Guyana Times Daily

thursdAY, NOVEMBEr 13, 2014 | guYANAtiMEsgY.cOM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Opposition prorogation

protests... APNU/AFC to hit the streets on Friday ...following

Ramjattan's racially provocative claims

WEATHER TODAY

Weather:

Winds:

By Jomo Paul

lliance For Change (AFC) Leader

Khemraj Ramjattan on Monday, instigated that the Government should not be surprised if Guyanese respond violently to President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue sittings of the National Assembly.

In fact, Ramjattan had warned that people who were frustrated were likely to be part of demonstrations with that course of action.

He was also quoted in one section of the media as saying that he would not be surprised if “all hell does not break loose in the streets before that time by the

frustrated masses, spontaneously reacting to the PPP/C’s [People's Progressive Party/Civic] lawlessness. The PPP/C is provoking protests…”

Despite this, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Wednesday announced its intention to host a mass “rally” to protest the President’s decision to suspend the legislature.

The rally is also being planned in light of the Opposition declaring that it does not intend to engage the President in any form of dialogue until the prorogation of Parliament is rescinded.

APNU General Secretary and Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Harmon explained that the rally is planned for the Sqaure of the Revolution on Friday afternoon at 17:00h.

The coalition’s General Secretary also told Guyana Times that permission has been sought and given from the Guyana Police Force for a “loud instrument” to be used during the rally.

When asked what that instrument was he indicated that it would most likely be a microphone and speaker, that is, a sound system.

When asked why this is being done despite the public voicing its reluctance to protest, Harmon affirmed that it was not a protest, but rather a rally.

He said, “We will see what happens, if they are not interested they won’t turn up.”

Meanwhile, APNU MP James Bond via his Facebook appeared to be calling Guyanese to “act”.

He also disarmed arguments that protest actions could lead to the loss of jobs and instability.

“Whilst some are focused on protest and protest action and the loss of jobs as a result of protests, I woke up think-

ing that given the history of the PPP/C, their history of unbrazen and unabashed thirst for absolute control (and) absolute power, we are in the darkest days of our Republic, and my brothers and sisters it is yet to hit midnight.”

He continued to say, “It’s time to act. Square of the Revolution, Friday 5:30 pm.”

Since Monday, Opposition MPs have been calling on Guyanese to take action against the government. Interestingly, they have not specified what type of action they endorse but have been using the words “mass protests”, “resistance” and “fighting for democratic rights”.

One Opposition parliamentarian went as far as to call on Guyanese to give an “aggressive rejection” to the President’s decision.

In addition, Ramjattan has been accused for inciting violence and making threats to the Executive.

On Monday, he told the East Indian consistency that were they to notice instances where their members were being beaten and attacked that the PPP/C could be responsible, as it was all part of the PPP/C’s plan to drive fear into that community.

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

Several embassies and consulates here have already begun sending warnings and notices to their citizens about the potential of these demonstrations turning violent.

In fact, the US went even further and warned its citizens to avoid being in the area where these demonstrations would take place.

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

Crying wolf in the interregnum

As this Editorial is being composed, the Opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are locked in a meeting that has now spanned two days. They claim they are planning their response to the prorogation of Parliament by President Donald Ramotar.

In their previous pronouncement, they had absolutely ruled out engaging the Government in any form of “dialogue”, as was requested by the Government, to arrive at a consensus on a number of initiatives that were of vital national importance.

Their rhetoric in response to the prorogation Proclamation has been redolent of the language of incitement and provocation. Dubbing the President’s use of a prerogative, conferred on him by the Constitution, as “creating a dictatorship” (Granger - Leader of APNU and the Opposition), an “extra-parliamentary dictatorship” (Nagamootoo - AFC Presidential Candidate in waiting), “coup by the Executive” (Greenidge, APNU shadow Finance Minister), does not suggest that the Opposition is ready to negotiate with the Government, much less dialogue. Even the Speaker of the Assembly, pronounced that the prorogation was an “illegality”, hardly reflecting the neutrality that is supposed to characterise his office.

The Government, on the other hand, beginning with the President’s declaration of the prorogation and continuing with the Cabinet Secretary’s reporting on the deliberations of the Cabinet yesterday, has consistently declared that the Prorogation is first of all, constitutional. It is absolutely on the same footing as the Opposition’s No-Confidence motion.

Secondly, the President and his spokespersons have reiterated that not only is the period of prorogation limited to a maximum of six months, but that if the dialogue with the Opposition does not occur shortly, then the Prorogation will be truncated immediately and the Parliament will be dissolved. This would lead to general elections being scheduled three months after such a dissolution. This is the same action that the No-Confidence Motion would precipitate.

The Opposition, on the other hand, have disavowed any intention of sitting down with the Government, asserting in the words of Granger, that they would not negotiate “with a gun at their heads”. The implication being that if the Parliament were not prorogued, there could be discussions on the governmental initiatives. But this assumption is vitiated by the mover of the No-Confidence Motion, AFC’s Nagamootoo, when he promised that if Parliament is ever to be reconvened by the President, his party would immediately reintroduce the No-Confidence Motion.

It has now become very clear that the APNU and the AFC are only interested in scoring the cheapest political points in the interregnum created by the Government to get on with the process of finding common ground developing the country. But what is very dangerous about the inflammatory rhetoric is that we have the experience in this country of groups within and without the political Opposition that will actually act on it.

Following the 1997 and 2001 elections, we had the PNC making many of the same claims that are flying fast and furious from their successors’ lips and we all know of the horror into which Guyana was thrown for eight years. Sections of the city were razed, the state came under direct attack from armed gunmen who created a “state with a state” in Buxton and four massacres sent the entire country into a collective state of shock.

It is for this reason also that the reflexive reaction of certain “civil society” groups to mimic the Opposition’s extremist rhetoric is more than troubling. We would think that after our tumultuous and riotous recent past, they would be more circumspect. For instance after the outrageous claims of “electoral” rigging in 1997, and its “internationalisation”, the demanded forensic audit, proved that the Opposition PNC was simply making just another “play” remove the PPP/C “by any means necessary”.

The people of Guyana and the international should encourage the Opposition to utilise the interregnum positively.

Day. Cummins has also said he never

“transient”. (BBC News)

In honour of the fallen

I’m disgusted by the garbage being spewed

Dear Editor,

I started reading an article headlind, “PPP/C is like an ungrateful dog to the people”, in which the Vice Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo refers to the PPP/C as an “ungrateful dog”, and my temperature surged to almost boiling point. Nagamootoo said the Government will be spending:

“They will probably commit themselves to activating certain programmes to show that they care. So what is going to happen is a campaign of social bribes. They will focus on Amerindian areas and other communities, for it is all about catching as many votes as it can now.

“They will also use state media to the maximum to sell the party, because at this point, the Government is terribly wounded. The PPP/C is more concerned about recovering lost ground.”

These accusations are baseless, reckless, irresponsible, and cannot be further from the truth, and I’m disgusted by the garbage spewed

Long before he aspired to run for President, Donald Ramotar had built the distinguished reputation of being a people’s person. That did not happen overnight, nor did he suddenly begin caring for the underprivileged in our country after he won the Presidency.

And the PPP/C has always been the Party that fought

to secure a better quality of life for every Guyanese. They have a proven track record to be proud of. Unfortunately, people like Moses only see the progress that’s taking place throughout Guyana as a threat to their own political ambition and aspirations.

Nagamootoo knows only too well, that it is the PPP/C that he was part of that rescued Guyana from bankruptcy under the PNC. Nagamootoo knows that the PPP/C is the same caring Party that he was part of most of his adult life.

But Nagamootoo is a bitter man. He believes he was robbed of his inheritance to lead the PPP/C, an inheritance bestowed upon him by the late former President and Founding Father of the PPP, Dr Cheddi Jagan. But he lied.

This never happened the way he described it, and when the leadership of the PPP/C was not bestowed upon him, this egotistic opportunist jumped at the opportunity to team up with Khemraj Ramjattan, a disgruntled former PPP/C member who had been kicked out of the Party, to form the Alliance For Change (AFC), in the hope of taking votes from the PPP/C. This they managed to do very successfully in 2011.

‘Neemakharamism’ is a recurring theme in the speeches and writings of Moses Nagamootoo, ever since he decamped, and dis-

embarked the PPP/C jaggernaut, and jumped aboard the AFC balahoo.

The PPP/C is indeed the juggernaut of Guyana’s politics - from its inception in 1950 to the present, and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. The Party is grounded in the trials and travails of the ordinary Guyanese people - the poor, the voiceless, the down-trodden, the under-privileged, the workers, the farmers, the fishermen, and the marketvendors.

It was not until the coming of the PPP/C that a voice was given to the Guyanese people, first by Dr Cheddi Jagan, and then by the Party itself which he helped to found.

The AFC, on the other hand, is like a make-shift balahoo - set up to shelter the opportunists, the discarded and the rejects.

The specific task of this entity is to eat into the support base of the PPP/C, causing them to lose its governing majority, thereby helping to usher in the PNC, now calling themselves APNU - the same party that ran the affairs of the country for 28 years, and by 1992, ruined the economy, the country and caused greater division among our people.

The AFC knows that it stands very little chance of winning power legitimately through elections, but Ramjattan is hopeful that he can outfox David Granger,

and become the next Leader of the Opposition. Thus, the opportunists in the AFC are more interested in feathering their own nests, rather than looking after the interests of the Guyanese people.

For Moses Nagamootoo to be calling the PPP/C “an ungrateful dog” is himself displaying all the qualities of an ungrateful dog. Moses Nagamootoo has drawn his strength and sustenance for more than 50 years from the PPP/C.

It was the PPP/C that took this ingrate under its wings, cajoled and nurtured him, given him name-recognition, exposure and chances in life that he otherwise would never have had.

Like the character in his book, he would have been fetching a basket on his head, going from house to house, village to village, selling fish, returning to his shack in the evenings, dancing to the beat of the ‘Tappu’, in his drunken stupor.

He owes his everything that he is today to the PPP/C. Who is the ungrateful one here, you decide. Nagamootoo must be a very a troubled soul. He has betrayed the people of Whim, and has now given back to the PPP/V that which they had lost in 2011 - overwhelming support for the PPP/C Administration.

Sincerely, Harry

Gill

Prorogation versus No-Confidence Motion

Dear Editor,

The Government of Guyana, more so President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue Parliament in the face of a pending No-Confidence Motion by the combined Opposition, intended to dissolve Parliament and start elections anew, has generated much discussion from certain sections of the populace, both locally and internationally.

Many critics, including non-partisan, civic and non-governmental organizations, such as the Blue CAPS, the Catholic Bishop and others have expressed disappointment with the decision by the President to prorogue Parliament, citing that the act borders on “dictatorship” and will perpetuate unaccountability so long as it exists.

I for one am perplexed at how these bodies could surmise this conclusion and how is it that these non-partisan and civic bodies, which are supposed to disavow themselves from political predispositions, are so closely involved and against the Proclamation made by the President but, didn’t find it at all necessary to address the issue of the No-Confidence Motion advanced by the Opposition.

If one were to look at the situation objectively, one would find that both the provisions for the NoConfidence Motion and the prorogation of Parliament are enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 103(6) of the Constitution makes provisions for the No-Confidence Motion, while Articles 61, 69 and 70 make provisions for the President to prorogue Parliament. If one does not have a problem with the issuance of a No-Confidence Motion, which is a right that the combined Opposition has, why then should there be a problem with prorogation, which is a right that the Government of the day has in defence of a NoConfidence Motion?

In fact, prorogation was used by advanced countries such as Canada, Australia and Sri Lanka in recent years when their Governments were faced with No-Confidence Motions. I am certain that critics wouldn’t label these countries “dictatorships” for utilizing their constitutional right.

So why then are they making such a fuss when the Guyana Government is doing the same? Maybe it has to do with ignorance

on their part.

These civic and nonpartisan organizations, whose fundamental pillars are structured around the proliferation of human rights and social welfare of citizens, ought to know that the Opposition’s NoConfidence Motion was issued after it was found that the Government went ahead and spent monies that were illegally cut from 2014 Budget, so that it could provide the much needed financing to fund projects intended to address the welfare of the working people, the Amerindians and our children.

For example, the Hinterland Capital Budget, the Amerindian Development Fund, the University of Guyana Student Loan Programme and the $10,000 cash voucher programme, just to name a few. Incidentally, the Government did the same thing in 2012 and 2013 and came back for Supplementary in the Parliament, and it was approved.

Now if the President did not prorogue Parliament, then the Combined Opposition would’ve passed the No-Confidence Motion, thereby dissolving the 10th Parliament and terminating all the important business that were to be addressed.

These include the immensely important Telecommunications Bill, seeking to liberalize the telecommunications sector, as well as the ongoing compromise to get the AML/CFT Bill passed, establishing the Public Procurement Commission, in addition to a whole host of other important matters, which would essentially be dead until new elections are held and Government is either changed or reconstituted. By proroguing Parliament, the President has simply put off the ses -

sion of the 10th Parliament, so that a compromise can be met between the combined Opposition and the Government to address these issues.

The President has also signaled his intention to call General Elections, if there is no consensus within the six months life of the prorogation thereby, fulfilling the objective of the No-Confidence Motion.

With respect to unaccountability, my understanding is that all monies spent during the period of prorogation will have to be accounted for when Parliament resumes.

Why these organizations, bodies and individuals, would not want to support such an initiative or would want to condemn it is beyond me. It is one thing when persons who have a right to be subjective are critical, but it is an entirely different scenario when non-partisan organizations, such as the Blue CAPS and others who are supposed to be objective, take a political line.

It begs the question, what is their agenda? What is their motto? Is it about the welfare and goodwill of the people?

When the 2014 Budget was cut denying poor persons billions of dollars, no one heard from these civic organizations, one would have thought that they would have supported the move by the President to delay the passage of the No-Confidence Motion so that a compromise could be garnered; thereby, allowing all the socio-economic investments and political agreements intended to benefit all Guyanese to flourish and not die.

They have to decide whether they are political tools or champions of the welfare of persons.

Yours sincerely, Reaz

Holladar

Putting

Guyana and its blessed people first not the Opposition’s

circus

Dear Editor,

“Let us put Guyana and its blessed people first.”

These were the blessed words coming from the President of this great country. These were the finest words ever, coming from a President of Guyana, one who truly cares about the people who elected him.

He further emphasized the point that uppermost in his mind is the sacred responsibility entrusted him to, that is, seek after those things that would make for the happiness and prosperity of this nation of ours.

That said, President Ramotar will not in any way allow the shenanigans of the Opposition to derail this process of development.

Ironically, the NoConfidence Motion is coming in the midst of the Government’s “Because We Care” programme - a system that targets the nation’s youth, our future, our hope, our human resources, seeing to it that their needs are addressed.

That monetary grant will go a far way in helping those mothers - many of them single parents - to see their children go through

school successfully and receive a good education.

This is the bounding duty of our Government, not to be sidetracked by a bunch of uncaring losers.

The combined Opposition are in a nonsensical foolish mode with that No-Confidence Motion of theirs, through which it was their mistaken belief that Parliament should immediately descend into a circus.

However, the timely legal intervention of a prorogued Parliament put an abrupt end to that nonsense. We have too many important matters to attend to than to be distracted by a bunch of individuals who have no plans for the progress and future development of this country.

In essence President Ramotar was giving the Opposition their marching orders. He was sending them a clear message to take their circus tricks into the depths of the Amazon Jungle.

We won’t be entertaining some cheap political stunt. We have no time for idleness. We can well utilize our time in productive

work. Guyana can ill afford such foolishness at this juncture of our democratic and developmental progress. We will not digress. Like I said in a previous communication, if any thing that should take a priority rating, it would be the court case involving the rape and sodomy of a minor. It is high time to get this matter rolling regarding Trotman. There is no way a decent, well respected country, such as ours, be burdened lile this. This is totally unacceptable. No civilized state should have a personality holding such high and respected office. Trotman has to go ... now! In conclusion, I must admit that the proroguing of Parliament means things have been put on an even keel. It means that the affairs of the people of this country come first and not the Opposition’s NoConfidence Vote. When this fact would have sunken into their thick skulls, then and only then, will we proceed.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Page Foundation

What do doctors do about Ebola? Why do I fight with my parents?

To prevent Ebola from spreading, it’s vital to find out quickly if someone has it.

Knowing if an illness is Ebola can be a challenge because early signs of the disease are the same as lots of less serious illnesses. That’s why anyone who gets sick after being someplace where there’s Ebola must be isolated from other people right away. Health-care professionals should put on proper protective gear before examining the patient.

Doctors might do tests, like liver function tests or blood tests. Blood tests for Ebola often need to go to a special facility for analysis, so the results might take longer to come back.

Most people who get Ebola need intensive care in an isolation unit at a hospital or other well-equipped medical centre. Here’s what hospital medical teams do for people with Ebola:

• give them lots of fluids to keep them well hydrated keep their oxygen and blood pressure levels steady give patients blood transfusions to replace lost blood

• treat problems (like seizures or other infections) as they happen

Some experimental treatments for Ebola have been effective when tested

on animals, but are not officially approved for use in people.

How contagious is it?

With Ebola, a person is contagious after he or she starts to feel sick from the virus. In areas where there is an Ebola outbreak, anyone who isn’t feeling well

How do people know they have it?

The first signs of Ebola can appear from 2 to 21 days after someone has been exposed to the virus. Most people’s symptoms begin 8 to 10 days after exposure.

Early signs of Ebola include:

should get immediate medical help and avoid contact with others.

After people with Ebola start feeling sick, they’re contagious for as long as the virus stays in their blood and body fluids. The virus can stay in the body for weeks after a person feels better — meaning it still can be passed on to someone else. That’s why it’s so important for people who have the virus to stay in medical care and away from other people.

fever

• headache joint and muscle aches

• weakness and tiredness

• sore throat chills

As the disease gets worse, people might:

• bleed inside and outside the body feel sick and throw up have diarrhoea

• get a skin rash

• have chest and stom-

ach pain

• have trouble breathing or swallowing

In its later stages, Ebola can lead to severe bleeding, shock, coma, organ failure, and death.

How do people protect themselves?

There is no vaccine to prevent Ebola, although scientists are working to develop one. It can be hard to prevent the disease since doctors aren’t entirely sure how it infects people at the start of an outbreak.

The best way to guard against Ebola infection is to avoid places that have had outbreaks.

If you are in a place where there’s Ebola, you should: avoid contact with people who are sick avoid contact with anyone who has had Ebola in the past two months

• wash your hands often

• not touch or eat wild animals (sometimes called “bush meat”)

Ebola is one of the deadliest diseases known. But doctors are learning more about it all the time. Eventually, with more research and a vaccine, Ebola might stop being a threat. Until then, treating people quickly and keeping them in separate health care areas is the best way to stop the spread of the disease (Kidshealth)

The clothes you wear. The food you eat. The colour of your bedroom walls. Where you go and how you get there. The people you hang with. What time you go to bed.

What do these things have in common, you’re asking?

They’re just a few examples of the many hundreds of things that your parents controlled for you when you were a child. As a child, you didn’t have a say in very much that went on; your parents made decisions about everything from the cereal you ate in the morning to the pajamas you wore at night. And it’s a good thing, too — children

into this new person who makes his or her own decisions, your parents may have a difficult time adjusting. They aren’t used to the new you yet — they only know you as the child who had everything decided for you and didn’t mind. In most families, it’s this adjustment that can cause a lot of fighting between teens and parents. You want to cover your walls with posters; they don’t understand why you don’t like your kiddie wallpaper anymore. You think it’s OK to hang at the mall every day after school; they would rather that you play a sport.

need this kind of protection and assistance because they aren’t mature enough to take care of themselves and make careful decisions on their own.

But eventually, children grow up and become teens. And part of being a teen is developing your own identity — one that is separate from your parents’. It’s totally normal for teens to create their own opinions, thoughts, and values about life; it’s what prepares them for adulthood.

But as you change and grow

Clashes like these are very common between teens and parents — teens get angry because they feel parents don’t respect them and aren’t giving them space to do what they like, and parents get angry because they aren’t used to not being in control or they disagree with the teens’ decisions. It’s easy for feelings to get very hurt when there are conflicts like these. And more complicated issues — like the types of friends you have or your attitudes about sex and partying — can cause even bigger arguments, because your parents will always be intent on protecting you and keeping you safe, no matter how old you are.

The upside

The good news about fighting with your parents is that in many families the arguing will lessen as parents get more comfortable with the idea that their teen has a right to certain opinions and an identity that may be different from theirs.

It can take several years for parents and teens to adjust to their new roles, though. In the meantime, concentrate on communicating with your parents as best you can.

Sometimes this can feel impossible — like they just don’t see your point of view and never will. But talking and expressing your opinions can help you gain more respect from your parents, and you may be able to reach compromises that make everyone happy.

For example, if you are willing to clean your room in order to stay out an hour later, both you and your parents walk away with a good deal.

Keep in mind, too, that your parents were teens once and that, in most cases, they can relate to what you’re going through.

(kidshealth.org)

thursDAY, november 13, 2014 |

Diplomats decline to interfere in domestic affairs

...reject Opposition’s provocative pleas

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

Since the prorogation of Guyana’s Parliament, the local diplomatic community has opted not to comment on the decision taken by President Donald Ramotar, explaining that they do not want to interfere in Guyana’s domestic affairs.

The Guyana Times made contact with some of the major embassies that share a strong relationship with the country on Wednesday.

The United States Embassy, the Canadian High Commission, the British High Commission, and the Chinese Embassy were contacted, among others.

However, this newspaper was told by the respective foreign missions that they will be commenting on the issue only after much consideration has been given to the entire situation and all stakeholders are engaged in dialogue.

They refuse to interfere now or at any point until considered advice is sought on the matters engaging the Guyanese public.

It is likely that they will respond in a joint statement as they have done several times before on a number of other national issues.

By refusing to comment, the diplomats have in fact rejected the lures and provocations from the combined parliamentary Opposition parties for a condemnation by the diplomatic community of President Ramotar’s decision to prorogue sittings of the National Assembly.

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

During the meeting attended by senior Members

of Cabinet, the President briefed the foreign representatives and presented them with copies of his address to the nation in which he made the announcement, along with the Official Gazette in which the Proclamation One of 2014 to prorogue was published.

The President had also forwarded copies of the Proclamation to other international and regional bodies that Guyana is a member of, informing them of his decision.

President Ramotar updated the officials on the current state of Parliamentary affairs while clarifying Government’s position and the way forward, within Guyana’s constitutional framework. Then on Tuesday, the President held another high-level meeting, this time engaging the civil society.

At this week’s post Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, Head of Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, disclosed that during those meetings, the parties exchanged mutual concerns over the prorogation. He noted that all the parties, though minimally, have conceded the constitutionality of the President’s decision.

However Dr Luncheon went onto explain that the muted concern which was shared by the parties had to deal with what the Government would do if there is no consensus between them and the political Opposition.

“A lot of them dealt with statements that are being made, that have been made in the height of immediacy of Opposition responses. The threats, what happens to the security, what happens to the investments, what would the Government be doing, and that may or may not be

Parliament’s prorogation....

PSC,GCCI differ on way forward

Tjudged properly during the non-existent Parliament,” he noted.

According to Dr Luncheon, the dialogue with the diplomats basically dealt with Government’s intention and course of action at the outcome of the prorogation period.

On November 4 during a previous telecast address to the nation, President Ramotar highlighted the importance of deliberating and priority being given to the several matters before the National Assembly, as preparations were being made for the first post recess sitting, at the same time warning that he will dissolve or prorogue Parliament if the House steers away from Government’s business and pushes the debate on opposition tabled No-Confidence Motion.

In Monday’s address, the President explained that his Government has chosen this constitutional route and not proceed with the debate, because the latter option has a possibility of fueling a confrontation, and as such the former option seems the practical choice.

Ramotar assured the public that during the period of prorogation, his Government will continue to work address the issues affecting the country.

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Monday expressed the view that only General and Regional Elections could break the ongoing deadlock and grandstanding that has characterised the state of affairs of the legislature.

The Chamber expressed its disappointment with the ongoing crises that resulted in President Donald Ramotar proroguing Parliament and ending all sittings in this session.

The GCCI in a release to the media said “in view of the level of stalemate, gridlock and failure to compromise over the past three years, the Chamber is hard pressed to believe that any positive dialogue will be conducted during this period. It is clear that only national elections will resolve this issue.”

It said that if there is an election and Parliament returns with a minority Government, this implies that the electorate is demanding that the political parties put aside their differences and work together for the betterment of Guyana and Guyanese.

It was not explained how the results of decisions made by the electorate individually before the elections results are declared would be known at that time.

The Chamber noted that it has been almost half a century since Guyana’s independence but yet still “the various factions within the

political establishment still do not have the maturity to find common ground in the interest of good governance and national development.”

In the release, the GCCI also contended “that once again the Constitution has failed to provide definitive guidance in matters critical to the stewardship of this nation.”

But, when contacted, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Persaud said that elections should only be resorted to if talks failed between the political factions.

Persaud told Guyana Times that the PSC “would like to see attempts to engage the Opposition made as early as possible...If that doesn’t work (then) elections”.

This comes amidst an absolute rejection by the Opposition to engage the President under the cur-

rent suspended status of the National Assembly. A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Leader David Granger said that as long as the prorogation of the National Assembly is in place, the coalition will not be engaging the President nor any member of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in any discussions. Even before the President announced his decision to prorogue the National Assembly, Granger had told reporters that “we can’t engage with a gun at our heads”, adding that “this National Assembly is a forum for national debate. It’s the voice of the people. I can’t see how he can prorogue the Parliament and expect us to have any discussions under duress”. He did not comment on the fact the Opposition’s option of insisting on a NoConfidence Motion absolutely precluded any possibility of any dialogue while prorogation gave the Opposition the option of further dialogue.

Granger contended that previous discussions held with the President have not left room for further discussions, pointing out that “I have exhausted my discussions with the President”. This follows the position previously adopted by the Alliance For Change (AFC), which had said it is unwilling to hold any discussions with the President "with a dagger aimed at Parliament’s throat".

Driver in Providence fatal accident remanded

Twenty-six-year-old, Sampson Pereira was remanded to Prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after he was slapped with four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.

It was alleged that on November 10, 2014 at Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara he drove motorcar PJJ 7632 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Devon Bellamy.

On the same day, it was

Fish

Afurther alleged that Pereira drove motorcar PJJ 7632 and failed to stop after the accident. He also reportedly

had tinted windows, thereby obstructing the vision of persons attempting to identify him.

The court further heard that on the same day, the accused failed to take the injured to the hospital to be examined by a medical practitioner.

Pereira pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and also to having tinted windows.

He pleaded guilty to failing to stop after the accident and failing to take the de-

ceased to the hospital to be examined by a medical practitioner.

On the charge of failure to stop after the accident and failure to take the injured to the hospital, Pereira was fined $30,000, or an alternative of three months imprisonment.

He was remanded to prison on the other two charges.

Pereira will next appear in court on November 28 before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

vendor accused of robbery under arms, refused bail

fish vendor was remanded to prison after being charged for robbery under arms.

Othello Ducan, of Lot 117 Canet Street, Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Duncan pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on July 25, 2013 at Meadow Bank Wharf, being armed with a gun, he robbed virtual complainant (VC) Hayman Handit of $316,000 cash.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the Court that on the day in question around

10:10h, the VC was at Meadow Bank when the defendant approached him and tried to relieve him of the money that he had in his possession.

The accused placed the firearm to the victim’s head and asked for him to hand over his cash.

After the victim refused to hand over the money, Duncan pushed his hand in Handit’s pocket, took away the money, then made good his escape. The matter was reported to the Police.

Grant opposed bail based on the nature and gravity of the offence and the fact that a firearm was reportedly used in committing the offence. He

Othello Ducan

also noted that the defendant has been evading the Police since the allegation.

The Court heard every time the VC saw the defendant and called the Police, he would always escape.

The defendant was represented by Attorney-At-Law Melville Duke. He told the Court that the victim and his client work at the same place and in that case the VC could have reported the matter.

In those circumstances, he requested bail for Duncan, which was refused by the Chief Magistrate.

The matter was then transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman for report and fixtures and the Defense Counsel renewed his bail application, which was for the second time denied.

The case will be heard again on November 27 when trial would commence.

Elderly man remanded on break and enter charge

An elderly man was remanded on Wednesday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to face a break and enter charge.

It is alleged that Justin Kergern between October 26 and November 10 at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, broke and entered the dwelling house of Dr Kemraj Kandhi.

He is accused of stealing one HP desktop computer ($140,000), an electrical fan ($10,000) and iron ($6000), a pair of Clarks shoes ($25,000), two suitcases ($40,000), a quantity of clothing ($200,000), a spray paint machine ($120,000), two pairs of

shoes ($24000), some spare parts ($300,000), a pair of sunglasses ($200,000) and a gas stove (15,000), totalling $920,000.

Upon the request by

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant, the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was granted and the unrepresented defendant entered a not guilty plea.

The Court heard that on the day in question, Kandhi locked his house and proceeded to Bartica to look at a patient since he is a doctor.

On November 10, he received a phone call informing him that his house was broken into. When he arrived there, he noticed his windows were broken and the articles missing.

The Court then heard that the security guard found the defendant in the house sleeping, and that some of the articles recov-

ered with the help of the defendant.

The Police Prosecutor objected to bail, citing the nature and gravity of the offence.

He noted that the defendant has no fixed place of abode.

The defendant was also convicted for a similar matter in Court 3 by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

More so, he highlighted that he appeared in Court for a simple larceny matter in 2001.

The Prosecution’s objections were upheld. The matter was transferred to Magistrate Faith McGusty for a hearing on November 28.

Eyew tness End-run...

...by President on Opposition

Last Sunday was Remembrance Day...when we remember the "great wars". You'd think Granger - an army Brigadier for donkey years - would've had some understanding of the occasion to steer him right in the present. Forewarned is forearmed, no??

Well, not with Granger - not to mention the rest of the slackers in the Opposition. For months, they'd been pushing their "No-Confidence" Motion to bring down the Government like a house of cards. It was their "Constitutionally mandated" right, they screamed at the top of their lungs. Since the Government wasn't willing to go along with their cynical horse-trading approach to governance (you scratch my back...then I'll scratch yours) it was "off with the PPP/C's heads"!! How dare the PPP/C talk about a programme of development??

When the President retorted, "Bring it on!!" and "Make my day", the Opposition wankers assumed the President was going to use his Constitutional powers to "dissolve" Parliament. But since this would have the same effect as their "No-Confidence" Motion - the Government term ends and elections are held in three months - they bitched they wouldn't get the satisfaction of showing the Government "who was maan". They sucked their teeth...but concluded, "What the heck??" They were going to see the back of the hated PPP/C Government.

Problem was, the President's Constitutional power to "dissolve" Parliament, accompanies another powerthe power to "prorogue" Parliament. The two powers or "prerogatives" are even in the same Article 70!! But with all the so-called "heavyweight" lawyers in APNU and AFCthey never spared a thought about this option.

We know Bobby Brown was a "bad boy"... But they should've listened to his hit single, "My prerogative"!! Even when days before D-Day, the President ANNOUNCED he would EITHER "prorogue or dissolve" Parliament...the Opposition wankers kept harping about new elections!! And that's why they're in total, absolute shock when the other foot dropped and the President PROROGUED Parliament. They were caught with their pants, buktas and g-strings down!! Granger should remember the French spent years building the Maginot Wall along their borders to stop the Germans from invading as they'd done in WWI. They felt soooo secure.

Trouble is, they never figured the Germans would simply do an end run AROUND the wall in Belgium and enter France from the North. They were conquered in a month!!! With their Maginot Line intact!!

Just like the Opposition's No-Confidence Vote! Legal "heavyweights"?? More like "legal dead weights"!!! What a bunch of losers.

...around fairness

They say "justice is blind"...but it appears that some who CALL for justice are also so afflicted. A case of the blind seeking the blind?? We're reminded of this by the good Bishop of the Guyana Catholic Church weighing in on the prorogation of the Parliament of Guyana, at the urging of one of his parishioners - a well known Opposition supporter.

The Bishop's calling for "early resumption of Parliamentary democracy" in Guyana. What we'd like to know is when did democracy cease in Guyana, when the President's using one of his Constitutional powers - available to the President in every democracy in the world???!!!

When Speaker Trotman illegally allowed the Opposition to cut the Government's budget, didn't he see this as an infringement on "democracy"?? The Courts thought so.

And then there's the OAS Secretary General "pleading" for Parliament's "earliest resumption". Isn't he echoing what the President already promised?? Why?? We wonder if he and the OAS so exhorted Canadian PM Harper, when he also prorogued their Parliament to preempt a NoConfidence Motion??

Or is it different strokes for coloured, Third World folks??

...for food

The Opposition's miffed about the prorogation - but not for the reason they're sniffing about. It's the $1.7 MILLION of free food they wolf down EVERY sitting that they're missing.

They're not "homeless", as Harmon complains, but "free food-less"

Prorogation

Ramotar WILL dissolve Parliament if talks fail

– Govt finalising action for prorogation period

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday reaffirmed Government’s commitment to host General Elections at the end of the six-month prorogation period, if talks fail between Government and the combined political Opposition.

Dr Luncheon was at the time responding to questions posed by the media at this week’s post Cabinet briefing.

Hours before the first post recess sitting of the National Assembly, President Donald Ramotar on Monday announced that he is proroguing Parliament for a maximum of six months.

This decision did not go down lightly with the combined parliamentary Opposition which has adamantly stated its unwillingness to engage in dialogue with Government until Parliament is back in session.

Dr Luncheon explained that President Donald Ramotar was vividly clear in this address to the nation

-Confidence Motion against it, the Administration took into account that the end result would have still lead to elections.

It was based on this, Dr Luncheon said, that the decision was taken so facilitate the possibility of dialogue, which he is of the belief will happen, as he believes the political Opposition will reverse their positions.

Dr Luncheon explained that in situations such as these, initial positions should not be taken to be indefinite.

He stated that the Opposition may have felt thwarted initially because their option of a debate and the highly probable passage of a No-Confidence Motion would have lead to the involuntary dissolution of the 10th Parliament.

“Immediate reactions should not be assumed to constitute the permanent and the more mature reactions, and that is a fact all over the world...whether it is after more mature judgement, whether it was the input of mediators, whether it was with just time, (we) have seen original positions altered, original posi-

and at subsequent forums, with regard to his intention of hosting elections if the Opposition does not change its posture towards talks.

“The President is quite categorical. He has absolutely no intention of proroguing and re-proroguing and rere-proroguing. He has reassured the Guyanese people and the political Opposition. It’s like a Dutch-axe, indeed it can say to the Opposition if we wait he out six months then we will get the voluntary dissolution in place of our involuntary dissolution six months earlier than we sought,” the Cabinet Secretary remarked.

On the other hand, Dr Luncheon explained that, while Government was ready to face the debate on the Opposition-tabled No

tions abandoned, so I don’t believe unless time proves otherwise.

"Similar circumstances, over time, have not prevented a reasonable outcome eventually.

"I feel that our drafters (of the Constitution) put six months because they feel it is a good time for you to contemplate and to maturely be advised,” he pointed out.

In the meanwhile, Dr Luncheon underscored that the Opposition must be presented with Government’s position, that is, a range of its maximum and minimum positions, the basis of which will be the end of the prorogation and the return to the 10th Parliament.

He continued saying that President Ramotar will now have strategised on

how Government will be going forward with its plan to engage the parliamentary Opposition.

This plan, he noted, will have to be publicized so that no one can say that Government or the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration did not deal with the matter adequately.

Dr Luncheon added that the involvement of the public and stakeholders will be an enormous complement to dialoguing with the parliamentary Opposition.

Nevertheless, he stated that discussions are ongoing to determine how Government will be dealing

with the period of prorogation and General Elections, that is, whether they will be calling elections midway after experiencing continuous deadlock with the Opposition, or wait until the completion of the entire sixmonth period to go to the polls.

“A discussion along those lines needs to be had and whether inflexible positions on timelines need to be taken or the context of the politics, flexibility need to be encourage,” he stated.

He noted that there will have to be an awareness campaign for the public, where both Government and the Opposition will be informing citizens and stakeholders on their positions as the discourse continues.

As part of the commemoration activities for the 100th Anniversary of World War One, three French historians made presentations on the impact of the War on the French Colonies.

French historians talk about the Great War Rafeel wanna shut up Johnny fuh good

The event, held on November 11 at the University of Guyana’s Education Lecture Theatre, was organised by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Guyana in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Suriname.

The historians, with the aid of a translator, discussed the experiences of French Guiana and Guadeloupe during and after the War.

Jacqueline Zon-Zon, from French Guiana, talked about the willingness of the soldiers to fight in the war, noting that only a few were reluctant to do so. She said young people from French

It ain’t look like Lil Johnny can get justice in he own country wheh he born and grow. Cat-Hee-Haw was tryin to get

Lil Johnny de other day to run away to Tee-Tee. She even send Lil Johnny a email and tell he so.

But de lil boy who now turn a young man ain’t fall fuh that. Lil Johnny seh he just want justice. Ten years ago CatHee-Haw coulda tell Lil Johnny any ting and he woulda do it. Ten years ago Uncle Rafeel coulda tell Lil Johnny any ting and he woulda do it. Ten years ago Uncle Rafeel coulda do Lil Johnny anything and he woulda stay quiet.

Even if Cee-Hen-S raise up de Justice Fuh All party from de dead Lil Johnny might not get justice.

“In facing the enemy, we are all equal, but after the war there was no equality.”

Guiana even organised a petition to go to war.

“The soldiers from French Guiana were very enthusiastic to go…there were only a few people who didn’t want to go into fight”, the translator related.

Zon-Zon also spoke about

the challenges soldiers encountered after the war when they returned to their homeland. Zon-Zon noted that the soldiers had a long wait before they returned to French Guiana. When they finally did, there were no jobs and hardly any medical care for the veterans, particularly those who were injured.

Zon-Zon quoted the words of a soldier from the war.

Another historian, Anne Lebel from Guadeloupe, spoke about the cause of death of the Guadeloupian soldiers. Contrary to the belief that many soldiers died because of untreated dis-

eases, Lebel highlighted quite the opposite. She stated that, based on scientific research only14 per cent of the people died from diseases while the majority died on the battlefield. Most of the Guadeloupian soldiers died during the battle in the Dardanelles. Additionally, Gerald Lafleur, also from Guadeloupe, spoke about the critical role of the press during these troubling times.

The screening of a World War One documentary entitled “Apocalypse” was also a part of the commemoration. The documentary vividly explained in details how the war began. The film also provided a brief history of those who were the drivers behind the battles and how their daily struggles ignited the war.

In his remarks, Ambassador Robert Kopecký, Head of the Delegation of the European Union, to Guyana talked about the impact the war had in Europe.

“One hundred years ago, in the course of 1914, my continent, Europe, took a terrible path. The escalation that led to the First World War set our coun-

And if yuh know See-Hen, is a long time since he raise up any ting from de dead. Last time was that time some time back when he mek de lil gyurl run out de house and call fuh she mammy.

So tings ain’t lookin good fuh Lil Johnny. Fuh poor Lil Johnny, is a long time tings ain’t lookin up.

There was a time when he used to had to do a lotta lookin up bout 10 years ago to Uncle Rafeel. That was when Uncle Rafeel used to really look down on de poor lil boy.

Lil Johnny even seh it used to be every afternoon. So is since then Lil Johnny can’t ketch he level. Is funny how Uncle Rafeel accusin de Prezzi of dictatorship now when he was Lil Johnny dictator bout 10 years ago.

That was a time when Uncle Rafeel coulda tell Lil Johnny to do any ting whether he like it or not. As far as Uncle Rafeel concern, Lil Johnny had to keep he mouth shut and only open it when Uncle Rafeel seh so.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So it must he hard fuh Lil Johnny who now wanna open he mouth and Uncle Rafeel tellin he to shut up!

tries on the way to unprecedented and incomprehensible destruction. That war, and the next one, would change the world view of generations of Europeans – slowly but irreversibly –so that they would take the first steps towards mending their fractured continent, to take it forward to a better future. In a different way, they too wanted and needed to be united and indivisible.”

Also speaking at the event was Carolle Lucas from the French Embassy in Suriname and Guyana who

paid tribute to the brave Guyanese soldiers who fought in the war.

“I would like to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the Guyanese soldiers who now one century ago, left their land and their family to go fighting alongside France and its allies on European and French soil. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.”

History professor of the University of Guyana, Dr Melissa Ifill and Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Alim Hosein also paid tribute to the courageous soldiers.

GECOM signals readiness for Local Govt polls

The Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) says that it remains prepared for either Local Government or General and Regional elections but it just needs the commencement order from the Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker or President Donald Ramotar for each respective poll.

This is according to the Chairman of GECOM Dr Steve Surujbally who told Guyana Times in a recent interview that while the commission stands ready to commence election preparations no order has been issued to do so.

This is despite the prorogation of the National Assembly and President Donald Ramotar announcing that Local elections will be held by the second quarter of 2015, that is to say by the end of June.

But, Dr Surujbally is insisting that the commencement order has to come from the Local Government Minister who is constitutionally tasked with that responsibility.

Surujbally said “I am ready to take off, but it is contextual. The order has to come from the local government minister. The Minister has to make that pronouncement.”

In the meantime, he explained that GECOM will be embarking on another

cycle of continuous registration in an effort to “further sanitize” the voter

list.

Early November, just days after declaring that it would be “foolish” of him to call Local Government Elections, President Donald Ramotar declared his intention to hold those polls “in the second quarter of next year.”

He said that the Elections Commission informed him that it would need six months to prepare for the Local Government Polls which were last held in 1994.

Local

Ramotar also committed to having more consultations with the Commission through his office and the Local Government Ministry before setting a date for the elections.

Trotman paedophile allegations...

Welshman attempts suicide after CJ’s ruling

Johnny Welshman, the young man who has accused the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, of sexually molesting him as a child, on Wednesday attempted to take his own life in frustration over what he called the sloth and perceived wrongdoings of Guyana’s justice system.

The 22-year-old was reportedly taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital after reportedly consuming bleach. He was treated and sent home. When contacted,

Welshman confirmed that he did indeed attempt to take his own life.

On Tuesday, acting Chief Justice Ian Chang had ruled to uphold an injunction filed by Trotman that prevented Welshman from repeating his allegations of sexual abuse until the conclusion of the matter, much to the anger of the alleged victim.

“I can't take it anymore: I wanted justice and I am the one that is constantly harassed on the road.Well, live with yourself at my death ... I know I will be in hell ‘cause I

committed suicide, but I rather die than to continue living in pain...Uncle Raphael, my father and Colin, I will never forgive you,” he had earlier on Wednesday posted on his Facebook page. After more than 30 minutes of deliberations on Tuesday afternoon, acting Justice Chang upheld the injunction.

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

nation of the matter”.

Welshman has accused the Speaker, whom he fondly refers to as “Uncle Raphael”, of sodomising him as a 12-year-old boy.

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

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

Canadian citizen killed in Montrose accident

ACanadian citizen met his demise on Wednesday morning after he allegedly lost control of his motorcycle and fell onto the roadway at Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

He sustained injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Jonathan Validen, 43 of Lot 3738Q Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara was reportedly on his way home after partying at a bar. According to information received, the now dead man had attended the opening of a friend’s bar on Sherriff Street, Georgetown and subsequently went home with his wife after some convincing. While at home, he reportedly told her that he could not sleep and went back to

body with several injuries to his head.

She recalled pleading with him not to go back out since she was cognizant that he was under the influence of alcohol. After finding out what had transpired, she has reasons to believe that her husband did not fall off the motor cycle as the police reported.

the bar claiming that he had owed his friends some money. He left home at about 3:00h and the accident occurred at about 4:30h.

His wife, Jennifer Melissa Validen told the Guyana Times that she became aware of the accident about 6:00h after her sisterin-law went to her home at Pigeon Island. She said that she rushed to the hospital where she saw his lifeless

She explained that after she went to the scene, she collected a portion of his registration plate and a piece belonging to another vehicle thus suggesting that he might have been stuck him from behind. More so, she would have examined that motor cycle, and realized that the exhaust was severely damaged which meant that had to be struck from behind.

After indicating her suspicions to the police, they have since revisited the scene with the intention of conducting a thorough investigation. The distraught woman stated that she has been married to her husband for over a year noting that he does not have any other relatives here in Guyana.

However, her brother, Charles Kippings admitted that after his brother-inlaw left home, his sister telephoned him requesting that he collect her and take her to the bar. He said that he left East Ruimveldt and as was on his way to the East Coast when he saw a crowd at Montrose and stopped to enquire.

As he stopped, he saw a man lying on the roadway but as he looked closer, he realized that it was his brother in law. He rushed to render assistance but was advised to contact the police before he moved the injured man.

He immediately went to the Beterverwagting Police Station where he related what he saw but was advised that two police ranks were already deployed to the scene. As he returned, he noted he informed that police that the man was his relative.

They then agreed for him to pick up Validen who was still breathing and take him to the hospital but unfortunately, he died on his way. Kipplings said that the man sustained some serious injuries to his head which might have contributed to his demise.

He went on to say that out of frustration, he forgot to contact his sister but later sent over his wife to relate the devastating news. He too feels that his brother-in-law was killed in a hit and run accident.

Validen migrated to Guyana after his dad passed

few years ago.

and

AFC trashes internal party democracy

– to salvage December Convention

After postponing its late October biennial Convention, the Alliance For Change (AFC) on Wednesday confirmed that it is now making preparations for the event where it’s leaders and other office bearers are supposed to be elected.

The Guyana Times learnt on Wednesday that the Congress is being organised for December 6 after persistent enquires with the current leadership of the party.

Over the last few weeks, there has been discontent and dissatisfaction in certain quarters of the party following some of the decisions taken by its Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo.

Some of the party’s MPs have also been engrossed in several conflict of interest scandals and other matters which attracted widespread publicity in sections of the media. These scandals, the officials believe, have severely damaged the credibility of the micro party.

Additionally, the decision by the AFC’s top brass leadership to postpone its Congress following the party’s failure to table and move a No-Confidence Motion back in October has also not resonated well with the prodemocracy and grassroots members within its ranks.

When contacted, the party’s incumbent Leader, Ramjattan, quickly said that the December 6 date is definite and all previous preparations that were made are still valid for the upcoming congress.

He explained, however, that this does not include the nominations for the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates owing to a nixed No-Confidence

Motion against the President Donald Ramotarled People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

“The necessity for that (sic) does not exist,” Ramjattan said during the interview.

In accordance with the party’s Constitution, the AFC had planned a “Special Convention” during which it would have elected its Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates. These plans were apparently solely dependent on the passage of the NoConfidence Motion in the National Assembly.

But as the October 25 date for the party’s Congress drew near, steps were taken to defer the Convention pending the outcome of the then looming debate on the No-Confidence Motion against the Government.

“If the motion is passed, then we will only need to have one Congress. If we go ahead with the Congress now, it will not be a special Congress and then maybe next month we will need to have another Congress,” an

AFC official had said.

The previously named nominees for the Presidential Candidate were Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Nagamootoo, and Cathy Hughes. Nominations were also received for Prime Ministerial candidate: Raphael Trotman, Nigel Hughes, Cathy Hughes, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and David Patterson.

However, Ramjattan had already thrown his support behind Nagamootoo for the Presidential Candidacy post in the party. He also sought to coax other members of the party into doing the same ahead of the Congress.

Not only is this being seen as undemocratic by political onlookers but it is also a clear abandonment of one of the party’s core fundamental values that was declared as the very raison d’être of the AFC – race rotation in the top two leadership spots.

When the party was formed and up until the time Nagamootoo was named as a Presidential Candidate, the race rotation was in effect and was abandoned only to make way for the Vice Chairman, by Ramjattan

Both Ramjattan and AFC General Secretary, Patterson, gave conflicting views with respect to the policy and the reasons behind its abandonment.

Ramjattan in the first instance had said that the policy never existed, but later, Patterson said that the policy was abandoned by the minority Opposition party.

Critics have said that it was alarming that the AFC would push aside its own rules and democratic conventions without properly consulting its members but continues to call on the government to respect and protect national democracy.

20 complete Early Childhood Development Programme

Another 20 persons, comprising trained and trainee teachers, are now equipped to deliver quality Early Childhood Education to young Guyanese children, boosting the education sector.

At their graduation ceremony, hosted under the theme “Promoting Higher Education in Early Childhood Development” at the University of Guyana Turkeyen campus on Monday, the fourth Early Childhood Development Education Programme was officially closed. The programme was sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus, and the University of the West Indies Open Campus.

Speaking to the 20 graduates was the UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi who advised them to remain focused and be patient as they give back to Guyana’s future generation. The Vice Chancellor said that for Guyana to improve in education, it must first improve the number of persons graduating from the Early Childhood Development Programme.

Opadeyi said teachers should start paying more attention to teaching the English Language at the childhood level as this would equip students for the university level. Against this backdrop he said that many persons are still struggling with basic English which should have been learnt at

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon today reported that Cabinet has offered its ‘no objection’ to several contracts in the local government and road works sectors.

The contracts are as follows:

Government

of transportation and land clearing equipment

Equipment in five lots which included 45 tractors, 45 trailers, 1 flat trailer, 5 mini-excavators and a skid steer loader.

Roads Rehabilitation of the East Bank Berbice Public Road in Region 6 – 12 km going south

$307.6M

an earlier age, noting that it is extremely difficult for persons to read and understand the English language beyond a certain age.

Also speaking was UNICEF Programme Officer Michele Rodrigues who said that good quality Early Childhood Development can contribute significantly to sustainable development. Thus, she said, we must endeavour to provide children with every opportunity to have the best possible start in life, so that they can grow up to be responsible adolescents and adults, who are able to make healthy choices and enjoy fulfilling lives. She added that giving children the best start in life is part of UNICEFs mandate and they will continue to support capacity building for Early Childhood Development Practitioners at the level of the University.

Indeed UNICEF Guyana is proud to be associated with the programme, Rodrigues said. She then advised the graduates to make optimum and wise use of the opportunities and competencies they now have to positively shape a child’s first year at school. “I encourage you to take seriously the impact you can have on a child’s development, and try to make learning more stimulating for the children.’’ She said.

The UNICEF Programme Officer said too that although the teachers will now face greater challenges and have more responsibilities, they must strive to maintain the standards of Early Childhood Developers

as their work will contribute significantly to moulding and shaping the children they come into contact with. In closing, Rodrigues left the graduates with a popular UNICEF quote: “Genes provide the blueprint for brain development but the environment shapes it”

The coordinator of the programme, Godryne Wintz noted that although UNICEF had initially pledged to support the programme for three years, it was now into the fifth year supporting students. She said the programme is costly and the organisation’s involvement shows that they are interested in child development and take it seriously. She said too that although UNICEF would withdraw its support in the near future, it had promised to undertake other initiatives within the faculty. She explained that although all of the students who started the course did not make it to the second phase to graduate, she was certain that they are taking back with them a wealth of knowledge to boost their work environment.

Giving the feature address was early childhood educator Genevieve WhyteNedd who advised the graduates to be the best they can be and always remember that honesty is the best policy. She added that the future of Guyana’s children future depends on how honest their teachers are, noting that all the children should get equal attention at all times.

Bandit shot, two others arrested after Success robbery

One bandit is now nursing a gunshot wound to left food while two others were arrested after they attacked and robbed patrons of a shop at Success, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday evening.

According to information received, at about 21:30h, Altaf Maidan and three other men were in the shop when they were attacked by the four bandits.

Two of their attackers were armed with cutlasses

while the third had a firearm.

The perpetrators reportedly took away cash and other valuables from the men after which they attempted to flee the scene but the victims raised an alarm.

Members of the Community Policing Group and other public spirited persons responded. They were later joined by police ranks after they would have received the report.

As they perused the men, there was an exchange of

gunfire during which one of the suspects was shot and injured to his left foot.

Two other suspects were also arrested while another bandit received injuries about his body. The fourth bandit escaped in the motor vehicle used during the robbery.

The two injured suspects are under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital while the other suspect is in police custody as the investigations continue.

APNU's racially directed attacks on foreign investment condemned Govt to cover City’s canals to facilitate parking

By: Jomo Paul

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran has condemned A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and its Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge for launching a scathing attack on foreign investors on Monday.

Ramsaran said recent pronouncements made my Greenidge in parliament building can never augur well for investment noting that what it did in actuality was “send the wrong message to foreign investors”

On Monday during a parliamentary Opposition meeting hosted by the Speaker Raphael Trotman, Greenidge said:

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

This statement has since caused an outrage and has been the subject of many discussions as it is perceived as being a racist stance adopted by Greenidge who was at the time speaking on behalf of the APNU.

The Health Minister told Guyana Times that not only

is Greenidge’s statement a threat, but it is also “an unfortunate anaphoric outburst by Greenidge” contending that “he was sending the wrong signal.”

He opined that effectively, Greenidge has managed to leave Guyanese men and women who would seek to invest in foreign countries open for attacks as he has attacked the foreign investors.

“What happens to the Guyanese investors...those that got to Brazil...Canada, America, the Caribbean and open their small roti shops? What happens to them?” questioned

Ramsaran also called on the Guyanese community to stand up against these types of stances adopted by the opposition as a whole and “say enough is enough”.

Private Sector response Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Persaud told Guyana Times on Tuesday that “I don’t think the Government or investors will be that irresponsible to enter into any agreement that it against the laws”.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira has described statements made by senior

political Opposition members as dangerous and counterproductive, particularly with regards to potential future investors.

Teixeira contended that it is racial, and the constitution prohibits discrimination. It was important to note that a threat was deliberately made against foreign investors, especially any potential investment that may arise during the period of prorogation, she also emphasised.

“How can one be saying that one is for Guyana and for national development, and at the same time undermining what are possibilities for development of our country?” The Presidential Adviser said that such statements are irresponsible particularly since the decision by the President is constitutional and totally in keeping with the laws of Guyana.

She opined that the combined political Opposition may have been “caught unprepared” when President Ramotar took the decision to prorogue Parliament.

She explained that even though there may have been the attention to bring down the Government…the Administration is ready for dialogue and as such, with regards to opposition MPs.

“The ball is their court,” she said

Repairs to MV Malali complete

The MV Malali ferry which usually plies the Parika -WakenaamSupenaam-Parika route has completed its dry docking.

This is according to a release from the Transport and Harbours Department which said the activity took place at the E.C Vieira Investment Ltd dry docking facility and was finished on October 9, 2014 after extensive rehabilitation on the vessel.

The central workshop of the Transport and Harbours Department also undertook some of the additional repairs including machinery maintenance, electrical and mechanical.

This is after the vessel entered the dock yard on

September 1, 2014 after dry docking and rehabilitation works were awarded to the E. C Vieira Investment Ltd at a cost of $118,952,000. Seven cabins were recon-

structed for the crew, hull works, installation of anodes, and replacing of the water tank.

The Transport and Harbours Department also reported that some of the repair works include the construction of a new canteen on the Passenger’s Deck, and an opening at the portside bow was converted into a sailor’s cabin.

The MV MALALI recommenced its service at the Parika Stelling on October 15, 2014 even as the T&HD managed to continue its scheduled ferry operations efficiently.

As the number of vehicles continues to rapidly increase on Guyana’s limited road network, Government has disclosed its intention to cover some of the main canals in Georgetown in order to create parking space in the congested city.

This disclosure was made by Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday, at the postCabinet media briefing. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) said it seemed to be a “reasonable” intervention to address traffic congestion and parking.

Dr Luncheon went on to explain that the coverings will not be permanent, but will be in the form of bridg-

construct non-permanent, load-bearing support for those vehicles and trucks, and I must admit, how to prevent abuses ‘cause I could very well imagine those trucks and lorries that litter these small community roads might somehow find their way to the Avenue of the Republic covered drain and to be called parking instead of vehicular squatting,” the Cabinet Secretary highlighted.

Dr Luncheon expressed confidence that this initiative will alleviate the massive congestion problem citizens face on a daily basis in the country’s capital city. Drivers and vehicle owners have long been complaining bitterly about the lack

es that can be removed to allow cleaning of the canals. He further announced that the project will commence at the canal along the Avenue of the Republic and the one located between South Road and Croal Street.

According to Dr Luncheon, the initiative was developed by Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, who will be undertaking a public consultation process, which will commence soon.

“On the assumption that the public consultations do indeed support the initiative, then it’s a matter of the physics, that is how to

of parking facilities in the city.

The Cabinet Secretary assured that this method has been adopted by other states, although at the time, he was unable to name any. The details of the design are not yet available.

Highlighting the staggering number of vehicles being imported, Dr Luncheon disclosed that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recorded some 9999 new vehicles that have been registered under the PSS licence registration number series. As such, the PTT registration number series will soon commence.

Regulated sale of pesticides can dent suicide rate – suicide survivors

By Tajeram mohaBir

Suicide continues to be a major problem in Guyana and despite some efforts by the authorities to bring it under control, the unregulated sale of pesticides appears to be fuelling the scourge.

From newspaper reports, hospital records, and studies by NonGovernmental organisations (NGOs), it is estimated that some 40 per cent of persons who commit suicide here, do so by consuming poisons.

Guyana has no legislation governing the sale of pesticides, and the chemicals are readily available at unlicensed shops countrywide, particularly in rural areas where the problem is rampant.

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that Guyana has the highest suicide rate in the world, pointing out that the country has an agestandardised suicide rate of 44.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon had since rejected the WHO report as inaccurate, but did not provide evidence to the contrary.

Attempting suicide is a criminal offence in Guyana. Suicide is driven by a number of issues, including economic problems, domestic violence, infidelity, rejection, depression, and alcohol abuse.

The persons who committed suicide here had been affected by one or more of these problems and according to the WHO report, the majority of the victims are males, primarily from rural areas, and the chief means is ingesting poison.

Persons also commit suicide by hanging themselves, taking drug (medical) overdose, shooting themselves, among other ways.

Not everyone who attempts to commit suicide re-

ally wants to die as some do it to gain attention of their loved ones.

One such person is Indrawattie Rooplall, also called “Pam” of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), who had no difficulty in attempting suicide as a bottle of pesticide was readily at her disposal.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Rooplall, now 33, related that she twice attempted to take her life, first in 2004 and then in 2006.

On both occasions, she said, domestic problems were the root cause.

“In 2004, me an me husban was getting problem. He did not want to work, so I jus think the best thing fo me do is drink poison because we had a fight, so I drink it.”

Under the house

The chemical (the name of which she could not remember) was used to control weeds on the family farm and was under the house – in its usual place, Rooplall said.

She was taken to the Mibicuri Hospital where she spent one week, and during that time, she saw a person die from drinking poison, and asked the Lord’s forgiveness.

“At the said day I wanted to die, but afterwards, Ah ask God fo live,” the mother of four said, noting that as a consequence of her act, she can no longer eat spicy foods as they cause severe “sour stomach”.

Notwithstanding, her prayers after the first attempt, Rooplall again attempted to commit suicide after she had reason to believe that her husband was unfaithful.

“I calling he and he ain’t answering the phone, so I go and drink it an when I was in the hospital then he come back; we live like two year after and we still left.”

She said after consuming the chemical called “Best Stock”, she wanted to die, but after a few days in hospital, she changed her mind, and the doctors and nurses advised her to seek counselling.

“There wouldn’t be a third time. Because I passed through worst,” the single mother said, as she called for legislation governing the sale of pesticides, contending that they are too readily available, and as such, are misused.

Hotspot

Based on reports and research here, suicide is prevalent among IndoGuyanese. Berbice has been

deemed the suicide capital of Guyana, with Black Bush Polder being a major hotspot.

Nikita Mangra, 27, also from the same village, told this publication that she also attempted to commit suicide, after suspecting her husband, who is a Pandit, was being unfaithful to her.

She related that the incident happened in May after she confronted her husband about the issue, which he denied, leading to a series of quarrels.

Mangra said after one quarrel, she decided to stay out of the house and her husband locked the door, turned off the lights, and stayed inside with their two children.

“Me get more passion den me go in the storeroom an take out the poison…. Me put it to me mouth, but me nah really swallow it, but it went down me throat. Me ain’t do it fo harm meself, but fo lea he start change he ways,” the young woman said.

She could not recall the name of the poison, but her husband somehow managed to smell it and raised an alarm. Mangra, who was hospitalised for three days, said the act was pointless.

“Because if is a boy, he will go and get somebody else and if is a girl, she will go and get somebody else. Walk out of the relationship if you know it can’t work. I regret what I did,” the housewife said.

Should be criminalised

She too said that steps should be taken to control the unregulated sale of pesticides, calling on the Government to make the selling of pesticides by unregistered shops a criminal offence, with heavy fines.

The mother of two said this would help in the fight against suicide since the majority of victims die from drinking poison.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy told Guyana Times that all importers bringing chemicals into Guyana have to be registered and licensed.

“We at the Government level will not be able to do it alone. Persons need to ensure the persons they are buying it from are registered. If you don’t do that, it is possible you will be

buying fake or dangerous chemicals. The problem is that farmers want to buy where they live and there are many small shops that do not have licences to sell. We encourage people not to buy and store chemical. We encourage them buy as you need. And if we are to promote such a strategy, then we have to make sure it is available where they (the farmers) are. We do not want to eliminate the guy in the shops, but we want him to follow rules too.”

He added: “We want him to be registered to sell so we’re trying to do that. They must have on their shop walls where the chemicals come from. We have asked farmers. It’s okay if you’re buying it from the corner shop, but make sure he has up some kind of publication to say where he got it from,” the Minister warned.

Minimalist approach

But observers said while the move to register unlicensed shops vending the chemicals is most welcomed, this is a minimalist approach to address the problem.

Suicide Secretariat, and the Suicide Hotline have failed.

But for this system to work, the experts contend that it will have to be governed by legislation, with strong emphasis on small farmers since they or their family members are the ones who often commit suicide by drinking poison.

Such a law, they say, will take pesticides out of the reach of vulnerable farmers and other persons in society, and can create a catalyst for real change.

It would be prudent too in light of a recent news report carried by The Economist headlined “Suicide: Desperate Measures”. The report published on September 13 quoted Professor Gerard Hutchinson, a Psychiatrist who heads the department of clinical medical sciences at the University of the West Indies Trinidad campus as saying that chemistry has a role to play in the problem here.

The Economist reported that Guyanese agricultural workers and farmers may be overusing organophosphate herbicides and insecticides, which international

Several agricultural experts told this publication that what was needed was greater control over farmers accessing pesticides, and this could be done through strengthened extension services in farming communities.

They suggested that extension officers work with the shops selling the chemicals and be the ones to administer pesticides. When farmers purchase the chemical, the experts say, they should also pay for the service to administer the pesticide on their farms. This cost, they say, can be covered by Government as another measure, apart from sensitisation programmes, to tackle suicide. It would be useful since interventions such as the GateKeepers Programme, the National

studies suggest can lead to impulsive suicidal behaviour.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said suicide was a complex problem and the Ministry has placed that and mental health on the front-burner.

“Suicide is not only a health problem and that is why the Ministry of Health is engaging in multisectoral activities to fight desperation and suicide and to promote mental health.”

According to the School of Social Work, University of Washington, USA, the great majority of people who experience a mental illness do not die by suicide. However, of those who die from suicide, more than 90 per cent have a diagnosable mental disorder.

Around the world

Europe makes space history as Philae probe lands on comet

The European Space Agency (ESA) landed a probe on a comet on Wednesday, a first in space exploration and the climax of a decade-long mission to get samples from what are the remnants of the birth of Earth’s solar system.

The box-shaped 100-kilogram (220-pound) lander, named Philae, touched down on schedule at about 1600 GMT after a sevenhour descent from spacecraft Rosetta around half a billion kilometres (300 million miles) from Earth.

Scientists hope that samples from the surface of 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko will help show how planets and life are created as the rock and ice that make up the comet preserve organic molecules like a time-capsule.

Comets come from the formation of Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old solar system. Scientists believe they may

Russian planes to patrol in Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico

Russia has said its air force will conduct regular air patrols from the Arctic Ocean to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Russia had wound down such long-range missions after the end of the Cold War.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said there was a plan to provide long-range aviation maintenance for the flights.

Amid renewed tensions over Ukraine, Western analysts say Russia has been returning to methods used to test NATO defences during the Cold War.

On Wednesday, Shoigu said “long-range aviation units” would fly along the borders of the Russian Federation and over the waters of the Arctic Ocean.

He added: “Under the prevailing circumstances we need to ensure a military presence in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans, the waters of the Caribbean basin and the Gulf of Mexico.”

He also said he had approved “an action plan to improve the condition of our long-range aviation technology, which provides for its repair and servicing at industrial facilities”.

Earlier this year, Shoigu said Russia was planning military bases in a number of foreign countries, including Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Negotiations included the option for Russian strategic bombers to refuel whilst on patrol, he said.

Shoigu’s latest comments came as NATO said it had observed columns of Russian military equipment entering eastern Ukraine, a claim that was dismissed by the Russian Defence Ministry.

Tensions between Russia and NATO members have risen over the Ukraine crisis. NATO has recently reported “unusual” increases in Russian military aircraft conducting manoeuvres over European airspace.

have brought much of the water in Earth’s oceans.

“We are ready to make science fiction a science fact,” ESA Director of Human

Spaceflight and Operations, Thomas Reiter, said at the European Space Operations Centre in Germany before the landing.

Rosetta reached the comet, a roughly 3x5 km rock discovered in 1969, in August after a journey of 6.4 billion km that took 10 years, five months and four days – a mission that cost close to 1.4 billion euros (US$1.8 billion).

Rosetta is the first spacecraft to orbit a comet rather than just flying past to take pictures.

Wednesday’s launch went ahead despite a problem with the thruster that meant the probe had to rely mainly on its harpoons to stop it bouncing back from the comet’s surface. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Regulators fine global banks $4.3B for currency rigging

Regulators fined six major banks including Citigroup and UBS a total of US$4.3 billion for failing to stop traders from trying to manipulate the foreign exchange market, following a year-long global investigation.

HSBC , Royal Bank of Scotland, JP Morgan and Bank of America also face penalties resulting from the inquiry that has put the largely unregulated US$5 trilliona-day market on a tighter leash, accelerated the push to automate trading and ensnared the Bank of England.

In the latest scandal to hit the financial services industry, dealers shared confidential information about client orders and coordinated trades to make money from a foreign exchange benchmark used by asset managers and corporate treasurers to value their holdings. Dozens of traders have been fired or suspended.

Dealers used code names to identify clients without naming them and created online chatrooms with pseudonyms such as “the players”, “the 3 musketeers” and “1 team, 1 dream” in which to swap information. Those not involved were belittled and traders used obscene language to congratulate themselves on quick profits made from their scams.

Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fined five lenders US$1.77 billion, the biggest penalty in the history of the City of London, and the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) ordered them to pay a further US$1.48 billion.

“Today’s record fines mark the gravity of the failings we found and firms need to take responsibility for putting it right,” FCA Chief Executive Martin Wheatley said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US, China leaders in “historic” greenhouse gas emissions pledge

China and the United States have unveiled new pledges on greenhouse gas emissions, as the leaders of the two countries met for talks in Beijing.

US President Barack Obama said the move was “historic”, as he set a new goal of reducing US levels by 26 per cent to 28 per cent by 2025, compared with 2005 levels. China did not set a specific target, but said emissions would peak by 2030.

The two countries also agreed to reduce the possibility of military accidents in the air and sea. The news came during a state visit by Obama to Beijing, which followed a major Asian regional summit.

It is the first time China, the world’s biggest polluter, has set an approximate date for emissions to peak. The two countries together pro-

Ebola crisis: Sierra Leone nurses on strike; Mali confirms second death

Hundreds of health workers involved in treating Ebola patients have gone on strike at a clinic in Sierra Leone.

The staff are protesting about the Government’s failure to pay an agreed weekly US$100 “hazard payment”. A few are still assisting at the clinic. The clinic, in Bandajuma near Bo, is the only Ebola treatment centre in southern Sierra Leone. The Bandajuma clinic is run by medical charity MSF, which said it would be forced to close the facility if the strike continued.

MSF’s Emergency Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Ewald Stars, told the BBC that about 60 patients had been left unattended because of the strike at the clinic in Bandajuma. There are international staff at the clinic but they are unable to keep the clinic

open on their own.

The staff, who are protesting outside the clinic, say the Government agreed to the “hazard payments” when the facility was established, but has failed to make any payments since September.

The money was due to be paid in addition to salaries the staff receive from MSF. On Wednesday afternoon, a representative of the workers told the BBC that a few colleagues had returned to the ward to offer minimal assistance “in the interest of the patients who are our people”.

About 5160 people have been killed in the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In Mali, a nurse and a patient became the second and third people thought to have

duce about 45 per cent of the world’s carbon dioxide.

The unexpected announcement is a bid to boost efforts to secure a global

deal on reducing emissions after 2020, to be finalised next year in Paris.

“We agreed to make sure that international climate change negotiations will reach an agreement in Paris,” said Xi, speaking to reporters after the announcement.

The new goal from the US is up from a previous target to cut emissions by 17 per cent by 2020, compared with 2005 levels.

In September, China told a United Nations summit on climate change that it would soon set a peak for carbon emissions and that it would make its economy more carbon efficient by 2020. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A fair climate treaty or none at all, Jamaica warns

As the clock counts down to the last major climate change meeting of the year, before countries must agree on a definitive new treaty in 2015, a senior United Nations official says members of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) “need to be innovative and think outside the box” if they hope to make progress on key issues.

Dr Arun Kashyap, UN Resident Coordinator and UN Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative for Jamaica, said AOSIS has a significant agenda to meet at the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Lima,

Peru, and “it would be its creativity that would facilitate success in arriving at a consensus on key issues.” Kashyap cited the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and their compelling need for adaptation and arriving at a viable mechanism to address Loss and Damage while having enhanced access to finance, technology and capacity development.

“A common agreed upon position that is acceptable across the AOSIS would empower the climate change division (in all SIDS) and reinforce its mandate to integrate implementation of climate change activities in the national development priorities,” Kashyap told IPS. (Excerpt from caribbean360.com)

thursDAY, november 13, 2014 |

Chinese doctor performs successful vertebrae surgery

The Head of the 11th Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr Yong Xiang Wang, performed his first vertebrae (backbone) surgery in Guyana at the Georgetown Public Hospital earlier this week.

The doctor said that the surgery was a success as the patient, Albert Keiller, had been in a wheelchair for over a year, but was now able to move his legs.

The doctor explained that Keiller’s right leg had “zero” sensation when he first met him and he was unable to move it, while the left leg was not much better, although the patient could have felt it.

He said that he had to perform a series of surgeries to ensure the patient had the full use of both legs again, including a total laminectomy which removed a portion of the vertebral bone; a hemipediculectomy; a hemifacetectomy, which involved decompressing the spinal nerve root; and a partial discectomy.

The surgeries had to be done on the vertebrae to effect movement in the legs again, as the doctor had found that the nerves within the patient’s vertebrae had been severely damaged when he had fallen into a trench some years ago.

Shedding some light on his injury, Keiller told Guyana Times that when he had fallen into the trench, he had hit himself, but had been able to walk out fine; however, he gradually lost feeling in his right leg and years later could not feel or move it.

Keiller said he hated hospitals, so he delayed getting help, but the pain worsened and the fact that his legs were not working properly proved disruptive in his daily life; thus, he went to the Georgetown Public Hospital to get treated. He said the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan, was a great help to him at that time, although he was unable to pay for the surgery that would have ensured his full recovery.

He told this newspaper that there were moments when he was fine and a rehabilitative sojourn at the Palms during 2005 helped

with the pain and the “pinch nerve” he felt when walking.

However, a year ago he ended up in a wheelchair as his right leg and his left leg, to an extent, were unable to support him and he had completely lost all sensation in the right, so he was quite grateful for the surgery, as he was worried about affording such an operation.

Keiller said that he no

longer felt any pain and could feel his legs again. He understands that there is still much to be done, since he will need to go through physical therapy, but appreciates having the use of his legs once more.

Dr Wang said that Keiller will require approximately six weeks of physiotherapy to ensure maximum mobility.

Fuel prices stable – Finance Ministry asserts

Fuel prices in Guyana have remained “stable” in recent years, the Finance Ministry said as it set the record straight on the increase in the tax on fuel.

In a bid to clear the air following a series of misleading reports and accusations, the Finance Ministry on Wednesday explained that there is a long-standing and well-functioning mechanism under which the price of fuel is regulated.

“The ad valorem tax rate on fuel products is adjusted downwards when the world market price for fuel moves upwards and, vice versa; it adjusts upwards when the world market price for fuel moves downwards,” the Ministry sought to further explain.

This mechanism has been instituted to safeguard consumers, cushioning them from spikes in the world market price. Additionally it protects local consumers from exorbitant price fluctuations when the world market price re-

flects high volatility.

“The price consumers pay at the pump for gasoline and diesel has remained stable over recent years because this administration has made appropriate interventions by adjusting the excise tax rate. The ability of the Government of Guyana to stabilize the cost of diesel and gasoline has also ensured that the cost of production of goods and services that require fuel inputs does not adversely affect consumers,” the Finance Ministry added.

With the dip in the price of fuel on the international scene, the Government has taken the appropriate steps to adjust the local prices in accordance. However, it was pointed out that the tax rates that are being applied continue to be highly concessional relative to the standard rate of 50 percent.

“When the world market price for gasoline and diesel increases the Guyanese public can be assured that the excise taxes will once again be reduced,” the Ministry vowed.

But A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is condemning this move by the Government, saying that appropriation consultations should be executed for the implementation of such an increase.

“APNU views the Cabinet approved increase of the excise tax on gasoline from 20 to 40 percent and diesel from 15 to 35 as unwise and uncalled for,” the coalition said on Wednesday.

Despite the dramatic reductions in the price per barrel of fuel on the World Market, APNU said the Guyanese operating in the field of mining, manufacturing, agricultural and transportation are being made to carry an unnecessary burden of additional expense.

“APNU believes that this continued taxation by the PPP/C will have a direct negative effect, increasing the costs of production in gold mining, manufacturing and other sectors that are heavily dependent on gasoline and diesel,” the party added.

Squatters paying “bribes” for “land” – Dr Luncheon

Government on Wednesday raised concern over an alarming practice which is seeing officials accepting bribes for land from squatters at various locations across the country.

Squatting when defined by the English Oxford Dictionary means occupying a piece of land, property or a space without permission from the owner or other rights holders. This makes it illegal and hence if persons found guilty after refusing to comply with initial removal requests is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said that the ruling Peoples Progressive Party Civic administration has been trying tirelessly to secure the removal of the increasing amount of squatters but some officials are working against these efforts by encouraging the illegal activity.

Luncheon explained that the Ministry of Housing and Water along with the Central Housing and Planning Authority and particularly Minister Irfaan Ali has done remarkably well in developing the country’s housing sector.

Back in 2010, 235, 000 house lots to persons who were squatting in various parts of the country.

Minister Ali said then that an initial assessment completed by his Ministry

had shown that there were some 218 squatter settlements across the country. He explained that government has launched a vigorous campaign aimed at regularizing these settlements with the hope of increasing the living standard and quality of life of squatters who in most cases are poor.

Minister Ali also reported that the assessment also showed that there were some 52 squatter settlements that did not meet the criterion to be considered for regularization and hence letters for removal had been issued to the individuals concerned.

Ali said strongly that those areas which did not qualify for regularization had hundreds of people squatting and occupying government reserves, drainage and irrigation reserves, sea defense reserves and other road re-

serves.

On the other hand, Dr Luncheon noted that despite these achievements, squatting seems to have “generated a life of its own” and seems as though it cannot be rid of.

According to Dr. Luncheon, Cabinet was made aware of elected officials who were reportedly encouraging the illegal activity in exchange for monetary rewards.

“We would say they taking bribes,” he said. As such Cabinet has resolved to implement further interventions.

“Cabinet recognised that the regularization of squatter settlements indeed has had some vicarious impact on squatting. There was an expectation that you squat today and you regularise tomorrow and…vicariously promoted squatting,” he disclosed.

On this note, Dr. Luncheon mentioned that Lands and Surveys Commission has proposed and got Cabinet’s support for an Enforcement Unit, liken to the one established at the (CH&PA), to be created and work along with the Ministry.

He noted that Cabinet gave its approval during its last sitting on Tuesday and now expects to see the parallel enforcement unit to implement the law, while recognising that additional legislative and administrative measures

would have to be put in place in order for the unit to effective rid the country of this scourge.

According the Cabinet Secretary, there are drivers in place to alleviate squatting with the biggest one being housing and availability of housing. However he added that it continues to boggle the minds of Cabinet Members as to how it is possible that with all the housing areas being built and thousands of the lands distributed throughout Guyana, there is still a large amount of squatters.

“What is ongoing on, is this some untoward consequence of getting house lots easily and so you squat…today squatting and tomorrow you get a settlement and you get regularized. Then you get your second property or

your third property. I told know,” a flabbergasted Dr. Luncheon stated. Nevertheless, he remained adamant that squatting activities will not be encouraged by the ruling administration.

A few months ago, Commissioner Doorga Persaud has disclosed that the Commission will be commencing a nationwide demolition exercise against squatting. He disclosed that an upsurge in squatting had been recorded primarily on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, Region Four and also in Region One, particularly in Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge. While some persons are squatting for residential purposes, Persaud said others are conducting commercial activities such as farming.

AFC/APNU – NO TALKS!

– PM says there is still hope

BY: ALEXIS RODNEY

The joint Opposition, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) on Wednesday reaffirmed that it will not be engaging President Donald Ramotar.

The two parties in a joint press statement said that the two parties “have resolved that there will be no extra parliamentary engagement with the President on the matters which were before the National Assembly.”

The two parties also accused President Ramotar of being insincere in the issuance of the prorogation Proclamation contending that there was enough time for the President to engage the opposition previously.

“The spurious excuse that

the country requires a cooling down period when the issues which the President would like to have discussed were in the public domain for the past three months without any intervention by and or invitation from the President to the joint opposition reveals the real lack of sincerity of the President’s actions,” the joint statement said.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said that as impossible as it may seem, there is still hope for the 65-seat legislature and the country as a whole, during the six month prorogation of Parliament.

Hinds was speaking exclusively to Guyana Times on Wednesday, where he echoed the sentiments expressed by President Donald Ramotar, noting that the ruling administration will be using the six month cessation period for

discussions with the political opposition.

While the country’s second in command could not say how soon government would make attempts to reach out to the displeased A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), or what exactly it would be taking to the table for discussion, he said that he is confident that an “accord” could

be had whenever the two parties meet.

“I can imagine a number of possibilities happening. I can imagine both sides meeting on a three week interval and we could have an accord and return to Parliament and the proroguing is ended and us getting back on that”, Prime Minister Hinds told Guyana Times Leader of APNU David Granger had already declared that he would not be making himself available for any consultation with government, unless President Ramotar repeals his decision to postpone the sittings of the National Assembly.

Granger had maintained that the place for discussion between the political bodies has always been the National Assembly.

“What he said is that he is leaving it opened for talks”, Hinds said, referring to President Ramotar.

Asked if as Prime Minister he is concerned that the Opposition plans to move another no confidence motion whenever Parliament resumes, Hinds said “maybe the option then would be to go to elections”.

He said, however he would rather expect that when Parliament is resumed that some form of accord would have been reached.

He said while it is difficult to imagine an accord, it has happened before.

He made reference to the 2012 budget, citing the contention the Opposition had withheld old age pension and the cordial agreement to have it raised which came about through consultation.

A similar issue he said emerged that same year with the hike in electricity rate in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). He explained that they were all solved through meaningful

consultations.

Hinds said another possibility happening during this period, is the country going into elections because of non resolution. “Another thing is that if talks never begin and five months from now the president does not see anything happening, he may have to call elections. All of those are possibilities,” the Prime Minister stressed.

The combined Opposition flew into a rage on Monday when President Ramotar officially announced that Parliament, which had not met since August earlier this year, would be suspended for some six months.

The AFC was particularly upset since it was awaiting that golden opportunity, along with the APNU to suspend the standing orders of the National Assembly and move the motion of no confidence against the Donald Ramotar Administration.

Rubis commissions US$5M fuel storage facility

ply”, the CEO told the gathering of stakeholders including suppliers and customers.

He said the company remains very much committed to improving its storage capacity relating that supply remains a challenge.

“It remains a very important priority for the company. It is a challenge because the refineries that supply us

we see Guyana as an important business prospect for us because we know that we can generate our return on our investment. We are also committed to the reliability to supply.

Prime Minister Samuel hinds in his keynote address said that government has always had an open door policy to any sort of investment

that he was extreremely pleased with the company’s investment since it demonstrates the fact that “things are happening in Guyana and rubis is making investments and putting their money in place”.

He noted that a great change has taken place within the energy sector over the last decade point-

nent names in the business here .

He said by the beginning of the first decade of this century, those companies retreated from almost all the Caricom and Latin American Countries. He said as sad as it may have seemed, it did a significant good for Guyana. He explained that those huge sup-

they moved another company came on stream. I was extremely pleased when rubis announced that it was acquiring the assets of Texaco”. He said Guyana has seen an active investment from the company.

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Rubis Guyana Inc in its continued quest to ensure commitment to the energy sector in Guyana on Wednesday commissioned a 30,000 barrel diesel and four 60,000 gallon LPG tanks at its Ramsburg, Providence East Bank Demerara terminal.

The US $5 million investment by the French company expands the capacity for fuel storage at the facility.

The company’s chief executive officer (CEO) Mauricio Nicholls said the investment could not have come at a better time in Guyana.

He said that although the company has some concerns about the energy sector here, it has still embraced this opportunity which opens the door for continued growth.

“It is a very significant investment. It is over 30,000 barrels of diesel. These represent more than double of our storage capacity. I hope that you would agree with me that they represent a very significant commitment that we have made to our business here in Guyana and very significant commitment to a topic that is very current; reliability of sup-

are not as reliable as they should. The reliability of the refineries that supply is not dependable”, he said.

“So what happens in this is that we may take refineries from somewhere else. But the challenge with that is that they are too far away and it takes time to send the vessel to another refinery, it could take a week or ten days to make these arrangements. There are also other logistics that affect this”, Nicholls lamented.

The CEO noted that amidst all the existing issues here, the company is still interested in the the Guyana Market. “We have done so because we believe

in Guyana.

“Whoever is prepared to come into Guyana and fit into our system and be lawful cooperate citizen in Guyana, we welcome them”.

He said companies have always been taking up the challenge to invest in Guyana, primarily because of the available benefits and opportunities which present themselves. Government he explained has also been, maintaining its standard pact of incentives with these investors

These packages he said are used to attract investments for both local and foreign companies. “

He told the gathering

ing out that standard names within the sector including Esso and Texaco out of the United States, and Shell from England were promi-

pliers found out that Guyana might have been too small for their expansive services.

“As minister of energy I had some concerns, but as

Rubis Guyana Inc has been operating in Guyana since 2011. Since then the company has invested over US$8 million in the country. The company has also been in active discussion with government and the Guyana energy agency in continued efforts to improve the sector The French based company was formed in 1990. In 2012, a year after its establishment here in Guyana, it expanded its services to several other Caribbean countries including the Bahamas and Jamaica. It has over 200 service stations and operates within 14 countries within the Caribbean. The company also has 11 storage terminals including the one in Guyana and operates in 16 Caribbean airports

“We took the former company since being here in 2011; we have rebranded all of our service stations, representing an image that is second to one. We have invested in the launching of the rubi brand. We have a wider fleet of trucks; improving our service to customers”, the Company’s CEO said.

Ramotar to Greenidge: “I

am in Gov’t, you’re

President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday evening reminded the combined opposition parliamentary parties that they are not running the Executive arm of Government as he made it clear that he will not be intimidated by some of the comments being made during the prorogation of the National Assembly.

Ramotar issued a direct response to threats made by the APNU and AFC that they will reopen or rescind any contract or agreement entered into by the Government during the period of prorogation.

He addressed the comments made by the AFC and APNU’s Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge

specifically as he reasserted his authority.

“I am the Government, Mr Greenidge is not”, Ramotar told journalist who flocked him for a comment at the Pegasus Hotel where he was part of a ceremony organized to welcome another spate of investment in the energy sector.

He said that Guyana was opened to new investment that was ‘good’ for the country’s overall development as he maintained that these are exciting economic times.

He maintained that he hopes “good sense prevails” while expressing confidence in the Guyanese people’s ability to recognize the harm that could be done if opposition demonstrations a turn on Friday.

not”

“We have experienced those things before”, Ramotar insisted as he remarked that his decision to prorogue the National Assembly was aimed at “giving dialogue a chance” and extending its life.

He denied the argumentation that he was afraid of elections and reasserted his belief that the ruling administration could win any future elections with a majority.

In fact the President maintained that he acted within the confines of the law and within the realms of democracy.

According the President, Guyana remains open to investment that are transparent and allowed for within our laws.

Greenidge files motion against President’s refusal to assent to Bills

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge has filed a motion against President Donald Ramotar in the National Assembly.

The motion, which was filed on November 3, seeks to have President Ramotar’s rejection of several Opposition-tabled Bills and motions deemed unconstitutional and “an assault on democratic principles”.

In the motion, the Shadow Finance Minister alluded to President Ramotar’s refusal to respond to the National Assembly after presentation of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill #13 of 2013 to him by the Clerk of the Assembly, and to assent to any Bills initiated and laid by members of the Assembly who are not members of the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)

Greenidge also refers to the Executive’s refusal to assent to some Bills unanimously approved by the Assembly, which includes PPP\C MPs, while assenting to the Appropriation Bills 2012 and 2013, cuts to which the Government declared to be unconstitutional.

The APNU MP said that all of this was done yet the President did not provide within the 21-day deadline stipulated in the Constitution the reasons for withholding his assent to the Bills.

Greenidge contended that these actions should be declared by the “National Assembly as in breach of the provisions of the Constitution, a direct assault on the principles of democracy on which the

Constitution is based.”

The President has not assented to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill or the Local Government Commission Bill.

Both Bills were passed by the National Assembly on August 7, 2013 thereby paving the way for elections to be held.

The President, also, has not assented to the Local Authorities (Elections Amendment) Bill, which mandated that elections be held by August 1, 2014. Two other Bills that he has also withheld his assent for are the Fiscal Management and Accountability Bill and the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill.

Once Bills are passed by the National Assembly, they are usually signed by the President into law unless he deems them unconstitutional for some reason.

NIS data entry verification project progressing as planned − HPS

The data entry verification project for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has again attracted the attention of the Cabinet, and according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, the October 2014 general report after being pursued by Cabinet shows the completion of all the outstanding data entry for the computerisation.

“The more formidable aspect of the project however, is the verification, and Cabinet noted, with some concern the situation of the end of October with just under two million records that still needed to be verified.”

He said that given the deadline for the total completion of the exercise, the NIS still has a few more weeks before December 31, 2014.

“We have the rest of November and the whole of December to have those less than two million verifica-

tions completed.”

The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that a specific category was drawn to Cabinet’s attention, which deals with contributors who for various reasons are unidentifiable. He explained that conventionally an employer enters a person’s name and NIS number and additional information when the contribution is submitted for a particular period.

“What the scheme has been dealing with is suspense accounts for large numbers, thousand of contributors whose information identity is lacking, so the scheme has probably millions, for thousands of contributors who are unidentifiable.”

Dr. Luncheon added that this is a matter that has gripped the board, the management and Cabinet, notwithstanding its comfort with the status of the project at the end of October.

“It is still a bit discon-

certing and unclear how the matching of the unidentified contributors with already collected contribution would be done hopefully before December 31, 2014.”

The data entry verification project was authorised on June 1 by Cabinet which would see the scheme addressing comprehensively and exhaustedly the outstanding contribution records that have not been entered into the computer system on the organisation.

As a result of the outstanding contributions not being in the data base, the situation has contributed to significant diatribe against the scheme among contributors, and pensioners who have deplored the situation of denial of benefit that they insist they have earned, he stated.

These persons were denied their benefits simply because the contribution records were not entered into the scheme’s database. (GINA extract)

Exxon Mobil to search for oil in Guyana’s deep waters

US giant oil company Exxon Mobil will once again venture into the waters of Guyana under the subsidiary ‘Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’ (EEPGL) in search for oil.

Last evening at the Savannah Suite of Pegasus Hotel, the EEPGL held the official opening of the Venture Office in Guyana. The office is located on 99 New Market Street North Cummingsburg and will create jobs for many with staff occupying two floors in the building and contractors in one.

A 118 ft wide vessel, with over 200 people on -

President underscores importance of education

as “Because We Care” initiative taken to Paramakatoi

President Donald Ramotar today led the distribution of the $10,000 education grant to parents and guardians of public school children at Paramakatoi in Region Eight. In the Amerindian community, the Head of State underscored the need for children to be educated and outlined Government’s investments in the sector to ensure there are opportunities for all children.

He was accompanied by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill.

to be educated as children, pointing to a World Bank review which measured poverty in Guyana. He noted that this has been turned around and Guyana is no longer a poor country. The President also emphasised Government’s investment in education which has produced top scholars in the region annually through the CXC examinations.

that the move was justified when an Amerindian girl from the North West district topped the school three years ago.

board, will depart from the Gulf of Mexico to the designated area over 100 miles offshore Guyana to dredge the unexplored sometime next year.

The area, known as the Stabroek Block Area is 26,806 sq.km and the company intends to drill 1750 meters in the 200-3000 meters deep water.

tion with 3 periods including 2 phases in each period while each period lasts for 1-2 years.

Patrons were guaranteed the strictest safety procedures throughout the project. Erik Oswalk, Vice President of the Americas mentioned that they already trained a fleet of drivers they will be using for the venture.

The Head of State stressed the need for people

He also observed that when the move was made to bring Amerindian students to attend President’s College, the opposition objected, stating that the standard of the school would be lowered. However, he said

There are several programmes put in place by this administration to assist in educating the children of Guyana, to which the $10,000 grant has now been added. Describing what scope education would allow for persons, he pointed to the way in which lives could be improved and guided.

To further Amerindian children’s education, the government has provided solar panels so they can study at nights. (GINA extract)

Officials from the company explained that they are not yet sure if prospect will be successful. In fact, Jeff Simons, Country Manager of EEPGL stated that it may take them 7 or more years to find oil.

He explained that the specialists just know the layout of the underwater area, such as where rocks and various obstacles are located, based on the seismic data gathered.

The project is expected to be a 10 year explora -

Additionally every staff was trained with basic first aid procedure and contractors were encouraged to wear appropriate attire on the job.

Exxon Mobil is the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company that has existed for 130 years.

President Donald Ramotar and several other high-level officials were present at the event.

Guyana Jaguars prepared for clash against Leewards

– Crandon calls for consistency, patience

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Guyana Jaguars team got down to serious business with their first net session at the Guyana National Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The team, under captain and West Indies batsman Leon Johnson, will play their first game of the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional Four-day Franchise tournament against the Leeward

Islands, beginning Friday at the Guyana National Stadium.

The tournament will be played on a home and away basis over 10 rounds from November 14, 2014 to March 23, 2015. Each team will play 10 matches, five at home and five away. The WICB Professional Cricket League comprises the Regional Four-day tournament and the NAGICO Super50 tournament, which will be played in January 2015.

Local shooters benefit from Suriname experience

The Guyana National Rifle Association’s smallbore shooting team performed creditably at last weekend’s Suriname Level 111 Open IPSC sanctioned Shooting championships in the neighbouring republic and plans are afoot for further development of the local shooters in 2015.

National smallbore captain Dale Hing, who spearheaded the team, said the tournament, recognised by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), attracted shooters from the Caribbean, South America and North America.

Hing said the tournament was of a very high standard and although the local shooters did not win medals it was a great learning experience for the entire team. The team comprised Hing, Harold Hopkinson, Gordon Richards, Murtland Smith, Dr. Johan DaSilva and Ray Beharry.

In “Open Division”, where firearms nicknamed “Race Guns” were used, Lesgar Murdock of Jamaica was declared winner. The

“Production Class” was won by Canadian Trenton Sukovieff, while Jamaican Ronald Brown took top honours in the “Standard Division.”

Shooters from Aruba, Barbados, Canada, French Guiana, Guyana, Jamaica and Suriname were in action in the tournament.

The local shooters returned home and expressed gratitude to the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Crown Mining Supplies and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. for their assistance.

Meanwhile, Guyanese veteran shooter and administrator, Harold Hopkinson, was appointed a Regional Director for IPSC will overall responsibility for Guyana. Hopkinson will coordinate all handgun, shotgun and Air action shooting competitions locally. There are also plans for Guyana to host a Level 111 Championships next year.

IPSC shooting blends accuracy, speed and power to achieve maximum scores in competition.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment at the conclusion of the net session, Head Coach, Esaun Crandon, urged his players to opt for consistency and patience, adding that batsmen will need to graft for runs on pitches that are on the slower side and bowlers have to show patience on flat tracks. Crandon also disclosed that the watch word for his side will be “execution.”

The 32-year-old former Guyana fast bowler said in order for a winning start, they would need to stick to game plan and execute it clinically. “Once we stick to our game plans and execute them the way we should, then I am positive of a victory,” Crandon disclosed. “I think that we need a lot more consistency in terms of our batting and bowling

this time around.” It was argued that the Guyanese batsmen spent too little time at the crease and the lack of concentra-

tion also caused them their demise during the last Regional Four-day tournament. Further, Crandon said home turf advantage would play a crucial role.

“We will be looking to exploit the home conditions to our advantage, something which we have failed to do in the recent past. We have a pretty good balance for the first few matcheswith at least five Test players available to us and with this new franchise system in place and a longer season ahead, the players are all eager to go,” Crandon said.

Guyana Jaguars will play their first three games at home against the Leeward Islands Franchise from November 14-17, the Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 21-24 and Barbados Franchise from November

28. All three matches will be played at the National Stadium, Providence.

Guyana full squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Assad Fudadin (Vice-Captain), Rajendra Chandrika, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Raymond Reifer, Anthony Bramble (wk), Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Vishaul Singh and Trevon Griffith.

Leeward Islands full squad reads: Devon Thomas (Captain), Jahmar Hamilton (Vice-captain), Quinton Boatswain, Yannick Leonard, Jeremiah Louis, Anthony Martin, Orlando Peters, Austin Richards, Lyndell Richardson, Akeem Saunders, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge and Kelbert Walters.

Hopkins will fight on despite Kovalev defeat

Bernard Hopkins says he will not retire, despite losing his light-heavyweight unification match against Sergey Kovalev last weekend.

Hopkins, who turns 50 in January, failed to win a round on any of the three judges’ scorecards in Atlantic City but says he wants one more fight.

“If this is the last time I’m going into the ring, I will not cheat myself,” said Hopkins.

“It will not be a freak show. I will never shortchange my dignity.”

Hopkins, who said he would step down a division, added: “Who will I fight? I don’t know. But it will be somebody I will be an underdog against because I want to be the underdog.”

The Philadelphia-born

fighter, who defended the middleweight title a record 20 times from 1995 to 2005 and has never been knocked out, was floored in the first round by Russian Kovalev, a fighter 18 years his junior.

However, he is already back in the gym as he prepares for his potential swansong against an opponent he has pledged he will not “cherry pick”.

“Physically, if you see me, you’d think I didn’t have a fight (on Saturday),” he said. “But inside, trust me, my arms and the back of my head and the top of my head, oh yeah, I was in a fight.

“I’ve been in the hot tub for the last 48 hours.” (BBC Sport)

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, 3rd Test, Chittagong, 1st day…

Bangladesh openers shatter records

Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal elevated Bangladesh and themselves to a new high in the Test series against Zimbabwe. On the first day of the third Test, their individual centuries and record opening stand dominated a beautiful day in Chittagong where the only disappointment for them was a very small crowd witnessing these milestones, one of which belonged to one of their own men.

The pair added 224 runs for the first wicket, Bangladesh’s highest opening stand, in 63.5 overs, breaking their own 185 made at Lord’s in 2010. This was the first time a Bangladeshi opening pair had batted the first two sessions of a Test. Bangladesh lost two wickets in the final session of the day with Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah remaining unbeaten on 46 and 5 respectively.

The opening stand was finally broken just three overs after tea when Tamim fell to a great catch by Hamilton Masakadza at mid-on, diving to his left to complete an improbable chance.

Sikandar Raza was the one who brought the much-needed breakthrough, as Tamim fell for 109.

Tamim’s sixth Test hundred, equal with Mohammad Ashraful for most hundreds

by a Bangladeshi, was his first international hundred in his hometown. He spent slightly over four hours at the crease for a second consecutive hundred in this series, after his 109 in Khulna.

The last time Tamim had scored consecutive hundreds was in 2010 in Lord’s and Manchester, but he spent more than four years without his next hundred.

Four of his 14 fours were through the on side and he threaded the off-side ring square of the wicket; his drives past the bowler were the highlights. Two were struck off the legspinner Natsai M’shangwe on either side of the wicket while the one off Tinashe Panyangara was a straighter drive.

In the third over of the morning, after Kayes had already struck two fours in the first couple of overs, Tamim rocked back and struck the ball through point off Panyangara. He was off, but let Kayes do a lot of the scoring at the start. He reached his fifty off 88 balls soon after the lunch break, and in the 55th over, reached the three-figure mark. His previous highest score in Chittagong was 86 against England in 2010 and his ODI highest was 95 against Zimbabwe in the same year.

At the other end, Kayes was a reminder of how he had been part of

Pakistan v New Zealand, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi, 4th day…

Bangladesh’s most consistent opening stand between 2008 and 2011 before he was dropped. He started off with more boundaries than Tamim but held on through lean phases throughout the day. He reached his fifty off 123 balls before reaching his second hundred in three Tests.

After Tamim’s dismissal, Kayes added 48 runs for the second wicket with Mominul, before falling to a flayed drive with an outside edge off Masakadza, caught by substitute Vusi Sibanda at gully. Kayes finished with 12 fours and two sixes in his 257-ball 130.

Most of his boundaries came through the on side, including the two sixes in which he put his whole body behind the hit, both off M’shangwe with the spin.

Although Zimbabwe stayed relatively energetic throughout the day, Kayes got two lives early on. When he was on 19, Brian Chari dropped a sitter at deep square leg after Kayes had hammered a M’shangwe full toss. In M’shangwe’s next over, Zimbabwe dithered to take a review, when they

had both available, with the same batsman trapped plumb in front. M’shangwe was not confident to take the review and so was wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami. There were moments of the ball beating the bat on a few occasions as well as one ball falling short of slip and square leg, but the Zimbabwe bowlers hardly created enough pressure with the new ball. That being said, Tamim and Kayes hardly put a foot wrong for two full sessions. (Cricinfo)

Pakistan two wickets from victory

Misbah-ul-Haq was poised to overtake Imran Khan and Javed Miandad as Pakistan’s most successful Test captain, after his team played the perfect game to finish the fourth day on the verge of victory in Abu Dhabi. Mohammad Hafeez’s brisk century - his first in more than two years - allowed Misbah to declare in the first half of the day, giving Pakistan’s bowlers at least 144 overs to dismiss New Zealand. They took eight wickets in 54.

New Zealand’s task was enormous. The target of 480 was more than they had ever scored in the the final innings of a Test, and to secure a draw they had to play their third-longest fourth innings.

The visitors made a bright start, with Brendon McCullum and Tom Latham scoring swiftly against the Pakistan fast bowlers to achieve New Zealand’s first half-century opening stand in 16 innings. The introduction of spin changed everything, though. Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah slowed down the scoring and took three wickets in 21 balls to put the magnitude of New Zealand’s task back in perspective.

Babar had bowled a few economical overs when Latham, looking for re -

lease, attempted a sweep but top-edged to Yasir running in from deep backward square leg. Yasir then got rid of New Zealand’s most experienced batsmen, trapping both McCullum and Ross Taylor lbw with googlies. McCullum’s stayed low but Taylor simply plonked his foot in front of the stumps and played the wrong line. New Zealand had gone from 57-0 to 69-3 by tea.

Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson were steady for a while in the final session, against Babar and Yasir, so Misbah turned to Hafeez and Rahat. The

results came quickly. From round the wicket, Hafeez slid the ball across the advancing Williamson, leaving Sarfraz Ahmed with a straightforward stumping to end the partnership on 42.

The possibility of Pakistan wrapping up the Test with a day to spare increased when Rahat struck off successive deliveries. His late movement drew the edge from Jimmy Neesham, who made a twoball duck, and BJ Watling was bowled after the ball deviated significantly because it hit the under side of his thigh pad.

Anderson became Imran Khan’s first wicket after he shouldered arms to a straight delivery. The batsman chose not to review despite replays indicated the ball had pitched fractionally outside leg. Tim Southee departed quickly too, but the ninth-wicket pair of Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig stubbornly resisted for 89 deliveries to take the game into the final day.

That New Zealand had such a long haul ahead of them was down to how quickly Pakistan scored on the fourth morning. Hafeez had said after play on day three that they wanted 160

more runs, and Pakistan scored exactly that many in 32.2 overs.

Hafeez’s timing was impeccable from the start, cutting and driving the seamers when given width, and capitalising on Sodhi’s poor lengths by using his feet to take the ball on the full and drive through cover. When Sodhi got his legbreaks to pitch right, they spun viciously to beat the bat several times, foreboding signs for the New Zealand batsmen. He dismissed Azhar for the second time in the match, lbw while playing the sweep,

Pakistan 1st innings

566-3 declared New Zealand 1st innings 262

Pakistan 2nd innings

and later picked up Younis Khan in similar fashion. The good balls from Sodhi were interspersed by several bad ones, though, and Hafeez pulled a long hop to bring up his half-century. He continued batting aggressively after lunch and launched Sodhi over long-on to move on to 97. His century - his first against New Zealandcame off only 130 deliveries and Misbah called his men in 27 minutes into the second session. It was his fifth consecutive declaration and it put him on the brink of a historic win. (Cricinfo)

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Cristiano Ronaldo has denied claims that he has an obscene nickname for Lionel Messi.

In a new book about the Barcelona forward, it is suggested that the Real Madrid player routinely refers to the Argentine with an offensive expression.

Tensions between Ronaldo, 29, and Messi, 27, have long been rumoured.

“This is absolutely false and I have assured my lawyer takes action to sue those

responsible,” the Portuguese wrote on Facebook.

“I have the utmost respect for all my professional colleagues, and Messi is obviously no exception.”

Ronaldo ended Messi’s run of three consecutive Ballon d’Or victories last year.

Furthermore, the pair is split by just one goal in their bids to become the Champions League’s alltime record goalscorer. The Barcelona man last week moved level with former

Real Madrid striker Raul on 71 goals.

Messi needs just two more goals to become La Liga’s all-time top scorer, having netted 250 times in 285 games and is one behind Telmo Zarra’s record for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and 1950s.

Ronaldo is ninth on the league’s leading scorers list. However, the Real forward has scored 18 this term compared to the Barca attacker’s seven. (BBC Sport)

Webber urges Button to leave Formula 1

Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has urged Jenson Button to follow him to the world endurance championship.

Fernando Alonso’s move from Ferrari to McLaren for 2015 is set to be confirmed shortly, but it is not clear whether McLaren want to retain Button or Dane Kevin Magnussen in their other car.

Webber responded to a tweet by Button about his uncertain future on Wednesday by encouraging him to quit Formula 1.

“Be mega to have you with/against us next year,” Webber tweeted.

In October, BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer Andrew Benson said Button was considering a switch to the

world endurance championship should he fail to land a competitive Formula 1 seat for next season.

Webber, who left Formula 1 at the end of the

2013 season to join Porsche’s sportscar programme, added on Twitter: “@JensonButton matey just sign that sportscar contract and get on with it.” (BBC Sport)

Messi, Ronaldo fail to attract fans for friendly

The prospect of watching Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to persuade fans to buy tickets for Argentina’s friendly against Portugal at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Argentina’s Messi, 27, and Portugal’s former Manchester United forward

Ronaldo, 29, are due to go head-to-head but just 15,000 tickets have been sold.

Tickets for the match cost £40.

“I don’t know why we haven’t had more sales,” match organiser Leo Morales said.

Manchester United’s sta-

dium’s capacity is 75,731. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo is the reigning World Player of the Year , an award Messi, who plays for Spanish rivals Barcelona has won a record four times. On Wednesday, Ronaldo denied claims he has an obscene nickname for Messi. (BBC Sport)

WICB Franchise cricket starts Friday

– NCN to bring live ball-by-ball commentary

After a few years absence, live Regional Four-day cricket will be back on NCN’s Voice of Guyana (VOG) from 10:00 hours Friday when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Four-Day Franchise First-Class cricket starts with Guyana Jaguars facing the Leeward Islands at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

An initiative of NCN’s Chief Executive Officer Molly Hassan, Marketing

Manager Raymond Azeez and NCN’s Cricket Producer John Ramsingh, the local station has committed to bringing live ball-by-ball commentary for all of the ‘home’ games this year with support from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Some of Guyana’s most experienced radio cricket broadcasters have been assembled, including Sean Devers, who has commentated in the World Cup ODIs and at Test level, and Inderjeet Persaud, who has commented in ODIs.

Former International cricket commentator Naim Chan has also been recalled.

Devers returns to the local airwaves after a successful surgery and treatment for brain cancer, and along with Matthew Kissoon and Berbican Anthony Khemraj have been selected to call play in the opening game with the analysts being former Test player Travis Dowlin and ex-Guyana wicketkeeper Sydney Jackman.

Inderjeet, Chan and News Anchor Avenash Ramzan will describe the action in the Jaguars’ second match against

the Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 21-24 at Providence with the analysts being former national cricketers, Neil Barry and Roderick Lovell.

The final game against Barbados, also at Providence from November 28 to December 1, will be broadcast by the international team of Barbadian Andrew Mason, Devers and Persaud with Jackman and Dowlin doing the analytical work.

"Big Ride" set for November 23

Persons actively involved in a healthy lifestyle and those wishing to pursue such a course are being encouraged to join the ‘Big Ride’, set for November 23.

The event, in its fifth year, is once again a collaborative effort of the Ministries and Sport and Health and the National Sports Commission. The race will commence at the University of Guyana access road and proceed to the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue, covering an approximate distance of three and a half miles.

National cycling coach

Hassan Mohamed, who is the chief organiser of the activity, said it is geared at giving health conscious persons an opportunity to use cycling as a means of exercise. Mohamed said over 50 schools and organisations have been invited to participate in the ride.

“We have invited several entities to participate in this event and we want to make it bigger and better than last year,” Mohamed said.

According to Mohamed, the outstanding groups, schools, organisations and individuals will be rewarded with trophies at the conclusion.

Busta 50-over cricket launched in Berbice

The 11th annual Busta Champion of Champions cricket competition was launched on Sunday at the Guyana Beverage Company’s (GBC) Palmyra Branch in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

The 50-over competition, which aims to highlight the rich talent in the Ancient County of Berbice while promoting sport as an avenue for youths, will be played in knockout format.

The tournament is slated to commence on November 23 and, as is customary, will consist of eight teams, namely: West Berbice, Blairmont Community Centre, Universal Solutions Bermine, Albion Community Centre, Young Warriors Universal DVD, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, Port Mourant Karibee Rice and Upper Corentyne.

Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Rose Hall Town

Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Secretary, Hilbert Foster, commended the beverage company for continuing its dedication to sport.

Foster added that the event this year marks a special relationship between the club and the GB.

“Cricket sponsorship in Guyana is not too popular; we all know the main reasons and for the Busta Company to be on board for eleven years is quite remarkable. It clearly reflects the confidence that Busta has in the organising skills of the club and it also shows the remarkable bond between two outstanding organisations,” he said.

Country Manager of GBC, Robert Selman, took the opportunity to thank customers and consumers of Busta beverages, while committing the GBC to its continued support of the compe-

tition. After the first round and semi-finals, which are expected to be completed by November 30, a date will be set for the final.

According to Foster, this is in order to facilitate players who are representing the Guyana national team.

“We want to make sure that the teams in the final will be at full strength and persons will have a chance to see of Berbice’s best cricketers on show. We will have the final played at the Alboin under lights,” Foster commented.

Meanwhile, Foster feels that defending champions Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets will have a hard time retaining the title, noting that they have not been able to dominate cricket in recent months. On the other hand, Albion has not lost any of the competitions that they have participated in this year. (Andrew Carmichael)

Young siblings guide Lusignan to victory

SPrizes will be given to the Village with most riders, Organisation with the most riders, Best uniformed group, Government ministry with the most riders, School with the largest group of participants, Largest youth group, Largest female group, Youngest rider, Oldest rider, Most innovative and creative rider, Oldest cycle in terms of manufacturing date and Youngest female.

Persons interested in participating in the ‘Big Ride’ are asked to report to the start point at 15:00 hours. They will need to be in possession of a bicycle and protective gear.

iblings Tameshwar and Yodeshwar Motilall combined for seven wickets in a brilliant bowling display to lead Lusignan to a comprehensive 76-run victory over Mahaica Sports Club in the East Coast Cricket Committee 50-over cricket competition on Sunday last.

In a game reduced to 30 overs per innings, Under-15 leg-spinner Tameshwar snared 4-27 from six miserly overs and Under-19 fast bowler Yodeshwar grabbed 3-23 off six testing overs as Mahaica SC succumbed for exactly 100 from 26 overs, chasing 177 for victory.

Batting first after winning the toss, Lusignan

posted 176 all out in 28 overs with Vishnu Ramjeet hitting 42, Emran Khan 35 and Rajendra Naikbarran

GFA/Stag Beer Futsal competition… Riddim Squad, Western Tigers through to semi-finals

Riddim Squad and Western Tigers have booked semi-final spots in the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Stag Beer Fustal competition following quarter-final action on Tuesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

In the two quarter-final games, both Riddim Squad and Western Tigers recorded convincing victories to storm into the semi-final.

Riddim Squad floored Black Water 6-1, while Western Tigers sank three unanswered goals against Beacon FC.

The Riddim Squad boys were led to victory by Amos Ramsey, who netted a hat-trick, scoring in the 2nd, 7th and 25th minutes, while there was a single strike each for Dorville Stewart (9th), Teon Jones (18th) and Sceyon Hope (24th). Scoring for Black Water was Colin Peters in the 23rd minute.

Western Tigers victory

was made easy by a double from Randolph Wagner, who found the back of the nets in the 18th and 29th minutes, while Joshua Britton added a solitary strike in the 28th minute.

Three exhibition games were also staged on Tuesday evening with Prestige Barber Shop beating the Media 5-3, Customs defeating Upper Level Barber Shop

3-0 and Sparta Domino Club outplaying Mix-Up Domino Club 5-1.

The other two quarter-final games will be played this evening at the same venue with defending champions Fruta Conquerors against Alpha United and Pele versus Santos. Three exhibition matches are also carded for the evening with

Lady Divas against GFA All Stars, Media against Referees and Rastas versus Bald Heads. Action will kick off at 19:00 hours.

The champion team will pocket $400,000, while the second place finisher will receive half that amount. Third place is guaranteed $125,000, while fourth is expected to receive $75,000.

(Avenash Ramzan)

Urling, CONCACAF officials meet to discuss way forward

The interim head of Guyana’s football, Clinton Urling, met with CONCACAF officials last week, to begin charting the way forward for the sport in the country.

Urling was recently named to lead the Normalisation Committee, appointed by football’s world governing body, FIFA, in the wake of the recent bitter dis-

pute among the Guyana Football Federation.

“The objective of this courtesy visit by Committee Chairman Urling was to determine the next steps in the progression of football in Guyana and to keep it on solid and stable footing,” said CONCACAF president Jeff Webb.

The committee will run the day-to-day affairs of

Guyana’s football and has been given full executive powers by FIFA in decision making.

More importantly, the committee has been mandated the constitution and organise fresh elections by September next year, when their tenure ends.

Urling, a Guyana businessman, said it was important that all key sectors in

the country worked together to rebuild the sport.

“Faith in Guyana football must be restored,” said Urling.

“However, the cooperation and involvement of all football stakeholders and the country as a whole is required. Guyana is a country with amazing football potential.”

Qatar to be cleared of corruption over bid

Qatar will be cleared of corruption claims over the 2022 World Cup bidding process when a Fifa report is published on Thursday, BBC Sport has learned.

It was alleged that officials took £3m in return for supporting Qatar.

Fifa’s independent ethics adjudicator, Hans Joachim Eckert, will clear Qatar of wrongdoing in his report.

The English Football Association will be admonished over its relationship with the then Fifa vice-president Jack Warner.

Russia and Qatar were awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively after Fifa executives voted in 2010.

After multiple corruption allegations, Fifa’s independent ethics investigator Michael Garcia began an inquiry.

Qatar’s 2022 bid committee denied “all allegations of wrongdoing”.

Garcia, together with deputy Cornel Borbely, interviewed individuals involved in all nine bids, across 11 nations.

He submitted a 430-page report to Eckert, a German judge, in early September.

After studying Garcia’s findings, Eckert will publish a 42-page summa-

Fifa’s president Sepp Blatter announcing that Qatar had won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup

ry on Thursday.

Warner resigned in 2013, having been suspended pending an investigation into bribery allegations. A senior FA source told the BBC on Wednesday that the governing body will take stock of the report once it is published and want to see Eckert’s findings in relation to the conduct of other bidding nations.

Garraway thrilled to complete Level II coaching course

By RavendRa Madholall in ToRonTo

Former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway said he is thrilled to complete the Australia Level II coaching course recently in Toronto where it was organised by Ontario Cricket Academy.

The five-day programme was conducted by International Cricket Council (ICC) Developmental Officer for the North American Region, Tom Evans, with assistance from other reputable coaches such as Mathews Betsey, Darren Holder and Steven Ryne.

Garraway, who has featured in 12 First-Class matches for his native country, spanning from 2005 to 2009, did his Level I since 2008 with the West Indies Cricket Board and is aspiring to complete the Level III soon rather than later.

“Yes, definitely I am thrilled and delighted to complete my Level II certification and it is also an honour to do it with Australian Tom; looking forward now to do the Level III soon,” the 30-year-old Garraway related.

According to the ex-Essequibo senior Inter-county skipper, he always wishes to give back something to the game and feels gaining more knowledge about cricket is also encouraging to become a full-time qualified coach.

“Cricket has given me a lot and I am enjoying playing it still; now I feel privileged to give back to the game; I still want to represent country again too and that is why I have been consistently playing in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada,” the right-arm bowler informed.

Since his inaugural trip to Canada in 2008, Garraway has played professionally, representing various clubs at the an-

Trevon Garraway

nual Toronto District and Cricket Association Premier and Elite competitions, the Scarborough Cricket Association and Brampton/ Etobicoke League tournaments as well. The performances have been excellent and that always propel Garraway to keep thinking of wearing the esteemed Guyana’s colours again at the highest level.

Before the commencement of his stint in Canada in early May, Garraway played for Yorkshire Cricket Club in Trinidad and had done impressively well. He represented Victoria Park Cricket Club at the Premier Division, but his success was modest.

Garraway’s continued involvement in softball cricket at the Ontario Softball Cricket League annual competition in the East End Conference A category for Gt Bannas Cricket Club is a manifestation of his love and passion for cricket.

“I enjoy my game in Canada again both hard and softball, definitely I would be back here next year to be part of the action; competitions are exciting and stiff and my game is improving in all aspects generally,” Garraway, who plays for Demerara Cricket Club in Guyana, explained.

Safety measures in place...

“Therefore, we need to govern the race meeting in a fully professional manner, a manner which reaches and matches international standard and that’s what we are going to do,” Nascimento chimed.

ticular reason; the start line has been too close to turn one, so the cars tend to pile up on turn one which is dangerous and the possibility of accidents at the beginning of a race are very real.

It is understood that the FA believes it was fully compliant with Garcia’s investigation and thinks any transgressions that are contained in the report will be relatively minor.

The bid company that promoted England’s bid has since closed, with many of its employees, who were not FA staff members, now working outside the football industry. (BBC Sport)

Moving of start line

Meanwhile, one of the biggest safety precautions of this year’s meet was the moving of the start line, Nascimento explained.

“We have repositioned the start line for one par-

“So we moved the start line back to give the lead cars sufficient space to get into the right racing line,” Nascimento noted. The meet will feature some of Guyana’s top drivers, as well as the Caribbean’s best when action revs off at 10:00 hours.

Guyana Jaguars prepared for clash against Leewards

experienced

Local shooters benefit from Suriname experience

Safety measures in place for Sunday's motor racing

By TreisTon Joseph

Race Director of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), Kit Nascimento, on Wednesday assured that safety will be a priority on Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit when the Caribbean’s best drivers match horsepower.

“The preparation of the track ensures that they are barriers where they need to be to protect spectators and reporters. Spectator areas are designed in areas so that they are not in jeopardy of being hit or damaged by car coming off the track.

“We had two meetings to brief the competitors, we have ensured that all are fully licensed to drive which has not always been the case in the past and I have had two meetings with officials so they can understand the job they have to [do],” Nascimento lamented.

The reason for the additional measures and

Kit Nascimento

meetings, according to Nascimento, is for the simple fact that the cars are faster.

“We are moving from a sports car racing which was slower to racing which is faster, we are racing at levels which are competitive internationally.