Guyana Times Daily - September 17, 2015

wednesday, september 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Inquiry into Public Service

30+ submissions recd; out of town engagements on cards

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established to inquire into the Public Service has reported that over 30 statements and memoranda have been received by its secretariat from stakeholders at home and in Canada, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

This was disclosed by Secretary to the CoI, Geeta Chandan Edmond who Tuesday hosted a press briefing and introduced the Chairman and Commissioners to the media. The activity took place at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Service Department, Waterloo Street, Georgetown. According to the Chairman, Professor Harold Lutchman, the CoI has been assigned specific Terms of Reference (ToRs) by President David Granger and it is his intention along with Commissioners Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran to ensure that the expectations of the President are met.

ther explained that this was done to support President Granger’s vision for a modern public service and the establishment of a Public Service Staff College.

Professor Lutchman fur-

The ToRs of the CoI states that it is to inquire into, report on, and make

recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of service for public servants. The Commission is also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service. There will

also be a detailed examination of how the salaries and wages are determined and allocated.

The Commission is expected to have a life of three to five months with the possibility of a renewal should the Commissioners feel the need for more time. The public hearings, which are open

to the general public for oral presentations, will be conducted at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

The Commission’s Secretariat has also put out notices asking for submissions to be emailed to publicservantscommission@ gmail.com or forwarded to the Secretariat. Further enquires can be made at the Commission’s Secretariat by telephoning 225-4321.

This Commission was established by President Granger whose intention is to set a higher standard for public service. The President had also indicated that while this is being done, the current training division of the Public Service Ministry would be upgraded into the Public Service Staff College. (GINA)

More opportunities for Buxton/Friendship youths empowerment

Youths and young adults living in the Buxton/Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD) area will once again benefit from a project aimed at educating and empowering them, this time under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Administration.

The Buxton Youth Development Initiative which is deemed the ‘brainchild’ of First Lady Sandra Granger was officially launched at the Friendship Primary School, ECD, on Monday.

According to a press release from the Ministry of the Presidency, this project is designed to prepare young adults for the working environment by providing them with training in the areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT), literacy and numeracy, entrepreneurship, and sexual reproductive health.

Guyana Times understands that the First Lady during the launch said that in Guyana, a strong nation cannot be built unless communities are strong.

It was reported that she urged the youths to take full advantage of such an opportunity so that they could “better their lives.” This newspaper was told that all of the participants will be awarded with a certificate, which is accredited by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), when the programme comes to an end.

It was further noted that this initiative is a pilot project that is being spearhead-

ed by the Office of the First Lady and that similar projects will be rolled out in other communities across the country.

Under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, there was much focus placed on youths and young adults from all walks of life so that they could have access to continued educational opportunities.

The PPP/C had recognised the need for academic advancement for those who are underprivileged or need another chance of developing themselves and began rolling out a number of training opportunities throughout Guyana. These include the Community Action Component of the Citizens Security Programme of the Home Affairs Ministry, the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training and President’s Youth Award – Republic of Guyana (PYARG), all of which form part of the fundamental principles of the PPP/C Government to ensure equitable access to education by all its citizens. It should be noted that there was also a one-off training for youths in various skills, including the use of computers. Prior to this new Administration taking office in May, 2015, the PPP/ C’s Basic Needs Trust Fund had facilitated training of Buxton youths.

The

The

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

High

Nagamootoo flip flops on State Media

Boards’ professionalism ...had promised “no party hacks”

By Jillicia Pinder

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Tuesday backpedalled on a promise he made to end the political interference in the management and administration of several of the country’s State media entities as he has appointed political party members to serve on the Boards of the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL).

Despite promising that State Media Boards would be free from “political hacks”, several members found on the coalition Government’s National List for the May 11 elections have managed to earn a spot on the State Boards, including Jean La Rose, who was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors for GNNL, and Tabitha Sarabo.

Patricia Woolford, who is a member of the People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU), was also appointed to the Board. Ruel Johnson and Scheherazade Ishoof Khan, two open supporters of the APNU/Alliance For Change (AFC) coali-

tion as well as Imran Khan, who is Director of Public Information at the Prime Minister’s Office have been placed on both Boards.

The Prime Minister had recently stated that members of the Board of Directors for the State Media entities would be “professionals” and they would bring to the fore, in Guyana, a “new approach to information and communication”.

New Boards of Directors of State agencies NCN and GNNL were officially appointed on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal.

The other appointees for NCN’s Board of Directors include Karen Davis, Bert Wilkinson, Sohan Poonai and Director of Public Communications Mark Archer, who was a longtime Public Relations Officer (PRO) for President David Granger and APNU.

For GNNL, the members are Bishwa Panday, the Chair who the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) claims was a known financier of the APNU/AFC elections campaign and relative of Khemraj Ramjattan; Dr Paloma Mohamed; Margaret

Lawrence; Kojo McPherson; Dhanwanti Sukhdeo; Carolyn Walcott, and Colin Thompson.

Independent

Nagamootoo reportedly had proposed that the Stateowned media operate independently of Government. And privately-operated media houses be no longer subject to harassment, intimidation and threats of violence.

Nagamootoo had also mentioned that while the new Administration would make no attempt to curb the constitutional right of freedom of any media, including that of the State, it would not turn a blind eye to irresponsible, partisan information that had characterised some media under the previous Administration.

PPP’s reaction

The PPP in a statement said it was not surprised at the recently-named State Media Boards which are dominated by political appointees of the APNU/ AFC Government, contrary to statements by Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

“These two Boards are shallow on professionals and deep on political hacks,” the

Opposition Party stated.

The PPP noted that Nagamootoo had already backpedalled on his promise of “professionalising” the State media, when Beverly Alert, a candidate on the APNU/AFC list, was appointed Head of the Government Information Agency.

The PPP also referred to Nagamootoo’s remark in sections of the media that he was “not going to be a Minister responsible for information and who puts party hacks into these Boards, to just draw stipends for not working, but to do party propaganda”.

The former ruling party stated that “the duplicitous nature of the APNU/AFC is being unravelled daily, as one election promise after another is being thrown out the window”.

The PPP also believes this move by the David Granger-led Administration is “just the preview, the full show is still to come”.

The Opposition Party added, however, that Guyanese were wise people and would soon come to the realisation they were rippedoff with lofty assurances by the APNU/AFC. (jpinder@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

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

Rushing to Local Govt Polls

The newly elected A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government appears to be in a rush to hold Local Government Elections (LGE) this year come hell or high water,m even though the dust has not settled on the claims and challenges made to the results of the just concluded May 11 elections.

The two parties, while in opposition, had campaigned relentlessly on the need to have these elections after they had not been held since 1994 and postponed year after year with the consent of all the key political parliamentary actors.

So insistent was their commitment to ensuring these elections were held, that the now governing parties used the tenth parliament to ramrod legislation through the house to continue the already started reforms of the ninth parliament.

As the elections season kicked in, the two parties - now in coalition, promised the electorate that there would be elections this year and an announcement within the first 100 days of them accessing office if they are to be successful at the polls.

President David Granger during both his inauguration speech and while he was being sworn into office, gave the impression that the task of holding the elections would be simple and was something that his Government will more likely than not deliver with ease.

It is now 124 days since the new Government has been in office and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan appears to be still struggling to get on top of the issue and his portfolio altogether. Bulkan has also been making inaccurate, premature and inconsistent statements in relation to whom and what is causing the LGE holdup specifically.

Even more embarrassing is the fact that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has had cause through both its Chairman and Chief Elections Officer to temper the expectations of the public and diplomatic community given Bulkan’s utterances that these elections will be held by December 7 which is the date being touted by the Government.

No one would argue that these elections are not overdue but the Government has to get its act together and take the necessary steps to make it happen with the promised reforms.

It should end this intemperate haste to keep a campaign promise because it will be jeopardising both the quality and outcome of these elections.

Government needs to stop bullying GECOM to deliver elections this year and allow the Commission the expected courtesy of having enough breathing space to get the elections right under the new System. Minister Bulkan and his cabinet should focus on supportive GECOM’s voter education process which has not begun yet officially.

It would do all the stakeholders well to settle the outstanding issues being raised by the opposition Peoples Progressive Party Civic especially it want to conduct free and fair polls in an internationally accepted manner.

If the Government insists on being obdurate, then it too will suffer in the end if it loses the elections because of poor execution of GECOM’s work plan, oversights in relation to the lacunae of legislation, breaches in the counting and tabulation of results, poor demarcation of electoral boundaries and other similar issues.

Given what GECOM has already said, Guyanese have accepted that there could be a delay in this year. No one appears to be shedding tears as they would rather wait a few more days and allow GECOM to get it right as opposed to rushing to the polls just before Christmas and a post electoral crisis breaks out if many deficiencies are revealed in the past.

The new Government needs to do a critical appraisal on its approach to these elections and each day; the PPP is making hay with their lack of preparedness and knowledge about the process and laws governing the elections.

If Guyanese waited 21 years for these polls, they can wait three more months if the needs be.

On Russian position in the Normandy Four Foreign Ministers Talks, Berlin

Dear Editor,

In accordance with instructions of the Russian, German, French and Ukrainian leaders Normandy format talks were held last week at the level of foreign ministers. The sides primarily focused on the compliance of political regulatory aspects with the Minsk agreements. They include constitutional reform, Donbass special status and local elections. Humanitarian aspects of the Minsk agreements were also touched upon.

First and foremost Russia expressed its satisfaction that the ceasefire regime is more or less observed. There are individual incidents of this regime’s violations but, in general, our assessment of what is

going on is quite positive. It is in line with the assessment that was expressed during a recent telephone conversation between the leaders of Russia, France, Germany and Ukraine.

Russia sees progress in drafting the agreement on the withdrawal of weapons of less than 100 mm caliber from the contact line which is described as 90 percent ready. It welcomed the efforts by Pierre Morel, the coordinator of the working subgroup on political issues who offered solutions to overcome various inconsistencies in the Minsk agreements such as modality of local elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Moscow advocates for promptly holding

further consultations by the corresponding working subgroups based on the ideas that were expressed by the Pierre Morel, so this issue can be resolved no later than October 2, 2015 when a Normandy Four Summit will be held.

Russia is deeply concerned that there are still obstacles preventing the delivery of the necessary goods and services across the contact line. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission was urged that it should focus more on the contact line situation, so that the essential items including water could be delivered to Donbass without impediment. Recently, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission issued a report on this issue. The

Finance Minister should provide

Organization qualifies the situation as a violation of international humanitarian law. It demands to provide unfettered access to fresh water for civilians in conflict zones. There are specific projects involving Russian contribution taking shape that are designed to restore the supply of water, electricity and basic sanitation that is necessary to ensure the normal life for the affected population in Donbass. The overall humanitarian aid supplied from Russia to its population during the conflict amounts 46 tons of cargo.

Aleksei Illiuviev Press-attaché, Russian Embassy

update on forensic audits by Ram and Goolsarran

Dear Editor,

I would like to ask the Finance Minister if Mr Christopher Ram and Mr Annand Goolsarran have provided an Interim Audit Report for the various Forensic Audits under their control.

I do appreciate that the task they are attending to is massive and perhaps they are constrained by lack of expert knowledge and/ or experience. However, these Audits were commissioned some time now by

the Government, with the prime objective to detect corrupt practices and other financial irregularities which might have occurred under the previous administration.

Certainly, they should have at least completed one set of Bank reconciliations for the numerous bank accounts held in private banks, if we are to consider the Finance Minister’s statement in Parliament recently.

Confirmation of Fixed

Assets cannot take this long either.

As auditors, they would have also reviewed the Accounting policies of these Agencies they are auditing, so can they also say if the policies have been complied with? At this stage of their assignment, I am not asking for them to publish all their findings as they may not be able to do that as yet.

However, they have been at this task for quite a while now and we the pub-

lic are none the wiser.

Aditionally, can the Finance Minister detail any interim payments made to these two gentlemen and if possible, can he confirm that these payments have been made after he would have received and approved of the Interim Audits? All information is welcome.

Sincerely, Faoud Khan

Hope Canal might not be able to prevent flooding of Mahaicony and Mahaica farms

Dear Editor, It was reported in the September 14 edition of the Guyana Times that Major General Joseph Singh (Ret’d), Chairman of the National Task Force is to address the area of drainage stated that the recently completed Hope/Dochfour Canal will alleviate flooding of farms and villages in Mahaica and Mahaicony.

He rightly discounted the popular belief that the Canal will provide flood protection for areas on the East Coast of Demerara since the Canal was designed to provide flood relief only for the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC). However, there is no technical evidence to support his claim that the Canal will also prevent flooding of farms and villages in the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas.

During periods of heavy rainfall the catchments of the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers as well as that of the EDWC are usually in flood modes. Because of the damages a breach of the dam of the EDWC is likely to cause when it is in flood mode, its Lama and Maduni sluices on the Mahaica River are opened to relieve flood water into the Mahaica River whose water level is also usually at a high level simultaneously.

Therefore, releases from these sluices at this critical

juncture make a bad situation worst, particularly in the lower reaches of the Mahaica River, although locking off their discharges have shown that flooding of the Mahaica area will not be prevented but minimized. The Hope Canal is intended to prevent releases of flood waters from the Lama and Maduni Sluices but the Jury is still out as to whether this is indeed possible. In any case their usefulness will still be needed for extreme circumstances so they will have to be kept under mothball.

Of greater concern is silting of the mouth of the Mohican River, which severely restricts discharges of flood waters into the ocean, thus causing the back-up of flood water in the river and over topping of its banks causing widespread flooding.

Dr Ramsaran, Health Minister in the former PPP Government is reported to have told the National Assembly during the 2015 budget debate that diseases and infections that are associated with flooding will not affect residents of the Hope/Dochfour areas since flooding of their homesteads have been averted as a result of the Hope Canal Project although it is yet to be fully functional.

It is evident that Dr Ramsaran had no data to sub-

stantiate his claim and he is not conversant with the function of the Hope Canal since it does not drain the lands through which it passes and therefore will have no effect with respect to their flooding.

Further, the Canal has seriously disrupted the existing drainage and infrastructures of the many farms and homesteads through which it passes and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) was committed to restore them to their former functions but nothing substantial was ever done so far. These disruptions are more likely to adversely affect the health and welfare of the residents of the Hope/ Dochfour areas than construction of the Hope Canal.

Finally, the design volume of water the Hope Canal could discharge over a 24-HR drainage period has been a State secret. Now that the Canal is completed, the National Task Force for drainage should request the NDIA to release the measured volume of water the completed Canal is actually discharging into the Ocean over a 24-HR drainage cycle. The comparison (design vs actual) will determine whether the Canal could indeed effectively relieve flood water from the EDWC.

Sincerely, Charles

Sohan

On the issue of drunken driving

The Editor, Drunk driving is a scourge in our country, which continues to decimate lives.

Due to this accursed indiscipline, alcohol, which when abused and taken at the wrong time causes so much havoc and destruction. For the undisciplined alcoholics, it is a great irresponsibility, as a citizen of our country, or any place with human habitation, to drink and drive. It is even disciplined, to never drive under the influence of alcohol, to avoid endangering one’s own life, valuable equipment and vehicle and innocent animals.

Many families were victims of drunken driving, who plough into vehicles or innocent people on the road, taking lives or disabling people. The victims may not be covered by National Insurance, while motor vehicle insurances often protect mini bus drivers and private vehicle owners to the tune of millions. These drivers only go for the $15 000 or $20,000 minimum insurance permitted by law in Guyana, which is abused, and which cannot purchase a car part, or cover the medical expenses of victims. This is another issue raised in the media during the last two years, but the previous Government allegedly was afraid to lose votes if it addressed the matter. For such things, there must be political will.

When the Traffic laws were being updated by the last Government, after much hearings and discussions, I wrote former President Jagdeo on this suggestion, but he did not listen, the Government just

could not see what I was seeing.

I had recommended, that the vehicle of anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol, be seized in the name of the Government, turned over for Government use, paid for by the Government, quickly sold while the money goes into a fund to help people damaged in hit and run accidents. We do not have a welfare system to care for such people. But we can with these monies garnered from seizure of vehicles, and hefty fines.

After the seizure of vehicles, the fines should not be any lousy and measly $7000. I protested this to former President Jagdeo in the media, but he disagreed. While I do believe that he was quite a good President for many things, he couldn’t forecast the reality that this $7000 fine was an encouragement for drunken drivers. Later, we saw that some of the high Government officials were driving under the influence of alcohol. The fines should be $500,000 for the first offence, after forfeiture of motor vehicle, regardless of who the owner was, unless, it was already reported missing before the arrest and test was done on the individual. If it is a rented vehicle, then the renter must pay the cost of the vehicle to the Government, in addition to the suspension for two years, if they were merely found above the legal limit. Visitors living overseas must serve their time in jail before being permitted to leave, or pay double more the fine after serving at least two months in prison, if they

What is not being said about the CPG

Dear Editor, Over the past few months, I have noticed that much has been said about Community policing , as well as a lot of distorted information regarding the work of this organisation. I recently read an article which made mention of the resources that has been distributed to the Various CPG Groups and divisions. What I find to have been a most absurd is the Commissioner of the Guyana Police force saying that he doesn’t see why the resources that are in the possession of CPG was given to them. I would rather suspect that he was referring to Vehicles since he made mention that in the Case of the West Demerara there were Five vehicles for CPG as Opposed to two for the police. The commissioner should know that the West Demerara has Two patrol vehicles for CPG to cover the entire West Demerara and the East bank of the Essequibo. It must also be noted that one of the two vehicles has been working for the past six years

now in this division and is solely maintained, serviced and kept by members. The Commissioner also said that since CPG’s are supposed to patrol their communities, he feels they should walk.

This is a most insensitive, disrespectful, and inconsiderate gesture for the Top Cop to have made. He should realize that the dynamics of most communities have changed over the years in terms of density, layout, size, etc. and not to mention the further risk that CPG members would be exposed too by just merely strolling through the streets of many dangerous communities in this country.

Like any organization and or agency one would find that they are going to have a few who may be engaged in unethical practices. CPG is certainly no exception as is the police force itself but let’s not discredit the 5000 CPG who do good whole heartedly.

The CPG has contributed to the creation of many youth and women clubs, seminars and workshops

organised for residents in communities all across the country that deal with many social related issues such as gender based violence, suicide awareness and prevention, conflict resolution, leadership development. I am a facilitator at most of these workshops. The group also undertakes to clear away bushes in many areas, weeding and maintenance of many community center grounds in various communities, such as in Parfaite Harmonie. The CPG also distributes food baskets to the elderly along with other benevolent services.

These are just to name a few of the positive good that the CPG does as an organisation in addition to serving as a friendly support to the Guyana Police force, in trying to keep our Communities safe. We continue to look forward to the help and support of the Government in the many years to come.

Dr Mark Constantine, D2

sub division CPG

Chairman

caused no accidents and sufferings.

Everyone charged for driving under the influence with all of the above penalties, to also be charged for attempted murder or manslaughter.

The mere discussion of the new laws or adjusted ones must send shivers under the spine and liver of drunkards, and the general citizenry of Guyana. Guyanese and visitors must be made aware of the laws of Guyana.

I hope the harshness of my words in this letter to the public will arouse the awareness and sentiments of the Government of Guyana, which seems to be a Government that has more interest in people, above infrastructure. The minimum for Third Party Insurance should be $500,000 for vehicles, and $1,000,000 for hospitalisation and human suffering, loss of life to cover for $5 000 000. This should be applicable to all vehicle types.

Motor Vehicles Insurance need to be updated every five years, as cost for vehicles, parts, and medicals spiral, along with cost of living.

It is my sincere hope that someone sensible reads this, and I will send individual copies to all members of Parliament, the Speaker of the Parliament, Diplomatic Heads, and such persons of authority. I am prepared to sit on radio and television to discuss any of the above. This is a personal undertaking and promise.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan

Do you dread coming home to your children?

Explain this new procedure to your child ahead of time. When things are calm, perhaps after dinner, get together and have a talk. You can say, “I’m tired of fighting every day when you get home from school or when I get home from work, and I want things to be better for all of us. From now on, this is what I’m going to do when I get home. I’ll be able to help you a lot more if I have a few minutes to relax and wash up first.”

If your child ignores the new procedure, follows you and tries to draw you into an argument, I recommend you do the following: say what you have to say to your child and then turn around and continue to your room. This conversation shouldn’t turn into a fight. Remember, the way to defuse fights is to avoid them. If you’re fighting with a child, you’re feeding their sense of power and you’re treating them like they’re your equal. Instead say, “I told you that you have to wait till I come down,” and then go upstairs. Don’t ask them anything or prolong the discussion. If they act out while you’re upstairs or curse you behind your back, then you should have a consequence ready and give it to them.

If your children start bickering, keep walking. Don’t give that behaviour power. If they know they can bicker to get you to turn around, they will. Don’t get sucked into, “Mom said this; no, mom said that.” Just keep walking and let them bicker. In reality, squabbling is a way for them to download any anxiety they’re feeling. Bickering never killed anybody. (Unless you’re an adult and have to listen to it – then it’s murder.)

Use structure to manage after-school chaos Let me be clear : when children come home from school, there should also be a structure in place. They may have snack time and unwind for 15 to 20 minutes. (I’d say half-an-hour should be the max.) Let them do whatever they want to do, and then the structure should kick in. In my view, all time should be structured. That does not mean you should be rigid and inflexible but it does mean that morning and after-school time should be planned out. So for example, 07:00h07:30h is when we wash up and put on clothes, 07:30h is breakfast time, and so on. In the evenings, there should be dinner time

structure, homework structure, and chore time structure, which should be defined by timelines and activities. Free time should also be structured. After homework time, your child should have free time to do what he would like. He can IM, play video games, watch TV. That way, children learn that there are responsibilities they have to take care of – not when they feel like it, but during the structured time. It also gives them the idea that the adults have control over how much “free time” they have. And it gives you a better supervisory method to figure out what your children should be doing. By the way, when you impose a structure on after-school time, don’t forget that free time should be built into it. If your child wants to do something, you can always say, “That’s fine, right after you do your homework and your chores.” Keep things structured, and with chores and homework first, then allow your children an hour of free time to watch TV or play video games.

It’s very important that your child knows what this schedule is going to be. I recommend that parents post it prominently, like on the refrigerator. So that

way, instead of yelling or getting into a fight, your child knows that when it’s 06:30h, he’s supposed to be in his room doing his homework. In other words, the structure helps manage the children more than your personality does.

“What should you be doing right now?”

Once you have your structure in place, it’s much easier to redirect your child back to the task at hand. You’ll often hear teachers asking their students the question, “Where are you supposed to be right now?” I think this is a brilliant tactic for parents as well. You don’t get into a lot of “Why’s” or excuse-making with your child this way.

So, let’s say you have imposed a new structure in the evening, but your child is texting instead of doing homework. Here’s how you can use this technique: You : “What are you supposed to be doing right now?”

Your child : “My homework.”

You : “Then go to the table and do it.”

Not, “Why aren’t you doing it,” or “How come you’re not doing what I asked you?” Avoid those kinds of questions, because you’re just asking for excuses. As a

is, “You’re supposed to be doing homework – go there; You’re supposed to be doing the dishes – go there.”

Starting a question with the word “why” in these kinds of situations just raises anxiety. When anybody is asked “why,” their first thought is that they’ve done something wrong. Let’s face it, nobody ever says, “Why did you do something right?” Once they’re asked a “why” question, children start getting defensive and manufacturing excuses in their heads. Instead, ask

them, “What are you supposed to be doing right now?”

My child pounces when i come in the door

If you have a child who’s ready to argue with you or complain about his siblings as soon as you walk in the door, you have to address this behaviour with him in a frank, private conversation when things are calm. Sit down with that child and say, “Listen, when I come home, I have to go upstairs and change. I’m going to say ‘hi’ to you, but then after a minute, I’ll go wash up and then I’ll be ready to talk.” If you have one child who needs some attention, you can assure him by saying, “When I come downstairs, I’ll talk to you first.”

This way, instead of feeling like he has to compete with his siblings or fight with you, you’re letting him know that he’ll get your attention first, as soon as you are ready to talk.

Children who act out severely

Some children are verbally or physically abusive, and literally start ripping the house apart once they get home. Let me be clear: they need a much more aggressive behavioural management system than we can talk about in this article. That child cannot be left alone, and if they are, you’re probably going to suffer damage to your home and property. There’s not a lot of middle ground. You can teach him how to manage that behaviour, but again, that takes a much more rigorous program. I would suggest that parents in this situation seek out resources to help them with this kind of destructive behaviour. (Empoweringparents.com)

wednesday, september 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt’s blunder on LGE

PPP/C calls out Govt on local Govt polls

... legislation will have to be further amended

Government will now have to return to the National Assembly in the ‘wrong’ with regards to their precipitate announcement of Local Government Elections (LGE) being held this year, to seek a further extension of the date for holding the LGE.

This is according to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) who deemed the situation as evidence of the “poor leadership and foresight” on the part of the Government.

According to a press statement issued by the Opposition Party on Tuesday, with the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) disclosing that LGEs would not be possible on December 7, 2015, the Government will

now have to return to the National Assembly to further amend the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2015 so that a new date for the election can be named.

Guyana Times was reminded that during the recent debate on the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2015, the PPP/C advised that based on the time available, the elections were not possible for 2015. However, this advice, they said fell on deaf ears.

“Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan in his usual illusory disposition declared that the election will and must be held by the end of 2015, which to our mind was merely a political gimmick to fulfil [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance

For Change] APNU/AFC’s “first hundred days” commitment. One would recall in 2014, the APNU/AFC in Opposition, used its one-seat dictatorship in the National Assembly to amend the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill to provide for the holding of Local Government Elections by August 1, 2014, despite being advised from the PPP/C Administration that it was not possible,” the PPP/C stated.

The Opposition explained that in November, 2014, People’s National Congress Reform GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, has stated that the Elections Commission had said it needed six months to ‘deal with elections.’

Family identifies killer in Herstelling murder

Just one day after the ex-wife of slain joiner

Nathan Persaud was arraigned before the courts, relatives of the dead man have reportedly identified the man who was hired to kill the 43-year-old.

Guyana Times was told that the dead man’s family had done some investigation of its own and based on descriptions given by the neighbours, it was believed the killer was an associate of Persaud’s former spouse, Beverly, as the man was seen visiting the woman several times. A source close to the family told this newspaper that Police were in possession of the man’s profile and would soon be making an arrest.

However, when contacted on Tuesday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum would not disclose any details. Asked whether the Police have received any information on the killer, Blanhum said “investigations are ongoing”.

On Thursday last, Persaud , a joiner of Lot 66 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was found in a pool of blood in the living room of his home about 10:00h by a relative. His head was bashed in. A knife, hammer and several piec-

es of clay bricks were found next to the man’s body. He was last seen alive by one of his sons before he left for classes.

A post-mortem examination performed on the body of the dead man disclosed that he died as a result of blunt trauma to the head. The autopsy was performed by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, on Friday.

Later that day, the man’s former wife, who he had recently divorced after being separated for a year, was taken into custody. On Friday evening during interrogation, she reportedly admitted to hiring and paying a hitman a large sum of cash to kill her ex-husband, with whom she was having a property dispute.

The woman, who operates a bar in Diamond, EBD, reportedly told investigators that her now dead ex-husband was planning to kill her, so she decided to finish him off first. However, this allegation was refuted by relatives of the dead and his sons. “I know my father and he would never say anything like that, much less do something like,” one son stressed.

Based on information received, the woman was seen boarding a minibus with the alleged hitman, who was earlier seen in the village enquiring about the now dead man. He reportedly had a piece of paper in his hand as he asked several persons questions in attempting to locate Persaud’s home.

This publication was made to understand that after committing the act, the killer reportedly washed off himself and changed into Persaud’s clothing including his hat and boots. He even waved at a neighbour as he was leaving the yard.

Guyana Times was told that the neighbours have

been tight-lipped about the incident; as such, the family of the dead man is still trying to gather bits and pieces of information to put the puzzle together.

Persaud, according to reports gathered, used to receive death threats via telephone and confided in his four sons and elderly mother, who reside overseas. Nathan Jr was a little hesitant to speak, but confirmed that his father had told them that his life was in danger and that he needed to leave the country. However, the young man noted that he and his brothers convinced his father to stay.

Recently, the young man told the Guyana Times that the family was still trying to come to grips with the shock that his mother was involved in the murder.

The young Persaud recalled living in Diamond Housing Scheme with his mother, father and siblings, but, owing to the constant fights between his parents, his father thought it best to move on; hence they shifted to Herstelling. The property that is at the centre of the controversy is also located at Diamond.

Guyana Times was told that the calculation of these six months commence when the Administration says it wants LGE.

“Based on Alexander’s calculations, Local Government Elections can be held in May of 2016. The PPP/C maintains its position that GECOM finalise the boundaries of each of the 71 NDC’s and to ensure that the electors in each of the legally demarcated NDC’s are properly registered to vote. In addition, there are certain nonassented bills that must be brought back to the National Assembly for passage,” the

press release said.

This newspaper was told that there is also the preparation of over 500 digital ballot papers for each of the six municipalities that must be printed as well as those for the seventy one Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

According to the Opposition Party, all of this is contingent on information provided to GECOM with regards to the candidates contesting the elections in the municipalities and the NDCs.

Guyana Times was further told that the PPP/C categorically states that it is ready to contest these elections as provided for in the new laws. However, it has reiterated its position in relation to contesting any elections with Dr Steve Surujbally still ensconced as Chairman of GECOM.

The PPP/C maintains that Dr Surujbally “cannot be trusted.”

“Consideration must also be given to the fact that an Elections Petition initiated by the PPP/C is soon to be heard in the High Court. The Petition calls for a number of irregularities to be remedied before another election is held in Guyana. This is a

legitimate expectation of the people,” said the Party.

Additionally, certain reforms at GECOM are being demanded by the former Government.

It must be noted that the PPP/C has demanded the replacement of the current “disgraced” Chairman, a total revamp of the machinery of GECOM starting with recruitment of its key and critical staff, and that the Secretariat must come under the purview and command of Commissioners.

This publication further understands that added to the list of demands by the Opposition are that the polling day staff to be publicly vetted and the Returning Officers, Deputy Returning Officers and Presiding Officers be acceptable to the Commission and its Commissioners.

“And the rules under which they conduct their duties must be reviewed and agreed upon by Law. Finally, there must be some internationalisation of the key and critical posts in GECOM’s operational arrangements,” the statement added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

wednesday, september 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

GuySuCo CoI behind schedule

With a mere two weeks left before the end of the Government-sponsored Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Chairman Vibert Parvatan admitted that the team was behind schedule, but noted that every effort was being put into its speedy completion.

The David Granger Administration in July established the inquiry into the operations of the Sugar Corporation, which for years was said to be operating at a major loss, although billions of dollars were being pumped into it.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Tuesday, the CoI Chairman said that the Commission was at the stage where it has completed taking submissions and carrying out its visits to sugar estates. He reported that currently all subcommittees were involved in the consolidation, summation, analysis, and preparation of the final recommendations based on the data gathered.

He explained that the process over the past two months have been very time-

consuming, whereby several organisations and individuals gave evidence. These included the main buyer of Guyana’s sugar, Europe’s Tate and Lyle.

The England-based multinational agribusiness, which specialises in the manufacture of sugar-based food ingredients, recently presented evidence before the Commission.

Going forward

Some of the issues raised include the impact of the industry over the next few years, particularly with the current world price of 11.3 US cents per pound of sugar and the current European

Union price in the region of 15 US cents; the company’s relationship with GuySuCo and its continued relationship going forward. The company also related its long productive relationship with the Corporation.

Other organisations testifying included the Private Sector Commission (PSC), represented by its Chairman, retired Major General Norman Mc Lean; Earl John, former Human Resources Director of GuySuCo; Keith Gordon, formerly of Caricom; Dr Oudho Homenauth of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); John Ireland, Associate Director of Czaraizow Group Limited of the United Kingdom; Rawle Lucas and Christopher Ram.

Added to that, Chairman Parvatan said Commissioners have been meeting with the heads of all estates countrywide, along with the heads of each department within those estates.

The Commission, during its investigation, will develop a 15-year plan which will be aimed at bringing the sugar industry back to prof-

itability. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) maintains that GuySuCo has been “sinking further into debt due to ineffective operations both at the financial and production levels” – at the hands of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Investigations are also being conducted into the Human Resources Department, research and development, diversification of the industry, community obligations, weather events, marketing, financing, procurement and overall factory management and performance.

The Commissioners, who are tasked with development planning, are mandated to “investigate and enquire into the current state of cane cultivation, production, and marketing of sugar, molasses and other byproducts including power”.

The consultants will work closely with the interim management team and other GuySuCo officials to realise the objective. They will also liaise with cane farmers as required.

City Council drafts new restoration plan

Aplan, which was crafted approximately 10 years ago for the reconstruction and restoration of Georgetown, is being considered by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

City Mayor Hamilton Green made this disclosure on Tuesday during an interview with Guyana Times Green said though the plan is in the possession of the Ministry of Communities, fundamental changes are required in an effort to address the current problems plaguing the city.

“The city is congested, and this congestion needs to be addressed but it is a complex issue,” Mayor Green said, as he pointed out that social, economic and political issues must be taken into consideration.

Questioned on the issue of regularisation, consider-

ing the recent removal of illegal vendors from Regent Street and Bourda Market, Mayor Green in response said it is included in the plan but reiterated that it is a very “complex issue.”

While regularisation is seen as a long term initiative, Mayor Green said during a recent meeting with vendors, it was explained that they are allowed to sell in areas specified by the Council but it is important for them to abide by its rules.

The Mayor further explained that vendors are allowed to ply their trades; however, they must at all time keep their environs clean, especially in the evening. He said too that they must not compromise the drainage network by blocking the drains and trenches.

“We have zero tolerance

for those who violate those clear positions,” he told this newspaper.

Just recently, the Mayor and City Council came in for high criticisms following the demolition of several stalls in the vicinity of Bourda, while the Mayor respond-

ed by indicating that it is time for change. Town Clerk Royston King, who now replaces controversial Carol Sooba, said “a vote for any Government is not a reason or an excuse for attitudes of indiscipline, and incidents of lawlessness.”

King said it does not matter which Government an individual may cast his or her vote for, stressing that there are rules and laws that still needs to be obeyed. In making reference to those who were vending in front of a dilapidated building at Bourda – but have since been relocated to Orange Walk – King said that the entire street should have been cleared but the Council is trying its utmost to ensure that persons are allowed to make a livelihood.

“We have been very supportive of all the vendors and the fact that they’ve been there all these years gives testimony to that. We permitted them to vend at that spot and we have removed them to another spot. We’ve offered help and they have refused the help. We have received a mandate from the President and have made it our mission to make Georgetown the cleanest and greenest city in the Caribbean regardless of the degrees of difficulties, this task must be achieved,” declared King.

The Town Clerk added that the Council is moving forward with change and they have “released the hands of mediocrity” and is embracing the spirit of excellence. (smarshall@guyanatimesgy.com)

Eyew tness Bringing back...

...big government

Adistinct trend is emerging with the new APNU/AFC administration's take on governance: they're very leery about private enterprise and they want a return of "big government". No "night watchman" state for these fellas. But that shouldn't be a surprise, should it? After all, most of the present APNU top tier were dyed in the wool socialists -weaned at the feet of Comrade Burnham.

Even Hoyte had to shunt them aside when the IMF insisted that the quid pro quo for their bailout loan to Guyana was to scrap the cooperativism posturings. Like with Mc David who was banished to Russia to see firsthand what a failure Big Government was. And then there's Nagamootoo, who could've offered a corrective and insisted on some good, old time free-enterprise innovations be included in the Cummingsburg Accord.

But it didn't happen because Nagamootoo's cut from the same cloth as the rest of the lot: envious of private wealth because they lack the cojones to take the risks that success in business demands. These kinda folks are satisfied to work for others but stew at the "iniquity" of them having to grub around for a living. So voila! We're seeing the return of "big government" - where the state will take the risks.

But we know there ain't no "state" that takes risksit's our hard earned-and-extracted tax dollars that'll be "invested" - and those cojones-challenged in government will reward themselves by "running" these enterprises. They can't fail - can they? The operation works (infrequent as that ever is) they win; the operation sinks (like the entire co-op experiment) and we the people foot the bill.

So everyday, we get announcements of the government plugging their insertion into what is better led by the Private Sector. Like withdrawing $30B from the private banks and placing it in the Consolidated Funds, from where it'll be frittered away on boondoggle schemes rather than being intermediated into solid, private investments.

Like with the banner headlines in the Muckraker announcing that the "Learning Channel" will be taken over from the private group that's already made the necessary investment and was giving the government the bang for the buck by running the system as efficient as only the private sector can. So we'll fast forward and tell you, dear reader, what's in store for the country - when government runs things.

We don't have to go far. Even with massive annual governmental subventions has NCN - - which will take over the Learning Channel after the massive investments for uplinking - ever run anything on time - not to mention inexpensively?

But what the heck? It's only our tax dollars!

...the guns

Faced with a crime escalation that he hasn't the foggiest notion of resolving, the hapless Khemraj Ramjattan's grabbed at several straws that's - no surprise here! - done nothing to make a dent in crime. Every month the numbers rise to a new peak. There was the 2:am crime curfew. No dent. Then there was the threat to bring back dogs and horses. No dent. And finally the "gun amnesty".

Ramjattan announced this back in June, even though his boss, President Granger'd pronounced this a non-starter. "Intelligence and and enforcement" were the way to go, said the old security hand. The previous government had asked the same police force under Ramjattan and they'd said, "No way, Ramo!"'

But it's clear that Ramjattan, who had to be placated because half his Ministry'd been hived off to Felix, was given his placebo. Now, having to "extend" the amnesty with the paltry results, Ramjattan says "even one gun off the street is good".

Obviously still grasping at straws.

...ears wringing

Remember when teachers could punish kids by "wringing" their ears. One Big Kontractor had to say "sorry" for not showing up at a govt meet. Swears he always supported "this government" though. And here this Eyewitness thought he was only smitten on Inauguration Day!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

Crime Chief satisfied with CID results

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force Wendell Blanhum, has expressed his satisfaction with the exemplary work of his department as it relates to solving crimes in the country.

Speaking with media operatives on Monday, the Crime Chief stated that he feels a deep sense of satisfaction with the performance of investigators within the CID but more specifically – the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, which he has full control of.

Blanhum explained that many of the cases being solved were as a result of collaborations among the various departments within the Police Force.

“Most of these high profile murders that you would have seen reported in the press, that Major Crimes Unit in collaboration with members of the other (Police) Division would have worked as a team,” he said. According to the CID head, collaboration is one of the things he has emphasised to investigators, adding that they need to work as a team and share intelligence if they want to effectively solve crimes.

Furthermore, Blanhum pointed out that with increased public confidence,

the Police is better able to filter information provided from the Police Divisions as well into the Major Crimes Unit. The Crime Chief further highlighted that there are a number of other factors that contributes to the Police successes. He noted that the process is multifaceted.

“I’ve mentioned before, one is our intelligence gathering capability. We have enhanced our capability; we have persons on the ground, and we have our intelligence operatives who are working beyond the normal call of duty,” Blanhum disclosed. He went on to outline that the Social Crime Prevention programme has also played a major role in boosting the Police’s capacity in solving crimes. The

Corentyne chopping incident...

CID Head explained that the in various communities, there is high visibility in terms of Police presence. He added too that more persons are cooperating with the Police and have been calling providing information to investigators on serious crimes that were committed.

Moreover, the Crime Chief spoke about the investigator’s intelligence capability to determine when a crime has been stage as has been the case in a few incidents recently. Blanhum said he always tell investigators to go to a crime scene with an open mind and questioned everyone thoroughly before coming to any conclusion.

“By questioning (these persons) thoroughly and putting certain scenarios to them, you’ll be able to ascertain whether those crimes were staged or not,” the CID Head declared. In addition, Blanhum stated that this ability displayed by his investigators have been enhanced by a series of local and overseas training courses from some of the best law enforcement agencies.

New training

As a matter of fact, he noted that several investigating members of the various Police Divisions are currently undergoing

Family bemoans slothfulness of Police

– Attacker yet to be arrested

The family members of a Corentyne, Berbice, man who was allegedly chopped several times about his body by his brother-in-law, have accused the Police of being slothful in their response to the incident that could have led to the man’s death.

They are therefore urging the authorities to carry out a speedy investigation and arrest the man they said threatened the young man’s life by physically assaulting him.

The family of 25-yearold Davindra Nathoo of 146 Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) allege that the young man was seriously injured by his brother-inlaw; however, although the Police received all evidence to support their claim, the authorities have failed to arrest and charge the accused.

According to Uma Devi Nathoo, her brother Davindra, called “Raju” was severely chopped about his body last Sunday evening by Avenash Rambharose; the brother of his ex-wife, stemming from reports his ex wife made to her brother.

She explained that her

brother and his wife, who have been separated for some nine months, were in an altercation last Sunday when he dropped off the first of their two children to her home after spending time with them that day.

She went on to say that when her brother dropped off the child, the child’s mother, Rehanna Rambharose refused to accept the young child, claiming that she did not hand him over in the condition he was in upon his return. According to her, every attempt by her brother to leave the child was thwarted.

a one-month training CID induction training course. These participants have two years experience and were performing general duties within their respective Divisions.

“We brought them in and we are going to train them for a month and after that training is completed, they will be inducted as members of the CID,” Blanhum declared. He added that the course is going well; however, the highlight of it all is the fact that external agencies have expressed desire to have their investigators attend the training programme, which the Police Force is funding itself.

Despite being under strengthened by some 1500 ranks, the Police Force seems to be carrying its weight and is doing exemplary investigative work. This can be reflective in the arrests of several high profile criminals when a gang was dismantled in Craig, East Bank Demerara, back

in July following several murders and robberies across the country.

Other cases the Police were able to make headway in are the murders of businessman Ganesh Ramlall, activist Courtney CrumEwing, Travis Rudder of Nandy Park, Montrose granny Carmen Ganesh and more recently the murder of cash crop farmer Pamela Kendall and Herstelling resident Nathan Singh.

He then reportedly returned home, where his family members took the child to the Police station, where a report was made.

The female Nathoo said that her family then took it upon themselves to take the child to his mother. However, the young mother again refused to accept the child, after which an argument broke out between the Rambharose and Nathoo’s mother. That argument led to a physical brawl between the two women.

Nathoo said her brother later tried to part the fight. However, Rambharose claimed that she was assaulted by her ex husband. She later made this report to the Police station and subsequently her brother, who later went in search of the young man.

When he found Davindra in a cross street, he dealt the man several chops about his body, including his head and chest.

Accroding to family members, although the young man was taken to the Police station, and statements were taken, Police have failed to arrest and charge the aggressor accordingly.

More young students using ‘weed’, cocaine – study

Local students are experimenting with drugs at younger ages and in greater numbers, a 2013 survey conducted by the Crime and Social Observatory within the Public Security Ministry has revealed.

Compared with the findings of an earlier survey in 2007, more secondary school students were using marijuana and cocaine at a marginally younger age. However, in a positive development, the average age of first-time use of tobacco, alcohol, crack and ecstasy has increased.

The Secondary School Drug Prevalence Survey Project was sponsored by the Organisation of American States (OAS) Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, which also provided technical support.

The full report will be formally released today at the Cara Lodge by CICAD. As part of the CICAD Mission to Guyana, on Monday OAS Country Representative Jean Dormeus along with CICAD members Pernell Clarke and Tiffany Barry met with Second Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan at his Brickdam office. Retired Brigadier

Michael Atherly also accompanied the Vice President.

During the meeting, the Public Security Minister was briefed on the report and a number of other issues. The report highlights key findings relating to the consumption of licit and illicit drugs among secondary school students in Guyana, based on information collected from a sample of students in public and private schools across Guyana.

The officials also discussed the proposed National Household Drug Prevalence Survey. The Guyana Drug Information Network operates from the Public Security Ministry. It collects and shares statistics and analyses on the prevention and control of drug use and trafficking. It affords easier access to statistical details for all the agen-

cies that comprise the Drug Information Network (DIN) and delivers useful information for the development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and strategies for combating drug trafficking and drug use prevention.

DIN also shared its 2014 Report with the members present at the meeting. The Minister, OAS representative and the CICAD team subsequently met with the drug abuse treatment providers in Guyana, including Phoenix Recovery, the Salvation Army, Guyana Public Hospital and Social Life Issues.

The CICAD team will also meet with the Guyana Bureau of Statistics. The Mission is scheduled to leave Guyana for OAS headquarters in Washington DC on Thursday. (vahnum@ guyanatimesgy.com)

The PRIME Moocher

Satiricus was reflecting on the thanklessness of serving the public. Here it was the Naga Man had been in politics for some 53 years. As he's FORCED to remind us every other day. Yet nobody gives him a fist-bump and say, "Respect, man". There coulda been so many things the Naga Man could've been. But he abandoned them all to serve the public, by carrying around Janit handbag at the "Reflector" newspaper. Janit had a habit of forgetting her handbag and her assistant Naga Man's main job was to keep tabs on it.

But anyhow, after 53 years, the Naga Man had finally become "somebody". Through hook or crook, he'd become the PRIME Moocher of all Guyana. But were his old comrades happy for him? Nooooo! All they could harp on was that he didn't have any "powers". "Who the heck did they think the Naga Man is?? Superman? Batman didn't have any "powers" but look at how much good he did!" thought Satiricus.

The problem Satiricus concluded was that folks just didn't understand the role of the Prime Moocher in Guyana. There was a time when a Prime Moocher had real powers - but all of that had changed, when Prime Moocher Burnt Ham decided to change things. Burnham decided that he was going to be King of Guyana - but be known as the "President". The Prime Moocher was just going to be the fella who'd "represent " him in the Assembly.

Burnt Ham was bored with all the boring speeches in the Assembly and would rather listen to himself dropping clever bon mots to anyone who'd listen. So his Prime Moocher would deliver his boring speeches in Parliament on earth shattering subjects. (Like Naga Man did confessing to being a water boy who wrote speeches for a previous President!)

But thank God that Naga Man didn't mind being a ceremonial figure. In fact he absolutely thrived on ceremony. Like how he showed up with his old sidekick Rum Jhaat to have pictures of him pointing to "turned in" bullets. Satiricus was impressed at how macho the Naga Man looked. What a photo Op!! That'll send those criminals and crime rates underground!! Satricus was so proud also of how Naga Man wasn't willing to duck responsibility: he used the word "I" 22 times… especially as a preface to "Prime Moocher". As in "I, the Prime Moocher..."

Guyanese naysayers, especially from the PPEE just didn't get the importance of "ceremonial figures". Look at how the Queen of England held together England as a "ceremonial figure".

In fact, if Burnt Ham made himself "King" with all those powers, Naga Man would make a darn good "Queen" since he didn't have any powers - but liked ceremony!

Gizmos and Gadgets adopts Starters Nursery

The Starters Nursery School was recently adopted by electronics giant Gizmos and Gadgets, as the company strives for excellence in keeping with its social and corporate responsibility. This is the first step in the adoption of the school by the electronics giant. Gizmos and Gadgets donat-

ed 20 tablets to the school, for use by the students.

Marketing Manager of Gizmos and Gadgets

Rehana Rambaran stated

“In this technologically advanced age, we need to begin training our youth in information technology from a young age if we are to be on par with the rest of the world. It is with this in

mind that we have decided to make this investment in the future of our Guyanese children.”

Gizmos and Gadgets will be forging a closer working relationship with Starters Nursery and the Education Ministry to continue assisting the school. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Internationally-recognised food safety certification workshop launched

The restaurant industry has received a boost with the launching of the ServSafe Workshop, which aims to provide modern and comprehensive food safety training for persons in the industry.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network, in collaboration with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, launched the three-day seminar on Tuesday. Participants come from diverse local food businesses including Church’s Chicken, Quality Plus, Juice Power

and the Guinness Bar, with public health workers, among them environmental health officers, food inspectors and Food and Drug Department laboratory members also in attendance.

GCCI President Lance Hinds announced on behalf of the Chamber his pleasure to be partnering with the Food and Drug Department for the delivery of the ServSafe training and certification programme for food service managers and related staff.

He noted that this initiative was a continuation of the long-term agreement that the Chamber had with the CDB under the CTCS network. Hinds also mentioned that the GCCI was a local focal point with the

responsibility of executing these types of initiatives to build capacity and improve the performance of the local Private Sector and to partner with Government agencies. The ServSafe training programme is conducted by the CDB all across the Caribbean.

He shared that “ServSafe” was an internationally recognised food and beverage safety training certification programme that was administered by the National Restaurant Association in the United States. The programme is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

The GCCI President added that these workshops were designed to equip participants with the fundamental tools to improve food safety. Before wishing the participants the best of luck, Hinds shared that the GCCI would always enthusiastically support such initiatives.

“We believe that if we are going to compete in the Region for the appeal, it is critical that our service sectors are up to par. If we want to be a premier destination for tourism and business, we have to improve our services.”

Serious risks

Food and Drug Department Director Marlan Cole stated that there were serious problems in Guyana in terms of safe food handling practices and makeshift stalls and proper food storage which all pose major risks.

He added that he hoped that the participants would make good use of the opportunity to ensure the informa-

tion received transformed our society, by ensuring food was handled safely and the prevalence of food-borne illnesses was reduced.

The ServSafe Food Safety Training Programme leads the way in providing current and comprehensive educational materials to the restaurant industry. More than four million foodservice professionals have been certified through the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Exam, which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-Conference for Food Protection (CFP). ServSafe training and certification is recognised by more federal, state and local jurisdictions than any other food safety certification. This is the sixth edition of the programme in Guyana.

Since 1919, the US National Restaurant Association have been the restaurant industry’s lead-

ing association and, together with the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, runs with the goal to lead the world’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all. (jpinder@guyanatimes.gy)

Keeping it real

Origin of "King" Sugar

The problems facing the cane sugar industry, locally and internationally, are monumental. In Guyana, a challenged multimillion dollar investment, arbitrary price cuts on "guaranteed" contracts declining commodity price, low projected yields, limited or selective mechanisation input, environmental challenges, greater reliance on cheaper sugar substitutes and so on have contributed to a decline in the industry. The Granger Government has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to determine the best course forward.

The origin of cane sugar as a “King” commodity is an interesting one and should be appreciated for a nation that was founded solely to produce the commodity for Europe.

Anthropologist Sidney Mintz has identified six historical uses of sugar: as a medicine, as a spice and condiment, as a decorative material, as a preservative, as a foodstuff, and as a sweetener. As Guyanese are aware, after the sugarcane is processed into sugar, a fibrous byproduct, called bagasse, remains after the stalks are crushed to extract the juice. The bagasse can be used as a source for biofuel (as in the use of ethanol in Brazil today) and can be processed to manufacture pulp and building materials. Molasses, the sticky dark, sweet, syrupy byproduct made during the extraction of sugar has been used in baked goods, the manufacture of alcohol (rum), brown sugar and as a flavor in the manufacture of tobacco.

Sugar production changed the course of human history in many ways, the effects of which are still very visible in our evolving attitudes toward sugar. Sugar’s long history has influenced the formation of colonial holdings, the perpetuation of slavery, the transition to

indentured labor, the migration of peoples, wars between sugar trade-controlling nations in the 19th century, the ethnic composition and political structure of the new world, and concerns for the economic welfare of sugar workers are still tied to plantation economies in several countries. The politicization of sugar in Guyana is related to a long standing refusal by the PPP government to radically transform the industry, even in the face of a dubious future for the commodity.

Sugar cane is believed to have been domesticated originally in New Guinea (now divided into Papua New Guinea on the east, with the western half of Papua belonging to Indonesia) in the South Pacific as early as around 6000 BC. Over time, varieties of the plant were transported to various tropical regions where it was cultivated and processed in a number of different ways. Varying species of the plant is believed to have originated in the locations where it was cultivated, with saccharum barberi originating in India and saccharum edule and saccharum officinarum coming from New Guinea. One can find references to sugarcane in ancient Hindu vedic hymns which were composed around 1500 BC and codified about 600 BC. In India, early Tamil literature described the growth of sugarcane along the banks of the River Kaveri, and Indian kings were known to encourage the cultivation of sugar in "pleasure gardens" alongside the cultivation of vegetables like fig trees, mustard, parsley and fennel. The Kamasutra, an early erotic treatise written by Vatsyayana of India (c. 2nd century AD - c.4th century AD), recommended the cultivation of such gardens and the goddess Kamakshi of Tamil Nadu is portrayed in artistic creations in her four

hands holding a lotus blossom, sugar cane stalks, elephant goad and a noose.

By about 325 BC, Chanakya (Kautilya), a professor of economics and political science at the ancient Takshashila University, commonly referered to as "India's Machiavelli" and advisor to the first Maurya emperor Chandragupta and his son, made reference to five kinds of sugar in his writings. Buddhist literature also made references to sugar as a commodity which possessed healing properties. As Buddhism spread from its original hearth in India through missionary and commercial activities, particularly during the Indian Ocean trade, it eventually reached other parts of Asia. From Asia, knowledge of sugar reached the Middle East before Europeans slowly began to dominate the sugar trade.

Early sugar refining methods involved grinding or pounding the sugar cane in order to extract the sweet juice, and then boiling down the juice or drying it in the sun to yield sugary solids that looked like sand gravel. The Sanskrit word for "sugar" (sharkara) also means "gravel" or "sand". Similarly, the Chinese made use of "gravel sugar" (commonly referred to as "table sugar" in the West). Indian sailors, often times consumers of clarified butter and sugar, carried sugar by various trade routes, including via the Indian Ocean trade route to east Africa and parts of the Middle East, while it is believed that traveling Buddhist monks brought the knowledge of sugar crystallization methods to China. With the growing interest in sugar, Chinese officials sent at least two missions to India, initiated in 647 AD, in search of the technology employed in sugar-refining. In South Asia, the Middle East and China, sugar quickly became a necessary

cooking ingredient commonly used in the making of confectionaries and desserts. Before sugar reached Europe by way of Muslim traders from the Middle East, it spread to Persia in the 6th century in the form of an Indian hybrid and it subsequently reached Egypt and the greater Middle East around the 8th century. By the 15th century, facilitated by favorable climate and geography, sugar cane was already growing in Madeira, the Canary and Cape Verde islands, San Tomé and parts of western Africa.

Sugar figured prominently in the Columbian Exchange, a modern trade and exchange system that dramatically changed the world following the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the “New World”. Sugar cultivation led to the creation of monocrop plantations which began to spread throughout the West Indies, Guyana included. Sugar was to become the most important commodity that was responsible for the shape and development of some of the islands and nations of the Caribbean and South America. The tropical climate in the Caribbean was similar to that of New Guinea, thus making it possible, with intensive free labor (slave) or cheap labor (indenture), to produce sugar in large quantity to meet the growing world demand.

Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail. com.

Govt needs to provide answers to rice farmers – PPP/C

As rice farmers throughout the country continue to struggle daily with uncertainty over their livelihood, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said on Tuesday the “‘Good Life” which the governing coalition promised Guyanese has “evaporated before the eyes of the farmers”.

Rice farmers are being offered a paltry $1900 per bag of paddy, instead of the $6000 to $9000 promised during the election campaign.

“The Granger Administration clearly hoodwinked rice farmers, like many other sectors, into believing that their promises were genuine. Rice accounts for more than 20

PPP

per cent of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product, but more so it is the livelihood of thousands of citizens and as such, the Government must forthwith stop playing poli-

tics with this immensely important sector. Therefore, the PPP urges the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) and rice farmers to intensify their struggle for their livelihood and that of their families,” the Party posited.

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government officials remain mum on the prevailing issue of low paddy prices, in spite of the campaign promises to ensure that the farmers receive substantial increases for their produce once this Administration took office.

As a result of the passive stand that the coalition Government has taken on issues plaguing these rice farmers, the affected have

Region 10 eyeing new shelter, skills centre

Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) through the Government of Guyana will be lobbying the international community for financial support for the construction of a shelter, a holding centre and a skills training centre.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Region 10 A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Member of Parliament Valerie Patterson disclosed that discussions were already held with Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence on the establishment of the three facilities, during which she offered her support.

As a result, funding will also be secured from the Government and local organisations with the intention of having these facilities operational by 2016.

“We have already identified an area for the construction of the shelter for victims of domestic violence, and a plan has already been designed,” Patterson said, noting too that currently the budget is being crafted.

Patterson, who once served as the Chairperson of the Regional Welfare Committee and Women

Affairs Committee, said the shelter for victims of domestic violence, particularly women and children, was the first of its kind for the region and would be built at a critical time. She explained that while there were only a few domestic related murders in the region in recent years, domestic violence in the form of physical abuse was on the rise.

Given the lack of a shelter, Patterson explained that many victims of domestic violence, particularly women, opt to stay in abusive relationships because, for them, there was no other alternative.

“Even if the matter engages the attention of a probation officer, some abused women often return to their abusive partners because they have nowhere else to go or because of fear. When we encourage them to break the silence, they often ask us, ‘Where will we go?’ Another issue is that relatives often do not want to get involved because they themselves fear for their lives,” the MP explained.

Patterson said the establishment of the shelter will definitely assist in the fight against domestic violence, noting that the “shelter will

been propelled into staging protests as a way of securing the attention of the relevant authorities.

However, thus far this has been to no avail.

As such, the PPP/C has joined in solidarity with these rice farmers across Guyana who have been demanding that the present Administration fulfil the campaign promises of better paddy prices and other support for the industry.

According to the Opposition Party, the Government must ensure that farmers receive a minimum of between $3000

and $3500 per bag of paddy which was the price range for the last crop.

Guyana Times understands that the PPP/C was urging the APNU/AFC to make certain that the farmers receive all outstanding payments owed by the millers from the last crop and to immediately make available the $23 billion promised by government.

The Party is also calling on the Administration to ensure that markets are secured for the rice industry so as to fill the void created by the decision of Venezuela to halt purchasing rice from

Guyana. The Opposition Party noted that there must be a “stronger and more combative” RPA in this process and in this regard, the RPA needed allies in this struggle. “The PPP/C remains one such ally and, therefore, calls on all farmers advocate groups as well as rights organisations to join in this struggle. Rice farmers need urgent answers to their many questions. Therefore, the Government must provide these answers,” the statement said.

be a place of comfort, a safe haven and a place where counselling will be conducted”.

“It is time women …. speak up and speak out, and we will assist in that fight,” she declared.

In alluding to the holding centre for children, the MP said the project was initiated out of a discussion with religious leaders and the Magistrate presiding at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

“He has indicated that there is an increase in petty crimes being done by children, mainly boys between the ages of 9-14,” she said, adding that the juvenile offenders were often placed at either of the Police Stations or the Police Outpost, “not the most conducive place”.

As such, the holding centre will be a place where children who would have had encounters with the law are kept for a specified period stipulated by the court. While in the care of the centre, they will receive counselling and the opportunity to reintegrate into society.

The skills training centre will be erected in close proximity. “Victims of abuse and even children who would have had to face the court for whatever reason would be allowed to learn a skill. Additionally, an area will be set up for them to do farming. You see this is a form of empowerment, and so they will be able to create employment for themselves, clothe themselves and most important feed themselves,” an optimistic Patterson said.

She added that these three initiatives along with the operationalisation of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) were just the first of a series of programmes and initiatives that would be rolled out in the region with the assistance of Government. (smarshall@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Regional

Raúl Castro expected to address UN meeting of world leaders

Cuban President Raúl Castro is expected to address the annual United Nations gathering of world leaders later this month for the first time, the UN has indicated. It would be Castro’s first trip to the United States as President.

An updated UN list of speakers notes that the Cuban Head of State will speak at the gathering on September 28, the same day that President Obama is to speak. Diplomats for the two countries last week formally launched the process of normalizing the US-Cuba relationship, one of the top foreign policy achievements of Obama’s presidency.

Mexico confirms eight killed in Egypt

AMexican official confirmed on Tuesday that eight Mexican tourists were among the 12 people who died in an attack by the Egyptian Army.

The 12 were mistakenly killed by Egyptian security forces in an anti-terror operation on Sunday. Egypt says it mistook the tourists for Islamist militants, whom its forces were pursuing in the Western Desert.

It has apologised, but has insisted the group were in a restricted area. Local sources deny the claim. Egypt has been battling Islamist militants for years, with attacks escalating since the 2013 ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

Until recently most of the fighting has taken place in the Sinai Peninsula with oc-

casional attacks taking place in Cairo and other cities.

Two of the dead have been identified as Luis Barajas Fernandez and Maria de Lourdes Fernandez Rubio.

Another one of those dead is believed to be Rafael Bejarano Rangel, whose relatives were told by tour organisers that he was among those killed. Reyna Torres, who heads the Mexican foreign ministry’s department for the protection of nationals abroad, said forensic test were still being carried out on the other bodies.

Ten people, among them six Mexicans were also injured in the attack.

Mexico’s Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu is travelling to Cairo with some of the relatives. (Excerpt from BBC News)

In April, Obama and Castro sat down together in the first formal meeting of the two country’s leaders in a half-century. Castro took over Cuba’s presidency from his brother Fidel, who stepped down in 2008 after decades in power.

A spokesman for Cuba’s mission to the UN did not comment Tuesday on Castro’s expected visit and only referred to the UN list of speakers.

Castro first will play host as Pope Francis visits Cuba from September 19-22, ahead of Francis’ own first trip to the United States.

More than 160 Heads of State and Government are to attend this month’s UN meeting, including, for the first time, Chinese President Xi Jinping. Russian president Vladimir Putin and Iranian president Hassan Rouhani are also among the first day’s speakers. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Political, religious groups condemn racist attacks against Rowley, PNM

Political and religious leaders on Monday condemned what they termed racial comments posted on the social media after the People’s National Movement (PNM) came to power following the September 7 General Election.

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has already told reporters that he had not seen the comments, but added that he had more important things to discuss, including the delivery of a national bud -

get before month end.

Former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the comments posted on the Facebook page of the United National Congress (UNC) were not authorised, would never be authorised nor condoned by her party.

“I haven’t seen these posts but I can say that they would never be authorised by the party,” Persad-Bissessar said. The comments range from congratulations to the PNM to threats to harm Rowley whom they described as a monkey.

Leader of the Congress of the People (COP) and former Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar noted that some people on both sides of the political divide have been issuing messages which were not in the best interest of the country.

“This is not acceptable in a truly democratic and united society that is multiethnic and multicultural. We cannot allow any space, whether by individuals or groups, for such divisive and hateful messages to be spread in our national conversation and thinking, whether it is fuelled by sentiments based on winning or losing in our elections,” he said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Schools and Govt offices closed, flood watch issued in Dominica

Schools and public offices have been closed and a flood watch issued for Dominica as a passing tropical wave brings more rain to the island.

The flood watch is in effect until noon on Tuesday in the first instance, but it could be extended.

It was issued by the Dominica Meteorological Service after satellite and radar imagery suggest-

ed that the unsettled conditions associated with a passing tropical wave, which affected the island on Monday, would continue throughout Tuesday. Pockets of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms were expected to spread across the island. “Rainfall accumulations of one to two inches are possible with isolated higher amounts,” the Met Office said.

“Due to the already saturated nature of the earth, any additional rainfall is likely to result in further flooding and landslides.” There was extensive flooding, which trigged landslides, when Tropical Storm Erika passed late last month.

There was more flooding last Friday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Grace passed by.

Prime Minister

Roosevelt Skerrit has called on residents to play their part once this latest set of inclement weather passes. “Please, when the rain subsides, let us volunteer to clear the debris from in front of our homes and on our streets in our neighbourhoods that may cause blockage or flooding,” he wrote on Facebook and Twitter. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Canadian, Jamaican companies sign multimillion-dollar ganja deal

Canada-based

Timeless Herbal Care Limited (THC)

announced Saturday it has secured a US$100-million deal to develop medical

Archaeologist calls for laws to protect historical sites

Alocal archaeologist is calling for legislation to be enacted to protect the historical sites in Antigua and Barbuda. Dr Reginald Murphy, who is also an historian, contends that all of the country’s historically significant relics should be governed by one central authority.

“We need to have one central management system that controls what they are being used for and is responsible for maintaining them to a certain level,” he said.

Dr Murphy said although

several of the nation’s historical sites are on private property, the country should adopt the British approach to this problem, where private property owners have to get permission to make changes to their structures.

“If you own a historical building you are obliged to treat it a certain way, to maintain it a certain way and you must go to a panel or established experts to advise you on what you can and cannot do to it,” he charged. “I know people in England who have houses

that are 200 or 300 years old and they can’t even paint (them) without permission.”

Dr Murphy said he believes that such regulations are on the horizon.

Meantime, the Archaeologist, who has long been a proponent for the preservation of historical sites, said Antigua & Barbuda should consider stabilising the remnants of structures at Monk’s Hill, instead of restoring them, to avoid exorbitant costs.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

marijuana products here in Jamaica for the international market.

Courtney Betty, the Jamaican-Canadian who heads THC, did not go into great detail, but said the deal would create job opportunities for many Jamaicans. He said the deal was buttressed by the decision of the Jamaican Government to decriminalise ganja for medicinal purposes.

Betty used the opportunity in a speech at the Association of Consultants and Physicians of Jamaica (ACPJ) Reception and Banquet, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, to urge physicians and Private Sector businesses to get on board with medical marijuana treatment, saying Jamaica

was destined to become a hub for investment in medical marijuana.

“This is not about smoking marijuana, but it is about developing medical products that will be able to help patients,” said the President and CEO of Timeless Herbal Care, a nutraceutical pharmaceutical company that produces medical marijuana products.

“It really is about private corporations and businesses, and our expectation is that there will be many companies that will start coming to Jamaica looking to invest because of the tremendous intellectual property and resources that sit here at the University of the West Indies.” (Excerpt from Nation News)

Hungary declares state of emergency over refugee influx

The Hungarian Government has declared a state of emergency to cope with the influx of refugees, as almost 10,000 people were detained for illegally crossing the border from Serbia, Police said.

On Tuesday, Police also detained at least 60 people claiming to be Syrian and Afghan refugees after they illegally crossed the border with Serbia, Police Spokeswoman Viktoria Csiszer-Kovacs said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has indicated that asylum requests from refugees trying to enter Hungary from Serbia will be rejected, because Serbia is a

safe country where refugees do not risk war or persecution.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Simmons, reporting from the Hungarian border town of Roszke, said there is desperation among refugees at the border.

“It is more of a crisis now more than ever for the refugees,” Simmons said, adding that neighbouring Romania is also reportedly considering building its own fence.

Meanwhile, Serbia was talking to the Hungarian Government about the buildup of refugees on their frontier, a Serbian Government Minister said, adding

Budapest would “have to open the border”.

Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia’s Minister in charge of tackling the refugee crisis, did not elaborate.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said on Tuesday that it was likely that thousands of refugees would simply divert their route now that Hungary has closed its border with Serbia.

“We’re definitely in touch with different countries on contingencies and UNHCR is ready to move and assist different countries as best we can,” Fleming said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Delhi battles dengue fever surge

The Indian capital, Delhi, is in the grip of the worst outbreak of dengue fever in five years, officials say.

More than 1800 cases have been recorded in recent weeks, compared to 1695 cases for all of 2010. Five deaths have been reported so far.

The mosquito that carries the dengue virus breeds in containers with clear, stagnant water.

Dengue cases usually jump during and just after the rainy season, which normally lasts from June to September.

Hospitals and clinics across the city have been inundated with patients, putting a strain on emergency services.

News channels are showing patients sharing beds and scores of people queuing up at clinics for free fever tests.

The Government in Delhi has ordered 1000 extra beds in hospitals to treat dengue pa-

tients after the suicide of a couple whose seven-year-old son died from the tropical illness after being allegedly refused treatment at a number of city hospitals.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has also ordered the setting up of “fever clinics” at hospitals to deal with the rush of patients.

“There is no need to panic.

I have ordered all Government hospitals that they should not refuse to admit dengue patients even if they have to treat two patients on a single bed,” he said.

“The panic in people about the spread of dengue is leading to a huge burden on hospitals.”

YK Mann, Director of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, told the AFP news agency that this was “the worst outbreak in the last five years and it is going to further increase as the weather remains humid”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the world

Saudi Arabia suspends work of Mecca crane collapse firm

Saudi Arabia has suspended the Saudi Binladin group from taking on new projects, just days after a deadly crane collapse in Mecca.

A statement by the Saudi Government on Tuesday said the company’s operations had been stopped until a review of all their work had been completed.

The Saudi Binladin group is one of the region’s largest construction firms with contracts across the country.

Initial investigations by Saudi authorities suggest-

ed a “balance issue” in the crane and bad weather contributed to the tragedy that left at least 107 people dead and hundreds more injured at Islam’s holiest site immediately prior to the start of the Hajj.

Al Jazeera’s Omar alSaleh, reporting from Mecca, said the move was “very significant”.

“The Mecca incident brought everything up to the surface, you can sense there were issues beneath the table,” Saleh said.

The Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has been prone to disasters in the past, mainly from stampedes as pilgrims rush to complete rituals and return home.

Hundreds of pilgrims died in such a crush in 2006.

Saudi authorities have since spent vast sums to expand the main Hajj sites and improve Mecca’s transport system, in an effort to prevent more disasters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“There is an indication that the construction firm misused the manufacturers’ instructions, an indication perhaps of negligence.”

China grabs unused funds to spend on new projects as growth slows

Chinese authorities have seized up to one trillion yuan (US$157 billion) from local governments who failed to use their budget allocations, sources said, as Beijing looks for ways to spend its way out of an economic slowdown.

The exclusive Reuters report came after China’s stocks fell following data suggesting economic growth was running below the 2015 target

level of about seven per cent, heightening concerns about the health of the world’s second largest economy.

“China’s economy faces relatively big downward pressure, so investor sentiment remains weak,” said Gu Yongtao, strategist at Cinda Securities.

Two sources close to the Government said budget funds repossessed from local governments

would be used to pay for other investments.

The huge underspend, linked to officials’ reluctance to splash out on big-ticket projects, while authorities crack down on corruption, supports the argument of some economists that Chinese state investment has grown too slowly this year.

“In the past, local governments had asked for the money. Money was given, but no one acted,” said one of the two sources.

On Monday, China’s powerful economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said it had approved feasibility studies for two road projects worth a total of 6.2 billion yuan (US$973.65 million).

Last week, the NDRC gave the green light for railway, highway and bridge projects worth a combined US$23 billion, in a sign authorities are focusing on infrastructure spending rather than deeper reforms to shore up growth in the short term. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jerusalem clashes “may ignite violence beyond its walls” – UN

AUnited Nations envoy has warned that unrest in Jerusalem “may ignite violence beyond its walls” after clashes continued for a third day.

UN Special Envoy Nickolay Mladenov urged all leaders “to ensure visitors and worshipers demonstrate restraint and re -

spect” at holy sites. Israeli Police clashed with protesters at the AlAqsa mosque compound.

Al-Aqsa is one of Islam’s holiest sites and is in the Temple Mount/Haram alSharif site also revered by Jews.

The holy compound is a source of religious and political tension be -

tween Israel and the Palestinians. It is a frequent flashpoint for violence.

Police Spokeswoman Luba Samri told AP that Police entered the Al-Aqsa mosque compound early in the morning to disperse protesters who had stayed inside the mosque overnight.

The protesters threw projectiles at officers, Samri said, adding that two Palestinians were arrested and five Police Officers were slightly injured in the violence.

Twenty-six Palestinians were injured on Tuesday, none of them seriously, the Director of the Palestinian Red

Crescent emergency unit, Amin Abu Ghazaleh, told Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to convene an emergency ministerial meeting on Tuesday evening at the end of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah.

Tensions have been running high in the city

since Israel Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon earlier this week banned two Muslim groups which confront Jewish visitors to the compound.

Yaalon said the groups were the main sources of tension and violence at the site and said banning them was necessary to public order. (Excerpt from Reuters)

North Ruimveldt Multilateral celebrates 40-year anniversary

The North Ruimveldt Multilateral School will be celebrating 40 years of existence during the upcoming months.

The school has planned various activities as they seek to unite past and present students. On Tuesday, September 15, the school held a thanksgiving ceremony where Ministry officials along with past teachers and students were invited. The afternoon’s proceedings saw interactive sessions with current and past students on areas of law, fashion and culture.

The activities are set to continue in October, with an inter-house quiz competition that encompasses historical issues of the school, as well as other general knowledge topics. On October 30, members of the local alumni will

host their “Back in Time” party at the Loft Night Club, in Alberttown.

In November, the planning committee will host the second part of interactive workshops/seminars/mentorship, facilitated by members of the local alumni. On November 26, the school will hold its graduation and prize-giving ceremony for those students completing their tenure at the school. A tree planting exercise organised by the local alumni will also be done.

Improvement

The school was officially commissioned an A–list school on February 27 of this year by the Education Ministry. The Ministry had stated “the school which began as a B Grade has been achieving excellent perfor-

mance from its students, at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) examinations, over a period of three consecutive years. This solid history has now qualified it to be an A-List school.” The school is also an A-List school based on its student population size.

Senior Mistress Vannesa Mc Donald indicated that since the school has become an A-List school, it means students will now be able to write more than eight subjects at the CSEC exams. In addition, the Senior Mistress indicated that the marks needed at the CSEC level has also increased. The Teacher is of the opinion that the current batch of students has the ability to sustain the academic performance of the school. The school’s infrastructure has improved vastly, with several laboratories for areas of Science, Food and Nutrition, and technical areas of study. Currently the school’s administration is seeking to clear the playfield area behind the school, for recreation and agricultural purposes.

The North Ruimveldt Secondary School over the years has produced many stalwarts, both in the field of academia and sport. In the South Georgetown district, the school has been certainly a standout and on par with many of the top schools in the country.

Caricom needs support, resources to address severity of climate change

Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Irwin LaRocque has stated that in order to address the brutal challenges of the effects of climate change and build resilience, there is need for more support and resources.

According to a press release issued by the Caricom Secretariat on Tuesday, the country of Kazakhstan is seeking to assist Dominica in its recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Erika.

Guyana Times understands that Ambassador Konstantin Zhigalov also presented his credentials to Ambassador LaRocque, at the headquarters of the Caricom Secretariat, Turkeyen, Guyana. He is the Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada and Concurrent Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and now the first Kazakhstan Ambassador to be accredited to Caricom.

It was there that

Ambassador Zhigalov expressed his country’s regrets at the loss of life and property in Dominica and indicated Kazakhstan’s interest in rendering assistance.

“Secretary General LaRocque, recently returned from a visit to the stricken island, cited the situation there along with the climatic events in Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2013 as evidence of the devastating effects of cli-

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Will the Government chicken out on Jagdeo’s Asset Challenge?

Fighting corruption must be a priority for any Government. Guyana must continue to implement new mechanisms to fight corruption. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU) in Opposition was very articulate about the necessity for Government and the Parliament to fight against corruption and had been critical of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration for committing corrupt acts and for not doing enough to reduce and stop corruption.

They had massive support from a significant section of the media as well as from Transparency International which became a card-carrying member of APNU/ AFC, in denouncing the PPP Government for corruption. International diplomats from the ABC countries found clumsy ways to offer support to APNU/AFC, speaking of corruption as though it was the only reason why Guyana’s development was stymied.

These and other human rights organisations completely ignored the role of the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship between 1964 and 1992 in Guyana’s under-development. They claimed that massive corruption by the PPP was responsible for Guyana’s GDP still lagging far behind most of Caricom without ever presenting an iota of evidence to support their claims of corruption.

The PPP argued that although corruption exists, it was being used by the APNU/AFC for political reasons. Indeed, the cries of APNU/ AFC about corruption resonated with the public and many people who, while conceding that the PPP improved the economic and social welfare of the Guyanese people, lost confidence in the PPP Government. Some voted for APNU/AFC based on the charges of corruption which had no evidence.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Commission. As an MP, I remembered submitting my statements for 18 successive years. For those of us who served under Bharrat Jagdeo, we all can recall his firmness for all PPP MPs to submit their income and asset statements to the Integrity Commission before the end of June each year. He threatened serious reprimand for those of us who would have failed in submitting those statements, particularly those of us in Cabinet.

The MPs from the PNC while in Opposition have never submitted their returns but claimed then that the Integrity Commission was illegal, perhaps because they had much to hide. For example, many of them who earned hundreds of millions of dollars pay pittance as income tax but don’t want the public to know how little taxes they paid. Many of them own large tracts of land that they had when the old PNC was in power but don’t want it to be exposed.

mate change. He pointed out that the unusual patterns of rainfall in our Region were a manifestation of the phenomenon of climate changes,” the press statement said.

This publication was told that in welcoming Kazakhstan’s first ever Ambassador to the Community, Secretary General LaRocque alluded to discussions held in New York between the Foreign Ministers of the Caricom and Kazakhstan last year in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.

“He recalled that the Caricom Ministers had proposed that the two sides work together to develop projects in sustainable energy. In pointing out that the proposal should be followed upon quickly, Ambassador LaRocque said that form of energy will not only be powering our future development but will also be a means of safeguarding our very special but fragile natural environment. The Secretary General re-

Justice now demands that APNU/AFC stop the hypocrisy and puts its “money where its mouth is”. Are they still interested in fighting corruption their hands now lay on the national wealth? Contracts are being handed out without advertisements and tender as high-paid jobs are going to political allies and members of the APNU/AFC. Are these not signs of corruption? But those who supported them in making corruption charges before the 2015 elections have gone silent.

Bharrat Jagdeo, who has been a favourite target for APNU/AFC, has called their bluff. He has made a bold proposal – every member of the Parliament should submit their annual income and asset statements to the Parliament for release to the public. The proposal includes a release of tax statements for the last 10 years and must include all foreignbased assets. This is a necessary weapon in fighting corruption among politicians.

In the 1990s, Cheddi Jagan and the PPP Government insisted that all Members of Parliament (MP) must make a release of their earnings and assets to the Integrity

ferred to the Community’s support for Kazakhstan to host EXPO 2017 which is to be held in that country’s capital Astana,” the release from Caricom further stated. It was noted that the theme for EXPO 2017 which is “Energy of the Future” is ‘most apt’ as it focuses on renewable energy.

Guyana Times was also told that Ambassador Zhigalov, in his remarks, stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of engagement as he informed

Some of the richest Guyanese belong to the APNU/AFC such as Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes and Basil Williams. It is important that the people know what taxes these wealthy people pay, including on their earning. Hopefully, ordinary Guyanese working hard to make a living wouldn’t have paid more taxes than these people. It would do the people well to know of the overseas assets owned.

While the APNU/AFC deemed the Integrity Commission illegal, the Parliament of Guyana isn’t illegal. Let each MP before the end of June each year, submit to the Speaker of the National Assembly or to the Public Accounts Committee or to a Special Select Committee his/her complete earnings and asset statements. Since all of the Government MPs have never submitted their earnings and asset statements, let all MPs from the Parliament (Government and Opposition) submit their earnings and asset statements for the last ten years.

The Government must enforce this policy to fight corruption. Let politicians who speak so self-righteously about corruption stand up and be counted, showing us once and for all they are genuine in fighting corruption. Who is corrupt in Guyana? The PPP says it agrees and stands ready. Is the APNU/AFC Government “chicken”?

his country’s eagerness in assisting in the development of the renewable energy sector in the Region.

“He said there was much that Kazakhstan can learn from the Region particularly in the development of its tourism product and cultural industries. The two sides signed an agreement for Kazakhstan to support the development of an Integrated Water Resource Management Policy (IWRMP) for Caricom and have almost concluded dis-

cussions on a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] to provide a better structure for future cooperation,” the press release added. This newspaper was told that a MoU between Caricom and the Government of Kazakhstan for the IWRMP was signed to the tune of US$250,000. This caters for the development of the water resource management plan for the Caribbean, inclusive of Guyana. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Berbice Expo to open with fanfare on Friday

– helicopter rides, other attractions available

The 2015 edition of the Berbice Expo, the premier trade show in the Ancient County, is expected to be declared open on Friday.

Construction work on the Expo is almost complete as organisers gear up for Friday’s opening. The four-day event will be held under the theme “Fostering National Pride, Advancing National Progress”.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes are also expected to participate.

Adjodhea highlighted that there was a need to nurture both small and large industries equally, since they both create employment. “Equal opportunities are being offered to both groups at the Expo.”

Bridge Company Inc and Alim Shaw.”

Adjodhea added that Berbice Expo has always been touted as a family event. This year will be no exception with several new initiatives to be implemented including helicopters rides.

Coordinator of the event, Tajpaul Adjodhea said all plans were in place for the 10th annual Berbice Expo. He said the event, which was being held in collaboration with Government through the Business Ministry, will be the biggest Berbice Expo ever. Adjodhea, the President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) – which is hosting the event, added that Guyana was currently going through a change and the Expo would reflect that.

the Berbice Expo and other trade fairs to be a catalyst to kick-start and advance economic progress.

can only grow if everyone moves in that direction,” he said.

“A lot more has to be done in terms of our economic progress. We want

As a Chamber, we don’t believe that economic progress should be confined to a few… This country

At the opening of the Expo, which President David Granger will officially open, Business Minister Dominique Gaskin and

NGO calls on Govt to focus on pensioners

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Justice for the Unjust (JFU), which has been picketing several organisations and businesses in New Amsterdam in representing the voiceless poor, has turned its attention to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). The NIS has been criticised for years over its poor recordkeeping, which has resulted in hundreds of pensioners being disenfranchised to the extent that some pensioners do not receive their NIS benefits.

On Tuesday, the JFU demonstrated outside the NIS office in New Amsterdam calling for the restructuring of the agency.

JFU Vice Chairman Ishmael King, speaking with this publication, said pensioners fall in

the category of the poor. The group is calling on the new Administration to look into the plight of those who have retired after serving and contribut-

ing to the development of Guyana.

“We the Justice for the Unjust calling on the coalition to set aside a grant for these old people because for years now you find these people finish working and come for their NIS benefits, you hear they short so much contributions and these contributions not met with. So it mean that they live to reach age 55 or 60, where we all know that people not living to make age in these days, so the Government should put aside a grant so that who short their contributions they could afford to give them the remaining that they short, if it is a 50, or a 30....,” Vice Chairman King said.

“At least retirement age, at 55, start give the people their pension at age 55. If they can’t af-

ford to give the people the pension at age 55, then allow some of these people to work to age 60 where they could collect their pension. Because it is very hard on these people; the poor people because when you work and you go to some workplace, you find that their contribution is not there.”

The JFU emphasised that it was NIS’s duty to have field officers ensure that employers pay workers’ contributions over to the NIS, pointing out that most pensioners were poor. The NIS it said was a wealthy agency and should not have persons who would have contributed to its success suffer. And adding insult to injury, “Even the road to walk into NIS full of holes. When you walk, you could actually fall in the holes.”

He noted this year visitors to the Expo will have the opportunity to see businesses from other Caribbean states showcasing what they do. Also several new exhibitors have already signalled their intention to be part of the event. These include Citizens Bank, Assuria Insurance Company, Fibre Tech, and JR Trading Company. “We will still have the regulars that persons are accustomed to like Digicel, Nand Persaud Rice Mills, the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Comfort Sleep, Banks DIH Ltd, ANSA McAL Trading, Edward Beharry Group of Companies, E-Networks, Republic Bank, Demerara Bank and the Berbice

Tickets for the Expo are on sale at Poonai’s Pharmacy Rose Hall Town, Imran and Sons in Rose Hall Town, A Ally and Sons in New Amsterdam, Sookpaul Gas Station in New Amsterdam and Corriverton, and Dhanan Gas Station at D’Edward, West Coast Berbice.

At the Expo, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), will be conducting a domestic tourism survey to find out how people travel. Booths for the Expo are priced between $30,000 and $50,000 while persons involved in craft will be offered free space or heavily subsidised rates under a special package which has been arranged to attract young entrepreneurs.

Police vehicle victim – “facts being twisted”

The pedal cyclist who was injured by a Police vehicle on Monday in East Canje, Berbice, is alleging that as the investigation commences, the Police have started to twist the facts. On Monday about 06:50h, Deodat Ali, also called “Uncle Whistle” was riding along the East Canje main access road at Rose Hall when he was struck by a Police vehicle and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital in an unconscious state.

Ali, who visited the scene on Tuesday with a Police Officer who was investigation the accident, told Guyana Times that the markings which the Police placed on the road are not where the accident occurred. He said that he was taken to the spot and shown where he was at the time he was hit by the vehicle.

According to Ali, he agreed with what he was told because he knows nothing after being hit and has no recollection of being hit but regained consciousness when he was at the New Amsterdam Hospital in pain. “It is after I left and go away, then some of them boys come and tell me that the spot that the Police mark is not where I was when he hit me. They say I was more in the corner.”

Ali is concerned that the

investigation is already going overboard. “At the hospital the Policeman who hit me said that he would have buy back my bicycle and compensate me. Now today when I come to the station, he telling me “what got to happen let it happen””.

“He left the hospital and say that he going for lunch and then after we will go to mark the road, but he went back and move the bicycle, my slippers and the jar and carry it away. He supposes to mark the spot that those things were before he move them,” a worried Ali told this publication.

Meanwhile, a Police source told this publication that Ali should provide the names of those who witnessed the accident so that statements could be taken from them. The source is also surprised at the allegations Ali has made.

However, Ali said that at the time the road was being marked, he was not told that the markings were not in the correct position. Ali’s accident came a few hours before another Police vehicle struck a school girl on a pedestrian crossing at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara. Guyana Times understands that the officer who was driving at the time will be placed before the court for the offence.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

Love is on the rise, and so is the possibility of a conflict of interest. Carefully pick and choose what you do and say to avoid sending the wrong signal.

Don’t leave yourself defenseless. One of your opponents may be trying to derail your plans. Consider the motives of anyone who is pressing you for information regarding your personal or professional plans.

Devote yourself to your career plans. If you have unresolved issues in your personal life, keep them separate from your work life. Focusing on productivity will pay off.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

The same tried-and-true methods that have been successful in the past have relevance to the issues you are facing now. A change of scenery will provide a spark in your romantic relationship.

Stop taking things too seriously. Get out and have some fun with friends, family members or colleagues. A few good laughs will brighten your mood and improve your relationships.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Inject some excitement into your itinerary. Facing new challenges will put you in contact with people who have similar tastes and desires. You can achieve a fresh perspective if you get out and take action.

Keep your opinions to yourself. Trying to mediate a quarrel between friends or neighbors will have negative repercussions. Remain neutral so that you are not blamed for taking sides.

Be assertive. You have to let people know what you are capable of. Unless you showcase your talent or express your interests and ideas, you won’t generate any help or enthusiasm.

Don’t mix business with pleasure. Before you take action, make sure you have the applicable information. Taking action based on false premises will cause a setback.

In your rush to complete a project, you will neglect an important detail or step necessary for success. Doublecheck your efforts in order to ease your stress.

Stick to the facts. Getting locked in emotional battles will not help your cause. Decide if you want to call the shots or follow someone else’s lead. If your budget is shrinking, you’ll have to concentrate on increasing your income or freeing up some cash. Working overtime or offering a service on the side will solve your problem.

WADA hopes to get doping report by mid-November

The World Anti-Doping Agency is hoping to receive the much-awaited report on allegations of widespread doping in sport before its board meeting in mid-November, WADA Director General David Howman said on Tuesday.

The report of the independent commission, appointed by the agency and headed by former WADA chief Dick Pound, into claims made by German television regarding doping involving mostly Russian and Kenyan athletes had been initially expected this month.

But it has since been combined with fresh allegations in August that hundreds of suspicious drugs tests had not been followed up by world athletics body IAAF.

“We gave a mandate to the independent commission and asked them if they would complete their work, their investigation and file their report with us before the end of this year,” Howman told Reuters Television in an interview.

“We hope they can do it well prior to the end of the year because we have a board meeting in mid-November and we would certainly like our board mem-

bers to be able to discuss that report at that occasion.”

The allegations made by German broadcaster ARD and the Sunday Times newspaper shook the world of athletics with the IAAF coming under fire for allegedly not following up suspicious test results from more than 800 athletes -- including dozens of Olympic and world champions -- between 2001 and 2012.

“Well I think you can say that because at the present there is a controversy which involves athletics,” Howman said when asked if athletics was now succeeding cycling as a major doping offender in world sport.

“I think it would be unfair to concentrate on any one sport. It’s probably better if we said look there are problems out there in sport, there are issues that we need to address with the various sports and we’re doing that.

“At the present athletics is in the limelight. Athletics is the sport which needs some assistance and we’re going to give them that assistance after we receive this report.”

Among the athletes now viewed with greater suspicion are also the Kenyans, who topped the medal table at last month’s world athletics championships in Beijing.

There have been claims of extensive doping among the African country’s athletes while testers have been accused of tipping them off ahead of unannounced drugs tests.

“They need a lot of help in Kenya. It’s not just Kenya, there is Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and a few others who form part of a regional anti-doping organization which we assist in the funding of and assist in the work,” Howman said.

Two Kenyan athletes were suspended for antidoping rule violations in Beijing with the country’s athletics federation pledging to fully cooperate with the IAAF.

“What we’re trying to do with Kenya in particular, however, is develop their national program,” Howman said.

“It’s difficult because the government money in the country is very hard to get hold of so we’re in process if you like of trying to make sure they are alert to the major issues of the world is focusing on and that they do respond themselves.

“We can’t do their work so we need that positive response from the Kenyan government.” (Reuters)

Gayle signs up for Pakistan Super League

Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo are some of the prominent players who will feature in the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL), a franchise-based T20 tournament to be held in Doha in February 2016. The players' interest in the tournament could stem a desire to be matchfit ahead of the World T20 which begins a month later in India.

The agency that manages Gayle, one of the most valuable Twenty20 players, confirmed that he had signed the pre-draft agreement on Monday. Darren Sammy and Sunil Narine along with former England batsman Owais Shah will also be part of the PSL draft pool. It is understood that the Pakistan Cricket Board, owners of PSL, are seeking at least 25 overseas players for the tournament.

"Obviously top guns like Gayle are stars who attract fans," Najam Sethi, head of PCB Executive committee, said. "They lend commercial value, showbiz glitz and tournament credibili-

Van Gaal casts doubt on United’s Champions League hopes Chanderpaul...

Louis Van Gaal does not know how Manchester United will perform in the Champions League this season, the manager has said.

United, who failed to qualify for the tournament last season, open their Group B campaign away at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night.

But United’s Dutch manager, who has spent a reported 250 million pounds ($385 million) on transfers since he took over, said he was not sure if his team have what it takes to mount a serious challenge at European football’s top table.

“We have to show on the pitch if we are able to win matches on the highest level,” Van Gaal told a news conference in Netherlands, according to British media reports.

“That’s also a challenge for us now. Last year we were fourth in the Premier League.

“We qualified ourselves this year and that was our aim so now we have to show if we are able to play at that level and that I don’t know, either. I have to wait and see,” he added.

“I think the Champions League is a higher podium than the Premier League but maybe it’s not like that.”

Van Gaal also said he would be satisfied if his team managed a draw against PSV.

“A draw away is always a good result in my opinion,” he said. “But I want to win and the first match, it is very important to win. And it is also like that for PSV, so you have to wait and see.” (Reuters)

With a culinary and business passion, Kadernauth was always motivated to have his own restaurant.

In 2013, The Nest hosted the first annual restaurantrun Duck Curry competition. Currently, the restaurant serves over 15 flavours of shrimp, its signature dish.

Born in Rose Hall, Berbice, Kadernauth moved to New York with his parents and two siblings in 1970.

“The Nest Restaurant is thrilled to receive this award and we will continue to make Little Guyana in Queens a culinary capital with our fine cuisine. My family and I are deeply honoured,” Kadernauth said after receiving the recognition.

The event was made possible through support from Adrian Drepaul, Caribbean Airlines, Investors Bank, Demerara Distillers, H & N Insurance, Rauch Foundation, Zen Lounge, Brooklyn Brewery, M & T

Bank, Con Edison, Imagine Nation Foundation, Argento SC, Sheriza Majid, The Nest Restaurant, Leo F Kearns Funeral Homes, Regan Persaud, Zen Hibachi Lounge, Filmmaker Ian Harinarine- Doubles with Slight Pepper, Radisson Hotel JFK and iNimit Moments photography.

ICA is a United States registered non-profit organisation based in Queens, New York. It was founded in 2008 by three residents who wanted to organise their community to create the programmes and services in the underserved Indo-Caribbean and South Asian enclaves in New York City.

The mission is to unify and advance Indo-Caribbean and South Asian interests by fostering joint and collaborative actions among different peoples, organisations and businesses. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

ty. They are also sources of inspiration and emulation for our budding players."

The first edition of PSL will feature five franchisebased teams from the provincial capitals - Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabad - with prize money of $1 million. The tournament is scheduled to run from February 4 to 24 and will feature 24 matches. This will be the first major cricket tournament hosted by the Qatar capital, which will also host the 2022 edition of the football World Cup. The PCB had originally wanted to conduct the PSL in the UAE, where Pakistan have been playing their international matches. But they were forced to look for an alternative venue after being told by the Emirates Cricket Board that it was hosting the Masters Champions league (Twenty20 tournament featuring retired cricketers) on same dates.

The PSL matches will be played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, with a capacity of about 13,000. Last year it was used for a women's limited-overs tri-series involving Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Last week, the PCB had roped in former captains Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram as ambassadors for the first season. Both of them had been tied with the Masters Champions League, but Akram said, "I'm up for leaving anything for Pakistan cricket. I don't want to earn money by playing cricket but instead want to give something back to my nation. We signed with MCL and had to work for them, but my priority is to help our country's cause."

The logo of the PSL will be revealed in a ceremony on September 20, but the PCB said finding stakeholders to bid for the franchises and the broadcast rights is still a work in progress. (Cricinfo)

Suriname are crowned WCL Division 6 champions

Gavin Singh delivered a master class again to pick up Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards to help Suriname beat Guernsey and lift the ICC World Cricket League Division 6 trophy.

The all-rounder scored 61 and took 5-42 as his side eased to a six-wicket win in the final of the week-long event at Essex’s County Ground on Sunday. Singh, who already had two Player of the Match prizes from group games, said: “I feel great but everybody chipped in. It was a big team effort and we really played well. We played to the basics and that’s good, and I enjoyed the atmosphere at this ground. Coming up to the tournament, we had really nice preparation, now we’re very excited to be in Division 5. We’ve just got to wait and see who our opposition will be and then plan what’s next.”

After Guernsey were put into bat, openers Matt Stokes and Oliver Nightingale got off to a steady start and brought up the 50 in ten overs. Then Muneshwar

Patandin and Singh made the breakthrough for the South Americans.

Patandin had Stokes caught by Singh for 31 and then Oliver Newey was sent back to the pavilion on one as he was caught by Vejai Hirlal off the bowling of Singh. New man Tim Ravenscroft was stumped by Hirlal, and then Tom Nightingale joined his brother Oliver at the crease; the siblings both made their way to half centuries, with Tom

Chelsea still confident and will improve says Begovic

Chelsea remain high on confidence despite their poor start to the season, and if anything the current struggles has made the players stronger, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic said ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Bosnia international is in line to make his debut in the competition against the Israeli side because firstchoice Thibaut Courtois is recovering from knee surgery.

Premier League champions Chelsea will be close-

“I think it’s going to make us stronger going forward.

“Something we can’t forget is what this group achieved last year. We have some of the best players in the world and we’re more than confident we’ll get to the levels we want to.”

Begovic also backed Jose Mourinho, whom he called “the best manager in the world”.

Mourinho told the same news conference that it was

“sad” that critics were trying to find problems among his squad that he said did not exist.

ly scrutinised after slipping to 17th place in the table with only one win from five games.

But Begovic said that self-belief was still high among the squad he joined from Stoke City during the transfer window as replacement for Petr Cech.

“There’s always going to be a bit of a hit on confidence when things aren’t going your way,” he told a news conference.

“But confidence levels are still pretty good.

“The only problem we have is that we don’t have good results,” he added.

“In some other clubs you have to go back 10 years to remember good results. Three months ago we were the best team in the country.”

He said there would be changes to the team that lost 3-1 at Everton on Saturday, although Colombian striker Radamel Falcao will not be in the squad because of a minor injury. (Reuters)

making to 65 and Oliver 59. Singh then dominated the lower order to finish with a five-fer as Guernsey were all out for 237 in 49.5 overs.

Suriname captain Mohindra Boodram and Singh anchored their innings with a 122-run partnership. Boodram crashed his way to 65 and then was caught by David Hooper off Ravenscroft, while Singh continued on to his 61. Sauid Ahmed Drepaul joined Singh at the crease and hit a quick 30 off 37 deliveries

to see Suriname over the line with 4.5 overs to spare. The result also meant Suriname exacted some revenge after Guernsey beat them by 43 runs in a Group A match at Halstead on Thursday. Both sides had already secured promotion to next year’s ICC World Cricket League Division 5 by making the final.

Vanuatu eased their semi-final disappointment with a 91-run Duckworth Lewis victory over Norway

to finish third in the tournament. Vanuatu excelled in the early stages, scoring at over a run a ball as Jonathon Dunn and Joshua Rasu shared a 120-run opening stand. Dunn top scored with 114 as his side registered an imposing total of 309-3. Then came the rain in Colchester and, after an hour-and-half delay, Norway were set the total of 251 to win via the DL method. But their innings never really got going after captain Raza Iqbal was dismissed for three in the fourth over. Waqas Ahmed, with 46, top scored for Norway as they ended at 159-8.

Fiji avenged Thursday’s Group B defeat to Botswana by beating them in the fifth-place play-off match at Bishop’s Stortford by 133 runs. For the first time in the tournament the Fijians batted out their entire 50 overs and got up to their highest score with 235-9. Their success was set up by a partnership between Player of the Match Jone Wesele (96) and Sekove Ravoka (60), as they put on 99 for the fourth wicket. Wesele’s knock included

nine fours and three sixes. Botswana’s innings got off to a disastrous start and they were 64-6 in the 15th over. Their top scorer was skipper and wicket keeper Karabo Motlhanka with 30.

Essex batsman, Jesse Ryder who has been following the tournament with a keen interest said: “It is great seeing a global tournament here in Essex, I remember playing back at home in New Zealand in the Pacifica Cup and we had all the island teams like Fiji and Vanuatu come over and play and it was a fantastic event, this is a great opportunity for the teams playing and to help them develop as cricketing nations.”

Tournament ambassador Ryan Ten Doeschate:

“This has been a fantastic week for Essex bringing together teams from all across the world to play in the ICC World Cricket League Division 6, as someone who has played in this structure, I know what it must mean to the players and would like to congratulate all the teams who participated and to Suriname for being crowned winners.” (ICC Release)

Jayawardene, Collingwood join England set-up

England have bolstered their specialist coaching staff for the Test and limited-overs series against Pakistan and the World T20, with the appointments of Mahela Jayawardene and Paul Collingwood.

Jayawardene, who ESPNcricinfo revealed had been in discussions with the ECB during this season, will work with the Test side during the warm-up period in the UAE and the first

had during the 2012 series against Pakistan in the UAE. England only crossed 300 once in six innings and were bowled out for 72 in Abu Dhabi chasing 145.

Even away from subcontinental-type conditions, England have often struggled against spin. In the recent Ashes, Nathan Lyon collected 16 wickets at 28.25 while they also floundered against New Zealand at Headingley, where Mark

Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi which starts on October 13. He will resume his close ties with England head coach Trevor Bayliss and assistant Paul Farbrace after their days together with Sri Lanka.

Collingwood, the former England limited-overs captain, who played 197 ODIs and 35 T20s alongside his 68 Tests, will then work with the limited-overs setup during the one-day and T20 series against Pakistan, and then at the World T20 in India next year.

One of Jayawardene’s tasks will be to pass on his knowledge of playing spin after the problems England

Craig and Kane Williamson shared six second-innings wickets, and against West Indies in Barbados.

In 2012, England’s struggles came against Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman - the pair sharing 43 wickets in the three Tests - but they are no longer part of the Pakistan Test side and instead the challenges will be posed by legspinner Yasir Shah, who has 61 wickets in 10 Tests and was the fastest Pakistan bowler to 50 Test wickets, and left-armer Zulfiqar Babar.

Andrew Strauss, the England director of cricket, said: “We are delighted that Mahela and Paul

will be joining the England management team, supporting our existing specialist coaches in this area. Both will bring a vast wealth of cricketing knowledge and expertise to the team, and in Mahela’s case, extensive experience of batting in the sub-continent which will be invaluable as part of our wider preparations for the UAE tour.”

In 2014, Collingwood was the assistant coach for the limited-overs tour of West Indies. Collingwood also worked alongside Ashley Giles during the World T20 in Bangladesh, but Giles soon lost his job after a defeat in the tournament to Netherlands.

Collingwood was then assistant coach with Scotland during the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year. Shortly after Strauss was named director of England cricket, Collingwood said it would be very difficult to turn down an offer to work with the team.

“I love England, England is my passion. The experience of playing for England for so many years, that’s where you feel you belong, in that dressing room wearing the three lions,” he said. “You’re never guaranteed a job when you come out of cricket but if there was a role they wanted us to play somewhere it would be hard to turn down.”

But Collingwood will continue to combine coaching with his playing career for at least another year after he recently signed a one-year extension with Durham.

“I’ve always said I want to carry on playing as long as I possibly can while I am still enjoying it and worthy of a place in the team,” he told the Chronicle. “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed another contract and I want to carry on improving this wonderful club on the pitch. I feel I have still got a lot to offer and I’m going to do all I can to keep playing as long as possible.” (Cricinfo)

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UEFA Champions League returns

B y AKEEM GREENE

The highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League returned on Tuesday, with British football giants Manchester City and Manchester United in action.

The Manchester City side went up against last year runner-ups Juventus. Manchester City, who currently lead the Barclays Premier League 2015/2016 points table with wins from all their five matches so far, were high in confidence as they tackled the formidable Italian side, but lost 1-2.

The team seized the lead before the hour, but yet again they proved themselves resolutely unable to hold onto it against the champions of Italy. In another familiar tale of missed chances and poor performances from their leading figures, City found themselves reeled in, outthought and ultimately beaten.

Former champions Manchester United returned to the Champions League after a one-year hiatus. They had a luckless night in their Champions League opener as Luke Shaw suffered a double leg break during defeat by PSV Eindhoven (2-1), according to the BBC.

Shaw was chopped down by Hector Moreno before being carried off early on.

After a long delay,

Memphis Depay scored a weaving opener on his return to PSV, but in firsthalf injury time Moreno headed in from a corner.

PSV’s Luciano Narsingh headed in a 57th-minute winner despite United dominating for long periods.

Other top teams in action were Paris SaintGerman, with new signing Angel Di Maria looking to lead his team to championship glory, who took on Malmo (2-0); while Atletic Madrid did battle with Galatasaray (2-0) and Real Madrid took on Shakhtar Donetsk (4-0).

Today, the second day of the action, Europe’s most popular football teams, Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayer Munich will take the field. Chelsea, who currently languishes in 17th place in the BPL, will need to improve their performances if they are to give England any hope

Wills confident in...

Wills in an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Monday noted that the training for the squad has been excellent.

“We trained separate for two weeks, some in Demerara and others in Berbice, but we have been training as a team since and its going great, the Coach (Levi Nedd) has been putting some systems in place that we want to use when we go to Brazil and that has been one of the major aspects of getting the guys ready,” Wills explained.

However, Wills who noted that he was responsible for preparing the national side mentally, highlighted his main points in preparing the side.

“I have been focusing on the mental aspect trying to get the players to understand that we are at a level where we must be able to dig deeper, to be able to play under stress and excel while playing under stress and that has been going well,” Wills noted.

In addition, as is the case in most instances with teams travelling to South

American countries and complaining about the atmospheric change as well as altitude issues, Wills is confident that his side will be able to adjust to the change in atmosphere.

“Most of the guys have played in Brazil already, it is not something new to them and even though the altitude may be a bit different and need some adjusting to, it should be something we can cope with and be able to adjust to in a short space of time… so I don’t anticipate the change of altitude

of having the precious trophy back in their quarters. Real Madrid will certainly be looking to get back into the finals after a close encounter in the semi finals against Juventus.

German giants Bayern Munich will also be hoping for an impressive display. Barcelona will certainly be the team to beat as the Camp Nou side hosts some of the most talented football players in the game. With players such as Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi leading the front line, defensive players from opposing teams can afford to be worried. Barcelona are the defending champions after they won 3-1 against Juventus in June of this year. The League, which dates back to 1955-56, has been won by Real Madrid 10 times, the most by any side. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

affecting our performance in Brazil,” Wills declared.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) John Flores shared his thoughts on the squad as well, “the team is a well balanced team and has some talented young players and they will give a good account of themselves.”

Centre of Excellence

Flores also revealed during the interview that the possibility of a subsidised Centre of Excellence has a chance of becoming a reality in Guyana.

According to Flores, during his attendance at to an Electoral Congress recently held in Peru, President of the Federation International of Volleyball (FIVB) Dr Ary Graca was optimistic of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Guyana that will cater to the development of the sport.

Flores also noted that the US$30,000 will be provided to fund the centre on an annual basis once it is established. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

"Are you Guyanese? " asks local Immigration Officer

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Guyana and West Indies batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul has complained of being scantily treated by immigration officials at the country’s main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri.

During an exclusive interview with this publication on Tuesday, the veteran left-hander also spoke of his repeated unsuccessful attempts at gaining a diplomatic passport from the Government of Guyana.

Due to the nature of his trade, hopping on an aircraft is inevitable for Chanderpaul, and the former West Indies captain said he was both taken aback and amused when one Immigration Officer questioned whether he was Guyanese.

The incident took place on Monday evening when Chanderpaul touched down on local soil after journeying from the United States of America on a Caribbean Airlines flight, BW 483.

The Guyanese batting stalwart was returning from a gala award ceremony put on by the Indo-Caribbean Alliance in New York on Sunday evening, where he was bestowed with an ‘Icon Award.’

“When I came in last

night [Monday night] I was asked by a girl, who is the Immigration Officer, if I’m a Guyanese, and I said look at the form you will see the place of birth on it. She then asked me where is Unity village [Chanderpaul’s home village], so I was left to ask if she is really Guyanese,” Chanderpaul chuckled.

Chanderpaul, who has appeared in a West Indian record of 164 Test matches, and is also the second leading runscorer in both Tests and ODIs for the West Indies behind Brian Lara, explained that he had a similar experience about a month ago when he came into the country.

The dogged middle-order batsman said he was puzzled by some of the questions thrown at him, especially about his identity, when huge photographs of him are placed at strategic points in the airport.

“The thing is, these things keep happening. I remember last month we went out there for a West Indies Legends game in New York, and when I came back, I came out from the backend of the aircraft, and by the time I got to the terminal it was already packed so I joined the VIP line,” Chanderpaul explained.

He added, “A guy came and told me ‘you can’t be

here, get out and join the queue at the back.’ I end up coming out because I don’t have a diplomatic passport, and I ended up joining the line. These are some of the things that happen sometimes, but you have to put them behind you. But I don’t have a diplomatic passport so I have to put up with these things. If people in your own country can’t rec-

ognise their national heroes then it’s a crying shame.”

Chanderpaul said he has made several attempts to secure a diplomatic passport, but his efforts have so far proven futile. As such, he is seeking the relevant authorities’ assistance in becoming the holder of a diplomatic passport, just like some current and former West Indies cricketers.

“I’ve asked a lot of times… I’ve never been told that I’ll get one, but I know a lot of other players have,” Chanderpaul pointed out.

Chanderpaul is currently part of the Guyana Jaguars squad, which is in training for the upcoming Professional Cricket League Four-day tournament, which starts in November. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

RHT South win anniversary basketball competition

Rose Hall Town South easily won the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) organised basketball match on Sunday last at the Area “H” ground.

Rose Hall Town South defeated Rose Hall Town North 52-43 and in the process lifted the RHTY&SC Pepsi Under-19 team’s trophy and a cash prize of $10,000.

The match was organised by the RHTY&SC Pepsi Under-19 team in observance of the club’s Silver Jubilee and the township of Rose Hall 45th anniversary. The leading scorer for the Rose Hall Town North team was Yasim Jashir with 12 points, while Kevlon Wiggins was the top scorer for the winners with 15 points.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster, at the presentation ceremony, urged the players to develop a habit of discipline, team work, and unity and to always strive for success.

He committed the RHTY&SC to organising a better tournament, with a bigger prize before the end of the year, under the club’s “Say n to drugs and crime” programme.

The RHTY&SC official also advised the attentive youths to avoid using drugs and a life of crime and to strive to be positive role models for their peers. South team captain Emon Wiggins expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC for organising the match and

expressed confidence that more would be done for basketball in the future.

Councillors Greg Butcher and Kenrick Davis of the Rose Hall Town Interim Management Committee handed over the prizes on behalf of the RHTY&SC. Butcher praised the RHTY&SC for the outstanding work being done for the youths in the township.

Each player in the match was presented with a copy of the club’s Youth Information Booklet and Rose Hall Town 45th anniversary leaflet, both of which were sponsored by the cricket teams of the RHTY&SC.

The winning team consisted of Perry Cort, Joshua Hicks, Kevin Deolall, Emon Wiggins, Kevlon Wiggins and Mickel Lewis.

Sarwan will not play for Jamaica in PCL

Ramnaresh Sarwan has made himself unavailable to play for the Jamaica Franchise for the upcoming 2015-16 Professional Cricket League (PCL) season set to start on November sixth.

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) confirmed in a Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) article that the former West Indies Captain will no longer be available.

“He [Chairman of selectors Wavell Hinds] informed me that he is in receipt of an email from Mr Sarwan expressing regret that he is unable to attend our trial matches and our training, based on commitments that Mr Sarwan has in Guyana," Francis told OBSERVER ONLINE via the CMC article.

With Franchise rules stipulating that team members are required to participate in physical assessments and trial matches,

Ramnaresh Sarwan

EBFA General Council adopts new Constitution

– elections date to be set shortly

The General Council of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) on Monday evening met and adopted a new Constitution that will govern the Administration of the sport in the association going forward.

As mandated by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and guided by the world governing body FIFA, the EBFA’s affiliates, which include Kuru Kururu Warriors, Soesdyke Falcons, Grove Hi Tech, Diamond United, Herstelling Raiders, Mocha Champs and Agricola Red Triangle met for just over three hours at Tapie Bar, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

After being guided through the document by Secretary Franklin Wilson, the new Constitution on the

East Bank was unanimously adopted.

The new Executive will be an 11-member body con-

Richardson, Grant rejoin Pele FC

The talented duo of Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson and Travis “Zorro” grant will rejoin their former club in Pele FC.

The move came just in time for the start of the Stag Elite League after the duo spent last season playing for powerhouse Alpha “The Hammer” United.

Richardson was the first Guyanese to land a contract in USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) after playing with the Colorado Rapids in 2009.

The move to MLS came in a form of a trade from Toronto FC where Richardson spent a few weeks on tryouts.

Richardson showed his potential during the CONCACAF Club Championship with his Trinidad and Tobago ProLeague club Joe Public by dropping a hat-trick in his side’s 4-0 win over MLS

top club the New England Revolution.

In addition, Richardson became a staple in Guyana’s national squad since first playing for the national under-17 side.

Meanwhile Grant, one of the top midfield players in Guyana is known for his accuracy and crafty style that earned him a spot on

the Golden Jaguars as well as being highly favoured by head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, especially during the country’s historic 2014 World Cup Qualifier run.

Both Chan and Grant wills suit up for Pele’s first game on Friday evening in the Stag Elite League when they take on the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) from 19:00h.

Bolt inspires Ireland rugby team ahead of World Cup opener

Sprint sensation

Usain Bolt has given Ireland’s rugby team a boost as they prepare to kick-off their World Cup campaign this weekend, squad officials have said.

Bolt, the world’s fastest man, had a surprise meeting with the team ahead of their opening World Cup match against Canada in Cardiff on Saturday.

Irish hooker Rory Best said the meeting had been “unbelievable” and gave the Ireland team the boost they needed ahead of the campaign.

“It was great just to get his thoughts on things,” Best said.

The six-time gold medallist had dinner with the Irish squad in London before they lost to England in a friendly last week.

Bolt defeated his American rival Justin Gatlin twice to win the sprint double at the recent World Championships in Beijing, China, after an in -

jury disrupted season.

“The big thing, from our point of view, was that he says when he goes into championships and he feels good, he knows he’s going to perform,” said Best.

“It’s not necessarily about how events leading into it have gone. It is about how he’s feeling himself.”

Ireland are hoping for a successful world cup campaign, following two recent back-to-back defeats by Wales and England.

“From our point of view, we’re feeling pretty good at the minute. But, obviously, the results over the last two games haven’t gone the way we wanted,” Best said.

“He (BOLT) has a lot of self-belief. He knows when he prepares well and is ready, he can perform.” (CMC)

stituted of a President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and five

Committee Members.

The two-year term for the life of each executive was maintained with a new

clause (Article 35:4) stipulating that ‘the Officers may seek re-election at the following year’s AGM; however, no member of the executive shall serve for more than 2 (two) consecutive terms.’

EBFA President Wayne Francois complimented members present for their commitment and support in charting a new way forward for the Association in support of the overall forward thrust for the sport in Guyana.

A date for the election of office bearers as stipulated by the new document will be set shortly following a meeting of the executive committee.

All systems in place for 1st indigenous swim meet – Archery to be held as well

Swimmers from all indigenous regions will converge at the National Aquatic Centre on Saturday for the first ever indigenous swim meet as part of the Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations.

The meet will be a collaborative effort among Digicel, the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA).

President of GASA, Ivan Persaud confirmed with Guyana Times Sport on

Tuesday that all systems are in place for a successful event.

“Everything is in place, we are waiting in Digicel to brand the place but we have a lot of swimmers coming out for the event and we should be ready for an on time start,” Persaud noted.

Persaud also revealed that archery will be held at the Aquatic Centre with 12 trophies being up for grabs.

Further, Persaud urged the general public to come out and support the event which will have no fee of entry attached to it. Action is set to start from 09:00h. (Treiston Joseph)

Chanderpaul cops Icon Award at ICA annual gala

By AvenAsh rAmzAn

The Indo-Caribbean Alliance (ICA) on Sunday hosted its third annual gala under the nautical inspired theme “Unanchored” with several prominent individuals in different spheres of society being honoured for their contribution to their respective fields.

The New York-based group catered for over 350 guests in the five-hour event, which was held at the World’s Fair Marina. Veteran Guyana and West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was among four persons, who were honoured at the ceremony.

Chanderpaul, the Region’s most capped Test cricketer, copped the Icon Award, while television personality Lakshmee Singh was given a Community Impact Award, New York City Council Member Eric

Ulrich was bestowed with the Civic Leadership Award, and businessman Dave Kadernauth of The Nest Restaurant received the Business Leadership Award. Chanderpaul said moments after receiving the accolade, “I’m happy to support the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, and humbled to receive their highest award, the Icon Award. We want to see this organisation succeed in providing programmes for residents in New York City.

Chanderpaul, a former Captain of the West Indies, was the first Indo-Caribbean player to appear in 100 Test matches. He has scored over 20,000 runs in international cricket, and in 2008, was awarded the coveted prize of Cricketer-of-the-Year by the International Cricket Council.

Other awardees

Singh is the host and producer of the television show

Wills confident in national men’s volleyball team

– Flores says team is well-balanced

By TreisTon Joseph

Assistant Coach of the national men’s volleyball squad, Ian Wills is confident that the squad will perform to their optimum in Brazil.

The national volleyball squad will leave for Brazil

Ian Wills

on September 25 to be a part of the Senior Male Volleyball Championships of the South American Federation which is set to start on September 26.

“Let’s Talk with Lakshmee.”

The show is aired on Time Warner Cable and broadcast in seven neighbouring states, as well as in Guyana. Singh, who is sometimes referred to as the “Guyanese Oprah”, is also the organiser of the annual Diwali Motorcade and Nagar. After 15 years, the event has grown to become the largest celebration of Diwali in New York City and serves as a true symbol of how large and vibrant the Hindu and Indo-Caribbean community is in the City.

A true humanitarian, Singh regularly travels to Guyana while also working to help the diaspora in New York. In addition, Singh is an activist, a classically trained dancer, and an actress.

“Success does not come easily as we all know. It comes through plenty hard work and sacrifice. I must count myself lucky to receive

the great support of my mentors and our Indo-Caribbean community,” she said.

Ulrich became a New York City Council Member in a special election in 2009, two weeks after his 24th birthday, making him one of the youngest people to ever hold public office in New York City.

Ulrich represents a diverse district that includes South Ozone Park, Ozone Park and Woodhaven, areas with a significant IndoCaribbean and South Asian population.

He has made consistent efforts to support immigrant causes in his district, including directly funding organisations like ICA.

In 2010, Ulrich hosted a Chowtal celebration at City Hall in observance of the Hindu spring festival of Phagwah. He is also a regular attendee of several mandirs (Hindu places of worship), as well as Indo-

Caribbean events and festivals.

Ulrich said, “I’m proud to represent one of the largest Indo-Caribbean communities in New York City. Our neighbourhoods are better places to live, work and raise a family because of the hard work of the IndoCaribbean Alliance. I am honoured to receive their Civic Leadership Award.” The Nest Restaurant is owned and operated by Devindra “Dave” Kadernauth. Kadernauth has grown the brand to become a symbol of IndoCaribbean entrepreneurship and an important landmark in the Little Guyana cultural district in Richmond Hill, Queens.

Gayle signs up for Pakistan Super League