Guyana Times Daily - January 31, 2015

saturday, JaNuary 31, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

Appeal Court triples judgment against Glenn Lall

...$15 million for libelling Dr Ramsahoye

The Appeal Court tripled a judgment against Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall after he had appealed a lower court decision to award Neurologist and medical practitioner, Dr Walter Ramsahoye $15 million for libeling him back in 2000.

At the time Kaieteur News was a weekly publication. According to court documents seen by this newspaper Justice of Appeal

BS Roy and Justice Diana Insanally, in a majority decision, set aside the award of damages in the sum of $4.5 million and increased the amount to a whopping $15 million in the libel suit filed by Dr Ramsahoye, against Lall and his media outfit the National Media and Publishing Company, for “offending” words that were published in its January 21, to February 10, 2000, weekly edition of the newspaper.

Senior Counsel Rex Mc Kay represented Ramsahoye and argued in the High Court that the defamatory words contained an unrestrained and virulent attack upon the character, reputation and competence of Dr Ramsahoye as a medical practitioner, who has won distinction in his field. The attorney further stated that the $4.5 million that was awarded by Justice Rishi Persaud in the High Court was derisory and a denial of justice having regard the severity of the libel.

Attorney at Law Khemraj Ramjattan represented the publishers and defended the defamatory publications in

the lower court. The defence had pleaded fair and bona fide comment on matters of public opinion which the trial judge found were defences unknown to the law. They also argued that the words published were not defamatory and were a responsible exercise of their constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Adam Harris, testified during the proceed-

ings on behalf of the defendants and told the court that the publications were fair comments of public importance and generally fair. He added that the comments were accurate and were justified.

However, Dr Ramsahoye claimed that the publications were deliberately contrived to abuse the freedom of the press to his detriment and as a result he was greatly injured and disparaged in his character, reputation and profession as a medical practitioner. The doctor further stated he was also brought into public ridicule, odium and contempt and suffered great distress and humiliation and was lowered in the estimation of right thinking members of society.

The lawsuit was filed after the newspaper published cartoons and used the terms “Demi God” and “peerless”. It also depicted the doctor as gloating about his achievements and basing the reputation of great doctors on the number of distinguished patients “who die under their care”.

The trial judge found the full text revealed that the words were unprovoked and unlawful injury to the character and reputation of the doctor and he was effectively demeaned and humiliated in the eyes of the public. The judge further stated there was injury to his feelings and he was painted as

incompetent.

The trial judge asked what other conclusion can one come to when a word such as "dictator", and phrases as “madness knows no bounds”, “indeed whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad”, and so on were used in relation to the Plaintiff. Particularly disturbing was the reference to him being childless.

The judge then found that the evidence of the defendants showed no remorse and their insistence of justification, fair comment and accuracy was outrageous. He pointed to the fact that there was also no apology.

In handling down the $4.5 million award, Justice Persaud took into account that Kaieteur News was not a daily publication at the time and was not available

on the Internet. He also considered the socio-economic realities in Guyana at the time. The Court was further mindful of the fact that it was the highest award in Guyana and the potential of an award to inhibit responsible journalism and even economically ruin a publisher. The defendants subsequently appealed the trial judge’s findings on libel however in the Court of Appeal, Ramjattan conceded that the published words were libelous but said that the damages awarded in the sum of $4.5 million were too high.

But the majority of the Court of Appeal found that the findings of the trial judge justified a higher award and the doctor had given distinguished service and the case was without precedent.

The doctor had 32 years standing with various degrees, his qualifications were impressive and his Giglioli award recognised his personal sacrifice and dedication to the practice of medicine. It also recognised his supremacy in diagnosis his obsession with perfection and his abiding sense of civic responsibility.

Justice of Appeal Yonette Cummings-Edwards gave a dissenting judgment and while she did not lower the High court award, she did not increase the award. The court of Appeal ordered Costs to be taxed unless agreed.

NAACIE ups pressure on GPL in wages negotiations

The National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) General Secretary Kenneth Joseph said the ultimatum for joint negotiations with Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has been extended but warned that industrial actions will follow, if Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) rejects the ultimatum.

Since the ultimatum was issued, NAACIE has met with the Cabinet and the Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul on the issue. According to Joseph, the parties “did not see a problem” with joint negotiations.

The General Secretary acknowledges that NAACIE and GPSU represent two different classes of workers but said he cannot comprehend why GPL adamantly rejects the invitation for joint negotiations as no harm can be done in doing so.

“We are unions, we must have the right to bargain, agree, and disagree; if we can’t do that then what’s the purpose of unions,” he said.

Joseph said if GPL declines the ultimatum once again, NAACIE will engage in a series of industrial ac-

tion. However, NAACIE has been threatening industrial action since the ultimatum was first issued in October last.

Following the ultimatum, the Labour Ministry intervened, as a conciliator.

During two meetings at the Ministry, NAACIE, GPSU and GPL presented their arguments; however, the Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle declared that the matter was deadlocked.

GPL pleaded with the unions and invited them on December 9, 2014 to commence negotiations. “Mr Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE, agreed

verbally that his union will commence negotiations on December 9, 2014. Lo and behold, representatives of GPSU turned up at the meeting. This was contrary to the letter, spirit and understanding of our letter of invitation to NAACIE and the verbal telephone conversation between our HR Director, Mr Balgobin Parsaud and Mr Joseph,” GPL said.

The power company has since maintained that it has “distinct and separate Collective Bargaining Agreements with each of the two unions”, noting too that each union has distinct certificates of recognition as sole bargaining agents for different categories of workers.

“GPL has in the past negotiated separately with the two unions and there is nothing in the existing collective labour agreements with the unions, or in law, to require GPL to agree to joint negotiations”.

GPL is maintaining that the arguments being put forward by the unions lack merit; saying that non-managerial and management staff negotiating jointly for salaries and wages will likely result in conflicts of interest.

North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 01:56h and 14:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.20 metres and 2.53 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:45h and 20:20h reaching minimum heights of 1.00 metres and 0.85 metre respectively.

APNU to launch campaign on Burnham’s birthday, Feb 20 ...signals

commitment to former dictator's

legacy

APartnership For National Unity (APNU) claims to be considering putting young people at the centre of its election bid even as it forges ahead with its plans outside of the proposed coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The latest information obtained by Guyana Times is that the AFC has been struggling to sell the coalition proposal to its key constituencies in Berbice. Already professor Daizal Samad, a key executive of the minority party, is on record as saying that the coalition will not happen.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Leader of the APNU Brigadier David Granger disclosed that the party will have the official launch of its campaign on February 20, with youth candidacy being considered for the key positions.

Granger noted that the party has decided to have the launch on February 20, the birthday of the “Founder Leader” Forbes Burnham. It is also just three days before the country celebrates its Republic Anniversary. When the date for Republic Day was first announced back in 1970, there were accusations that Burnham deliberately chose a day close to his birthday, since there was no definitive date when Cuffy launched the Berbice Rebellion.

According to the Opposition Leader, despite talks that he is the PNC’s Presidential Candidate, the Executive body of the APNU is still in discussion with regards to its Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates but these will be unveiled when the latter coalition of seven parties’ campaign launch is done in the coming month. However, contrary to Granger’s comments earlier this week, Communications Director of APNU Mark Archer told another me-

dia house that Granger is Presidential Candidate for APNU. In addition, General Secretary of APNU Joseph Harmon on Wednesday told this newspaper that Dr Rupert Roopnaraine will remain the Prime Ministerial Candidate.

Harmon said that there are no plans to replace any of the party members from their respective posts. It was reported last November that the major Opposition party might be heading into General Elections without Roopnaraine being its Prime Ministerial Candidate. Noting that Roopnaraine has enjoyed the confidence of the coalition, Harmon said he will not be replaced.

Asked whether the APNU has any policy on choosing its Prime Ministerial Candidate based on ethnicity, Harmon answered in the negative, although since 1992, the People’s National Congress

Reform has always campaigned with someone of East Indian ancestry at the polls.

The Member of Parliament also noted that the party has a special select committee that selects their candidate and whoever is being selected will then be placed on whatever post they are selected for. Harmon said that Roopnaraine has always maintained a high profile at the coalition’s activities. In Granger’s absence, for instance, he has always been the last speaker at public meetings.

Youth candidacy

On the issue of youth candidacy, Granger said this is actively being considered. He said there is a formula which gives representation to geographical areas, gender, competence, occupation and what we call geographical age. “So we have a list of

criteria which we will use but they aren’t absolute. They aren’t absolute yard sticks. You don’t put somebody simply because they’re young and they might be stupid; you want to put somebody who is competent and satisfies the other criteria.

We want to put people from the hinterland, the coastland; people who are from different occupations. We’re looking for a balance,” Granger said. He also noted that information and any decisions taken with regards to the coalition talks between his party and the AFC will also be made public at the campaign launch since he is not authorised to speak on the ongoing talks at this moment.

To every corner

Meanwhile, the head of the Guyana Youth and Students Movement (GYSM), the party’s youth arm, Ryan Belgrave told media operatives that the party will be taking its campaign to every corner of the country and will be targeting the young people, since they make up more than 69 per cent of the voting population.

He noted that the time for the youths to exercise their rights to ensure a better education system and the availability of job opportunities which is currently lacking under the ruling Administration.

Belgrave related that the party will be utilising the social media as well as the traditional methods of going doorto-door of the people to get the party’s message out. The youth leader also disclosed that the party will be seeking to have its messages translated as best as it can possibly can into the language of the Amerindians, naturalised Chinese and Brazilians so that they too can also come on board the party and its plans for Guyana.

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Election promises

The three main political parties which will be competing in this year’s General and Regional Elections have already started campaigning throughout the country.

The aim of all of their campaigns, regardless of their shape or form, is to win electoral support by convincing the young, old and new voters that their party is deserving of becoming Government because of a suite of policies they would like to introduce to improve the livelihoods of citizens, while reducing their hardships.

The Opposition parties, as our political culture dictates, will venture into every nook and cranny to criticise the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic for the manner in which it has made decisions and managed the affairs of the country since it was were re-elected to office in 1992.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) and its ally, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), will also undoubtedly try to score political points against any other threat that exists within the Opposition camp to their bid to become Government with a majority in the legislature.

While these parties are busy trying to weaken the support of the Government, the ruling party will campaign on the basis of its track record since coming to power and its laudable success in reducing widespread poverty and hardships that hindered the socio-economic development of individual Guyanese households and businesses.

Perhaps, the most interesting aspect of the electioneering and campaigning that Guyanese must be aware of are the promises that would be made in the lead up to the May 11 elections.

Guyanese politicians, especially those in Opposition, have always had a history of promising to make the impossible or impractical occur, in order to muster enough votes.

These parties hardly follow-up on these promises after the elections are over.

Recent history has shown that even when these parties control the legislature, they do not use their influence to support the initiatives and policy positions they took on the campaign trail. At least, there is an abundance of evidence to prove that the AFC and APNU did not support many of the measures and promises they made when the PPP/C came to Parliament with critical legislation and projects.

Therefore, the position adopted by Author and Journalist Christopher Hitchens in his book, The Quotable Hitchens from Alcohol to Zionism: The Very Best of Christopher Hitchens, is true. He argued that “the only people truly bound by campaign promises are the voters who believe them”.

Another Author, Paul Collier, reminds us in his work, The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It, that “elections determine who is in power, but they do not determine how power is used.”

For these reasons and others, Guyanese must pay careful attention to what the politicians will say when they venture into their communities and administrative regions. They must look at the policies being proposed and the positions that are being articulated to determine how they will cast their ballots.

These decisions cannot and must not be made in isolation as citizens must penetrate the masks that the politicians will wear. They must ask piercing questions about their development track record and how they have used the Executive and Legislative power given to them after the November 2011 elections to better the lives of citizens.

Citizens must ask to see and examine practical work plans, budget proposals and manifestos from the politicians before they decide where they will cast their ballots.

That aside, this year, could prove to be the most closely and fiercely contested elections in the history of the country in the pre-1992 period and citizens cannot afford to fall prey to ‘cuss-out’ politics, race baiting, and empty promises that have dominated past elections.

The elections must be about issues and staying the course of development. Citizens must recognise the power they have in their hands. After all, US President Abraham Lincoln said “the ballot is stronger than the bullet”.

No relevance in Freddie’s personality attack on Pandit Reep

Dear Editor,

In reading the several personality-driven pieces penned by controversial columnist Freddie Kissoon on the late Pandit Reepudaman Persaud, one is at a loss to decipher their relevance after the man’s death, especially in regards to the socio-politics of Guyana.

Pandit Reep, as he was popularly called, was an influential political figure and like all public figures (including Freddie) he is (was) fair game to critique. But a person’s lifestyle or with whom he or she had or has a relationship, or with whom he or she is in bed?

There is no relevance whatsoever to the current discourse? Out of the blue, Freddie makes allegations against a deceased Pandit who can’t defend himself. Something is not right with this guy’s thought process.

At any rate, Dr Vindhya, Pandit Reep’s daughter, has debunked Freddie’s allegations. Dr Vindhya discredited Freddie’s allegations, exposing several contradictions and poking more holes in his claims than found in cheddar cheese.

Freddie is not known for accuracy, as his own Publisher and Editor noted on several occasions. Freddie could not even get names correct in his allegations and none of the names he mentions to support his claim against the Pandit

have come forward to defend him.

Leaving all of that aside, and assuming the worst, what concern is that of Freddie? Is he jealous of the Pandit? Is he infatuated with the Pandit? Does he have an estranged relationship with the Pandit? What goes on in peoples’ bedroom or privately outside the remit of their official duties is not anyone’s business?

Certainly not Freddie’s! That should be the concern of Reepu’s family and Maharajin Indranie – not Freddie, unless Freddie also sees himself as a Maharajin, which some people think. (Freddie claims he is a born Hindu – not so?)

It is none of my business regarding allegations that Freddie stole books in universities in Toronto and Guyana and the public library, and that he was indicted for theft. And it is none of our business that he was reported to have been deported from several countries.

I don’t judge Freddie by those allegations and I am on record critiquing those who judged the man by his personal life including those who claim he invited youngsters to go dancing with him. Similarly, Freddie should not judge others based on bedroom affairs, hearsays, and the like.

Freddie penned he never touched on the politics of Reepu – well why not? And

why write about his personal relations with others? Once can decipher and extrapolate from Freddie’s tone of writing against the Pandit that there is something personal between him and Reep.

Freddie goes after those with whom has has personal squabbles; he lacks professionalism. Freddie admitted he visited the Pandit’s office several times requesting favours (land, jobs, recommendations, etc), most of which were politely denied.

One can justifiably conclude that Freddie’s attack on Reep was driven by anger and gripe and not on rational thought and or a desire to expose any kind of injustice against a victim. Freddie has a habit that whenever he was rejected, he becomes personal and attacks the person who rejected or disputed him.

He has attacked numerous people out of personal issues, nothing substantive. He looks for dirt to get back at those who tower above him in achievements and intellect. That has been his modus operandi.

I hold no briefs for Pandit Reep. He was not my personal Pandit although I attended several discourses of his and I had the opportunity to interview him several times for articles I penned in papers in New York.

He is well regarded and is described as the leading Pandit in the west, includ-

ing by the Hindu scholar Dr Karan Singh, former Indian Ambassador to Washington and the Maharaja of Kashmir.

Pandit Reep’s politics should be the subject of discussion and Freddie said he is not interest in the man’s politics only his personal life. It is noted that Freddie has a habit of attacking Indian leaders.

He has never attacked iconic leaders like Dr King, whose alleged womanizing was exposed in the movie “Selma” and in many books, and or Malcolm X, about whom are numerous allegations of sexual aberrations.

No self-respecting analyst (academic) worth his salt would touch on someone’s lifestyle long after their death unless it is for a related topic that needs examples as illustrations. And even so, one has to be sensitive to religious and family concerns.

The Publisher and Editor of the paper that carries Freddie’s tripe had promised that they would not entertain attacks on peoples’ personal lives. Yet Freddie has ventured in this field.

It is hoped he would be warned to stop this kind of writing – stick to issues. Discuss people’s politics and viewpoints, not allegations about their personal life!

Vishnu Bisram

Nagamootoo displays financial illiteracy once again

Dear Editor,

About two years ago, in a debate in Parliament on the external debt of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo was publicly humiliated when he was unmasked for quoting incorrect figures and flawed analysis on Guyana’s debt, leading to the unavoidable conclusion that he is quite illiterate when it comes to financial matters.

In fact, it seems that this

gentleman has a problem with numbers in general, and with basic arithmetic in particular.

Let us examine his latest venture into the issue of foreign reserves. He points out that the reserves have declined by US$226 million. He then says that this could not be explained by declining exports because export revenues from the three main commodities (sugar,

bauxite and gold) declined by G$65 billion.

In case Mr Nagamootoo does not know how to do simple division, G$65 billion is equal to US$317 million at an exchange rate of 205:1 .

So please, Mr Nagamootoo, why can’t a US$317 million decline in exports not explain a US$226 million decline in foreign reserves, all else equal?

The AFC has continuously violated

Dear Editor,

It must be noted with extreme interest that Moses Nagamootoo’s political ambitions have pervaded the AFC’s strategies and policies since the General Elections of 2011.

The Budget cuts, the assassination of vitally important Bills and projects and its inputs into violent and racially motivated protests at Linden and Agricola were all done in pursuance of that man’s ambition – to depose of the PPP/C Government and to install himself as the President of the land.

From the very inception of Nagamootoo’s entry into the AFC, the Constitution of the AFC was spuriously cast aside in order to facilitate him on the AFC’s Candidates’ List.

He had to be given Member of Parliament status as soon as he joined the AFC, just a few weeks before the 2011 elections. Long standing members were thrown aside to make way for him.

For instance, hardworking party members such as Latchmin Punalall and her husband Dr Sewnauth Punalall were collateral damages in Khemraj Ramjattan’s scheme of things. This is in direct violation of the constitutional provisions and an insult to these long-standing members.

It seems to me, Mr Nagamootoo, that you have a problem with not just economics, but also with arithmetic.

You need more urgently to go back to school, Sir, and not to the Office of the President, which appears to be your lifelong desire, notwithstanding your evident financial illiteracy.

Krishna Doonaught

its own constitution

GRA taxpayer parking facility

Dear Editor, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to inform the general public that the parking lot located at lot 235 Camp Street Georgetown, opposite the GRA Headquarters and adjacent to St Margaret’s Primary School has been officially designated as GRA Customer Parking.

This facility will become operational on February 2.

convenient as possible for taxpayers. In this regard, taxpayers are continuously encouraged to use the alternative payment options available. These would include paying taxes through the commercial banks’ internet and Tele-Bank services, namely, Republic bank, Demerara bank, and GBTI.

Again, the AFC Constitution was willfully violated and the election obscenely rigged to facilitate Nagamootoo. These Articles spoke about “election” of Leader, Chairman and ViceChairman, not “selection”.

Furthermore, it states that a member will only be eligible to vote after being a member for one year. How come Nagamootoo was on the AFC’s Candidates’ List and was elevated to ViceChairman in July 2012.

In July 2012, Nagamootoo did not have a one-year membership status to entitle him to even vote at that conference! Long-standing stalwarts of the AFC, such as Gerhard Ramsaroop and others never stood a chance. The internal machinations of the AFC were skewed in favour of Nagamootoo.

Then at the Conference, the AFC Leader soundly and comprehensively kicked the Constitution when he unconstitutionally endorsed Nagamootoo as the AFC’s Presidential Candidate.

This is in direct violation of Article 18, Sections (1) and (2). This Article speaks about consultation with Party Groups, proposal and recommendations of the National Executive Committee and ratification at the National Conference.

What does Mr Nigel Hughes think of these AFC Constitutional breaches?

Let us now go back to the launching of the AFC. The AFC leaders at that time made an unwritten conven-

Then in the 2012 AFC Conference, Nagamootoo was again propelled forward. This time in direct violation of Articles 7 Subsection (c) and Article 7 Section (8). He was made the Vice Chairman of the AFC.

tion that became the guiding principle in the nomination of its Presidential Candidate.

They said that the Presidential Candidate’s position will be rotated between a Black and an Indian person – between Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman. We saw that Trotman become the first Presidential Candidate in 2006 and then Ramjattan in 2011.

Now in 2015, that founding principle is being violated so that once again Nagamootoo is propelled closer to fulfilling his political ambitions. This time he is the Presidential Candidate of the AFC. But wait, it does not stop there!

Realising that the AFC has a snowball’s chance in Hell to win any election in this country and in order to increase the probability of Nagamootoo’s ascension to the Presidency, the AFC is proposing a coalition with the PNC/APNU, whereby they are proposing that the man be made the Presidential Candidate of the APNU/AFC coalition.

The above illustration is clear that the AFC’s goals are to satisfy their lust for power and vengeance.

I want to now draw to the readers’ attention to the AFC’s Action Plan (Second Edition) to illustrate that the only change that the AFC’s leadership is interested is the change to fulfill their own selfish political agenda.

In that document, Ramjattan, the AFC’s Presidential Candidate at

the time, strongly and convincingly stated that “the Alliance For Change is the key to unlock us from the divisive racial politics of the past. Over four decades of the PNC and PPP/C Governments have left us all bruised, weary and hopeless. We must acknowledge the sins of our past.”

These sentiments were also echoed by the Prime Ministerial Candidate in the same 2011 AFC’s Action Plan. He stated emphatically that, “I am convinced that we are wiser from the mistakes of the past. For 45 years Guyana has had the same parties making turns in all the wrong directions, disappointing and betraying its citizens.”

The AFC and its leadership have made abundantly clear that they are going to be different from the PNC and the PPP/C and by implication that they will never coalesce with either of them, so why is the AFC willing to form a coalition with the PNC/APNU who have comprehensively bankrupted this nation?

The AFC has continuously violated its own Constitution and its founding principles. Can this nefarious band of Bacchus’ disciples, chameleons, charlatans, hypocrites, opportunists, and powerhungry vipers be allowed to get into power?

The answer is a resounding NO!

Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne)

In the early days of the Authority’s consolidation into one convenient location, the Agency was plagued with several challenges. Most persistent of these was the continued and growing need for adequate parking facilities.

Recognising this need, the GRA has undertaken the herculean task of trying to create adequate facilities. Initial efforts included the creation of parking lots opposite the GRA (adjacent to St Margaret’s Primary) and on the corner of Camp and Quamina Street for staff and parking facilities equipped with security officers on Waterloo Street for taxpayers.

These facilities did not receive the expected enthusiasm since the Camp Street location remained congested, so there was need to revisit the situation.

Therefore, in the interest of the 200 plus staff of the agency who use their personal motor vehicles to travel to and from work on a daily basis, the GRA took the initiative to secure a plot of land located at the Railway Embankment, Lamaha Street (between Camp and East Streets) to be constructed into an Employees Parking Lot.

This location has been equipped with adequate security guards on foot patrol, huts, lights, bridges and a parameter fence in order to safeguard employees’ motor vehicles which would be parked at the said location during normal working hours.

Taxpayers can also make payments through any Bill Express or GT&T’s Mobile Money. Paying taxes through these methods would significantly decrease the traffic congestion and long lines at the GRA Headquarters. For persons who need to be physically present at the Camp Street location, a PAID parking facility will now be available opposite the GRA. This is the lot adjacent to St Margaret’s Primary School which was previously utilised as a GRA Employee Parking Lot.

This lot is meant to be utilised by GRA customers only; therefore a Chit System will be implemented for security and accountability purposes. What this means is that persons who park in this lot will be given a chit with their name, vehicle number and time entered. They would then proceed to the GRA to conduct their business. Once at the GRA, they will need to have the back of the chit stamped before returning to the parking lot, where they will be required to show the stamped chit to the security officer on duty before being granted access to the lot. This parking facility will be available from Monday to Friday 07:00h to 17:00h and can accommodate approximately one hundred and forty vehicles.

Dear Editor, The Bank of Guyana celebrated its 50th anniversary this month. This is quite an important milestone and should be celebrated by all Guyanese. Only last year, the University of Guyana also celebrated its 50th anniversary. Both of these can be considered transformative projects and have today become national institutions. These projects were the brainchild of the PPP/C Government under the leadership of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan,

who was very passionate about Guyana having its own national institutions to drive the development process.

The country had just emerged from colonial rule and there were strong nationalist feelings by the leadership of the PPP/C to carve our own path to development.

There were challenges in terms of resources both human and financial but the PPP/C Government persevered and today both of these have become pivotal to our development.

There were the usual critics who were

opposed to the establishment of national institutions more particularly the establishment of the University of Guyana but time has proven them wrong. Thanks to the tenacity, perspicacity and vision of Dr Jagan and the PPP/C leadership, Guyana is today a much better place and in some respects ahead of other countries in the region in terms of accessibility to university education.

Hydar Ally

Added to this, the GRA will be providing shuttling services to transport staff to and from the parking lot located at Railway Embankment, Lamaha Street on a daily basis. This service will commence in the morning and in the afternoon during the period Monday – Thursday between the hours of 07:00h to 08:00h and 16:30h to 17:30h respectively and on Friday between the hours of 07:00h to 08:00h and on 15:30h to 16:30h.

As it relates to the taxpaying public, the GRA continues to put systems in place to make the payment of taxes as easy and

The taxpaying public are also notified that with the implementation of this new system, “No Parking and No Stopping” signs have been placed on the western carriageway to ensure the reduction of traffic congestion within the area. Rigorous monitoring will be done by traffic officials. The GRA looks forward for cooperation of the public in adhering to the signs and traffic rules as compliant citizens.

Persons who may require additional information can contact the GRA’s Facilities Management Unit or the Tax Advisory Services Unit on telephone number 227-6060, ext 1200-1204 and 13001302/1305.

Public Relations Unit

GRA

Page Foundation

(Part one)

Your child’s brain grows at an explosive rate during the first three years of his life. During these critical braingrowth periods, long, thin nerve pathways grow inside the brain. These are wirings that connect and carry electrical impulses from brain cell to brain cell. The resulting network, which grows daily in the young brain, forms the neurological foundation of skills that your child will use for the rest of his life. Experiences after birth, in conjunction with your child’s gene, determine the eventual wiring of the human brain.

Existing connections eagerly await new experiences that shape the neural networks for language, reasoning, problem solving, and moral values. New experiences build upon established patterns and create new patterns and networks for more learning. Connections that are used repeatedly will become permanent. Those that

are not used get discarded. You can help your toddler jump-start his brain development by engaging in games and fun activities with him. Everything you do with your toddler – playing, talking, eating, walking, reading, cuddling, and singing help jump-start his brain. When you use your imagination with him, for example, you help his brain to make “imagination pathways” of its own.

Children remember experiences that have an emotional component. Gentle, loving fun combined with responsive language from you creates an atmosphere in which learning thrives. That’s why it is important for you to bond with your child in these activities. Things you do together enhance his learning (among many other benefits). This is something that play-alone high-tech toys like tablets, video games, the television and others will not be able to offer.

Below are some brainboosting toddler games and activities that you can play with your toddler. It is grouped into specific skills that are being exercised. Although a specific skill is highlighted, typically, each game involves developing a combination of skills.

Also these activities are meant to provide ideas and inspire you to come up with others. Feel free to make variations on these games. For example, “Trip to the Garden” can be a “Trip to the Beach”, or “Trip to the Park”. Just make sure that you play with your toddler in a safe environment using safe materials.

Problem-solving skills

Babies begin their problem-solving lives with basic cause-and-effect reasoning and flexibility. By the time young children reach toddler age, their problemsolving skills begin to mature. They learn curiosity, patience, working towards achieving a goal, and gaining confidence in their ability to reach a solution.

Block patterns (One and a half and above)

Use building blocks to make simple structural patterns such as two blocks with one above, three in a row set of blocks, and so on. Playfully ask your toddler to copy the pattern. Afterwards, ask him to make his own pattern. Show your toddler that you are having fun copying his pattern. Make the patterns more

complicated as your child becomes more skillful in figuring out how to build block structures based on your pattern. Eventually, you can also allow him to play freely with building structures.

Nesting game (One and a half and above)

Give your toddler nesting toys or toys of different sizes that can fit inside each other. You can also use different size bowls, cups or toys that you create from cardboard boxes. Play with your child by showing him that the toys can be fitted within each other. Take the nested toys apart and encourage your child to nest the toys himself. Start with few nesting objects, and gradually add more.

Nesting game teaches your toddler about size differences, and solving problems through logical reasoning.

Matching game (Two to two and a half)

Draw colourful shapes or animals in cards and make an exact pair of each drawing. Start with three or four pairs. Turn the cards over. Open one card for your toddler. Ask your toddler what the drawing is, and tell him that you will be looking for the same drawing. Open the rest of the cards one by one, and ask your toddler if it is the same one as the open card. If he finds a pair, give it to him, then open another card and ask him to look for its pair. (www.raisesmartkid.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

By Jaime Budzienski

Most parents can agree: At the end of the day, they just want their children to feel happy and loved. Nurturing their child’s emotional se-

relationships more easily, and have coping skills that can help them through difficult times.

Show plenty of affection

Parents should not shy away from hugging, kiss-

curity is a top priority for many moms and dads.

“What every child needs is a loving, caring adult who is passionately, wildly committed to that child,” said Geoff Nagle, Director of the Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health at Tulane University in New Orleans. The article appeared in an interview with EverydayHealth.com.

According to Nagle, emotionally healthy and secure children tend to perform better in school; they build lasting, mutually respectful

ing or cuddling their children, because studies show that affection may improve child’s mood and confidence, as Kenneth Rubin, a Professor of human of development at the University of Maryland told Parenting. com. Rubin recommended that parents try to show affection consistently – even during the tougher parenting moments. “Touch your kids even when they’re acting naughty,” he said. “If one sibling whacks another, for example, get down to his level, hold his hand or rub his back, and say, ‘We don’t hit. Hitting hurts!’ Rubin continues: “It’s easy to be affectionate when your kid is being an angel, but it can be even more powerful to give him a big, loving squeeze after an argument.”

Focus on yourself

It is of the utmost importance that parents address any of their own problems, said Nagle. Parents struggling with emotional issues, substance abuse or addiction need to seek treatment immediately, because inevitably, these problems become a child’s problem, too, he warned. Nagle pointed out that in one study of 984 teens who had been adopted as babies, that those children whose parents suffered from depression were more likely to be depressed themselves. Kids are not likely to feel emotionally secure when their parents are not acting that way, Regina Pally, MD, co-founder and Assistant Director of the Centre for Reflective Parenting in Los Angeles, California, told the Huffington Post. “If Mom gets hyper-anxious when her child is frustrated and disappointed, the child will get hyper-anxious as well, in the face of these strong emotions. (Blobal Post)

Rodney CoI: Donald Rodney blames Gregory Smith for assassination

By Alexis Rodney

The event of June 13, 1980 had begun on a very unusual note for accused assassin William Gregory Smith whom, for the most part was in a state of shock to see someone other than his alleged victim on that fateful night.

Donald Rodney, the younger brother of slain Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co founder Dr Walter Rodney, had approached the home of Smith the night of the explosion to uplift a package from the Army Sergeant. But Donald said Smith seemed very much surprised to see him there.

Rodney was at the time giving his testimony at the investigation into his brother’s death, which was caused when a bomb, said to have been planted in a walkie-talkie device went off, on the evening of June 13.

That bomb in walkietalkie was allegedly planted by the now dead Smith, who was in constant contact with Dr Rodney. Donald told the Commission that he had also become the “go between” of Smith and his brother, meeting the former Army Sergeant on at least seven occasions before the massive bomb blast.

Although his testimony was suspended due to defects of the internet service provider, and which caused continuous break in transmission of the live Internet streaming, Donald Rodney was able to give a detailed account of the occurrences which led up to the death of his older sibling.

At the time of the suspension, the younger Rodney, led into evidence by his attorney Keith Scotland told the commission that he had frequented the home of Smith, who he was introduced to by his brother Walter. He said the historian, who was fighting the dictatorial rule of the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government, had indicated to him that he was in-

terested in that communication device, and that Smith was making them for him.

In fact, prior to his introduction, Donald said he had availed himself to his brother to assist in any way he could have. Donald said it was then that Dr Rodney told him that Smith was making a walkietalkie for him.

Although their childhood relationship was strained, because of the huge gap in their age, and Dr Rodney’s consistent absence from the home because of studies, the two brothers seemed to have established a bond in their adult years.

First meeting

The chain of events began sometime in February 1980, when Donald met Smith for the first time in Russell and Howe’s Street Georgetown. Donald said Dr Rodney had taken him to the corner of the street, where he left the car and walked a few blocks to Smith’s house. He was required to uplift a walkie-talk-

ie device from Smith, but upon inquiring from Smith he was informed that the device was not yet ready. He said he was however told that it would be ready at a later date, which he was told, and a place where he could go to uplift.

Donald Rodney said he did see Smith that night, and when shown a photograph of the Army Sergeant fully clad in his uniform at the commission, he was positively identified.

Another meeting with Smith, Donald recalled was when he uplifted a device, something he said appeared to be like a circuit board, which had switches and a bulb. He said there was a switch on one corner of the board, which according to Smith was needed to synchronise with another unit kept by Smith before it could be activated.

He said Smith had given a time span for which he should carry out the test. Following the instruction, Donald said he drove back to Sussex Street and stopped. There he await-

ed the synchronisation or the flashing of the bulb, before returning to the home of Smith.

The younger Rodney said he would later meet Smith on several other occasions, with some event where Smith would make a no show.

On the evening of June 13, 1980 sometime around 19:30h Donald told the Commission that he picked up his brother at Church Street outside the St Roses High School in his Mazda car. He said they had made that arrangement after he had stopped by his brother’s home, earlier that day. He said Dr Rodney told him that he was going to collect a walkie-talkie unit from Gregory Smith. They then drove to Russell and Howes Streets, where he again disembarked and walked towards the home of Smith.

It was during that visit that Smith had a shocking expression on his face when he did not see Dr Rodney. Donald said Smith enquired about the whereabouts of his brother, to which he related he was back in the car.

Brown paper bag

He was however given the device, which was wrapped in a brown paper bag, and was told what needed to be done to test it somewhere in the vicinity of the Georgetown Prison. According to Donald, Smith had told him that the test was to determine the effect the unit will have while close to the Prison.

Donald Rodney said he was never intimately involved with his older brother, since they were years apart in age. He said to that his older brother, who had become a role model to almost everyone his age had also left the home to pursue his university education at an early age. Donald Rodney was sitting in the driver’s seat of his Mazda car on June 13, 1980 when a package he was handed, exploded in the lap of his brother. He will continue his testimony on February 16.

No plans for early coaching of Miss Universe delegates

By Royden JAMes

Miss Guyana Universe Franchise Holder and Coordinator

Odinga Lumumba on Friday said that there are no plans to hold the Guyana leg of the Miss Universe Pageant months in advance to give delegates more time to be coached and trained to perform at the international level.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday held at the Water Chris Hotel, Lumumba said that three months is enough time to get the girls prepared to compete internationally, noting that overseas training is quite expensive. “You can get 40 years of training and still not place at Miss Universe, what you need is personality and poise and our girl had that,” he said.

However, he said he would grab the opportunity if they are being offered the training for free. He also noted that training is not a big factor, noting that a lot of other countries compete in the Miss Universe Pageant and still manage to place in top spots.

Pointing to Miss Jamaica who made the top five cut in the recently concluded pageant held in Doral, Miami, Lumumba said that the reigning Miss Guyana Niketa Barker had more training and preparation than her Jamaican counterpart but admitted that Miss Jamaica

maybe had something extra special that the judges were looking for.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the beauty queen’s overall performance, the Franchise Holder said he believes she gave it her best shot and represented Guyana to the fullest, but was just a bit upset when her name was not called in the top 15.

“Guyana should have been placed in the top 15, a lot of international media had even shared the same sentiments by placing her in their hot picks, she definitely was not one to waste, but overall she did Guyana proud and she represented us to the fullest. I am just a bit disappointed that she did not place, but we will continue to send the best girls to the Miss Universe Pageant,” Lumumba mentioned.

Lumumba who is also a Member of Parliament for the ruling party noted that support for the queen has been tremendous for her short stay in New York, noting that persons from different states travelled to Miami to support the queen. “The support from Guyanese has been tremendous for Niketa in New York. Persons leave from different states to go to Florida and support our girl, they even had several parties for her, this is the first time we have had this much support,” the franchise holder said.

Con artist who impersonated Minister Ali granted bail

Damien Bailey, age 39, of Lot 336 Craig Village, East Bank Demerara was granted $75,000 bail after being arraigned on a false pretence charge.

The three time fraud accused appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Friday.

The charge read that on January 29 at Georgetown, he attempted to commit a felony, that is to say obtain by false pretence. It was alleged that on the day in question, he went to A&N Electronics to Cideca Mangal and pretended that Housing and Water Minister Irfan Ali had sent him to uplift one Samsung Galaxy S5 valued $120,000 knowing same to be false.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge but decided his change his plea since he believed that he would be on remand. However, the Magistrate told him that she cannot accept the plea because he fears remand.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail citing the nature and gravity of the offence, add-

ing that he had been in a similar matter with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

Bail was granted to him in a sum of $75,000. He is expected to return to Court on February 5 before the Chief Magistrate.

Damien Bailey pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to commit a felony by false pretence when he appeared the first time for a similar charge before the Chief Magistrate on November 14, 2014.

The allegation read that on November 13, 2014, at Barrack and Fort Street Kingston, the defendant attempted to obtain from Akeesha Richards, a Sales Representative of Digicel Guyana, one Samsung Galaxy cellphone on behalf of Minister Rohee.

The facts read that the defendant presented himself at the Digicel office, where he told staffers that he had come to obtain a phone on behalf of Minister Rohee. After presenting what was deemed as relevant documentation, the phone was given to the man.

However, the con artist’s plan began to fall

apart when following his departure from the entity, suspicious employees contacted the Minister informing him that the phone he requested was on its way to him. The Minister made it clear that he did not request any phone. A frantic call was then made to the number of the phone given to the conman who barefacedly answered. The shrewd employees told him that he needed to return to Digicel to collect additional accessories for the phone.

The Prosecutor told the

court that the defendant had previously attempted to commit a similar offence at Cell Phone Shack. On that occasion, he reportedly made a call to the entity and claimed to be Rohee stating that he was sending someone to obtain a phone on his behalf. Investigations were made and the phone call was traced to the defendant. After taking these factors into consideration, the Chief Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $200,000.

Trader gets bail for simple larceny

Haydock Baggot, 30, of Lot 183 Kuru Kuru River, Soesdyke, Linden, was granted $75,000 bail after being arraigned on a simple larceny charge.

The defendant who is a trader by profession appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Friday.

The charge read that between January 5 and 6 at Duncan Street, Georgetown, he stole a computer box valued $220,000 from minibus BNN5929 which belonged to Natasha Barnwell.

The represented man pleaded not guilty to the charge. His attorney requested reasonable bail for him. The facts were as charged and there were no objections to bail.

Baggot is expected to make his next appearance on February 5 before the Chief Magistrate.

Eyew tness Non-violent prophets...

...Jagan and Rodney

In his testimony to the Rodney COI, present General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee reminded Guyanese that in the midst of the orgy of violence, the PNC dictatorship had unleashed in Guyana in the 1970s, two leaders stood tall in their refusal to “fight fire with fire”: Dr Jagan and Dr Rodney.

As committed Marxists they both understood that violence is never rejected in its totality. But knowing our history and the nature of our society, they were convinced that deploying violence against the Burnham dictatorship would trigger the clear and present danger of a “race war” breaking out.

And it was this kind of statesmanlike thinking that made them great. Jagan faced constant pressures from his oppressed supporters to “do something against Burnham”. But against all sorts of insults like “soft” and “weak” he refused to sanction violence against the PNC regime.

For Rodney, we don’t have to guess his position. As a committed revolutionary he spoke and wrote extensively about the use of violence in fighting oppression.

In one of his famous speeches, “The Struggle goes on”, from September 1979 - mere months before he’d be assassinated - he ridiculed accusations that the WPA was planning “violence” and assassinations.

Rodney declared: “In the long run, the people must free themselves by any means necessary and they will receive recruits from the people at the point at which violence is the only alternative; then violence becomes the supreme political weapon.

“And note that, the very famous Mahatma Gandhi, famous for his peacefulness, famous for peace and nonviolence, is a man who once explained the difference between non-violence and cowardice. He said that nonviolence has its applications. But he once wrote, ‘I do believe that where there is a choice between violence and cowardice, I would advise violence’.

“We are attempting to try and create at this stage, political change without violence. In fact, if the Guyanese people cannot see this possibility we are likely to arrive at political change with violence. This is not because I say so or the WPA said so or anybody else said so. It is because that is the very nature of society and it is in the nature of man.

“Man pushed to this level will degenerate into a violent society, so we don’t have to push violence. The violence underlines the society because we are ruled by a violent and illegal Government and if they are not removed now there will be violence.”

We wish people like Roopnarine who’re now claiming that Rodney was “stockpiling weapons” hadn’t sold their souls but, more importantly, not sold a great patriot down the river.

...and violent elections

With every election after 1992, the leader of the PNCdoesn’t matter which one - works up his supporters into a frenzy, convincing them “victory is guaranteed”. Following the inevitable defeat at the polls, they work those same supporters into even greater frenzies, which not surprisingly, explode into violence when the PNC launchs their inevitable street protests about being “denied victory”.

And as Rodney explained, the PNC will always blame “infiltrators”!! Yesterday it was the WPA of Rodney, today it’s the PPP/C of Donald Ramotar.

Truth of the matter is that the PNC has never won an election in Guyana that was free and fair. 1964? The British had to change the electoral rules and arrange a shotgun wedding with the UF to pull that one off! 1968? 1973, 1978 (Referendum), 1980? 1985?? All rigged, of course.

And even after the forensic audits and other demands they made under force of heir arms after 1992, they always were (sore) losers.

And enough of this nonsense that “Granger’s different”. In 2011, he pulled all his Disciplined Forces cohorts - Felix, Collins, Harmon, etc - into an illegal march to provoke the men who used to be under their command!! He was hoping for an explosion.

Govt award grants to start 64 businesses

... businesses urged to realise their full potential

Some 64 small business operators have received over $20 million in grants from the Tourism Ministry under the Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project.

Government through the Low Carbon Development Strategy/Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (LCDS/ GRIF) has injected some US$10 million to train and fund small business entrepreneurs. The money is to cover a four-year period. The MSE Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups project was launched in 2013 and was crafted to enable the best utilisation of the funds.

The project which is being administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and is monitored by the Finance Ministry, along with oversight by the Office of the President is being executed by the Small Business Bureau.

Chairman of the MSED Grants Committee and of the Small Business Bureau, Sukrishnalall Pasha, explained that small businesses have played a great role in social and economic development over the years. He noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for 40 per cent of the total employment created and contributed some 28 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Pasha pointed out that initiatives such as these by Government have pro-

vided small business with the capital resources they need to expand. He stated that the value of these initiatives should not be underestimated and expressed gratitude to Government for supporting small businesses over the years.

“Today’s event is a practical demonstration of what could be achieved by bringing both leadership and a positive reaction by those willing to embrace and seize opportunities that are available to improve their lives,” he stated. He added that the Small Business Act implemented by Government, has proven to be beneficial for the sector in regulating its operations.

Economy Meanwhile, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry Irfaan Ali, underscored that small businesses plays critical role in building and expanding the economy. He noted often time the marco policy is

missed such as the airport expansion project which can provide new opportunities for small businesses such as catering and other small services.

Another such project, he mentioned is the Marriot Hotel, which he said will create new traffic for community-based tourism and a trickle-effect for the food industry. On this note, the Minister advised hoteliers and restaurateurs to analyse the local market and use more local products so that it can create demand for small businesses in the future.

Ali further noted that it is important for there to be structure in the small business sector. “That structure must be able to bring our production together to provide market... part of the Small Business Bureau’s task is to mobilise small businesses into sectors and help to find markets and target those markets for the sector,” he pointed out.

Corentyne rice farmer robbed at gun point

Police in Berbice are looking for three men who they believe can assist with investigations into a robbery committed on a Corentyne rice framer on Friday.

Reports are that three armed masked men broke into the home of rice farmer Sanair Rahomat, 29, of Kildonan Village and beat him, along with his father and wife, while demanding cash and jewellery.

According to the father of three, he went to bed on Thursday evening at about 21:00h and was awoken in the wee hours of Friday at about 01:00h by two men in his bedroom. Both men he said were armed with cutlasses. According to the rice farmer, one of the men grabbed on to his 27-yearold wife’s hand and pulled

her off the bed.

The rice farmer was relieved of his cellphone and $22,000 in cash while his wife was relieved of her cellphone, two weddings bands valued $50,000 and a finger ring valuing $20,000.

While this was occurring, a third intruder carrying a gun was in another part of the house. He went to the front bedroom where Rahomat’s father was sleeping and gun butted him. The 66-yearold pensioner was relieved of his cellphone and $6000 in cash. The man then left the helpless pensioner and went to Rahomat, dragging him to the front bedroom where his father was and began beating both men, as he demanded more valuables.

His wife could not relate what transpired when she was left in her room with one of the cutlass carrying men. According to Rahomat, he was taken back into his bedroom where his wife was and a gun was placed in her mouth as further demands were made.

After not getting more valuables, the men left. According to the rice farmer, all three of the robbers had a piece of cloth covering their mouths and they were all dressed in dark long sleeve shirts. According to Rahomat, the house does not have electricity, however, at the time of the robbery, there was a lantern lit.

Police are investigating. No arrests have been made thus far.

On the other hand, President Donald Ramotar in his remarks recognised the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the country’s development. He outlined that while major businesses and investments are essential pull factors to develop the economy, the sustainability of economy progress in any society is indirectly linked to the development of the small and medium enterprises.

The President went on to urge small business operators to realise their full potential and expand their businesses. He stressed that many big businesses started out small and anticipate the current small businesses will follow suit. “Many, I hope, will have the potential to grow up to become large businesses as well within the society and new small ones will be able to develop,” the President noted.

Ramotar continued by saying that initiatives such

as the Micro and Small Enterprise Development Project are often confined to the urban areas of the country, as such, he called on the project coordinators to take the programme to outlining regions of the country so that those citizens there can also benefit from the grant.

He continued by highlighting that in the Rupununi region, the villagers built a ranch with grants that they received and are planning to start farming activities in the future. Ideas such as these, he noted, help small businesses to grow and provide service to the country.

In the meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Deeds Registry, National Insurance Scheme, Guyana Revenue Authority, Republic Bank Ltd, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and Guyana Small Business Association to facilitate small business-

es benefiting from partnership arrangements and formal business economy.

This was done since most small businesses operate on a ‘cash in hand’ basis and are not legally formalised which often poses difficulties for them to access capital. To date, over 900 persons have benefited from training under the project while 167 jobs have been created and sustained.

One of the recipients of the grant, Phulwatie Gururam, expressed her gratitude for the grant, noting that it will benefit her in her poultry business. The Number Two Village, West Coast Berbice, resident said she has been operating on a small scale for several years and with the grant she will now be able to expand her business.

Another recipient, Brantley Devair, also reiterated similar sentiments, saying that he never expected to get through with the grant but now that he has, it will significantly improve his standard of living. “I happy I got the opportunity because so many people who need it didn’t get the opportunity. I know this is a good improvement for me to enlarge my business and improve my livelihood,” he stated. Devair, who is in the fishing industry and hails from Siparuta, Corentyne River, added that Government should continue this project since there are many more persons who are in need of this grant to further develop their businesses.

Amid public pressure:

Taxi drivers, bus operators mull fare reduction

Presidents of both the Guyana Taxi Services Association (GTSA) Vibert Pooran and the Guyana Minibus Union (GMU) Eon Andrews said they will soon be meeting with their respective members to discuss a way forward as it relates to reducing transportation fares.

Recently, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali urged all service providers and producers of consumer goods to apply conscionable measures so that all Guyanese could benefit from the domino effect of low fuel prices. The Ministry, in a press

statement, had called on the respective associations and unions to take note and act accordingly before it commences discussions with them to arrive at a formal position on the issue. However, both the representatives from the GTSA and GMU said the Ministry has not yet contacted them to schedule a date for such

discussions.

Nonetheless, amid the cries from the public, the representatives said they will soon be meeting with various stakeholders to determine whether or not they will drop the fares.

Andrews said that while the option to lower the fares will be contemplated, there are various contributing factors other than the price for fuel to take into consideration. He reiterated that the price for vehicle parts still remain high on the market, but suggested if agencies subsidise those costs, then it increases the chances of the union lowering the fares.

Andrews also highlighted that the minibus sector is not exactly lucrative and that the operators endure similar expenses like everyone else.

On that note, Andrews asserted that the union is not being unfair or unreasonable, noting that concessions have been given to pensioners and children below a certain age. Meanwhile, Pooran said he cannot comment further on the situation until after the meeting, which is scheduled for this weekend.

On the other hand, tak-

ing heed to the Ministry’s call, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has agreed to reduce its tariffs.

With the decreased in electricity tariffs, Guyana will likely pay less than many Caribbean countries, especially those whose generation of power is based on petroleum products. The cost of cooking gas has also been reduced by 13 per cent, which would see consumers paying approximately $3500 per 20 pound cylinder of gas as opposed to $4000. Earlier in the month, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh announced that that gasoline will be sold at cost of $695 per gallon at Guyoil pump stations from a high of $995. Further, he had declared that diesel would be retailed at $694 per gallon, from a high of $985 per gallon.

The 30 per cent reduction was done with the hope that the reduced fuel prices at Guyoil would have created competition and force private gas stations to effect similar changes, however, to date only Sol Petroleum Guyana has followed suit.

At his recent Cabinet briefing, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr

Roger Luncheon expressed Government’s disappointment that some in the public transportation sector are refusing to lower their fares although they are benefitting from the reduced prices.

He said while some persons have lowered their fares, “other categories of operators and owners have adamantly refused to make any change in the fare structure.”

Dr Luncheon was adamant that the refusal to drop the fares by the public transportation sector is a betrayal of what was expected.

Even in the aviation sector, the drop in fuel prices on international market is not being reflected adequately, Dr Luncheon said. He explained that only Guyoil’s newly established fuel plant at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has reflected the decrease.

After laugh does be cry

It gotta old sayin which still very popular up to today. It go like this: “Who laugh last does laugh de best.” Well, some people don’t laugh at all. Some does laugh too much. And even when some laughin, dem does look like dem cryin. And of course, all skin teeth ain’t laugh, and after laugh does be cry. That is exactly whah been happenin these last couple of days. A former Minister pass away and a lotta friends and family who she used to mek happy deh in nonstop tears. May she rest in peace, and may de family and friends be comforted.

On de other hand, some ting dead fuh Lalloo a long time now and he still bawlin. He try all kinda ting fuh resurrection and nutten ain’t wuk yet. But Lalloo got more hope than de Hopeless Canal and de hopeless people who givin de people hope every time dem give de Minister another hopeful deadline.

Green Jah been to Linden recently and de Kissmoon woman mek he cry. But he studyin if he gon cry more when elections day come. And now Green Jah start cryin arready ever since he hear that Roop de Poop gon testify at the Rodney COI.

Well, Roop is now de Number Two Poop fuh Green Jah and de APANU, even though he mek Green Jah cry at de last elections when de vote had start to count. Rum Jhaat also cry because he thought Nagga Man should be de Number One Poop.

Another man been cryin since de two Lexus whah he claim he friend own get tek way. Then when he got to de court he cry again in fronta every body. And soon when gon he have to pay a nice lil $100 million, he gon bawl.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, at least de $100 million gotta lil while more, but now that de $15 million got to get pay up, he cry fuh he mammy and daady both in he sleep and when he wake up!

Fewer buildings destroyed by fire last year – Fire Chief

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recorded 2000 fire calls in 2014, a 13 per cent increase when compared with 2013, and according to Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, this resulted in fewer buildings being destroyed, citing a six per cent decrease.

During an invited comment recently, Gentle told media operatives that there was a significant increase in the number of buildings that were slightly damaged, but this he explained was due to the timely interventions on the part of the fire service in saving those buildings.

Gentle further noted that there was also a decrease in number of fires started by children, noting that there was a 10 per cent reduction in lives lost as a result of fires. Maliciousness, carelessness and the use of electrical appliances were the three major causes of fires during that period.

However, during last year, more calls were made to the fire service, in terms of accidents and rescues.

Gentle pointed out that the fire service responded to 27 road traffic accidents last year, and had to rescue persons trapped in vehicles. Ambulance work was done in some outlying areas.

Apart from that, the fire prevention activities were a success in 2014. In terms of public education, which was done in the form of lectures, seminars, demonstrations and displays, in excess of 160 were executed, benefiting over 31,000 people.

“We were also able to reach some other traditional areas in Guyana...especially in the hinterland communities, such as Lethem, and the North West. As we go forward, we will be looking at more public awareness programmes, because we still believe that many of these fires can be prevented if certain safety measures are performed by individuals, because one has to bear in mind, that the fire service will respond after the fact, after the fires have been started, and therefore there will be damages,” Gentle ex-

plained.

He said the fire service responds immediately when it is summons but explained that often times, when the fire fighters arrived on a scene, the fire would have already escalated. Hence, the service’s tactics and strategies would then be to avoid that fire from spreading.

“There are some factors that have challenged us... one being that a fire tender… loaded with equipment and men traversing to a scene, we still have to contend with traffic and the distance to get there, so when we get there...the issue of coming without water doesn’t say much, if a fire is started 15 minutes before the fire service gets there. The issue of fire starts with a call,” he further explained. He also emphasised that there is also the challenge of a large number of derelict buildings in Georgetown, noting that the service has been engaging the relevant authorities to have these structures removed.

Dr Ashni Singh not interested in PM post

...but not quitting as Minister

As the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) continues its search for a Prime Ministerial Candidate, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh says he will not be pursuing the post, but will remain to serve the party as a minister.

Current Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds has been touted as the likeliest candidate. Other contenders Guyana Times was told include; Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; Works Minister Robeson Benn and Minister within the Finance Ministry, Bishop Juan Edghill. The Finance Minister has been part of Cabinet for the past eight years and feels that there is still more that he can offer to Guyana. He says it has been his greatest privilege to be serving the people of Guyana. Minister Singh served in the cabinets of two Presidents; Bharrat Jagdeo and President Donald Ramotar.

Dr Singh speaking recently about his stint in Government said that he is extremely pleased with what has been achieved as a Government under both Presidents’ Jagdeo and Ramotar whom he served under. “I would say unapologetically that much have been achieved by us as a country. But we as a Government and a party we are under no illusions, I think that there is still work to be done and we are committed as a Government to do that work and it will be my privilege to be part of that work. On the issue of Prime Ministerial candidacy, the Finance Minister

says he has no intentions in contesting for that post. “I am quite happy to serve in the capacity as a senior Minister in Government and will not be pursuing any of the top two posts.”

General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee has said that they were still discussing who would fill the Prime Ministerial Candidate slot, while acknowledging a number of persons were lined up. Asked about the procedure used to select the Prime Ministerial Candidate, Rohee maintained that the Central and Executive Committees have always been involved in that process and that the tradition of the prime ministerial post being filled by a member of the Civic was likely to be maintained. “We believe in a PPP/Civic alliance. If the PPP/C has the Presidential Candidate, traditionally the Civic component has had the Prime Ministerial Candidate and I don’t believe that would change,” he said.

Hinds, told Guyana Times on Thursday from New York via telephone, that while he “isn’t sure of anything at this point,” it may be a possibility. “I don’t know. The party would have to decide that but let’s see”, he said. Hinds a Chemical Engineer by profession has held the position since the PPP/C came to power in 1992. It was felt that Hinds might have “called it a day”, after the upcoming elections, but observers say he is a strong contender.

Former Education and Foreign Trade Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, who was part of the initial Civic component with Hinds, in an invited comment, related that Hinds has always been seen as good contender for the position. As such, he noted that he does not believe another term for him will cause any major uproar, should he decide to run for another term as Prime Minister. However, Jeffery told Guyana Times that he believes that there must be some form of constitutional reform for the position of Prime Minister since it will be six consecutive terms for Hinds, if he does decides to run again at the May 11 polls.

Hinds (born December 27, 1943) has been Prime Minister of Guyana almost continuously since 1992. He also briefly served as President of Guyana in 1997. He was awarded Guyana’s highest National Award, the Order of Excellence (OE) in 2011. He first became Prime Minister under Cheddi Jagan in 1992, following the October 1992 election, which was won by an alliance of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Hinds’ group, Civic. When Jagan died in March 1997, Hinds became President himself, and appointed Jagan’s widow Janet as Prime Minister. For the December 1997 General Elections, the PPP/C nominated Hinds as candidate for Prime Minister while Janet Jagan was the candidate for the Presidency. Following the election, Jagan was elected President and re-appointed Hinds as Prime Minister. After the re-election of the Government in the August 28, 2006 election, Hinds was sworn in as Prime Minister again in early September. He was re-nominated as the 2011

Prime Ministerial Candidate for the PPP in October 2011, although there were suggestions that he might step aside. After PPP/C candidate Donald Ramotar was elected President, Hinds was sworn in as Prime Minister again on 5 December 2011. Prior to this Hinds worked for Alcan, as the head of Chemical Engineering. By education, Hinds is a licensed and qualified Chemical Engineer, having graduated from the University of New Brunswick.

Police promotions…

Rights of the Child calls for immediate rescission

Amid the fallout over the promotion of two Police Officers who were charged with torturing a male teenager in 2009, the Rights of the Child Commission (ROCC) called for the immediate rescission of the decision.

Policeman Narine Lall was promoted from Sergeant to Inspector while Mohanram Dolai from Constable to Corporal. In November 2009, the pair had appeared before the court under the charged of burning the genitals of a 15-year-old Twyon Thomas with the intent to main, disfigure, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The charges against them were subsequently dismissed after the witnesses failed to turn up. However, the Government later settled a civil lawsuit by paying the teenager approximately $6 million for the ordeal. But since their promotions were made known in the local newspapers, the ROCC has expressed its alarm. “The Rights of the Child Commission, views with alarm, the recent promotion of two Policemen, both of whom were found to have tortured a child,” the statement read.

The Commission concluded that these promotions constitute a significant departure from the intent of Article 19 of the United Nations Conventions on Rights of the Child which establishes the right of the child to be free from hurt both in body and mind.

In addition to that breach, the promotion violently collides with Guyana’s treaty obligations under the UN Convention Against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment

or punishment. ROCC maintained their position that malevolence and depravity constitutes the worst form of human rights violation and as such should abolish any legitimate and prospect of promotion.

The Commission noted that such a promotion is not in the best interest of the Guyana Police Force, and as a significant outcome, not in the interest of law and order.

“The promotion of Policemen found linked to the torturing of a child will undermine the process of re-

form and will moreover corrode public faith in the Police to effectively discharge their mandate, centred on service and protection.”

Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon says the Government is satisfied with the Police Service Commission (PSC’s) contention that the two Leonora Police Ranks who burnt a teen’s crotch were dealt with according to the law. “The PSC having satisfied itself that the matter had been concluded and all charges were cleared from the police officers; they were no longer susceptible to disciplinary treatment.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has ‘cleared the air’ regarding misconceptions over the promotion of the two officers. In a statement the AG said it is being falsely reported that “the Government “participated, authorised or concurred with these promotions” but this he explained is without any foundation. The AG stated that the view of the Government, expressed through Dr Luncheon, “related to the procedure in respect of the promotions and was not a

comment in respect of the merits or demerits of the (actual) promotions.” This, the minister said, meant that Government “was confined to the decision making process and not the decision.”

The Minister explained that the Executive plays no part in the “recruitment, promotion, appointment or discipline” of members of the Guyana Police Force; instead these roles reside with the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner. He pointed out that “these are matters from which the Executive is specifically insulated by provisions of the Constitution and the Police Act.”

AG Nandlall referred to Article 212 (1) of the Constitution, which vests in the Police Service Commission, the power to make appointments to any offices in the Police Force of or above the rank of Inspector, the power to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices, and the power to remove such persons from office. He added that in Article 212 (2), resides similar powers in the Commissioner of Police, in respect of officers in the Police Force below the rank of Inspector. This, according to the Minister, means that in the discharge of its functions, the Commission enjoys constitutionally enshrined independence and autonomy, captured in the imperative language of Article 226 (1) “…in the exercise of its functions under this constitution, a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”

Rose Hall man remanded for damaging mother’s house

A37-year-old Rose Hall Town man was on Friday remanded to prison for damaging his mother’s property.

Krishendat Ramlakhan of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) appeared before Magistrate Sherdell Issacs-Marcus in a New Amsterdam court on Friday to answer a charge of malicious damage to property. It is alleged that on January 25 at Glasgow Village, East Bank Berbice, Ramlakhan maliciously damaged one vase valued $8000, one wooden plaque valued $7000, one glass ornament along with bulb fittings, a motorbike and motor car totalling $70,000 in value.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sherriff told the court that the accused is in the habit of visiting his mother’s home when he is under the influence of alcohol and demanding money. The court was told that on the day in question he went to the home of his mother Dilragie Rehoman and requested $10,000. When the woman refused to grant

him his request, the defendant took a piece of wood and started breaking articles in the home.

According to the Police, when a neighbour went to Rehoman’s assistance, the accused went downstairs and turned his attention on the vehicles. Sergeant Sherriff asked the court not to grant Ramlakhan bail

because if bail is granted, the accused will return to his mother’s home and repeat the act. Sherriff also told the court that Rehoman had made a similar report the Police and there are more charges of a similar nature to be brought against the accused. He will have to return to court on February 16 for a Police report.

friday, JaNUary 30, 2015 | gUyaNatimesgy.com

Clear policies needed for mining investors – Troy Resources CEO

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

Even as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry launched its Oil and Gas Policy, investors in the gold mining sector have voiced their opinions, saying the same should be done for that sector.

Speaking to Guyana Times in an interview recently, the company’s Chief Executive Officer

Ken Nilsson expressed that there is a great need for Guyana to have established policies and procedures for investors to follow in the mining sector. He noted that this has always been a major disadvantage to the mining investors as a lot of money and time is spent gathering information on what is to be done, how it is to be done and by whom. This he said does not even take into consideration the time that is taken by the necessary institutions to process the relevant documents.

Speaking from his company’s point of view, Nilsson related that the lack of the established pol-

icies has caused his company to lose valuable time and has somewhat set back the company’s operations. According to Nilsson, this is a major disappointment, since investors are not able to analyse their risks due to the vague nature of the system.

“I had hoped to be much further advanced than I am but there are things here which I cannot change… systems, protocols. What are required are more concrete guidelines. That is, policies that are policies where everybody knows what you have to do and everybody understands the process. When there isn’t a clear policy, you can’t produce a document for anybody that says that these are the steps you have to take, this is the time it will take, and this is the outcome. Those are the things as an investor that you would like to know because that’s the only way you can minimise your risk”, Nilsson said.

The Executive related that if Government wanted to attract more investors into the economy, then this

is a pressing issue which has to be addressed at the earliest. He noted that if an examination is not undertaken, it may result in investors becoming wary of investing in the economy. “If you are trying to bring in investors, what you need is to have a stable platform, clear rules, this is how it works; this is who you see. This is something we lack here. Once you know exactly what you have to do, it means you can cater for it. If you have to come up against surprises, it’s much more difficult. Everything needs to be transparent”, he opined to this publication.

Red tape

Nilsson also noted that the time taken for the processing of necessary permits and other documentation in the Public Sector for businesses to operate in Guyana is also one of the major hindrances to investments in the country. He said that this too needs to be examined, since it is very time consuming and expensive, especially to the investors in the mining sector.

“I think they should probably try to streamline procedures in public departments to ensure that you do not have redundancy. We have cases where documents and they say “Oh we can’t find it, can you please submit another copy”, and when you submit the other copy, the same thing happens. In our operations, every day operations are delayed, we lose money, lots of money. The timeframes here do not seem to exist. It is like it will happen to-

Pregnant couple busted with 21kg of cocaine at CJIA

Apregnant Canadian citizen might deliver her baby in prison in Guyanese after she and her husband were busted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with just over 21 kilograms of cocaine stashed in their bags while occupants of the VIP’s Lounge.

Rohbina Basdeoram, 29,

and her husband, Mahendra Ramsuchit, 29, were reportedly priority passengers and had access to the CJIA’s Executive Lounge on Friday morning.

According to information received, the Police are hunting for a third person, Kennett Jones who posed as a Protocol Officer who was mandated to make sure that the couple passes through the airport without a hassle.

It turns out that Jones, presented forged documents from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to the Airport Duty Office (ADO) indicating that he was carrying out protocol duties for the couple. The two individuals, according to Jones, were relatives of a Government official.

As the couple was about to board a Fly Jamaica Flight to Toronto, it was mandated for security officials to conduct a search during which the white powdery substance was unearthed in their carry-on

morrow but that tomorrow will be tomorrow next year, some other day, some other time”, he lamented. It was only recently that a delegation from neighbouring Suriname, expressed that they too are wary of investing in Guyana due to the long waiting time for their documents, permits and licences to be processed and approved.

Vice President of the Suriname Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Anilkumar Padarath had explained to Guyana Times that this was the biggest concern of the Surinamese business community and it was having an impact on the Guyanese economy as well. “The timeline which we have to deal with in terms of getting

our permits and other documentations ready is quite an issue to us in Suriname, because we want to do trade here in Guyana, but the process is long and tiresome,” he related.

Based on analysis, it takes 22 days to complete Customs paperwork in Guyana while the preparation of documents takes 11 days.

Fly Jamaica launches non-stop flights to US

Fly Jamaica on Friday announced that it will commence its non-stop flight out of the United States to Guyana on February 18. Marketing Executive of the airline Nadine Hing explained that the non-stop service will be conducted twice weekly.

luggage. They were immediately taken into custody by members of the Police Narcotics Branch.

The screening also revealed that the two were impostors and were not supposed to use the VIP lounge. The couple is expected to be

charged on Monday for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

On Thursday, February 19, the flight will depart the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for the United Stated and the flight out of the John F Kennedy International Airport will depart on Saturday, February 21. These flights, she reiterated, will not stop in Kingston, Jamaica as the normal flights.

However, Guyana Times understands that the nonstop flights might cost a little more than the normal scheduled flights. Presently the airline is operating with two aircraft. The inaugural non-stop flight might see passengers using the new Boeing 767 aircraft.

With the introduction of the non-stop flights, Hing noted that passengers will still have the luxury of travelling with two pieces of luggage at 50 pounds each and a hand piece at 22 pounds. She was at the time address-

ing a gathering at a simple handing over ceremony at the Airline’s Headquarters, Ogle International Airport.

Hing added that the airline is also finalising arrangements to operate other routes in the Caribbean which can possibly come on stream in time for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, which is set for February 17 and 18.

The Marketing Executive also went on to say that the airline will soon launch its cargo operations and urged persons to make full use of the service.

Apart from all the new announcements, the airline has been sponsoring various humanitarian projects undertaken by several organisations.

In addition, Nadine stated that the airline will be celebrating its third anniversary on February 14, while noting that there are a lot of offers during the month of February. She urged Guyanese and the Diaspora to log into their website and participate in its third anniversary celebrations.

Meanwhile, in keeping with its humanitarian mandate, the airline has donated airfare tickets to Michelle

Robinson to visit her ailing brother, Christopher Robinson in the United States of America.

Hing stated that Fly Jamaica is a compassionate company which gives assistance in time of need. She added that as soon as the request was made to the airline, a decision was taken instantaneously to assist. As such, she said that Fly Jamaica has done its part and hopes everything works out for the best.

Michelle Robinson will be travelling with her husband and two children this evening to the United States. She thanked Fly Jamaica for the tickets and more so, extended gratitude to the United States embassy in Guyana for reconsidering her application for a VISA.

She also thanked several other agencies for their assistance in making the trip to see her brother possible. The woman explained that while in the US, she intends to spend some quality time with her brother. Initially, she added that doctors gave her brother 10 days to live but it has been a month. She hopes that he can live longer.

Comprehensive approach needed to tackle suicide – NGO

By: Devina Samaroo

The Caribbean Voice (TCV), a local nongovernmental organisation (NGO), said a strategic plan is needed to combat suicide in Guyana.

The organisation, which was established with the aim of reaching out to those with suicidal thoughts, said the cycle would only be reversed if constant interventions are made by stakeholders, including the Government.

In September 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that Guyana had the highest estimated suicide rate for 2012, even as it pointed out that approximately 800,000 people die each year as a result of the scourge. It is estimated that more than 35 persons in Guyana committed suicide in 2014. Already, more than 10 persons have committed suicide for 2015, with the most recent victim identified as Patricia Lowton of Grove, East Bank Demerara. Lowton ended her life by jumping off the

Demerara Harbour Bridge on Tuesday afternoon.

In tackling this scourge, TCV said major emphasis must be placed on education. Additionally, it was suggested that a network of counsellors be established to readily assist persons with suicidal thoughts. Through the network, the organisation said referrals can also be made.

TCV is currently compiling a list of counsellors that would be offering their service to the public in this regard. However, the organisation said that the Health Ministry and Human Services and Social Security Ministry should have been the entities spearheading this initiative, noting that these two ministries would be in a better position to compile, publish and extensively promote the network. In addition to creating the list, TCV said it has a range of suicide prevention activities planned for this year. As it raises awareness, the NGO would be building networks throughout Guyana, particularly in sui-

Man on bail for behaving disorderly, assaulting peace officer and resisting arrest

Thirty-five-yearold Osafa Rundel Stewart was placed on $15,000 bail after being arraigned for three unlawful offences which were behaving disorderly, assault and resisting arrest.

The defendant appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Friday.

The first charge alleged that on January 26, at East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, Georgetown, he behaved disorderly. The second charge alleged at on the same day, he assaulted Derwin Eastman, a Police Officer while performing his duties and the last charge alleged that he resisted arrest from the said Policeman who was per-

forming his duties at that time.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges that were read against him. He was represented by Attorney Mark Waldron who told the court that his client has a strong defence. He noted that his client has a fixed place of abode at Lot 8 A Hill Street, Lodge, Georgetown and is a father of three minor children. There were no objections to bail by Police Prosecutor Michael Grant. With this, bail was granted to the defendant in the sum of $5000 per charge.

Stewart is expected to make his next court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

a billboard campaign which will see billboards erected in every district. Additionally, TCV will continue to provide counselling to persons and reach out to those with suicidal thoughts.

Ahead of the activities, the organisation said it is worried over the rising cases of suicide in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and the country at large. According to the organisation, suicide is becoming normalised, as if people are following the mantra: “Got a problem that seems insurmountable? Try suicide!”

cide-prone communities.

On March 30, a candlelight vigil will be held with the aim of drawing support from other NGOs. Other activities include, a nationwide training programme for suicide responders, a national stakeholders’ conference, rallies, a national school essay competition on suicide prevention and

TCV said coping skills seem to be significantly absent from personality development of too many individuals. Another related issue is the lack of empathetic communication – communication that is neither judgmental nor accusatory.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said that his Ministry has developed a “strategic partnership”

with the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) to heighten awareness on the need to prevent suicides in the country.

Ramsaran said that that the Health Ministry has

been involved in several plans aimed at curbing suicide, including the training of persons, noting too that there is a need for all stakeholders to be involved in the

fight against suicide. Suicide prevention is a central goal of WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, which was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2013. The plan calls on countries to reduce their suicide rates by 10 per cent by the year 2020. A similar regional mental health action plan was considered by health authorities from the Americas during the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Directing Council late last year. In late October in Mexico, PAHO/WHO also launched a Spanish version of the WHO World Suicide Report, along with a regional report on suicide in the Americas. On World Mental Health Day, October 10, PAHO/WHO hosted a panel discussion featuring experts on a range of mental health issues and challenges facing the countries of the Americas in this area.

Regional

Physically challenged man crushed by JUTC bus

Tragedy struck on Thursday in Papine, St Andrew, when a physically challenged man was crushed to death by a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus.

Police reports are that about 13:00h, Marlon King, a 39-year-old resident and artist from Cheshire Village – a tiny community located in Mona for the physically challenged – was travelling along Golden Avenue, a road that runs close to the University of the West Indies hospital, when he was struck from his wheelchair.

Reports are that the body of the victim was dragged

several metres away from the mangled remains of his wheelchair by the Stateowned bus.

“Have mercy, all now me can’t believe what happen. The man was travelling along the road when all of a sudden mi hear the loud crash. When mi look is the body mi see behind the bus,” a woman, who claimed she was an eyewitness told the Jamaica Observer.

She stood among the hundreds of onlookers who gathered at the accident scene where the remains of King laid in a pool of blood.

The gruesome sight left teachers and students at a

Trinidad PM urges strong regional action on poverty and development

Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged Latin American and Caribbean leaders to continue to work together to build on the significant progress made in reducing poverty in the Region.

that this country has achieved universal free pre-school education ahead of the set target of 2015. In addition, she said, Trinidad and Tobago has already achieved universal free primary school education.

Noting the damaging im-

Speaking at the third Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit in San José, Costa Rica, on Wednesday, the Prime Minister noted that Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to the CELAC plan of action as the framework for cooperation.

Persad Bissessar told representatives of the 33 CELAC member countries of Trinidad and Tobago’s achievements in addressing poverty, and in fighting corruption. She noted the critical role that education can play in lifting people out of poverty, and highlighted

pact of corruption on economic growth of countries, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of legislation governing the proper procurement of goods and services is critical to ensuring equity, fairness and to promote sustainable development.

“My Government has taken strong action to protect the rights of citizens and prevent corruption, through the passage of procurement legislation which is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement of goods and services,”(Excerpt from Caribbean News

nearby school traumatised.

As news of the tragedy began to circulate, members from the disabled community reacted in anger.

“This is an accident that could have been avoided,” said an irate Karen Brown, also a resident from the Cheshire Village.

“Imagine this area is one of the largest physically challenged community in the island, and for years we have been calling for the authorities to not only repair but to remove the utility poles that are erected in the middle of sidewalks along the road,” said Brown. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Barbados could become first country to eliminate HIV among children

Barbados could become the first country in the world to eliminate HIV among children. That’s the view of Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Caribbean Regional Support Team, Dr Ernest Massiah. Speaking from Trinidad on Thursday, Massiah told the Weekend?Nation that Barbados was on track to

achieve this feat given that for six consecutive years, between 2007 and 2012, the country has had no HIV positive babies. Similarly, there have been no cases of congenital syphilis. Massiah said a race was on among a number of nations to achieve this goal and Barbados was among those countries in the forefront. “If [Barbados] is not the first, it would be one of the first,” he said. (Nation News)

American investors eyeing Grenada’s energy sector

Agroup of American investors is visiting Grenada, exploring opportunities in several key sectors including energy.

The group includes Wesley Edens, founder and Co-Chairman of the board of directors of Fortress Investment Group and Robert Agbede, President and CEO of Chester LNG.

Edens is also the owner of the NBA team, Milwaukee Bucks, and his company is a US$62 billion alternative asset management company with headquarters in New York and offices around the world.

CDA assisting families of murdered children

– Jamaica’s Youth Minister

Jamaica’s Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna has condemned the recent acts of violence against the nation’s children.

The Minister, in a release on Friday, said that the Child Development Agency (CDA) has deployed a team of first responders to the communities where the incidents have occurred and will be providing grief counselling and other emotional support to the families of the deceased.

“The CDA has already responded and has done preliminary intervention, however, over the next two weeks the Youth and Culture Ministry, through the CDA will be partnering with the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) and other supporting agencies to host parenting sensitisation sessions in these communities as well as in the schools the children attended. These sessions will, among other things, focus on coping with grief, child

care and protection as well as approaches to discipline,” Hanna added.

These interventions form part of the CDA’s existing First Responders programme under which officers deployed across the island visit communities and families that have been traumatised by violence, death of a child, parent, caregiver or where a child has witnessed violence or in instances where a family has been affected by natural or manmade disasters, the release said.

Hanna said that in light of the recent cases involving 14-year-old Santoya Campbell of Frome in Westmoreland and threeyear-old Crystal Coleman of St Mary who were reportedly murdered and 14-year-old Treshauna Henry, also from St Mary, whose cause of death is still unknown, the CDA will take a tailored approach to address the immediate needs of the families, communities and schools involved. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

The group of investors held talks with Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell on Tuesday and reported positive signals from the Grenadian leader.

Edens, who visited the island a year ago, said his company wants to invest in liquefied natural gas. He said Grenada is ripe for foreign investment.

“We are looking at the power business. The ports business. The island seems like it’s really prime for foreign investment and we are very welcomed here. So we feel very fortunate to be here,” said Edens, whose

delegation also met with communications and works minister, Gregory Bowen.

“We have been looking at the Caribbean generally because we think there is a big opportunity on the power side to bring liquefied natural gas in the region. Cut power cost and Grenada is one of the places that showed up on the map so here we are,” he added.

Agbede, whose company Chester LNG has been around for more than 100 years, said he is ready to begin operations on the island within the year. (Excerpt

MoE investigates school fight in Antigua

The Education Ministry has launched a full investigation into the brutal fight amongst students at the Ottos Comprehensive School in Antigua, amid public condemnation of the video recording of the encounter which has since gone viral.

In a statement, Thursday, Acting Director of Education, Clare Brown said the Ministry is investigating the matter and is not in a position to provide “any further information.”

The video, posted on Troll Antigua’s Facebook page, shows a teenage girl being beaten viciously by two others, one using a piece of wood, the other her fist.

Wednesday afternoon.

Brown said the Ministry also committed to ensuring that schools’ compounds remain safe at all times. He said the Ministry is seeking the support of “parents, guardians and the community to reinforce our efforts.”

Education officials met with the parties involved

During the course of the violent attack, which took place in a classroom, those present looked on and cheered with no attempt to end it. In the middle of the violence a student in the video queried, “you go kill she?” The video has over 36, 000 views on Facebook, 329 likes, 606 shares and 334 comments. Many of those who commented on the video criticised it and called on the relevant authorities to take action. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer) A screen from

Ukraine peace talks collapse amid renewed violence

Pro-Russian separatists have vowed to push ahead with their latest offensive in eastern Ukraine after aborting peace talks with Kiev.

Rebel delegates called off peace talks with Kiev’s proWestern leaders on Friday, while at least six civilians were killed by shelling in the rebel-held city of Donetsk.

Donetsk rebel representative, Denis Pushilin, insisted that the rebels’ ongoing offensive was a way to protect the civilians from Ukrainian artillery fire and said they would go ahead with it unless Kiev stopped shelling rebel-held areas.

“The situation has worsened and it is forcing us to go on offensive,’’ Pushilin said they would be ready to resume the cease-fire that was brokered in September and withdraw heavy weaponry, but the demarcation line would have to take into account the rebels’ recent advance.

Under a plan brokered

last week, Ukraine and proRussian separatists would pull back their heavy arms 15 kilometres on either side of the line, though there was no agreement on a withdrawal of all troops.

Heavy fighting was also reported around Debaltseve, a key Government-held town of 25,000 people that was built around a railroad connecting the two re-

bel centres of the Russianspeaking southeast.

Donetsk insurgency Commander Alexander Zakharchenko told Russian state television that Ukrainian troops in the town were “surrounded” and unable to receive supplies or send their wounded for treatment in regional hospitals. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Skeleton sacks baffle India Police

Dozens of skeletons and decayed body parts have been discovered in a disused room of an Indian Police building. Sacks containing the human remains were reportedly uncovered by workers at the building, in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh.

Police said they could not explain where the bodies came from, but said they believed the room had been used as a mortuary until 2008. Regional authorities have promised to conduct

DNA testing and investigate why the bodies were not disposed of.

Unnao Police Chief Mahendra Pal Singh told the Times of India that records showed there were roughly 100 bodies kept at the police building for investigation.

He said a “proper probe and DNA testing would be done to corroborate the facts”.

“We will also look into the case thoroughly to as-

certain as to why the human remains were not disposed of,” he said. Analysts said the case appeared to breach procedures laid down for the disposal of bodies after postmortem examinations.

Separately, the authorities in Unnao district are still investigating the recent discovery of more than 100 bodies in the Ganges River. They are thought to have been dumped by families who were too poor to pay for a proper cremation. (BBC News)

Mitt Romney will not run in 2016 election

Mitt Romney, the Republican beaten by President Obama in the US 2012 election, has decided he will not run for president again. Romney, 67, said he had decided it was “best to give other leaders in the party the opportunity to become our next nominee”. His statement comes weeks after a surprise announcement saying he was considering another bid.

The decision not to run frees up donors to support other Republican candidates.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, New Jersey

Governor Chris Christie and Senator Rand Paul are among those who are considering a White House bid.

On the Democratic side,

the presumed front-runner is former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, although she has not made any announcement about campaigning.

Mrs Clinton previously

Around the World

South Africa apartheid assassin De Kock given parole

South African apartheid-era death squad commander Eugene de Kock has been granted parole after 20 years in jail. He was nicknamed “Prime Evil” for his role in the killing and maiming of activists fighting white minority rule in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Justice Minister Michael Masutha said De Kock would be released “in the interests of nation-building”. De Kock, 66, was sentenced in 1996 to two life terms in prison and a further 212 years for the crimes he committed.

Masutha said the time and place of De Kock’s release would not be made public.

The Justice Minister stressed that his decision was guided by South Africa’s constitution.

Sandra Mama, widow of Glenack Mama who was killed by De Kock in 1992, said she thought the Minister was right in granting parole. “I think it will actually close a chapter in our history because we’ve come a long way and I think his release will just once again help with the reconciliation

process because there’s still a lot of things that we need to do as a country,” she told the BBC.

The former Colonel was head of the notorious Vlakplaas Police unit. He appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) which was established a year after South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

De Kock confessed to more than 100 acts of murder, torture and fraud, taking full responsibility for the activities of his undercover unit. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Blast at Shi’ite mosque in southern Pakistan kills 49

At least 49 people were killed in a powerful explosion at a crowded Shi’ite mosque in Pakistan during Friday

ince of Sindh.

Radical Sunni Islamist groups often target mosques frequented by minority Shi’ites, whom they see as

bomb disposal squad is examining the scene.”

Saeed Ahmed Mangnejo, head of the regional civil administration, told Reuters

prayers, the latest sectarian attack to hit the South Asian nation.

Police said the blast was caused either by a suicide bomber or an explosive device which went off when the mosque was at its fullest on Friday afternoon in the centre of Shikarpur, a city in Pakistan’s southern prov-

ran for president in 2008 but lost the Democratic nomination to Obama. Romney’s campaign raised more than US$1 billion (£666 million) in the 2012 election, when he unsuccessfully challenged President Obama.

He also lost the 2008 Republican nomination to Senator John McCain.

In a statement made during a phone call to donors, Romney said he was “convinced that we could win the nomination”, but added that “one of our next generation of Republican leaders... may well emerge as being better able to defeat the Democrat nominee”.

He said it was a tough decision for him and his wife, Ann, “but we believe it is for the best of the party and the nation”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

infidels. Earlier this month, six people were killed and 17 wounded by a suicide bomber outside a Shi’ite mosque in the city of Rawalpindi, also after Friday prayers.

“We are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast,” said Shikarpur Police Chief Saqib Ismail Memon. “A

that the death toll had reached 49. In chaotic scenes that followed the blast, part of the mosque collapsed after the explosion, burying some of the wounded under rubble. Bystanders pulled people from the debris and piled them into cars for the journey to hospital. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Malaysia declares missing MH370 an ‘accident’

Malaysia’s government has officially declared the disappearance of flight MH370 an ‘accident,’ fulfilling a legal obligation that will allow efforts to proceed with compensation claims.

The country’s Civil Aviation Chief, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said on Thursday that Malaysia, China and Australia had spared no expense and resources in their search for the plane adding that finding the Boeing 777 “remains a priority”.

“It is therefore with the

heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that we officially declare Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 an accident,” Rahman said in a pre-recorded message.

“It is hoped that this declaration will enable families to obtain the assistance they need, in particular through the compensations process,” he said. He said all 239 passengers and crew on board were presumed to have lost their lives, just hours after leaving Kuala Lumpur for Beijing on March 8.

Not a single piece of debris from the plane has been

found.

Authorities previously said the plane, which disappeared less than an hour into its flight, was likely to have been diverted deliberately far off course. A multi-nation search for the plane was under way in the Indian Ocean after Malaysia said satellite data indicated it may have gone down.

The search involved at least nine ships and nine planes, covering a search area of 221,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

saturday, january 31, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI PUBLIC OPINION I SAY...

What do you think about the implementation of a lower electricity tariff?

Andre Joseph “I think it will benefit us, the less prices people will pay for the current, the more money they will have left back to help out with other things… However, it’s not that they should be praised for doing something good because GPL obligated to drop their price because prices in the whole world drop and plus they benefit from the Government.”

Brent Jacobs

“It would benefit a lot of people to me, but I don’t have my own house so I can’t speak about myself. But it’s sure to benefit the poor people and the pensioners and at least give them a lot of relief.”

Glenda Borrowes

“It’s good. It’s hard when you have to pay so many bills, so it’s going to help a lot of people.”

Surindra Mangru

“It’s definitely going to benefit everybody because for the years, everybody had to endure high electricity rates and that together with other expenses like telephone bills, so it’s going to relieve them of all that expense.”

Jeremiah Joseph I think, even if it drop, I think the prices will go up back again between November to December, I think it’s just a ‘lil’ bluff for elections campaign.”

Marilyn Hunt

“It’s going to benefit plenty people I’m sure because it will reduce some of their expenses, they could use the money for other things, send children to school or something.”

Joseph Thomas “I think it should have been done a very long time ago, I don’t think it’s only now we should get it. What I find, to be honest with you, our leaders –Opposition and President, they are playing games with the people. It’s not only now you have the fuel price dropped, why is it only now we’re getting certain things in place now, when it is supposed to be done a long time ago. You find now, you getting certain things done because of vote, and I don’t think it’s right.”

Delaine Hill

“It will be good, for the pensioners it would be good. It would also help the rest of us who need help and don’t have much money for other things.”

Chandreaka Dehal

“Well, I’m sure a lot of people will appreciate it because if they paying less for electricity then it means they will save some money. But it depends on what they decide to do with that money. But it’s a good move.”

Lindener cops Junior Calypso Monarch crown

William Prowell of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) lived up to the expectations of the crowd as he copped the Junior Calypso Monarch title on Friday evening at the National Cultural Centre.

Performing before a sizeable crowd, the 19-year-old Linden Technical Institute (LTI) student outshone his eight other competitors, leaving the judges with no difficulty in deciding the winner.

Taking full advantage of the stage, he belted out ‘the truth’, creating a whirlwind among fans, who enjoyed every minute of his performance. Executing a piece called “Pick it up” with precision and described as a masterpiece, Prowell described Guyana’s current

garbage situation. On stage also was a woman

Clerk Carol Sooba which drew the crowd

in even more into the performance. Coming in second for the second consecutive year was

18-year-old Tishauna Cort who was decked out in a full Guyana flag costume and did a piece called “Answer

me”. The second time competitor had the crowd singing along with her as she highlighted some of the current issues facing the country.

Copping the third spot was Nyozi Alsop with “Daddy” which won the hearts of many. The best new comer award was given to 16-year-old Maurissa Grant for her song “Suffocation.”

Immediately after being crowned the Junior Calypso Monarch, Guyana Timecaught up with Prowell, who noted that he was fully ready for the competition. He said that he was fed-up with the garbage situation in Linden and thought it was a good idea to bring it to light.

“Growing up in Linden and see the town always full of garbage, I just thought

it was a good issue that I could have sung about and it paid off,” the champion said. The winner noted that the crowd’s reaction to his lyrics made him feel as though he had already won the competition before the judge’s decision was announced. Notably present at the event was Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Permanent Secretary within the Culture Ministry Alfred King. The top three winners along with the promising new comer all received cash prizes ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, while other competitors included former Jingle and Song competition runner-up Michael Small, Alicia Benjamain, Samantha Paul and Ryan Jagnarine.

Dr Faith Harding laid to rest

By: AnAstAciA clementson

In the presence of hundreds of Guyanese, political stalwart, Dr Faith Harding was laid to rest on Friday following a series of moving tributes at Christ Church.

Described as a “selfless individual,” the child Psychologist and longstanding member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) was remembered for her contributions in the areas of politics, education, health and women empowerment.

Former Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Robert Corbin, in expressing condolences, said the party is comforted by the fact that Harding’s life work was based on the people, noting that her services were not limited to one sphere of Guyana but all areas.

As he paid his last respect, Corbin recited one of Martin Carter’s many poems, “Death of a Comrade” as he emphasised on the words “too soon, too soon our banner draped for you.” Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” was also recited by Corbin as he painted a vivid picture of the great visionary.

The former PNC Leader encouraged Harding’s son, particularly, to take comfort in the fact that “she strolled the stage of life with confidence and courage, and despite many challenges, continued to rise.” Thus his quote from another Angelou’s poem, “Yet I Rise,” as Corbin does not believe that “Faith” has died.

Describing her as a “vivacious woman,” he said it would be remiss of him not to point out that she was a patriot, committed to her country and its betterment.

Internationally, he said she was renowned for her work with the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank,

tribute to the outstanding leader. He recalled that Dr Harding was a determined woman who ensured justice was served, noting too that she had once described herself as a “mere social worker.”

But he portrayed her as a “powerhouse of ideas and a force to be reckoned with.”

away by her words and the people that cheered her on.

He said education was very important to his mother and it was her way of empowering him, making him understand the importance of it and its advantages.

For his mother, Patrick said her country was her life,

noting that she was “always willing to work with the poor and downtrodden.”

Corbin said let it be known that the PNCR is deeply appreciative of the services offered by Dr Harding, a dedicated member, activist and someone who truly cared for the Guyanese people.

Chargé d’Affaires of the United States (US) Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt, quoted Matthews 35:35-40 from the Holy Bible as he paid his

He said it was Dr Harding, who would often ask the question, “What are we going to do about it?” when issues facing the country were being discussed.

Dr Harding’s son, Patrick Jon Wesley Harding, said that his main goal through life has been to make his mother proud, as she was his “superhero.” Patrick recalled that he was there when she was campaigning for the mayoral position, noting that he was blown

thus it was quite hard when she found it necessary to work overseas. However, she saw the advantages there in continuing her work of helping and empowering others. He spoke at length of her accomplishments in Liberia, Sudan and a number of oppressed countries.

Patrick said his mother never pontificated, she “walked the walk and talked the talk.”

He said it was his mother’s

Children’s costume competition off to exciting start in Region 10

The excitement in the annual Children’s Mashramani competition moved to Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Wednesday, with the staging of the dramatic poetry and calypso segments of the competition. The activities got off to an electrifying start as nursery, primary and secondary school students from across the region converged at the Linden Concert Hall and School (LICHAS).

The event saw partici-

pation from schools such as Pine Street Nursery, St Aidan’s Primary and Linden Foundation Secondary.

Schools from outlying areas across Region 10 including the Aroaima and Kwakwani Primary schools also formed part of the competition.

Amid loud cheering and chanting from a packed auditorium, the students engaged the audience with their skilful dramatic renditions in the spirit of this year’s Mashramani theme, “One

People, One Culture, One Celebration.”

Flamboyant costumes and ensembles complimented the stage as the students relayed their messages. While some of the performances provided the audience with a level of intense humour, the participants did not fail in delivering the message of unity among Guyana’s six races.

The five to seven years dramatic poetry category saw nursery schools such as Burnham Drive, Middle

goal to “put aside political differences and work for the people.” According to him, political leaders of the day should follow suit.

To parents, he advised “love your children and have faith in them as it can indeed move mountains”. He reminded that his mother was a firm believer in getting rid of corporal punishment as it teaches children nothing but violence. He urged parents to seek alternative methods of discipline.

Dr Harding was taken to the hospital on January 2 after falling ill. She was hospitalised until the time of her passing. A post mortem revealed that she died from a severe case of pneumonia.

Appointed as Minister of Public Service in 1989, Dr Harding led the restructuring of the Guyana Public Service and achieved significant success in decreasing inefficiencies, lowering redundancies and elevating overall effec-

tiveness of all Government programmes. Additionally, she also spearheaded the nationalisation of kindergarten education that institutionalised cost-free education for all children over the age of three. With a keen focus on the key issues that continue to challenge Guyana today, Harding emerged as a strong, viable and competent candidate for the PNCR Presidential Candidacy in the 2011 elections. Her platform for change included initiatives that would have brought affordable electricity and energy to every household; significantly reduce crimes against women and the incidence of domestic violence, sexual abuse and gender-based abuse; introduce much-needed drug intervention and drug rehabilitation programmes; develop training centres to enhance skills and competencies for teenagers and young adults; among others.

GPL mum on tariff reduction

DStreet and Amelia’s Ward competing, however, it was the Pine Street Nursery which copped the first place position. Competitor Cenique Gifth thrilled the audience and judges with her performance entitled “This is we”, capturing the winning spot. The Amelia’s Ward and One Mile nursery schools tied in the second place position.

Meanwhile, the calypso segment saw Pine Street Nursery copping the first position once more with a performance by Gordon Thompson entitled “This is Guyana”. Coming in at second place was West Watooka Nursery, which delivered a performance by Anaiah Samuel entitled “De crime rate”.

Other categories included the eight-10, 11-13 and 1417. The activities are scheduled to continue on February 3 with the Junior Costume competition, followed by the senior leg on February 4, which will be held at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden. The nursery and primary costume parade will close off the Region 10 Department of Education Mashramani activities on February 20.

ays after it was announced that the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) would be slashing its tariffs as a result of the tumbling oil price, officials of the entity remain tight-lipped as to when the reduction would be implemented.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon earlier this week made the announcement of the reduction, noting that the company has agreed to lower its rates. Efforts by Guyana Times to contact Chairman of the Company Winston Brassington via email and telephone were unsuccessful. Further, when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the power company, Bharat Dindyal was contacted, he indicated that he was unavailable to speak with this publication.

On Wednesday, during his the post Cabinet press briefing, Dr Luncheon revealed that following discussions with President Donald Ramotar, the power company had agreed to lower its rates. However, he could not say what the amount of reduction would be and neither could he say how soon this would take ef-

fect, since the power company did not yet disclose this bit of information.

President Donald Ramotar had first indicated that he had proposed a drop in electricity rates to the company prior to the announcement of a decrease in gas prices locally by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. Minister Singh announced a drop in gas prices by 30 per cent last week. This resulted in gasoline being sold at cost of $695 per gallon at Guyoil pump stations from a high of $995. Further, diesel is being retailed at $694 per gallon, from a high of $985 per gallon.

On Wednesday, Dr Luncheon further disclosed that the cost of cooking gas has also been reduced by 13 per cent. This 13 per cent decrease would see consumers paying approximately $3500 per 20 pound cylinder of gas as opposed to $4000. Citizens across Guyana have repeatedly complained about the high cost of electricity. With decreased electricity tariffs, Guyanese will likely to pay less than many Caribbean countries, especially those whose generation of power is based on petroleum products.

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You need to interact with relatives who will be able to shed some light on your past. Trips will be rewarding, but expensive. Try to get along with those you live with.

It won’t do any good to become angry over money matters. You have to set a budget and make sure that everyone in the family sticks to it.

You will be emotional about a family problem. Deal with the situation as quickly as possible and get back to doing the things you enjoy most.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

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)

Get involved in groups that offer intellectual stimulation. You can meet potential new mates. However, make sure they aren’t already involved with someone else.

If you unite with colleagues, you’ll be surprised how well strength in numbers works. You can also make suggestions that will improve working conditions and efficiency.

You’re in love with life. You should get out as much as possible. Lectures will bring you information as well as open up doors to interesting new connections.

Children will be frustrating. Don’t give in to their financial demands. It is best not to take risks. Be sure to get enough rest. Fatigue will lead to minor health problems.

Courses you sign up for will turn into a form of entertainment. You are likely to meet someone special through friends. Don’t take on too much. Focus on your goals.

You can accomplish a great deal if you focus on your job. Avoid becoming sidetracked by people eager to spread rumors about colleagues. You will have to be careful that someone you work with doesn’t misinterpret your actions. Your intentions may be honorable, but your approach may be questionable. Don’t be too eager to let anyone know your secrets.

You can please your partner by just being present. You will enjoy challenging and competitive games. Your strong need to be first will lead you to the winner’s circle.

You will have to be aggressive if you wish to stay on top of a personal relationship. Don’t let anyone push you around or take you for granted. You should set the rules and make sure your partner sticks to them.

Bravo retires from Tests

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from Test cricket, after four years in the wilderness and just weeks after being sacked from the oneday squad.

The 31-year-old has played 40 Tests but had not suited up for West Indies since December 2010, when West Indies toured Sri Lanka.

He was recently axed as one-day captain and dropped from the team for the tour of South Africa and the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next month.

and enjoyed great cricketing days but we will not return to glory until we agree to go forward with our love for the game and the respect of the administrators, players and the public.”

Bravo made his international debut back in 2004 in an ODI against England and developed into the region’s leading all-rounder at one stage.

“Over the years, with the greatest enthusiasm, I have done my best with the deep awareness that I am ultimately representing the people of the game,” Bravo said.

“I recognise that this is a difficult time for all of us. Our people of the region have seen

In a statement late Friday, Bravo said he had already informed the West Indies Cricket Board of his decision to retire from Tests but said he had made clear his desire to continue playing One-Day Internationals and Twenty20s.

He came to be known for his effervescent medium pace and a brilliant outfielder, with a safe pair of hands, and effecting batting down the order.

Overall in Tests, he compiled 2200 runs at an average of 31 with three centuries – with a best of 113 against Australia in 2005.

He bagged 86 wickets at an average of nearly 40.

The Trinidadian was

Xtra Energy futsal tournament set for tonight

The Xtra Energy King of the Street tournament will bring some exciting action to community of Tucville, Georgetown, when action starts from 19:00h at the Sparta Boss tarmac, Tucville.

Eight of Guyana’s top futsal teams will battle in the one night tourna -

ment as they look to claim $150,000 in cash and prizes. The tournament which will be a one game knockout event will see the likes of Sparta Boss, Tiger Bay, Back Circle, Leopold Street, West Front Road, North Ruimveldt, Festival City and Broad Street contesting for the inaugural championship.

Organisers of the tournament RDE Vibes, say they expect the tournament to be one of Guyana’s best as they aim to improve the level of futsal in Guyana.

The organisers also aim to bring similar types of programmes during the rest of the year.

Southland International along with 704 Sports Bar launched the second edition of their Arm Wrestling Championship on Friday at the 704 Sports Bar in Alberttown, Georgetown. With the top prize of $100,000 up for grabs in two categories, Project

Manager of 704 Dustanni Barrow noted that it was a pleasure to once again produce the competition.

“We did not envision how successful it would have been in the first year, the public has been asking for it so we decided to do it again,” Barrow highlighted.

Chief Executive Officer of Southland International

Irzad Zamal who is the chief sponsor of the tournament outlined why the company is lining up to support the event.

“Last year’s success has encouraged us to come onboard again with such a unique tournament and

The joyous memories will remind me of what we are capable of achieving. I want to be part of that mission,” Bravo said in the statement.

appointed captain of the ODI team in 2013, replacing Darren Sammy. He then played a key role as players’ spokesman on the controversial abandoned tour of India last October, where he frequently clashed with the West Indies Cricket Board and players union, WIPA.

He was subsequently dropped for the one-day tour of South Africa and the World Cup, prompting claims of victimisation from several quarters.

Bravo said he had tasted both success and “the devastating pain of defeat” during his career but had also accumulated “joyous memories”.

“I have experienced the exhilarating joy of victory and the devastating pain of defeat.

Arm wrestling to hit Guyana again

we believe that it will be bigger and better,” Zamal stated.

Meanwhile, Barrow who noted that the tournament is slated for a March 28 start, outlined that the 704 Sports Bar will be hoping to grow the sport.

“Handing out tables to organisations such as the GDF [Guyana Defence Force] and the Police Force will help us grow the sport and not just that but ensuring the we have referees for these events is crucial as well,” Barrow noted.

The event is expected to have all of its previous champions with 704 aiming to provide insurance for all players in case of any mishaps.

The top prize will be $100,000 in each category which includes the under200lbs and over 250lbs.

The tournament final is expected to happen on April 4.

“I thank the cricketing fraternity for their support and

look forward to serving you with determination and the pride of being a West Indian.” Bravo recently signed a year-long retainer contract with the WICB. (CMC)

Letter to the Sport Editor Speedy recovery for Calvin Roberts

Dear Editor, The Patron, President, Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) would like to wish Chronicle Sports Editor Calvin Roberts a speedy recovery from his current medical sickness which has resulted in him being hospitalized.

Despite our recent disagreement on a recent article in the Guyana Chronicle newspaper, the RHTY&SC would always be grateful to Calvin for his sterling contribution to our

Club in the Public Relations Department.

We wish to reassure Calvin, his family and his friends that we would always have him in our prayers and we will also like to plead with all sports loving Guyanese to join us in prayers for his well being.

On my personal behalf and my family, I would also like to wish him God’s richest blessings.

Hilbert Foster Secretary/Chief Executive Officer RHTYSC

Woods shoots worst round of career in return

Tiger Woods recorded the worst round of his professional career with an 11-overpar 82 in the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The 39-year-old former world number one was playing in his first PGA Tour event of the season.

After also struggling on day one in Arizona, carding a 73, he was left in 132nd place in a field of 132 and certain to miss the cut.

“I’ve got to keep this in perspective. Sometimes that’s hard to do,” he said.

The 14-time major champion made six bogeys, two double bogeys, a triple bo-

gey and two birdies in his round at TPC Scottsdale. It was his worst performance as a professional golfer since he shot an 81 at Muirfield in the 2002 Opena round that was completed in a storm that made good scoring impossible.

Woods missed much of last season - including the Ryder Cup - after undergoing back surgery in March. He said that had not played a part in his poor round, adding: “We all have days like this. Unfortunately mine was in a public forum and a public setting but we all have days like this and we take the good with the bad.” (BBC Sport)

West Dem Guinness enters quarter-final round – exciting action for Vergenoegen Rice

Mill Tarmac this evening

Patrons who flocked the first three nights of competition are in for a sizzling time this evening when the inaugural West Demerara leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football enters the quarter-final stage.

It’s now a matter of win or go home as the teams look to stay alive in the first night of knockout games at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac, starting at 20:00h. Uitvlugt, De Kinderen United, West Side Ballers, Showstoppers, Patentia Street Ballers, Den Amstel FC, Raiders and Brothers United have all managed to get past the group stages, but they will be fully cognisant that they will have to up their game to advance to the next round.

In the opening game, DeKinderen United will play West Side Ballers, while Showstoppers will oppose Brothers United in the second quarter-final match.

Patentia Street Ballers will battle Uitvlugt and Den Amstel will face off with Raiders in the final game knockout game.

On Thursday last, Uitvlugt booked their quarter-final berth with a with a 1-0 win over rivals Den Amstel at the Vergenoegen venue, thanks to a 12th minute strike from Colin

Benjamin.

Den Amstel, through Delon Lanferman, missed on out equalising, as his shot, which went on target, was swiftly taken off the goal line by an Uitvlugt defender.

Raiders entered the knockout round following a 3-0 success over Demerara Speedboat Service. On target were Kevin Marshall (6th minute), Alonzo Bowman (18th minute) and Ronsdale Knight (25th minute).

Dwayne St Kitts scored

in the 18th minute to give West Side Street Ballers a much needed 1-0 victory of Jetty, while Brothers United humiliated the home side Vergenoegen All Stars 3-0 with a double from Adami Hoyte and a single strike from Gadi Hoyte.

Patentia Street Ballers remained unbeaten heading into tonight’s quarter-finals. After a goalless regulation time score line, they went into penalty kicks against Majee, winning 3-2.

The competition, which will conclude on February 7,

will see the champion team becoming $300,000 richer. The losing finalist will pocket $150,000, while the third place will collect $100,000 and fourth $75,000.

There will also be Fair Play cash award of $50,000. The top two teams will gain automatic entry into the national playoff to vie for a chance to be Guyana’s representative at the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge in June in Trinidad and Tobago. (Avenash Ramzan)

Riverton Suites on board with UCCA U-19 cricket tournament

Hotel Riverton Suites, located along the Corriverton Public Road, Corentune, Berbice, has come on board for a second time to sponsor the Upper Corentyne Under-19 fifty overs cricket competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne area.

Proprietor of the hotel,

Dr Pooran Seepersaud at a simple handing over ceremony at the hotel recently mentioned that he is pleased with the work of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) and as such, was committed to continue sponsoring the competition.

UCCA President Dennis De Andrade thanked Dr

Seepersaud and his family for investing in youths and for their commitment to cricket development in the Upper Corentyne area.

Skeldon Community Centre, Crabwood Creek, Number 72 Cut and Load, Yakusari Cricket Club and Number 48 Cricket Club are the teams to participate in the competition.

Australian Open… Djokovic semifinal win sets up final with Murray

Top seed Novak

Djokovic beat defending champion

Stan Wawrinka in another dramatic five-set contest to reach the Australian Open final.

The Serb won 7-6 (71) 3-6 6-4 4-6 6-0 - the third year running they have played five sets at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic, chasing a fifth Australian Open title, will play Britain’s Andy Murray in the final on Sunday.

He beat the Scot - who is in his fourth final at Melbourne Park - to claim the 2011 and 2013 titles.

Murray will have taken some encouragement

Wawrinka the advantage in the second.

The third went the way of Djokovic when Wawrinka felt the pressure serving at 4-5, netting a forehand on set point.

Despite celebrating the break, Djokovic did not realise he had won the set until he was told by the umpire, grinning and shaking his head on his way back to the chair.

An early lead in the fourth suggested the Serb was making a decisive move but he let it slip, and then failed to break from 0-40 after Wawrinka won five straight points, including one sublime drop volley.

from the length and quality of the second semi-final, however.

The third instalment of Djokovic-Wawrinka did not hit the heights of the previous two, with a combined 118 unforced errors and 12 breaks of serve.

After bursts of winners and errors from the Swiss, it was the steadier play from Djokovic in the final stages that clinched it.

The seven-times Grand Slam champion twice moved a set in front but neither man could string together their best form for long enough to take command.

After coming back from a break down to take the first in a tie-break, Djokovic double-faulted on break point to allow

Djokovic then produced a woeful game of four errors to drop serve at 4-3, failing to hit a single winner as the set slipped away.

Wawrinka had found his range on the backhand for the moment and hit a beautiful winner down the line to earn break point at the start of the fifth.

The opportunity opened up when he went for the same shot moments later, but the Swiss failed to find the line and his chance was gone.

Djokovic, who had been berating himself throughout the match, broke for 2-0 and found enough consistency to see off the now dispirited Wawrinka with six straight games. (BBC Sport)

Clarke to return to action after injury

Australia captain Michael Clarke will play in a club match this weekend as he continues his rehabilitation from injury ahead of the World Cup.

Clarke has not played since tearing his right hamstring last month in the first Test against India.

The competition will commence on February 7, with the first round matches as follows: Skeldon Community Centre v Number 72 Cut and Load at Skeldon, while Number 48 Cricket Club will host Yakusari Cricket Club. Crabwood Creek drew first round bye.

He was selected in Australia’s 15-man squad, with the proviso he will be fit for his country’s second group match against Bangladesh on 21 February.

Clarke, 33, will play as a batsman only for Western Suburbs against Gordon.

Should he come

through the grade match unscathed he will play in a Cricket Australia XI fixture against Bangladesh on 5 February.

Clarke is almost certain to miss Australia’s World Cup opener against England on 14 February.

“I regard this as a positive step on my road to a return to full fitness,” said Clarke, who has played 238 one-day internationals and scored 7,762 runs at an average of 44.86.

“At the same time I know I have to respect the fact I am on a daily programme and there is no point in us getting too far ahead of ourselves.” (BBC Sport)

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amaica’s left-arm spinner, Nikita Miller, has expressed delight at his inclusion in the West Indies squad for next month’s ICC World Cup, and has vowed to put his best foot forward for cricket’s showpiece event.

Miller, consistently one of the best performers in regional cricket in recent years, was named yesterday to replace Trinidadian off-spinner Sunil Narine, who withdrew from the 15-man squad earlier this week.

Narine, who led Trinidad and Tobago to the WICB NAGICO Insurance Super50 title last weekend, withdrew after saying he needed more time for work on his remedial bowling action.

Unfortunate

“I’m really happy for the call-up,” said Miller, who left the country yesterday for New Zealand and Australia, where the World Cup will be held. “It’s un-

fortunate that Narine, world-class bowler, had to pull out.

“But I have been called on to do a job, and hopefully, I can go there and do the job for the region.”

Miller, who has played 45 one-day internationals for the West Indies, and has taken 40 wickets at 36.52 apiece, and an economy rate of 4.59, last represented the West Indies in March last year during England’s three-match oneday tour of the Caribbean.

The 32-year-old, who was a part of the West Indies unit during their quarter-final showing at the 2011 World Cup in India, joins fellow left-arm spinner, Sulieman Benn, as the specialist slow bowlers in the West Indies’ squad.

“It (selection) came as a surprise, but I am always ready, and, quickly can switch on get myself sorted for a challenge,” commented Miller.

Miller, currently sixth in the WICB Four-day

Professional League standings with 17 wickets at 14.05 apiece, was ninth in the overall Super50 bowling standings with six wickets at 15.50.

The Super50 standing was topped by Narine, who took 12 wickets at 7.25, with left-arm spinner, Guyana’s Veerasammy Permaul, who currently leads the four-day standings with 32 wickets at 10.09, finishing second on 11 scalps at 13.36.

West Indies will open their World Cup campaign on February 16 against Ireland, two days after the tournament bowls off.

The West Indies World Cup squad: Jason Holder (captain), Marlon Samuels (vice-captain), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor. (Windies Cricket)

chelsea’s costa banned for 3 games

CPremier League clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge as well as games against Aston Villa and Everton.

The Football Association charge, which

Costa denied, related to an incident in the 12th minute of Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg in London.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho said the incident was “absolutely accidental”.

Costa, a £32m signing from Atletico Madrid, has scored 17 goals in 19 Premier League games this season.

The incident, which occurred in front of the dugouts but was missed by the match officials, was subsequently reviewed on video by referee Michael Oliver.

Chelsea cannot appeal the decision reached by the independent commission hearing (BBC Sport)

GNRA Executive Committee returned unopposed

GSSF opens season with successful Woodpecker Products shoot

The Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) held its Annual General Meeting last Thursday at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The Chairman of the proceedings, Mahendra Persaud, who deputised on behalf of the President, Brigadier Mark Phillips, who was unavoidably absent, welcomed the members and stated that the meeting was advertised and met the constitutional requirement of 21 days notice.

The meeting was well attended by its members and was very lively with questions being asked by members with acceptable answers provided by the head table. The activities for the last year were reported on by both the Fullbore Captain Persaud and Smallbore Captain Dale Hing, along with the Treasurer’s Report, which was present by Ray Beharry.

The management perspective of the GNRA’s activities was reported on by Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson, who gave a holistic view of the workings of the Association over the last year. He reported that for the very first time an international shooting coach, Ian Shaw of Scotland, graced the shores of Guyana.

The ripple effect of this training saw the National Rifle Team retaining the West Indies Long Range Trophy, recapturing the West Indies Short Range Trophy, having

six of its members being in the top 15 at the West Indies Championship and also being selected to represent Guyana at the Palma World Long Range Championship being held at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA, later this year.

Guyana’s pair of Persaud and Lennox Braithwaite was the most outstanding in the Guyanese contingent and the best of the West Indies shooters at the Commonwealth Games. Braithwaite was outstanding at the Imperial Meet at Bisley, England, being at the Queens Final and Persaud was also shining at the Canadian National Championship in the Governor General’s Final.

The small bore shooters have started preparation on a new outdoor range at the Timehri Ranges, which should be completed in 2015 and will enable the association to host IPSC international championships.

The Secretary also took the opportunity to thanks its patrons: President Donald Ramotar, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, among the many other donors without whose support the performance of the shooters would not have been realised and Guyana would not have received the glory it so richly deserves.

During the elections, the entire Executive Committee was returned unopposed, with the exception of one seat, which was left vacant following the resignation of a committee member mid-year. This seat was won by Sherwin Filicien, who is the new committee member.

The GNRA looks forward to Brigadier Mark Philips leading the Association for another productive year as it continues to put plans in place for the celebration of the Association’s 150th anniversary in 2017.

The 2015 Executive body is as follows: President, Brigadier Mark Phillips; Vice President Richard Fields; Vice President ACP (Ret’d) Paul Slowe; Ex-Officio Vice President – to be appointed; Ex-Officio Vice President, Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Lee; Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson; Treasurer Ray Beharry; Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Hemant Narine; Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud; Fullbore Vice Ccaptain Dylan Fields; Smallbore Captain Dale Hing; and Smallbore Vice Captain Gordon Richards.

Committee members are Lennox Braithwaite, Dr Johan Da Silva and Sherwin Filicien; and Auditors are Leo Romalho and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Terrence Stuart. The Public Relations Officer is to be appointed.

Windies arrive in australia to begin Wc preparation

Aweary but upbeat West Indies side arrived here Friday to begin preparation for the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

They arrived to a warm reception from fans and well-wishers, following a 12-hour flight from South Africa, and are expected to get right down to preparation ahead of the February 14th start of the tournament.

The team will spend eight days in the glitzy east coast city prior to the start of the World Cup, and will focus on specific skills of death bowling, power

play bowling and batting, and fielding.

They will utilise local club facilities.

Off the field, West Indies are expected to meet with a few members of West Indian community in the Sydney area.

The Caribbean side enters the World Cup on the heels of a solid 4-1 drubbing in the five-match oneday series against South Africa which finished earlier this week.

In Wednesday’s final game, they went down by 131 runs, a result that summed up the tone of the

entire series.

They face old rivals England in their first warm-up game at the Sydney Cricket Ground on February 9th before taking on Scotland at the same venue two days later.

West Indies will then fly to New Zealand for their first game of the World Cup, taking on Ireland at Saxton Oval in Nelson.

They have been installed in Group B of the competition alongside the likes of Pakistan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India and United Arab Emirates. (Windies Cricket)

Speed, power and accuracy – three elements of the practical shooting that were well balanced last weekend at the Guyana Defence Force’s Timehri Ranges when the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) safely hosted the first competition for 2015 –a Practical Pistol Match –sponsored by Woodpecker Products.

The company generously donated to the GSSF several high quality trophies for the competition, which was open to all experienced practical pistol competitors in Guyana.

Following the latest edition of Practical Shooting Handgun Rules, the shooters enjoyed an afternoon in the blazing sunshine while safely engaging targets in three dynamic stages in the Standard Division.

These stages required

with the highest accumulated points from all stages in a match wins overall.

Above all, the safety element for this match was monitored by internationally certified Range Officers, Michael Blake (Range Master), David Dharry and Ryan McKinnon, who kindly volunteered to officiate the match.

The first stage, called “Adjacent”, required the shooters to engage four paper targets and one falling plate, while avoiding two No-Shoot (NS) targets that were adjacent to the scoring targets. Any hits on NS targets would attract a penalty of –10 points per hit, this saw the shooters slowing down their shooting cadence to avoid picking up any penalties.

The second stage “Funnel” consisted of six paper targets with two NS

Some shooters were observed to be very creative while moving to various shooting locations in the stage prior to engaging final targets and the lone plate situated behind hardcover screens.

McKinnon emerges champion Scoring was tallied by the official scoring software for the sport and done by Stats Officer, Dr Pravesh Harry.

McKinnon displayed his versatility, winning the overall first position with 210.00 points, followed by David Dharry (137.56) and Ray Beharry (124.84). McKinnon won all three stages, accumulating 45 points in Adjacent, 60 in Funnel and 105 in Push On.

Vidushi Persaud (14.04) and Beharry (14.03) were second and third in Adjacent, while

the competitors to shoot as accurately as possible at multiple targets that were set up in various scenarios, while moving, and striving to do so in a shorter time than the other competitors. Points were deducted for any misses and any hits on specific penalty targets.

The sport is built around safety and simultaneously measures the ability of the competitor to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full power (9mm/higher calibre) handgun in a fun, fair, and competitive environment.

Scoring sees the competitor total points obtained divided by the recorded time taken to engage all targets of the stage this equates to a Hit Factor (HF). The highest HF wins full stage points and the percentage difference in HFs is calculated and points are awarded to the other competitors against this. The shooter

targets saw some of these being hidden by walls. The start position required the shooter to place their hands on either wall starting in the middle of the stage.

The shooters mobility to move backwards safely was tested as they had to be cognisant of ‘the 180 rule’, then sprinting through a funnel shaped corridor downrange to engage the remaining targets positioned behind hardcover screens.

The third and final stage named “Push On” was adjudged the most challenging but fun stage. This stage saw shooters engaging 10 paper targets surrounded by several NS targets, shooting while on the move, giving consideration to ideal shooting positions, even where to reload because of the rounds required was a factor all while dealing with the pressure of the clock.

Dharry (59.19) and Beharry (47.52) rounded off the top three in Funnel and Dharry (78.37) and Persaud (65.68) were second and third respectively in Push On.

At the presentation ceremony, President of the GSSF, Vidushi Persaud, expressed thanks to Woodpecker Products and Luana Fernandes for her unhesitating support and encouragement towards the GSSF, which is dedicated towards encouraging and promoting sport shooting among all Guyanese. McKinnon, who was also serving as the Match Director, commended the Stats Officer, Range Officers and shooters for ensuring the efficiency with which the match was run. He specifically noted the high safety factor valued by the GSSF and additionally thanked Woodpecker Products for the beautiful trophies.

GSCL Republic Cup shifted to February 7-8

Due to inclement weather, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) Republic Cup has been shifted to next weekend, according to GSCL Treasurer Russell Jadbeer. The tournament was scheduled to bowl off today with matches at the Demerara and Everest Cricket Club grounds respectively but heavy rainfall over the past days has left the venues unplayable, leaving organisers with no alternative but to reschedule the tournament.

ment will be played in the Over-40 and Open categories.

the Over-40 division for a top prize of $200,000 and a trophy.

Jadbeer further indicated that the fixture for the tournament remains unchanged. The tourna -

The drawing took place Wednesday last at GNIC Sports Club.

Six teams divided into two zones will battle in

The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals with the runner up taking home a trophy and $100,000.

Four teams will play each other in the Open segment with the top two teams going through to the final. The winner will pocket a trophy and $150,000 and the runner a trophy and $60,000.

Confident Golden Jaguars

Committee member Stuart May

We’re very hopeful they’d have a victory and this will start putting together momentum ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in June and the other games we have coming up.”

May, who is part of the five-man Committee appointed by the world governing body, said Sunday’s game is not just a 90 minutes showdown between

two countries, but the beginning of a process of revival for Guyana’s football, as several crucial engagements, including the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, are in the pipeline.

“This is part of a structured process. Now that Claude Bolton has come on as Technical Director and we have more of those pieces in place, we can only go

forward in a good way. The Normalisation Committee is just there to organise and pull the pieces together. We’re not there to actually develop the structure, we’re there to listen to the people who are involved and I think that’s where we’re really having a quick development phase because all the people are coming with advice,” May explained.

Johnson, Deonarine to join

Volcanoes (26), Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (24), and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (10) follow in that order.

Windward Islands Volcanoes’ openers Devon Smith (334), Johnson Charles (262) and Guyanese Narsingh Deonarine (306) are the only batsman to reach 250 runs.

Deonarine, with two centuries, along with Vishaul Singh, is among the seven batsmen to score centuries with Smith, Kraigg Braithwaite, Royston Chase, Orlando Peters and Johnson Charles, who scored the highest (151), being the others.

Veerasammy Permaul (33), Imran Khan (21), Devendra Bishoo (21), Alston Bobb (20), Daimon Jacobs (18) and Nikita Miller (17) are the only bowlers to reach 15 wickets.

There have been 19 fivewicket hauls so far with Permaul and Bobb taking two each.

The squad went through a rigorous one week encampment under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz and Assistant Coach Wayne “Wiggy” Dover at the National Stadium and the Guyana Defence Force ground, and according to the Head Coach, the players displayed admirable work ethics and a positive attitude.

The outspoken Coach is positive that Sunday’s match will give a clear indication of the state of Guyana’s football on the field of play.

“Because of the heights we want to take Guyana football, we need to keep it real as to where we are right now. The Barbados game will not lie, it will tell

the truth in the results and the scoreline. The Guyana public is tired of deception and spinners of the truth. Before we can go anywhere, we first got to know where we are. This game on Sunday will tell us that.”

Captain of the team Christopher Nurse said he was enthused by the gains derived from the one week training camp, noting that all the players showed a great degree of optimism and dedication to the task at hand.

“It’s been a tough week, but a necessary week, given the lack of domestic football in Guyana over the past year. All the players gave their all this week and they really tried hard. You know there are a few players on the borderline that

could have possibly been in the squad to go to Barbados, but I think we’re going with a very strong squad and we have a good chance of success on Sunday,” he said. The 18-man squad reads: Goalkeepers Akel Clarke and Derrick Carter; Defenders Solomon Austin, Jamaal Smith, Colin Nelson, Kris Camacho, Joshua Brown and Dwain Jacobs; Midfielders Christopher Nurse, Eusi Phillips, Clive Nobrega, Calvin Sheperd, Vurlon Mills, Daniel Wilson and Trayon Bobb; and Forwards Sheldon Holder, Pernell Schultz and Emery Welshman.

Kick off time is 19:00h at the Barbados National Stadium.

Confident Golden Jaguars off to Barbados

BY AVeNASH RAmzAN

Confident that they have all the pieces together, the Golden Jaguars unit departed the shores of Guyana on Friday afternoon to honour their international friendly date with hosts Barbados on Sunday. The squad and Technical Team flew from Guyana via a LIAT flight from the Ogle International Airport.

After a stringent one week encampment period, the Golden Jaguars have finalised a squad of 18 players, three of whom will join the unit in Barbados from Trinidad and Tobago, for the match against the Bajans.

The game will signal the start of the Barbados Football Association’s 2015 season, and will also serve as the Golden Jaguars return to competitive football after off-field ramblings had rendered the team inactive.

The Normalisation Committee, which was installed by FIFA to run the affairs of the Guyana Football Federation last year, was instrumental in getting the team up and running, and is arguably among the

Committee’s most significant achievements since its tenure began.

Member of the Committee, Stuart May, spoke glowingly of the

squad’s commitment to the job at hand, noting that the unity among the players has been the hallmark.

“We’re not just putting a national team out, we’re

putting out a committed national team that has come together well and trained. We’ve been going to training sessions, and I tell you we have some key players in

the team,” he boasted. May added, “But if anyone in Barbados asks us who is the most dangerous person in the team, I’d say it’s not the individual,

but the teamwork that they guys have put together. So we’re really hoping that that comes through when we have the game in Barbados.

Johnson, Deonarine to join Jaguars for Jamaica clash

– Fudadin not considered for selection, says Griffith

Rayon Griffith

BY RAJIV BISNAUTH

West Indies batsmen Leon Johnson and Narsingh Deonarine are expected to return from South Africa on Monday and will be a part of a 13-man Guyana Jaguars squad to face Jamaica when the West Indies Cricket

Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional Four-Day tournament resumes on February 6.

The confirmation came from Chairman of selectors, Rayon Griffith on Friday. Both batsmen were part of the West Indies tour to South Africa. Meanwhile, Griffith pointed out that the injured Assad Fudadin will not be considered for the game against Jamaica. Fudadin was recalled to the West Indies Test side for the South Africa series but did not play a match after breaking his finger during a fielding drill ahead of the opening Test at Centurion.

He underwent surgery later in South Africa before returning home. The 29-year-old was called up to the squad as a replacement for Darren Bravo, who pulled out due to personal reasons.

“We are still awaiting some additional medical assurance from Fudadin’s doctor in order to consider him for selection. At the moment he will not be considered for the fifth round,” Griffith informed.

On the other hand, Fudadin admits that his injury is now behind him and is physically fit to resume competitive cricket.

“I am fit. When I first got the injury to now I’ve seen drastic improvement because I could not have lifted the finger before but now the flexibility is better”, Fudadin, who has played three Tests and 75 Firstclass matches said.

Further, Griffith informed that the final 13man squad should be known this weekend. The squad and management unit will depart for Jamaica on Wednesday.