health services, and economic opportunities. The Policy will be complemented by a strategic implementation plan, inclusive of a monitoring and evaluation framework that identifies clear activities, actions, goals, and timelines.

Many persons have contended that the delayed release of the Policy and similar situations jeopardise the outstanding work done by the Government over the last 22 years to advance the interests of youth in the areas of health, education and sport. It also sends the wrong message to young people, who have been eagerly awaiting the impact of Government policy that would have emanated from their direct input.

That aside, this newspaper has taken note of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry staging its first youth award ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations as it relates to youth work. We applaud this initiative and call for this event to be an annual one.

Initiatives such as these, would seek, not only seek to award persons and organizations for the excellent work they are doing in making a difference in the lives of young people here, but will serve to motivate others to get involved in creating an environment where we can raise more responsible, educated and well-rounded young people.

Guyana must therefore take the necessary steps and join with other progressive countries in implementing an effective National Youth Policy that would seek to advance the interest of its younger population.

Guyanese Americans lobby for support, immigration reform

Dear Editor,

A week ago, President Obama issued a Presidential decree that would allow ‘undocumented’ (illegal) immigrants who have been living in the US for more than five years to apply for temporary work permits. Only those living in the US prior to 2010 will be eligible.

Thousands of Guyanese would benefit from the decree and not surprisingly almost every Guyanese I interviewed, indeed almost every immigrant in America, welcomes the Presidential act viewing it as a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas gift.

A few of us have been persistently advocating for such an act or a law granting amnesty since under the Bush Presidency. I attended numerous rallies in support of immigration reform and wrote several articles on the subject.

Guyanese Chuck Mohan (a true champion of progressive causes) was seen at numerous rallies, in fact virtually all of them that were held in the city. My fellow colum-

nists Dhanpaul Narine, Tara Singh and Felicia Persaud wrote in favor of reform.

Vishnu Mahadeo and Chuck were at the Randall Islands rally a few years back joining Progressives calling for immigration reform. Vishnu and a car load of Guyanese from Richmond Hill drove from New York to Washington to lobby members of Congress to act on reform. Letters were sent to the President.

The President had promised reform during his candidacy and we backed him. I was out on the campaign trail for him in 2008 and 2012 and made phone calls through my teachers’ union over weeks convincing people to vote for him. So naturally we are pleased with the Presidential order although we would have preferred comprehensive reform and amnesty.

Under Obama’s Executive Order, eligible illegal immigrants will have to file an application, pass background checks (not accused of or committed criminal offenses), and pay a fee plus taxes. The

work permit will be for three years. It is not clear what will happen after the permit expires. But it is likely to be extended as happened with previous order.

The eligible applicants will not have a path to citizenship, but will be eligible for family sponsorship for green cards. Potential presidential candidates have lined up behind their party’s position. Hillary Clinton is supporting President Obama’s order while Jeb Bush, from the “Good Old Party” of the Republicans, is opposed to it.

After his Presidential announcement, House Republican Speaker John Boehner has charged the President with acting “like a king or emperor.” Boehner claims the presidential decision poisons the atmosphere for collaboration on legislative issues.

The Republicans will control Congress from January and the President needs their votes to pass bills. Boehner said the Presidential decree will prevent Republican legis-

lators and Obama from working together on a comprehensive immigration policy. If the Republicans were serious about passing a bill to clean up the immigration mess, they would have done so already. They had several opportunities over the last decade since under Bush Jr. The Republicans are engaged in a delaying tactic to kill immigration reform because it would benefit so many minorities – over 90 percent of the estimated five million are minorities. There is contention about whether the President has the power to issue such an order (or decree); previous Presidents have done it. Republicans say they would challenge the order in court. But because the Republicans would not want to offend minorities (Hispanics and Asians, in particular), potential recruits to the Republican Party, and who the party needs to win the next Presidential election, they may not go to court.

Several Police ranks responded to help man drowning in canal

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in KN on November 27, under the headline, “Police offer no help to drowning man –La Penitence residents say”.

The Guyana Police Force wishes to clarify that at about 18:40h on November 26, a female resident of the East La Penitence Squatting Area reported to the Police at the East La Penitence Police Station that an un-

identified man of East Indian descent was in the canal south of the station and shouting for “help”.

Several Police ranks including a Subordinate Officer responded. With the use of flashlights, as it was dark, and assistance from residents of the community who were met at the scene, the Police made efforts to locate the man in the canal.

However, their efforts were unsuccessful, even though a member of the

community also went into the canal and carried out a search. The body of the so far unidentified was recovered in the canal at about 07:00h on November 28, and is at the Lyken Funeral Parlour. Investigations are in progress.

Sincerely, Ivelaw Whittaker Public Relations and Press Officer

What criteria

does

IACHR use when dealing with complaints?

Dear Editor, It comes as no surprise to me, that the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) would prematurely issue precautionary measures to the Government of Guyana over the impugned recording that was attributed to the Attorney General (AG), even before the Government was given the opportunity to be heard.

It also comes as no surprise that the request for precautionary measures was facilitated by Mr. Christopher Ram who happens to be one of the attorneys-at-law representing Kaieteur News. In a quest to perpetually have on their front page scandalous and misinformed news about the Attorney General to placate their agenda the Kaieteur News has been enlisting the help of international bodies known for their partiality.

The IACHR should state what are the criteria and principles by which they are guided when dealing with a complaint, because it is obviously not in keeping with recognized concerns of fairness, due process and natural justice.

I say this because the IACHR has said definitively based only on the information that was provided to them by the lawyer for Kaieteur News, that among other things the “Kaieteur News journal are in a serious and urgent situation since their lives and personal integrity face imminent risk of irreparable harm… In the present situation, the Commission considers that the requirement of seriousness is met, in light of the alleged threat expressed

against the lives and personal integrity of the Kaieteur News personnel, within the framework of their right to freedom of expression.”

For a Commission to make such reckless assertions without examining the information from both sides is as I said not surprising, since it was this same body that made such a misinformed decision before.

In the 2012 Linden shooting, it was the same IACHR that came out with a similar, impulsive and capricious statement holding the Guyana Police Force (GPF) responsible for the shooting. This premature finding of theirs which was obviously made without hearing the other side, contrary to the rules of natural Justice, was later debunked by an International Commission of Inquiry that could not connect the shooting to the GPF after hearing the facts of the case objectively.

The same position is being adopted here. It begs the question, whose interests is the IACHR representing? I am forced to ask the question especially, since the AG’s public statement that he made concerning the impugned recording was ignored completely.

Had they been truly impartial as they claim they would’ve factored in the AG’s public statement, where he claimed the he was having a private informal conversation with a long standing acquaintance whom he trusted, but unbeknownst to him the conversation was taped, distorted and released publicly without his permission.

The IACHR should know about the severity with

which the privacy of one’s communication is protected. It is protected by the US Constitution, the UN Convention and Charter on Human Rights, in addition to the Canadian and OAS Charters. However, not a word about the invasion of privacy and breach of trust was ever spoken by the IACHR despite the seriousness of its nature. Which civilized system of law or legal system would condone such conduct, which system of journalistic ethics will find such conduct acceptable?

Additionally, I would like to know which Principle of Law, Country of Law or System of Law did the IACHR apply to determine that threats were made by the Attorney General, on the impugned recording, to the lives of any person attached to the Kaieteur News?

I recall in his public statement the Attorney General said “I wish to state clearly and unequivocally, that I am unaware of any planned violence or extra-judicial sanction against any individual, journalist or any newspaper. Indeed, in my own case I have filed legal proceedings and have every confidence in our judicial system to conduct a fair and open hearing and to deliver justice at the end.”

Unless the IACHR can address these issues, I would advise the Government, the people of Guyana and indeed, the entire region to disregard the statements emanating from this body which is supposed to be impartial.

Yours sincerely, Faruk Mohamed

Guyanese Americans...

The Republicans say they will take actions to block the President’s initiative. They are also threatening a possible shut down of the Government and withholding funding, but the President does not need funding for bureaucrats to carry out the order. Besides, shutting down the Government will hurt the Republicans as such action did in the past; the Republicans have learned from those mistakes. The Republicans are also talking of impeaching the President for taking action that they feel violates the Constitution.

But they are not like-

ly to go down that road because the Constitution allows the President to issue Executive Orders just like how the Guyana Constitution allows the President to prorogue Parliament; previous Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush, Sr and Ronald Reagan all took executive actions on immigration reform. In fact, cooperation between the White House and Congress may result from the decree. So instead of killing immigration reform, the Presidential decree may very well impel the republicans to pass a bill on comprehensive immigration reform.

The PNC methods of instilling fear have not changed

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not surprised at Opposition Leader David Granger’s recent statements that, if he and his Party were to become the Administration, he would punish persons “who have been alleged to have committed illegal or criminal acts”.

The PPP/C is quite certain that Mr Granger is referring to persons in the PPP/C Administrations, past and present, who he and his Opposition colleagues allege to have committed wrongdoings.

The Party notes too that Mr Granger is fixated on immediate past President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. What is glaring from a recent interview (as reported in the SN on November 21) is that Mr Granger indicated he will go on a witch hunt, and through his lynch mob, would throw due process out the window.

This warning and threat the PPP/C takes seriously as this is not the first time the leaders of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Perople’s National Congress (PNC) have issued such threats to Guyanese who have given yeoman service to Guyana and most recently, against potential investors.

Only on November 10, Granger’s and APNU’s shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge issued serious threats to Indian and Chinese businesses in an effort to frighten investors.

Such threats not only put investments for job creation at risk, but clearly expose the hypocritical nature of the PNC. It must be recalled that during the last elector-

from page 4

A bill was passed in the Senate and has been languishing in the House for 15 months. Previous bills were killed by Republicans who had controlled the Legislature. If the Republicans act on immigration reform, they could pick up enough support in swing states to win the next Presidential election.

Polls favour immigration reform. As of now, Hillary Clinton is in the lead to win the Democratic nomination as well as defeat any Republican contender. The nomination contest is thirteen months away and the general election 23 months

away. Supporters of the bill say the Executive decree will add over US$200 billion to the coffers and it will help to weed out the unwantedand keep families together – goals of the Republicans. Besides, America has been built by immigrants and allowing deserving illegals to stay in the US is the right thing. Guyanese and other immigrants are watching the Republicans move as they they support the President on reform.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

al campaign, leaders of that Party articulated position to attract investors and accused the Government of not doing enough to encourage foreign investments.

These irresponsible sentiments expressed are further demonstrative of the PNC’s inability to change and its engrained proclivity to fool Guyanese.

Both Mr Granger and Mr Greenidge are not only using their positions to whip up xenophobic hysteria, but are signaling that if ever they were to become the Administration, they would unleash vengeance against anyone they perceive to be associated with the PPP/C and the PPP/C Administration.

Given the history of that Party, these threats can only be seen as tantamount to the Demerara River flowing red with blood should the APNU and PNC come to power.

Clearly, the PNC methods of instilling fear have not changed. These threats were not confined to what was already alluded to, but extended by PNC bloggers who have called on local businesses to put up signs that the PPP/C must go.

Failure by these businesses to comply with the PNC threats would result in a boy-

cott which that Party would advocate. This can only be seen as blatant extortion by a political Party which claims to have the interest of people at heart; again another example of wanton hypocrisy.

Unlike Mr Granger and APNU’s stance of punishment without due process, when the PPP/C came to office in 1992, it demonstrated a profound sense of responsibility and called for unity, national healing and reconciliation.

The PPP/C could have chose the path of recrimination but we chose to harness the talents and abilities of all and give people the opportunity to feel part of the positive change that the PPP/C victory ushered in with the dawn of a new era.

Undoubtedly, under the PNC, many crimes were committed, including rigged elections, murders, racial discrimination, etc.

The PPP/C reminds all Guyanese to listen and look closely at the utterances coming from the Opposition camps. These utterances are once again exposing the true and old colours of the PNC.

Submitted by PPP/C Freedom House

Page Foundation

Emile Ouamouno was just two years old and living in the remote Guinean village of Meliandou when he began suffering from a fever, headache and bloody diarrhoea.

In December 2013, despite his family’s best efforts, the young boy died – followed

By Harley a rotBart, MD

than I normally would have.

gratitude.

markets to sell their products, and the deadly virus was able to smoulder undetected across unsuspecting communities for three months.

Early on, hospitals quickly became Ebola incubators as health workers and doctors who believed they were dealing with cholera or Lassa fever, a much less deadly haemorrhagic virus prevalent in the region, fell ill after treating patients.

within days by his three-yearold sister Philomene and their pregnant mother Sia.

This was the start of an Ebola outbreak so devastating that it would kill more than 5000 people in a year, leave hundreds of children orphaned and affect thousands more.

The village of Meliandou sits deep within the Guinean forest region, surrounded by towering reeds and oil

palm cultivations – these are believed to have attracted the fruit bats carrying the virus passed onto Emile. In a pattern that has come to characterise the spread of this deadly virus as it tears into close-knit communities, Ebola infected village health workers before spreading to nearby districts.

But the first few deaths failed to set off any alarm bells. Meliandou is isolated. It is two hours to the nearest city on a difficult road and people are accustomed to endemic diseases with early symptoms mimicking those of Ebola.

Add to that a porous land border, with many people regularly crossing into Liberia and Sierra Leone in search of

Of the first 15 deaths documented in the New England Medical Journal’s analysis tracing the current Ebola outbreak, four were health staff.

Transforming tradition into transmission

As grieving relatives gathered to bury their loved ones, one funeral turned into many.

Across the region, the ritual preparation of bodies for burial involves washing, touching and kissing, with funerals often attracting large numbers of mourners from nearby districts.

These rituals simply helped the disease to spread.

US doctor William Fischer, who worked in Guinea over the summer, said that by “transforming tradition into transmission”, Ebola managed to spread by attacking the fabric of West African society.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Wouldn’t it be awesome if your child appreciated everything she has in her life, and not just on Thanksgiving? These tips will help you raise a child who is grateful yearround.

Guilt was a powerful appetite stimulant during my childhood. I have vivid memories of sitting at our kitchen table, vegetables untouched, and hearing my mother say, “Clean your plate. There are kids starving in China.” When I became a parent, I vowed not to use guilt to teach our children to be grateful for the food on their plate. Or, for that matter, for the clothes in their closet. However, we all have our low moments.

“Which is your favourite shirt?” I asked her. Then I took that shirt and my daughter’s hand, and led her to the car. We drove to a nearby Goodwill store and I pulled up to the donation station. “This is the place to give clothes to little girls who are less fortunate than you and who would be thrilled to have the clothes in your closet,” I said. We got out of the car and I made my

My daughter was seven and having a wardrobe meltdown. Nothing she tried on was right, and the other girls all had cuter clothes. Everyone would laugh at her if she wore that outfit again. It happened to be bad timing for me: I’d had a particularly stressful period at work at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where my patients and their families were experiencing true life crises. So on that day, I reached my breaking point with her sooner

baby give away her favourite shirt to the nice Goodwill man at the curb, despite the fact that she was sobbing.

I immediately regretted how I’d handled the situation, and I am still haunted by that memory. Years ago, my daughter promised that she’d forgiven me -- and she has blossomed into a truly appreciative and giving young adult (my bias acknowledged). But ever since that infamous “Shirt Affair,” I’ve been on a quest to find less draconian parenting strategies that can help children develop

We know the predictable milestones of childhood -- a baby progresses from rolling over to crawling, to standing, and finally to walking. From babbling to first words, to full sentences, to adolescent back talk. But unlike other physical and behavioural development, a child’s gratefulness –appreciating what he has –actually seems to regress as he gets older. Infants need only cuddling, rocking, a clean diaper, milk, loving smiles, and perhaps a colourful rattle in order to be content. Older babies take delight in each stair they climb on their own, or in a game of peekaboo, and are often more excited by the gift box and wrapping paper than by the toy inside.

However, toddlers demand more than the simple pleasures of life, and they naturally begin to demonstrate their independence (“I do it myself!”), defiance (“No!”), and possessiveness (“Mine!”). And just as they are asserting themselves and testing their power to persuade, their exposure to product marketing soars – so that their ageappropriate self-centredness evolves into needing more and appreciating less. I remember one Sunday morning when our children were little and we put them in front of the TV so we could steal a few extra minutes of sleep. Before long, our youngest, then two, came toddling into our room singing, “I want Froot Loops, I want Froot Loops!” We had never served Froot Loops in our house. Sure enough, his siblings confirmed that they had just watched a Froot Loops commercial. And so it started.

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) estimates that a typical child may see thousands of ads every day, including those on television, the Internet, and billboards. Although the AAP discourages any screen time for kids under age two, entertainment media isn’t the only source of temptation. The check-out line at the supermarket positions candy and trinkets at children’s eye level. And once they start school, kid-to-kid marketing makes children more aware of all the cool things that their friends have.

Fortunately, it’s not inevitable that your children will become needy and demanding -- nor is it irreversible if they’re already headed down that road. These strategies will help you teach them to be thankful for the many blessings in their life.

(Excerpt from parenting.com)

Media unfair to Jagdeo – Ombudsman

... former President never fired Arjoon

By Jomo Paul

The media reports and sensationalisation of the contents of a recent leaked report compiled by the Office of the Ombudsman, to cast aspersions on the character and tenure of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, were extremely unfair to the former President.

This was the position of the Ombudsman, retired Judge Winston Moore, who contended that in all fairness, Jagdeo should have been given a chance to reply to the allegations before the media crusade against him started.

The crusade was done mainly on the part of the controversial Kaieteur News, which reported that President Jagdeo had a hand in the 2007 New Building Society (NBS) $69.9 million fraud and he was responsible for the subsequent firing of several staff members.

These included then Chief Executive Officer Maurice Arjoon, who is also the man behind the accusations thrown at the former President.

Arjoon, Assistant Mortgage Manager Kissoon Baldeo and Operations Manager Kent Vincent, along with fellow employees Ashley Legall, Imran Khan and Amrita Prashad, and Mohanram Shahebudin were charged in connection with the fraud at the financial institution.

The report claimed that the former President was enraged as a result of him not being able to acquire a loan for the now completed Berbice River Bridge. As a result of this, it was alleged that he “ordered” that Arjoon, who had in part been responsible for denying the loan, be fired from his position.

Justice Moore, addressing a group of journalists at a press conference at the Cara Lodge, Georgetown, on Friday morning, said that the findings from his report in no way insinuated that Jagdeo played any role in the outcome of the investigations of fraud against several NBS employees.

Moore explained that the articles were brought to his attention by some of his staff and he has since held the view that there was an imbalance on the reporting of the issue especially as it relates to the former President.

“I saw one headline referring to the former President firing somebody over the Berbice River Bridge; I thought that, that was unfair. Because that was what Mr Arjoon was alleging... I made no such finding concerning the former President,” Justice Moore said during the press conference, adding that “I remember that particular headline that was in my opinion extremely unfair”.

In fact, Moore’s report said: “I refrain from stat-

Dr Gopaul files $50M lawsuit against Ombudsman

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul took to the High Court on Wednesday, filing a $50 million lawsuit against the Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, claiming that he had no authority to investigate the termination of former Chief Executive Officer of the New Building Society (NBS), Maurice Arjoon.

Last week, a report was leaked of an investigation conducted by Justice Moore into the termination of Arjoon and two other senior managers of the bank, Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo, back in 2007, following the discovery of a major fraud.

In the 25-page report, the Ombudsman claimed that “wrongful” charges had been made out against the trio reportedly committed in late 2006. After their termination, the men had challenged the decision in the High Court and the matter is currently ongoing.

Dr Gopaul is claiming in excess of $50 million for damages. He is further asking for the defendant to make a declaration that he (Moore) was “arbitrary, not objective, partial and/or biased” in the report.

The Labour Minister

added that Justice Moore, in compiling the report, is in breach of Article 192 of the Constitution and the Ombudsman Act Chapter 19:04 and has, in fact, violated and infringed on the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs in parts of Chapter Two and Three of the Constitution.

Dr Gopaul is also seeking the court’s intervention for a prerogative order, or alternatively an injunction, “precluding and restraining the defendant from making any further statement, comment on the termination of the services of the plaintiffs’ employees or from exceeding the limits of his legitimate sphere of action and/or compelling him to act to ensure the full measure of justice to the plaintiffs”.

Additionally, the court document detailed that a declaration be issued that if “assuming but not admitting that the defendant had such authority, he failed and/ or neglected to observe the principles of natural justice and the Common Law”. It went on to say that a declaration should be made to reflect that the Ombudsman has no authority to comment, by the way of public statements, on a matter that is sub juice.

ing any finding on anything allegedly said by Former President Bharrat Jagdeo. I can only observe that persons who hold high offices and are burdened with weighty affairs of state ... need to be very careful what they say in expressing frustration...”

Some of the other persons implicated in the alleged cover-up included Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul; and Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack.

Report not attack on President Further, Moore contended that the report he compiled was not done to attack the NBS. He made it clear that

his report dealt with the prosecution of the accused persons and in particular, the complainant.

A direct quote from the report reads: “Without intending any disrespect to anyone, I would state that careless-

ness, most species of negligence, foolhardiness or even stupidity are not the standard of proof of guilt for a criminal offence. I do not hereby state any finding or conclusion that anyone at NBS should be blamed for any of these... I have no jurisdiction to pronounce on the action of the NBS Board in firing the managers and I, therefore, refrain from comment.”

He told reporters that he had “nothing against NBS”, articulating his point that his report was not against the company but, in fact, the manner in which the trial commenced and concluded.

With respect to the issue of sub judice in relation to current court proceedings, Justice Moore pointed out that the report in effect revealed several things that were not previous-

ly known and he did not see how that can be referred to as sub judice.

He contended that he was unaware that the facts arrived at in the report could be used in a civil matter currently before the courts.

The Ombudsman’s press conference was called after several reports published in the Guyana Times questioned the authenticity of his report, his remit to act following the complaint by Arjoon, and the manner in which the investigation was conducted.

Some observers are asking why the Ombudsman procrastinated in condemning the publication of a confidential report, the sensationalisation and distortion of its contents, and the attacks on the former President.

saturDaY, november 29, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

New Georgetown traffic routes announced

The Guyana Police Force and the Public Works Ministry have announced a number of changes in Georgetown traffic routes effective December

1. According to a Public Works Ministry release, the Vlissengen Road Bridge at Crown Street will be oneway, east-bound; and the Vlissengen Road Bridge at Lance Gibbs Street will be one-way, west-bound.

“As a result, southbound traffic on Vlissengen Road that wish to access Queenstown will no longer be able to do so by turning right on the bridge at Crown Street, but rather must do so

at the next bridge, that is, at Lance Gibbs Street.

“Likewise, north-bound traffic on Irving Street and east-bound traffic on Lance Gibbs Street that wish to access Bel Air will no longer be able to do so at the Bridge at Lance Gibbs Street,” the release said.

These measures will help to reduce congestion, conflicts and delays at the Crown Street and Lance Gibbs Street bridges and provide for safer road traffic operations, the Ministry noted.

Motorists are asked to be vigilant and look out for the No Entry and No Right Turn Signs.

OPR investigating death of Meten-Meer-Zorg man

The Guyana Police Force said an investigation has been launched by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) into the death of Asif Rahim Khatoon.

Khatoon died days after an alleged beating from the Police while en route to Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara.

Khatoon, 38, of Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, suc-

cumbed to his injuries on Thursday at his home.

In a release, Police stated that the now dead man was arrested on Saturday, November 22 following investigations into a report that he had allegedly assaulted his reputed wife, Sursattie Chandrapaul.

During efforts to arrest him, the Police claimed that he resisted but was eventually subdued and taken to the

Leonora Police Station. At the station, he made no complaints against the arresting ranks.

At the Leonora Station, Khatoon was kept on the bench handcuffed to another man in custody whom he later reported had allegedly assaulted him.

He was subsequently taken to the Parika Police Station where he was kept in the lockup. He was charged

with assault and brought to the Leonora Police Station on Monday, November 24, to attend the Magistrate’s Court.

While at Leonora, his reputed wife reported that Khatoon was allegedly beaten by the Police and as a consequence, he was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen by a doctor.

Govt used Lall’s private jet on three occasions, all paid for

The Government of Guyana on Friday confirmed that it had contracted the services of Exec Jet Club on three occasions to transport delegations led by President Donald Ramotar to official state business overseas.

This statement came in light of recent media reports which alleged that there was

a breach of Federal Customs regulations of the United States of America by Exec Jet Club owned by Guyanese Pilot Khamraj Lall. The release from the Government also stated that on all occasions, payments were rendered for the charter of the aircraft by the Exec Jet Club in Guyana. Only recently, President

Ramotar dismissed malicious reports about him and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo travelled on one of the jets belonging to Lall together.

The reports were all erroneous and seemed to be targeting Jagdeo for reasons only those writing the articles would know.

When contacted, Ramotar

himself stated that contrary to the reports, he and former President Jagdeo have never been on a private jet together to the US island of Puerto Rico or neighbouring Brazil.

Observers said there appeared to be perennial efforts aimed at dragging Jagdeo’s name into matters that he had absolutely no knowledge of, or any interest in.

Eyew tness

BLACK...

...Friday??

This Eyewitness is never failed to be amazed at the capacity of his Guyanese brothers and sisters for “copying and cogging”. Maybe it’s because of the “colonial mentality” that imbued so much self-hate and disdain for things local. But Jeez...you’d think with 50 years of Independence around the corner, things would begin to wane! No? Well...NO!

Take this sudden deluge of ads in the papers for “Black Friday” sales by several of the major Georgetown businesses. They’re imitating the SALES MADNESS following the quintessential American festival of Thanksgiving. There were, of course, Thanksgiving celebrations in Guyana also.

The Americans are giving thanks for landing in what became their USA after they drove off the Indigenous Peoples. They even wrote a book about those folks - Last of the Mohicans! What’s our excuse??

But it’s the “Black Friday” sales by our Georgetown businesses that stick in this Eyewitness’ craw. It’s clear they’re suffering from historical amnesia about BLACK FRIDAY in Georgetown - which occurred on February 16, 1962. What’s even more incredible is that original Black Friday occurred in a political climate eerily similar to the one today. The PNC’s being aided, abetted and provoked by the smaller Opposition party (now the AFC, then the UF) to remove the PPP/C Government by any means necessary.

On that fateful 1962 Friday, following a walkout from Parliament by the PNC and UF, aided and abetted by the CIA - which worked through the Trades Union Congress - the two parties unleashed race riots in the City that resulted in most Indian businesses burnt to the ground. In the words of the Wynn Parry report, “In all, 56 premises were destroyed by fire, 87 were damaged of which 66 were also looted. The total loss occasioned has been assessed at BWI$11,405,236”. Today, this’d be over $9 billion!!

After the Parliament walkout, Dr Jagan had predicted the Opposition would precipitate riots and said, “These acts of violence are intended to secure the overthrow of the legally elected Government by force and the tax proposals in the budget are being used as a screen for the general plan”.

David Granger has always chosen to defend those burning of businesses in Georgetown because the PPP was “communist”. Today, his claim is that “the PPP/C is undemocratic”. Just as in 1962, the smaller AFC under Ramjattan and Nagamootoo are being the agent provocateurs to goad the PNC on.

We hope the historical amnesia of our businessmen does not encourage the political Opposition to repeat the real Black Friday. They might then have to throw a “fire sale” when it’s over!

...guards

Like all “smart flies”, Ramjattan and Nagamootoo have become caught in “cow’s backside”. Thinking that Berbicians don’t read newspapers, or listen to the news, they’ve been hunting with the hounds (the PNC) in Georgetown while running with the hares (Berbicians) in the Ancient County. Before the last elections, these two blackguards told Berbicians that if they were sent to Parliament, they’d work with either the PPP/C or the PNC - depending on whether their plans were good for the country.

But as we all know, from the word “Go!!” THE AFC HAS NEVER SUPPORTED A SINGLE INITIATIVE OF THE PPP/C’s - even when it benefitted Berbice directly. They’ve conspired at every turn with the PNC and even when the latter’s conscience pricked it, it has Ramjattan and Nagamootoo, who’ve stoked the fire of hate and dissension.

Berbicians have decided that “enough is enough”. But rather than making amends, Nagamootoo has just lashed out at this newspaper - a mere messenger. He can’t believe that he is now “dead meat” in Berbice.

...American human rights

Guyanese are following what’s going on over in the black-dominated US City of Ferguson. The US is fond of lecturing the rest of the world on human rights. They first ought to take the plank out of their own eyes!

Nagamootoo pledges to work with APNU against PPP/C

Contrary to what Alliance For Change (AFC) Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo recently told a news conference, that his party has agreed to work with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government (PPP/C), this small party has, since the 2011 elections campaign been working with the APNU when they campaigned in PPP/C areas to take away votes from the ruling party.

A Government official pointed out that the AFC did not campaign in APNU-supported Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) and other areas perceived to be highly supportive of the APNU, but in PPP/C support areas.

Nagamootoo told the media that “… we have decided to work with APNU and all other patriotic, political, business, labour, religious, human rights, women, youth… in a broad fight against the PPP minority regime.”

The official pointed out that the AFC’s intention all along was to support the APNU and has been doing just that. This is reflected in their support of

APNU in Parliament to yearly, cut the national budget, denying Guyana and Guyanese of further developments.

The AFC supported APNU to vote down the major transformational project, the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project which is seen as critical to the provision of cheaper energy and the development of a highly productive manufacturing sector.

The official stated that the AFC, as well voted against many critical pieces of legislation that are important to national development including the Anti-Money Laundering

and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, and the Customs Amendment Act.

The latter was voted down by the APNU with the support of the AFC. The Government had re-tabled the Customs (Amendment) Bill, which if passed, would have seen companies, both local and foreign paying taxes on non-returnable containers of alcoholic or non-alcoholic items.

The defeat of this Act resulted in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) giving a ruling in which Guyana had to repay Suriname-based beverage company Rudisa, US$6 million.

Then to cap it off, the AFC, in collusion with the APNU tabled a NoConfidence Motion in the National Assembly to bring down the PPP/C Government, and this motion was tabled since August and told to the nation much earlier.

The AFC too had stated that the APNU was supportive of its motion; hence, there is no doubt that all along the AFC was colluding with APNU to work against the PPP/C Government.

Guyana accepts Doha Amendment to Kyoto Protocol

The Government has taken a decision to accept the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol which was adopted by States Parties to the Protocol on December 8, 2012.

The Doha Amendment is considered a valuable part of the momentum for global climate action leading up to 2020 for reduced emission of greenhouse gases.

Among other things, it includes new commitments for parties to the Kyoto Protocol who agreed to take on commitments in a second commitment period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020, and a revised list of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) to be reported on by parties in the second commitment period, a release said.

Guyana’s acceptance of the Doha Amendment will not legally bind the country to take any action relating to reduced emissions since the amendment commits Annex I states, of which Guyana is not a member, to further reduce their CO2 emissions by 18 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

Guyana’s acceptance,

however, will exemplify the commitment of the Government to fighting climate change by adding to the number of acceptances needed to bring the amendment into force. Nineteen states have accepted the Doha Amendment to date, but Instruments of Acceptance must be received by the United Nations Secretary General from at least three-fourths of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol, that is, 144 acceptances must be received before the Doha Amendment can come into force. Accepting the protocol will also pave the way for further access by Guyana to funds under the Clean Development Mechanism and the Adaptation Fund under the Kyoto Protocol.

Guyana participated in the first period of commitment of the Kyoto Protocol which ran from 2008 to 2012. Under the Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Guyana Sugar Corporation benefited from funds provided for the Skeldon Bagasse Cogeneration Project.

The Government’s decision comes on the eve

More work needed on culverts, canals – Dr Luncheon

With areas in Guyana, particularly Georgetown experiencing regular flash floods, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said that canals and culverts need to be cleaned regularly in order to prevent floods.

Speaking at this week’s post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, Dr Luncheon said the Government has injected billions of dollars into the “Clean-up my Country” and “Clean-up Georgetown” projects; however, when there is flooding, dumped garbage are clogging the drains, thus preventing the free flow of water.

As such, he pointed out that more attention needs to be given to the maintenance of culverts and canals.

“Are we going to tell store owners move this big concrete bridge and open up those drains so that there is free flow or going to go to those culverts, clean them out, many of whom haven’t seen anything close to cleaning in decades. And cleaning the drains that lead to the culvert but sadly the culverts may not have attracted adequate attention in the free movement,” he stated.

While the clean-up campaigns are a good initiative and will help to prevent flooding, it is not a long-term solution to the problem because of recent; Guyana has been experiencing episodes of heavy rainfall.

The drainage system in Guyana, particularly in Georgetown, was not built to offtake the amount of rainfall experienced today, which is linked to a change in climate patterns.

On this noted, Dr Luncheon was asked whether Government has considered seeking international assistance in reviewing the City’s drainage system.

He said local experts know where the problem lies and until Guyana has exhausted its national resources, it will not be moving beyond its territory to address the problem.

Dr Roger Luncheon

Dr Luncheon explained that culverts and bridges constrict and impair the free movement of water, particularly flood waters; hence, a lot of work needs to be done.

“So work is yet to be done to satisfy us that we have exhausted the national capacity and that indeed we need to get external inputs into additional methods. It may be that that could contribute to a solution but with the evidence of so much yet to be done, I think it would be a little bit difficulty and even counterproductive to deflect our energies from a national solution to go behind something external,” Dr Luncheon remarked.

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that focus will have to be placed on more serious matters like the maintenance and up-keeping of culverts and canals.

Shots fired, couple resist arrest after committing robbery

of the 20th Meeting of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP 20) which begins in Lima, Peru on December 1, where the status of the Doha Amendment will be announced.

It was mass confusion on Friday morning at upper Robb Street, Georgetown when a couple accused of committing a robbery resisted arrest by the Police.

According to information reaching Guyana Times around 09:30h, a man and a woman com -

mitted a robbery in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market Police Outpost; however, they were chased by ranks and ended up on Robb Street, between Avenue of the Republic and Hincks Street.

As the Police approached the man, he be -

gan resisting arrest and a scuffled ensued between him and the Police during which shots were fired to end the fight. Both the man and the woman were apprehended and taken into custody.

The identity of the couple has not been revealed.

Nagamootoo cornered on AFC's dwindling support

... now alleges PPP/C spread “race propaganda” in Berbice

Alliance for Change

(AFC) Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday alleged that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is bent on inciting racial tension among residents of Berbice.

Nagamootoo’s comments came in wake of a report in the Thursday, November 27 edition of the independent Guyana Times newspaper which stated that the political party is losing its footing in the Ancient County.

The report claimed that PPP/C supporters in Berbice, who had crossed over to the AFC just before the elections in 2011, are now disappointed that the AFC’s joining forces with APNU and have threatened that they will be withdrawing their support for the par-

ty.

Residents claimed that from the onset of its political campaign, the AFC had promised that once it gets into power, it would work towards a radical turnaround, moving away from the hard bent politics of the primeval PNC (now APNU) and PPP/C. They were going to vote with either depending on their policies.

In hope of that radical change, it is reported; residents had agreed to lend their support to the party.

But Nagamootoo, who appeared jolted by the article and the fact that it exposed how many of the party’s supporters felt cheated at this time, denied that his party will be forming an alliance with the PNCdominated APNU.

He claimed that even if that were the case, the current Administration, through its political campaigns, continues to incite racial tension among residents.

Nagamootoo accused leaders within the PPP/C of “peddling false and mischievous propaganda” to the Berbice residents, claiming that the AFC has joined forces with APNU.

“We repeat our position. The AFC has not agreed to form a pre electoral coalition with APNU, but we have decided to work with APNU and any other stakeholder and civil society to fight against the PPP regime for the restoration of parliamentary democracy”.

Residents say Nagamootoo is making a distinction in search of a

difference and that the AFC is misusing the votes they had cast at the last General Election to form a de-facto alliance with the main Opposition party, which is essentially the PNC of old.

A large portion of other residents interviewed explained that they are still waiting to see the game plan being followed by the AFC.

For the most part, they are disappointed with the sly posture taken by their leaders.

“The AFC did a number on us and now we feel foolish. I made all my family members vote for them. Not again. They not getting a vote from us and lots of neighbours at Whim, Tain and Port Mourant feel so”, one man had told Guyana Times.

GWI’s viability threatened by outstanding collections – Collections Manager

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has sounded concerns about its viability following poor payment of water bills.

Two dreamers dream de same ting

Every action gotta equal and opposite reaction. That is whah a science teacher tella class de other day. And nowadays it gotta lotta action going on, except fuh Parliament and of course except fuh de Mayor-Fuh-Life. That is why de Pullice Commishunner had to tell de Mayor-Fuh-Life to get he act(ion) together.

One man who like action, but action don’t like he, is de Nagga Man. These days Nagga Man deh in plenty news action. And if anybody know Nagga Man, he like to be in that kinda action. Since he was a ball boy in de Pee-P-P court, that was how he used to be. Once any body seh lights, camera, action, Nagga Man was right there.

De only problem used to be that once Nagga Man deh round, he does never like the lights too much, because he like to move in de dark. And that is because he never like when people see he wid dem large bottles whah he does move round wid, neither de amount whah he does throw up when he reach home.

In fact, Nagga Man don’t even like when people see he reach home, that is, whenever he reach home. And that is because he does getta lotta action on de way home, and a lot more after he reach home, and some more after he wake up.

And talk bout action, Nagga Man was never really known to be a big action man when he was a ball boy. De only action Nagga Man ever accustom to was in he dream, like when he dream that Pappa Cheddi tell he that he gon be de next Prezzi.

Well, that is a action packed dream that de Nagga Man still gettin up to now. Accordin to Nagga Man, that dream gon come though some day. That is why he limin close wid Green Jah these days.

“Collection is not enough. If they don’t pay, we will not be able to survive.”

GWI officials were however reluctant to disclose the rate of collections to this newspaper.

GWI Collections Manager Roylene Fernandes said if customers do not pay their dues, the company will soon lose ground in sustaining itself.

The company has tried a number of initiatives to get customers with outstanding balances to pay off their debts and of recent, it has decided as a last resort to carry out a disconnection campaign, starting December 1.

However, prior to the upcoming campaign, GWI had enforced its “Free Pass Promotion” during which disconnected customers were offered free reconnection. This campaign and others have been very effective, according to Fernandes.

She said over 2000 customers have responded.

“A lot of them were disconnected and they did not have to pay a reconnection fee. Some of them even paid off their arrears while others paid off part of the monies owing.”

Fernandes warned that this promotion will soon come to an end on November 29. She explained that when the promotion comes to an end and the disconnection campaign takes effect with full force, disconnected persons are not guaranteed of any possibility of being reconnected before the holidays. This is due to the vast amount of persons who are slated to be disconnected.

GWI said it sent reminder letters to customers and businesses, did public announcements, among others, but there are still many outstanding fees.

In addition, GWI’s Utility Enforcement Unit has been beefed up and staffers will be on the lookout countrywide for persons who illegally reconnect their water supply after being disconnected.

Meanwhile, scores of pensioners benefit from the water grant provided through the Human Services Ministry. Pensioners who live in Georgetown are allotted $11,800 annually while those outside of the City receive $8,900.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De problem is, Green Jah seh he get de same dream from Burnt Ham before Nagga Man had he dream!

Motorcyclist died from fractured neck

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

Apost-mortem examination conducted on the body of motorcyclist Dilchand Angad has given his cause of death as a fractured neck.

Angad died on Sunday afternoon in an accident along the Number 10 Village Public Road, West Coast Berbice.

The examination was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan.

Meanwhile, a release issued by the Police Public Relations Department, that stated that the motorcyclist was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington

Hospital after collided with a motor lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction on Sunday, was inaccurate.

The now dead man’s wife Linda Heerlall who is the Overseer of the Bel Air/ Woodlands Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) said the information she received was that her husband was riding when the motor cycle hit a stone, resulting in Angad falling and hitting his head.

According to one eyewitness, there was no collision with the lorry as stated in the Police release. The lone eyewitness also confirmed that the motor cycle had hit a stone and Angad was hurled off the cycle, hitting his head.

Additionally, Officer-inCharge of Traffic in Berbice, Assistant Superintendent of Police Boodnarine Persaud confirmed that there was no collision.

He said there was no collision with the lorry which was travelling in the opposite direction or with the minibus which Angad overtook.

Persaud said the minibus was detained for inspection but later released. He also confirmed that no one is in custody in relation to the incident.

Sagicor competition opens with innovative projects

As the national leg of Sagicor Visionaries Competition kicked off, primary and secondary schools from all across Guyana gathered at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Friday 28 to showcase their innovative solutions to the various problems within their communities.

Over 70 entries from Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) were submitted for the local leg of the competition.

Several schools, including St Stanislaus College, Queen’s College and Diamond Secondary submitted more than one projects, enhancing

ter purification systems and green space for a sustainable future.

One of St Stanislaus’ College’s projects perfectly displayed green space for sustainable future. The students explained that there is a lack of lunch tables within the school; therefore, they have developed a project to provide more seats within an environmentally-friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, The Berbice Education Institute developed a water purification project to address the issue of the shortage of water in the region. The students explained that they would source water from alternative sources like the rivers or trenches which would be pumped into a tank. The water will then be transferred to another tank which would

their chances of winning.

The competition gives students the opportunity to put classroom theories into practical solutions to address everyday issues.

Some of the creative ideas were biological control for Chikungunya, making paper from rice straw, automated sprinklers, harnessing rainwater, fast food fuel, wa-

remove the impurities, providing clean water.

Similarly, Ulele Primary, a school from the Pomeroon, came up with a project which addresses flooding. The system would pump the flood water into a tank and then transfer it into another tank with small and large pebbles. The second tank would filter the water and then transfer

Protesting Bosai employees given deadline to resume duties

Protesting employees of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated have been given 72 hours to return to the job. The deadline began from 07:00h on Thursday.

Failure to do so will result in self-termination of duties, the company’s Senior Personnel Officer Trudell Marks said.

Marks said several of the some 85 employees had returned to work on Thursday, however, according to the Labour Law Agreement, the terms of resumption period is given as 72 hours.

The employees had taken to protest action over a proposed six per cent wages and salaries increase on Monday, demanding 8.5 per cent, but Marks said that management has decided to increase the amount to 6.5 per cent.

The Senior Personnel Officer stated that the adjustment was rejected by

the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), the union that represents the workers.

She said the company was advised to go back to the bargaining table for three additional meetings.

If the parties fail to agree, Marks said the issue will be referred to the Labour Ministry.

Meanwhile, Bosai Health and Safety Co-ordinator Clive Evans in an effort to clear the air on the health and safety concerns which were raised by the protesting employees, said the company has a working ambulance stationed at its mines.

He said the company employs the services of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, noting that attendants are available on a 24-hour basis.

Bosai management has also refuted claims of victimisation.

it into a third tank. The students explained that bleach is added to the final result to ensure the water is pure and drinkable.

Speaking at the event, Education Minister Priya Manickchand disclosed that encouragingly, there has been a significant increase in the number of students paying interest in the sciences. In fact, she stated that there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of students doing the sciences at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

“You’d think with an increase, you would see the drops in the grades. Well we haven’t had a drop… we have maintained our good grades with the number of students passing with ones, twos and threes.”

She said the increase in interest is owing to the large amount of students being exposed to science at a younger age.

Through the InquiryBased Science Education Programme, Grades Five and Six students are exposed to the sciences.

“We have our very small children, our babies getting exposed to science and science subjects… going into the field… looking at frogs, looking at how leaves rot when they fall into the drainers…”

Manickchand also noted that through the United

Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Micro Science Kits are provided to secondary schools across Guyana, so that students are provided the opportunity to engage in practical science experiments.

Manickchand aims to have these kits distributed to all secondary schools in Guyana before 2015.

The participating countries in the Sagicor Visionaries

Challenge Competition, which was launched in September, are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Tampa, Florida (Hillsborough County, USA).

During the month of November, all the participating countries are required to host a national competition to select a team which will go on to represent it at the regional competition. Each of the winning national teams will meet in Florida in July 2015 for the regional competition and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassador Programme.

The national competition is being planned and coordinated by the Education and Culture, Youth and Sport Ministries, in collaboration with the Caribbean Science Foundation and Sagicor Life Inc.

The competition continues today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

saturDaY, november 29, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

483 graduate from GTI

Some 483 men and women from the Government Technical Institute (GTI) on Thursday graduated from the institution, having completed two years of technical training in different areas.

On the occasion, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam charged the graduands to value their skills and to build on their achievements thus far, and see this graduation as a stepping stone for higher heights.

“I first charge you to develop a keen sense of who you are. I stress this because due to the highly traditional nature of our society and the prevailing practices which are rooted in our painful history, many within our ranks do not place tremendous value on the technical areas of pursuit.”

Sam said as such, many persons having received technical training and skills, even after devoting the long hours studying and experiencing the range of other sacrifices, ironically might not truly appreciate the value and significance of their achievement.

“You are now among the most able in this society. The development of this nation depends on individuals with technical knowledge which you now possess and will further develop. You should therefore regard yourselves a valuable asset to this nation.”

Sam told the graduands that their skills will be highly sought after, and that they ought to appreciate the importance of the work they have done.

“Do not accept sub-standard payment for your hard work, do not accept below par working conditions, be a catalyst to change the general perception and behaviour that currently relate to the technical pursuits in Guyana.”

He called on them to propel themselves to greater heights with the foundation they have received from the institute.

“To the young ones among you, the majority of you I’ve noticed, I urge you to break the cycle of dependency, that has now become a part of the youth experience in our country, find your unique place in society, set yourself apart from those who see the world as owing them something.”

The Chief Education Officer implored the graduands to move ahead and use their skills and knowledge to establish themselves as responsible and productive citizens of Guyana.

Mutual respect

He however, pointed out that mutual respect is an essential element in that arrangement as he called on them to let their graduation be seen as only one-step in their educational achievement.

“… structure your life in a way that will afford you the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, you are young, able citizens and you

will have to restore, redefine, and reshape the social fabric of this society.”

Further, the graduands were urged to build networks among themselves and forge relationships that will enable them to realise the highly sought after mutually beneficial prosperity that this country still seeks.

Sam told the latest batch of skilled technical persons that they are all now investments imbued with talent that can serve to propel society forward, and that they should use these talents widely and wisely.

“... years from now when you reflect on what impacted on your life most, these hallowed walls will certainly be a significant factor in that

Hundreds attend Courts Linden Christmas Tree Light Up

BY SHELDON FRASER-SEALEY

The streets of Linden were abuzz with excitement when furniture giant Courts took its annual Christmas Tree Light Up to the mining community on Thursday evening.

The light up was held in the compound of Courts

branch, Mackenzie, Linden at 17:30h before hundreds of children and their parents, who came from every corner of Linden.

There were lots of fun activities provided for the children of Linden, who were also entertained by a lively Christmas programme.

The children anxiously awaited Santa Claus who brought them lots of cheers

and Christmas joy. They also received gifts from him.

The annual light up began in Georgetown and has since spread to the various branches in the other regions where the store is located.

Courts thanked its customers in Linden and throughout the length and breadth of Guyana for their kind patronage over the years.

The furniture giant also thanked its staff for their dedication and tireless service, and wished all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2015.

The Linden Christmas Tree Light Up features a number of dances, performance by various artistes, recitation of poetry and popular Christmas selections.

the role it plays in preparing skilled citizens who will contribute to Guyana’s development.

Phillips told the graduands that it does not matter today in what field they are graduating, as the industrialised sector is increasingly linked to skilled training necessary to raise labour productivity and average living standards.

“The twin forces of global integration and technological change have increased the focus on, and importance of education and training in the competitive process.”

equation.”

Meanwhile, Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, who delivered the feature address, lauded the efforts of the institution for

Brigadier Phillips said the role of education and the training system in this process is becoming increasingly important, therefore in Guyana persons too are now faced with the dilemma of whether to concentrate investment in general education or technical vocational education.

Negligence of M&CC caused Albouystown flooding – Whittaker

Although claiming that the Sussex Street sluice had been tampered with causing the massive flood in Albouystown, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has come in for blows from Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker.

Whitaker said the negligence of the M&CC was the primary cause of the flooding due to improper closure of the koker door.

Residents on Tuesday had stormed the site at Sussex Street where the water gushed from the koker.

While the pump attendant who was not present at the time of the incident said the koker door was properly secured, there were reports that it was tampered with.

City Engineer Colvern Venture had told Guyana Times that based on reports the koker door was tightly closed. He said the City Constabulary was going to launch an investigation into the matter.

The Minister said he empathised with the residents of Albouystown, and ordered acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba to have her technical team carry out an investigation into the cause of the flood.

“The Council has staff who are employed to operate the koker door, and it is the Council’s responsibility to man the staff; not the Government, not the Local Government Ministry; it is the Council’s responsibility,” Whittaker said.

Hours before the flooding, the Ministry was informed

that an excavator belonging to the M&CC was excavating the Sussex Street Canal, which was already de-silted under the “Clean-Up My Country” Programme a few weeks ago.

Questions were raised as to why the Council will desilt the canal which was already de-silted.

At the scene of the Sussex Street Koker, one resident told media operatives: “… earlier in the day, I saw the said hymac and couple men removing the good (working) pump from there (the koker) and put in another one”.

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, who was at the location, did not refute the claims made by the residents of the M&CC’s hymac operating in the area and that the operators removed the pump.

Even more concerns were raised as to the motive of the removal of the pump from the Sussex Street Koker, which is under the control of City Hall.

Police Chief writes Georgetown Mayor on pavements Shaggy, other artistes ready for “Boombastic Show” tonight

Acting Police

Commissioner Seelall

Persaud has written Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green on illegal construction on the pavements in the city that are meant for pedestrians.

The Commissioner outlined in the letter dated November 26, that the unauthorised practice by certain businesses to make adjustments to the pavement during renovation or construction of buildings has proved risky, especially for pedestrians.

“Some of those adjustments create perpendicular rise and fall along the pavement that makes it difficult for pedestrians and thereby forcing them to walk on the road at the risk of accidents from vehicular traffic,” Persaud noted.

The Police Chief urged the Mayor to work along with the City’s Engineer to address the problem. Over the years, there have been several complaints about the many massive buildings being thrown up in the city, as these structures cater for little or no parking facilities or walkways and pave-

PAHO says

ments.

Given the fact that road accidents and fatalities are also on the rise, the need for better parking and pedestrian facilities is more critical now than ever, particularly since it has been found that pedestrians are the victims of most accidents.

Despite the plight of citizens, the Mayor and City Council has been unresponsive in addressing the issue. Mayor Green has been lashing out at acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, blaming her for the inefficiency of the Council.

According to Police statistics, at the end of October, an alarming 33 per cent increase in road accidents and fatalities was recorded for the year. That is, 113 deaths from 104 accidents.

Only recently, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon stated that by themselves those statistics revealed how dangerous the roads in Guyana are becoming. When compared with the figures for previous years and other jurisdictions, the figures are even more alarming.

antiretroviral treatment for people

with

HIV increasing in Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS is increasing in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PAHO said that nearly 600,000 more people are receiving antiretroviral treatment for HIV in the region than in 2003. PAHO released the figures ahead of World AIDS Day, December 1.

PAHO’s theme for World AIDS Day this year is “Close the gap for an AIDS-free generation”. It said the goal is to bridge the gap between people who have access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services and those who are being left behind.

“Over the past decade, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have increased access to health services needed by people with

HIV, including medicines,” said PAHO’S Dominicanborn Director, Dr Carissa Etienne.

“Controlling the epidemic by 2030 would be possible if countries implement a combined prevention strategy and if everyone knows their HIV status, gets the treatment they need, and live free of stigma and discrimination,” she added.

The 2014 PAHO/WHO report “Antiretroviral Treatment in the Spotlight: A Public Health Analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean,” reveals that the number of people receiving antiretroviral treatment in Latin America and the Caribbean increased from an estimated 210,000 in 2003 to 795,000 in 2013, representing 56 per cent of those who need treatment and 44 per cent of all people with HIV. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

The feature artistes for the “Boombastic Show” tonight have arrived in Guyana with a promise to take the crowd by storm with unforgettable performances.

Hours before Baby Cham and his wife, Lady O, touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Friday night, Grammy Awardwinning singer Shaggy, as well as Christopher Martin and the new kid on the block, Kranium promised Guyanese a world-class show with a Caribbean flavour.

The three Jamaicans were addressing a packed press conference at Palm Court on Friday afternoon. Though it has been years since he performed in Guyana, Shaggy said the energy here is always overwhelming, positing that 2014 is no different. The renowned artiste said it will be a pleasure to perform alongside artistes that are not only considered colleagues in the music industry but family.

In headlining the concert, Shaggy promises to bring his “A game”, noting that though it was not a competition, his colleagues for sure will bring class and standard to the stage. “It is a good synergy. All of these guys are top-class performers … me as a head-

liner would have to bring my A game.”

For his part, Christopher Martin said he would have performed many times in Guyana, but this is the first time he will be benefiting from a live band; hence, it will be a totally different atmosphere. “Every time I get a chance to perform with a live band, it’s a whole different kind of vibes and that is the experience I hope to share.”

He too underscored the fact that all the Jamaican artistes in the line-up are “like family”.

“It’s a nice kind of vibe: it’s a family-oriented kind

of vibe; there is no animosity within the camp, everyone can talk to anybody and that is the type of vibe we will be bringing,” he added.

The new kid on the block, Kranium, who has performed once before in Guyana, said it feels great to return here. “Guyana is one of my favourite places and I am super excited.”

Like Shaggy and Martin, Kranium said it feels great to be performing besides stalwarts in the music industry and not only considered them colleagues but family.

The Boombastic Show, which is set for tonight at the Guyana National

Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, is being promoted by Golden Boy Entertainment. According to the promoter, there will be an additional 250 spanking new lights to complement the stage setting, and the carpet ‘flow’ will be in full effect in the VIP section. Additionally, there will be 16 different camera angles. General admission tickets for the concert cost $3000 in advance and more at the gate, while stagefront tickets cost $16,000 and are available at King’s Jewellery World and Glamour Designer Brands.

Historic Caribbean-wide Black Friday sales event launches

Six Caribbean nations are making history by holding the largest, multi-destination Black Friday sales event. With nearly 400 participating hotels and resorts, travel enthusiasts have never seen such wide cooperation among the Caribbean’s top destinations.

From 00:01h on Black Friday to 23:59h on Cyber Monday, travellers will save 20.15 per cent off virtually every hotel and resort in Barbados, Antigua, Trinidad, Tobago, Saint Lucia, Anguilla and Nicaragua. The 20.15 per cent discount is in honour of 2015 and is good for stays between January 5, 2015, and December 15, 2015, without any blackout dates.

“With such wide participation among the islands, every type of traveller can find their perfect 2015 vacation and know they’re getting a huge discount,” said Ashwin Kamlani, founder and CEO of Regatta Travel Solutions. “It is exciting to see the major Caribbean des-

tinations unite like this and offer travellers so many options at such a deep discount. The willingness and ability of the islands to come together in this manner and market themselves to the consumer as a region is the key to the future of the Caribbean as a premier

tourism destination.”

The Black Friday sales event is happening exclusively on each Island’s official hotel association’s website and begins the morning of Black Friday. Travelers will have until midnight on Cyber Monday to book. (Caribbean News Now)

Haiti's President to release report on results of political talks

Haitian President Michel Martelly has announced that a report on the political talks, held between his presidency and vital sectors of society, has been drafted, as the formal discussions on the holding of crucial elections and other issues came to an end on Monday.

Martelly said the document will be submitted, in the next few days, to the council of ministers, the

highest decision-making body of the executive branch presided over by the Haitian leader, for final discussions before release.

“The draft report is ready and we are going to discuss it at a council of Government probably in the course of the week before making it public,” Martelly told journalists on Monday, following a session with representatives of peasant and women organisations.

Martelly engaged in political talks with a variety of political and civil society actors in a move to pave the way for the holding of a long-delayed vote to renew two-thirds of the 30-member senate, the entire Lower Chamber and hundreds of local government entities.

Out of the 30 senate members, only 20 remain in office, given that the term of 10 of them had already come to end and that the balloting

to replace them has yet to be held.

Amendments to an existing electoral law are required to facilitate the organisation of the vote, but six recalcitrant Opposition senators have persistently refused to attend the body’s sessions, preventing at the time the senate from reaching the 16-member quorum needed to hold a session, as they raised constitutional issues.

Around the world

Dozens die in Nigerian mosque attack Ebola test offering 15-minute results on trial in Guinea

Dozens of people have been killed in explosions during Friday prayers at one of the biggest mosques in the Nigerian city of Kano, reports say.

Many more people have been hurt, with one rescue official putting casualty figures at just under 200.

The Central Mosque is where the influential Muslim leader, the Emir of Kano, usually leads prayers. The emir recently called for people to arm themselves against Islamist militant group Boko Haram. The group has killed more than 2000 people this year, rights groups say.

The rescue official, speaking to Agence France-Presse, put the casualty toll at 64 dead and 126 hurt, although this has not been independently confirmed.

One worshipper, Aminu Abdullahi, told the agency: “Two bombs exploded, one after the other, in the premises of the Grand Mosque seconds after the prayers had started.”

He said the third blast was on a nearby road.

BBC Hausa editor Mansur Liman

said one witness at a local hospital had described the scenes there as being the most horrible he had ever seen.

Our editor says Boko Haram will be the main suspects, as the attack bore all the hallmarks of the group.

No-one from the group has yet commented.

The emir, Lamido Sanusi, is cur-

rently in Saudi Arabia.

Reliable sources in the emir’s palace told the BBC that he had arrived in Saudi Arabia late on Thursday night from Paris.

Boko Haram has targeted the city, the largest in northern Nigeria, several times during its five-year insurgency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

David Cameron seeks EU support for new migration curbs

ritish Prime Minister

BDavid Cameron has passionately urged other European Union (EU) leaders to support his reasonable proposals for farreaching curbs on welfare benefits for migrants.

The Prime Minister said lower EU migration would be a priority in future negotiations on the UK’s membership and he said would “rule nothing out” if he did not get the changes he wanted. Under his plans, migrants will have to wait four years for certain benefits.

had no credibility on the subject.

In a long-awaited speech in a factory in the West Midlands, Cameron said he was confident he could change the basis of EU migration into the UK and, therefore, campaign for the UK to stay in the EU in a future referendum planned for 2017.

A15-minute blood and saliva test for Ebola is to be trialled in Guinea, it has been announced. The solar-powered, portable laboratory should deliver results six times faster than tests currently used in West Africa.

The researchers involved say faster diagnosis would increase the chances of survival and reduce transmission of the virus. The trial will take place at an Ebola treatment centre in Conakry, Guinea. Ebola is currently diagnosed by hunting for the virus’s genetic material in the blood of a patient. But it requires dedicated laboratories that can keep the components of the test at very low temperatures.

Patients in Conakry will

still have the proven test, but the new faster method will be trialled at the same time so the results can be compared. The project, led by the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal, uses a ‘mobile suitcase laboratory’. It is portable, solar-powered and can be used at room temperature. The project is being funded by the Wellcome Trust medical charity and the UK’s Department for International Development.

Dr Val Snewin, the international activities manager at the Wellcome Trust, said: “A reliable, 15-minute test that can confirm cases of Ebola would be a key tool for effective management of the Ebola outbreak – allowing patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as soon as possible. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pope Francis in Turkey, urges faiths to combat fanaticism

Pope Francis has called for an interfaith dialogue to counter fanaticism and fundamentalism, at the start of a key visit to Turkey.

In a speech in Ankara, he also called for a renewed MidEast peace push, saying the region had “for too long been a theatre of fratricidal wars”.

Brussels said the ideas were part of the debate to be calmly considered. But UKIP leader Nigel Farage said the PM was behind the curve on immigration, while Labour said Cameron

Deaths reported in China coalmine explosion

Eleven people have died in a coal mine explosion in China, according to state media reports, in the second deadly accident in two days in the country’s dangerous mining industry.

The blast struck the Songlin mine in the southwestern province of Guizhou on Thursday, November 27 when 19 miners were working underground, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Eight of them managed to survive, the report said, adding that rescue operations were ongoing and investigations underway. The accident came a day after a fire at a coal mine in Liaoning province in the northeast killed 26 people.

China’s mines are among the world’s deadliest because of lax regulation, corruption and poor operating procedures. Safety is often neglected by bosses seeking easy profits and accidents are common. Last year the country recorded 589 mining-related accidents, which left 1049 people dead or missing, according to the Government. Both the number of accidents and fatalities were down more than 24 per cent from 2012.

But labour rights groups have said the actual death toll is likely to be much higher than official data, partly due to under-reporting of accidents as mine bosses seek to limit economic losses and avoid punishment. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

But he warned that if the UK’s demands fall on deaf ears he will rule nothing out – the strongest hint to date he could countenance the UK leaving the EU. Mr. Cameron said there was no doubt his package of proposals would require changes to the treaties governing the European Union. (Excerpt from BBC News)

He also urged more help for refugees from Syria and Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the visit was a “significant” step to enhance regional peace.

The Pope’s three-day trip – only the fourth visit by a pope to Muslim-majority Turkey – comes as Turkey hosts 1.6 million refugees on its southern border, after

Israel Foreign Minister supports paying Arabs to leave

Israel’s Foreign Minister says he supports paying Arab citizens to leave the country.

In a manifesto of his right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party, Avigdor Lieberman said he favoured ceding Arab majority areas in northern Israel to a future Palestinian state and providing economic incentives for Arab-Israelis – about 20 per cent of Israel’s population – to encourage them to emigrate.

The manifesto, published on Friday, did not set out positions on the most difficult issues in the IsraelPalestinian conflict, including the status of Jerusalem and Israel’s borders.

But it does acknowledge the necessity of territorial compromise in reach-

ing a peace deal with the Palestinians, and also with moderate Arab countries.

Once a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lieberman is now seen as harbouring prime ministerial ambitions himself.

His offer to pay Israeli Arabs to leave comes as Netanyahu pushes forward with a contentious parliamentary bill to formalise Israel’s status as a Jewish state – a measure that many Arab-Israelis say will institutionalise their status as second class citizens.

The bill, which Netanyahu says is necessary to safeguard Israel’s future, is opposed by a wide range of Israeli political figures, including the largely ceremonial president. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Pope Francis urges religious freedom and more help for refugees

Islamic State seized swathes of neighbouring Syria and Iraq.

The Pope called on nations of the Middle East to “reverse the trend” and advance peace

in the region.

He said: “Interreligious and intercultural dialogue can make an important contribution to attaining this lofty and urgent goal, so that there will be an end to all forms of fundamentalism and terrorism which gravely demean the dignity of every man and woman and exploit religion.”

Turning to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, he said the international community had a moral duty to assist Turkey in taking care of refugees.

“In addition to providing much-needed assistance and humanitarian aid, we cannot remain indifferent to the causes of these tragedies,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Four dead in Egypt anti-Government protest

At least four protesters have been killed and scores of others injured in the Egyptian capital as thousands took to the streets of Cairo against the Government of President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, heeding a call by the Opposition Salafist Front.

The protesters were killed after security forces opened fire in the district of Matrya in eastern Cairo, witnesses told Al Jazeera.

The protests by the Salafist Front, a faction concentrated in parts of the Nile Delta, are being held at the same time as regular Friday demonstrations that have been held by supporters of the now banned Muslim Brotherhood since the toppling of President Mohamed Morsi.

On its Facebook page, the Salafist Front has called for a “Muslim Youth Uprising” to “topple military rule in Egypt,” urging followers to “raise your Quran”. The protests are the first attempt in months to hold large demonstrations in the country. More than a 100 people were arrested ahead of the Salafist demonstrations.

Security forces deployed in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square and in other strategic spots around the country from Thursday evening, the Associated Press news agency said.

Many Egyptians say they are cancelling social gatherings, avoiding public transportation and remaining home on Friday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

saturDaY, november 29, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

saturday, november 29, 2014 |

guyanatimesgy.com

Protest can only be seen as attempt to interrupt peace A scandalous and damaging article

Dear Editor, It is my belief that the combined Opposition missed an opportunity when it rejected the President’s call for dialogue, which causes me to think that the Opposition is not serious about the development of our country, or the upliftment of its people.

An opportunity for dialogue between the Government and Opposition would have created an atmosphere for the members of the Opposition to better represent their constituents, instead of engaging in street protests, knowing fully well our history as it relates to protest.

The call to protest action over dialogue can only be seen as a cheap, narrowminded attempt to interrupt the peace our people now enjoy and to damage our now repaired image abroad.

The Opposition has accused the Government many times of not being flexible to their needs. This call to dialogue would have given them a fresh chance to have those demands laid out on the table, and would of created an opportunity to negotiate their positions and to find common ground on the issues they purport to represent.

It is my firm belief that APNU in particular has no sense of direction, nor doesn’t seem to know which is the direction toward progress. One day they are out demanding Local Government Elections, next day they are demanding fresh General Elections, knowing fully well that GECOM is not in a position to hold either at the same time, or within a year of each other.

I believe this is one of the reasons they continue to reject dialogue because they don’t really want those unreasonable demands to be discussed. Their politics is not one of compromise and flexibility, but rather a politics that is confrontational, one sided and anti-developmental.

None of this augurs well for our country and this can only lead anarchy and confusion. I read with absolute outrage the demand by APNU members for a boycott of businesses that do not show its support for APNU’s position.

This in itself is a crude reminder of the dictatorial practices that was unleashed on the business community and the wider society when the PNC held power. Demands like these strongly support the notion that this party has the proclivity to engage in in-

timidation.

The business community has a right to be free of fear and intimidation. This notion of “what I say is the only thing that matters” is of a bygone era and has no place in today’s political arena.

The Opposition must now seek to put that nation’s business ahead of vindictive politicking. They must realize that they were elected to represent the interest of the constituents for the common good of all.

The combined Opposition must now decide where their priorities lie and seek to engage the Government on the way forward. To head into another election with this same attitude will be catastrophic for the leaders of AFC and APNU.

What can be the response when the question is asked why have you closed the door on talks, which could have led to more job creation, stronger legislation and enforcement against money launderers and drug traffickers, a modern airport that meets international standards and improvement in the health sector, among others.

Sincerely, Ossie Rodgers

Dear Editor, Once again, KN has embroiled me in a scandalous and damaging article, published on Novemvber 23, entitled, “Skeldon Estate Manager badly beaten after drunken confrontaion”.

Like in their previous article, they did not make any attempt to contact me for verification, but instead went ahead with their irresponsible journalism. The article bears no truth and is callous and vindictive, a position that

KN has taken where I am concerned.

Not only have they acused me of being disrespectful to a female, but also to the President of the Republic of Guyana. These apart, KN has accused me of using indecent language in the public and to persons unknown to me.

How much more destructive can they be taking into consideration my personal and professional life?

I wish to categorically deny what the KN has writ-

ten and state that I was nowhere in the vicinity of Rita’s Hotel and Bar that night. Whoever said I was there has attempted to soil my reputation, since I was in the Estate Compound during the entire evening on November 21. I would again ask that KN refrain from publishing scandalous articles about me.

Regards, Devendra Kumar Estate Manager Skeldon Estate

Gender-based violence remains unreported, hidden

Dear Editor,

The PPP/C joined with the international community in observing November 25 as dedicated by the United Nations to eliminate violence against women.

The Party endorses the views expressed by Secretary General of the United Nations that sexual and gender based is the most extreme form of global and systemic inequity experienced by women and girls which knows no geographic, socioeconomic or cultural boundaries.

According to UN statistics, one in three women will suffer physical or sexual vio-

lence at some time in their life such as rape, domestic violence or harassment at work.

According to the UN women and girls experience violence but these crimes remain unreported and hidden due to cultural and other sociological considerations.

The PPP/C has noted that this year international day is centered on a grassroot effort to raise awareness and end the vicious cycle of abuse and torture experienced by women throughout the world.

There can be no doubt that we have come a long way in Guyana in terms of empowering our women even though we recognize that

there are far too many instances in which our women are made victims of violence and abuse. In quite cases are women are brutally murdered at the hands of men with whom they shared relationships.

The PPP/C condemns all acts of violence against women and calls on all Guyanese, in particular our males to desist from taking actions that are abusive and violent. Our women and girls must be respected and given scope to grow and develop their true potential.

Submitted by PPP/C Freedom House

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

A close friend will come to you for help. Be compassionate and offer your aid without being judgmental or critical. When you need help at a later date, this person will respond in kind.

Erratic behaviour will cause trouble. You will be respected if you deal with your peers, relatives and loved ones calmly and without malice. Stubbornness will get you nowhere fast.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Emotional problems will escalate if you take on too much. It may be difficult, but it will be necessary to say no to someone taking advantage of you.

If you have been spending too much time inside, make plans to travel or venture out of doors. Let your imagination guide you, or arrange to go someplace that you’ve always wanted to explore.

It’s time to make a move. Staying in an unhappy situation will wear you down. Do whatever it takes to feel comfortable with the way you live and the direction in which you are heading.

Consider the pros and cons before you make a commitment. You may be seen as unreliable if you are inconsistent or indecisive. Stand by your beliefs and make your voice heard. THURSDAY'S WORD

Your skill and expertise will enable you to perfectly execute an important project. The accolades that come your way will set the stage for future opportunities. You should take advantage of the good fortune that surrounds you. Don’t hesitate to make changes that could lead to a better future for you and your loved ones. You can boost your standard of living. Loss is apparent. Keep a close eye on your possessions and other assets. Overspending will be your downfall. Pay your share, but don’t pick up the tab for someone else.

Be careful when selecting which charities you wish to sponsor. If you let your emotions take over, you could be cheated out of your hardearned cash.

Be careful when divulging personal information. It’s likely that your loved ones will hear the details at some point, so avoid saying anything that you’ll later regret.

Relationship woes are likely if you act in haste or lash out in anger. Think before you speak if you want to stay out of trouble and in a special someone’s good book.

Regional players pay tribute to Philip Hughes

The scene at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence

Regional players today honoured the memory of Australia batsman Philip Hughes following his passing.

Hughes died in hospital yesterday in Australia three days short of his 26th birthday, after he suffered an injury during a first-class match earlier this week at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Heeding a request from the WICB pay tribute to Hughes and show solidarity with all those involved with the game in Australia, regional players and officials responded. They observed a minute’s silence before the start of all matches in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day

Tournament and are wearing black ribbons throughout the weekend.

Players also lined their bats outside their teams’ dressing rooms with their playing caps on the handles, a tribute that has taken root around the globe.

In the third round of matches which began today, Guyana Jaguars host long-standing rivals and

regional double-crown champions Barbados Pride at the Guyana National Stadium, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force meet the Jamaica Franchise at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain and Windward Islands Volcanoes face Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Grenada National Stadium. (WICB Release)

Murray starts with loss in IPTL

Andy Murray made a losing start on day one of the International Premier Tennis League in the Philippines, despite teaming up with Maria Sharapova.

Manila Mavericks’ star players Murray and Sharapova lost in the mixed doubles before Marin Cilic beat the Scot 6-5 in singles as the UAE Royals won 2924. The four-team event takes place in Manila, Singapore, Delhi and Dubai, with the final on 13 December.

Murray is only scheduled to play over the three days of the Manila leg.

The ties are played over five sets in varying formats,

with Murray and Sharapova the highest-profile pairing on day one but still going down 6-4 to Nenad Zimonjic and Kristina Mladenovic.

Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are among the other leading names due to take part, along with

former champions including Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisovic and Pat Rafter.

With ties decided by the total accumulation of games, Manila’s challenge came to and end when Murray lost to Cilic in a decisive five-minute shoot-out - one of a number of innovations in the format.

Murray, 27, was playing for the first time since facing Djokovic in an exhibition at the ATP World Tour Finals 12 days ago.

It was also his first appearance since it was confirmed that he will marry fiancee Kim Sears, and he revealed in a courtside interview that the wedding will be “next year, not sure when”. (BBC Sport)

Bangladesh remain unbeaten against Zimbabwe

Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship for Bangladesh during his knock of 77

Bangladesh were kept under pressure by Zimbabwe for short periods in both innings, but the hosts were always only a partnership or a wicket away from taking command, and duly went up 4-0 in the five-match series with the 21-run win in Mirpur. ?

Zimbabwe did however record their best bowling figures, highest opening partnership, first 100-plus partnership, and first 200-plus score.

But none of these could pro-

duce their first win on tour. They restricted Bangladesh to 256 for 8 in 50 overs, but could only muster 235 for 8 in reply. Brendan Taylor top-scored with 63 but it was Solomon Mire who impressed with his second ODI fifty, which featured a number of ferocious hits. He was dropped on 32 by Abul Hasan at deep fineleg, and made good use of it. He and Taylor added 106 runs for the fourth wicket and were threatening to have a tilt at the 257-run target. But once the pair got out in successive overs, with Zimbabwe still needing 85, the visitors never really got back on track. Taylor struck seven fours, while Mire smashed four fours and two sixes each over long-on and midwicket, with the second one bringing up his fifty. Mire, however, was also the first to fall in the partnership, giving cover a simple catch as he drove without moving his feet against Jubair Hossain. Taylor got out trying his brand of the trampoline shot with Zimbabwe entering the second Powerplay.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh innings (50 overs maximum)

Tamim Iqbal c Masakadza b Mire 16

Anamul Haque lbw b Madziva 5

Imrul Kayes c Taylor b Madziva 5

Mahmudullah not out 82

Shakib Al Hasan c Maruma b Mire 1

Mushfiqur Rahim† c Chigumbura b Kamungozi 77

Sabbir Rahman c Chakabva b Kamungozi 4

Abul Hasan c Chigumbura b Mire 1

Mashrafe Mortaza* c †Moor b Madziva 39

Rubel Hossain not out 7

Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 13, nb 1) 19

Total (8 wickets; 50 overs; 225 mins) 256 (5.12 runs per over)

Did not bat Jubair Hossain

Fall of wickets 1-14 (Anamul Haque, 3.6 ov), 2-31 (Tamim Iqbal, 10.3 ov), 3-31 (Imrul Kayes, 11.1 ov), 4-32 (Shakib Al Hasan, 12.2 ov), 5-166 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 37.3 ov), 6-175 (Sabbir Rahman, 39.4 ov), 7-177 (Abul Hasan, 40.2 ov), 8-242 (Mashrafe Mortaza, 48.2 ov)

Bowling O M R W

TL Chatara 10 2 39 0

N Madziva 10 0 60 3 SF Mire 10 0 49 3 V Sibanda 1 0 7 0 T Kamungozi 10 0 36 2 E Chigumbura 3 0 19 0 H Masakadza 5 0 30 0 T Maruma 1 0 11 0 Zimbabwe innings (target: 257 runs from 50 overs) H Masakadza b Shakib Al

(Sibanda, 10.1 ov), 2-51 (Masakadza, 12.2 ov), 3-60 (Maruma, 16.5 ov), 4-166 (Mire, 33.5 ov), 5-172 (Taylor, 34.6 ov), 6-183 (Chigumbura, 39.3 ov), 7-211 (Chakabva, 46.3 ov), 8-217 (Moor, 47.1 ov)

Players gather in Sydney to grieve

There has never been a team meeting quite like it.

Australia’s Test squad met in the SCG dressing room on Friday morning, as they and their forebears have done hundreds of times over the past century or more. Usually such meetings discuss plans for opposition batsmen, and bowlers, mental approaches and mottos to keep everyone on the task. They are all about cricket.

This time, it was not the coach Darren Lehmann nor the captain Michael Clarke who took the floor. Instead it was the melancholy duty of the team doctor Peter Brukner to run the players through what had happened to Phillip Hughes, and the vexing task of the team psychologist Michael Lloyd to counsel them on how to move forward from this indescribable event.

For a few hours the players sat in the room, talking, crying or simply contemplating. Talk of resuming cricket was far less pertinent than that of honouring Hughes. Combat can waitthere must first be grieving, remembering and healing.

Australian cricket has taken what it can from the familiarity of the grand old ground, huddling around the SCG and its Members Stand in particular over the past 24 hours.

Within a few minutes of Hughes’ death being announced on Thursday, they began to stream into the ground. Players, coaches, support staff, administrators, family and friends

all set out for the cricket ground with a sense of terrible grief but also simple logic. There was no better place for the cricket people of New South Wales and Australia to be when they were in such unforeseeable pain.

Almost all of the current team was present, including Clarke, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, David Warner, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson. Past players such as Glenn McGrath, Stuart Clark, Simon Katich and Phil Jaques mixed with coaches including Lehmann and his assistant Craig McDermott.

Sean Abbott was there too, comforted with words and embraces, including those of the Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland. It is often easy to forget that Sutherland was once a state fast medium bowler himself, who tried naturally and routinely to bounce out impish opposition batsmen just as Abbott had done on Tuesday.

“It’s been fantastic the way people have shown concern for Sean,” Sutherland said. “Sean’s holding up really well - I had a chat to him last night and I was incredibly impressed by the way he was holding himself and his maturity.

“But the point is this is not a moment in time for him, this is a grieving process that will affect people in different ways. What we will do and the relevant experts will do will be to provide Sean with all the

support he needs to work through this. but right now I can say he’s holding up very well and I’m incredibly impressed with him.”

The gathering was spontaneous, lacking a central speech or address, but possessing a shared sense that this was place all needed to be. Around 200 people gathered as late afternoon stretched into evening. Some sat in the home dressing room, some leaned by the dressing room door. All passed through the Members Bar, which the SCG Trust had staffed and stocked at short notice to meet the needs of the moment.

Memories of Hughes were shared, most drawing laughter, some drawing tears. “I think reflections last night were a little bit about what has happened in such a short space of time,” Sutherland said. “But I also know there were some great stories being told and quite a lot of laughter about the cheeky little boy who came down from Macksville and had the highest ambitions for himself and his cricket. He will always be remembered.”

Every few minutes, the mourners wandered out onto the field of play in twos and threes, trying to make sense of an event that has mixed cricket with tragedy in the most horrible way. The centre of the SCG is where so many of these men have made their names. It is now a place made even more sacred in their eyes by the falling of a comrade. (Cricinfo)

Gaba Test in doubt after players mourn

Doubts remain over whether the first Test between Australia and India will go ahead next week after the death of Phillip Hughes. The Test is scheduled to begin at the Gabba next Thursday but Cricket Australia’s chief executive officer James Sutherland said that seemed “a million miles away” as the players continued to grieve for their friend and teammate Hughes, who died on Thursday.

“Everyone wants to know about cricket and when it goes on, and what’s happening,” Sutherland said in Sydney on Friday morning. “We all love cricket and no one loved cricket more than Phillip. Cricket will go on, and it will go on when we’re ready. To be honest, we haven’t broached that subject with the players yet.

“We will in time. To be honest, they’ve got other things on their mind. I know for many people, seven days doesn’t seem very far away, next Thursday, but in other ways it’s a million miles away. We’ll get there when we can.”

Players and family and

friends of Hughes met at the SCG on Thursday night to mourn and reflect on Hughes’ life and the tragic accident, being hit in the neck by a bouncer during Tuesday’s Sheffield Shield match in Sydney, that ended it. All of Australia’s squad members for the first Test have also flown in and were gathered at the SCG on Friday.

There, they were spending time with team doctor Peter Brukner and Cricket NSW doctor John Orchard, who treated Hughes at the SCG on Tuesday, as well as

team psychologist Michael Lloyd. Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of team performance, said the focus was simply on helping the players move forward day by day, and they were looking no further ahead.

“We’re not going to talk about the first Test,” Howard said. “We know it’s there. What we’re focused on is today. We’ve brought the whole team in. The Australian Test team [is] here. Today is about grieving, about dealing with the questions. (Cricinfo)

Pele improving after being admitted to intensive care

Brazil legend Pele is improving but remains in intensive care having been admitted to hospital with a urinary infection earlier this week.

It follows a tweet from his account on Thursday that said the three-time World

Cup winner was “doing fine” in Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital.

The 74-year-old’s personal assistant Jose Fornos also played down the news.

But the hospital said Pele “continues under temporary kidney support, lucid and with no need of breathing support”.

The statement added:

“[Pele is] improving his clinical condition and remains in the intensive care unit.”

Initially on Thursday, the hospital said that Pele had been admitted with “clinical instability”.

But later that day, Pele tweeted: “I was simply relocated to a special room within the hospital for privacy purposes only.

“While I appreciate all the visitors that came to see me, I really need to continue my treatment and recovery in peace.

“I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holidays with my family and will

start the new year with renewed health, with many international trips already planned! Thank you!”

A World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was initially discharged from hospital on 13 November after surgery to remove kidney stones.

Local media said it was possible he picked up an infection during the procedure and that the current treatment was usually straightforward. Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Pele scored a world record total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his 21-year career. He was also named Fifa’s Player of the Century and won 91 caps for Brazil, scoring 77 goals.

He made 14 appearances at World Cup finals, scoring 12 goals, and was awarded the Fifa Golden Ball as the best player at the 1970 tournament. (BBC Sport)

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McCullum goes berserk to flatten Pakistan

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he morning in Sharjah had been sombre. Pakistan and New Zealand observed a minute’s silence before the start of the day’s play and put their bats out as a tribute to Phillip Hughes. With no chirping from the fielders, no celebrations on the fall of wickets, and muted reactions from batsmen on being dismissed, the eerie quiet had also descended to the middle.

There wasn’t much difference in the air after lunch; Pakistani fielders were similarly quiet when New Zealand came into bat and the celebrations restrained. But a typically belligerent century from Brendon McCullum, the fastest by a New Zealand batsman, broke the monotony of a flat day and helped wipe off 249 runs from Pakistan’s lead in 45 overs after Mark Craig’s career-best 7 for 94 had restricted the home team to 351.

Nothing was unnatural about his couple of boundaries in the first six overs; one a flick through square leg, the other a lightning slap in front of point. Or the ones that followed in the seventh over, bowled by Zulfiqar Babar. First ball, a long-hop, was pulled powerfully over the boundary at midwicket, the second cut through point, and the fourth, and the most outrageous, a cover drive for six.

As Mohammad Talha and Rahat Ali started pounding the ball halfway, something that had been missing in the morning, McCullum became even more adventurous. A short one from Talha ended in the stands at deep square leg, then one from Rahat was cut over point for six more. He reached his half-century of just 30 deliveries - the second-fastest by a New Zealand batsmanwith consecutive boundaries in the 13th over.

Kane Williamson found his higher gear too. He opened with a stylish drive through cover off Babar, then collected a six two overs later off the same bowler. Although McCullum’s strokeplay was at times freakish, it was Williamson who played the shot of the day - a back-foot on-drive to a legspinning delivery from Yasir Shah.

He carried on scoring at almost run-a-ball, but McCullum’s blistering pace at the other end meant he went completely unnoticed during the partnership. The New Zealand captain was on 82 at the start of the penultimate over before tea, but smashed four boundaries off the Talha over to move to 98 before reaching his 10th Test century - in 78 deliveries - off the last ball of the

Brendon McCullum scores the

session. There was no overt expression of joy, just an embrace from Williamson and off the two went back to the dressing room.

There was no immediate let-off for Pakistan. McCullum smashed a six each in three of the four overs after tea, taking his tally of sixes to eight in the innings, the most by any batsman in an innings against Pakistan. New Zealand crossed 200 in the 30th over. As the shadows engulfed the stadium, McCullum slowed down a little realising New Zealand had a strong chance to extend the advantage come day three. The run rate dropped below six in the 38th over, after a gap of 20 overs.

The intensity in the second session had been in contrast to the morning ses-

1st innings

Hafeez c Boult b Sodhi 197 Shan Masood b Craig 12 Azhar Ali c Taylor b Craig 39 Younis Khan lbw b Vettori 5 Misbah-ul-Haq* c †Watling

sion. Pakistan had resumed on 281 for 3 after a day’s break, but lost their last seven wickets for 66 runs to relinquish their position of strength. Mohammad Hafeez, who was unbeaten on 178 overnight, fell three short of what would have been his maiden double-century and was the chief contributor to the total as the rest crumbled.

Misbah-ul-Haq failed to add to his score from the first day, edging Tim Southee to the wicketkeeper in the fourth over of the day. The reactions summed up the mood; BJ Watling dived to his right to take a good low catch, but didn’t react. Southee showed no emotion and neither did anyone else on the field. Later, the fielders quietly converged towards Hafeez and patted his back after the batsman had pulled a long-hop from Ish Sodhi to deep square leg; it was Hafeez’s best Test score.

Asad Shafiq attempted to inject some energy by skipping down the track to Vettori for a boundary early in the day, but he too fell to a soft dismissal soon after Hafeez. That wicket opened up the gates as one by one, Craig sent the batsmen back. There was only a halfhearted appeal as Sarfraz edged one to the wicketkeeper. The last four wickets could just add 15 runs as Pakistan were bowled out for much less than what they would have wanted. Then Pakistan’s bowlers failed to curtail McCullum. Babar and Yasir leaked 130 runs in 20 overs between them while Talha was taken for 62 off seven. At the end of the day and after taking the bowlers apart during an unbeaten 198-run stand with Williamson, McCullum did find a moment to smile. (Cricinfo)

ov), 3-160 (Younis Khan, 50.2 ov), 4-285 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 93.5 ov), 5-311 (Mohammad Hafeez, 106.5 ov), 6-313 (Asad Shafiq, 107.6 ov), 7-336 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 117.4 ov), 8-336 (Mohammad Talha, 119.2 ov), 9-346 (Rahat Ali, 123.6 ov),

TWM Latham c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Rahat Ali 13

BB McCullum* not out 153 KS Williamson not out 76

Extras(lb 2, w 2, nb 3) 7

Total (1 wicket; 45 overs)

249(5.53 runs per over) To batLRPL Taylor, CJ Anderson, DL Vettori, BJ Watling†, MD Craig, TG Southee, IS Sodhi, TA Boult Fall of wickets 1-51 (Latham, 8.4 ov)

Medi-Care Pharmacy lends support to Flex Night

Pharmaceutical giant

Medi-Care Pharmacy has become the second local pharmacy to commit sponsorship to the December 7 Flex Night event.

Pharmagen Enterprises and Medi-Care Pharmacy have a long association with Flex Night and bodybuilding events in general that goes as far back as the 1990s.

Traditionally associated with the Weider brand of bodybuilding and nutrition

supplements, Medi-Care now offers a wide range of sports nutrition products that should command the attention of the physically active individual.

Medi-Care Pharmacy, in the light of its position in the market for bodybuilding and nutrition supplements, vitamins and general body care products, is happy to be associated with the Flex Night event and to make a contribution towards the

Flex Night Inc. mission of raising both awareness of the healthy lifestyle and the standard of bodybuilding and fitness events in Guyana.

Persons attending the Flex Night event on Sunday may also visit the displays of products in the National Cultural Centre lobby, which a number of companies will be having in tandem with the main event.

704 sponsors GABCA fund raising exhibition games on Saturday

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Coaching Association (GABCA) sponsored by 704 Sports Bar will host two exhibition games as well as some novelty events to raise funds for the development of coaches scheduled for today at the Burnham Hard Court.

Speaking to one executive member of the coaching association, Junior Andrew Hercules noted that the event will help to raise funds

in order to do development courses in 2015.

A BBQ and fish fry will be the main source of fund raining while the basketball community will be treated to the Plaisance Guardians taking on the Pepsi Sonics while the Media Combine team will take on the Diplomatic Core.

Three will also be a three point shootout as well as a free throw contest.

Sponsor of the event

704 Sports bar through its

Rugby debutants excited for opportunity

By TreisTon Joseph

Debutants Patrick King and Iseijah Allen will have an opportunity make Guyana proud on the rugby field when they take the field for the first time in Mexico at the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association’s (NACRA) championships.

King who is a national athlete and has represented the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) athletics club and his country over the 400 metres distance tried his hand a rugby for the first time and immediately made an impact on the selectors with his speed and fitness.

“Well I’m just happy for this opportunity, to know that this is my first time playing rugby and I can make the national team is special for me,” King stated, King who has a really good 100 metres and is a regular feature in the long jump as well, noted the type of impact he hopes to have on the game, “I think a number of countries don’t know who I am so I’m kind of like a surprise attack and

Project Manager Dustanni Barrow was pleased to support the imitative.

“We are now getting on stream and we like to be involved with events that will build society, as you know basketball is a very popular sport and one of the main parts of it are the coaches so we are happy to come onboard and support this venture,” Barrow mentioned.

The event is expected to start from 13:30h.

The Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares softball competition finals have been postponed due to the inclement weather and will now be played on Sunday December 7 at the DCC ground, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown. If bad weather persists, the finals will then shift to February 1, 2015, a release from the organisers stated.

This softball tournament is also sponsored by Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall, Ariel Enterprise, Bel Air Rubis, Motor Trend, Nauth’s Motor Spares and Romeo’s Oil Seal. It started on August 10 and will conclude will seven games on the day of the finals, which will end under floodlights.

The action will bowl off

“I think I can benefit this team with my versatility, I think I can compliment any of the players on team… I’m always in attack mode and I think that’s what they are looking for,” Allen stated. Allen, who has been playing rugby for two years, noted the difference between rugby in America and in Guyana.

“There is more athletes down here in terms of the speed, power and aggression no knock to the guys over there but when you mix all of that with the heat and conditions here you get a different type of rugby,” Allen noted.

I hope to really bring my speed so that I can help the team in the tournament,” King related.

Further, King also noted that the transition from the track to rugby was fairly easy for him, “Well it wasn’t too hard because athletics is already a running sport so it brings my fitness with it and its just about adding the fundamentals of rugby to it,” King mentioned.

Meanwhile Allen, a born American with Guyanese parentage and a background in American football, noted that he hopes to bring his versatility to the team.

In addition, Allen analysed the difference between American football and rugby, “ With rugby you are always on the go, American football there is stoppage when you score a touchdown you can celebrate call huddle for play but with rugby you got to keep think on your feet because your are always running… I consider rugby an elite sport,” he stated.

Guyana will play its first game in the tournament on December 3 where they will face host, Mexico in their group ‘C’ match.

Finals rescheduled to December 7

at 10:00 hours with the Female semi-finals featuring Mike’s Wellwoman and Karibee Girls on Pitch One and Trophy Stall Angels versus Blue Divas on Pitch Two.

This will be followed by the third place Male playoff involving Parika Defenders and Slingers on Pitch One and Farm against Ariel Uprisers on Pitch Two; both games starting at 11:15 hours.

The Female 10/10 final will get underway at 13:30 hours, followed by the Masters 20/20 final between Floodlights and Mike’s Wellman at 14:45 hours.

The Open 20/20 final, which will conclude under lights, will start at

18:00 hours, with reigning Guyana Softball Cup champions Wolf’s Warriors against losing Guyana Cup finalist Regal. The top prize for both Male finals is $100,000, plus a trophy. The runnerup prize for both categories is $50,000 and a trophy. The Females will be playing for a top prize of $50,000, while the losing finalist will receive half that amount.

The Most Valuable Players of the Male finals will receive $10,000 each and a trophy. There will also be prizes for centuries and five-wicket haul in the tournament. Admission to the venue $200, while parking in ground is $500 per vehicle.

Guinness ‘Greatness of the Streets’ Futsal Tournament…

Sparta Boss remain undefeated

Sparta Boss remains undefeated after day five of competition on Thursday when the Guinness ‘Greatness of the Streets’ continued at the National Culture Centre tarmac.

Sparta Boss played their usual attacking style and was able to walk away with a 2-1 victory over Castello Housing Scheme.

However, the game started with Sparta Boss playing

a lackluster style of football only to be awakened when Castello’s Sherman Anthony scored in the sixth minute.

Sheldon Shepherd equalised in the ninth minute while Cleon Forrester scored in the 12th minute to put Sparta Boss ahead before halftime as the game eventually ended on 2-1.

Unsportsmanlike conduct caused both East La Penitence and Broad Street Bullies to be disqualified

‘Six Heads’ back in the ring

– to face Mullings for WBC CABOFE

Welterweight belt in February

Currently, the belt is strapped around the waist of one of the region’s top young boxers, Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings.

Mullings, who has fought twice in Guyana, has always expressed an interest in facing Lewis, and it is highly likely the promising boxer will bring his ‘A’ game against the former world champion.

Lewis, who will turn 44 on December 14, has a record of 30 fights, 23 wins, 20 by way of knockout, with four losses and two drawn encounters. He would look to improve on that record come February 28, 2015.

He defeated James Page in 2001 to capture the Vacant WBA Welterweight

Dalton in a series of three fights for Guyana’s Light Middleweight title. These fights are most notable due to the controversial and bizarre nature of the ending of the second fight.

Ahead on points in the seventh round, Lewis retired from the fight due to an extreme need to defecate blamed on consumption of a pre-fight milkshake.

Lewis returned to the ring almost 12 months after to defeat Dalton and claimed Guyana’s Light Middleweight title. This would prove to be the final victory of his career, which ended in October 2008 when he dropped a split decision to Howard Eastman.

On the flip side, Mullings

Title. Due to his exciting style and power in both hands, Lewis quickly became a popular fighter on HBO.

After successfully defending the title against Larry Marks, he took on Ricardo Mayorga and the bout ended in the second round and was ruled a No contest due to a nasty cut on Lewis, caused by accidental headbutt. Lewis lost the title in a rematch to Mayorga in 2002 via fifth round TKO.

In 2003, Six Head challenged WBO Welterweight champion, Mexican Antonio Margarito, but was knocked out in round two.

From 2005 to 2007, Lewis battled Denny

from the remainder of the tournament as the teams gnawed at each other. At the time of abandonment East La Penitence was leading 1-0.

Stevedore Housing Scheme ‘A’ topped Albouystown ‘B’ 1-nil with a goal from Leon Murray in the 13th minute.

Leopold Street was able to secure a 1-0 win over South Sophia with the game’s only goal coming from Okeene Fraser in the third minute.

Meanwhile a number of teams were unable to grasp a win by the end of regulation time and therefore had to head to the penalty kick round.

Those teams winning by penalty kicks were South Ruimveldt 2-0 against Riverview, Cross Street won 3-2 against Charlestown, Festival City Street Fighters defeated Bent Street 2-0 and Queens Street Tigerbay lost 2-0 to

is an up and coming fighter, enjoying tremendous success that culminated in victory in the Contender Series in Jamaica this year. After 18 fights, the 32-year-old Mullings has an enviable record of 17 wins with 12 knockouts and one defeat.

Of point to note, Mullings has never lost to a Guyanese fighter, defeating Winston Pompey, Howard Eastman, Revlon Lake and Dereck Richmond within the last three years.

Meanwhile, the 2015 Contender Series will also be launched on the same night. The Contender Series is slated to start on March 11 in Jamaica.

WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament…

Bramble hits 73, but Barbados Pride end day one on top

Wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble stroked a solid half-century, but Ryan Hinds led a disciplined bowling effort as Barbados Pride took honours on day one against Guyana Jaguars in the third round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day competition at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. At stumps, Barbados

Pride were four without loss, with openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Kyle Corbin on two each, in response to Guyana Jaguars’ below-par 261.

After the two teams observed a minute silence for the late Australian opener Phil Hughes, who was struck by a cricket ball during a club match earlier this week, Guyana Jaguars batted first, but lost wickets at regular intervals, before Bramble propped up the innings with his second

SCOREBOARD

Cummins 12-1-63-1, Brathwaite 10-1-29-1, Nurse 10-1-38-0, Warrican 28-652-2, Smith 12-5-20-2, Hinds 17-5-50-4, Hope 2-0-15-0 Barbados Pride 1st innings

K Brathwaite not out 02

K Corbin not out 02

Total: (for no wicket; 2 overs) 04

D

R

Bowling: Permaul 1-0-20, Barnwell 1-0-2-0

First-Class fifty.

The talented Berbician, 23, coasted to a fine 73, an innings that included nine fours and the only six of the day, but apart from 47 from Shimron Hetmyer, the other batsmen failed to put up any score of substance.

Opener Rajendra Chandrika scored 31, while Christopher Barnwell, batting at number at number seven, chipped in with 24.

The experienced all-

rounder Hinds, playing his first match of the season, was the pick of the bowlers, snaring 4-50 with his left-arm spin. Dwayne Smith and Jomel Warrican supported with 2-20 and 2-52 respectively.

The Guyana Jaguars are leading the standing with 34 points, while Barbados Pride lie in fourth position on 12.

National rugby team depart for NACRA 7’s championships

The national men’s rugby seven’s team departed for the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association’s (NACRA) championships on Friday.

The team left brimming with confidence and they aim to bring a seventh title back home.

Before the team’s departure from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters, Coach Theodore Henry highlighted that his team is looking to change their style of play.

“We are not looking

to play with any particular pattern because teams would have seen us before and might be able to stop us so we are looking to be more unorthodox with our play, I have a lot of confidence in these guys,” Henry stated.

President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) also left the team with his final charge, “You are the best that Guyana has to offer and based on the experience and professionalism you possess, you should not have much of a problem except the weather and the altitude.

‘Six Heads’ back in the ring − to face Mullings for WBC CABOFE Welterweight belt in February

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

uyana’s first world boxing champion, Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis, is set to make a return to the ‘square jungle’ in early 2015, fighting for the WBC CABOFE Welterweight title in Kingston, Jamaica.

“Barring any acts of God I expect you to bring home the title.” Guyana will be a part of group ‘C’ and will have to play against St Vincent, Cayman Islands and the host (Mexico) who are also the title holders.

Once Guyana is able to win the tournament it will start the process of Guyana qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.

Guyana will face Mexico on December 3 when the tournament kicks off in their first game.