Guyana Times Daily - July 3, 2015

friday, july 3, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ali to Harmon: Name individual offenders, vehicle numbers

– fires back at Govt’s “deceit, misinformation”

Former acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali is urging State Minister Joseph Harmon to name the individuals and their vehicle numbers who are guilty of misusing the facilities and fuel offered by the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) on a credit basis before, during and after the 2011 General and Regional Elections.

cess, their friends and family who also benefited.

“I have noticed in a press statement by Mr Joseph Harmon in which he said the Ministry of Tourism is one of the Ministries in which fuel investigation is carried out. I know in the statement he made reference to the Ministry but in the usual political spin, the Minister’s name is mentioned as head of the Ministry”, the former Minister noted.

He made it clear that he has not or did not use any vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce more than five times during his entire tenure.

Ali maintained that no additional official vehicle was assigned to him as acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

Former Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

sibility for this sector, almost all the fuel used in the execution of my duties was covered by the Ministry of Housing. No private vehicle was ever used by me as Minister with responsibility for the sector. I did not re-

ceive any additional emoluments as a result of holding responsibility for this additional Ministry”, Ali said sternly.

Caribbean Private Sector body denounces Venezuela’s maritime decree

The Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) said it was most perturbed over the spurious claims by Venezuela to Guyana’s territory, especially its territorial waters.

Ali, speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, said that the State Minister must come to the fore with the facts and truth about the incident in a specific way. According to Ali, Harmon must boldly state who at the Tourism Ministry and other Government agencies were guilty of fraudulently accessing fuel and other services offered to the Government of Guyana, naming the pro-

“Although I had full respon-

He continued by urging the Minister of State to release the names and vehicle numbers he is alluding to in his statement, holding on to the view that during his tenure, the Ministry achieved lots of savings in many areas; some of which are highlighted in the Auditor General Report.

“I have a proud record as Minister of Tourism. I took on this additional responsibility without any additional personal benefit, financial and otherwise. I urge the media to enquire from the Permanent Secretaries from both Ministries I had responsibility for the statement of facts I have made in this release,” Ali concluded. Guyoil fuel probe…

In condemning the move, the organisation said that it was seen as an act of economic aggression against a small Caricom country which was reaching for the economic development of its people with the recent discovery of oil in its waters.

“In the opinion of the CAIC, this move by Venezuela is designed to stymie the growth of Guyana’s economy and drive away foreign investors from the country. The CAIC strongly rejects Venezuela’s claim and urges the Caricom Heads of Government to stand fully united with Guyana in their refutation of Venezuela’s claims.

The CAIC believes that such aggression against a Caricom country is an attack on the territorial integrity of all of our states which must be resisted by the entire Caribbean,” a release from the body read.

To this end, the CAIC said it unequivocally supported Guyana in its quest to resolve this unfair treatment which is tantamount to a neighbour claiming all the land in front of one’s house.

“The Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) has pledged to support Guyana in the ongoing maritime border dispute with Venezuela. CAIC reaffirm its unequivocal support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it said.

This statement comes against the backdrop of President David Granger’s attendance at the 36th Caricom Heads of Government meeting in Barbados in an effort to garner support from the countries under the Treaty for Guyana against the claim made by Venezuela.

On May 20, ExxonMobil announced that it had discovered recoverable hydrocarbon resources in its Liza-1 well at the Stabroek Block, with a commercial value in excess of US$1 billion. This represents the first major energy discovery in Guyana’s history.

Venezuelan leaders have accused Guyana of illegally conceding licences for Exxon to explore hydrocarbon resources – in the Stabroek Block offshore the Essequibo Coast – which they allege lie beneath Venezuela’s territorial waters. Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has demanded that Exxon halt its operations in the area.

Guyana has since denied such accusations, claiming that Caracas has far exceeded its carto-

graphic projection of sovereign sea territories, out of the Essequibo basin delta, which divides both nations. The Essequibo basin and delta region amounts to over 150.000 square kilometres of territory – nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s land area – claimed by Venezuela.

If we look at the history, the origin of the discord lies in a dispute, dating back to the 16th century when the Essequibo area belonged to Spain. The area was soon afterward controlled by the Dutch West India Company, then by France in the late 17th Century, and eventually was controlled by the British Empire in the 19th century as British Guyana.

More recently, on May 26, President Nicolás Maduro signed a presidential decree re-defining Venezuela’s maritime borders and activating the so-called “Atlantic ZODIMAIN” (for Insular and Maritime Defence Zones). This new delimitation of territorial waters claims the entire Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo Coast.

Venezuelan economy According to the CAIC, it cannot be ignored that the sudden escalation comes at the right time for Venezuela, which is experiencing an acute economic crisis and critically low Government approval rates.

“President Maduro is on the brink of a major social disaster due to public distress; also midterm elections are just a couple of months ahead. One can claim that it would not be absurd to conceive this resurfacing dispute as an international affairs stunt, in other words, an attempt to divert public attention away from inflation and food shortages. Planting the idea of an armed conflict could be a political stratagem to revive old patriotic emotions while diverting attention away from domestic problems,” the industry and commerce organisation said.

The body is of the view that if mediation on the dispute is to take place, at this stage, the matter should be treated at the designated international table of the United Nations. “Guyana will maintain its claims based on the 1899 Paris award, whilst Venezuela will charge against it, looking for the UN to declare its nullity and prevent foreign oil companies from drilling the basins.”

Furthermore, CAIC believes that Guyana should seek support from the Commonwealth member governments, individually and collectively and from Caricom Heads of Governments who, united and through the UN, should commit to peacefully find a resolution of the disputes.

friday, july 3, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, July 4 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, July 5 – 05:30h-07:00h

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

Friday, July 4 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, July 5 – 05:45h-07:15h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:11h and 17:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.79 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:13h and 23:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metre and 0.55 metre respectively.

Digicel Guyana’s 2014 revenues pegged at $16B

igicel Guyana posted over $16 billion (US$83.2 million) in profits last year, figures disclosed by the company’s parent company have revealed.

Digicel Guyana has been pushing for the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector here, which it said has limited its investments and holding back major expansions plans. Only last week, Digicel Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kevin Kelly said the company was confident that liberalisation would take place under the new David Granger-led Administration. He noted that the company may just have to wait and see if any significant changes to the telecoms bill that was placed before the 10th Parliament would be made and fully reviewed in the Select Committee with the input of stakeholders. He maintains that Digicel holds the belief that the bill as presently drafted will serve the intended purpose of having an open and competitive telecommunications sector with significant benefits to Guyanese and the development of the country.

When asked about the company’s state of readiness for a fully de-monopolised sector, Kelly stated that Digicel would be delighted to compete. He added that the company looked forward to becoming a full-service communications provider of mobile and fixed services, and Digicel was confident that it could give customers new and improved products and services. He further added that more importantly, the company believed vigorous competition would give consumers greater value for their money as has been seen in the domestic mobile arena.

Digicel Group’s total revenues flat

Meanwhile, according to a Jamaica Observer report, the group’s revenues when disaggregated as at March 2014 listed the operations in Papua New Guinea earning US$500 million, Haiti at US$498 million, Jamaica at US$435 million, Trinidad & Tobago at US$260 million, French West Indies at US$213.7

million, El Salvador at US$118.6 million, Guyana at US$83.2 million, the Eastern Caribbean at US$83.6 million and other locations at US$561 million.

However, the Observer report stated that Digicel Group’s mobile subscriber base and total revenues remained flat posting a US$157.6 million (J$18.2 billion) net loss for its March 2015 year end, documents indicate. The group announced plans last week to list on the New York Stock Exchange. The revenues of the group controlled by Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien remained flat year-on-year at US$2.79 billion compared to US$2.75 billion a year earlier. However, its earnings totalled US$1.2 billion before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation. Despite the net loss, the group described itself as the young “fashionable” market leader in 21 of the 31 markets it operates within.

“The Digicel brand is one of Digicel’s most significant assets. Digicel believes [it] is known as a young, vibrant and fashionable company,” stated the documents sent to the US Securities and Exchange which asserted that the brand’s ‘top of mind’ rating stands at

85 per cent in Jamaica versus 14 per cent for its main competitor. “Digicel believes it has cultivated the image of a nimble competitor who successfully challenged incumbent providers to bring real quality, choice and value to underserved market segments.”

Digicel holds 13.59 million mobile subscribers – 13.46 million in 2014 –with market share (as a percentage of the total mobile subscribers) hovering at or above 50 per cent in 20 of its 31 markets. “Digicel’s leadership position in its markets minimises the impact of mobile termination rate reductions. Digicel’s market position, distribution, customer knowledge and segmentation strategy allow it to launch plans, products and access customers with new products and services quickly,” it stated.

A rapid growth area for the Digicel group relates to its Diaspora revenues which grew from US$26 million in 2010 to US$128 million for 2015 growing at a constant annual growth rate of 37.5 per cent.

O’Brien founded Digicel in October 2000 and launched its initial mobile operation in Jamaica in April 2001 then quickly spread into other territories. Digicel Group now holds interest in some 143 subsidiaries with most owned 100 per cent by the group.

The group connects to many of its markets via a private jet which booked charges totalling US$26.5 million over three years. “We have entered into a passenger services agreement with AC Executive Aviation Services Limited, which operates an aeroplane owned by a company controlled by Mr O’Brien, whereby we have agreed to purchase on a monthly basis an agreed number of flight hours.

AC Executive Aviation Services Limited is controlled by Mr O’Brien. Rental charges were paid to this company of US$8.7 million, US$8.6 million and US$9.2 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively,” stated the document. (Jamaica Observer)

18-year-old remanded for attempted murder

Ateenager is presently on remand after being refused bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan for attempted murder.

Mark Spencer from Lane Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before the Magistrate for the first time on Thursday after he was charged for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Mark Whyte

with the intention of murdering him on June 27 at Houston, East Coast Demerara.

The details regarding the charge were not disclosed in court.

However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that the Virtual Complainant (VC) is still hospitalised.

Spencer presented

relevant details of himself to the court, stating that he works at Gafoors in Houston, Greater Georgetown, as a Porter.

Nevertheless, Magistrate McLennan was not convinced of the defendant’s innocence and refused bail, so as to ensure he appears for his next court date which was set for July 17.

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

Power sharing: the promise vs the reality

Beginning in 2002, just before his passing, then PNC leader Desmond Hoyte claimed he accepted the mechanism of “power sharing” to address the challenges of governance in our ethnically fractured polity. This was a volte face from his position when he inherited the Presidency in 1985 from Forbes Burnham and peremptorily scuttled ongoing talks with the PPP on the same goal.

Starting from the 1960’s when the PNC fissioned from the PPP, there had been periodic negotiations between the two parties that represented the two major voting blocks in Guyana. But each initiative before the 1985 version, was shattered by the PNC’s insistence on securing ultimate control within the coalition deemed necessary to effectuate “power sharing”.

With that history under their belt, it was not surprising that the PPP has been skeptical of offers of “power sharing” coming from the PNC as nothing more than Trojan Horses to maintain control of the state. Thus when Mr. Hoyte’s successor Robert Corbin placed the mechanism on the agenda for talks between himself and then President Bharat Jagdeo in 2003, the latter maintained that “trust” has to be nurtured between the two parties before proceeding.

And there matters stood even as Mr. Corbin’s chosen successor Brigadier David Granger maintained the rhetoric of “power sharing” as part of the PNC’s platform. Such offers, however, waned after 2011, when the elections results demonstrated conclusively that the PNC, now rebranded as “A Partnership for National Unity” (APNU) stood a chance of winning the elections with just a little help.

Consequently, approaching the 2015 elections, it proposed a coalition with the Alliance for Change (AFC) for that push and claimed this would lead to its long promised “power sharing/shared governance” vision. From that perspective, the experience of the coalition offers an opportunity to evaluate APNU’s shared governance promise since they went on secure the government.

The coalition was preceded by a month-long negotiation between teams from APNU and the AFC and this culminated in what was called the “Cummingsburg Accord”, summarising the details of the “power sharing” arrangement. But it was clear that unlike what it had averred in the past, APNU had jettisoned the idea that power sharing meant a “grand coalition” of the major political forces since it was now claiming a coalition with 51% national support delivered “shared governance”.

There were three major components to the Accord that reflected concerns of the junior partner, the AFC. In view of the universally acknowledged power of the Guyanese presidency, it was agreed that the AFC PM Minister would chair the Cabinet and be in charge of governance. The allocation of seats in the National Assembly and the Cabinet were to be allocated one 60/40 ratio, while the putatively powerful National Security Ministry would be awarded to the AFC leader.

Within a month, each of these agreements was breached.

The AFC PM could not chair the Cabinet, Mr. Granger said, because it was “unconstitutional”. But even if the two parties, top heavy with lawyers, overlooked this elephant in the room during negotiations, this objection was raised at the announcement of the Accord.

Then Opposition leader Granger pointed out that the President could “delegate” his Executive duties and would so do if they won. What has changed now?

On the 60/40 Ministerial appointments, the Cabinet was doubled with the addition of “junior Ministers” to dilute AFC’s influence, since only the senior Ministers were “counted” in the apportionment.

Finally, the National Security Ministry was hived off of its Immigration and Naturalisation functions and since it is headed by a former Commissioner of Police, it is left to be seen where his power will extend into the vacuum that has been created by the desultory performance by the AFC leader. It would appear that the PPPC was prescient in demanding “trust” as a threshold issue on “power sharing”.

The grand comeback of the US in Guyanese politics

Dear Editor, The US always had a passion for the dynamics of Guyanese politics and secretly maneuvered to set the tone for independence, the dictatorship which ruined the country and the first free and fair elections to save face and appease any rising doubts about their implications in the destruction of the Guyanese society.

The only time the USA has ever been as present in the Guyanese media was during the independence era when it schemed barely behind our backs. US Chargé d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, has been invading the media sphere to congratulate the new Government, emphasizing his country’s eagerness to develop a “broader partnership” in Guyana.

During the first 3 weeks following the elections, Hunt’s name figured at least 6 times on Inews, 8 times on CND, 10 times in Kaieture News, 8 times in Stabroek News, 6 times in the Guyana Chronicle and 7 times in the Guyana Times, in articles all clamoring how “free and fair” elections were or how the US is committed to strengthened collaboration.

How much Granger will

concede to the US seems to have been predetermined if one considers Hunt’s enthusiastic declaration that “there is not going to be a tremendous change necessarily in what we [the US] are prepared to offer.

I [ Hunt] get a sense there may be a change in what the government is prepared to accept (…) because our [US and GoG] interests do fairly closely align”. So much for criticizing the PPP/C when it maintained that even an emerging country is entitled to national sovereignty.

It is time that Guyanese begin to understand the principle of national sovereignty, as declared in article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice.

Thus, Guyana is deliberately independent with the right to manage its internal affairs against foreign intervention and interference. Now, in a case like ours where US manpower isn’t required to save the people from tyrants, the Government should be able to unfold independently.

After all, it’s highly unlikely that we become a dictatorship again, although Granger has revealed disturbing signs of authoritarianism since his man-

date began, (let’s blame that on his military past under the US induced Burnham dictatorship).

When the PPP/C faced the Parliamentary impasse of the opposition’s objection to crucial bills and major projects like the Amaila Hydro, along with budget cuts which maimed the capacity of national institutions, the US remained silent.

It seldom scolded the opposition for hindering progress and whatever it did express seldom fell short of accusations that the PPP/C couldn’t deliver on issues of governance and democracy.

Maybe Guyanese are already scrutinizing the Granger in upholding these principles. Granger’s vision of democracy translated by the stark move to rename national institutions without public consultation leaves one skeptical.

His perception of governance and leadership has confused the nation by appointing 18 ministers, 4 of whom are Vice Presidents. Of the 4 ministers/Vice Presidents, 1 is a Prime Minister (none are women).

Of 18 ministers only 3 are women. The new administration also assigned 8 junior ministers whose portfolios re-

main blurry.

The question is if those who cumulate mandates will also be cumulating salaries and benefits. Maybe Hunt is allowing Granger to settle in and gather experience before the criticisms ensue? After all he did mention that the US wanted increased “participation of women and youth in decision-making”.

This US meddling leaves one to wonder how a State could possibly enjoy sovereignty when its policies are being carefully pressed against the sieve of the superpowers and those unsuitable to their agendas refuted with little respect for the leaders who authored them? Blatant disrespect for national sovereignty is an articulation against our leaders and overt disregard for the electorate.

How Granger deals with the issue of national sovereignty should be assessed and hopefully, the actions of his young administration are not a reflection of the inexperience of its members and the dreadful possibility that Guyana would become another of America’s playgrounds.

De Sá

Crackdown on sexual molestation of our women

Dear Editor, I applaud Junior Minister for Social Protection Simona Broomes for vowing to address the scourge of rape. She has to take moves to eradicate all acts of sexual abuse and molestation and of robberies especially since women are considered easy targets. Also, the media that never let a crime go unreported under the previous government has to be in the forefront to combat abus-

es and crime against women. Unfortunately, it appears that the major media has downplayed the problem of sexual abuse of females because not much about this social scourge figures in the other dailies.

I listened to victims swearing that reporters are aware of incidents of sexual molestation, discrimination and robberies but choose to stifle it in the media. Some victims feel that the colour

of their skin determines how the reporters respond to these cases and signal that stories tend to be selectively disregarded.

In too many incidents, as revealed to me, at crowded places, particularly at bus parks, Stabroek Market and Bourda Market, females were groped or sexually molested. Some of them pinched or slapped in their buttocks. Also, several reports of females being mobbed of their

belongings (cell phone, pocket book, watches, jewelry, etc.) in broad daylight while policemen are nearby are frequent. Countless complaints of sexual harassment (inappropriate touching, lewd comments, stalking, rubbing up on females) and of robberies were reported to me as taking place often in nearby police presence in the Georgetown environs.

continued on page 5

NY launch of biography on Guyanese Swami Vidyanandaji

Dear Editor,

The biography of His Holiness Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj titled “Journey of the Guru: Science of Seva” was launched last Sunday morning to a packed gathering at the American Sevashram Sangha, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the heart of the Indo-Guyanese community. The author of the biography is Richard B Mahase, a Guyanese community TV personality in New York and producer of programs as well as an occasional commentator in the written media.

The lecture and discussion on the book focused on the Science of Seva (the lifelong acts of swami Vidyanandaji) and his altruistic acts.

The biography was earlier released in Guyana at a ceremony at the Sevashram in Cove & John early May and in May in Toronto where the launching was coordinated by the Chatterpaul family of the Shiva Milan mandir.

The American Sevashram Sangha, founded by His Holiness, is one of the oldest and largest Hindu centers in America. For some thirty years, the American Sevashram Sangha has been among the

most prominent and influential Hindu organizations serving primarily people from the Caribbean though it has followers of varied nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. The organization is non-profit, philanthropic with a commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged. It organizes and sponsors religious and social events for the greater Jamaica community.

Swami-ji was born in Albion and trained in India where he was conferred the title of Swami on February 23, 1970 becoming a Sanyasi. Swami is a recipient of numerous awards and accolades and has contributed immensely to various fields of endeavor in Guyana including in education. He was bestowed the Arrow of Achievement for his contribution to life in Guyana and towards Guyanese in North America and the Caribbean.

His organization runs a school in Cove and John.

The GSS (Cove & John Hindu College) is a household name in Guyana. It was founded in 1956 to assist the weak and deprived citizens. The GSS dedicated itself to serving humanity.

That organization has touched the lives of thousands spiritually and edu-

cationally. Swami himself has thousands of disciples that include dignitaries, politicians, sportsmen, doctors, lawyers, educators, entertainers, and other distinguished personalities, as his guru and spiritual master.

In the book, biographer Richard B Mahase details Swami-ji’s lifelong journey as a monk and his experience in Guyana, North America and India. The book offers an in depth account and analysis of Swami-ji’s experience serving people. According to Mahase, the book mirrors the organization’s guiding principle of practicing seva or selfless service – performing acts to help others and not looking for any rewards.

Among those who poured lavish tributes on Swamiji were Pandit Dr. Satish Prakash, Attorney Balwant Singh, Council Member Ruben Wills, Pandit Phagu of Sundar Gopal Mandir, visitor Gana Chatterpaul of Toronto, and devotees of Swami– ji who lived with him at one at Cove and John. They all echoed one theme that swami-ji’s life of sacrifice for the well-being of others is one to be emulated.

Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

Queen’s College has neglected sports

Dear Editor,

While the assertion that Queens College administration has neglected sports may be somewhat exaggerated, in my estimation it does contain a great deal of truth. Queens College was founded in the middle of the 19th century by the British Colonial administration. It was modelled on the “Grammar Schools” such as Eton, Harrow and was intended to impart an education that would prepare its mostly upper class graduated to proceed either to University for higher studies or for service in the armed forces or the Civil Service in the colonies.

The curriculum of the Grammar Schools and Queens was patterned directly on the Greek and Roman model which combined academic studies with an equal amount of physical activities which later was given the name “Sports”. The motto was “Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body)” and this philosophy was taken most seriously. The entire school was patterned on a hierarchical model like the Roman Empire with the Headmaster at the top, followed by the Masters, and student prefects in the classes that ensured discipline was enforced through physical sanctions.

From its formation Queens College kept up the tradition of balancing academics and sports and history is replete with Queens Graduates who were proficient at sports. A perfect example is Dr. Walter Rodney who was a world famous historian but at Queens was also a champion high jumper.

His classmate Rupert Roopnarine, who won the Guyana Scholarship in Rodney’s year, and is now our Minister of Education, was a Champion cricketer who played for Cambridge University where he studied. In those days - the. 1960’s, Queens College played in the Case Cup tournament - one of the highest in the country.

From the 1980’s it would appear that sports has been gradually deemphasised but this might have to do with the general lowering of standards in the entire educational system.

For the last two decades however, students have been focusing more on academics and less on sports and in the time that would have been devoted to the latter, there is now a “lesson culture”. Some students spend as much time going to lessons on academic subjects outside of school hours that leave no time for sports. The teachers at

Awarewanau girls still awaiting justice from Education Ministry

Dear Editor,

A month ago a village elder from the Deep South Rupununi, sent me a video to post on social media.

In this video people on Face Book saw two young Amerindian female students, aged 13 and 15 from Awarewanau Primary school who were brutally flogged with a long cow skin whip on their buttocks, dressed only in their under wear.

The people who saw this most cruel beating on face book, asked for it to be removed since they felt it would cause more trauma and embarrassment to these students. However, the elders and villagers wanted the world to see what is taking place in their school in the name of corporal punishment, in this modern age and time.

I later decided to send this video to the senior Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence and Minister of Securities Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan. I was assured that this matter is under investigation by Minister Roopnaraine and that justice will be served when the investigation is completed.

It’s been one month since the video was emailed and received by the relevant ministers and the investigation promised seems not to have happened. The elders and villagers of the Deep South Rupununi are upset and continue to request updates on the matter. The brutal beating of these two students took place in February, 2015 and the matter was being investigated by two school welfare officers and a policeman from Lethem.

The two teachers involved in the beating were arrested and charged with causing actual bodily harm and they appeared before a magistrate at the Lethem court, where the case was dismissed, although there were visible marks of violence on these girls’ skins and a medical certificate was presented in court by the policeman who conducted the investigation.

The police and the two school welfare officers on their visit to the village found these girls hospitalized in bed but the case was swept under the carpet by the education officers in Lethem.

The village elder, who recorded the beating, believes that this brutal beating of their girls is evidence

of how students will continue to face tremendous challenges and continuous brutality at the Awarewanau school. Villagers are now calling on the new coalition government to expedite this matter urgently since this cruel beating took place 5 months ago and justice needs to be served. These children were beaten for reasons which had nothing to do with school and although the school welfare officers made recommendations against these two teachers to be dismissed or transferred, the Lethem education department has returned them to their positions.

According to the villagers and the elder who filmed the scene, the education official in the region didn’t want the video to go “viral” because she too was condoning the brutal and cruel act which is totally unacceptable. These teachers are behaving as though they are untouchable. Having these teachers back on the job at the Awarewanau primary school, will create some amount of fear and continued trauma by the students.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Response to Mr Dos Santos’ garbled verbiage

Queens turned a blind eye to this development.

While the House System is still in place, sports is given short shrift and,very grudgingly by the administration and some teachers, nowadays. Students are allowed to only go through the motions. As a result, Queens does not command the respect it once did at even the National Sports meets.

On the other hand, students are encouraged to enter ever increasing number of CSEC subjects, which combined with the now compulsory lessons, leave no time for the student to breathe, much less engage in sports.

As a result, there is the danger of Guyana going the way of the US, where students are getting extremely obese and unhealthy. A nation that does not have a culture of fitness will soon be ridden with all the ailments of inactivity: diabetes, hypertension, obesity etc.

Having no method of relieving tension, frustrations ending in violence increasingly prevail. We have to bring back the motto that without a healthy body, the mind which is contained in that body will also be unhealthy.

Sincerely, Abhi

Dev

Dear Editor, I wish to respond to a letter published in your newspaper of July 1st 2015, by Ramos Dos Santos. This letter purports to be a response to certain observations I made regarding the Government’s published position that they will advertise the post of Chancellor and Chief Justice overseas.

My first observation is that this letter consists of a compendium of jumbled and confused notions and views composed by someone utterly devoid of the requisite learning in respect

of the matters about which he writes. As a result, trying to understand the purport of the arguments proffered was indeed an arduous exercise.

This writer represents himself to be speaking as the government. This is evident in several parts of the letter.

For example, referring to my contentions, he writes «Government sees this kind of reasoning as shallow...» I am familiar with every member of the Government.

The name Ramos Dos Santos is not among them. So

from whence does he derive his authority to speak as the Government?

More significantly, I was able to decipher from his garbled verbiage that Mr.Dos Santos supports and seeks to justify executive interference with the Judiciary on the part of the Government for which he speaks. That is the quintessence of my contention. So I thank him and rest my case.

Yours faithfully Mohabir Anil Nandlall Attorney-at-Law

Crackdown on sexual molestation...

What’s more is that when these acts are committed, spectators do nothing to come to the aid of the victims. The behavior of onlookers and bystanders is perplexing since they just stare doing nothing (chivalry died) as people were being robbed or sexually molested. Some onlookers simply laugh as the acts as though these are joking matters. How would they have felt if it was their wife, sister, mother or daughter? Psychologists refer to this type of behavior as the “bystander effect” but it is unacceptable and the onlookers are as guilty as the perpetrators of the disgusting sexual and criminal violations. What kind of society are we building when we just remain silent instead of taking action regardless of the sex, age or skin tone? Bystanders must step in to help the victims as was done decades ago. We

must be thy brother’s keeper. Also, some of the media allow themselves to be bystanders refusing to condemn or report on the behavior of the criminals. We all have a moral obligation to speak up against sexual abuses, robberies, and discriminatory behavior. Where are the women rights activists to speak out on the violations of our female folks? Actions need be taken against the perpetrators to send a strong message that their behavior is illegal and will not be tolerated.

The fear of appearing in crowded places is growing among women who can barely walk the streets without suffering women sort of harassment. Some of the victims suffer from panic attacks and anxiety. They feel very unsafe going out.

The criminals don’t care about the victims. Perverts and robbers recognize vulnerable people and target them.. People need to be aware of their surroundings and avoid lonely or very crowded places or areas where touts, thugs, and hustlers are known to hang out.

The government has a moral and legal responsibility to protect the population. The Social Protection and Security Ministers need to work together to devise strategies to go after perverts and robbers who target “soft” victims – start with crowded places with a heavy police presence and pick up the perverts and petty thieves make examples of them.

So far the police is doing little to help our women and discipline indecent remarks and behavior of men, and sometimes even indulge in these obscenities.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Page Foundation

Adolescence is a time of big social and emotional development for your child. It helps to know what to expect and how to support your child through the changes.

Social changes and emotional changes: what to expect in adolescence

During adolescence, you’ll notice changes in the way your child interacts with family, friends and peers. Every child’s social and emotional development is different. Your child’s development is shaped by your child’s unique combination of genes, brain development, environment, experiences with family and friends, and community and culture.

Social changes and emotional changes show that your child is forming an independent identity and learning to be an adult.

Social changes

You might notice that your child is:

* Searching for identity: young people are busy working out who they are and where they fit in the world. This search can be influenced by gender, peer group, cultural background and family expectations

* Seeking more independence: this is likely to influence the decisions your child makes and the relationships your child has with family and friends

* Seeking more responsibility, both at home and at school

* Looking for new experiences: the nature of

teenage brain development means that teenagers are likely to seek out new experiences and engage in more risk-taking behaviour. But they’re still developing control over their impulses

* Thinking more about ‘right’ and ‘wrong’:

These are not necessarily intimate relationships, though. For some young people, intimate or sexual relationships don’t occur until later on in life

* Communicating in different ways: the internet, mobile phones and so-

processing other people’s emotions as they get older. While they’re developing these skills, they can sometimes misread facial expressions or body language

* Is more self-conscious, especially about physical appearance and changes.

* Wants to spend less time with family and more time with friends and peers

* Has more arguments with you: some conflict between parents and children during the teenage years is normal, as children seek more independence. It actu-

your child will start developing a stronger individual set of values and morals. Teenagers also learn that they’re responsible for their own actions, decisions and consequences. They question more things. Your words and actions shape your child’s sense of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’

* Influenced more by friends, especially when it comes to behaviour, sense of self and self-esteem

* Starting to develop and explore a sexual identity: your child might start to have romantic relationships or go on ‘dates’.

cial media can significantly influence how your child communicates with friends and learns about the world. Emotional changes

You might notice that your child:

* Shows strong feelings and intense emotions at different times. Moods might seem unpredictable. These emotional ups and downs can lead to increased conflict. Your child’s brain is still learning how to control and express emotions in a grown-up way

* Is more sensitive to your emotions: young people get better at reading and

Teenage self-esteem is often affected by appearance – or by how teenagers think they look. As they develop, children might compare their bodies with those of friends and peers

* Goes through a ‘bulletproof’ stage of thinking and acting as if nothing bad could happen to him. Your child’s decision-making skills are still developing, and your child is still learning about the consequences of actions.

Changes in relationships

You might notice that your child:

ally shows that your child is maturing. Conflict tends to peak in early adolescence. If you feel like you’re arguing with your child all the time, it might help to know that this isn’t likely to affect your relationship with your child in the longer term

* Sees things differently from you: this isn’t because your child wants to upset you. It’s because your child is beginning to think more abstractly and to question different points of view. At the same time, some teenagers find it hard to understand the effects of their behaviour and comments on

other people. These skills will develop with time.

Supporting social and emotional development

Here are some ideas to help you support your child’s social and emotional development.

* Be a role model for forming and maintaining positive relationships – with your friends, children, partner and colleagues. Your child will learn from observing relationships where there is respect, empathy and positive ways of resolving conflict.

* Get to know your child’s friends, and make them welcome in your home. This will help you keep in touch with your child’s social relationships. It also shows that you recognise how important your child’s friends are to your child’s sense of self. If you’re concerned about your child’s choice of friends, provide gentle and consistent guidance.

* Listen to your child’s feelings. If your child wants to talk, stop and give your child your full attention. If you’re in the middle of something, make a specific time when you can listen. Respect your child’s feelings and try to understand your child’s perspective, even if it’s not the same as yours. For example, ‘It sounds like you’re feeling left out because you’re not going to the party on Thursday night’.

* Be explicit and open about your feelings. In particular, tell your child how you feel when your child behaves in different ways. For example, ‘I felt really happy when you invited me to your school performance’. This helps your child learn to read and respond to emotions. It also models positive and constructive ways of relating to other people.

* Be a role model for positive ways of dealing with difficult emotions and moods. For example, there will be times when you’re feeling cranky, tired and not like interacting with your child. Instead of giving your child the silent treatment, you could say, ‘I’m tired and cross. I feel like I can’t talk now without getting upset. Can we have this conversation after dinner?’

* **8Talk with your child about relationships, sex and sexuality. Look for ‘teachable moments’ – those everyday times when you can easily bring up these issues. This is often better than having a ‘big talk’. Find out what your child already knows. Correct any misinformation and give the real facts. Use the conversation as a chance to discuss appropriate sexual behaviour and values. And always let your child know you’re available to talk about questions or concerns. (raisingchildren.net.au)

TO BE CONTINUED

UG drops History programme

... cites lack of enrolment, students’ interest

The University of Guyana (UG) has been forced to drop its history programme due to the lack of student enrolment, but the few who have already signed up for the course are up in arms against the institution for the decision which they described as a ‘backward’ move. The Bachelor’s Degree in History has been one of the oldest programmes offered at the institution and many prominent Guyanese figures are beneficiaries. President Granger himself is one of those persons who studied History at the University.

On Saturday, there was an outpouring of concern on the UG History Society Facebook page regarding the state of the History Department at the country’s leading tertiary institution. Rhonda Lancaster launched a campaign on the page to mobilise students and graduates of the study to express their outrage that History is no longer a major, having been reduced to a diploma programme.

Lancaster stated that the reason behind this step by the university is due to the lack of significant enrolment, as students are no longer interested in the programme, it appears. However, the graduate said that removing such a programme from the university’s list is a “lack of vision.” She stated that low enrolment should have been addressed by the university’s Administration by collaborating with secondary and other tertiary institutions so as to get the next generation of students interested in the field from early studies.

The History graduate said UG is giving up the programme without a fight, feedback from students or even the rippling effects such a move has on the school, society and the country at large. Lancaster all but stated that the University’s Administration is nonchalant as she exploded on the History Society page, indicating that the university is

stuck in the 19th century, as opposed to modern day institutions around the world that are marketing themselves to draw students. She opined that the University’s Administration could have sold the fact that President Granger is a History graduate who founded the History Society and was Editor of the History Gazette and the Guyana Review.

Guyana Times was initially told that UG had reduced the programme to a mere diploma course, but a lecturer on Thursday confirmed that the programme has been dropped altogether due to the lack of adequate student enrolment. The Bachelor’s Degree in History has been one of the oldest programmes offered at the institution and many prominent Guyanese figures have benefited. “History is one of the most important courses offered at the University of Guyana and regardless of the number of students that enrol for the subject, it should still be offered,” one student told this newspaper. Some students still feel that it is important for the History programme to remain since it’s a great avenue for individuals to learn about the past, including that of Guyana, and is relevant to the intellectual growth and development of society.

Melissa Dow-Richardson, former History graduate and now an Independent Consultant stated that “History is the bedrock of (her) academic and professional intonation.” The current Miss Renaissance told Guyana Times that if it was not for her background in that field, she would not be where she is now as research and history are important in her profession. She expressed that it was sad that a discipline such as History may be stripped altogether from the university without any notice or effort. Nonetheless, Lecturer at UG, Dr Eric Phillips, stated that Lancaster’s proposition of collaborations with the school is

what is needed. He said that history needs to be mandatory in the schools, noting that history is the backbone of all we are as a people and will be needed if social cohesive society is to be attained.

Desmond Alli, a Guyanese Art Historian stated that even if one student wants to study History at a tertiary level, he/she should be able to do so. “We should start teaching History from a younger age, so that student will be able to appreciate the science a bit more. The Education Ministry should make History a part of the primary school system so that students will be better prepared upon entering high school, developing as such a greater interest for the subject at university level,” Alli stated.

The Guyanese Artist reiterated that history is fundamental to the development of any civilised society” while stating that History allows a society of many people to appreciate each other. A Senior Mistress of one of Guyana’s Senior Secondary Schools said that she is very annoyed by the entire situation. It is very sad that Guyana still does not understand the importance of history, she stated, adding that Guyana does not value History as a subject, unlike the rest of the Caribbean. In countries like Jamaica, there are a lot of resources been poured into History at a university level. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, is located on a former plantation and that is something that a Jamaican Primary School student can tell you, she said.

The Education Minister and relevant public authorities have not provided clarification as to why the course is being dropped. Part of the Ministry's mandate is to enhance the educational system and as such students feel that clarification should be made as to why such a decision that could potentially jeopardise the quality of our tertiary education was made.

Govt mulls short parliamentary recess

With Guyana’s parliamentary recess scheduled for next month, Government is considering requesting that Members of Parliament (MPs) accept a reduced vacation time so as to allow for the work of Parliament.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said this session of the National Assembly would most definitely have to be lengthened because of the volume of work still to be done. “We have to have a budget, and work is currently ongoing; we expect that the recess will not start in August. We have a lot of work to do,” Harmon said.

The Minister said he hoped that when the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) went into Parliament that it would recognise that “the people’s work

is priority” and would lend its support to such an activity.

The Party has boycotted all three sittings of the National Assembly, which was opened with pomp and ceremony on June 10.

The PPP/C had said it had more pressing issues to address at the moment, including its issues with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) given the Party’s allegations that it colluded with the governing A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to rig the elections. The Party has filed its petition in this regard. Following the petition and while still not declaring when it will attend Parliament, the Party revealed that it had selected 32 individuals who will represent the PPP/C in the 65seat legislature whenever it

$18M for basic repairs to PM’s residence … full

rehabilitation to be done later

Government’s Engineers have estimated that the works to be done on the Prime Minister’s residence will cost approximately $18 million, however, these works are only basic repairs to the State-owned building.

Guyana Times was made to understand that the scope of the works to be done includes roofing and sheeting, external and internal carpentry works, tiling, plumping, electrical, painting and lacquering, as well as other preliminary works. However, a source close to the project told Guyana Times that the works listed to be completed are only to fix basic damages to the building. “This covers works only to make the house habitable so this is what we are doing as an immediate fix,” he revealed.

The Engineer further outlined that there will definitely be additional works to be done on the premises in the future. He noted that those works will have to be done under Capital Expenses.

According to the source, the Public Infrastructure Ministry is working closely with the National Trust of Guyana to carry out the works, since the Prime Minister’s residence is a heritage building. He explained that the organisation raised several concerns about the design of the heritage building and is monitoring the repair works to ensure that this is not destroyed. But he has assured that all procedures will be followed so that the architecture of the building is maintained.

The Engineer further ex-

plained that external carpentry works on the building includes extensive repairs to the northern side of the building and on the tower which leaks, as well as on the shutters around the building. He noted that the building has Demerara shutters and they are experiencing difficulties sourcing new ones so they will replace those that need to be changed.

As it relates to the internal works, the specialist pointed out that because the building is old, there is a lot of repairs to be done especially to the walls. “The internal walls are made of pitch pine wood so we will have to do some changes to that because we see a lot of ‘granny sugar’ in the walls and other issues. So we will definitely be reconfiguring internally and definitely do some changes to those walls that are defective,” he stated.

Other internal works include tiling in the bathroom area as well as plumbing. He stated that there was some seepage in the bathrooms that caused damages to the tiles.

The Engineer added that repairs will have to be done in the main bathroom which had leakage problems while the galvanised piping from the other bathrooms will be replaced. The engineer explained that they are cognisance of the fact that they may encounter additional works during the rehabilitation; as such, he noted that a contingency sum has been catered for to support any such works that may arise. This cost is 10 per cent of the $18 million and is included in the final amount.

Furthermore, he explained that the project is expected to last for five weeks but has an additional six-month defect liability period for any inevitable delays such as weather conditions. Since Government published the invitation for tender inviting firms to bid for the project, over 20 companies have applied for the contact to carry out works on the official residence of the Prime Minister. However, Government is still in the process of selecting a firm suitable to carry out the works. Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo refused to move into the State residence saying that it is unfit to live in, adding that he will only do so after it is upgraded. Since the building was gifted to Guyana from the British High Commission in the 1970s, there has been no record of any extensive rehabilitation works. Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also agreed that it is time the old heritage building undergo a full rehabilitation.

decided to put in an appearance.

The list seen by Guyana Times on Monday, which still remains unconfirmed, boasts several surprises as it is reflective of a strong youth corps balanced with experience and several political heavyweights who have served in various advisory positions to the Party while in Government.

This newspaper understands that former President Bharrat Jagdeo is still being courted by the Party to accept the position of Chief Parliamentarian and Opposition Leader in the 11th Parliament. Additionally, former President Donald Ramotar, who was the Party’s 2015 Presidential Candidate, will not return to the Parliament to serve at that level.

PPP/C demands policies to address economic meltdown

Amid a slowdown in business during the pre-and post-election period, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is hopeful that business would soon speed up, but is reasoning that the rate at which this change occurs will depend largely on the new A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government.

It was on June 18 that former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and owner of German’s Restaurant, Clinton Urling, told Guyana Times that he was in full agreement with the concerns which were raised by an official of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) in another section of the media that the economy seemed to be in a recession.

On Thursday, former Ministers of the PPP/C Government, Irfaan Ali and Robeson Benn, expressed similar sentiments, noting that they have never seen such a stagnant economy in a very long time. Ali said that he was still searching for answers as to why the economy remained stagnant, even with the end to the election period. According to him, while it was expected during the election period, he has not seen such a significant drop in business transactions over the past years. Ali added that retrenchment is now taking place in several sectors and this was a matter for concern.

“It is urgent that the issue of the economy is ad-

dressed with immediate action. We will not want to see any further loss of jobs; we don’t want to see the economy going backwards. While the witch hunting continues, it should not be at the expense of the people and the economy of this country. I am urging that immediate steps be taken in addressing the issues of the economy,” Ali said.

Unusual

He noted that it was not normal for many countries to experience a recession especially when a new Government took office since it usually brought new confidence in the economy and a spiral in economy activity. “And if you were saying that the Government was corrupt and that they were mismanaging the economy, then your freshness and newness should bring new confidence, a more buoyant economy,” Ali said.

To this end, he said that the new Government must now put into place econom-

ic policies and expansionary policies to tackle the problem and to see the economy bloom.

“Citizens have already called expressing tremendous fear … we do not want to see any further loss of jobs, we do not want to see our economy going backwards, we do not want to see any downward spiral,” Ali stated.

In the meantime, former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said that “xenophobic” approach which was taken by the then Opposition against investors added to the “witch hunt operation which is being carried out on perceived PPP/C supporters”, and was the reason the economy seemingly sliding downwards and commercial activities being practically at a standstill.

“We have noticed and we are being told of a mass slowdown in the economy. It would appear that the economy is sliding into a recession. There are reports of reduced activities at the banks, the activities at the banks seemed to be cut in half; there is reduced activity in the timber industry, in the quarrying industry; there appears to be not enough activity, not enough commercial activities, buying and selling and so on and there appears also to be an increase in prices and a spike in crime,” Benn further continued.

According to Benn, the lack or loss of confidence in the economy by consumers and investors is as a result of the “misadventures

in public office in the case of the Government with respect to activities and the removal of key operatives in the Government”. “We want to warn and to know that the welfare of the Guyanese people is the primary concern and that we want to suggest that they should desist from taking actions which will impair that welfare and well-being and which will continue to undermine the economy,” Benn said.

The former Minister stated too that Guyana’s economic conditions are made worse by the absence of a national 2015 Budget. The date for the National Budget’s presentation to the National Assembly is three months after the convening of the 11th Parliament, around the end of August 2015. Finance Minister Winston Jordan has publicly expressed optimism that this process will be completed long before then, given the implications for the following 2016 National Budget. On June 4, the PSC Chairman and Executives met with President David Granger to discuss a range of issues of interest to the Private Sector. The Commission also indicated that it would be willing to collaborate with the Government to organise an economic forum at which priorities for the economy could be distilled through dialogue. The President supported this suggestion and mandated the Commission to commence planning a Forum, which would include the views of all stakeholders from civil society, labour and religion.

Berbice Bridge Company Inc donates trophies to schools

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has donated trophies to the Belladrum and Latchmansingh Primary Schools.

The Company, in a release, said it was privileged to have the opportunity to donate the trophies to each primary school and will continue

to donate and sponsor other events that would benefit the schools and the students.

Eyew tness

Not taking a hint...

...from the people

And here we are in the dawning of the age of democracy in Guyana - if the government media are to be believed. But it’s pretty hard to say that with a straight face when every day there’s unsettling evidence of “creeping authoritarianism”. After all “democracy” is supposed to be “rule of the people”, no? So you’d hope that at the very least while “the people” mightn’t actually be “ruling” - they have to work to pay taxes and pay those in government - the government would let on that their opinions might count for a tad more than cow dung.

Let’s look at this latest flowering of “democracy” x - the election of Regional Chairmen. Over in Reg 7, the locals made it clear that they were in no mood for a return of the immediate Chairman, an old PNC hand named Bradford. They exercised their democratic right to create their placards, get police permission and then marched up and down in the sun to let the government know in no uncertain terms. Was prominent featured in the Press. Well, that SEEMED to work, since a Minister was rushed down (not the Minister of Communities, HE was busy issuing dismissal letters) to tell the Barticians, “no Bradford” and so not to protest on the day of elections. Trouble was, after the elections, Bradford emerged as the Chairman! The natives realised they were suckered and, if the reports are to be believed, muttered darkly that they weren’t going to vote for the government “no mo’”.

The Minister of Communities now spoke, and claimed he’s heard no dissent against Branford. Democracy had worked! Down in Linden, it was a replication of Bartica - only here the fella the local folks wanted as Regional Chairman forgot he was “Solomon” and was willing to drink the hemlock like “Socrates”. But there were still a bunch of folks who protested even as the votes were being taken to the choice from on high. Fat lot of good it did them! And then there was the vote for the Region 4’s chairman and deputy.

The AFC’s councilors - whose top leaders stoutly insist that “everything regular in the coalition” - couldn’t even get a chance to make their nominations for the deputy. “Ours!!” cried the APNU! Why bother mentioning that the PPP also didn’t get to make nominations. In a democracy, minorities don’t have to be heard, do they? Those democratic theorists who preached “auditor at alters pars” didn’t know what the heck they were talking about.

Trouble is, if the government will do this to their own people what can the folks who voted for the Opposition expect?

..from the President

Did you catch that pic of the President departing for the CariCom Summit? It was placed on the Presidential Web Page, even. That’s as official as you can get - never mind the Muckraker’s front page. What struck this Eyewitness is the body language of the President as he takes Nagamootoo’s outstretched hand. He’s NOT shaking the proffered hand, that’s for sure... and he kept his eyes studiously and pointedly AWAY from Nagamootoo.

We note that Nagamootoo is kept far away from the 1.5 feet proximity that defines “personal space”. Granger’s feet and body pointing away means he’s not interested in Nagamootoo - he’s actually laughing with someone else as he takes Nagamootoo’s hand perfunctorily, as Nagamootoo beans forward stiffly from the waist in a Japanese bow. Avoiding making eye contact with Nagamootoo signals that the President doesn’t want his true feelings to be revealed. The overall impression created by the pic is that the President couldn’t be bothered by Nagamootoo!

Quelle surprise!!

...from his body

News is that Mr Notorious Big from the Muckraker has been laid low by some mysterious “foot illness”. He’s been in the U.S. for over a month now and a palace coup might greet him on his return!

IPED employee of five years on bail for theft charge

Arepresentative of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday as a Virtual Complainant (VC) after a colleague supposedly stole money from the agency.

The accused, 44-yearold Mark Adgedy of lot 70 Friendship, East Coast Demerara made an appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer charges of theft that were lodged against him by his place of employment.

Adgedy allegedly stole $29,480 from IPED on June 10.

Adgedy, who denied the charge against him, made an application for bail through his Attorney Paul Fung-AFat. The lawyer upheld the innocence of his client, stating that this is the first time a claim of theft has been lodged against him, though he has been employed with the company for the past five years.

Attorney Fung-A-Fat told the court that Adgedy had issued a receipt to someone (not named) and collected the money. However, the accused forgot to lodge the money with the company, hence the charge. With this, Fug-A-Fat contended that the charge against him will not hold for long.

He reiterated his request for reasonable bail, informing the court that his client has seven children, all of whom he maintains.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones did not put up a strong argument against this as Magistrate McLennan granted bail in the sum of $50,000.

She ordered Adgedy to return to court on July 27.

NAMILCO hosts "Noodle Seminar"

The National Milling Company

(NAMILCO) of Guyana, in collaboration with the US Wheat Associates (USWA) hosted a “Noodle Seminar” on Thursday at Cara Lodge on Quamina Street, Georgetown. The event began around 09:00h with Roopnarine Sukhai giving a brief introduction to the seminar. Two representatives from the USWA; Dr Gary Hou and Marcelo Mitre, were there to make presentations and conduct training in the production of noodles.

The participants who benefited from the training came from some of the Chowmein manufactures including Edward B Beharry and Company, Lams Trading, Imam Bacchus, Too Sweet, RP Enterprise, Chin’s Chowmein, Mohamed Manufacturing, Crown Chowmein and Alisa Manufacturing. These companies are now more knowledgeable about the manufacturing process and have shown interest in learning how to make their businesses more effective. Each par-

ticipant was offered the opportunity to interact with the two USWA representatives throughout their presence at the seminar.

Mitre once served as Technical Specialist for the Mexican, Central American and Caribbean region at the organisation’s Mexico City office, while Dr Hou held the post of Technical Director and Wheat Food Specialist. Hou’s presentation titled “Asian Noodle Processing and Flour Specifications”, introduced the process of

producing noodles and ramen by explaining the different steps involved, from rationing raw products to steaming, drying and even cooking. The presentation on “Asian Noodle Classification, Formulation and Processing” familiarised readers with the different types of Asian noodles as well as the countries they originated from and are being produced in. Upon termination of their presentations, the USWA hosted a discussion with the participants which included subjects such as new trends, troubleshooting, understanding flour variations due to crop yield, issues during moulding (mainly during the rainy season) and energy saving among others. The seminar ended around 17:00h, with closing remarks from a NAMILCO Executive.

Dynamic Airways see increase in flights out of Guyana … eyes expansion to Venezuela, Canada

Dynamic Airways is celebrating its first anniversary since starting operations in Guyana but is presently in discussions to expand its wings to Venezuela and Canada.

This was disclosed to members of the press by local representative, Captain Gerry Gouveia on Thursday, who remained optimistic in plying the John F Kennedy (JFK)-Caracas route as soon as possible. This was disclosed as the airline made the announcement that it is in the process of finalising the Canada market. He noted that as soon as those arrangements are in place, operations will begin.

Gouveia stated that with the fleet of aircraft that Dynamic has at its disposal, it will capitalise on the new market which will undoubtedly be economical.

On this note, he added that the airline has now become a scheduled flight from a chartered service. To date, he added, Dynamic has increased its flights from JFK to Georgetown due to the increased number of passengers who ply the route.

As the demand increas-

es, he noted that additional flights will be added. He was happy to announce that the airline has shuttled some 15,000 passengers from 92 flights in the last quarter and this total is expected to increase at the end of the next quarter. “Every day the plane comes in with close to 200 passengers and leave with about the same amount, we already have five flights and it will come a time when we will have seven,” he stated. He added that despite a bumpy start in its opera-

tions, the airline is here for the long haul. As they continue to strengthen the relationship between Roraima Airways and Dynamic Airways, discussions are ongoing with respect to training Guyanese Pilots to manage the wide bodied aircraft. “Soon we will have Pilots from Roraima airways flying the bigger aircraft… we also have intension to also train our local engineers so that they can become a part of the Dynamic team”, the Captain explained. Presently, the airline has 10 Boeing 767’s

and in case there is an emergency, a backup aircraft is available.

As the airline continues its operation in Guyana, Gouveia noted that Roraima Airway is teaming up to provide the best tourism packages including airfares, accommodations, sightseeing and much more.

Stable fare

In addition, he added that ever since the commencement of operations in Guyana, Dynamic Airways has managed to stabilise airfares although it has gone through a turbulent time. Gouveia feels that Dynamic has definitely picked up from where Delta Air Lines has left off. “One could recall after Delta Air Lines left Guyana’s skies, the airfare to the US skyrocketed and sometimes went to a whooping US$1500-1600 but now with Dynamic’s entrance, the fares have reduced tremendously”, he added.

Now, he stated that they are offering passengers to ability to carry two bags as well as a hand piece when compared to other airlines that are charging for the second bag. He noted that they are committed to passenger satisfaction, while at the same time, making them comfortable. One way in making the Guyanese passengers comfortable, he noted, was to train flight attendants who understand each other, thus, there is a better relationship between passengers and flight crew.

“We have trained 25 young Guyanese as flight attendants and they are flying all over the world on our wide body Boeing 767s”, Gouveia noted. Finally, he reiterated that the airline will continue to serve the Guyanese populace in years to come, adding that they have recently renewed the licence to operate out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). He expressed his gratitude to the airport staff and the entire dynamic crew for their support over the past year and assures Guyana that “Dynamic Airways is here to stay”.

Gunmen storm Digicel Sheriff Street outlet

…escape with phones, cash; hold up staff

Three armed men on Wednesday carried out a brazen daylight robbery on Cellular Planet, Sheriff Street, Georgetown, carting off an undisclosed sum of cash and other items, but not before holding two staff members at gunpoint.

According to reports received, the robbery occurred at about 16:00h, a few minutes before the store was scheduled to close for business. The entity is a dealer store of Digicel, Guyana Inc.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the three men, one of whom was armed with a hand gun, held up two female employees demanding that they hand over all the money generated from the day’s sales.

They then proceeded to relieve the women of the money, several high end handsets, phone cards and sim cards but as they were about to leave, they also relieved the victims of their jewellery and mobile phones.

Guyana Times understands that the store is equipped with surveillance cameras and upon reviewing the recorded footage,

the Police were able to arrest one of the perpetrators on Thursday. At the time of the robbery, the men were not wearing masks. The suspect was arrested and charges are expected to be instituted shortly.

Meanwhile, Digicel has confirmed reports of the robbery while noting that the Police have since retrieved the surveillance footage which was evidently useful due to the fact that one person was arrested.

An official stated that the staff of the establishment are not directly linked to Digicel Guyana but rather are employed by the owner of the business. The official also confirmed that no one was hurt in the robbery while noting that the Police are continuing their investigations. Only recently, the Police stated that serious crimes have increased by 11 per cent, with a 53 per cent increase in robberies. The Police managed to bring down gun related robberies and will continue to work with various stakeholders in addressing this scourge.

Two held after bandits burglarised nurse’s home

Two men are now in custody assisting Police with their investigation into a robbery committed on a nurse attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Reports are that as Police continue their investigations of the East Bank Berbice robbery they arrested a man who is currently on bail for robbing a Chinese national who operates a restaurant in the same area on January 25.

This publication understands that about 22:00h on Wednesday, three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, broke and entered the home of Vilgena “Sarika” Persaud at Lot 26 Glasgow, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Persaud stated that she and her two children were in bed sleeping when she was roused by an alarm going off. Moments later, she heard a door breaking and saw three masked men coming through her bedroom door. She said as the men entered the bedroom, she observed that one of them was carrying what appeared to be a firearm. “They told me that they want the car key, money and jewellery,” Persaud recounted.

According to her, she was tortured as the demands

were being made and a gunshot was discharged in her house as she tried to raise an alarm. After the gunshot, the men quickly left taking with them the key to Persaud’s car, her door keys and a car alarm.

Persaud, who was also hit in the head with a gun, was later taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was treated and sent away. Following the arrest of the two men, an identification parade was conducted. Charges are likely to be made shortly.

The suspect on bail was among five armed men who attacked and robbed the Four Sea Chinese Restaurant at Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice on January 25, and carted off hundreds of thousands in cash and phone cards. The following day, four persons were arrested, including a convicted prisoner, as Police in Berbice recovered a quantity of stolen items.

A quick response by the Police then led to the arrest of the four after villagers reported that a yellow 212 was in the village. They had claimed that the vehicle was the same car the five men used to get away after robbing the restaurant. Police intercepted the car and arrested the four occupants who were later placed before the court.

ExxonMobil to boost exploration activities

… deploying additional resources

United States-based oil exploration company ExxonMobil said it will be deploying additional resources to boost its ongoing exploration exercise in the Stabroek Block, off the Essequibo Coast, noting that it is confident of the future success of its work here.

A delegation led by Head of State David Granger met with President of the oil company Steven Greenlee, Executive Vice President Mike Husten and Vice President of the Americas Erik Oswalk earlier this week.

The Executives reaffirmed their commitment to the exploration work being done offshore Guyana’s waters and informed of the confidence the company has in its ongoing exploration activities.

ExxonMobil commenced its US$200 million exploration project in early March of this year. Later in May, days after declaring that it had encountered hydrocarbon, the company confirmed that it had more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs.

The well is the first on the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block and has been drilled to 17,825 feet. It was drilled by ExxonMobil local sub-

sidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. Greenlee had said he was encouraged by the results of the first well on the Stabroek Block.

He had assured that over the coming months, the company would be working to determine the commercial viability of the discovered resource, as well as to evaluate other resource potential on the block.

The well was spud on March 5. According to Greenlee, the well data will be analysed in the coming months to better determine the full resource potential.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd has a 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

Former Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud had said that any discovery of oil would be a significant boost to Guyana’s economy.

The oil company has made headway amid the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, where the latter remains adamant that the area where the US company is drilling is within its territory.

In early March, the oil and gas company, one of the largest in the world, was warned by the Spanishspeaking country to refrain from going ahead with its planned exploratory drilling activity, on a concession awarded by Guyana offshore its Essequibo Coast. Guyana, however, requested that Venezuela not interfere in its development activities.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to the area being explored, ignoring an 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which was declared as the full and final settlement of the boundary between the two South American nations. With Venezuela’s obdurate insistence on its position, Guyana is considering judicial settlement of the boundary.

The multibillion-dollar oil exploration project, which is expected to be executed over 10 years, got underway early last month. Guyana has been receiving sustained international attention from huge companies, especially in the oil sector, after the US Geological Survey said in 2000 that the GuyanaSuriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world after Greenland.

Linden Legal Aid Centre

gets over $6M ...to cover rest of its 2015 operations

Cabinet has ordered a review of all legal aid centres across the country to ensure that they are rightly addressing the needs of the poor and the vulnerable. This was revealed by Minister of State within the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, at his weekly post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday.

Minister Harmon also informed the media that following “a very spirited representation” made by Social Protection Minister Viola Lawrence, Cabinet has also

approved the sum of $6.35 million as support for the Linden Legal Aid Centre. He explained that the sum will cover the operations of the Centre for the remainder of 2015.

Cabinet has also approved the inclusion of the Linden Legal Aid Centre as a subvention agency, Minister Harmon said. In June, following a meeting with the workers within the Ministry of Social Protection’s Departments in Linden, Minister Lawrence had spoken with the Government Information Agency (GINA) on the meeting’s success.

One of the reasons, the Minister had indicated, for this success was that she was fortunate to meet with members of the former Legal Aid Committee and was given the good news that they were able to locate a building, and with the furniture that they received from the Ministry sometime back, would be reopening their doors.

“That is good for us, because that was one of our concerns, offering legal aid services to the people of Linden,” the Minister had told GINA.

Councillor urges setup of UG campus in Essequibo

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Bryan Basil has called for the establishment of a branch of the University of Guyana and two first-class (indoor and outdoor) sporting venues for residents in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Basil made this request at the first statutory Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting held Tuesday last. Basil, who is a re-elected councillor of the PPP\C, made the call immediately after he was sworn in. Basil told his fellow Councillors that Region Two was in need of a branch of the University of Guyana to assist parents. He said often parents would have to send

their child outside the region to gain qualification and owing to a lack of parental guidance, children became uncontrollable.

He further went on to say with the establishment of a branch of UG, children can qualify themselves in various fields such as Information Technology, Communication and Business. With those qualifications, he said, they can then become more competitive in the field of work.

In addition to the call for the establishment of a branch of UG, he also called for two first-class sporting venues and a multipurpose sporting facility. These, he said, have been long awaited by residents of the Region. Basil ex-

plained youths can be meaningfully engaged in sporting games, curbing social ills such as teenage pregnancy and suicide in the process.

The sporting facility would also foster sport tourism, especially since cricket can be played in the nights at the venue. He said big events can also be hosted at the complex. He further explained the Anna Regina Community Centre which is being used for most events is very deplorable and needed upgrading. Newlyelected Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt, after listening to the Councillor’s proposal, promised to address the issue in detail at the next RDC statutory meeting scheduled for the second Tuesday in July.

friday, july 3, 2015

PPP/C moves to court over Felix, Scott’s appointments

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has moved to the High Court seeking legal intervention for the removal of Members of Parliament (MPs) Winston Felix and Keith Scott, serving under the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) umbrella, from the National Assembly.

The Party on Monday had expressed concerns over the selection of Citizenship Minister Felix and Junior Communities Minister Scott as technocrats to serve in the 11th Parliament.

According to former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, the APNU+AFC parliamentarians are taking up posts that have been allocated in an unconstitutional and unlawful way.

The motion was filed in the High Court on Wednesday, the same day Minister of State, Joseph Harmon dared the Attorney to “do what he does best”, and move to the courts.

PPP/C member Desmond Morian has been named as the “Applicant”, while the Attorney General of Guyana and Clerk of the National Assembly have been listed

as the respondents.

The motion filed declared that “Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott are not lawful members of and cannot sit in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana”. It is seeking “an order directing the second named respondent to prevent Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott from sitting in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana, unless and until their names are extracted from A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change National Top-up List of Candidates for the May 11th 2015 General Elections”.

The grounds for the application state that Articles 60, 103, 105, 160 and 232 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Chapter 1:01, conjointly set out the qualifications of persons who are elected and non-elected members of the National Assembly, voting and nonvoting members of the National Assembly; that having regard to the clear language and the intendment of Articles 60, 103, 105, 160 and 232 of the Constitution of Guyana, the said Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott are not lawful members of and cannot sit in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana.

“Unconstitutional”

Nandlall on Monday said that pursuant to the Representation of the People Act, Felix and Scott were taking up positions which were unlawfully given.

“There are Ministers of Government who have taken and subscribed to the oath of office as Members of the National Assembly and are sitting Members there-

of, but who are not lawfully and constitutionally qualified to be Members of that august body. Their presence in the National Assembly is, therefore, unlawful and unconstitutional. It is the Constitution and to a lesser extent, the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 that determine who is qualified to be a Member of the National Assembly. By virtue of Article Eight, the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana, and any other law which is inconsistent with it is void to the extent of that inconsistency. So, if there is a conflict between the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, the Constitution shall prevail,” Nandlall said.

The Ministers, who have no voting rights as technocratic Ministers, as only the allotted 33 Government members can vote in the National Assembly, are two of four technocrats which can be appointed by the President to represent his Government.

However, the PPP/C deemed the appointments of the technocratic Ministers a violation of the Constitution. Nandlall pointed out that the three Ministers so ap-

pointed are on the coalition’s Lists of Candidates for Members of Parliament that were submitted to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the Representative of the APNU+AFC lists.

Article 105 states: “A Minister who was not an elected member of the Assembly at the time of his appointment shall (unless he becomes such a member) be a member of the Assembly by virtue of holding the office of Minister, but shall not vote in the Assembly.”

Nandlall said that it was under these provisions that a technocratic Minister holds a seat in the National Assembly as a non-elected non-voting Member.

“In other words, a person who was on a list of candidates that won a seat in the Parliament and who is, therefore, “an elected Member of the National Assembly” cannot become a technocrat minister and hold a seat in the National Assembly under Articles 103 (3) and 105 … In short, Winston Felix and Keith Scott are constitutional trespassers in the National Assembly,” the former Attorney General said.

However, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs had told Guyana Times that the PPP/C’s position and interpretation of the law was incorrect. The Clerk said he was informed of the PPP/C’s position and immediately consulted with the former Clerk of the National Assembly, Frank Narine, and also referred to the Constitution. Based on that, Isaacs explained that those persons on the lists that are not extracted by GECOM to be Members of Parliament can be appointed technocratic Ministers.

Berbice still reeling from Sunday’s freak storm

… some parts without power, water

Person residing in Berbice and along the West Demerara area are now struggling with their daily lives as they have been without sanitary water and electricity for four consecutive days, following the freak storm which tore through the coastline of Guyana on Sunday last.

Residents are bitterly complaining of constant power outages, while others are without electricity. Some residents are even without access to sanitary water to carry out their daily tasks.

“Fish pond water the people of Whim got to use. We nah get water to cook. The water we get we got to use to wash clothes and you got to bathe with it,” one resident complained in a video he posted on social media.

In addition, other residents of Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) complained to Guyana Times about their desperate situation. “Imagine majority of Berbice without water and the electricity going on and off whole day. These are residents from the birth place of the PM Moses Nagamootoo,” another individual complained.

The situation is no different on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Lakeraj Ram of Leonora, WCD, vented his frustration of losing thousands of dollars in food items due to the constant power outages.

“One day alone I probably throw out $25,000 in food. We calling GPL but they are not helping us. It’s really frustrating man,” he explained.

Teknarine Singh, also from Leonora, expressed similar sentiments.

“I can’t take it no more. Everybody complaining but nothing is happening,” he lamented.

A cancer patient, Mohamed Ali, who returned to Guyana for vacation expressed his complete dissatisfaction with the services available to the Guyanese public.

“I have my medicines in the fridge and it has to stay somewhere cool right, but now I hoping it don’t spoil. I can’t understand this,” he noted.

Meanwhile, in a press release, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) had explained that as a result of the storm which affected the coastal areas in Demerara and Berbice, its primary and secondary networks sustained extensive damage.

A total of 21 broken poles have been recorded in Demerara while Berbice has recorded five thus far. However, it appears that the problem is not yet fixed and residents are demanding answers.

The power company had reported that the most critical confirmed report emanating from Berbice is a broken pole at Ithaca which supports a critical transmission line linking East and West Berbice thereby affecting East Berbice residents.

Starr Computer launches world’s smallest computer in Guyana

Starr Computer on Thursday launched the world’s smallest computer in Guyana at its Brickdam location, one day after the manufacturer, Lenovo International officially released the product.

The computer is smaller than a smartphone and can easily fit into a pocket. In six decades, the computer has moved from the 2.5-tonne behemoths first created to the “Lenovo Computer on a Stick”, a flash-drive like device.

Starr Computer

President Michael G Mohan explained that its latest offering “may very well become the future for Desktop Computers in Guyana”. The device is fully loaded with an Intel Quad Processor, 2GB Memory, 32GB Storage, a memory card slot, Bluetooth, Built-in WiFi, USB 2.0 port

and Micro SD Card slot, and comes complete with Windows 8.1, which can be updated to Windows 10 for free. It also comes with a one-year free subscription to an anti-virus software.

It serves as the Central Processing Unit and when attached to a monitor or TV functions like any other Window 8.1 computer system. With an Internet connection, users can access Skype, Yahoo, Facebook, Netflix, Youtube and other sites. The device, when paired with a monitor and other peripheral equipment, is an ideal starter computer that is easy to use and perfect for entertainment, educational and business purposes.

“I love to do things to help the poor people; so often companies tend to focus on the rich people,” but at Starr’s they believe in

helping low-income families in any way possible (especially by providing computers at a cheap cost),” Mohan said. He added that many of us who have access to computers “take it

for granted”, without realising that there are many persons out there who may need computers but cannot afford to buy one.

The highlight of the presentation was the demon-

stration of how easy it is to use the “Lenovo Computer on a Stick”, during which a television was used as the monitor and a document was even printed using a HP Wireless Printer.

The mind-blowing product will be made available to the local market as soon as possible. The first 1000 customers to purchase the product will pay an initial price of $39,900. The company hopes that the device will be used throughout Guyana, especially in schools and was optimistic about future partnerships with the Education Ministry.

Starr Computer is the largest computer company in Guyana and has been open for business for more than 22 years. It also represents 18 major international manufacturers including Lenovo, Samsung, HP and Intel.

The company boasts a well-trained workforce who have benefited from many training workshops and seminars by some of the international brands it represents.

Mother, baby rescued from burning building

The lives of a mother and her two-yearold baby were spared when neighbours and passersby reacted quickly to rescue the pair from a burning building.

A fire of unknown origin erupted on the top floor of the family’s two-storey home located at Lot 54 Castello Housing Scheme, Cemetery Road and wasted no time in reducing the building to complete ruins.

At the time of the incident, which occurred around

13:00h on Thursday, Ayana Browne and her baby were at home taking a nap in their bedroom, which was located on the ground floor of the building.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, firefighters were just about to return to base and a large crowd had already assembled at the local health centre, a few houses away from the burning building, to help the family.

After receiving initial care at the health centre,

the family was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further assistance.

“I notice the place getting black and smoky, so when I look out to peep, I notice the house on fire and then like everybody notice the same time and people stop to run to go help,” a bystander told

this publication.

“A bus conductor had to stop the bus and he jump out and people were trying to get in the building, but the gate was locked so they had to jump it and they were banging on the door to try to open it,” a neighbour franti-

cally explained.

Their heroic efforts were not in vain as they succeeded in breaking down the door and helping the mother and her child out of the building.

“We also tell she to take out the gas bottle in case it explode and it cause more damage,” another concerned neighbour related.

Homeless

Guyana Times understands also that the woman’s fiancé, Shawn Anthony Williams, an employee of Windjammer International Cuisine and Comfort Inn, was not at home when the incident occurred.

However, upon hearing the news, Williams immediately rushed to the scene and rushed inside the burning building to assist his family.

It was during this process he too received minor burns about his body.

He was also taken to the local health centre and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital with his soon-to-be wife.

The baby, however, was

left in the care of neighbours as it was against Georgetown Public Hospital policy to take the unattended child in the ambulance.

“We can’t take the baby, somebody will have to come with her or she will have to stay here,” the nurse assigned to the ambulance explained.

However, the now homeless family had no relatives around at the time to take care of the child.

Some confusion broke out by the health centre over who would be responsible for the care of the baby until

a neighbour stepped up and volunteered to take care of the child.

Meanwhile, residents lauded the quick response from the health care providers and the Fire Service.

However, though the Fire Service arrived on time, residents complained that they were out of water and had to resort to using water from a nearby canal.

In spite of the delay, the Fire Service succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading to the nearby buildings.

69 students graduate from Hinterland Scholarship Programme

For Kevon Fredericks of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), his five years of obtaining a secondary education through the Hinterland Scholarship Programme was a life changing experience, since he was given the opportunity to write as many subjects as he wanted at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC), without any financial burden on his parents. Also, the young man was given a stipend to assist in purchasing text books that he needed.

Fredericks is one of the 69 students hailing from different hinterland regions, who were awarded scholarships under the Hinterland Scholarship Programme. Fredericks said that the programme is not without challenges; however, with the support and guidance from the staff of the programme and his parents, he, with his strong and confident mind, was able to overcome those challenges.

Holika Klass, of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) noted that the programme was a remarkable climb to success, where she was exposed to quality education, meeting new friends and learning their culture. She pointed out that she is proud to be a 2015 graduate and therefore recognises this stride as a solid foundation for her future endeavours.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre (ACICC), Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry Valerie GarridoLowe, noted how proud she was to see so many prom-

ising Indigenous students graduating.

New journey

Being a hinterland student herself, Minister Garrido-Lowe told the students that she fully understands the challenges and humiliation they face when pursuing their education away from home. This, she said, is something the new Administration will address. “Graduating from the Hinterland Scholarship Programme is no easy task; few would understand the sacrifices you have made... They see our cassava bread, roast pork and fish, sweet piwari and other beverages, and don’t understand that it is normal food,” she noted. Nevertheless, she urged the students to always maintain their culture, especially their languages and food, and that they must always be proud of who they are, even as they move on to higher institutes of learning.

“This is the beginning of

a new journey”, she told the students, a journey which can lead them to wonderful places. “I see in front of me the future of Guyana and more importantly, the future leaders of our indigenous population. You are the workers of tomorrow. Our President has said many times that educating Hinterland people is of vital importance, that the Hinterland is not another country, it is part of Guyana.”

She said that the Government is looking at establishing technical institutes in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, so that the students can access technical education in their respective regions. Agricultural institutes will also be established, the Minister added. “… We need our log officers, land surveyors, heavy-duty machine operators. We need persons to be more involved in the demarcation process, because we know our lands and our boundaries. We also need geologists and envi-

ronmentalists, more doctors and nurses to fill our health posts and centres; we need more Indigenous lawyers and IT technicians. All of you can play your part, in not only promoting and safeguarding our cultural heritage, but in developing this beautiful country,” Minister Garrido-Lowe explained. Meanwhile, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said he was delighted to be associated with the graduation exercise of a programme that preceded the country’s political independence. The aim is to ensure that there will not be significant changes in the education of any child who is transferred from the Coast to the Hinterland, Minister Roopnaraine noted. He said that while attempts were made to build regional schools up to a standard to those on the coast, “We cannot and will not simply aim to reproduce the quality of education and curriculum in a unilateral erection from coast to hinterland. Much

of Guyana’s history is being informed by the simplistic belief that the coast offers significantly more of an education to someone from the Hinterland, than to someone from the coast.”

In an era in which sustainable development of the country’s natural resources and natural environment is emerging as critical to global human survival, Dr Roopnaraine stated that, “We are fast approaching an age where the traditional cultural knowledge of our primarily untouched hinterland, the capacity to live harmoniously with the natural environment is quickly gaining premium value.” From the local production of the Rupununi Music Festival to television shows like ‘Naked and Afraid’ which was recently filmed in Guyana, there is an increasing number of academic researchers across the wide spectrum of academic disciplines who are venturing into the regions.

The Minister noted that

clearly, there is an upsurge as it relates to the recognition of the values, in particular the unique education that the Hinterland has to offer. And it is against this background he would like to see promising students from the coast be afforded the opportunity to learn in an environment which reflects the true wealth of Guyana’s landscape. “In essence, even as we seek to build on the gains of this historic scholarship, we also have to start rethinking the mechanics of it, to offer more of an exchange programme than in a unidirectional mechanism… it is time we start recognising that we have a great deal to learn from the Hinterland,” He further noted.

The Hinterland Scholarship Programme that affords academic opportunities at both the secondary and tertiary levels, allows for the integration of Hinterland students into the wider Guyanese society, and provides them with quality secondary and technical education, not accessible in their communities. This programme offers two types of scholarships, the regional and national. It is supported by the Government of Guyana, through the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry and provides students with a monthly stipend, school necessities, accommodation and meals. For the regional aspect, students are required to obtain 470 marks at the National Grade Six Examinations, while for the national level, students are required to obtain more than 480 marks, to be awarded schools in Georgetown and its environs. (GINA)

US$24M Giftland Mall opens

…projects over 150% increase in sales

By Devina Samaroo

After years of waiting, the public witnessed the official opening of the Giftland OfficeMax megamall on Thursday evening with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the impressive facility and its environs. The event concluded with the screening of Hollywood’s blockbuster movie “Terminator: Genisys” at one of the Caribbean Cinemas’ theatres.

Delivering the keynote address during the ceremony at the mall’s Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown location was Business Minister Dominic Gaskin who proudly recognised the success of the Guyanese-owned company and its significant contribution towards the continued growth of the local economy. “Giftland’s growth has been attributed to many factors including attention to detail, strategic planning, customer service, sharp purchasing, great merchandising, staff incentive and development programmes, efficiency, innovative marketing and a desire to keep improving its product lines and service,” he acknowledged, noting that other budding businesses in the country could learn from the success and hard work of the Beepat Family.

Sales

increase

As the company spreads its wings and transforms into a full-blown entertainment provider, it predicts an attractive figure for its sales increase which will ultimately reflect on the overall development of Guyana’s economy. Gaskin registered his delight with the projected increase in the company’s sales which he hoped translated into increased investor confidence in the local market.

“I was very impressed to see that Giftland projected an increase in sales of over 150 per cent with the move from their Water Street store to this new location and the confidence it signals to the Guyanese economy

is a confidence I hope readily rings throughout the local business community and even beyond,” he expressed.

The company has seen sales rise from US$300,000 per annum when established in 1997 to in excess of US$11 million. With a bigger and better location, sales are projected to increase to US$26 million per annum.

Importance of advertising

During his speech, Gaskin went on to laud the company for its impressive entrepreneurship skills, particularly noting that the Giftland complex is a fine example of how good marketing can be used to develop a business.

“One of the things

Giftland has been able to demonstrate clearly is the importance of advertising in business … What I always admired about Giftland is its use of smart advertising to grow its business … It shows an understanding of how business works and it shows an understanding of the culture of consumerism,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who did the honours of cutting the red ribbons to officially declare the mall open to the public, delivered the feature address which aimed to capture the essence of Guyana’s first world-class entertainment complex. “I could not help but contain myself after having had a

sneak preview with my wife to this wonderful complex … Roy Beepat deserves all our gratitude and all our support,” he said in congratulating the company.

Nagamootoo, who had previously dubbed the Giftland Mall as the single biggest innovation in Guyana in over 50 years, acknowledged how hard work and determination transformed a simple idea into a striking reality. In the same breath, he applauded the Beepat Family for its confidence and investment in the Guyanese economy.

Sincere gratitude

Meanwhile, the company’s President, Roy Beepat and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ian Ramdeo did the honours of expressing sincere gratitude to everyone who helped to make the mall a reality. Past and present Governments; Citizens Bank; the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI); Assuria; Rubis and Caribbean Cinemas among many others were recognised for their outstanding work in making the Giftland Mall a reality.

Of course, Giftland also expressed heartfelt gratitude to its hardworking staff for their industrious efforts in preparing for the opening of the grand entertainment complex.

Phased opening

Because the project is such an enormous undertaking, the company decided to have the mall opened in phases. This opening will only see the public having access to the state-of-theart movies theatres, four fast food restaurants and the Giftland OfficeMax superstore. There will also be a Republic Bank ATM machine available for customer convenience.

Thereon, the full-blown entertainment complex will take shape as more restaurants and stores progressively open up. The video arcade and entertainment strip, comprising fine dining restaurants, sport bars and night pubs, is also on hold for a future opening, tentatively scheduled in December. The supermarket department is also tentatively set for a Christmas opening.

Started in 1997 Giftland OfficeMax was started in 1997 when Monica Beepat’s small gift shop was combined with Roy Beepat’s wholesale stationery company and merged at one location on Regent and Albert Street. It moved from there to Charlotte Street in 2000 and then to Water Street in 2003. Giftland eventually outgrew its old location and thus, the Giftland Mall idea was born.

New Bill on Presidents’ benefits not applicable to current, past Presidents – Nandlall

In light of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s plan to table the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2015 at the next sitting of the 11th Parliament, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has outlined that the new piece of legislation will not apply to former Presidents nor the current President.

In a statement on Thursday, Nandlall ex-

plained that the Bill seeks to repeal the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Act 2009 and replace it with a regime of benefits and other facilities awarded to Executive Presidents after they demit office.

“In my humble view, the Bill, if it becomes law, will not affect nor apply to the benefits and other facilities which accrue to any former President under the Former President (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2009. I wish to further sub-

mit that it will also not affect nor apply to President David Granger who is entitled to the benefits and facilitates under the 2009 Act, on the same basis and for the same reasons as former Presidents,” he stated.

Nandlall opined that if enacted, the 2015 Bill cannot retroactively or retrospectively affect the entitlements conferred by the 2009 Act since these entitlements have already accumulated to the former Presidents. He went onto explain that as it relates to Granger, the benefits were accrued to him the moment he assumed office since the 2009 Act was in force. However, he noted that these benefits will become due only after demits office.

On this note, the former AG noted that the 2015 Bill can only operate prospectively and therefore, will only apply to Presidents who assume office after Granger. “More significantly, any attempt to utilize this Bill as an instrument to deny and deprive any or all of the aforementioned persons their entitlement under the 2009 Act, would be unlawful, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect,” he posited.

The former Legal Affairs Minister supported his position by making references to Articles 222 (1-4) of the Constitution. He declared that the salaries and allowances of those holding such offices as the President are charged to the Consolidated Fund, hence they are not subjected to the approval or disapproval of the National Assembly. In fact, he stated this is an indication of the level of protection and the security of tenure which the Constitution accords to these office holders.

Furthermore, Nandlall referred to Article 222 (3) which protects the salaries, allowances and terms of service from any alteration that will cause the office holder to lose his or her benefits after their appointment. He added “as it relates to Presidents, I submit that the benefits and other facilities conferred by the 2009 Act are captured in these “allowances and terms of service” to which Article 223 makes reference. It is clear therefore, that while the remuneration package of these office holders can increase, no diminution is permitted even after they would have left office”.

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US to help Guyana crush “narco empire”

…sees DEA deployment as crucial

Charge d’ Affaires of the United States Embassy here in Guyana, Bryan Hunt has expressed optimism that with the help of the US Government, the drug network connected to this country will be dismantled and disrupted in the not so distant future.

Hunt, who was at the time addressing invitees at the 239th Independence Anniversary of the United States of America at the Marriott Hotel Guyana, said that the two governments will be able to achieve such a goal with the revitalised security and counter narcotics relationship already beginning to yield results.

“Guyana’s law enforce-

Venezuela decree

ment agencies have already made significant seizures in the last year, not the least of which was finding the self-propelled semi submersible in the interior and putting that shipyard out of business,” Hunt said. He noted that the cocaine seizures at the Cheddi Jagan Airport and others port have continued to increase as information sharing and law enforcement collaboration between the two governments have grown.

“I am confident that despite criticisms of skeptics, expanded cooperation between the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Guyanese Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and Serious Organised Crimes

Unit (SOCU) will disrupt and ultimately dismantle the drug flow through Guyana.,” the Charge d’ Affaires said.

To this end, the Charge d’ Affaires noted that the recent passage of the Anti Money Laundering and the Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill was crucial.

Border controversy Meanwhile, Hunt also used the occasion to assure Acting President Moses Nagamootoo that Washington is committed to extending its support in the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. “We stand with the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil as they

work together to extract natural resources in a responsible manner that protects the environment,” he said. The US diplomat further added that the US government was pleased with the success of the USAID partnership with the country on the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) programme which is aimed at training and education at risk youth in life and work skills that have been identified as critical by public and private sector

crime and violence, working with the Magistracy and the probation department of the Ministry of Social Protection, more than 70 youth have received alternative sentences, were diverted from incarceration and began receiving support to reform their lives…over 1600 youth have been mentored and provided with life and work skills training and in excess of 650 youths have been linked to long term employment,” the diplomat expressed. Most recent-

President in the absence of President David Granger, who is currently attending the 36th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados, expressed thanks to the Charge d’ Affaires for the support which has been extended to the people and the government of Guyana. He also congratulated the US for being able to achieve the milestone of 239 years of sovereignty. Nagamootoo noted that though Guyana is faced with the threat of provocation from Venezuela,

employers in Guyana, in an effort to reduce youth crime and violence.

“Our mutually beneficial goal is to reduce youth crime and violence by developing enhanced skills and increased economic opportunities. Under the programme’s thrust to deter and reduce youth involvement in

ly, the programme also began providing reintegration support to 40 individuals who received pardons from President David Granger on the celebration of the country’s 49th Independence Anniversary.

Gratitude

Meanwhile, Nagamootoo, who is performing duties as

it is heartening to know that Georgetown has “friends” inclusive of the United States, on which it can depend. He said his Government will continue to adhere to the agreement which affects Guyana’s territorial integrity and the guarantee of sovereignty.

Time for Caricom to stand with Guyana – Granger

President David Granger on Thursday delivered what has been described as a sterling appeal to his regional counterparts, petitioning them to lend their full support to this country against Venezuela’s threats over Guyana’s sovereignty.

The Head of State was addressing the opening ceremony of the Caricom Heads of Government meeting in Barbados where his 14 counterparts are in attendance. His plea was for solidarity with Guyana, over the decades-old controversy. It was Granger’s first major speech to an international audience since being elected and also his first Caricom summit as Head of State. He used much of the speech to condemn Venezuela’s provocation and warned Caricom if it does not take a stand it risk becoming a spent force.

Caracas remains fixed in its claims that the area which was settled by an international arbitration some 116 years ago in Guyana’s favour, belongs to it, and has recently intensified its pressure on Guyana, particularly after the reported discovery of oil by US based oil Giant Exxon Mobil.

“We yearn for the security of the United Nations and a sense of international law to bring a peaceful end to Venezuela’s rejection

of the validity of the boundary which has been defined as a full and final settlement and which all parties at that time vowed to accept”, Granger told attendees at the Summit on Thursday.

Stand fast with us

He said years of “superiority” should not be allowed to suppress the law, noting that the actions, as demonstrated by Venezuela must be condemned. “Guyana assures the representatives of the International Community here today of its adherence of International Law. We assure the Secretary General of the UN, we assure the Secretary General

of the Commonwealth and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), that Guyana today and for all times will pursue the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-appearance in each other’s internal affairs and mutual cooperation for peaceful co-existence between neighbours”, he continued

Granger told the CARICOM heads that his country faces a huge threat, recalling that the “decree number 1787”, promulgated by the Bolivarian Republic

of Venezuela was timed to coincide with the country’s independence anniversary on May 26 this year and his inauguration. “The decree sticks in my throat like a bone. It lays claim to much of the coastline and most of the Exclusive Economic Zones of Guyana. This decree has dire implications for the entire region but most particularly the eastern states including: Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago”

He said these countries consider the decree by Venezuela an act of aggression against Guyana’s sovereignty, and an assault on its right to assess and develop

its maritime resources. “We ask this conference to affirm its solidarity with Guyana and to repudiate this obnoxious decree”, he pleaded, continuing that Guyana has always been at the forefront of regional integration and has stayed steadfast for 50 years, from CARIFTA to CARICOM”. He said without the cooperation of “our CARICOM Member States, we risked being miniaturized and marginalised”. “We might be a community of small states, but we deserve and demand to be treated as equal among the nations of the world. Let us not be afraid to reengage the rest of the hemisphere as national family, as national allies”, Granger said.

Unequal nations

He told the representatives of the Caricom Member States, that they have assembled, conscious of the reality that they are all part of the international community which was characterised by “unequal nations and foreign exchange”. He said while they may all be “powerless” as individual states, when put together, they are “powerful” as a community of sovereign states.

He said the Caribbean has already demonstrated the capacity to collaborate to confront some of the “transnational threats”. These threats, he added have de-

manded that “we seek regional rather that purely national responses”. “They form the basis of regional cooperation. Transnational threat formidable as they are, pale in significance of the much more potential threat, the threat to our territory. The very land, sea and space on which we rely for our daily existence”, Granger told his colleagues.

“Our exclusive economic zone is integral to our national territory. They are essential to our survival, because we depend on these waters for our economic sustenance, for travel, trade, tourism, fishing, and for petroleum exploitation,” the Guyanese leader said. He said the region must also be prepared to exercise absolute sovereignty over its maritime waters and resources. “We must protect these resources from being invaded and annexed. We must procure the principle of collective security which provides that a threat to any of our members, represent a threat to the entire community”, Granger said. He assured that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the great regional project and will not falter in its duty, noting that it will play its part both inside and outside of the conference to support regional integration.

friday, july 3, 2015|

Woman shot in legs during minibus robbery

Apassenger in a Route 42 minibus is nursing gunshot injuries to both of her legs following a robbery in the vicinity of the Flour Mill Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday afternoon about 12:50h.

Sharon Baldeo, 42, of Section C Golden Grove, EBD, was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital and sent away. Based on reports gathered, Baldeo and her daughter were on their way to Georgetown and the suspect who was sitting in the back seat of the minibus asked to be put off at Flour Mill Road, Eccles.

As he disembarked the minibus, he reportedly grabbed Baldeo’s hand bag containing $245,000, an iPhone and personal documents but she put up a fight.

In retaliation, the man whipped out a gun that he had in his pocket and discharged about three rounds hitting the woman in her legs. He then made good his escape on foot through the Flour Mill Road.

Baldeo, when contacted, told Guyana Times that she went to the Republic Bank Branch in Diamond where she withdrew the money. She and her daughter then boarded the minibus which heading to the city.

As they entered the minibus, the other seats were

filled hence they were forced to occupy the back passenger seat where the suspect was.

The injured woman noted that as they continued their journey, she opened her bag and took out $1000 to pay the conductor. After a few minutes, she added that the suspect requested to be put off at the Flour Mill Road.

As the minibus stopped, she turned her legs to the side to allow the passenger to pass but as he passed, he grabbed her bag and started to pull it.

“I didn’t let go easily: as he pulled, I pulled and it continued for a good couple seconds … then he pulled out the gun and the driver, the conductor and the passengers run out of the bus … he continue to pull the bag and the handle burst, but I nah lose … is then the gun went off,” she explained.

One arrested

The suspect then relieved Basdeo of her bag and ran into the Agricola Area. The Police in a statement revealed that they have arrested one man who was positively identified as the perpetrator, but Baldeo claimed that she was never called to identify the man.

After receiving treatment, she visited the Ruimveldt Police Station where she saw four men sitting on a bench, but none of them was the

perpetrator. She was later made to understand that another man was arrested and was being kept at Grove Police Station, but, up to late Thursday afternoon, she was not asked to identify him.

The Police stated that they are continuing their investigations into the shooting incident. In May, Hardat Kissoon, a rice farmer of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, who was a passenger in a Route 44 minibus was shot dead during a robbery along the Rupert Craig Highway.

It was reported that the man had just left a city bank after changing a cheque and was followed by one man who posed as a passenger. As the journey continued, the man requested the bus to stop in the vicinity of the University of Guyana access road where he attempted to take Kissoon’s bag containing over $500,000, but Kissoon held onto it.

The man then pulled out a handgun and discharged a round at Kissoon hitting him to his chest. The bandit then relieved the man of the bag and threw it through the window to an accomplice. Kissoon was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Thus far, one of the alleged suspects, Sherwin Trotman was arraigned for his murder.

IMF warns of huge financial hole as Greek vote looms

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delivered a stark warning on Thursday of the huge financial hole facing Greece as angry and uncertain voters prepare for a referendum that could decide their country’s future in Europe.

Days after Greece defaulted on part of its IMF debt, the Fund, part of the lenders’ “troika” behind successive international bailouts, said Greece needed an extra 50 billion euros over the next three years, including 36 billion from its European partners, to stay afloat. It also needed significant debt relief.

The assessment, in a preliminary draft of the Fund’s latest debt sustainability report, underlines the scale of the problems facing Athens, whatever the result of Sunday’s referendum on the bailout offered by creditors last month.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ rejection of what he terms the “blackmail” of EU and IMF creditors demanding spending cuts and tax hikes has so angered Greece’s partners that there

is no hope of reconciliation before Sunday.

With banks closed for a fourth day and capital controls in place, the future of the left-wing Government hangs on the result, given the angry mood of voters in Greece, torn between resentment of the lenders and scorn for their own politicians.

“People have lost it com-

Dominican Republic agrees to OAS migration inquiry

The Dominican Republic says it will cooperate with an Organisation of American States (OAS) inquiry into its migration policies.

The OAS is sending a team to Santo Domingo after thousands of migrants left for Haiti in recent weeks.

The Dominican authorities say they left voluntarily after a registration programme for undocumented migrants expired.

But Haitian officials have accused the authorities of using force.

Speaking after the OAS announcement, Interior Minister Ramon Fadul said: “We have nothing to hide because what we are doing is

applying our laws on migration as every country in the world does and to do this we have done what was needed.”

But there have been international concerns about the number of Haitians being sent across the border, estimated to be some 17,000. Many of them are Dominicans of Haitian descent.

Jose Miguel Vivanco, the Director of Human Rights Watch’s Americas division, said: “People are being detained and shoved across the border.”

Caribbean nations in the 15-member bloc known as Caricom called on the Dominican Republic to stop

what it said was a “planned mass deportation of people of Haitian descent”.

The current crisis has its roots in a 2013 High Court ruling in the Dominican Republic.

It said that people born there between 1929 and 2010 had Dominican citizenship as a birthright, but those born to undocumented migrants at the time of their birth were not covered by this protection and were not citizens.

“The Dominican Republic is denying tens of thousands of citizens their rights to a nationality,” said Vivanco. As a result, he said, they have become stateless. (Excerpt from

BP agrees to historic settlement over oil spill

British energy company BP has announced it had agreed to settle US federal and state claims worth up to US$18.7 billion over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Thursday’s agreement increases the pre-tax cost of the disaster to BP by an estimated US$10 billion to US$53.8 billion, its Chairman, Carl-Henric Svanberg, said. The company is expected to release a final figure in its second quarter results in late July.

“For BP, this agreement will resolve the largest lia-

bilities remaining from the tragic accident and enable BP to focus on safely delivering the energy the world needs,” said BP group chief Bob Dudley in a statement.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the head of the US Justice Department, hailed what she said was a record deal.

“If approved by the court, this settlement would be the largest settlement with a single entity in American history; it would help repair the damage done to the Gulf economy, fisheries, wetlands and wildlife; and it would

bring lasting benefits to the Gulf region for generations to come,” she said in a statement.

The deal has been struck with the US Federal Government and five Gulf Coast states – Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas – affected by the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. Eleven people died and millions of barrels of oil were spilled into the Gulf, decimating wildlife and devastating the ecology of a region dependent on the seafood and tourism industries.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

New Bill on Presidents’...

pletely. And it’s all the fault, one 100 per cent, of all the politicians. They are to blame for the situation we are in now,” said pensioner Thanos Stamou.

On Sunday, it will fall to the Greek people to decide an issue that their Government was unable to settle in months of acrimonious negotiations with their European partners. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Commenting on President Granger’s position, Nandlall outlined that the current President assumed office while the 2009 Act is in force, and as such, he is guaranteed certain facilities and benefits which will accrue to him when he ceases to hold the Office of President.

“Article 222(3) protects those facilities and benefits from any alteration to his detriment. The 2015 Bill cannot and does not affect those facilities and benefits,” the former AG positioned. He further outlined

that the courts, both in Guyana and throughout the Commonwealth, have given varied possible definition to the term “property” to include: money, rent charges, mortgages, easements, shares, or anything that has economic value.

Nandlall went onto say that every single entitlement listed in the 2009 Act as a benefit or facility to a former President, is capable of being converted into monetary or economic value. These entitlements he said, therefore, are the legal property of those to whom they statu-

torily accrue and Article 142 of the Constitution prevents the repeal of the Act by this 2015 Bill from having the effect of compulsorily acquiring the property which the 2009 Act confers, without prompt and adequate compensation.

Having established that the 2015 Bill will only apply to Presidents post Granger, Nandlall believes that some of its clauses are infected with the virus of unconstitutionality and are accordingly liable to be struck down by a court for want of constitutionality.

Six young ladies will clash head-on for the

title of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen on July 18 at the National Cultural Centre. The delegates

Preparation are well in place for the hosting of Hits and Jams premier event titled “Sun Sand and Water” slated for this weekend at the Water Park, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

A recent visit to the site proved that the event will indeed be a memorable one for all those who intend to travel up to the venue which is only 15 minutes from the capital city.

The breathtaking artificial beach will defiantly blow your mind and more so, the huge pool that was installed with a capacity of 1200. The rides are being erected and the slides are being inflated, and the stage is being constructed. All in all, it will be three days of fun, frolic and excitement in the sun and on the sand.

On the first day, Saturday

who have already taken part in the cotillion on Sunday last had an opportunity to display their skills in table etiquette, ballroom dancing and public speaking.

On the night of the pageant, the contestants will be competing in the National Pride Costume segment, swimwear, talent, evening wear and intelligence

segment. Tickets for the event cost $2500, $2000 and $1000 and are available at the National Cultural Centre Box Office and from any of the delegates.

Contestant number one – Bethany Garraway

Bethany Garraway is a 17-year-old who attends Berea Royal College International. Her life’s ambition is to become a nurse. Her favourite music is R&B and hip-hop. Bethany likes singing and has been dancing in school and church since she was a child. Her favourite aspects of Guyana which she likes to share with others are its rich mineral wealth and exquisite waterfalls.

Contestant number four

– Keisha Hunter

Fourteen-year-old Keisha Hunter is a student of South Ruimveldt Secondary School. She has aspirations of becoming an Air Hostess some day and would like to be a dance choreographer as well. Keisha likes to dance and sing and is a good swimmer.

Contestant number two – Candacee Nelson Candacee Nelson is a 15-year-old who likes singing gospel and soul music, playing a good game of cricket and modelling. She would like to become a Pharmacist after studying and thinks that the variety of dishes we enjoy as Guyanese should be shared with the world.

Contestant number five

– Kimberly Henry

Kimberly Henry is a 17-year-old Bartician by birth who relocated to Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara. Kimberly has her sights set on becoming a Pharmacist and enjoys reading, drawing and spoken word. She also enjoys soul music and is proud of the mixtures of culture which makes us a rich nation.

July 4, patrons will experience the first ever ‘food festival’ on a beach setting which will feature chefs and cooks from a variety of countries. Admission to this event cost $2000 which

will be redeemable in chits.

One can enjoy the sumptuous meals being prepared by well qualified chefs that will see you begging for more. This event will be

held during the day. Then on Sunday, July 5, the venue will be transformed into a fashion fiesta which will see designers; both locally and regionally, displaying their

masterpieces.

It will be a day of fun and frolic which puts you in the right mood for the local leg of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant in the evening. Those vying for the title are Radiante Frank, Cardella Hamilton, Eksi Edwards, Treasure James, Carlene Waithe and Onica Rose.

On pageant night, the contestants will have an opportunity to introduce themselves via a three-minute presentation on one of Guyana’s tourism destinations. This will be followed by the swimsuit segment, comprising regular swimwear and the fantasy swimwear after which the delegates will clash head on for the evening gown segment and finally the intelligence segment. The pageant will commence as the sun sets

Contestant number three – Gabriella Whittington

Gabriella Whittington is a 15-year-old student of East Ruimveldt Secondary School. She would like to be an Immigration Officer and a professional model. Her hobby is dancing and “Gabby”, as she is affectionately called, loves hip-hop, Jazz and dancehall music. Gabby loves children and finds herself giving back to charities that support their cause.

Contestant number six –

Tamara Angela Tucker

Tamara Angela Tucker is 18 years of age and a graduate of Tutorial High School. Born and raised in the city of Georgetown, Tamara is enjoying her first job as an Office Assistant at a popular news paper. Her hobbies are writing poetry and singing. Tamara finds herself giving back to the Radio Needy Children’s Fund when she can.

and will go into the night. Patrons will pay $2000 to enter the venue.

Finally, the three-day event will culminate with a massive ‘Soka’ party. Thus far, Hits and Jams Entertainment has released the names of several top soca artistes from Trinidad and Tobago including Lil Rick, Destra, Shal Marshall, Kerwin Dubois, 5 Star-Akil and Fadda Fox.

The local line-up will see Jackie Jaxx; reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Jumo Primo; and Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson. With the lineup promised, patrons are expected to have a blast. Soca junkies, be prepared for one of the maddest shows featuring the best in soca rhythms. Admission cost $3000. Tickets will be available at the venue for all the events.

The tents are all set up and the tarmac is cleanly swept to accommodate the well polished vehicles, as they compete in the most anticipated event on the West Side on Saturday evening.

The event dubbed “Westside Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound Off-4” is expected to be loud at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). The third annual event saw more than 20 vehicles competing for supremacy in various categories of competition and this year will

be bigger and better.

Over 30 vehicles will be on show, competing for cash and trophies in several categories, including Best Graphic, Best Lights, Best Theme, Best Interior, Best Engine, Hardest and Xtreme Sound (car, bike, SUV and bus).

Music will be provided by #TRS and Big Life Sound System. There will also be musical clashes between Star Cars, TRex, Avengers, Red Jet, Dark Siderz, Xclusive Sounds, King Kong and Hulk among others.

Formidable competitors such as The Avengers, Red Jet,

Dark Siderz, Wreaker, Star Cars, TRex, Xclusive and Massive are among the showstoppers that have already confirmed their participation.

Admission to the event is $1000 in advance and $1500 at the gate, while vehicle passes will also be available for $1000. Those who wish to participate in the competition will pay $3000 as registration fees.

Tickets and entry forms are available at Westsiderz Entertainment Centre; Deals on Electronics, Strathspey, East Coast Demerara; and A&S Lumber Yard, Tuschen, EBE.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will launch the 20th Edition of Naya Zamana on Sunday, July 5 during a gala event at the Marriott Hotel, Kingstown, Georgetown.

Naya Zamana, a renowned dance production which has gained international recognition, is slated to be held at the National Cultural Centre on August 26. The production which has

Aattracted sold out audiences for the past 20 years and is a fixture on Guyana’s entertainment and cultural calendar, has been raising the bar in the performing arts each year.

The original choreographies in a multitude of dance styles along with the breath taking backdrops, dazzling costumes and unique concepts have trilled thousands over the past years and continue to

ll plans are in place for the hosting of the eighth annual Wales Village Day on Sunday evening at the Wales Community Centre ground, West Bank Demerara, with the main attraction being the vehicle sound off, with over $250,000 in prizes up for grabs.

Promoters Suga and Avinash are making sure that the rain does not spoil any of the day’s activities and are making all the necessary arrangements.

Apart from the sound off, there will be other attractions, including King Dominoes competition with a stake of $30,000 and trophy for the winner

Over the last month, Guyanese Fashion Designer Sonia Noel has been super busy. In observance of Caribbean Heritage Month, which began on Friday, June 12, Noel hosted 16 designers and their signature pieces in the rotunda at the Brooklyn Borough Hall in New York.

Her “Bridging the Gap – Connecting Caribbean Style” theme boasted an elegant aesthetic of “sweeping gowns in black and gold, to white frocks and bridal wear, as models sashayed down a long flight of stairs to display a floral patchwork attire.”

Among her accomplishments in New York, she received the prestigious Golden Arrowhead Award of Achievement and Distinction from the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Inc at Guyana’s 49h Anniversary of Independence celebrations on June 26, also held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall. This award was in recognition of her “outstanding achievements and community service.”

be one of the leading dance productions of its kind in Guyana. Naya Zamana is used as an opportunity to showcase Guyanese creativity of which the sabha is proud of for the past two decades.

The 20th edition of the production forms a theatrical spectacular and tells a vibrant story through media, dance and music. The launch is set for 19:00h.

and the most anticipated double wicket cricket competition with over $100,000 up for grabs.

The children will not be left out since there are lots of games and fun activities for them to partake in. These include merry-go-round, face painting, bouncy castle and others. There will also be a segment of juggling among deejays from Power Sonic, TRS and Big Life Sound.

The action starts at 09:00h. Tickets are presold for $500 but more will be charged at the gate. Remember rain or no rain, there will be a bacchanal at the Wales Community Centre ground.

In presenting the award, Patricia Lanford Jordan, President of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, noted that “Sonia has been a great ambassador for Guyana and we’re so proud of her.” Sonia’s other awards include Habitat for Humanity’s ”Partnering to Promote Housing for Persons with Disabilities”, a “Regional Lifetime Achievement” Award from the Barbados Music, Fashion, and Film industry, GMSA President’s Award for her continuous expansion and market penetration, and many more.

her line to a new clientele, offering her many unique and versatile pieces made of tie-dye fabrics, native seeds, beads, woods and bamboo collage art which were flaunted by the models with their various body types from the tall and statuesque to the full-bodied.

“This is such an amazing business opportunity to have a designer of Sonia Noel calbre in my boutique and I am positive this is a start of great things to come”, Tijuana Faison Boutique owner said.

From New York, Sonia headed off to Atlanta where she revealed some exciting news. After having graced regional markets throughout the Caribbean and New York, she is now expanding her brand in that city and is pulling out all the stops to achieve this goal.

Kicking off the launch of her latest designs at the Design Faze Boutique, a chic women’s specialty shop located at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta on Sunday, June 28, Sonia introduced

For Sonia, when it comes to great style, size certainly doesn’t matter. That is why the sizes in her collections run from the petite body type to the full-figured and her designs flatter all forms.

She thinks that “Every woman should look beautiful, irrespective of her body type” Sonia told the captive audience at last Sunday’s show. Her commitment to help upgrade the industry by including sizes that are mostly ignored, to some extent, is matched by her passion for great design.

She has a unique understanding of the limited options available for woman who wear large sizes and said women come in all shapes and sizes. Sonia excitedly noted that “June is a great time to be in the US because of a large number of Caribbean-American events which allowed me great networking opportunities for future business.”

She is off to the Pan-American (Pan Am) Games to fly the Guyana flag high once again. Cuttin’ Style Caribbean is a fashion extravaganza that will take place from July 16-18 at HTO Park at the Toronto Waterfront with “Fashion By The Water”, and will culminate with the “Caribbean Gala Event” at Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto on July 18. At this unprecedented international event, Caribbean Fashion will once again take centre stage at one of the biggest sporting and cultural platforms in the world – PANAMANIA.

Berbicians and Essequibians get ready for the biggest chutney show to hit the Ancient County this Saturday evening and the Cinderella County on Sunday evening. Tickets have been going like crazy and promoters and sponsors are making sure that the two shows are off the hook.

Presently the stages are being erected at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground and the

Rose Hall Canje ground, as well as the sponsors are making sure that their brands are mounted thus creating a party like atmosphere.

The music systems are already in place and the artistes are expected to arrive during the course of today for the two mega events that have been creating some buzz in those two counties. Coastlanders are also making that special effort to be a part

of the event.

So Berbice and Essequibo, the cast of Clash of the Titans are coming full steam ahead and will undoubtedly set the stage on fire.

Those who are slated to perform are reigning International Chutney Monarch Ravi B and his entire band featuring Nesha B and others; former International Chutney Monarch KI and the JMC 3Veni Band, comprising

Neval and Nishard M; one-time Trinidad and Tobago Chutney King Raymond Ramnarine; emerging star Avinash Maharaj; young heartthrob Veekash Sahadeo; Savita Singh and many others.

The local line-up includes the Shakti Strings Orchestra led by key Pianist, Avinash Roopchand; Steven Ramphall, Mahendra Ramkellwan and others. Emcee for the evening

will be no other that Wonder Boy WR Reaz and television personality Joel Ganshaam.

Tickets for the return of Clash of the Titans cost $1500 for general admission and $3000 for VIP. The event is sponsored by Top Brandz Distributor, The Garage Bar, Guytrac, Comfort Sleep, Park Vue Hotel, Star Party Rentals and Team MMR, among others.

Lake Mainstay Resort will be hosting its 15th Annual Regatta and Stage Show on Sunday, August 16 at the magnificent fresh water lake with more than $3 million in cash and prizes up for grabs.

The event will feature the big horses from Bartica and Pomeroon including Dave Scott and his team and Neil Gonsalves and his team.

The day will see at least 12 categories of power boat racing for both males and females in the following categories: 15HP, 40HP, 90HP, 200HP and Open HP. There will also be a 200 metre male canoe race, a 200 metre female canoe race and a 200 metre open swimming race.

In addition, there will be a 90HP race in honour of Orin Bell who lost his life a few years ago at the resort during one of its regatta meets. Apart from the power boat races, there

will be lots of other attractions that will definitely add some zest to the day’s proceedings. However, after the exciting boat races, it’s time to get your party groove on since some versatile artistes are expected to perform live. These include reigning Carib Soca Monarch Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Chutney King Prince JP, who is presently in the US; Shakti Strings Orchestra’s singer Yoland Nedd and to add some flavour with his humour Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones who is free off the block from Nothing to Laugh About 8. In addition, the Caribbean Hot Shots Band will be performing and Pream’s Mega Sounds will be heating things up during the day. Guys can also feast their eyes on the exotic dancers who will also be doing their thing. The children will not be left out since there will be array of

games including trampoline, merry-go-around and bouncy castle, among others for their enjoyment. There will also be well stocked food and drink bars.

Gates to the resort open at 09:00h and the action starts at 11:00h. The Stage Show will follow immediately after the presentation of cash prizes and trophies.

Advance tickets for the event cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children while at the gate adults will pay $1200 and children $700.

The annual event has grown over the years and gained the reputation to be well organised, disciplined and the biggest in Guyana over the past two years. The resort continues to promote family events which have attracted patrons from overseas and locals. This is one event that you do not want to miss.

In less than two days, the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) will have the first piece of the Bashment pie as L Brothers Entertainment presents “Bashment Granny-3” at the McKenzie Sports Club ground on Saturday evening.

The action continues on Sunday evening at the National Cultural Centre and on Monday, Berbicians are in for a threat as they await the final show on Monday evening at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute tarmac.

The entire cast has arrived in Guyana and is anxiously waiting to take to the stage as they perform for their Guyanese fans that have been with them from the inception. Two of the main cast members during

a press briefing on Thursday encouraged persons to come out and be a part of theatrical production which is expected to be off the hook.

Badman Trevor who plays a thief in the second edition of the production will continue his ways in the third edition while Keith Shabada is also in pursuit of the money. In the third edition, it will determine who gets the huge sum of money.

Apart from the entertainment, there will be two workshops for play writers and schools on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening at the National School of Theatre. Those who are interested in being a part of the workshops are encouraged to get on board.

A part of the proceedings from the three shows will go towards the medical expenses of Solomon Austin from

St Garbiel’s Primary School who was pushed down a flight of stairs.

One of the promoters who was present at the press briefing could not confirm how much they will contribute to the lad’s medical bill but said the group is willing to offset the expenses for airfare and possible accommodation.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Linden show will be available at Muslim Top Up Shop and Boutique and Bernard’s Variety Store.

Tickets for the Berbice show are available at La Rose Variety Store (in market); Fordy’s Bar, Tuckberg, New Amsterdam; and Candy Shop, New Amsterdam Market.

Tickets for Georgetown will he sold at the National Cultural Centre.

Jamaica-born Dustin Brown condemns

Nadal to 2nd round exit

Rafael Nadal suffered yet another early exit at Wimbledon as he was stunned in the second round by qualifier Jamaicaborn Dustin Brown.

The two-time champion has not gone beyond the fourth round at the AllEngland club since reaching the final in 2011 and was humbled again on Thursday as Brown, a naturalised German, pulled off a stunning victory.

Brown, ranked 102 in the world, had won the only previous meeting with Nadal in Halle last year and provided the Spaniard with further woe on the grass, claiming a magnificent 7-5 3-6 6-4 6-4 triumph in front awestruck Centre Court crowd.

It was a brilliant and at times bewildering exhibition of touch and composure from Brown, who excelled with

Dustin Brown

the volley and drop shot on the way to the biggest win of his career, which sets up a third-round meeting with Viktor Troicki.

For Nadal, seeded a relatively lowly 10th for the championships, the in-

quest should begin in earnest as the 14-time grand slam champion showed further signs of falling away from Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray at the top of men’s tennis.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

NBA free agency gets off to busy and expensive start

There was some player movement on the first day of NBA free agency, but a lot of players stayed put.

NBA free agency opened with a frenzy on Wednesday and, although LaMarcus Aldridge - arguably the most sought-after free agent - did not agree to terms, several players did.

The 2015 Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to keep their core intact, re-signing Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert. Love’s deal is reportedly worth $110m over five years, while Thompson is expected to make $80 million over that span. Shumpert agreed to a fouryear, $40m deal, but it is the return of Love that will provide Cavaliers fans with the biggest sense of relief.

Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler get big money

Anthony Davis wasted little time committing to the New Orleans Pelicans for the long haul, agreeing to a five-year extension said to be worth $145m. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls rewarded Jimmy Butler for winning the NBA’s most improved player award, reportedly resigning him to a five-year, $90m contract.

The Atlanta Hawks may have snuck up on the NBA in 2014-15, but they are a secret no more. Atlanta paid the price for its success on, losing DeMarre Carroll to the Toronto Raptors, as he agreed a four-year, $60m deal. The news was not all bad, though, with the Hawks tying All-Star Paul Millsap to a three-year, $59m deal.

Paul Pierce moves back

home in search of title

Paul Pierce grew up rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers, and now he will be playing in the same building as them, but in opposite locker rooms. Pierce is reported to have agreed to a three-year, $10m contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which will allow him to return home and reunite with former coach Doc Rivers. The two helped lead the Celtics to an NBA title in 2008 and the NBA Finals in 2010.

Center Tyson Chandler is to join the Phoenix Suns after agreeing to a reported four-year, $52m deal.

Amir Johnson agreed to a two-year, $24m deal with the Boston Celtics.

Brendan Wright came to terms on a three-year, $18m deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Al-Farouq Aminu is heading to the Portland Trail Blazers on a four-year, $30m deal.

Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are both staying with San Antonio.

Powell backs Bolt, but cautions against 100m worlds defense

Usain Bolt’s Jamaica teammate Asafa Powell believes the world-record holder’s struggle with injury and poor form is “just a phase” and not the beginning of the end for the sprinter.

However, Powell also suggests it might be wiser for Bolt not to try to defend his 100-meter crown at the world championships next month.

Powell said Thursday “if he’s not 100 percent then I think he should focus mainly on the relays or the 200 ... but hopefully he can get back in shape and feel like his old self.”

Saturday’s

still running fast.” (ESPN)

IPL governing council to discuss CLT20 alternative

The IPL governing council is set to discuss an alternative to the Champions League Twenty20 in a meeting, likely to be held in Delhi, on July 8.

Though the CLT20 has still not officially been scrapped, it is believed that the three boards governing the multinational T20 tournament have signed an exit clause with the broadcaster of the tournament. As a result, according to a BCCI insider, “It is a given that CLT20 is history and it’s time to look ahead”.

The BCCI is understood to have plenty of options to fill in the three-week void created in the fixtures by the CLT20 cancellation. At the moment, there are three major options being discussed in the BCCI corridors.

* To play a mini-IPL comprising the top four teams in IPL 2015. Likely to be a seven-match tournament with a league stage of six matches, followed by a final.

Leonard agreed to a fiveyear, $90m deal while Green will be paid $45m over four years.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green will stay with the NBA champions after inking a five-year contract believed to be worth $85m.

The Brooklyn Nets will retain the services of center Brook Lopez on a three-year, 60m deal and Thaddeus Young on a fouryear, $50m contract.

Goran Dragic has been re-signed to a five year, $90m deal by the Miami Heat.

Brandon Knight was rewarded with a five-year, $70m extension from the Phoenix Suns.

Mike Dunleavy and Kyle Singler both opted to re-sign with their teams. Dunleavy will stay with the Bulls, agreeing to a three-year, $14.4m contract. Singler remains with the Oklahoma City Thunder for another five years on a reported $25m deal. (Digicel Sportsmax)

* To play a baby-IPL with all eight teams participating. The tournament will

have a total of 15 matches, with eight teams divided into two groups of four, followed by two semi-finals and a final.

* Instead of playing a mini/baby-IPL, respond to the WICB’s informal proposal of playing a short series in India to make up for the losses arising out of West Indies’ pullout from last year’s tour of India.

The IPL governing council is likely to discuss the first two options threadbare. If either of those two options is considered financially and logistically viable, then the governing council is set to forward it to the BCCI working committee, likely to be held in the latter half of July, for ratification.

The most critical aspect of playing a mini-IPL is to consider the ramifications of it on the broadcaster for the IPL. If any other broadcaster is awarded rights for a miniature version of the IPL, Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, owners of Max and Six who broadcast the IPL, may appeal to the Competition Commission of India.

However, the BCCI at the moment is not looking that far. The issue of broadcasting, according an IPL insider, will arise only if a mini-IPL is formalised. The BCCI hierarchy is also confident that the issue can be dealt with by following a transparent method to award broadcast rights. While the BCCI’s coffers are richer due to the settlement with the CLT20 broadcaster, a mini-IPL will help the IPL cricketers and franchises oblige their contractual commitments. Ten per cent of every player’s IPL contract is set aside as his match-fees for the CLT20, provided his team qualifies for the tournament. Similarly, a portion of every franchise’s sponsorship deal is understood to have been provisionally based on its qualification for the CLT20. Only if the governing council decides against filling in the CLT20 slot with a franchise-based league will it let the working committee discuss the possibility of playing a series at home against West Indies. (Cricinfo)

Blatter says he has clean conscience

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says he has a clean conscience and anyone who calls him corrupt should be sent to jail.

The 79-year-old announced last month he will leave his role following a high-profile investigation into corruption at world football’s governing body.

Blatter told German magazine Bunte he has done nothing wrong and will go to heaven when he dies.

“Anybody who calls me corrupt because Fifa is corrupt, I can only shake my head,” he said.

“Everybody who says something like that should go to jail,” he added.

Earlier this year, Dominican Republic FA

president Osiris Guzman likened Blatter to Jesus, Moses, and political figures Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.

“My faith has given me strength during the last week. I am a religious per-

son and pray, too. I own a golden cross that has been blessed by Pope Francis,” said Blatter.

“I believe I will go to heaven one day. But I believe there is no hell. I disagree with the Pope on that.”

Two criminal investigations into alleged Fifa corruption are ongoing and Blatter is reportedly under investigation by US officials.

Blatter announced on 2 June he would step down from the Fifa presidency at an extraordinary congress to be held between December and March.

However, he has since stated he has not resigned and is thought to be considering standing for re-election. (BBC Sport)

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Lack of developmental system continues to plague basketball in Guyana

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With the recent underperformance of the national basketball squads especially the men at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in the British Virgin Islands, many sports enthusiasts have shared their opinion on the squad via various social media sites.

Both the men and women failed to win a game going 0-10, losing five games each as both squads finished dead last.

While it is understood that the women have a far way to go, in-depth analysis was done on the men’s team that was believed to be in with a shot of finishing in the top four of the tournament especially with the team winning three straight games against Bermuda (part of Guyana’s group at CBC) and going 1-2 against Suriname (also part of Guyana’s group at CBC) in the lead-up to the tournament.

There is no doubt that the national team that left Guyana, made up of mostly local players, were filled with t raw talent.

Not refined, enhanced or polished talent, just a bunch of guys who work and play basketball in their spare time, so was the performance of the team expected… to some degree, yes and to some degree, no.

Yes, in the sense that they were going up against much more experienced competition and no in the sense that Guyana was basically embarrassed and exposed as an inferior basket-

ball nation.

Now can these players be fully blamed for their unimpressive performances, again I say yes and no.

Yes, in the sense that the onus is upon the players to ensure they play at their best and this team were simply going through the motions and no, in the sense that the system is also to be blamed.

Let’s put things into perspective; none of the local guys play basketball for a living; hence taking away their ability to properly groom and grow their individual game and skill set.

Guyana has no player who can consistently shoot 50 per cent from the field. As a matter of fact there is no way of knowing any of these guys’ career averages and stats – part of the system that should be blamed.

There is no archive by any of the teams of footage of their own players in order to identify weaknesses and work on them, the natural eye for a three-hour period can only do so much.

The result of this type of this perfunctory system in place for over 20 years will result in such disastrous and embarrassing play from these guys.

For instance there is no way any team will win a ball game with an average shooting percentage of 30.7 per cent from the field which is what Guyana shot during their five winless games.

In addition, the inability of the players to handle the basketball, with the team totalling 88 turnovers at an average of 17.6 per game is a bullet to the foot when compared to their total assists in

the tournament – 51 at an average of 10.2 a game.

This speaks of a lack of capable ball handlers because Guyana seemingly couldn’t hold on to the ball and played selfish play, while posing no real threat from the field.

To make matters worse, Guyana shot 26 of 131 from the three-point line –19.9 per cent; in other words, Guyana took an average of 26.2 three-point shots per game and only hit an average of 5.2 yet they continued to fire away.

Now this speaks of coaching as well, the team weren’t hitting 3’s and they didn’t move away from a game plan that was simply not working.

Again this goes back to the system that exists in Guyana and spells out the need for improvement, for while the Guyanese Government has given money to the team, it is not enough.

First, the school system will need to improve in order for the players to progress and graduate to the next level.

Players will need to have some scope for training especially once they have day jobs.

Now is this a defence of the players? Definitely not because it would be remiss of me to accept 30.7 per cent shooting from the field and 17.6 turnovers a game.

This is simply highlighting that due to circumstances, what we should really expect from the players and how much we need to improve systematically as a basketball playing nation.

Inter-ministry domino on today

The lawns of the Protocol Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be transformed into a battle ground this afternoon with staff competing in an inter-ministry domino competition.

Organised by the Office Assistants Sports Promotion

headed by James “Uprising” Lewis, the competition will commence at 16:30h.

Among the teams set to compete for top honours are host Foreign Affais Ministry, Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Public Health, National Insurance Scheme, Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Agriculture. At stake are trophies sponsored by Nigel’s Supermarket, Metro Office and Computer Supplies and Starr Com Establishment. Other teams desirous of participating can contact Lewis on 672-6179.

Hero CPL 2015

Semple backs Amazon Warriors to rebound

By RavendRa Madholall

Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Keith Semple has thrown his support behind the Guyana Amazon Warriors to emerge as champions this time as the 2015 T20 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bowled off recently at the Kensington

Oval in Barbados.

Since the inauguration of the tournament in 2013, the Warriors featured in both finals, but failed to cross the finish line. They have begun their quest for supremacy again against defending champions Barbados Tridents on June 20.

“Even though I have not followed the build-up to this

year’s CPL T20 tournament very closely, I think Guyana can win it. I think it’s a great move to have Carl Hooper involved as Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He has been involved with the West Indies Academy for a few years now so isn’t new to coaching. Having played for Guyana and West Indies for a number of years, Carl is very experienced, understands the conditions very well, and knows what is required to win games around the Region,” Semple explained. He continued, “Also, having lived, played and coached a bit in Australia, I’m sure he would be able to instil some

of that mental toughness the Australians are known for to the young players.”

The other teams participating in the CPL are: Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, St Lucia Zouks and newcomer St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. As usual, many international stars are on show, including South African Jacques Kallis, New Zealanders Daniel Vettori and Martin Guptill, Pakistanis Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi, Englishman Kevin Pietersen, Sri Lankan Tillekaratne Dilshan, Australian Brad Hodge and Caribbean boys Chris Gayle, Kieron

“Teach Them Young”’ cycling camp starts July 7

The process of identify and nurturing new talent to serve the discipline of cycling will continue next week when the 39th annual “Teach Them Young” cycling programme is staged from July 7 to August 29 at the National Park.

Conducted by national coach Hassan Mohamed ever since its inception, the event will cater for young students who will be on school vacation.

According to Mohamed, the participants will be exposed to the fundamentals of the sport, while they will also be given the opportunity to participate in age group races, which will be held during

the six-week period.

Coaching sessions will be held from Mondays to Fridays from 09:00h to 11:00h. The programme is open to all school boys and girls, beginners and other persons interested in developing their cycling skills.

Interested participants must be in possession of a BMX, Mountain or Racing cycle along with protective head gear.

The programme, which started in 1977, can be deemed highly successful as a high percentage of riders have graduated to represent Guyana and become champions in their respective category.

Rain forces postponement of BCB’s Caricom Championship

As the organisers were busy putting things in place for the highlyanticipated Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) fundraising Caricom Championship, the rain continued to pour in the Ancient County, forcing the postponement of the event to July 19.

The one-day activity, which is geared to raise funds for the BCB to organise a three-day competition, was originally fixed for this Sunday at the Albion Community Centre Ground.

The Caricom Championship will involve eight top First-Division teams in Berbice competing in a 10over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and a trophy.

The runner-up will receive $40,000 and a trophy with the losing semi-finalists getting $15,000 each. The Man of the Match in every game will be rewarded. The teams will don coloured clothing, and white balls will be used. Action begins at 10:00h sharp with the

top Berbice cricketers on show. Game one will bring together Young Warriors/Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh Combined vs UCCA/Skeldon Combined, followed by Albion CC versus Bermine/Police Combined, Port Mourant against Bush Lot/D’Edward Combined, and Blairmont/West Berbice Combined versus Rose Hall Town.

The winner of games one and two will play in the first semi-final, while the winners of games three and four will play in the other.

Coaches Hooper and Curtly Ambrose, having the vast experience of Shiv Chanderpaul and Brad Hodge plus proven world-class T20 players like Tillekaratne Dilshan, Lendl Simmons and Sunil Narine in their line-up, certainly makes Guyana one of, if not the outright, favourites to win this year’s tournament. Add to this the explosive all-round talent of Chris Barnwell and the Amazon Warriors will be very hard to beat,” the right-handed Semple, who played seven One-Day Internationals, declared.

Semple, who now resides permanently in Canada, also reasoned that the foreign players are important for the general development of West Indies’ cricket.

“Yes, I think they will continue to make an impact.

among others.

Despite losing their opening encounter against Barbados Tridents by 49 runs, then falling short by two runs against St Lucia Zouks, the Amazon Warriors will get back on track, Semple believes, starting with today’s game against St Kitts Patriots.

“I think Guyana has an excellent chance of winning this year’s tournament given their excellent record, not only in CPL T20, but all previous regional T20 competitions. Under the guidance of

The players I mentioned before, Dilshan and Hodge, plus Thisara Perera, are all proven T20 players who have been plying their trade in T20 competitions around the world, so I expect them to continue making an impact, both on and off the field.

There has been a lot of debate recently about the impact of T20 and what role it has played in the decline of West Indies cricket,” Semple related.

“In my opinion, the CPL T20 can have more of a positive than negative impact on

West Indian cricket. It provides an excellent opportunity to rekindle the passion for the game in the Region by creating excitement and attracting more young players and spectators while bringing in revenue for the development of the game.”

He continued: “Our young players can benefit a great

deal from being in a professional environment – training, playing and interacting with the foreign players, most of whom are very experienced and knowledgeable in the game. One specific area in which they can benefit is learning how to handle high-pressure situations especially when playing in front of large crowds.”

P&P, GTA partner for 11th tennis camp

In a demonstration indicative of its dedication and commitment to the growth and development of the sport of tennis, P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited has once again agreed to sponsor the annual tennis camp organised by the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA).

Recently, GTA Secretary Elizabeth Persaud and Treasurer Ileana Boodhoo paid a courtesy call on P&P Insurance Chief Executive Officer Bish Panday, to receive the sponsorship cheque for the hosting of the 11th annual GTA junior tennis camp.

Panday and his wife, Ahilya, both of whom embraced the GTA from the time of its re-establishment

in 2004 to produce the most popular junior tennis camp each year, were delighted to sponsor the event once again.

This is especially because the camp usually attracts at least 70 children, many of whom enjoy the activities and continue to play the sport.

Panday, a former executive of the Guyana Cricket Board, encouraged the GTA executives to actively garner support for improved tennis facilities to boost tennis development locally, given that there is a new Administration. He pledged his continued support for junior activities to provide safe and healthy recreation.

The camp, which is geared for children aged 6-18 years, will be conducted during the

weekdays from Tuesday, July 7 to Saturday, July 11 and from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17. The 6-11 group will be facilitated 09:00h to 11:00h at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, while the 12-18s will be accommodated from noon to 14:00h at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue. Each child is required to pay a fee of $3000 to be eligible to participate in the camp, and registration can be done by calling 624-1739.

According to the GTA, all parents are mandated to be present to complete registration with fees at 08:30h on July 7 at the National Gymnasium to prepare for the opening ceremony.

Digicel Nationwide School Football Tournament

QC topple St George’s in upset win

By TreisTon Joseph

In probably the biggest upset of the tournament so far, Queen’s College topped St George’s Secondary 2-0 when the Digicel Nationwide School Football Tournament continued on Thursday at the Education Ministry Ground.

St George’s, one of the better teams in Georgetown, especially given their exploits in other school tournaments, seemed unable to find their momentum in the

game and were never really making attempts to attack as is customary.

Queen’s played positively and after moments of indecisive passing soon found the back of the net when Kevin Wills released a powerful shot in the 21st minute from the right side of the 18-yard box.

With the first half ending 1-0, Queen’s came out in the second half a bit on the defensive in order to protect their one-goal lead.

St George’s who found a

bit of flow in the second half started to look themselves, but were unable to finish their chances on several occasions.

Queen’s would then put the final nail in the coffin when national table tennis star Shemar Britton scorched the net with a powerful right footer in the 66th minute to ensure his team moved on in the tournament.

The tournament will continue today at several grounds across Guyana.

GABA presents team with “King of the Hard Court” prizes

The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) presented the winning prizes for the recently-concluded “King of the Hard Court” Championships on Thursday at a closing ceremony held at Starr Computer on Brickdam Road.

GABA President Junior Hercules, during the presentation, noted that the tournament in his estimation was successful despite a few challenges.

Hercules also highlighted that since it was the first event of his recentlyinstalled administration,

he believed the tournament showcased quality basketball.

Starr Computer President Michael Mohan congratulated the winning teams and noted that basketball was “more than a sport” and was “a discipline”.

The Dynas Ravens won the Open category of the tournament, while the Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters won the Under-23 aspect of the tournament.

National player and Ravens’ star forward Ryan Gullen was named as the

United States asks Swiss to extradite seven in FIFA inquiry

The United States has asked Switzerland to extradite seven FIFA officials arrested in an investigation into a global bribery scandal at soccer’s governing body, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) said on Thursday.

The move marks the start of a legal process expected to last several months during which the officials, who have been in jail since being detained on U.S. arrest warrants in May, will either keep fighting extradition to the United States or agree to go.

The arrests of the seven, including two thenmembers of FIFA’s executive committee, took place in a raid on a luxury Zurich hotel on May 27, two days before FIFA’s annual congress, pitching the organisation into turmoil.

U.S. prosecutors say their investigation - which is running parallel to a separate Swiss inquiry - exposes complex money laundering schemes, millions of dollars in untaxed incomes and tens of millions in offshore accounts held by FIFA officials.

The seven were among 14 people charged in cases involving more than $150 million in bribes over a period of 24 years. Those being held in Switzerland in-

Most Valuable Player while Devon Murray (West Side Ballers); Ryan Stephney (Ravens) and Dorian Lewis (Republic Bank Nets) collected the most rebounds, most assists and most steals awards respectively.

Nathan Saul of TGH Pacesetters walked with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize for the Under-23 tournament while Travis Belgrave (Eagles); Kelvin Yorrick (Plaisance Guardians) and Keon Evans (Eagles) received the most rebounds, most assists and most steals awards respectively.

clude Jeffrey Webb, the former president of FIFA’s Americas confederation CONCACAF, and Eugenio Figueredo, who sat on the executive at the time of their arrest.

The FOJ said it would rule on the extradition requests within a few weeks, based on statutory hearings and the responses of the FIFA officials.

A Swiss lawyer for one of the seven defendants who have challenged their extradition told Reuters on condition that neither he nor his client would be identified that he received a brief notification of the U.S. request for extradition from Swiss judicial authorities, but had no details on its contents.

“It is an extradition request for trial (in the United States). The trial will be the actual evidence proceedings.”

Lawyers scrambling

However, international lawyers will be scrambling to arrive in Switzerland in coming days to join their local defence counsel to review documents and coordinate strategy, he said.

He expected the legal process to last until early or mid-August. His client was not negotiating any plea bargain in the United

States, the Swiss lawyer said.

“Now lawyers will come in from all over the Western world,” he said, adding that he expected his U.S. counterparts to arrive in Switzerland in coming days.

“We need to make translations and coordinate.”

The U.S. Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.

Under a bilateral treaty, U.S. authorities had up to 40 days to file an extradition request -- by July 3. All seven of the officials had previously said they would contest extradition.

Proceedings under the treaty are relatively straightforward, even if the defendants have the right to appeal along the way, legal experts say.

If the FOJ orders extraditions, defendants may appeal to Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona.

The detainees were provisionally banned by FIFA’s own ethics committee following the arrests. FIFA has said that it is cooperating with the investigation.

A Swiss court last month rejected one official’s request to be released on bail, citing the risk he might flee.

(Reuters)

Republic Bank named as official bank of Hero CPL

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Thursday announced that Republic Bank, the largest bank and financial service provider in the Caribbean, will become the official bank of the Hero CPL tournament. As well as using their sponsorship to activate a number of consumer promotions, Republic Bank will brand the match winners’ cheque after each game and the pitch report will be known as the Republic Bank Pitchcheck. This partnership represents yet anoth-

er leap forward as the CPL continues to grow and position itself as the most fun and exciting T20 league in the world.

Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director, Hero Caribbean Premier League, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Republic Bank into the CPL family. There are a number of similarities between both brands; Republic Bank is the leading homegrown bank in the Caribbean and the CPL is the premier sporting event in the region. We look forward to a fruitful relation-

Urling, Abrams off to FIFA Symposium in Vancouver

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling and Women’s Football Association Vice President Sheron Abrams departed Guyana on Thursday for Vancouver, Canada, to attend the sixth FIFA Women’s Football Symposium.

The Symposium, which runs from today to Sunday, will see participation from all 209 FIFA Member Associations.

According to Urling, “the Symposium is timely since the GFF is now resuscitating its women’s football programme and the insights garnered will be useful in ensuring that we execute a successful programme for years to come. Abrams’ attendance also strengthens

the technical and knowledge capacity of Women’s Football Association and will enable that body to play a crucial role in the rebuilding process of women’s football.”

Invitees from the Member Associations include each association’s President or General Secretary, as well as one women’s football expert.

The speakers will include FIFA Executive Committee female representatives Lydia Nsekera, Moya Dodd and Sonia Bien-Aime; Canada Soccer President Victor Montagliani, along with other Member Association representatives and women’s football experts.

FIFA has organised such a symposium every four years since 1995 to create networking opportunities,

share case studies, discuss the status of women’s football worldwide, and give advice and direction to the Member Associations.

There will be a strong focus on governance, in particular on how to fully integrate women’s football into the Member Associations’ strategies and structures.

The results of the FIFA Women’s Football Survey 2014 reiterated the need to improve in various areas, including increasing the number of women in football. Symposium participants will discuss the best way forward to ensure more support for women’s football and better decision-making power for those involved in the women’s game so that growth and development can be optimised.

FIFA will use the opportunity to call on the whole football community to unite and support girls and women, and the pathways available to them – both on and off the field. The need to develop female leaders and give opportunities to women to take on leadership positions in football will also be addressed as a crucial element of good governance.

The Symposium provides a forum to assess matters related to competitions and development, and explore how these two areas can be more closely linked and incorporated into an overall strategy to ensure success.

ship working together.”

Michelle PalmerKeizer, General Manager, Group Marketing and Communications Department. of Republic Bank Trinidad, said: “As a loyal advocate of local and regional sporting activities, Republic Bank is proud to be the official bank of the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League. We are happy to have the opportunity to extend our regional focus through such a timehonoured sport and we extend the best of luck to all the teams competing in this

tournament.”

The CPL is now in its third year and attracts global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi, alongside the Caribbean’s finest cricketers including the likes of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere.

Hinds says communication, relations with WICB crucial

West Indies Players Association boss, Wavell Hinds, believes there needs to be greater communication among they key stakeholders in West Indies cricket, and says a harmonious relationship with the West Indies Cricket Board is key to the success of the game in the region.

The former Test batsman, who serves as chief executive, said improved communication was necessary of the regional game was to be rebuilt.

“We need to improve the structures of West Indies cricket. How we communicate is one way we can improve big time,” Hinds told the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

“And that’s between all parties, including WICB, WIPA, players and territorial boards. There have been improvements, but we just have to make sure we are singing from one hymn book.”

WIPA was at the centre of the controversial abandoned one-day tour of India last October, when angry players called for Hinds’ resignation as they protested the Collective Bargaining Agreement he signed with the West Indies Cricket Board.

Players, then, claimed the new agreement resulted in a huge slash in their earnings, and contended

that Hinds had not informed them of the change.

The agreement went to mediation and last month, WIPA and the WICB announced they had hammered out a new deal.

Hinds, who played 45 Tests and has sat on the WIPA executive for the last 13 years, said the players union had played a key role in helping to develop the game.

“We’ve implemented MOUs [memorandums of understandings] and CBAs (Collective Bargaining Agreements) over the years and we have instituted minimum standards and all those things,” Hinds pointed out.

“We’re still in that process

of improving and we want to just continue the work of the previous administrators who have done a fantastic job. We are restructuring our staff to support those policies that we want to execute and carry out.”

Also key to development, Hinds contended, was the relationship between the WICB and WIPA, which in the past had been acrimonious.

“We are trying to improve relations with the WICB since we are about the same business in getting cricket to move forward and to galvanise support, not just from the fans, but from the corporate entities, both regionally and internationally,” Hinds said. (CMC)